“Family should be the place where you can be your most complete self.
Where you’re accepted and appreciated,
seen and valued,
even in moments of disagreement.
It should be your soft place to fall,
the place where you’re reminded that no matter what happens to you,
in the face of your deepest challenges,
you are loved,” 
Oprah Winfrey.

Welcome back to the life of Walter George Hillier, through documentation, part 3.
Before we being, let’s have a quick reminder of what has happened so far in Walters life.

Walter was born on Tuesday the 3rd of September, 1867, at Tapnage, Titchfield, Hampshire, England, to Walter Hillier and Caroline Hillier nee Abraham.
Walters Mum, Caroline Hillier nee Abraham , sadly passed away on the 2nd of March 1874.
After her death his father Walter, moved the family back to his family’s root, to a small Village called Lockerley in Hampshire. Walter and his brother Edward Hillier were sent to live with Walters Grandmother, Elizabeth Moody nee Hillier nee Grist. His Brother Enos went to stay/live with their cousin, Hugh Abraham and his wife Ellen. His other Brother Harry, went to live with his Uncle and Aunt, Bingham and Mary Abraham. There Father Walter Hillier went to work at the Mill Arms Hotel, in Dunbridge, Mottifont, Hampshire, where he worked as an Oster. He also resided at the Mill Arms.
On Wednesday the 13th of April 1892, Walter George married Mary Ann Moody, at the Register Office, Romsey, Hampshire.
Between the years 1893 to 1917 they birthed 8 children , 5 boys, Frederick, Enos, Richard, George and Walter and three girls, Annie, Elizabeth and Winifred.
Heartbreakingly for Walter, life changed unrecognisably when Walters beloved wife, Mary Ann Hillier nee Moody, died at the terribly young aged of 47, at their home, Standbridge Farm, Awbridge.
Walter found love again and on Thursday, the 13th of January, 1921, 53 year old Walter, married 41 year old, Miss Adah Jane Young, at the Register Office, Romsey Hampshire, England. 
A summons against Walter G Hillier, Awbridge, for keeping a dog without a licence.
Walter inherited effects of £107 2s. 7d from his Uncle David Barry Moody.
Walter packed up his home and farming business at Parsonage Farm, Awbridge and moved to Yew Tree Farm Awbridge, where he lived with his wife Adah and her sister, Walters mistress Mary Ann Amor nee Young, aka Annie.
Walters life was once again was turned upside down, as on Monday the 30th of September, 1940, Walters wife of 19 years, Mrs. Adah Jane Hillier nee Young, sadly passed way at their home, Yew Tree Farm, Awbridge, Romsey, Hampshire, when she was 67 years old. 
I believe we are all caught up but please feel free to read parts 1 and 2 again.
You can find part 1 here and part 2 here.
Don’t forget to come say hi over at the “Hillier Family History” group over on Facebook. You can find it here.
Without further ado I give you, 

The Life of Walter George Hillier Part 3

Just a month after Walters wife Ada had died, Adah’s sister, Mary Ann Amor nee Young, aka Annie, Walters possible fancy women, died at Yew Tree Farm, Carters Clay,  Lockerley, Romsey, Hampshire, England, on Sunday the 30th of March 1941.
Annie died from from, Cerebral Thrombosis and Hypochondrial Degeneration. Cerebral Thrombosis is a rare form of stroke, which effects about five people in one million each year. It has been linked to brain injury. Rumour has it that Adah had fallen down the stairs, maybe it was Annie who fell and not Adah.
Annies daughter In-Law G. M. Amor (Gladys Mary Elizabeth Amor nee Case), of Silver Street, Alderbury, was present and registered her death on Monday the 31st of March, 1941, in Romsey.

Her Probate was granted on the 9th February 1842.
It reads,

Amor Annie of Yew Tree Farm Awbridge Romsey Hampshire
widow died 30 March 1941 Administration Winchester 9
February to Cecil Stuart Amor fireman.
Effects £142 19s. 7d.

Heartbreakingly more death followed when Walters Daughter, Elizabeth Kate Gale nee Hillier, sadly passed away on Wednesday the 4th of June 1941, at, Number 2, Morpeth Avenue, Totton, Eling, New Forest, Hampshire, England, aged 43.
She died from Myocardial Failure, Hyperpiesis, and Chronic Nephritis.
Her Husband, Ernest Edward George Gale, was present and registered her death on Saturday, the 7th of June 1941, in the New Forest.

Elizabeth Kate, was laid to rest in, All Saints Churchyard, All Saints Church, Awbridge, Romsey, Hampshire, England, on the 7th June 1941, in the South section, row E.

