Although Reuben is on neither the war memorial nor the Absent Voters’ List he is included here as he did serve briefly in the army and came from the village.
Reuben was born on 8 February 1892 in Saxlingham Thorpe. The family lived near the Turnpike. His parents were Priscilla (nee Gooch) and James Hunt. His father worked as a tile maker and brick moulder. (There was a brick works in Saxlingham Thorpe at that time near Saxlingham Thorpe ruined church)
Reuben had a brother Clement born 10 April 1895 and two other siblings who died.
Priscilla Hunt, Reuben’s mother in the garden of her house
The family lived in a cottage on the Turnpike, Saxlingham Thorpe. They lived in the middle cottage, their neighbours were the Thrower and Kemp families.
In 1911 Reuben was working as a brick moulder.
He enlisted in the Grenadier Guards on 17 February 1916. He gave his occupation as brick maker. He was discharged on 17 June 1916 as he was no longer fit for war service.
He returned to live with his parents in Saxlingham Thorpe and stayed there until his marriage in the spring of 1929. His brother, Clement, who had been in the navy, left the area after the war and moved to live in Durham.
The banns for Reuben’s marriage were read in March of 1929. He married Blanche Mary Barrett, born on 22 July 1894, in Swardeston, Norfolk
Wedding of Reuben Hunt and Blanche Barratt, April 1929 in Swardeston.
James Hunt, Reuben’s father is back left and his brother, Clement is in the centre.
They had a daughter Margaret F Hunt who was born in 1931.
Reuben and his family lived in Swardeston, where they had a market garden.
In 1939 they were living at Hillside, Swardeston and Reuben was a market gardener. His wife Blanche worked for the British Red Cross. They had one child living at home.
Reuben died on19 June 1952 and he is buried in St Mary’s Church, Swardeston.
Acknowledgements
England & Wales, Birth, marriage, death index 1837-2005
UK Census Collection
1939 Register- www.findmypast.co.uk
British Army Service Records
England & Wales, National Probate Calendar 1858-1995
Photographs of the house and Priscilla Hunt, courtesy of Stephen Hunt, great-nephew of Reuben.
Wedding Photographs, courtesy of Alan Rudd, relative of Reuben’s Aunt Alice Foyster, nee Hunt
If anyone has any photographs or information about this person, please contact me. Email jan@janmfox.co.uk