William Edwards

He was born on 16^th February 1827 in Lyme Regis, Dorset, a son of George and Maria Edwards. He was baptised on March 18^th 1827 and his father is recorded as a Labourer (later a Gardener). In 1841 he is living with his parents and siblings and by 1851 he has moved to West Mills, Newbury where he is a Grocer with the Mason family. In 1855 he married Mary Ann Smith in Alverstoke, Hampshire, and they had 9 children: Maria Leah (b.1859), Charlie Farr (b.1860), Percival Spencer (b.1862), Ada Mabel (b.1865), Belinda Ann (b.1867), Emily G. (b.1868), Katie Pennicote (b.1871), Harry Aubrey (b.1873) and Mary Lizzette (b.1874). Whilst William continued working as a Grocer’s Assistant in Bartholomew Street, Mary Ann worked as a Draper and Milliner until her death in 1878 at the age of 48.  A few months later he  married Ada Alice Milsom in Kingsclere.  From 1881 to 1901 he is a Grocer/Shopkeeper based at 100 Bartholomew Street. He died on 20 April 1907 aged 80 years and he was buried on 24 April 1907. 

His sons Charlie Farr and Percival Spencer emigrated  to New Zealand.  

Sources: Births & Baptisms 1813 – 1906; 1841 to 1901 Census; BMD 3Q 1855 and 3Q 1878 Marriages; BMD 2Q 1907 Death; Newbury Weekly News 24/4/1907.

No Mrs. P. Code

Sources:Newbury Weekly News and BMD