Dalton Magna, Dalton Parva,

Dalton Brook.

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John Henry Green

"One of the most remarkable men born in Dalton"

From information supplied by Helen Grazier and Andrea Jackson with additional research by John Doxey

The story of John Henry starts at nearby Tickhill where his Father Henry Green was born in 1836. Around 1857 Henry Green senior married a girl named Jane from Branton Yorkshire. It is unsure which year Henry senior arrived in Dalton but his son John Henry was born there in 1858. Shortly after the family moved to Rawmarsh with the next child William being born there in 1861, by 1881 the family were listed on the census as:-
Henry Green Head of household age 45 born at Tickhill, Yorkshire, working as a Coal Miner
Jane Green Wife of above aged 45 born at Branton, Yorkshire, England
John H. Green Son age 23 born at Dalton, Yorkshire, working as a Coal Miner
William Green Son age 20 born at Rawmarsh, Yorkshire, working as a Sawyer
Fred Green Son age 19 born at Rawmarsh, Yorkshire, England working as a Painter
Sam Green Son age 15 born at Rawmarsh, Yorkshire, England working as a Coal Miner
Charles E. Green Son age 12 born at Rawmarsh, Yorkshire , England listed as a Scholar
Albert Green Son age 8 born at Rawmarsh, Yorkshire, listewd as a Scholar
Annie Green age 6 born at Rawmarsh, Yorkshire,listed as a Scholar
The family were living at16 Pearces Buldgs
Census Place Rawmarsh, York, England
Public Records Office Reference RG11 Piece / Folio 4679 / 70 Page Number 39
John Henry's future wife and family was found on the same census as listed below:-
Ann WATKINSON Head M Female 53 Eastwood, Nottingham, England House Keeper
William WATKINSON Son U Male 25 Somercoats, Derby, England Coal Miner
John WATKINSON Son U Male 22 Kimberly, Nottingham, England Coal Miner
Ellen WATKINSON Daur U Female17 Kimberly, Nottingham, England None
Henry WATKINSON Son Male 13 Kimberly, Nottingham, England Scholar
Isaac WATKINSON Son U Male 11 Kimberly, Nottingham, England Scholar
Dwelling High Spanny
Census Place Greasley, Nottingham, England
Public Records Office Reference RG11 Piece / Folio 3321 / 137 Page Number 34

Back in Rawmarsh one can imagine what a hard time the Green family had until the older sons started working, bringing in a much needed supplement to the Family income, and by the time of the above census the family would have been quite well off with five members working.

In his childhood young John Henry was a great seeker of information, and became an avid reader. His studying was to give him some remarkable achievements, in many Fields, and yet this man choose to use his gifts and education to benefit the local communities he had grown up in. He could have quite easily gone further afield and pursued several careers for his own wellbeing.
At the time of his marriage to Ellen Watkinson. it was revealed on the marriage certificate that John Henry  had another string to his bow. He was working as a Railway Signalman. The couple were married in Kimberley, Nottingham on 18th February 1884. Henry was 25 and Ellen was 20 years old
John Henry became known as just Henry later in life, and amongst his achievements were, the Chairmanship of the Rawmarsh School Board, a lecturer on science, art, literature, horticulture, and included a knowledge of the  Classics. In the fields of  Science and Art John Henry held certificates of proficiency from Sheffield University, Firth College, Kensington College, Privy Councils of Education, Science and Art Departments, Advanced Stage. 

It was in the year 1900, in his capacity as Chairman of the Rawmarsh Education Committee that our little Dalton Lad opened the then new Ryecroft Schools, and was presented with a golden key. His interest in education was not restricted within the boundaries of Rawmarsh he also held a position as member of the Whiston Education Sub-committee, from which he retired  in 1913.

