Family Card - Person Sheet
Family Card - Person Sheet
NameEmily Margaret LOWE
, G Grandmother
, G GrandmotherBirth18 Oct 1866, East Keswick, Yorkshire, England
Baptism6 Jan 1867, All Saints, Harewood, Yorkshire
Death5 Oct 1892, London, Middlesex, England
BurialHanwell, Middlesex
FatherHenry LOWE (1829-1910)
MotherSarah NUNNS (1826-1907)
Spouses
1Alfred Stuart SYMONDSON (SIMMONDS), G Grandfather
, G GrandfatherBirth17 Feb 1865, Hounslow, London, England
Baptism30 Aug 1867, Hounslow, London, England
Death26 Nov 1930, Chelsea, London, England
Burial28 Nov 1930, Hanwell Cemetery
OccupationTrumpeter 11th Hussars, Musician Scots Guards
FatherHenry SYMONDSON (SIMMONDS) (1832-1911)
MotherBarbara MILLS (1839-1924)
Marriage14 Jun 1884, Parish Church Leeds, Yorkshire
ChildrenAlfred Henry Percy (1884-1975)
Constance Elizabeth (1888-1958)
Albert Edwin (1890-1891)
Frederick (1892-1893)
Notes for Emily Margaret LOWE
Birth Certificate - courtesy of Gordon Slater
Wetherby district, Yorkshire October 18 1866, East Keswick, Emily Margaret Lowe, father Henry Lowe, farmer, mother Sarah Lowe formerly Nunns.
Parish Records All Saints, Harewood, Yorkshire
Baptism January 6 1868, East Keswick, Emily Margaret Lowe daughter of Henry and Sarah Lowe, of East Keswick, father is a carrier, ceremony performed by Miles Atkinson, Vicar.
In the October to December 1866 birth index Emily M. Lowe, Whetherby, Yorkshire West Riding, volume 9a, page 105.
In the 1871 census Lime Kiln House, East Keswick, Yorkshire.
Head George Maskill, age 44, General Dealer, born Barwick in Elmet, Yorkshire.
Wife Margaret Maskill, age 41, born Horsforth.
Elizabeth Dent, Relation, age 48, housemaid, born Horsforth.
Niece, Emily M. Lowe, age 4, scholar, born in East Keswick. [Margaret is Emily’s aunt.]
There is an Emily M. Lowe listed in the 1881 census age 14, living at School House Breary Rd, Otley, York, England. She was born in East Keswick, York, England. Her occupation is listed as a Pupil Teacher (School) and she a boarder.
The other persons in the house are a certified teacher, a certified assistant teacher and a housekeeper.
The marriage for Emily Margaret Lowe is listed in the Leeds GRO 1884 June index volume 9b page 639.
The marriage certificate states the following
Married in the Parish Church of Leeds by License in the County of York, June 14, 1884
Alfred Simmonds, age 21, Bachelor, Trumpeter in the 11th Hussars, residence Barracks, father Henry Simmonds, Brick Works Manager.
Emily Margaret Lowe, age 18, spinster, residence Headingly, father Henry Lowe, Farmer
Witnessed by Joseph Henry Lowe and Edith Patience Jewell
[Note the witnesses are the brother and sister of the bride]
[Emily’s parents lived near the Chapeltown Cavalry Barracks - 1881 census]
At the time of Alfred Henry Percy Simmonds’ birth Emily Margaret Simmonds’ residence is listed as 15 Spring Hill Terrace, Headingly, Leeds. [Note: there is a Springhill Terrace on Monk Bridge Road and Brookfield Rd in Headingly]
The death Index for 1892 October to December lists Emily Margaret Simmonds age 26 (born about 1866) registered at St George Hanover Square, London, Middlesex. Volume 1a page 303.
Death certificate courtesy Gordon Slater
St. George Hanover Square district, sub district St. Margaret, London. October 5, 1892, Victoria House, Emily Margaret Simmonds, 26 years, wife of Alfred Simmonds, Musician Scots Guards. Cause of death Exhaustion and Diarrhea 7 days, Pneumonia Parturition with adherent Placentia. Informant A. Simmonds widower of deceased present at the death. Victoria House Westminster.
[Thus it seems Emily died from the birth of her 4th child Frederick.]
Wetherby district, Yorkshire October 18 1866, East Keswick, Emily Margaret Lowe, father Henry Lowe, farmer, mother Sarah Lowe formerly Nunns.
Parish Records All Saints, Harewood, Yorkshire
Baptism January 6 1868, East Keswick, Emily Margaret Lowe daughter of Henry and Sarah Lowe, of East Keswick, father is a carrier, ceremony performed by Miles Atkinson, Vicar.
In the October to December 1866 birth index Emily M. Lowe, Whetherby, Yorkshire West Riding, volume 9a, page 105.
In the 1871 census Lime Kiln House, East Keswick, Yorkshire.
Head George Maskill, age 44, General Dealer, born Barwick in Elmet, Yorkshire.
Wife Margaret Maskill, age 41, born Horsforth.
Elizabeth Dent, Relation, age 48, housemaid, born Horsforth.
Niece, Emily M. Lowe, age 4, scholar, born in East Keswick. [Margaret is Emily’s aunt.]
There is an Emily M. Lowe listed in the 1881 census age 14, living at School House Breary Rd, Otley, York, England. She was born in East Keswick, York, England. Her occupation is listed as a Pupil Teacher (School) and she a boarder.
The other persons in the house are a certified teacher, a certified assistant teacher and a housekeeper.
The marriage for Emily Margaret Lowe is listed in the Leeds GRO 1884 June index volume 9b page 639.
The marriage certificate states the following
Married in the Parish Church of Leeds by License in the County of York, June 14, 1884
Alfred Simmonds, age 21, Bachelor, Trumpeter in the 11th Hussars, residence Barracks, father Henry Simmonds, Brick Works Manager.
