William Crake was a man who might well have come knocking on your ancestors door as part of his work. They may not have been too pleased to see him however, as he was a rent collector, and tax assessor/ collector for many years. But he also filled many other roles and so was a familiar figure bustling about the streets of Marlow on some business or another.
William (b September 1819) was the only son of Mr Robert (died 1853) and Mrs Crake (nee Meakes, daughter of blacksmith Thomas Meakes also of Chapel Street, died 1858). Dad Robert was a furniture dealer and broker with a side line in building, carpentry, rent collection and insurance. There was a huge number of insurance agents in Marlow but the Phoenix Fire "assurance" company was the main one represented by the Crakes. In this role, William at least came bearing money if your claim was successful. In fact he was often praised for the speed at which he made pay outs. He comes across as a man regarded as scrupulously honest and meticulous. He also had a formidable memory and head for figures, so it is no surprise he served as treasurer or honourary secretary for several institutions. One of his longest associations was with the local branch of the British and Foreign Bible Society for whom he was treasurer or secretary for over 20 years. They distributed Bibles to the poor amongst other things.
When Josiah Clark died in the 1840's, William succeeded him in the role of assessor and collector of the Queen's taxes eg income tax. This was obviously a responsible and sometimes difficult role. He had proved himself by helping his father to collect rents. He later succeeded to his father's overall business, chiefly the building aspect, with no furniture dealing mentioned. And it was through his uncle James Field, postmaster and schoolmaster, that he succeeded to the lucrative position of Phoenix insurance agent. He would also work as a house agent, organising the sales and lettings of homes and businesses in Marlow.
It was in connection with his work in rent collecting that William nearly lost his life in 1881. He was returning from Lane End when a furious snow storm descended. The drifting snow in the countryside became deep and walking conditions were hazardous. William took hours to make a journey that should have lasted much less. It was said he was only able to make the slow and painful progress onwards in the freezing conditions because he had carried an umbrella. He used this to probe the depth of the snow drifts and steady his steps. He finally turned up at some cottages in an "exhausted and dilapidated state". It took him several months to recover his health.
William is probably best known now for his work to bring a Baptist mission to the town. He was behind the setting up of the first small Baptist Chapel in Providence Place, Dean Street. It is likely he actually built it too. Later he was on the building committee of the new Baptist Chapel in Glade Rd. Other Crakes pop up as members of the Primitive Methodists chapel. (Read more on the Baptist Chapel here)
In 1897, William climbed onto a chair in order to wind a clock. It seems the effort of this triggered some kind of attack which caused him to fall. His brain was "much affected" afterwards and he could no longer manage his business. His head for figures was just gone and he developed a shuffling slow walk. He turned most of his work over to his trusted friend and assistant of 30 years, Christopher Sparks (including the building side). William lived for another two years. Six weeks before his death his condition worsened and he finally took to his bed. He was 80 at his death. (Saturday 6th May 1899.) The South Bucks Standard called him "a most respectable and in many ways useful inhabitant". (That is he had filled many roles!)
Above grave of William Crake 1899 and Ellen Crake 1892, All Saints Church, Marlow.
Written and researched by Kathryn Day.
SOURCES
Slaters Royal National and Commercial Directory 1852 (Isaac Slater, 1852)
The New Monthly Vol 19 (H Colburn 1823)
Kelly's Directory 1869, 1883 (Kelly's Directories Ltd)
Harrods Royal County Directory (J G Harrods & Co 1876)
Blowers Architects, Surveyors, Engineers and Builders Directory 1860 (T Blaver 1860)
William's Manufacturer's Directory for London and the Principal Towns 1862
Report of the British and Foreign Bible Society 1867-1873
South Bucks Standard 17 May 1899
©Marlow Ancestors