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Donald Taylor (1904-)


Boy from Chester-le-Street who was "Boarded Out"


Donald was born in 1904 and by the age of 11 was living with his foster parent, Mrs Emerson. In October 1914 the visitor report recorded that he was being very well cared for at home but did note that he had a minor cut on the head, as a result of stone throwing. Donald may well have been the victim of bullying at school for in May 1915 his foster parent complained to the visitor that he was being frequently caned at school and references were being made to his Union background, that is, the workhouse. The foster parent was clearly angry about this, claiming that it was most unfair.

Donald was at least fortunate that he lived in such a caring home. He was described in February as ” Not strong” but when he suffered from fever that year, and tonsillitis the following year he received medical attention promptly. If bullying did occur it is not recorded in the school reports. His teachers described him as generally well behaved though in October 1915 his conduct is recorded as having “improved”. This is the only indication from school records that Donald was indeed having problems in school in 1915. Later records indicate that he continued to be well cared for and happy, though occasional bouts of illness were still occurring.

Civil Parish: Chester le Street

Birth date: 1904

Armed force/civilian: Civilian

Gender: Male

Contributed by Mel Brown, Durham