Edith Stainsby [sb.6.5.2]

Edith Stainsby was the second child of William Stainsby & Jane Stephenson born July 21st, 1878 at Linthorpe & christened August 14th, 1878 at Linthorpe.

In 1881 Edith was living at Benson St, Linthorpe with her parents, older brother Thomas & baby sister Nellie.

In 1891 Edith was still living at home at Newport Rd, Middlesbrough. As well as Thomas & Nellie also at home were children Joseph (8), Mary E (6), George (4) & John (1).

Edith (left) & Mary Emily Stainsby c1910

Edith married Joseph Willey on July 21st, 1900 at St Paul’s, Ryhope. Joseph was born July-September 1878 at Winlaton, the son of Sarah & Joseph Willey, a hind. At the time of the wedding Joseph was living at Grange Farm, Ryhope & Edith was living with her family at 3 Leechmere Rd, Grangetown. Witnesses at the wedding were Thomas Willey & Nellie Stainsby, Edith’s sister. Both Edith & Joseph had themselves been witnesses at the wedding of Joseph’s brother John Willey to Mary Hannah Hall in 1898.

In 1901 Edith (known as Edie) & Joseph were living at Lees Cottages, Ryhope & Joseph was a cartman on a farm.

By 1911 Joseph & Edith had moved to 1 Royle St, Grangetown (one of the houses built by Edith's father) & Joseph was still a cartman.

After the 1914-18 war Joe set up a farm in Ryhope, because discharged soldiers could obtain a government grant to purchase farms. As Joe had served as a gunner in the 1st World War he qualified & rented land from Ryhope Asylum Board.

Around 1920-24 their niece Ada Earnshaw lived with them while Ada’s mother, Mary Emily, was in hospital. Edie died January 27th, 1927, aged 48, & was buried at St Aidan’s cemetery, Grangetown. Following Edie's death niece Freda Earnshaw (daughter of Edie's sister Mary Emily) became Joe’s housekeeper for a time. Nephew Alan Earnshaw also went to work on the farm after leaving school in c1930. The intent was for Alan to become a farmer. By the early 1930s the land that Joe had rented was needed by the Ryhope Hospital Authority so Joe was forced to sell up his farm. Nephew Alan returned home to become an apprentice joiner at Thompsons timber yard.

Joseph died April 14th, 1941, aged 62 & was buried with his wife at St Aidan’s, Grangetown, Co. Durham.

Joseph & Edith's headstone at St Aidan's, Grangetown