CHARLES EDWARD SEWELL BORN 1850 LONDON

from Jonathan Sewell

 This article was originally published in the December 2008 edition of Soul Search, the journal of The Sole Society

Charles Edward Sewell born 1850 lost both his parents by the age of 9 whilst being brought up in Paddington. He and his 4 sisters were cared for by Maria Unett his grandma and by George Edward Sewell his builder uncle in Kensington.

He served his apprenticeship as a plumber the same trade as his late father, and eventually by early 1870 was working in Chester. He met his wife to be Harriet Gerrard who was born in Chester. Their first daughter was Gertrude born in 1874 Charles Edward born 1880 Harriet born 1882 and Gilbert Henry (my grandfather) born 1886.

By 1880 they were living in Gorton in Lancashire the children lived there until they all married. Charles Edward died of appendicitis in 1905 and Harriet and Gertrude were victims of the influenza epidemic during and after the First World War.

Charles Edward was an engine driver a demanding job as he was basically on permanent call whilst Gilbert was an electrician.

The photo of Charles Edward senior was probably taken around 1880 along with the oldest picture of Harriet (clearly dated costume).

The beautiful photo of Harriet and of Gertrude would be around the turn of the 19th century - how long did it take to do her hair, with no hair dryer and tongs etc?

Charles Edward Sewell Senior

Harriet Sewell 1882

Harriet Sewell nee Gerrard

Harriet Sewell nee Gerrard

Harriet Sewell 1882

Gertrude Sewell