White , family

In 1864, Louisa Makin (1836-1912) married Robert White (1825-1887). He had two surviving children by his first wife, Elizabeth (1827-1855), a daughter Fanny Alicia White (1853-1922 - later married to Dr Julian Willis) and a son Robert Hornby White (1850-1888). Robert and Louisa White had several children. After their first child, a son, was still-born in 1865, Louisa went on to have Mary Louisa (Louie) White (1866-1935); Lucy Winifred (Winnie) White (1869-1962); Jessie Gertrude (1871-[1941]; and Agnes Sarah (1873-1882). Winnie married Charles Henry Nicholls (1866-1938) in 1902. Their daughter, born after the death of a first child) was Agnes Margaret (Poppy) Nicholls (1907-1993). All three daughters were educated at Sheffield High School and worked as teachers.

Winnie Nicholls worked for two years for the London University matriculation, but gave up her studies when her father died. She worked as a private governess (1888-1892) and then as a staff and form mistress at Kensington High School (1892-1901). During this period she trained in elocution at the Guildhall School of Music, and between 1902 and 1917 she taught elocution and history of art at various local schools including St Margaret's, Harrow, Kensington High School, Putney High School, Croyden High School and Leinster House School. In 1916-1917 she founded and was Head of The Garden School, which was based on principles of love, freedom, brotherhood, cooperation and service. The school moved from London to Ballinger, Great Missenden in 1921, and in 1928 to Lane End, near High Wycombe, 'where open air and contact with great natural beauty played an important part in the lives of pupils and staff. While academic subjects were given their due importance in the curriculum, music, rhythmic movement, drama, art and handicrafts were considered equally essential. All forms of original expression were encouraged'. Winnie Nicholls retired in 1937, though the school continued for another 10 years. She was also heavily involved with the New Education Fellowship, which held conferences at the Garden School.

Mary Louisa (Louie) White worked as a music teacher. She was also a composer and pianist of some skill, and invented the 'Letterless Method' of teaching music to beginners.

Jessie Gertrude White appears to have been a music teacher.