Louisa Gunter  (Porter) (1877 – 1946)

 Louisa Porter was born 25 February 1877 at Halfway, which is just outside Stockcross. She was the daughter of Walter John Porter & Mary Gunter, who had at least seven children. Walter was a farmer & they moved quite frequently, in the 1881 census the family were living at Hoe Benham just outside Welford & in 1891 at Greenham.

In the 1901 census taken on 31 March Louisa was lodging in the premises of Crisp & Company Ltd, Drapery Furnishing & General Stores in Seven Sisters Road, Upper Holloway in Islington. Louisa was recorded as a draper's assistant. There were over one hundred employees recorded in the premises in the census.

Louisa married her cousin Thomas Edward Gunter in Q2 1905 in Newbury district. Thomas was the son of Thomas Gunter & Martha Parsons. Thomas senior was also a farmer, he farmed Waterside Farm in Thatcham for over 30 years. Thomas senior was an elder brother of Mary, mother of Louisa.

In the 1911 census taken on 2 April Thomas & Louisa with son Donald aged one were living at 1 St Marys Villas in Newbury. Thomas was recorded as an inspector of agents (insurance). The house was quite spacious as there were seven living rooms recorded so excluding the bathroom, landing etc.

When the National Register was compiled on 29 September 1939 Thomas & Louisa with possibly four children were living at 18 Buckingham Road in Newbury. Thomas was recorded as retired, Louisa was in poor health in 1939, and before, and there had been a "live in maid" at 18 Buckingham Road at some point, possibly Gertrude.  Other members of the family were helping to nurse and care for Louisa at this time too, and Marjorie moved back into "Cornerdene" 18 Buckingham Road,  during the war to look after her full time. After Louisa died Marjorie continued to look after herfather, Thomas, until shortly before he died in 1976 at the age of 98. Daughter Kathleen was a shorthand typist & son Donald a motor salesman.

Louisa died January 1946 aged 68 while still living at 18 Buckingham Road & she was buried 11 January 1946 at Newtown Road Cemetery.

Louisa was survived by Thomas who died 12 January 1977 aged 98 while living at Wasing House, Bluecoats in Thatcham.

Thomas had purchased a double plot at NewtownRoad Cemetery when Louisa died.  Sadly when he died years later the Cemetery had been closed for some time and he is buried at Shaw Cemetery and not with his beloved wife.

Sources:as above