Alfred Horton [h.1.7.3.4]

Alfred Horton was the fourth child of Richard Horton & Martha Elizabeth Stone born July-September, 1887 at West Bromwich, Staffs.

In 1891 Alfred was living at 232-234 High St, West Bromwich where his father was a grocer. Alfred had 4 brothers & a sister.

In 1901 the family were living at 37 New St, West Bromwich & Alfred was working as an assistant grocer in his father’s grocery shop. There were 3 brothers & a sister still at home.

At the time of the 1911 census Alfred was a boarder with the Hilder family at 78 Stanley Rd, West Croydon, Surrey. He was a grocer's assistant. His wife-to-be Florence Annie Bunker was also living in West Croydon at this time, as a servant for Isabella Mary Clibborn. Isabella Clibborn appears to have been a wealthy spinster living on private means who had employed Elizabeth Bunker (aged 21 & born in Stopsley, Bedfordshire) in 1901 & then Florence in 1911 as domestic servants. Isabella was clearly an important figure in Florence's life as she named her daughter after her.

On May 12th, 1913 Alfred (25) married Florence Annie Bunker (24) at Christ Church , West Bromwich . Witnesses were Oscar Horton (Alfred's brother), Elizabeth Bunker & Isabella Mary Clibborn.

At the time of the marriage Alfred's address was given as Bishop Wearmouth, Sunderland & he was a commercial traveller. Florence's address was 15 Oxford Rd, West Bromwich (the home of Alfred's parents). She was born c1889, at Stopsley, Luton, Bedfordshire, the daughter of Annie & William George Bunker, an engineer.

Alfred & Florence's marriage certificate

In 1914 Alfred & Florence were living at 6 Ivanhoe Terr, Sunderland where their first child, Richard Frederick, was born.

6 Ivanhoe Crescent, Sunderland, 2006

Alfred enlisted in the Royal Engineers on December 7th, 1915 at Sunderland, Co Durham. His address at this time was given as 61 St Leonards St, Sunderland & his occupation was a horse van salesman. His height was only 5ft 4ins!

In January 1917 Alfred was posted from Devonport to Salonica, Greece. Unfortunately his army records are difficult to decipher but it appears that he was in Greece until January 1920 when he returned to Devonport. Whilst abroad Alfred contracted malaria & was described on his discharge record as 20% disabled. For this he was awarded 8 shillings per week & an additional 4 shillings and 8 pence for his wife & 2 children. This pension began February 13th, 1920 & was to be reviewed in 26 weeks. Alfred was demobilised on January 16th, 1920 & his home address was given as 16 Baker Rd, Harlesden, London. Alfred was awarded the British War Medal & the Victory Medal in 1921.

The children of Alfred Horton & Florence Annie Bunker were:

h.1.7.3.4.1 Richard Frederick Horton born March 13th, 1914 at Sunderland
h.1.7.3.4.2 Isabella M Horton born July-September 1916 at Sunderland