Rectory Lane Cemetery, Berkhamsted

HANNAH SMITH (NÉE BRADBURY) (1848-1939)

Hannah was born in Berkhamsted on 24 October 1848, the sixth of nine children born to John Bradbury and Elizabeth Garrett.  She was baptised at St Peter’s Church on 18 March 1849.

Her father was a Boatman who most likely worked on the Grand Union Canal and worked his way up to become Captain.

As well as Hannah, the Bradbury family consisted of eight other children –John (1838-), Mary (1840-),
Betsy (1842-), Fanny (1844-), James (1846-1848), Sarah (1851-), James (1854-) and
Esther Mary (1858-1863).

At the time of the 1851 Census, Hannah was living with her parents and siblings John, Mary, Betsy,
Fanny and Sarah in Water Lane.  Her brother John had followed their father in working as a Boatman and sister Mary was a Straw Plaiter.  Sisters Betsy and Fanny were both of school age.

In 1871 Hannah married Samuel Smith, son of David Smith and Priscilla Parrott.  The union produced nine children – Ada Fanny (1872-1959), William (1873-), Arthur (-), Esther Emily (1881-), Kate (1883-),
Samuel (1885-1887) and Samuel (1888-1916).

Husband Samuel was a Wood Turner, a profession he held his entire working life.  On the first Census as a married woman, Hannah along with Samuel and their children, Ada, William Arthur and Esther were living at 50 Corporation Row, Clerkenwell.  Hannah was a Machinist and Ada, William and Arthur were attending school.

Over the next decade the family returned to Berkhamsted and were living in George Street at the time of the 1891 Census.  The family had grown further with the births of Kate and Samuel.  Sadly, the couple had another son named Samuel who died in infancy and their next son was named after him.  This was a common practice of the time.

The family remained in Berkhamsted but made a move across town to 3 Hamilton Road, which is where the family were residing in 1901.  Daughters Esther and Kate were working as a Mantle Machinist and
Mantle Finisher respectively.  Youngest Samuel was of school age.

The family home remained at 3 Hamilton Road over the following decade and by 1911, just two children were residing in the home.  Kate became a Dressmaker and Samuel a Postman.

Hannah was sadly widowed in 1925 when husband Samuel died on 03 February.  She remained in Berkhamsted and died on 15 February 1939 aged 90.  She and Samuel are buried together here in
Rectory Lane.