William Kirby and Brenda McMahon have submitted the following:-
Thomas was born to parents Matthew and Anne (nee Richardson) at Usworth Colliery in 1880. 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.
Thomas married Eleanor Walker in 1912 and they had four children Annie and Mary J. in 1912, Mansfield in 1913 and Thomas in 1915.
Thomas enlisted at Sunderland and has a variety of Regiments and Service Numbers recorded on his Medal Card. Northumberland Fusiliers (24595) Durham Light Infantry (46332), Labour Corps (382375) and finally Kings Own Scottish Borderers (46933).
Thomas died of his wounds October 28th 1918 at the Military Hospital, West Didsbury, Manchester. He was buried in St Mary's Churchyard and now has a special memorial in Thorpe Road Cemetery.
His widow Eleanor received his effects and the British War Medal and Victory Medal.
Thomas Williams is remembered at Horden on H130.02, H130.05 and H130.08
