Pinder | WEEK 42

Alfred Henry Pinder

January 14, 2016 — Nikellom

Masbrough Street

Alfred Henry Pinder is my second great uncle. He was born in 1846 to parents, Thomas Pinder and Mary Shackleton.

Alfred was born in 1849 and in 1876, he married Betsy Elenor Jarvis. Together, they issued three children, one of them being Frank Jarvis Pinder.

Alfred died in 1887 and below is his obituary..

THE ROTHERHAM ADVERTISER, SATURDAY, JULY 9, 1887.

Masbrough Independent Chapel

A sad duty remains to be done – to pay a tribute of respect to the memory of Bro. Alfred Henry Pinder, the news of whose sudden death startled all those who heard it yesterday. During a considerable portion of last year, he did not enjoy the best of health, but latterly he seemed to have regained strength. He was one of three sons of the late Mr Thomas Pinder, and they, like their father, have all been members of the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows. Bro. A. H. Pinder was connected with the Phoenix Lodge, and on the formation of the George’s Lodge, at Masbro’, a few years ago, he was appointed secretary, a position which he has held since. When Bro. G. J. Jackson removed to New Zealand, in the autumn of 1885, Bro. A. H. Pinder was appointed corresponding secretary of the district, but at the close of last year he found it necessary to resign the office in consequence of ill-health. He was a Past Provincial Grand Master of the Rotherham District. Almost his last public act in connection with the Oddfellowship was to discharge the duty of one of the marshals of the Manchester Unity portion of the Jubilee procession; and on Monday evening he was in his usual position as secretary of the George’s Lodge, when he was apparently in his ordinary health and strength. He was a member of the choir of the Masbro’ Independent Chapel, and was always willing to lend a hand in musical circles.

Saint Thomas’s Church

For many years he had been time-keeper at the Masbro’ Stove Grate works of Messrs. Corbitt and Co., Limited, and he leaves a widow and three young children to mourn his loss. He was 38 years of age. On Wednesday night he had what was apparently a return of the affection of the bowels from which he had suffered previously, and Dr. Walker was hastily summoned. He was unremitting in his attentions, but his death ensued yesterday morning from biliary colic. Bro. Pinder will be missed throughout a wide circle, and much sympathy will be felt for his wife and children. During last year the writer enjoyed Bro. Pinder’s counsel and support in the performance of many arduous duties, and it is with him a melancholy duty to pen this tribute to one who was in every respect a thoroughly good-hearted and genial Oddfellow. The funeral will take place on Sunday afternoon, at Kimberworth Church.

PINDER. – July 8th, at Masbro’ street, Masbro’. Mr Alfred Henry Pinder, aged 38.

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John Gilbert Mollekin

August 15, 2015 — Nikellom

Jack circa 1900

Walliker Street

18^th August 2015 marks the 118^th anniversary of the birth of John Gilbert Mollekin (known as Jack) who is my paternal grandfather. Jack was born in Walliker Street, Newington, Hull, to parents, Johann Mölleken and Jennie Slingsby. His father was a Master Joiner who built several streets in Hull including Dorothy Grove and Gilbert Avenue (named after his children and demolished circa 2011).

Jack’s sister, Gwendoline, died on his 7^th Birthday and he lost his mother, five months later to Pulmonary Phthisis. Jack’s father had five children to bring up alone and consequently his construction business suffered, so he began working for his brother-in-law’s company before moving to the Rotherham area circa 1906 in order to help with his brother’s building activities.

Upon leaving School, Jack worked for the Mollekin building company based in Maltby as a bricklayer until circa 1915 when he trained to become a Signalman on the Railways, a job that occupied him until he retired, working in Wincobank and Rawmarsh.

Home Guard

Jack avoided serving in World War One because when he attempted to enlist, it was deemed that he was underweight, the Enlistment Officer joking that he could only be used as a bore brush for the guns.

Jack at Wincobank West Junction in 1929

Jack married Edith Mary Pinder in 1925 and together issued three children who were called, Beryl Marjory, John Malcolm and James Barrie. They originally lived in Bramley, Rotherham before moving to a modern house on the newly erected Listerdale Estate in Wickersley, circa 1930.

