1938 – Davidson, George

1938 – GEORGE DAVIDSON, Contractor, 51

George Davidson was born in Barlborough in 1887.  George was the 2nd of eight children and his father was employed as a coal miner.  George married Evelyn Gladys Taylor in Barlborough Parish Church.  George and Evelyn had six children, Eric, Douglas, Evelyn, Ivor, Reginald and George, five of whom were still alive at the time of the disaster.  George was a well-known bowler who acted as club secretary at the Rodes Arms.  He enlisted in the Coldstream Guards in the early days of the war, but after a short period of service, he was demobilised.  George was buried in Barlborough cemetery in a mass grave with nine other Barlborough miners killed in the disaster, including his brother-in-law, Harry Taylor.

George was commemorated on the 29th May 2019.  The location of the artwork can be found in zone 16 on the trail map which can be downloaded here.

 

Family History researched by Paul Burkitt

George Davidson (1887 – 1938) was born in Barlborough on the 23rd February 1887. His parents were George Richard Davidson (1860 – 1942) and Arabella Baron ( 1859 – 1931). George was the second of eight children. On the 1891 Census, George, aged four,  was living with his parents and two siblings on Park Street in Barlborough. His father was employed as a coal miner. On the 1901 Census, George was living with his parents and six siblings on High Street in Barlborough. He was employed, like his older brother Ralph Alan, as an underground pony driver. On the 1911 Census, George, aged 24, was living with his parents on New Road in Barlborough. He was working as a coal miner – hewer. His father was also a hewer.

On the 1st June 1914 George married Evelyn Gladys Taylor in Barlborough Parish Church. The Derbyshire Courier reported on the wedding

Davidson – Taylor

Much interest was evinced in the wedding at Barlbro’ Parish Church, on Monday, of Mr George Davidson, son of Mr and Mrs George Davidson, of New Road, Barlbro’ and Miss Evelyn Gladys Taylor, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs Harry Taylor of Barlbro’. The bride, who was becomingly attired in a light lavender costume, with white hat and plume, was given away by her brother, Mr W Taylor. The bridesmaids were Miss Clara Taylor (sister of the bride) and Miss Gladys Cooke (cousin). The best man was Mr Ernest Sherwin (Clowne) and the ceremony was performed by the Rev. J. D. Griffiths. The bridal party motored to church. A reception was held at the home of the bride and a large number of guests attended. Mr and Mrs Davidson have been the recipients of many handsome presents.

George and Evelyn Gladys had six children, and five were still alive at the time of the disaster:

Eric William Davidson              1914 – 1990

Douglas Arthur Davidson        1916 – 1996

Evelyn G Davidson                    1920 – 1921

Ivor Frederick Davidson          1925 –  1977

Reginald K Davidson                1928 – 2019

George H Davidson                   1930 – 2015

 

Further information can be downloaded here:

George Davidson

George Davidson family tree

 

Further Information.

Markham Colliery 1938 disaster

List of miners killed and injured in the 1938 disaster

List of miners killed in the 1938 disaster who were buried in Barlborough