Margaret Louisa Weber (1865 - 1901)

Born 22 Apr 1865 in Scholing Hound, Hampshire, England

Died 31 Jan 1901 at age 35 in Bracknell, Berkshire, England, United Kingdom

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Biography

Margaret was born on 22 April 1865. She was the daughter of Adam Weber and Gesina Kruse. ^[1] Her birth certificate named her as ‘Margaret Louisa’, but she seems to have usually been known as ‘Louisa Margaret Weber’. She was born in Sholing Hound, Southampton, where the family lived. Louisa was the youngest of four children and had two brothers and a sister. She was baptised in St Mary’s Parish Church, Hound, on 6 August 1865.^[2]

On 15 April 1868, at the age of two years and 11 months, she was vaccinated against smallpox.^[3] Vaccination was compulsory for infants from 1853 to 1948, and certificates were given to parents. Her Medical Certificate of Successful Vaccination, names her father as Adam Weber, and gives his address as Weston Common, in the Parish of St Mary Extra, Hants.

The 1871 Census records her as living with her mother, and three siblings, in Church Road, Hound, Sholing, Hampshire.^[4] She was described as five years old, and as having been born in Hound, Hampshire.

In the 1881 Census she was living with her mother, and her siblings Mary Weber and John Weber, at 6 Mount Place, Southampton.^[5] She was aged 15 years and is described as unmarried and a photographer. The houses appear to have been demolished in a 1930s slum clearance scheme.^[6]

Louisa’s sister, Christina Marie (Weber) Thomson (abt.1860-1915) was also a photographer, and her brother, William Augustus Weber (1863-), became a photographic printer. It is possible they all worked for the firm Debenham & Smith, with studios in Sussex Place, Southampton. ^[7] The firm had been owned by Smith since 1887, although he continued to use the name of his former partner.^[8] It may be that Louisa, her sister Christina, and her younger brother, William Augustus all worked for Debenham & Smith, although no evidence has been found to support this supposition. It is based simply on the fact that Frank Thomson, who married Christina, advertising his own studio in 1912, and insisted he had worked for 20 years at Debenham’s in Southampton.

However, two surviving portraits of Louisa Margaret Weber in the family photograph album were printed as Cartes de Visite by the photographer Tobias Braybrook, of Church Square, West Hartlepool. A portrait of her brother, William Augustus Weber, was also taken by T. Braybrook, and it may be that both Louisa and William were living in Hartlepool at some time between 1880 – 1890.

Tobias Braybrook was active in Hartlepool in the 1880s and the 1890s. He had been born in Wilmington, Kent, in 1855, and was running a studio in Church Square, West Hartlepool, from about 1890. From 1883 onwards, he was advertising his business in The Hartlepool Northern Daily Mail. Louisa may have worked for him some time between 1883 and 1889 – or possibly even from mid-1889 to early 1891. In May 1889, he advertised for an apprentice – a lady about 16 – and this may have to obtain a replacement for Louisa.^[9]

Louisa Weber continued working as a photographer. In about May 1889 – at the age of 24 years - she set up a studio in the family home at 24 Oxford Road, Bevois Mount, Southampton. She advertised in The Hampshire Independent.^[10] She offered a range of services from developing, retouching, printing and enlarging the negatives taken by amateur photographers, to printing and finishing photographs in water colour, monochrome and crayon. She offered printing upon paper and porcelain and tuition in photography, retouching and painting.

In 1891, she became the manager of The Wye Valley Studio, at 6 Glendower Street, Monmouth, Wales.^[11] Monmouth may have been too small a town to support a flourishing photographic business, and there had been a succession of owners and managers for the studio in the years before Louisa arrived.

In June 1888, “the proprietor” of The Wye Valley Studio at 6 Glendower Street, Monmouth, advertised: “that he has fitted up and furnished the above STUDIO with all that is necessary to carry on a FIRST CLASS PHOTOGRAPHIC BUSINESS”. He insisted he had “secured the services of an experienced Photographer, from a fashionable watering place”.^[12] However, a year later, in June 1889, an advertisement signed by “C. McKenzie” announced the proprietor was asking patrons to continue to use the studio when his successor took over.^[13]. In October to December 1889, advertisements announced that Mr. Day was offering “High-Class Photography at Popular Prices” from The Wye Valley Studio, at 6 Glendower Street, Monmouth.^[14] The advertisement added: “Mr. Day having had 20 years’ experience in all branches of Photography can guarantee successful results.” He offered children’s portraits, permanent photographs in platinum and out-door work.

By 1891 Louisa had formed a relationship with William Gould, a retired Inland Revenue officer turned photographer, nearly 30 years older than herself.^[15] The 1891 Census shows three people living at 6 Glendower Street, Monmouth.^[16] These are:

• William Gould, 66 years, married, a photographer artist, who had been born in Somerset. • Louisa M. W. Gould, 36 years, his wife, a photographer artist, who had been born in Bitterne, Hampshire. • Edwin H. Seward, 13 years, his nephew, a photographer assistant, who had been born in Hampshire.

