Arthur Reeve Barnett [b.2.9.4.2]

Photos courtesy of grandson Michael Reeve Barnett

Arthur Reeve Barnett was the second child of Arthur George Barnett and Kate Webster, born in Dunsden, Oxon on April 8th, 1878.

At the time of the 1881 census, Arthur was listed with his parents at Hampstead Farm, Eye and Dunsden, OXF. He was 2 years old.

In 1891 Arthur was a pupil at Clarence House, London Rd, Reading as was his brother George.
Arthur was living with his parents when the 1901 census was taken. He was 22 years old and a corn and coal merchant assistant.

Arthur married Sarah Elizabeth Church, a school assistant, on June 21st, 1902 at Reading St Giles, Berks. Sarah was born in July-September 1876 at Kensington, Middlesex and was the older sister of Thomas George Church who married Arthur's older sister, Hannah Barnett. Arthur and Sarah were married after the calling of banns. Arthur was 24, a bachelor, coal traveller of Prospect St, Caversham. His father, Athur George Barnett, was listed as a corn merchant. Sarah was 25, a spinster of 24 Enleigh Rd, Reading. Her father, Thomas John Church was a corn merchant, deceased. The witnesses were Rebecca Church (probably Sarah's mother) and Thomas G Church, her brother.

Arthur & wife Sarah

A family group, which includes Arthur & Sarah, is shown on the page for Hannah Barnett [b.2.9.4.1]. This reveals that Arthur & Sarah belonged to the Burnham Beeches cycling club.

In 1911 Arthur & Sarah were living at Wargrave Rd, Twyford, Berks & Arthur was a corn & coal merchant. They had 3 children living – Phyllis (7), Joseph Reeve (2) & John Reeve (8 months). Sadly son Thomas Reeve had died at the age of 3 years.

Son Joseph married Irene E Price in Oct-December 1936 at Wokingham. The 1939 register shows Joseph & Irene living at 63 Front Rd, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent where Joseph was an automobile mechanic.

Son John married Joan C Keates in Jan-March 1937 at Hailsham. The 1939 register shows John & Joan living at Mark Cross Cottages, Ripe, Hailsham, Sussex. John was described as a cowman (heavy work).

The 1939 register shows Arthur & Sarah living at 2 Fern Villa, Ruscombe Lane, Wokingham, Berks & Arthur was described as a retired corn & coal merchant. He had been a Lieutenant in the Royal Army Service Corps but was now retired. Sarah was a school teacher.

Arthur in later life

Arthur died in April-June 1949, aged 71, the death being registered at Wokingham, Berks.

Sarah died on May 28th, 1956, aged 79, at 2 Fern Villa, Ruscombe, Twyford, Berks. Probate was granted to son Joseph Reeve Barnett, an instrument maker, & her effects were £453.11s.1d.

The children of Arthur Reeve Barnett & Sarah Elizabeth Church were:

b.2.9.4.2.1 Phyllis Barnett born April 18th,1903 at 66 Enleigh Rd, Reading, Berks; died April 16th, 1951 in Surrey

b.2.9.4.2.2 Thomas Reeve Barnett born Jan-March 1905 at Twyford, Berks; buried November 12th, 1908 at St Mary’s, Twyford

b.2.9.4.2.3 Joseph Reeve Barnett born August 8th,1908 at Twyford, Berks; died May 1997 at Reading & Wokingham, Berks

b.2.9.4.2.4 John Reeve Barnett born July 30th, 1910 at Twyford, Berks; died February 1984 at Horsham, Sussex