Jack’s daughter, Beryl, married an American Serviceman in 1945, moved to Tennessee and died the following year. Jack’s wife died in 1952 following a series of strokes.

During World War Two Jack served in the Home Guard. My father recalls this era in Wickersley in this entry.

Jack’s daughter, Beryl, gave birth to a daughter (Linda) shortly before she died and although Jack communicated with Linda’s family on a regular basis via letters, Jack didn’t actually get to meet her until 1963 in America. Jack met and married a lady whilst in Tennessee although this marriage was short-lived.

Norwich City F.C. Official Matchday Magazine – 15.09.79

Jack’s father was a Rotherham United supporter, as was Jack, my father and myself also. My family has been supporting Rotherham United since before Rotherham United’s old ground, Millmoor, was erected and I recently discovered that the meaning of the German/Prussian name ‘Mölleken’ roughly translates to ‘Little Miller’. Rotherham United is known as ‘The Millers’. In the 1970s, Jack went to live with his sister-in-law, Evelyn Pinder (nee Wakefield), in Cromer, Norfolk. This meant that Jack could no longer easily support Rotherham United in attendance so began supporting his local team which was Norwich City.

Jack’s grave

On Saturday 15^th September 1979, Jack, with a friend, went to watch Norwich City at home in Carrow Lane play Nottingham Forest. Norwich City won the game, 3 goals to 1. Scorers for Norwich were Kevin Reeves (39 minutes), Justin Fashanu (42 minutes) and Keith Robson (57 minutes). John Robertson scored the goal for Nottingham Forest in the 84^th minute. John Bond was the manager of Norwich City and I actually met him in 1990 when he was the Manager of Shrewsbury Town. Some time between the 84^th minute of the game and the final whistle, Jack passed away, just after saying to his friend, “No more goals will be scored”.

Jack in 1925

I only have a couple of cameo memories of my grandfather as I was just 3 years old when he died. One memory is of when my father was knocking a chimney breast out of a bedroom at home in Swinton and I was jumping up and down on a bed. I remember repeatedly and excitedly asking my father when ‘Grandpa’ was arriving as I knew he was on his way to visit us. When he came through the bedroom door, I bounced off the bed into his arms. Another memory is of when we were both waiting for dinner to be served. We were in the front room at home and on a silver tiered cake stand, on a table between us, were an assortment of tarts etc. I tried to reach for one but my Grandpa stopped me. Both of these memories may even have been from the same day.

On the 2nd September 1989, almost 10 years after my grandfather had passed away, my father took me to Millmoor for the first time to watch Rotherham United draw with Walsall Football Club. A twist of fate also took me to Rotherham United’s new ground (New York) on the 33rd anniversary of my grandfather’s death on Saturday 15th September 2012, with my brother and sister-in-law, to watch Rotherham United beat Torquay United 1 goal to 0.

John Gilbert Mollekin – 18^th August 1897 to 15^th September 1979.

Thanks are owed to Ali Morse for sourcing a newspaper report of the Norwich City versus Nottingham Forest game and to Peter Davies for reproducing the photo of Jack as a child.

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Death of Mary Ann Marsden (nee Pinder)

May 29, 2014 — Nikellom

Leeds Infirmary

Mary Ann Pinder is my second great aunt. She was born in 1855 to parents, Thomas Pinder and Mary Shackleton.

In July 2009 after meeting a distant cousin, I learnt that Mary had died as a result of a boiler explosion. Because Mary didn’t seem to reveal her true age on Census Returns, trying to find a corresponding death entry was difficult. Mary married Sam Marsden in Rotherham in 1895 and below is a newspaper entry pertaining to her death.

THE YORKSHIRE POST. WEDNESDAY. April 16. 1913.

FIVE DEATHS AT AN INFIRMARY.

Five deaths at the Leeds Infirmary were investigated by the City Coroner (Mr. J. C. Malcolm) at the Town Hall yesterday.

