Paul Thomas Wall [w.8.5]

Paul Thomas Wall was the fifth child of Edward Wall & Mabel Wale born August 7th, 1852 at Moore St., West Bromwich & christened September 26th, 1852 at Christ Church, West Bromwich.

Paul was still living at home in 1871 with his widowed father, brothers & sister at Newhall St, West Bromwich. Paul worked as a grinder.

Paul married Louisa Freeth on December 27th, 1877 at Christ Church, West Bromwich. Witnesses at the wedding were Louisa’s brother, William Freeth, Eliza Darby, Henry Jones & Paul’s sister, Mabel Wall. Louisa was the daughter of James Freeth & Maria Vesey, born September 6th, 1853 at Moore St, West Bromwich. James was a provision dealer & later a publican, but was described on the marriage certificate as ‘gentleman’. Louisa was the youngest of 10 children! Coincidentally Paul & Louisa were both born in Moore St.

In 1881 Paul & Louisa were living at 48 Clifton St, Litchurch, Derby. Paul was a locomotive fireman. They had 1 daughter, Florence Louisa, aged 2. Sadly Florence died on August 17th, 1881 at 22 Victoria St, West Bromwich. The cause of death was croup, a respiratory disease usually found in young children. Two more daughters, Gertrude & Lilian, & son Thomas were born in the 1880s. Tragically daughter Lilian died in infancy.

In 1891 they were still living at Litchurch but had moved to 44 Bloomfield St & Paul was now a railway engine driver. Daughter Gertrude (7) & son Tom (3) were at home.

Left:Paul & Louisa with Gertrude & Thomas c1896 Right:Louisa & Paul c1915

In 1901 Paul & Louisa had returned to West Bromwich & were living at 43 Hope St. Paul was now a stationary engine man. Son Thomas was still at home but Gertrude (17) was visiting the Bailey family at Bakers Lane in Derby. She was listed as a pupil teacher as was her fellow pupil teacher Evelyn Mary Hewitt (16) who was the Bailey’s adopted daughter.

Paul & Louisa were still at 43 Hope St in 1911 & Paul was now described as an engines supervisor - ‘springs & spring balance & automotive weighing machines & typewriters'. His employer was George Salter & Co. There were no children at home.

Paul Thomas died on February 5th, 1934, aged 81, at 43 Hope St, West Bromwich. He was buried at Heath Lane Cemetery, West Bromwich. Probate was granted on March 28th, 1934 to widow Louisa. Paul’s effects amounted to £2,094.15s.2d. He was buried at Heath Lane Cemetery, West Bromwich.

The 1939 register shows widowed Louisa who is listed as incapacitated living with her daughter Gertrude (now Gertrude Horton) at Troed-y-Bryn, Dolgelley, Merionethshire, Wales. Also there was her granddaughter, Frances Mary (Molly) Holt.

Louisa died on December 30th, 1944, aged 91, at Troed-y-Bryn, Arthog Merioneth & is buried at Arthog, North Wales, where her daughter Gertrude & husband Denys Horton lived. Probate was granted on May 2nd, 1945 to son Thomas, borough education officer. Her effects were £1,122.0s.1d.

The children of Paul Thomas Wall & Louisa Freeth were:

w.8.5.1 Florence Louisa Wall born at Litchurch, & christened March 2nd, 1879 at St Andrews, Derby; died August 17th, 1881 at West Bromwich & buried at Heath Lane Cemetery, West Bromwich
w.8.5.2 Gertrude Wall born April 19th 1883 at Litchurch, & christened May 13th, 1883 at St Andrews, Derby; died December 6th, 1952, Arthog, Wales

w.8.5.3 Lilian Wall born at Litchurch & christened March 1st, 1885 at St Andrews, Derby; died March 1885 at Litchurch
w.8.5.4 Thomas Wall born February 26th, 1888 at 48 Clifton St, Derby & christened May 6th, 1888 at Litchurch, Derby; died August 7th, 1976 at Hounslow, Middlesex