Arthur Charles Seward (1852 – 1923)

                                    Sarah Elizabeth Seward (1847 – 1917)

Arthur Charles Seward was born in 1852 in Ecchinswell, the son of Thomas and Jane, nee Stevens, Seward. He was baptized on 20 February 1853 at St Lawrence in Ecchinswell. Arthur was recorded with his parents and siblings in Ecchinswell in the 1861 census. His father Thomas was admitted to Knowle Asylum near Fareham on 30 April 1868 and died there on 19 July 1868. In the 1871 census Arthur was living in Ecchinswell with his mother and siblings and was a carpenter, his mother Jane was a bonnet maker.

Sarah Elizabeth Burdock was born in 1847 in Langford in Oxfordshire, the daughter of Robert and Harriett, nee Titchener, Burdock. She was baptized on 4 December 1847 in Langford. Sarah was recorded with her parents and siblings in the 1851 and 1861 censuses, in 1851 in Clanfield and in 1861 in Langford. No trace of her in the 1871 census.

Arthur and Sarah married in 1877 in Faringdon district. Their only child Charles Ernest was born in Newbury in 1878.

In the 1881 census Arthur and Sarah along with son Charles and a lodger were living at West Fields in Newbury with Arthur recorded as a carpenter.

Ten years later in the 1891 census Arthur and Sarah along with son Charles were living in Russell Road in Newbury with Arthur now a joiner.

By the time of the 1901 census Arthur and Sarah along with son Charles had moved to Westfield Terrace in Newbury with Arthur and Charles both joiners. Also in the house was a niece Annie Hughes aged 18. Arthur and Sarah were still residing in Westfield Terrace in the 1911 census with Arthur still working as a joiner.

Sarah died on 30 October 1917 aged 69 while still living at Westfields Terrace. She was buried in Newtown Road Cemetery on 3 November.

Four years later in the 1921 census Arthur was living with his son Charles Ernest, Charles’s wife Beatrice Mary and their two sons at Brynafon, Kennet Road in Newbury. Arthur was recorded as a retired joiner, he had worked for Elliott Moulding & Joinery Co Ltd in Newbury. Charles was a woodworking machinist working for Elliott Moulding & Joinery Co Ltd.

Arthur died on 1 January 1923 aged 70 while still living at Brynafon. He was buried in Newtown Road Cemetery on 4 January.

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