Peter Mattimoe (1867-1931)

Peter Mattimoe  Peter was born in Bishop Auckland, Co. Durham shortly after the family arrived from Ireland.

He moved with his family to the hamlet of Gordon Gill on the outskirts of Ramshaw in 1870 and was soon enrolled in the local school which was to be the seat of learning for four future generations of the family.

By 1881 Peter was a rapper by in the mine soon to become a hewer.

At the turn of the century Peter was elected by his fellow workers at the mine to the important position of Checkweighman a position he was to hold for thirty years first at Railey Fell Colliery in Ramshaw then, for the last nine years of his life at Randolph Colliery, Evenwood.

In a further reflection of his standing in the community he was elected to the Parish Council in 1901.

Not content with the responsibilities he had recently taken on Peter also became licensee of the Bridge Inn at Ramshaw at this time. 

He married Elizabeth 'Lizzie' Kelly in 1904 and they became host and hostess to many dinners and local events during their period at the Bridge Inn. 

Peter and Lizzie had nine children Jane, Annie, twins Elizabeth and Mary who died young, Esther, Pete, Pat, Tom and Evelyn.

Despite his large family, work responsibilities, licensee duties and community work he still found time to become an active member of the Evenwood Silver Band which itself supported the activities and endeavours of the people of Ramshaw and Evenwood.

Peter  relinquished his license of the Bridge Inn and became steward of Evenwood Workmen's Club, a position he was too hold for many years.

He continues his community work throughout his life becoming Chairman of Ramshaw Parish Council for a period, a governor of the local school, a member of the Burial Board responsible for the upkeep and management of the local cemetery and a member of the locas Miners Welfare Committee.  he was to hold these duties until his death in 1931.  it is not surprising therefore that his funeral was well attended by representatives form all these organisations as well as Randolph Colliery and the Labour Party plus all his relatives and many friends from his community.

Peter's life died in 1957.

For more pictures of the family click Family Album

 

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