For the past few months we have been trying to build an understanding of the Wilkinson family up to the factory disaster in 1941.
Our thanks go to Terry Wilkinson, his father Leslie and to Andrew Wilkinson and Gillian Wilkinson who have very kindly spent time and shared family knowledge and photographs.
Wilkinson family grave in Preston Cemetery, North Shields
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WILLIAM ARTHUR WILKINSON (1849 -18.01.1924) married EMMA WILKINSON (nee ?) (1849 – 30.07.1904)
[Founder of W.A.Wilkinson Ltd, Mineral Water Manufacturer – marriage date unknown]
Their Children
1. WILLIAM ARTHUR (junior) (1874-19.01.1955)
Photo shows: Willliam Arthur Wilkinson (seated holding child) and wife, Emma (seated). Eldest son, William Arthur (Junior) is standing hand in pocket.
2. ELIZABETH (1875-?)
She married ? Trotter in 1905, 2 children Andrew and William
3. EMMA (1878-?)
She married Robert Doubleday Forster (brewer’s clerk at Wilkinsons b1874) in 1901. One child, Robert.
Photo shows wedding gathering of Emma and Robert, taken at the rear of WAW senior’s property, Phoenix House.
4. MARY JANE (1880-1880)
No information known.
5. GEORGE RICHARD (1882 – c1952)
There is the death of an infant George Richard b1882 recorded on WAW senior’s gravestone. His name was re-used for his brother.
6. FLORENCE (1883-?)
She married August William Erickson (b1879 d1961 draper’s assistant, father born in Finland) in 1914. They had 2 children, William (died WW2) and Elsie.
Photo shows daughters of WAW: l-r: Florence, Elizabeth, Gertrude, Emma
7. ALFRED ERNEST (1884-1939)
He married Francis Coates Wharrier (b1886 d1951) in 1908. Their grave is in Preston Cemetery, North Shields just in front of WAW senior’s. One child, Ernest (aka “Young Ernie”). He married and had 2 children, Gertrude and Winnifred. It is “Young Ernie” who took over the reins of the business when his father died in 1939.
Photo shows l-r: Ernest, William Arthur (junior), George Richard?
8. GERTRUDE (06.04.1885 – d1975)
She married David Moffitt (Wilkinson’s company driver) in 1919. 2 daughters, Mabel (06.08.1921 – surviving) and Dorothy (dates unknown). Both unmarried.
9. KATE EVELINE (1890-1891)
10. BLANCHE M (1890-?)
aka Maud. She married James Storey date unknown. Storey is stated as “son in law” in WAW senior’s will, dated 16.01.1923.
11. WINNIFRED E (1892-?)
aka Elsie. Settled in Suffolk and has family there.
ALSO listed on gravestone
MINNIE (dates u/k – died in infancy)
THOMAS FREDERICK (dates u/k – died in infancy)
Upon William Arthur’s (senior) death in 1924, control of the company passed to his son Alfred Ernest (Ernie). Upon his death in 1939, his son, also called Ernie, is believed to have run the company up until the time of the bombing disaster.
William Arthur’s (senior) daughter Gertrude married David Moffitt in 1919. Mr Moffitt was a company driver at the time of the disaster. He is believed to have helped rescue people trapped in the shelter.