MY COUNTY DURHAM CONNECTION

In the year 1920, or thereabouts, my grandfather, George BYERS, travelled south from Canonbie looking for work as a shepherd and found employment on a farm in the Hetton-Le-Hole area of County Durham. It was here that he met my grandmother, Florence May ANDERSON. She had been born at 12 Blossom Street in Hetton-Le-Hole in 1903. They married in Houghton-Le-Spring in 1923 and their first two children, James and Jenny were born on Great Eppleton Farm, near Hetton-Le-Hole, in 1924 and 1926 respectively.

My father, Robert, was born on Birtley Farm, near Chester-Le-Street, Co. Durham in 1929 but by the time sons, Richard, in 1936, and Norman, in 1943, had arrived, the family had moved to Gretna, just over the border in Dumfriesshire.

Florence's parents were Robert ANDERSON, born in Houghton-Le-Spring in 1873 and Dorothy Jane JOHNSON, born in Hetton-Le-Hole in 1879. They were married in 1898 in Houghton-Le-Spring and had 8 children, with Florence, being second oldest. Per the 1901 Census, Robert and Dorothy, with young son, Norman, were living at 36 May Street, St. Marks parish in Sunderland. Robert's occupation was Railway Guard.

Robert and Dorothy Anderson

By the time of the 1911 Census, Robert and Dorothy were living at 12 Blossom Street, Hetton Downs. With them were their 4 children, Norman, Florence May, Lillian and Mary. Additionally, living with them, there is a Robert Johnson (retired miner), James Johnson (colliery waggon rider) and Joseph Johnson (colliery fireman), presumably Dorothy's father and two brothers. Also, a servant, Sarah Hardy lived there. Robert's occupation by this time was a colliery crane driver. Dorothy died in 1946, whilst Robert died in hospital in 1962, after a fall at his home.

I have limited number of photographs relating to this line of my family, but I do have the following:-

My granny, Florence May Anderson, cousin Allan Brady and aunt Jenny Brady (Byers)

Mary Anderson (Florence's sister)

Edith Anderson (Florence's sister)

Bob Anderson (Florence's brother) and his wife, Mary Ganning

Looking back further on the Anderson family line, Robert’s parents (my great great grandparents) were Robert ANDERSON and Mary BAGE. Both were born in 1841 in Houghton-Le-Spring and Robert’s stated occupation was Tobacco-Pipe Manufacturer. They were married in 1869 in Houghton-Le-Spring and had 8 children with my great grandfather, Robert, being fifth born.

Robert’s parents (my 3xgreat grandparents) were John ANDERSON and Ann PLACK. John was born in 1819 in North Shields and Ann was born the same year in Houghton-Le-Spring. They married in 1840 in this latter town and had 3 children, of which Robert was the only boy and second born.

John’s parents (my 4xgreat grandparents) were James ANDERSON and Margaret GILMOUR. Only John of their children has been identified to date.