What impression can a 20 year old make on history? Unmarried and without children, once his parents and his sister died, who would remember Henry John Hatter. He didn’t die on a battlefield as so many young men would during two World Wars. Unless we order his death certificate we will not know what killed him.
More than 100 years after his death, we can remember him.
Henry John Hatter was born on June 4, 1884 in Swindon. His father Henry was a Sawyer and Machine Man in the Works. His mother Selina was a housewife. The following year a daughter was born. The family was complete.
Henry John began work as an office boy in the GWR Works on July 18, 1897 aged 14. Just after his birthday in June 1904 he transferred to the General Manager’s Office at Paddington. He proved to be a popular member of staff.
By special request we give a portrait of Mr. H.J. Hatter, who death occurred at the end of February. Mr Hatter, who was only 20 years of age, was a member of the staff of the General Manager’s office, having come to London from the Locomotive Engineer’s office, Swindon, as recently as July last. In this short time he had established himself a favourite with his office colleagues and with the Athletic Association, of which he was regarded as a promising member. His early death caused much sympathy and regret both at Paddington and Swindon.
Great Western Railway Magazine 1905
Henry John Hatter of 31 Granville Street died aged 20. He was buried on March 3, 1905 in grave plot E8612.
Selina Hatter died in 1915 at her home in Granville Street. Henry died a year later. They are buried with their son. Mabel Louise became a teacher. She never married. She died on March 26, 1948. Who would remember Henry John now, or her come to that. We can.
Radnor Street Cemetery 