Cover of a WW1 Field Post Office letter to Joseph Ogle of Atlas Saw Mills, Victoria Street, Grimsby Christmas 1916.

The original envelope from a letter sent by someone ‘On Active Service’ abroad on 23rd December 1916. The letter was passed by the censor.

Joseph Ogle (1866-1935) was a Grimsby timber merchant and sawmill proprietor. He was born in North Kelsey. Joseph Ogle, sawyer, of 85 Willingham Street, Weelsby married Ellen Woods in Clee on 26th May 1890. In 1891, the couple were living at 57 Edward Street, Grimsby. In 1901, they were living at 123 Victoria Street. The couple had three children; Nellie (1891-1977), Joseph (1899-1975) and Albert (1902-1983). In 1931, Joseph senr., Ellen and Joseph jnr. were living at ‘The Limes’, Peak’s Lane, New Waltham.

It’s likely that Joseph Ogle jnr. wrote this letter as he served in WW1. Albert was just too young. Joseph won a Merchant Navy medal.

Joseph Ogle jnr. and Albert Ogle carried on the family home grown timber and sawmills business. Albert Ogle and family lived at 8 Signhills Avenue, Cleethorpes in 1939.

Note: Nellie married Albert Pilcher Reynolds (1888-1943), fish merchant, in Humberston in 1915. The couple lived at ‘The Poplars’, Peak’s Lane, New Waltham.

Note: Albert Ogle married Florence Alice Wilmot in Humberston in 1924. They had a son, Joseph C. Ogle, born 1929.

Research by Grimsby & Cleethorpes Museum.