Bertha Mary Buxey (1860 — 1888)

Bertha Mary Smith was born in 1860 in Kingsclere, almost certainly Wheathold Green, the daughter of George and Rachel, nee Rolfe, Smith.

In the 1861 census Bertha was recorded with her parents George and Rachel and sisters Emma aged 10, Ellen aged 9, Sarah aged 6 and Ann aged 4 at Wheathold Green, George was recorded as an agricultural labourer. Bertha was still living with her parents in Wheathold Green in the 1871 census along with six siblings, she was recorded as a scholar.

Ten years later in the 1881 census Bertha was recorded as a servant living at The Limes in Speen with two unmarried sisters, Fanny and Alice Low who were both governesses. Bertha was recorded as a domestic servant.

Bertha married Maurice Buxey in Q1 1888 in Newbury. Maurice was born in 1863 in Inkpen,

Bertha gave birth to a son Maurice Reuben Buxey on 21 December 1888 in Newbury. Sadly, Bertha died four days later on 25 December 1888 and was buried on 29 December 1888 at Newtown Road Cemetery. An announcement appeared in the Newbury Weekly News dated 5 January 1889 which read as below.
BUXEY — On the 25th ult., at Jack Street, Newbury, Bertha Mary, wife of Maurice Buxey, aged 29 years.

In the 1891 census Maurice was recorded as a boarder in Reading, his occupation was a painter and decorator. Maurice subsequently married Elizabeth Martin in Newbury in 1893. Maurice and Elizabeth with various children including Maurice Reuben were living at 37 Jack Street in Newbury in both the 1901 and 1911 censuses. Maurice died 6 December 1940 and was buried at Shaw Cemetery on 10 December 1940.

Author: G Soper
©