29th march 1912 b to betsy julia merchant

poplar, london to grays, essex

15 miles

the message

“Dear B

Just a line hoping you are better. I received your loving letter Wed Even. I don’t suppose I shall be able to get down Sat night but might do Sun. Well hope so. Well Dear I must close from your affectionate lover

B to Dear B xxx”

the sender

It has not been possible to identify the sender, B. It is possible that it is the recipient’s future husband Edward William Court (1888-1973) if the B stood for Bill, but the sending location of Poplar suggests that this is not the case. More likely that it was some poor soul who did not return from WWI.

the recipient

Betsy Julia Merchant (1889-1981) was born in Grays, Essex. She was the youngest of seven children. Her parents were William John Merchant (1850-) and Sarah Ann Martin (1849-1919). In the 1911 census William is listed as Labourer General (Gully Cleaning) for the Urban District Council.

In 1891 and 1901 Betsy was living with her parents in Grays. It has not been possible to find Betsy in the 1911 census but the address to which the card was sent, 120 Argent Street was where her parents were living in 1911.

In 1917 Betsy married Edward William Court (1888-1973). Edward was a Calendar Maker in a Paper Mill from Sittingbourne, Kent. In the 1939 Register they were living in Gravesend, Kent.

Betsy’s death was recorded in Gravesend in 1981.

the tree

the places

Poplar, London to Grays, Essex

Poplar, London

Grays, Essex showing Argent Street

what the card says to us

The picture shows a sentimental profession of love.

According the The Language of Stamps (http://www.philatelicdatabase.com/nostalgia/the-language-of-stamps/) the stamp position means “Accept My Love”.

The text of the message tells us that Betsy has been unwell and that the sender, B, is very fond of her.

Without knowing who B was, and without knowing where Betsy was in 1911, it is not possible to say any more.