Upson

Saddle, Collar & Harness Maker

Church Street

 Watford

circa 1900

George Upson is shown as a saddler in Church Street Watford, in trade directories between 1886 and 1908.

The building was at the corner of Church Street and New Street and is no longer there.

Original pen and ink sketch, circa 1900

George Upson was born in Wickford, Essex in about 1839, the son of George Upson, collar maker, and his wife Hannah.

He married Emma Sedgwick (then aged 19) on 19th June 1864 at Aspley Guise, Bedfordshire. Their first child George was born in 1865 followed by Henry Charles Upson in 1866, both in Aspley Guise. The family then moved to Watford when the following children were born: William Ralph (1867), Jessie Louisa (1870), Minnie Flora (1871, died 1880), Nellie Elizabeth (1874), Maud  (1876, infant death), Ethel Jane (1879), Emily Gertrude (1881),  Maurice Walter (1882-, died 1905),and Cecil Oliver (1885)

Initially the family lived in 30 Meeting Alley (1871 and 1881 censuses) but in Hertfordshire trade directories between 1886 and 1908 there are entries for George Upson, saddler, Church Street. Emma died in 1894, aged 49, and her husband George died in 1902

Their eldest son George worked for the railways as an engine cleaner in 1881, as a signalman in 1891 and 1901 - at the later date having moved to Huntingdon.  Henry Charles was a fishmonger in 1891 and 1901 but is described as a harness maker at 92 High Street Watford between 1912 and 1922.

Maurice was living with his father at Church Street in 1901 and was described as a harness maker. He died in 1905.