Peter Wise and Brenda McMahon have submitted the following:-
John Howard Emerson was born at Barnard Castle on 27th August 1884 the son of William and Catherine (nee Linnell). His mother was also known as Kate. The couple had 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 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.
There is no trace of John in this census possibly because he is on one of his many trips to the U.S.
John married Dinah Bell in 1914. After enlisting on 5th March 1915 John was drafted for the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force on 5th December 1915. He joined the Nelson Battalion on 9th January 1916.
John was killed in action in November 1916.
The Teesdale Mercury 22/11/1916 printed an article about John. It reads as follows -:
“Lieutenant Emerson of Nelson Battalion, Royal Naval Division was killed in action on 13/11/1916.
In early life the deceased soldier was educated at the Council School in the town and later at the North East County School. After spending some time with Messrs Pease at Darlington he worked for Sir Joseph Causton, London. Subsequently he represented the latter well known firm in Canada. He eventually became private secretary to Mr Guinness, the eminent banker of London and New York.
Immediately on the outbreak of hostilities he determined to enlist and under advice chose the naval department. He was sent to the Greek archipelago where his American experience enabled him to undertake the seriously congested transport. The efficient manner in which he cleared several stations received the highest commendations of his superior officers.
He then joined the ranks and was transferred to the HQ in France. At the time of his death he was acting as adjutant of his battalion and was 32 years of age.”
His brother Arthur Waldo Emerson served with the Durham Light Infantry during the war but died at home on 20/04/1922.
John Howard Emerson is remembered in Barnard Castle on B135.02, (as Emmerson on) B135.04, B135.10, B135.12, B135.20, B135.23 and B135.25
