Susan Hatton writes:
Walter Maskrey was born in about 1886, the only son of Anthony Maskrey
and Ann Whetton who were married in 1886. Children born to them, Ann
Elizabeth Wetton in 1855, Bertha 1865, Rosetta 1886, Walter 1869 and Mary
1871.
Walter's life, from the census forms, began when he was described as "a
scholar", then an errand boy but on his death certificate he is described
as a stonemason - as were so many men who lived in Wirksworth at that time.
On the 1901 census he was described as a lodger living in the house of
Annie Maskrey whose husband Joseph had been a distant cousin of Walter
Maskrey.
The story (I thought apocryphal) was that Walter had joined the Boer War
because he had been involved in a fight and had left a man for dead. Now
I am not so sure. I have obtained details of Walter Maskrey's military
history from Kew and find that:
He was 21 years 4 months of age when he joined the army.5ft 6 1/2" tall,
He had fresh completion, grey eyes and was a Methodist. He had no
distinguishing marks. He was passed fit at Derby in March 1890
There are two. Short Service - attestations of Water Maskery of Wirksworth,
a British citizen joined the Royal Artillery on 14 April 1890 at Sunderland.
Military History Sheet - he served at home in 1890, India for 7 years
between 1890 and 1897, home for 2 years and South Africa for 278 days
then home on 6 October 1900. His next of kin was his Mother, Ann, who
lived at Wash Green, Wirksworth. Special instances of galant conduct.
In S Africa in 1899, Johannesburgh and Kimberley (Roll 400). I have
obtained copies of his medals from the internet and I believe that he was
awarded the Queen's South Africa Medal with clasps for the various battles
in which he fought. He also transferred to the horse artillery and so
learned to ride in the army. A Statement of the 1889 services: he was tried
and imprisoned for periods ranging from 14 - 56 days. Charges not known.
He left the war with a War Gratuity of £5 paid in 1901 paid by the
Distrct Paymaster at Woolwich and appears in full uniform - as do all the
returning soldiers -
My search for Walter Maskrey began when I read an article about men
returning from the Boer War on the wonderful and comprehensive Wirksworth
website where there is a photograph of the jubilation on the return of
these men.. He was known as "Rev. Maskrey" because, I believe, and the
above confirms, that he was anything but reverend. In fact, he lived
perhaps a brave or possibly foolhardy existence. In the photograph he
looks a small, rather bemused man and so he must have been, having come
from a military prison and to being feted by people of the town as a
returning hero. The soldiers rode into the main square of the town
with bands, flags flying, patriotic songs being sung and all the local
dignitaries standing on a dais with the rest of the population enjoying
a day off work!
But my research has raised as many questions as it has answered and I
shall go on searching. What became of Walter's medals and what has become
of the splendid silver and gilt cups presented by public subscription to
each of the men returning from the Boer War? Is there one in a museum?
Does anyone in the town have such a cup or have any leads which I could
follow? Does any one remember any of the stories handed down about these
men? There is, I know, a memorial to the dead of the war and I have
received much of this information from the High Peak news dated 18 October
1902 kindly provided by Derbyshire County Council. It is the personal
questions which remain unanswered.
Walter Maskrey died of cancer of the tongue aged 54 on 26 December 1922
at Bannisters Yard, Wirksworth. The death was reported by Mary H
Huddlestone, his sister, who was present at the death. She lived at
Tamworth Street Duffield.
The principal reason for my interest - it is possible that Walter Maskrey
is my husband's maternal grandfather!!!
-----------------
I have just read again Walter's military history sheet -not easy as it
is very dark - and he was actually awarded three medals
South Africa 99, ? Johannesburgh and Kimberley (Roll 400). I imagine
these were standard Boer War medals but I don't know. Ron's Mother
(Violet Maskrey) remembered seeing them as a child.
-----------------
I'm sorry I can't simply e mail all the information I have on the above
from Kew but it is necessary to sign a form to say I will not copy to
anyone.
I have four pages and I summarise them.
1.Description of Walter Maskery - 21 years 4 months. 5ft 6 1/2" tall,
Fresh completion, grey eyes and a Methodist. He had no distinguishing
marks. He was passed fit at Derby in March 1890
2.Short Service - attestation of Water Maskery of Wirksworth, a British
citizen joined the Royal Artillery on 14 April 1890 at Sunderland.
