James George Merricks has already appeared on our radar, thanks to Rhonda and her Astill family history research.
She tells us that Amy Maud Astill’s husband Arthur Mills was assistant to Mr Merricks of Gilbert’s Furniture shop in Newport Street, Swindon in 1900, becoming a partner in the business in 1923 and moved the shop to Bridge Street, Swindon and renamed it Mills and Merricks – of course Gilberts is still trading in Newport Street to this day, perhaps Arthur and James became partners in an independent venture.
Now I need someone to fill in a few more gaps, such as how did James end up in South Africa in 1891 and what was Alice doing there?
In 1881 Alice was working as a governess for farmer Walter G. Cloke at Wiltshire Farm in Wokingham. Meanwhile James was working as a draper’s assistant in Bath. But by 1891 they were getting married in South Africa where their four sons were born Eric George in 1892, Edward Alfred in 1893, Lionel Marten in 1896 and John Gordon in 1901.
James George Merricks
By 1901 James and Alice had returned to Swindon and were living at 42 St. Margarets Road, possibly where this photograph was taken in the back garden.
James George Merricks was a member of the Baptist Tabernacle, acting as Treasurer for 21 years. In 1934 shortly before his death, Mr J.G. Merricks presented a complete set of individual Communion bread plates to fit the cups previously given by his great friend and associate Mr. E.J. Lay. The two men are pictured together here.
There is still more to be learnt about this man. Especially how he came to spend such a lengthy spell in South Africa. Could this have been to do with the Baptist Tabernacle, I wonder?
James George Merricks died aged 75 years at his home 38 Devizes Road. He was buried on April 20, 1935 in grave plot E7574, joining his wife Alice who died in November 1923.
Radnor Street Cemetery 