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1817	1818	1819	1820	1821	1822	1823	1824	1825	1826	1827	1828	1829	1830	1831	1832	1833	1834	1835
1836	1837	1838	1839	1840	1841	1842	1843	1844	1845	1846	1847	1848	1849	1850	1851	1852	1853	1854

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Letitia GAFFNEY: Letitia Gaffney was born on 3 Jun 1840, and was baptized on 8 Jun 1840 at St Wilfrid's Chapel. She was the daughter of Thomas and Jane Gaffney and the sponsors were James and Letitia Mahon (actually Meehan). She was their ninth and last known child. Thomas Gaffney, a bachelor and weaver, and Jane Brown, a spinster, both of Leyland, were married on 11 Jul 1821 at St Andrew's Parish Church in Leyland. They were married after Banns by James Cooper, Curate, and the witnesses were James Bannister and James Meehan. The bride signed the register with an X. After marrying in Leyland, Thomas and Jane settled in Preston, where their first child was born. John Gaffney was baptized on 30 Jun 1822 at St Wilfrid's Chapel, and died seven months later. He was buried on 21 Jan 1823 in the churchyard at St John's Parish Church in Preston. The burial register records his abode as Crown Street, and that he was a Papist (Catholic). Thomas and Jane seem to have divided their time between Preston and Bolton. Their second child, Thomas Jr, was apparently born in Bolton in about 1824, then they were back in Preston where they baptized their daughter Elizabeth on 2 Oct 1825 at St Wilfrid's Chapel. The birthplace of their fourth child, Isabella, is not known and may have been Bolton. She was born in about 1826 but was not baptized in Preston. Their next child, James, claimed to have been born in Bolton but he was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel in Preston on 15 Sep 1828. Their next two children are somewhat puzzling. Mary, their sixth child, was born in Bolton on 28 Feb 1831 and John, their seventh child and the second to be called John, was born in Bolton on 11 Jul 1833. However, neither child was baptized in Bolton. Thomas and Jane's eighth child, Catherine, was born on 4 Apr 1837, and was baptized on 9 Apr 1837 at St Peter and St Paul's Catholic Church in Bolton. Of all the children said to have been born in Bolton, Catherine is the only one whose baptism record can be found. Sadly, she lived just 11 days and was buried on 15 Apr 1837 at St Peter and St Paul's Catholic Church. The burial register records the cause of death as "decline", but records her age as 11 months instead of 11 days. As mentioned above, the family were back in Preston when Letitia was born in 1840, and at the time of the 1841 census Thomas Gaffney, a cotton weaver, aged c. 45, was living in Rhode's Square, Preston with his wife Jane, aged c. 45, and five children, Thomas, cotton factory, aged 17; Isabella, linen factory, aged 15; James, aged 12; Mary, aged 10, and John, aged 7. Thomas Sr and Jane were listed as having been born in Ireland, and the children were born in Lancashire. Some time after the date of the 1841 census, Thomas Gaffney Sr apparently died, but I can find no record of his death or burial in Preston, Bolton, or anywhere else in Lancashire. Strange? It gets stranger. Thomas and Jane's children Mary and John were said to have been born in Bolton but I couldn't locate a baptism record for them - until I checked the baptism records for St John's Parish Church in Preston. Both children were baptized on 17 Jul 1842 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. The baptism register recorded abode as Back Rhodes Square and their dates of birth as shown above. Mary would have been 10 years old and her brother John would have just celebrated his 9th birthday. One possible explanation is that Thomas and Jane may have been of different faiths, with Thomas being Catholic and Jane being Anglican. If Thomas died sometime between the date of the 1841 census (6 Jun 1841) and Jul 1842, Jane may have decided to have the as yet unbaptized children, Mary and John, baptized in the Anglican church. At the time of the 1851 census Jane Gaffney, a widow, aged 53, was living at 26 Buckingham Street, Preston, with her three youngest surviving children, James, a labourer, aged 22; Mary, a linen spinner, aged 20; and John, a labourer, aged 18. Jane was listed as having been born in Ireland, James was born in Walton, and Mary and John were born in Bolton. Jane Gaffney, widow of Thomas, a weaver, was buried on 9 Jun 1860 in grave AA-286 at Preston Cemetery, aged 64. The burial register records her address as Emmanuel Street, which was the home of her married daughter Mary, the wife of Robert Luckraft. Note: Jane (Brown) Gaffney was buried in a Church of England section of Preston Cemetery, which may be further evidence that she was a non-Catholic.