Journey Through The Past

I was fortunate this week to put my hands on a copy of an obituary from The Durham Chronicle dated June 11, 1920 for my Great Grandmother, Mary Charlton. This provides the first and only account we have of her. The account below indicates she was severely afflicted by rheumatism and was confined to her home except for the use of a bath chair.

An article in the New York Times may have caught the moment referred to below of her encounter with Queen Mary. The only reason I think the article may refer to another lady in a bath chair is that John Wilson, MP would have known Mary Charlton personally and more likely would have introduced her to the Queen by name. Likely, the encounter with the Queen took place beyond the gaze of the press that same day. W. B. Charlton was intimately involved in the establishment of the Aged Miners Homes and would have no doubt been part of the receiving line that welcomed Queen Mary to the homes at Ushaw Moor and Shincliffe.

Durham Chronicle – June 11, 1920

Death of Mrs. W. B. Charlton

It is with sincere regret that we have to record the death, which took place at her residence, 26 Western Hill, Durham on Thursday evening of Mrs Charlton, wife of Mr W. B. Charlton, secretary of the Durham County Colliery Enginemen, Boiler Maker’s and Firemen’s Association. During the 14 years she lived in this city, Mrs Charlton was affected with rheumatism, and was not outside her house except in a bath chair. Despite that physical handicap, Mrs. Charlton continued to get a good deal of sunshine out of life. She was cheerfulness personified, and not even her most intimate friends ever heard her complain of her affliction. And it was that quality which gained the admiration of her friends. To some it might appear that death came as a happy relief from her sufferings, but those who had the privilege of her acquaintance know that she never spent an idle moment. She was a clever needlewoman and though her infirmity prevented her from carrying out houshold duties, yet her advice was invaluable and to her family she was a devoted mother. About a fortnight ago Mrs Charlton caught a chill and after a week’s illness she passed away.

Mr and Mrs Charlton were married at Brancepeth and there is one son, the Rev. Robert Charlton, recently appointed to the pastorate of Tyne Dock Congregational Church, and two daughters, Mrs M. Waller and Miss Isabell Charlton. The late Mrs Charlton often recalled with pleasure the visit of Queen Mary to the aged miners’ homes in 1914, when she was presented in her bath chair to her Majesty. She also prized the gifts from the Colliery Enginemen’s Association and the National Federation. The deceased lady was 64 years of age.

Continue reading Death of Mary Green (Mrs. W. B. Charlton)