John was born on the 7th of January 1847 in Fulwell, Co Durham. He married Isabella Wardle in Gateshead on the 24th February 1873. Isabella had been born on the 15th March 1853 in Sunderland, Co Durham.

 

The couple had ten surviving children with three having passed away.  This was confirmed in the 1911 census return filled in by John himself.

 

The family spent most of their lives living in and around St Peter's & Monkwearmouth areas of Sunderland.

 

The 1881 census finds the family living in Church Street, Monkwearmouth where John was employed as a ‘shipwright.’ By 1891 the family had relocated to 52 Dock Street, Monkwearmouth Shore. John’s occupation was more specifically described as a ‘riveter’ so he was obviously now employed in the construction of iron ships, and sons, Smart and Robert, were working as labourers.

 

A final child, daughter, Ethel, was born during the September quarter of 1892, and she can be found with her parents and three of her elder siblings in 1901 living in 24 Whitburn Street, St Peters, Sunderland.

 

Sadly, Isabella, died during the September quarter of 1907; she was only 54 years of age.

 

John did not give his address on the 1911 census, but it can be safely assumed that he was still living within the St Peters/Monkwearmouth area of Sunderland. With him are sons, Smart, Robert and William and daughter, Margaret. John was still employed as a riveter whilst his three sons are all employed as labourers in the shipyard.

 

John died in Sunderland, Durham, during the December quarter of 1915; he was 68 years of age. He is buried in Mere Knolls Cemetary. Seaburn Dene, Sunderland.