A Bill Nelson Genealogy

Updated - photos of James Durrant Nelson , Georgina Woolaston Lawrence and Gertrude Nelson added.

Bill's Great Grandfather George Nelson and his wife Hannah Dinah Nelson (nee Durrant) had 14 children, this is what i have been able to find out about them.

Charles George Nelson 1859 - 1934

Charles was born in Southtown, Gt Yarmouth. In 1861 he’s living with his parents on the High Rd. in Southtown. In the 1871 and 1881 census’s he’s described as a ‘labourer’. By 1886 he’s made his way to London where aged 27 he marries Catherine Baikie 28. Catherine was born in West Derby, Liverpool. He then appears on the electoral roll as living at 87 Parker St. Byker Newcastle upon Tyne between 1886 and 1889 and is possibly the first Nelson to make the move to Newcastle. His father George Nelson would then take over the address after moving his family from Yarmouth in 1889. In the 1891 census Charles and wife Catherine are back in London and living at 25 Uxbridge St. Newington, London, he is working as a ‘Horse keeper (Groom)’.

In 1901 Charles and Catherine are managing a public house, ‘The Angel and Crown’ at 5 Whitechapel Rd. Whitechapel, London and there are 4 other pub workers living with them. In 1911 Charles and Catherine are living at 75 Royal Mint St. Tower Hill, London. Charles is again a ‘Horse keeper‘(Carman) and the couple have had 2 children who have both died. Catherine Nelson (nee Baikie) died in 1924 in Islington London. Charles George a ’Cabman’ moved back to Yarmouth and died whilst living with his sister Ellen Eliza Lowther at 239 High St. Gorleston in 1934.

James John Nelson 1860 - 1861

Born in Southtown, died in infancy age 6 weeks.

James Durrant Nelson 1861 - 1931

James Durrant Nelson

Georgina Woolaston Lawrence

James Durrant was born in Southtown. In the 1871 census age 9 he’s living with his parents and four siblings on the High Road in Southtown and is a Scholar. Ten years later at the age of 19 he is living in a boarding house at Row 61, No.6, Call Quay in Gorleston and his occupation is ‘Maltster’.

On the 17th June 1882 aged 20 he marries Georgina Woolaston Lawrence 20 at Gorleston Parish Church his occupation remains ‘Maltster’. Georgina was born in Marylebone London in 1862. In the 1891 census the couple have moved to Newcastle (some time in the previous year shortly after George Nelson and most of his family. They are living at 52 Denmark St. Byker and have 6 children all of whom were born in Yarmouth except the youngest Mabel (2 months) who was born in Newcastle. James’ occupation is ‘Gas Stoker’.

In 1901 they are living at 54 Belvedere St. Byker and now have 11 children. The 2 oldest boys are working, James Frederick 18 as an Apprentice Marine Engineer and Frederick William 13 as a Butchers Assistant. James Durrant is still working as a Gas Stoker.

In 1908 James Durrant Nelson and his son James Frederick Nelson were initiated into the Saint Gabriel Lodge of the Freemasons in Byker. Another son Frederick William James Nelson was initiated into the same lodge in 1912.

In 1911 James and his family are living at 97 Tynemouth Road with 11 of their 15 children. Three children have died and James Frederick has married. James is still a Gas Worker and 7 of the children are also working.

James Durrant Nelson died on 10th August 1931 age 70 still living at Tynemouth Rd. James’s wife Georgina Nelson (nee Lawrence) died in 1949.

Henry George Nelson 1863 - 1863

Born in Gorleston, died in infancy age 6 months.

Ellen Eliza Nelson 1865 - 1947

Ellen Eliza was born in Gorleston Gt. Yarmouth. In the 1871 census she is living with her grandparents George and Harriet Durrant in Beccles Rd. Gorleston. In 1881 she is living with her now widowed grandmother in Bradwell Rd Gorleston and at age of 16 is described as a ‘Domestic Servant’. In 1887 she married William Read Lowther 35 a ‘Ships Carpenter‘. In the 1891 census they are running the ‘White Horse Inn’ on Burnt Lane, Gorleston and have 4 children. Also at the address are a boarder, a servant and Ellen’s younger sister Clara May Nelson 13 (Her parents and other siblings had moved to Newcastle at this point). Ten years later in 1901 they are still at the White Horse Inn and now have 6 children and Clara May Nelson is still living with them.

In 1911 Ellen 46 and now widowed (husband William died in 1910) is living at 56 High Rd Southtown with 4 of her children and is described as a ‘Boarding house keeper‘. In 1939 Ellen Eliza Lowther is living at 239 High St. Gorleston with her divorced daughter Ellen Cutler and her 2 children. Ellen Eliza died in 1947 aged 85 at the same address.

