Stan Gray has submitted the following:-
John Thomas was born in 1889 at Walker on Tyne the son of John (1863 Ince, Lancashire ) and Elizabeth nee Baker (1868 West Auckland.)
In 1891, two year old John, was with his parents were at George Street, Monk Hesleden with his younger sister Mary, who later died.
In 1901 Elizabeth, a Charwoman is living at 30 Wilkinson Street, Castle Eden Colliery. Their children include John Thomas, Frances (1895), Elizabeth (1898) and James (1901). Father John is not at home for the census.
In 1911 the family were living at 2 Old Rows, Hesleden. John Senior was a General Labourer as was John Thomas, daughter Frances was a Domestic Servant. The family now included Agnes (1903) Mary (1906) and Margaret (1909).
John Thomas was employed at J. Nimmo & Son Ltd's Brewery at Castle Eden.
John Thomas originally enlisted at Sunderland and joined the Royal Field Artillery with service number 85040. At some point he transferred to the Royal Fusiliers. He died from wounds 21st August 1918.
His parents by this time were living at 6 Church Street, Hesleden.
The original grave marker is now in Hesleden Methodist Church see Field of Remembrance
Recipient of the Victory Medal and British War Medal.
John Thomas Fairhurst is remembered at Castle Eden on C102.07 and in Hesleden on H124.01, H124.03 and H124.06
