William John Elvin

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Date of Birth: June 23, 1893 Date of Death: May 3, 1950

Biography

Full name of worker at H.M. Factory Gretna (and any other names they are known by) : William John Elvin

Gender: Male

Date and Place of Birth: 23rd June 1893, Durisdeer, Dumfriesshire

Date and Place of Death: 3rd May 1950, Satellite Beach, Florida

Nationality: Scottish

Childhood: N/K

Parents: William Francis Elvin and May nee Anderson

Parent’s occupations: Railway surfaceman

Schools / universities attended and years of attendance:

Occupation: Fitter at Gretna, chemical engineer in 1950

Place of residence at Gretna: N/K

Job title at Gretna: Fitter.

Marital status: Married Annie Watt Davidson, while working at H.M. Factory Gretna.

Children: At least 4

Travels: Emigrated to US

Awards/recognitions: N/K

Trivia / any other information:

William John Elvin was born on 23rd June 1893 at Durisdeer, Dumfries to William Frances Elvin, a railway surfaceman and May nee Anderson.

WW1 – employed at H M Factory Gretna in charge of a pipe fitting shop at Dornock.

12th October 1917 married Annie Watt Davidson, munition worker, of Howard House, Eastriggs. William described as a fitter of H16 Eastriggs. They subsequently had 4 children.

Dumfries and Galloway Standard – Wednesday 27 June 1917

“A QUESTION OF BADGE. William J. Elvin. fitter, 24 Friars’ Vennel, Dumfries; whose case was continued from last sitting, stated that he was the sole support of two sisters—one whom was a cripple—and brother. He was in charge of a pipe fitting shop for the Ministry of Munitions at Dornock, and he produced certificate authorising him to wear a war service badge. Mr Maitland Heriot: Every badge withdrawn, and there should not be a badge in existence and it ought to be inquired into. Temporary exemption was granted till 1st January.”

1921 William John, Annie Watt, Catherine Davidson and 2 others are recorded in Spondon, Derbyshire.

1924 – crossed the Atlantic to New York – occupation – foreman. Address given was 7 Canal Street, Aberdeen. (His wife’s home)

14th June 1926 Canadian Border crossing with 4 children including a baby. Listed as an artificial silk manufacturer, employer.

1940 – US census lists William as naturalised. Research engineer in textile factory of 4 Beall Street, Frostburg, Maryland.

1950 US census still at 4 Beall Street. A chemical engineer in a rayon factory

3rd May 1950 – died at Satellite Beach, Florida

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To search our directory of workers at HM Factory Gretna either enter any name, place of birth or place of death in the search box or if you know what their job was from select from the drop-down menu.