The earlier Garner men all seem to be called Abraham which makes everything rather confusing - The Ancestry Hunter helped me make some sense of them. - So starting with the earliest known one at the moment.
Abraham Garner(1) 1730 ish to 1789
No actual Birth details to be found but it can be inferred from other documents…
I think that this is most likely his marriage to Mary Wallington in All Hallows Church Harringey on 23 October 1770
The church, pictured above, dates back to the 12th century, making it the oldest building in the Haringey area. It was built as All Saints but rededicated as All Hallows in the 15th century
You’ll note he was shown as a widower and the marriage was by License - this
was usually because one or both of the participants were under 21, because
the marriage was more private without three weeks of Banns being read out in
church and/or as a sign of social standing - a license costs more than Banns, so
proved a certain level of wealth.
We already know that his son became a School Master, which required
an education so we can note that both Abraham (I) senior and his new wife Mary 
signed their names - this itself is confirmation of some education at a time when that
only happened to the wealthy or the lucky few.
And then we come to what I’m reasonably confident was his first marriage which occurred on 24 September 1757 in the same All Hallows church.
His bride was a Jane Davey - it seems an enormous coincidence that one of the daughters of his second marriage should carry the maiden name of his first wife otherwise.
If he was marrying in 1757 that makes him born around the mid 1730’s but I’m
struggling to find a birth in that area that matches
Whilst I can’t find his birth, I think I’ve found his burial at Shoreditch on 21 January 1789.
His son Abraham Garner (II) was born November 1st 1771, possibly in Shoreditch, London, and was baptised on 23rd August 1771, some 5 miles north of Shoreditch again at All Hallows, Haringey (these days Tottenham). The family was living on Old Street Road.
Other children from the marriage are
Mary Wallington Garner 1776
Jane Davey Garner 1778
So now we come to Abraham Garner (II)
On December 12th 1796 he Married Jane Hood, in St Leonards Church.
Below is Abraham Garner (II) likely burial.
Their son, Abraham John, (III) was born in 1799,
Abraham John Garner married Eliza Clarke in St Luke’s, Finsbury, on 19th March 1826. Whilst the marriage certificate doesn’t give a clue as to his line of work, the baptism of one of their children, Eliza Sophie, on 28 February 1830 at St Mark’s Kennington, has him as a Schoolmaster.
They had made the move out of London by the time that Alf arrived in 1835. The census returns have them staying in Sunninghill until at least 1861 and the screenshot below from that year shows him as a National School Master.
Abraham was buried in Sunninghill on 5 April 1865; Eliza joined him on 25 February 1879.
Alf Charles Garner
Was I think born in Sunninghill - but he was certainly baptised in Sunninghill on 20th September 1835.
In 1851 he was living at home, which was The Terrace in Sunninghill, right next to St Michael's School, likely where his father, Abraham taught.
By 1861, the census shows he is still living in the village working as a postman, and married to “Mary Ann Hawthorn” who I first thought was from Winkworth and it now looks like was a different person. It looks as if she was working as a House Servant to the Benstead family in Wokingham before joining with Alf
I can’t find either her baptism or their marriage but they must have married around 1859 given the birth of their firstborn - always assuming that they got married at all. Their first child, Clara Jane, was baptised in Sunninghill on 13 May 1860 and the transcription from the birth registration in Windsor shows the mother’s maiden name as Hawthorn.
1862, the birth of Twins Mary Ann, who marries Thomas Nunney, a "Club Steward," and Amelia Garner, who marries an Arthur Dunk (born 1843) on August 21st 1889
1866 Sees the birth of yet another Abraham John Garner (IV)
1868 is when William was born
1870 The birth of Florance Lilian (Alcock), who dies in 1943
In 1871, he was still in the village, calling himself by his middle name Charles, but now working as a “labourer” - this could well be as a Nightsoil Collector, which was the family lore passed down to me by my mother. Nightsoil in the area of Ascot could well have been mixed with horse manure from all the stables in the area, this was laid out to dry in special places to be reused for agriculture and was quite a profitable business.
Berkshire Chronicle - Saturday 30 January 1864
Also at home, which I think is in The Terrace, are the twins Amelia and Mary Ann, now 9, Clara aged 10, and Abraham (IV), 4, with a 6-month-old Florence. They also have two lodgers, Samuel Wyatt a 64 year old accountant, and William Collins a 19 year old groom.
The screenshot below confirms the names of their children, two of whom carry through to the 1881 census, suggesting it is the same family. It looks like Alf died in Croydon towards the end of 1899.
Not sure at this stage when Mary Ann died
It's not then exactly certain when Alf and his family moved to London, his son Edward Ernest Garner, my grandfather, was born in 1875 in “St Pancras”, and by 1881 the census shows them living at 23 and a half, Lambeth High St. Which is above the grocery belonging to Arthur Dunk.
I do wonder if Arthur Dunk is the same man that Amelia marries, shown on one record as Arthur Drink? Needs further investigation, both are odd names.