Arthur William Nelson 1867 - 1888

Arthur William was baptised in Gorleston on 11th August 1867. In 1871 he’s living with the family on the High Road in Southtown. In the 1881 census he appears twice, firstly at the family address of 12 Trafalgar Road, Gorleston aged 13 and described as being a ‘Cabin Boy’. Secondly he appears on a census for a vessel which at midnight on April 3 1881 was positioned in the North Sea off Horn Reef (about 15 miles from coast of Denmark). The vessel in question was a ‘Dandy’ called ‘Boy Bill’ which was a 45 ton, sea fishing, sailing trawler. The term ‘Dandy’ refers to the boats particular type of twin mast rigging configuration. Also on board are Scottish master John Macombie and 4 other crew members. The boat belonged to Hewett and Co. Ltd and worked between 1876 and 1901.

I couldn’t find any trace of Arthur in subsequent census’s or a marriage record or death record, which is unusual and thought that he perhaps spent a lot of time at sea and didn’t leave much in the way of a paper trail. On the 14th of October 1881 there was a bad storm over the North Sea and many boats were lost from fishing communities all along the east coast. Yarmouth lost 8 boats and 120 men; fortunately Arthur was not amongst the casualties.

A search of the local newspaper archives found a court report from March 1887 where an Arthur Nelson a ’smacksman’ (fishing smack) was fined 5 shillings plus costs for using ‘obscene language’ in Howard St. Yarmouth and his brother James (Durrant) Nelson was taken into custody for two days and reprimanded for obstructing a policeman.

This can perhaps be taken as a pointer to the sad demise of Arthur William who it turns out was 3rd hand on a Lowestoft based fishing ketch ‘Emily’ the following year in July 1888 and is recorded as having drowned as a consequence of ‘jumping overboard‘. This would explain the lack of a land based death record. The only newspaper account of the incident I could find was in the Norfolk News of 14th July 1888 which stated:-

“Gorleston - Suicide at Sea - News has been brought in that a man named Nelson, residing at Gorleston committed suicide by jumping overboard. It appears that domestic events were the cause of the rash act. “

It’s possible that Arthurs tragic death influenced his father Georges decision to move the family to Newcastle .

Sarah Jane Nelson 1869 - 1937

Sarah Jane was born in Gorleston. In 1871 she’s living with her parents on the High Rd. in Southtown. In 1881 she is working as a domestic servant for a woman called Mary A Hancock who is a ‘Stationer’ at 4 Spring St. Kingston upon Hull. In 1891 she is still in domestic service but now working for Richard W Richardson a ‘Master Engine Builder’ and his family who live at 28 Simonside Terrace, Heaton in Newcastle upon Tyne.

In 1892 In Newcastle Sarah Jane married Augustus William Isaac a ‘Joiner Carpenter’ who was born in Hull. In 1901 they are living at 4 Excelsior Avenue Sculcoates in Kingston upon Hull and have 3 children Charles Watson 8, Clara May 5 and Augustus William 2. In 1911 they are living at 13 Mayfield St. Springbank, Hull and Augustus is an out of work Joiner. Son Charles Watson Isaac 18 is a Merchant Sailor and Clara May 15 is a Dressmaker, Augustus Jr. 12 is still at school. They have had 5 children 1 of whom has died.

Sarah Jane’s husband Augustus William Isaac enlisted with the 4th Battalion of the East Yorkshire Regiment during WW1. His regiment landed in Boulogne on 17th April 1915 and Augustus died on the 4th of May 1915 during the 2nd Battle of Ypres aged 46. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Menin Gate memorial. Sarah Jane Isaac (nee Nelson) died in Hull in 1937 aged 68.

Hannah Dinah Nelson 1870 - 1896

Hannah Dinah was born in Gorleston. In 1871 she’s living with her parents on the High Rd. in Southtown. In 1881 she appears on the census with her brother Walter at the address of a neighbour of her grandmother Harriet Durrant in Bradwell Rd Gorleston. They are described as ‘visitors’. In 1891 age 20 she is living with her parents at 87 Parker St., Byker in Newcastle. In the first quarter of 1896 Hannah married Samuel Howell 35 a Labourer who was born in Potter Heigham in Norfolk. Unfortunately she died just weeks later on the 5th of May 1896 at the age of 25. The couple lived at 52 Brinkburn St. Byker. Samuel Howell did not re-marry and died in 1902 age 43.

George Henry Nelson 1872 - 1872

Born in Southtown died in infancy age 6 months.

Clara May Nelson 1873 - 1874

Born in Southtown and died in infancy age 22 months.

