On his frequent visits to his grandmother Rachel in Swindon, Edward Thomas, literary critic, journalist, poet and biographer of Richard Jefferies, met David Uzzell – a man he referred to as ‘Dad Uzzell’
Uzzell was born in Ewen, Kemble, Gloucestershire in 1841 the son of John and Sarah Uzzell. He married Fanny Holliday on December 25, 1863 at Stratton, Gloucestershire. By 1871 they were living in Cirencester where David worked as a labourer. The couple had a six year old son William. By 1881 they were living at 95 Gloster Street, Cirencester where they would remain for many years before moving to Swindon by 1901. The couple lived at 6 John St Terrace where David worked as a Caretaker for the Salvation Army Barracks.
Uzzell has been described as a countryman, but also as a bit of a rogue. He taught Edward Thomas about country folklore and came to epitomise the agricultural labourer/poacher and fisherman that Edward later wrote about.
David Uzzell died at his home, 6 John St Terrace in December 1919 and was buried in grave plot B2190, a public grave, with four others. Fanny died three years later aged 85. She was buried on December 8, 1922 in grave plot C503, another public grave. She is buried with four others including her son William who died in 1925.
David Uzzell may have been a bit of a ‘country rogue’ but he has earned a place in literary history.
David Uzzell and his wife Fanny pictured holding their pension books.
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Radnor Street Cemetery 
Thank you for this article on “Dad” Uzzell, he was my Gt.Grandfather, and the Uzzell family had planned to have plaques made for his and his wife’s resting place, but the pandemic stopped that happening, hopefully it can be arranged this year.
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