Arthur Dunk is in a newspaper report as a witness to an accident near the grocers, so that at least seems correct - and indeed here they are at 2 Arthur Rd, Beckenham in 1901
This is the Windmill Pub, which is at 44 Lambeth High St, as painted in 1837
Another view of Lambeth High St around the time Edward Ernest was living there.
Edward went to the Walnut Tree Walk School (below) at age 8. He left school before the age of 16 by which time the family had moved to 1 Waddon New Rd in Croydon, and he was soon working as a clerk.
Walnut Tree Walk School today
In the 1891 Census the Family are living at 1 Waddon New Road. Mary Ann (29) and her husband Thomas Hanney with their 9 month old daughter Elise. Florence (19) is a dressmaker and her future husband is living there as a lodger Robert Alcock (27), who is a harness maker. Edward Ernest is also there, aged 16, and a mysterious grandson, Arthur Garner, 3 years old, but no clue to his parentage.Alf and Mary Ann are 54
At the age of 21, Edward Ernest married Ruth Emily Jane Lock, and in 1898, they had the first of 10 Children.
Edward, who was born and sadly died in 1898
Evelyn Gladys is born on February 26, 1900, but dies at only 20 years of age.
The family now moves to 5 Ainsworth Rd, Croydon
Ruth ( Known as Betty) is born June 8th 1901
Edward (Ted) is born October 22nd 1903
Florence (known as Joan) Dorothy is born 1906
Robert (Bob) William is born November 14th 1908
In 1909, he is recorded as working on 26th October for “Sheen Estate limited” about which I cant find any information.
Maurice Alfred (my dad!) is born October 1st 1910
In 1911 they are shown living at 101 Sydenham Rd Croydon, which is above where this charity shop is today.
Birth of Cyril September 27th 1912
22nd April 1913, he is appointed Liquidator for Anglo-Russian Drilling Co, Maikop Mainline Syndicate. His office address is given as 8 Princes St, EC2
It is notable that the chairman of most of the companies he liquidated (and many others) was John Sidney Smith-Winby who died February 1920 leaving an estate of £53,605 (£3.1 million today) - see below.
11th November 1913, He is appointed Liquidator of Oil Fields of Mexico, his office Address now 523 Salisbury House, London
Salisbury House
13th December 1913 Also appointed Liquidator of the Phoenix Investment Trust, which seems to have invested (badly) in various oil, gas and mineral companies.
Birth of Rowland 1914, who sadly dies the next year.
I don't know what the family did during the war. Ernest would have been 39, too old to serve, and Ted, the oldest boy, was only 11.
The family is now living at 4 Northcote Rd, Croydon
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| 4 Northcote Rd, Croydon |
14th May 1915, he is shown as the liquidator of Standard Consolidated Tin Mines of Cornwall, and still with offices at 523 Salisbury House
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| Consolidated Mines |
Birth of Vincent Charles on December 28th 1915
On 11th January 1916, he was also working as the Liquidator of Gwinear Tin Mines
I am not sure when Edward Ernest bought Cranleigh at 20 Stafford Road, but the bankrupt sale of furniture there in 1919 suggests that's around when it was purchased.
Croydon Advertiser for 1919.....
SALE WEDNESDAY NEXT “CRANLEIGH,” 20, STAFFORD ROAD, WADDON.,
ROBT. W. FULLER, MOON & FOLLER Will Sell by Auction at the above on WEDNESDAY, JANUARY Ist, 1919, at One o'clock.
The whole of the MODERN & EXPENSIVE FURNITURE (in nearly new condition), comprising HANDSOME BEDROOM SUITES in solid mahogany and white enamel, bedsteads and bedding,
OAK JACOBEAN STYLE DINING ROOM SUITE, an 8ft. mahogany bookcase, lounge and easy chairs, Chesterfield settee.
A BABY GRAND PIANOFORTE (by Benthoff), Empire writing cabinet, inlaid walnut commode with several medallions, old gilt Louis XVI chair, clocks, hall wardrobe. INDIAN, WILTON PILE, AXMINSTER and OTHER CARPETS, and domestic utensils. May be viewed - the day prior, and catalogues obtained at the place of sale and at the Auctioners’ Offices, 83, High Street, Croydon, and branch offices
I think he may well have purchased many of these items as well as buying the house, I remember very hefty furniture there that was almost impossible to sell or move when Auntie Elsie sold the house around 1969.
On his death, the house went to the eldest child, Betty, who subsequently sold it to Robert, my Uncle Bob.
Cranleigh was a big house over three floors with a large attic (full of a vast Marklin train set). There was a porch to the rear and a long garden lawn, then trees and beds for shaded plants. A garage to one side and a small “drive” with an entrance and exit to the main road. All that's left now, in 2023, is the tree next to one of the gates.
