MARIA WALKER nee Gore

Maria was born Q2 1855 Newbury 2c 191& her parents were John & Hannah Gore. Census records show she was born in Greenham.

In 1861 the family were living in Stroud Green, Greenham, Newbury. John, 43, was an Agricultural labourer & Hannah was 44. Maria was 5 & had 6 siblings:

John, 17; Henry William, 14; George, 11 (all Agricultural labourers); James, 7; Charles, 5 & Alfred, 8 months.

In 1871 they were living in Pyle Hill, Greenham, Newbury. John is 59 & Hannah 54. Maria is 15 & a scholar. The other siblings are; James, 17; Charles, 13 (Carpenter) & Alfred, 11.

Maria marries John Walker, a labourer, (Ref:18) on 25 October 1876 at St Thomas’, Woolton Hill, East Woodhay where they were both living at the time. Q4 1876 Kingsclere 2c 502.

In 1881 they are living in Stroud Green, Greenham, Newbury. John W. Walker, 29, is an Army Reserve soldier. Maria is 25 & they have 2 children: Nellie, 3 b. East Woodhay & Hannah, 1 b. Greenham.

1891 sees Maria, 36 & a Laundress living at Ward’s Building, Greenham with 4 children: Nellie, 13; Lucy 11 (Hannah), 11; Blanche, 5 & Ernest 6 months.

Her husband, John (aka William John) is not present as he was serving 6 months hard labour – see his biography Ref 18.

They move to 2, Fairleigh Cottages, York Road, Newbury by 1901. John is 47 & a general labourer. Maria is 45 & a Laundress Wash. Henry, 18 is a Bricklayer; Blanche, 15 & a Laundry maid; Ernest, 10 & a scholar; Kathleen, 8; Dora, 6 & Albert, 4.

In 1911, they are at the same address but Maria, 55, is listed as Head in the census. (John) William is 58 & a labourer; Nellie, 31& a Laundress; Ernest 20 & a Bricklayer’s labourer; Kathleen, 17 & at Home; Dora, 16 & a Linen Polishing Machinist & Albert, 14 & a Garden boy.

John died in March 1921 & the family moved to 12, York Road.  Maria, 66, is an Ironer at the Newbury Laundry Company. Kathleen, 27 & at home; Henry, 17 & a labourer at Colthrop Paper Mill & Edith May, 11 & a scholar.

Maria died Q1 1928 Newbury 2c 351, aged 72. She was buried at NRC on 28 March 1928.

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