Walter Nelson 1875 - 1953

Bill’s grandfather Walter was born in Gorleston. In 1881 census he appears as a visitor at the house of a neighbour of his grandmother Harriet Durrant. In 1891 he’s living in Byker Newcastle at 87 Parker St. and at the age of 16 is an Apprentice in an Ironworks. In 1899 he married Ellen Macintosh McMillan 22 the daughter of a Ships Carpenter from Ardrossan in Scotland. Ellen’s father is working at the shipyards in Newcastle. In 1901 they are living at 22 Brock St. in Byker and Walter is working as ‘Hand Driller’ in the shipyards and they have a son William who is 1.

In 1911 they are living at 323 Welbeck Road, Byker. Walter is still a Hand Driller and the have 3 children William 11, Walter Jr. 7 and Ellen 8 months. In 1918 Son William enlists in the Durham Light Infantry but the War ends before he is sent overseas. In 1921 his wife Ellen Nelson (nee McMillan) dies at the age of 45. In 1922 son William Nelson leaves Welbeck Rd. In 1928 he marries Widow Kate Howard Pearson in Wakefield. Around 1930 Bill’s father Walter Nelson leaves Welbeck Road. In 1932 Ellen Nelson marries James Boyle and the couple move in with Walter Sr. at Welbeck Rd. In 1936 Ellen and James Boyle leave Welbeck Rd. and move to Birmingham.

In 1939 Walter Sr. is living alone at Welbeck Rd. and is working as a self employed Chimney Sweep. Around 1947 he leaves Welbeck Rd. and seems to have moved to Birmingham to live with daughter Ellen and family. Walter Nelson Sr. died in Birmingham in 1953 age 78.

Clara May Nelson 1877 - 1936

Clara May was born on Aug 13th 1877 in Southtown. In the 1881 census she is living with her family at 12 Trafalgar Rd. Gorleston. In 1891 she is still in Gorleston living with her sister Ellen Eliza and her husband at the White Horse Inn on Burnt Lane, her parents and other siblings having made the move to Newcastle. She is still at the White Horse in 1901 aged 23; no occupation is ascribed to her. In 1910 aged 33 she marries a 30 year old man called Francis Jean Corneilla Vanden Brock in Liverpool. Francis was born in Antwerp Belgium.

In 1914 the couple appear on the passenger list of a transatlantic ship ‘Cedric‘, a White Star liner which sailed from Liverpool to New York between 15th and 24th January. Their occupations are described as ‘Chief Steward’ and ‘Stewardess’ indicating that they work aboard a ship but on this occasion they are passengers as Francis is described as having paid for their tickets. The document also indicates that they have travelled to New York previously in 1913 and that they are neither ‘polygamists’ nor ‘anarchists’ (US Immigration questions). Francis is described as 5 foot 6 inches tall with light brown hair and brown eyes. Clara May is the same height with blond hair and blue eyes.

In 1917 they appear on the crew list of another steam ship the ‘Tuscan Prince’ which arrived in New York from Kingston Jamaica on 21st of July. They are described as having been engaged on the ship in 1915 in New York and where it asks if crew members are to be discharged there is a question mark. The ‘Tuscan Prince’ belonged to the Prince Line fleet of steamers all named as various ‘Princes’. The Prince line was based in Newcastle and operated between the Mediterranean the UK and North and South America. Luckily Frank and Clara left the ship in New York in 1917 as the Tuscan Prince was torpedoed by a German U-boat off Dungeness on route from Hull to New York in 1918. She was damaged but did not sink and there were 2 casualties. In total during World War One, 17 Prince Line steamers were attacked, 14 were sunk, 3 were damaged and there were 81 casualties.

A W.W.1 Draft Registration card for Frank from Sept 1918 shows the couple living at 4022 6th Avenue in Kings, Brooklyn, New York and Frank is working for US Army Transport as a Steward.

The Vanden Brocks seem to have stayed in the U.S. as they appear in the 1920 Census living in an apartment in Brooklyn New York. Francis or Frank as he is listed is a ‘Checker for the Government’ and Clara May is an ‘Examiner in a factory’.

Francis Vanden Brock became a naturalised US Citizen in 1922 and Clara May Vanden Brock (nee Nelson) was naturalised in 1926.

In the 1930 census they have moved to an apartment the Richmond Hill area of Queens New York for which they pay $46 per month rent. Frank is a book keeper for a Hosiery Mill and Clara May is not working. Clara May died in Cortland New York in 1936 age 59 and Francis in the same area a year later aged 57

.

