We are the ancestors of our grandchildren’s children.
We look after them,
just as our ancestors look after us.
We aren’t here for ourselves.
We are here for each other
and for the children of our grandchildren.

Our ancestors are totally essential to our every waking moment, although most of us don’t even have the faintest idea about who they are or their lives, their trials, their hardships or challenges.
It’s their hardships and achievements that run through our veins, it’s their love and tenderness which gives rhythm to are heartbeat. It’s their sorrow that taught us the power of tears and their souls taught us, strength bravery, wisdom, hope and most of all how to love.
Our ancestors gave us the gift of life, and although many don’t care to remember or learn their names, their relationships and their lives, I however love to learn about the incredible beings who gave us more than life itself. 

In learning about their history, I’ve learn more about myself, my personality, my hopes and dreams, my characteristics, than I ever thought possible.
And in doing so I’ve given them the gift of eternal life, as I do my best to never let them be forgotten.
With each and every ancestor I have the privilege of researching and bringing back to life through remembering their history I wholeheartedly honour each and every one and thank them for their sacrifices, hardships, achievements, but most of all their, hearts, kindness, love and tenderness and wisdom, they gave every imbedded into the souls of their descendants.

I’ve learnt, not through research but through personal family history as well as life, that certain ancestors make their marks on our hearts and minds, more than others. This could not be truer for the next ancestor I wish to share with you.
His name is Walter George Hillier. He is Great, Great-Grandfather of my Husband Mark and Sarah and Rache, our sisters/sister in-law.

Walter seems to be of great character, strong, and powerful, within his own right. He is remembered with love and respect and it has been the greatest honour to research his life.
I must say though, I’ve never felt so nervous/scared about writing about someone’s life, as I am with Walter. The pressure to get his history and hopefully his characteristics correct has been beyond daunting and I feel sick to the stomach in putting my findings out there for all to see. 
I feel that Sarah and I have dedicated the most time, love and respect into researching Walters life, we have dug deeper than ever before. We have written letters to so many people, asking if they can help, sadly these never came to light, but trust me when I say, we tried our very best. I soulfully hope we can do him justice.
So without further ado I give you, 

The Life Of Walter George Hillier.

Welcome, to the the year 1867, Queen Victoria had ruled as monarch for 30 years, and Victorian Britain was nearly half way through her rain of 63 years and seven months. England was on its 19th Parliament and Edward Smith-Stanley, 14th Earl of Derby (Conservative) was Prime Minister.
It was a memorable year, the National Society for Women’s Suffrage, the first such national campaign group, was formed by Lydia Becker. The first comic opera with a score by Arthur Sullivan was publicly performed, the one-act Cox and Box with libretto by F. C. Burnand, opened at the Adelphi Theatre in London and ran for 300 performances.
Joseph Lister, began experiments designed to reduce high hospital mortality rates from septic inflammation. Working on French biologist Louis Pasteur’s germ theory, he used carbolic acid as an antiseptic barrier on patients, reducing mortality on a male accident ward from 45% to 15%. Despite initial scepticism, Lister’s methods were refined and then widely adopted. He is regarded as the founder of modern surgical practice.
And in the September of 1867, my hubbies and my sister in-laws Sarah and Rache’s, 3rd Great Grandfather, Mr Walter Hillier, an Agricultural Labourer, and his wife Mrs Caroline Hillier nee Abraham and their son, Enos Hillier, who was born on Saturday the 13th of August 1865, at Tapnage, Titchfield, Hampshire, England, were living in the Village of Titchfield, Hampshire, England.

Titchfield is a village in southern Hampshire, by the River Meon. The village has a history stretching back to the 6th century. During the medieval period, the village operated a small port and market. Near to the village are the ruins of Titchfield Abbey, a place with strong associations with Shakespeare, through his patron, the Earl of Southampton.

And On Tuesday 3rd September 1867, Caroline, gave birth to a baby boy whom they named, Walter George Hillier. (Great Great Grandfather)
Walter was born at Tapnage, Titchfield, Hampshire, England.

