Beatrice Jane Speed was the fifth child of Jacob Speed & Isabella Hall (nee Tones) born October 10th, 1882 at Hetton-le-Hole, Co Durham.
Beatrice’s father died in 1890 & in 1891 she was living with her widowed aunt Margaret Parton & her son & daughter at 38 Wear St, Bishop Wearmouth. Margaret was a beer retailer.
In 1901 Beatrice was back home at the Shakespeare Inn, 5 North Terrace, Dawdon where her mother was the beer tavern keeper. Beatrice & her 2 sisters were assisting in the pub.
In Oct-December 1904 Beatrice married Joseph Aitchison in Easington. Joseph was born October 8th, 1882 at Ryhope, Co Durham, the son of Margaret & John Aitchison, a coal miner.
In 1911 Beatrice & Joseph were living at 3 Watt St, Dear Bank, Ferryhill & Joseph was a colliery blacksmith. They had 3 children – Margaret Isabel (5), Joseph (3) & John (8 months).
At the time of the 1939 register Joseph & Beatrice were living at 15 Sea View, Ryhope & Joseph continued to work as a colliery blacksmith. Family at home were Margaret, unpaid domestic duties, & Joseph, an accounts clerk at the Co-op store.
Son John was killed on June 16th, 1944 while serving with the Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment). He is commemorated at Ranville War Cemetery, France & it was noted that he was the husband of Irene of New Seaham, Co Durham. John had married Irene Fishwick in 1938 & in 1939 they were living in Queens Avenue, Easington with baby daughter Joan & John was a grocery shop assistant, traveller.
Joseph of 15 Sea View, Ryhope died on Nov 27th, 1965 & was buried in Ryhope Cemetery, Sunderland. Probate was granted to widow Beatrice & his effects were £990.
Beatrice of 15 Sea View died on July 27th, 1969 aged 86, & was buried in Ryhope Cemetery, Sunderland. Her effects were £4,745.
The children of Beatrice Jane Speed & Joseph Aitchison were:
sp.1.6.1.5.2.6.5.1 Margaret Isabel Aitchison born March 21st, 1906 at Ryhope; died February 28th, 1993 at Old Vicarage Nursing Home, Stockton Rd, Ryhope
sp.1.6.1.5.2.6.5.2 Joseph Aitchison born July 16th, 1907 at Ferryhill
sp.1.6.1.5.2.6.5.3 John Aitchison born July 28th, 1910 at Ferryhill; died June 16th, 1944 in France