Joe Vernon Smith's sweetheart and wife was Sarah Banks Rich who was born on 8th March 1893 in Liverpool. Their autograph books show that they knew each by 1911.
Sarah, age unknown
Sarah's life at that time was one of devotion to her father and siblings. She was one of 8 children born between 1891 and 1908. A brother and sister had died in infancy before her mother died in 1910 at the age of 43. This meant that at the age of 17 she was looking after her father, 4 sisters (the youngest aged 2) and a brother.In 1911 another sister, Alice Mabel died aged 16. (her elder brother was to die aged 23 at Gallipoli).
Alice Mabel. It would seem very likely she died soon after this
I have a number of photos of the family, including many in the period before the Great War, when Sarah's sweetheart became her husband and went off to war and her own brother and brother in law perished. They look like a very happy and united family and there are quite a few "jokes" and poems in Sarah and Joe's autograph books (more on those in another blog!).
A family outing before the War. Sarah,with her three sisters has her hands resting on her father's
shoulders. The girl on the left is her youngest sister
Catherine Grace, who lived to be 112 (another story!)
I believe her brother Tom is seated right.
"In Loving Memory of Alice Mabel". Died aged 15 years
"In Loving Memory of Henry" aged 8 months
Both buried in Kirkdale Cemetery
Some time in 1911, Joe began sending postcards to Sarah, even if it was just to let her know he would be calling round to see her (these were the days of three or four post deliveries a day!). This habit continued throughout their courtship and marriage and particuarly during his service abroad. I have nearly 200 post cards - each adds to their story and life together. They are a wonderful illustration of a life. The first postcard that Sarah has saved from Joe though is to her brother Tom, I wonder if this was because is the first time they met.. we will never know, but I would love to think that it was such a romantic tale!
"I will be at your house tonight about 8 O'clock for the music" (or was it?!) Joe to Tom Oct 1910
My next posts will concentrate on how the Great War affected both Joe and Sarah and their families. It was to be a very hard time for them all.
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