Arthur Seward (1879 – 1938)

                                    Annie Seward (1878 – 1961)

Arthur Seward was born in 1879 at Hyde End Mill in Brimpton, the son of Samuel and Jane, nee North, Seward. He was baptized on 1 June 1879 at the Primitive Methodist Chapel, probably in Thatcham. In the 1881 census he was living with his parents at Chamber House Mill Cottages in Thatcham, his father Samuel was a miller. He was also recorded with his parents and siblings in the 1891 census at 3 Craven Terrace in Newbury and in the 1901 census at 36 Cheap Street in Newbury. In 1901 Arthur and his father were both journeyman bakers, his sister Lily was an assistant to a pastry cook and another sister Ada a dressmaker.

Annie Woodward was born on 12 February 1878 in Newbury, the daughter of Francis and Ann, nee Guyatt, Woodward. In the 1881 censuses she was living with her parents and siblings at 22 Cheap Street in Newbury, her father Francis was a hawker. She was also recorded with her parents and siblings in the 1891 census at Adam & Eve in Greenham Road in Newbury and in the 1901 census in Queens Road in Newbury. In 1901 Annie was a dressmaker, her father Francis an oil merchant, her sister Ellen a confectioner’s assistant and brother James a postman.

Arthur and Annie married in 1902 in Newbury. They had two children both born in Newbury, Arthur James in 1903 and Mildred Annie in 1904.

In the 1911 census Arthur and Annie along with children Arthur and Mildred were living at 36 Cheap Street in Newbury with Arthur recorded as a baker and confectioner. Arthur was working in his father’s bakers and confectionery business based in The Broadway in Newbury where he would continue to work until his retirement in circa 1926.

Ten years later in the 1921 census Arthur and Annie along with children Arthur and Mildred were living at 93 The Broadway in Newbury. Arthur was recorded as a master baker, confectioner and shop keeper, Annie was an assistant in the bakers and confectioners while Arthur junior was an apprentice at Martin & Chillingworth motor works. Mildred was running the home.

In the electoral registers Arthur and Annie were recorded at 93 The Broadway from 1922 to 1924 and then in 1925 until at least 1928 at 1 The Broadway.

Arthur died on 3 October 1938 aged 59 at his residence Guywood, London Road in Newbury. He was buried at Newtown Road Cemetery on 5 October. An obituary appeared in the Newbury Weekly News dated 6 October 1938, which mentioned in his younger years he served in the Berkshire Yeomanry while he was a special constable for many years and right up to his death. He was a member of the Methodist Church and was treasurer for over ten years until relinquishing the position shortly before his death because of ill health.

Arthur left a will and probate was granted on 1 December 1938 at London to Francis Woodward, storekeeper, Arthur James Seward, confectioner, and Mildred Annie Seward. The value of the estate was £8,654 19s 2d.

Just over 11 months later in September 1939 when the national register was compiled Annie and daughter Mildred were recorded at 12 Howard Road in Newbury. Annie’s occupation was recorded as unpaid domestic duties while Mildred was a café assistant.

Annie died on 7 January 1961 aged 82 while living at 36 Priory Road in Newbury. She was buried at Newtown Road Cemetery on 11 January.

Mildred Annie continued to live at 36 Priory Road after the death of Annie and she died on 27 April 1981 while still living in Priory Road. Her brother Arthur James Seward died on 27 June 1948 while living at 42 Enborne Road in Newbury.

Author: Soper
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