Emily Margaret Lowe, age 18, spinster, residence Headingly, father Henry Lowe, Farmer
Witnessed by Joseph Henry Lowe and Edith Patience Jewell
[Note the witnesses are the brother and sister of the bride]
[Emily’s parents lived near the Chapeltown Cavalry Barracks - 1881 census]
At the time of Alfred Henry Percy Simmonds’ birth Emily Margaret Simmonds’ residence is listed as 15 Spring Hill Terrace, Headingly, Leeds. [Note: there is a Springhill Terrace on Monk Bridge Road and Brookfield Rd in Headingly]
The death Index for 1892 October to December lists Emily Margaret Simmonds age 26 (born about 1866) registered at St George Hanover Square, London, Middlesex. Volume 1a page 303.
Death certificate courtesy Gordon Slater
St. George Hanover Square district, sub district St. Margaret, London. October 5, 1892, Victoria House, Emily Margaret Simmonds, 26 years, wife of Alfred Simmonds, Musician Scots Guards. Cause of death Exhaustion and Diarrhea 7 days, Pneumonia Parturition with adherent Placentia. Informant A. Simmonds widower of deceased present at the death. Victoria House Westminster.
[Thus it seems Emily died from the birth of her 4th child Frederick.]
Notes for Alfred Stuart (Spouse 1)
TIMELINE
1865 Alfred Stuart Symondson is born in Hounslow, Middlesex, England (now in Greater London) His father Henry Symondson was a Staff Sgt. in the Militia. His mother is Barbara Symondson (nee Mills) and daughter of a publican and omnibus conductor.
1866 Emily Margaret Lowe is born at East Keswick, West Riding, Yorkshire. Her father, Henry Lowe, was a farrier and is now a farmer. He is farming land which once was farmed by his wife Sarah Lowe’s (nee Nunns) uncle.
1871 Alfred Simmons as he is called in the census is living 4 Militia Cottage, Isleworth with his parents and 3 brothers. Emily Lowe is boarding with her aunt and uncle in East Keswick.
1881 Alfred Simmonds is living at 25 Lion & Lamb Road with his parents and brothers and sisters. Alfred is a musician P. Staff 4th Middlesex Militia. Later that year he joined the 11th Hussars as a musician, using the name Alfred Stewart Simmonds. [Note both his father Henry and brother Henry John enlisted using the last name Simmonds.] Emily Lowe is living in Otley, Yorkshire, and is learning to become a school teacher.
October 1881 to late 1883 - Sometime in this period the Band of the 11th Hussars including Alfred Simmonds is posted to Leeds. Emily’s parents lived near the Chapeltown Cavalry Barracks where the 11th Hussars were posted.
1884 June. Alfred Simmonds marries Emily Margaret Lowe at the parish church in Leeds.
1884 July Son Alfred Henry Percy Simmonds born. Emily’s address is 15 Spring Hill Terrace, Headingly, Leeds. Percy may have been with his parents for a short time, but was raised by his grandmother Sarah Lowe (nee Nunns) and later his aunt Edith Jewell (nee Lowe)
1888 Daughter Constance Elizabeth Simmonds is born in Leeds. Address 2 Armenia Place, Leeds. Baptism gives the address as 1 Brunswick Row [Leeds, Yorkshire] This about 1 kilometre away from the Chapeltown Cavalry Barracks.
1890 Alfred, Emily and Constance (not his son Percy Simmonds) move to London. Alfred transfers as a musician to the 1st Battalion, 3rd Regiment of Foot, Scots Guards, based in London. He joins his oldest brother Henry John Symondson in the Scots Guards Band. Later another brother Herbert will transfer from the 15th Hussars to the 2nd Battalion Scots Guards Band. The Scots Guards Regimental Headquarters are on Birdcage Walk, very close to Buckingham Palace.
1890 Son Albert Edwin Simmonds is born, he is baptized at Aldershot.
1891 Son Albert Edwin Simmonds dies.
1891 Alfred is living at 24 Victoria Model Dwellings, Francis Street, Westminster London, England with Emily and Constance. Percy is in Leeds living with his grandmother, Emily’s mother, Sarah Lowe.
1892 September 30 Son Frederick Symondson or Simmonds is born.
1892 October 5. Emily Simmonds dies in London from complications of child birth. The same day her son Frederick Symondson is baptized. Frederick does not survive long.
1893 January to March Son Frederick Simmonds dies.
1894 April 7 Alfred Stuart Symondson marries Alice Maud Staniforth in London
1895 Son Alfred Stuart Symondson is born in London. Now he has two sons whose first name is the same as his, Alfred S. Symondson and Alfred H. Percy Simmonds.
1896 Son Sidney Gordon Symondson is born in London
1901 Living in 104 Coleshill Buildings, Westminster last name Symondson. Alfred with his second wife Alice, daughter Constance and sons Stuart (Percy S.) and Gordon (Sidney G). His son A. H. Percy Simmonds is living with his aunt, (Emily’s sister Edith Patience Jewell (nee Lowe)) and his grandmother, Emily’s mother.)
1901 Daughter Muriel Symondson is born in London.
1904 His son A. H. Percy Simmonds emigrates to Canada and in 1906 settles in Keatley, Saskatchewan, Canada.
1907 Emily’s mother Sarah Lowe (nee Nuns) dies.
1907 Daughter Sybil Symondson is born in London
1908 Daughter Constance Simmonds, married in Guiseley near Leeds. There is a family story Constance did not get on well with her step mother. Thus presumably she returned to Leeds.
1909 Daughter Violet Symondson is born in London
1910 Son Charles Alexander Symondson is born in London
1910 Emily’s father Henry Lowe dies.
1911 Probable year of Alfred’s father Henry Symondson’s death.
1911 Living at 104 Coleshill Buildings, Pimlico Road, London. Alfred with wife Alice, sons Stuart, Gordon and Charles as well as daughters Muriel, Sybil and Violet.
