Walter Wilson was born at Cockerton, near Darlington in 1875, one of 9 children of whom only 7 survived, he was the eldest of 4 sons and 3 daughters. His father Isaac John Willson of Gateshead, County Durham born in 1850 during his formative years lived in Newcastle-upon-Tyne where his father was a coach maker. Isaac was employed as a slater in 1871 and married in the district of Darlington in 1873 to Elizabeth Ormston Clarke born at Darlington in 1855.

He continued to work as a slater to support his wife and 3 children in 1881 whilst living at Fawcett Street. Cockerton and had moved to 22, West Street, Whitton by the time Walter was 16 years of age in 1891, also employed as a slater. In the census of 1901 and 1911 he is no longer listed as living with his family, it may well be he had been called upon to serve during the Africa Campaign fighting the Boers in South Africa.

His father Isaac John Wilson died in 1904, his widowed mother Elizabeth moved to 8, Lowson Street, Carlton Iron Works, she and her daughter Amy (18) were supported by her youngest son William Ormston Wilson (21) who worked as a locomotive fireman at the blast furnace. A Thomas Pearson (57) boarded with them, a general labourer. Elizabeth Ormston Wilson nee Clarke died in 1922 in the district of Stockton, County Durham, aged 67 years.

During WW1 Walter served his county and may have joined the Navy, June 18th 1918, as S2886, born January 5th 1875.

Walter Wilson died in the district of Darlington in 1959 aged 84 years.

In God’s safe keeping. Rest In Peace.