James Horsley (songwriter)

James Horsley (1828–1891) was an Alnwick born songwriter, editor, and general handyman. In addition to his songs, he wrote many pieces of poetry about Jesmond. The most well-known of the songs may well have been "'She's sumboddy's bairn".

Early life

James Horsley was born in 1828 at Snipe House, Alnwick, Northumberland.
His father, also James (and living with his second wife), was a farmer. Almost immediately after the birth, the family moved to Newcastle upon Tyne; there, they attempted to run a small business in Percy Street.
The business was unsuccessful and within a few years both parents died, leaving James orphaned at young age, with little education, and few means, or friends.
James managed to survive these difficulties, but it must have been a very hard life.
He worked in many trades including as a cabin boy on a coaster or collier plying between Tyneside and London, a grocer's errand boy, a message boy and general servant to Doctor Shiell of Regent Terrace, Newcastle and had various other jobs.
When he was around the 18 to 20 years mark, he moved again to work at several places as a stable boy.

Later life

Circa 1850 he moved to the Advertiser and (Ward's) Directory with Robert Ward, whose printing works were on the first floor of a building in St Nicholas' churchyard in Newcastle.
He was later transferred/promoted into a job as canvasser and collector for the Advertiser, but shortly afterwards was taken ill; an illness which lasted for some time.
In early 1859 he joined Mr Andrew Reid of Pilgrim Street, Newcastle (to work on the "Reid's Railway Guide" of which he would eventually become manager and editor), and where he stayed until his death.
Initially he was employed as a canvasser and collector, but in 1860 he suffered another long illness.
He eventually returned to work after many months, and although not of perfect health (he was very concerned that his illness would re-occur) was always cheerful and well loved by his work colleagues and associates.
His mottoes were "Be careful of the company you keep, and be thoroughly honest and truthful in all your dealings" and "Live within your means, no matter what your salary may be, and never get into debt."
His work involved frequent trips to the Lake District which led to an increased output of poetry, but Jesmond remained his favourite spot, and he could be found there most Saturday afternoons.

Death

James Horsley died on Sunday, 8 March 1891, at the age of 62 years at his home at 42 Chester Street, Newcastle.
He was buried in St. Andrew's Cemetery.[1]
Snow fell heavily at the time of his death, and at the funeral lay so thick that a way had to be cut to the grave.
His widow died six months later (September 1891) and was buried in the same plot in St. Andrew's Cemetery.

Legacy

His first song, “Geordy's Dream or, the Sun and the Muen” was written when he was about 21 but his next song wasn’t published until he was almost 50. Most of his songs, and many of his poems are written in broad Geordie dialect.
His biography, written by a friend, a Mr Hastings, (and it is him that we should thank for the details on the writer), is entitled "Lays of Jesmond and Tyneside Songs and Poems – By the late James Horsley".[2][3] It was published and printed by Andrew Reid, sons and Co. 50, Grey Street, Newcastle and Allan, Bookseller, Blackett Street, Newcastle in 1891.

He occasionally contributed to the columns of the North of England Advertiser, on several occasions wrote the Retiort Keelman's letter, (continuing, along with other poets, writing the "dialect letter" using the pseudonym started by Joseph Philip Robson) and his poems appeared in the Journal and Courant.[4]
His songs appeared in “Allan's Tyneside songs 1891”[5][6] and also in "The North of England Almanac for 1882".

Works

His numerous works include  :-

See also

Geordie dialect words

References

  1. ↑ "Photographs of Newcastle – St Andrews Cemetery".
  2. ↑ "Lays of Jesmond and Tyneside Songs and Poems – By the late James Horsley".
  3. ↑ "Lays of Jesmond and Tyneside Songs and Poems – By the late James Horsley". Andrew Reid, sons and Co. 50, Grey Street , Newcastle and Allan, Bookseller, Blackett Street, Newcastle. 1891. pp. about 176 pages.
  4. ↑ "Newcastle Courant".
  5. ↑ "Allan's Illustrated Edition of Tyneside songs and readings".
  6. ↑ Allan's Illustrated Edition of Tyneside songs and readings with lives, portraits and autographs of the writers, and notes on the songs. Revised Edition. Thomas & Gorge Allan, 18 Blackett Street, and 34 Collingwood Street, (Newcastle upon Tyne) – Sold by W. Allan, 80 Grainqer Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, B. Allan, North Shields and Walter Scott. London. 1891.

External links

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