BESSIE SMITH

1883-1886

Bessie’s parents were Alfred and Charlotte Smith (nee Fisher) who married in Newbury in 1882.

Her father Alfred was a Carpenter and Joiner. He was born c1853 in Kingsclere Hampshire the son of John and Sophia Smith (nee Maslin).

Her mother Charlotte was born c1865 in Newbury she was the daughter of Edmund and Margaret Fisher (nee Knight).

Bessie was born in Newbury in 1883 sadly she died aged 2 in 1886 she was laid to rest in the Newtown Road Cemetery on the 8^th May

Bessie had three sisters and a brother. Lotty was born in 1885, Lilian Sophia was born c1888, Lena Florence was born c1890 and Alfred Edmund was born 1894.

Her brother Alfred Edmund died aged 18 months in 1896 he was laid to rest in the Newtown Road Cemetery 8^th February.

Both the 1891 and 1901 census records record the family living at 3 Pleasant Place St John’s Road Newbury.

Her father Alfred (50) committed suicide on the 17^th October 1903 he was laid to rest in the Newtown Road Cemetery on the 20^th October (for further details please see the following link):  www.fnrcnewbury.org.uk/persondetails.asp?PersonID=5783

The 1911 census records Charlotte (46) working as a Servant in Hammersmith London

Sources:as above