St Wilfrid's Catholic Cemetery, Preston

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of Robert and Mary EAMER / HAMER:

Robert Hamer, a bachelor, and Mary Wareing, a spinster, both of Preston, were married on 22 May 1820 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Matthew Mark, Curate, and the witnesses were John Crombleholme and Ann Wareing. The bride, groom and both witnesses signed the register with an X.

It is difficult to understand why, but Robert and Mary seemed to alternate between the Catholic Church and The Church of England. Perhaps theirs was a mixed marriage, or it may be that they were trying to outwardly conform to the "established" church. In any event, their first known child was baptized in a Catholic Church. Their daughter Ann was baptized Ann Hamer on 27 Sep 1824 at St Wilfrid's Chapel, and the sponsors were Roger Waring and Ruth Parkinson. She was followed by Thomas, who was baptized Thomas Eamer on 13 Apr 1827 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. The baptism register records that he was the son of Robert and Mary Eamer, that his father was a weaver, and that the family lived in Canal Street - the same address given when Robert died later that year.

Robert Hamer was buried in the churchyard at St Peter's Church on 19 Sep 1827, aged 44. His burial was recorded in the burial register at St John's Church.

One can only imagine what life was like for poor Mary after losing her husband at such a young age, and things were only going to get worse. Two years after Robert's death, she buried her only son.

Thomas EAMER / HAMER:

Thomas Hamer, of Canal Street, who was born in 1827, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 10 Dec 1829, where his age was recorded simply as "infant". Almost exactly two years after Thomas' death, Mary lost her eldest child.

Ann EAMER / HAMER:

Ann Eamer, of Chew's yard, who was born in 1824, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 28 Dec 1831, aged 7 years.

On the night of the 1841 census, Mary Eamer, of no occupation, aged 49, was living with her twice widowed father Richard Wareing, a tailor, aged c. 70, in Back Lane, Preston. Also staying with him was Ruth Parkinson, a cotton weaver, aged c. 35; William Allenson, a tailor, aged c. 20; Joseph Lawrenson, a labourer, aged c. 20; and Alexander Swarbrick, a labourer, aged 19. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. Alexander Swarbrick may have been a relative of Richard's second wife Mary Swarbrick. Mary was still living with her father ten years later.

At the time of the 1851 census Richard Waring, widower, a tailor, aged 84, was living at 61 Back Lane. Living with him was his widowed daughter Mary Hamer, aged 56, and seven lodgers, Michael Carel, a french polisher, aged 18; James Bailey, a labourer, aged 30; Hugh Harrison, a labourer, aged 44; Henry Harrison, a cotton weaver, aged 46; John Tipping, a shoe maker, aged 20; Daniel Johnson, a tailor, aged 23; and William Turner, widower, a sawyer, aged 45. Richard was listed as born in St Michaels, Mary was born in Garstang, Michael and Daniel were born in Ireland; Hugh and Henry were born in Longton, and James and John were born in Preston. Richard Wareing died two years later.

On the night of the 1861 census Mary, widow, a lodging house keeper, aged 44, was living at 16 Back Lane, Preston with seven lodgers, Samuel White, a basket maker, aged 46; James Whalley, a bricklayer, aged 55; John Pye, a Taylor (sic), aged 50; James Bailey, a butcher, aged 36; William Moor, a mechanic, aged 18; William McCarthy, a basket maker, aged 25; and John Lewis, a basket maker, aged 20. The handwriting on the census form is difficult to read, and Mary's surname has been transcribed as Emms on the Ancestry website.

At the time of the 1871 census Mary was listed under her maiden name. Mary Wareing, widow, a weaver, aged 82, was living at 15 Back Lane, Preston. Living with her was an unmarried boarder, James Bailey, a labourer, aged 48, who appears to have been the same man who lived as their boarder from 1851 onward. Mary was listed as born in Garstang, and her boarder was born in Preston. Mary died in the workhouse later that year.

Mary Hamer was buried on 5 Oct 1871 in a public grave, D-116, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 83 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...Since our last:...Mary Hamer, Workhouse, 83:"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 7 Oct 1871

Note 1: It is difficult to determine what the correct surname was for this family. The name varies between Eamer and Hamer from one record to another, and both names seemed to have been fairly common. For that reason, I am listing them in the index under both EAMER / HAMER and HAMER / EAMER.

Note 2: Mary Waring was born on 17 Nov 1791 and was baptized the same day at St Mary and St Michael's Catholic Church in Bonds, Garstang. She was the daughter of Richard Wareing and Nancy (Jackson) Wareing.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of William and Elizabeth EASTHAM:

William Eastham, a minor, of Claughton, and Elizabeth "Betty" Smith, a spinster, of Bilsborough, were married on 23 Jun 1806 at St Helen's Parish Church, Churchtown, Garstang. They were married after Banns by William Wayles Thornton, Curate, and the witnesses were Thomas Waterhouse and John Cornthwaite. The bride and groom signed the marriage register with an X. William, a minor at the time of their marriage, would have been about 19 or 20 years old.

William and Elizabeth baptized two children at St Francis Catholic Church, known as Hill Chapel, in Goosnargh. Mary Eastham was baptized on 25 Nov 1808, with sponsors James Eastham and Margaret Heedsforth. She was followed by Edward, who was baptized on 6 Feb 1811, with sponsors Robert Smith and Ann Lawrenson. Elizabeth's maiden name was not recorded in the baptism register.

William and Elizabeth then baptized five children at St Thomas' Catholic Chapel in Claughton-on-Brock, beginning with Thomas, who was on 28 Oct 1813 and was baptized three days later, with sponsors Richard Eastham and Mary Edisforth. He was followed by Ann, who was born on 29 Jun 1817 and was baptized the next day, with sponsors John Edisforth and Elizabeth Waterhouse, then Margaret, who was born on 21 Oct 1817 and was baptized four days later, with sponsors George Arrowsmith and Ann Edisforth; Alice, who was born on 21 May 1821 and was baptized the next day, with sponsors Thomas and Alice Wells; and Elizabeth, who was born on 10 Jun 1825 and was baptized the next day, with sponsors James Almond and Isabella Threlfall. When Thomas, Margaret and Elizabeth were baptized their mother's maiden name was recorded as Smith, but when Ann was baptized her mother's maiden name was recorded as Edisforth. Alice's baptism record did not include her mother's maiden name.

It is not known when the family moved to Preston, but on the night of the 1841 census William Eastham, a weaver of cotton, aged c. 45, was living in Lancaster Road, Preston with his wife Betty, aged c. 45, and four children, Thomas, aged c. 30; Ann, aged c. 25; Margaret, aged c.20; Alice, aged c. 20; Betty, aged c. 15; and James, aged 1. They were all listed as having been born in Lancashire. Their eldest daughter died eight years later.

Anne EASTHAM:

Anne Eastham, a weaver, who was born in 1817, died on 21 Sep 1849 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery two days later, aged 32. She died of phthisis (tuberculosis), and her death was registered by William Eastham, of 79 Lancaster Road, who was present at the death.

William and Elizabeth's granddaughter, Elizabeth Eastham, was born on 15 Oct 1844 and was baptized five days later at St Ignatius Catholic Church in Preston. She was the daughter of Alice Eastham, and the sponsors were Edward and Ann Eastham.

Baptism of Elizabeth Eastham

Alice, who was unmarried at the time of Elizabeth's birth, was married two years later in Manchester.

John Ainsworth, of full age, widower, an overlooker, of Gorton, the son of Joseph Ainsworth, and Alice Eastham, of full age, a spinster, of Gorton, daughter of William Eastham, were married on 24 Feb 1846 at the Collegiate Church of St Mary, St Denys and St George (Manchester Cathedral). They were married after Banns by William Wilbraham Johnson, and the witnesses were Thomas Aikin and Mary Talbot. The bride and Thomas Aikin signed the register with an X.

After marrying in Manchester, Alice and John settled to Preston to start their family. Alice seems to have left the Catholic church as, not only was she married in an Anglican cathedral, her children were all baptized in Anglican churches.

On New Years Day 1850 William Eastham's granddaughter died in a tragic accident at his home in Lancaster Road.

Elizabeth EASTHAM:

On News Years Day 1850 Alice Eastham's daughter Elizabeth was staying at her grandfather's house when her clothes accidentally caught fire. She died of her injuries later that day, and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 4 Jan 1850, aged 5 years.

Newspaper Report:

DEATH BY BURNING - A little girl, named Elizabeth Eastham, residing with her grandfather, in Lancaster-road, was so severely burnt, on the morning of Tuesday last, as to occasion her death, the same day. She was left, on the morning of the above day in the house, along with a little boy, four years old, by her grandfather; and at a little before 8 o'clock, a man named John Proctor, who lodges next door, went into the house, in consequence of screams proceeding from it. He saw the deceased, enveloped in flames, which he succeeded in extinguishing. The deceased was so severely burnt as to be unable to tell how her clothes became ignited. She died about half-past 12 o'clock on the same day. An inquest was held on the same afternoon, before R. Palmer, Esq., coroner, when a verdict of "Accidentally burnt to death" was recorded."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 5 Jan 1850

It is not known why, or for how long, Elizabeth had been living with her grandparents. By the time of her death, her mother and stepfather had two children, John born in 1847, and Joseph, born earlier in 1850. By the night of the 1851 census William Eastham, a hand loom weaver, aged 64, was living at 79 Lancaster Road, Preston with his wife Elizabeth, aged 68, and their sons Thomas, an unmarried power loom weaver, aged 37; and Edward, a widower and hand loom weaver, aged 46. Another child, William Eastham, aged 6, was listed as their son but was actually their grandson, the son of Edward and his late wife Mary (Fowler) Eastham, who had died a couple of years earlier, on 13 Jan 1849 in Goosnargh. Also staying with them were four lodgers, James Ainsworth, aged 15; John Parkinson, aged 36; Mary Lowe, aged 9; and Jane Lowe, aged 7. William Eastham was listed as born in Samlesbury, Betty in Poulton (Poulton-le-Fylde), and their sons and grandson were born in Goosnargh.

Also in 1851, Alice (Eastham) Ainsworth, a power loom weaver, aged 30, was living at 69 Great George Street, Preston with her husband John, an overlooker in a cotton mill, aged 49, and their sons John, aged 4; and Joseph, aged 1. John Sr was listed as born in Blackburn, Alice was born in Goosnargh, and the boys were born in Preston. Also staying with them was a house servant, Ann Bentham, a widow, aged 73, from Ormskirk. Two years later, John and Alice lost their younger son. Joseph Ainsworth was buried in the churchyard at St John's Parish Church on 24 Apr 1853. Just six weeks later they had a third child, a daughter they called Elizabeth, who was baptized on 5 Jun 1853 at St John's Parish Church.

William Eastham, of Lancaster Road, who was born in about 1787, was buried on 29 Nov 1857 in a public grave, C-489, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery.

Death Notice:

"Deaths...Since our last:-...William Eastham, Lancaster-road, aged 70 years."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 5 Dec 1857

On the night of the 1861 census Elizabeth Eastham, a widow, aged 78, was living at 3 Cumberland Street, Preston with her son Thomas, a power loom cotton weaver, aged 48, and her grandson James, a corn miller, aged 21. Also living with her was an unmarried lodger, James Brophy, a cotton spinner, aged 21. Elizabeth was listed as born in Poulton-le-Fylde, Thomas was born in Bilsborough, James was born in Goosnargh, and the lodger was born in Preston.

Elizabeth eventually went to live with her oldest son, and on the night of the 1871 census Edward Eastham, widower, a labourer in a cotton mill, aged 59, was living at 4 Eleanor Street, Preston. Living with him was his widowed mother Elizabeth, aged 88; his married son William, a cotton weaver, aged 25; William's wife Elizabeth, aged 26, and their three children, William E, a scholar, aged 4; Mary, aged 2; and James, aged 2 months. Elizabeth (Smith) Eastham died the following year.

Elizabeth Eastham, of 4 Margaret Street North, who was born in about 1782, was buried on 4 Mar 1872 in a public grave, D-138, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 89 years. There was no death notice published.

Note: Alice Eastham's daughter Elizabeth was reputedly the daughter of George Norcross. About three months after Elizabeth's birth, George Norcross married Barbara Wilkinson at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married on 11 Jan 1845 and went on to have a large family, naming the first of their eleven children Elizabeth.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of Richard and Grace EASTHAM:

Richard Eastham, a weaver, and Grace Kerfoot, both of the Parish of Penwortham, were married on 24 Oct 1819 at St Mary's Parish Church in Penwortham. They were married after Banns by William Birkett, Minister, and the witnesses were Thomas Mayor and Betty Brown.

After marrying in Penwortham, Richard and Grace settled in Preston, where their children were born. All eight children were baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel, and I have recorded their surnames as spelled in the baptism transcripts.

Evan Eastham was baptized on 5 Mar 1820, with sponsors John and Ann Moulding. He was followed by Ellen Eastom, who was baptized on 28 Oct 1821, with sponsors William Moleding (sic) and Mary Waring; then William Eastum, who was baptized on 24 Aug 1823, with sponsors Peter and Jane Brown. William did not survive infancy and was buried on 11 Apr 1827 in the churchyard at St Paul's Church in Preston, aged 3. The burial register records that he was of Albert Street, and was a Papist (Catholic).

Richard and Grace's fourth child was Richard Eastom, who was baptized on 5 May 1822, with sponsors Thomas Eastom and Margaret Waterhouse. His parents were listed as Richard and Agnes Eastom. He was followed by Grace Heastum, who was baptized in October 1828, with sponsors Charles Leech and Ann Whaley. The baptism register did not record the exact date for nine baptisms that took place between 28 September and 12 October of that year.

Richard Eastham Sr, of Preston, was buried in the churchyard at St Andrew's Parish Church in Leyland on 30 Jul 1829, aged 54 years.

Death Notice:

"DIED...At Preston,...Mr. Richard Eastham, aged 54;"

Published in the Lancaster Gazette, Sat., 8 Aug 1829

It appears that at the time of Richard's death Grace was expecting their sixth child. Alice Eastome was baptized on 7 Mar 1830, with sponsors John Eastome and Ann Hindle. She did not survive infancy and was buried in the churchyard at St Paul's Church on 4 May 1832, aged 2 years. Her surname was spelled Eastham in the burial register, which recorded her abode as Albert Street, and that she was a Papist.

Grace Eastham went on to baptize two further children at St Wilfrid's Chapel, including another daughter she called Alice, who was baptized on 20 Oct 1833, with sponsors Robert Gravestone and Mary Ann Moulding. The child's father's name was not recorded. Alice was followed by John Eastham, who was born on 21 Mar 1836 and was baptized six days later, with sponsors James Leach and Jane Brown. His father was listed as William Hallison. Two years after John's birth, Grace lost another child.

Grace EASTHAM:

Grace Eastham, of 44 Albert Street, who was born in 1828, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 26 Aug 1838, aged 9 years.

On the night of the 1841 census Grace Eastham, a washer woman, aged c. 35, was living in Albert Street with four children, Evan, a cotton piecer, aged c. 15; Ellen, a cotton weaver, aged c. 15; Richard, aged c. 15; and Alice, aged 6. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. Grace's son John was not listed in the census, but I cannot find any record of his death or burial - unless an error was made in the burial transcripts and his death was recorded under the wrong name.

Alice EASTHAM:

An Alice Estham, of Albert Street, who was born in about 1836, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 28 Apr 1837. We know that Grace's daughter Alice was still living in 1841, and it is possible that the child listed as Alice was actually John Eastham. Grace's daughter Alice died the following year.

Alice Eastham, the daughter of Richard Eastham (sic), a weaver, deceased, died on 17 Feb 1842, aged 8 years. Her cause of death was unknown, and her death was registered by Grace Eastham, of 38 Albert Street, who signed the death register with an X. I can find no record of Alice's burial and believe that she was buried in the churchyard at St Augustine's Catholic Church, but their early burial register is apparently missing. Albert Street, which no longer exists, was a short walk from St Augustine's Church.

Albert Street, Preston

Richard and Grace's daughter Ellen married Henry Bamford at St Mary's Parish Church in Penwortham in 1843. Unfortunately the parish registers, dating back to 1586, were destroyed in a fire in the church in 1856, and there was no marriage notice published. Grace (Carefoot) Eastham remarried three years later.

John Monks, a widower, aged 42, a beamer, of Albert Street, the son of the late John Monks, a weaver, and Grace Eastham, a widow, aged 44, a housekeeper, of Albert Street, the daughter of the late James Carefoot, a blacksmith, were married on 8 Mar 1846 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by W.M. Colles, Curate, and the witnesses were James and Margaret Hyam. The bride, groom and both witnesses signed the register with an X.

At the time of the 1851 census John Monks, a beamer, aged 44, was living at 36 Albert Street with his wife Grace, aged 48, and Hugh Monks, a cotton spinner, aged 29; Richard Eastham, a frame former, aged 22; Robert Monks, a cotton piecer, aged 15; Elizabeth Monks, a weaver, aged 13; a nephew, Henry Hall, a weaver, aged 25; and a lodger, William Hayes, a weaver, aged 68. John, Robert and Elizabeth were listed as born in Whittle-le-Woods, Grace was born in Dalton, Hugh was born in Hutton, Richard was born in Preston, Henry was born in Blackburn, and the lodger was born in Croston. Richard Eastham was listed as being blind.

I cannot find the family in the 1861 census but on the night of the 1871 census John Monk, a cotton twister, aged 70, was living at 38 Brook Street South, Preston with Grace, aged 76, and her two unmarried sons, Evan Eastham, a cotton spinner, aged 49; and Richard Eastham, a cotton spinner, aged 46. In this census Grace was listed as born in Longridge and her sons were born in Hutton. It appears that their ages are off by a couple of years. Evan would have been about 51 and Richard would have been about 49. John Monk died six years later.

John Monks (sic), of 78 Senior Street, was buried on 23 Jan 1877 in a public grave, G-310, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 78 years. There was no death notice published. Grace (Carefoot) Eastham-Monk died in the workhouse the following year.

Grace Monk was buried on 11 Mar 1878 in a public grave, G-191, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 84 years.

Death Notice:

"Deaths...Since our last:...Grace Monk, Workhouse, 84;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 16 Mar 1878

Note 1: It is difficult to be certain of the spelling of Grace's maiden surname. The original marriage register for her second marriage was lost in the fire at the church, and the above details were taken from the Bishop's Transcripts. If these are to be believed, Grace signed her own name in the register and spelled if Kerfoot, but in other records the name is spelled Carefoot, and she is almost certainly the Grace Carefoot who was baptized on 3 Jan 1796 at St Wilfrid's Church in Ribchester. That Grace was the daughter of James Carefoot of Dutton. The baptism register does not record the name of her mother.

Note 2: In the 1851 census, Ancestry has mis-transcribed the surname Monk as Montes.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of Thomas and Jane (Holden) EASTHAM:

Thomas Eastham, a bachelor, and Jane Holden, a spinster, both of Preston, were married on 7 Feb 1826 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Edward Moorhouse Hall, and the witnesses were Thomas and Peggy Smith. The bride, groom and both witnesses signed the register with an X.

