THE BOATER FAMILY OF LONDON

FOREWORD

My interest in the Boaters of London started with my Dad’s Mum and her parents. Charlotte Nicholl had been born Charlotte Stiles, the Daughter of Henry (Harry) Stiles and Charlotte nee Boater. Charlotte Boater and her Parents Alfred and Sarah Ann Boater proved difficult to track. In exploring the possibilities I came across lots of other Boaters and this is the story of some of them.

While some of what follows is based on unproven information and guesswork, a good deal is based upon GRO Certificates, Census Pages and Parish Registers. I have used the spelling Boater throughout, although there are a number of variations, including Bocater, Boeater, Boter, Boweater and Bowater.


CHAPTER 1

1. EDWARD BOATER AND CHARLOTTE BIRD

Edward Boater was born about 1786 and some four years later on March 8, 1790 William Bird, a Weaver, married Elizabeth Hughes in St Martin in the Fields, Westminster. The Rate Book for Coventry Street, St Martins in the Fields in 1790 has an entry for John Hughes, possibly Elizabeth’s Father. On November 1, 1796 Elizabeth Bird gave birth to Charlotte, Edward Boater’s future Wife. Charlotte was Christened on December 25, 1796 in St Matthew’s Church, Bethnal Green. The due day arrived and on July 18, 1814 Edward, now a Shoemaker, or Cordwainer, and Charlotte were married, by Banns, in the Church of St Alban Wood Street in the City of London. Both gave their Parishes as St Olave Silver Street. The Witnesses were Stephen Elman and Joseph Lea.

As time passed the family grew. Edward Jnr was born around January 1, 1817 and Christened January 12, 1817. Thomas was born around January 1, 1819 and Christened January 10, 1819. Henry was born around December 10, 1820 and Christened December 24, 1820. Charlotte was born in 1822 and Christened October 16, 1822. Sarah Ann was born in 1825 and Christened April 3, 1825. Alfred was born in King Street, Stepney and Christened August 5, 1827. All were Christened in Christ Church, Spitalfields, Stepney. The 1828/29 edition of Pigot & Co’s London Directory shows an Edward Boater, Boot & Shoe Maker at No 48 Hare Street, Bethnal Green.

At the time of the 1841 Census the Boater family, comprising Edward, 54, Charlotte, 50, Edward, 24, Henry, 20, Charlotte, 18, Sarah, 16 and Alfred, 14, were living in Butler Street, Bethnal Green. All were shown as born “In County”, except Dad Edward who was also shown as a Shoe Maker.

By the end of 1850 most of the children had flown the coop and on January 5, 1851 Edward passed away. Charlotte was with him at the end in No 3 William Street, Bethnal Green. The cause of death was Syncope (a loss of consciousness due to a fall in blood pressure to the brain). Later in the year, at the time of the Census, Charlotte was living with her Son Edward and his family at No 21 Green Street, Bethnal Green. Her occupation was a Cotton Winder. However, by the time of the 1861 Census Charlotte was back in William Street lodging at No 2 with the Pool family, still a Cotton Winder. Next door, in her old house were her Son Henry and his family. On November 17, 1867 Charlotte died of Paralysis at No 30 Alma Street, Bethnal Green. The Informant was Sarah Dowsett, her married Daughter.






CHAPTER 2

2.1 EDWARD BOATER Jnr AND ELIZABETH HUGHES

Edward was born around the beginning of 1817 and was Christened on January 12, 1817. He married Elizabeth Hughes, born around 1818 in Spitalfields, sometime before 1833 when their son John was born. John was followed by Sarah Ann around February 1845, Edward on August 5, 1847 at No21 Green Street, Bethnal Green and Elizabeth around May 1850. At the 1851 Census the family were still at No 21 Green Street with Edward’s recently widowed Mother, Charlotte and his 4 year old Niece, Sarah Dowsett. Edward was shown as a Shoemaker. The family continued to grow with Alice born November 26, 1853 at No 21 Green Street, Charles around November 1856 and Emily around November 1860. At the 1861 Census they were still at No 21 Green Street and Edward had become a General Dealer. Around 1864, Elizabeth gave birth to Annie K Boater. When the younger Elizabeth married Edward Ball in 1873, Edward Boater was shown as a China Dealer. Edward died on April 3, 1878 at No 107 Green Street, Bethnal Green. The cause of death was Hemiplegia (a palsy affecting only one half of the body) and Effusion on the brain. Edward was 61 and the informant was Edward’s Son, Charles Boater.

2.2.1 JOHN BOATER

John was born around 1833.

2.2.2 SARAH ANN BOATER

Sarah Ann was born around February 1845.

2.2.3 EDWARD BOATER

Edward was born on August 5, 1847 at No 21 Green Street, Bethnal Green. He married Mary Ann Cooper around November 1872 at Hackney. Mary Ann was born around 1850 and was Edward’s Cousin, the Daughter of George and Charlotte (nee Boater) Cooper. Around February 1875 their son Edward Carl was born. There followed George Charles around May 1877, Mary A A around 1882, Florence Maude around October 1884 and Charlotte Harriett around April 1889. At the time of the 1891 Census the family were living in the Chigwell area of Essex. In the 1901 Census the family, less the two boys, were at Alfred Road, Buckhurst Hill, Essex, where Edward ran a Grocers Shop. On October 3, 1922, 73 year old Mary Ann Boater was buried in Abney Park Cemetery, Hackney.

2.2.3.1 EDWARD CARL BOATER

Edward was born around February 1875. By September 1899 he had moved to Yorkshire, where he married Eveline Margaret Shepherdson, in the Sculcoates area. In early 1900 they had a Son, Lawrence, who died before April the same year.

