William Harrison’s shop in Kirkgate, Waltham c1910.

An original photograph with “Kirkgate, Waltham” written on the reverse.

William Harrison was born in Snitterby, Lincolnshire on 23rd August 1869. He was the son of Thomas, farmer / grazier, and Joanna Harrison. By 1874, the family had moved to Brigsley, near Grimsby. William married Mary Sempers, born Sturton, Lincolnshire, in the Grimsby area in 1895. The couple had seven children; Donald Aubrey (1897-1958), Alfred Robert (1899-1959), Thomas William (1901-1901), Clarice Mary (1904-1982), Phyllis (1908-2006), John Sempers (1911-1986) and Horace (Sam) (1914-1992).

William Harrison was a general dealer in Kirkgate, Waltham in 1901. His sons were aged 3, 1 and one month. Sadly, little Thomas William Harrison appears to have died soon after the date of the census.

In 1921, William Harrison, aged 52, was a grocer and corn and offal dealer in Kirkgate, Waltham. Mary looked after the house. Their children, Donald, Alfred and Clarice worked for the family business. Phyllis, John and Horace were at school. In 1939, William was described as a grocer, corn, offal and cake dealer. John Sempers Harrison, Clarice Mary Reed and Horace were still working for the business.

William Harrison died on 28th December 1939. Probate was granted to Donald Aubrey Harrison, milkman, and Phyllis Briggs, wife of Harry Briggs. Mary Harrison died on 27th December 1957, aged 88. Probate was granted to Phyllis Briggs, wife of Harry Briggs, and John Sempers Harrison, corn and offal merchant.

W. Harrison & Son Feeds Ltd., animal food shop, on Barnoldby Road, Waltham survived until 2016. This well-known and popular business, located in very old and interesting premises, was run by the family of John Sempers Harrison.

Research by Grimsby & Cleethorpes Museum.