Ellen Louisa Grey

  General Notes:

Ellen Grey(Nellie) was the sixth surviving child of David and Ellen Grey.

Her entire childhood was spent in Puttenham where she was born. She attended
the school in Puttenham, but eventually left to find work as a maid in Kew, London.

Nellie works for Lady Orchen, the wife of the King's physician (Sir William Orchen)and a photograph of her, was taken around this time. They owned a country home on Sheet Hil (Nut Tree Hall) l in Plaxtol and Frank Cunningham was the local butcher's delivery man.

While they were engaged, Frank leaves to seek his fortune in Canada working in
the large slaughter houses. His plan is for Nellie to join him once he has
settled. Ellen Grey, Nellie's mother writes to Frank asking him to return to
England as she does not want to lose her daughter. Letter owned by David
Cunningham, son of Nellie.
Nellie buys two Victorian water colour prints for her new home. These are now
owned by her grandaughter Linda.
When the first world war broke out Frank returns to England and joins up to
fight.

They quickly marry at Puttenham before Frank is posted to Mesopatamia.
Six silver spoons and an American made clock are believed to be part of their
wedding gifts.( owned by Linda)

Initially Ellen and Frank live at Dunk's Green, but when Esther Collins
dies during the First World War and Frank is away at war, Ellen is encouraged
to move to Plaxtol to look after Bill, Frank's older brother who is not
married.

Kathleen May is born in 1915 while Frank is abroad and he doesn't see his
daughter for two years. Frank Jesse is born in 1917. Their third child Horace
David is born in 1922. Known as David from 1940.

The family remain in Plaxtol until 195? when Frank Jesse buys his parents
a small holding at Marden ( Cherry Tree Cottage). An oak dining room suite is
bought( now owned by Linda).
Frank keep chickens and sells them and his eggs at market. The ' Lion Egg ' put
him out of business. While at Marden they witnessed two floodings.

After twenty years Frank and Ellen decide to move to Borough Green to be near
their daughter Kathleen( known as Kay). Ellen had suffered a stroke a few years
earlier and Frank a heart attack.
Unfortunately, Ellen only lived for a short time before she died
in her sleep at the new bungalow in 1962.
Her dream of owning a deep sink lasted just for three days. She was cremated
and her ashes were scattered alongside her beloved brother Herbert.

Ellen married Frank Cunningham, son of Jesse Cunningham and Esther Collins, on 2 Sep 1914 in St. John Baptist, Putterham, Surrey, England. (Frank Cunningham was born on 23 Nov 1887 in The Green, Shipbourne, Kent, England, baptised on 8 Jan 1888 in St Giles, Shipbourne, Kent, England, died on 27 May 1980 in Borough Green, Kent, Surrey, England and was buried in Maidstone Crematorium, Maidstone, Kent, England.)

  Marriage Notes:

MARRIAGE: 2 SEP 1914, St John the Bap.,Puttenham,Surrey,England