Thomas and Jane baptized five of their six children at St Wilfrid's Chapel, beginning with John, who was baptized on 10 Dec 1826, with sponsors Thomas and Helen Holden. He was followed by Richard, who was baptized Richard Easton on 30 Mar 1828, with sponsors John Wall and Mary Easton; then Elizabeth, who was baptized Elizabeth Easton on 10 Oct 1830, with sponsors John Bamber and Ann Bateson; Thomas, who was baptized Thomas Heastum on 25 Aug 1833, with sponsors William Sheppard and Elizabeth Bateson; and Helen (Ellen), who was baptized on 30 Nov 1834 at St Mary's Catholic Chapel in Preston, with sponsors Joseph and Ann Alason.

The 1832 Preston electoral rolls list Thomas Eastham, a weaver, living at 9 Back Friday Street. They were still living in Back Friday Street when their sixth child died.

Ann EASTHAM:

Ann Eastham was born on 13 Oct 1836, and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel three days later, and the sponsors were Daniel Comberleach and Ellen Cardwell. Ann, of 4 Back Friday Street, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 8 Apr 1840, aged 3 years.

On the night of the 1841 census Thomas Eastham, a weaver of cotton, aged c. 40, was living in Sidney Street, Preston with Jane, aged c. 55, and three children, Richard, aged 12; Thomas, aged 8; and Ellen, aged 5. Staying with them was Ann Holden, aged 11, who may have been a relative of Jane's. Also staying with them, presumably as lodgers, were Leonard Battersby, a sawyer, aged c. 25; Alice Battersby, a carder of cotton, aged c. 25; William Hodgkinson, an agricultural labourer, aged c. 70; Mary Hodgkinson, aged 15; John Dow, a weaver of cotton, aged c. 20; and William Carr, a weaver of cotton, aged c. 15. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. It is not known where John and Elizabeth Eastham were on the night of the census. Elizabeth was married seven years later.

Joseph Cowell, a bachelor, of full age, a piecer, of Walton-le-Dale, the son of John Cowell, a labourer, and Elizabeth Eastham, a spinster, of full age, a rover, of Walton-le-Dale, the daughter of Thomas Eastham, a weaver, were married on 29 Jul 1848 at St Leonard's Chapel in Walton-le-Dale. They were married after Banns by Robert Hornby, and the witnesses were Richard Naylor and Mary Hayes. The bride, groom and Mary Hayes signed the marriage register with an X.

At the time of the 1851 census Thomas Eastham, a hand loom cotton weaver, aged 66, was living at 2 Old Hollow, off of Friday Street, Preston, with Jane, aged 62, and their youngest two children, Thomas, a cotton piecer, aged 17; and Ellen, a power loom cotton weaver, aged 16. Thomas Sr was listed as born in Goosnargh, and the rest of the family were born in Preston. Jane (Holden) Eastham died the following year.

Jane Eastham, of Fylde Road, died on 18 Dec 1852 and was buried two days later in the churchyard at St Ignatius Catholic Church, aged 63 years.

Burial of Jane Eastham

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On Saturday last...Jane Eastham, Back Fylde-street, aged 63."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Fri., 24 Dec 1852

Thomas and Jane's daughter Ellen was married the following year. Thomas Wilding, a bachelor, aged 21, a piecer, of Friday Street, the son of Joseph Wilding, and Ellen Eastham, a spinster, aged 18, a weaver, of North Street, the daughter of Thomas Eastham, were married on 3 Oct 1853 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by S. Hastings, Curate, and the witnesses were James Wignall and Ellen Meredith. The bride, groom and Ellen Meredith signed the register with an X.

Sometime after marrying in Preston, Thomas and Ellen moved to Blackburn. At the time of the 1861 census Thomas Wilding, a self minder at a mill, aged 28, was living at 2 New Water Street, Blackburn with his wife Ellen, aged 26, and their sons Joseph, aged 4; and James, aged 2, both born in Blackburn. Staying with them was Ellen's widowed father, Thomas Eastham, a hand loom weaver, aged 60 (sic). Also staying with them was an uncle, James Wilding, a piecer in a cotton mill, aged 46. Thomas Eastham was listed as born in Goosnargh, Thomas and Ellen Wilding were born in Preston, and the rest of the household were born in Blackburn.

Thomas Eastham later went to stay with his married daughter Elizabeth, and on the night of the 1871 census Joseph Cowell, a labourer in a cotton mill, aged 45, was living at 115 Alker Street, Blackburn, with his wife Elizabeth, aged 44, and his father-in-law, Thomas Eastham, a labourer, aged 70. Joseph and Elizabeth were listed as born in Preston and Thomas was born in Goosnargh. By 1881 Thomas was again staying with his daughter Ellen.

At the time of the 1881 census Thomas Wilding, an operative cotton spinner, aged 49, was living at 1 Copy Nook, Blackburn with Ellen, aged 47. Staying with them was their married son Samuel, an operative cotton spinner, aged 22; their grandson, Thomas A Wilding, aged 8 months, and Ellen's father, Thomas Eastham, a retired cotton weaver, aged 81. It was noted in the census that their grandson was blind.

Thomas Eastham continued to live with his daughter and son-in-law until his death in 1889. He was buried on 8 Jun 1889 in grave C-1158 in a Catholic section of Blackburn Cemetery, aged 89 years. The burial register records that he was the rel (relict) of Jane, and his address was 21 Higher Audley Street, Blackburn.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...EASTHAM - Thos. Eastham, Higher Audley-street, 89."

Published in the Blackburn Standard, Sat., 15 Jun 1889.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of Joseph and Alice EASTHAM:

Joseph Eastham, a cotton weaver, of Ribchester, and Alice Ashworth, spinster, of Chipping, were married on 29 Apr 1799 at St Bartholomew's Parish Church in Chipping. They were married after Banns by John Carlisle, Vicar, and the witnesses were Nicholas Howarth and John Townley. Alice Ashworth signed the marriage register with an X.

After marrying in Chipping the couple settled in the neighbourhood of Ribchester where they baptized nine children at St Peter and St Paul's Catholic Church in Ribchester. I have spelled their surnames as they were spelled in the original baptism register.

Alice Eastom was baptized on 16 Jun 1801, with sponsors John Hurst and Elizabeth Smith. She was followed by Ann Eastome, who was baptized on 14 Mar 1803, with sponsors Jeromy Smith and Catherine Lord. She did not survive infancy and was buried on 4 Mar 1804 in the churchyard at St Wilfrid's Parish Church in Ribchester. Her age was not recorded in the burial register, but she was described as the daughter off Joseph Eastham, of Ribchester.

Joseph and Alice's third child was Joseph Eastom, who was baptized on 8 Jul 1804, with sponsors Joseph Walmesley and Anna Leeming. He was followed by Richard Estham, who was born on 4 Feb 1810 and was baptized the next day, with sponsors Jeromy Smith and Ann Liming; then John Estham, who was born on 6 Jul 1812 and was baptized the same day, with sponsors Henry Smith and Jane Rocklif; James Estham, who was born on 16 Nov 1814 and was baptized two days later, with sponsors George Rocklif and Grace Estham; George Estham, who was born on 17 Mar 1817 and was baptized the same day, with sponsors Joseph Walmsley and Alice Estham; Peter Estham, who was born on 29 Jun 1819 and was baptized the next day, with sponsors William Warden and Margaret Rocklif; and Isabella Eastham, who was born on 31 Jul 1824 and was baptized on 1 Aug 1824, with sponsors James Chatburn and Ann Ainsworth.

Joseph and Alice's daughter Alice married Edmund Ireland in Ribchester in 1824, and baptized their first three children at St Peter and St Paul's Catholic Church there. Sometime after 1830 the couple moved to Preston, and Alice's younger brother John was staying with them when he died in 1839.

John EASTHAM:

John Eastham, who was born in Ribchester in 1812, died in Preston on 14 May 1839, and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery two days later, aged 27 years. He died at the home of his sister and brother-in-law, Edward and Alice Ireland of 37 Snow Hill, Preston.

On the night of the 1841 census Joseph Eastham, a weaver, aged c. 60, was living at [illegible] Nook in Ribchester. Alice Eastham, aged c. 60, was staying at Page House in Ribchester, the home of William and Mary Mullyneaux. They were all listed as born in Lancashire.

At the time of the 1851 census Joseph Eastham, a hand loom cotton weaver, aged 74, was living at Weather Cock in Alston with his wife Alice, a hand loom cotton weaver, aged 71, and two of their unmarried children, Joseph, a hand loom cotton weaver, aged 45; and Isabella, a hand loom cotton weaver, aged 25. Living with them were two lodgers, Ellen Wilson, a hand loom cotton weaver, aged 11; and Alice Wilson, a scholar, aged 7. They were all listed as born in Dilworth. Alice (Ashworth) Eastham died three years later, and Joseph died four years after her.

The death of Alice Eastham was registered in the Alston sub-district of Preston in the second quarter of 1854, aged 74 years. The death of Joseph Eastham was registered in the Alston sub-district of Preston in the first quarter of 1858, aged 81 years. Both Alice and Joseph were almost certainly buried in the churchyard at St Peter and St Paul's Catholic Church in Ribchester, but the burial register, if one exists, is apparently still held at the church.

Note: The later baptism records, from 1810 onwards, record Alice maiden name as Ashworth.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of Thomas and Jane (Parkinson) EASTHAM:

Thomas Eastham and Jane Parkinson, both of the Parish of Penwortham, were married on 6 Nov 1787 at St Mary's Parish Church in Penwortham. They were married after Banns by Richard Rowe, Officiating Minister, and the witnesses were Edward Tuson and Thomas Eastham. Jane signed the marriage register with an X.

Thomas and Jane baptized at least six, and possibly nine, children at St Wilfrid's Chapel, beginning with Thomas Eastom, who was baptized on 31 Jul 1791, with sponsors Thomas Parkinson and Jane Moss. He was followed by Elizabeth Eastome, who was baptized on 26 Jan 1794, with sponsors Robert Moss and Ann Parkinson; then Robert Eastom, who was baptized on 14 Aug 1796, with sponsors Alexander and Mary Edisford. He died in infancy and was buried on 18 Apr 1798 in the churchyard at St Mary's Parish Church in Penwortham, where his surname was spelled Eastham.

The following year Thomas and Jane had another son they called Robert, who was baptized Robert Eastom on 10 Feb 1799, also with sponsors Alexander and Mary Edisford; then Mary Eastom, who was baptized on 21 Feb 1802, with sponsors James and Elizabeth Parkinson. There then appears a gap in the St Wilfrid's records, from 22 Feb 1803 to 1 Jan 1813, during which time Thomas and Jane appear to have had a least three children, Joseph, who was born in about 1804; Mary, born in about 1806; and Nancy, born in about 1810. Their last known child was Maria, who was baptized Marianna Eastham on 21 Aug 1814, with sponsors Robert Parkinson and Ann Baines.

By 1820 the family had moved to Preston and the 1820 Catholic census lists Thomas Erstum (sic), aged 50, living at 3 Frederick Street, Preston with Jane, aged 55; Joseph, aged 16; Mary, aged 14; Nancy, aged 10; and Maria, aged 6. Some of the ages seem to be off by a couple of years, and their older children were no longer living at home.

Thomas EASTHAM Jr:

Thomas and Jane's eldest known child would have been about 29 at the time of the 1820 census, so it's not surprising that he was not living with his parents. Little is known about his life, but he may have been the Thomas Eastham who was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 23 Aug 1823, aged 34 years. Jane (Parkinson) Eastham died two years later.

Mrs Jane EASTHAM:

Jane Eastham, of New Preston, who was born in about 1768, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on Christmas Day 1825, aged 57 years.

Thomas EASTHAM Sr:

Thomas Eastham, of New Preston, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 18 Apr 1827. He was born in either 1766 or 1770. The St Wilfrid's burial transcript records his age as 56, while the death notice records it as 60, so it's difficult to be certain of his true age or approximate year of birth.

Death Notice:

"DIED...At Preston, Mr. Thomas Eastham, aged 60;"

Published in the Lancaster Gazette, Sat., 28 Apr 1827

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Thomas EASTHAM:

At the time of the 1841 census Thomas Eastham, aged c. 15, was a live-in male servant on the farm of John and Ann Moulding at Nutters Platt in Hutton. He died on Sunday, 5 Apr 1846, but his body wasn't discovered until the following day. He was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 8 Apr 1846. He was aged 22 years, but his age was not recorded in the burial transcripts.

Newspaper Report:

"Suicide - An Inquisition was taken at Hutton, on Monday last, by R. Palmer, Esq., coroner, on view of the body of a young man named Thomas Eastham, aged twenty-two. William Moulding, in examination said, he had known the deceased, and about seven o'clock on Sunday morning last he saw him on the Longton road, going in the direction of Longton. Witness saw him again shortly afterwards, and asked him where he had been, when he said he had been nowhere. He saw him again at Jim Moulding's house, and he appeared to be confused, and in very low spirits. He (deceased) told witness he had slept in a hayloft on Saturday night last, but did not say why he did so, he looked very bad, and seemed as though he was almost starved to death. On Monday morning, having received information, witness and a person of the name of Thornley, went in search for the deceased. They found a hat near a pit of water, and they dragged the pit. They then drew out the body of the deceased, who was quite dead. Thomas Thornley was examined, but merely corroborated the evidence of Moulding. Verdict - "Drowned himself in a pit of water, being at the time in a state of insanity"."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 11 Apr 1846

If Thomas Eastham was 22 when he died in 1846 he would have been born in about 1823, and a Thomas Eastham was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 15 Jun 1823. He was the son of William and Ellen Eastham, and the sponsors were Peter and Martha Brown. His parents had only been married one month.

William Eastham, a weaver, and Ellen Brown, both of the Parish of Penwortham, were married on 18 May 1823 at St Mary's Parish Church in Penwortham. They were married after Banns by William Birkett, Minister, and the witnesses were James Knowles and Martha Brown.

Thomas seems to have been the only child William and Ellen baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel, and I can find no further record of them.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of James and Isabella EASTWOOD:

James Eastwood, a bachelor, of Chaigley and Isabella Hodgkinson, a spinster, of Leagram, were married on 10 Oct 1836 at St Michael's Chapel in Whitewell in Bowland, Lancashire. They were married after Banns by Philip Abbott, Incumbent of Downham, and the witnesses were Joseph Cottam and Margery Hodgkinson. The bride, groom and Margery Hodgkinson signed the register with an X.

After marrying in Whitewell, James and Isabella settled in Preston, where their first child was born almost exactly one year later.

Jane EASTWOOD:

Jane Eastwood was born on 14 Oct 1837 and was baptized the following day at St Wilfrid's Chapel, with sponsors Thomas and Mary Cardwell. She died on 10 Dec 1837 and was buried two days later in St Wilfrid's Cemetery, aged 2 months. She died of "inward fits" and her death was registered by her father, James Eastwood, a weaver, of 118 Friday Street. The burial transcript recorded her name as James Eastwood.

James and Isabella's second child also died in infancy.

William EASTWOOD:

William Eastwood was born 6 May 1839 and was baptized six days later at St Wilfrid's Chapel, with sponsors Nicholas Cardwell and Margaret Hoskisson. He died on 12 Feb 1840 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery four days later, aged 9 months. His death was registered as "William, son of James and Isabella Eastham". He died of an inflammation in the chest, and his death was registered by his father James Eastham, a weaver, of Back Well Street, who was present at the death, and signed the death register with an X.

At the time of the 1841 census James Eastwood, a cotton weaver, aged c. 30, was living in Back Canal Street, Preston with his wife Isabella (spelled Issabela in the census), aged c. 30. They had no surviving children, but Isabella may have been pregnant with their third child, who was born later that year.

Henry EASTWOOD:

Henry Eastwood was born on 8 Jul 1841 and was baptized three days later at St Wilfrid's Chapel, with sponsors William Crombleholme and Catherine Englishby. He too died in infancy and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 10 Oct 1841, aged 3 months. His abode was listed as 16 Back Canal Street.

James and Isabella had no more children, and at the time of the 1851 census James Eastwood, a power loom weaver, aged 40, was living in Ribbleton Row, Ribbleton, Preston with Isabella, aged 38. Also staying with them was Isabella's widowed mother Jane Hodgkinson, a pauper, aged 83. James was listed as having been born in Darwen, Isabella was born in Leagram, and her mother was born in Myerscough.

On the night of the 1861 census James Eastwood, a night watchman, aged 49, was living at 19 West View, Preston with his wife Isabella, aged 48. Living with them were three lodgers, John Brindle, a cotton weaver, aged 24; Margaret Brindle, a cotton weaver, aged 22; and Joseph Brindle, aged 8 months. In this census James was listed as born in Darwen, Isabella was born at Leagram Mill, John Brindle was born in Bamber Bridge, and his wife and son were born in Preston. James Eastwood died two years later.

James Eastwood, of Ribbleton Lane, was buried on 25 Jan 1863 in a public grave, J-296, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery. The burial register incorrectly records his age as 49.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...Since our last...James Eastwood, Ribbleton-lane, aged 52;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 31 Jan 1863

Sometime after her husband's death Isabella left Preston and the only other possible record I can find of her is in 1871. At the time of the 1871 census Isabella Eastham, a widow, formerly a hand loom weaver, aged 61, was living in an Alms House in Aighton, near Stonyhurst.

Note: As both the death certificate and burial record for William contain the same errors I suspect that a copy of the death certificate was used to record the information in the burial register. Additionally, they both record William's address as Back Well Street, but I can find no record of there ever having been a Back Well Street in Preston. I suspect that this was actually Back Canal Street, where the family were living in 1841.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Mrs Mary EASTWOOD:

The 1820 Catholic census of Preston lists Mary Eastwood, aged 50, living at 28 Lune Street, where she died fifteen years later. Mrs Mary Eastwood, of Lune Street, who was born in about 1758, died on 14 Sep 1835 and was buried three days later in St Wilfrid's Cemetery. Her age was not recorded in the burial transcripts.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On Monday last, at her house, in Lune-street, Mrs. Eastwood, aged 77."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 19 Sep 1835

Administration with Will of Mary Eastwood, late of Preston, widow, was proved on 1 May 1840.

"16 Jul 1831, I Mary Eastwood makes this my Will. I give and be queath eaverry thing be longing to mee to my deare and be loved son Thomas Eastwood and is deare children for eaver, (signed) Mary Eastwood. Witness (signed) Ann Rigby (signed) Ann Watson"

Mary Eastwood's Will

Because Mary neglected to nominate an Executor, her son Thomas had to apply for Administration of her estate with the will annexed. This was granted on 1 May 1840, with her estate valued at under £450. It is not known why he waited five years to settle his mother's estate.

The probate documents refer to Mary's son as Thomas Eastwood, Esq., of Lancaster. I can only find one Thomas Eastwood listed in the 1841 census at Lancaster. Thomas Eastwood, Ind. (of independent means), aged c. 40, was living at 1 Greenfield, Lancaster with Catherine, Ind., aged c. 40, and four children, Catherine A., aged c. 15; George F., aged 9; Edmund P., aged 4; and Maria, aged 2. Staying with them were three women, presumably servants, Mary Ann Betts, aged c. 40; Sarah Wilding, aged c. 30; and Eliza Corbersley, aged c. 20. Catherine A and Mary Ann Betts were listed as born outside of the county, and the rest of the household were listed as born in Lancashire.