2.2.3.2 GEORGE CHARLES BOATER

George was born around 1877. He married Jane Elizabeth Johnson around April 1907. He enlisted at Bethnal Green in the1/5th Battalion (Territorial), Northumberland Fusiliers as a Private (242662). Around April 27, 1917, now with the 2/5 Northumberland, he had an operation for Hallux Vagus (a Bunion) at the War Hospital, Upton, Northamptonshire. In the days before penicillin and such like, post-operative complications were not uncommon and sadly George developed Cellulitis of the foot, together with Pneumonia. George died in the Hospital on May 4, 1917. His name is recorded on the Screen Wall in Abney Park Cemetery, Hackney.

2.2.3.3 MARY A A BOATER

Mary was born around 1882.

2.2.3.4 FLORENCE MAUDE BOATER

Florence was born around October 1884, in the Bethnal Green area.

2.2.3.5 CHARLOTTE HARRIETT BOATER

Charlotte was born around April 1889 in the Mile End area.

2.2.4 ELIZABETH BEATRICE BOATER

Elizabeth was born around May 1850 at No 21 Green Street. On May 31, 1873 Elizabeth married Edward Ball, a 25 year old Accountant, in Woodford Parish Church, Essex. Edward’s Father, James Ball was shown as a Steward.

2.2.5 ALICE BOATER AND WILLIAM RANDS

Alice was born on November 26, 1853 at No 21 Green Street, Bethnal Green. Nearly 20 years to the day on November 11, 1873 she married William Rands, by Banns, in St Peters, Stepney. William was born around 1852 in Stepney. By the time of the 1881 Census the family were living at No 14 Gainsborough Road, Mile End Old Town and comprised, in addition to Alice and William, William E, born around 1876, Alice Maud, born around 1877, Emily Beatrice, born around 1878 and Horace Arthur, born around 1880. Alice’s unmarried Brother, CharlesThomas was also living with them. William was a Printer and Charles a Furriers Clerk. At the time of the 1901 Census, William was still a Printer (Letterpress) living with Alice and their Children Alice, Emily and Horace, all at No 242 Dalston Lane, Hackney.

2.2.5.1 WILLIAM E RANDS

William was born around 1876 in Stepney.

2.2.5.2 ALICE MAUD RANDS

Alice was born around 1877. In 1901 she was living with her Parents and Home Working as a Tie Maker.

2.2.5.3 EMILY BEATRICE RANDS

Emily was born around 1878. In 1901 she was living with her Parents and Home Working as a Tie Maker.

2.2.5.4 HORACE ARTHUR RANDS

Horace was born around 1880. In 1901 he was still living with his Parents and working as a Bookbinder Finisher.

2.2.6 CHARLES THOMAS BOATER

Charles was born around 1856. At the time of the 1881 Census he was a Furriers Clerk living with his married Sister, Alice Rands at No 14 Gainsborough Road, Mile End Old Town. He was the informant at his Father’s death and died himself around November 1905 in Rochford, Essex.

2.2.7 EMILY BOATER AND PETER LEWIS

Emily was born around November 1859 and sometime before 1880 she married Peter Lewis. Peter was born around 1854 in Aldgate. Their Son, Albert F, was born around 1880. At the time of the 1881 Census the family were living at No 38 Church Lane, Whitechapel, along with Emily’s Sister Annie K Boater. Peter was a Packer in a Warehouse.

2,2,7,1 ALBERT F LEWIS

Albert was born around 1880.

2.2.8 ANNIE K BOATER

Annie K was born around 1864. At the time of the 1881 Census she was an out of work General Servant living with her sister Emily Lewis’ family at No 38 Church Lane, Whitechapel.

CHAPTER 3

3.1 THOMAS BOATER

Thomas was born around 1819 and was Christened January 10, 1819 in Spitalfields Christ Church.

CHAPTER 4

4.1 HENRY BOATER AND ELIZABETH ELLETT

Henry was born around December 10, 1820 and Christened on December 24 of that year. On May 27, 1844 Henry married Elizabeth Ellett, by Banns, in St Mary’s, Haggerstone. Elizabeth was born around 1824, the Daughter of Robert Ellett. At the time of the wedding Robert had died, Henry was a Cordwainer living in Butler Street and Elizabeth, a Silk Winder, was living in Elizabeth Street. The Witnesses were Edward Boater and Rebecca Bryans. Henry and Elizabeth had a Daughter, Elizabeth born around 1845, followed by, Henry, born around 1846, Edward, born around January 1850, William, born around 1852, Charlotte, born around 1856, Alfred, born around November 1857 and Richard, born around 1860. At the time of the 1861 Census the family were living at No 3 William Street, Bethnal Green, Henry’s Mother and Father’s old house and next door at No 2, living with the Pool family was Henry’s widowed Mother, Charlotte. Henry was a Shoemaker and young Elizabeth was following her Mother‘s lead as a Silk Winder. Around November 1861 Elizabeth gave birth to Emma, followed by Susan around May 1864. In 1881 Henry had become a Pauper living in the Bethnal Green Workhouse, Waterloo Road, Bethnal Green, still a Shoemaker and apparently still married. He died around July 1893.

4.2.1 ELIZABETH CHARLOTTE BOATER AND WILLIAM CUNNINGHAM

Elizabeth was born around February 1845 in Spitalfields and moved around with the family until 1864 when on May 16 she married William Cunningham, by Banns, in Christ Church, Spitalfields. The Witnesses were Charlotte Wright and Henry Boater. Elizabeth’s address was No 9 Wilkes Street, Spitalfields, while William, a Cigar Maker, was at No 11 Wilkes Street. William was born around 1843, the Son of William Cunningham, a Hairdresser.

4.2.2 HENRY ROBERT BOATER

Henry was born August 29, 1846. He married Elizabeth Ann Levy, on November 30, 1868 at St James the Great. Elizabeth was born around 1850, the daughter of Morris Levy, a Glass Cutter. Henry and Elizabeth had a Son, Henry Philip, born on August 24, 1870 at No 1 Spencer Street. The proud Father was a Boot Finisher. At the time of the 1871 Census the family were living at No 11 Martha Street, St George in the East, along with 11 year old James Boater, an Apprentice Boot Finisher. Daughter, Elizabeth followed around March 1873. On April 1, 1875, at No 14 Martha Street, Elizabeth gave birth to Samuel Benjamin. Their third child was Alfred John, born June 5, 1877 in St George in the East, followed by Frances Hannah, born around 1879 in Mile End.

