Wilson Family History

The tracing of my family history was first started with tales of Frank & his “Jewelled Dagger” by my Grandfather Reuben Wilson his son.

He was the fourth son of the showman “William Wilson” & his wife Henrietta nee Saunders .Born on the 15th Feb 1863 on Hassett Street, Newcastle Under Lyme. In the 1881 Census he was with his parents at The Blue Lion Yard in Grantham with his occupation listed as an Assistant Photographer with his fathers Bioscope or Ghost Show. In 1886 He married Ellen Sedgwick who’s father William owned Sedgwicks Menagerie.Frank became the leading animal trainer with the show & was given the name of “Lorenzo the Lion King”

The Knife that was used to kill his favourite lioness in an unprovoked attack that still bears the blood of the animal. On closer inspection it was revealed that the lioness was suffering from an abscess in its jaw.(Thanks to Michael Cole, Coles Amusements Gt Yarmouth)

A Painting of one of franks Lion’s that hangs in the office of Michael Cole, Coles Amusements Gt Yarmouth.