Death of daughter Evelyn aged 20 in 1920
1923 13th April 1923, he is appointed Liquidator of the British Broken Hill Proprietary Co with his office at 87 Old Broad St, EC2
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| British Mine, Broken Hill. | J.C.Goodhart (1873 - 1952) |
Happier Times follow in…June 1933
WEDDING BELLS
Mr. Edward Garner and Miss Vera A. Head
A beautiful dress of parchment satin embroidered with pearls was worn by Miss Vera Annie Head, daughter of Mrs. Head and the late M. Charles E. Head, of Wellesley Road, West Croydon. When she was married to Mr. Edward Garner, son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Ernest Garner. of "Cranleigh" Stafford Road. Waddon. at Sanderstead Parish Church on Saturday.
As the Rector of Sanderstead is in charge of a parish at Horton. Bristol, the Rev. F. G. Mitchell. of Lingfield, conducted the wedding ceremony. The service was fully choral and two hymns " O Father All Creating" and "O Perfect Love, All Human Thought Transcending” were sung.
The bride, who was given away by her mother, wore a veil and orange blossom (lent by her friend, Sra. E. D. S. de Musto of Buenos Aires) and carried a bouquet of lilies of the valley. Coral pink organdie net and ribbed.; Dolly Varden hats, and mitten, were worn by the bridesmaids, Alice Head (sister of bride), Grace
Hughes (friend of bride), and Valerie Whitworth ( niece of bride). They carried Victorian posies of pink carnations, and love-in-the-mist with streamers of pink and blue
Mr. Robert Garner (brother of the bridegroom) carried out the duties of best man, and two other brothers of the bridegroom. Messrs. Maurice and Cyril Garner. were groomsmen.
A reception was held at the Selsdon Park Park Social Club. after which the newly married couple left on their honeymoon. the bride wearing a beige georgette and lace frock with hat and coat to match.
Among the large number of guests were: Miss Joan Garner and fiancé, Miss Betty Garner, Mr. Robert Garner and fiancee, Mr. Vincent Garner, Miss Eva Head, Miss A. Tysoe. Mr. and Mrs. T. Bytes. Mr. and Mrs.J. Whitworth, Miss May Hamer. Miss Pamela Coath. Miss Cicele Scarth, Mr. and Mrs. Staples. Mrs.Murray-Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Cocks, Mrs Leleu. son and daughters, Mrs. M. Whitworth, Mr. A. Whitworth. Miss H. Whitworth. Mr. and Mrs. Tigg. Mr. and Mrs. Compton, Mr. and Miss Harris. Mr. and Mrs. Hansen. son and daughter.
And another marriage!
1933 September
Marriage of Joan Garner to Percy Hadaway
PALE GREEN, LEMON AND WHITE, Waddon Bride's Colour Scheme
A cool colour scheme of pale green, Bison and white was seen at the wedding of Mr. Percy Hadaway, son of Mr. and Mrs. H. Hadaway. of Wallington. and Miss Florence Dorothy Garner. Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Ernest Garner of "Cranleigh." Stafford Road, Croydon, at St. Marys Church, Beddington, on Saturday. The Rev. E. V. Bond conducted the ceremony. "The Voice that breathed o'er ' Eden" was played and sung as the bride walked down the aisle with her father, and the "Lohengrin Bridal March was played as the wedding party left the church. Mr. Maurice A. Garner (a brother of the bride) carried out the duties of best man and four other brothers. Messrs. Edward, Robert, Cyril and Vincent were groomsmen.
Miss Garner wore a dress of Ivory lace with pearls pearls, and her tulle veil was trimmed
with orange blossom, The white roses in her bouquet were mixed with lilies-of-the-valley and white heather. Her sister, Miss Betty Garner, who was chief brides-maid, was attired in a dress of pale green net; the second attendant, Miss Elsie Knight, was dressed in pale lemon net, and both bridesmaids wore picture hats and shoes to match their gowns. They
carried apricot carnations. The bride-groom presented them both with gifts of lingerie.
The reception, at which about fifty guests were entertained, was held at thehome of the bride. When Mr. and Mrs.Hadaway left for Shanklin, Isle of Wight, where the honeymoon is being spent, the bride wore a nigger brown georgette and beige lace dress, a brown hat and shoes, and carried a malze travelling coat. The newly-married couple have been the recipients of over sixty useful gifts.
1934 July 21st Marriage of Robert William to Elsie Margaret Knight
1935 Death of the amazing and probably exhausted Ruth Emily Jane Garner from TB
1939 - On the census, Edward Ernest's occupation is given as “Secretary, Chamber of Commerce” Living at Cranleigh, 20 Stafford Rd, Croydon
1943 January 9th Marriage of Cyril to Joan Estelle Greville
1943 August 18th Marriage of Maurice Alfred to Joyce Wellburn
Below - a letter from E.E to my father in December 1944
1945 January 12th Death
1945 Probate to Ruth (Betty) Garner, spinster £1349 5/11 (equal to about £75 k in 2025)