4.2.2.1 HENRY PHILIP BOATER

Henry was born on August 24, 1870 at 1 Spencer Street, St George in the East. He married Eliza Gillender before 1894, for around September 1894 they had their first child, Ada. Eliza was the Daughter of Samuel Gillender and his Wife Mary Ann, nee Grierson. At the time of the 1901 Census, the family were living at 26 Station Place, St George, with their new arrival, Margaret, born October 14, 1900. Henry died on February 14, 1911 at 5 Lamberts Cottages, Poole Road, Woking.

4.2.2.2 ELIZABETH BOATER

Elizabeth was born around March 1873. She married James, one of the Donovan Brothers, in the Church of St John Evangelist, St George in the East on February 18, 1900. The couple were living at No 34 Langdale Street. The Witnesses were Samuel Boater, Elizabeth’s Brother and Julia Donovan. In the 1901 Census the family were living at No 65 Tarling Street, St George in the East with their 2 year old Son James and 6 month old Daughter, Elizabeth.

4.2.2.3 SAMUEL BENJAMIN BOATER

Samuel was born at No 14 Martha Street, St George in the East on April 1, 1875. He married Elizabeth Wright around August 1894 in St George in the East. Their first child, Ellen Elizabeth was born around September 1895. On February 13, 1897 at No 396 Commercial Road, Mile End Old Town Elizabeth gave birth to James. Curiously Elizabeth gave not only her maiden name, but also what seems to be her pre-marriage address, No 16 Lucas Street, in Mile End Old Town. There followed Charles James, born June 16, 1908 and Henry, born December 16, 1909. The family moved to Woking some time around 1910 where Thomas was born on May 5, 1912. Cecil Albert was born May 1, 1916 and Richard Sydney August 25, 1918.Whether it was the death of his Son, James in March 1918, or that men of his age were being called up at that stage in the War, but Samuel joined up on July 8, 1918 and was de-mobbed April 3, 1919. The family were then living at No 3 Cherry Street, Woking.

4.2.2.3 .1 ELLEN ELIZABETH BOATER

Ellen was born around September 1895.

4.2.2.3.2 JAMES BOATER

James was born on February 13, 1897 at No 396 Commercial Road, Mile End Old Town. James enlisted in the Royal Sussex Regiment at Guildford. On September 29, 1915 he went to France with the Regiment. In March 1918 James was serving with the 7th Battalion of the Royal Sussex. 4.30 am March 21 saw the launch of the German offensive that was to drive back the Allied Fifth Army some Forty miles. Extract from the War Diaries of the Royal Sussex Regiment for the period March 25th to 30th “25th Bn ordered to hold crossings N of Avelny; 26th Positions established by about 6.30 am. Bn frontage from S end of Avelny Wood to Black Horse Bridge. Dispositions- C&D Coy Front line. A&B Coy in support. 11.30 am Report was received that enemy had broken thro on the left of Bn sector. A defensive flank was formed by the left support Coy…. 27th About 9 am the enemy attacked on our right & the Bn on our right fell back. A Coy formed a defensive flank along the S edge of Avelny Wood & later B Coy were also put in on the right flank to bridge a gap between D & A Coy. The Bn was now formed on 2 sides of a square. C&D facing E + A&B facing S. About 5 pm enemy attacked on the whole front & succeeded in breaking into the wood at the SE corner. A Coy retired slightly, killing a large number of the enemy. 2/Lt Rogers was taken prisoner but succeeded in escaping. D Coy retired to Bn HQ which were at Quarry Post. The attack was held up at Bn HQ which were temporarily surrounded….28th During the night of 27/28 the line was readjusted – A&D on the left in touch with the RWK – B Coy in Quarry Post, No news was heard of C Coy…30th Total casualties for operations starting 25th 2/Lt Manley killed, 18 OR killed…24 OR missing..” . James was declared “Presumed Dead” as a result of the attack on the 27th, he is remembered on Panel 46/47 of the Pozieres Memorial, some 3 to 4 miles North-East of the town of Albert.

4.2.2.3.3 CHARLES JAMES BOATER

Charles was born June 16, 1908.

4.2.2.3.4 HENRY BOATER

Henry was born December 16, 1909.

4.2.2.3.5 THOMAS BOATER

Thomas was born May 5, 1912 in Woking.

4.2.2.3.6 CECIL ALBERT BOATER

Cecil was born May 1, 1916 in Woking.

4.2.2.3.7 RICHARD SYDNEY BOATER

Richard was born August 25, 1918 in Woking.

4.2.2.4 ALFRED JOHN BOATER

Alfred was born June 5, 1877 at 27 Jane Street, St George in the East. Alfred enlisted at Guildford in the Queen’s (Royal West Surrey) Regiment. He was Killed in Action on December 18, 1914. He is remembered on the Ploegsteert Memorial, a mile or two from where his cousin Henry is buried at the Rifle House Cemetery and who was killed the following day. The CWGC says of the Ploegsteert Memorial “ Those commemorated … did not die in major offences, such as those which took place around Ypres to the north, or Loos to the south. Most were killed in the course of the day-to-day trench warfare which characterised this part of the line, or in small scale set engagements, usually carried out in support of the major attacks taking place elsewhere.”.

4.2.2.6 FRANCES HANNAH BOATER

Frances was born around September 1879 in Mile End. She married John, one of the Donovan Brothers, in the Church of St John Evangelist, St George in the East on February 24, 1901. The Witnesses were John’s Brother, James and his Wife, Elizabeth, Frances’ Sister. The couple’s address was No 34 Langdale Street, just as the wedding a year earlier. In the 1901 Census the couple were living at No 22 Tarling Street, just along the road from Elizabeth and James Donovan.

