Ernest was one of eight children born to Edward Loft (a carpenter) and Emily Loft (Neve)
Wilfred born Q4 1883, died Q2 1909
Leonard born Q4 1885, died Q1 1888
Alsie/Elsie De Havilland born Q1 1888
Catherine Mary born Q4 1889
Ernest Edward born Q3 1891
Albert John born Q4 1893
Edgar born Q4 1895, died Q1 1900
Arthur William born Q2 1901
Edward was born in Birling but had lived in Allhallows for most of his life. In 1881 33 year old Edward was still at home in Windle Green, Allhallows with his parents, John and Sophia (Neve), but also living with them a niece 23 year old Emily Parris born in Offham. Emily’s mother’s maiden name was Neve, so Emily was Sophia’s niece. Edward and Emily were first cousins.
Edward and Emily were married at Allhallows in December 1882 and continued to live at Windle Green until at least 1893. Some time after that they moved into the main village
In the 1911 census Edward and Emily still had two of the children,Catherine and Arthur, at home. Leonard and Edgar had died as young children. Catherine went on to marry Arthur Vulgar at St James’ Grain in December 1911 and Ernest was one of the witnesses to the marriage.
Ernest’s brother Wilfred had married Emily Raven (sister of Isaac Raven) in Hoo Register Office in July 1907 and they had a son Arthur Wilfred born Q1 1908 (Strood district) and then Wilfred died in 1909. His home address was North Street, Strood but he was buried in Allhallows Churchyard on 23 April 1909.
His sister Elsie had married Henry George Field at Meopham on 5th June 1909 and his brother Albert was a farm labourer living in Meopham, lodging with Charles and Ann Field; his sister Elsie’s parents in-law.
Ernest’s brother Albert joined The Buffs, and died in Flanders in 1916.
Ernest joined the Rifle Brigade and was enumerated as a private soldier in Winchester Barracks in 1911. The 8th Division of the Rifle Brigade were in northern France in May 1915. He would have been the one man killed by rifle fire on the evening of 25th May.
Ernest’s mother Emily had died in 1914 aged 55, she was buried in Allhallows on 31 January. His father Edward died in 1928 and was buried in Allhallows on 11 February aged 81. He had been the sole legatee of Ernest’s effects.
Allhallows Remembers
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