It seems likely that William and Louisa were deliberately disguising their relationship and masquerading as a married couple. William, who had been born in Somerset in 1825, had four children from a previous marriage. He had petitioned to divorce his wife in 1880, complaining she had been violent and abusive.^[17] His three sons had died and only his daughter remained alive.

It is possible that Louisa left the family home in Southampton and moved to Monmouth after discovering she was pregnant. Louisa and William’s first son, William Weber Gould, (Gould-7087), was born on 6 February 1991 in Monmouth.^[18] However, by the 31 March 1901, William was with the family of Edwin Seward, at 1 Upwey Street, Melcombe Regis, Weymouth, Dorset.^[19] The Census records show he was four months old. William was baptized on 30 July 1891 at Christchurch, Melcombe Regis.^[20]

William Gould continued to live at 6 Glendower Street, Monmouth. In April and May 1891 he was advertising as the agent for Monmouth and District for the Railway Passengers Assurance Company.^[21]. It is, of course, possible this was just an additional service that was provided at The Wye Valley Studio.

Interestingly, an advertisement for a position for a servant was published in The Monmouthshire Beacon, on 26 September 1891:

DOMESTIC SERVANT WANTED. Elderly Person preferred. Three in family.- Apply, 6, Glendower street, Monmouth.^[22]

The local newspaper was also used to promote the photographic business. By 29 August 1891, L.M. Weber was advertising ‘Artistic Photography’ in The Monmouthshire Beacon:

ARTISTIC PHOTOGRAPHY ! ! For LIFE-LIKE PORTRAITS and ARTISTIC PICTURES visit L, M. WEBER. Italic text''THE 'WYE VALLEY' STUDIO,Italic text'" 6, GLENDOWER STREET, MONMOUTH^[23]

The advertisement was published repeatedly from August 1891 until February 1892.^[24]. The business was sufficiently busy to warrant hiring an assistant in February 1892. An advertisement was placed in The Monmouthshire Beacon:

WANTED - L.M. WEBER has a vacancy for an intelligent young lady as PUPIL for the re-reception room and negative retouching. - Address, The “Wye Valley” Studio, 6, Glendower street, Monmouth.^[25] From February until June 1892, she changed the wording of her regular advertisement adding that new portrait club had been established, with fees of 1s a week, and that the business was an agent for ‘Lancasters Cameras’.^[26] The Birmingham-based firm J. Lancaster and Sons was an established manufacturer of cameras.

On 27 February 1892, Louisa submitted a form to the Stationer’s Company to register the copyright of a photograph of the Rev Peter Mackenzie, and it were formally registered on 29 February 1892. The copyright owner and author of the work was registered as “Louisa Margaret Weber, 6 Glendower St, Monmouth”. ^[27] The photograph may have been taken a few months earlier as the Rev Mackenzie visited Monmouth in June 1891. The Monmouthshire Beacon reported that he had previously been a minister on the Monmouth Wesleyan circuit.^[28] Interestingly, a reflection on the year, published on 2 January 1892, described him as “a well-known and popular Wesleyan preacher and lecturer”.^[29]

Louisa appears to have concluded a photograph of the Rev Wentworth Watson had financial value. The Rev Watson had been vicar of St Mary’s, Monmouth, for more than 12 years, before becoming vicar of St Thomas the Martyr, Oxford, in 1892, and was well known in Monmouth.^[30] His departure from Monmouth was announced in April 1892.^[31] On 14 May 1892, a brief description was published in The Monmouthshire Beacon:

We have received from Mr. L. M. Weber, of the Wye Valley Studio, two capital cabinet photographs, in different positions, of the Rev. Wentworth Watson. With these in our album the features of the much esteemed vicar will ever be present with us, though it is no disparagement to the portraits to say that we should prefer the substance of the shadow. As, however, Oxford is to have one whom it would appear Monmouth can no longer hold, we must be content with the less substantial emblem which photography gives us, and thank the art for its reproductive qualities. Mr. Weber informs us that he is preparing a limited number of permanent enlargements from the cabinets in question, in monochrome, which will be suitably framed and sold at 10s. 6d each. We presume they will not be life size, or the photographer might do “good business” in supplying a few suitably large rooms with corresponding wall accommodation.^[32]

On 20 May 1892, Louisa submitted a form to the Stationer’s Company to register the copyright of two photographs of the Rev. Watson, and they were formally registered the following day. The copyright owner and author of the work was registered as “Louisa Margaret Weber, 6 Glendower St, Monmouth”.^[33]. Demand for the photographs was brisk enough to enable Louisa to double the price to one guinea each. She advertised the portraits in The Monmouthshire Beacon on 28 May 1892.^[34]. On 14 May 1892, a brief description was published in The Monmouthshire Beacon:

We have received from Mr. L. M. Weber, of the Wye Valley Studio, two capital cabinet photographs, in different positions, of the Rev. Wentworth Watson. With these in our album the features of the much esteemed vicar will ever be present with us, though it is no disparagement to the portraits to say that we should prefer the substance of the shadow. As, however, Oxford is to have one whom it would appear Monmouth can no longer hold, we must be content with the less substantial emblem which photography gives us, and thank the art for its reproductive qualities. Mr. Weber informs us that he is preparing a limited number of permanent enlargements from the cabinets in question, in monochrome, which will be suitably framed and sold at 10s. 6d each. We presume they will not be life size, or the photographer might do “good business” in supplying a few suitably large rooms with corresponding wall accommodation.^[35]

