Chailey Parish Magazine notes driver A Stevens, ASC in December 1917 and then repeats this information up to and including July 1919.  Nothing further is known of this man.

 

He is probably Albert Stevens who, at the time the 1901 census was taken, was a thirteen year old Chailey-born boy, living at Wapsbourne Farm Cottage, Sheffield Park, Chailey with his family.  The household comprised John Stevens (head, aged 40, working as a thrashing engine driver), his wife Sarah (aged 41) and their four children: Albert (aged 13, working as a stock boy on a farm), Margaret Stevens (aged 11), William Stevens (aged six) and George Stevens (aged two). 

 

John Stevens’ brother, James Stevens lived virtually next door with his family at Wapsbourne Garden Cottage.  His family comprised: James Stevens (head, aged 45, working as a farm labourer), his wife Ellen Stevens (aged 40) and their four children: Alice Stevens (aged ten), William H Stevens (aged eight), James Stevens (aged five) and Frank Stevens (aged three).  There were other children too, not living at Wapsbourne in 1901.  The 1891 census notes Annie K Stevens (aged six) and Emily J Stevens (aged four).

 

Chailey Parish Magazine notes nine men with the surname Stevens who served their King and Country during the First World War.  If A Stevens is Albert Stevens it seems likely that his brothers William and George and his cousins William H, James and Frank Stevens also served during the First World War.

 

 

Sources and Acknowledgements

 

• 1891 Census of England and Wales
• 1901 Census of England and Wales
• Chailey Parish Magazine