Photo: James Pasby
The headstone reads;-
Miller
Sacred to the memory of
Edward John
(Dunston)
beloved husband of
Jane Isabella Miller
died March 16th 1932
aged 64 years
Also James
the beloved only son of the above
died February 21st 1919
aged 21 years
Also the above
Jane Isabella Miller
died June 6th 1950 aged 83 years
Also
Robert William Wilson
brother of the above
Jane Isabella Miller
Died in U.S.A. November 15th 1934
aged 69 years
Jacky Cooper has provided the following:
James was the son of Edward John Miller, a blacksmith, and Jane Isabella Wilson. The couple had married on 14 April 1896 at St Paul’s church, Hendon, and James was born in Southwick on 15 March the following year. James was taken for baptism to Holy Trinity church, Southwick on 14 April.
By the time the 1901 census was taken the family was living at 3 Thirlwell Terrace, Southwick. Edward and Jane had two daughters living with them, but James was staying with his paternal grandparents at the tailor’s shop on The Terrace, Southwick.
When the 1911 census return was made the family had moved to 25 Armstrong Street, Dunston. James had left school, but wasn’t yet working.
Unfortunately James’ service records haven’t survived, but from the amount of War Gratuity paid it looks likely that he enlisted around the autumn of 1915. He was posted to 2nd/9th Battalion Manchester Regiment with the service number 50846. The battalion landed in France in February 1917, though it is not known whether James was with them at that time. In April 1918 the battalion was reduced in size; it is possible that it was at this time that James was transferred to 2nd Battalion. After April 1918 the 2nd Battalion was involved in the battles of Amiens, Albert, St Quentin Canal, Beaurevoir, and the Sambre. The battalion ended the war near Sambreton south of Landrecies.
By February 1919 James was admitted to hospital in Manchester, where he died on 21 February just four weeks before his 22nd birthday. His War Gratuity payment was sent to his parents who were living at 20, Barry Street, Dunston. For his service to his country James earned the British War Medal and the Victory Medal; these were also sent to his parents.
James parents stayed in the area. Edward died in 1932 and Jane in 1950; both were buried in the same plot as their son James.
James Miller is remembered in Dunston on D38.04 and in Whickham on W86.09