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Mary GAHAN or KENAGHAN: There is no one by the name of Gahan listed in the birth or death indexes for Lancashire in 1838. While in the early days of civil registration, which began on 1 Jul 1837, many births were not registered, marriages and deaths should have been. After that date a marriage was not legal if not registered, and a deceased person should not have been buried until the death had been registered and a death certificate issued. One possible explanation is that this child's birth and death were registered under a different name. A Mary Kenaghan was born on 14 Jul 1838 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 17 Jul 1838, the daughter of Ann Kenaghan. The sponsors were Ed. Dolan and Ann Cully - but this birth was not registered either, at least not under that name, and I cannot find her or her mother in the 1841 census. There were at least two families called Gahan living in Preston in the mid 1830s and early 1840s. A Catherine Gahan was born on 9 Jun 1840 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 21 Jun 1840, the daughter of John and Ann Gahan. The sponsors were James Carroll and Catherine Sheliker. At the time of the 1841 census William Gahan, a journeyman tailor, aged c. 30, was living in Sill's Yard, with his wife Bridget, aged c. 25. Also living with them were Mary Hopkins, aged c. 55; and Alice Hopkins, aged c. 15, presumably relatives of Bridget's. All were listed as having been born in Ireland. William Gahan, a bachelor, and Bridget Hopkins, a spinster, both of Preston, were married on 26 Sep 1836 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Thomas Clark, Curate, and the witnesses were Mathias Cahill and Mary Ward. The bride and Mary Ward signed the register with an X. This is the only Gahan family listed in Preston in 1841, and they are not listed in the 1851 census.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Bridget GALLENI: There is no record of Bridget Galleni's baptism in Preston in late 1836 or early 1837, and I can find no record of a family with that surname living in Preston during that period. It may be that the surname was not Galleni after all. A Bridget Delany was born on 24 Sep 1836 and was baptized the next day at St Wilfrid's Chapel, the daughter of Patrick and Mary Delany. What makes me think that this could be the mysterious Bridget Galleni? The sponsors at the baptism of Bridget Delany were Patrick Scollins and Honor Gavin. There was a Gavan (sic) family living in Hope Street in 1841 and a Gavin child buried from 18 Hope Street in 1837.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Mary GAMONY = Mary TOMMONY: This child's surname was either mis-transcribed or mis-heard. In any event she was Mary Tommony, the daughter of Thomas and Sarah Tommony.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Ann GARDNER: An Ann Gardiner (sic) was baptized on 7 Jan 1816 at St Wilfrid's Chapel, the daughter of John and Mar. (probably Margaret). The sponsors were Thomas Corry and Jane Gardiner. As this baptism occurred so long ago it is not possible to know for certain if this is the same child who was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery, and I cannot identify her parents in any later records.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Edward and Joseph GARDNER: Edward and Joseph Gardner were almost certainly brothers, although I can find no record of their baptisms in Lancashire. The 1832 Preston electoral rolls list Edward as a warper, and Joseph as a shoemaker, first at 6 Maudland Road, Preston and then at 13 Hardman's Yard, where Joseph died two years later. Joseph GARDNER: Joseph Gardner, of Hardman's yard, who was born in about 1803, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 29 Apr 1834, aged 30 years. There was no death noticed published and, perhaps due to his young age, he did not leave a will. His older brother survived him by a little more than four years. Edward GARDNER: Edward Gardner, of Hardman's Yard, who was born in about 1797, died on 8 Sep 1838 at 13 Hardman's Yard, and was buried three days later in St Wilfrid's Cemetery, aged 40 years. The burial transcripts record his age as 41. Like Joseph four years earlier, there was no death notice published, and Edward did not leave a will. Edward's death was apparently registered by a Thomas Gardner of 13 Hardman's Yard, but there was no one called Gardner living in Hardman's Yard in 1841 and I have been unable to identify Thomas Gardner from the many men of that name living in Preston at the time. It would appear that Joseph and Edward Gardner were unmarried at the time of their deaths and had no known children. It would appear that Joseph and Edward Gardner were unmarried at the time of their deaths and had no known children.