Lane End Schoolmaster Henry Harman

Henry Harman was the schoolmaster of the school in Lane End, then part of Great Marlow, for over 30 years.

He was born in West Wycombe according to the census (or Lane End or Great Marlow according to his obituary) in 1825. 

His obituary [South Bucks Standard 18th May 1906] states that Henry was a genial, generous man who would willingly give flowers from his beautiful garden to anyone who wanted them if they only asked. It also said that Henry played the cello during church services at Holy Trinity Church, Lane End when younger as well as being in their church choir. The obituary stated that in his church cello playing he was accompanied by his wife playing the harmonium but which wife was meant I am unsure as Henry married 3 times.

The first marriage was to Mary (nee Meakes) who was the Infants schoolmistress at the Lane End school. When the couple retired from there Henry switched to being a dealer in petroleum and benzoline. 

Sadly Mary died in 1874 as the result of a horrific accident in relation to some stored benzoline at their home. Mary found herself engulfed in flames when some of the stored benzoline exploded when she was right by it. What caused the ignition was not discovered. Though neighbours gave the screaming Mary immediate medical assistance she died of her injuries the next day. She left behind a son Henry (also known by his middle name John) aged 14 and daughter Ellen aged 8. 

The next year Henry married at Lane End Jane Rhoda. She was the widow of William Hiatt of Wycombe Marsh.

As some point between 1875 and the 1881 census Henry became an iron founder but continued to deal in flammable oils for many years afterwards. He owned his own property in Lane End by 1891.

Jane Rhoda died in 1896 and Henry married a Harriet. Perhaps their joint love of gardens drew them together as Harriet was herself a prize winning fruit and flower grower at local shows.

He died in 1906. His obituary stated that prior to his death he had been bed bound for 8 months and in poor health for 2 years. I see that he had an allotment however well into old age.

Henry's daughter Ellen (by marriage Butler) grew up to be a schoolteacher herself at Church Stretton.

Written and researched by Charlotte Day. 

See:

Kelly's Post Office Directory 1869.

©Marlow Ancestors.