Rectory Lane Cemetery, Berkhamsted

Joseph Coxhill

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Unmarked grave Joseph Coxhill (1846-1910)

Joseph was born in Northchurch 10 January 1846, the son of James Coxhill, a shepherd and agricultural labourer, and Phoebe (née Childs).

In 1861 the family were living at Bourne End Lodge in Northchurch and Joseph, aged 15, was an agricultural labourer like his older brother.

He married Frances (Fanny) Allen (born in Oxford) in 1869. Their first son Henry was born in 1871 when they were living at 23, High Street. Joseph was employed as an agricultural labourer and Fanny worked as a charwoman. In 1873 George was born, Joseph in 1876, Sarah in 1898 and Phoebe in 1880.

In 1881 the family were living at 25 High Street and Joseph was a general labourer. Daughter Louisa was born in 1886. By 1891 the family had moved to 44, Highfield Road.

Fanny died in March 1892 aged 47. An inquest was held at the Queen’s Arms on her death. She and Joseph had been walking up the footpath to Ashlyn’s the previous evening when she was taken ill and said, “Oh, my poor Joe, I wish I hadn’t come.” She was taken to Mr Lucas’s farm, brandy was administered, but she died of a heart attack before the doctor could reach her. She was buried in an unmarked grave in this cemetery on the 7 March.

In 1901 Joseph was living at 12, Red Lion Yard with his unmarried daughter Phoebe, aged 21. They had a lodger, another general labourer.

Joseph died in the Union Infirmary 16 December 1910 aged 68 of a cerebral haemorrhage. He was buried 19 December 1910.