In April 1891, John Willy Matraves was a blacksmith living with his father, Thomas, in the High Street.

Early life at Hardington

John was born at Hardington on 26 April 1873.

Life at Streatham

On 19 February 1901, John married Emma Trask of Hardington at St Peter’s Church, Bournemouth. They set up a home at 8 Cuncliffe Street, Streatham. John’s occupation was a coachsmith, a trade he pursued for the rest of his life.

In April 1911, they lived at 78 Dahomey Road. By 1919, they were at 26 Corsehill Street and, by 1933, at 130 Ribblesdale Road.

John died on 7 March 1941, aged 67, leaving an estate valued at £766-19s-6d.

Emma died on 2 May 1952, at 51 Castallen Avenue, Romford, the home of their son, aged 81.

Children

John and Emma had a daughter, Gladys Olive, and a son, Victor John. Both graduated from King’s College, London and became teachers.