Emily KEENE 'Nan'

Em, Emily but Nan to me was born Emily Alice KEENE to Richard KEENE and Emily Amelia BATTY in Kings Cross, Camden, 23rd September 1899. She was an only child, and married Albert BELCHER at St Lukes Church, Eltham on November 1 1919. They had 7 children, the first of whom, Doris, died at age 6 months. Always a figurehead in the family, and much loved, she lived for her children and grandchildren. She died 6 January 1987 at Greenwich District Hospital, and is buried in Eltham Cemetery.

Richard KEENE

Richard, my Great Grandfather, was born in Corn Street, Witney, Oxfordshire in 1870, to Richard KEENE and Emma HAINES. He married Emily Amelia BATTY in St Phillips Church, Clerkenwell 1898. In the 1901 census, Richard is living in 12 Penton Place, Islington, and described as a confectioners cityman. I believe this meant a travelling salesman. At the time of his marriage to Emily, he was living at 21 Penton Place, Islington. I believe his brother Frederick had a pub nearby, but we arent sure what it was called. Probably Mornington Crescent , Kings Cross, was the location. Richard and Emily had only one child, Emily Alice, my Grandmother.

Emily BATTY's History is HERE

Richard KEENE

Richard , my Gt Gt Grandfather was born one of twins 1838 in Witney, Oxon, baptised at St Marys Church, to John KEENE and Sarah FIELD.His twin brother was Thomas. He married Emma HAINES in 1865, Witney, St Marys Church. They had 13 children, Frederick George, Walter Edward, Richard, Ernest,Sarah Elizabeth, Herbet Alfred, Harold, Alice,Ethel Lizzie, Eleanor Emma, Edith, Lilian and Charles Henry. Times weren't always easy and in 1851 census Richard, along with two of his siblings, is in the Witney Union Workhouse. Probably as his mother, Sarah, had died in 1838, after the birth of Richard and Thomas, his twin. In 1861 census, Richard is living with his brother John in Corn Street Witnney, Occupation given as hawker and dealer. 1881 census living in Corn street, Witney, and 1901, same place, occupation given as Boot Maker. He appears it Pigots 1862 directory as a Bootmaker . Emma is described on most census as a launderess.

Emma HAINE'S History can be seen HERE

John KEENE

John, my Gt Gt Gt Grandfatherwas born to John KEENE and Mary ? in Southleigh, Oxfordshire in 1800. He married Sarah FIELD 1 December 1822 in Handborough, Oxfordshire. They had nine children, William, John (died), Anne, John, Lucy,James, Rachel, Richard and Thomas (twins). John was a stone mason, and this occupation is given in 1841 census when he is living in Corn Street, Witney.

John KEENE

John, my Gt Gt Gt Gt Grandfather.For the KEENE Tree, which includes all ancestors and descendents, please click HERE.