On the 11th of October 1867, Walters Mum, Caroline, traveled to Fareham, possibly by horse and trap to register Walters birth.
I picture Walter Senior at the rains, doing what he does best while putting his full trust in his four legged friend. Caroline by his side, all wrapped up, babe in arms and Enos snuggling into her to keep the cold winter air from tingling his fingers, nose and toes. The sky a sunlit blue and the most beautiful auburn trees lining the dirt roads they travelled along, as the horses huffs, delightful sound echoes around them. Their faces gleaming the brightest of smiles as their hearts overflowed with love. Enos waving his mittened up hands at passers by, as Walter tilts his cap and Caroline welcomes them a good morning.
Their hearts and souls full of pride as their young family celebrate the tiny bundle of love they named Walter George. In my mind its a beautiful sight.
When it was time to sign the register, Caroline gave their abode as Tapnage, Titchfield and her husband Walters, occupation as a Agricultural Labourer.
with the deed done, would they have stayed awhile in town, making the most of their trip or would they have rushed home to a million and one jobs to do?
No matter how their day ended, Im sure their hearts sung as their beautiful farmhouse Tapnage, came into view.

We strongly believe this mesmerising farm house is where Walter, Caroline, Enos and Walter were living and where Walter and Enos were born.
It is now called, Little Tapnage.
What a delightful home to live in. If those four walls could speak, I wonder the stories it would tell. Would it remember the Hillier family, Caroline giving birth, Walters first steps, first words, first laugh, but more importantly the love. (We have contacted the previous owner and she has promised to send us some photographs when she has time. )

A few years later in the year 1869, Tapnage would be echo the sounds of labour and the captivating first cry of a newborn, when Walters younger brother, Edward Hillier, was born on Wednesday the 13th of October 1869. Would Walter senior, have been pacing the floors of Tapnage or kept himself busy outside to dull out the cries of labour. Or maybe his was a modern man and was right by her side supporting the love of his life. Would Walter George and Enos have been close by? or vanished from the scene to protect them from Caroline’s labouring cries? I wonder how they would have been introduced to their baby brother Edward? What they would have thought about the precious baby that would have taken up a lot of their mums time. Were they eager to help out or was their newborn brother an annoyance?

On the 7th December 1869, Caroline once again made the journey to Fareham to register Edwards birth. Being December would there have been snow on the ground? Would Fareham have been bustling with the excitement of Christmas, the markets full of turkeys, Geese’s, cold meat or even boar heads.

I can picture Walter and Enos giddy with excitement, taken in all the festivities, Walter senior giving them that stern look of behave yourselves or there will be trouble, as Caroline signed her X on the register and informed the register that her husband Walter was a Agricultural Labourer.

Jumping forward to the year 1871.
Queen Victoria was still on the throne, William Ewart Gladstone (Liberal) was now Prime Minister, it was the 29th parliament.
The sale of commissions in the British Army abolished as part of the Cardwell Reforms. The disestablishment of the Church of Ireland by the Irish Church Act 1869 came into effect. The servant girl Jane Clouson was murdered in Eltham.
And on the eve of  Sunday the 2nd of April 1871, the census in the United Kingdom, was taken. It was the first to record economic and mental status.
The census shows that Walter, his parents Walter and Caroline and his siblings Enos and Edward were residing at Wickham Road, Titchfield, Fareham, Hampshire, England. Walter (senior), was still working hard as a, Agricultural Labour and 5 year old, Enos was a scholar.
Wickham Road is now known as Titchfield Lane.

Just under a year later, Caroline was once again expecting.
When Caroline reached her time, on Friday the 2nd of February 1872, at the Hilliers home, Tapnage, Titchfield, neighbours and family members would have been called upon to gather, to act as midwife’s assistants, to hear the first cry of the infant, to share drinks and cake, and to hold the baby and share local information.
Surrounded by her nearest and dearest, Caroline, gave birth to a baby boy, a brother for Walter Enos and Edward. They named him Harry Hillier. 
Had her labour have been quick?
Had Walter, Enos and Edward been present or rushed away?
Had Walter and Enos been involving in gathering the troops, when their mum was in the early stages of labour?

