Joseph William James Stephens (1868 – 1953)

Mary Ann Stephens (1866 – 1943)

Dorothy Ellen Stephens (1903 – 1904)

Josph William James Stephens was born 20 November 1868 in Kilburn the son of Joseph and Ann Frances, nee Webb, Stephens. He was baptized on 13 June 1869 at Holy Trinity in Kilburn. In the 1871 census Joseph was living in Old Road in Newbury with his parents and brother Frank aged 7 months along with his great uncle John Stephens. Joseph senior was recorded as a carpenter while his great uncle was a tailor. In the 1881 census Joseph and his parents and brother Frank were living in The City in Newbury with Joseph senior now a labourer.

Mary Ann Eggleton was born 21 January 1866 in Newbury, the daughter of John and Mary Jane, nee Millicent, Eggleton. In the 1871 census Mary Ann was living with her parents, and siblings Ellen Fanny aged 9, John William aged 7 and Henry aged 2 in Hazells Yard in Newbury, her father John was a tailor and her mother Mary Jane a glover. Mary started attending the girl’s school in Newbury on 24 March 1877, unfortunately the date she left was not recorded.

Joseph and Mary Ann married in 1893 in Newbury. In the 1901 census Joseph and Mary Ann were living at 1 East View Cottages, Livingstone Road in Newbury with children Elsie aged 6, Daisy aged 5 and William (Joseph) aged 3. Joseph was recorded as a plumber.

A daughter Dorothy Ellen was born 16n June 1903. Sadly, Dorothy died aged 10 months on 25 April 1904 and was buried on 29 April 1904 at Newtown Road Cemetery. The family were still living at 1 East View Cottages in 1904.

Seven years later in the 1911 census Joseph and Mary Ann were living at North Villa, Kings Road in Newbury with children Elsie May aged 16, Daisy Annie aged 14, Joseph William James aged 13 along with a niece Millicent Martha Houstan aged 6 and a boarder. Joseph was recorded as a store keeper, Elsie as a nurse girl domestic, Daisy as a general servant domestic while Joseph junior was still at school.

In September 1939 when the National Register was compiled Joseph and Mary Ann were living at 43 Boundary Road in Newbury with Joseph recorded as a lorry driver, retired.

Mary Ann died on 14 April 1943 aged 77 while still living at 43 Boundary Road and she was buried at Newtown Road Cemetery on 19 April 1943.

Joseph died on 8 December 1953 aged 85 while living at 97 Greenham Road and he was buried at Newtown Road Cemetery on 12 December 1953.

There was a report of Joe’s (the name by which he was known) funeral in the Newbury Weekly News. It mentioned in recent years he had been assisting in the Newbury Cattle Market. He was a lover of animals and would assist the auctioneers by labelling cattle, driving them to the station or help in loading transport.

The article also mentioned he kept two donkeys, Flying Fox and Polly, and two ponies, Polly and Daisy (who died two years ago aged 34). He took them to local fetes and open-air gatherings where they were great favourites with the children, whom he loved to give rides. He had quite a collection of RSPA certificates and badges awarded at pet shows. He was a keen football supporter and in his younger days was an athlete who won several prizes as a mile runner. He also played the drums in the South Berks Silver Band for many years.

Joseph’s parents were both buried at Newtown Road Cemetery, his father Joseph on 16 February 1910 and his mother Ann Frances on 15 January 1918.

Joseph and Mary Ann’s daughter Elsie May Hieatt was buried at Newtown Road Cemetery on 9 January 1987.

Author: G Soper
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