Rhoda O’Leary

1851-1946

Rhoda, her parents, siblings and early life:

Rhoda was born on the 2^nd June 1851 in Snelsmore/Chieveley, Berkshire, the daughter of George and Ann Phillips (nee Harris) who were married on the 12^th October1848 in Oare Chapel, Chieveley, Berkshire.

Her father George was born c1824 in Chieveley, Berkshire. He died aged 63 in 1888 and was buried at St Mary the Virgin, Chieveley on the 15^th April.

Her mother Ann was born c1828 in Courage, Berkshire. She died aged 72 in 1900 and was buried at St Mary the Virgin, Chieveley, on the 29^th January.

George and Ann also had the following children:

William c1849

Sarah Ann c1854

Lucy 1856

John c1859

George 1861

Rosanna 1864

Rachel c1867 (died 1867, buried 29^th March at St Mary the Virgin Chieveley)

Matilda 1868

The 1861 census records Rhoda (9) living in Snelsmore, Berkshire, with her father George (36) an Agricultural Labourer, her mother Ann (33) and her siblings, William (12) Sarah (6), Lucy (4) and John (2)

In 1871 Rhoda (19) was working as a General Domestic Servant for a John Lewis (71) and his wife Clara (58), at 3, Vale Place, Epsom Road, Gulidford, Surrey.

Rhoda in later life:

Rhoda married in 1877

Marriage details:

Place: Chieveley Berkshire

Date: 2^nd September 1877

Groom: John O’Leary, aged 23, bachelor, occupation, Nail Maker, abode, Snelsmore

Bride: Rhoda Phillips, aged 25, spinster, abode, Snelsmore

Fathers: Michael O’Leary, a Nail Maker and George Phillips, a Labourer

Witnesses: Lucy Phillips and George Phillips

(John was born on the 28^th March 1854, in Bristol, Gloucestershire/Somerset, the son of Michael and Mary Ann O’leary (nee Hayes) who were married in 1853 (marriage registered in Clifton, Gloucestershire).

John and Rhoda didn’t have any children.

In 1881 John (27) and Rhoda (29) were recorded living at 3 Dotham Place, Newbury. John was working as a Horse Nail Maker. (Surname recorded as Leary on ancestry)

By 1891 the couple were living at 9 Hassell’s Buildings, Newbury, John was again recorded as a Nail Maker. (Surname recorded as Oleary on ancestry)

The 1901 and 1911 census records both record John and Rhoda living at 9 Hassell’s Buildings. The 1901 census records John Leary as a General Labourer and the 1911 census records him as a Boiler Labourer. In 1911 Rhoda was working as a Domestic Cook.

The 1939 Register also records the couple living at 9 Hassell’s Buildings. John was recorded as Retired.

They continued to live at 9 Hassell’s Buildings until their deaths.

John died aged 89, on the 8^th November 1943, he was laid to rest in the Newtown Road Cemetery on the 11^th November.

Rhoda died aged 94 on the 8^th April 1946, she was laid to rest in the Newtown Road Cemetery, with John, on the 11^th April.

Probate: O’LEARY Rhoda of 9 Hassell’s-buildings Oxford-street Newbury Berkshire widow died 8^th April 1946 Probate Oxford 22^nd August to Frederick George Phillips draughtsman Effects: £266 1s 7d

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