A tragic loss – so young. Life must have been very tough for Ellen after Thomas died. Image by reader Peter.
An interesting enquiry reaches me from longstanding reader, transcriber and all round friend of the blog Peter. Peter has found an interesting headstone in Brookland Road Cemetery, and wondered if we might be interested in (sensitively) finding out a bit more information.
Peter asked:
Hi Bob
Hope you’re well.
I spotted this curious and tragic headstone in the graveyard of St. John’s, Walsall Wood at the bottom end of Brookland Road.
I’m sure there is a story to be told but maybe too sensitive?
I’ll leave it with you if I may
All the very best
Peter
Of course, one has to be considerate with such things, and my (and I’m sure all readers) sympathies rest with the Selvey family. However, it’s an unusual event, and I thought it might be interesting to see if this sad occurrance was documented in the press of the day.
It took a bit of finding, and you’ll see why when your read the clipping below from the Lichfield Mercury of Friday, 21st July 1925.
From the Lichfield Mercury, of Friday, 31st July 1925.
I’ve transcribed the piece at the foot of the article for Google. Interestingly, the piece not only lists Thomas’s surname as Felvey, but lists him as living ‘at Walsall Wood, Rushall, near Walsall’. Was this a common description of Walsall Wood previously? I find it most odd.
Also interesting is the description of the place where Thomas passed away – the ‘public footpath leading from Green Lane to Hall Lane’ – I assume this is the one that goes from opposite the cottages over the steam bridges and emerges on Green Lane just opposite the older semis there.
As ever, sensitive comment is invited, or mail me on BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com if you’d rather.
Again, my sympathies to the Selvey family.
RUSHALL MAN KILLED BY LIGHTNING
TRAGEDY OF WEDNESDAY’S STORM
During a heavy thunderstorm about 7.30pm on Wednesday night, Thomas Felvey(sic) (38). a miner, who lives at Walsall Wood, Rushall, near Walsall, was killed by lightning. He was walking along the public footpath leading from Green Lane to Hall Lane, Walsall Wood, when he was struck down. No one witnessed the actual tragedy, but James Thomas Pinning, who resides at Walsall Wood, found the body in circumstances that leave no doubt as to the cause of the man’s death, for the crown of the man’s cap had a hole in it, and his boots were practically town away from his feet. There were n0(?) marks on the body. Felvey(sic) leaves a widow and two children.