On 20 May 1892, Louisa submitted a form to the Stationer’s Company to register the copyright of two photographs of the Rev. Watson, and they were formally registered the following day. The copyright owner and author of the work was registered as “Louisa Margaret Weber, 6 Glendower St, Monmouth”.^[36] Demand for the photographs was brisk enough to enable Louisa to double the price to one guinea each. She advertised in The Monmouthshire Beacon on 28 May 1892.^[37]

A few months later she must have sent a copy of the photograph to The Monmouthshire Beacon, which noted, on 29 October 1892:

FINE ART. – We have received from Mr. L.M. Weber, of the Wye Valley Studio, a permanent platinotype enlargement from the original negative of a capital and striking likeness of the Rev. Wenworth Watson. The picture, which is 19in. by 15in., in size, is finished in the latest and most attractive style, the drapery being worked in monochrome, and the flesh delicately finished in water colour. The appearance so given is very similar to a solidly painted picture, the tinting being thoroughly artistic and tasteful. This method as to enlargements is productive of good effects, at no great additional cost upon that of simple black and white. We understand that Mr. Weber has had a good sale for those enlargements, of which they are fully deserving.^[38]

In February 1893, Louisa also offered for sale photographs of the Rev. Gerald W. Palmer, the curate of St Mary’s Church, Monmouth, when he was appointed to the curacy of the parish church in Sevenoaks. An article in The Monmouthshire Beacon noted:

PHOTOGRAPHY – Mr. L. M. Weber, of the Wye Valley Studio, has sent us two cabinet photographs, taken in different positions, of the Rev. Gerard W. Palmer. Doubtless these will have a ready sale, for we feel sure that many of the parishioners of S. Mary’s will be glad to avail themselves of such a memento of one who was so greatly and deservedly esteemed in Monmouth.^[39]

In early 1893, Louisa also photographed stalls for the annual sale of work at Rolls Hall, Monmouth, organised in association with the Glendower Street Ladies Working Society.^[40]

In March 1893 a short article in The Monmouthshire Beacon suggests the business included an art gallery in Priory Street, Monmouth. The article reads:

PHOTOGRAPHY. – A correspondent writes: - In the last issue of the Monmouthshire Beacon reference was made to photography. It is interesting to note the rapid progress this wonderful art has made during the last few years. Marvelous improvements in the manufacture of the camera as well as in the production of chemical matter, have enabled the amateur and the professional alike, to transfer some of nature’s sweetest scenes to the drawing room and the cottage. Mr Weber, of the Wye Valley Studio has made himself a perfect master of his profession, if we may judge by some of his more recent productions which may be seen at his studio in Glendower-street, or his art gallery in Priory-street. Some inside scenes were recently taken in The Rolls Hall, by Mr. and Mrs. Weber, which, considering the difficultly in concentrating the light on a dull sunless day reflect very great credit upon their power of execution. Thus every facility is being offered at a comparatively small cost for adorning the walls of our homes with views of the outer world, and the familiar faces – many still with us, of those far away, or who, alas ! in many cases, have gone to the home above.^[41]

However, in April 1893, the monthly meeting of Monmouth Town Council decided to take over the shop and room in Priory Street, Monmouth, to use as offices for the Town Surveyor. A report of the council meeting, published in The Monmouthshire Beacon, noted: “It was decided that a shop and room in Priory street at present in the occupation of Mr. Weber, should be taken for the purpose of being used as offices for the Surveyor.”^[42] In 1895, Philip Endell Wanklyn, surveyor and borough surveyor and santitary inspector, and inspector of common lodging houses, was recorded in Priory Street, Monmouth.^[43]

In 1893, Louisa moved from 6 Glendower Street, Monmouth. ^[44] The property was advertised for rent, in The Monmouthshire Beacon, in July and August.

Louisa and William’s second child, a daughter, Gesine Louise Weber Gould, was born on 30 July 1894.^[45]

A carte de visite of an engraved silver cup was produced by Louisa Margaret Weber at the Wye Valley Studio.^[46] It is undated, and the engraved writing on the cup is indecipherable in the photograph. It appears to have an agricultural theme.

