2.9.2 Charles Barnett

[Last amended: December 26, 2003]

Charles Barnett was the second child and second son born to Joseph Barnett and Hannah Olivia Allingham. He was born in Remenham, Berkshire, in about 1835 and although baptised there his baptism was not recorded at the time. A note appears in the parish register to that effect.

Charles married Augusta Smith on October 13, 1856 in Mapledurham, OXF.

Charles was a miller at the mill at Mill End, Hambleden, BKM.

Charles died aged 24 on January 2, 1860 at Mill End, Hambleden. Cause of death unknown. He was buried at Remenham on January 9, 1860.

Administration of his estate was granted to his widow, Augusta. His effects were listed in the probate index as being under £6,000, quite a tidy sum.

Augusta Smith was the daughter of Stephen Smith and Louisa Walker. She was born about 1833 in Bradfield, BRK. She was the older sister of Stephen Smith, the husband of Mary "Polly" Hobbs.

Augusta continued to run the Mill End mill. The 1861 census records her as a 27 year old widow and her occupation miller employing 10 men. In 1871 she was employing 7 men. Her mother, Louisa Smith, a widow was visting her at the time of this census.

By 1881 Augusta had taken in the orphaned children of her younger sister Jane, who had died in 1878, and Jane's husband, John Rixon who had died in 1879. The 47 year old widowed Augusta was still working the Mill End mill. Her occupation was given as (corn) miller employing 5 men. her household consisted of her two sons, 7 Rixon nieces and nephews: Laura J (16), Edith L (14), Alice G (12), John W (9), Cataleen F (7), Ethel B (4) and Jane (3) who were all born at Turville Heath, Bucks; and nephew Charles E Smith (13) born at Tidmarsh, Berks.

By the time of the 1891 census, most of the nieces and nephews had moved on with only 13 year old Jane Rixon still listed as part of the household. Augusta and son Charles were both listed as millers.

The 1901 census listed Augusta's abode as the Flour Mill, Mill House, Hambleden, Bucks. The 68 year old widow was no longer listed as a miller now living on her own means. Jane Rixon was still part of the household.

Hambleden Mill

Augusta died on January 11, 1912, aged 79. She was buried at Hambleden. She was still living at Mill End, Hambleden, at the time of her death.

Administration of her estate was granted in London on January 30, 1913 to her son Augustus Parker Barnett, miller. Augusta was listed as a widow of Mill End Hambleden, Bucks with effects worth £2193 19s 4d.

The children of Charles Barnett and Augusta Smith: