Josiah Whitaker 1893-1916, age 23

Barnsley Chronicle 9th September 1916
Thanks to Barnsley Archives

Born: Around 1893 in Batley, Yorkshire. His name was registered as Josiah Gill Whitaker, in Dewsbury Registration District in the first quarter of 1893. It is therefore possible that he was born at the end of 1892. 

Son of: Herbert Gill and Ada Whitaker, single woman. Ada was born in Batley in 1870 and was a woollen weaver in 1901. 

At the age of 8, Josiah lived with his mother at 22 North Parade in Batley. In 1911 he was a boarder, occupation coal miner, living with the Chappell family at Pye Avenue in Mapplewell, Barnsley, At the time of marriage both Emma and Josiah gave their address as 54 Heelis Street, Barnsley, and later moved to 30 Clarendon Street, Barnsley. 

Husband of: Emma Whitaker nee Slater. Emma and Josiah married at St John the Baptist Church, Barnsley on 29th April 1915. 

Military Service: Josiah was a Private in the 13th Battalion of the York and Lancaster Regiment, service number 13/689. He enlisted on 26th September 1914.

Death: 1st July 1916.  

Remembered: Josiah has no known grave and is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial Pier and Face 14A and 14B. 
Commonwealth War Graves Commission link: here  

Note 1: The Barnsley Independent of 9th September 1916 reported:

Missing Longcar Soldier

Formerly of Mapplewell.

Private Josiah Whitaker of the local battalions, and who resided at 30 Clarendon Street, Barnsley is amongst those posted as missing since the big push commenced on 1st July. Twenty-three years of age , and married , he had resided at Longcar for about two years. He was also well-known and highly respected at Mapplewell, where he formerly lived and worked at the Woolley Colliery. 

Note 2: The Barnsley Chronicle of 9th September 1916 also adds that he enlisted on September 26th 1914, and was married but had no family.