Walter Cooke

Walter was born in Arnold in 1892 the son of John a colliery banksman and Betsy Cooke, née Ottey of Church Lane, Arnold. His father John was born in 1868 in Arnold, his mother Betsey Ottey was born in 1868 at Barrow, Leicestershire, they were married in 1890 their marriage was recorded in the Basford registration district, they went on to have 8 children, sadly 1 died in infancy or early childhood, their surviving children were, Walter b1892, Betsy Ann b1897, Samuel b1899, Arthur b1903, Ernest b1905 and Albert b1901 all were born in Arnold. In the 1911 Census the family are living at 7 Church Lane Arnold and are shown as John 43 yrs a colliery banksman, he is living with his wife Betsy 43 yrs and their children, Walter 19 yrs, single and a collier downman (ganger) Betsy Ann 14 yrs a hosiery hand, Samuel 12 yrs a scholar, Arthur 8 yrs, Ernest 5 yrs and Albert 1 year of age. Walter married Kezia Bacon (born 1879) in 1908 their marriage was registered in the Basford registration district, they lived at 40 Furlong Street, Arnold, they went on to have a daughter Phyllis born 1908. Following his death his widow Kezia was awarded a pension of 17 shillings and 6 pence a week which commenced on 29th January 1917.