CFHS code : AL337
Parish : St Andrew the Less
Inscription : In Loving Memory of JAMES ATKIN d Jan 11 1890 aged 69 also JANE wife of the above d Jan 3rd 1905 aged 83
Monument : Headstone
Above information from Cambridge Family History Society Survey
Monument
This headstone stands about 16 rows east of the central path and about 23 plots south of the north path in the parish of Andrew the Less. Though weathered the inscription is still mostly legible in good light.
Inscription
In Loving Memory Of
JAMES ATKIN who departed this life Jan 11 1890 aged 69 years
one line illegible
Also JANE, wife of the above who died Jan. 3rd 1905. aged 83 years
T.. …. have entered the city.
Like worn sky birds to their nest
There the wicked cease from turmoil,
and there the weary are at rest.
James Atkin (1820 – 11 January 1890)
James was born in Fen Ditton, to the north of Cambridge and was the eldest son of John and Ruth (née Bailey) Atkin. His father was a tailor, and by 1841 the family had moved to Cambridge. James also worked as a tailor and married dressmaker Jane Chapman in 1842. They lived on Coldham Lane and had at least two children: George (1843-1871) and Emily (1851-1937). James worked for Mr. Bennett, a tailor on Christ’s Lane for fourty seven years. By 1861 the family had moved to 182 Newmarket Road, before moving back to 11 Coldham Lane by 1881. James was knocked over by a train, whilst walking across the Coldham Road Crossing and died as a result. An inquest was held, which heard that James was deaf, and also had poor eyesight, which meant he wore glasses whilst working. Otherwise he was described as being in good health, and was a strong walker. The train driver said he had been driving at between 30 and 35 miles per hour, and had not noticed any impact, but at the next junction he had noticed ‘pieces of a clays pipe and burning tabacco on the foot plate of the engine’. The driver admitted that trains did not slow up at the Colham Road crossing. Robert Reed, the gate keeper also gave evidence and said that there had been plans to build a bridge over the crossing, but the Town Council had opposed it. Robert also said that James Atkin had been cautioned many times about being too close to the trains, he said he had warned his relatives about his actions, had caught hold of his coat, and even thrown a jug in his path to draw his attention. Robert said he was worried about James, because he knew he was deaf, and also because he walked very slowly and noislessly. The inquest jury returned a verdict of accidental death, and did not attach blame to anyone. They did however recommend a footbridge be built over the crossing. James’ funeral was held on 15 January 1890.
Jane Atkin (née Chapman) (1821 – 3 January 1905)
Jane was the daughter of George and Sarah and was baptised at St. Andrew the Less on 22 April 1821. In 1841 she was working for the Atkin family, and living with them, before marrying their eldest son James. After she was widowed she went to live with her daughter Emily and son in law William Dockerill at 17 Abbey Street (1891). In 1901 she was living at Abbey Street with her thirteen year old granddaughter Lily Dockerill. She died at home and was buried at Mill Road Cemetery on 7 January.
Sources:
Ancestry
Newspaper archives
Parish burial records transcribed by CFHS
by Claire Martinsen
[If you have any information about this family, please contact us at Friendsofmillroadcemetery@gmail.com]