JAMES ERNEST AND MINNIE BRYANT
JAMES
Born 1883 Birmingham
Married to (1) Minnie Bryant 1902
(2) Lily Keeley 1942
Death 1958
1891 Lived with mother and family as Lodgers at Ickneild Port Road
1901 Lived at Heath Street, Smethwick
Although not married at the time of the 1901 census James and Minnie can be found living together. Due to the marriage of his Mother Jessie to Minnie's Father Benjamin they are now actually step-brother and sister. This did not prevent them from marrying.
1902 James married Minnie Elizabeth Bryant
James and Minnie had 8 children but their first child died within a few months of his birth.
James worked as a Pig Iron Warper at Guest,Keen & Nettlefolds, Smethwick
| NAME | BIRTH | MARRIAGE | DEATH | SPOUSE |
| James Benjamin | 1903 | 1903 | ||
| Wilfred James | 1905 | 1981 | Hilda | |
| Harold Edgar | 1907 | 1985 | Jessie | |
| Herbert E | 1911 | 1978 | Elsie | |
| Miriam Bertha | 1915 | 1970 | Ernest Willetts | |
| Marjorie | 1917 | Frederick Davies | ||
| Barbara Olive (Olive) | 1920 | 1942 | Harold Smith | |
| Frederick William | 1922 | 1948 | Pauline Hogg |
James Ernest and Minnie 1936The Ratheram and Bryant families belonged to the Salvation Army where James and two of his sons played in the Brass Band. James played the Tuba and sons Harold and Herbert played the Trombone and the Euphonium. The trio also played in the South Staffs Territorial Army Brass Band with Minnie's brother Thomas as Bandmaster.
1922 Lived at Raglan Road, Smethwick
MINNIE ELIZABETH BRYANT
Minnie was the eighth child of Benjamin Bryant and Barbara Ridgway
Born 1877 West Bromwich
1881 Lived at Holyhead Road, Handsworth
1891 Lived at Grove Street, Harborne
Minnie was a Pen Nib Maker until she married
1940 Minnie died
JAMES ERNEST AND LILY Spouse 2
1942 James married Lily Keeley
James later works as Park Superindant at West Smethwick Park.
1946-1950 Lived at Arden Road, Smethwick
1951-1958 Lived at Ismere, nr Churchill, Nr Kidderminster.
During this period James was employed seasonally as Father Christmas at the local department store Attwoods in the town of Kidderminster. Not many people can say they are related to Santa!
1958 James died at Wordsley Hospital
1973 Lily Died