In 1901 John Henry was found on the census with his family listed as follows
Living at 84 Claypitt Lane our John Henry
John Henry Green 43, Foreman Sewerage Worker,
Ellen Green wife, 38, Kimberley
Florence Green Daughter, 16, Rawmarsh
Ellen Green, daughter, 14, Rawmarsh
Mary J Green, daughter, 13, Rawmarsh
Ettie Green, daughter, 11, Rawmarsh
Edith Green, daughter, 8, Rawmarsh
Lillian W Green, daughter, 6, Rawmarsh
Albert E Green, son, 3, Rawmarsh
Millicent E Green, daughter, 1, Rawmarsh
The Thrybergh Parish Council also found John joining their ranks, and were grateful for his work there, and somewhere in his spare time he became a feared opponent as a debater for the Dalton, Thrybergh and District Debating Society. So great was his powers as a debater that he only lost twice in thirty years of debating.

Fighting a Just Cause

Now many a man in John Henry's position would have been tempted to turn his back on his humble beginnings as a Miners son, not our friend Mr. Green. He played a very major roll in fighting for the well being of local Miners in his roll as Labour Leader for the 3, 000 Silverwood Miners, and this duty he carried out in a very honest fashion to the point of telling the Miners when he thought they were at fault. He was recognized at the time as the most popular labour leader in South Yorkshire.

When  the Workers’ Compensation Act came into force, John Henry held the post of adviser and secretary for compensation for the Silverwood miners. He was very successful in this and won the friendship of many eminent men throughout the region, including Dr. Pye-Smith, the eminent Sheffield doctor of the period.

In his position on the Panel of Rotherham and District he was to earn high praise from his peers which included local M.Ps , Councillor's and Aldermen.

You like me would be wondering what was left for this man to do, well he was also on the Rotherham Hospital Board,  President of the Thrybergh Working-Men’s Club from which he resigned his position, but was asked to remain on the committee. Just to prove that Scholars do have sporting interest I should mention he was vice-president of the local cricket and football clubs. He was also vice- president of the colliery band.

As can be imagined this man received offers from far and wide most of which were declined in favour of remaining in the area. He even held the position of Manager  of the sewerage works outfall at Rawmarsh,  gained diplomas for  farming, poultry breeding, etc. As a founding member of  Ryecroft Working-Men’s Club John  held the post of Secretary for a period.

Rotherham Rural Council had no hesitation upon  asking him to join a deposition headed for London regarding the tramways question.

John and Ellen had twelve children who were Ernest born 1884,  Henry [married Rose ?], James, John, Florence,
Edith [married Arthur George Pengilley] , Lilian [married Hubert Pearson)], Jeannie (married Alfred ?)

Millicent (married Charles ?), Nancy, Ettie (married Arthur ?). Ellen Gertrude born 31 March 1886 (married Ernest Holloway)

On the 1901 census listing

Henry Green  43 Yorks Rawmarsh Yorks West Riding Rawmarsh Foreman Sewage Works.
Ellen Green  38 Notts Kimberley Yorks West Riding Rawmarsh.  

Whilst researching for the family of John Henry Green I discovered that Rawmarsh should have been renamed

"Greensville"

1901 Census

Living at 10 Park Street
Frank Green, 38, Coal Hewer, Wentworth
Alice,daughter, 16, Swinton
Hannah, daughter, 14. Swinton
Edith, daughter, 5, Rawmarsh
Sarah, daughter, 2, Rawmarsh
George Hutchinson, stepson, 11, Barnsley
James Daivers,visitor, 60, Glasgow

