Frances Sarah Gurney nee Berry 1826 - 1902
Domestic Abuse Survivor
Frances Sarah Berry was born in Bristol in 1826, her father was William Stillard Berry, Schoolmaster.
On 8th November 1845, aged 19yrs, she married John Frederick Gurney, 24yrs, in St. Helier, C.I., his occupation described as Gentleman, deriving his income from an annuity. They had 3 children, Emma b.1846, Florence b.1848, and Frederick b.1851, living initially in Jersey, then Guernsey, before moving to Plymouth, Devon.
In March 1861, while living at Keppel Place, Plymouth, Frances reported her husband to the authorities for his ill-treatment. He was summoned to answer the complaint but failed to appear, and a warrant was issued for his arrest. In the census shortly after this event, Frances was the head of the household, living with her 3 children and 2 domestic servants. Her husband does not appear in any further records until 1872 when he died, aged 52yrs, in London, he was interred in his family grave at Kensal Green. In 1857, her father-in-law, Frederick William Gurney (1799 1857) left Frances £100 in his will, (approx. £11,500 -2021).
In 1891 - 1901, Frances was living in Bedford, but in 1902 she died, aged 75yrs, on 21st September in Worthing, Sussex, at Bedfordleigh, Winchester Road. Administration was granted to her daughter, Florence Alice Jonas (wife of Henry James Jonas), effects £76 9s 2d. Value 2021 - £9,500.