Census research - I have researched James Meredith’s family links and come up with some matters I can only explain by supposition.

Facts - James Meredith was the only child between James Spencer Meredith and Martha Ann (Williams).
James was born in or about 1895.
1911 census shows James living with his mother who was, by now, shown as Martha Seaborne, and living with her ‘husband’ Charles Seaborne and their daughter Martha Ann Seaborne, who had been born in about 1900. Their address in 1911 was 20 Heol Fawr, Nelson.

However, Martha Ann and Charles Seaborne weren’t married until 1904, at Pontypridd. This marriage record shows Martha Ann’s surname to be Phelton. I cannot find any trace of her marrying a Phelton under the surname of Williams (her maiden name) or Meredith.

There is a record of a James S Meredith died in 1947 in Cheshire. Is this the correct one? Well, no.

A communication from Ian Meredith has thrown some light on the complexity of his family. Read his research findings. (You will need a PDF reader, available from Adobe)

CENSUS AND SENSIBILITIES - by Ian Meredith - updated 29th Apr 2014

Ian Meredith, would you please contact me

News:

August 4^th 1917.

During the past week, official notice has been received of the death of two more Nelson boys in action. This brings the Nelson roll of honour up to 21 men who have paid the supreme sacrifice of patriotism.
The two men are:
Private Thomas Jenkins, Welsh Guards, only son of Mr and Mrs Jenkins, 3 Hollybush Terrace, Nelson and Corporal James Meredith, 16099 of the 10^th Welsh, son of Mrs C Seabourne, 16 Heol Fawr, Nelson.

Cpl James Meredith joined the colours in October 1914 and had thus seen nearly 3 years service. He had taken part in a number of battles and escaped injury. During the battle of Mametz Wood he pluckily rescued 5 wounded men, the incident which resulted in him being promoted to Corporal and for which he was thanked by his Colonel.
He was home on leave in January last, and later underwent a course of bombing instruction. Returning to the trenches in February. Corporal Meredith was 22 years old and worked in Penallta Colliery prior to enlistment.
Corporal Meredith was killed on Sunday morning 22^nd July 1917

[Source: Merthyr Express]