Alice Collins née Underwood, born 1865 at Brighton, was the fifth child of John Harmer’s sister Zilpah and her husband Henry Underwood. This makes her John’s niece.
As a young girl Alice lived at 11 Pelham Square, then for less than a year at 93 Upper North Street until the Underwood family settled at 99 Upper North Street in 1871. Her father died of cancer in 1874, followed by her mother (who died of consumption) in October 1881. In the census of April 1881 15 year old Alice was working as a general servant but still living at home. By 1887 she had moved to London, and was living at 231 Upper Street, Islington, which was and is a bustling high street. She probably answered an advertisement for a role in service, and moved to London to better her employment prospects.
Marriage
On May 15th 1887 Alice married 29 year old Edwin Earle Collins 15th May 1887, at St. Stephen’s Church, Spitalfields. Edwin, who was born at Stoke Devonport, was a draper, which was a lucrative trade in those days.
After their marriage Alice and Edwin moved to 294 Crystal Palace Road, where we find them in the 1891 census. Edwin is described as a wool manufacturer.
Back to Brighton
We know from the street directories that Edwin and Alice moved to Brighton around 1894, where Edwin opened a woollen cloth and outfitters shop at 8 Church Road. By 1901’s census Alice’s sister Zilpah, aged 43, was living with Alice (35), and Edwin (43) above the shop. Zilpah was working as an office caretaker, possibly for Edwin.
Death of Edwin
Edwin died at Brighton in early 1903. The last entry for the shop in the directories is in 1906, and after this Alice vanishes without trace. My guess is that she remarried, or emmigrated. Do YOU know what happened to her? If so please get in touch!