4.2.2.2/6 THE DONOVAN BROTHERS

James Donovan was born around 1877 and John around 1879. Both were born in St Georges in the East. Their Father was Michael, who had died by 1900. One of the Witnesses at the wedding of James and Elizabeth Boater was Julia Donovan.

4.2.3 EDWARD BOATER AND MARY JANE COLEMAN

Edward was born around the beginning of 1850 in Spitalfields and was Christened on January 18, 1850 in Whitechapel. He married Mary Jane Coleman on December 14, 1872 in Bethnal Green. Mary Jane was born on September 9, 1854 in Bermondsey. She was the Daughter of John Coleman and Mary Ann Curran. Edward and Mary’s children were Arthur William, born around 1876, Mary Jane, born around 1878 and Theresa or Jessie, born around 1880. At the time of the 1881 Census the family were living at No 395 Cable Street, Ratcliff. Also present at the time were Edward’s Brother, Richard 22, Mary Jane’s Sister, Emily, 21 and her Brother, Arthur, 15. Edward and Richard were Boot Finishers. The family grew with Walter Leopold born around 1883, Albert Ernest born August 24, 1885, Maud Frances, or Frances Maud born around March 1888, Robert Thomas born around March 1890 and Henry Frederick born around 1894. When her Son Henry was killed in 1914, Mary Jane was living at No 69 Knott Street, Deptford, Surrey. It looks as though she died in Macclesfield, around October 1945.

4.2.3.1 ARTHUR WILLIAM BOATER

Arthur was born around May 1876. He married Sarah Ann Cripps around April 1901. Later that year the newly weds were living at No 27 Ropery Street. Also there was Arthur’s Father, Edward, married and 51 years old. Arthur was an Omnibus Conductor and Edward was a Boot Finisher.

4.2.3.2 MARY JANE BOATER

Mary Jane was born around May 1878. She married, by Banns, Alfred Harry Baldwin on October 4, 1896 at the Parish Church of St James the Great. The Witnesses were Edgar Bryant and Mary’s Sister Jessie. Alfred gave his age as 19, his address as No 18 Pollard Row and his Occupation as a Sawyer. Alfred’s Father was Thomas. Mary and Alfred had a Daughter, Jessie Elizabeth around April 1899 and at the time of the 1901 Census were living at No 43 Hardinge Street, Ratcliff. Also there were “Elbert” Boater, 15 and Walter Boater, 17, a Dock Labourer. They were Mary Jane’s Brothers.

4.2.3.3 THERESA OR JESSIE BOATER

Theresa/Jessie was born around 1880. She married, by Banns, Ernest Victor Baldwin on December 2, 1900 at the Parish Church of St James the Great. The Witnesses were Jessie’s Brother, Arthur William and Arthur’s future Wife, Sarah Ann Cripps. Ernest gave his age as 21 as did Jessie. Ernest’s address was No 41 Blythe Street and Jessie’s No 18 Pollards Row, a reversal of when their Brother and Sister, respectively, got married 4 years before. Ernest’s Occupation was Coal Porter and his Father shown as Thomas Baldwin, Solicitor. In the 1901 Census they were living along the road from the “other half of the family” at No 24 Hardinge Street, along with their 3 month old Daughter, Maud Irene. Jessie was a Tent Machinist, Canvas and not surprisingly, Ernest was still a Coal Porter.

4.2.3.2/3.1 THE BALDWIN BOYS

Mary Jane Boater married Alfred Harry Baldwin in 1896 and Jessie Boater, Mary Jane’s Sister, married Alfred’s Brother Ernest Victor Baldwin in 1900. Alfred and Ernest were the Sons of Thomas and Laura Baldwin. Alfred was born around 1876 and Ernest around 1880. There were two older Brothers, Thomas born around 1871 and Joseph born around 1873. Around November 1870 a Thomas William Baldwin married Laura Susanna Keene in St Giles. There is a death registered around February 1881 for a Thomas Baldwin, age 32 in West Ham. At the time of the 1881 Census Laura, shown as a Widow, and the children were living at No 53 Libra Road, Bow. When Alfred and Mary married both Fathers were shown as Deceased, true in Thomas’ case, but probably a ploy in the case of Mary as Edward was still alive, but Mary was 3 to 4 months pregnant when she got married. When Ernest and Jessie got married Thomas was shown as a Solicitor.

4.2.3.4 WALTER LEOPOLD BOATER

Walter was born around June 1883 in Poplar. He married either Louisa Hallett, or Emma Mary Mahoney around March 1910 in West Ham. He joined the 2nd Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment under his Mother’ surname and at one time is shown as Private (6301) Walter Coleman on his Medal Card. However, there is also a note saying “assumed his true name of Walter Leopold Boater”. The annotation seems to be dated January 30, 1907. He went to France with the Regiment on August 14, 1914.

4.2.3.5 ALBERT ERNEST BOATER

Albert was born August 24, 1885. He is shown as “Elbert Boater” in the 1901 Census, boarding with his married Sister, Mary Jane Baldwin at No 43 Hardinge Street, Ratcliff. He married Rose Whitting on January 8, 1914 in West Ham. Albert, like his Brother Walter, joined the 2nd Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment. He went to France on August 14, 1914 and received a shrapnel wound on his Left hand on October 14, 1914. It seems to have been a “Blighty One” as a week later he was back in England. This meant that he was in the Country when his Daughter, Elsie Rose was born on January 3, 1915. He returned to France in March 1915 and from March 4, 1916 to March 16, 1919 he saw service in Egypt. His Army career had seen him transfer to the Royal Engineers as a Sapper, then on to the Cheshire Regiment, followed by the Royal Welsh Fusiliers and finally back to the Royal Engineers. At the end of the War the family were living at No 34 Seddon Road, Plaistow. Albert died on May 12, 1950.

