28th august 1914 gilbert steel davison to george wardell davison

fence houses, durham to usworth, durham

5.4 miles

the message

“August 27th 1914

Dear Son & Daughter

I am married tomorrow. If its not inconvenient I hope you both will there after dinner. It will be quiet I suppose.

Gilly

Father

Its a case of a will.”

the sender

Gilbert Steel Davison (1862-1933) was born in Ryhope, Durham. He was part of a large family with many brothers and sisters. His parents were John Davison (1834-1903) and Mary Ann Bone (1833-1929). John was at one time the landlord of the Wellington Inn in Ryhope, Sunderland.

In the 1871 and 1881 censuses, Gilbert was living with his family in Ryhope. In 1886, aged 24, Gilbert married Elizabeth Welton (1859-1908). In 1891 Gilbert, now a coal miner, and Elizabeth were living in Newbottle near Sunderland with their family including the card recipient. In 1901 they were living in West Herrington near Sunderland. In 1911, now widowed, Gilbert was living with his children in West Herrington. In 1914 Gilbert married a widow named Ann Malkin nee Coleman (1854-1923). This event is mentioned in the postcard message.

Gilbert’s death was registered in Houghton, Durham in 1933.

the recipient

George Wardell Davison (1885-?) was born in Ryhope, Durham. His parents were Gilbert Steel Davison and Elizabeth Welton.

In 1891, 1901 and 1911 George was living with his parents. When this card was sent George was living in Usworth near Sunderland. After that it has not been possible to trace him.

the tree

the places

Fence Houses, Durham to Usworth, Durham

Usworth, Durham

Fence Houses, Durham

what the card says to us

The picture shows Lichfield Cathedral (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lichfield_Cathedral) which does not seem to relate to the family or the message.

There are so many questions arising from this message especially from the last line (Its a case of a will).