Thomas Eastwood later became embroiled in a legal battle, on behalf of his wife and her sister, that led to him leaving the Catholic church. It is a long and complicated story but it seems that they felt that a priest had used undue influence over the wife's uncle and persuaded him to change his will in favour of the priest. A lawsuit was filed and went all the way to the high court, where Thomas was eventually successful. Part of his wife's eventual inheritance was Brindle Lodge in Brindle, where Thomas and Catherine lived for the rest of their lives.

Note 1: Thomas Eastwood, Esq., of Preston, a bachelor, aged 26, and Catherine Ann Taylor, of Lytham, a spinster, aged 21, were married on 22 Jun 1818 at St Cuthbert's Parish Church in Lytham. They were married, by licence, by Robert Lister, Minister, and the witnesses were Matthew Mason and Alicia Maria Taylor. If Thomas was 26 at the time of his marriage this would put his approximate year of birth at 1792. A Thomas Eastwood was baptized St Wilfrid's Chapel on 24 Mar 1792. He was the son of Mary Eastwood, and the sponsors were Robert Parkinson and Fanny Eastwood. So was "Mrs Mary Eastwood" actually married?

Note 2: The full story of Thomas' legal battle is too long to go into here, but if anyone is interested I can provide reference numbers to documents at the Lancashire Archives relating to the case. It was also covered in the local newspapers of the day.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Bridget EAVES:

Bridget Eaves, of 39 Park Lane, who was born in about 1747, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 20 Oct 1835, aged 88 years. I believe that she was the former Bridget Adlington of Fulwood.

Richard Eaves, a husbandman, of Preston, married Bridget Adlington, a spinster, of Fulwood, on 30 Sep 1782 at St Mary's Parish Church in Lancaster. They were married after Banns by J. Thomas, Curate, and the witnesses were William Baines and Elisabeth Biers. The bride and William Baines signed the register with an X.

Richard and Bridget settled in Preston, where they baptized five children at St Wilfrid's Chapel. John Eaves was baptized on 18 Jan 1785, with sponsors John Noblet and Peggy Emmott. He was followed by Mary, who was baptized on 23 Nov 1792, with sponsors Matthew and Alice Eaves. She died in infancy and was buried on 1 Mar 1794 in the churchyard at St John's Parish Church. The burial register records that she was the daughter of Richard Eaves, and was aged 1 year.

Richard and Bridget's third child was James, who was baptized on 31 Dec 1794, with sponsors John and Winifred Sharrock. He was followed by Matthew, who was baptized on 17 Jan 1796, with sponsors Robert Hodgson and Ann Pooles. He too died in infancy and was buried on 21 May 1796 at St John's Parish Church. The burial register records that he was the son of Richard Eaves, and was aged 1 year.

Richard and Bridget's last known child was Helen (Ellen), who was baptized on 18 Dec 1797, with sponsors Matthew and Alice Eaves.

I cannot find any record of the death or burial of Richard Eaves, but suspect that he died before 1810. Bridget and her family were not listed in the 1810 Catholic census of Preston, but if they were living in Fulwood at the time it may have been outside of the St Wilfrid's parish boundaries. Richard and Bridget's son John married five years later but was widowed in 1818 (see below).

The 1820 Catholic census lists a John Eaves living in Fulwood with Bridget and Ann Eaves. The census gives no clue as to their relationship and does not record their ages, but I suspect that this is Richard and Bridget's son John, who would have been about 35 years old, living with his widowed mother, and that Ann Eaves was John's daughter. He remarried six years later.

John Eaves was living in Park Lane, Preston in 1832, and Bridget Eaves was buried from an address in Park Lane three years later.

Note: At the time of their marriage, Fulwood - although on the outskirts of Preston - was in the parish of Lancaster, and this may be why Richard and Bridget travelled up to Lancaster to be married.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of John EAVES:

John Eaves, the son of Richard and Bridget (Adlington) Eaves, was married twice. I believe that his first marriage was in 1815.

John Eaves and Margaret Johnson, both of the Parish of Preston, were married on 6 Feb 1815 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by William Towne, Curate, and the witnesses were Robert Swarsbrick (sic) and George Riley. The bride and groom both signed the marriage register with an X.

John and Margaret baptized two children at St Wilfrid's Chapel, beginning with Ann, who was baptized on 16 Apr 1815, with sponsors William Wilding and Sarah Johnson. Ann apparently died before 1826, but I can find no record of her death or burial. John and Margaret's second child was Bridget, who was baptized on 30 Jun 1816, with sponsors James Proctor and Bridget Eaves. Both Margaret and her daughter Bridget died two years later.

Margaret Eaves, of Fulwood, was buried in the churchyard at St John the Baptist Parish Church in Broughton on 10 Mar 1818, aged 25 years; and Bridget Eaves, of Fulwood, was buried in the same churchyard on 25 May 1818, aged 2 years. John Eaves was a widower for almost eight years.

John Eaves, a widower, and Nancy Brighouse, a spinster, both of Preston, were married on 7 Feb 1826 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Edward Moorhouse Hall, and the witnesses were Thomas and Ellen Moss. The bride, groom and both witnesses signed the marriage register with an X.

It appears that John and Nancy's marriage might have been a matter of some urgency, as their first child together was born just four months later. Their daughter Hannah was baptized Ann Eaves on 19 Jun 1826 at St Wilfrid's Chapel, with sponsors Thomas and Jane Swarbrick.

Richard and Nancy baptized another six children at St Wilfrid's Chapel, beginning with Richard, who was baptized on 28 Dec 1828, with sponsors William Richardson and Thomasina Wilding. He was followed by James, who was baptized on 27 Nov 1831, with sponsors Thomas Lucas and Ann Laurenson, then the second of four daughters to be named after John's mother.

Bridget EAVES (2):

Bridget Eaves was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 20 Jul 1834, with sponsors John Rigby and Bridget Albin. She was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 18 Dec 1834, aged 5 months, where her abode was listed as Park Lane.

Bridget EAVES (3):

The third child to be called Bridget was born on 20 Oct 1835 and was baptized on 25 Oct 1835 at St Wilfrid's Chapel, with sponsors Christopher and Bridget Aubin. She was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 15 Feb 1837, aged 15 months, where her abode was listed as North Road.

About a year after Bridget's death, John and Nancy had another son. John Eaves Jr was born on 7 Mar 1838 and was baptized four days later, with sponsors Christopher Aubin and Martha Swarbrick.

On the night of the 1841 census John Eaves, a hand cotton weaver, aged 51, was living in Park Road, Preston with Nancy, aged 42, and four children, Hannah, aged c. 15; Richard, aged 12; James, aged 9; and John, aged 3. Staying with them was Ann Cunningham, Independent, aged 18. With the exception of Ann Cunningham, who was born in Ireland, they were all listed as born in Lancashire. John and Nancy's sixth and last child was born later that year.

Bridget Eaves, the fourth of John's daughters to be given that name, was born on 27 Nov 1841 and was baptized on 5 Dec 1841, with sponsors Thomas Rigby and Bridget Albin. A little over three years later, their youngest son died.

John EAVES Jr:

John Eaves, who was born in 1838, was buried on 12 Aug 1844 in St Wilfrid's Cemetery, aged 5 years.

By the mid-1840s John Eaves had lost his first wife and four or five of his nine children, and before the decade came to a close he was to lose his eldest son.

Richard EAVES:

Richard Eaves, of North Road, who was born in 1828, drowned on 30 Jul 1848, and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 3 Aug 1848, aged 19 years.

Newspaper Report:

"Man Drowned.- On Sunday morning last, a man named Richard Eaves, a piecer, aged about twenty-two years, fell into the river Ribble, near the Chain caul. An alarm was immediately given, and several persons ran to the place where the deceased was observed struggling in the water, and endeavouring to swim. The current was, however, too strong for him, and he sunk. A boat was sent up the river soon afterwards, and attempts were made, but unsuccessfully, to get up the body with grapnel irons. About half-past six o'clock on Sunday evening, a man, named William Dunkerley, waded into the water, and about half-a-dozen yards from where the deceased sunk he found his body. It was taken home to his father's house. An inquest was held on the body on Monday last, before R. Palmer, Esq., coroner, when a verdict of "Accidentally drowned," was returned."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 5 Aug 1848

Two years after their son's death, John and Nancy's daughter Ann was married. John Leeming, a bachelor, of full age, a cotton piecer, of Walton-le-Dale, the son of John Leeming, a hand loom weaver, and Ann Eaves, a spinster, of full age, a power loom weaver, of Walton-le-Dale, the daughter of John Eaves, a hand loom weaver, were married on 27 Jul 1850 at St Leonard's Chapel in Walton-le-Dale. They were married after Banns by Robert Hornby, and the witnesses were Richard Brighouse and Susannah Leeming. The bride, groom and both witnesses signed the marriage register with an X.

On the night of the 1851 census John Eaves, a hand weaver, aged 61, was living at 72 Park Lane, Preston with hi9s wife Nancy, aged 57, and two children, James, a spinner, aged 19; and Bridget, a scholar, aged 10. Living with them was their married daughter Hannah Leeming, a power loom weaver, aged 24; their son-in-law John Leeming, a spinner, aged 23, and two grandchildren, Thomas Leeming, aged 2; and John Leeming, aged 2 months. John Eaves was listed as having been born in Cottam, Nancy was born in Houghton, and the rest of the household were born in Preston.

At the time of the 1861 census John Heaves (sic), a hand loom cotton weaver, aged 74, was still living at 72 Park Lane with Nancy, a housekeeper, aged 65, and their daughter Bridget, a cotton weaver, aged 19. Bridget was married two years later.

George Threlfall, a bachelor, aged 21, a mechanic, of St Mary's Street, the son of Edmund Threlfall, a dresser, and Bridget Eaves, a spinster, aged 21, a weaver, of North Road, the daughter of John Eaves, a grocer, were married on 25 Apr 1863 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Richard MacNamara, and the witnesses were James Threlfall and Elizabeth Fell. The two ladies signed the marriage register with an X. Bridget's father died two years later.

John Eaves, of North Road, Preston was buried on 8 Nov 1865 in a public grave, J-653, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 79 years.

Death Notice:

"Deaths...Since our last...John Eaves, North-road, aged 79;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 11 Nov 1865

Nancy (Brighouse) Eaves died five years later.

Nancy Eaves, of 9 New Hall Lane, the widow of John Eaves, a cotton weaver, who was born in about 1796, died at home on 29 December 1870. She died of Bronchitis, and her death was registered by John Sergeant, of 9 New Hall Lane, who was present at the death. Nancy's burial was recorded on 2 Jan 1871 in the burial register at St John's Parish Church in Preston.

Death Notice:

"Deaths...Since our last...Margaret (sic) Eaves, Newhall-lane, 65;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 7 Jan 1871

Note 1: Although the death notice gave her name as Margaret, the burial register at St John's Church recorded her as Nancy Eaves, of New Hall Lane, Preston.

Note 2: It is not known how or if John Sergeant was related to Nancy but he evidentially did not know her correct age. Her death certificate, burial entry and death notice all give her age as 65 years, but she was actually about 74 years old at the time of her death.

Note 3: Their daughter Bridget (4) was born on 27 Nov 1841 but her birth was not registered until early in 1842, at which time her birth was registered under the surname Hayes.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of Oswald and Alice EAVES:

Oswald Eves (sic), a bachelor, and Alice Parker, a spinster, both of Preston, were married on 1 Nov 1828 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Roger Carus Wilson, Vicar, and the witnesses were William Richardson and Ann Parker. The bride, groom and both witnesses signed the register with an X. They had been married the previous day in a Catholic ceremony at St Wilfrid's Chapel, with the same witnesses.

Oswald and Alice baptized their first three children at St Wilfrid's Chapel, beginning with Richard, who was baptized on 7 Mar 1830, with sponsors William Walsh and Ann Bamber.

The 1832 Preston electoral rolls list Oswald Eaves, a spinner, living at 1 Edmund Street, and it was in that year that their second child was born. Ann Eaves was baptized on 17 Jun 1832, with sponsors William Richardson and Elizabeth Parkinson. She was followed by Edward, who was born on 9 Mar 1835 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel six days later, with sponsors John Huthershaw and Elizabeth Gerard. He did not survive infancy.

Edward EAVES:

Edward Eaves, of Park Road, Edmond Street, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 14 Dec 1835, aged 9 months.

Oswald and Alice's next five children were baptized at St Ignatius Catholic Church, beginning with twins Peter and Oswald, who were born on 23 Dec 1836 and were baptized on Christmas Day 1836.

Baptism of Peter and Oswald Eaves

Peter's sponsors were John and Margaret Bamber, and Oswald's were John Newton and Margaret Browne. The twins were followed by Elizabeth Eves (sic), who was born on 4 Apr 1840 and was baptized the next day, with sponsors John Hutherser (sic) and Catherine Lalap.

On the night of the 1841 census Oswald Eaves, a cotton spinner, aged c. 35, was living in Edmund Street, Preston with Alice, aged c. 30, and five children, Richard, a cotton rover, aged 11; Ann, aged 8; Oswald and Peter, aged 4; and Elizabeth, aged 1. They were all listed as born in Lancashire.

Oswald and Alice's seventh child was Jane, who was born on 23 Jun 1844 and was baptized seven days later, with sponsors Mathew and Anna Huthersall; followed by John, who was born on 1 Feb 1847 and was baptized six days later, with sponsors John Hothersall and Margaret Park.

Sometime after John's birth the family moved to the neighbourhood of Pleasington, near Blackburn, where their ninth child was born. Mary Alice Eaves was born on 8 Aug 1849 and was baptized four days later at St Mary and St John's Catholic Priory in Pleasington, with sponsors John and Agnes Eaves. Mary Alice did not survive infancy and her death was registered in the Witton sub-district of Blackburn in the second quarter of 1850.

At the time of the 1851 census Oswald Eaves, a cotton spinner, aged 47, was living in Cherry Tree, Livesey with Alice, "employed at home", aged 46, and seven children, Richard, a cotton piecer, aged 21; Ann, a power loom cotton weaver, aged 18; Oswald, a power loom cotton weaver, aged 14; Peter, a power loom cotton weaver, aged 14; Elizabeth, a scholar, aged 10; Jane, a scholar, aged 6; and John, aged 4. Staying with them was a nephew, Thomas Bamber, a cotton piecer, aged 16. They were all listed as born in Preston.

By the night of the 1861 census the family had returned to Preston. Oswald Eaves, a servant man, aged 56, was living at 84 Fylde Road with Alice, aged 55, and five children, Ann, a cotton weaver, aged 28; Oswald, a foreman at a shirt makers, aged 24; Peter, a tape sizer, aged 24; Jane, a servant girl, aged 16; and John, an apprentice to a shirt maker, aged 14.

Oswald and Alice's son Oswald, of Lancaster Road, and Mary Gardner, the daughter of Robert Gardner, of Lancaster Road, were married at St Ignatius Catholic Church on 26 May 1868. They were married by Randolph Brindle, and the witnesses were Joseph Nixon and Ellen Ann Bonny. On the night of the 1871 census Oswald Eves (Jr), a shirtmaker, aged 35, was living at 1 Hill Street, Preston with his wife Mary, a sewing machinist, aged 26, and one child, Jane, aged 11 months. Staying with him, listed as a boarder, was his father Oswald, a servant man, aged 68; and a servant, Catherine Ward, a nurse, aged 14. Mary was listed as born in Goosnargh, the servant was born in Liverpool, and the rest of the household were born in Preston. Oswald Eaves Sr died later that year.

Oswald Eaves, of 42 Friargate, Preston, was buried on 16 Nov 1871 in a public grave, D-122, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 68 years.

Death Notice:

"Deaths...Since our last...O. Eaves, Friargate, 68;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 18 Nov 1871

Although Oswald Eaves Sr was listed as married in the 1871 census Alice was not listed with him and I cannot find her anywhere in Lancashire in 1871. Her name may have been inadvertently omitted from the census transcript. She died eight years later.

Alice Eaves, of 27 Fylde Road, Preston, was buried on 25 Aug 1879 in a private grave, G-229, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 74 years.

Death Notice:

"Deaths...Preston - Since our last...Alice Eaves, Fylde-street, 74;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 30 Aug 1879

Note: There were a total of eleven burials in grave G-229, the first being Bridget Latimer, of the workhouse, who was buried on 29 May 1879, aged 19 (actually 25). The second was Maria Southworth, of 8 Priory Street, who was buried on 4 Jun 1879, aged 72; then Richard Craven, of the Infirmary, who was buried on 4 Jun 1879, aged 31 (this was a public burial in a private grave!); and Alice (Parker) Eaves, of 27 Fylde Road, who was buried on 25 Aug 1879, aged 74; Richard Eaves, of Fylde Road, who was buried on 16 Nov 1888, aged 58; Mary Rose Eaves, of 12 St Peter's Square, who was buried on 14 Nov 1893, aged 10 weeks; Mary Josephine Eaves, of 60 Victoria Street, who was buried on 22 Sep 1897, aged 3 months; Mary Gertrude Eaves, of 32 Pedder Street, who was buried 31 Jan 1898, aged 1 month; Maria Christina Eaves, of 60 Victoria Street, who was buried on 21 Feb 1899, aged 1 month; Ann Southworth, of 42 Mona Street, who was buried on 22 Feb 1900, aged 59; and Margaret (Southworth) Eaves, of 83 Fylde Road, who was buried on 12 Mar 1900, aged 67 (widow of Richard Eaves).

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of James and Jane ECCLES:

James Eccles and Jane Smith, both of Preston, were married on 7 Sep 1816 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by William Towne, Curate, and the witnesses were Elizabeth Goodear and James Hatch. The bride, groom and Elizabeth Goodear signed the register with an X. They also had a Catholic ceremony at St Wilfrid's Chapel on the same day, where the witnesses were Joseph Sumner and Elizabeth Goodear.

James and Jane's first child was Ann, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 30 Mar 1817, with sponsors Robert Smith and Elizabeth Goodear. She was followed by John, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 16 May 1819, with sponsors John Eccles and Mary Smith. At the time of the 1820 Catholic census of Preston, James Eccles, aged 24, was living at 16 Filde (sic) Road with Jane, aged 24, and two children, Ann, aged 3; and John, aged 1. Their third child was born early the next year.

Alice Eccles was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 4 Feb 1821, with sponsors Matthew Liman and Alice Smith. She was followed by Matthew, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 4 Aug 1824, with sponsors Matthew Eccles and Mary Rosthorne. Their sixth child did not survive.

Leonard ECCLES:

Leonard Eccles was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 29 May 1831, with sponsors John Bilsborough and Grace Diccison (sic). He lived about 15 months and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 11 Sep 1832, where his age was recorded as "infant", and their abode was recorded as Fylde Road.

The 1832 Preston electoral rolls list James Eccles, a spinner, living at 21 Fylde Road and the 1835 electoral rolls list James Eccles owning a freehold house in Maudland Bank, with William Stead as his tenant. James died four years later.

James ECCLES (1):

James Eccles, of Fylde Road, who was born in about 1793, died on 4 May 1839 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery two days later, aged 45 years.