S.S. Tuscan Prince

https://www.flickr.com/photos/cumberlandmuseum/6961791451/in/photostream/

George Isaac Nelson 1881 - 1938

George Isaac was born in Gorleston. In the 1891 census he’s living with his parents at 87 Parker St. Byker. In 1902 age 21 he married Margaret Ann Campbell 23. Margaret was born in Wallsend, Northumberland. In 1911 they are living at 103 Brinkburn St. Byker. George is a ‘Glazer and they have had 2 children one of whom has died. Their son Arthur William (named in memory of George’s late brother) is 4. George’s wife Margaret Ann Nelson (nee Campbell) died in 1914. In 1915 George Isaac married Edith Ward with whom he had a further 3 children, 2 of which died in infancy.

George Isaac Nelson died in Newcastle in 1938.

Gertrude Nelson 1889 - 1957

Gertrude was born in Byker, Newcastle upon Tyne in 1889. In 1891 she’s living with her parents at 87 Parker St. Byker with 3 of her siblings and 2 lodgers. In 1901 age 11 she is the last of the children living at home in 70 Brock St. Byker.

In 1911 age 20 she is living and working as a trainee Nurse at the Newcastle Workhouse & Infirmary and became qualified in 1914. In 1917 age 27 Gertrude married William Lionel Johnstone 31 a Drapers son from Stockton on Tees who served in the Labour Corps and the Army Veterinary Corps in W.W.1.

In July 1917 she joined the British Red Cross and served until June 1918 when she left to have her first child. Unfortunately Gertrude’s first child died after only a week. Gertrude seems to have worked her way up to the rank of Sister with the Red Cross but wasn’t eligible for a medal as she didn’t serve overseas. The Johnstones had a further 3 children.

In 1939 they are living in Stockton on Tees and William Lionel is a Director for a Drapery Company, Gertrude as well as ‘unpaid domestic duties’ is the Commandant of the 112th Detachment of the Women’s British Red Cross.

Gertrude Johnstone (nee Nelson) died in 1957 in Sedgefield Durham.

Update:- It's possible that Gertrude is actually the illegitimate daughter of Sarah Jane Nelson and therefore actually the grandaughter of George and Hannah Nelson.

That is very beautiful.

Things certainly do seem to be complicated Geetar Homer!

When I was a little boy, 'uncle' Pat and his wife, (who I think was called Marie,) were good friends of my mum and dad. I remember visiting them with my parents at their terrace house, just off Flanshaw Lane. At that time, I remember my father telling stories of Pat's smuggling adventures across borders in the 'States. (Between Canada and America, I think.) I also recall Pat had been a boxer at one point in his life. He certainly seemed a colourful character to me in my childhood innocence. Now I think of it, there was a subtle Irish 'twang' to Pat's voice too.

I kind of took all of these things for granted. These were just some of the people who made up my mum and dad's social circle, people like George Cunningham who played drums with my father's small combo, 'The Merry Macs,' and that band's trumpeter whose face I can picture in my mind but whose name I now, sadly, can't recall due to fading memory. These people drifted through my life as a 1950's young kid. If my mother were alive now, these are questions or observations that she might illuminate for me, but sadly, that's now too late and things seem to be banished to oblivion with only slight echoes of what was once a vibrant and special family life. My memories of that period constitute fleeting glimpses, sometimes vivid, sometimes foggy, but always fond and warm.

Back then, I was too young to realise what a fortunate set of circumstances I had been born into. My mother and father, despite not being married, despite being relatively poor, lived together until my father's passing and brought me up in an atmosphere of music and curiosity. I didn't know how special that was then, and am only now beginning to fully appreciate it. 😉

This is a very nice thing that you have done for Bill, GH.

The Kittricks

The Kittrick family originally came from County Mayo in the west of Ireland. Patrick Kittrick and his older brother Anthony made their way to Yorkshire.

They both married Wakefield girls and they worked as miners. In 1907 Anthony Kittrick and his wife emigrated to Bell Co. Kentucky in the USA. His brother Patrick followed with his wife Edith and their children Catherine and Patrick Joseph in 1912. They both continued to work as Miners in Kentucky. Both families returned to the UK in 1921. Patrick and his wife Edith now had 5 children, the oldest Catherine seems to have stayed in Kentucky the other children Patrick Joseph, Mary, Edward and Frances returned to Wakefield.

Patrick Joseph now also a Miner married Maria Timmins in Wakefield in 1928. In July the same year they sailed from Liverpool to Quebec Canada. Their destination address is recorded as the YMCA Montreal.