Caroline once again traveled to Fareham to registered Harry’s birth, on Saturday, the 9th of March, 1872.
Spring would have been in the air, wildflowers bursting to life, as the fields filled with bouncing lambs surely making their travels even more delightful.
I can picture Caroline, glowing with pride, in her spring bonnet, laced with wildflowers, Harry wraped tightly in a handmade shawl, that possibly matching the one that draped over Carolines shoulders, while Harry suckled at her bosom.
Walter, Enos and Edwards, with their scuffed knees and pulled up socks, secretly declaring that winter is over and the season of new beginnings and new life were in full bloom, Taunting and teasing each other on their journey.
Walter senior, sun kissed face, which was starting to show signs of hard work and exhaustion, while glowing with honour and gratification. It truly would have been a sight to behold.
At the registers, Caroline signed the birth register with an X and once again confirmed that her husband, Walter Hillier (Senior) was working as a Agriculture Labourer at the time of Harry’s birth.

I wonder if they would have celebrated or was the early newborn days to exhausting so. Much so all Caroline, would have wanted was the calm and serenity of her home. I’m sure many jugs of ale, would have passed Walters lips as he wet the Bairns head.

Sorrowfully two short years later, on Monday, the 2nd of March, 1874, Walters Mum, Caroline Hillier nee Abraham, died at, Tapnage, Titchfield.
She died from Dysentery, an infection of the intestines that causes diarrhoea containing blood or mucus.
Ann Mundew, was present and registered her death on the same day, Monday the 2nd of March, 1874.
Caroline was only 30 when she died. So very, very sad.

I can not even begin to imagine the pain, Walter and his brothers felt loosing their mum, its what nightmares are made of. And of course poor Walter senior, loosing his wife. My heart bleeds for them.
I wonder if Walter had many memories of her, or was he too young? I wholeheartedly hope that he at least had a few memories, her smile, her laugh, her hugs and kisses, songs she may have sung, stories she may have told.
How had her death effected him throughout his life?
Did he lack affection or was his dad Walter open with hugs and kisses?
Who would have been the leading womanly influence in his life?
Were the scars from loosing his mother, so deep, he found it extremely hard to show affection? Or did his loss make him love soulfully and openly?

On Friday, the 6th of March 1874, the Hillier family, made their way to St. Peters, Churchyard, St Peters Church, Titchfield, Hampshire, most like in their Sunday bests, where they laid Caroline to rest, in grave number 490.

I imagine all three boys clinging onto their fathers legs, uncontrollably sobbing as tears rolled down their cheeks. Just the thought of those three precious souls grieving their Mum brings tears to my own eyes as my heart aches for the lives they never got to live with their mother.
Standing beside the grave, did they comprehend what was happening? Did they fully understand that Mummy wasn’t coming back? How could they, they were so young, so innocent. What did they know about death and grief and how excruciatingly painful it is, especially when a parent is involved. Unfortunately it’s a lesson most of us have to learn, one I wish I hadn’t and why I feel their grief so very deeply.

A William King was later buried in the same plot as Caroline, on the 19th of December 1890. We can not quite get our heads around why he would have been buried with her. Was he family or was it a poor/open grave? Even though we have no idea of yet, who William King was, it gives my soul a little peace knowing she isn’t alone.
I am very sad to say, Caroline does not have a headstone, and even though I have manage to find the information and location of her burial, it will be very hard to pinpoint the exact location. There are no headstones after row 8, and Carolines plot 490, appears in row 9.  I’m not sure how easy it would be to purchase a headstone, or what the legal requirements are, but when we get that lotto win, I would definitely buy each and every single ancestor of ours, whom does not have a headstone, one, including Caroline. In the meantime maybe one day my darling hubby, will make me some crosses to place in their memory. Everyone deserves a memorial.

