Joseph Richardson was born to parents Matthew and Anne (nee Richardson) at Seaham Harbour on February 3rd 1898. 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, by 1911 the census showed 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.

Joseph joined the Royal Naval Reserve and served under the service number S5399.

He married Elizabeth Moore in 1920.

The 1939 Register shows him living with his wife 2 Third Street Easington. He is working as a coal miner/stoneman heavy worker below ground.

Joseph died in 1964 at the age of 66 years.