Life Story: Emma Stephenson (1846-1917)
I came across an old photograph online, with nothing but a name scribbled on the back—Emma Stephenson. Curious, I decided to dig deeper and uncover her story, hoping to reconnect with her family history. What I discovered was the remarkable life of a woman born in 1846, in a small Yorkshire village, who lived through hardship and triumph, yet had no descendants to pass her photo on to. Let me take you through the life of Emma Stephenson and the hidden history behind this forgotten photo.
Emma Stephenson was born in 1846 in Cherry Burton, Yorkshire, England. She was baptized on April 19th, marking the start of a life in the heart of rural Yorkshire. Emma’s father was a local farmer, and from a young age, she was accustomed to the rhythms of farm life. Her family expanded in 1853 with the birth of her brother, George, and Emma grew up with a strong sense of family and duty on their farm.
By the age of five, Emma was already helping out with tasks around the farm, learning the responsibilities of being a farmer’s daughter. In 1861, at the age of 15, she was still living with her family in Cherry Burton, contributing to the household. However, by 1871, at 25, Emma had moved away to Bentley, Yorkshire, where she worked as a governess in the household of James Clark, a farmer who owned 245 acres of land. As a governess, Emma was responsible for educating and caring for the children in the Clark household, providing them with instruction in reading, writing, and manners—an important role for educated women of that time.
In 1881, Emma worked as an assistant to a farmer in Riby, Lincolnshire, further honing her skills in household and farm management. In 1886, at the age of 40, Emma married John Dunning, a prosperous farmer from Aike Grange near Beverley. Coming from a farming background herself, Emma was well-prepared for the responsibilities of managing a large farm alongside her husband.
By 1891, Emma and John were living at The Grange, Aike, Beverley, employing nine servants. Emma had fully embraced her role in managing the estate, but this period was also marked by personal tragedy. In 1891, Emma’s sister passed away, and it is believed that her niece Edith moved in with Emma during this difficult time. Sadly, just a year later, in 1892, Emma’s husband John passed away, leaving her widowed at 46. Emma had no children of her own, which made her bond with her niece Edith all the more important.
Despite the challenges, Emma remained strong. By 1901, she was living with her niece Edith in Beverley St. Mary. Together, they found comfort in family during the difficult years after their losses. Emma and Edith continued to live together, and in the 1911 census, Emma, now 65, was still residing with Edith, maintaining a close family connection in her later years.
Emma Stephenson passed away in 1917 at the age of 71 in Beverley, Yorkshire. Her life, shaped by the farm work of her early years and her later role as the wife of a successful farmer, was one of resilience and determination. Sadly, with no descendants to pass her memory or photograph on to, Emma’s story may have been lost—until now. I’ve restored and colorized the photo of Emma, bringing her memory back to life so that her story can live on, even if she had no children of her own to pass it down to. Rest in peace, Emma.
At yourfamilyline, we're passionate about helping others uncover and preserve their family stories. Whether it’s through genealogical research or photo restoration, we ensure that these memories live on for future generations. Emma Stephenson’s story reminds us how easily history can be forgotten, but also how rewarding it is to bring it back to life. If you're curious about your own family’s past, visit our genealogy services to start your journey.