Person Sheet

Name William Phillip Raper Birth Date 1871 Death Date 18/4/1936 Age: 65 Death Place 5 St Walburgas Road, Blackpool Burial Date 22/4/1936 Age: 65 Burial Place Plot BB117, Layton cemetery
Spouses:
1 Mary Alice Almond Birth Date 1868 Death Date 10/9/1908 Age: 40 Death Place 5 St Walburgas Road, Blackpool Burial Date 14/9/1908 Age: 40 Burial Place Plot I241, Layton cemetery. Father George Almond Mother Jane/Jean Weardon (1842-)
Children: Alice Hannah (1895-1956) Florence (1898-1974) Marshall (1899-1980) Mary (1901-1980) Annie (1905-1982)
Notes for William Phillip Raper
Stories told to my father always mentioned that his grandfather was a sharp shooter in Buffalo Bill's Circus with a stage name of Pinetop Pete who only had one hand. Whether he was an American who came over with the circus and stayed after they apppeared at Blackpool Tower or whether he was British and joined up with them for their British (or maybe European?) Tour is not known. Although it's hard to see, the attached photo would suggest that it's his right hand that is missing. On the grave headstone Willim is referred to as Bill. William died on 18th April 1936 at home at 5 St Walburgas Road, Blackpool of Influenza, Cardiac dilatation and Congestion of the lungs, certified by W J Sweeney and registered by his daughter, Alice Hannah Oulton, of 4 Tiber Street on 20th April. The registrar was George N Rees. On his death certificate William was listed as a Beach Patrolman whereas on his wife's he was a Fish Salesman and on his daughter's birth certificate he was a Music Hall Entertainer. William seems to have had several occupations in his time.
Notes for Mary Alice (Spouse 1)
Although buried in plot I241, Mary is mentioned on the headstone for plot BB117, where her husband, three of her daughters and her great grandson are buried. Mary died at home, at 5 St Walburgas Road, on 10th September 1908 of Acute Bronchitis for 17 days and Diarrhoea for 11 hours, certified by F J G Toder. Her death was registered by her widower William, who was present at her death, on 11th September 1908. The registrar was Thomas Dixon. On the certificate Mary's occupation is listed as Wife of William Raper, Fish Salesman.