I have just discovered that Google Mail includes an anti-spam feature I wasn’t aware of. Lurking within said spam folder – siting uncomfortably with spam for pharmaceuticals of dubious provenance and fake watches, was this enquiry, sent to me on the 1st January. To Graham, I can only apologise. Now I know it’s there’ I’ll try and rake out the spam folder on a regular basis, to prevent such things falling through the cracks.
Dear Bob,
My grandfather Henry Harrison was a miner living in Walsall Wood (the old school house on Beech Tree Road, see picture attached). His father was William Harrison, who is described in the 1911 Census as a “night rail foreman” with the U.D.C., living at Salters Road. He was born in Dodderhill, Droitwich–if I’m reading the original entry correctly. I haven’t been able to trace his move from Droitwich to Walsall Wood so far. I imagine that perhaps the majority of residents of Walsall Wood were newcomers to the area, for the coal mines. Most of my relations on both sides of the family were miners.
Is there any way in which I can get in touch with the U.D.C. About possible employment records for this William Harrison (born about 1850)?
All the best,
Graham Harrison
County Donegal,
Ireland.
The old schoolhouse on Beechtree Road, residence of Henry Harrison as sent by grandson Graham.
I would respectfully suggest that Graham gets in touch with Stuart Williams at Walsall Local History Centre – they can be contacted on +44 1922 721305, and are an invaluable source of such information.
If any blog readers have anything to contribute, please don’t hesitate. I know I have a few readers from The Wood, and your input could well be invaluable.