Blanche was born on 16 April 1898 at 2 Court, 7 New St, Barnsley, Yorkshire, the daughter of Jemima Williams formerly Kelford, of no occupation. Her father's name was not recorded. The informant of her birth was mother Jemima Williams of 1 Court, 2 Blucher St, Barnsley. [1]
As her mother Jemima Williams was married at the time of Agnes' birth, and had had children born to her husband previously, it has to be assumed the removal of her father's name means George Arthur Williams was NOT the father of Blanche.
The family then moved to Leeds, Yorkshire.
Blanche and sisters Agnes and Sarah were all baptised on 29 August 1900 at All Saints Church, Leeds. Their parents were named as George Arthur, a collier, and Jemima Williams. Their address is unclear but may read 9 Cross Hampton St. [2]
In the 1901 census Blanche was living with her mother at 35 Devon St, Leeds. She was aged 2 years. [3]
Jemima Williams, Blanche's mother, remarried to William Wilson in 1904.
In the 1911 census the family was living at 4 Greenfield Tce, Leeds. Jemima's children born to her previous relationships were incorrectly named Wilson in this census. Blanche, aged 12, was attending school. [4]
Blanche Williams married Albert Thompson on 24 February 1917 at the parish church of New Wortley, Leeds. Their marriage certificate recorded Albert was a bachelor aged 21 and a barman. His father was named as Squire Albert Thompson, a soldier. Blanche was a spinster aged 19. Her father was named as George Arthur Williams (deceased), a collier. At the time of their marriage Albert was living at 20 Danube St and Blanche at 36 Danube Place. Their witnesses were W. Thompson and Maud Thompson. [5]
This couple had four known children named Squire Albert born 1917, Ivy born 1919, Edna born 1921 and Jean born 1925.
Albert attested on 16 June 1917 at Leeds to join the Army for duration of the war [WWI], Regimental No. 65123. Albert was then living at 24 Danube Pl, Geldard Rd, Leeds. Aged 22 years, he was a barman. He was physically described as 4 feet, 8 ½ inches in height. Records further recorded Albert had married Blanche Williams on 24 February 1917 at Leeds and had one son named Squire born 26 June 1917 at Bramley [Leeds].
Albert was called up for service on 16 June 1917 and was posted to Royal Defence Corps as a private on 18 August 1917. He was discharged on 3 November 1917 - not fit for service. Medical records state Albert had anterior curvature - both fibial. He told the medial board he had a fall as an infant and was unable to walk until he was 8. He attributed the problem with his legs to the fall. The board attributed his legs to rickets. [Rickets is a condition that results in weak or soft bones in children.] [6]
In the 1921 census the Thompson family was living at 24 Danube Place, Wortley, Leeds. Albert, aged 26, was a barman at the Queen Hotel, 78 Wellington Rd, Leeds. Blanche was aged 22. Children were Squire Albert aged 3 and Ivy aged 1. [7]
The 1939 Register, taken on 29 September 1939, has been described as a snapshot of the civilian population of England and Wales just after the outbreak of the Second World War. The Register recorded each person's address, date of birth and occupation.
At that time the family was residing at 42 Wortley Lane, Leeds. Albert, born 22 February 1895, was aged 44. He was a hairdresser, employed on his own account. Blanche, born 16 April 1898, was aged 41. She was a tailoresss, specifically a coat finisher. Squire, born 26 June 1917, was aged 22. He was an assistant wireless dxxx at a Co-Op shop. Squire was also a member of the Leeds Auxiliary Fire Service. Ivy, born 3 September 1919, was aged 20. She was also a tailoress, specifically an over locker. Ivy's surname was later amended to Varley, her married surname. Edna, born 5 September 1921, was aged 18. She was a button hole machinist. Edna's surname was later amended to Thackrah, her married surname. Jean, born 18 April 1925, was aged 14. She was a bar tacking machinist. Jean's surname was later amended to Butler, her married surname. [8]
Albert Thompson died in 1972 aged about 77 years. His date of birth was recorded as 22 February 1895. [9]
Blanche Thompson died in 1975 aged about 77 years. Her date of birth was recorded as 16 April 1898. [10]
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