1912 Alfred came to Canada [but not to western Canada] to perform with the Scots Guards Band
1912 Daughter Florence Symondson is born in London
1914 Lived at 23 Cambridge Street, Warwick Street, Pimlico, London.
1914 Son Sidney Gordon Symondson in the 11th Hussars band with a rank of Boy. Son Alfred Stuart Symondson is probably with the Scots Guards at this time, possibly as a musician.
1914 August 4 The United Kingdom declares War on Germany. Canada and the other dominions are automatically included.
1915 Death of daughter Florence Symondson.
1915 Summer. Son A. H. Percy Simmonds training with the Canadian Army in England.
1915 July 14. Son Sidney Gordon Symondson is with the British Expeditionary Force in France.
1915 September 15. Son A. H. Percy Simmonds lands in France.
1916 June 2 Son A. H. Percy Simmonds badly wounded in near Ypres then becomes prisoner of war.
1917 9 days in May and later 29 days in August/September Alfred in France with Scots Guards Band.
1918 November 11 World War I is over. 9 days later Son Percy Simmonds is discharged from the Canadian Army as medically unfit.
1919 May 7 Alfred is discharged from Scots Guards. He continued to serve after retirement in 1914.
1920 to 1927 Alfred iving at 23 Cambridge Street, near Buckingham Palace Road. Listed in the Electoral register Sydney Gordon Symondson (who had also been living here since 2 years earlier) Alfred Stuart Symondson, and after women could vote wife Alice Maud Symondson is also listed.
1921 June 19
Living at 23 Cambridge Street in London Alfred with his wife Alice, daughters Muriel, Sybil and Violet and son Charles.
1922 December 4 Death of son Charles Alexander Symondson.
1924 Death of Alfred’s mother Barbara Symondson (nee Mills)
1928 Son S. Gordon Symondson emigrates to Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Canada. He probably is unaware his half brother A. H. Percy Simmonds has settled in the same province. They live aproximately 150 km apart.
1930 Death of Alfred Stuart Symondson (the father) in London. He is survived by A. H. Percy Simmonds and Constance Brayshaw from his first marriage. From his second marriage Alfred Stuart Symondson, Sidney Gordon Symondson, Muriel Grace O. Symondson, Sybil Clara Williams and Violet Marcella Joan Nash survive him. Also 9 or 10 grandchildren, 5 or 6 of them in Canada.
1937 Son Sydney Gordon Symondson and his family return to England
1958 July 14 Daughter Constance Brayshaw dies in Leeds
1964 Death of Alice Maude Symondson.
1967 November 2 Son Sidney Symondson dies in Buckinghamshire.
1971 May 20 Death of son Alfred Stuart Symondson.
1975 May 2 Son A H. Percy Simmonds, the last of Alfred’s children from the first marriage, dies on his farm near Keatley, Saskatchewan, Canada
1990 August Daughter Muriel Symondson dies in Sussex
1993 May 27 Death of daughter Violet Nash
2004 January The last remaining child of Alfred and of second wife Alice, daughter Sybil Williams dies in Sussex, nearly 140 years after Alfred Symondson was born.
End of Timeline
NOTES
In the 1865 birth index for January to March, Alfred Stuart Symondson Brentford District volume 3a page 49.
His birth certificate states the following:
Registration District Brentford, sub district Isleworth in the County of Middlesex
Born February 17, 1865 Alfred Stuart Symondson
Father Henry Symondson, Staff Sergeant in the 4th Middlesex Militia
Mother Barbara Symondson formerly Mills
Residence Militia Barracks, Isleworth, Heston
Birth Registered February 27, 1845
Parish records Holy Trinity, Hounslow, Baptism August 30, 1867 Alfred Stuart Symondson, parents Henry and Barbara Symondson, born February 17, 1865, abode Hounslow, father’s occupation Band Sergeant of the 4th Middlesex Militia. His brother Sydney Frederick was baptized the same day.
In the 1871 census Henry Simmons living at 4 Militia Cottage, Isleworth civil parish, Brentford District, Holy Trinity parish, Hounslow, Middlesex age 38, born at St Pancras, Middlesex, occupation Staff Sgt. Midx Militia.
Wife Barbara Simmons, age 31 born Heston.
Children Henry John Simmons age 10,
Sydney Fred Simmons age 8,
Alfred Stewart Simmons age 6 and
Herbert George Simmons age 3.
In the 1881 census living at 25 Lion & Lamb Road Heston civil parish, Brentford District, Isleworth sub district.
Henry Simmonds married age 48, born at St. Pancras, Middlesex, occupation Foreman and Clerk? to Brickmaker.
Wife Barbara Simmonds age 40 born Hounslow, Middlesex.
Children Sidney F. Simmonds, unmarried, age 18, born Hounslow, Middlesex, occupation pupil teacher.
Alfred S. Simmonds, age 16, born Hounslow, Middlesex, occupation Musician P. Staff 4th Mx Militia.
Herbert G. Simmonds age 12 born at born Hounslow, Middlesex.
Marcella F. Simmonds age 7, born Hounslow, Middlesex.
Louisa G. Simmonds age 5, born Hounslow, Middlesex.
Amy B. Simmonds age 2, born Hounslow, Middlesex.
Henry J. Simmonds, age 20, born Hounslow, Middlesex, Musician Scots Guards.
[Lion and Lamb Road seems to be an extension or a part of High Street Brentford.]
A marriage for an Alfred Simmonds is listed in the Leeds GRO 1884 June index volume 9b page 639.
In the 1891 census living at 24 Victoria Model Dwellings, Francis Street, Civil Parish: St Margaret and St John The Evangelist Westminster Ecclesiastical parish: St Stephens, London, England.
