Harold Septimus Storey

Harold Septimus was born in Wombwell, Yorkshire, the seventh son of George and Jessie Storey (née Gurden). His father was born in Worksop, Nottinghamshire, in 1859, the son of John Storey, a shoe maker and later a miner, and his wife Mary (née Leah). George was baptised at Worksop St Mary & St Cuthbert priory church in January 1860. His mother was born in Barking, Essex, in about 1863 and baptised at Barking St Margaret in May 1863. Her parents, Edward and Emma Gurden, had moved from Essex to Great Grimsby, Lincolnshire, by 1871; her father's occupation was recorded on the census as fisherman. George, a miner and Jessie, both of Worksop, were married at Worksop St John in July 1883. George signed the marriage register with his mark as did one of their two witnesses. The couple had ten children nine of whom were still living at the time of the 1911 Census: George Edward b. 1884 and Joseph b. 1886 who were both born in Worksop, John William b. 1888, Frank b. 1889, Walter birth registered 1893 (J/F/M), Ivy Isabella b. 1895, Charles b. 1897 and Horace b. 1901 who were all born in Wombwell, and Ernest b. Sandhills 1904. The family was living at Mitchell's Terrace, Wombwell, in 1891 and 1901. By 1901 George's three oldest sons were, like him, working in the mining industry, George jnr. and Joseph as pony drivers (below ground) and John a lamp carrier (below ground). By 1911 George and Jessie had moved to Edward Street, Sandhills, Great Houghton near Barnsley. Eight children were in the home on the night of the census: John, a coal miner hewer Frank, Walter and Charles who were pony drivers (below ground), Ivy (no occupation given) and Harold, Horace and Ernest who were school age. The second son, Joseph was married (1907, Sarah Taylor) and he and his wife and two children were also living in Great Houghton. The eldest son, George Edward (b. 1884), had died (date not yet traced). Some time after this date, and before the outbreak of war, George and Jessie with members of their family returned to live in Worksop at 7 Castle Hill Square. Harold's father completed a form for the army in October 1919 listing his son's surviving blood relatives. He named himself and his wife Jessie of 7 Castle Hill Square. According to the information provided on the form, their seven surviving sons, Joseph (33), John (31), Frank (29), Walter (26), Charles (22), Horace (18) and Ernest (15), were also living with their parents. Their only daughter, Ivy Isabella (24), was married (1916, Alec Jubb) and also living in Worksop. George and Jessie and their son Horace were still living together in Worksop in 1939 when the England & Wales Register was compiled. George died in 1946 and Jessie in 1952. Harold's older brother Frank attested on 2 September 1914 on a Short Service engagement (3 years with the Colours). He was 24 years old and employed as a collier. Frank named his parents of 7 Castle Hill Square as his next of kin. He was posted to the Leicester Regiment (12321, 'A' Coy, 9th (Service) Bn.) but was discharged on 6 October the same year as 'not likely to become an efficient soldier', the reason given being '6/60 vision right eye.' Their brother Walter may also have served in the war as there is a pension (disability) record for a Walter Storey (b. 1893) resident Worksop, who served in the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry (17210 Private).