HEMMINGS Family - Northampton

[rthom]

Hi Sandy:

I woke up this morning to find your latest posts. Thank you so much for finding this wonderful stuff!  You have really made my day. You are an absolute star:)

It is interesting to see the advert slightly modified from the earlier one I posted (presumably in a directory?). And of course I am over the moon to finally see a picture of the family shop at 28 Abington Road. It looks really interesting with all the exterior trimmings and signage.

Personal message on its way.

Best regards, rthom

[seahall]

Hi rthom.

The images are on the way, hopefully as they are bmp's
they should be clearer.

I think the other advert was more than likely from a
street/trade directory.

I am only to glad to have spotted the article when I was
conversing with a gentleman talking to me about my war
project, who later I found an article to help him. 

Sandy

[seahall]

This is getting spooky rthom. 

Whilst sorting through endless pieces of lose paper, as you do. 

I wondered if you had from Alan the copy of the 3 Hemmings brothers
from the Northampton Independent entitled

The Call to the Colours.
          -------------------
         Brothers in Arms.

Next is 3 photographs showing the three sons.

The article says.

The three sons of Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Hem-
mings of Abington Street, are all serving
their country in different capacities, and
provide another striking example of the
loyalty of England's sons.  The eldest son,
Mr. H. E. Hemmings, has joined Mobbs'

Corps, and is at present in the 7th Batt.
of the Northants Regiment at Shoreham.  F.
H. is serving as a special constable at Aber-
ystwyth, and A. T. is attached to the Royal
Army Medical Corps at the Harbour Hospital
Woolwich.

Sandy

[rthom]

Hi Sandy:

Thank you very much for the images which are beautiful. My family is so taken with finally seeing pictures of the shop which we have read about numerous times in the census records and directory entries.

And goodness me, what a strange coincidence for you to bump into the story of Herbert's three sons going off to war in your own research. I had seen that story last year and managed to find the medal cards for two of the brothers, one of whom (Herbert) had gone to France. By some miracle they all appear to have survived. What a tortured time that must have been for the parents -- shades of "Saving Private Ryan."

A PM is on its way.

Regards, rthom

[seahall]

Hi rthom.

I am glad that your family liked the pictures.

If I hadn't been looking for marriages etc for the Northants Strays,
I would not have seen the Independent one of the 3 brothers and
associated it with yourself. 

Anyway must fly, meals to get etc.

Sandy

[rthom]

Hi Sandy:

What a nice coincidence. Several times the Northants Strays list has come to the rescue when I have hit a brick wall trying to figure out where someone has gone.

Regards, rthom

[seahall]

Hi again rthom.

Northants Strays list has come to the rescue

Well with the ones I have just added they sure travelled a long way,
(some of them).

Sandy

[seahall]

HI again rthom.

I managed to find a couple of new photographs of the Hemmings Shop
at the Library today for you (if I go in much more they will get worried  ).

One has "Miss Horsnby" in the doorway.

I then went to Ecton to take all the graves in the Churchyard.

The Church is being renovated, yet the workmen let me sneak in-side
to take some of the plaques and wall hangings.
They must have taken pity on me, as it was so hot.

I was trying out my friend's partner's camera as mine seems to
have finally died and Hubby is going to buy me a new one.

The best way of testing out if I like it.

Sandy

[rthom]

Hi Sandy:

Thank you so much for digging this up! Another piece of the puzzle.

This is probably Clara Hornby (née Hemmings) (1857-1941), another of Thomas and Sarah's children. She married James A. Hornby in 1912 at the age of 55, and appears to have spent most of her life living and working in the Abington Street shop.

Regards, rthom