Frederick Albert Sellens

Frederick Albert Sellens

KEY DATES:

Born: 1856, Westfield, East Sussex

Married: 26th December 1881, St Anne's Church, Wandsworth, Surrey

Died: 5 April 1928, Hastings, East Sussex

Buried: Hastings Cemetery, East Sussex

BIOGRAPHY:

Frederick Albert Sellens was born in 1856 to Mary (nee Dengate) and William Sellens in Westfield, East Sussex. His father worked as a Methodist preacher and as an agricultural labourer on Blumans Farm. Frederick himself also worked as an agricultural labourer, very likely also for Blumans Farm. The 1861 census shows the family living at Blumans Farm where Frederick Albert was recorded as a six year-old scholar. In 1868, Frederick's father William died and was buried in Westfield churchyard. The 1871 census shows Frederick as a 16 year-old living with his mother and two sisters at 1 Blumans, Westfield.

Sometime between 1871 and 1881, Frederick went with his mother and sister to live in Hastings. The 1881 census shows Frederick living with his deaf, widowed mother Mary and sister Mary Jane Sellens in 10 Alma Terrace, Hastings. No occupation is listed for him, although later he worked as a blacksmith and coach smith.

Frederick Albert Sellens, bottom far right (with white cap), with coach-builders in Hastings (possibly Skinners)

10 Alma Terrace, Hastings, East Sussex, 2003

Frederick Albert's son Albert Sellens believed that Frederick Albert met Hester Elizabeth Philcox at a funeral service. The two later married on the 26 December 1881 in St Anne's Church, Wandsworth. Witnesses to the marriage were William and Elizabeth Philcox. The couple had 5 children; Frederick William, Ernest Henry, Albert Victor Jubilee, Rosina Gertrude and Ethel Elizabeth. The family remained at 10 Alma Terrace until around 1888 when they moved to 22 Alma Villas where they are recorded on the 1891 census. The home would remain in the family for the next 80 years. Frederick is noted as working as a blacksmith.

22 Alma Villas, Hastings, East Sussex, 2003

Sellens family, c.1900

Back row from left; Albert Victor Jubilee, Frederick William, Ernest Henry

Front row from left; Hester Elizabeth, Rosina Gertrude, Ethel Elizabeth, Frederick Albert

Frederick and Hester continued to live at 22 Alma Villas for the remainder of their lives. Two of their sons, Frederick William and Ernest Henry emigrated to New Zealand after the turn of the century.

Sellens family at 22 Alma Villas c.1906 taken by Frederick William Sellens

Back row from left; Frederick Albert, Ernest Henry, Albert Victor Jubilee

Front row from left; Ethel Elizabeth, Rosina Gertrude and Hester Elizabeth

Frederick Albert died on the 5 April 1928 in Frederick Road, Hastings aged 73 years and was buried in Hastings cemetery, not far from his mother Mary Sellens. His will, proved upon his wife Hester's death in 1937 leaves £385 to his son Albert Victor Jubilee Sellens. Hester Elizabeth Sellens died on the 8 March 1937 at her home of 22 Alma Villas aged 81 years. She was interred in Hastings Cemetery with her husband. Her death was reported in the 13 March 1937 edition of the Hastings & St Leonards Observer. Hester's legacy of £1202 10s was divided thus: 'I give and bequeath unto my daughter Rosina Gertrude the sum three hundred pounds free of legacy duty, unto my daughter Ethel Elizabeth the sum of three hundred pounds free of legacy duty, unto my son Frederick William the sum of one hundred pounds free of legacy duty, unto my son Ernest Henry the sum of one hundred pounds free of legacy duty, unto my son Albert Victor Jubilee my house 22 Alma Villas, Silverhill, St Leonards on Sea and all the remainder of my property unto my son Albert Victor Jubilee. To view Hester Elizabeth's will in pdf format, click here (you will need adobe acrobat to do this) Her daughter Rosina (Rose) continued to reside at number 22 Alma Villas until her death in 1967. Her ashes were interred in her parents grave.

Sellens family grave

The grave inscription reads, 'In loving memory of Frederick Albert Sellens who fell asleep 5 April 1928 age 73. For God so loved the world. Also Hester Elizabeth Sellens died March 8 1937 aged 81 years.'

CENSUS:

LINKS:

Hester Elizabeth Sellens' will (pdf format)

Grateful thanks to Ernest Lionel Sellens and Heather Andrews for the photos of Frederick Albert and family and for additional information. Grateful thanks also to Ruth McLeod for further information.