William Kirby and Brenda McMahon have submitted the following:-
George was born at Harras Moor, Cumberland in 1890 to his parents Richard and Ann (nee Studholme). The couple married at Whitehaven in 1884 and went on to have 9 children although sadly 2 died. George’s siblings were Wilson, Richard (died aged 5), Esther, Margaret, Jessie, Mabel and Isabel.
In 1901 aged 14 George was working as a farm servant for a Mr Hunter at Croft Morris Farm at Moresby.
By 1911 he was living at home again His father was working as a coalminer/hewer as was his son, George. Another son, Wilson was a hairdresser, Ann had no trade mentioned, Jane was an apprentice milliner and Mabel was at school. They also had another miner boarding with them. At that time the family were living at 16 Back North Terrace, Seaham Harbour.
Later that year, 1911, George married Sarah Brown. Sadly, their marriage was short as Sarah died May 25th 1915 at the young age of 27 years. A child, Margaret had been born to the couple on June 18th 1913.
George enlisted at Sunderland and joined the Northumberland Fusiliers although no service records are available except it is known that George received the Military Medal for his bravery which was mentioned in the Wigton Advertiser 02/09/1916
“Mr & Mrs Chapelhow, Torpenhow (formerly of Wigton where Mr Chapelhow worked for the Urban District Council) have received word from the War Office that their son Corporal George Chapelhow (Northumberland Fusiliers) has been reported missing since 1st July. In June Corporal Chapelhow (as we announced at the time) was awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field.
The Wigton Advertiser 17/03/1917.reports
“His father Richard, of Torpenhow, has now received the Military Medal awarded to his son George Chapelhow, Northumberland Fusiliers who was killed in July last year.”
George left an estate of £149.12s.0d to his parents Richard (innkeeper) and Ann. Other monies due were his pay amounting to £3.16s.0d then later a war gratuity of £7.0s.0d
Following the death of her father Margaret was now an orphan the pension records show her to be in the care of her grandparents at Black Bull Inn, Mealsgate, Torpenhow. The pension for Margaret was 7 shillings per week as from March 12th 1917. This was known as the motherless rate.
In the spring of 1944 Margaret married her sweetheart, Thomas Botfield.
The Sunderland Echo 01/07/1918 reports:-
CHAPELHOW. In loving memory Corpl. George Chapelhow, N.F. beloved husband the late -Sarah Chapelhow who was killed in France, July 1st, 1916. Ever remembered by brother-in-law and sister-in-law E. and M. Brown. 2. Candlish Terrace, Seaham Harbour.
CHAPELHOW. In loving memory our dear son Corporal George Chopelbow, M.M. Tyneside Scottish N.F.), who killed in action in France. July 1st. 1916. aged 29 years; also his loving wife who died in May 1915
May the heavenly winds blow softly
O'er that-sweet and hallowed spot;
Though the sea divides his grave and us.
He will never be forgot.
Ever remembered loving father, mother, little daughter Maggie, brother, sisters, and brother-in-law.
Medals: British War Medal and Victory Medal
George Chapelhow is remembered at Dawdon on D41.06 and at Seaham Harbour as G. Chapellow on S117.04 and S117.06 and at Sunderland on S140.048 part 3 all as Chapelhow
