Joseph Priest was born in 1881 at Rowley Regis, Staffordshire. [1]
In the 1881 census Joseph was living with his parents Joseph and Emmeline Priest at 26 King St, Old Hill, Rowley Regis. He was aged 3 [?] months. [2]
In 1891 the Priest family was living at 24 King St, Old Hill. Joseph, aged 9, was attending school. [3]
In 1901 the Priest family was still living at 24 King St. Joseph, aged 20, was a chain maker overlooker, working from home on his own account. [4]
Joseph Priest married Kezia Brookes in 1907 at the Dudley Register Office, Worcestershire. [5]
Known children of this couple were Dora Lydia born 1908, Joseph born 13 October 1909 and Emmeline Ida born 16 August 1912.
In the 1911 census Joseph and Kezia were living at 28 High St, Blackheath, Rowley Regis. Joseph, aged 30, was a clothier dealer and Kezia, also aged 30, was a sweet confectioner. They were both working on their own account from home. Daughter Dora was aged 2 and son Joseph aged 1. [6]
Joseph Priest died on 13 August 1939 at the County Mental Hospital, Stafford, Staffordshire aged 58 years of cardiovascular degeneration and secondary dementia. His death certificate further recorded Joseph had lived at 28 High St, Blackheath and been employed as a travelling salesmen of men's clothing. The informant was J. S. Sharpe, Acting Medical Superintendent, County Mental Hospital, Stafford. [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 Kezia, a widow, was living at 677 Hagley Road West, Quinton, Birmingham. Aged 58, her date of birth was recorded as 16 February 1881. Son Joseph, born 13 October 1909, was aged 29. He was single and working as a cost clerk in the building trade. Joseph was also a volunteer member of the A.R.P. [Air Raid Precautions]. [8]
Son Joseph died on 22 March 1957 aged 47 years. Kezia was granted administration of his estate following his death.
Kezia Priest died on 20 February 1962 aged 81 years. [9]
From the Index of Wills and Administrations – PRIEST Kezia otherwise Keziah of 677 Hagley Road West Quinton Birmingham widow died 20 February 1962 Probate Birmingham 9 May to Ida Emmeline Dunn (wife of Philip Dunn). Effects £3918 2s. [10]
Her will read -
THIS IS THE LAST WILL of me KEZIAH PRIEST of Number 677 Hagley Road West Quinton in the City of Birmingham Widow.
1. I REVOKE all former Wills and testamentary dispositions by me heretofore made.
2. I DIRECT my Executor and Trustee hereinafter named to pay my just debts funeral and testamentary expenses as soon as conveniently may be after my decease.
3. I APPOINT my daughter IDA EMMELINE DUNN to be the Executor and Trustee of this my Will.
4. I GIVE UNTO Mrs. Phoebe Stanley of Maple Road Blackheath the sum of FIFTY POUNDS.
5. I GIVE DEVISE AND BEQUEATH the rest and residue of my Estate both real and personal whatsoever and wheresoever UNTO my daughter IDA EMMELINE DUNN absolutely.
6. IF my said daughter shall die in my lifetime I GIVE DEVISE AND BEQUEATH the rest and residue of my said Estate UNTO my son-in-law PHILIP DUNN absolutely.
IN WITNESS whereof I have hereunto set my hand this twentieth day of May One thousand nine hundred and fifty-nine. K. Priest
SIGNED by the said Keziah Priest as her last Will in the presence of us both being present at the same time who in her presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as Witnesses: [unreadable signature], Solicitor, Halesowen and B. J. Hobbs, Solicitor, Halesowen [11]
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