Frederick Hugh Fearnall was born in 1892 at Pickhill near Wrexham.  He is named as ‘Hugh’ on the 1901 census where he was recorded living with his family at Pickhill Old Hall Wrexham. The head of the household was the father Frederick Fearnall 37 and a farmer. His wife Kate was 37. Their listed children were Mary 10, Hugh 9, Wilson 7, Kate 2 and Arhur 11 months. There was a resident cousin, Mary Richards 20,  who helped in the house.  Frances Jones 58, a dressmaker was a ‘visitor’. There were two resident servants, a nursemaid and a cattleman.

Ten years later in the 1911 census, the family was still farming at Pickhill Old Hall. Farmer Frederick was  48 and a widower. He was described as ‘an employer’. His children were listed as follows Mary 20 a farmer’s daughter who did ‘Dairy Work’.  Frederick Hugh was 19 and he worked on the farm as did his brother Thomas Wilson, 17. Arthur 10 was at school. There were three resident general servants.

UK Soldiers Who Died in The Great War 1914 -19, accessible on www.ancestry.co.uk confirms the regimental details above and adds that he enlisted in Overton. This source tells us he was a Lance Corporal but the Commonwealth war Grave Commission describes him as a ‘Corporal’. He died in a hospital in France on the 17th February 1917. The category ‘Died’ usually means that he died of illness or possibly an accident. He was not killed in action nor did he die of wounds.

So far his medal card has eluded me.

Frederick Hugh Fearnall left a Will. It is recorded in the England and Wales National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administration). The entry says;

Frederick Hugh Fearnall of Pickhill Old Hall near Wrexham. Lance Corporal Royal West Surrey Regiment died on 17th February 1917 at the Base 26th  General Hospital, France. Admin with Will London 5th March to Frederick Fearnall farmer. Effects £174..6s..8d  

The Register of Sodier’s Effects in which the army calculated what moneys were outstanding to deceased soldiers. His father, Frederick Fearnall as sole legatee was paid a total of £15 .. 17sh .. 0d in two separate payments.