William & Janet's Children - Albert - Early Life - Marriage to Margaret Galley

Albert Samuel Clark was born in 1891 at Bells Close near Scotswood, the second youngest child of William and Janet Clark.  

The 1911 Census records, at this time 20 year old Albert was living at 12 Middle Row Percy Main North Shields. Albert was a lodger, working at the pit as a Colliery Weighman (it is recorded that there was 8 people living in this house at the time). Perhaps this is how he met and married Margaret Galley born 1893 at North Shields, daughter of William Galley. 

Albert aged 23 and Margaret aged 20 were married at Holy Trinity Church North Shields on 29th November 1915.  

Holy Trinity (closed 1982, demolished 1984). From an old photo in Alan Blacklock's Collection

The entry in the Marriage Register states:-

"Marriage of Albert Samuel Clark aged 23, Engineer of 6 Lovaine Avenue (father William Clark, veterinary surgeon deceased). to Margaret Galley aged 20 spinster of 6 Lovaine Avenue (father Wiliam Galley, steam-boatman). Witnesses Thomas Gibson and Hannah Galley."  

All this information was kindly given to me by Albert's grand-daughter, my cousin (once removed) Dorothy Hartnell. Dorothy believes there was a slight exaggeration about the occupation of Albert's father (he was actually recorded in the 1891 Census as a Horsekeeper Groom at the pit!)  She also noted that the Galley family and Albert were all living at 6 Lovaine Ave in North Shields in 1915, so it looks like he was living with them, or gave his address as his. 

Margaret Galley Circa 1922 aged appox 29 years

6 Lovaine Avenue today

The Galley's were originally from Stella (Blaydon), all the men were Keelmen before moving to North Shields.

This is an interesting extract (full text) from "History of the Parish of Ryton":-

"Considering the number of Keelmen that lived at Stella and Blaydon it is not surprising that some of them should be first-class oarsmen.  William Galley of Stella, in the early years of the 19th century, was champion oarsman of the Tyne.  At the celebration of the Coronation of his Majesty George IV, on July 19th 1821 a great boat race took place from Walker Quay to the Tyne Bridge.  Thirteen boats started, including the "Laurel Leaf" arrived seventh in order, but a dispute having arisen, the race was deferred till August 1st (the anniversary of the Battle of the Nile), when the competitors pulled from Hebburn Quay to the Tyne Bridge - in the following order:-

1st "Laurel Leaf" (William Galley ) prize 6 sovereigns

2nd "The Swallow" prize 3 sovereigns

3rd "Lord Ravenworth" prize 2 sovereigns

(Six Boats Competed)

William Galley belonged to one of the old Stella families.  William Silvertop having married a Galley of Stella in the 18th Century.  There were also a four-oared and six oared crew, formed by the Keelmen of Stella and Blaydon. The village has remained stationary for many years; the only industries at present are the Staiths and the brick manufactory belonging to Messrs Joseph Cowen & Co. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Cowen

Keelboat 
http://www.rolyveitch.20m.com/Keelmen.html