Eva Maud Hallett

(1898 - ????)

Eva Maud was born in Bridgwater, Somerset to parents John & Annie Hallett (nee Dowden). Her baptism is recorded in the parish registers of St John Baptist, Bridgwater on 5 October 1898, when the family were living at 82 St John Street, Bridgwater.

The baptism entry has 'MC' recorded against it, suggesting that it took place at the mission chapel.

Eva was the last born, having eight or nine brothers and sisters.

The year 1900 was to change the fortunes of Eva's parents. The brother of her grandfather had emigrated to America in the 1850's, setting up home in Toledo, Ohio. He accumulated substantial sums of money and owned a number of properties.

'Toledo John' died on 13 November 1899, and after making a number of specific provisions to friends, he bequeathed the balance of his estate to his sister and nieces and nephews including Eva's father.

The 1901 census places Eva, her parents and seven of her brothers and sisters at Cruffs Cottage, Liberty Place, St John Street, Bridgwater; she was recorded as two years old. Eva's father is clearly in receipt of the Toledo money as he is shown as 'living on own means'.

Further information about Eva will be added at a later date.