Three of the cases were the results of burning accidents, and the victims were Harry Haigh Fern, two years of age, of 11, Parsonage View, Leeds; Reginald Fletcher, aged three years, of 1, Tennyson Street, Pudsey; and Mary Ann Marsden (48), wife of the caretaker at the Girls’ High School, Headingley Lane, Leeds. The clothing of the two children caught fire while they were playing with matches, and in the case of Mrs. Marsden her blouse was set alight at a gas stove. Verdicts of “Accidental death” were returned in each case.

Jas. Alderson, aged 10 years, of 7, Dalmeny Terrace, Rodley, fell a distance of seven and a half feet from a warehouse “landing” whilst at play on Saturday. He died from hemorrhage caused by the injuries. The jury agreed that the boy’s death was accidental. Frederick George Sales (53), out porter, of 4, Wharfedale Street, Leeds, died whilst under anaesthetic. The jury concurred with the doctor’s statement that an operation was necessary in consequence of internal injuries, and returned a verdict that death was due to misadventure.

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Frank Jarvis Pinder

July 19, 2013 — Nikellom

Frank J. Pinder

Frank Jarvis Pinder is my first cousin, thrice removed and son of Alfred Henry Pinder.

Frank was born in 1877 and in 1903, he married Bertha Longdon. Together, they issued two children, one of them being Alfred Henry Pinder.

Below is a newspaper article(s) published shortly after his death.

THE ADVERTISER, SAT., JAN. 19TH, 1963

OBITUARY

MR. F. J. PINDER

Mr. Frank Jarvis Pinder, of 33, Fitzwilliam Road, Rotherham, died on Tuesday at the home of his grand-daughter. He was 85.

Born in Masbro’ Street, Mr. Jarvis had lived in the Rotherham area all his life. He was employed as a brass finisher at Gummer’s Ltd., for more than 50 years, and retired when he was 82. Previously, he had worked in a similar capacity at Stone’s and Gumby’s, of Rotherham.

Mr. Pinder was a keen gardener, and was a former secretary of the St. Ann’s Gardens and Allotments Society. During World War I he served as secretary to the Rotherham Hospitals Potato Scheme. Singing was another of his interests.

Saint Stephen’s Church

He attended the St. Stephen’s Church, Eastwood, where he was a member of the Parochial Church Council, and had been a sidesman.

He leaves two sons, and a grand-daughter. His wife died more than 10 years ago. Cremation takes place to-day, at Rotherham after a service at St. Stephen’s Church, Eastwood.

PINDER. – Suddenly, on January 15th, at his grand-daughter’s residence, 21, Vernon Road. Frank Jarvis, aged 85 years, of 33, Fitzwilliam Road, a dear father and grandad. Service at St. Stephen’s Church, to-day (Saturday), 11 a.m., cremation, Herringthorpe, 11.30 a.m.

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Pinder – Turnbull Marriage

April 19, 2013 — Nikellom

Marjory

Marjory Pinder, born 1907 in Rotherham, is my great aunt and daughter of Matthew Henry Pinder and Alice Cunnington

In 1934, Marjory married George Alaister Turnbull. Below is a newspaper article(s) which describes this occasion.

THE ADVERTISER, SATURDAY, AUGUST 18, 1934.

AN EASTWOOD WEDDING.

SCHOLASTIC BRIDE AND BRIDEGROOM.

TURNBULL-PINDER.

pinder-and-turnbull-wedding-rotherham-16-08-34-1

Pinder – Turnbull Wedding

The marriage took place in the Eastwood Methodist Church on Thursday of Miss Marjory Pinder, M.A., the younger daughter of Mrs. Pinder, of East Dene, Rotherham, and the late Mr. M. H. Pinder, to Mr. G. A. Turnbull, B.Sc., the only son of Mr. And Mrs. W. Turnbull, of Newcastle-on-Tyne.

The marriage service was conducted by the Rev. G. W. Thorn (Circuit Superintendent Minister), and the organist was Mr. Harold Rooks.

The bride, who was educated at the Rotherham High School and took her degree at the Sheffield University, has since been French and music mistress at the Shiremoor Modern School. The bridegroom, who was educated at Rutherford College, Newcastle-on-Tyne, took his degree at the Durham University and is mathematics master at Bedlington Secondary School.

