Subject

A Commissioner for the 1892 Westminster Public Baths and Wash-houses. Geni has a a Zephaniah Augustine Berry born 1845 and Grace's Guide shows the family based in Westminster - our man, surely.

Andrew Behan has kindly carried out some research on this man: Zephaniah Augustine Berry was born circa 1845 in Pimilco, the eldest son of Zephaniah Deacon Berry and Jane Berry née Barnes. His father was an Ironmonger and Gas Engineer. The 1851 census shows the family living at 3 Victoria Road, Westminster. (Victoria Road is now called Buckingham Palace Road and No.3 was next door to the Bag O'Nails public house that is still there at the junction with Bressenden Place).

On 24 March 1868 he married Jessie Charlotte Bernand at St George's Church, Hanover Square, Mayfair and they went on to have four children, Edmonds Augustine Berry, born 12 May 1869; Percy William Berry, born 1 January 1874; Ethel Ellen Kate Berry, born 25 March 1875 and Jessie Florence Dora Berry, born 10 May 1882. The 1871 census shows him living with his wife and son at 86 Stanley Street, Pimlico. (Stanley Street is now called Alderney Street). His occupation was given as a Gas Fitter. On the night of the 1881 census he and his wife are recorded as visitors at the home of Percy and Julia M Wood at 91 Denmark Hill, Camberwell. His occupation was shown as an Engineer, whilst their children were at their home with three servants at 641 Wandsworth Road, Clapham. On 18 October 1884 he was initiated as a Freemason in The Abbey Lodge No.2030 and gave his address as Albion Works, Regency Street, London SW. He was also a Liveryman in the Worshipful Company of Glovers. From 1885 to 1893 Electoral Registers show his address to be Hansler House, Hansler Grove, East Moulsey, Surrey. (East Moulsey is nowadays called East Molesey).

On 22 June 1889 he filed a petition for divorce and the case was heard before Sir Charles Parker Butt at the Royal Courts of Justice, Strand, London. He alleged adultery by his wife and the co-respondent, Arthur Machin Milner. Neither his wife or the co-respondent contested the petition and a Decree Nisi was granted on 31 October 1889 and the co-respondent was ordered to pay the plaintiff's costs of £69-10s-5d. The Final Decree was issued on 15 May 1890. (The Civil Marriage Registration Index shows she married Arthur Milner at the earliest opportunity in the second quarter of 1890 in Edmonton, Middlesex).

The 1891 census shows him living with his four children and two servants at 112 Fentiman Road, South Lambeth. His occupation is given as a Gas and Hot Water Engineer. The 1901 census has him still living at 112 Fentiman Road, with his daughter, Jessie F. D. Berry, a visitor and three servants. His occupation was now shown as an Engineer (Mechanical). According to probate records he died on 25 July 1903 in Llandrindod Wells, Radnorshire, Wales. Administration of estate was granted to his son Edmonds Augustine Berry and his effects totalled £19,178-2s-7d. He was aged 57 years.