James, my great grandfather, was the son of Thadeus Prior, farmer, and always gave his birthplace as Ballinamore, Co Leitrim. I haven't been able to trace his baptism, so don't know precisely when he was born, or who his mother was (although I think she must have been Rose nee Gilheany). By 1881, James was living in England: he married Elizabeth Brooks on 14 May 1881 at St William's Catholic church in Darlington, Co Durham, and the couple stayed there for the rest of their lives. James worked as a puddler in an iron foundry, but later became night watchman: my aunt says he lost a leg in an accident at the foundry, which would explain the change of job: I'm still hoping to find more information about this. James and Elizabeth had twelve children including my grandfather, also called James.
I have copies of James' marriage and death certificates.
| Additional Information | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 1st Jan 1855 (circa) | |
| Date of Death | 1st Apr 1923 | VIEW SOURCE |