Alfred S. Simmonds, married, age 26, occupation Musician, 1st Battalion of Scots Guards, born at Hounslow, Middlesex.
Emily M. Simmonds age 24, born at Harewood, Yorkshire.
Daughter Constance E. Simmonds, age 3, born at Leeds, Yorkshire.
[The head of almost every family living in the Victoria Dwellings was a soldier of the Scot Guards or Grenadier Guards. A number of them were musicians. They are also referred to as soldiers married quarters.The next building listed on the census is listed as the Guards Industrial Home 47 Frances Street, which is a school to maintain, educate, and train (up to 17 years of age) for domestic service the daughters of non-commissioned Officers and men of the Guards.]
[Francis Street is behind Westminster Cathedral, not to be confused with Westminster Abbey.]
London Electoral Registers 1893
44 Victoria House, chambers, Francis Street, Westminster
Alfred Stuart Simmonds
In the April to June 1894 marriage index Alfred Stuart Symondson St George Hanover Square, London, Middlesex volume 1a page 838, on the same page as Alice Maude Staniforth.
In the 1901 census living at 104 Coleshill Bldgs. Civil Parish St George and Hanover Square, Ecclesiastical Parish St Barnabas, Westminster, London.
Head Alfred Symondson, married, age 36, born at Hounslow, Middlesex, occupation musician (Scots Guards)
Wife Alice Symondson age 27, born at Dartmouth, Devon.
Daughter Constance Symondson, age 13 born at Leeds, Yorkshire.
Son Stuart Symondson age 6 born at Pimlico, London and
son Gordon Symondson age 4 born Pimlico.
[The Coleshill Buildings seem to be located at the corner of Ebury Street and Pimlico Road.They were built as model dwellings for working class people in 1871.]
London Electoral Registers 1901
Alfred Stuart Symondson, 103 Coleshill Buildings, St. George Hanover Square, Westminster, dwelling house
London Electoral Registers 1904
Alfred Stuart Symondson, 104 Coleshill Buildings, St. George Hanover Square, Westminster, dwelling house
In the 1911 census living at 104 Coleshill Buildings, Pimlico Road, London.
Alfred Symondson, head, age 43, married, Musician H. M. Scots Guards, born Hounslow, Middlesex.
Wife Alice Symondson, age 36, married 17 years, 6 children born alive, all living, born Dartmouth, Devon.
Son Alfred Symondson, age 16, single, Musician H. M. Scots Guards, born London, Middlesex.
Son Sidney Symondson, age 14, Musical student, born London, Middlesex.
Daughter Muriel Symondson, age 9, born London.
Daughter Sybil Symondson, age 3, born London.
Daughter Violet Symondson, age 2, born London.
Son Alexander Symondson, age 1 born London. They are living in a 3-room tenement
Canadian Passenger lists arrived August 24, 1912 In Montreal aboard the Megantic, which departed from Liverpool. Alfred S. Symondson, age 46, Scots Guards Band, destination Toronto, Ontario. [There were a total of 40 Scots Guards Musicians listed]
London City Directories 1915
Chelsea, Pimlico and Belgravia
23 Cambridge Street
Alfred Stuart Symondson
In the 1921 Census
23 Cambridge Street, SW1 [London]
Head Alfred Stuart Symondson, age 56 years 3 months, married, born Hounslow, Middlesex, pensioner musician, invalided out of the army after 37 years 7 months
Wife Alice Maud Symondson, age 47 years 2 months, born Ilfracombe, Devonshire, household duties
Daughter Muriel Grace Olive Symondson, age 19 years 8 months, single, born Pimlico, London, manageress Lyons & Company [crossed out] (out of work)
Daughter Sybil Clara Symondson, age 13 years 10 months, parents both alive, school whole time.
Daughter Violet Marcella Joan Symondson, age 12 years 4 months, parents both alive, born Pimlico, London, school whole time
Son Charles Symondson, age 11 years 4 months, parents both alive, parents both alive, born Pimlico, London, school whole time
London Electoral Registers 1923, 1925, 1927
23 Cambridge Street, Westminster
Alfred Stuart Symondson
Alice Maud Symondson
Sidney Gordon Symondson
London Electoral Registers 1928
23 Cambridge Street, Westminster
Alfred Stuart Symondson
Alfred Stuart Symondson (junior)
London Electoral Registers 1929
Alfred Stuart Symondson
May Florence Symondson [Not sure who May is?]
Also
Some others
[No Alice Maude Symondson]
Army Form E. 529 Dated October 7, 1881
Regimental Number 9984n Alfred Stuart Simmonds a drummer in the 5th Battalion Royal Fusiliers late 4 Middlesex Regiment of Militia is discharged from his Militia Engagement dated January 23, 1880 for the purpose enlisting in Her Majesty’s Regular Forces. The Regimental Number 8523 Scots Guards is added years later to the top of the form.
[This must the origin of the story I heard, that my grandfather Percy’s father (Alfred) was a drummer boy in the army. I suggest this was the reason given for Percy’s grandmother to raise him, rather than his parents. The position being not suitable for the father of her grandson. However this was a bit disingenuous as Alfred would have been a professional musician, a trumpeter, in the 11th Hussars by the time he met Percy’s mother Emily.]
His attestation papers state the following. Dated October 10, 1881 at Hounslow. Reg No 1958
Name is Alfred Stewart Simmonds.
Born at Heston Parish, Hounslow, Middlesex. Age 16 years 8 months
Occupation is Musician
Enlisted in the 11th Hussars for 12 years
Height 5 feet 7.1 inches. Weight 141 pounds, blue eyes, light brown hair
Church of England
His service papers state the following.
Statement of services with the 11th Hussars [Name given as Alfred Stewart Simmonds alias Alfred Stuart Symondson]
Attested Bandsman October 10, 1881
Appointed trumpeter April 21, 1882
Good conduct pay at 1 February 19, 1887 (1884?)
