James was the second child of Christopher and Mary Ann Appleby who was born on 13th August 1853 at Silver Street, Darlington(1) He married Jane Ann Goldsborough at the Church of England Church, Whorlton on 25th September 1880. James was twenty-eight years old and Jane Ann was 21 years old the their occupations were shown as Coppersmith and dressmaker. Witnesses to the ceremony were Thomas Summerson and Margaret Ellen Carter (2).
After their marriage they lived in New Shildon where Jane Ann gave birth to their eldest son, Percy William on 2nd August, 1881.(3) The 1881 census shows that James was working as a leading coppersmith at the Engine Works - probably on the Stockton! Darlington Railway.
In 1881 James was awarded first prize (7/6 = 75c.) at the Shildon Horticultural and Industrial Society Show for fancy articles, Oxford frames, bird cages, cork and other baskets. The certificate is held by Bruce Appleby.
In 1884 James and Jane Ann made a decision to emigrate to Australia. A book was presented to James by his fellow workmen in token of respect on his leaving Shildon for Australia, which is in the possession of Chris Appleby.
REFERENCES.
- Birth Certificate, General Register, London.
- Marriage Certificate, General Register, London.
- Birth Certificate, General Register, London.