Gertrude Sarah HOLL (c. 1882- )

Gertrude Sarah HOLL, daughter of Arthur HOLL ( - ) and Sarah UNKNOWN ( - ), was born c. 1882 in New Buckenham, Norfolk. She and Horace Frank DOWNE had marriage banns published on 18 Dec 1904 in Diss, Norfolk, the marriage banns were read by Charles W PECK. - other dates were 25.12.1904 and 01.01.1905; the groom from Diss, the bride from New Buckenham.¹ Gertrude married Horace Frank DOWNE on 11 Jan 1905 in New Buckenham - bride's father a veterinary surgeon and the grooms a hotel proprietor. The marriage was witnessed by Arthur Holl and Sarah Holl. The ceremony was conducted by Rev. F. R. COCKS.²

Horace Frank DOWNE, son of James DOWNE ( - ) and Fanny UNKNOWN ( - ), was born on 10 Mar 1872 in Westminster, London.^3,4 He was baptised on 5 May 1872 in St. James, Piccadilly, London. - b. 10.03.1872.³ Horace appeared in the census in 1881 at Byron House, Brentford, Middlesex in Brentford, Middlesex - age 9, scholar, boarding at Byron House School [Byron House was founded in 1897 as a progressive prep school favoured by London's intelligentsia and famous for its advanced teaching methods].⁵ He appeared in the census in 1901 at Castle Hill Road, New Buckenham, Norfolk in New Buckenham - age 29, assistant veterinary surgeon, living in the household of Arthur HOLL (52, veterinary surgeon) and family [Arthur Holl was the father of Gertrude Sarah who was to become Horace's wife].⁶ In 1905 the Electoral Register showed him living at Church Street, Diss - lodging with Minnie REEVE having a furnished first floor bedroom and use of a sitting room. Horace appeared in the census in 1911 at The Wilderness, Diss in Diss - age 39, veterinary surgeon, living with wife Gertrude Sarah (28), children Arthur James (3) and Claude Horace (8 mos), and Mildred Mabel WARNES (17, general domestic servant).⁷ On 13 Mar 1911 there was a newspaper report: Diss Express and Norfolk and Suffolk Journal - 13 March 1911 - NOTICE OF REMOVAL. - MR. HORACE F. DOWNE, Veterinary Surgeon, begs to inform his Clients in Diss and neighbourhood that on Tuesday, 4th April, 1911, he id REMOVING to Premises on VICTORIA ROAD, DISS, lately in the occupation of Mr. R. F. Parfitt. In 1921 the Electoral Register showed him living at 5 Victoria Road, Diss. In 1930 the Electoral Register showed him living at 5 Victoria Road, Diss. Horace listed in the in 1937. Kelly's Directory for Norfolk as a veterinary surgeon living at 5 Victoria Road, Diss.⁸ Horace was recorded on the 1939 Register living at 5 Victoria Road, Diss in Diss. - b. 10.03.1872, veterinary surgeon [son Claude Horace now working with him].⁹ Horace died on 2 Feb 1941.¹⁰ On 7 Feb 1941 there was a newspaper report: Diss Express - 7 Feb 1941 - THE LATE MR. H. F. DOWNE<br />Diss and district has sustained a severe loss in the death, on Sunday, of Mr. Frank Horace Downe, M.R.C.V.S., of Victoria Road, aged 68 years. Exceptionally well known in the district, Mr. Downe's practice extended over a very large area and his services were in great demand, whilst his cheerful disposition gained him many friends. When he first came to Diss 40 year ago Mr. Downe was a playing member of the Diss and District Cricket Club but of late his practice had occupied all his time to the exclusion of parochial social affairs.<br />Born in London, Mr. Downe was educated at Llandovery College, Wales and also attended school in France. He qualified as a veterinary surgeon at the London Veterinary College in 1894, and began practicing as a locum for his wife's father, the late Mr. Holl of New Buckenham.<br />For many years Mr. Downe had been inspector for the Minstry of Agriculture and Fisheries, acting under the East Suffolk County Council, the Hartismere Rural District Council and later the Norfolk County Council.<br />The funeral took place on Tuesday at the Cemetery, the Rev. J. A. Appleton officiating.<br />The family mourners were: the widow; Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Downe, Mr. and Mrs. C. Downe (sons and daughters-in-law), Mr. and Mrs E. Holl and Mr. H. Holl.<br />Miss M. Downe, Mr. R. Downe, Canon and Mrs. R. Lumb (chislehurst, Kent) and Major and Mrs. G. F. Spashett were unable to attend.<br />Others present included Mr. P.D. Watson, Mrs. Ray, Mr. F. Ray, Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Saunders (Hoxne), Mr. H. Holker and Mr. W. Spurdens.<br />The funeral arrangements were carried out by Messre W. H. Harrison and Son. Horace had his estate probated on 23 May 1941 in Norwich, Norfolk - "DOWNE Horace Frank of 5 Victoria-road Diss Norfolk died 2 February 1941 Probate Norwich 23 May to Gertrude Sarah Downe widow. Effects £1494 19s. 2d.".¹¹ He and Gertrude Sarah HOLL had the following children: