Richard Arthur Witten was born (with twin sister Sarah Jane), at Ipswich in 1875, to parents William and Sarah Witten, and was christened at St. James’ Church, West Hartlepool, on September 12th, 1875.
The 1891 Census shows the family living at No.42, Murray Street, West Hartlepool.
In 1902 Richard married Elizabeth Dossett, of Seaham Harbour, and the 1911 Census shows them living at No.21, Milton Place, West Hartlepool, with five children, Richard Arthur (aged 9), Edward (7), James Henry (5), Elizabeth (4), and Harrison (1), together with Elizabeth’s sister Ada Dossett (aged 23).
