Emma Oliver

1842-1896

Emma, her parents, siblings and early life:

Emma was born in 1842 in Thatcham, Berkshire, the daughter of Henry (a Blacksmith’s Labourer) and Elizabeth Hicks (nee Bye) who were married on the 27^th March 1842 in Thatcham.

Her father Henry was baptised in 1822, in Thatcham, Berkshire, the son of Thomas and Merriam Hicks

Her mother Elizabeth was baptised in 1824 in Thatcham, Berkshire, the daughter of George and Ann Bye.

Emma’s siblings were:

Henry 1844

Elizabeth 1846

Mary Ann 1848

Henry Thomas 1851

Louisa 1853

James 1855

Elizabeth Ann 1858

William1860

George 1862

The 1851 census records Henry (29) as a Blacksmith’s Labourer, living with Elizabeth (23) and their children, Emma (9) and Mary Ann (2), living in Broad Street, Thatcham. Emma’s grandparents George Bye (65), Ann Bye (55) and her uncles Daniel Bye (22) and George Bye (19) were recorded lodging with them.

Emma in later life:

Emma married Abner Oliver on the 12^th June 1859 in Thatcham, Berkshire

(Abner was born c1836 in Bagnor, Berkshire, the son of David and Kezia Oliver (nee Taylor) who were married on the 27^th December 1832 at St Mary the Virgin, Speen).

Emma and Abner had the following children:

Frederick George c1860

Elizabeth 1862

Abner 1864 (died soon after birth, he was buried in the Newtown Road Cemetery on the 10^th March).

Emma c1865

William 1867 (died aged 17, buried in the NRC on the 17^th July 1883)

Unnamed child in 1869 (buried in the Newtown Road Cemetery on the 20^th January)

Thomas Haylock c1870

James c1872 (no birth registration found)

Louisa 1875

The family were recorded living in Northcroft Lane, Newbury, in 1861-1891.

Abner was recorded as an Agricultural Labourer in 1861, a Labourer in 1871 and 1881, and a Bricklayer’s Labourer in 1891

Emma (aged 58) drowned in the Northbrook, Newbury, on the 19^th April 1896, she was laid to rest in the Newtown Road Cemetery on the 22^nd April.

The 1901 census records Abner (60) as a General Labourer, living at 12 Kennet Court, West Mills, Newbury, with his 2^nd wife Lillie (41) (no marriage found for this couple yet!)

Abner died aged 74 in 1910, in Newbury.

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