Today, I reflect on the life of my 1st cousin 3x removed on my maternal side, Harriett Newick, who was baptised on 4th December 1853 in Etchingham, Sussex, England. In this year and the following year that cholera claimed the lives of more than 10,000 people in London and spread further afield. This epidemic would have had impact on families like the Newicks, who lived relatively close to the capital.
She was the daughter of John Newick (1816-1853) and Mary Sinden (1822-1853) and was born on 17 Feb 1851 in Etchingham, Sussex, England. She married Edward Pope in Eastbourne, Sussex, England in 1880. Together they joined the Newick family members who had emigrated to America and lived in Portsmouth, New Hampshire where she died on 24 Jul 1901.
Tragically, both of Harriett's parents passed away in the year of her baptism, 1853, leaving her orphaned as a small child. This must have been an incredibly difficult period for her. She was living with an aunt and uncle in the 1861 census record.
As a genealogist, the task of piecing together the lives of our ancestors often involves solving their personal histories within the broader context of family events. Harriet was baptised 2 years after her birth and after both her parents died .... hmm, this needs further investigation!! Perhaps her parents didn't want the baptism or couldn't afford it. Maybe Harriett was already living with that aunt or uncle who wanted her baptised and could afford any expense.
Harriett and Edward joined other Newick family members who had emigrated to America, settling in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Harriett lived out her days there, passing away on July 24, 1901. Her journey from Sussex to New Hampshire shows the adventurous spirit of the Newick family.
Newicks married Westons in the early 1800s and my great great uncle Samuel Weston also emigrated with the family. There are quite a contingent of them over there in New Hampshire.
In addition 4th December holds other remarkable milestones in America but after she died.
1918: President Woodrow Wilson set sail for France to attend the Versailles Peace Conference.
1949: Jeff Bridges, an American actor known for his laid-back personality and his versatility, was born.
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