4.2.3.6 MAUD FRANCES BOATER

Maud Frances, or Frances Maud as she seems to have preferred, was born January 23, 1888 in Mile End. She married Walter Charles Bryant on September 22, 1907 in Shadwell. Walter was born about 1884. They had a Son, Walter Charles, born on November 17, 1910. Maude was widowed when Walter died in 1915.

4.2.3.7 ROBERT THOMAS BOATER

Robert was born around March 1890 in Hackney.

4.2.3.8 HENRY FREDERICK BOATER

Henry was born around 1894. He enlisted as a Rifleman (5/9937) in The Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort’s Own) at New Cross on February 15, 1912. He was 18 years and six months old, with Brown hair and Hazel Brown eyes, stood 5 ft 11 /8 inches tall and weighed 111 lb. On December 18, 1914 the 11th Infantry Brigade, including the 1st Battalion, The Rifle Brigade, were ordered to “capture the bight in their line.” near Ploegsteert, commencing at exactly 2.30 pm the following day. Greatcoats and Packs would not be worn and each man would carry 200 Rounds of ammunition, together with Iron Rations and one day’s Reserve Rations. Extract from Report on the operations of 19th December 1918, by Captain W W Seymour, Commanding 1st Battalion Rifle Brigade, dated 22nd December. “At 2.30 pm the leading two platoons and the house parties under Captain Morgan Grenville, who was almost immediately killed by a shot from the 3rd German house, dashed forward….On the left of the German House the leading platoon under 2/Lieutenant Daniell rushed forward, but water, mud, shell-holes, our own shell-fire and the German fire resulted in many casualties and caused the attack to swing left. …2/Lieutenant Daniell and a small (sic) worked to our left, the men were all shot and 2/Lieutenant Daniell has not been seen since and is presumably dead….At 5.55 pm.. a withdrawal was carried out. In my opinion the reasons that we did not reach the line level with the ST YVES road were as follows: a) Failure of the bombardment to keep down the enemy’s heads, b)Early loss of Captain Prittie – who was to have been in immediate charge of the ’third attack and the officers of the leading company, c)the state of the ground, d) The effect of our own shrapnel on the left of our line”. One of the casualties was Henry. Whether his body was recovered at the time we don’t know. However, things did go quiet at the end of December or as the War Diary says for the 25th “Everything extraordinarily quiet, Germans came out of their trenches and met our people halfway, all friendly and helped collect each others dead, no shooting, 133rd 134th Regiments, XIX Saxon Corps are opposed to us. Their Majesties Christmas card distributed” and for the 26th “[Princess Mary’s gifts distributed] All still very quiet. Germans continue to show signs of friendliness. No sniping.” The friendliness continued until what seems to have been an Armistice suggested by the Germans for December 31, between 10 am and 2 pm. What we do know is that Henry is buried in Grave IV.G.7,The Rifle House Cemetery, Comines-Warneton, Hainaut, Belgium. He probably never knew that his Cousin, Alfred had been killed the day before, just a few miles away. Henry’s personal possessions were returned to his Mother the following year, they consisted of the Princess Mary’s Gift Box for Christmas 1914 , 2 bundles of letters, a tin of tobacco, a leather purse, a knife, 2 pieces of pencil and a comb.

4.2.4 WILLIAM BOATER AND ALICE HARMS

William was born around May 1852 in Bethnal Green. He married Alice Harms, by Banns, on November 2, 1874 in Christ Church, St George in the East. William, a Boot Finisher, was living at No 148 Cannon Street Road and Alice at No 4 Martha Street, the Witnesses were G and Matilda Myers. Alice was born on April 16, 1853 the Daughter of Christopher, a Cooper and Mary Harms. She was Christened on October 13 that year in St Mary, Whitechapel. In 1875 Alice gave birth to William, followed by Alice around July 1879 and Eliza around 1881. Later that year, at the time of the Census, the family were living at No 67 New Street, Mile End Old Town. In the 1901 Census they were living at No 8 Faith Street, Mile End Old Town. In addition to William and Alice there were Alice, 19, Schallot (sic) 12, Rosey, 9, Emma, 7 and Annie, 4. There is a Death recorded around May 1920 in West Ham district for a 70 year old William Boater.

4.2.4.1 WILLIAM CHRISTOPHER BOATER

William was born around August 1875. He married Jane Louisa Hollington around September 1900 in Bethnal Green. William’s surname is shown as Bowater. In the 1901 Census they were living at No 260 Devonshire Street, Mile End Old Town. William is shown as a Carman and, interestingly, Jane has been put down as Jane Hollington, Wife. They had at least two children, Louise and Christopher. The family seem to have gone on to emigrate to Canada.

4.2.4.2 ALICE BOATER

Alice was born around August 1879 and died around February 1883.

4.2.4.3 ELIZA BOATER

Eliza was born around 1881. Around November 1900 Eliza married Bertie Brown in Mile End.

4.2.4.4 ALICE BOATER

Alice was born around March 1883 in Mile End.

4.2.4.5 CHARLOTTE HARRIETT BOATER

Charlotte was born around March 1889 in Mile End. She married around September 1910 in West Ham.

4.2.4.6 ROSE MATILDA BOATER

Rose was born around September 1891 in Mile End.

4.2.4.7 EMMA BOATER

Emma was born around 1894 in Mile End.

4.2.4.8 ANNIE BOATER

Annie was born around 1897 in Mile End.

4.2.5 CHARLOTTE BOATER AND ALFRED BLACKER

Charlotte was born around November 1855 in Bethnal Green. On July 3, 1876 she married Alfred Edward Blacker in Whitechapel. The Witnesses were Edward and Jane Boater, almost certainly Charlotte’s brother and his Wife. Alfred, the Son of George Blacker and Catherine (nee Banston), was born July 9, 1857. George and Catherine were married May 4, 1850 in St Dunstan, Stepney. Alfred seems to have been registered as Edward Alfred but Christened Alfred Edward on June 24, 1860 at St Dunstan, Stepney. George William was born around 1829 and died around December 1897 in Mile End. Catherine was born around 1831 and died around March 1871 in Mile End. Charlotte and Alfred’s children were Richard, Alfred R born around 1878, William born around 1880 and Elizabeth Eliza Susan, born October 16, 1884 in Plaistow.

