5 Oswald Terrace, Sturton Street

A Harness Maker and his Wife

1911 – 1920

Head of household in 1911 was Octavius Walter Ruse, a 31 year old harness maker from West Wratting in Cambridgeshire.  He has been married to Sarah Jane (nee Smart) for five years.  She is 43 and was born in Lacock, Wiltshire.   In 1901 Octavius was living with his brother on Kingston Street.

“Special Constables.  Cambridge List for the Coming Year. Special Constables for the Borough fof Cambridge, numbering 108, were sworn in at the Borough Police Court on Friday, before the Mayor…” The 108 names were then listed in alphabetical order and included “Octavius Walter Ruse, 5 Oswald Terrace”.  His neighbour, Herbert Talbot from 1 Oswald Terrace, was also a Special Constable.  Cambridge Independent Press 31st October 1913.

“By Order of the Personal Representatives of William Pate, deceased, Cambridge, Sale of Small Freehold Town Properties, comprising; Six Freehold Modern Dwelling Houses, well built of Brick with Slate Roofs and with Long Gardens, situated and being Nos 1-6 Oswald Terrace, Sturton Street.” Cambridge Daily News 16 March 1920

Electoral Registers show Octavius living at the property until 1921.  Sarah Jane and Octavius are buried in Mill Road Cemetery.

1923 – 1966

The electoral registers show Emma Redfarn living at 5 Oswald Terrace from 1923 until the records end in 1966.

The 1939 register records her date of birth as May 1892, and says that she is retired, but a later hand has written ‘Dairy Shop Assistant’.  Emma can be found on the 1901 Census living with her family at number 9 Gwydir Street

In 1939 Emma is living with Alice Florence Sadler. 57 year old window.  Alice was born in Brighton in 1881, and married George Ernest Sadlerin 1901.  Her maiden name was Redfarn, and she is Emma’s older sister.  Alice is working as a cook / housekeeper.

Sources: 1911 UK Census, Cambridge Independent Press 31 October 1913, Cambridge Daily News 16 March 1920, Cambridgeshire Electoral Registers, Burgess Rolls and Poll Books (1722-1966), Mill Road Cemetery, 1939 Register,