Thank you to Lenka Cathersides for the following research.
George Francis Jeal was born on 28th January 1887 in Dorking, Surrey to grocer Joseph and Eliza (nee Frost).
George’s father Joseph was born in the 3rd quarter of 1857 Dorking to grocer William Jeal, born about 1832 in Dorking, and Sarah, born about 1828 in Abinger, Surrey. Joseph married Eliza in the 4th quarter of 1879 in Dorking. George’s mother Eliza was born about 1856 in Reigate, Surrey to cordwainer George, born about 1815 in Reigate and Ellen born about 1828 in Oxford Street, London. Eliza was baptised on 30th January 1856 at St Mary’s Church in Reigate.
George Francis had seven siblings: Joseph born about 1881; Eliza Beatrice born about 1883; William P. born about 1885; Benjamin H born about 1890; Walter born about 1892; Margaret Agnes born about 1895 and Dorothy born about 1897, all in Dorking.
At the time of the 1891 Census, the family lived at 15 Falkland Road, Dorking. Joseph was working as a grocer and Eliza was at home looking after their children.
On 24th May 1897 George was admitted into Dorking British School. At the time of his admission the family were still in Falkland Road.
At the time of the 1901 Census, the family remained at 15 Falkland Road. Joseph was working as a grocer and Eliza was at home. The household further comprised of their children: grocer’s assistant Joseph, Eliza Beatrice, school assistant teacher William, George, Benjamin, Walter, Margaret and Dorothy.
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In 1906 George took part in an Old Boys race at a Swimming Gala at Dorking British School, coming 2nd in his heat in the 4 lengths race.
At the time of the 1911 census, the family had moved to 47 Hampstead Road, Dorking. Joseph was working as a grocer and Eliza was at home. The household further comprised of their children: Eliza Beatrice, Margaret (art needlework) and Dorothy and a boarder, shop assistant, Jesse Charles Day. Eliza stated that she had given birth to eight children. The house had eight rooms.
However – by the time of the 1911 Census George had emigrated to Canada, and was living in Saskatchewan.
George Jeal attested on 29th March 1916 in Wynyard, Saskatchewan into the 214th Overseas Battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF). He was a Private with regimental number 267649. At the time of his attestation he lived at Wishart, Saskatchewan and was working as a farmer. He was 29 years old, 5ft 9 inches tall, weighed 150lbs and had a fair complexion, blue eyes and brown hair. He was a Methodist.
George Francis Jeal was discharged on 25th October 1916 at Camp Hughes, Manitoba, as being medically unfit.
George Francis Jeal died on 4th August 1917 at Regina Hospital in Saskatchewan.
He was buried at the Stone Church Cemetery, Wishart.
George Francis Jeal left to his father Joseph Jeal £116, 5s and 6d in the Probate. George’s brother Walter had been killed on the 1st Day of the Somme on July 1st 1916.
| Born | Dorking, Surrey | |
| Lived | Dorking, Surrey, then Saskatchewan, Canada | |
| Son of | Joseph and Eliza of 15 Falkland Road, Dorking | |
| Regiment | 214th Overseas Battalion. Canadian Expeditionary Force | |
| Number | 267649 | |
| Date of Death | 4th August 1917 | |
| Place of Death | Saskatchewan, Canada | |
| Cause of Death | Unknown, but was declared medically unfit in 1916. | |
| Age | 30 | |
| Cemetery | Stone Church Cemetery, Wishart, Saskatchewan, Canada |
