John Freeth was the fourth child of Josiah Freeth and Mary Yates born July-September, 1843 at Smethwick, Staffs
In 1851 John & his parents, 2 sisters & 2 brothers were living at Stoney Lane, Smethwick.
By 1861 John was still living at home at St George St, Smethwick with his 3 sisters & 2 brothers. John was working as a boiler maker, like his father.
His mother Mary died prior to 1871 when his father Josiah (mistakenly written as Breath in census) was registered as a widower. The family were still at St George St & John was a gas holder maker.
At the time of the 1881 census John was visiting his sister Ann Maria, now married to Isaac Turton, & their family. They were at Lewisham Rd, Smethwick, Staffs. John’s widowed father & his sister Mary Ann Wills was also there. John was now a stationary engine driver.
In 1891 John was again found with his sister (Ann) Maria Turton, who was now widowed. John was listed as a boarder & was working as a boiler stoker. They were living at 51 Brasshouse Lane, Smethwick.
John was found at the same address in 1901 & still boarding with the Turton family. The head of the family was now Carrie (Caroline) Turton, Ann Maria’s 21 year old daughter. John was now a general labourer.
John was listed as an inmate at the Union Workhouse, Selly Oak, Birmingham in 1911. He was described as formerly a labourer in the boiler yard.
John died, aged 68, in July-September 1912, the death being registered at
Kings Norton.