John Parkins was born in Oldham, Lancashire in about 1885.

In 1910 he married Elizabeth Jenkins who was born in the Nelson area in about 1888.

1911 census records show that they were living at 14 Heol Fawr, Nelson and at this time had one daughter Florence May Parkins who had been born in 1910. Her birth was registered in Apr-Jun 1910, the same date range for the marriage of her parents.

John is shown as a coal mine repairer.

Elizabeth Jenkins was one of a number of children born to George and Catherine Jenkins. 1901 census shows that living at 21 Heol Fawr, Nelson were:

George Jenkins - born in Crosswell, Herefordshire in about 1853
Catherine Jenkins - born in Breconshire in about 1857, and their children,

Thomas, born 1884 in Breconshire
John, born 1886 in Llanfabon
Mary Ann born 1887 - Llanfabon
Elizzie born 1888 - Llanfabon
Frederick born 1890 - Llanfabon
Kate, born 1894 - Llanfabon
Gwen Jane born 1898, and - Llanfabon
Florence born 1890 - Llanfabon

News:

December 23^rd 1916.

Killed in action.

Private John Parkins, North Staffordshire Regiment, of 15 Heol Fawr, was killed in action in France on 26^th November. Official confirmation of the news was received on Monday morning by Mrs Jenkins, Holly Cottages, deceased’s mother-in-law. Private Parkins was a reservist at the outbreak of war and had previously been on foreign service in India and Africa. He went to France with the first draft of the British Expeditionary Force and had been home twice on rest leave, with his Regiment he had participated in many big engagements and had come through them all uninjured.
Two young children are left, his wife having died about four years ago. He was employed at Treharris pit.

[Source: Merthyr Express]