Turner family in Durham

[siretrom]

My great grandparents (John & Elizabeth Turner) emigrated from Chester-le-Street to Pennsylvania in 1893. They had a son (John William Turner) born there in 1897. For whatever reason they returned to England about 1900 & lived in Sacriston. In 1911 John was living with the family in Durham & was working in an 'Organ Factory'. I can find no trace of what happened to him after that. I have checked 1WW records but can't find him. Any ideas? I am the grandson of Susannah Robson Chapman Turner (his younger sister).

[rosie99]

There is a possible marriage on freebmd but you would need to buy the certificate to confirm it was him   

September qtr 1920 
Eva E Barker   
John W Turner   
Chester-le-S.    10a   1449   

poss birth for Eva 
March qtr 1899 
Eva Esther Barker   
Chester le S.    10a   530   

[Craclyn]

Just noting my interest as I have some Turners in Chester le Street too. Will try and figure out later if there is any connection.

[candleflame]

Hi just seen this post.
I would guess that JW Turner worked at Harrison and Harrison organ factory. It's a very famous factory  - organs for Westminster Abbey and Kings College Cambridge and until 1996 was in what is now Hawthorn Terrace Durham City, a stones throw from Waddington Street. If you look at google maps, you will see where both streets are. The old factory is on the left as you travel along Hawthorn Terrace and part of it is business premises and the other part is housing called Harrison House. Harrison and Harrison still make organs today just in newer premises and their website with some history is at http://www.harrisonorgans.com/the-harrison-story-2/

[siretrom]

Thanks for the information.
It does seem likely that that would be the organ factory where my ancestor worked.

[2zpool]

Burials in Sacriston Cemetery:

plot A26

Elizabeth Turner, age 61 died 12 Nov 1925, buried 15 Nov 1925
 John Turner, age 60, died 22 Jul 1925, buried 26 Jul 1925

Janis

[siretrom]

Thanks for that.
I am sure that must be them.