William Kirby and Brenda McMahon have submitted the following:-
Born in 1892 at Sunderland to London born Morris Bresnan and Mary. Several children- Thomas born 1883, Lissie Ann (born 1888 died 1895), Morris born 1890, John William born 1892 then Mary Ellen (born 1895 died 1901) and Stephen (born 1898 died 1909).In 1901 Mary was living at Silver Street Sunderland. Morris was a shipyard labourer as was his son Thomas.
Mary died shortly after the census, which was taken on March 31st 1901. She was 39 years old. Her daughter Mary Ellen also died during this time aged 6 years.
On June 10th 1909 Morris’ father, Maurice died in Sunderland Workhouse.
After Mary’s early death Morris then married Elizabeth (nee Laws previously Hocking) in 1902. Together they had Florence Jane born 1905 then Frances Margaret born 1907. Elizabeth also brought with her several children from her first marriage to Joseph Hocking in 1884 namely Rebecca, Ellen, John Thomas and Clara.
The Bresnan/Hocking families merged at the couple’s marriage in 1902. So by 1911 the family unit had altered greatly. They had four children of their own although sadly 1 died. In 1911 all the men in the household were working in some capacity in the coal mines. Morris senior was a coal screen labourer at the pit surface. His sons Morris and William were both miner incline braker. His step sons John Thomas a putter & pony driver, George a miner at shaft bottom and Joseph a stationary engine braker. The family were living at 33 Nelson Street, New Seaham - 10 people in 3 rooms.
John William enlisted at Sunderland.
Unfortunately, no service record has been found for this soldier.
He was one of the many heroes who fell in action on the first day of the Battle of the Somme. His name is listed on the Thiepval Memorial along with 72315 others who have no known grave.
Medals: British War Medal and Victory Medal
John William Bresnan is remembered at Dawdon on D41.04 as J.W. Bresnen and at Sunderland in S140.048 Part 3 page 56