In the 1930 US census Patrick and Maria are living in Washington City in the District of Colombia. Patrick is working as a 'Truck Driver - General Haulage' and they have a 6 month old daughter Mable P. In September 1930 Maria and her daughter sail back to London from New York and give a proposed address in Birch St, Belle Vue, Wakefield. Patrick Joseph seems to have stayed in the States until 1933 when he sailed from New York to Liverpool. His address is also given as Birch St, Belle Vue. The passenger list suggests he was deported.

Edith Brear (1884 - 1923)

Born in Wakefield, Yorkshire, England on 23 Aug 1884 to William Brear and Elizabeth Sharp. Edith Brear married Patrick Kittrick and had 5 children. She passed away on Sep 1923 in Wakefield, Yorkshire West Riding, England.

https://www.ancestry.com/genealogy/records/edith-brear-24-xfgtg

Wait a moment....have I missed something here or are Bill's roots in Kentucky ????

1939 Register - Bill’s father Walter Nelson Jr 36 is living at 40 Barnes Avenue, Wrenthorpe, Wakefield, occupation ‘Galvaniser (Wire) Heavy Works’ with Frances Nelson 24 - ‘Unpaid domestic duties’.

Update:- Frances Nelson mentioned above was born Frances Kittrick in 1914 in Middlesboro, Bell County, Kentucky USA. She is the sister of Patrick Joseph

Kittrick mentioned in Bills autobiography.

Had no ide you were a fellow family researcher, GH. PM coming your way.

Cheers Bill. It's a lot of information to digest in one go. If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask. I was hoping to be able to go further back in time but the parish records for the area aren't as detailed as some making it more difficult to make connctions. Wymondham (i think the locals pronounce it 'Windham') looks a nice place makes you wonder why anyone would choose to move from there to an area like Byker in Newcastle but it seems the Nelsons like so many in their times had to migrate to earn a decent living first east to the more affluent areas in Norfolk and then northwards. Wymondham as the map from 1882 shows (see link) looks not disimilar to Wakefield with it's 3 main streets, central marketplace and the river and railway running through the south of the town. The map also shows the long row of flint and brick weavers cottages which the Nelsons could have lived in. There was another family of Nelsons who lived on the Lizard at the same time as your 2x great grandfather John and his family who could be related.

https://maps.nls.uk/view/101583293

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/house-prices/nr18/the-lizard.html

I'm sincerely grateful to you, Geetar Homer, for spending what must have been many hours researching my family's past history. It's a revelation to me as I never knew anyone on my father's side except for his sister, (my Aunt 'Nell',) when I was a young boy and we used to visit her in the Birmingham area where she lived with my two cousins, Ian and Walter Boyle. She passed many years ago now and, sadly my cousins too, as I've previously mentioned.

My father's side of the family has always been a mystery to me but your research throws fascinating light on their past. Wonderful to read and I'll have to read it again, many times, to get a 'handle' on it all.

The town of Wyemonham where the story you've uncovered seems to start is hugely interesting and I'm keen to visit it to get a feel of my ancestors life in the 1700s. The present day photo's of the town are intriguing, particularly 'The Lizard' area.

I've always felt that I've lived on a kind of 'island' with little connection to the mainland but your research has built a bridge through time to connect me with my family's past, both with the Griffiths and the Nelsons. Thank you so much!😀

Information on 'the Lizard' in Wymondham (see p.13) where the Nelsons lived in 1851.

https://www.south-norfolk.gov.uk/sites/default/files/Wymondham_Character_Appraisal_2012.pdf

Wonder what order William hesitated to obey.

1902 - Walter Nelson Sr moves family to 20 Brock Street, Byker.

1903 - Bill’s father Walter Nelson Jr born in Byker , Newcastle upon Tyne.

1907 - Walter Nelson Sr moves family to 74 Shipley Street, Byker.

1907 - Bill’s Great Grandfather George Nelson dies age 73 in Newcastle upon Tyne.

1909 - Bill’s Great Grandmofher Hannah Dinah Nelson (nee Durrant) dies age 71 in Newcastle upon Tyne.

1910 - Bill’s Aunt Ellen Nelson born in Byker , Newcastle upon Tyne.

1911 - Walter Nelson Sr moves family to 323 Welbeck Road, Byker.

1911 Census - George Nelson’s daughter Gertrude Nelson 21 lives and works as a Nurse at the Newcastle Workhouse and Infirmary.