Louisa moved The Wye Valley Studio to 66 Monnow Street, Monmouth. Kelly’s Directory of Monmouthshire & S Wales of 1895 recorded: "Weber, Louisa M. (Mrs.) photographer & artists’ repository, 66 Monnow street".^[47] Details had presumably been collected some months before publication as, Louisa left The Wye Valley Studio in Monnow Street, Monmouth early in 1895. In April, W. Harman advertised in The Monmouthshire Beacon that he had taken over the business.^[48] He appears to have been no more successful than the previous owners, and in 1897, E. & A. Conway advertised that they had purchased the business and were running the Wye Valley Studio on Monnow Street, Monmouth.^[49]

Louisa moved to Bracknell, in Berkshire, and continued to operate as a photographer. Bracknell had grown into a market town with the opening of the railway in 1856 and a major brickworks had followed a few years later. It has since been transformed into a New town. Louisa was advertising The Cleveland Studio in London Road, Bracknell, from May until August 1895.^[50]

The building of the new studio in London Road, Bracknell, fell foul of Easthampstead Rural District Council bye-laws, and its demolition was ordered in July 1895. The Reading Mercury reported the decision of the Bracknell District Council meeting and noted Mr Weber of London Road appeared before the Council to show cause why a studio built in contravention of the bye-laws should not be removed. It reported: “Plans of the building were produced. Mr. Weber, who is a stranger to the district, pleaded ignorance of the by-laws, stating he had trusted the building entirely to the builder. He expressed his regret. It was decided the building should be removed at once.”^[51] However, in August the council was persuaded that alterations to the building could resolve the difficulties. The Berkshire Chronicle, reported: “On the proposition of Mr W. Walker, seconded by Mr H. M. Osman, it was unanimously resolved that the studio recently erected by Mr Weber in the London Road be allowed to stand for one month to enable the owner to supply fresh plans for the alteration of the same.”^[52]

On 8 September 1895, William and Louisa’s third child, John Weber Gould, was born in Bracknell.^[53] Both John and his older sister, Gesine, were baptized in Christchurch, Melcombe Regis, Dorset, on 17 January 1897.^[54]

Louisa joined in the life of the community at Bracknell. In October 1896, “a pretty fruit of an orange gourd, grown by Messrs. Weber and Coggins, photographers, Bracknell, and exhibited by Mr Lloyd” was among the curious exhibits at a Fruit and Vegetable Show at the Iron Duke Hotel, in Crowthorne.^[55]

In October 1896, Louisa was asked to photograph The Duke and Duchess of Teck, who were visiting Bracknell to officially open an Art Exhibition, which attracted 1,400 visitors. An article in The Berkshire Chronicle, on 31 October 1896, described the Royal Visit and added: “Before leaving Warfield Park on Monday last, their Royal Highnesses sent for Mrs Weber, photographer, to take their photographs.” ^[56] The Royal Command for a photograph was also reported in The Reading Observer.^[57]

On 5 November 1896, Louisa submitted a form to the Stationer’s Company to register the copyright of the photograph of “Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Teck” and it was formally registered on 9 November 1896. The copyright owner was registered as “Louisa Margaret Weber, trading as Weber Coggins, Cleveland Studio, London Road, Bracknell, Berkshire,” while the copyright author was registered as “Louisa Margaret Weber, Cleveland Studio, London Road, Bracknell, Berkshire”. The address of the studio was stamped on the rear of the photograph.^[58] The photograph shows the Duke and Duchess of Teck standing in a doorway, wearing winter coats.

A Cabinet card produced by the Cleveland Studio declared: “Patronized by T.R.M. The Duke of Duchess of Teek, The Nobility and Gentry”.^[59]

Charles Crocker was a 39-year-old single man, living with his two younger sisters, Elizabeth and Ada, at the time of the 1901 Census. Their home was in London Road, Bracknell. ^[60]

Kelly’s Directory of Berkshire, published in June 1899, listed Mrs. Louisa M. Weber, at London Road, Bracknell.^[61]

Louisa Margaret Weber wrote her Will on 31 December 1900, and it was witnessed by Alfred Sheffield, Congregational Minister, of Fair View, Bracknell, and Harriet Richards, a nurse, of Devonshire Cottage, Bracknell.^[62] The Will makes no mention of William Gould. Instead, her Executor, was named as Charles Crocker, a farmer of Bullbrook, Bracknell, who was given a legacy of £20. Louisa was clearly seeking to safeguard the future of her children, and Charles Crocker was appointed “Guardian of my infant children”. Her estate was left, in trust, for the benefit of her three children.

Louisa Margaret Weber died on 31 January 1901.^[63] She was living at Cleveland Studio, London Road, Bracknell, Berkshire, England.^[64] Her death certificate – in the name of Louisa Margaret Weber – gives the cause of death as exhaustion from Phthisis, an archaic term for pulmonary tuberculosis.^[65] The death was registered by William Gould, who was in attendance at her death, and is described as the occupier of the house in London Road, Bracknell.

Probate was granted to Charles Crocker.^[66] Notices were published in The London Gazette and local newspapers in May 1902, notifying any creditors to contact solicitors Sargeant and Haye in Wokingham. Her estate was valued at just over £640.

It seems unlikely that the studio continued after Louisa’s death. On 2 April 1902, an advertisement for an auction of household furniture and goods in Bracknell, included among the items for sale “a quantity of photographic apparatus (removed from the studio of the late Mrs. Weber)”.^[67]

Sources

1. ↑ (1) “Birth Certificate: Margaret Louisa Weber,” 17 May 1865, Saint Mary Extra, Southampton, 1865, June, South Stoneham, Vol. 2C, Page 45, Digital scan, J.P. Weber Archive. Interestingly, her mother is identified as ‘Celia Weber late Cook formerly Cruse’. (ii) General Register Office index, 1865, June, South Stoneham, Vol. 2c, Page 45, Margaret Louisa Weber. FreeBMD records the birth registration in the name Margaret Senior Weber. (iii) Certificate of Successful Vaccination. 15 April 1868, gives her age as two years and 11 months.
2. ↑ The Genealogist, “Baptism Record for Margaret Louisa Weber in the Parish of Hound,” Parish Transcript Baptisms, Births and Bastardy Records [Database. online].
3. ↑ “Compulsory Vaccination Act Certificate,” 15 April 1868, Weston Common, St Mary Extra, Hampshire, Photocopy, J.P. Weber Archive.
4. ↑ “1871 England Census: Household of Georgina Weber,” Church Road, Scholing Hound, Hampshire, England, 2 April 1871, The National Archives; Kew, London, England; 1871 England Census; Class: RG10; Piece: 1196; Folio: 39; Page: 21; GSU roll: 827814, Digital scan, Ancestry.com. 1871 England Census [database on-line], 26 September 2020.
5. ↑ “1881 England Census: Household of Geisine Weber,” 6 Mount Place, Southampton, Hampshire, 3 April 1881, Class: RG11; Piece: 1212; Folio: 89; Page: 12; GSU roll: 1341297, Digital scan, Ancestry.com and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 1881 England Census [database on-line], 27 September 2020.
6. ↑ Sotonopedia, the online A-Z of Southampton’s history, identifies Mount Place as a 19th century court in Mount Street. Mount Street formerly ran between Canal Walk and Orchard Lane, south of Bell Street and north of Union Street, near to where Queen's House now stands. The houses date to the 1830s or 1840s and were demolished in the 1930s as part of a slum clearance scheme.
7. ↑ (1) Debenham and Smith 1883-1887, Southampton Victorian Photographers, http://www.southamptonvictorianphotographers.org/debenham-and-smith.html, accessed 3 October 2020. (2) Anon. (2020), Smith, Water Azemberg, Suffolk Artists, https://suffolkartists.co.uk/index.cgi?choice=painter&pid=586, accessed 3 October 2020.
8. ↑ Partnerships Dissolved, The Hampshire County Newspaper, 17 September 1887, p. 8, The British Newspaper Archive. “Partnerships Dissolved: Edwin Debenham and Walter Armberg Smith, trading as Debenham and Smith, at 1 Sussex-place, Southampton, photographers. Debenham retires.”
9. ↑ “WANTED APPRENTICE (Lady) about 16 – apply in own handwriting – T. Braybrook, Photographer, Church-square.” Northern Daily Mail, Hartlepool, 18 May 1889, 1, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive.
10. ↑ (1) “Photography,” The Hampshire Independent, Southampton, 11 May 1889, 4, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive. (2) “Photography,” The Hampshire Independent, Southampton, 18 May 1889, 1, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive. (3) “Photography,” The Hampshire Independent, Southampton, 1 June 1889, 1, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive. (4) “Photography,” The Hampshire Independent, Southampton, 8 June 1889, 4, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive. (5) “Photography,” The Hampshire Independent, Southampton, 15 June 1889, 4, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive. (6) “Photography,” The Hampshire Independent, Southampton, 22 June 1889, 4, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive. (7) “Photography,” The Hampshire Independent, Southampton, 29 June 1889, 1, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive. (8) “Photography,” The Hampshire Independent, Southampton, 6 July 1889, 1, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive. (9) “Photography,” The Hampshire Independent, Southampton, 13 July 1889, 4, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive. (10) “Photography,” The Hampshire Independent, Southampton, 20 July 1889, 1, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive.
11. ↑ Kelly’s Directory, Monmouthshire, 1891, Kelly’s Directory, 78.
12. ↑ (1) “Photography”, The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 16 June 1888, 1, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive. (2) “Photography”, The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 23 June 1888, 1, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive. (3) “Photography”, The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 30 June 1888, 5, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive.
13. ↑ “The Proprietor of the “Wye Valley” Photographic Studio”, The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 8 June 1889, 1, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive.
14. ↑ (1) “High-Class Photography at Popular Prices”, The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 5 October 1889, 1, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive. (2) “High-Class Photography at Popular Prices”, The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 14 December1889, 1, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive.
15. ↑ (1) “Bracknell man fined £20. Neglecting his Children,” The Berkshire Chronicle, Reading, 26 October 1901, 7, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive. (2) “Neglecting Children - A heavy fine.,” The Reading Observer, Reading, 24 October 1901, 2, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive. (3) “Child neglect at Bracknell - Exemplary fine,” Reading Mercury, Oxford Gazette, Newbury Herald, and Berks County Paper, Reading, 26 October 1901, 9, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive.
16. ↑ . “1891 Wales Census: Household of William Gould,” 6 Glendower Street, Monmouth, Monmouthshire, Wales, 5 April 1891, Class: RG12; Piece: 4343; Folio: 70; Page: 14; GSU roll: 6099453, Digital scan, Ancestry.com. 1891 Wales Census [database on-line], 13 October 2020.
17. ↑ “Civil Divorce Records, 1858-1918: William Gould,” 27 August 1880, High Court of Justice, Reference Number: J 77/248/7089, The National Archives; Kew, Surrey, England; Court for Divorce and Matrimonial Causes, later Supreme Court of Judicature: Divorce and Matrimonial Causes Files, J 77, Digital scans, Ancestry.com. England & Wales, Civil Divorce Records, 1858-1918 [database on-line].
