Wednesday 10 April 2019

Great Great Aunt Barbara May Yeo Sandford

My Great Great Aunt Barbara (1912 - 1927) was the youngest sister of my Great Grandfather George 'Len' Leonard Sandford (1902 - 1976).



Barbara May Yeo Sandford was born in Jul/Aug/Sep 1912 in the district of Crediton, Devon, to Mark Sandford (40), a horseman and farm labourer, and Annie Sandford (nee Yeo) (44), a charwoman.

Barbara had three older half siblings, his mother's illegitimate children born before her marriage:

  • Beatrice 'Beattie' Mary Victoria (or Beatrice Florence Victoria)  1886 - 1973 (87 years old)      
  • Alberta 'Florrie' Florence W  1888 - after 1927  (at least 39 years old)                    
  • Archibald John Weedon  1893 - 1899  (6 years old)

Barbara was the youngest of five children (three boys and two girls) born to Mark and Annie:

  • George 'Len' Leonard Yeo  1902 - 1976 (74 years)
  • Archibald Arthur Yeo  1903 - 1904 (15 - 21 months)
  • Archibald Arthur Yeo  1906 - 1906 (0 - 3 months)
  • Pearl May Yeo  1909 - 1909 (0 - 3 months)
  • Barbara May Yeo  1912 - 1927 (15 years)

Sadly the three siblings born before Barbara passed away as babies. Barbara was ten years younger than her only surving sibling, her older brother Len. How much of a relief it must have been to Annie's parents and brother when she survived infancy.

Tragically, though Barbara survived infancy, her life was marred by poor health and she did not reach adulthood. On 8th August 1927, Barbara passed away, aged fifteen, at Osborn Cottages in Bow. On her death certification the causes of death are recorded as anorexia, marasmus (lack of nourishment causing low weight) and intestinal infantilism. Intestinal infantilism is today known as coeliac disease - a chronic intestinal disorder caused by sensitivity to gluten.

Her funeral was highly attended by family. Schoolfriends even acted as her pallbearers.

From the Exeter and Plymouth Gazette on 19th August 1927:


A year after Barbara's passing, her family's bereavement was still acutely felt. To them she was "our darling sister" and "our darling Barbara", loved by them so much.

From the Exeter and Plymouth Gazette on 19th August 1928:

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