Edwin Froome Stillman (1852 – 1888)

Edwin Froome Stillman was born 14 December 1852 in Newbury, the son of John Redford and Sarah, nee Larkin, Stillman.

In the 1861 census Edwin was living with his parents John and Sarah, sister Jane aged 11 and brother John Edgar aged 4 at 86 Bartholomew Street in Newbury. His father John was recorded as a cabinet maker and upholsterer.

Edwin attended Newbury National school. In January 1863 he was awarded a prize and certificate of merit from the examinations at the end of the last term. Then in April 1867 he received the Bishop’s prize (from the Bishop of Oxford) as the most successful scholar in the diocesan examination. The prize was a handsome bible. Later that year in September Edwin finished first in religious knowledge examination in the Diocese (which covered Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire) and fourth in general proficiency. In January 1868 Edwin would have received the Bishop’s prize again after finishing first but the rules forbid the same boy receiving the prize twice.

In the 1871 census Edwin was living with his parents John and Sarah and brother John Edgar aged 14 at 41 West Mills in Newbury. His father John was recorded as a parish clerk and Edwin as an apprentice outfitter.

An article appeared in the Newbury Weekly News dated 12 February 1874 about the first meeting of the Young Men’s Reading Room at which Edwin was elected to the committee.

By the 1881 census Edwin had moved away from Newbury and he was recorded as a boarder living in Hog Lane, Sharnbrook in Bedfordshire. His occupation was recorded as ride officer, Inland Revenue.

In the Newbury Weekly News of 29 June 1882 there was a report of a presentation to Edwin on his move from the Inland Revenue offices at Sharnbrook, where he had been based for two years, to Buckingham. He was presented with a morocco travelling writing case. Also, the members of the church choir presented him with a bound copy of “Hymns, Ancient and Modern” in appreciation of his role of honorary choir master.

It appears Edwin was a keen cricketer as he is recorded playing for numerous teams in the local Buckingham Advertiser and Free Press. In March 1884 it was reported he was elected to the committee of Buckingham CC and he also played for Oddfellows amongst other teams. He played as a batsman and sometimes kept wicket.

He was also involved in many local societies. In September 1883 he attended a dinner of the Loyal Grenville Lodge of Old Fellows where he performed a song “The Chinaman”. In October 1883 he was present at the meeting which agreed to set up Buckingham Football Club. On 31 January 1884 he attended the annual meeting of the Mutual Loan Society at the King’s Head in Buckingham. He was involved in the annual festival of the Buckingham Friendly Society in May 1884.

Edwin died 21 September 1888 while living in Newbury and was buried 24 September 1888 at Newtown Road Cemetery.

Edwin’s parents were buried at Newtown Road Cemetery, his father John Redford Stillman on 26 January 1881 and his mother Sarah Stillman on 23 January 1905.

Author: Gerald Soper
© Gerald Soper