1911 Census - Walter Nelson Sr 36 lives at 323 Welbeck Road, Byker in Newcastle upon Tyne occupation Hand Driller (Shipbuilding) with wife Ellen Nelson (nee McMillan) 34 and children William 11 Scholar, Walter Nelson Jr 8 and Ellen 8 months

1911 Census - James Durrant Nelson 49 lives at 97 Tynemouth Road, Newcastle upon Tyne occupation ‘Gas Worker’ with wife Georgina (nee Lawrence) 49 and children Agnes 28 a ‘Dress Maker‘, Ethel 23 also a ‘Dress Maker‘, Frederick 24 a ‘Fitter and Turner - Marine Engine works‘, Arthur 22 a ‘Turbine and Marine Fitter‘, Mabel 21 a ‘Dress Maker‘, Edith 19 an ‘Office Clerk‘, Maud 17 a ‘Milliner‘, Charles 15 a ‘Grocers Boy‘, George 11, Violet 8 and Rose 6. Oldest son James has married and a further 3 children have died They have had 15 children at this point.

1913 - Walter Nelson Sr moves family to 325 Welbeck Road, Byker

Jul 1918 - Mar 1920 Bill’s uncle William Nelson (Apprentice Engineer) age 18 enlists in the 3rd Durham Light Infantry but too late to serve in France. Physical description - 5 foot 4 ½ inches tall , 34 inch chest, fair hair. Service no.105745. In 1919 he was disciplined for hesitating to obey an order.

Feb 1918 - Nov 1919 Arthur Nelson 29 son of James Durrant Nelson serves in Royal Naval Air Service (RAF after 1st April 1918) as an Air Mechanic. Service no. 251051 he is described as 5’4” tall, brown hair, blue eyes and fresh complexion. He served in France with the BEF in the Engine Repair Shop, probably with 18 Squadron.

1921 - Ellen McIntosh Nelson (nee McMillan) dies age 45 in Newcastle upon Tyne.

1922 - Bill’s uncle William Nelson leaves 325 Welbeck Road (No longer on electoral register)

1928 - Bill’s uncle William Nelson 28 marries widow Kate Howard Pearson (nee Woollam) 45 in Wakefield. The couple live at 17a William St. Wakefield. Kate Howard Nelson (nee Woollam) died in Westmoreland in 1953 aged 70.

Circa 1930 - Bill’s father Walter Nelson Jr leaves 325 Welbeck Road (No longer on electoral register)

1931 - James Durrant Nelson dies age 69 in Newcastle his wife Georgina Nelson (nee Lawrence) dies in 1949 age 87.

1932 - Ellen Nelson marries James Boyle in Newcastle and they live at 325 Welbeck Road with Walter Nelson Sr.

1936 - Ellen Boyle and James Boyle leave 325 Welbeck Road (No longer on electoral register)

1938 - Bill’s uncle William Nelson an ’Engineering Inspector’ at Leeds Copper Works is killed in a motorcycle accident at Gildersome crossroads near Leeds age 38 and is buried at Sugar Lane cemetery in Wakefield.

1939 Register - Bill’s grandfather Walter Nelson Sr is living alone at 325 Welbeck Road in Byker Newcastle , occupation ‘Chimney Sweep‘.

1939 Register - Bill’s aunt Ellen Boyle (nee Nelson) and James Boyle a ’Transport Driver’ live in Birmingham with their sons Walter and Ian

1939 Register - Bill’s father Walter Nelson Jr 36 is living at 40 Barnes Avenue, Wrenthorpe, Wakefield, occupation ‘Galvaniser (Wire) Heavy Works’ with Frances Nelson 24 - ‘Unpaid domestic duties’.

1947 - Walter Nelson Sr leaves 325 Welbeck Road (No longer on electoral register)

1950 - Walter Nelson Sr is living with Ellen and James Boyle in Birmingham.

1953 - Bill’s grandfather Walter Nelson Sr dies age 78 in Birmingham.

1880 - Martha Ann Perfect (nee Nelson) dies aged 58 in Gorleston.

1881 Census - Bill’s Great Grandfather George Nelson 47, lives at 12 Trafalgar Road in Gorleston , Great Yarmouth, occupation ‘Carter’ with wife Hannah Dinah (nee Durrant) 42 and children Charles George 22 a ‘General Labourer‘, Arthur William 13 a ‘Cabin Boy‘, Hannah Dinah 10, Walter Nelson Sr 6 and Clara May 3.

1881 Census - John Nelson Jr. 61 a ‘Fish Merchant’ lives at 1 Providence Terrace, Bells Road Gorleston with his wife Sarah Nelson (nee Ward) 61 daughter Matilda 22 and Ellen Farman 19 ‘Niece’.

1882 - George Nelson’s son James Durrant Nelson 20 marries Georgina Woolaston Lawrence 19 in Gorleston Suffolk.

1886-1889 - George Nelson’s son Charles George Nelson appears on electoral roll at 87 Parker Street, Byker in Newcastle upon Tyne.

