Samuel Biddis (1821 – 1877)

                                    Caroline Amelia Biddis (1821 – 1885)

                                    Frederica Emma Biddis (1854 – 1861)

                                    unnamed Biddis (1857 – 1857)

Samuel Biddis was baptized on 16 September 1821 at St Mary in Speen, the son of James and Lucy, nee Carter, Biddis.

Samuel married Caroline Amelia Adler on 2 May 1846 at Kennington in London. They had two sons George Adler (1850–1891) and Henry Herbert (1855-1941). They also had three daughters Alice Margaret (1847-1935), Ellen Lucy (1852-1935) and Frederica Emma (1854-1861), as well as a stillborn child.

Caroline was born circa 1821 in Newbury and baptized on 16 September 1821 at St Nicolas in Newbury, the daughter of George Louis, a cabinet maker, and Jane Adler.

In the 1851 census Samuel and Caroline with their children Alice and George along with Samuel’s mother Lucy and Caroline’s sister Margaret were living at 48 Northbrook Street in Newbury. Samuel was recorded as an artistical decorator.

Six years later in July 1957 Caroline had a still born child who was buried at Newtown Road Cemetery on 20 July 1857.

Sadly, four years later on 8 March 1861 Samuel and Caroline’s daughter Frederica Emma died aged only 7 and was buried at Newtown Road Cemetery on 9 March.

In the 1861 census Samuel was described as a painter and decorator employing five men and living at 58 Northbrook Street, next to the Monument Inn, the site of today’s Methodist Church. His sister-in-law Margaret Jane Adler (1812-1868) was living with the family.

By the time of the 1871 census Samuel had moved next to the Jack Hotel (M&S now), 20 Northbrook Street. He is described as a plumber and master decorator. His son George is a plumber and decorator apprentice and Henry Herbert is on trial as an engineering apprentice at Plenty’s Eagle Works.

Samuel appears to have been an active and respected member of the community decorating halls for festive occasions and hanging pictures for viewing. He was also an artist in his own right.

Samuel died on 22 May 1877 and was buried at Newtown Road Cemetery on 26 May. He did not leave a will but administration of his estate was granted on 7 June 1877 at the Principal Registry Office in London to his widow Caroline Amelia. The value of the estate was under £600.

After Samuel’s death his widow Caroline took over the business with their son George. The other son Henry Herbert also joined the business. On George’s death the business was sold to Cooke Bros.

In the 1881 census Caroline was living at 19 Northbrook Street along with her children George, Alice, Harry and Ellen. Caroline was recorded as a plumber and decorator employing 10 hands and both sons were assisting in the business.

Caroline died 24 May 1885 and was buried at Newtown Road Cemetery on 26 May. An announcement appeared in the Newbury Weekly News dated 30 May as below.

May 24, at 1 Florence Villas, West Street, Newbury, Caroline Amelia Biddis, widow of the late Samuel Biddis, Newbury, aged 63.

Both sons of Samuel and Caroline were buried at Newtown Road Cemetery, George Adler Biddis on 8 March 1891 and Henry Herbert Biddis on 4 March 1941.

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