Rotherham Girls High School

The bride was attired in a charming ivory satin gown, combined with wreath and veil, and carried a bouquet of cream roses. The chief attendant, Mrs. Sidney Addy, was dressed in green floral georgette and carried a bouquet of lemon carnations. The two junior attendants (nieces of the bride) were dressed in primrose georgette and carried Victorian posies of marigolds.

A reception was held in the Methodist Church Schoolroom, Eastwood.

The honeymoon is being spent in North Wales, and the newly-married couple will take up their residence in Morpeth, Northumberland.

Eastwood Methodist Church

The father of the bride was for many years Water Department Superintendent for the Rotherham Corporation.

TURNBULL – PINDER. – At the Eastwood Methodist Church on Thursday, August 16th, by the Rev. G. W. Thorn. George, the only son of Mr. And Mrs. W. Turnbull, of Newcastle-on-Tyne, to Marjory, younger daughter of Mrs. Pinder, of East Dene, Rotherham.

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Francis Thomas Pinder

April 1, 2013 — Nikellom

H.A. English, F.T.P., D.L.P. & C.J.P. - Circa 1920 - Photographed by A. & A.E. Whate (Skegness & Mablethorpe) (Copyright J. Pinder) (1)

Madie & Frank with children, Dorothy & Jim, circa 1920

Francis Thomas Pinder, born in 1884 in Rotherham, is my great granduncle and son of Francis Pinder and Hannah Berry.

In 1914, in Talbot Lane Methodist Church, Rotherham, Frank married Harriett Amelia English (known as Madie), daughter of James Everett and Alice English.

THE ADVERTISER, SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 1914.

PINDER – ENGLISH. – August 11, at Talbot Lane Wesleyan Church, by the Rev. J. (?) Havelock Thompson, Frank, son of Mr. and Mrs. F. Pinder, of Carlisle street, to Harriet Amelia (Madie), daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. E. English, of 22 (?), Tooker road.

Talbot Lane Church

Together, Frank and Madie issued five children, called, Clifford James (1916 to 2010), Francis Henry (1917 to 1917), Dorothy Lois (1919 to 2001), Francis Alan (1921 to 2006) and Stanley English (1925 to 1993).

Frank and Harriet lived all or nearly all of their married life at 69 Bradgate Lane in Rotherham.

My father once recalled visiting Madie after Frank had passed away, and remembered copious quantities of cake and suchlike being offered to him, which was greatly received by his sweet tooth.

Bradgate Lane

Below is a newspaper article(s) published shortly after Frank’s death.

THE ADVERTISER, SAT., MAR. 3RD, 1951

PINDER. – At 69, Bradgate Lane, on Tuesday, February 27th, Francis Thomas, dearly loved husband of Harriet Amelia Pinder.

MR. F. T. PINDER

The death occurred on Tuesday of Mr. Francis Thomas Pinder, aged 66, of 69, Bradgate Lane, Kimberworth.

Mr. Pinder was for some time employed by Messrs. Yates Haywood and Co. He then went to the Rotherham Power Station, then in its early days and was for many years a charge engineer.

Frank’s headstone

A prominent figure in Rotherham Methodist circles, Mr. Pinder was for 35 years an active member of the Kimberworth Methodist Church.

Frank was buried with his parents and brother, Francis Clement Walker Pinder, who had died in infancy in 1881.

Madie lived to the ripe old age of 98, passing away in 1981 in Bedfordshire.

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The Shackleton Family of Leeds and Rotherham, Yorkshire

March 23, 2013 — Nikellom

Hannah Shackleton

The Shackleton family in my family tree is a very intertwined and confusing one. It seems to start when my third great grandfather issued a son with his first wife, Maria, who was called William Shackleton Pinder. William died aged nearly two months in October 1836. His mother, Maria, appears to have died as a consequence of William’s birth. I do not know when Thomas and Maria married or what Maria’s maiden name was. William’s middle name might suggest it was Shackleton.