1890 - John Nelson Jr. dies aged 70 in Gorleston Suffolk.

1891 Census - Now widowed Sarah Nelson (nee Ward) 71 a ‘shopkeeper’ lives at Englands Lane Gorleston with son John 36 a ‘Labourer’ and Grandaughter Hannah 13. In 1901 Sarah Nelson is living with her son Robert and his family in Gorleston, she died aged 86 in 1905.

About 1890 - Bill’s great grandfather George Nelson moves to Newcastle upon Tyne with family.

1890 - George Nelson’s daughter Gertrude Nelson born in Byker, Newcastle upon Tyne .

1891 - George Nelson’s son James Durrant Nelson moves to Newcastle upon Tyne with family.

1891 Census - George Nelson 57 lives at 87 Parker Street, Byker in Newcastle upon Tyne (same house son Charles George lived in 1886-89) occupation ‘Labourer’ with wife Hannah Dinah Nelson (nee Durrant) 51 and children Hannah Dinah 20, Walter 16 ‘Ironworks Apprentice‘, George Isaac 9 and Gertrude 1. They also have two Scottish lodgers, Annie Loules 67 a blind widow and Samuel Hill 38 a ‘General Traveller‘.

1891 Census - James Durrant Nelson 29 lives at 52 Denmark Street, Byker in Newcastle upon Tyne occupation ‘Gas Stoker’ with wife Georgina 28 and children James 8, Agnes 7, Ethel 5, Frederick 4, Arthur 1 and Mabel 2 months. All the children were born in Great Yarmouth except Mabel who was born in Newcastle.

1899- Bill’s Grandfather Walter Nelson Sr. 24 marries Ellen McIntosh McMillan 22 in Newcastle upon Tyne.

1900 - Bill’s Uncle William Nelson born in Newcastle.

1901 Census - George Nelson 67 lives at 70 Brock Street, Byker in Newcastle upon Tyne occupation ‘Corporation Road Labourer’ with wife Hannah Dinah Nelson (nee Durrant) 61 and daughter Gertrude 11.

1901 Census - Walter Nelson Sr 26 lives at 22 Brock Street, Byker in Newcastle upon Tyne occupation ‘Hand Driller (Shipbuilding)’ with wife Ellen McIntosh Nelson (nee McMillan) 24 and son William 1.

1901 Census - James Durrant Nelson 39 lives at 54 Belvedere Street, Byker in Newcastle upon Tyne occupation ‘Gas Stoker’ with wife Georgina Nelson (nee Lawrence) 38 and children James 18 a ‘Marine Engineer Apprentice‘, Agnes 16, Ethel 15, Frederick 13 a ‘Butchers Assistant‘, Arthur 11, Mabel 10, Edith 8, Maud 6, Charles 4 and George 1 month.

The Nelsons

1793 - Bill’s 2x great grandfather John Nelson born and baptised on Jan 13th in Besthorpe near Wymondham Norfolk

He is the illegitimate son of Mary Nelson.

1795 - Bill’s 2x great grandmother Ann Gill born 18th July in Wymondham, Norfolk.

Her mother was also called Ann and her father was James Gill.

1819 - On October 10th John Nelson 26 marries Ann Gill 25 at Wymondham, Norfolk

1820 - John Nelson jr. born and baptised on September 1st in Wymondham . The family are described as living in nearby Silfield.

1822 - Martha Ann Nelson born and baptised on June 23rd in Wymondham . The family are living in Silfield.

1833 - On April 22nd Bill’s Great Grandfather George Nelson born in Wymondham Norfolk

He was baptised in 1837. The family are living in Silfield.

1837 - Mary Ann Nelson born in July in Wymondham .

1841 Census - John Nelson Sr. 48 lives in Silfield near Wymondham, occupation ‘Agricultural Labourer’ with wife Ann Nelson (nee Gill ) 46 and children George 8 and Mary Ann 3.

1846 - On January 1st John Nelson jr. 26 a ‘Hay Dealer’ marries Sarah Ward 26 at Gorleston Suffolk. Sarah Ward was born in Lound Suffolk.

1851 Census - John Nelson Sr. 58 lives on ‘the Lizard’ in Wymondham occupation ‘Agricultural Labourer‘ his wife Ann Nelson (nee Gill) 56 son George Nelson 17 an ‘Apprentice Shoemaker’ and Grandson (illegitimate son of daughter Martha Ann Nelson) William 4 a ‘Hand Loom Weaver’.

1851 Census - John Nelson Jr. 31 a ‘Hay Dealer’ lives on Church Lane, Gorleston with his wife Sarah Nelson (nee Ward) 31, son Robert 4 a ‘Scholar’, daughter Hannah 2 and Mary Ann Nelson 13 a ‘visitor’ (his sister).

