Walter Vince was born 1861 in Shipdham, Norfolk UK and passed away in 1928 in Newmarket Cambridgeshire UK at the age of 67. He married Emma Richardson (1861-1921) in 1890 and they had three lovely children, Percy (1891-1988), Ethel (1894-) and Ivy (1901-1975). Walter was a scholar (1871), a harness maker's apprentice (1881), saddler & harness maker (1891, 1901, 1911). He was listed as deaf from birth on the 1881 census but I've found no other references to this and can't be sure it is accurate.
This is the last letter my grandmother received before he passed away. I know this because on the back it reads, "Uncle Walter's letter My Mother's brother. Cousin Ethel's father, and Ivy's and Percy's. Last one before he passed away."
Walter Vince portrait by Mann & Adcock 6 Upper St. Giles Street Norwich UK. Circa 1880s.
Sat 29/8/28
W. Vince
Male Ward Infirmary
Exning Road
Newmarket England
My Dear Niece
Your Cousin Tilly has written giving me your address. Tell your Mother I got her letter enclosed in former letter of Tilly's. I wish to say I am glad you are comfortably married and I hope happily so. I trust your parents are well also your brothers. Give my love to them all and thank your mother for her wishes of me her unfortunate brother Walter. Both your Cousins Ivy & Ethel came to see with with Bank holiday. They have each got a little girl. Percy I not from for some time. He has a son. I have had time to write before as they have been busy making alterations here changing doors & windows making it draughty. Trusting this finds you and your husband well. My respect to him now I must conclude with Love to you and all at home.
From Your Affectionate
Uncle Walter
Can you just remember me coming to Ipswich
Bye Bye
Based on the way he closed his letter, it seems likely that he knew this was the last letter he would write to Hilda.
According to the England & Wales National Probate Calendar, he passed away at The White Lodge hospital and left his effects to his son Percy William Vince, traveller. Interestingly, UK National Archives lists it as the Newmarket Workhouse at the time of Walter's death, so it's possible he was living under poor law. Perhaps more letters will shed light on this in the future.
Until next time,
Laurie