At the time of his death James was the victualler - or landlord - at the Watering Trough Inn, Water Lane, Fylde Road, and his widow Jane carried on there for at least a year after his death. Jane was pregnant with their last child, Jane, who was born on 23 Dec 1839 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel six days later, with sponsors William and Alice Nixon. She was still at the pub when it was burgled in 1840.

News Report:

"Perpetration of Several Daring Robberies in this Town. - ...The house of Mrs. Eccles, of the Watering Trough Inn, Water Lane, was also robbed of about £8 in money, on Saturday evening last; the thieves having entered an upper room while the family were busily engaged below. We regret to state that hitherto not the slightest clue has been attained likely to lead to the apprehension of the parties concerned in any of the above robberies.

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 3 Oct 1840

By 1841 she had left the pub and on the night of the 1841 census Jane Eccles, a female servant, aged c. 45, was living in Maudland Bank, Preston with Alice, aged c. 20; Jane, aged 1; and James, aged 6 months. Also staying with them was Ellen Barrow, aged 13. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. The infant James was the son of James and Jane's unmarried daughter Alice. He was baptized on 23 Aug 1840 at St John's Parish Church in Preston, and his mother was described as Alice Eccles of Fylde Road. Alice never married and died young.

Alice ECCLES:

Alice Eccles, of Maudland Bank, who was born in 1821, died on 5 Apr 1847 and was buried three days later in St Wilfrid's Cemetery, aged 26 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...on Monday last, Alice Eccles, Maudland-bank, aged 26;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 10 Apr 1847

At the time of the 1851 census Jane Eccles, widow, a housekeeper, aged 55, was living at 2 Maudland Bank, next door to the Watering Trough Inn, with her daughter Jane, a schooler (sic), aged 11. Living with her was her widowed son John, a tin plate worker, aged 31; Jane, aged 10; Alice, aged 8; James, grandson, aged 10; and Alice, granddaughter, aged 4. They were all listed as born in Preston. The relationships given are a bit confusing as the 10 year old Jane and the 8 year old Alice were listed as Jane's children, but were actually John's children. It is not clear how the 4 year old Alice was related to the family.

James and Jane's daughter Jane Eccles, a spinster, aged 20, a weaver, of Maudland Bank, married James Young, a bachelor, aged 22, a millwright, of Stanley Place, on 8 May 1859 at St John's Parish Church. They were married after Banns by John Wilson, Officiating Minister, and the witnesses were George Young and Alice Isherwood. James was the son of James Young, an engineer, and Jane was the daughter of the late James Eccles, a spinner. James and Jane Young had four children, three of whom were baptized in Church of England churches. Their first child only lived one day and was buried on 10 Dec 1859 in grave E-352 in a Church of England section of Preston Cemetery. I can find no trace of their family in the 1861 or later censuses.

The death of a Jane Eccles was registered in Preston in the first quarter of 1853, aged 54 years, but I have been unable to find the record of her burial or a death notice, so cannot confirm that this was Jane (Smith) Eccles.

The Family of John ECCLES:

James and Jane's son John, a bachelor, aged 21, a tin plate worker, of Fylde Road, the son of the late James Eccles, Innkeeper, and Betty Sergeant, a spinster, aged 21, a reeler, of St Peter's Square, the daughter of the late John Sergeant, a joiner, were married on 13 Sep 1839 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married by J.C. Whish, Curate, and the witnesses were Thomas Sumner and Mary Snape. The bride and both witnesses signed the marriage register with an X.

Although Elizabeth's maiden surname was Sergeant she seems to have sometimes used the surname Wilkinson, and when the birth of their first child was registered her surname was recorded as Wilkinson instead of Sergeant. That child was Jane, who was born on 2 Aug 1840 and was baptized that same day at St Wilfrid's Chapel, with sponsors William Campbell and Elizabeth Hill. On the night of the 1841 census John Eccles, a tinman, aged c. 20, was living in Fylde Road, Preston with Elizabeth, aged c. 20, and their daughter Jane, aged 9 months. Staying with them was William Breakel, a labourer, aged c. 25; and Frances Wilkinson, a flax dresser, aged c. 15. Frances may have been a relative of Elizabeth's. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. John and Elizabeth's second child was born the following year.

Alice Eccles was born on 9 Aug 1842 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 14 Aug 1842, with sponsors John Swift and Margaret Smith. When her birth was registered her mother's maiden name was recorded as Sergeant. Their third child did not survive.

James ECCLES (2):

James Eccles was born on 7 May 1845 and was baptized four days later at St Wilfrid's Chapel, with sponsors Joseph Dewhurst and Alice Parkinson. When his birth was registered his mother's maiden name was recorded as Wilkinson. He lived a little less than a year and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 1 Apr 1846, aged 11 months. His mother followed him to the grave later that same year.

Mrs Elizabeth ECCLES:

Elizabeth (Sergeant-Wilkinson) Eccles died of consumption on 13 Oct 1846 at 223 Brook St, and was buried five days later in St Wilfrid's Cemetery, aged 27 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On Tuesday last,...Elizabeth Eccles, Brook-street, aged 27."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 17 Oct 1846

After his wife's death John went to stay with his widowed mother and on the night of the 1851 census they were living at 2 Maudland Bank, Preston (see above). John Eccles remarried three years later.

John Eccles, a widower, aged 35, a tin plate worker, of Maudland Bank, the son of the late James Eccles, a spinner, and Elizabeth Pearson, a widow, aged 40, a beer seller, of Bridge Lane, the daughter of Thomas Ferguson, a dresser, were married on 27 Jun 1854 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by S. Hastings, Curate, and the witnesses were William Parker and Ann Park. Elizabeth signed the marriage register with an X.

At the time of the 1861 census John Eccles, a tin plate worker, aged 41, was living the Elephant and Castle pub, 26 Bridge Lane, Preston with his second wife Elizabeth, a beer seller, aged 47, and her six children (all called Pearson), Margaret, a cotton winder, aged 23; Ann, a cotton weaver, aged 19; Rachel, a cotton weaver, aged 17; Jane, a cotton weaver, aged 15; and Etherington, a scholar, aged 10. Also listed was a John Pearson, aged 2, who was listed as a son, but was almost certainly the son of one of the older daughters. John Eccles did not have any children with his second wife.

On the night of the 1871 census John Eccles, a master tin plate worker, aged 51, was living at 20 Tuson Street, Preston with Elizabeth, aged 57, and three (step) grandchildren, John Pearson, a scholar, aged 9; another John Pearson, employed in rope work, aged 11; and James Pearson, a scholar, aged 8. Elizabeth was listed as born in Carlisle, Cumberland, and the rest of the household were born in Preston.

I can find no further record of John and Elizabeth (Ferguson-Pearson) Eccles after the 1871 census. They are not listed in the 1881 census. A John Eccles, of 39 Snow Hill, was buried on 21 Apr 1879 in a public grave, P-526, in a Church of England section of Preston Cemetery, aged 58 years, but I cannot confirm that he was the same man, and I can find no record of Elizabeth's death in Preston after 1871.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...PRESTON, Since our last:...John Eccles, Snow-hill, 58;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 26 Apr 1879

Note 1: The reason that John's first wife was known by two different surnames may be that her father John Sergeant died when she was a child and her mother remarried. A Margaret Sergeant, a widow, married Joseph Wilkinson on 13 Jul 1825 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Anthony Hammond, and the witnesses were Richard and Mary Eaves. The bride, groom and both witnesses signed the marriage register with an X.

Note 2: Elizabeth Ferguson's first marriage was to Hetherington Pearson, who she married on 24 Aug 1833 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. He committed suicide on 2 Jul 1850 and was buried three days later in the churchyard of St Peter's Church in Preston. His death was reported in the local newspapers: "SUICIDE - On Tuesday last, a man named Etherington Pearson, a retail beerseller, in this town, committed suicide by hanging himself to a bed-post. An inquest was held upon the body before R. Palmer, Esq., coroner on Thursday last, when the following evidence was heard: Elizabeth Pearson said the deceased was her husband, and was about 41 years of age. About a fortnight ago he commenced a fit of drinking, which continued for three or four days, during which time he confined himself to the bed-room. At times he rambled in his talking, and at other times refused to speak. On Tuesday last, at noon, he was still in his bed-room. At that time witness went up stairs to him. He would not speak, but looked very low and wild. About an hour afterwards she again went up stairs, and found that the deceased had hung himself by a silk handkerchief to the bed-post. He was immediately taken down, but he was quite dead. The Jury returned the following verdict, "Hung himself whilst labouring under temporary insanity."."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 6 Jul 1850

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of Matthew and Ann ECCLES:

Matthew Eccles and Ann Lofthouse, a spinster, both of Goosnargh, were married on 4 Feb 1793 at St Mary the Virgin Chapel in Goosnargh. They were married after Banns by Joshua Southward, Minister, and the witnesses were Cuthbert Cardwell and Lawrence Harrison. Matthew and Ann both signed the marriage register with an X.

Possibly to outwardly conform to the "established church", Matthew and Ann baptized their first two children in the Church of England. John Eccles was baptized on 16 Feb 1794, and James was baptized on 14 Feb 1796, both at St Mary the Virgin Chapel in Goosnargh. Their third child, Lawrence, was baptized on 27 Feb 1799 at St Francis' Catholic Chapel, commonly known as Hill Chapel, in Goosnargh. Sometime after Lawrence's birth the family moved to Preston, where they had at least one child, Ann, who was born in about 1805, during the period for which the St Wilfrid's records are missing.

The 1810 Catholic census of Preston lists Mathew (sic) Eccles living in Whittakers Row, Preston with Nancy, and four children, John, aged 17; James, aged 15; Lawrence, aged 8; and Ann, aged 4.

Over the next decade Matthew and Ann had at least two more children, both born during the period covered by the missing register. William Eccles was born in about 1809 and George was born in about 1811. At the time of the 1820 Catholic census Matthew, aged 50, was living at 16 Bolton Street with Ann, aged 55, and four children, Lawrence, aged 18; Ann, aged 15; William, aged 11; and George, aged 9. His married son John was listed separately at the same address with his family (see below).

Anne ECCLES:

Ann (Lofthouse) Eccles, of 1 Back Bolton Street, who was born in about 1765, died in Preston on 6 Mar 1841 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery three days later, aged 75 years.

On the night of the 1841 census Matthew Eccles, a cotton spinner, aged c. 75, was living in Back Bolton Street, Preston. Staying with him was Francis Parkinson, aged c. 30. They were both listed as born in Lancashire. Matthew had not been widowed long and would survive his wife by less than three years.

Matthew ECCLES (1):

Matthew Eccles, a spinner, who was born in about 1769, died of asthma in Penwortham Workhouse on 20 Feb 1844 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery five days later, aged 74 years.

Matthew ECCLES (2):

Due to the lack of information available we cannot be certain, but I believe that the Matthew Eccles, of Spittles Moss, who was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 18 Mar 1832 was the son of Matthew and Nancy's daughter Ann. A Matthew Eccles was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 7 Mar 1830. He was the son of Ann Eccles, and the sponsors were George Eccles and Margaret Shorrock. We know that Ann had a brother George, and we know that her brother John was living in Spittles Moss at around the time of this child's death. Unfortunately, his age was recorded in the burial transcripts as "infant", so we have no way of knowing exactly how old he was or when he may have been born.

The Family of John and Betty ECCLES:

Matthew and Nancy's son John Eccles and Betty Slater, both of Preston, were married on 24 Sep 1814 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by William Towne, Curate, and the witnesses were Thomas Bamber and George Riley. The bride and Thomas Bamber signed the marriage register with an X.

John and Betty's first child was Ann, who was baptized on 25 Jun 1815, with sponsors James Eccles and Mary Ann Dunderdale. She was followed by Ellen, who was baptized on 25 Aug 1816, with sponsors John and Ann Slater; then Jane, who was baptized on 5 Apr 1818, with sponsors William Brindle and Sarah Dunderdale; and Charles, who was baptized on 9 Apr 1820, with sponsors Thomas Barton and Bella Caton, all at St Wilfrid's Chapel.

The 1820 Catholic census of Preston lists John Eccles, aged 27, living at the same address as his parents, 16 Bolton Street, with his wife Betty, aged 28, and four children, Ann, aged 5; Ellen, aged 4; Jane, aged 2; and Charles, aged 1. Their fifth child was Margaret, who was baptized on 10 Feb 1822, with sponsors Lawrence and Ann Eccles. She was followed by Mary Ann, who was baptized on 25 Jan 1824, with sponsors Thomas and Ellen Suddel; then John, who was baptized on New Years Day 1826, with sponsors William Eccles and Catherine Owen; and William, who was baptized on 12 May 1833, with sponsors Thomas Owen and Elizabeth Mackral, again, all baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel. Their ninth child did not survive infancy.

Thomas ECCLES:

Thomas Eccles was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 7 Sep 1834, with sponsors Thomas Smyth and Ann Eccles. He lived about two months and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 6 Nov 1834, where his age was recorded simply as "infant", and his abode was recorded as Spittle Moss.

Three years after their son's death John and Betty's tenth child, another son they called Thomas, was born. He was born on 26 Oct 1837 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel three days later, with sponsors James Cross and Alice Singleton. He was followed by Elizabeth, who was born on 20 Apr 1839 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel the following day, with sponsors Henry Wilson and Margaret Eccles.

On the night of the 1841 census John Eccles, a cotton spinner, aged c. 45, was living in Adelphi Street with Betty, aged c. 50, and five children, Margaret, a cotton weaver, aged c. 20; John, an apprentice engineer, aged c. 15; William, aged 8; Thomas, aged 3; and Betty aged 2. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. Their youngest child died three years later.

Elizabeth ECCLES:

Elizabeth Eccles, of Adelphi Street, who was born in 1839, died aged 5 years and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 15 May 1844.

At the time of the 1851 census John Eccles, a bread baker, aged 59, was living at 17 Adelphi Street, Preston with his wife Elizabeth, aged 60, and four children, Ann, a steam loom weaver, aged 38; William, a bricklayer, aged 17; Elizabeth, a steam loom weaver, aged 16; and Thomas, aged 13. Staying with him was his granddaughter Ellen Foley, aged 11. John was listed as born in Goosnargh and the rest of the family were born in Preston. Elizabeth "Betty" (Slater) Eccles died later that year.

Elizabeth Eccles, of Adelphi Street, died on 28 Apr 1851, aged 61 years, but was not buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery or in the churchyards of either St Ignatius Catholic Church or St John's Parish Church.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On Monday last,...Elizabeth Eccles, Adelphi-street, aged 61."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 3 May 1851

I can find no further record of John Eccles and suspect that he was the John Eccles whose death was registered in Preston in 1852, aged 61 years, but, like his wife Elizabeth, I can find no record of his burial. There does not appear to have been a death notice published.

Note: The child listed as Ellen Foley in the 1851 census was Ellenor Jane Fawley, the daughter of John and Betty's daughter Jane, who married William Fawley in 1840: William Fawley, a bachelor, of full age, a spindle maker, of Oldham Road, the son of William Fawley, a spindle maker, and Jane Eccles, a spinster, of full age, of 66 Prussia Street, the daughter of John Eccles, a spinner, were married on 17 Feb 1840 at Manchester Collegiate Church (now Manchester Cathedral). They were married after Banns by Henry Fielding M.A., Chaplain, and the witnesses were Ann Eccles and Joseph Fawley. All four signed their own names, so the correct spelling of William's surname appears to have been Fawley, but was spelled a variety of ways. Ellenor Jane Fawley was born on 10 Jun 1840 and was baptized Jane Foly at St Wilfrid's Chapel four days later, with sponsors John and Ann Eccles.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of Robert and Mary Ann ECCLES:

Robert Eccles, a bachelor, and Mary Ann Thompson, a spinster, both of Preston, were married on 26 Oct 1831 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Thomas Clark, Curate, and the witnesses were Richard Ward and Ann Thompson.

Robert and Mary Ann made their home in Preston and baptized ten children at St Wilfrid's Chapel, five of whom died in infancy.

Edmund ECCLES:

Edmund Eccles was baptized on 15 Jul 1832, with sponsors Richard Ward and Mary Duccatt. He lived almost exactly one year and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 3 Jul 1833, where his age was recorded simply as "infant".

Robert and Mary Ann's second child was Jane, who was baptized on 16 Jan 1834, with sponsors Thomas and Margaret Eccles. She was followed by Edward, who was born on 1 Sep 1835 and was baptized two days later, with sponsors Hugh Murphy and Margaret Scolan; then Sarah, who was born on 17 Apr 1837 and was baptized on 23 Apr 1837, with sponsors Richard and Margaret Smith. Their fifth child did not survive.

Peter ECCLES:

Peter Eccles was born on 24 Mar 1839 and was baptized on 27 Mar 1839, with sponsors Edmund Eccles and Mary Brown. He was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 21 Jun 1840, aged 15 months. They lost another child less than three months later.

Sarah ECCLES:

Sarah Eccles, who was born in 1837, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 12 Sep 1840, aged 3 years.

On the night of the 1841 census Robert Eccles, a pork dealer, aged c. 35, was living in Avenham Road, Preston with Mary, aged c. 30, and their two surviving children, Jane, aged 6; and Edward, aged 5. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. The following year, Robert and Mary Ann's sixth child, another daughter they called Sarah, was born. She was born on 9 Sep 1842 and was baptized three days later, with sponsors Joseph and Mary Shepherd. Four months after Sarah's birth Robert and Mary Ann buried another child.

Jane ECCLES:

Jane Eccles, who was born in 1834, died in childhood and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 10 Jan 1843. The burial transcripts record her age as 10 years but she was actually just short of 9 years old at the time of her death. Their seventh child also died in infancy.

Mary Agnes ECCLES:

Mary Agnes Eccles was born on 6 Jun 1845 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 9 Jun 1845, with sponsors Bernard Scollum and Elizabeth Parkinson. She was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 12 Nov 1846, aged 17 months.

Robert and Mary Ann's eighth child was Ellen, who was born on 13 Aug 1848 and was baptized two days later, with sponsors John and Alice Hubberstey. She was followed by another daughter they called Mary Agnes, who was born on 23 Dec 1850 and was baptized the following day, with sponsors Joseph and Elizabeth Orrell. At the time of the 1851 census Robert Eccles, a pork merchant, aged 48, was living at 84 Frenchwood Street, with Mary Ann, aged 40, and four children, Edward, a scholar, aged 15; Sarah, a scholar, aged 8; Ellen, a scholar, aged 2; and Mary Agnes, aged 3 months. Also staying with them was a visitor, Rachel Bamber, a scholar, aged 18; and a servant, Nancy Bamber, aged 12. Robert was listed as born in Whittingham, Mary Ann and their children were born in Preston, Rachel Bamber was born in Chipping, and the servant was born in Preston. Their tenth and last child was born the following year.

Robert and Mary Ann's tenth child was another daughter they called Jane, who was born on 21 Nov 1852 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel two days later, with sponsors John and Ellen Leeming. She was only four years old when her mother died.

