William Hales

Birth date is baptism, from IGI

Married Herbert Baxter in 1894 Bedford

These notes were taken from notes from my [Stephanie Thompson’s] cousin Carolyn Twyman (nee Booker) when she and husband Philip Twyman visited England in 1997. They had met May Berridge on a number of occasions as they lived in UK for some years and visited May often. May had a huge amount of history that she shared with Carolyn and Philip. You have got a photo of Carolyn (nee Booker) and Philip taken with May on one of their visits.

We know that Robert Wright Hales had a 2nd wife Sarah Annie Whiteman b 1876. They married in April/May 1909 in Wellingborough Vol. 3b Page 356. However when Robert died he had a joint gravestone with Eliza his first wife. They are buried in the St Laurence churchyard and the inscription reads:

“In loving memory of Eliza, the dearly loved wife of Robert W Hales of Ditchford Mill who fell asleep in Jesus February 4, 1906. Aged 57 years. Her children rise up and call her blessed, her husband also. And he praiseth her. Also Robert Wright, husband of above March 2, 1911. Aged 58. At rest”.

Details of Robert’s estate in the index for 1911 read: “Robert Wright Hales of Ditchford Mill Irchester Northamptonshire died 2 March 1911 at Higham Ferrers in the said county. Administration London 9 May to Sarah Annie Hales, his widow. Effects 361 english pounds 7 shillings. Sarah lived at 32 Corporation terrace, High Ferrers, Northants.

From all accounts Sarah Annie Whiteman was a rather severe woman and did not have much to do with his former family. They may have even separated before he died hence his being buried with Eliza. We believe she remarried and lived in Rushden.

According to Richard Hales (he is still alive and we met him a couple of years ago when he was in New Zealand) Robert had a brother who had 2 sons. Will Hales lives in Sharnbrook and Albert Hales died early ‘70’s and his widow Florrie died September 1979. They had 2 sons Fred and Norman. Norman Hales was living at [details removed for privacy] Sandy, Bedfordshire.

Carolyn and Philip have a delightful letter in Eliza’s hand writing. Jon, I am not sure where this letter comes from but I have seen it when we visited with Carolyn and Philip a few months back. I think Carolyn may have got it from May Berridge.

It reads:
“Dear Christian Friends, with pleasure I write a few lines to your respecting my present feelings. I have to thank God that ever I was brought to know myself as a great sinner before God”.........

Notes kindly sent to me by Stephanie Thompson (née Clark)

Baptised along with Susan Lilley on the 29th January 1864. Source: Rushden Methodist Circuit Baptisms 1864-1867.

Percy was Sapper 256065 in the Royal Engineers, WWI 

In 1937, two years after Mary Francis died, he married Gladys Muriel Leslie-Davis in Hammersmith, London

Married William Cheney Clark in 1902 who died in 1906, Thrapstone. Married Charles Neal in 1917 Bedford. Father William Hales 1850

Record of approx birth on IGI - which is presumably derived from census returns. 1939 Register confirms actual date of birth.

Birth registered at St Saviour, Southwark, July 1878

Married 22nd June 1901 (see attached image) at Camden Road Baptist Church. "The bride was neatly attired, and was given away by her eldest brother Mr W J Hales. The four bridesmaids were Miss E R Hales... and three Misses Roberts... Mr G Perry was best man". 

Living at 63 Roman Road in 1906 according to Christening record for son John.

Listed at 361 Caledonian Road in 1916 and 1929 as a furniture dealer according to the Post Office Directory. Also on electoral register at same address in 1931.

Buried 1st July 1960 in Islington Cemetery according to deceasedonline - but this conflicts with my date of death above, so wonder if the year is incorrect. There is one other John Gough Roberts, born in Wrexham district in 1897 - so perhaps this is him but it seems unlikely as Islington was our John’s haunt.

Was living at 32 Roman Way, Islington N7 at time of death in 1993 - see attached probate record

Possibly married Maud A Lawrence in 1928

Frederick was educated at Jesus College Oxford, studying Physics and stories have it he worked on radar in WW2. He worked for BP and was sent to Brazil apparently continuing on there as chief geophysicist in the oil industry, with a scientific paper cited with his name in 1881.

Married Arthur Duncombe in 1912 Bedford but no record of any children