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James Shearer (1882-1918)


Innkeeper born at Allendale Cottages served with 18th DLI died of wounds


James Shearer was born in Allendale Cottages in 1882. His father was pumping engineman James Shearer (1859-1922) from Lanchester. His mother was Mary Jane Shearer nee Wheatley (1859-1922). His parents married in Newcastle in 1880 and James was one of four known children, with an older sister and two younger brothers. In 1891 the Shearer Family lived at 526 Consett Iron Company Cottages, Leadgate. In 1901 they were recorded living at Sunnyside, Greencroft.

In 1905 James married Mary Elizabeth Shearer nee Wanless (1884-1926) from East Castle. Her father was recorded in censuses as a coal miner and innkeeper. James also worked as an innkeeper and in 1911 he and Mary were running the Sun Inn, Front Street, Sunniside. Their first son, Thomas, was born in 1911 and a second son, Robert, was born in 1915. When James enlisted in the Durham Light Infantry (DLI) he was living at The Black Horse Inn, Burnopfield.

James enlisted in the DLI on 6 June 1916. He became Private 35553 and served in the 18th Battalion. James suffered multiple gunshot wounds and a fracture to his right arm in mid-1918 in France. He was admitted to Edinburgh War Hospital on 3 July 1918. Despite treatment he died of his wounds on 5 August 1918. He was buried in Harelaw Cemetery in grave 11 U 334. James left effects to the value of £805 14s to his wife.

James Shearer was awarded the Victory Medal and the British War Medal for his service in World War One.

Civil Parish: Tanfield

Birth date: 1882

Death date: 05-Aug-1918

Armed force/civilian: Army

Residence: 526 Consett Iron Co Cottages, Leadgate (1891 census)
Sunnyside, Greencroft (1891 census)
Sun Inn, Front Street, Sunniside (1911 census)
Black Horse Inn, Burnopfield (1916 enlistment record)

Employment: Inn keeper (1911 census)

Family: Parents: James Shearer (1862-1926), Mary Jane Shearer nee Wheatley (1859-1922)
Siblings: Elizabeth Shearer (1884-1958), Joseph Shearer (1886-1947), Arthur Gordon Shearer (1888-1958)
Spouse: Mary Elizabeth Shearer nee Wanless (1884-1926)
Children: Thomas Shearer (b 1911), Robert Shearer (b 1915)

Military service:

35553
Private
Durham Light Infantry
2nd/7th Battalion
18th Battalion

Medal(s): British War Medal
Victory Medal

Memorial(s): Harelaw Cemetery, Annfield Plain, Stanley (grave 11 U 334)

Gender: Male

Contributed by David D, Stanley, Co Durham

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