Mary Ann (Thompson) Eccles died on 23 Nov 1856, and was buried in the churchyard at St Augustine's Catholic Church on 26 Nov 1856, aged 47 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On Sunday last, Mrs. Eccles, wife of Mr. Robert Eccles, butcher, Avenham-lane."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 29 Nov 1856

Robert Eccles survived his wife by less than four years. Robert Eccles, a pork dealer, of Avenham Lane, died on 22 Oct 1860 and was buried two days later in a private grave, A-598, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 58 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS - On Monday last, Mr. Robert Eccles, butcher, Avenham-lane, aged 58."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 27 Oct 1860

After her parents' death the youngest child, Jane, went to stay with her married older brother Edward, and on the night of the 1861 census Edward Eccles, a butcher, aged 25, was living at 68 Frenchwood Street, Preston with his wife Jane, aged 27, and their two children, Robert, a scholar, aged 3; and John, aged 7 months. Living with them was Edward's sister Jane, a scholar, aged 8, and a servant, William Seed, a butcher's lad, aged 16. Also staying with them were two visitors, Mary Gradwell, a married lady, aged 31, and her daughter Lucy, aged 1. Edward's wife was listed as born in Fleetwood, William Seed was born in Claughton, Mary Gradwell was born in Within Slack, and the rest of the household were born in Preston.

Note 1: Although Mary Ann was buried at St Augustine's Church she is listed on the headstone with her husband at Preston Cemetery. A few years after St Augustine's Church closed the burials in the churchyard were removed and reburied at Preston Cemetery.

Note 2: When Edmund, Sarah (1), Peter, and Jane (2) were baptized their mother's name was recorded as Marianne.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of John and Sarah ECCLES:

John Eccles, a bachelor, and Sarah Thompson, a spinster, both of Preston, were married on 2 Nov 1833 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Thomas Clark, Curate, and the witnesses were Peter Hunter and Mary Southward. All four signed the marriage register with an X.

John and Sarah's first two children, Elizabeth, who was born in about 1834, and Mary Ann, who was born in about 1836, were not baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel. A Betty Eccles, the daughter of a John and Sarah Eccles of Caton Street, was baptized on 2 Mar 1834 at St John's Parish Church. John's occupation was recorded as "spinner". The first of their children to be baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel died in infancy.

Sarah ECCLES:

Sarah Eccles was born on 28 Apr 1837 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 28 May 1837, with sponsors Robert and Helen Cardwell. She lived about 8 months and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 4 Jan 1838, where her age was recorded as "infant". Her older sister followed her to the grave later that year.

Elizabeth ECCLES:

Elizabeth Eccles, of Union Street, who was born in about 1834, died of whooping cough on 6 Sep 1838 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery three days later, aged 4 years.

John and Sarah's fourth child was Joseph, who was born on 21 Nov 1838 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 2 Dec 1838, with sponsors Robert and Ellen Cardwell. A little more than four months later they lost another child.

Mary Ann ECCLES:

Mary Ann Eccles, of Back Bolton Street, died on 1 Apr 1839 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery two days later. The St Wilfrid's burial transcripts recorded her age as 4 years but her death certificate records her age as 3 years.

John and Sarah's fifth child was John, who was born on 11 Feb 1841 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel ten days later, with sponsors James Cross and Catherine Nixon, and on the night of the 1841 census John Eccles, a cotton spinner, aged c. 25, was living in Bedford Street, Preston with Sarah, aged c. 25, and two children, Joseph, aged 3; and John, aged 3 months. Also staying with them was Betty Eccles, aged c. 65, who may have been a relative of John's. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. They lost their youngest son later that year.

John ECCLES Jr:

John Eccles, of Harrington Street, who was born in 1841, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 26 Sep 1841, aged 7 months.

John and Sarah's sixth child was Ruth, who was born on 9 Aug 1842 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 20 Aug 1842, with sponsors James Cross and Catherine Nixon. She too died in infancy and was buried in the churchyard at St Ignatius Catholic Church on 14 Apr 1844, aged 20 months. No abode or other information was recorded in the burial register. Later that year John and Sarah's seventh and last child was born.

William Eccles was born on 17 Oct 1844 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 3 Nov 1844, with sponsors John and Ann Baines. The delivery may have been a difficult one, as Sarah died six weeks later. Sarah Eccles, of Byron Street, died on 24 Nov 1844 and was buried three days later in the churchyard at St Paul's Church in Preston, aged 33 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On Sunday last, Sarah Eccles, Byrom-street (sic), aged 33."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 30 Nov 1844

About a year after Sarah's death, their seventh child also died. William Eccles, of Byron Street, was buried in the churchyard at St Ignatius Catholic Church on 26 Oct 1845, aged 1 year. I lose track of the family after 1845 but suspect that John Eccles died before the night of the 1851 census. A John Eccles died on 7 May 1848 in the House of Recovery and was buried two days later in the churchyard at St Peter's Church in Preston, aged 35 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On Sunday last,...Jno. Eccles, House of Recovery, 35;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 13 May 1848

Note: In the 1841 census Ancestry has mis-transcribed the family's surname as Essler.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Henry ECCLES:

I can find no record of the birth or baptism of Henry Eccles, but believe he was the son of Thomas and Margaret Eccles. It may be that he died very shortly after birth and was baptized privately at the bedside. When he was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 5 Feb 1833 his age was recorded as "infant" and his abode was recorded as Friargate.

Thomas Eccles, a bachelor, and Margaret Banks, a spinster, both of Preston, were married on 15 Aug 1827 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by P. Fraser, Curate, and the witnesses were Robert and Ellin (sic) Eccles. The two men signed the marriage register with an X.

Thomas and Margaret's first child was Mary Sarah, who was baptized Mary Saratch (sic) Eccles at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 17 Aug 1828 with sponsors Richard and Margaret Smith. Richard Smith and Margaret Eccles had been married in the same church the year before, on 25 Nov 1826. They had also been married in a Catholic ceremony at St Wilfrid's Chapel the previous day.

The 1834 Pigot's Directory of Preston lists, under Butchers, Thomas Eccles, at the New Shambles, and on the night of the 1841 Thomas Eccles, a pork dealer, aged c. 45, was living in Friargate with Margaret, aged c. 40, and one child, Mary, aged 12. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. Margaret died later that year.

Margaret Eccles, of Friargate, was buried in the churchyard at St Ignatius Catholic Church in Preston on 21 Oct 1841, aged 39 years.

Almost exactly two years after Margaret's death, Thomas remarried. Thomas Eccles, son of Edward and Sarah Eccles, and Mary Parker, the daughter of John and Jane Arrowsmith, were married on 3 Oct 1843 at St Ignatius Catholic Church in Preston. They were married by William Knight and the witnesses were James Marsh and Lucy Parkinson.

Thomas Eccles' second marriage

Marriage Notice:

"MARRIAGES...at the Catholic Church of St Ignatius,...on Tuesday week, by the Rev. Wm. Knight, Mr. Thomas Eccles to Mrs. Mary Parker, all of this town."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 14 Oct 1843

At the time of the 1851 census Thomas Eccles, an innkeeper, aged 54, was living at the Kings Head pub, 13 Friargate, Preston with Mary, aged 52, his daughter Mary Sarah, aged 22; and his step-daughters Eliza Parker, aged 26; and Maria Parker, aged 19. Thomas was listed as born in Whittingham, his wife and her daughters were born in Goosnargh, and Mary Sarah was born in Preston. Staying with him were two visitors, James Fayler, a married miller, aged 61; and John Fayler, an unmarried mechanic, aged 25. Mary Sarah Eccles was married later that year.

Thomas Wareing, a bachelor, aged 23, a draper, of Market Place, Preston, the son of Joseph Wareing, a shoemaker, and Mary Sarah Eccles, a spinster, aged 22, of the Kings Head Inn, Preston, the daughter of Thomas Eccles, an Innkeeper, were married on 8 May 1851 at St Wilfrid's Chapel. They were married by Henry W Walmsley, Minister, and the witnesses were John Horn and Ann Wareing.

Thomas Eccles, a pork dealer, of Friargate, was buried on 4 Oct 1860 in a public grave, J-230, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 63 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...Since our last:...Thomas Eccles, Friargate, 63."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 6 Oct 1860

On the night of the 1861 census Mary Eccles, widow, a housekeeper, aged 61, was living at 15 Friargate, Preston with her unmarried son Richard Parker, a pork dealer, aged 34; and her granddaughter Margaret Billington, a scholar, aged 17. Also staying with them was an unmarried servant, Sarah Byrne, a general servant, aged 26. Mary and Richard were listed as born in Goosnargh, Margaret was born in Bootle, and the servant was born in Ireland.

Mary continued to live with her son Richard, who eventually married and had a family. At the time of the 1881 census Richard Parker, a pork dealer, aged 54, was living at 4 Orchard Street, Preston with his wife Elizabeth, aged 53, and three children, Mary E, a teacher, aged 14; George O., a scholar, aged 12; and Richard, a scholar, aged 10. Living with him was his widowed mother Mary, aged 81; and an unmarried servant, Mary A Blackburn, a general servant, aged 40. Richard Sr was listed as born in Goosnargh, Elizabeth was born in Ratcliffe, Mary Eccles was born in Barton, Mary Blackburn was born in Brindle, and the children were born in Preston. Mary (Arrowsmith) Parker-Eccles died three years later.

Mary Eccles, of Walton-le-dale, was buried on 21 Oct 1884 in a private grave, A-654, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 85 years. Hers was the second interment, buried 19 feet deep.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...Burials since our last:...Mary Eccles, Walton, 85;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 25 Oct 1884

Note 1: Mary (Arrowsmith) Parker was the widow of James Parker, whom she married in a Catholic ceremony at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 20 May 1820, then legally at St John's Parish Church ten days later. He may be the James Parker who was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on Christmas Day 1834, aged 40 years.

Note 2: The private grave at Preston Cemetery was purchased by Elizabeth Parker for the burial of her husband, Mary's son Richard, who was buried on 22 May 1882, aged 56 years. The grave contains six other members of the Parker family, including a mother and infant son who were buried on 15 Jan 1903 in a single coffin. (Details on request)

Note 3: Mary Sarah (Eccles) Wareing died on 21 Sep 1898 and was buried three days later in a private grave, C-353, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 70 years.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of Peter and Mary ECCLES:

Peter Eccles, a bachelor, of the Township of Thornley in the Parish of Chipping, and Mary Goring, a spinster, of Cock Leach in the Township of Thornley in the Parish of Chipping, were married on 11 Oct 1824 at St Bartholomew's Parish Church in Chipping. They were married after Banns by Edmund Wilkinson, Vicar, and the witnesses were John Wilkinson and Richard Dilworth. Peter and Mary signed the marriage register with an X.

Peter and Mary settled initially in Thornley and baptized their first child in Chipping. Jane Eccles was born on 9 Aug 1826 and was baptized four days later at St Mary's Catholic Church in Chipping, with sponsors Ratcliff Rigley and Ann Wilkinson. They then baptized three children at St William of York Catholic Chapel, better known as Lee House, in Thornley with Wheatley, beginning with Peter, who was baptized on 13 Sep 1829, with sponsors John Wilkinson and Ann Hornby. He was followed by Thomas, who was baptized on 9 Sep 1832, with sponsors Thomas Dilworth and Ellen Green; and Elizabeth, who was baptized on 21 Sep 1836, with sponsors Robert and Alice Dilworth.

Sometime after Elizabeth's birth Peter and Mary relocated to Preston, where their fifth known child was born. Mary Ann Eccles was born on 12 Jun 1840, and was baptized two days later at St Wilfrid's Chapel, with sponsors James Biby and Elizabeth Wilkinson. On the night of the 1841 census Peter Eccles, an agricultural labourer, aged c. 35, was living in Chapel Walks, Preston with Mary, aged c. 35, and four children, Peter, aged 10; Thomas, aged 7; Elizabeth, aged 4; and Mary, aged 11 months. Staying with them was James Gregson, a cotton weaver, aged 30. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. The fact that their eldest daughter Jane, who would have been about 14 years old, was not listed with the family may mean that she did not survive, but I have been unable to find any record of her death or burial. Their daughter Mary Ann died the following year.

Mary Ann ECCLES (1):

Mary Ann Eccles, who was born in 1840, died of scarlet fever on 12 Feb 1842 and was buried three days later in St Wilfrid's Cemetery, aged 19 months.

A little more than two years after their daughter's death Peter and Mary's sixth known child was born. She also died in infancy.

Mary Ann ECCLES (2):

Mary Ann Eccles was born on 13 Apr 1844, and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 14 Apr 1844, with sponsors Edward Wearden and Elizabeth Rogerson. She was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 19 Jun 1846, aged 2 years.

Peter and Mary's last known child was James, who was born on 25 Aug 1847 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel four days later, with sponsors Richard and Mary Bashall. His birth does not appear to have been registered.

Two years after their son's birth Peter and Mary lost another child. Elizabeth Eccles, of Water Lane Ends, was buried on 11 Oct 1849 in the churchyard at St Ignatius Catholic Church, aged 13 years. Water Lanes Ends was an area of Preston where Water Lane, Fylde Road and Aqueduct Street meet. Peter and Mary lived at two streets in this area, Grove Street, where they were living in 1846, and Smirk Street, where they were living when Elizabeth died. These streets no longer exist.

At the time of the 1851 census Peter Eccles, a carter, aged 48, was living at 8 Smirk Street, Preston with his wife Mary, aged 48, and two children, Thomas, a piecer, aged 18; and James, aged 3. Peter and Mary were listed as born in Dilworth, Thomas was born in Thornley, and James was born in Preston. Peter died the following year.

Peter Eccles, of Water Lane Ends, was buried on 3 Jun 1852 in the churchyard at St Ignatius Church, aged 49 years. His widow survived him by a little more than a year. Mary (Goring) Eccles, of Water Lane Ends, was buried on 31 Jul 1853 in the churchyard at St Ignatius Church, aged 51 years. There were no death notices published for either.

Note: At the time of Mary's death their youngest child, James, would have been almost 6 years old. It is unclear what became of him, but he may have been the James Eccles, aged 13, who was living with his uncle in Dilworth at the time of the 1861 census. James Eccles, an agricultural labourer, aged 40, was living in Crampoaks (?) Cottage in the village of Dilworth with his wife Mary, aged 39, and four children, John, a cotton weaver, aged 18; Elizabeth, a cotton weaver, aged 19; Margaret, a dress maker, aged 16; and Mary Ann, aged 1. Living with them was his nephew James Eccles, aged 13; and two lodgers, James Hornby, widower, an agricultural labourer, aged 68; and John Hornby, an unmarried agricultural labourer, aged 34. James and Mary were listed as born in Goosnargh, John and Elizabeth were born in Alston, Margaret and Mary Ann were born in Whittingham, their nephew was born in Preston, James Hornby was born in Bowland, and John Hornby was born in Goosnargh.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of William and Elizabeth ECCLESTON:

Without knowing Elizabeth's maiden name it is impossible to be certain, but I believe that William and Elizabeth were the couple married in 1793. William Eccleston and Elizabeth Brewer, both of Preston, were married on 1 Dec 1793 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married, by licence, by Humphrey Shuttleworth, Vicar, and the witnesses were Henry Brewer and John Bailey.

William and Elizabeth baptized three children at St John's Parish Church, beginning with Ann, who was born on 21 Oct 1794 and was baptized on Christmas Day 1794. She was followed by Margaret, who was born on 17 Dec 1795 and was baptized on 19 Jan 1796; then William, who was born on 24 Jan 1798 and was baptized three days later. The baptism register did not record the names of Godparents.

Sometime after William's birth William Sr died and may be the William Eccleston who was buried in the churchyard at St John's Parish Church on 26 Jan 1812, aged 46 years. Elizabeth remarried three years later.

Roger Edmondson and Elizabeth Eccleston, both of Preston, were married on 8 Apr 1815 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by William Towne, Curate, and the witnesses were George Bond and Grace Sudell. The marriage register does not record the marital status of either Roger or Elizabeth.

The 1820 Catholic census of Preston lists Elizabeth Edmondson, aged 49, Ann Eccleston, aged 26; Margaret Eccleston, aged 24; and William Eccleston, aged 23, all living at 32 Whitakers Row. The fact that Roger Edmondson was not listed may mean that he died before 1820 or that he was not a Catholic. Margaret died later that year.

Margaret ECCLESTON:

Margaret Eccleston, of Whitaker Row, a spinster, who was born in 1795, died in Preston on 17 May 1820 and was buried in the churchyard at St John's Parish Church three days later, aged 24 years. It was noted in the burial register that she was a Papist (Catholic). Margaret's burial was also recorded in the burial transcripts at St Wilfrid's Chapel, which may have been because her funeral was held there.

Death Notice:

"DIED...on Wednesday, Miss Margt. Eccleston, aged 24,...of Preston."

Published in the Lancaster Gazette, Sat., 20 May 1820

Mrs Elizabeth EDMONDSON:

Elizabeth (Brewer) Eccleston-Edmondson, who was born in about 1771, appears to have died at a fairly young age and may be the Elizabeth Edmondson who was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 6 Nov 1820. Unfortunately, the burial transcripts did not record her age or abode, and there was no death notice published.

William and Elizabeth's son William was married in 1822 (see below)

Note: Because the St Wilfrid's entry did not record her age or abode, there is always the possibility that two Catholic females called Margaret Eccleston were buried on the same day - but I think this is unlikely.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of William ECCLESTON:

William and Elizabeth's son, William Eccleston, a bachelor, and Isabella Taberner, a spinster, both of Preston, were married on 29 Jul 1822 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Matthew Mark, Curate, and the witnesses were John Siddle (Suddle) and Ann Taberner. William signed the marriage register with an X.

It would appear that William and Isabella had a child together about two months before they were married. This child did not survive infancy.

James ECCLESTON:

James Eccleston was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 29 May 1822. He was listed as the son of William and Isabel Eccleston, and the sponsors were Joseph Wilding and Ann Eccleston. He did not survive and was almost certainly the James Eccleston who was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 13 Apr 1823, with no age or abode recorded. If this was William and Isabella's son, he would have been about 11 months old.

The first child born to William and Isabella after their marriage was Henry, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 11 Nov 1823, with sponsors Joseph and Ann Taberner. For some reason, his baptism was recorded again on 22 Nov 1823, with the same sponsors. His mother died seven months later. Bella Eccleston, of Whitaker Row, was buried on 8 Jun 1824 in the churchyard at St John's Parish Church, aged 24 years. The burial register records that she was a Papist (Catholic). A little more than a year later William married again.

William Eccleston, a bachelor (sic), and Betty Fender, a spinster (sic), both of Preston, were married on 6 Sep 1825 at St John's Parish Church. They were married after Banns by Edward Moorhouse Hall, and the witnesses were James Barnes and Margaret Crook. All four signed the marriage register with an X. They had been married the previous day in a Catholic ceremony at St Wilfrid's Chapel, where the witnesses were Richard Dewhurst and Margaret Crook. Although the parish church register recorded William as a bachelor and Elizabeth as a spinster, both were widowed at the time of their marriage. Elizabeth's maiden name was Dewhurst.

William and Elizabeth's first child together was William, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 2 Jul 1826, with sponsors John Suddel and Margaret Crook. He was followed by Elizabeth, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 22 Jun 1828, with sponsors James Waring and Elizabeth Pyatt; then Margaret, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 13 Jun 1830, with one sponsor, Elizabeth Hartly; and John, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 29 Apr 1832, with sponsors John Crook and Ann Eccleston.

