Frank Hill (1863 — 1934) 

Mary Ann Hill (1865 — 1951) 

Mary Ann Tranter was born 23 June 1864 in Stokenchurch in Oxfordshire the daughter of James and Louisa Tranter. In the 1871 census Mary was living with her parents and four siblings in Stokenchurch, her father James was recorded as a chair maker. Ten years later in the 1881 census the family was living in Broad Street in High Wycombe where Mary was recorded with her parents and six siblings, her occupation was recorded as a chair turner.

Mary Ann married Frank Hill on 21 July 1883 in High Wycombe. Frank was born 26 February 1863 in High Wycombe, the son of Shadrach and Mary Ann. He was recorded with his parents and two siblings in Chipping Wycombe in the 1871 census, his father Shadrach was recorded as a polisher. By the time of the 1881 census the family were living at 1 Temple End in High Wycombe where Frank was recorded with his parents and brother Reuben, Frank, his father and brother were all recorded as French polishers.

In the 1891 census Frank and Mary Ann were living at 37 Leominster Road in High Wycombe with children Arthur aged 7, Beatrice aged 4 and Minnie aged 2. Frank was recorded as a French polisher.

Ten years later in the 1901 census Frank and Mary were recorded at 112 Oxford Road in in High Wycombe with children Arthur aged 17, Beatrice aged 14 and Minnie aged 11. Frank was recorded as a commercial traveller and Arthur an apprentice chair maker.

Frank and Mary moved to Newbury in 1910 and they were recorded at the Railway Hotel in Newbury in the 1911 census along with daughter Beatrice. Frank was recorded as a hotel keeper and Beatrice was assisting in the business.

Frank stood for Newbury town council in 1919 in the East Ward and he topped the poll. He remained on the council until his untimely death and served as mayor for two years from 1925. More details can be found in the obituary published in the Newbury Weekly News dated 29 November 1934.

Frank died 27 November 1934 while still living at the Railway Hotel and was buried at Newtown Road Cemetery on 1 December 1934. He left a will and probate was granted on 23 December 1934 at Oxford to his son Arthur, a licensed victualler, and William John Jones a printer. The value of the estate was £3,966 12s 2d.

When the national register was compiled on 29 September 1939 Mary was recorded at 93a Northbrook Street in Newbury with her daughter Beatrice Jones and her husband Percy. Percy was recorded as a turf accountant while Mary was recorded as incapacitated. Mary died 6 February 1951 at her daughter Beatrice's house at 57 Andover Road in Newbury while she was still living at 93a Northbrook Street. Mary was buried at Newtown Road Cemetery on 10 February 1951. She left a will and probate was granted on 19 May 1951 at Oxford to her daughter Beatrice Jones and Joan Mary Gunter (wife of Maurice Gunter). The value of the estate was £6,961 8s 2d. Joan Mary Gunter was Mary Ann's grand-daughter, her mother was Minnie Louisa Nash.

Frank and Mary's daughters Minnie Louisa Nash and Beatrice Jones were buried at Newtown Road Cemetery on 16 April 1923 and 31 March 1953 respectively.

Author: soper
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