Taphophilia is a passion for and enjoyment of cemeteries The singular term is a taphophile.
Recently restored memorial Angel to Jessie Outram, born 7th December 1884 - died 17th October 1912 aged 27 years (after much suffering) and of Private Alexander Robert Outram of the 22nd Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, born 9th October 1879 - died 17th February 1917, killed in action in France aged 38. For years this beautiful memorial had been nothing more then a mound of ivy and brambles.
All Saints Maidenhead Cemetery, All Saints Avenue, Berkshire, UK.
Such a tragic loss of two young lives, leaving behind their son Alexander Joseph Harold Outram who also died at a young age, 32 in Westminster London.
Alexander Sr was born in Tanca Peru in 1878 and Jessie nee LeSueur was born In Jersey, the Channel Islands. They were married on 23 October 1904 in Jersey and by 1907 had moved to Maidenhead Berkshire and had their son Alexander Jr.
In 1904 Alexander Sr joined the Volunteer Reserve and later The Royal Fusiliers on 7th June 1916 . He served with the Expeditionary Force in France from 1st December that year and was reported missing in action on 17th February 1917 after fighting near Petit Miraumont. He was later known to be killed in action on that date.
Jessie died at a very young age after much suffering, possibly from an illness.
I wonder what brought them from Peru to Jersey and then to my home town in Maidenhead? Why were they and their young son all fated to die so early and were they happy during the brief time they had together?
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You managed to find out a lot about this small family. Outram seems an unusual name to have come out of Peru.
ReplyDeleteIt was probably a delicate task to unwind all the overgrown ivy. But definitely worth doing, in honour of these people.
ReplyDeleteLovely statue, and a nice bit of research on the deceased.
ReplyDeleteAn interesting story of this young family and their short life.
ReplyDeleteThe Outrams of Peru could possibly have been British expats. Yes, incredibly sad that they should die so young, and their son, too.
ReplyDeleteI wonder If Alexander Snr joined up hoping that death be the outcome. Would be interesting to discover what caused the 'much pain' to his wife.
Welcome to Taphophile Tragics. You have been most active, as I have seen your comments on very many of the posts I have visited thus far. I do hope you enjoy the exercise and that we see you back again next week.
What a remarkable story. The reverse travel of new world to old world is unexpected. Perhaps they were born of expats to Peru and decided to return to the old home. Life wasn't easy then. It's not surprising that they all died so young. But sad, nevertheless.
ReplyDeleteWonderfully composed shot!
ReplyDeleteInteresting post and a great shot of this statue. All cemeteries hide some extremely interesting life stories.
ReplyDeletei like such angels on graves...
ReplyDeletei think people who visit graves must be very curious people (myself included) :)