18. ↑ (1) “Civil Registration Birth Index, 1837-1915,” January - March 1891, Monmouth, Vol. 11a, Page 42, Original data: General Register Office. England and Wales Civil Registration Indexes. London, England: General Register Office., Digital scan, FreeBMD. England & Wales, Civil Registration Birth Index, 1837-1915 [database on-line]. (2) “Easthampstead National School Admissions Register,” 1903, Easthampstead, Berkshire, D/P49/28/6, Berkshire Record Office, Digital scan, FindmyPast [database online].
19. ↑ “1891 Census: Household of Edwin Seward,” 1 Upwey Street, Melcombe Regis, Weymouth, Dorset, 31 March 1901, The National Archives of the UK (TNA); Kew, Surrey, England; Census Returns of England and Wales, 1891; Class: RG12; Piece: 1646; Folio: 100; Page: 13; GSU roll: 6096756, Digital scan, Ancestry.com. 1891 England Census [database on-line], 19 October 2020.
20. ↑ “Register of Baptisms at Chrustchurch in the Parish of Melcombe Regis,” 30 July 1891, Melcombe Regis, Dorset, -Dorset History Centre; Dorchester, England; Reference: PE/MCR(CC), Digital scan, Ancestry.com. Dorset, England, Church of England Births and Baptisms, 1813-1906 [database on-line].
21. ↑ (1) “ACCIDENTS” The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 18 April 1891, 1, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive. (2) “ACCIDENTS” The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 9 May 1891, 1, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive. (3) “ACCIDENTS” The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 16 May 1891, 1, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive. (4) “ACCIDENTS” The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 23 May 1891, 1, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive. (5) “ACCIDENTS” The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 30 May 1891, 4, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive.
22. ↑ “DOMESTIC SERVANT WANTED,” The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 26 September 1891, 1, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive.
23. ↑ “Artistic Photography,” The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 29 August 1891, 5, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive.
24. ↑ (1) “Artistic Photography,” The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 5 September 1891, 1, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive. (2) “Artistic Photography,” The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 12 September 1891, 1, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive. (3) “Artistic Photography,” The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 19 September 1891, 1, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive. (4) “Artistic Photography,” The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 26 September 1891, 1, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive. (5) “Artistic Photography,” The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 10 October 1891, 1, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive. (6) “Artistic Photography,” The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 3 October 1891, 4, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive. (7) “Artistic Photography,” The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 17 October 1891, 1, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive. (8) “Artistic Photography,” The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 24 October 1891, 1, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive. (9) “Artistic Photography,” The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 31 October 1891, 1, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive. (10) “Artistic Photography,” The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 7 November 1891, 1, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive. (11) “Artistic Photography,” The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 14 November 1891, 1, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive. (12) “Artistic Photography,” The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 21 November 1891, 1, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive. (13) “Artistic Photography,” The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 28 November 1891, 1, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive. (14) “Artistic Photography,” The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 5 December 1891, 1, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive. (15) “Artistic Photography,” The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 12 December 1891, 1, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive. (16) “Artistic Photography,” The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 19 December 1891, 1, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive. (17) “Artistic Photography,” The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 26 December 1891, 1, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive. (18) “Artistic Photography,” The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 2 January 1892, 1, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive. (19) “Artistic Photography,” The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 16 January 1892, 1, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive. (20) “Artistic Photography,” The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 23 January 1892, 1, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive. (21) “Artistic Photography,” The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 30 January 1892, 1, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive. (22) “Artistic Photography,” The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 6 February 1892, 1, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive.
25. ↑ “WANTED,” The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 6 February 1892, 1, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive.
