Joseph's Story.
Joseph Thomas was born circa 1884, son to George & Isabella Thomas. On the 1891 census they were living at 7, Robert's Row, Saltney, Chester (Hawarden). George, 40, a General Labourer had been born in Dodleston, Cheshire, his wife Isabella, 32, had been born in Chester. Daughter Jane, 13 was a General Servant, sons Thomas, 10, Joseph, 7 and Samuel, 3 all scholars, had been born in Saltney.
There is a marriage in Birkenhead at St. Peter's Church in 1895 (BK10/1/409)between George Thomas and Isabella Williams, could this be their marriage?
I cannot find any of the family, only, perhaps, Joseph, and on a separate census form, his parents, who, I believe have different ages to what they should have and their family is missing. See below, the 1901 censuses. I have "Walked" District 11 and 12 on the censuses and cannot find any of the other members of the family, yet they appear again on the 1911 census, including Joseph, so what happened in 1901? Any help would be appreciated.
The possible sighting of Joseph, spelt Josep on the census. He was living at Dygley Farm, Bretton. Hawarden, Flintshire as a Servant, aged 18 and a Carter on the Farm, born in Saltney. Head of the household was Susannah Mitchell, 84, her son John Deter?, wife, Martha and their child Thomas. Also there was another servant Rebecca Reynolds, 64, a General Servant who had been born in Dodleston, Cheshire
The possible sighting of George Thomas, 55 a General Labourer, born Dodleston, Cheshire and Isabella, 52, born Chester on the 1901 census. They were living at Victoria Row, Saltney, Hawarden, Flintshire and there was a visitor living there as well, a James Price,, 21 a General Labourer and single, born in Willington, Salop.
However the 1911 census shows the family together living at 1, Victoria Road, Saltney, Chester (4 rooms). George, 62 and Bella, 52 state they had been married 30 years and 9 children had been born to them, 3 of whom had sadly died), Sons Joseph, 28, Samuel, 23 Robert, 20 and William, 17 were all single and General Labourers and all born in Saltney, except Joseph who had been born in Leach (sic), probably Lache, Cheshire. Daughter May, 15 was "at Home" and a General Servant, with George's brother Thomas Thomas, 52, a widower, General Labourer born also in Dodleston, Cheshire.
The question arises again, are the 2 sighting in 1901 the right people and also where were the rest of the family?
UK, Soldiers Died in the Great War, 1914-1919 about Joseph Thomas confirms his regimental information and tells us that he was born in Leech (Lache?) Cheshire and enlisted in Chester.
British Army WWI Medal Rolls Index Cards, 1914-1920 about Joseph Thomas tells us that his first Theatre of War was France and he entered it on 20th December 1915 he was to Killed in Action on 26th August 1916, just 9 months later, age 32. Thomas was awarded the Victory, British War medals and the 15 Star.
George & Isabella were to see another son lost, Robert (please click on the link to read his story) and also 2 other brothers were also in the conflict, but they survived, so this family, as with many others, paid a high price. Isabella must have accompanied William when he went to sign the Flintshire WW1 Index Cards as the cards were both signed on the 7th November 1919. Also according to William's card, he had been disabled in his war service.
Flintshire WW1 Index Cards (Saltney Ferry F 31)
Thomas, Joseph, 1, Victoria Road, Saltney, 24677 13th Cheshire Regt. Private. Deceased. Card signed by Isabella Thomas 7th November 1919.
Flintshire WW1 Index Cards (Saltney Ferry L 208)
Thomas, William, 1, Victoria Road, Saltney. 1334 Cheshire Regt. Private Special Remarks:- Disabled ( No period of service). Card signed by William Thomas 7th November 1919
Flintshire WW1 Index Cards (Saltney Ferry L 209)
Thomas, Samuel,, No. 1, Victoria Road, Saltney, 616589 217 Emp. Coy. Private Period of Service 4 years 5 months. Card signed by Samuel THOMAS 5th November (No year)
For some reason another card had been made out for Samuel:-
Flintshire WW1 Index Cards (Saltney Ferry L 210)
Thomas, Samuel, 1, Victoria Road, Saltney, 616589 Lab Corps. Period of Service 4 and 1/2 years. Private. Card not signed nor dated.
Researched and compiled by Mavis Williams.