My Great Grand-father was John James Trattles. John James Trattles married his first wife Harriet Clara Bradley 29/02/1876 at Stockton.His marriage certificate states: He was aged 29, a bachelor, his occupation a coachman. His father is listed as Thomas Trattles, a labourer.
John James and Harriet had a son Edward Wm in 1877 who died in infancy.
Then came Alfred in 1879, unfortunately Harriet died not long after on 12th Oct 1879.
Harriet and Edward Wm are buried in Oxbridge Cemetery with the headstone inscription: "Harriet Clara / beloved wife of / John J Trattles who died October / 12th 1879 Aged 26 years / ........ / Also of Edward William son of the / above who died May 5th 1877 / Aged 7 weeks / ...verse."
In 1881 census Harriet's sister, Fredericka Sophia Bradley, is in residence with the family at 15 Kirby St, Stockton, as a "Housekeeper", obviously to take care of her deceased eldest sisters infant, Alfred.
John James is showing as Jno. J. Trattles, 34 year old widow, born in Comdale, and a labourer in the Iron Works.
By 1891 Fredericka is classed as John James' wife and they have a child John James Trattles (my grandfather). It is believed that Fredericka and John James (I) did not marry as at the time it was illegal to marry your wifes sister.John James (1) is showing as John. J. Tratles, married, 45 years old, born in Steers and a Millwright Labourer, still at 15 Kirby St.
John James (1) died 15th Jun 1896 leaving Frederica with her nephew Alfred now 17 and her son John James Trattles (II) aged 6.John James (1) death certificate states he was named "John James Trattles", 44 years old, a Labourer at Ironworks and died at 392 Cannon St, Middlesbrough. His son, Alfred was the informant.
In the Middlesbrough Gazetter for 3 years 1887, 88 & 89 following his death there is a memorial notice stating: "In memory of John James Trattles, better known as James Harrison, late of 392 Cannon St Middlesbrough, who died on Jun 15th 1896, in life respected, in death lamented."
To summarise:John James Trattles AKA James Harrison,Born between 1845 - 1852 either in Steers (Staithes) or Comdale (Commondale)His father was Thomas...
