James Boon

Children - Mabel Gertrude bapt. 26 March 1874 in Woolwich
Amelia J. bapt. 1876
James Edward bapt. 31 July 1877
Frank b. 1884
John b. 1887
William b. 1889
Lily Elizabeth b. 1891
It is thought that there were more children, and also that one was killed
by being crushed between railway trucks or carriages.
Could this be John, who died age 10 in 1896?

Occupation - Royal Navy
Labourer, Woolwich Arsenal/Dockyard
After leaving the Royal Navy James obtained work in the Royal Arsenal, Woolwich. Here he worked as a labourer for 3d. an hour in the Royal Carriage Department from 13 May 1867 until 1 March 1969, when he was 'Discharged Reduction'. He next appears in the Royal Arsenal record on 13 October 1885, working as a labourer in the Royal Laboratory at a wage of 21/- per week. He was discharged on 28 February 1889 for refusing to work.

But James was soon employed at the Arsenal again, this time in the Royal Gun Factory starting on 13 May 1889 on 19/- a week. This had risen to 35/6 by 1911. He retained this job until 12 October 1911 when he was retired. But the day before he retired James suffered any injury. The Compensation for Injury form states:- "Whilst moving a 13.5" End Frame from Drilling Machine in the Sighting Section, a piece of steel fell off the table on to the big toe of his right foot." For this he was awarded 10/3 a week compensation from 12 to 31 October.
He was also granted a gratuity on retirement of £26.13.6, which was 4/10ths of his final year's wages of £65.5.10.

Addresses - Harding Lane, Woolwich
1873 - 32 Church Street, Woolwich
1881/1891 - 3 Orchard Street, Woolwich
Also at 3 Orchard St was Elizabeth Holding, aged 64
65 Elm Street, Plumstead

Died - 5 December 1912 at Seamen's Hospital, Gravesend
Buried King's Highway Cemetery, Woolwich, 12 December 1912

Source Material Held
Birth Certificate - Marriage Certificate - Death Certificate
Royal Navy service record
Census - 1851,1881, 1891

Alfred John Boon wrote: My Grandfather, James Boon, died of Cirrhosis, although I always understood that he was teetotal, like my father. He was a dockyard labourer, and I think he was at one time a waterman or lighterman. I was told that he was involved in the rescue operations of the 'Princess Alice' pleasure boat, sunk in Woolwich Reach. There is a memorial in Woolwich Cemetery, King's Road, Plumstead. Both grandparents are buried here, too. There may be a French connection, not proven. There are many other web sites relating to the 'Princess Alice'.