Cecil Kenneth Jack Symons  1918-1919

Cecil was born on the 29^th June 1918 in Newbury, Berkshire. He was privately baptised on the 8^th May 1919, the son of James John (a Soldier & Grocer) and Emmeline Symons (nee Gibbs) who were married in 1917 (marriage registered in Paddington)

Father was James John Symons - nickname Jack - thought to be why Cecil's third name is Jack.

Cecil died aged 10 months he was laid to rest in the Newtown Road Cemetery on the 15^th May 1919. At the time of his death, he was living at Denmark House, Mill Lane, Newbury, the home of his maternal grandparents John and Rosina Gibbs.

Cecil’s father James John was born 25^th January 1894 in Bodmin, Cornwall. He was baptised on the 13^th March 1894 in Bodmin, the son of William Henry (occupation, Groom, abode, Gordon Terrace, Bodmin) and Mary Symons (nee Symons) who were married on the 15^th April 1883 in Bodmin. 

His mother Emmeline was born on the 23^rd November 1892 in Newbury, Berkshire, the daughter of John and Rosina Rachel Gibbs (nee Keen) who were married in 1887 (marriage registered in Newbury).

The 1939 Register records James as Head Male Mental Nurse at Warlingham Park Mental Hospital, Godstone, Surrey. Emmeline was recorded as Unpaid Domestic Duties.

Emmeline died on the 7^th June 1969, at the time of her death she was living at 43 Clare Road, Whitstable, Kent.

James John died on the 15^th November 1977, at the time of his death he was still living at 43 Clare Road, Whitstable, Kent.

The followings related to Fiona Higgins by Cecils Aunt Selena Victoria Jacobs (Nee Gibbs) during the 1980s and 1990s.

Cecil Kenneth Jack Symons was known as Kenneth or Baby Kenny. When he was born his grandmother Rosina Rachel Gibbs said that she had never seen such a beautiful baby and prayed that God would let him live. His mother wore a locket around her neck until the end of her life in 1969 which was said to contain Cecil's picture. Information from Fiona Higgins

Author: Fiona Higgins/ Christine Gambles
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