4.2.5.1 RICHARD BLACKER

Richard was born around 1877.

4.2.5.2 ALFRED ROBERT BLACKER

Alfred was born around 1878.

4.2.5.3 WILLIAM BLACKER

William was born around 1880.

4.2.5.4 ELIZABETH ELIZA SUSAN BLACKER

Elizabeth was born on October 16, 1884 in Plaistow.

4.2.6 ALFRED BOATER

Alfred was born around November 1857.


4.2.7 RICHARD BOATER

Richard was born around November 1859. He married Alice Emma Wood around June 1889 in Mile End. They had their first child, Richard, around June 1890, followed by Louisa around March 1892 and Benjamin around September 1894; all of them in the West Ham area. On April 4, 1897 Henry was born at No 39 Roscoe Street, Canning Town. Richard was working as a Labourer in the Docks. On October 2, 1899 Henry was joined by Joshua, born at No 115 Forty Acre Lane, Canning Town.

4.2.7.1 RICHARD BOATER

Richard was born around June 1890 in West Ham.

4.2.7.2 LOUISA BOATER

Louisa was born around March 1892 in West Ham.

4.2.7.3 BENJAMIN BOATER

Benjamin was born around September 1894 in West Ham.

4.2.7.4 HENRY BOATER

Henry was born on April 14, 1897 at No 39 Roscoe Street, Canning Town. During the The Great War, Henry, now known as Harry, served as a Corporal with the Royal Field Artillery (Regimental No. 46156). He enlisted on November 23, 1914 and served in France from July 17, 1915 to October 25, 1917 and again from July 8, 1918 to February 9, 1919. During the Second Battle of the Somme, Harry was Gassed, which later led to him receiving a Pension. On another occasion while in charge of a gun, the gun jumped on firing and he was caught by it and received facial injuries from the hand spike. He was discharged on March 10, 1919.

4.2.7.5 JOSHUA BOATER

Joshua was born on October 2, 1899 at No 115 Forty Acre Lane, West Ham.

4.2.8 EMMA BOATER

Emma was born around November 1861 in Bethnal Green. As part of a double wedding at the Islington Register Office on May 22, 1881 she married William Jackson, a bricklayer. William was born around 1860, the Son of John Jackson. John is shown to have died by the time of the wedding. The Witnesses were Charlotte Blacker, Emma’s older Sister, and Charlotte’s Husband Alfred Edward. The couple were living in Barnsbury Road, William at No 4 and Emma at No 14. Later the same year the newly weds were living at No 9 Chapel Street, Clerkenwell.

4.2.9 SUSAN BOATER

Susan was born around May 1864 in Whitechapel. On May 22, 1881 Susan formed the other half of the double wedding at Islington Register Office. Susan married George Bowley, the Son of George Bowley. Both Georges were bricklayers, but George the Elder had died by the time of the wedding. Susan put her age as 19 and her address as No 2 Pulteney Street. George gave his address as No 16 Barnsbury Road, a couple of houses away from his new Sister in Law, Emma. The Witnesses were once again, Charlotte and Alfred Blacker. Later the same year the newly weds were living at No 5 Edward Street, Islington. Their children were George, born around 1882, Charles, born around 1884 and Susan, born around 1888.

CHAPTER 5

5.1 CHARLOTTE BOATER AND GEORGE COOPER

Charlotte was born around 1822 and was Christened on October 16 of that year. On December 25, 1843 Charlotte married George Cooper, a Cutler like his Father, by Banns, in Hackney Parish Church. The couple gave their addresses as Church Street and the Witnesses were George and Mary Bundy. George was the Son of Theophilias and Sarah Cooper. He was born January 23, 1815 and Christened on February 8, 1815 at St Leonards, Shoreditch. Mary Bundy was George’s younger Sister who had married George Bundy the previous year in Whitechapel. Mary Cooper was born on January 19, 1817 and Christened at St Leonard’s on February 17 that year. George Cooper was one of the Witnesses at his Sister in Law Sarah’s Wedding in 1845. At the 1851 Census the family were living at No 4 John Street and had grown to include Charlotte born around 1843 and Mary Ann born around 1849. Next door at No 5 were the Davis family, Robert and Rachel and Rachel’s 18 year old Daughter, Eliza Dowsett. Eliza was Benjamin Dowsett’s Sister and Rachel was the remarried Widow of Benjamin Dowsett Snr. The family continued to grow, Emma was born around 1852, George around 1855, James around 1858 and Henry around 1860. At the time of the 1861 Census the family were living at No 19 Green Street, Bethnal Green. Twenty years on and the family were living at No 77 Upper North Street, Poplar and George had become a Dealer in China and Glass. The children still at home were George, an unemployed Baker, Henry, a House Decorator and Florence, born around 1865.

5.2.1 CHARLOTTE COOPER

Charlotte was born around 1843.

5.2.2 MARY ANN COOPER

Mary Ann was born around 1849. She married her Cousin, Edward, the Son of Edward Boater and Elizabeth Boater, nee Hughes, around November 1872 at Hackney. She was buried in Abney Park Cemetery, Hackney on October 3, 1922.

5.2.3 EMMA COOPER

Emma was born around 1852.

5.2.4 GEORGE COOPER

George was born around 1855.

5.2.5 JAMES COOPER

James was born around 1858.

5.2.6 HENRY COOPER

Henry was born around 1861.

5.2.7 FLORENCE COOPER

Florence was born around 1865.

