Emma Wall [w.8.7]

Emma Wall was the seventh child of Edward Wall & Mabel Wale born July-September 1859 at West Bromwich.

In 1871 Emma (12), along with her sister Harriet Ann (9), was living at Bromford Lane, West Bromwich with their older sister Hannah who was now married to William Bradbury (listed as Bradley in the census) who was a coach maker. Hannah & William had 2 children – George Albert (3) & Arthur Edward (2).

There is a record in the 1881 census for Edgbaston of an Emma Wall aged 23 working as a general domestic servant for the Grindle family at Bristol Rd.

Emma married William Timmis Turner in April-June 1888 at the Register Office, West Bromwich. William was born Jan-March 1859 at Birmingham. William had previously been married to Sarah Eliza Hyde, their marriage being registered on June 4th, 1884 at Dudley. William & Sarah had 3 sons, William Timmis (1884), Arthur Frederick (1886) & Elsior Frank (1887). Sarah died in 1887.

In 1891 Emma & William, a stationary engine driver, were living at Duke St, West Bromwich. William’s 3 children were still at home – William Timmis (6), Arthur Frederick (5) & Elsior Frank (4).

In 1901 the family were living at 22 Queens H Rd, Handsworth & William was still an engine driver. The 3 children were still at home – William, an engine driver at the steel works, Arthur, a plumbers assistant & Elsior Frank, an office boy. William & Emma appear not to have had any children of their own but had an adopted daughter, Clara Taylor (21) born in Birmingham, described as a wrapper up at a printers warehouse.

In 1911 Emma and William were living at 29 Mary Road Handsworth, West Bromwich. William was an engine driver for a box and cabinet maker. Their three sons were all at home - William was a stoker at the box and cabinet makers, Arthur and Frank were both diesinkers (engrave dies) at a toolmakers. Still living with them was their adopted daughter 31 year old Clara Taylor, who was a shop assistant at a jewellers and sundries shop.

In June 1913 son Arthur married Edith Evans at West Bromwich - see the photograph below.

Wedding of Arthur Turner to Edith Evans. Arthur's step mother, Emma, is seated on his right & next to her is Arthur's brother William Timmis Turner. Arthur's father, William Timmis Turner Snr, is standing 2nd left. Brother Elsior Frank & his wife Alice Dorothea are on the back row (4th & 5th from right).

Photograph courtesy of Ruth Tootill & Mike Webley (grandson of Elsior Frank Turner)

William died on February 12th, 1924, at Birmingham, Warks & was buried in Handsworth Cemetery.

Emma of 5 Tew Park Road, Handsworth, died February 8th, 1929, aged 70, at the Mental Hospital, Winson Green, Birmingham & is buried at the city cemetery, Handsworth. Administration of her estate was granted on May 16th, 1929 to son William Timmis Turner, engineer. Her effects were £368.6s.4d.