In 1891, Louisa Giles was a twenty-five-year-old domestic servant at Hardington Rectory.

Early life

Louisa was born at East Coker on 18 October 1864. She was the daughter of Rupert Giles, a farm labourer, and his wife, Mary Anna (nee Sherstone).

In April 1871, Louisa lived with her parents and four siblings at Wootton Glanville, where her father worked as a farm labourer. A decade later, in April 1881, she lived with her mother and six siblings at Fortuneswell, Portland, while her father was temporarily absent.

By April 1891, Louisa’s parents lived at Townsend, Tintinhull. Louisa worked at Hardington Rectory.

Married life

In 1893, Louisa married Samuel Mear in the Taunton area. Their first child, Wilhelmina, was born at Ilchester on 31 March 1894. By May 1894, they lived at Wilton, where Samuel was a gardener.

By February 1896, they had moved to Taunton, living first in Alfred Street and then, from 1898 or a little earlier, at 5 Roseberry Avenue. The census of 1901 and 1911 recorded Samuel’s occupation as a brewer’s drayman.

Samuel served as a soldier in the First World War. He died in November 1918, aged 48, possibly from injuries sustained in the war.

In June 1921, Louisa lived at 5 Roseberry Terrace, Taunton, with her three daughters and two sons.

In September 1939, Louisa was living in the home of her daughter, Wilhelmina, at the Police Station, Seven Ash, Taunton. Louisa died in 1945, aged 81.

Children

Samuel and Louisa had five sons and three daughters.