P is for Paperhanger

Albert Bonney was recorded as a paperhanger when he passed away in 1916.

Albert John Bonney was born in Norwood in South Australia in 1857 to William Bonney and Joanna nee Powell. In 1880, Albert married Johanna Taylor in Adelaide. At that time his occupation was listed as 'painter'.

Bonney marriage certificate 1880

The couple had several children but only my great grandmother Lillian, born in 1882, survived childhood.  The Bonney family was burdened with personal tragedy, including the untimely death of Johanna in 1889 with Albert being charged with the murder. The event was known as the Bonney Case. Albert was eventually acquitted but the scars remained for both father and daughter. 

Throughout his life, Albert was recorded as a painter and paperhanger. Often people performed both jobs, usually painting interiors, as well as hanging wallpaper. In some cases paperhangers hung the paper and finished off the room by painting the architraves and ceilings. 

In late November 1916, Albert was admitted to Adelaide Hospital. Two weeks later, he passed away on  10 December 1916 and was recorded as a paperhanger.

Albert Bonney's death certificate 1916.

This is my contribution to the Blogging from A to Z Challenge (#AtoZChallenge)