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b. 1875 – d. 1917
Working from the Long Grove record of Edward’s death in 1917, we found his birth in the March quarter of 1875 and his mother’s maiden name was Bone. He was baptised at St Giles, Camberwell.
1880s
In 1881 the family were living at 19 Mosedale Street Camberwell. His father Edward J Kent was a Coachman, mother Elizabeth, who was born in Bethnal Green, a Laundress and he had a little brother of 8 months – William. His grandmother, Mary Ann Kent age 63 and a Laundress is also living with them.
1890s
By 1891, the family is found at 9 Mosedale Street and Head of the household is William Beaney, an Ostler and Edward senior, 43 is still a Coachman, Elizabeth, 53, no trade indicated while our Edward, age 16, is a Publisher’s Assistant. The enumerator has added a note – ‘books’ to young Edward, and ‘Grooms’ to both adult men. Another brother has been born – Alfred, now age 7 – and along with 10 year old William, a scholar.
1900s
1901 Census tells us that Edward’s father died during the previous ten years as Elizabeth is now a widow but still at the same address with her three sons – all now working. Edward, 25, still a Publisher’s Clerk, William at 20 a Printers Labourer and 17 year old Alfred a Printer’s Clerk. Elizabeth at 62 probably has her hands full looking after the men! They all seem to be working to support themselves. I found Elizabeth’s death later in the year.
In 1902, Edward age 27 and described as a Ledger Clerk, marries Louisa Mary Heath age 27 of 17 Oswyth Road, Camberwell. Her father William was a ‘Binder’ and a witness is Frederick Heath, perhaps Louisa’s brother.
1910s
1911 Edward, giving his trade as Publisher’s Clerk again, and Louisa are living at 21 Oswyth Road, only a few doors from the home from which Louisa was married. They have been married 8 years and have 3 children, Edward 6, Bessie 3 and Winifred 2. Edward’s brothers William, 30 and Alfred 27, are living with them in what is listed on the Census return form as a 4 room house!
6 year old Edward is at school but the two girls are not old enough. Illness afflicted Edward as he is recorded being admitted to Constance Road workhouse on 7th August 1911 – his occupation a ledger clerk and ‘alld (sic)insane’ as a note. He was discharged on 19th of the month only to be re-admitted on 10th October 1911 and ‘alleged insane’.
Further details of this alleged insanity may be available whenever records can be accessed. He was finally admitted to Long Grove on 20th October 1911 and he died there in November 1917 at the early age of 42.
Authors Comment
We must wonder what affected Edward’s health so suddenly as there was no hint of any condition earlier in the records. And what became of his wife Louisa and their 3 children when Edward was admitted to Long Grove hospital?