The 1832 Preston electoral rolls list William Eccleston, a carter, living in Ribbleton Lane, and it was from an address in Ribbleton Lane that they buried their oldest daughter.

Elizabeth ECCLESTON:

Elizabeth Eccleston, of Ribbleton Lane, who was born in 1828, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 11 Dec 1832, where her age was recorded as "infant".

William and Elizabeth's fifth child was another daughter they called Elizabeth, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 16 Mar 1834, with sponsors John Whittle and Mary Dewhurst. She was followed by Thomas, who was born on 21 Mar 1836 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel six days later, with sponsors George Crook and Betty Smith; then Ann, who was born on 11 Jan 1840 and was baptized the next day at St Wilfrid's Chapel, with sponsors James Eccleston and Mary Dewhurst. Ann was their only child to be born after the start of civil registration, and when her birth was registered her mother's maiden name was recorded as Dewhurst.

On the night of the 1841 census Betty Eccleston, Ind. (of independent means), aged 44, was living in Rose Street, Preston with seven children, Henry, aged 17; William, Ind., aged 12; Margaret, aged 11; John, aged 9; Betty, aged 6; Thomas, aged 4; and Ann, aged 1. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. William Sr was not at home on the night of the census.

At the time of the 1851 census William Eccleston, a labourer spademan, aged 55, was living at 5 Rose Street, Preston with Elizabeth, aged 53, and three children, Elizabeth, aged 17; John, aged 16; and Thomas, aged 14. Elizabeth Sr was listed as born in Ribchester and the rest of the family were born in Preston. The ages of the two older children are incorrect as John was older than Elizabeth. Their youngest daughter, Ann, who would have been about 11 years old, was not listed with the family and may have been the Ann Eccleston whose death was registered in the first quarter of 1846, aged 6, but I have been unable to find any record of her burial.

William and Elizabeth's daughter Elizabeth had a child before she was married. Margaret Eccleston was born on 18 Jul 1856 and was baptized nine days later at St Ignatius Catholic Church in Preston, with sponsors James Eccleston and Elizabeth Wilson. The father was named in the baptism register as Thomas Miller. A later entry in the register notes that Margaret married James Hughes on 15 Feb 1909 at St Joseph's Catholic Church in Preston.

Elizabeth (Dewhurst) Fender-Eccleston, of Byron Street, was buried on 5 Mar 1857 in a public grave, G-155, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 61 years.

William and Elizabeth's son John Eccleston, a bachelor, aged 28, a labourer, of Byron Street, the son of William Eccleston, a labourer, and Cordelia Jane Mayor, a spinster, aged 27, a frame tenter, of Barton Street, the daughter of James Mayor, a joiner, were married on 10 Feb 1861 at St John's Parish Church. They were married after Banns by D.F. Chapman, Curate, and the witnesses were Joseph and Ann Entwistle. On the night of the 1861 census William Eccleston, widower, a labourer, aged 65, was living at 61 Byron Street, Preston with his unmarried daughter Elizabeth, a cotton winder, aged 27; and his granddaughter Margaret, a scholar, aged 4. Also living with them was his recently married son John, a carter, aged 29, and his wife C. (Cordelia) Jane, a cotton card room worker, aged 28. They were all listed as born in Preston.

William and Elizabeth's daughter Elizabeth Eccleston married Thomas Taylor at St Walburge's Catholic Church on 17 Jun 1869 and on the night of the 1871 census Thomas Taylor, an Innkeeper, aged 38, was living at the Bowling Green Inn, 36 Edward Street, Preston with Elizabeth, aged 31 (sic), and five children, Rose A, a cotton winder, aged 17; Margaret E, a cotton weaver, aged 15; Mary, a cotton weaver, aged 13; Jane, assisting in household work, aged 11; and Thomas E, aged 9 months. Living with them was Elizabeth's widowed father William Eccleston, an outdoor labourer, aged 78 (sic). They were all listed as born in Preston. The older children were Thomas' children by his first marriage. Only the youngest, Thomas Eccleston Taylor, was Elizabeth's child. He died aged 3 years and was buried on 17 Feb 1874 in a private grave, G-245, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery. His was the 8th interment in a grave purchased by his father Thomas in 1856. His grandfather joined him two months later.

William Eccleston, of London Road, who was born in 1798, was buried on 21 Apr 1874 and was buried in the private grave, G-245, at Preston Cemetery, aged 82 years.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of Thomas and Ellen ECCLESTON:

Thomas Eccleston and Ellen Taylor, both of Preston, were married on 9 Feb 1796 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Humphrey Shuttleworth, Vicar, and the witnesses were Thomas Hunter and James Eccleston. The bride, groom and both witnesses signed the marriage register with an X.

Thomas and Ellen's first child was Elizabeth, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 11 Dec 1796, with sponsors Joseph Chew and Betty Dutton. She was followed by Ruth, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 4 Aug 1799, with sponsors Thomas Hodgson and Ann Walsh. There then appears a gap in the St Wilfrid's records from 1803 to the end of 1812, during which time Thomas and Ellen almost certainly had more children, including Jane, who was born in about 1803, and Mary, who was born in about 1812. Unfortunately, the family does not appear in either the 1810 or 1820 Catholic censuses of Preston, so may have been living outside of the parish during those years.

The 1832 Preston electoral rolls list Thomas Eccleston, a bricklayer, living at 2 Savage's Court. His wife died four years later.

Ellen ECCLESTON:

Ellen Eccleston, of 2 Hope Street, who was born in about 1772, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 24 Jan 1836, aged 63 years.

Thomas and Ellen's daughter Ruth never married but did have at least two children (see below). Their daughter Jane married twice. She was first married to Robert Heskin on 31 May 1824 at the Parish Church in Chipping, but he died aged just 33 years and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 29 Oct 1835. Jane lost her father five years later.

Thomas ECCLESTON:

Thomas Eccleston, a bricklayer, of 7 St Ann Street, who was born in about 1773, died on 6 Dec 1840 and was buried three days later in St Wilfrid's Cemetery, aged 67 years. His daughter Jane Heskin, who was with him when he died, registered the death, signing the death register with an X.

At the time of the 1841 census Jane Heskin, a weaver, aged c. 35, is living in Ladywell Street, Preston, with five children, Ellen, a weaver, aged c. 15; Thomas, a draper, aged c. 15; James, a weaver, aged c. 15; John, a weaver, aged c. 15; and Elizabeth, a weaver, aged c. 15. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. Jane was remarried two years later to James Owen.

The Family of Ruth ECCLESTON:

Thomas and Ellen's daughter Ruth Eccleston had two known children, Ellen Eccleston was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 15 Jan 1827. She was listed as the daughter of Ruth Eccleston, and the sponsors were William Whalley and Mary Eccleston. There was no father's name recorded.

After a gap of eleven years she had another child. James Eccleston was born on 28 Apr 1838 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 6 May 1838, with sponsors Thomas Pert and Jane Erskine (probably actually Jane Heskin, Ruth's sister).

On the night of the 1841 census Ruth Eccleston, aged c. 40, was living in Ladywell Street, with Ellen, aged 14. Also staying with her was James Kay, aged 3; Mary Kay, aged 20; and James Kay, 2. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. It is not clear how the Kay family were related to Ruth but the youngest child, James, was almost certainly the child whose birth was registered in Preston in the second quarter of 1839 under the name James Eccleston, with the mother's maiden name Kay. His birth is listed twice in the LancashireBMD birth indexes, under the names James Eccleston and James Kay, which leads me to believe that his mother was not married but that the father's name was recorded on the birth certificate. The older James Kay may have actually been Ruth's son, with his surname recorded incorrectly in the census.

On the night of the 1851 census Ruth Eccleston, widow, a housewife, aged 45 (sic), was living at 7 Ladywell Street, Preston with two children, Ellen, aged 24; and James, aged 12. They were all listed as born in Catterall, which may be an error. Ruth was listed as a widow, but it wasn't unusual for an unmarried woman with children to claim to be a widow at this time. Ruth died two years later.

Ruth ECCLESTON:

Ruth Eccleston, who was born in 1799, died of acute bronchitis at her home in Ladywell Street on 1 Mar 1853 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery two days later, aged 54 years. Her daughter Ellen Eccleston registered the death, signing the death register with an X.

Note: After her mother's death Ellen Eccleston moved in with her married sister Jane Owen, where she was living as a boarder in 1861.

The Family of Mary ECCLESTON:

Thomas and Ellen's daughter Mary had one child before she was married. Mary Ann Eccleston was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 25 May 1834, and the sponsors were Joseph Turner and Ellen Bolton. Mary Ann was four years old when her mother married.

William Bromley, a bachelor, aged 20, a spinner, of Marsh Lane, the son of Richard Bromley, an overlooker, and Mary Eccleston, a spinster, aged 25, a carder, of Hope Street, the daughter of Thomas Eccleston, a bricklayer, were married on 13 Jul 1839 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married by Roger Carus Wilson, Vicar, and the witnesses were James Ogden and Mary Kay. The bride, groom and both witnesses signed the marriage register with an X.

On the night of the 1841 census William Bromley, a spinner, aged c. 20, was living at Abbey Mill in the village of Withnell, near Brindle, with Mary, a frame tenter, aged c. 20, and one child, Margaret (sic), aged 7. Staying with them, presumably as lodgers, were three men all working as spinners, William Lancaster, aged c. 40; George Parkinson, aged c. 25; and Richard Dickson, aged c. 20. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. The child listed as Margaret was almost certainly Mary Ann and I suspect a transcription error was made in the census. She died two years later.

Mary Ann ECCLESTON:

Mary Ann Eccleston, who was born in Preston in 1834, died in Withnell on 25 Apr 1843 and her body was brought back to Preston for burial in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 28 Apr 1843, aged 9 years. I can find no further record of William and Mary after the death of this child.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family James and Elizabeth ECCLESTON:

James Eccleston, a shoemaker, and Elizabeth Lynch, a spinster, both of Liverpool, were married on 16 Jan 1825 at St Peter's Church in Liverpool. They were married after Banns by John Pulford B.D., Curate, and the witnesses were W. Maybrick and Robert Johnson. James signed the marriage register with an X.

James and Elizabeth's first known child was Ellen, who was born in about 1829 but was not baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel and I have not found her baptism elsewhere. She may have been born in the Liverpool area. The first record I can find of this family living in Preston is the 1832 Preston electoral rolls, which list James Eccleston, a shoemaker, living at 13 Gilbert Street. It was in that year that their second known child was born. Mary Eccleston was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 20 May 1832, with sponsors John Dewhurst and Elizabeth Eccleston. She was followed by Elizabeth, who was baptized on 7 Sep 1834, with sponsors Joseph Swarbrick and Mary Dewhurst; then John, who was born in 1837 but was not baptized at either St Wilfrid's Chapel or St Ignatius Catholic Church.

The year 1840 saw James and Elizabeth lose two of their children within three months.

Mary ECCLESTON:

Mary Eccleston, of Willow Street, who was born in 1832, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 9 Feb 1840, aged 7 years.

John ECCLESTON:

John Eccleston, of Willow Street, who was born in 1837, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 17 May 1840, aged 2 years.

Four months after the death of their son John, James and Elizabeth's son William was born. He was born on 25 Sep 1840 and was baptized on 18 Oct 1840, with one sponsor, Helen Donough, and on the night of the 1841 census James Eccleston, a shoemaker, aged 38, was living in York Street, Preston with Elizabeth, aged 30; and three children, Ellin (sic), aged 11; Elizabeth, aged 7; and William, aged 9 months. Staying with them was Robert Fletcher, a cotton weaver, aged c. 50. They were all listed as born in Lancashire.

James and Elizabeth's last known child was James, who was born on 30 Oct 1843 and was baptized at St Augustine's Catholic Church on 5 Nov 1843, with sponsors George Arrowsmith and Mary Crankshaw. His father was recorded as James Eccleston but the space for his mother's name was left blank.

At the time of the 1851 census James Eccleston, a shoemaker, aged 51, was living at 29 Park Street, Preston with Elizabeth, aged 44; and three children, Elizabeth, a steam frame tenter, aged 16; William, at home, aged 10; and James, at home, aged 7. Also staying with them was their married daughter Ellen Green, a bobbin tenter, aged 22; her husband William Green, a grinder, aged 24; and their daughter Mary Ann Green, aged 5 months. Elizabeth Sr was listed as born in Liverpool, and the rest of the household were born in Preston.

On the night of the 1861 census James Eccleston, a shoemaker, aged 63, was living at 2 Back Charlotte Street, Preston with Elizabeth, aged 55, and their three unmarried children, Elizabeth, a frame tenter, aged 25; William, a cardroom grinder, aged 20; and James, a cardroom sweeper, aged 17. James Sr died later that year.

James Eccleston, a labourer, of Back Charlotte Street, was buried on 15 Aug 1861 in a public grave, J-299, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 62 years. His widow died less than five years later.

Elizabeth (Lynch) Eccleston, of Back Charlotte Street, who was born in Liverpool in about 1804, was buried on 28 Jun 1863 in a public grave, J-644, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 62 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...Since our last:...Elizabeth Eccleston, Back Charlotte-street, aged 62;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 3 Feb 1866

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Willliam ECCLESTON:

William Eccleston was born on 26 Apr 1835 and was baptized on 10 May 1835. He was the son of William and Ann Eccleston, and the sponsors were Richard Weld and Agnes Eccleston.

William Eccleston, a bachelor, and Ann Whittle, a spinster, both of Preston, were married on Christmas Day 1833 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Thomas Clark, Curate, and the witnesses were John Melling and Elizabeth Whittle. The bride, groom and both witnesses signed the marriage register with an X.

It appears that William was their first child, but he lived less than a year and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 3 Jan 1836, where his age was recorded as "infant". Their second known child was James, who was born on 17 Dec 1837 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 14 Jan 1838, with sponsors Thomas and Ellen Turner. He was followed by Ann, who was born in 1839 but I have been unable to find any record of her baptism. I suspect that she died very soon after birth and was given an emergency baptism at the bedside. Her birth was registered in the fourth quarter of 1839, and she may be the Ann Eccleston, of Spring Street, who was buried in the churchyard at St Peter's Church in Preston on 22 Dec 1839, where her age was recorded as "infant", and no other identifying information was recorded.

William and Ann's fourth known child was another son they called William who was baptized on 18 Apr 1841 at St John's Parish Church. The baptism register records his father's occupation as Spinner and their abode as Harrington Street. On the night of the 1841 census William Eccleston, a cotton spinner, aged c. 25, was living in Harrington Street, Preston with Nancy, aged c. 25, and two children, James, aged 3; and William, aged 3 months. Staying with them were several members of the Whittle family who may have been relatives of Nancy's: Sarah Whittle, a bonnet maker, aged c. 50; Margaret Whittle, a cotton carder, aged c. 15; John Whittle, a cotton carder, aged c. 15; and Sarah Whittle, aged 10. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. It appears that their infant son died later that year. William Eccleston, of Sleddon Street, was buried on 5 Oct 1841 in the churchyard at St Peter's Church in Preston, where his age was recorded as "infant".

William and Nancy's next child was Eliza, who was baptized on 28 Aug 1842 at St John's Parish Church. She was followed by a third child they called William, who was baptized on 17 Feb 1845 at St John's Parish Church. In both instances the baptism register recorded their father's occupation as Spinner and their abode as Mill Street. Sadly, little William lived on a few days and was buried on 23 Feb 1845 in the churchyard at St Peter's Church. His age was recorded as "infant" and his abode was entered as Hill Street, but this may have been meant to be Mill Street.

William and Nancy had two more children, Emma in 1846, and Amelia in 1848, but I cannot find any record of their baptisms in either the Catholic or Church of England churches in Preston. Amelia would have only been a few months old when her father died.

William Eccleston, of Fylde Row, died on 4 May 1849 and was buried four days later in the churchyard at St Peter's Church in Preston, aged 34 years.

Death Notice:

DEATHS...yesterday week,...Wm. Eccleston, spinner, Watery-lane, aged 34;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 12 May 1849

Ann "Nancy" (Whittle) Eccleston was a widow for less than two years. William Ashworth, a widower, aged 30, a spinner, of North Road, the son of Thomas Ashworth, a stonemason, and Nancy Eccleston, a widow, aged 36, of Back Timber Street, the daughter of the late John Whittle, a labourer, were married on 16 Feb 1851 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by John Kitton, Curate, and the witnesses were William Mayman and Hannah Eccles. The bride, groom and both witnesses signed the marriage register with an X.

On the night of the 1851 census William and Nancy had only been married six weeks. William Ashworth, a spinner, aged 30, was living at 12 Adelaide Street, Preston with Nancy, aged 22 (sic); James Eccleston, married, a spinner, aged 24; Ellen Eccleston, married, aged 25; Emma Eccleston, aged 4; Amelia Eccleston, aged 2; and Sarah Ashworth, unmarried, aged 50. William was listed as born in Lancaster, and the rest of the household were born in Preston. They were lodging in the home of Ann Eccles, a widow, aged 36, and, as they were listed as lodgers, it is not recorded how they were related to each other. If the James Eccleston listed was Nancy's son he would have actually only been 14 years old and it is highly unlikely that he was married. I suspect that much of the information in this census is incorrect. Nancy's age is off by several years, as she would have been about 36 or 37 at the time of this census. This is the last confirmed record I can find of this family.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Ann EDDSFORTH:

Ann Eddsforth, of North Road, the widow of James Eddsforth, died on 28 Dec 1847 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 2 Jan 1848, aged 88 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...on Tuesday last,...Ann Eddsforth, North-road, aged 88;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 1 Jan 1848

James Edsforth, a husbandman, of Claughton in the Parish of Garstang, and Ann Smith, a widow, of Preston, were married on 14 Jun 1787 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married, by licence, by Humphrey Shuttleworth, Vicar, and the witnesses were Hugh Pilling and William Hodgkinson. Ann signed the marriage register with an X. James' occupation and Ann's marital status were not recorded in the marriage register and are taken from the Marriage Bond dated 14 Jun 1787.

After marrying in Preston James and Ann settled in his home village of Claughton-on-Brock, and baptized seven children at St Thomas' Catholic Chapel, Claughton-on-Brock, where their surname was consistently spelled Eddisford. Their first child was James, who was baptized on 9 Apr 1788, with Godparents Thomas Banes and Ann Eddisford. He was followed by John, who was baptized on 26 Apr 1790, with Godparents James Coubin and Elizabeth Eddisford; then Margaret, who was baptized on 24 Sep 1792, with Godparents James Cuban and Elizabeth Eddisford; and Mary, who was baptized on 22 Feb 1795, with Godparents William Wilson and Mar. (probably Margaret) Banes (Baines).

James and Ann's fifth child was a son, but his first name was abbreviated Jo. in the baptism register. He was baptized on 13 May 1797, with Godparents Barnaby and Dorothy Cuban. It is believed that his first name was Joseph, but I can find no further record of him.

James and Ann's sixth child was Ann, who was baptized on 15 Mar 1800, with Godparents Thomas Eddisford and Elizabeth Banes (Baines); followed by their seventh and last known child, Alice, who was baptized on 23 May 1803, with Godparents John Bamber and Elizabeth (blank).

The Eddsforth family seemed to have stayed in the Claughton-on-Brock area for most of their lives, but Ann eventually moved to Preston, probably after the death of her husband, and on the night of the 1841 census Ann Adsforth (sic), Ind. (of independent means), aged c. 80, was living in Park Lane with her unmarried daughter Margaret, Ind., aged c. 40. Also staying with them was Ann's married daughter Ann Hodgen (sic), Ind., aged c. 35; and her four children James, a cotton piecer, aged 11; Thomas, aged 9; Ann, aged 7; and John, aged 3. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. Ann Hodgson's husband was not at home on the night of the census. Ann (Eddsforth) Hodgson died later that year and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 5 Aug 1841, aged 42 years.

James and Ann's daughter Margaret Eddsforth never married and lived the remainder of her life with her widowed brother-in-law John Hodgson, no doubt helping him raise his children. She was living with them at the time of both the 1851 and 1861 censuses, and died in 1866. More information will be included in the section for her sister Ann (Eddsforth) Hodgson.

Note 1: James Eddsforth's abode was recorded in the marriage register as Clifton in the Parish of Garstang but the Marriage Bond records it as Clyton - a phonetic spelling of Claughton.

Note 2: Although this family's surname is spelled in a variety of ways in the various records, James signed his own name on the Marriage Bond and spelled his surname Edsforth.

James Edsforth's
signature

Note 3: The St Wilfrid's burial transcripts spelled Ann's surname Gosforth, but it was spelled Eddsforth in the civil death register index.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Ann EDGE:

Ann Edge was born on 25 Oct 1851 and was baptized the following day at St Wilfrid's Chapel. She was the daughter of Richard and Alice Edge, and the sponsors were John Pert and Alice Haughton.

Richard Edge, a bachelor, aged 25, a labourer, of Green Bank, the son of the late John Edge, a labourer, and Alice Taylor, a spinster, aged 18, a factory girl, of Canal Street, the daughter of William Taylor, a labourer, were married on 9 Sep 1839 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married by J.C. Whish, Curate, and the witnesses were Richard and Maria Hornby. The bride, groom and both witnesses signed the marriage register with an X.

Richard and Alice's first child was Mary, who was born on 18 Jul 1840 and was baptized the next day at St Ignatius Catholic Church in Preston, with sponsors Joseph Nixon and Elizabeth Call. On the night of the 1841 census Richard Edge, a labourer, aged c. 30, was living in St Peters Square with Alice, aged c. 25, and one child, Mary, aged 1. Strangely, they were all listed as born outside the county. They were living, presumably as lodgers, in the home of William and Elizabeth Kellet. Their second child was born later that year.

Jane Edge was born on 15 Nov 1841 and was baptized six days later at St Ignatius Catholic Church, with sponsors John Parkinson and Jane Taylor. She died in infancy and was buried on 19 Sep 1842 in the churchyard at St Paul's Church. The burial register records that she was an infant, of Byron Street. Richard and Alice's third child was another daughter they called Jane, who was born in 1843 but I can find no record of her baptism. I suspect that she died very soon after birth and was given an emergency baptism at the bedside. She was buried on 10 Feb 1843 in the churchyard at St John's Parish Church, where the burial register recorded that she was an infant, of Byron Street. Her birth and death were registered in the first quarter of 1843.

Richard and Alice's fourth child was William, who was born on 28 Mar 1844 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel three days later, with sponsors Charles Nixon and Jane Taylor. His surname was spelled Henge in the baptism transcripts. He was followed by John, who was born on 4 Mar 1846 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 8 Mar 1846, with sponsors John Parkinson and Catherine Nixon. His surname was spelled Hedge in the baptism transcripts. Seven months after John's birth, Richard and Alice lost another of their children. William, who was born in 1844, was buried in the churchyard at St John's Parish Church on 7 Oct 1846, aged 2 years.

Richard and Alice's sixth child was Richard, who was born on 27 Dec 1847 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 16 Jan 1848, with sponsors John Spencer and Mary Cross. His surname was spelled Hage in the baptism transcripts. He was followed by another son they called William, who was born on 1 Mar 1850 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel two days later, with sponsors John Anderton and Ann Rosthrone (sic). At the time of the 1851 census Richard Edge, a general labourer, aged 36, was living at 9 Back Canal Street with his wife Alice, aged 28, and four children, Mary, aged 10; John, aged 5; Richard, aged 3; and William, aged 1. Richard Sr was listed as born in Ashton, Alice was born in Fulwood, and the children were born in Preston. Their daughter Ann, as mentioned above, was born later that year, and their youngest son died the following year.

William Edge, of Canal Street, who was born in 1850, was buried on 5 Sep 1852 in the churchyard at St John's Parish Church, aged 3 years. Their daughter Ann died almost a year later, and was buried on 10 Jul 1853, aged 21 months. She was the only one of their children to be buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery.

Just seven days after burying their daughter, Richard and Alice had another daughter they called Ann, who was born on 17 Jul 1853 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel two days later, with sponsors Everard Morgan and Alice Houghton. Her name was spelled Hedge in the baptism transcripts. She was followed by another son they called William, who was born on 18 Sep 1855 and was baptized five days later at St Walburge's Catholic Church in Preston, with sponsors John Edge and Jane Livesey; then Alice, who was born on 12 Dec 1856 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel two days later, with sponsors Thomas Rosthorne and Margaret Livesey; and Ellen, who was born on 7 Mar 1858 and was baptized three days later at St Walburge's Church, with sponsors John Taylor and Mary Edge.

On the night of the 1861 census Richard Edge, a carter, aged 53, was living at 112 Bedford Street, Preston with Alice, aged 40, and four children, John, a mechanic's apprentice, aged 15; Ann, a scholar, aged 8; Alice, a scholar, aged 4; and Ellen, a scholar, aged 3. In this census Alice Sr's birthplace was listed as Cadley. Richard died almost exactly one year later.

Richard Edge, of Bedford Street, died on 15 Apr 1862, aged 48 years, but was not buried in Preston Cemetery and I have not found his place of burial.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On the 15th inst.,...Mr. Richard Edge, Bedford-street, aged 48."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 16 Apr 1862

Richard's wife Alice was not a widow for long, remarrying less than five months later. Henry Porter, a bachelor, aged 31, a carter, of Bedford Street, the son of James Porter, a farmer, and Alice Edge, a widow, aged 39, of Bedford Street, the daughter of the late William Taylor, a carter, were married on 1 Sep 1862 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Thomas Johnson, Curate, and the witnesses were Peter Hull and Elizabeth Porter. Alice signed the marriage register with an X.

Marriage Notice:

"MARRIAGES...On the 1st inst., at the Parish Church,...Mr. Henry Porter to Miss (sic) Alice Edge;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 6 Sep 1862

At the time of the 1871 census Henry Porter, a labourer, aged 40, was living at 14 Hood Street in Dalton-in-Furness with his wife Alice, aged 44, and two of her children, Alice Edge, aged 14; and Ellen Edge, at home, aged 13. They were all listed as born in Preston. Living with them were four lodgers, James Mayer, widower, a bricksetter, aged 60; William Edge, married, a labourer, aged 23; George Nickson, an unmarried labourer, aged 30; and Tom Wilkinson, an unmarried labourer, aged 30. The William Edge listed may have been related to Alice, but he was listed as a lodger in the census. He too was born in Preston.

This is the last confirmed record I can find of this family.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of John and Ann EDWARDS:

John Edwards and Nancy Osbaldeston, both of Preston, were married on 13 Oct 1817 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Matthew Mark, Curate, and the witnesses were Lawrence Tomlison and Nancy Dixon. The bride, groom and Nancy Dixon signed the marriage register with an X.

John and Nancy's first child was Elizabeth, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 26 Jul 1818, with sponsors George Osbaldeston and Bridget Segar. The 1820 Catholic census of Preston lists John Edwards, aged 28, living at 21 Snow Hill with Nancy, aged 25, and one child, Betty, aged 1.

A Roseanne Edwards was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 17 Jun 1821, with sponsors James and Sarah Mealy, but her parents were listed as Edward and Jane Edwards. She may be the Roseanne who was listed as John and Nancy's daughter in later records (see below).

John and Nancy went on to baptize five more children at St Wilfrid's Chapel, beginning with John, who was baptized on 10 Jul 1825, with sponsors William Osbaldeston and Catherine Cranshaw. Their third child did not survive infancy.

William EDWARDS:

William Edwards was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 28 Jan 1829, and the sponsors were Thomas Whalley and Helen Jemson. He lived less than two weeks and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 9 Feb 1829, where his age was recorded as "infant" and his abode was recorded as Tythe Barn Street.

John and Nancy's fourth child was Joseph, who was baptized on 21 Mar 1830, with sponsors Richard Mason and Hannah Moore; followed by Marianne, who was baptized on 24 Mar 1833, with sponsors James and Mary Osbaldeston; and finally Isabella, who was born on 29 Sep 1835 and was baptized on 4 Oct 1835, with sponsors William Gradwell and Grace Moore. Her father died sixteen months later.

John EDWARDS:

John Edwards, of Tythe Barn Street, who was born in about 1793, died on 29 Jan 1837 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 1 Feb 1837, aged 43 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On Sunday last,...Mr. John Edwards, cooper, Tithe Barn-street; for many years cymbal-player in the 3rd Regiment of the Royal Lancashire Militia."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 4 Feb 1837

On the night of the 1841 census Nancy Edwards, a lodging house keeper, aged c. 45, was living in Bishops Gate, Preston with five children, Rosanna, aged c. 15; John, aged c. 15; Joseph, aged 11; Elizabeth, aged 9; and Margaret, aged 6. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. The 1841 census did not record the relationship between people and some of these children may not have been Nancy's children.

Rosanna Edwards married Samuel Blackburn at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 29 Mar 1846, witnessed by William Gradwell and Ann Duckworth, and at the time of the 1851 census Nancy Edwards, a widow, of independent means, was living at 5 Westmorland Street , Preston with her daughter Isabella, a heald knitter, aged 15; her married son John, a painter, aged 25; and two grandchildren, Elizabeth, aged 4; and Mary, aged 3. Also living with her was her married daughter Rosa Ann (sic) Blackburn, a cotton rover, aged 27; Rosanna's husband Samuel Blackburn, a cotton piecer, aged 25; and their two children, James, aged 5; and Fanny (actually Nancy), aged 11 months. They were all listed as born in Preston.

On the night of the 1861 census Nancy Edwards, widow, a house keeper, aged 66, was living at 1 Atkinson Street, Preston with her unmarried daughter Isabella, a heald knitter, aged 25; and her granddaughter (listed as her daughter) Elizabeth, a cotton frame tenter, aged 14. Also staying with her was an unmarried boarder, Mary Fletcher, a power loom cotton weaver, aged 21. Living separately at the same address was Samuel Blackburn, a skimmer, aged 38, with his wife Rosanna (listed as Susannah in the census), a cotton factory worker, aged 38; and their son James, a cotton factory worker, aged 14.

John and Nancy's youngest daughter was married in 1867. Patrick Rogers, a bachelor, aged 27, a smith, of Hardman's Yard, the son of the late John Rogers, a labourer, and Isabella Edwards, a spinster, aged 29, a heald knitter, of Atkinson Street, the daughter of the late John Edwards, a cooper, were married on 30 Mar 1867 at St John's Parish Church. They were married after Banns by C.J. Astbury, Curate, and the witnesses were William and Mary Ann Lee. Mary Ann Lee was Isabella's older sister, who married William Lee in the same church the previous year. They were married on 24 Feb 1866 by the same Curate, and the witnesses were Joseph Dumbaven and Isabella Edwards.

On the night of the 1871 census Nancy Edwards, widow, a housekeeper, aged 78, was living at 66 Atkinson Street, Preston with her married daughter Isabella Rodgers (sic), a heald knitter, aged 37, and Isabella's two children, Margaret, a scholar, aged 7; and Agnes, aged 3. Isabella's husband was not at home on the night of the census. They were all listed as born in Preston. Nancy died a month later.

Nancy Edwards, widow of John Edwards, a cooper, died of old age on 10 May 1871 at 63 Atkinson Street, aged 78 years. Her death was registered by Isabella Rogers, present at the death, 63 Atkinson Street, who signed the death register with an X. She was buried on 15 May 1871 in a public grave, D-82, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery.

Death Notice:

DEATHS...Burials since our last:...Nancy Edwards, Atkinson-street, 78;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 20 May 1871

Note: Although Samuel and Rosanna's daughter was listed as Fanny in the 1851 census her birth was registered as Nancy Blackburn and her name was recorded as Anna Blackburn when she was baptized at St Ignatius Catholic Church on 5 May 1850, with sponsors William Eccleston and Margaret Edwards. She was born on 1 May 1850.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Margaret Ann ELLIS:

Margaret Ann Ellis was born on 9 Dec 1846 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 17 Jan 1847. She was the daughter of Thomas and Mary Ellis, and the sponsors were Thomas Ellis and Alice Blackow.

Thomas Ellis, who was born in about 1810 - during the period for which the St Wilfrid's records are missing, was the son of Thomas and Margaret Ellis. At the time of the 1820 Catholic census of Preston Thomas Sr, aged 40, and Margaret, aged 45, were living at 10 Mount Pleasant with six children, Ellen, aged 17; Robert, aged 16; John, aged 15; Eliza, aged 13; Thomas, aged 10; and Mary, aged 6.

Thomas Ellis Jr was married twice but I have not found the record of his first marriage. At some point he moved to Liverpool, where he married his second wife. Thomas Ellis, a widower, of full age, a whip maker, of Cross Hall Street, the son of Thomas Ellis, an ironmonger, and Mary Davies, a spinster, of full age, of MacVicker Street, the daughter of John Davies, a hostler, were married on 15 May 1839 at St Nicholas Parish Church in Liverpool. They were married after Banns by Thomas MacGill, Curate, and the witnesses were Henry and Margaret Yates. Thomas, Mary and both witnesses signed the marriage register with an X.

On the night of the 1841 census Thomas Ellis, a journeyman whip maker, aged c. 30, was living in Fairhurst Street, Liverpool with Mary, aged c. 20. They were living, presumably as lodgers, in the home of Patrick and Catherine Heffrin. Thomas was listed as born in Lancashire and Mary was born in Ireland (later records give her birthplace as Wales).

It would seem that Thomas and Mary lived in Preston for a time, where Margaret Alice was born in 1846 and their son Anthony was born in 1848. Anthony Ellis was born on 21 Jan 1848 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel seven days later, with sponsors Robert Ellis and Mary Mullaly. He did not survive infancy. Anthony Ellis, of The Shambles, was buried in the churchyard at St Ignatius Catholic Church on 8 Jun 1848, aged 5 months. Sometime after Anthony's death Thomas and Mary moved back to Liverpool, where their third child was born in 1851.

Alice Grey Ellis was born on 20 Mar 1851 and was baptized at St Nicholas Catholic Church on 30 Mar 1850, with sponsors Thomas Grey and Ann Hornby Ellis, and on the night of the 1851 census Thomas Ellis, a beerhouse keeper, aged 41, was living at 7 Marble Street, Liverpool, with his wife Mary, aged 33, and one child, Alice G., aged under 1 month. Thomas was listed as born in Preston, Mary was born in Wales, and their daughter was born in Liverpool. Their last known child was born the following year.

John Ellis was born on 22 Nov 1852 and was baptized at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Liverpool six days later, with one sponsor, Catherine O'Donnell. Their address at the time was Primrose Hill.

Thomas Ellis, of Field Street, was buried in the churchyard at St Anthony's Catholic Church in Liverpool on 2 Jun 1858, aged 48 years, and Mary went to stay with her widowed mother in Wales. At the time of the 1861 census Ann Davies, a widow, retired, aged 85, was living at 2 Barracks, Llandysilio, Montgomeryshire, Wales, with her widowed daughter Mary Ellis, a charwoman, aged 40; her granddaughter Alice Ellis, a scholar, aged 11; and her grandson Charley Ellis, a scholar, aged 8. Ann and Mary were listed as born in Llandysilio, Angelsey, Wales; and Alice and Charley were born in Liverpool. I can find no further record of this family.

Note: Thomas' mother, Margaret Ellis, of Great Shaw Street, died on 20 Apr 1845 and was buried four days later in the churchyard at St Ignatius Catholic Church, aged 71 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On Sunday last, in the 71st year of her age, Margaret, the wife of Mr. Thomas Ellis, formerly ironmonger and grocer, of this town, and mother to Mr. John Ellis, cotton spinner."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 26 Apr 1845

Thomas Ellis Sr, of Chaddock Street, died on 21 Dec 1852 and was buried three days later in the churchyard at St Ignatius Church. The civil death index recorded his age as 75 but the burial register recorded, in pencil, his age as 60 with a question mark.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On Tuesday last, in the 75th year of his age, Mr. Thomas Ellis, formerly an ironmonger and grocer, and father of Mr. John Ellis, cotton spinner, both of this town."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 24 Dec 1852

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of Edward and Margaret ELLISON:

Edward Ellison, a bachelor, and Margaret Eastham, a spinster, both of Chorley, were married on 10 Mar 1816 at St Lawrence's Parish Church in Chorley. They were married after Banns by Richard Hodgson, Officiating Minister, and the witnesses were Michael Stobart and John Gray. Edward and Margaret signed the marriage register with an X.

During the early years of their marriage Edward and Margaret lived in the Chorley area and baptized three children at St Gregory's Catholic Church, Weld Bank, Chorley, beginning with Edward, who was born on 9 Nov 1817 and was baptized the same day, with sponsors John and Mary Catteral. He was followed by Robert, who was born on 11 Feb 1819 and was baptized three days later, with sponsors William Parkinson and Elizabeth Lloyd; then Elizabeth, who was born on 6 Aug 1822 and was baptized five days later, with sponsors William and Elizabeth Monk. In each instance they were listed as the children of Edward and Margaret Ellison (olim Eastham).

The first record I can find of the family in Preston is the 1832 Preston electoral rolls, which list Edward Ellison, a warper, living at 5 Markland Street. On the night of the 1841 census Edward Ellison, a cotton warper, aged c. 50, was living in Albion Street West with Margaret, aged c. 65. Edward was listed as born outside of the county and Margaret was listed as born in Lancashire. Their son Robert was not with them on that night, and I cannot find him listed elsewhere in the census. He died the following year.

Robert ELLISON:

Robert Ellison, an attorney's clerk, died of consumption on 28 Jul 1842 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery three days later, aged 23 years. His father, of Savoy Street, registered his death, signing the register with an X.

At the time of the 1851 census Edward Ellison, a warper, aged 59, was living at 22 Savoy Street, Preston with his wife Margret (sic), aged 63. Living with them was a lodger, John Hutchinson, widower, a cotton spinner, aged 55. Edward was listed as born in Wales, Margaret was born in Samlesbury, and the lodger was born in Haighton. Edward and Margaret's ages seem to be out by about ten years. Margaret died almost exactly one year later.

Mrs Margaret ELLISON:

Margaret (Eastham) Ellison, of 23 Savoy Street, died on 11 Mar 1852 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery three days later, aged 72 years.