Annie Green  38 Yorks Parkgate York Rawmarsh  
Elizabeth Green  38 Yorks Tickhill Yorks W R Rawmarsh  
Ellen Green  38 Notts Kimberley Yorks West Riding Rawmarsh  
Mary Green  38 Notts Barmby Moor Yorks W R Rawmarsh  
Mary Green  38 Willenhall Staffs Yorks W R Rawmarsh  
Fanny Green  39 Yorks Rawmarsh Yorks West Riding Rawmarsh  
Gertrude Green  44 Yorks Geeas Bro Yorks W R Rawmarsh  
Maria Green  44 Staffs Titchfield Yorkshire Rawmarsh
Frank Green  38 Yorks Westworth Yorks W R Rawmarsh Coal Hewer
John Green  38 Yorks Tickhill York W R Rawmarsh Coal Hewer
Frank Green  39 Worsorp Notts York W R Rawmarsh Coal Hewer Below Ground
John Green  39 Yorks Parkgate York Rawmarsh Foreman Steel Shearer
John Green  40 Yorks Ecclesfield Yorkshire Rawmarsh Painter
William Green  40 Yorks Rawmarsh Yorks West Riding Rawmarsh Coal Miner Labourer In Pit
James Green  46 Parkgate Yorks Yorks W R Rawmarsh Labourer At Coke Ovens
John Green  48 Staffs Titchfield Yorkshire Rawmarsh Coal Miner Hewer
Arthur Green  10 Yorks Hoyland Common Yorkshire W R Rawmarsh  
William Green  10 Yorks Rawmarsh Yorkshire W R Rawmarsh  
Ebenezer Green  11 Yorks Rawmarsh Yorks West Riding Rawmarsh  
Frank Green  11 Yorks Swinton Yorks W R Rawmarsh  
George Green  12 Yorks Skellow Yorks W R Rawmarsh  
Charles Green  13 Yorks Rawmarsh Yorks West Riding Rawmarsh  
John Green  13 Yorks Parkgate York Rawmarsh Errand Boy
Ben Green  14 Yorks Swinton Yorks W R Rawmarsh Coal Pony Driver Below
John Green  14 Bolsover Derbys York W R Rawmarsh Pony Driver In Coal Mine Below Ground
Samuel Green  14 Parkgate Yorks Yorks W R Rawmarsh Clerk At Colliery
Albert Green  15 Yorks Parkgate York Rawmarsh Pudd Steel Shearer
Saml Green  15 Lincolns Moulton Yorkshire W R Rawmarsh File Cutters Apprentice
Charles Green  16 Yorks Rawmarsh Yorks W R Rawmarsh Coal Pany Driver
Arthur Green  17 Yorks Parkgate York Rawmarsh Pudd Steel Shearer
Frank Green  18 Under Derbys York W R Rawmarsh Coal Frammer Below Ground
Fred Green  18 Yorks Geeas Bro Yorks W R Rawmarsh Coal Frams
Ethel Green  10 Swallownest Yorks York W R Rawmarsh  
Lucy Green  10 Yorks Rawmarsh Yorks W R Rawmarsh  
Maggie Green  10 Yorks Rawmarsh Yorks W R Rawmarsh  
Annie Green  11 Langworth Derbys York W R Rawmarsh  
Ettie Green  11 Yorks Rawmarsh Yorks West Riding Rawmarsh  
Mabel Green  11 Parkgate Yorks Yorks W R Rawmarsh  
Florence Green  12 Lincolns Moulton Yorkshire W R Rawmarsh  
Alice Green  13 Yorks Rawmarsh Yorks W R Rawmarsh  
Eliza Green  13 Yorks Swinton Yorks W R Rawmarsh  
Florence Green  13 Yorks Rawmarsh Yorks W R Rawmarsh  
Mary Green  13 Yorks Rawmarsh Yorks West Riding Rawmarsh  
Annie Green  14 Yorks Rawmarsh Yorks W R Rawmarsh  
Ellen Green  14 Yorks Rawmarsh Yorks West Riding Rawmarsh  
Hannah Green  14 Yorks Swinton Yorks W R Rawmarsh  
Christiana Green  15 Yorks Rawmarsh Yorks West Riding Rawmarsh  
Ethel Green  15 Yorks Parkgate Yorks W R Rawmarsh  
Grace Green  15 Kent Maidstone Yorks West Riding Rawmarsh  
Alice Green  16 Yorks Swinton Yorks W R Rawmarsh  
Florence Green  16 Yorks Rawmarsh Yorks West Riding Rawmarsh  
Lilian Green  16 Parkgate Yorks Yorks W R Rawmarsh Housemaid Domestic
Sarah Green  17 Under Derbys York W R Rawmarsh  
Ivy Green  11M Yorks Rawmarsh Yorks W R Rawmarsh  
Sarah Green  2M Yorks Parkgate Of York Rawmarsh  
Cynthia Green  1 Yorks Yorks York W R Rawmarsh  
Millicent Green  1 Yorks Rawmarsh Yorks West Riding Rawmarsh  
Sarah Green  1 Yorks Rawmarsh Yorkshire Rawmarsh  
Elice Green  2 Yorks Parkgate Yorks Rawmarsh  
Joy Green  2 Yorks Rawmarsh Yorkshire W R Rawmarsh  
Lily Green  2 Wiston Yorks York W R Rawmarsh  
Minnie Green  2 Yorks Parkgate Of York Rawmarsh  
Sarah Green  2 Yorks Rawmarsh Yorks W R Rawmarsh  
Gladys Green  3 Yorks Masbro York Rawmarsh  
Mary Green  3 Parkgate Yorks Yorks W R Rawmarsh  
Mary Green  3 Yorks Rawmarsh Yorkshire W R Rawmarsh  
