1900 - 1994

Silverwood Mine

Hollings Lane

Thrybergh

Facts, Stories and Features

1883 JAMES SLATER 1959

DALTON MAIN SMASH [ Pre 1920 ]

JAMES SLATER

James was born in 1883 the son of William and Jane Slater of Normanton Yorkshire, prior to his birth the family was listed on the 1881 census as living on Love Lane
William Slater  Head of household age 31 born at Checkley, Stafford, England his occupation was a Delver (G. Lab)    
Jane Slater Wife age 30 born at Normanton, Yorkshire, England       
William Slater their son age 1 born at Normanton, Yorkshire, England       
In the household on census day was Reuben Pattison their Boarder an unmarried 23 year old also born at Checkley, Stafford, England and like William senior a Delver (G. Lab) 
Census Place Normanton, York, England
 Public Records Office Reference   RG11
 Piece / Folio   4572 / 142 Page Number   22

Rueben may have been a relative or friend of Williams family in Checkley

By 1901William Slater senior is not listed in the family household which had by this time moved to Gorton in Lancashire, where we find the family listed as
Jane Slater age50 born in Normanton Yorks census place Lancashire Gorton

William Slater age 21 born in Normanton Yorks working as a Railway Engine Stoker

James Slater now18 born at Normanton Yorks working as a Iron Moulder Labourer
Ethel Slater age 11 born at Normanton Yorks is also listed in the same household
 

In 1911 James was living at the Pumping Station Rotherham Yorkshire, what his employment was at this time is not known, but James had an Uncle a Mr. Dean. His Uncle persuaded James to seek employment at Silverwood.

Like many Miners James was called up with the onset of World War 1, returning after the War to take up residence at Whinney Hill Thrybergh.

Pre-1920 James Slater was involved in the accident shown above on the photo, his granddaughter Penny  remembers some story about a rail crash which it was claimed her grandfather had some responsibility, but apparently absolved on enquiry. Her husband Ivan writes regarding the photo image back and front. " Both have been greatly enhanced from the very pale washed out image on the post card, but no touch-ups or alterations made. The caption is printed in the picture not added afterwards. As to date, the only clue is the instruction to use a halfpenny stamp. We understand postage went up to 1d. around 1920".

At this moment in time we do not know any details regarding the derailment, was there fatalities, serious injuries, or just damaged trains and trucks.  these are questions we will try and answer.

With the building of a new housing estate off Park Lane and Vale Road Thrybergh, James and his family were the first tenants at number 18 West Vale Grove which was part of the new estate.

Continuing his employment at Silverwood through the Second World War he retired around 1947/8, sadly James still living at West Vale Grove passed away in 1959.

Today in 2006 the grandchildren of James are seeking information regarding James and also the Dalton Main Smash, so if you the reader think you can help,  please contact Ivan and Penny at hyslop.moerewa@xtra.co.nz

Related page Coal trains.htm with train accidents.
 

Many thanks to Ivan and Penny Hyslop, and Selina Smith for sharing the story of James their grandfather