On the 1841 Census, Thomas Pinder is living in Westgate in Rotherham with his children and a housekeeper called Mary Shackleton. ‘Housekeeper’ is often a euphemism for girlfriend / partner etc on nineteenth century Census Returns. Thomas and Mary marry in 1843. Mary’s father is named as William Shackleton and his occupation is given as Potter. So, it may be that William Shackleton Pinder was named Shackleton in honour of Mary who perhaps nursed him after his mother’s death or perhaps Mary and Maria were sisters. Also on the 1841 Census, Thomas’s daughter is living with a George and Sarah Shackleton in Ferry Fryston, Pontefract. George’s occupation is given as Potter.

Westgate

Thomas Pinder’s son, Robert Thomas Pinder, loses his wife in 1855. He then, in 1856, marries a Hannah Shackleton in Leeds. Hannah’s father’s name is given as James Shackleton and his occupation as Potter.

Mary Shackleton who married Thomas Pinder was born in West Melton near to Rotherham. There could be some connection between Mary and a Susanna Shackleton who originated from Brampton (next to West Melton) who married George Liversidge and lived in Swinton, South Yorkshire. Susanna and George issued a son called Alfred who became quite a notable sportsman. There are a number of Shackleton people buried in Swinton and it might be that a branch or two of the Shackleton family gravitated from West Yorkshire to Swinton because of the renowned Rockingham Pottery in Swinton.

Shackleton grave, Swinton

How all of these different Shackleton people are connected to each other is very confusing. Although I have no proof, I believe that a William Shackleton issued a number of children in Leeds and that some were baptised in Saint Peter’s Church in Leeds. I think one of these children was called James who fathered Hannah Pinder (wife of Robert Thomas Pinder) and another was called George (who Hannah Pinder was staying with in 1841). It’s possible that William moved to South Yorkshire, perhaps because of the aforementioned Rockingham Pottery in Swinton and thus issued Mary (wife of Thomas Pinder) in West Melton.

If anybody with an extensive knowledge of the Shackleton family reads this, I would appreciate their input.

Special thanks are owed to Carol Webb for the photo of Hannah.

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William Charles

March 21, 2013 — Nikellom

William Charles

William Charles, born in 1880 in Masbrough, Rotherham, married my second great aunt, Winifred Pinder, in 1908.

William built their family home that he called ‘Wyvenhoe’ on Moorgate Road, Rotherham and I also heard that he built a row of houses in the Bradgate area of Rotherham.

Below is a newspaper article(s) regarding William’s death (special thanks to Ros Templeman for the photo of William).

THE ADVERTISER, FRI., MAR. 20TH, 1970

Wyvenhoe

CHARLES. – William, in his 90th year, husband of the late Winifred; peacefully at his home, 191, Moorgate Road, Rotherham, March 18th. Service, Talbot Lane Methodist Church on Monday, March 23rd, at 3 p.m., followed by interment at Kimberworth Parish Churchyard.

DEATH OF MR. W. CHARLES

Mr. William Charles, one of the founders of the Rother Boiler Co., Ltd., and the Rotherham Steel Strip Co., Ltd., died at his home at 191, Moorgate Road, Rotherham, on Wednesday. He was 89.

Rother Boiler Company, Rotherham

Born and educated at Masbro’ Mr. Charles, after leaving school, joined his father’s building firm of William Charles and Sons.

In 1917, Mr. Charles and his elder brother, Alfred founded the Rotherham Steel Strip Co., with other partners, and then the Rother Boiler Co.

At the time of his death, Mr. Charles was still a director of the two firms, and one of his sons, Mr. R. F. L. Charles, is still connected with Rotherham Steel Strip Co. Ltd.

139-saint-thomass-church-kimberworth-charles-15-11-13-28

William & Winifred’s headstone

Up to the time of his death Mr. Charles was an active member of Talbot Lane Methodist Church. He was also a keen gardener.

Mr. Charles leaves two sons, three daughters, and two grandchildren. Interment will take place at Kimberworth Parish Churchyard next Monday, following a service conducted by the Rev. Douglas Griffiths, M.B.E., at Talbot Lane Methodist Church.