Reverts to Private at own request and appointed Bandsman April 14, 1888
Good conduct pay at 2 Feb 19, 1889
Appointed Lance Corporal September 19, 1889
Transferred to Scots Guards to serve with elder brother February 7, 1890
Regimental Number: 11th Hussars 1958,
Regimental Number: Scots Guards 8523
Transferred Private February 14, 1890
Re-engaged at London to complete 21 years with the colours October 9, 1893
Good Conduct Pay at 3rd October 10, 1893
Agrees to come under the new rules messing allowance contained in Royal Warrant March 31, 1898
Good Conduct pay at 4th February 18, 1899
Good Conduct pay at 5th October 10, 1902
Permitted to continue in service beyond 21 years October 1, 1902
Elected to draw service pay under conditions ??? as laid down in A.O. 66 of 02 Class 1 Rate 7th April 1, 1904
Granted 6th Good Conduct Badge October 10, 1907
Elected under Army Order 1 of 1918 to draw pension while still serving from August 8, 1914
Discharged May 7, 1919 at London
Home address 23 Cambridge Street, London SW1
Service 37 years 210 days
Pension starting on August 5, 1914 for 33 years 299 days
His Military History Sheet states the following
Stationed at home 10 Oct. 1881 to 21 May 1917 (35 years 224 days)
Stationed in France 22 May 1917 to 30 May, 1917 (9 days)
Stationed at home 31 May, 1917 to 27 Aug, 1917 (89 days)
Stationed British Exp. Force, France 28 Aug, 1917 to 25 Sep 1917 (29 days)
Stationed at home 26 Sept 1917
There is a stamp on this sheet dated 16 Feb 1918. [Perhaps this his end of service]
Next of kin are listed wife Alice Maud, Barbara Simmonds (mother), Henry Simmonds, [this would be his father] Henry Simmonds, Sidney Simmonds, Herbert Simmonds (brothers) ????? Simmonds, Louisa Simmonds, Amy Simmonds (sisters) - (????, Middlesex)
Medal for Long service and Good Conduct 10 April 1908
Marriage [scratched out] Emily Margaret Lowe, parish Church Leeds, 14th, June 1884
Marriage Alice Maude Staniforth, register Office St. ??? ???? Square 7th [or 4th] April, 1894
Certificates of Education 2nd class 6 Nov 1882 [or 1883?]
Children 1st marriage Alfred H. P. born 12 October 1884 [this date is incorrect], Constance E born 22 March, 1888
Children 2nd marriage Alfred S, born 7 Feb 1895, Sidney C? born 9 May, 1896, Muriel G. O. born 3 Sep, 1901, Sybil born 9 Aug, 1907, Violet M. J. 5 Feb, 1909, Charles A. born 20 Feb, 1910.
Continuation sheet states he was discharged on termination of second period of engagement 7 5 19 (37 years 210 days service)
Listing in the October to December 1930 death index, Alfred S. Symondson, age 65, Chelsea district, London, volume 1a, page 425.
Hanwell Cemetery Interments Westminster, London
Alfred Stuart Symondson of 369 Fulham Road SW from 23 Cambridge Street SW!, age 65 died November 26 1930, buried November 28 1930, reopening grave 8091 [ie same as his son Charles Alexander Symondson]
His medal card states
Alfred S. Symondson, Scots Guards [regiment] Pte [Rank] 8523 [Regimental No.]
Victory Medal and British Medal Roll SG/104 B8 page 1076
Web sites
Web page of the Band of the Scots Guards
https://military-bands.co.uk/scots_guards.html
1865 Alfred Stuart Symondson is born in Hounslow, Middlesex, England (now in Greater London) His father Henry Symondson was a Staff Sgt. in the Militia. His mother is Barbara Symondson (nee Mills) and daughter of a publican and omnibus conductor.
1866 Emily Margaret Lowe is born at East Keswick, West Riding, Yorkshire. Her father, Henry Lowe, was a farrier and is now a farmer. He is farming land which once was farmed by his wife Sarah Lowe’s (nee Nunns) uncle.
1871 Alfred Simmons as he is called in the census is living 4 Militia Cottage, Isleworth with his parents and 3 brothers. Emily Lowe is boarding with her aunt and uncle in East Keswick.
1881 Alfred Simmonds is living at 25 Lion & Lamb Road with his parents and brothers and sisters. Alfred is a musician P. Staff 4th Middlesex Militia. Later that year he joined the 11th Hussars as a musician, using the name Alfred Stewart Simmonds. [Note both his father Henry and brother Henry John enlisted using the last name Simmonds.] Emily Lowe is living in Otley, Yorkshire, and is learning to become a school teacher.
October 1881 to late 1883 - Sometime in this period the Band of the 11th Hussars including Alfred Simmonds is posted to Leeds. Emily’s parents lived near the Chapeltown Cavalry Barracks where the 11th Hussars were posted.
1884 June. Alfred Simmonds marries Emily Margaret Lowe at the parish church in Leeds.
1884 July Son Alfred Henry Percy Simmonds born. Emily’s address is 15 Spring Hill Terrace, Headingly, Leeds. Percy may have been with his parents for a short time, but was raised by his grandmother Sarah Lowe (nee Nunns) and later his aunt Edith Jewell (nee Lowe)
1888 Daughter Constance Elizabeth Simmonds is born in Leeds. Address 2 Armenia Place, Leeds. Baptism gives the address as 1 Brunswick Row [Leeds, Yorkshire] This about 1 kilometre away from the Chapeltown Cavalry Barracks.
1890 Alfred, Emily and Constance (not his son Percy Simmonds) move to London. Alfred transfers as a musician to the 1st Battalion, 3rd Regiment of Foot, Scots Guards, based in London. He joins his oldest brother Henry John Symondson in the Scots Guards Band. Later another brother Herbert will transfer from the 15th Hussars to the 2nd Battalion Scots Guards Band. The Scots Guards Regimental Headquarters are on Birdcage Walk, very close to Buckingham Palace.
