John William Busby

John William Busby was born in 1898 he was the son of Charles an insurance agent and Rachel Busby née Murfin of The Poplar, Pleasley Hill, Mansfield. Charles was born in 1870 at Murrow, Wisbech Rachel Murfin was born in 1863 at Alfreton, she died in 1915 aged 51 yrs, they were married on 28th April 1891 at Pleasley, they had 6 children, sadly 1 died in infancy or early childhood. In 1911 the family were living at The Poplars, Pleasley, Charles is 41 yrs and an insurance agent, he is living with his wife Rachel 48 yrs and their 5 children including John William 13 yrs a cotton spinner.

Cotton Spinner. Sunday School teacher.

Poplar Cottage, Pleasley Hill.

Private John William Busuby enlisted at Mansfield on 21st July 1916 he initially served with the Royal Scots (201823) Had also served with the Royal Scot Fusiliers before transferring to the 17th bn Highland Light Infantry. He died with his officer due to sniper fire on 14th April 1917.

Mansfield Chronicle Advertiser, 26/04/1917: Enlisted 21/07/1916.died with his officer of sniper fire. Aged 19. Sunday School teacher at the Primitive Methodists. Photograph printed in the 10/05/1917 edition.