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Edith Mary Pinder

November 4, 2011 — Nikellom

Edith

Edith Mary Pinder is my paternal grandmother and was born in 1901 in Rotherham to parents, Matthew Henry Pinder and Alice Cunnington

In 1925, Edith married John Gilbert Mollekin. Together, they issued three children who were called, Beryl Marjory, John Malcolm and James Barrie.

Like her sister, Marjory, Edith was educated at Rotherham Girls High School.

Rotherham Girls High School

Edith died in 1952 following a series of strokes over a period of about three years. She is buried in Saint Alban’s Churchyard, Wickersley. Below is a newspaper article pertaining to her death.

The funeral took place at Wickersley Church on Wednesday, the Rector of Wickersley (Canon W. Sorby Briggs) officiating, of Mrs. Edith Mary Mollekin, wife of Mr. John G. Mollekin, 109, Melciss Road, Wickersley, who died last Saturday at her home after a long illness, aged 51.

melciss-road-listerdale-no-109-17-08-03-3

109 Melciss Road

A native of Rotherham, she had resided at Wickersley for the last 22 years. Her husband is a British Railways signalman stationed at Rawmarsh. During the second world war, and for several years after, Mrs. Mollekin a book-keeper and accountant, was employed in the accountancy department of the Borough Treasurer’s office at Rotherham. Before being taken ill about 18 months ago, she was employed for a few months in the office of Messrs. A. E. and E. A. Sides, auctioneers, of Rotherham.

(Grave No. 31) Saint Alban's Church, Wickersley - 29.04.07 (1)

Edith’s grave

In addition to the widower, she leaves two sons. The mourners included Mr. J. G. Mollekin (widower); Mr. J. Mollekin and Mr. B. Mollekin (sons); Mr. J. Pinder (Fernhurst, Surrey), Mr. and Mrs. D. Pinder (Mundesley-on-Sea), Warrant Officer P. Pinder, R.A.F. (stationed at Hull), and Mrs. J. Webster, of Rotherham (brothers and sisters-in-law); Mr. and Mrs. G. A. Turnbull, of Morpeth (brother-in-law and sister); Mr. and Mrs. A. Hunter, of Hoyland (cousin and wife); Mr. W. Charles, of Whiston (uncle): Miss N. Charles and Mrs. M. Bates (cousins); Mrs. R. Harrison and Mrs. A. Longden, Mr. and Mrs. G. Norbron, Mrs. S. Shaw, Mrs. Brown, Mrs. G. Brotherton and Miss E. Ross. Mr. Mollekin and family sincerely thank Dr. Peckitt, Nurse Wooley, friends and neighbours for their kindness, sympathy and floral tributes.

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Beryl Marjory Mollekin

November 3, 2011 — Nikellom

Beryl M. Mollekin

My aunt, Beryl Marjory Mollekin, the daughter of Edith Mary Pinder and John Gilbert Molleken was born in 1926, in her grandmother’s home on Bethel Road, Eastwood, Rotherham.

Beryl lived the first few years of her life at 33 Bentley Road, Bramley, Rotherham, before moving to a newly erected house on Melciss Road in Listerdale, Wickersley.

As a teenager, Beryl began working as a Clerk at the Masbrough Goods Railway Station in Rotherham. Before joining the Army, my father also worked here.

Bethel Road, Eastwood, Rotherham

My father remembered Beryl having a Polish boyfriend who was a pilot in the Royal Air Force. I can’t remember this gentleman’s name, but I seem to recall my father saying that he gave him sweets etc. and was good-natured and friendly towards him. My father remembered how one evening, his sister was in a hysterical state, with her parents trying to calm her down without success. My father surmised, years later, that this was when her Polish boyfriend had been killed in action.

Saint Alban’s Church, Wickersley

Nineteen days after her nineteenth Birthday, in May 1945, Beryl married Andrew Beulah Kennedy in Saint Alban’s Church, Wickersley. Andrew was a Corporal in the American Air Force, stationed in the local area.

