Biography of Edgar DREWETT (1854-1924)
[Ref. P.522]
Directories
Electoral Registers
Photographs
Profile
Index for DREWETT
Biography of Edgar DREWETT (1854-1924)
[Ref. P.522]
Electoral Registers
Photographs
Profile
Index for DREWETT
Edgar Drewett was born at 47 High Street in Guildford on 13 January 1854, the only son of Edgar and Jane Drewett. In 1861, Edgar was living with his family at 47 High Street in Guildford where his father had a toy shop and photographic studio. His maternal grandmother was also living there and present at the time of the census were photographer Nathanial Wheeler, Elizabeth Crook who worked in the shop and house servant Ellen C Renneld.
The Post Office directory of 1870 lists Edgar's father as living at Crown Fields, Burnt Ash Lane, Lee near Plumstead in Surrey. It appears that he took his family with him as the census of 1871 records Edgar and his parents living in Marwell's Lane in the village of Lee. The Post Office directory of 1875 again lists Edgar's father as living at Crown Fields, Burnt Ash Lane, Lee.
On 8 February 1875, Edgar married Jane Eliza Barrattt at the parish church of St.Leonards in Shoreditch. She was a daughter of George and Sarah Barrat, George being the founder of the Barratt Sweet Manufacturing Company. Jane and Edgar went to live in his original home at 47 High Street in Guildford, having returned from Lee in Surrey. Son Edgar was born in 1879 and John in 1879.
The census of 1881 shows Edgar and Jane with their children together with Edgar's parents at 47 High Street, Guildford. That makes three generations of Edgar's in the one house. Edgar is listed as a Toy Shop Keeper, presumably his father's business. Also in the house at the time of the census were Toy Shop Assistants Alice L Butler and Clare M Prescott, thus it is assumed that the shop was part of this property. Daughter Rose was born in 1882.
Edgar's father passed away in 1889. The census of 1891 shows Edgar and Jane are still at 47 High Street in Guildford. Edgar is now head of the household and on the premises are four Toy Merchant apprentices, Caroline A Marshall, Angelina Lindley, Lucy R Kennett and Grace Lakesleigh. Visiting at that time were Janes sisters Harriett and Ada.
In 1897, Edgar and Jane moved to a house called Meadowbank in Epsom Road, Guildford, as recorded in the electoral registers. However, it appears that he still held the tenancy, or had ownership, of the shop in High Street, Guildford.
The census of 1901 shows Edgar and Jane with all three of their children present at Meadowbankas well as Jane's nephew, George Osborne Barratt, son of Frank Barratt. There were also two companions in the household, Minnie Flora Brooker and Mabel Woolacombe. Edgar's occupation is listed a Retired Photographer which infers that he had continued with his father's business in addition to running the toy shop.
By 1905, Edgar and Jane had moved home again and were now living at Helstonleigh in Horndean Road, Emsworth, Hants. The 1911 census shows that had retired and were now living on their own means. Their daughter Rose was still living with her parents. The household also comprised companion Minnie Flora Brooker, parlourmaid Florence White and cook Florence Mabel Revell.
The family were still at the same address in 1921 when the census form was filled in by Jane, and daughter Rose was still at home. Two companions were also in the house, Celia Elizabeth Corke and Laura Eliza Keeble. The conclusion is that the companions were employed to look after daughter Rose.
Edgar passed away at home on 6 October 1924 as result of a cerebral heamorrhage. His daughter Rose was present at his death then made the registration three days later. He does not appear to have left a Will as no record of one has been found. He was buried at Highgate Cemetery on 1 October 13. Jane and Rose continued to live at Helstonleigh in Emsworth.