26. ↑ (1) “Artistic Photography!,” The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 27 February 1892, 1, Digital scan, FindMyPast.org.uk and The British Newspaper Archive. (2) “Artistic Photography!,” The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 5 March 1892, 1, Digital scan, FindMyPast.org.uk and The British Newspaper Archive. (3) “Artistic Photography!,” The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 12 March 1892, 5, Digital scan, FindMyPast.org.uk and The British Newspaper Archive. (4) “Artistic Photography!,” The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 19 March 1892, 1, Digital scan, FindMyPast.org.uk and The British Newspaper Archive. (5) “Artistic Photography!,” The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 26 March 1892, 1, Digital scan, FindMyPast.org.uk and The British Newspaper Archive. (6) “Artistic Photography!,” The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 2 April 1892, 1, Digital scan, FindMyPast.org.uk and The British Newspaper Archive. (7) “Artistic Photography!,” The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 9 April 1892, 1, Digital scan, FindMyPast.org.uk and The British Newspaper Archive. (8) “Artistic Photography!,” The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 16 April 1892, 1, Digital scan, FindMyPast.org.uk and The British Newspaper Archive. (9) “Artistic Photography!,” The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 23 April 1892, 1, Digital scan, FindMyPast.org.uk and The British Newspaper Archive. (10) “Artistic Photography!,” The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 30 April 1892, 1, Digital scan, FindMyPast.org.uk and The British Newspaper Archive. (11) “Artistic Photography!,” The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 14 May 1892, 1, Digital scan, FindMyPast.org.uk and The British Newspaper Archive. (12) “Artistic Photography!,” The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 21 May 1892, 1, Digital scan, FindMyPast.org.uk and The British Newspaper Archive. (13) “Artistic Photography!,” The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 28 May 1892, 1, Digital scan, FindMyPast.org.uk and The British Newspaper Archive. (14) “Artistic Photography!,” The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 25 June 1892, 1, Digital scan, FindMyPast.org.uk and The British Newspaper Archive.
27. ↑ “Photograph of the Rev Peter Mackenzie, full face, head & shoulders with shaved chin,” 27 February 1892, COPY 1/407/149A, Bundle of forms applying for registration for copyright at The Stationer’s Company, Transcription, The National Archives, Kew.
28. ↑ “Visit of the Rev. Peter Mackenzie”, The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 27 June 1891, 5, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive.
29. ↑ “Local Retrospect”, The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 2 January 1892, 56 Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive.
30. ↑ “Presentation to the Rev. Wentworth Watson”, The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 25 June 1892, 8, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive.
31. ↑ “Local and District Intelligence”, The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 9 April 1892, 5, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive.
32. ↑ “Local and District Intelligence,” The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 14 May 1892, 5, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive.
33. ↑ “Photograph of the Rev Wentworth Watson, MA, full face, ¾ length, sitting,” and “Photograph of the Rev Wentworth Watson, MA, full face, head & shoulders,” 20 May 1892, COPY 1/408/203-4, Bundle of forms applying for registration for copyright at The Stationer’s Company, Transcription, The National Archives, Kew. Photograph: COPY 3/169 Register of photographs.
34. ↑ “THE LATE VICAR OF MONMOUTH,” The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 28 May 1892, 5, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive.
35. ↑ “Local and District Intelligence,” The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 14 May 1892, 5, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive.
36. ↑ “Photograph of the Rev Wentworth Watson, MA, full face, ¾ length, sitting,” and “Photograph of the Rev Wentworth Watson, MA, full face, head & shoulders,” 20 May 1892, COPY 1/408/203-4, Bundle of forms applying for registration for copyright at The Stationer’s Company, Transcription, The National Archives, Kew. Photograph: COPY 3/169 Register of photographs.
37. ↑ “THE LATE VICAR OF MONMOUTH,” The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 28 May 1892, 5, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive.
38. ↑ “Local and District Intelligence,” The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 29 October 1892, 5, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive.
39. ↑ “Photography,” The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 25 February 1893, 5, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive.
40. ↑ “Sale of work at the Rolls Hall,” The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 28 January 1893, 5, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive.
41. ↑ “Photography,” The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 4 March 1893, 5, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive.
42. ↑ “Monmouth Town Council,” The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 15 April 1893, 5, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive.
43. ↑ Kelly's Directory of Monmouthshire and South Wales, 1895. [Part 1: Monmouthshire Directory & South Wales Localities], Kelly and Co., 87.
44. ↑ (1) “To Let,” The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 15 July 1893, 1, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive. (2) “To Let,” The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 22 July 1893, 1, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive. (3) “To Let,” The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 29 July 1893, 1, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive. (4) “To Let,” The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 5 August 1893, 1, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive. (5) “To Let,” The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 12 August 1893, 1, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive. (6) “To Let,” The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 19 August 1893, 1, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive.