1890 Son Albert Edwin Simmonds is born, he is baptized at Aldershot.
1891 Son Albert Edwin Simmonds dies.
1891 Alfred is living at 24 Victoria Model Dwellings, Francis Street, Westminster London, England with Emily and Constance. Percy is in Leeds living with his grandmother, Emily’s mother, Sarah Lowe.
1892 September 30 Son Frederick Symondson or Simmonds is born.
1892 October 5. Emily Simmonds dies in London from complications of child birth. The same day her son Frederick Symondson is baptized. Frederick does not survive long.
1893 January to March Son Frederick Simmonds dies.
1894 April 7 Alfred Stuart Symondson marries Alice Maud Staniforth in London
1895 Son Alfred Stuart Symondson is born in London. Now he has two sons whose first name is the same as his, Alfred S. Symondson and Alfred H. Percy Simmonds.
1896 Son Sidney Gordon Symondson is born in London
1901 Living in 104 Coleshill Buildings, Westminster last name Symondson. Alfred with his second wife Alice, daughter Constance and sons Stuart (Percy S.) and Gordon (Sidney G). His son A. H. Percy Simmonds is living with his aunt, (Emily’s sister Edith Patience Jewell (nee Lowe)) and his grandmother, Emily’s mother.)
1901 Daughter Muriel Symondson is born in London.
1904 His son A. H. Percy Simmonds emigrates to Canada and in 1906 settles in Keatley, Saskatchewan, Canada.
1907 Emily’s mother Sarah Lowe (nee Nuns) dies.
1907 Daughter Sybil Symondson is born in London
1908 Daughter Constance Simmonds, married in Guiseley near Leeds. There is a family story Constance did not get on well with her step mother. Thus presumably she returned to Leeds.
1909 Daughter Violet Symondson is born in London
1910 Son Charles Alexander Symondson is born in London
1910 Emily’s father Henry Lowe dies.
1911 Probable year of Alfred’s father Henry Symondson’s death.
1911 Living at 104 Coleshill Buildings, Pimlico Road, London. Alfred with wife Alice, sons Stuart, Gordon and Charles as well as daughters Muriel, Sybil and Violet.
1912 Alfred came to Canada [but not to western Canada] to perform with the Scots Guards Band
1912 Daughter Florence Symondson is born in London
1914 Lived at 23 Cambridge Street, Warwick Street, Pimlico, London.
1914 Son Sidney Gordon Symondson in the 11th Hussars band with a rank of Boy. Son Alfred Stuart Symondson is probably with the Scots Guards at this time, possibly as a musician.
1914 August 4 The United Kingdom declares War on Germany. Canada and the other dominions are automatically included.
1915 Death of daughter Florence Symondson.
1915 Summer. Son A. H. Percy Simmonds training with the Canadian Army in England.
1915 July 14. Son Sidney Gordon Symondson is with the British Expeditionary Force in France.
1915 September 15. Son A. H. Percy Simmonds lands in France.
1916 June 2 Son A. H. Percy Simmonds badly wounded in near Ypres then becomes prisoner of war.
1917 9 days in May and later 29 days in August/September Alfred in France with Scots Guards Band.
1918 November 11 World War I is over. 9 days later Son Percy Simmonds is discharged from the Canadian Army as medically unfit.
1919 May 7 Alfred is discharged from Scots Guards. He continued to serve after retirement in 1914.
1920 to 1927 Alfred iving at 23 Cambridge Street, near Buckingham Palace Road. Listed in the Electoral register Sydney Gordon Symondson (who had also been living here since 2 years earlier) Alfred Stuart Symondson, and after women could vote wife Alice Maud Symondson is also listed.
1921 June 19
Living at 23 Cambridge Street in London Alfred with his wife Alice, daughters Muriel, Sybil and Violet and son Charles.
1922 December 4 Death of son Charles Alexander Symondson.
1924 Death of Alfred’s mother Barbara Symondson (nee Mills)
1928 Son S. Gordon Symondson emigrates to Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Canada. He probably is unaware his half brother A. H. Percy Simmonds has settled in the same province. They live aproximately 150 km apart.
1930 Death of Alfred Stuart Symondson (the father) in London. He is survived by A. H. Percy Simmonds and Constance Brayshaw from his first marriage. From his second marriage Alfred Stuart Symondson, Sidney Gordon Symondson, Muriel Grace O. Symondson, Sybil Clara Williams and Violet Marcella Joan Nash survive him. Also 9 or 10 grandchildren, 5 or 6 of them in Canada.
1937 Son Sydney Gordon Symondson and his family return to England
1958 July 14 Daughter Constance Brayshaw dies in Leeds
1964 Death of Alice Maude Symondson.
1967 November 2 Son Sidney Symondson dies in Buckinghamshire.
1971 May 20 Death of son Alfred Stuart Symondson.
1975 May 2 Son A H. Percy Simmonds, the last of Alfred’s children from the first marriage, dies on his farm near Keatley, Saskatchewan, Canada
1990 August Daughter Muriel Symondson dies in Sussex
1993 May 27 Death of daughter Violet Nash
2004 January The last remaining child of Alfred and of second wife Alice, daughter Sybil Williams dies in Sussex, nearly 140 years after Alfred Symondson was born.
End of Timeline
NOTES
In the 1865 birth index for January to March, Alfred Stuart Symondson Brentford District volume 3a page 49.