CHAPTER 6

6.1 SARAH ANN BOATER AND BENJAMIN DOWSETT

Sarah was born around the beginning of 1825 and was christened on April 3, 1825 at Christ Church, Spitalfields. On November 9, 1845 Sarah married Benjamin Dowsett, by Banns, in Hackney Parish Church, both gave their address as New Cut. Benjamin was the Son of Benjamin and Rachael (nee Farrell) Dowsett who were married on October 18, 1819 at St Leonards, Shoreditch. Benjamin Snr died around August 1842 in Bethnal Green. Benjamin Jnr was Christened on June 4, 1827 at St Dunstan’s, Stepney. At the time of his marriage to Sarah, Benjamin was a Twine Spinner. The Witnesses were William Daniell and George Cooper, George was Sarah’s Brother in Law, who married her Sister, Charlotte, in 1843. It would seem that Sarah’s marriage was to “regularise things” as their first child, Sarah was born March 18 the following year at No 9 West Street, Bethnal Green. Later that year, around August, Benjamin’s widowed Mother, Rachael married Robert Davis. Sarah and Benjamin’s second daughter, Charlotte, was born in 1850 and is shown as being 10 months old at the 1851 Census when the family were living at No 8 William Street, Bethnal Green. Close by at No 5 John Street, next door to George and Charlotte Cooper, Rachel and Robert Davis were living with Benjamin‘s 18 year old Sister, Eliza Dowsett. October 18, 1853 saw the arrival of Alfred Benjamin, followed by Caroline on May 7, 1855, Rachael on May 3, 1858 at No 23 William Street and Jemima in 1860. At the 1861 Census the family, less Charlotte, were in No 1 Salisbury Place, William Street, Bethnal Green.

6.2.1 SARAH DOWSETT

Sarah was born March 18, 1846 at No 9 West Street, Bethnal Green.

6.2.2 CHARLOTTE DOWSETT

Charlotte was born around 1850.

6.2.3 ALFRED BENJAMIN DOWSETT

Alfred Benjamin was born around 1853.

6.2.4 CAROLINE DOWSETT

Caroline was born May 9, 1855.

6.2.5 RACHAEL DOWSETT

Rachael was born May 3, 1858.

6.2.6 JEMIMA DOWSETT

Jemima was born around 1860.

CHAPTER 7

7.1 ALFRED BOATER AND SARAH ANN SIMPSON

Alfred was born in King Street, Stepney and was Christened on August 5, 1827 at Christ Church, Spitalfields. On February 24, 1845 Alfred married Sarah Ann Simpson, by Banns, in Hackney Parish Church. Sarah’s Father was John Simpson, a Weaver. The Witnesses were John and Mary Broughton.
Alfred and Sarah had a growing family, with Alfred born at No 10 Anglesea Street, Bethnal Green on January 28, 1846. Elizabeth was born around 1847 in Bethnal Green and Sarah Ann born at No 8 Cheshire Street, Bethnal Green on February 6, 1849. In the 1851 Census the family are still at No 8 Cheshire Street, but the young Alfred is not shown. Their next door neighbour at No. 9 is Elizabeth Flowers, a 53 year old Widow. Several months later on September 9, 1851 Sarah gave birth to Charlotte. Interestingly, on Charlotte’s Birth Certificate Sarah’s Maiden name is given as Flowers and it may be that as the birth was not registered until October 20, the informant was actually Elizabeth, the next door neighbour. Young Alfred died around February 1853 and on March 29, 1854 Sarah gave birth to another Alfred, Alfred Charles. The family were now living at No 25 Green Street, Bethnal Green and Alfred had become a Beer Seller. There is a gap until 1868 when Charlotte married Henry Stiles and her address was No 12 Felix street, Bethnal Green. Then in the 1871 Census there is a Sarah Ann Boater living at No 12 Preston Street, Bethnal Green. She is shown as married, with no occupation and 30 years old: there seems to have been a problem with Alfred’s Sarah Ann’s age both on Census Returns and finally on her Death Certificate. There is no sign of Alfred himself. Again no mention of either Alfred or Sarah Ann in 1881, but in the 1891 Census Alfred is shown as a 63 year old Widower, living at No 38 Shandy Street, Mile End Old Town. And, just to complicate things, Sarah Ann is shown living with her Daughter and Son in Law, Charlotte and Henry Stiles at No 23 Old Windsor Road, Hackney. Sarah Ann is shown as a 69 year old Widow and her occupation, Matchbox Maker. Interestingly her name seems to have been put down phonetically: Bo-wea-ter. Sarah Ann died in the Hackney Infirmary on August 18, 1893. The cause of death was Phthisis (Pulmonary Consumption), her address was still No 23 Windsor Road and she is shown as the Widow of Alfred Boater. The Informant was Henry Stiles, her Son in Law. In the 1901 Census Alfred is shown as a 70 years old Boot Maker living at No 68 Oatland Rise, Walthamstow with his Wife Hannah (59) and their children Alfred H (22), William (19), George (17), Charles (15) and Elizabeth (11), all five born in Stepney. Alfred died, aged 82, on February 3, 1910 in the West Ham Union Workhouse, Leyton and had been living at No 126 Higham Hill Road, Walthamstow.

7.2.1 ALFRED BOATER

Alfred was born on January 28, 1846 at No 10 Anglesea Street, Bethnal Green and died around February 1853.

7.2.2 ELIZABETH BOATER

Elizabeth was born around 1847.

7.2.3 SARAH ANN BOATER

Sarah Ann was born on February 6, 1849 at No 8 Cheshire Street, Bethnal Green.

