Anna Maria Paine (1857 – 1935)

Anna Maria Paine was born in 1857 in Pentonville, the daughter of Thomas (Tom) and Annie, nee Miller, Paine. Tom and Annie had married on 29 October 1855 at Longparish in Hampshire. Tom was born in Aveley in Essex and Annie in Speen.

In the 1861 census Anna was recorded living with her parents in Billericay in Essex, her father Thomas was an engineer. Ten years later in the 1871 census Anna was recorded with her father Tom in Theale Street in Tilehurst. Thomas was a blacksmith employing three people. Thomas is recorded as being married, as opposed to a widower, but no trace of his wife Annie.

Anna and her father are recorded living at 4 Fern Terrace in West Ham in the 1881 census. Thomas was still a blacksmith but Anna had no occupation recorded. Thomas died in 1882 in West Ham. Anna was still living in West Ham in the 1891 census at 24 Manbey Grove. She was recorded as a lodger and was working as a teacher of drawing.

By the time of the 1901 census Anna was living as a servant in Church Street in Leatherhead and her occupation was housekeeper.

In the 1911 census Anna was recorded with her cousin Annie Marie Staples at Hurstleigh, Andover Road in Newbury. Annie was a teacher of music while Anna’s occupation was private means. Annie’s mother was Mary Miller who was the sister of Anna’s mother Annie.

Ten years later in the 1921 census Anna and Annie were still living in Hurstleigh. Annie was still a teacher of music at Newbury Grammar School, while Anna was teaching music as well as home duties.

Anna died on 21 April 1935 aged 77 while living at 18 Andover Road. and she was buried at Newtown Road Cemetery on 24 April 1935, in the same grave as her cousin Annie Marie Staples. She left a will and probate was granted on 12 June 1935 at London to Marie Upstone, widow, and Edward Vockins, solicitors clerk. The value of the estate was £2,310 12s 6d.

Anna’s cousin Annie Staples died on 3 April 1928.

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