Heslop’s Local Advertiser 18/08/1916

“Private Thos. William Robinson, killed in action on 1st July, aged 31 years. Son of Mary Jane and step-son of Ralph Barber, Felling.”

Pauline Priano has submitted the following:-

Thomas William Robinson was born August 17th 1884 at Sacriston, County Durham the only son of single mother Mary Jane Robinson born at Witton Gilbert, County Durham in 1854.

His mother married in 1893 at Felling widower Ralph Barber. Ralph was born at Felling, December 15th 1851, where he had married in 1877 to Sarah Jane Goodfellow born 1857 at Alston, Cumberland, my great grandfather’s sister. Sarah Jane gave birth to 7 children and died October 30th 1989 as a consequence of childbirth as did infant Florence, they are buried in the family plot at St. Mary Heworth Churchyard.

Ralph and Mary Ann Barber in 1901 were living at 8, Stainton Street, Felling, he was employed as a quarry-man whilst the other male members of the family were employed at the colliery. His son John (21) as a screener, Ralph Jnr (18) a labourer above ground, Matthew (16) and step-son Thomas William Robinson (16) below ground as drivers, Ralph's brother Thomas (35) a general labourer lived with them. By 1911 Ralph and Mary Ann were living alone at 52b, Wellington Street, Felling.

Thomas William Robinson served during WW1 and was killed July 1st 1916, regiment, place of demise and/or commemoration unknown. He was 31 years old.

Ralph Barber died at Gateshead aged 75 years in 1927, Mary Ann Barber nee Robinson at South Shields in 1936 aged 83 years.

In God’s safe keeping. Rest In Peace.

Help with the appropriate CWGC entry would be appreciated.