Edward Hemmings

1882-1909

Edward Frank Himmons born 1882 in Hampshire, he was baptised on the 13^th July 1884 in Ecchinswell, as Edward Frank the son of Charles and Martha Hemmings.

His father Charles Emmans was born c1855 in Chaddleworth, Berkshire, the illegitimate son of Ann Emmans. His mother Ann married Benjamin Annetts in 1856 (marriage registered in Newbury). Charles was later known as both Charles Annetts and Charles Hemmings

The surname Emmans has been mistakenly transcribed as Hemmings (various spellings) in later records.

Edward’s mother Martha was baptised on the 14^th November 1854 in Ecchinswell, Hampshire, the daughter of Edward (a Labourer) and Elizabeth Whale (nee Hunt) who were married on the 2^nd July1847, in the Chapel of Ecchinswell, Hampshire.

His parents were married in 1875

Marriage details

Place: Ecchinswell,l Hampshire.

Date: 15^th July 1875

Groom: Charles Hemmings, aged 20, bachelor, occ: Sawyer, abode: Ecchinswell

Bride: Martha Whale, aged 21, spinster, abode: Ecchinswell

Fathers: Benjamin Annetts, a Sawyer and Edward Whale, a Labourer

Bride and Groom made their mark

Charles and Martha also had the following children:
Louisa Annetts born in 1876 in Greenham

Ernest George Annetts (aka George) born c1879 in Greenham

Kate Hemmins born 1885, baptised 9^th August 1886 in Ecchinswell, as Kate Hemmings

Harry Albert Hemmins born 1888, baptised Harry Albert Hemmings 18^th November 1888 in Ecchinswell

The 1881 census records Charles Emmins (26), an Agricultural Labourer, living in Brocks Green, Ecchinswell, Hampshire Martha (25), Louisa (5) and George (2).

In 1891 Charles Hemmings (30), a General Labourer, was living at 2, Greenham Cottages, Greenham, Berkshire, and Martha (39), Louisa (17), George (12), Edward (9), Kate (5) and Harry (3).

Edward’s mother Martha Hemmins died aged 39 on the 12^th September 1891, she was laid to rest in the Newtown Road Cemetery on the 18^th September.

Edward’s brother George drowned in the canal, aged 14, on the 24^th September 1893, he was laid to rest in the Newtown Road Cemetery on the 28^th September.

In 1899 Edward found himself in court, the following was reported in the newspaper:

Reading Mercury

Dated 27^th May 1899

SUNDAY GAMING

Edward Hemmings, Alex Keel, George Phillips, Albert Coburn, John Hopson, and Horace Hobbs were severally summoned for playing cards in the Marsh on Sunday. Hopson who lives in Chieveley, did not appear, but his mother was in attendance. It has been the practice of several years gangs of lads to play cards on the Marsh on Sundays, and at 12.45 on Sunday the police made a raid upon the defendants, and found cards and coppers, also two pocket-knives and a cap which defendants left behind in their attempt to escape from the police.

Supt. Robotham said this completed a gang of 23 lads who indulged in Sunday gaming.

Mr. Mason said the magistrates were determined to put down this practice of gaming, and the defendants must pay 10s each, including costs.

Edward was caught again playing cards with five other lads, on Sunday the 6^th August 1899, in Greenham, he was given a fine of £1, including costs, or in default, 14 days imprisonment.

Edward died aged 26 in 1909, he was laid to rest in the Newtown Road Cemetery on the 18^th December. (Abode at time of death, 24 Bartholomew Street, Newbury)

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