26 May 2021

I received copies of Jane and Thomas Porteus’ death certificates today. I believe Jane Peak married Thomas Porteus after her husband John died.

Death at Shining Row, Wallsend on 22 July 1868 of Thomas Porteus, male, age 52 years, a coal miner. Cause of death as Laryngeal Phthisis, 22 weeks, certified. The informant was John Peak, in attendance of Boundary Street, Elswick, Newcastle on Tyne. He could sign his name. Registered 24 July 1868

John Peak is probably Jane’s son John, however in 1871 he was living on Bell Street in North Shields. In the 1861 census and on the 1862 death certificate of his son, he was living in Middle Street, also North Shields.

Death at 81 Bell Street, North Shields on 20 December 1891 of Jane Porteus, female, age 78 years, widow of Thomas Porteus, a coal miner. Cause of death was Bronchitis, certified. The informant was Mary Taylor, present at the death of 81 Bell Street, North Shields. She could not sign her name, Registered 21 December 1891.

Jane was living at 81 Bell Street in the 1891 census, with a lodger named Joseph Milburn. Mary Taylor lived next door at number 80.

Bell Street is a small street that runs beside the Tyne between Union Quay to the north east and Low Dock to the south east