John Donkin - who were his parents?

[aidansrest]

Hi

John Donkin was born in Sunderland c1890.

He married Mary Ann Fitzharris in Sunderland on the 2nd March 1914 - probably a RC marriage.


Mary Ann had been born in Wallsend, Northumberland on the 29th December 1889, being baptised on the 9th February 1890, the daughter of Patrick Fitzharris and his wife, Mary Ann Cranney.

A daughter, Mary Ann, was born on the 28th November 1914.

However, as a consequence of the outbreak of World War One, John had enlisted with the Durham Light Infantry (2/7th 5th (Reserve) Battalion on the 29th October 1914; he named Mary Ann Donkin as his next of kin.

During his service, he suffered a gunshot wound to the left thigh and also a compound fracture.
John was demobilised on the 9th September 1919, and a son, John, was born on the 13th March 1920; 1921 census finds the family living in 3 Nelson Square, Monkwearmouth, (the address John gave on his military papers), where he gave his occupation as a shipyard labourer (out of work), but usually employed by Pickersgill Shipyards.

Another son, Stephen Stanley, was born on the 7th December 1922, and twins, William Douglas and Frederick, was born on the 12th February 1925.

Sadly, the 1939 register finds John listed as a patient, within Sunderland Mental Hospital, Ryhope; it is unfair to speculate as to why he was there, but his experiences during World War One may have contributed to his poor mental state.
The register finds Mary Ann, with sons, John, Stephen Stanley, and twins, William Douglas and Frederick, living in 9 Egerton Street.

Tragically, John died in Cherry Knowle (Ryhope Mental Hospital) on the 8th March 1941; he was only 50 years of age.

I can tentatively find him in 1911, living in 56 Victor Street, Monkwearmouth, where he was lodging with Nicholas Prior and his wife, Annie (nee Cassidy).
He was employed then as a machine oiler at the ropeworks (if this was indeed the John I'm looking for).

I can't find any birth registration for him between 1889 (birth year estimated on short service paper) and 1891 - nor can I find him in 1901, or 1891.

Can anybody have better luck?

Sue

[Milliepede]

The marriage certificate should name his father so that would be a first step if you can't locate a birth for him. 

Marriage witnesses can also be helpful if relations.

[Milliepede]

Does the 1911 you have confirm Sunderland for birthplace?

There are 2 John Donkin births in 1891 - Morpeth and Hartlepool so they should be on census (if alive) to rule out if you haven't already done that.

[Milliepede]

There's a John Donkin age 8 born Sunderland who is a patient in 1901

[aidansrest]

Unfortunately I was thinking I may have to buy a copy of his marriage certificate.
Hoping there would be evidence of him with his parents prior to his marriage though.
His birthplace in 1911 is given as Sunderland.
He gives it as Sunderland when he enlists, and in 1921.
It is given as Sunderland in 1939, when he is in Ryhope Hospital, was hoping his date of birth may have been given too, but listed in 1939 as just 1889.

Sue

[aidansrest]

Saw that too, but no John Donkin birth listed in Sunderland between 1889 and 1892

Sue

[JenB]

Not that it helps with your immediate quest, but the military papers give his birthplace as MK Sunderland, which I assume could mean Monkwearmouth?

[aidansrest]

Yes you're right!  Hadn't realised he had put that!

Sue

[sgf28]

Sunderland Daily Echo Wednesday 2nd March 1927

Ex Soldier in Wearmouth Bridge Incident

There was an alarming incident on Wearmouth Bridge yesterday, when a man was seen to climb over the parapet at the north end of the bridge and fall off the other side. Spectators said they saw the man topple over head first.

Everyone rushed to the bridge and it was seen that the man had fallen onto the grass slope  about 30 feet below. Some men who witnessed the incident rushed down and brought him up again. The police examined him and had him brought to the Royal Infirmary, where it was found that although he had not received any serious injury his condition was such as to necessitate his removal to the Highfield Hospital.

He gave his name as John Donkin(37), an unemployed labourer of 3 Nelson Square, Sunderland. He was badly wounded, as well as having been gassed, in the war, and his health for some time has been indifferent.

There can be no doubt that he had a very lucky escape from serious injury, the soft grassy slope no doubt materially helping to break his fall. It is remarkable however, that there is not one bone broken in his body, he only received a few bruises.