Alfred Horton [h.1.7.3.5]

We are grateful to grandson, Richard Horton, for kindly providing information & photos of Alfred

Alfred Horton was the fifth child of Richard Horton & Martha Elizabeth Stone born July 27th, 1887 at West Bromwich, Staffs & christened August 21st, 1887 at St Andrews, West Bromwich.

In 1891 Alfred was living at 232-234 High St, West Bromwich where his father was a grocer. Alfred had 4 brothers & a sister.

In 1896 Alfred & his brothers Sydney & Oscar started at Christ Church School, West Bromwich. Previously all 3 ha attended St Martin's Church of England school, Tipton. Alfred left Christ Church school in April 1900.

In 1901 the family were living at 37 New St, West Bromwich & Alfred was working as an assistant grocer in his father’s grocery shop. There were 3 brothers & a sister still at home.

At the time of the 1911 census Alfred was a boarder with the Hilder family at 78 Stanley Rd, West Croydon, Surrey. He was a grocer's assistant. His wife-to-be Florence Annie Bunker was also living in West Croydon at this time, as a servant for Isabella Mary Clibborn. Isabella Clibborn appears to have been a wealthy spinster living on private means who had employed Elizabeth Bunker (aged 21 & born in Stopsley, Bedfordshire) in 1901 & then Florence in 1911 as domestic servants. Isabella was clearly an important figure in Florence's life as she named her daughter after her.

On May 12th, 1913 Alfred (25) married Florence Annie Bunker (24) at Christ Church , West Bromwich . Witnesses were Oscar Horton (Alfred's brother), Elizabeth Bunker & Isabella Mary Clibborn.

Alfred & Florence's wedding, 1913

At the time of the marriage Alfred's address was given as Bishop Wearmouth, Sunderland & he was a commercial traveller. Florence's address was 15 Oxford Rd, West Bromwich (the home of Alfred's parents). She was born c1889, at Stopsley, Luton, Bedfordshire, the daughter of Annie & William George Bunker, an engineer.

Alfred & Florence's marriage certificate

In 1914 Alfred & Florence were living at 6 Ivanhoe Terr, Sunderland where their first child, Richard Frederick, was born.

6 Ivanhoe Crescent, Sunderland, 2006

Alfred enlisted in the Royal Engineers on December 7th, 1915 at Sunderland, Co Durham. His address at this time was given as 61 St Leonards St, Sunderland & his occupation was a horse van salesman. His height was only 5ft 4ins! Alfred's regiment on his pension records was R.E. 139 A.T. Company.

Alfred in WW1

In January 1917 Alfred was posted from Devonport to Salonica, Greece. Unfortunately his army records are difficult to decipher but it appears that he was in Greece until January 1920 when he returned to Devonport. Whilst abroad Alfred contracted malaria & was described on his discharge record as 20% disabled. For this he was awarded 8 shillings per week & an additional 4 shillings and 8 pence for his wife & 2 children. This pension began February 13th, 1920 & was to be reviewed in 26 weeks. Alfred was demobilised on January 16th, 1920 & his home address was given as 16 Baker Rd, Harlesden, London. Alfred was awarded the British War Medal & the Victory Medal in 1921.

Florence with son Richard Frederick & daughter Isabella Mary 1918/19

According to grandson, Richard Horton, after the war Alfred & Florence moved back north where Alfred worked for Horniman & Co, tea merchants. In 1926 Alfred won first prize, a gold watch, as the top salesman for the company. By 1936 they were living at 39 Grasmere Avenue, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Sadly Florence died on July 12th of that year. She died, aged 48, of a cerebral haemorrhage in her sleep.

The 1939 register shows Alfred living at 217 Goldspink Lane, Newcastle with daughter Isabella. He was described as a wholesale tea salesman.

By July 1940 Alfred was living at Chelmsford Grove & in 1954 he lived at 70 Crathorne Gardens, Heaton, Newcastle, with his daughter Isabella who owned the house & was a pet meat supplier. Grandson Richard remembers spending many summer holidays at Crathorne Gardens.

Alfred died on February 9th, 1966, aged 78, at The General Hospital, Newcastle, the cause of death being bronchopneumonia & carcinoma of the prostate. He was buried at Heaton Cemetery, Newcastle. Probate was granted on March 7th, 1966 to daughter Isabella Mary Horton, spinster. His effects were £1964.

The children of Alfred Horton & Florence Annie Bunker were:

h.1.7.3.5.1 Richard Frederick Horton born March 13th, 1914 at Sunderland; died May 8th, 1999 at Romford, Essex
h.1.7.3.5.2 Isabella Mary Horton born July 7th,1916 & christened July 26th 1916 at St Barnabas, Hendon, Sunderland; died August 12th, 1979 at Conrad House, Bentinck Rd, Newcastle-upon-Tyne