Maternal Great Grandfather - Walter Edward Major

Maternal Great Grandfather

Walter Edward Major

1892 - 1949

Walter Edward Major was born on 26^th August 1892 in Helmdon, Northamptonshire. His parents were Timothy Humphrey Major   and Ann Elizabeth Ayres 

In 1901, Walter lived with father and family in Helmdon, Northamptonshire.  Walter’s mother had left the family shortly after Walter was born.  Walter was known as Edward on the census return.   The occupants were

Timothy Major        Head              45

Lottie Major             Daughter      24

May Major                Daughter      10

Edward Major          Son                 8

Lily Major                 Daughter      4

Jack Major               Son                 3

In 1911, Walter was living with his father and family in Syresham, Northamptonshire.  Again Walter was listed as Edward on the census return.  The occupants were:

Timothy Major        Head              54

Elizabeth Major      Daughter      34

May Major                Daughter      21

Edward Major          Son                 19

Evelyn Major           Daughter      8

Mable Major             Daughter      4

Connie Major           Daughter      2

He married Betsey Major  in December 1924 in Towcester, Northamptonshire.  He was named Edward J Major on the marriage register

Walter and Betsey had three children, twins Edward John and William Thomas, and a daughter Winifred May.

Walter died on 18^th February 1949 in Towcester, Northamptonshire.  His death went to an inquest as he was involved in an accident with a van.  There were two newspaper reports regarding the incident.

Inquest On Cyclist Adjourned 

The Borough Coroner (Mr A. J. Darnell), sitting with a jury, opened an inquest at Northampton General Hospital on Monday, on Edward John Major, aged 56 , of 6 Dryden-road, Towcester.

Major, a roadman employed by Northampton County Council, died in the hospital on Friday soon after admission.  He had been in collision with a motor-van while cycling along Brackley-road, near Towcester. 

Edward John Major, son, gave evidence that his father obtained a copy of his birth certificate about three years ago and found his correct names were Walter Edward.  He still continued to call himself Edward John, however, as he was used to these names. 

Medical evidence was given that Major died from a compound fracture of the skull. 

The coroner adjourned the inquest until Monday, March 14

(Northampton Mercury 25th February 1949)

Court Sequel to Towcester Man’s Death 

“Never do I submit with much confidence that there is no case to answer” said Mr Walters (Birmingham) defending a Northampton man at Towcester Magistrates Court on Tuesday.  His client was acquitted.
Eric Frederick Freeman a lorry-driver, of 50, Fullingdale-road, Northampton, was accused of driving a vehicle without due care and attention on February 4.
The prosecution arose out of an accident in which Edward John Major,  of Towcester, a cyclist, was fatally injured.
PC Galsthorpe said that the accident was on the Towcester to Brackley road about 200 yards from the Abthorpe cross-roads.
Witnesses alleged that Freeman said that Major was about seven feet from the kerb.  It all happened so quickly that he did not know what happened but the cyclist seemed to wobble.
Charles Arthur Higham, of Brackley-road, Towcester, said he saw Major cycling from Towcester smoking a cigarette and with a broom and shovel strapped to his bike.  He thought the lorry had projection on the cycle.
Alderman H T F Weston (chairman) said the Bench had decided there was no case to answer.Mr A Plews, assistant solicitors to Northamptonshire County Council, prosecuted. 

(Northampton Mercury 18th March 1949)

Walter was buried in the Brackley Road Cemetary in Towcester.  The inscription on the headstone reads:

“In memory of Walter Edward Dearly Beloved Husband of Bessie Major Aged 56 “I love you dear and always will.  Your vacant place No on can ever fill” And Bessie Died 1^stOctober 1980 Aged 84”

Walter’s probate was granted on 5^th October 1949 as follows:

MAJOR Walter Edward of 6 Dryden Road Towcester Northamptonshire died 18 February 1949 at The General Hospital Northampton Administration Nottingham 5 October to Betsy Major widow, effects £117 2s