The Family of Thomas Cottam

Thomas Cottam was the son of James Cottam and Ann Cottam, who were married at St Michael & All Angels Church in Croston in 1885.

Thomas was baptized in the same church on 25 March 1888.

At the time of the 1891 Census they were living in Croston:

1891 CENSUS OF CROSTON, LANCASHIRE:
NAME:	RELATION:	CONDITION:	SEX:	AGE:	OCCUPATION:	BIRTHPLACE:
James Cottam	Head	Mar.	M	26	General Labourer	Croston, Lancashire
Ann Cottam	Wife	Mar.	F	26	-	Croston, Lancashire
Elizabeth A. Cottam	Dau.	-	F	5	Scholar	Croston, Lancashire
Thomas Cottam	Son	-	M	3	-	Croston, Lancashire
Kate Cottam	Dau.	-	F	1	-	Croston, Lancashire

NOTES:
1:	Living at Gannow Brow, Croston. (RG13-3427, folio 55, page 1)
2:	The above information is taken from the census returns on microfiche at the Lancashire Record Office.

Thomas and his first wife Elizabeth Ann (Critchley) had at least one child, Richard, who was baptized at Croston on 30 October 1918 by A.G. Whalley, Rector.

At the time, Thomas was a soldier (Royal Garrison Artillery) and the family lived at Square Fold, Croston.

James and Ann Cottam are buried together in the churchyard of the Parish Church in Croston:

"In Loving Memory of
James Cottam,
beloved husband of Ann,
died 31st July 1947, aged 83 years.
Also, Ann Cottam, wife of above,
died 24th October 1948, aged 84 years.
Also Pte. James Cottam, their son,
Killed in Action,
June 1918, aged 19 years.
Also Susan,
died 15th June 1972, aged 80 years."

Although listed on his parent's headstone in Croston, Pte. James Cottam, who was killed on 6 June 1918, is buried at Chambrecy British Cemetery in Marne, France. Visit his Commonwealth War Graves web page.