Joseph Usher, one of 8 children of whom only 5 survived, was the eldest of 4 sons and had an older sister. His father Francis Usher native of Whitehaven, Cumberland and his mother Margaret McDarby, originated from Ireland, were both born in 1872. They were married, May 20th 1893 at Bell’s Close, Northumberland and settled at Scotswood, suburb of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, where daughter Sarah was born in 1894, Joseph, September 15th 1896, baptised September 20th, William 1898 and Francis Jnr, 1900. In 1901 they were living at 9B, Victoria Terrace, Benwell, Francis Snr supported his family employed as a coal hewer. Their youngest child Thomas was born in 1904 and sadly Margaret Usher nee McDarby died in 1905, only 32 years of age, her death had been preceded by that of Francis Snr’s mother in 1904, his father died in 1907.

By 1911 he had transferred his family to Stone Row, Denton Burn, where he and Joseph (14) were employed as a stoneman below ground and a lamp cabin boy labourer above ground respectively. Francis had not remarried, but with the help of a Irish born servant, Sarah Ann Rogers and daughter Sarah (17) he cared for the younger children, William, Francis and Thomas, 12,11 and 6, who attended school, to increment the family income he had taken in boarder James McDarby, his deceased wife’s brother.

When war was declared in August 1914, Joseph Usher was 18 years of age. He did not volunteer until March 2nd 1916, leaving his employment at Montague Pit as a putter, enlisting at Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Northumberland, but was sent to the Army Reserve. Joseph was called up April 8th 1918 and posted the following day to the Royal Garrison Artillery at Newcastle before joining the 1st Heavy Artillery, Avington Park, Winchester, posting to the 3rd Reserve Heavy Battery as Driver 207464.

Driver Usher did not serve overseas and after the declaration of the Armistice, November 11th 1918, he was recommended for Transfer to Army Reserve for released. Posted to Class W, “for all those soldiers whose services are deemed to be more valuable to the country in civilian rather than military employment.” Driver Usher was discharged December 5th 1918 free to return to his home at 13, Stone Row, Denton Burn and employment as a coal miner.

His uncles Thomas Usher and Charles Edward Usher also enlisted during WW1, his uncle Charles was killed in Belgium in 1915. Both his paternal aunts were bereaved during 1917, his uncle in law Lance Sergeant John Maughan Northumberland Fusiliers died, April 28th 1917, John Aitken during the 4th quarter (Oct/Nov/Dec) 1917, not war related.

His father Francis Usher of 13 Stone Row, Denton Burn, died August 3rd 1925. Effects in the sum of 79 pounds 3 shillings 2 pence to Joseph O’Neill colliery winding engineman and Bridget O’Neill spinster.

Joseph Usher remained a bachelor until 1958, when at the age of 62 he was married at Newcastle-upon-Tyne Registry Office, Northumberland, October 27th to 67-year old, widow, Elizabeth Ann Askin, born December 3rd 1891. He had known Elizabeth Ann and her son Charles E.U. Askin since at least 1939 as she was his housekeeper and they lived with him at 5, St. Margaret’s Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Joseph was now retired from the mining industry and classed as disabled, he died the following year aged 63-years. Elizabeth Ann Usher-Askin died aged 71-years in 1961.

In God’s safe keeping. Rest In Peace.