7.2.4 CHARLOTTE BOATER AND HENRY STILES

Charlotte was born on September 9, 1851 at No 8 Cheshire Street, Bethnal Green. On July 13, 1868 Charlotte married Henry Stiles, by Banns, in St Jude Parish Church, Bethnal Green. Henry was born around 1848, the Son of Edward, a Box Maker. Henry was living at No 7 Durham Street and Charlotte at No 12 Felix Street. Not surprisingly the Witnesses were Charlotte’s parents, for although Charlotte’s stated age was 18, the sums say that she was only 16. Around the beginning of 1871 Charlotte gave birth to Edward and later that year the Census shows them living at No 154 Green Street, Bethnal Green. Interestingly, their name is spelt Styles and Charlotte gives her true age, 19. Henry is working as a Case Maker. On December 9, 1874 Charlotte gave birth to Charlotte at No 8 Preston Street, Bethnal Green. There followed Harry around 1876, Rebecca around 1878, Elizabeth around 1885 and Sarah A around 1886. At the time of the 1891 Census the family were living at No 23 Old Windsor Road, Hackney. Also living at the address was Charlotte’s widowed Mother, Sarah Ann Boater, who died in 1893. Charlotte and Henry’s Daughter Charlotte married George Henry Francis Nicholl in 1894 and by the time of the 1901 Census only Elizabeth and Sarah were living with their parents at No 15 Wansbeck Road, Stratford. On June 28, 1922 Henry died at No 86 High Street Poplar of Acute Bronchitis and Fatty Degeneration of the Heart. His address was given as No 20 Allanmouth Road, Bow and the Informant was one of his Daughters in Law, either Eleanor, or Ellen Stiles of No 85 Wyke Road, Bow. A year later, on August 14, 1923, Charlotte died of Valvular disease of the Heart and Myocardial degeneration. Her address was given as No 73a Devons Road, Bow and the Informant was her Daughter Sarah, now a married Mrs Stiffell, living at No 18 Allanmouth Road, Bow.

7.2.4.1 EDWARD STILES

Edward was born around 1871in Bethnal Green. He married Ellen Barnes around December 1898 in Poplar. At the time of the 1901 Census the couple were living at 89 Armagh Road, St Mary Stratford, Bow. Edward was a Bricklayer’s Labourer and Ellen was a Match box Maker, Packing.

7.2.4.2 CHARLOTTE STILES AND GEORGE HENRY FRANCIS NICHOLL

Charlotte was born on December 9, 1874 at No 8 Preston Street, Bethnal Green. She moved around with her family until August 21, 1894 when she married George Henry Francis Nicholl, by Banns, in Old Ford Parish Church. The Witnesses were John Rudge and Priscilla Nicholl, George’s Mother. George’s Father was George Henry Leighton Nicholl and both Georges were CommercialTravellers, with George Snr working for the Spiced Beef Company. On June 9, 1897 the couple were living at No 7 Trego Road, Bow and Charlotte gave birth to Leighton, a son. Sadly, not more than about a year old, Leighton died. At the time of the 1901 Census George and Charlotte were living at No 18 Norton Street with their two Sons, 5 year old George Henry and 4 month old Alfred Ernest. George was a Painter. Charlotte died on May 7, 1914, the Cause of Death was Mitral Disease and Cardiac failure.

7.2.4.3 HARRY STILES

Harry was born around 1876. He married Eleanor Ruddell around March 1894 in Poplar. At the time of the 1901 Census they had a 6 year old Daughter, Elizabeth and a year old Son, Harry. The family were living at No 27 Windsor Road, Hackney, although Henry was not at home at the time. The house was but a few doors along from Harry’s old home at No 23.

7.2.4.4 REBECCA STILES

Rebecca was born around 1878. She married George William Ruddle in Poplar around December 1898. George may have been the Brother of Eleanor Ruddell who married Rebecca’s Brother Harry some four years before. Rebecca Charlotte Ruddle was born around September 1901, but sadly died a few months later.

7.2.4.5 ELIZABETH STILES

Elizabeth was born around 1885.

7.2.4.6 SARAH A STILES

Sarah A was born around 1886. She married a Mr Stiffell some time before her Mother’s death in 1923.

7.2.5 ALFRED CHARLES BOATER

Alfred was born March 29, 1854 at No 25 Green Street, Bethnal Green. He married the widowed Emma Patey (nee Collins) on September 20, 1880 in the Parish Church of St Anne, Limehouse. Emma, the Daughter of George Collins, was born around 1858 in St George in the East, she had married George William Patey around June 1874 in Mile End Old Town. Emma and George had a Daughter, Emma, born in St George in the East around June 1875. When Alfred and Emma married little Emma took the name Boater. Alfred and Emma had their first child, Mary Ann L, around November 1881, followed by Maude Louise around May 1883 and Alfred in 1884. Alfred was born at No 22 Rowsell Street, Mile End Old Town. The family was finally made up with Richard around 1888 and Florence Kate around August 1890. At the time of the 1891 Census the family were still living at No 22 Rowsell Street, Mile End Old Town. Ten years on and Alfred was still at No 22 Rowsell Street, but a Widower, Emma had died around October 1894. Also at home were Alfred, 16 and Florence, 10. Alfred Snr remained a Boot Finisher and Alfred Jnr was a Ships Chandler’s Assistant.

7.2.5.1 EMMA BOATER

Emma was born around 1876, the Daughter of Emma Collins and her first Husband, George William Patey. When her Mother married Alfred, Emma adopted the surname Boater.

7.2.5.2 MARY ANN L BOATER

Mary Ann was born around November 1881.

7.2.5.3 MAUDE LOUISE BOATER

Maude was born around May 1883. At the time of the 1901 Census she was a Servant with the Hose family at No 99 Grove Road, Bethnal Green. Around October 1909 a Maude Louisa Boater married either Charles Leonard Peck, or Jules Leon Vincent at West Ham.

7.2.5.4 ALFRED HENRY BOATER

Alfred was born on Christmas Day 1884, although not registered until February 3 the next year. He is probably the Sergeant Alfred Boater (6702) who enlisted in Stratford and was Killed in Action on October 13, 1914 while serving with the 1st Battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment in France. He is remembered on Panel 22/23 in the Le Touret Memorial, Pas de Calais, France.

7.2.5.5 RICHARD ALBERT BOATER

Richard was born around February 1888.

7.2.5.6 FLORENCE KATE BOATER

Florence was born around August 1890.