Great x3 Uncle Robert 'Bob' Boobier (1869 - 1926)

My Great x3 Uncle Bob (1869 - 1926) was a carpenter and the older brother of my Great Great Grandfather Walter Boobier (1871 - 1924).

Bob was born in Jul/Aug/Sep 1869 in Exeter, Devon to William Boobier (about 43), a journeyman stone mason, and Jane Boobier (nee Mutter) (about 32).

Bob was baptised on Halloween 1869, in St Leonard, Exeter

Bob had eight older half siblings (six older half brothers and two older half sister) from his father William's first marriage to Emma Kimmings:

• William Edwin Kimmings  1850 - 1851 (14 months)
• Thomas Philip  1851 - 1907  (55 years old)
• William Donald  1854 - 1855 (about 1 year and half)
• Emma Grace  1855 - 1911  (54 years old)
• Edwin John  1858 - 1???
• William Edwin  1861 - 1916 (55 years old)
• Lucy Janet/Jeanette  1863 - 1863 (0 - 3 months)
• George Albert  1864 - 1925 (61 years old)

Bob was the eldest four sons born to widower William and his second wife Jane Mutter:

• Robert  1869 - 1926  (56 years old)
• Walter  1871 -
• Alfred  1873 -
• Frederick  1874 -

In 1881, Bob and his family could be found living on Jubilee Street in Exeter.

1881 Census:

In October 1885, when Bob was sixteen, he employed to look after the boats of Mr Tucker at the Port Royal Inn, on the River Exe, on Sundays.

Sadly, one couple, whom he rented a boat to, rowed up the river, and going over Trew's Weir, their boat capsized and the couple drowned.

Teenage Bob had advised them to take a larger boat, but they insisted on a smaller one. He warned them to mind Trew's Weir as it was dangerous; the river was running swiftly and a gale of wind was blowing.

It was questioned whether Bob should have been in charge of a boathouse, when he could not swim. No one seemed to question whether a teenager should be left along in charge.

From the Western Times of 16th October 1885:

In April 1886, when Bob was still sixteen, his father William passed away, aged fifty-nine, in Exeter.

Five years later, in Jan/Feb/Mar 1891, when Bob was twenty-one, his mother Jane passed away, aged fifty-three, in Exeter. 

The eldest, Bob found work as a carpenter, whilst his younger brothers worked as labourers. In 1891, the young brothers were living at Weirfield Place, Exeter.

1891 Census:

Sometime in the 1890's, Bob and his brothers moved from Weirfield Place to 5 Paragon Place, also in Exeter.

On 1st April 1894, Robert (24), a carpenter, married Julia 'Maria' Maria Hackworthy (30), in St Paul, Exeter. Robert's younger brother Walter acted as witness. At the time of their marriage, both lived at Hampton Place, Exeter.

Robert and Maria had no children.

1901 Census:

In 1907, Bob was fined for fishing for trout in the River Exe without a licence. He claimed he was fishing for eels, but had equipment and bait suitable for fishing trout.

From the Western Times of 27th July 1907:

Sweetly, when filling in the 1911 Census, Bob gave his wife Maria's occupation as 'Home Housekeeper (Good)'. A sweet little review.

1911 Census:

1921:

Robert and Maria made a home of 5 Paragon Place for over twenty years.

In Apr/May/Jun 1926, Robert passed away, aged fifty-six, in Exeter.

Maria outlived her husband by nearly twenty-seven years.

In Jan/Feb/Mar 1953, Maria passed away, aged eighty-nine, in Exeter.