45. ↑ (1) “Civil Registration Birth Index, 1837 - 1915,” 1894, Monmouth, Vol. 11a, Page 35, General Register Office. England and Wales Civil Registration Indexes. London, England: General Register Office, Digital scan, FreeBMD. England & Wales, Civil Registration Birth Index, 1837-1915 [database on-line]. GRO Index identifies her mother’s maiden name as ‘Weber’. (2) “Civil Registration Death Index, 1916-2007,” October - December 1979, Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, General Register O!ice; United Kingdom; Volume: 19; Page: 1233, Digital scan, Ancestry.com. England & Wales, Civil Registration Death Index, 1916-2007 [database on-line].
46. ↑ Photograph, CDV, engraved silver cup, L.M. Weber, Wye Valley Studio, Monmouth. J.P. Weber collection.
47. ↑ Kelly's Directory of Monmouthshire and South Wales, 1895. [Part 1: Monmouthshire Directory & South Wales Localities], Kelly and Co., 112.
48. ↑ (1) “W. Harman,” The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 6 April 1895, 1, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive. (2) “W. Harman,” The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 13 April 1895, 1, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive. (3) “W. Harman,” The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 20 April 1895, 1, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive.
49. ↑ “Wye Valley Studio”, The Monmouthshire Beacon, Monmouth, 2 July 1897, 1, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive.
50. ↑ (1) “Photography,” The Reading Observer, Reading, 18 May 1895, 1, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive. (2) “Photography,” The Reading Observer, Reading, 25 May 1895, 4, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive. (3) “Photography,” The Reading Observer, Reading, 1 June 1895, 6, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive. (4) “Photography,” The Reading Observer, Reading, 8 June 1895, 6, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive. (5) “Photography,” The Reading Observer, Reading, 15 June 1895, 6, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive. (6) “Photography,” The Reading Observer, Reading, 22 June 1895, 6, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive. (7) “Photography,” The Reading Observer, Reading, 29 June 1895, 6, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive. (8) “Photography,” The Reading Observer, Reading, 6 July 1895, 6, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive. (9) “Photography,” The Reading Observer, Reading, 13 July 1895, 6, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive. (10) “Photography,” The Reading Observer, Reading, 20 July 1895, 6, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive. (11) “Photography,” The Reading Observer, Reading, 27 July 1895, 6, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive. (12) “Photography,” The Reading Observer, Reading, 27 July 1895, 6, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive. (13) “Photography,” The Reading Observer, Reading, 10 August 1895, 7, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive.
51. ↑ “Bracknell District Council Meeting,” The Reading Mercury, Oxford Gazette, Newbury Herald and Berks County Paper, Reading, 27 July 1895, 7, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive.
52. ↑ “Rural District Council,” The Berkshire Chronicle, Reading, 31 August 1895, 8, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive.
53. ↑ “Civil Registration Birth Index, 1837-1915,” Oct - Dec 1895, Easthampstead, Vol. 2c, Page 394, General Register Office. England and Wales Civil Registration Indexes. London, England: General Register Office., Digital scan, FreeBMD. England & Wales, Civil Registration Birth Index, 1837-1915 [database on-line]. GRO Index identifies his mother’s maiden name as ‘Weber’.
54. ↑ “Register of Baptisms at Christchurch in the Parish of Melcombe Regis, Dorset,” 17 January 1897, Christchurch, Melcombe Regis, Dorset, Dorset History Centre; Dorchester, England; Reference: PE/MCR(CC), Digital scan, Ancestry.com. Dorset, England, Church of England Births and Baptisms, 1813-1906 [database on-line].
55. ↑ “Fruit and Vegetable Show,” The Berkshire Chronicle, Reading, 3 October 1896, 8, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive.
56. ↑ “Royalty at Bracknell,” The Berkshire Chronicle, Reading, 31 October 1896, 6, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive.
57. ↑ “The Art Exhibition,” The Reading Observer, Reading, 31 October 1896, 8, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive.
58. ↑ “Photograph of Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Teck',” 5 November 1896, COPY 1/427/584, Bundle of forms applying for registration for copyright at The Stationer’s Company, Transcription, The National Archives, Kew. The National Archives catalogue entry incorrectly transcribes ‘Coggins’ as ‘Huggins’.
59. ↑ “Weber & Coggins,” Undated, c. 1897-1900, The Cleveland Studio, London Road, Bracknell, Berks., Cabinet Card, J.P. Weber collection. “Patronised by T.R.H. The Duke and Duchess of Teek, The Nobility and Gentry. Weber & Coggins, Portrait and Landscape Photographers, Cleveland Studio, London Road, Bracknell, Berks. Enlargements in Oil, Water Colour or Monochrome. Further copies can always be obtained.” The name Teek is a misspelling of The Duke and Duchess of Teck.
60. ↑ 1901 England Census: Household of Charles Crocker, London Road, Bracknell, Berkshire, FindMyPast 1901 England Census [database on-line], RG13, 1163, Folio 72. Page 1, accessed 16 January 2021.
61. ↑ Kelly’s Directories Ltd., Kelly’s Directory of Berkshire, Kelly’s Directories Ltd., High Holborn, London. June 1899, 43 and 363.
62. ↑ “Last Will and Testament of Louisa Margaret Weber,” UK Government Probate Record, https://probatesearch.service.gov.uk/.
63. ↑ “Civil Registration Death Index, 1837-1915,” January - March 1901, Easthampstead, Berkshire, Vol. 2c Page 300, General Register Office. England and Wales Civil Registration Indexes. London, England: General Register Office, Digital scan, FreeBMD. England & Wales, Civil Registration Death Index, 1837-1915 [database on-line].
64. ↑ Sargeant and Haye, Solicitors, “Louisa Weber, deceased,” The London Gazette, Issue 27435, Page 3347, 20 May 1902.
65. ↑ “Death Certificate: Louisa Margaret Weber,” 15 February 1901, Bracknell, Vol. 2c, Page 300, Digital scan, General Register Office. Copy in J.P. Weber archive.
66. ↑ “Index to Death Duty Registers 1796-1903,” 1901, Court of Probate: IR27/589, Digital scan, FindMyPast.
67. ↑ “Auction Room Bracknell,” The Reading Mercury, Reading, 12 April 1902, 5, Digital scan, FindMyPast and The British Newspaper Archive.