Pollie Green  3 Yorks Rawmarsh Yorks W R Rawmarsh  
Doris Green  4 Yorks Rawmarsh Yorkshire W R Rawmarsh  
Ethel Green  4 Yorks Parkgate Of York Rawmarsh  
Hilda Green  4 Wiston Yorks York W R Rawmarsh  
Edith Green  5 Yorks Rawmarsh Yorks W R Rawmarsh  
Fannie Green  5 Staffs Burnet Wood Yorkshire Rawmarsh  
Miriam Green  5 Yorks Parkgate York Rawmarsh  
Annie Green  6 Yorks Rawmarsh Yorkshire W R Rawmarsh  
Lillian Green  6 Yorks Rawmarsh Yorks West Riding Rawmarsh  
Mary Green  6 Yorks Rawmarsh Yorkshire W R Rawmarsh  
Lydia Green  7 Yorks Rawmarsh Yorks West Riding Rawmarsh  
Mabel Green  7 Yorks Rawmarsh Yorks W R Rawmarsh  
Edith Green  8 Yorks Rawmarsh Yorks West Riding Rawmarsh  
Martha Green  8 Yorks Parkgate Of York Rawmarsh  
Annie Green  9 Yorks Rawmarsh Yorks West Riding Rawmarsh  
Lily Green  9 Yorks Rawmarsh Yorks W R Rawmarsh  
Ethel Green  10 Swallownest Yorks York W R Rawmarsh  
Lucy Green  10 Yorks Rawmarsh Yorks W R Rawmarsh  
Maggie Green  10 Yorks Rawmarsh Yorks W R Rawmarsh
Abraham Green  2M Rawmarsh Yorks York W R Rawmarsh  
Cyril Green  9M Parkgate Yorks Yorks W R Rawmarsh  
John Green  7M Yorks Rawmarsh Yorkshire W R Rawmarsh  
Thomas Green  3M Yorks Rawmarsh Yorkshire Rawmarsh  
Cecil Green  1 Yorks Masbro York Rawmarsh  
Leonard Green  1 Yorks Parkgate York Rawmarsh  
Albert Green  3 Yorks Rawmarsh Yorks West Riding Rawmarsh  
Albert Green  3 Yorks Rawmarsh Yorks W R Rawmarsh  
Bernard Green  4 Yorks Swinton Yorks W R Rawmarsh  
Fred Green  4 Yorks Rawmarsh Yorks W R Rawmarsh  
George Green  4 Yorks Rawmarsh Yorks W R Rawmarsh  
John Green  4 Staffs Burnet Wood Yorkshire Rawmarsh  
Abe Green  5 Yorks Parkgate Yorks W R Rawmarsh  
Ernest Green  5 Yorks Rawmarsh Yorks W R Rawmarsh  
Laurie Green  5 Yorks Rotherham York Rawmarsh  
Peter Green  5 Yorks Rawmarsh Yorks West Riding Rawmarsh  
Ernest Green  7 Whiston Yorks York W R Rawmarsh  
Fred Green  7 Yorks Rawmarsh Yorks West Riding Rawmarsh  
Harry Green  7 Yorks Rawmarsh Yorks W R Rawmarsh  
James Green  7 Parkgate Yorks Yorks W R Rawmarsh  
John Green  7 Yorks Swinston Yorks W R Rawmarsh  
Law Green  9 Yorks Swinton Yorks W R Rawmarsh  
Arthur Green  10 Yorks Hoyland Common Yorkshire W R Rawmarsh  
William Green  10 Yorks Rawmarsh Yorkshire W R Rawmarsh  
Benjamin Green  23 Yorks Parkgate Yorks Rawmarsh Coal Mine Hewer
Milton Green  24 Yorkshire Yorks W R Rawmarsh Roll Turner
Edwd Green  29 Lincolns Moulton Yorkshire W R Rawmarsh Coal Miner Day Man Below Ground
Mary Green  21 Yorks Rotherham Yorks W R Rawmarsh General Servant Domestic
Phoebe Green  21 Salop Willington Yorks Rawmarsh  
Mary Green  26 Yorks Greasbro Yorkshire Rawmarsh  
Sarah Green  26 Yorks Rawmarsh Yorkshire W R Rawmarsh  
Theresa Green  26 Walton ... Yorks York W R Rawmarsh  
Sarah Green  31 Yorks Parkgate Of York Rawmarsh  
Ada Green  32 Yorks ... York Rawmarsh  
Harriet Green  32 Yorks ... Yorks W R Rawmarsh  
Esther Green  34 Chesterfield Derby York W R Rawmarsh  
Mary Green  35 Lincolns Donnington Yorkshire W R Rawmarsh  
Hannah Green  36 Yorks Rawcliffe York W R Rawmarsh  
Annie Green  38 Yorks Parkgate York Rawmarsh  
Elizabeth Green  38 Yorks Tickhill Yorks W R Rawmarsh  
Ellen Green  38 Notts Kimberley Yorks West Riding Rawmarsh  
Mary Green  38 Notts Barmby Moor Yorks W R Rawmarsh  
Mary Green  38 Willenhall Staffs Yorks W R Rawmarsh  
Fanny Green  39 Yorks Rawmarsh Yorks West Riding Rawmarsh  
Charles Green  33 Yorks Rotherham York Rawmarsh Grocer
Ben Green  34 Yorks Westworth Yorks W R Rawmarsh Coal Hewer
William Green  34 Cutwood Yorks York W R Rawmarsh Asst Superintendent Prudential Ass Co
Albert Green  35 N K Yorks West Riding Rawmarsh Brickyard Labourer
George Green  35 Yorks Tickhill Yorks W R Rawmarsh Coal Hewer
Sam Green  35 Yorks Parkgate Of York Rawmarsh Collery Cokes Draner
John Green  36 Lincolns Moulton Yorkshire W R Rawmarsh Coal Miner Hewer

