James Clennan, one of 7 known children, was the youngest of his siblings. His father Thomas Clennan, known as Tom, was born at Thornley, County Durham in 1863 but had moved by 1881 to Throckley, Northumberland, with his parents William and Jane Clennan and brother Alexander, where he and his father were employed as coal miners. He was married in 1883 at Castle Ward, Northumberland to Elizabeth Bird who originated from Dearham in Cumberland where she was born in 1865 and was now a servant in the home of Thomas and Isabella Todd and son at 30, Cross Row, Cramlington. Their daughter Jane was born at Cornforth, County Durham, but they had transferred to Northumberland where William was born at Castle Ward in 1885 as was Fanny 1888 and Hannah in 1890. In 1891 the family was living at Wood Row, Denton Burn, on the outskirts of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, where Thomas was working as a coal miner. Over the next 8 years they had a further 3 children, Thomas Jnr, April 16th 1895, Sarah 1897 and James January 8th 1899 in Northumberland, and resided in 1901 at Denton Square, Denton Burn. Elizabeth Clennan nee Bird died during the 2nd quarter (Apr/May/Jun) 1901 at Gateshead, County Durham, aged 35 years. Two years later Thomas married his second wife widow Grace Ann Reed nee Arnott, native of Scremerston, Northumberland, where she was baptised, October 28th 1866, her husband Charles Reed had died in 1901 aged 31 years at Newcastle-upon-Tyne. In 1911 they occupied 3 rooms at Benson’s Buildings, Westerhope, with Thomas’s children Thomas Jnr (15) Sarah (14) and James (12). Thomas Snr was a deputy at the colliery Thomas Jnr a driver.
When war was declared in August 1914 he was 15 years of age, far to young to enlist, however, he told an untruth as regards his age in order to enlist, which he did, October 14th 1916, at only 17 years of age. James was assigned as Private 64904 to the Yorkshire Regiment, battalion unknown. Due to the absence of records it is also unknown whether he ever served overseas. Awarded Silver Badge Number B135236, he was discharged under King’s Regulations 392(xia), January 29th 1919, “Surplus to military requirements (having suffered impairment since entry into the service)” in the case of Private Clennan this was deafness.
He returned to his home address of 30, St Helen’s Street, Benwell, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and was married in 1924 at Newcastle to Jeanetta J. Metcalfe, born March 24th 1903, with whom he had a daughter Edith Clennan, born June 23rd 1925. In 1939 they were living at 49, Marian Street, Elswick, a suburb of Newcastle. James was employed as a general labourer, daughter Jeanette is listed as seeking employment-not presently employed.
Jeanetta Clennan nee Metcalfe died at Newcastle in 1980 listed as having been born March 22nd 1901 which differs from the 1939 census making her between 77 and 79 years of age, preceded by that of her husband James Clennan in 1961 aged 62 years also at Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
Ellen Clennan nee Richardson died in 1939 aged 68 years, Thomas Clennan in 1942 aged 78 years both registered at Northumberland South.
In God’s safe keeping. Rest In Peace.
James Clennan is not remembered on a local War Memorial.