George William Earnshaw [e.1.6.8]

George William Earnshaw was the eighth child of Robert Earnshaw and Ann Richardson born October 8th, 1883 at Grange Terrace, Ryhope & christened December 9th, 1883 at St Paul’s, Ryhope.

In 1901 George was living at home at Stockton Terr, Ryhope and was a gilder's apprentice.

At the time of the 1911 census George was living with his sister Elizabeth, now married to Henry Francis Wright, a paper finisher, at 26 Leechmere Rd, Grangetown. George was now a picture framer. Henry & Elizabeth had 4 children living at home.

Like other members of his family, George was an active member of St Aidan's Church, Grangetown. He & his brother Fred are pictured below.

Members of St Aidan's Church of England Men's Society in 1912.

Standing first left: George Sainsbury; Seated from left 1. George Earnshaw, 3. Father Dawson, 4. George Wright, 5. Andrew Leonard Snr; Reclining front right Frederick Earnshaw

George married Ellen Maud Summerville on June 26th, 1912 at St Aidan's, Grangetown. At the time of the wedding he was living at 26 Leechmere Rd, Grangetown & Ellen was of 50 Robinson Terr, Hendon. Ellen Maud (known as Nellie) was born January 7th, 1886 at Sunderland the daughter of Elizabeth & David Summerville, an engine fitter. Witnesses at the wedding were Ernest Earnshaw, George’s younger brother, & Edith Jefferson.

With the advent of the tramway, George became a tram driver. The 1939 register shows George & Ellen living at 27 Tel-el-Kebir Road, Sunderland & George was working as a tram driver. Daughter Ellen was still at home & was a shop assistant in a wool department.

George & Ellen had a daughter Ellen Maud, who married George Watson Jnr on June 9th, 1943 at St Aidan's, Grangetown. George Watson took over his father’s butchers shop & house on Ryhope Rd, Grangetown. George & Ellen Earnshaw went to live there with daughter Maud & George Watson.

George & Ellen (Nellie) with daughter Ellen Maud

Photos courtesy of Rob Shepherd, author of a publication on the Centenary of St Aidan's Church, Grangetown

George died on June 21st, 1952, aged 68, at 9 Stockton Terrace, Grangetown. Administration of his estate was granted to widow Ellen & his effects were £582.5s.10d.

Ellen died November 27th, 1963, aged 77, at 9 Stockton Terrace, Grangetown. Administration of her estate was granted to daughter Ellen Maud Watson & her effects were £1,062.

The children of George William Earnshaw & Ellen Maud Summerville were:

e.1.6.8.1 Ellen Maud Earnshaw born August 3rd, 1920 at 27 Cairo St, Grangetown & christened August 31st, 1920 at St Aidan’s, Grangetown; died Jan-March 1995 at Sunderland