Jumping forward to the Years 1881, Queen Victoria was on the throne, William Ewart Gladstone (Liberal) was Prime Minister.
The Natural History Museum was opened in London and in Basingstoke, antagonism between the Salvation Army and supporters of the licensed trade becomes so great that the Riot Act is read and troops are called in to restore order, and the 1881 census was held on the eve of Sunday the 3rd of April 1881, it shows Walter residing at, Butlers Wood, Lockerley, Romsey, Hampshire, England, with his Grandmother Elizabeth Moody nee Hillier nee Grist, Step Grandfather George Barry Moody, his aunt, Jane Moody, uncle David moody and his brother Edward Hillier.
The Hillier name was spelt as Hillyer instead of Hillier and Walter is named as George. Walter was working as a cowboy, Edward a scholar, Walters step Grandfather George Moody, was a farmer of 20 acres, Auntie Jane was a Nurse and Uncle David a Gardener.

At some point during his 21st year (1888) Walter, had this photo taken. Its always so magical to see photographs of our ancestors, I just cant stop looking at Walters, taking in his features, especially his eyes, as I am a great believer in the theory that our eyes are the windows to our souls. I can not quite work out if my hubby Mark, has a slight resemblance or is a Green through and through?

Jumping forward to the year 1891, Queen Victoria is still monarch, it was the 24th parliament and Robert Gascoyne-Cecil, 3rd Marquess of Salisbury (Conservative) was Prime Minister.
The Great Blizzard of 1891 in the south and west of England led to extensive snow drifts and powerful storms off the south coast, with 14 ships sunk and approximately 220 deaths attributed to the weather conditions.
Southampton Docks was acquired by the London and South Western Railway company. Didcot, Newbury and Southampton Railway begins operating.
A major advance in British education happened due to the Elementary Education Act 1891, which put state funds of ten shillings per head towards every child’s education.  This had the effect of making elementary education free and opened a basic education up to all social classes. And the the United Kingdom census was taken on Sunday 5th April 1891 the 1891, which shows the Walter was visiting, Hatcher’s Farm, Carters Clay, Lockerley, Romsey, Hampshire, England, the home of Maria Hatcher a Farmer. 7 year old Minnie L Long, is also visiting.
Once again Hillier spelt with a Y.
Walter was working as a Woodman. He would have been employed in maintenance and protection of woodlands

You may recall that, Hatchers Farm, came up in, the Life Story of David Charles Hillier. Hatchers farm played a big part of not only my Husbands family history but my own families to. 

It wasn’t long before Walter fell in love with a local girl and at the age of 24 year old, bachelor, Walter George Hillier, married, 22 year old, spinster, Mary Ann Moody, daughter of Mr. Henry Moody and Mrs. Ann Moody nee  Bessant, on Wednesday the 13th of April 1892, at the Register Office, Romsey, Hampshire, England.
Their witnesses were, Mary Ann’s Brother in-law, William Burnage and Mary Ann’s sister, Ann Maria Burnage nee Moody.
Walter gave his occupation as a, Wood Dealer and residence as, Awbridge, Romsey. Mary Ann gave hers as Sherfield English, Romsey.
They named their Fathers as, Walter Hillier a Labourer and Henry Moody, a Farmer.

I wonder how they met, how long their courtship had been? Was it love at first site or possibly a marriage of convenience as so many marriages of their time were. I’m hoping it was for love. Had Walter helped plan their wedding day, or would it have been left to his bride and Mary Ann’s family. What would she have worn, a new handmade dress, or her Sunday best? Would she have had bridesmaids or at least a matron of honour. Had they secretly have wished to marry in a church rather than the registry office? Who would have been Walters best man?

