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Sally Ann Clark and William Smith ©

Sally Ann Clark was born on the 8^th June, 1842¹ in Bretforton, Worcester, England.  The daughter of John Clarke and Ann (nee Gibbs), she was baptised in St Leonards, the Bretforton Parish Church on the 3^rd July, 1842².

According to the 1851 Census³, she was a 9 year old visitor in the household of William Edwards and family, just a few doors away from her parents’ home.  The 1861 census³ shows her age 18 living with her parents and maternal grandmother, Mary Gibbs, in the Village, Bretforton. 

On the 12^th February, 1862¹, Sally gave birth to her first child, Herbert David Clarke.  It is not known who the father was.

On the 5^th February, 1865, at the age of 22, Sally married William Smith, in the Bretforton Parish Church⁴.  William is recorded as a Bachelor, age 31, occupation Labourer, his father is recorded as William Smith, Labourer.  Sally is recorded as a 22year old Spinster, no occupation is
recorded, and her father is given as John Clarke, Labourer.  The Vicar was G. S. Morris and the witnesses were Edward and Ann Dowderwill, Ann is believed to have been William' sister.  Sally Ann signed the register, which indicates she attended school at some stage, while William made his mark. 

Sally appears on the 1871 Census³, along with her husband William and their children: Rosa, age 5; Henry, age 3; Sidney, age 2; and Mary A, 7mths.  William’s occupation is recorded as Agricultural Labourer, his birthplace recorded as Bretforton.  It would appear daughter Mary Ann died early 1872.

By 1881³, Sally is a Widow living in Bridge Street with sons: Hebert A Smith Clarke, age 19, he married Ellen Sollis 1884; Henry, age 13; Sydney, age 12; and Wilson, age 8.   Sally's occupation is recorded as Farm Worker.  Sally is still in Bridge Street in 1891, living with daughter Rosa, age 25, and son William (Wilson), age 18.

The 1901 Census shows Sally is living with her son-in-law Percy H Fletcher, daughter Rosa and granddaughter Maud, at Gas Works House, Bretforton.  Her age is given as 58, and no occupation is listed.  In 1911 Census shows Sally was still living in Bretforton, the address is not recorded, but it is believed she was back in Bridge Street and it would appear the house had three rooms.  There is no occupation recorded for Sally, whose age was 68.  Living with her is son Wilson William Smith, age 38, single, occupation Gardener.

Sally died on the 15^th March, 1915, at Beaufort Cottage, in Chepstow, Monmouth.  The death certificate states she was 72years old, of Bridge Street, Bretforton and the widow of William Smith, a Game Keeper.  Cause of death is recorded as Valvular Disease of Heart, Dilatation of Left Ventricle and Cardiac Failure, certified by W. A. Shoolbred M.R.C.S.  The Informant is recorded as Mary Ann Smith, Daughter-in-Law, of Beaufort Cottage, Chepstow, who was present at the death.  It is believed Sally was in Chepstow visiting her son Sydney and his wife Mary Ann.  It is not known where or when Sally was buried, and it is possible she may have been cremated.

References:
1. Birth Certificate
2. Parish Baptism Record
3. 1851, 1871, 1881 & 1901 Census
4. Marriage Certificate
5. Death Certificate

Other Sources:
Oral & Written Family HIstory
Personal Knowledge

 

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