Edward Ellison survived his wife by six years and his death was registered in the second quarter of 1858 in the Broughton sub-district of Preston, aged 76 years. He was not buried at Preston Cemetery, and I have been unable to find the location of his grave. There was no death notice published.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of John EMUS:

The 1820 Catholic census of Preston lists a John Emus, aged 18, and a Mary Emus, aged 22, living at 6 Woodcocks Yard, and I initially thought that they may have been living together as a couple two years before they were married. However, I've since come to believe that the John and Mary listed in 1820 were siblings or some other relation. Mary Emus, a spinster, of Woodcock's Yard, baptized a child, Evelyn Edward Emus, on 8 Aug 1819 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. He was reputed to be the son of Edward Gaskyne Coward. Mary's son apparently did not survive and may have been the child buried in the churchyard at St John's Church on 22 Jan 1821 under the name Edward Eamas. His abode was recorded as Fishergate, and it was noted that he was a Papist (Catholic).

John Emus, a bachelor, and Mary Boardley, a spinster, both of Preston, were married on 29 Jul 1822 at St John's Church. They were married after Banns by Matthew Mark, Curate, and the witnesses were John Robert Dyson and Margaret McGee. Mary, whose maiden surname may have actually been Broadley, signed the marriage register with an X.

Tracing this family has been difficult due to the variations in the spelling of their surname, and the fact that they seemed to baptize their children, if at all, in churches of various faiths. Their first known child was Alice, who was baptized on 28 Mar 1824 at St John's Parish Church. The baptism register entry recorded their abode as Fylde Street and her father's occupation as 'carder'. They then had two sons, James in about 1825 and William in about 1826, but I can find no record of their baptisms anywhere in Preston. Their fourth known child was Thomas, who was born on 3 Dec 1827; followed by Ann, who was born on 4 Feb 1829. They were both baptized at a Wesleyan Methodist Chapel in Preston on 6 Oct 1829. Ann died in infancy, but I can find no record of her burial.

John and Mary's next known child was John, who was baptized at St John's Parish Church on 30 May 1830, at which time their abode was recorded as Bridge Lane, and his father was listed as a carder. This child's birth may have been difficult for Mary, who died a few weeks later. Mary Amos (sic), of Marsh Lane, was buried on 27 Jun 1830 in the churchyard at St Peter's Church, aged 28 years.

For reasons we may never understand, John Emus Jr was baptized twice. About six months after his baptism in the Church of England church he was baptized in the Catholic church. John Emus, the son of John and Mary Emus, was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 28 Nov 1830, with sponsors Edward Ellison and Mary Waterhouse.

The 1832 Preston electoral rolls list John Emus, a carder, was living at 4 Stanley Street. He remarried the following year. John Emms (sic), and Alice Livesey, both of Preston, were married on 18 Nov 1833 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Thomas Clark, Curate, and the witnesses were Thomas and Mary Bamber. Alice and both witnesses signed the marriage register with an X. The marriage register described John as a bachelor and Alice as a spinster, yet John was a widower and I suspect Alice was a widow, whose maiden name was Bamber.

Marriage Notice:

"MARRIAGES...on Monday last, Mr. John Emus, to Miss Alice Livesey;...all of this town."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 23 Nov 1833

John and Alice's first child together was Margaret, who was born in about 1834; followed by Henry, who was born in about 1836. I cannot find the baptism records for either of these children. Their third child was Ann, who was baptized Ann Amos at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 16 Mar 1840, with no sponsors listed. Ann's baptism may have been a private baptism and I suspect that she did not survive, which may explain why she had no Godparents, however, I can find no record of her death or burial. Her birth was apparently never registered. John and Alice's fourth child also died in infancy.

Elizabeth EMUS:

Elizabeth Emus was born on 18 or 19 Jan 1841 but did not survive infancy. She died on 22 Jan 1841 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery the following day. The burial transcript records her name as Elizabeth Emris, and her age as five days. The death certificate spells her surname Emus and records her age as four days. She was born prematurely, and her death was registered by her father, John Emus, of 5 Ladyman Street. I can find no record of her baptism, so she may have been baptized privately at the bedside. When her birth was registered her mother's maiden name was recorded as Bamber.

On the night of the 1841 census John Emus, a carder, aged c. 35, was living in Ladyman Street, Preston with Alice, aged 41, and seven children, Alice, aged 17; James, aged 16; William, aged 14; Thomas, aged 13; John, aged 12; Margaret, aged 7; and Henry, aged 5. The five oldest children were flax spinnners. Also staying with them was Ellen Livesey, aged 10. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. The older children listed were John's children by his first wife. Margaret and Henry were the children of John and Alice, and Ellen Livesey was Alice's daughter by her first marriage.

This is where things get very confusing!

Alice EMUS:

Alice Emus, of 5 Ladyman Street, died on 11 Feb 1842 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery two days later, where her surname was spelled Ayrnous. The burial transcripts recorded her age as 42 years, but the civil death index recorded it as age 0, i.e. less than one year old. The death certificate records that Alice Emus, the daughter of John Emus, a cardmaster, died from palpitations of the heart on 11 Feb 1842, aged 4 months, and that her death was registered by her mother Alice, of 5 Ladyman Street, who was present at the death. Alice signed the death register with an X. This "four month old child" could not have been the daughter of John and Alice Emus as they already had a daughter called Alice, who would have been about 18 years old in 1842. Alice (Bamber-Livesey) Emus must have died in 1842, sometime before August 1842, when her husband John remarried. I suspect that the death certificate is incorrect and that it was actually Mrs Alice Emus who died on 11 Feb 1842.

John Emus, a cardmaster, aged 43, of Samlesbury, married Maria Molloy, a reeler, aged 25, of Preston, on 21 Aug 1842 at St Augustine's Catholic Church in Preston. They were married by Thomas Cookson and the witnesses were William Taylor of Samlesbury and Agnes Duncan of Preston. John's mother was listed as Margaret Franks and Maria's parents were listed as James and Margery Dilworth.

Marriage Notice:

"MARRIAGES...On Sunday last, at the Catholic Chapel of St. Augustine, Mr. John Ennis (sic), of Samlesbury, to Miss Maria Mulloy, of this town."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 27 Aug 1842

When their marriage was registered John's surname was spelled Emus and Maria's was spelled Mulloy.

Sometime after marrying, John and Maria left Preston and settled in Elton, near Bury, where their daughter was born. Mary Emus was born on 27 May 1843 and was baptized the next day at St Marie's Catholic Church in Bury, with Godparents John Webb and Alice Emus. Maria's maiden name was recorded as Molloy in the baptism register.

1844 was not a good year from the Emus family. James Emus, of Elton, was buried in the churchyard at St Mary the Virgin Parish Church in Bury on 15 Sep 1844, aged 19 years; his father, John Emus, of Elton, was buried in the same churchyard two weeks later, on 29 Sep 1844, aged 43 years; and John and Maria's daughter joined them the following month. She was buried on 17 Oct 1844, age 18 months.

At the time of John Emus' death Maria was expecting their second child. Joseph Emus was born on 11 Mar 1845 and was baptized the same day at St Marie's Catholic Church in Bury, with Godparents William Emus and Sarah Ditchfield. Strangely, Maria's maiden name was recorded as Haughton in the baptism register and Maloy (sic) when Joseph's birth was registered. Joseph also died in infancy and was buried in the churchyard at St Mary the Virgin Parish Church, Bury on 30 Jun 1845, aged 15 weeks.

Maria (Molloy) Emus was remarried in Bury in 1845 to James Bretherton. I can find no further record of her.

Note 1: When Alice Livesey married John Emus she was the widow of Joseph Livesey. Joseph Livesey, a bachelor, and Alice Bamber, a spinster, both of Preston, were married on 20 Apr 1822 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Matthew Mark, Curate, and the witnesses were William and Martha Bamber. They also had a Catholic ceremony at St Wilfrid's Chapel on the same day and with the same witnesses. The Ellen Livesey who was living with John and Alice in 1841 was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 20 Nov 1831, with sponsors Robert Towers and Elizabeth Billington. Joseph Livesey was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 9 Oct 1832, aged 34 years.

Note 2: At the time of the 1851 census Henry Emos (sic), a weaver, aged 15, was living as a lodger at 7 Bell Street, Preston, the home of Ellen Banks, a widow, aged 62. He later emigrated to New Zealand. Sergeant Major Henry Emus was killed in a battle with Maori in New Zealand on 23 Jan 1867, aged 31 years.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Mary ENGLISHBY:

Mary Englishby, of Singleton Row, who was born in about 1794, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 17 Oct 1832, aged 38 years. She was the wife of Edward Englishby and may have been born in Ireland, as he was. It is not known where they were married but some resources give their eldest son' birthplace as Carlisle, Cumberland. The first and only child they baptized in Preston was Charles Englishby, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 11 Oct 1829, with sponsors William Hayes and Catherine Bonny.

The 1832 Preston electoral rolls list Edward Englishby, an overlooker, living at 47 Singleton Row and it was in that year and from that address that Mary was buried.

It is a fact of life that a widower with young children tended to remarry fairly quickly and Edward was no exception. He was a widower for about 11 months. Edward Engloshby (sic) and Rosanna McLoughlin, both of the Parish of Penwortham, were married on 8 Sep 1833 at St Mary's Parish Church in Penwortham. They were married after Banns by Robert Atherton Rawstorne, Minister, and the witnesses were John Brown and John Gillon. Due to a fire at the church in 1856 the only surviving records are the Bishops Transcripts, so there is no way to know how Edward spelled his name in the original register. Rosanna signed the register with an X.

Edward and Rosanna's first child was Alice, who was baptized Alice Inglishby on 10 Aug 1834 at St Wilfrid's Chapel, with sponsors John Brow and Elizabeth Mercer. Their second child was Ellen, who was born on 13 Nov 1835 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel two days later, with sponsors James Smith and Alice Laughly. Her parents were listed in the baptism transcripts as Edward and Helen Englishby. She was followed by Margaret, who was born 1 May 1837 and was baptized Margaret Inglishby at St Wilfrid's Chapel six days later, with sponsors Richard Blackburn and Ellen Gillen.

Tracing this family has been difficult for a number of reasons, including the variations in the spelling of their surname, and the fact that don't appear to have registered the births of any of their children born after the start of civil registration in 1837. More frustrating is the fact they do not appear to have baptized their last three children, at least not in any Catholic church in Preston. Their son Hugh was born in about 1839, followed by Jane in about 1843, and Elizabeth in about 1846. I have checked the baptism records for St Wilfrid's Chapel, St Ignatius and St Augustine's Catholic Churches, and even checked St John's Parish Church, but cannot find any record of their baptisms. The family also appear to have avoided the census taker in 1841.

On the night of the 1851 census Edward Englishby, an inspector of cotton cloth, aged 50, was living at 28 Wellfield Street, Preston with his wife Rose Ann, aged 48, and eight children, Edward, an iron moulder, aged 28; Charles, a power loom weaver, aged 20; Alice, a power loom weaver, aged 17; Ellen, a power loom weaver, aged 15; Margaret, a power loom weaver, aged 13; Hugh, a scholar, aged 11; Jane, a scholar, aged 7; and Elizabeth, a scholar, aged 4. Edward Sr was listed as born in Ireland, Rose Ann was listed as born in Preston but that may have been an error, Edward Jr was born in Carlisle, Cumberland, and the rest of the children were born in Preston.

Edward and Rosanna's daughter Alice married Henry Smith in 1853, and their daughter Margaret married Edward Walmsley in 1858. Their surname was spelled Inglesby on both occasions. At the time of the 1861 census Edward Englishby, a labourer, aged 66, was living at 4 Chews Yard, Preston with Roseann, a housekeeper, aged 57, and two children, Hugh, an unmarried cotton weaver, aged 22; and Elizabeth, a cotton tenter, aged 14. Edward was listed as born "on the sea", and Rose Ann and the children were listed as born in Preston. Their son Edward, aged 40, was married later that year to Ellen Townley. They were married on 27 Oct 1861 at St John's Parish Church in Preston, witnessed by John and Mary Wilkinson. Edward's surname was spelled Englishby in the marriage register and on the civil certificate.

Edward Sr, of 4 Chew's Yard, died aged 75 years and was buried on 23 Mar 1869 in a public grave, H-115, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery. His surname was spelled Englesby in the burial register and Inglesby on the death certificate.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...Since our last:...Elizabeth (sic) Inglesby, Chew's-yard, 78;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 27 Mar 1869

On the night of the 1871 census Rose Englishby, widow, a charwoman, aged 64, was still living at 4 Chews Yard, with her youngest daughter Elizabeth, an unmarried cotton weaver, aged 24. In this census Rosanna was listed as born in Whitehaven, Cumberland and Elizabeth was born in Preston. Rosanna died two years later.

Rosanna "Rose" Inglesby (sic), of 31 Pedder Street, was buried on 21 Jul 1873 in a public grave, D-187, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery. Her surname was spelled Inglesby in the burial register and on the death certificate, and in both records her age was recorded as 57, when she would have actually been closer to 67 years old.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of John EVANS:

John Evans, bachelor, an iron founder, and Jane Goodear, a spinster, both of Preston, were married on 27 Sep 1802 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by John Harrison, Officiating Minster, and the witnesses were Betty Atkinson and William Hodgkinson. Jane signed the marriage register with an X. They also had a Catholic ceremony on the same day at St Wilfrid's Chapel.

Unfortunately a gap appears in the St Wilfrid's baptism records from the end of March 1803 to the first of January 1813, so we have no way of knowing what children John and Jane may have baptized in the chapel during that period. We do know from other records that they had at least one child, a daughter Penelope, who was born in about 1804. However, for reasons that we may never know, John and Jane baptized four children in St John's Parish Church, beginning with Harriet Maria, who, for some reason, was baptized twice. She was first baptized on 24 Sep 1817, where the baptism register recorded that she was the daughter of John and Jane Evans of Preston, and her father was an iron moulder. Four months later, on 8 Feb 1818, she was baptized again. On this occasion the baptism register recorded that her father was an iron founder.

John and Jane's next child was Sarah, who was baptized on 30 Jan 1820, where her parents were listed as living in Back Lane, Preston, and her father was again listed as an iron founder. Sarah did not survive and was buried in the churchyard at Holy Trinity Church on 30 Mar 1820, aged 10 weeks. Almost exactly one year after Sarah's death their son Frederick was born. He was baptized on 25 Mar 1821, and his parents were again listed as living in Back Lane, and her father was listed as a moulder. Frederick lived just 6 months and was buried in the churchyard at Holy Trinity Church on 27 Sep 1821.

John and Jane's daughter Penelope married Richard Parker on 21 Jan 1826 at St John's Parish Church. They were married after Banns by Ralph Barker, and the witnesses were John and Elizabeth Evans. The two ladies signed the marriage register with an X.

The 1832 Preston electoral rolls list John Evans, a moulder, living at 24 Bridge Street, and it was in that year that Jane (Goodear) Evans died.

Jane EVANS:

Jane Evans, of Bridge Street, who was born in about 1777, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 14 Sep 1832, aged 55 years.

Two years and one day after Jane's burial John remarried. John Evans, a widower, and Alice Green, a widow, both of Preston, were married on 15 Sep 1834 at St John's Parish Church. They were married after Banns by Thomas Clark, Curate, and the witnesses were Thomas Osbaldeston and Agness Balshaw. All four signed their own names in the marriage register.

Sometime after their marriage John and Alice left Preston temporarily and on the night of the 1841 census John Evans, an iron founder, aged 56, was living in Bolton Street in Over Darwen, near Blackburn with Alice, aged 48, and her daughter Margaret, aged 12. Margaret was listed in the census as Margaret Evans but her surname was actually Green. They were all listed as born in Lancashire.

Back in Preston John's younger unmarried daughter Harriet, a dressmaker, aged c. 20, was staying with her older married sister Penelope. Robert Parker, a journeyman iron founder, aged c. 35, was living in Adelphi Street, Preston with Penelope, aged c. 35, and six children, Sarah, a dressmaker, aged 14; Joseph, aged 11; Jane, aged 9; Elizabeth, aged 6; Robert, aged 4; and Thomas, aged 3 months. They were all listed as born in Lancashire.

Alice's daughter Margaret Green married David Graham, a coach maker, at the Independent Chapel, Cannon Street, Preston on 15 Feb 1847, and on the night of the 1851 census John Evans, an iron moulder, aged 67, was staying at the Rifleman Inn pub, 11 Water Street, Preston with his wife Alice, aged 58. They were visiting at the pub, which was run by Alice's daughter and son-in-law. David Graham, an Innkeeper, aged 26, was living at the pub with his wife Margaret, aged 22, and two children, Alice, a scholar, aged 3, and Robert, aged 5 months. John was listed as born in St Helens, Alice was born in Barbon, Westmorland, and David, Margaret and their children were born in Preston. John Evans and David Graham both died later that year.

John Evans, of Water Street, died on 22 Apr 1851 and was buried three days later in the churchyard at St Paul's Church in Preston, aged 67 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On Tuesday last...John Evans, Water-street, aged 67."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 26 Apr 1851

David Graham, of the Rifleman Inn, Water Street, died on 25 Jun 1851 and was buried four days later in the churchyard at Holy Trinity Church in Preston, aged 26 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On Wednesday last, David Graham, coach maker, Water-street (Rifleman Inn), aged 26 years."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 28 Jun 1851

Margaret (Green) Graham eventually remarried. John Dewhurst, a bachelor, aged 22, a painter, of Brunswick Street, the son of Robert Dewhurst, a bookkeeper, and Margaret Graham, a widow, aged 26, a shop keeper, of Brunswick Street, the daughter of the late John Green, a sawyer, were married on Christmas Day 1853 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by S. Hastings, Curate, and the witnesses were Robert Graham and Ann Butler. The following year John and Jane Evans' younger daughter was married in the same church. James Edington, a bachelor, aged 23, a pawn broker, of North Road, the son of William Edington, a manager, and Harriet Maria Evans, a spinster, aged 36, of North Road, the daughter of the late John Evans, an iron founder, were married on 10 Sep 1854. They were married, by license, by William Walling, Officiating Minister, and the witnesses were Edward and Elizabeth Evans. Harriet Maria signed the marriage register with an X.

At the time of the 1861 census John Dewhurst, a house painter, aged 30, was living at 73 Lark Hill Street, Preston with Margaret, aged 32, her two children, Alice Graham, a cotton weaver, aged 13; and Robert Graham, a scholar; aged 10; and their own three children, John R Dewhurst, a scholar, aged 6; Margaret Dewhurst, a scholar, aged 4; and Joseph Dewhurst, aged 2. Also living with them was Margaret's widowed mother Alice Evans, formerly a cook, aged 68. With the exception of Alice Evans, who was born in Barbon, Westmorland, they were all listed as born in Preston. Alice Evans died seven years later.

Alice Evans died on 2 Nov 1868 and was buried three days later in a private grave, Z-346, in a Church of England section of Preston Cemetery, aged 76 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...Since our last:...Alice Evans, New Hall-lane, 76;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 7 Nov 1868

Note: It is possible that John and Jane Evans had other children whose baptism records I've not found, and some of these may have been the witnesses to the weddings mentioned above.