Henry Harris

 Devon born Henry Harris could have been one of the oldest men to serve during the First World War who was a resident from Swansea.

Henry was born 1848, in Barnstaple, was the youngest son of Joseph and Betty Harris.

The 1851 Census records that the Harris family were resident at 94 Gafdon Street, Barnstaple.

1851 Census

Joseph, 36, was employed as Ag Lab, and Betty, also 36 years old was a lace mender.  Their children were

Richard, 7; Margaret, 5 and 3-years old Henry who all attended school.

Also present were lodgers, Grace Westacell, 73, Pauper; Jane Royles, 26, a servant and 1 day year old Emma Jane Royles Fisher, daughter of the above.

12-year-old Henry Harris was recorded as a servant at the time of the 1861 census, having been employed by the Dowing family.

1867 Henry Harris married Jessey Hill

The 1871 Census, records that the Harris family were living at 38 Boden’s Row, Barnstaple.

1871 Census

Henry Harris, 22, was employed as a Road Lab.  Jessy was 25 years old.  Their three young children were

Thirza, 3; Sarah Ann, 1, and 2-month-old Henry.

Henry and Jessie moved to Swansea by the time of the 1881 census.

1881 Census

The census records that Henry and Jessie were living at 4 Rock Street.

Henry, 33, was employed as a General Labourer.  Jessie, 34 years old.  Their children were

Thirza, 13; Sarah Ann, 11; Henry, 10, and 8-year-old William.

The 1891 census records that the Harris family were resident at 183 Lynn Street. 

1891 Census

47-year-old Henry was employed as a Gas Stoker.  Jessie was 46 years old.  Their children were

William, 18; Albert, 16, and 12-year-old Thomas were all employed as Cart Hauliers.  Eliza, E., 9; Gladys, 7; James, 4, and 9-month-old Daisy.

The 1901 Census, Henry, who is recorded as Joseph H. and Jessie were living at 15 Rock Street.

1901 Census

Joesph Henry, 53, was employed as a General Labourer, whilst Jessie was 53 years old.  Their children present were.

Thomas, 24, was employed as a Carter Coal, James R., 16, who was a Driver of a Cart.  Gladys. J., 14, and 6-year-old Jessie Violet.

A decade later, at the time of the 1911 census, Henry and Jessie were still living at 15 Rock Street.

1911 Census

Henry, 62, was still employed as a General Labourer.  Jessie was 63 years old.  Their children were

Married daughter Gladys Irene Pritchard, 25, who was employed as a Fuse Worker (Winder), and Jessie Violet, 17, who was employed as Charwoman. 

Also present in the property, were boarder, 25 years old Edith Danter and her daughter 3-month-old Beatrice M.

Herald of Wales

Henry Harris
Danygraig Cemetery
credit - findagrave

Henry served with the Royal Engineers; Inland Water Transport ranked as a Sapper.  The Herald of Wales reported his death, April 1917, following a drowning in North Wales.  Henry was buried at Danygraig Cemetery.