A. was illegitimate. Her father was drowned shortly after her birth, her mother stated that they would have married had he lived. After the death of A's father her mother married and had further children, seven of whom were living at the time of this application to the Waifs and Strays' Society. Her stepfather was cruel to A. and beat her severely, this ill treatment may have contributed to her restricted growth. At 15 she was described as "not taller than a well grown girl of half her age". A's temperament was quiet and patient. Her education was neglected although she had spent some time in school. On 21 September 1886 she was sent briefly to Connaught House Home for Girls, Winchester and then to Mrs Fitzgerald's Orphanage at Elm Grove, Wimbledon. In December 1888 she was placed in service in Tooting and remained with the same family for over forty years. A letter from her employer in 1927 claims that this may have been a record!
