Thanks to a close relative the story of Emma Cole can be revealed. In essence, Emma was the daughter of an Omnibus driver, met and fell for her father's conductor. His name was Henry Charles Brooks. Henry was about 14 years older than Emma and was already married with a child of his own. Lilian Alice Cole was first to be born in Portnall Street followed by Henry Frederick William Cole. Sometime around the age of seven, Lilian contracted a childhood disease and died. Midge [Mary Alice] was next to be born but at the age of seven was sent to live with her Aunt Polly now known to be Mary Ann Charlotte Cole. Midge never returned to the family home as a child. Over the next few years, Ellen, Jessie, Florence and Rose were born. Some time after Jessie was born, their father Henry Brook left the buses and become a Commission agent advising people on the value of furniture in salesrooms. When his first wife died he eventually married Emma somewhat late in life.
To Emma Cole's Children >>
|
|
