John North

 

John North

South Wales Daily Post

The South Wales Daily Post reported on 15 February 1916 that John North had passed away. He was later buried at Danygraig Cemetery.

Who was John North?

John North was born in 1856, the youngest son of Charles and Mary Ann North.

1861 Census

At the time of the 1861 Census, the North family was recorded as living at 63 Baptist Gate, Loughborough, Leicestershire. Charles, then 50, was working as a confectioner, while Mary Ann, aged 46, was managing the household. Their children were Edward (14), Henry (12), Harriot (9), and John (5). All were born locally in Loughborough.

1871 Census

By the 1871 Census, John was the only child still living with his parents at 20 South Street, Whitwick. Charles, then 55, continued working as a confectioner, and Mary Ann was 54. John, aged 15, was still attending school.

John North and Emma Leavers
marriage certificate
St. Peter's Church, Derby

In 1876, at the age of 20, John—by then working as a confectioner—married Emma Leavers at St Peter’s Church, Derby.

1881 Census

By 1881, John had taken a new path in life. The census records him as a “Travelling Proprietor of Swinging Boats (With Swings).” He and his wife Emma, aged 23, were living in caravans at Swansea with their two young children: William (2) and baby John (8 months). This marks the first official record of John as a showman.

1891 Census

The 1891 Census shows the family living at Corporation Field Caravan, Neath. John (37) continued in his trade as a travelling proprietor of swinging boats, while Emma was 35. Their household had grown to include six children: William (12), Charles (8), Maud A. (6), John (4), Elizabeth (2), and Alfred (8 months). They also employed five servants: Edith Griffiths (15), Julia Bukler (19), Thomas Sheen (20), Charles N. North (20), and James Evans (19).

1901 Census

By 1901, the Norths had settled at Fair Field, Aberavon. John (47) was described as a travelling showman, and Emma (48) remained at his side. Four of their children were recorded at home: William (22), Charles (18), Annie (16), and John (14). They also employed a servant, Charlotte Batts (19).

South Wales Daily Post

In January 1908, the South Wales Daily Post ran an article about “The Generous Showman,” John North. For the previous seven years, he had regularly sent parcels of tobacco and snuff to the inmates of Swansea Union, as well as gifts of coconuts for every child at the Cottage Home.

1911 Census

John North
Danygraig Cemetery
credit - findagrave

The final census to record John was in 1911. Still based at Fair Field, Aberavon, John (56) continued working as a showman, while Emma was 55. Two of their sons, Charles (27) and Henry A. (19), were listed as assistants in the family business. The household also included two servants: Jo Preast (36) and Jance Woods (42).