Sometimes the cemetery map can be a little misleading. When I researched the Holbrow family a year or so ago it appeared that the family grave might be beneath a path. There was no evidence to suggest that sections of the cemetery had been re-configured and as it turned out the Holbrow family plot was on the periphery of Section E but with plenty of room for a fine headstone.
Samuel Edward Holbrow was born on November 5, 1871 the son of Joseph and Mary Holbrow. At the time of the 1881 census Samuel, his five brothers and sisters and his parents were living at 10 Reading Street, sharing a property with Elijah Jones and his daughter Sarah, evidence of the overcrowded situation in the railway village that continued into the 1880s.
He began his 7 year apprenticeship in the Tender & Fitting Shop in the Works on his 14th birthday on a daily rate of 10d rising to 2/- in his 7th year. His record of employment shows that he received his certificate signed on November 19, 1892 by H. Birch (accountant at the GWR Works after whom Birch Street was named) and that he left in April 1893. A completed apprenticeship did not guarantee a permanent job in the Swindon Works as so many of the newly qualified apprentices discovered.
During his absence from Swindon Samuel married Minnie Florence Louise Bishop at St. Andrew’s Church, Cardiff. By 1896 the couple had returned to Swindon and their elder daughter Elsie (born in Devonport on August 24, 1896) was baptised at Christchurch in 1897 when the family lived at 60 Dixon Street.
Their second daughter Hilda May was baptised at St. Mark’s Church on June 19, 1898 when the family lived at 9 Dean Street. Soon after Hilda’s birth the family moved to 47 Deacon Street where Samuel died in 1941 and Minnie in 1965. This would remain Hilda’s home until her death in 1995.
Her sister Elsie, however, had a much more adventurous life – you can read more by following the link below.
Samuel Edward Holbrow
Samuel, Minnie and their daughter Hilda are all buried in grave plot E7643A. Interred with them are the cremated remains of 9 year old Peter Scott, Samuel and Minnie’s great grandson who was born in Peru. His death was registered in Lothingland, East Anglia, however the address recorded in the Burial Register is Hotel Junin, Oraya, Peru. Another mystery to solve!
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Radnor Street Cemetery 