His birth certificate states the following:
Registration District Brentford, sub district Isleworth in the County of Middlesex
Born February 17, 1865 Alfred Stuart Symondson
Father Henry Symondson, Staff Sergeant in the 4th Middlesex Militia
Mother Barbara Symondson formerly Mills
Residence Militia Barracks, Isleworth, Heston
Birth Registered February 27, 1845
Parish records Holy Trinity, Hounslow, Baptism August 30, 1867 Alfred Stuart Symondson, parents Henry and Barbara Symondson, born February 17, 1865, abode Hounslow, father’s occupation Band Sergeant of the 4th Middlesex Militia. His brother Sydney Frederick was baptized the same day.
In the 1871 census Henry Simmons living at 4 Militia Cottage, Isleworth civil parish, Brentford District, Holy Trinity parish, Hounslow, Middlesex age 38, born at St Pancras, Middlesex, occupation Staff Sgt. Midx Militia.
Wife Barbara Simmons, age 31 born Heston.
Children Henry John Simmons age 10,
Sydney Fred Simmons age 8,
Alfred Stewart Simmons age 6 and
Herbert George Simmons age 3.
In the 1881 census living at 25 Lion & Lamb Road Heston civil parish, Brentford District, Isleworth sub district.
Henry Simmonds married age 48, born at St. Pancras, Middlesex, occupation Foreman and Clerk? to Brickmaker.
Wife Barbara Simmonds age 40 born Hounslow, Middlesex.
Children Sidney F. Simmonds, unmarried, age 18, born Hounslow, Middlesex, occupation pupil teacher.
Alfred S. Simmonds, age 16, born Hounslow, Middlesex, occupation Musician P. Staff 4th Mx Militia.
Herbert G. Simmonds age 12 born at born Hounslow, Middlesex.
Marcella F. Simmonds age 7, born Hounslow, Middlesex.
Louisa G. Simmonds age 5, born Hounslow, Middlesex.
Amy B. Simmonds age 2, born Hounslow, Middlesex.
Henry J. Simmonds, age 20, born Hounslow, Middlesex, Musician Scots Guards.
[Lion and Lamb Road seems to be an extension or a part of High Street Brentford.]
A marriage for an Alfred Simmonds is listed in the Leeds GRO 1884 June index volume 9b page 639.
In the 1891 census living at 24 Victoria Model Dwellings, Francis Street, Civil Parish: St Margaret and St John The Evangelist Westminster Ecclesiastical parish: St Stephens, London, England.
Alfred S. Simmonds, married, age 26, occupation Musician, 1st Battalion of Scots Guards, born at Hounslow, Middlesex.
Emily M. Simmonds age 24, born at Harewood, Yorkshire.
Daughter Constance E. Simmonds, age 3, born at Leeds, Yorkshire.
[The head of almost every family living in the Victoria Dwellings was a soldier of the Scot Guards or Grenadier Guards. A number of them were musicians. They are also referred to as soldiers married quarters.The next building listed on the census is listed as the Guards Industrial Home 47 Frances Street, which is a school to maintain, educate, and train (up to 17 years of age) for domestic service the daughters of non-commissioned Officers and men of the Guards.]
[Francis Street is behind Westminster Cathedral, not to be confused with Westminster Abbey.]
London Electoral Registers 1893
44 Victoria House, chambers, Francis Street, Westminster
Alfred Stuart Simmonds
In the April to June 1894 marriage index Alfred Stuart Symondson St George Hanover Square, London, Middlesex volume 1a page 838, on the same page as Alice Maude Staniforth.
In the 1901 census living at 104 Coleshill Bldgs. Civil Parish St George and Hanover Square, Ecclesiastical Parish St Barnabas, Westminster, London.
Head Alfred Symondson, married, age 36, born at Hounslow, Middlesex, occupation musician (Scots Guards)
Wife Alice Symondson age 27, born at Dartmouth, Devon.
Daughter Constance Symondson, age 13 born at Leeds, Yorkshire.
Son Stuart Symondson age 6 born at Pimlico, London and
son Gordon Symondson age 4 born Pimlico.
[The Coleshill Buildings seem to be located at the corner of Ebury Street and Pimlico Road.They were built as model dwellings for working class people in 1871.]
London Electoral Registers 1901
Alfred Stuart Symondson, 103 Coleshill Buildings, St. George Hanover Square, Westminster, dwelling house
London Electoral Registers 1904
Alfred Stuart Symondson, 104 Coleshill Buildings, St. George Hanover Square, Westminster, dwelling house
In the 1911 census living at 104 Coleshill Buildings, Pimlico Road, London.
Alfred Symondson, head, age 43, married, Musician H. M. Scots Guards, born Hounslow, Middlesex.
Wife Alice Symondson, age 36, married 17 years, 6 children born alive, all living, born Dartmouth, Devon.
Son Alfred Symondson, age 16, single, Musician H. M. Scots Guards, born London, Middlesex.
Son Sidney Symondson, age 14, Musical student, born London, Middlesex.
Daughter Muriel Symondson, age 9, born London.
Daughter Sybil Symondson, age 3, born London.
Daughter Violet Symondson, age 2, born London.
Son Alexander Symondson, age 1 born London. They are living in a 3-room tenement
Canadian Passenger lists arrived August 24, 1912 In Montreal aboard the Megantic, which departed from Liverpool. Alfred S. Symondson, age 46, Scots Guards Band, destination Toronto, Ontario. [There were a total of 40 Scots Guards Musicians listed]
London City Directories 1915
Chelsea, Pimlico and Belgravia
23 Cambridge Street
Alfred Stuart Symondson
In the 1921 Census
23 Cambridge Street, SW1 [London]
Head Alfred Stuart Symondson, age 56 years 3 months, married, born Hounslow, Middlesex, pensioner musician, invalided out of the army after 37 years 7 months
Wife Alice Maud Symondson, age 47 years 2 months, born Ilfracombe, Devonshire, household duties
Daughter Muriel Grace Olive Symondson, age 19 years 8 months, single, born Pimlico, London, manageress Lyons & Company [crossed out] (out of work)
Daughter Sybil Clara Symondson, age 13 years 10 months, parents both alive, school whole time.