A U.S. AIR FORCE BRIDEGROOM. – Miss Beryl Marjory Mollekin, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. G. Mollekin, of 109 Melciss Road, Wickersley, was married at St. Alban’s Church, Wickersley, last Saturday, to Mr. Andrew B. Kennedy, only son of Mrs. Kennedy, of Hampton, Tennessee, U.S.A., and the late Mr. A. B. Kennedy. The bridegroom is in the U.S. Air Force. The Rev. H. Lee officiated and the hymns sung were ‘O Perfect Love’ and ‘Lead Us, Heavenly Father,’ Mr. S. Briggs the organist. Wearing a gown of white lace, with a net veil and coronet of orange blossom, the bride was given away by her father. She carried a bouquet of pink carnations, sweet peas and maiden-hair fern.

ABK & BMM - Wickersley - 19.05.45 (edited)

Andrew and Beryl

Shortly after their marriage, Beryl and Andrew left England to live in Andrew’s homeland, which was Tennessee, America. This was also an exciting time for my father, as he would receive gifts of items from America that he wouldn’t otherwise have obtained in England. My father was also looking forward to a planned holiday in Tennessee. When Beryl began her journey to America, at the railway station, she gave my father a small, toy, railway engine.

In Tennessee, Beryl became a Bible Teacher.

Telegram announcing Linda’s birth

In September 1946, Beryl gave birth to my cousin, Linda. Beryl sadly passed away four days later.

Coincidentally, Beryl’s great grand aunt, Martha Pinder, died following childbirth 75 years previous in 1871. Both Beryl and Martha had lived at an address, numbered 109. Martha died at 109 Hope Street in Rotherham, whilst Beryl’s last residence in England was 109 Melciss Road, Listerdale, Wickersley.

Telegram announcing Beryl’s death

After Beryl’s death, my grandmother frequently communicated with Linda’s relations in America as she wanted to bring her to England so that she could be raised in Wickersley. It was decided however that Linda would remain in Tennessee. My grandmother passed away just six years later without ever seeing Linda, but my grandfather was finally able to make a trip to see her in 1963.

Below are a couple of newspaper articles pertaining to Beryl’s death.

Saint Elizabeth Hospital, Elizabethton, Tennessee, America

CONDOLENCES

Our deepest sympathy with the members of a Wickersley family has been given to them in the sad and sudden loss of their daughter in child birth. Beryl Mollekin, as we knew here, was married here a year last May to Andrew Kennedy, who was in the American Air Force. He was a very nice young man, and they were very happy together. Just after Easter, Beryl went out to America to join him, and last month gave birth to a baby, living only four days after the child was born. Beryl was a member of the Church and a Sunday School teacher. In their deep sorrow, her parents have the consolation of knowing that she was a good girl, and we hope and pray that, though she died so far away from home, they will be granted faith to realise that they may look forward in patience, hope and trust to seeing her again in the eternal home.

Beryl’s Grave

ELIZABETHTON, Sept. 14. – Mrs. Beryl Mollekin Kennedy, one of Carter country’s war brides and wife of Andrew B. Kennedy, Jr., of Hampton, died at 11:50 a.m. Friday, in St. Elizabeth Hospital, after a brief illness.

A native of Yorkshire England, she was married in England May 19, 1945 and came to this country in April. Her husband, who was stationed with the Eighth Air Corps in England for three and a half years, arriving home last January. The young couple had been making their home with his parents at Hampton. She was a member of the Church of England.

A pregnant Beryl (left) with her Bible class students

Besides the husband, she is survived by an infant daughter, Linda Kay; parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Mollekin; and two brothers, John and Barrie Mollekin, all of England.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at Hampton Baptist Church with the Rev. B. N. Canup in charge. Burial will be in the Hall Cemetery.

Saint Alban’s Churchyard, Wickersley

Pallbearers will include Harlan Oakes, Hazen Brumit, Don Hazelwood, Bobby Oakes, Ray Waycaster, Jack Stevens, Sam Young and Charles Baker.

The body will remain at the Roy Hathaway Funeral Home, which is in charge, until 1 p.m. Sunday when it will be taken to the church to lie in state until hour of services.