According to many sources online, Weddings couldn’t be held during the month of May as, according to the old saying ‘marry in May, rue the day’. June was a popular, partly because its name originated from the Roman Goddess Juno, the goddess of marriage and also because it fell at the end of Lent and during the warmer weather. Other popular choices included April, November and December, as it wouldn’t clash with any farming commitments.
As for the best day to hold a wedding, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday were the best choices and the ceremony would usually be held between 10am and noon.

The bride would wear low-heeled shoes, a traditional white dress with a train, made of silk, linen or lace and have a mid to long veil, made from sheer cotton or lace and held in place with either a flower garland or a diamond tiara. Her jewellery would either be a family heirloom or a gift from the groom – with diamonds and pearls being the most popular choices. She would carry a spray of lilies or seasonal flowers from the garden.
Unlike modern weddings, the bridesmaids would also wear white dresses and short veils, but their shoes would be flat. It was important that their dresses be functional, as they often became part of the everyday wardrobe, once the wedding was over.
The groom would wear the colours. He’d opt for a blue, mulberry or claret coloured frockcoat, with a white (or light coloured) double-breasted waistcoat and grey striped trousers. His best man and groomsman would wear the same, however theirs were always more subdued – and all men would wear a black top hat and a flower in their lapel.
Young girls would be either flower girls or ring bearers. They’d wear white dresses with coloured ribbon sashes that matched their shoes and stockings. It was the young boys job to hold up the bride’s train. They’d be dressed in short trousers and velvet jackets of blue, black, green or red.

The ceremony itself was very similar to the weddings that are held today – it was usually held in the bride’s parish church (rarely, at home), the bells would peal, flowers would adorn the church and the newly married couple would sign the parish register. The wedding ring (as it was usual for only the bride to have one), would be a plain gold band and their initials, along with the date, would be engraved inside. If the bride lived near to the church, she would walk; if she was wealthy, she’d have a wedding carriage, pulled by a grey horse.
After the ceremony, the couple would leave the church, being careful not to look left or right, as it was considered bad taste to acknowledge the guests. The best man would stay behind to pay the clergyman. As the couple made their way toward the wedding carriage (often pulled by four white horses) or cart, the guests would throw rice, grain or birdseed, as a symbol of fertility. The carriage or cart, would then pull away, taking the happy couple to their breakfast reception.

It wasn’t long until Walter and Mary Ann, were expecting their first child. I can imagine their excitement, hopes and dreams, as well as their fear of becoming parents for the first time.
I’m sure Walter worried about being able to always provide for his growing family? A worry that has consumed the thoughts of millions before and since and will continue to do so.
I’m sure those worries turned to pure joy, when Mary Ann gave birth to a bonnie baby girl, whom the named, Annie Caroline Hillier.
Annie was born on Thursday the 1st of June 1893, at Awbridge, Romsey, Hampshire, England.
Caroline traveled to the town of Romsey on Thursday the 6th of July 1893 and registered Annie’s birth. She gave Walters occupation as a wood Dealer and their residence as Awbridge, Hampshire.

Just over two short years later, Walter and Mary Ann, were expecting again.
Mary Ann gave birth to a wee boy whom they called, Frederick Charles Hillier.
Frederick was born on the 20th August 1895, at Awbridge, Romsey, Hampshire, England.
Mary Ann, registered his birth in the town of Romsey on the 26th September, 1895. she gave their abode as Awbridge, Hants and Walters profession as a Farmer.
Frederick Charles Hillier is my Hubbies, Great Grandfather.
He went on to marry Mabel Beatrice Butt, Daughter of, Harry James Butt and Alice Butt nee Roud.
You can read all about her fathers life here.

It’s seems that Walter was one of a strong character and stood by his beliefs as on the 25th September, 1897, Walter was featured in the Hampshire Advertiser, for not having his children vaccinated. The article reads.

VACCINATION.
Walter Geo. Hillier, farmer, of Awebridge (who did not appear), was summoned by Mr. H. H. Saxby, vaccination office of Michelmersh district, for not having had his child vaccinated. – An order for vaccination within a month.