1881 Census

Henry GREEN   Head   M   Male   45   Tickhill, York, England   Coal Miner    
Jane GREEN   Wife   M   Female   45   Branton, York, England       
John H. GREEN   Son   U   Male   23   Dalton, York, England   Coal Miner    
William GREEN   Son   U   Male   20   Rawmarsh, York, England   Sawyer    
Fred GREEN   Son   U   Male   19   Rawmarsh, York, England   Painter    
Sam GREEN   Son      Male   15   Rawmarsh, York, England   Coal Miner    
Charles E. GREEN   Son      Male   12   Rawmarsh, York, England   Scholar    
Albert GREEN   Son      Male   8   Rawmarsh, York, England   Scholar    
Annie GREEN   Daur      Female   6   Rawmarsh, York, England   Scholar    
Dwelling   16 Pearces Buldgs
Census Place Rawmarsh, York, England
Public Records Office Reference   RG11 Piece / Folio   4679 / 70 Page Number   39

James HAMILTON   Head   M   Male   44   Tankersley, York, England   Painter & Paperhanger    
Hannah HAMILTON   Wife   M   Female   42   London, Surrey, England       
William E. HAMILTON   Son   U   Male   17   Manchester, Lancashire, England   Coal Miner    
Thomas J. HAMILTON   Son   U   Male   16   Guisborough, York, England   Iron Worker (Manuf)    
Mary Ann HAMILTON   Daur   U   Female   14   Guisborough, York, England       
John HAMILTON   Son   U   Male   12   Rawmarsh, York, England   Scholar    
Aida Luisa HAMILTON   Duar   U   Female   10   Rawmarsh, York, England   Scholar    
Frederic GREEN   Boarder   U   Male   27   London, Surrey, England   Shearer Iron Works (Manuf)    
Dwelling   49 Broad St.
Census Place Rawmarsh, York, England

