William Kirby and Brenda McMahon have submitted the following:-
Henry was born at Seaham Colliery in 1868 the son of William and his wife, Jane.
In 1871 the family was living at 60 Australia Row Seaham. Henry’s siblings were Jane, Thomas, Henry and baby William. However only a few months later William senior was killed in a mining disaster on October 25th 1871 at the age of 30 years. He was working as a shifter at that time.
The accident happened at 11.30pm at Seaham No.3 Pit when an explosion occurred caused by an outburst of gas (fire damp) from the roof, probably ignited by a naked light. There is a monument at Seaham Colliery commemorating the 26 men and boys who were killed by the explosion.
A fuller report on the disaster can be read on Bell’s Weekly Messenger 28/10/1871 and other local newspapers.
Widowed Jane married Alexander Scott in 1875.
By 1881 they had several children together including John, Alexander, John Robert, Edith (who were all step kin to Henry and his full sister Mary). At the age of 13 Henry was working as a telegraph messenger. Also living with the family was Alex’s 73-year-old mother Sarah.
The 1891 census shows Henry to be boarding at the home of the Jackson family at Seaton. He was now a blacksmith.
In 1901 he was now back home and living at Waterworks, Seaham with his stepfather and family. There is also his step sister Edith. At this time Henry continues his work as a blacksmith (engineers).
Henry married his sweetheart, Elizabeth Alice Murray in 1902. They seem to have only one daughter, Margery Alice.
1911 finds Henry at 22 Kingsborough Terrace, Gateshead with his wife and daughter.
Henry enlisted at Sunderland and joined the Northumberland Fusiliers but nothing more is heard about him until his death in 1916.
He was reported missing presumed dead on or about July 1st 1916. He has no known grave as his body was never found.
All monies due to Henry were split between his brothers and sisters. There is no mention of Elisabeth Alice or Margery Alice.
Medals: British War Medal and Victory Medal
Henry Coates is remembered at Seaham on S117.04
