Heslop’s Local Advertiser 22/12/1916

Heslop’s Local Advertiser 22/12/1916

Robert Stuart Sisterson, known as Stuart was born November 29th 1891 at Felling, Gateshead, County Durham, the youngest of 2 sons he had 2 elder and 1 younger sister. His father Robert Sisterson native of Felling born 1850 and mother Jane Glover Gilchrist born 1858 in the district of Tynemouth, Northumberland. Jane’s family had moved to Holmside, County Durham by 1881 and a year later were living at Heworth near Gateshead where she and Robert met and were married during the 1st quarter (Jan/Feb/March) 1882.

Robert Snr was a master painter and paperhanger occupying 102 to 104 High Street, Felling in 1891, daughters Annie (8) and Nellie (5) were scholars, eldest son Thomas a 1 year old infant, they had 2 general servants Sarah Bell (20) and her sister Eleanor (17). Ten years later they had moved to number 92, High Street living above the drug store now owned by Robert Sisterson Snr for his own account. The family was now complete with the arrival of Robert Jnr in 1891 and Ella in 1894. Robert Stuart, now a scholar, later attended High Felling School, after his education was completed he joined his father in their business of house decoration and painting, his brother Thomas known as Tom studied pharmaceuticals and later he too went into partnership with his father as a chemist.

In 1911 the family were living in 6 rooms at 96, High Street, Felling. Robert Stuart Sisterson Jnr was initiated as a Freemasons April 8th 1914 and was a member of Perseverance Lodge 1643, Hebburn.

On the outbreak of war Robert Stuart Sisterson enlisted, assigned as Trooper 3496 1st Life Guards and departed to France with his Regiment May 8th 1916. His Regiment participated between 1916-1918 on the Somme during 1916, Arras 1917 and 1918, Passchendaele 1917 and 1918 and the Hindenburg Line 1918. He rose through the ranks and pre 1917 was offered a commission serving as a Lieutenant with the 4th Reserve Regiment of Cavalry, at Aldershot, training men for the 4th and 7th Dragoon Guards, Warwickshire Yeomanry, Gloucestershire Yeomanry and Warwickshire Yeomanry. Recipient of the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

During the 3rd quarter (Jul/Aug/Sep) 1919 Robert Stuart was married at St. George, Hanover Square, London to Annie Bushell, born March 26th 1891, village of Bekesbourne, near Canterbury, Kent, daughter of widow Annie C Bushell and step-daughter of William H. Taylor, an agricultural labourer. Their only child, Robert Arthur Stuart Sisterson was born Thanet, Kent, April 10th 1920.

Their son served as 2nd Lieutenant Durham Light Infantry during WW2 from 1941-1945. Post war he was married during the 3rd quarter (Jul/Aug/Sep) 1946 in the district of Leeds to Hilda Mary Nickerson born August 11th 1921, died at Newcastle-upon-Tyne 1998, aged 77 years. Robert Arthur Stuart Sisterson died aged 83 years in 2003, registered at Bristol, Gloucestershire.

His mother Annie Sisterson nee Bushell died at Gateshead in 1978 aged 87 years, Robert Stuart Sisterson (Stuart) died aged 93 years, resident at 22, Westfield Drive, Gosforth, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, December 30th 1984. Probate February 4th 1985, £72,169.

In God’s safe keeping. Rest In Peace.

Heslop’s Local Advertiser 22/12/1916 carries an article which reads:

“Mr. Stuart Sisterson.
We are continually indebted to our write of Notes and Comments, and this month Mr. Oxberry gives some interesting information respecting the commencement of the business now carried on by Mr. T. Sisterson. It is well known to our readers that Mr. Robert Sisterson not only conducted the business founded by his father, but was also a painter and decorator. Whilst the son Tom was being educated with the object of carrying on the business of chemist, the other son, Stuart, was being instructed in the decorating business, and a few years ago entered into partnership with his father in the painting department. When the call came to serve his country Stuart enlisted in the King’s Life Guards, and is today taking his place in the ranks in France. His portrait, which appears in this column, is a fitting complement to those of his grandfather, father and brother which also appear on this page.”

His name is listed among those who served in Felling on F32.23 and in Windy Nook on W95.02