Stephen was born to parents Matthew and Anne (nee Richardson) at Seaham Harbour March 9th 1891. The couple who married in 1878 had 12 children together but unfortunately Alice was born and died in 1901.

The 1901 census records the family living at South Railway Street Seaham Harbour. Also living with them at that time was Ann’s 68 year old father, Mansfield Richardson. The siblings included John William, Hannah, Thomas, Elizabeth, Mary A., Mansfield, Stephen, Edward, James and Joseph Richardson.

However, the 1911 census shows 8 remaining family members living in a 2 roomed accommodation at 42 First Street Horden Colliery. Several of the young people had moved on to jobs and possibly been married. The girls have certainly moved by then.

Father Matthew worked as an underground shifter labourer in the mine as did most of his sons. Thomas as a labourer underground cleaner out, Stephen a coal putter, Edward a pony driver as was his younger brother, James. The 2 youngest lads Joseph and Matthew born 1902 were still at school.

On 15 July 1912 Stephen married his sweetheart, Florence Hill at Easington Register Office.

Stephen joined the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve during WW1, where he rose to the rank of Able Seaman Higher Grade. He was also listed as Able Seaman Durham Light Infantry. His service number was KP/648.

The 1939 Register shows Stephen working as a pickman at the coal mine. He was living with other family members at 51 Seventh Street Easington.

He died at Leeholme, Easington on 31 January 1940 aged 48 years.