Daughter Violet Marcella Joan Symondson, age 12 years 4 months, parents both alive, born Pimlico, London, school whole time
Son Charles Symondson, age 11 years 4 months, parents both alive, parents both alive, born Pimlico, London, school whole time
London Electoral Registers 1923, 1925, 1927
23 Cambridge Street, Westminster
Alfred Stuart Symondson
Alice Maud Symondson
Sidney Gordon Symondson
London Electoral Registers 1928
23 Cambridge Street, Westminster
Alfred Stuart Symondson
Alfred Stuart Symondson (junior)
London Electoral Registers 1929
Alfred Stuart Symondson
May Florence Symondson [Not sure who May is?]
Also
Some others
[No Alice Maude Symondson]
Army Form E. 529 Dated October 7, 1881
Regimental Number 9984n Alfred Stuart Simmonds a drummer in the 5th Battalion Royal Fusiliers late 4 Middlesex Regiment of Militia is discharged from his Militia Engagement dated January 23, 1880 for the purpose enlisting in Her Majesty’s Regular Forces. The Regimental Number 8523 Scots Guards is added years later to the top of the form.
[This must the origin of the story I heard, that my grandfather Percy’s father (Alfred) was a drummer boy in the army. I suggest this was the reason given for Percy’s grandmother to raise him, rather than his parents. The position being not suitable for the father of her grandson. However this was a bit disingenuous as Alfred would have been a professional musician, a trumpeter, in the 11th Hussars by the time he met Percy’s mother Emily.]
His attestation papers state the following. Dated October 10, 1881 at Hounslow. Reg No 1958
Name is Alfred Stewart Simmonds.
Born at Heston Parish, Hounslow, Middlesex. Age 16 years 8 months
Occupation is Musician
Enlisted in the 11th Hussars for 12 years
Height 5 feet 7.1 inches. Weight 141 pounds, blue eyes, light brown hair
Church of England
His service papers state the following.
Statement of services with the 11th Hussars [Name given as Alfred Stewart Simmonds alias Alfred Stuart Symondson]
Attested Bandsman October 10, 1881
Appointed trumpeter April 21, 1882
Good conduct pay at 1 February 19, 1887 (1884?)
Reverts to Private at own request and appointed Bandsman April 14, 1888
Good conduct pay at 2 Feb 19, 1889
Appointed Lance Corporal September 19, 1889
Transferred to Scots Guards to serve with elder brother February 7, 1890
Regimental Number: 11th Hussars 1958,
Regimental Number: Scots Guards 8523
Transferred Private February 14, 1890
Re-engaged at London to complete 21 years with the colours October 9, 1893
Good Conduct Pay at 3rd October 10, 1893
Agrees to come under the new rules messing allowance contained in Royal Warrant March 31, 1898
Good Conduct pay at 4th February 18, 1899
Good Conduct pay at 5th October 10, 1902
Permitted to continue in service beyond 21 years October 1, 1902
Elected to draw service pay under conditions ??? as laid down in A.O. 66 of 02 Class 1 Rate 7th April 1, 1904
Granted 6th Good Conduct Badge October 10, 1907
Elected under Army Order 1 of 1918 to draw pension while still serving from August 8, 1914
Discharged May 7, 1919 at London
Home address 23 Cambridge Street, London SW1
Service 37 years 210 days
Pension starting on August 5, 1914 for 33 years 299 days
His Military History Sheet states the following
Stationed at home 10 Oct. 1881 to 21 May 1917 (35 years 224 days)
Stationed in France 22 May 1917 to 30 May, 1917 (9 days)
Stationed at home 31 May, 1917 to 27 Aug, 1917 (89 days)
Stationed British Exp. Force, France 28 Aug, 1917 to 25 Sep 1917 (29 days)
Stationed at home 26 Sept 1917
There is a stamp on this sheet dated 16 Feb 1918. [Perhaps this his end of service]
Next of kin are listed wife Alice Maud, Barbara Simmonds (mother), Henry Simmonds, [this would be his father] Henry Simmonds, Sidney Simmonds, Herbert Simmonds (brothers) ????? Simmonds, Louisa Simmonds, Amy Simmonds (sisters) - (????, Middlesex)
Medal for Long service and Good Conduct 10 April 1908
Marriage [scratched out] Emily Margaret Lowe, parish Church Leeds, 14th, June 1884
Marriage Alice Maude Staniforth, register Office St. ??? ???? Square 7th [or 4th] April, 1894
Certificates of Education 2nd class 6 Nov 1882 [or 1883?]
Children 1st marriage Alfred H. P. born 12 October 1884 [this date is incorrect], Constance E born 22 March, 1888
Children 2nd marriage Alfred S, born 7 Feb 1895, Sidney C? born 9 May, 1896, Muriel G. O. born 3 Sep, 1901, Sybil born 9 Aug, 1907, Violet M. J. 5 Feb, 1909, Charles A. born 20 Feb, 1910.
Continuation sheet states he was discharged on termination of second period of engagement 7 5 19 (37 years 210 days service)
Listing in the October to December 1930 death index, Alfred S. Symondson, age 65, Chelsea district, London, volume 1a, page 425.
Hanwell Cemetery Interments Westminster, London
Alfred Stuart Symondson of 369 Fulham Road SW from 23 Cambridge Street SW!, age 65 died November 26 1930, buried November 28 1930, reopening grave 8091 [ie same as his son Charles Alexander Symondson]
His medal card states
Alfred S. Symondson, Scots Guards [regiment] Pte [Rank] 8523 [Regimental No.]
Victory Medal and British Medal Roll SG/104 B8 page 1076
Web sites
Web page of the Band of the Scots Guards
https://military-bands.co.uk/scots_guards.html