1851 Census - John Nelson Sr’s daughter Martha Ann Nelson is living and working as a cook at the Kings Head in the Market Place in Wymondham. On 8th July she married a farmer William Perfect in Wymondham. She already has an illegitimate son William who was born in 1846.

1855- John Nelson Sr. dies aged 62 in Gorleston and is buried on July 26th.

1858 - On May 25th Bill’s great grandfather George Nelson 25 a ‘farmer’ marries Hannah Dinah Durrant 20 at Gorleston and Southtown Church, Suffolk. Hannah Dinah Durrant was born in Lound Suffolk.

1860 - On August 25th Mary Ann Nelson 22 marries widower Jacob Moore 42 a ‘Labourer’ in Gorleston Suffolk.

1861 Census - Bill’s now widowed 2x Great Grandmother Ann Nelson (nee Gill) 65 lives on Old Englands Lane in the Gorleston and Southtown area of Great Yarmouth, with daughter Mary Ann Moore (nee Nelson) 23, son in law Jacob Moore 43 a ‘Gardener‘ and Grandson Jacob Jr. 9months. Ann Nelson (nee Gill) is still living with her daughter and family in 1871. She died in Gorleston in 1876 aged 82.

1861 Census - Bill’s Great Grandfather George Nelson 27 lives on the High Road in the Gorleston and Southtown area of Great Yarmouth, occupation ‘Carter’ with wife Hannah Dinah Nelson (nee Durrant) 21 and son Charles George 2.

1861 Census - John Nelson Jr. 41 a ‘Farmer of 40 Acres employing 2 men’ lives on Old Englands Lane Gorleston with his wife Sarah Nelson (nee Ward) 41, son Robert 14 a ‘Scholar’, Hannah 12 a ’Scholar’, John 6 a ‘Scholar’and Matilda 2 and Hannah Holt 17 a ‘servant’ (Dairy Maid).

1861 Census - Martha Ann Perfect (nee Nelson) 39 a ‘Needlewoman’ lives on Fenn Street Gorleston with her husband William Perfect 36 an ‘Agricultural labourer‘, son William 15 a ‘Bricklayers labourer’, Emily 7 a ’Scholar’, and Martha Ann 8 months. Emily and Martha Ann were born in Gorleston.

1871 Census - Bill’s Great Grandfather George Nelson 37 lives on the High Road in the Southtown area of Great Yarmouth, occupation ‘Carter’ with wife Hannah Dinah Nelson (nee Durrant) 32 and children Charles George 12 a ‘Labourer‘, James Durrant Nelson 9, Arthur William 3, Sarah Jane 2, and Hannah Dinah 8 months.

1871 Census - John Nelson Jr. 51 a ‘Fish Merchant employing 3 men and 1 boy’ lives on Bells Road Gorleston with his wife Sarah Nelson (nee Ward) 51, daughter Hannah 22 , John 16 ’and Matilda 12 , Ellen Farman 9 ‘adopted daughter’ and Charlotte Salter 19 a ‘visitor’.

1871 Census - Martha Ann Perfect (nee Nelson) 49 a ‘Laundress’ lives on Fenn Street Gorleston with her husband William Perfect 47 a ‘ labourer‘, son William 25 a ‘Fisherman’and daughters Martha Ann 10 and Georgeana 8. Daughter Emily 17 is now a ‘domestic servant’ at ‘the Old Hall‘ on Lower Hellesdon Road, Norwich.

1875 - Bill’s Grandfather Walter Nelson Sr born in Southtown area of Great Yarmouth

Bill, I remember you said you helped Ian (?) Boyle record some music?

Thanks yet again GH for your careful research of my grandparents on my Dad's mother's side of the family. It's fascinating stuff and gives me a new perspective on my family background.

My Dad's sister was also called Ellen, (though I knew her as Aunty 'Nell',) so she was named after her mother, and my father was named after his father. (Which seemed quite common practice in those days.) My Aunty Nell ended up in the Midlands and had two sons, Walter and Ian, (their surname was Boyle.) They were my cousins, and both musicians.

I lost contact with them for many years after my Dad died in 1976, but eventually found them again and enjoyed a brief relationship before they both passed away, a few years ago.

I looked up to both of them and it was wonderful, one Christmas, to unite them with myself, my mother and brother and Elle and Elliot at our house here in York. Aunty Nell passed away many years ago now, of course, but I remember my Mum and Dad and I driving to the midlands to see her when I was a boy.

Thanks again Geetar Homer! 😋

Oops.......William, 16, a cabinet maker (Apprentice)