Public Records Office Reference   RG11 Piece / Folio   4678 / 81 Page Number   13

Thos. GREEN   Head   M   Male   48   Eyam Woodend, Derby, England   Laborer     
Elizabeth GREEN   Wife   M   Female   41   Eyam Woodend, Derby, England        
Benjamin GREEN   Son   U   Male   14   Eyam Woodend, Derby, England   Errand Boy     
Owen GREEN   Son   U   Male   12   Eyam Woodend, Derby, England        
Vincent GREEN   Son   U   Male   9   Eyam Woodend, Derby, England        
Milton GREEN   Son   U   Male   4   Rawmarsh, York, England       
Dwelling   9 Cross St
Census Place Rawmarsh, York, England
Public Records Office Reference   RG11 Piece / Folio   4678 / 96 Page Number   44

Thomas GREEN   Head   M   Male   63   Ecclesfield, York, England   Farmer 128 Men 4 Boy 1    
Charlotte GREEN   Wife   M   Female   60   Ecclesfield, York, England   Wife    
Ruth A. GREEN   Daur   U   Female   25   Ecclesfield, York, England       
Eliza CHAPPEL   Serv   U   Female   14   Worksop, Nottingham, England   General Servant    
Ben BROADHEAD   Serv   U   Male   28   Deepcar, York, England   Farm Servant (Indoor)    
Ebenezer CRAPPER   Serv   U   Male   22   Stannington, York, England   Farm Servant (Indoor)    
William TINLEY   Serv   U   Male   19   Thrybergh, York, England   Farm Servant (Indoor)    
Dwelling   Kilnhurst Hall
Census Place Rawmarsh, York, England
Public Records Office Reference   RG11 Piece / Folio   4680 / 25 Page Number   19

James GREEN   Head   M   Male   27   Worsop, Nottingham, England   Coal Miner    
Mary Jane GREEN   Wife   M   Female   20   Netherton, Nottingham, England       
Fanny GREEN   Daug      Female   2   Ardsley, York, England       
Robert GREEN   Son      Male   8 m   Parkgate, York, England       
Dwelling   Maders Buildings Holly Bush St
Census Place Rawmarsh, York, England
Public Records Office Reference   RG11 Piece / Folio   4678 / 113 Page Number   15

Thomas GREEN   Head   M   Male   31   Hull   Laborer    
Lousia GREEN   Wife   M   Female   27   Hull       
Dwelling   28 Albert Rd
Census Place Rawmarsh, York, England
Public Records Office Reference   RG11 Piece / Folio   4678 / 116 Page Number   22

George GREEN   Head   M   Male   45   Mosbro Eckington, York, England   Invalid    
Martha GREEN   Wife   M   Female   40   Mosbro Eckington, York, England       
Thomas MILNER   Boarder   U   Male   30   Everton Bawtry, Somerset, England   Invalid    
Dwelling   56 Netherfield Lane
Census Place Rawmarsh, York, England
Public Records Office Reference   RG11 Piece / Folio   4678 / 139 Page Number   67

William HILL   Head   M   Male   42   Caster, Northampton, England   Sexton (Church Off)    
Elizabeth HILL   Wife   M   Female   40   Hoober, York, England       
Mary HILL   Daur   U   Female   21   Hoober, York, England   Dressmaker    
Emily GREEN   Visitor   U   Female   19   Sheffield, York, England   Domestic Serv    
Dwelling   6 Providence Pl
Census Place Rawmarsh, York, England
Public Records Office Reference   RG11 Piece / Folio   4679 / 61 Page Number   22

Many thanks to Helen Grazier  helen_grazier@dodo.com.au  and Andrea Jackson andreaja@bigpond.net.au for introducing me to the incredible John Henry Green. Helen and Andrea are researching the family so if you can help them with any information please contact them on the emails above. If anyone can sort out the families from the 1901 census we would be grateful, also would be grateful to learn which Greens are related to John Henry.