In April 1871, William Dawe was a gardener, aged 32, living in the High Street, Hardington.

Early life in Devon

Little is known about the first half of William’s life, except that he was born in Devon in about 1840. The precise place is uncertain as different census returns give Bampton, Dulverton and Tiverton as his birthplace. In the third quarter of 1868, he married Emily Elizabeth Veale at Exeter. She was the daughter of an unmarried domestic servant.

Life at Hardington

William and Elizabeth moved to Hardington soon after their marriage, being in the village by 16 May 1869, when their first child was baptised. Elizabeth’s mother and a seven-year-old niece also resided with them.

Life in Plymouth

After a brief stay at Hardington, they returned to Devon between 1872 and 1875, making Plymouth their permanent. Their addresses in the city included 40 Looe St in April 1881, 2 Chapel Street in April 1891, and Ham Lane in March 1901. William was a gardener throughout this time, running his own business by April 1891, if not earlier.

William’s death was registered at Plymouth in the first quarter of 1906; his wife’s death has not yet been found.