Two years later, Walters brother, Farmer, Eneas Hillier, died on Wednesday, the 17th of November 1943, at, Oakville, Danes Road, Awbridge, Romsey, Hampshire, England, aged 78. He died from Senile Decay.
His Son, Mr. Arthur Hillier, from The Hollies, Danes Road, Awbridge, Romsey, was present and registered his death on Thursday, the 18th of November 1943, in Romsey, Hampshire.

Eneas was laid to rest in, at All Saints Churchyard, All Saints Church, Awbridge, Romsey, Hampshire, England, on Saturday the 20th of November, 1943, in the South section.

His wife Sarah Anne Hillier nee Olden, was later buried with him.
The inscription reads of their headstone reads,

In
loving memory of
Eneas Hillier,
beloved husband of Anne Hillier
who passed peacefully away
November 17th 1943 aged 78 years.
At rest
Also of Sarah Anne his wife
who died October 2nd 1952 aged 87 years.
“Until the rain breaks”

Thank you Phil, for the photo. It’s truly appreciated.

Eneas Hillier, probate was granted on the 3rd January 1944 at Winchester, its reads,

HILLIER Eneas of Oakville Danes-road Awbridge near Romsey Hampshire died 17 November 1943 Probate Winchester 3 January to Sarah Ann Hillier widow. Effects £5416 11s 7d.

The next official documentation I have for Walter, sadly is the registry of his death, this confirms, Walters death, was registered in the January to March quarter of the year 1946. His death was registered in Romsey, Hampshire. 

Father and Farmer, Walter George Hillier, died on the 28th January 1946, aged 78.
He died at his home, Yew Tree Farm, Sherfield English, Hampshire, England.
He died from, Congestive Cardiac Failure and Artery Serious.
P A Hardy of the Laurels, Danes Road, Awbridge, was present and registered his death on the 29th of January 1946. The certificate states that YewTree Farm was in Sherfield English, but it actually is in Awbridge.

The Hillier family, and friends, laid Walter to rest, by Rev E Russell, in All Saints Churchyard, All Saints Church, Awbridge, Romsey, Hampshire, England, on the 31st of January 1946, the Row E of the South section.
Neither of Walters wife’s were buried with him.

He was buried in the South section of the churchyard with lots of other Hillier family, you can see in the below photo, that his Sons, Richard Frank and Henry George Hillier, are buried directly behind him.

Following Walters interment, the local newspaper reported, 

PASSING OF 
MR. W. G. HILLIER 
Interment at Awbridge Churchyard.
There was a large congregation at All Saints, Awbridge, on Thursday when the Vicar ( the Rev. E. E. Russell) conducted the funeral service of Mr. Walter George Hillier, Yew Tree Farm, Awbridge, whose death at the age of 78 years was reported last week. Mr. S. Applebe at the organ played appropriate voluntaries as the congregation were assembling and accompanied for the hymns “When I survey the wondrous cross” and “Abide with me.” the later being sung as the cortège was leaving the church.
Principal mourners included Messrs and Mesdames Charles, Robin, James and Frank Hillier (sons and daughters in-law), Mr Richard Hillier (son), Mr. and Mrs. J. E. West, Mr. and Mrs. P. Hardy (sin in-laws and daughters), Mrs. H Moody (sister in-law), Mr. and Mrs. H. Hillier (brother and sister in-law), Mr. and Mrs. E. Light (Southampton),Mr. Sidney Hillier (nephew), Mr.  and Mrs. E. Gale (son in-law), Mr. and Mrs. D Gale and Miss. V. Gale (grandchildren). Also in the congregation were Col. W. F. R. Webb, Mrs. Webb, Mr. M. Chandler, Mr. W.R. Robby, Mr Noyce, Miss Warwick, Mrs. R. J. Treble (also representing Mr. Treble), Mr. A. Moody (cousin), Mr. and Mrs. L. Tugby (Southampton), Miss Hurst, Mr. A. Hillier, Mrs. Morgan, Mrs. Betteridge, Mr. F. Phillips, Mr. R.Vivash, Mr. G. Phillips, Mr. D. Costed, Mr. E. B. Olive, Mr. F. Matthews, Mr. R. Dunn, Mr. W. R. Hunt, Miss. F. Hillier (niece), Miss. Olden, Miss. Backn, Mr. R. Hurst, Mrs. Walker, Mrs. G. Moody, Mrs. H. Moody, Mr. Rogers and others.
Wreaths were sent by Win, Percy and Cyril : Dick : Annie and Fred: Charlie and Beattie:  Frank, —— and Margaret:  Jim and K— Robin and May: Hilda, John —— Dorothy: Aunt Kate and family: Mr. and Mrs.C. Hillier and family: Mr. and Mrs. Ted Pearce: Mr. and Mrs. G. E. Warwick and family : Lt-Col. and Mrs. W. F. R. Webb and family: “the Light family” and Les: John, David, Grace, Beryl, and Myrtle : George and Mary: Mr. and Mrs. Hunt, Awbridge Farm: Mrs. Judd, Ida and Iris: E. H. Dayus:  —— at Morpeth, Totton: Mr. and Mrs. Betteridge: and the grandchildren, Carters Clay, Lockerlry.”

