Alice was one of my great-grandmothers. She was born on Christmas Eve 1878 to George and Emily (née Freeman), in Northiam, Sussex.
In 1881, the 2 year old Alice was living with her parents and older siblings, Samuel aged 7 and Lucy aged 3, at the Smith’s Shop in Northiam. Also in the household were 2 servants who worked for George and a mystery 8 year old girl, Alice Jenkins, listed as visitor.
By 1891, the family were living at Laurel House on Main Street, Northiam – visiting them was Emily A Freeman aged 24. I think she must be related to my great great grandmother, as Emily Coleman’s maiden name was Freeman, but I have as yet been unable to find the link.
In 1901, Alice had moved out of the family home, and was a live-in barmaid at the Royal Hotel in Hastings. I believe that it must have been at around this time that she met my great-grandfather John Goodwyn Jefferson, because they married the following year.
By 1911, Alice and John were living at 3 South Street, St Leonards on Sea, Sussex. They had 3 children, Hilda Alice (aged 7), 6 year old John Coleman and Phyllis Kathleen aged 1. I also know that at this time, Alice and John would have been expecting the pitter-patter of tiny feet again – my maternal grandfather was born in October 1911.
From Little Acorns 