Past and Present

    by Janet McNeilly  © 2002

He married Lilian Rachel? St Catherine's Index shows James Wallis marrying in Darlington in the March quarter of 1899.

They had 1 son - 

1901 census -
2 Greenbank Road, Darlington
James Wallis 30 contractor + builder (employer)
Lilian Wallis wife 28 born York
Elizabeth Wallis mother widowed 67
James R Wallis son 2

James was widowed in October 1926. Lilian Rachel died at 2 Greenbank Road, Darlington and buried at the town's West Cemetery on the 10th of October 1926. Grave reference E CC 134. The ceremony was performed by the Reverend S F Warth.

James married Jane Ann Heslop nee Pattison, a widow, at Holy Trinity Church, Darlington on the 26th of April 1927. James was 57 years old, a widower and a contractor of 2 Greenbank Road. Jane was 36, a widow living 42 Pierremont Road. 

Darlington Year Book and Business Directory for 1921 shows James Wallis listed under Builders and Contractors at Maude Street, and residing at 2 Greenbank Road, Darlington. He is also listed under Removal and Carting Contractors. 

Durham Record Office has copies of the following:-

Ref No. Da/NG 2/2335
Four houses on west side of Rockingham Street; James Wallis, builder (plan no. 1899/41), 23 February 1899, work completed July 1900

Ref No. Da/NG 2/2437
Four houses on south side of Rockingham Street; J. Wallis, builder (plan no. 1899/193), 15 November 1899, work completed June 1900

James Wallis died at 49 Stanhope Road in July 1933, aged 62. He was buried at Darlington's West Cemetery on the 15th July 1933, plot E CC 135. The grave was described as deep. Plots 133, 134 and 135 had been purchased.

The local newspaper shows for the 14th July 1932  -

Wallis - July 12th, at 45 Stanhope-road, Darlington, James, dearly beloved of Jane Ann Wallis (builder). Internment to-morrow (Friday) at West Cemetery, 2 o'clock, cortege leaves residence 1.30. Friends please accept this (only) intimation.

  An article in the same paper states -

Mr James Wallis

Death of Former Darlington Builder

The death has taken place at his home, 49, Stanhope-road, Darlington, of Mr James Wallis, aged 62, who for many years was in business as a builder and removals contractor. He was the son of the late Coun. Robert Wallis, a well known Darlington townsman and a prominent member of the Grand United Order of Oddfellows. Coun. Wallis was a builder and his son followed him in the business at the age of 28.

Mr Wallis took a great pride in the horses used in his business and won many prizes at the Darlington Horse and Dog Show. He was the first Darlington man to use motor lorries in the removal business. He left the building trade just before the war, but retained his haulage business until about a year ago.

Location of grave in West Cemetery: Section: E Row Number: 1
Reference: Headstone Number: 16
Gravestone Details: Headstone Inscription: To the dear memory of/ JAMES/ beloved husband of/ JANE ANN WALLIS/ born 3rd April 1870/ died 12th July 1932/ Also of/ JANE ANN/ wife of the above/ entered into rest/ 6th July 1960/ aged 69 years/ "Until the day breaks"
 

click on the sign for a list of addresses held by James.

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