I feel rather proud of him, for sticking to his guns and doing what he believed to be the best for his children. I’m sure he wasn’t alone in those beliefs as there is still all these years later, a huge amount of controversy around vacations.

It wasn’t long until Mary Ann, was once again in the family way and she gave birth to a baby girl, whom they called, Elizabeth Kate Hillier, on Saturday the 20th of November 1897, at Awbridge, Romsey, Hampshire.
Mary Ann registered her birth in Romsey on Wednesday the 22nd of December 1897. She gave Walters occupation as a Farmer and their residence as Awbridge, Hants.
Elizabeth Kate, seems to fluctuate between the name Elizabeth and Kate throughout the documentation of her life.
Elizabeth Kate, went on to marry Ernest Edward George Gale, son of Mr. Ernest Gale and Mrs. Emily Gale Nee Wheeler.

On the, 18th December 1897, Walter was once again named in the Hampshire Advertiser. The article reads,

VACCINATION.
The Mayor and Colonel Griffiths lft the Bench during the nest two cases. – Frank Littlekil, labourers, of Sherfield, was summoned for not having his child vaccinated, and an order was made for it to be done within a month. – Walter George Hillier, farmer, of Michelmersh, who was similarly summoned, was fined 5s. and costs.

Sarah, came across the following article, that Shows Walter did not get his child vaccinated. Unfortunately no matter how hard and much I search the article doesn’t come up when I search, so I do not have a date of Newspaper name, to share with you.

No matter my own beliefs, I’m pretty chuffed that Walter didn’t give in the the pressure and stuck by his beliefs. I’m sure it took an awful lot of willpower to standup to the authorities and fight for what he believed was right for him family. I’m sure many would have crumbled under the pressure and fear of time in the gaol.

On Thursday the 26th of August 1899, Walters Step Grandfather, George Barry Moody, of Butlers Wood, Lockerley, passed away, at Butler’s Wood, Awbridge, Lockerley, Romsey, Hampshire, England, aged 81.
He died from Senile Decay, the progressive loss of mental capacity that leads to dementia and personal helplessness, and Alzheimer’s disease.
His Step-Daughter Elizabeth Hillier, was present and registered his death on the same day as George’s death Thursday the 26th of August, 1899 in Romsey.
Georges occupation was given as a Farmer.

The Hillier and Moody families laid, George Barry Moody to rest at, All Saints Churchyard, All Saints Church, Awbridge, Hampshire, England, on the 29th August 1899, in the South section, row A.

Jumping forward just a few short months to the new decade, the year 1900. Walter and Mary Ann were once again expecting and welcomed a wee boy into their family on Monday the 5th of February 1900.
They named him Eneas Robert Hillier. 
Eneas, was born at Awbridge, Romsey, Hampshire, England.
Mary Ann traveled to Romsey on Thursday the 8th of March and registered his birth. She gave their abode as Awbridge and Walters occupation as, a Farmer.
Eneas went in to marry, Florence May Coster, daughter of Mr. John George Coster and Mrs Ellen Maria Coster nee Broadway.

As the family welcomed in the year 1901, I wonder what their dreams and New Year’s resolutions were for the year ahead. 
Little did they know the end of an era was coming to an end and within weeks of celebrating the New Year, the country would go into mourning when their Queen, Queen Victoria passed away on the 22nd January, at Osborne House on the Isle of Wight. 
With her passing, The United Kingdom, welcomed a new king Edward VII. And the start of the Edwardian era. 
I wonder how they felt, were they worried about how life would change. Would Edward VII be a fair King. How would his rule effect the lives of the working class and the poor? I can imagine Walter and Mary Ann sitting around the fire pondering theirs and their children’s futures.

