Life story retold by Kim Reynolds
William Watts was born in West Ilsley, Berkshire, the son of William and Lucy Watts. He was baptised there on 17 July 1791.
In 1841, at the age 45 he is recorded on the census as brewer’s labourer, of Little Crown Lane, St Giles, Reading. He lived there with his wife Sarah (40), daughters Lucy (15) and Sarah (10).
In 1851, he is recorded as Brewer’s Man, of 1 Little Crown Yard, St Giles. Wife and daughter (both Sarahs) were laundresses. At same address in 1861, he is described as Brewer’s Servant. His grand-daughter, Elizabeth Herman (3), born in Reading, was living with them as shown on the census.
William died in Reading, May 1870.
Sources
- England and Wales Censuses, 1841-1911
- 1939 England and Wales Register
- Birth, Marriage and Death Civil Registration Indexes
- Baptism, Marriage and Burial Records
- Newspapers: Reading Mercury, Meat Trades’ Journal and Cattle Salesman’s Gazetteer, Reading Observer, Reading Standard, Reading Evening Post, Westminster Gazette, Pall Mall Gazette
Buried in Section 49, Row A, Number 9