Frank Woodhouse from York who died in World War 1: 2014

Dora

Who was Dora? On the 1901 census for Priory Street Mary Ann Woodhouse has Dora A listed as her daughter-in-law aged 24 born Loftus Cleveland. There is also a grandchild aged 2 Mary E born in Leeds. But Frank was 25 - had he already left? Why did he say he was single when he joined up? Why did the family never mention him? Herbert Worley was remembered but Frank was not although his photo was in the album and in the King's book. Dora was still alive in 1922 so what happened to the memorial plaque and scroll. Are there Woodhouses in Leeds who have them?
Despite many death records in my grandmother and aunt's little diary book no mention of Frank or Dora or Mary.
Mary E Woodhouse was born 1898 Leeds West - no mother or father details on birth certificate!

Joining the Australian Imperial Force

My son Dennis obtained the full records. Frank joined up on 17th July 1915. Aged 39 labourer born York. Next of kin friend given Mr E Kennan 10 Cassells rd Brunswick Victoria. Mother since died. On another form she is recorded as M.A.Woodhouse Paynell Priory St York so that fits.
In red ink widow Mrs D.A.Woodhouse 207 Bk. Portland Crescent, Leeds. On the form married is answered No. He joined up in Melbourne as a recruit and became private 17.12.15.
Later forms say misisng in action and then killed 26.8.16. He had influenza and bronchial catarrh.
ANZAC section 3rd echelon.
His effects after his burial at Aveluy Wood Plot 1 Row M Grave 11 were identity disc, watch, wallet with photographs. His next of kin is again given as Mrs D.A.Woodhouse 20A Bk. Portland Crescent Leeds.
Other effects were sent to Mr Kennan. 1 scarf, 1 balaclava cap, 1 blet, 1 testament, 1 purse, 1 pipe, 2 discs, 1 razor. Messrs Doyle and Kerr 413 Collins St Melbourne are named as receiving certificate of death.
Memorial plaque and memorial scroll were sent to Dora Annie Woodhouse 1.9.22

Australia

When did Frank go to Australia? If he had gone before 1901 being born in 1876 he would only be 25 so it seems likely he went before 1901. His mother died in 1915. My father Herbert Woodhouse says in his autobiography that his father was adopted by his aunt which fits with the census records.

Mary Ann Woodhouse

Mary Ann (nee Botterill) who was married to Robert Woodhouse died 1877 aged 35 played a crucial role in adopting my grandfather and looking after Frank and Annie. Her boarding house was 18 Priory Street York which is still standing. It was previously known as Parnell House. In 1891 she was head of the household (numbered at that time as No. 6 (later 15) aged 45 living on own means and born at York St Mary Junior. Her daughter Annie E. aged 16 domestic servant (home) and Francis her son aged 15 scholar (both born York St Martin cum Gregory). Also in the household was Elenor F Tate aged 37 companion. Crucially she was to take over the care of my grandfather when Mary Ann died and was midwife when my father and his sisters were born.
In 1901 census Mary Ann is now 55 and running a boarding house at No 15. Elizabeth A (known as Lillie) borth Northallerton 1882 and then 19 domestic general and Francis aged 8 listed as nephew born North Otterington.
There is no sign of Frank who would be 25. Dora A and MAry are listed - see later posting..
In the 1911 census the household is at 43 Lower Priory Street (now demolished) and consists of Elenor Frances Tate aged 57, Francis Woodhouse aged 18 boarder linen draper (my grandfather) and Florence Else Harland aged 3 born Yorkshire (she later became Florence Dewes and Florence Tate!)

Casualty records

Frank Woodhouse is listed in York Casualty Roll of Honour Private 3937, 21st Bn, Australian Infantry, A.I>F. Killed in action 26th August 1916. Aged 41. Son of Mrs. Mary Ann Woodhouse, Native of York, England. Buried Aveluy Wood Cemetery, Mesnil-Martinsart, Somme, France, I.M.11. Commemorated on the St Mary Bishophill Junior Church War Memorial and in The King's Book.
I am pretty sure that no member of the family has ever visited this grave but we hope to remedy this in 2015.

Frank

Frank Woodhouse was born at Martin cum Gregory Micklegate York in 1876 and christened Francis William. He was the second son of Robert Woodhouse and Mary Ann (Botterill). Robert died on 3.5.1877 aged 35 when Frank was one year old. His elder brother Francis died 22.1.1894 aged 45 and like his father was buried at North Otterington. His wife Margaret died 7.11.1892 aged 40 leaving my father's father Francis born 8.5.1892 aged 2.
Mary Ann Woodhouse was crucial in looking after my grandfather at Priory Street. Frank is recorded on the census in 1891 as 15 and a scholar.
He died on 26.8.1916 aged 41 and was buried in France. He had a sister Annie born Martin cum Gregory and lised in 1891 at 16 as a domestic servant.
So Frank was my grandfather's uncle.