1901 wasn’t just the start of new beginnings, it was the year of the census which was taken on the eve of Sunday the 31st of March.
The census shows, Walter, Mary Ann, Annie, Frederick, Elizabeth Kate, Robert  and Walters Father Walter, residing at, Parsonage Farm, Awbridge, Michelmersh, Romsey, Hampshire, England.
Walter was a general farmer and employer, working at home, his father Walter (senior), was also working on the farm and, Annie and Frederick were scholars.

On the 4th June 1902, Walter George and family, went into morning, when Walters Grandmother, Elizabeth Moody nee Hillier nee Grist, died, at Awbridge, Romsey, Hampshire, England, at the grand age of 91 years.
Elizabeth died from, General Decay aka old age.
Her Daughter, Elizabeth Hillier, from Awbridge, was present and registered her death on the 5th of June 1902.

Walter and family, laid his Grandmother Elizabeth, to rest at, All Saints Churchyard, All Saints Church, Awbridge, Romsey, Hampshire, England.
Elizabeth was buried with her second husband, George Barry Moody, in the south section, row A.

I’m pretty sure that his grandmother Elizabeth’s death would have effected Walter on many levels. A bond with one’s grandparents can be just as strong as one with parents and after loosing his mum at such a young age, I’m sure Elizabeth’s had a very important role in his upbringing and his childrens upbringing.
No death is easy, grief is a long and hard path to travel, a journey that is never completed.

Just 24 days later, Walter and Mary Ann, welcomed a son, into their family, whom they named, Richard Frank Hillier.
Richard Frank Hillier, was born on Saturday the 28th of June 1902, at Awbridge, Romsey, Hampshire, England.

Mary Ann travelled to Romsey and registered his birth in Romsey on Monday the 11th of August 1902.
She gave their residence as Awbridge and Walters occupation as a Farmer.
Richard Frank went on the marry, Winifred Rose Clark, daughter of Mr. Edward James A Clark and Mrs. Charlotte Emily Clark nee Capron.

Walter and Mary Ann welcomed another son into their family and home, on Thursday, the 2nd of March 1905, at Awbridge Romsey.
They named him, George Henry Hillier.

Mary Ann one again made her way to Romsey Town and registered his birth, on Thursday the 13th April, 1905.
She gave her husband Walters occupation as Farmer and their abode as Awbridge. George Henry, was known as Jim and he went on to marry, Kathleen Olden, daughter of Mr. William John Olden and Mrs. Eleanor Florence Olden nee Hunt.

Jumping forward to the year 1909, Mary Ann is once again expecting.
Walter and Mary Ann, welcome their 3rd Daughter and 7th child into their family, arms, hearts and home, on Friday the 26th of November 1909.
They named her, Winifred Maud Hillier.
Winifred, was born at home on their farm, Parsonage Farm, Awbridge, Michelmersh, Romsey, Hampshire, England.

Walter did the honours and registered Winifred’s birth in Romsey, on Friday, the 31st December, 1909.
He gave his occupation as a Farmer and his residence as, Parsonage Farm, Awbridge. Winifred went on to marry, Percival Austin Hardy, Son of, Mr. William J Hardy and Mrs. Catherine Hardy nee Davis.

In the year 1911, George V was monarch, H. H. Asquith (Liberal) was Prime Minister. The Metropolitan Police and the Scots Guards engage in a shootout with a criminal gang of Latvian anarchists holed up in a building in the East End. The Home Secretary, Winston Churchill, attends in person. This historic event in London, became known as the Siege of Sidney Street.

Dunwood Manor, Dunwood Hill, Romsey, was up for Sale.

Romsey Council workers tarred the Market Place for the first time.

The Mother of Edwina Mountbatten, Amalia Mary Maud Ashley (Cassel), died on the February 05, 1911, after a long illness. She was buried at Romsey, at the Botley Road Cemetery.

The Pastoral Play “On Zephyr’s Wings” was performed at Broadlands Park in July 1911 and raised the considerable sum for those days of £425 of which £300 pounds was given to local schools. Miss Williams aka Aldyth Wellington Mayor of Romsey played Cupid.