Walters, probate was granted in London on the 24th August 1946, it reads, 

HILLIER Walter George of Yew Tree Farm, Awbridge near Romsey Hampshire died 28 January 1946 Probate London 24 August to Montague Chandler repaired clerk to the justices and William Robert Caldwell estate agent.
Effects £12521 13s. 4d.

Sarah and I have searched high and low for a copy of Walters will, and finally managed to get hold of a copy. I’m sorry to say, you will have to wait a little longer to see it’s content, as we have included it in part two, The Life Of Walter George Hillier – The Property Trail, which Sarah and I hope to share with you very soon.

While researching Walters life, I asked his family if they would not mind sharing memories or stories they have or have heard about Walter,

Kate Hillier – Granddaughter of the Governor and daughter of Walter Frank Hillier wrote,

I never knew him as he died before I was born, but my sister who is 80 tomorrow can recall him from when she was small, there’s some stories that have been passed down from my mum and dad, but not always favourable! He apparently was a very hard man who didn’t show any affection, that may be because my father was blamed for his mother’s death, his mother died in childbirth with him, my father was the youngest of his 8 children, there was a story that after her 7th child she was told not to have any more as it would kill her, apparently then grandad took out life insurance on her !!! There’s no proof of that but the story was passed down, so grandad was left with the children although my dad’s sister looked after him as she was 25 when he was born, also that as each child got married he gave them a piece of land and cash to build a house except he died before my dad had fully built his bungalow so he had to finish it himself !!! So we moved away when I was about 8 so I and my sister’s missed a lot of family things   As I say this is just what I was told when I was younger.
Georgina, my father ( also Walter Frank, was himself a very hard man who found it very difficult to show any emotions ( until his grandchildren came along) mum was the one who passed on to us about our dads childhood and how he had no choice but to work for his dad, and didn’t know what it was to celebrate a birthday as I suppose it just bought back thier mother’s death, even when he had a stepmother who I believe died when he was a teenager, apparently fell down the stairs? But I did hear that when grandad started having grandchildren he softened, I am trying to work out who is left of surviving grandchildren of his? I don’t think my sister and I have many 1st cousins left as a lot of my cousin’s were almost the same age as my parents!
I was told that the Hilliers had a thing about the Warwick’s ( mum was a Warwick) so when they wanted to get married grandad was not happy, it must have been ok though as that was when all dad’s brothers and sisters were together for the wedding for the last time, I think one of the sisters died soon after I believe it was Kate who I was probably named after? I can remember Aunt Win, Uncle Jim, uncle Dick, Uncle Charlie ( remember his horse!) We used to come back sometimes to visit.
We were told grandad came from a family of horse dealers! And apparently was able to supply the army with horses, of course we have no proof, it’s all passed down stories.

And Ann Powell (Great Grandaugher of the Govonor, Granddaughter of Annie Caroline Hillier, Daughter of Freda West) wrote,

Hi Georgina and Sarah – well done with all the Hillier research. I enjoy following your posts, thank you! 😊I know mum (Freda, Annie Hillier’s eldest) was very fond and proud of him and also proud of this photo taken with him on her wedding day (to my dad Raymond Niblett).

Ann also shared the below photo and wrote, 

I think the attached photo came from my Uncle John West (Annie Hillier’s son) and the caption said “Grandad Hillier with his dog Towser”. There are 2 dogs in the photo but I would guess the very fuzzy one is Towser? Looks like a Towser!

Phil Webb shared, 
I’m sure dad always called him Granfer. Also, I’m pretty sure I remember my Nan Sloper (mum’s mum) saying that when she was a kid growing up on a farm in Danes Road, Awbridge, they used to walk their cows to Granfer Hillier’s bull for stud services because they didn’t have their own 🐃💘🍾

My Mum In-law, wrote, 
Walter George Hillier died before I was born. It has been said he was quite a hard man although he softened towards his Grandchildren.
Stories that he was known to some as the Governor or Gov was maybe by his employees. Although not born a wealthy man apparently quite tight with money, he become fairly rich in later life possibly by inheritance from the female line of the family.
He brought and owned several properties and land in the local area. Robin Hillier, one of Grandsons, recalls that the Grandchildren loved visiting his farm and played in the river nearby.
Robin would also deliver his milk by horse and cart. His Grandad Walter would pay him sixpence or a tanner as it was called back in those days.
Robin also recalls his Grandad had two farms in Awbridge which he rented and allegedly when the owner died he inherited them. Perhaps someone can confirm this.

Last but not least, Sarah Harris nee Green wrote,

Walter George Hillier, “The Governor” Our Forefather, our link to every single one of us, without him none of us would exist. If you think about it it’s quite profound.
The photograph with his grandchildren was the ember I needed to relight my passion for research.

Every family has a story that it tells itself, that is passed on to the children, grandchildren, great grandchildren. The story evolves, some parts sharpen with help of documentation others fade like they have been written in sand instead of etched in granite, others disappear completely and there is often debate about what really happened, who is really in that old black and white photo, but even with these different stories and viewpoints there is still agreement that this is OUR family story and no-one can take that away from us.
It’s hard to know what to write about a man you’ve never met, but we can go by family stories, documentation, photographs and try to build a picture. I wish I could have walked in his shoes (or rather muddy farmer’s boots !) for a day, even 5 minutes to gain his knowledge, thoughts, aspirations, I would achieve a wealth of knowledge, but sadly this as we all know is impossible, so here is MY picture of one of the most intriguing well dressed farmers in the Hillier family, the man they called “The Governor”.
I have a strange relationship with my 2nd Great Grandfather, he knows nothing about me but I know alot about him ! He doesn’t even know I exist. Would he be proud of his descendants? What advice would he give? I can imagine he would give every single one of us a stern word, strong guidance and tough love !
I wonder if he would have even remembered his mother as we all now know she died so young at the age of 30, Walter would have only been 7, His Father, was left to pick up the pieces of family heartbreak whilst still having to work. The boys would have had to have grown up very quickly, and it appears Walter did just that only months after his mother died at the age of 8 Walter went to work for Fays ( we think this is for the Fay family living and farming Kimbridge Farm employing 4 men and 3 boys) the Hillier family would have known them well being in the farming business themselves and the Fay family were local being born in Awbridge,  Walter worked there until he was 18 eventually becoming their Carter.
I can imagine him visiting his Grandmother and Step Grandfather at Butlers Wood Farm quite a lot, maybe helping out at weekends on the land, In 1885 after leaving Fays he worked with his brother Eneas, bought Coppices and made hurdles, pea-sticks etc which he sold. I think these early years living and working on and around the farms would have been a pivotal time in his life where he started to gain farming knowledge and skills, realising the importance of the seasons and the weather. This practical hands on experience would have stood him in good stead for what was to come.
A boy that was born into poverty became a man who prospered through strength, knowledge and perseverance. A man who became a prominent figure in Awbridge, Lockerley, Carters Clay, and beyond, his presence and farming reputation slowly growing, a man who drove a hard bargain, a man who I feel was respected but slightly feared.  I think every farmer within 50 miles knew who Walter Hillier was. He had dealings with the most prominent families in the area among them were Collins, Moodys, Dowling’s, the Dalgetys of Lockerley Hall. In the prime of his life he was one of the biggest land and property owners in the area. How did he achieve this ? Perseverance, Hard work and Determination to provide for his family and through his own blood sweat and tears he left a legacy not only of wealth but of character no-one can compare to “The Governor”  OUR Governor !  

Sarah’s words are the perfect ending to the story of, Walter George Hillier’s, life through documentation.
As you know Sarah and I work tirelessly researching our family’s history. She is just as passionate as I and goes above and beyond in her research. 
Thanks to Sarah’s hard work, dedication and love, Walters story is far from over.
Yes we have more information for you. Please pop back soon, to see all Sarah’s findings on what we call “Walter George Hillier, The property Trail.”

Trust me when I say, that Sarah has given every inch of herself into researching Walters properties. She really has outdone herself and I for one am extremely proud of her.
It has not been easy in the slightest. We’ve posted over social media, contacted companies, tracked down previous owners, visited church’s, written emails, in the search for information.
And Sarah has written letter upon letter, to Walters old properties new owners, asking kindly for any information they may be willing to share. 
Some we haven’t heard back from, others have asked for time to gather information. We will share those when we can.
All in all, it has been one of the most intensive searches we have endured.
And although the journey into Walters Life has been very daunting, and extremely nerve racking, I’m pretty damn proud of the hard work we have carried out and I can not wait to share Sarah’s journey into Walters properties.

Rest In Peace,
Walter George Hillier,
1867-1946
Say not in grief that he is no more
but say in thankfulness that he was
A death is not the extinguishing of a light,
but the putting out of the lamp
because the dawn has come.

🦋🦋🦋

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.