James Pyke

1838-1909

James, his parents, siblings and early life:

James was born in Woodspeen, Berkshire. He was baptised on the 28^th October 1838, at St Mary, Speenhamland, Newbury, Berkshire, the son of John (a Shoemaker) and Eliza Pyke (nee Fidler) of East Woodspeen.

His father John was born c1792 in Woolhampton, Berkshire. He was baptised on the 25^th December 1793, in Chieveley, Berkshire, the son of John and Elizabeth Pyke (nee Bryant) who were married in 1780, in Winterbourne, Berkshire.

His mother Eliza was born on the 8^th June 1797, in Newbury, Berkshire. She was baptised on the 9^th August 1797, at St Nicolas Church, Newbury, Berkshire, the daughter of Edward and Sarah Fidler (nee Cleeve) who were married on the 18^th October 1784, in Basingstoke, Hampshire.

The 1815 census of Newbury records  Eliza Fidler (18) living in Lamb’s Yard, on the east side of Northbrook Street, Newbury, with her father Edward (53) a Shoemaker, her mother Sarah (47), her brothers, Charles (20), Thomas (15), Edward (10), George (3), her sister Elizabeth (5), a lodger, Matthew Corker (55), a Coachman, John Whichelo (30), his wife Sarah Whichelo (30) and John Pike (22), a Shoemaker.

John Pike/Pyke married Eliza Fidler on the 3^rd October 1820, at St Mary, Speenhamland, Berkshire. (Both were single, witnesses were Charles Fidler and William Low)

John and Eliza also had the following children:

Harriet, born 19^th January 1824, baptised 8^th June 1834, at St Mary, Speenhamland

Mary Elizabeth, baptised 20^th September 1829, at St Mary the Virgin, Speen

Sarah Cleeve, baptised 11^th August 1833, at St Mary, Speenhamland

Eliza Ann, baptised 21^st October 1831, at St Mary the Virgin, Speen

John, baptised 10^th April 1836, at St Mary, Speenhamland

Edward, baptised 21^st February 1841, at St Mary, Speenhamland

In 1841 James (3) was recorded living in Woodspeen, Berkshire, with his father John (49), a Cordwainer, his mother Eliza (45) and his siblings, Harriet (16), Sarah (9), Ann (7), John (5) and Edward (4 months).

The 1851 census records James (12) living in Caroline Place, Newbury, Berkshire, with his father John (59), a Cordwainer, his mother Eliza (54), a Nurse, his sister Harriet (27), his brothers, John (15) an Errand Boy and Edward (10).

James’s father John died aged 64, in 1856, he was buried on the 16^th April at St Mary the Virgin Speen.

In 1871 Eliza (74) was recorded living as an Owner of Houses, living at 1 Caroline Place, Newbury, with her children, Harriet (47) and Edward (30), a Journeyman Baker.

Eliza died aged 74, in 1871, she was buried on the 11^th August, at St Mary the Virgin, Speen.

James in later life:

James married Louisa Palmer in 1859. (Banns: recorded at St Nicolas Newbury on the 5^th 12^th and 19^th June. Marrried on the 4^thJuly. not at St Nicolas)

Louisa Maria Palmer was born in Eastbury, Berkshire. She was baptised on the 20^th October 1829, in East Garston, Berkshire, the daughter of Richard and Mary Palmer).

James and Louisa Maria had the following children:

Eliza Anne, born 1860

James Edward, born 1861

Mary Elizabeth, born 1863 (died 1863, buried 27^th November, at St Mary the Virgin, Speen)

Kate, born 1868, baptised 4^th February 1872 at St Nicolas, Newbury (with her brother George below)

George Fredeick, born 1870, baptised 4^th February 1872 (with his sister Kate above)

The 1861 census records James (22) as an Auctioneer’s Clerk, living in Hassell’s Yard, Speenhamland, Berkshire, with Lousia (25) and their daughter Eliza (1)

In 1871 James (33) was recorded as a Furniture Broker, living at 3, Caroline Place, Newbury, with Louisa (38) and their children, Eliza Anne (11), James Edward (9), Kate (3) and George (10 months).

The 1881 census records James (42) as an Auctioneer’s Clerk, living in West Street, Newbury, with Lousia Maria (47) and their children, Kate (12) and George (10).

In 1891 James (52), an Auctioneer’s Clerk and Commission Agent, Louisa (62) and Kate (22), were recorded living at 4, Windsor Place, West Street, Newbury.

The 1901 census also records James (62) as an Auctioneer’s Clerk and Commission Agent, living at 4, Windsor Place, West Street, with Louisa (71).

James died aged 70, on the 13^th August 1909. He was laid to rest on the Cemetery on the 17^th August. (Possibly buried in the Newtown Road Cemetery, no burial or accounts record found).

Probate: PYKE James of Newbury Berkshire auctioneer’s clerk died 13^th August 1909 Probate Oxford 18^th February 1910 to George Frederick Pyke whitesmith and Everson Thomas Ireland clerk of works Effects: £112 12s 6d

In 1911 Louisa Maria (81) was recorded as Infirm, living with her married daughter Eliza Ann Green and her family, at 94, Bartholomew Street, Newbury.

Louisa Maria died aged 85, in 1915.  She was buried on the 9^th January, at St Mary Speenhamland.

Sources: