WADE EMMERSON 1890-1969

Family Background

By 1914, the Emmersons were a well-established family in Evenwood.  Wade was a common forename for the sons and the above Wade was the third generation to be named as such to live in the village. 

The first known Wade Emmerson was born at Hamsterley c.1814 and married Hannah (1816-1856).  They lived at Stones End, Evenwood.  His second wife was Jane (1818-1909).  The 7th child Wade (1852/3-1909) was the youngest son to the first marriage. Wade (the father) was originally a joiner then by 1871 an “Assistant Overseer” (mining) living at Brookside Cottage (WE 1868 inscribed on a lintel). He died in 1884 aged 70.

By 1881, the son Wade was described as an “engine fitter”.  By 1891, he had married Margaret Ann Willan (1857-1941) and then was recorded as a “Farmer”.  By 1901, Wade and Margaret Ann lived at Evenwood and he was still described as a farmer.  They had 2 children, Amy bc.1885 and Wade bc.1890 both at Evenwood.  Amy married John Rycroft, a future business associate.

The family business interests involved land ownership – the executors of the estate of Margaret Ann Emmerson, namely Wade Emmerson, John Emmerson Rycroft and Dennis Rycoft, were the landowners of the Oaks.

In Evenwood cemetery there is a family plot commemorated by an obelisk where numerous family members are buried. 

Below: Evenwood Cemetery: The Emmerson family obelisk

To the north of St. Paul’s Church and to the west of the main road passing through Evenwood is located a detached stone built dwelling called “Brookside Cottage”.  It was probably built by Wade Emmerson [1814-1884] around 1868 [WE 1868 is engraved into a lintol]. His son, Wade and grandson Wade [1890-1969] lived here and prior to the Great War operated a fledgling bus service.  A small garage was built to the rear of the house.  The Gaunless Valley Motor Service was operated by Emmerson & Rycroft from this garage, probably between 1912 and 1914.    

Below: Brookside Cottage, Evenwood

Below: an early photo showing an Emmerson & Rycroft, Evenwood excursion.

Military Service

Grandson Wade enlisted 6 March 1916 and was posted into the Army Service Corps [ASC] 973 Motor Transport Company [MTCoy.] and then 977 MTCoy.  He was demobilized about April 1919.

Business Development

Wade married Jane Stones in 1924 and their son Wade was born that year.  After the war Emmerson and Howe commenced a bus service and in 1929 the OK Motor Services was established.  Jane died in 1928.  In 1934, Wade married Ellen Lowson the daughter of colliery owner and entrepreneur John Lowson of Hazeldene, Morley who probably assisted with the business. 

In 1938, the enterprise was relocated to Bishop Auckland and the North Bondgate premises were developed.  At that time, the OK ran 27 vehicles, employed 90 people, had 1.5M passengers and travelled 750,000 route miles. The business enjoyed significant growth under Wade senior and his son Wade junior [1924-1994].  Wade senior died in 1969.

Wade Emmerson junior continued to develop the business until his death in 1994. 

Below: a typical sight, the OK at the Swan Street, Evenwood bus stop

His son Wade [the 5th known to carry this name] sold the company 22 March 1995 to “GO AHEAD”.

At this time, there were 212 vehicles in the fleet and depots at Bishop Auckland, Gateshead, Peterlee, Evenwood & Copley.

SUMMARY OF THE PUBLIC TRANSPORT INTERESTS

  • 1912: Wade (Senior) bought the “Invincible 3HP Bradbury” to operate a service from Evenwood to Bishop Auckland. A garage was built behind the family home at Brookside, Evenwood.
  • 1912-14: Emmerson & Rycroft and the Gaunless Valley Motor Service were established but which was formed first? 
  • 1916 – 1919: Emmerson continued the business through the war years with Tom Hope and Joe Walker.
  • 1929: OK Motor Services established at Evenwood.
  • 1938: North Bondgate premises at Bishop Auckland purchased.  At this time the company had 27 vehicles, 90 employees, 1.5M passengers and covered 750,000 route miles.
  • 1948: Wade (Junior) took over the day to day control of the business.
  • 1953: Wade (Junior) became a partner.
  • 1959: OK Motor Services Ltd. was established and Wade (Junior) became a Director.
  • 1959: Blue Belle Motor Services acquired.
  • 1969: Wade (Senior) died aged 79.
  • 1970: Charles Marshall joined the company.
  • 1970: Stephenson Bros. acquired.
  • 1971: a subsidiary company OK Motor Services (Travel) Ltd. was established.
  • 1974: Charles Marshall appointed a Director.
  • 1983: F. Lockey & Sons Ltd. acquired.
  • 1994: Wade Emmerson [Junior] died aged 70.
  • 22 March 1995:  Wade Emmerson [Young Wade] sold the business to Go Ahead for £5.35M.  There were 212 vehicles in the fleet and depots at Bishop Auckland, Gateshead, Peterlee, Evenwood and Copley.

REFERENCES:

“A History of OK Motor Services” D. Holding 2007

Below: Wade Emmerson senior