Introduction
Born at Hardington in 1866, Frank Hayward initially worked as a carter before becoming a coachman. He may have succeeded to the post of the Rev Cleife’s coachman following the death of James Purchase at the Jubilee celebrations in 1897. At the age of 45, he married Emily Alice Greening, a domestic servant who was seventeen years younger than him. In 1920 or 1921, he accepted the position of foreman on Archer Vassall’s farm at Harrow and lived in that area for the rest of his life.
Birth
Frank, the fourth child of Edward and Sarah Hayward, was born at Hardington on 12 July 1866.[1] His father, Edward, was a smallholder.
Occupations
The 1891 census recorded Franks’ occupation as “Carter Horse.” By March 1901, he was a coachman.
Death of parents
Frank’s father, Edward, died in November 1891.
In March 1901, Frank was working as a domestic coachman and living with his widowed mother at Hardington Moor. She died in August 1913, aged 75.
The Guardian Valuations show Frank as the occupier of a cottage at Hardington Moor owned by the Vassall Trustees,
Overseer
In April 1895, Edward was elected as an overseer.[2]
Marriage
On 28 August 1911, Frank married Emily Alice Greening at Piddletrenthide. At that time, Frank was 45, and Emily was 28. Four months earlier, the 1911 census recorded Emily as a domestic servant at Barwick Farm, Barwick.
Children
Frank and Emily had two children: a daughter named Amy Grace, born in 1912, and a son named Edward Henry Greening, born in 1913.
Witness to a will
On 12 May 1920, Frank witnessed Carlton Wakely’s will.
The estate sale
In October 1920, Frank bought lot 78 in the estate sale as the sitting tenant. However, he did not remain in the village for much longer.
Harrow
Frank’s connection with the Vassall family catapulted him into a new life. Archer Vassall offered him a job as a foreman at Peterboro Farm, Harrow, which he accepted. By June 1921, Frank and his family lived at Elmfield Cottage, Grove Hill, Harrow. They were still there in September 1939.[3]
Frank’s close relationship with the Vassall family is further evidenced by the wedding present he and Emily gave to Archer Vassall’s only daughter, Margaret, in August 1935.[4]
Inheritance
In 1948, Frank and Emily inherited £100 each from Frank’s sister-, Grace Hunt.[5]
Death
Frank died on 25 March 1959, aged 92, leaving an estate valued at £3,345 17s 10d.[6]
Emily died on 3 July 1960, aged 77, leaving an estate valued at £1,158 12s 11d.[7]
Frank and Emily’s last address was 2 Bell Close, Pinner.
Children
Frank and Emily’s daughter, Amy, became an accounts clerk. She never married and died in 2004, aged 92. Their son, Edward, became a locomotive fireman, married Kathleen Porter in about 1943, and died in 1982, aged 68.
References
[1] Civil Registration Birth Index; 1939 Register.
[2] Western Chronicle, 26 April 1895, p.6.
[3] 1939 Register.
[4] Western Gazette, 16 August 1935, p.6
[5] The will of Grace Hunt, dated 27 May 1958, proved at Bristol on 27 August 1948.
[6] National Probate Calendars.
[7] National Probate Calendars.
