Charles James Vallis

1870-1922

Charles William (aka Charles James) was born Burbage, Wiltshire, he was baptised as Charles William on the 5^th June 1870 in Burbage, the son of James and Elizabeth Ann Vallis (nee Hillier) who were married on the 18^th October 1869 in Burbage. (Fathers recorded on the marriage certificate were James Vallis, a Basket Maker and William Swanborough, a Labourer (Elizabeth Ann’s stepfather))

His father James was baptised on the 25^th January 1847 in Winterborne-Whitchurch, Dorset the son of James and Mary Ann Vallis.

His mother Elizabeth Ann was baptised on the 1^st February 1852 at St Peter and St Paul, Marlborough, Wiltshire, the illegitimate daughter of Maria Hillier.   Elizabeth’s mother Maria married (as Anna Maria) William Swanborrow on the 19^th May 1855 in Burbage.

James and Elizabeth Ann also had the following children born in Burbage:

Elizabeth Ann born 1871 (died 1871)

Eliza born 1872 (died aged 8 in 1881)

William Henry born 1874

Stephen born c1876 (died 1876)

John born 1877

Thomas born 1879

James born 1881

Ernest George born 1882

Elizabeth Ann born 1884

Caroline born 1887

Rose born 1889 (died aged 1 in 1890)

Agnes Mary born 1890 (died 1890)

Alfred born 1891

In 1871 Charles (1) was living in Westcourt, Burbage, with his father James (24), a Labourer, and his mother Elizabeth (22).

The 1881 census records Charles J. aged 10, a Plough Boy, living in Burbage Street, Burbage, with his father James (36), a Railway Labourer, his mother Elizabeth (32), his sister Eliza (8) and his brothers, William (6), John (4), Thomas (2) and James (2 days).

In 1891 Chas (21) was working as a Labourer, he was lodging with a John and Mary Middleton at 4 Coley Street, St Mary, Reading, Berkshire.

Charles William joined the Army in 1894 (Coldstream Guards)

In 1917 Charles was charged with theft. The following report appeared in the newspaper:

Reading Mercury

Dated 15^th December 1917

NEWBURY COUNTY POLICE COURT

Wednesday December 12^th (Before R. Beynon Esq.)

ALLEGED THEFT OF PARCEL

Charles James Vallis, described as a munition worker, was charged with the theft of a parcel from the railway station at Midgham on Monday.

Buller Fish, porter at the station, stated that a parcel of boots and slippers, addressed to Mr. F. W. Woodley, of Compton, was put out at Midgham from the 5.23 train. Later in the evening it was missed, and witness saw Vallis with it, open on a seat. He told him it did not belong to him, to which Vallis replied that he knew that. He refused to give it up, and took it with him into the train to Reading. The matter was reported there, and on arrival of the train Vallis was detained.

Detective Inspector Mountjoy, of the G.W.R. Police, said that Vallis admitted taking the parcel, saying he had lost his own, and that he was going to keep it until the latter was found. His parcel was not labelled, and was on the rack in the carriage. Accused now said he was under the influence of drink at the time, and took the parcel in mistake. As soon as he discovered it was not his own, he went to Theale and made inquiries.

The magistrates remanded Vallis until Thursday.

In 1921 Charles James Vallie, was recorded as a Labourer, lodging at 1 Albert Road, Newbury, Berkshire. Others recorded in the household were Bertha Mary Piddington (55), George Luggey (57), Frank Gayland (53) and Gwendoline Joan Curtis (0).

Charles died aged 54 on the 19^th October 1922 at the Newbury Infirmary, he was laid to rest in the Newtown Road Cemetery on the 23^rd October.

Newbury Weekly News

Dated 26^th October 1922

VALLIS – At Newbury Infirmary, October 19^th, Charles J. Vallis, aged 54, late of Burbage, Wilts. and Albert-road.

Author: Gambles
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