Susannah Whisson

Born in Marsey's Yard just off Church Street in Whitby
in 1872, Susannah is best remembered for her needlecraft
now on display in the town museum, which she composed
as a 10 year old pupil at the nearby St. Michael's School.
Family word of mouth has it that she was such a head turner
with her sparkling blue eyes & attractive looks that many a local
lad wished to court her.
It would not be any surprise if she also turned the head of Bram
Stoker during his stay at the port & inspired him to write of the
immaculate brides-to-be in his Gothic classic, "Dracula".
However, Susannah found her companion in railwayman, John
Porritt, who lived only a mile westward along the banks of the
Esk river in Ruswarp. They married at Whitby Parish Church on
November 8th 1897.
Finding work hard to come by they found a need to relocate to
York, where 5 of the 6 of Susannah's children were born.
They lived in their 23 Ambrose Street home in the Fulford district
of the city for many years, Susannah also finding employment as
one of the first female school teachers.
In 1947 John & Susannah celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.
Retired by then, John had worked for the L.N.E.R for 40 years.
Susannah outlived her husband & younger son, John, having many
grandchildren & great-grandchildren.
She died aged 88 years old in 1960, the last living child of George
William & Catherine Whisson.
Her descendants live far & wide, including one branch in New Zealand.

The Porritt family in York circa 1912

Top (from left to right) Kate, Alice.

Middle ( l to r) John, Susannah

Bottom (l to r) Edith, John, Eva

Susannah's handiwork from approximately 1882.

Gertrude Porritt ( nee Addy ) with her 3 children

( from 2nd L to R ) John Edward, Joan Margaret & Susan at Scarborough in 1952.

The marriage of John Porritt, son of John Porritt & Susannah (nee Whisson).

The descendants of Susannah Whisson, who married railwayman John Porritt of Ruswarp, near Whitby.

YORK GOLDEN WEDDING

Fifty years ago Mr. and Mrs. J. Porritt were married at St. Mary's Church, Whitby.
At their home at 22 Ambrose Street, York, they today celebrated their golden wedding.

After 40 years service as a joiner with the L.N.E.R, 73-year-old Mr.
Porritt, a native of Ruswarp, spends much of his time gardening.

Mrs. Porritt, who never considers her day complete without tackling the
"Evening Press" crossword puzzle, was born in Whitby.

"I wish I had all the rice that was thrown at me on my wedding day", said Mrs. Porritt.

Mr. and Mrs. Porritt have one son, four daughters , and seven grandchildren.

( Most probably taken from York newspaper in 1947.)