Phebe Ann (While) Evans (1885 - 1970)

Born 14 Jan 1885 in Rowley Regis, Staffordshire, England

Ancestors

Wife of Arthur Leonard Evans — married 13 Aug 1910 in Blackheath, Staffordshire, England

Descendants

Died 21 Feb 1970 at age 85 in Blackheath, Staffordshire, England

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Biography

Phebe Ann, as her name was registered at birth, was born on 14 January 1885 at Rowley Regis, Staffordshire, the daughter of Benjamin While and Clara Gadd. Her date of birth was recorded in the 1939 Register. She was baptised on 1 March 1885 at St. Paul's Church, Blackheath. Her name was then written as Phoebe Ann.

In the 1891 census her family was living at Hackett Street, Rowley Regis. Phoebe, aged 6, was attending school.

The family's surname While then became Whyle.

In 1901 the family was living at Hays Rd, The Hill. Phoebe was aged 16.

Phoebe Ann Whyle married Arthur Leonard Evans on 13 August 1910 at St. Paul’s Church, Blackheath. Their marriage certificate recorded Arthur was a bachelor aged 29 years and a stock taker. His father was named as William Evans (deceased), a carter. Phoebe was a spinster aged 25. Her father was named as Benjamin Whyle, a labourer. Arthur’s address at the time of marriage was 53 Beeches Rd and Phoebe’s was New John St, both in Blackheath. Their witnesses were Herbert Whyle, Phoebe’s brother, and Nellie Partridge.

This couple had one daughter named Maggie Gwynne/Gwenny Evans, born 11 February 1911 in Blackheath.

In the 1911 census this family was living at 6 High Field Road, Blackheath. Arthur, aged 30, was a stocktaker. Phoebe was aged 26 and little Maggie was aged just 1 month.

From a letter written by Fred Cashmore to Nellie Gadd, both cousins of Phoebes, dated 3 Nov 1918 - Well, Nellie everyone seems to be going on well in England except Phoebe Whyle and she is very, very ill. She is going exactly the same as Katie went and I am afraid she will never be much good. Her husband is very worried about her and so is everyone else for she was very nice and is loved by all her relatives.

The 1939 Register, taken on 29 September 1939, has been described as a snapshot of the civilian population of England and Wales just after the outbreak of the Second World War. The Register recorded each person's address, date of birth and occupation.
Arthur and Phoebe were then living at 31 Darby Street, Rowley Regis. Arthur, aged 59, was working as a general labourer. His date of birth was recorded as 26 August 1880. Phoebe, aged 54, was a picture house cleaner.

Another cousin in New Zealand [Doris Gadd] wrote to Phoebe in the 1950s/1960s. Her address at that time was still 31 Darby St, [Blackheath].

Arthur Leonard Evans died on 24 July 1965 aged 85 years.

Phoebe Ann Evans died on 21 February 1970 aged 85 years [Death Mar Qtr 1970/Dudley 9b 729 – DOB 14 January 1885].

This couple were buried at St. Paul’s Church Graveyard, Blackheath, Section A Row 3 4. Their headstone reads -
In loving memory of Arthur Leonard Evans departed this life 24th July 1965 aged 85 years
Also Phoebe Ann Evans departed this life 21st Feb. 1970 aged 85 years.

Sources

GRO Birth Index
WHILE, PHEBE ANN Mother's maiden name GADD
GRO Reference: 1885 M Quarter in DUDLEY Volume 06C Page 17