William Mays was the second child of Richard Mays & Mary Morris born July-September 1870 at East Grinstead, Sussex.
In 1871 William & his parents were living at Box Farm, East Grinstead. He had a step brother Henry & step sister Maria.
By 1881 William & his parents & younger sister Mary had moved to Culver Cottage, Ashurstwood, East Grinstead.
In 1891 William’s father & mother continued to farm at Culver Cottage & William was now the only child at home & was described as a farmer’s son.
William married Sarah Ann Baker in Oct-December 1892 at East Grinstead. Sarah was born May 20th, 1867 at Hartfield, & christened April 28th, 1867 at Hartfield, Sussex, the daughter of Martha Baker.
In 1901 William & Sarah were farming at Culver Cottage, William’s parents having died. They had a 7 year old son Richard.
William continued to farm at Culver Cottage in 1911, now aided by son Richard who was also working on the farm.
William died at Culvers Farm, Ashurstwood on March 1st, 1918. Administration of his estate was granted to widow Sarah & his effects were £593.12s.8d.
It appears that son Richard carried on farming at Culvers Farm after his father’s death as he was cited in a newspaper article of 1930 (Kent & Sussex Courier). A minor road incident was reported caused by his horse & trap damaging a stationary van.
The 1939 register shows Sarah & son Richard living at Culver Farm & she was described as assisting Richard on the farm. Richard was described as a dairy farmer.
Sarah died on January 31st, 1956 at Culver Farm, Ashurstwood. Administration of her estate was granted to son Richard, a farmer. Her effects were £1675.19s.2d.
The children of William Mays & Sarah Ann Baker were:
m.2.10.1 Richard Mays born September 29th, 1893 at Ashurstwood, East Grinstead; died June 25th, 1974 at 48 Maypole Rd, Ashurstwood, E. Grinstead