Albert Collins (1870 – 1948)

                                    Mary Jane Collins (1902 – 1902)

Albert Collins was born on 17 January 1870 in Enborne, the son of Henry and Jane, nee Eatwell, Collins. He was baptized on 3 April 1870 at St Michael in Enborne.

In the 1871 census Albert was recorded with his parents in Enborne, his father was an agricultural labourer. Then in the 1881 and 1891 censuses Albert was recorded with his parents and brothers Charles and Frederick living in Wash Road in Newbury in 1881 and then Priory Road in Wash Common in 1891. In 1891 Albert, Henry and Charles were all recorded as labourers while Frederick was a baker’s assistant.

Albert married Mary Ann Mason on 15 December 1900 at St John the Evangelist in Newbury. Mary was born on 8 June 1875 in Greenham, the daughter of George and Julia, nee Durbridge, Mason. In the 1891 census Mary was living as a servant in Priory Road in Wash Common in the house next door to Albert and his family. Mary was recorded as a general domestic servant.

In the 1901 census Albert and Mary were living at 11 South View, Kings Road in Newbury and Albert was a malster.

Albert and Mary had four children all born in Newbury, Mary Jane (1902), Edith Frances (1904), Albert Reginald (1905) and Doris Ethel (1907).

The eldest child Mary Jane was born on 1 October 1902. Sadly, she died aged only 26 days on 27 October 1902 and was buried at Newtown Road Cemetery on 30 October.

A few years later in the 1911 census Albert and Mary with children Edith, Albert and Doris were living in Malthouse Cottage in Kings Road with Albert still a malster. Ten years later in the 1921 census Albert and Mary along with the three children, two boarders and three visitors were living at 3 Bourne Terrace in Enborne. Albert senior was a general labourer and Albert junior an engineer’s fitter.

Albert and Mary were recorded living at Athelney, Andover Road, Newbury in the 1922 electoral registers.

When the national register was compiled on 29 September 1939 Albert and Mary were still living at Athelney, 180 Andover Road along with son Albert and daughter Doris and one other. Albert senior was a retired malster, Albert junior a vertical borer metal and Doris a housekeeper.

Albert died on 15 January 1948 while still living at 180 Andover Road and he was buried at Newtown Road Cemetery on 21 January. He left a will and probate was granted on 21 February 1948 at Oxford to his son Albert Reginald, a metal turner. The value of the estate was £799 7s 4d.

Mary died on 10 January 1955 still residing at 180 Andover Road. She was buried at Henley Road Crematorium in Caversham. She left a will and probate was granted on 20 April 1955 at Oxford to her son Albert Reginald, a metal turner. The value of the estate was £2,865 12s 9d.

Albert’s parents were buried at Newtown Road Cemetery, his father Henry on 29 October 1920 and his mother Jane on 24 December 1900. His brother Charles was also buried at the cemetery on 5 April 1899.

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