Grandparents

The paternal grandfather, William Seed, was born around 1821 in Manchester. His wife was Martha, born around 1823 in Rishworth, Yorkshire. The maternal grandfather was Alexander Kenneth Miller, described as a doctor of philosophy.

In the 1871 census William and Martha lived at 52 Tiverton St, Ardwick. William was 50 and a mill furnisher. Martha was 48. There were 3 children, George Henry, 23, a commercial traveller, Mary, 21, a music teacher and Agnes, 17, a governess. All three children were born in Yorkshire.

By 1881 William had died. Martha and George lived at 41 Park Avenue, Gorton, with one servant.

Parents

James’ father was George Henry Seed. He was born on 3 July 1847. In 1881, aged 33, he was a dry goods clerk. He married Eleanor Sutcliffe (born around 1863) on 4 October 1882 at St Thomas’ church, Pendleton. George was living at Park Avenue and Eleanor at 23 Seedly Rd. Her father was Lister Sutcliffe (deceased).

In the 1891 census the family were living at 87 Lansdowne Rd, West Didsbury. There were 3 children. James was 7, Henry Julius 4 and George Percy less than 2 months old.

They had a servant. Henry and George were born in Didsbury. The family were at the same address in 1901.

George died on 17 September 1909 and is buried in Southern Cemetery along with Eleanor who died on 8 March 1950 in her 80th year. Also mentioned on the headstone are James, Henry Julius and the latter’s son, Dr Peter Gerard Seed, MBE.

James

James was born in 1883 in Longsight. By 1901 he was 17 and a bank clerk. In the 1911 census the head of the household was Eleanor, George having died in 1909. The address was now 6 Darley Avenue. James was now 27. Henry was 24 and an automobile agent. Also in the household was Eleanor’s aunt, Sarah Higson, 77, and a servant. James married Elsa Harriet Miller at Christ Church on 30 April 1912. Both resided in Darley Avenue.

James served in the 2nd Battalion, Hampshire Regiment, holding the rank of temporary second lieutenant at the time of his death. He was killed in action on 7 June 1918 in France. His effects sent home included money, £58 5s 6d, £7 7s 7d and £4 2s 2d in different accounts. Probate was awarded to Elsa on 23 August 1918 in Manchester in the sum of £2254 1s 1d. Elsa’s address was 199 Burton Rd.

James is buried in the Outtersteene Communal Cemetery Extension, Bailleul, grave reference IV. C. 46.