Arthur was born on 10th September 1911 in Cato Street, Saltley, to Enoch Ames and his wife Louisa (nee Gazey).

Later the family moved into 3 Devon Street and he attended St Anne’s School with his Eight siblings.

 

A brass polisher by trade he was unable to enlist in WW2 due to an enlarged heart, he joined the Home Guard instead. He married Winifred Penton from Cromwell Street on the 20th May 1934 at St Anne’s Church in Cato Street.

They had a son ‘Terry’ born 25th June 1936 who sadly died age 5 on the 17th September 1941 from peritonitis. Arthur & Winifred never got over the death of their son and divorced a few years later.

                                                                                  Arthur went on to marry Doris Troughton, they settled down together at 8/6 Devon Street, Saltley, and had ten children between them, Audrey, Barry, Rita, Joyce, Arthur, Linda, Dorothy, Peggy, David & Jimmy.

Arthur was a very good Pianist  & could be found playing the piano in the local Pubs around Saltley most weekends.  

Due to a house fire in 1958 the family were forced to move to 144 St Marks Street,
Ladywood, it was during this time that Arthur was found to be suffering from chronic heart failure.

On 15th August 1959 his son David was born, Arthur was now terminally ill and he died on the 19th October 1959 in Dudley Road hospital. He is buried at Yardley Cemetery.