Ann Panter

Susan and Thomas’s gravestone reads:

“Susan Clark, died December 21 1918 aged 75. She believed his words and sang his praises. Thomas Clark who was suddenly called abov March 16, 1919.”

Obituary from Rushden Echo, 27 December 1918:

“We regret to report that the death took place rather unexpectedly on Saturday last of Mrs Clark, wife of Mr Thomas Clark, of Stanwick. Deceased was born at Stanwick on January 1st, 1843, and passed away just a few days short of her 76th birthday. She leaves a husband and five children to mourn their loss. The eldest son lives at Petone, New Zealand, and the eldest daughter resides at Fenny Stratford, Buckinghamshire, the other three children living at Stanwick.”

“The late Mrs Clark had a life-long connection with the Baptist Church at Stanwick, being a scholar in the Sunday school in her young days, and afterwards being a teacher, a position which she held as recently as two years ago. Mr and Mrs Clark, were married at the Ringstead Baptist church on October 15th, 1868, by the Rev W Kitchen, and celebrated their golden wedding in October of this year. The deceased lady and her husband were baptised and received into fellowship at the Stanwick Baptists Church at the same time, 46 years ago, by the Rev J T Bristow, who was at that time pastor of the church, and Mr Clark has been a deacon of the church for 38 years. The late Mrs Clark was held in the highest esteem in the village, and she will be greatly missed in the Baptist cause and in all movements. The funeral took place yesterday (Thursday), and impressive service being held at the Baptist Church.”

http://www.rushdenheritage.co.uk

In 1901 census the family were living at High Street Stanwick and Thomas was a gardener.  Susan worked at home as a boot closer and son Sydney is a shoemaker.

When Thomas died he left quite a sizeable estate of 397 english pounds, 12 shillings, and 8 pence and his sons Albert and Sydney and son-in-law Herbert Liggins were his Trustees.  Probate was granted in London on 6 May 1920.  Thomas made his will just 6 months prior to his death so he may have had some premonition of his death.  It was also just prior to wife Susan’s death.

He left everything to Susan during her lifetime and then to be divided on her death.  Son Albert Thomas clrk was given first option of buying the bottom part of the plot with pigstys and henplaces for 30 english pounds and son Sydney Frank Clark was given first option to buy the top half for 30 english pounds.

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

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)

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