Daisy Smith

Born 1886, died 1963
Probationer Nurse and Nurse at Mitford and Launditch Union Workhouse, 1909 - 1911
Researched by Nicola Sheard

Daisy Smith was born on the 9th June 1886 in Dalham, Suffolk. Her parents were Elijah and Emma Smith (nee Thurston). Elijah was employed as a shepherd. From 1904 until 1910 Elijah, Emma and Daisy resided in a dwelling house at Lower Farm in the parish of Ashwicken, Norfolk.

Daisy was first mentioned in the Guardian’s minute books relating to staff at the Mitford and Launditch Union Workhouse, on 12th July 1909, when she had been appointed as a probationer Nurse. She received a salary of £12 per annum which included “rations, washing, uniform and furnished apartments at the workhouse”. Daisy was 23 years old by this time, it is not known how she was employed prior to this appointment. The 1911 census showed Daisy, age 25, employed as a Nurse at the workhouse alongside a superintendent Nurse, Sarah Jane Barber and 2 other Nurses, Annie Shearing and Theresa Wynn.

On 26th June 1911 the Guardian records stated that Daisy had submitted her letter of resignation. Daisy was married to Robert Warmer in the third quarter of 1911.

On 18th September 1911 the Guardians reported that they had received a letter from Daisy Smith stating that “she was ill and alleging such illness had been caused by bad drainage at the Workhouse and asking whether the Guardians could grant her any compensation.” On 22nd January 1912 the Employers Liability Assurance issued a cheque for £1. 5/-  in settlement of Daisy Smith’s claim.

By 1939 Robert and Daisy (now Daisy Warmer) were living at 3 Council Cottages, Deopham, Norfolk. Also at this address were their daughter Violet, age 27, an unemployed servant, Raymond, age 23, a yardman and Daisy’s mother, Emma, now well over 80 years old. Daisy died in 1963.