And of course the 1911 Census was taken on the 2nd April.
It shows, Walter, Mary Ann and their children, Charles, Kate, Robert, Richard, George and Winifred, still residing at Parsonage Farm, Awbridge, Michelmersh, Romsey, Hampshire.
Walter of course was farming his land. Charles, was working for his father and Kate, Robert, Richard and George were all scholars, I assume they would have attended Awbridge School which dates back to 1877.

Just a day later on Monday the 3rd of April 1911, at Old Salisbury Lane, Romsey, Hampshire, England, Walters Father, Walter Hillier, a General Labourer, died from, Acute Bronchitis (10 days), when he was 73 years old.
Thomas Moody, Walter (senior) brother was present and registered his death on the 4th of April 1911. Walter senior had been residing with Thomas at Old Salisbury Lane, Romsey at the time of his death.

Walter (senior) was laid to rest in, All Saints Churchyard, All Saints Church, Awbridge, Hampshire, England, in the South Section, in row B or C, on Saturday the 8th April 1911. His mother Elizabeth and stepfather David are buried directly behind him. (The cross headstone in the photo.)

Jumping forward a good few years to the year 1917, the year Walters life would change forever.
On Thursday the 22nd of March 1917, Mary Ann gave birth to Walters and hers 8th child, a son, whom they named, Walter Frank Hillier.
Walter Frank, was born at their home, Standbridge Farm, Awbridge, Hampshire, England.

Walter registered Walters birth on Friday, the 27th of April, 1917.
He gave his occupation as Farmer and abode as, Standbridge Farm, Awbridge. Walter (junior) went in to marry, Miss Eileen Blanche Warwick, Daughter of, Mr. George Edward Warwick and Mrs. Emily Blanche Cole.

Heartbreakingly their joy was very short lived, as on the same day, Thursday the 22nd of March 1917, at Standbridge Farm, Awbridge, Romsey, Hampshire, England, Walters beloved wife, Mary Ann Hillier nee Moody, died after giving birth to Walter Frank, at the terribly young aged of 47.
Mary Ann died from Albuminuria and Puerperal Eclampsia.
Walter was present and registered her death on the 23rd of March, in Romsey.

I seriously can not imagine, how Walter and his children would have felt, or coped with the whirlwind of emotion they must have felt.
To gain a handsome baby boy and to have the love of your life die, the very same day, is beyond my recognition. My heart hurts and my eyes well with tears, just thinking of about it.
Seriously how to do you even begin to come to terms with the tragedy that had turned the Hillier family lives upside down.
Not only had Walter lost the women he loved, he had a new born to look after and his 7 other children, as well as a farm to run.
He must have had incredible strength, many I’m sure would have cracked under the pressure and all the emotions.

Walter, his barnes, family and friends laid, Mary Ann to rest at, Ebenezer Chapel, Tote Hill, Lockerley, Hampshire, England.

Her beautiful headstone reads,

In
Loving Memory
of
Mary Ann Hillier,
Died March 22nd 1917,
Aged 47 years.

“A great soul serves everyone all the time.
A great soul never dies.
It brings us together again and again”
Rest in Peace
Mary Ann Hillier Nee Moody
1869-1917

How life continued over the next few year, we will never know.
How did Walter cope with grieving children while his own heart was broken.
They somehow managed to survived the heartbreak and the struggles life would have injured.

I will leave you to absorb all Walters life story so far. There is so much more information to come so please pop back next week for part 2 of, The Life of Walter George Hillier, through documentation.
In the meantime, if you are related to Walter, his ancestors and descendants, please feel free to join us over on The Hillier Family History, Facebook group. You can find it here. We would love to see you there.

Until next time,
Stay safe, stay true, be you.
Too-da-loo for now.

🦋🦋🦋

Sarah and I, have brought and paid for all certificates throughout, Intwined.blog.
Please do not download or use them without my permission.
All you have to do is ask.
The same goes for the treasured family photos.
Please be respectful.
Thank you.