Menu

Boffey, Edward

Edward first appeared on a census in 1891. He was living with his family at Wettenhall in Cheshire. The head of the household was Benjamin Boffey. He was a 46 year old farmer who was an employer. His wife was Mary Boffey aged 38 who had been born in Beeston. Their children were Annie 17 and Francis 15 – both were dairymaids. John was 12, William 10, Henry 5 and Edward 2

The next decade saw big changes for this family. Benjamin seems to have left farming and become a publican. He became an innkeeper at The Red Lion in Bangor on Dee, Flintshire. Sadly however he died on 6th August 1899. It is ‘The England and Wales National Probate Calendar’ that gives us this information. It has the following entry;

Benjamin Boffey of  The Red Lion Inn, Bangor Flintshire Innkeeper died 6th August 1899. Administration St Asaph 9th September to Mary Richardson Boffey widow. Effects £88

The next census of 1901 had the family living in Whitchurch Road Bangor, Flintshire. Mary R Boffey, widow, was head. She was descibed as a publican (worker). Francis was 23 and a confectioner’s assistant. John was a 22 year old farmer grazier. Edward was 12 and Herbert was 9.

Tthe 1911 census records the family at 5 Kings Mill Road. Head of the household was  widow Mary,  aged 58.  The form tells us that she had given birth to 9 children, 8 of whom were still living.  There were two ‘children’ still living at home. Edward was 22 and he worked as a Barber’s Assistant. His brother Herbert worked in a leather works.  The other three residents listed were boarders – all single men.

UK Soldiers who Died in The Great War 1914 -19 accessible on Ancestry, confirms the regimental details above and adds that Edward enlisted in Wrexham. His medal index card (also on Ancestry) tells us that his first Theatre of war was France and he entered it on the 7th July 1915.

He was killed in action on the 6th January 1916 near Ypres.

His index card in the Flintshire Roll of Honour at the County Archive Office in Hawarden says that he served from September 1914 and that he went to France in July 1915. It says he was Killed in Action on 5 January 1916 at Ypres.

The UK register of soldier’s effects (on Ancestry) in which the army recorded what moneys were owed to deceased soldiers includes an entry for Edward. His sole legatee was his mother Mary. She received a total of £9.. 3sh ..0pence


Back to top