Johh Sonley Blenkin

Several of the descendants of George Sonley, of Beech Cottage, were still in Sutton around 1900. John Blenkin Sonley, born in 1838, established a multi-skilled business as wheelwright, joiner, builder and undertaker. He built Fern Cottage (opposite 12 Church Mount). His son, of the same name, was born in 1876, and worked hard like his father. Working at Addison House one day, he met Bertha Massam, who had taught at Lambert Street School, specialising in music, but at that time was governess to the Winkley girls. The couple married. John helped Thomas Easingwood build The Nook and the former Post Office (no.42). When his father retired, he moved to West Parade, and John junior, and Bertha moved into Fern Cottage. It was a large complex of buildings, with a joinery and another large building which the army took over during World War One for fumigating purposes (blankets, etc). Bertha did the book-keeping and helped build up the business, and the couple owned many houses in Sutton. However, John often waived the fee if a child died, and lined the little coffins with satin, decorating them with ribbon. He remembered with grief making coffins for three of Emily Pitcher's children. https://www.suttonandwawnemuseum.org.uk/dvd/book/chapter-11.html