Arthur Waldo Emerson was born at Barnard Castle in 1897 the son of William and Catherine (nee Linnell). His mother was also known as Kate. The couple were married at Bethnal Green, London in 1873. Kate was London born.

The couple produced several children during their marriage including Kate Annie, Ada Florence, Bessie who died aged 6, George Edward Lionel, John Howard, Mildred and their youngest son Arthur Waldo.

1901 census shows the family living at Wesley Terrace Barnard Castle where they stayed for a number of years. Father William worked as a school master whilst his son George found employment as a railway clerk. Mother, Kate died the following year in 1902.

By 1911 some of the family had moved on with their lives but Arthur was still living at home.

Arthur enlisted into the Durham Light Infantry 9th December 1915. He was given service number 45580.

He was discharged 26th November 1917. He died at home long after the war had ended 20th April 1922. He does not have a Commonwealth War Grave as the latest date for qualifying was 31st August 1921. He was aged 25 years at his death.

His schoolmaster father, William, was an important figure in the life of the town at the beginning of the century. William lived to be 100 as he was born in 1851 and died in 1951.

His brother, Sub Lieutenant John Howard Emerson also served and died in the war on November 13th 1916. He served with the Royal Naval Reserve.

Arthur Waldo Howard Emerson is remembered in Barnard Castle on B135.02, (as Emmerson on) B135.10, B135.23 and B135.25