James Walter Sperring

1830-1911

James was born c1830 in Somerset, he was baptised on the 19^th September 1830 in Midsomer Norton and was the son of George and Ann Sperring (nee Padfield) who were married on the 20^th October 1829 in Bath St James Somerset.

In 1841 George, Ann and James (aged 11) were recorded living in Middle Dover Street Walcot Bath and George was recorded as a Millwright.

In his earlier life James was employed as a Millwright/Machinist but in 1875 he placed the following advert in the Newbury Weekly News notifying that he was now self-employed:

ST JOHN’S NEWBURY

J.W.SPERRING

ENGINEER, MACHINIST &c.

BEGS to inform his friends the Agriculturists of Newbury and its neighbourhood that after upwards of thirty years practical experience in the above business in the firm of the late Mr. W. Tasker, and latterly with Messers. Stacey & Lace, has commenced business for himself, and hopes by strict attention to business to secure a share of their support.  Agricultural Implements of every description repaired on the shortest notice.

Agent for every description of Agricultural Implements

 J.W.S. has to let on hire an eight horse portable Engine with patent heating apparatus, also 4ft 6in Combined Finishing Machine with rotary screen.

Terms on application

Workshop- NORTHCROFT LANE.

Sept 9^th 1875

In 1851 James married Jane Messenger in Newbury and they had the following nine children:

Mary Ann 1852-1938, William 1854-1918, Jane 1856-1934, James 1859-1860, Harriet 1861-1927,

Hannah 1863-1930, Walter 1866-1951, Alice 1868-1920, Frank Sperring 1871-1871

In 1861 James, Jane and their three eldest children were living in Frederick Cottages in the parish of St John, their son James aged 1 having passed away the previous year. James was laid to rest in the Newtown Cemetery on the 22^nd November 1860. The family were still living in the parish of St John in 1871 but were living in Edwards Cottages. Jane gave birth to their son Frank in the May of this year but sadly he only survived for 4 weeks, he was laid to rest in the Newtown Cemetery on the 26^th June 1871. The family continued living in Edwards Cottages until at least 1881 but by 1891 they had moved to Prudential Villas Newbury. By 1901 they had moved again, this time to East Lynne Villas Newbury.

James became a widower in 1903, his wife Jane died aged 76 and was laid to rest in the Newtown Road Cemetery on the 6^th June 1903.

James Walter Sperring died aged 81 on the 30^th May 1911 and was laid to rest in the Newtown Road Cemetery on the 3^rd June.

All five of James & Jane’s daughters are also buried in the Newtown Road Cemetery.

Newbury Weekly News

Dated 1^st June 1911

Sperring- May 30^th at 1 East Lynne Villas Newbury, James Walter Sperring, aged 81 years.

Probate:

Sperring James Walter of East Lynne Villas Craven-street Newbury Berkshire retired machinist died 30^th May 1911. Probate Oxford 23^rd November 1911 to William Sperring engineer and Harriett Sperring spinster.   Effects: £2035 17s 6d Resworn £2095 15s 6d

Christine Gambles – 6^th February 2020

Sources: as above