3.Military History Sheet - he served at home in 1890, India for 7 years
between 1890 and 1897, home for 2 years and South Africa for 278 days
then home on 6 October 1900. His next of kin was his Mother, Ann, who
lived at Wash Green, Wirksworth. Special instances of galant conduct.
In S Africa in 1899, Johannesburgh and Kimberley (Roll 400).
His statement of the 1889 services makesinteresting reading since he was
tried and imprisoned for periods ranging from 14 - 56 days. I do not
know what the charges were. He left the war with a War Gratuity of
£5 paid in 1901 paid by the Distrct Paymaster at Woolwich.
Obviously a complex man who could show gallantry but probably had a hot
temper from which he appears to derive his name of "Revd". He looks
rather bemused in the photograph which appeared in the High Peak Times.
He must have thought he had come along way from military imprisonment
to medals, flags, patriotic songs and a welcome for heroes!
As far as I can tell you, Walter Maskrey never married. He died of
cancer of the tongue and I have a copy of his death certificate.
It has been a most interesting exercise and one which I have enjoyed.
-------------------------------------
John - no it is Anthony, Ann - that group. Ann was his Mother and he gave
her as his next of kin on his army papers. I am resonably certain this is
the right family. My mother-in-law was Violet Maskrey and she always said
that her father joined the army because of his background. From the
papers at Kew this fits!
----------------------------------
John - your question is easily answered. He was called Rev. because he was
anything but. In fact, he was detained during HM (Queen Victoria's)
pleasure on a number of occasions and may well have joined the army to
avoid prison! It was the other Walter Maskrey - not Walter Theodore and
he was a lodger in the house of Mary (Annie) Maskrey when the 1901 census
was taken! An interesting man who would probably have found being
received as a hero a bit - shall we say - strange! Let me know if you
need any more help in pinpointing him but I am pretty certain that, yes
he was, the Walter Maskrey given below. There is a later daughter, Mary,
who was the witness at my mother-in-law's wedding and she talked of
"Auntie Bertha".
----------------------------------
From information obtain at Kew re Walter Maskrey, I have gleaned that his
next of kin was his mother, Mary. This must, I think, be Mary Whetton.
His death, from cancer of the tongue at an early age, was notified by his
sister Mary Huddlestone nee Maskrey. Maskrey is variously spelt on the
official documents. His nickname was Rev Maskrey - not because he was
reverend but the very reverse.
I hope this clears up the mystery.
Please let me know if I can give you any more information.
-----------------------------------------
John - Carol - I have the relevant information from Kew (I hope).
Walter Maskrey gives his next of kin as his Mother, Ann Maskrey. This
must be Ann Maskrey who was born Ann Whetton, so - yes - I am pretty
sure he is "my" Walter Maskrey.
He led a fairly, shall we say, interesting life and saw service in both
India and South Africa.
As far as I can tell, he did not marry, although it is likely that he
had two illegitimate daughters!
I have a copy of his death certificate. He died of cancer of the tongue
aged 54 on 26 December 1922 at Bannisters Yard, Wirksworth. The death
was reported by Mary H Huddlestone, his sister, who was present at the
death. She lived at Tamworth Street Duffield.
Any subsequent information will be forwarded to you both.
--------------------------
Carol Beadle [richardbeadle@btconnect.com] writes:
Perhaps you would like to put my e mail and address on file.
I am the editor of the Maskrey magazine and organiser of the annual
get togethers - therefore I have contact with many hundreds of Maskrey
descendants throughout the world - some of whom you have recently been
in touch with.
CAROL BEADLE
HIGH HOLBORN
FOLLY HALL LANE
HICKLING PASTURES
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE
LE14 3QB
TEL 0115 9599 555 WORK
FAX 0115 9411 414
Earle Swanson writes:
Sorry, I have no photos of Walter Theodore Maskrey. Following is the
info I have in my Maskrey Kinships file regarding Walter, his parents and
children. I have more info on his siblings and ancestors but since his only
son (Frederick James) died in infancy, he left no descendants carrying the
Maskrey surname. Hope this info is of interest to you.
Bye, Earle Swanson
JOHN- B: 14 Sep 1822 Greenhill, Wirksworth, Dbys.; C: 11 Sep 1825 St.
Mary;s Anglican Church, Wirksworth, Dbys.; D: 22 Nov 1873 Wirksworth, Dbys.
Age 52; Bd. 30 Nov 1873 In Wirksworth North End Cemetery marble headstone
inscription: "In loving memory of John Maskrey who died 22 Nov 1873 Aged
52yrs. Also Hannah his wife who died September 24, 1898 Aged 72 yrs."; In
2005 headstone no longer in cemetery; P: Charles and Rebecca (Gratton)
Maskrey; M: Hannah Greatorex (B: 19 May 1826) from Callow on 30 Sep 1848
Wirksworth, Dbys. Witnesses: Henry Maskrey (brother) and Mary Greatorex.;
Executor of his brother William's will; Ch: Henry, Frederick, Ellen, Ann,
Mary Rebecca, John, Sarah Elizabeth, James, Walter Theodore and Francis; 0:
Stonemason; Siblings: Mary, Charles, William, Sarah, Henry, Hannah, Francis,
James, Thomas; In 1851census age 28 living on Greenhill, Wirksworth in the
household of his mother Rebecca along with his brothers: Charles, Francis,
Henry, James, Thomas plus John's wife Hannah and his sons: John Jr. and
Henry; In 1861 and 1871 census living on St. John Street, Wirksworth;
WALTER THEODORE-B: 1868-4 Wirksworth, Dbys.; P: John and Hannah (Greatorex)
Maskrey; M: Jane Elizabeth Watson (B: 1871, D: 19 Mar 1960, Father: Richard
Watson, Farmer) of Brassington 26 Dec 1889 Wirksworth, Witnesses: Edward
Blount (brother-in-law) and Mary Rebecca Hind (sister); ; Ch: Frederick
James1890, Eva 1891, Mary Ellen 1893, Maggie 1894; Res: Gables, Derby Road,
Cromford, Matlock Dbys.; D: 25 Sep 1941 Age 73 at The Derby Royal Infirmary,
Derby; Bd: at Cromford Cemetery, Headstone marking: "In loving memory of
Walter Maskrey of The Gables, Cromford who died 25 Sept. 1941 73 years" ;
Estate: 949 pounds; Probate at Nottingham 25 November 1941 to Jane
Elizabeth Maskrey widow; Siblings: John, Henry, Frederick, Ellen, Ann, Mary
Rebecca, Sarah Elizabeth, Francis, James; In 1871 census age 3 living with
parents; In 1881 census Age 13 living at Derby Road, Wirksworth, Derbyshire
with widowed mother; O: Errand boy; In 1891 census Age 23 living at The
Cockpit, Warmbook, Wirksworth, Derbyshire with his wife Jane (age 20);
Listed in 1900 Wirksworth Directory as Shopkeeper;
JANE ELIZABETH Watson- B: 1865 Brattington, Derbyshire; P: Richard Watson,
Farmer; D: 19 Mar 1960 Age 89; Bd. Cromford Cemetery; M: Walter Theodore
Maskrey 1889-4 Belper Reg. Dist., England; In 1891 census age 25 managed a
Sweet Shop living at Wirksworth, Derbyshire with husband Walter;
MAGGIE-B: Jul-Sep 1894 Belper Reg. Dist., England; C: 25 Jul 1894
Wirksworth, Derbyshire; P: Walter Theodore and Jane Elizabeth (Watson)
Maskrey; M: ( ) Simms at Belper Jul-Sep 1917;Siblings: Eva, Frederick
James, Mary Ellen; In 1901 census age 6 living in her mother's household;
MARY ELLEN (AKA NELLIE)- B: 1893-2 Belper Reg. Dist., England; C: 5 Mar
1893; P: Walter Theodore and Jane Elizabeth (Watson) Maskrey; D: 19 Aug
1909, Age 16 Wirksworth, Dbys., Belper Reg. Dist.; Bd: Wirksworth Cemetery
23 Aug 1909; In Wirksworth Cemetery Marble Scroll: "In loving memory of
Nellie Maskrey who died 19 Aug 1909. Aged 16 years."; In 1901 census age 8
living with Mother; Siblings: Maggie, Eva, Frederick James;
FREDERICK JAMES- B: 1890-2 Belper Reg. Dist.,, Derbyshire, England; C: 1 Apr
1890; D: 18 May 1890 Infant Death; P: Walter and Jane Elizabeth (Watson)
Maskrey; Siblings: Eva, Mary Ellen, and Maggie;
EVA- B: 30 Oct 1891 Reg. 1891-4 at Belper Reg. Dist., England; M:( )
Tompkins Jul-Sep 1917 Belper, Dbys.; P: Walter and Jane Elizabeth (Watson)
Maskrey; Siblings: Frederick James, Mary Ellen, Maggie; .
the conclusion is this Walter is the