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The GARDNER Family of Walker Street: According to the 1832 Preston electoral rolls, Edward Gardner, a weaver, was living at 10 Walker-street, and it was in that year that a member of the family died. Miss Jane GARDENER: Jane Garner (sic) was buried from a Walker Street address on 4 Oct 1832, aged 31 years. As Edward Gardner was not a married man, it is likely that Jane was his older sister. Elizabeth GARDNER: Likewise, the Elizabeth Gardner, of 10 Walker Street, who was buried on 15 Sep 1839, was probably another, younger, sister of Edward's. They all appear to have been the children of Jane Gardner. At the of the 1841 census, Jane Gardiner (sic), aged 79, was living in Walker Street, Preston with Edward, a cotton weaver, aged c. 30. It appears that they were lodging with Titus Bibby and family. Jane Gardner died later that year. Mrs Jane GARDNER: Jane Gardner was born in about 1761 and died aged 80 years. She was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 31 Oct 1841. At the time of the 1841 census Bella (Gardner) Gregson, a hand cotton weaver, aged c. 40, and her daughter Jane, aged 6, were living next door to Jane Gardner. John Gregson, a bachelor, and Bella Gardiner (sic), a spinster, were married on 4 Dec 1824 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Anthony Hammond, and the witnesses were James Holden and Alice Grundy. The bride, groom and both witnesses signed the register with an X. They baptized two children at St Wilfrid's Chapel, the first being Jane, who was baptized on 23 Dec 1832. Titus Bibby, their neighbour on Walker Street, was one of the sponsors. This child died in infancy and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 27 Apr 1834. The following year they baptized their second, and only surviving, child, another daughter they called Jane, who was born on 12 Mar 1835 and was baptized on 15 Mar 1835. At the time of the 1851 census, Edward Gardner, an unmarried dandy loom weaver, aged 42, was a lodger at 11 Walker Street, Preston. He was living with John and Isabella (Gardner) Gregson and their daughter Jane. Edward was listed as having been born in Preston, but I can find no record of his baptism and suspect that this was an error. Unfortunately, he died before the next census, which might have clarified his place of birth. Edward Gardner, a machine maker, aged 52, of Walker Street, was buried on 3 Jun 1859 in a Catholic grave, H-247, at Preston Cemetery.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of John and Ellen GARDNER: John Gardner, a husbandman, and Ellen Bland, a spinster, both of Garstang, were married on 8 Jan 1781 at St Helen's Parish Church in Churchtown, Garstang. They were married after Banns by James Fisher, Vicar, and the witnesses were John Hodson and John Ratcliff. Ellen Bland signed the register with an X. John and Ellen settled in the area around Claughton-on-Brock, and over the next 23 years baptized sixteen children at St Thomas Catholic Chapel, Claughton-on-Brock, beginning with Robert, who was baptized on 21 Jul 1781; followed by Jes., baptized on 16 Mar 1783; John, baptized on 11 Nov 1784; William, baptized on 12 Mar 1786; Richard, baptized on 19 Mar 1788; Mary, baptized on 13 Mar 1790; Mar. (probably Margaret), baptized on 24 Apr 1791; Catherine, baptized on 30 Jul 1792; Elizabeth, baptized on 24 Oct 1793; Thomas, baptized on 5 Apr 1795; Helen, baptized on 11 Apr 1796; Edward, baptized on 7 Oct 1797; Ann, baptized on 14 Jul 1799; Joseph, baptized on 20 Apr 1801; another Elizabeth, baptized on 11 Aug 1802; and finally, Henry, who was baptized on 15 Apr 1804. Some time before 1832 the family, or some of them, moved to Preston. The 1832 Preston electoral rolls list Edward Gardner, a mechanic, living at 3 Brunswick-street, Henry Gardner, a joiner, at 31 Brunswick Street, and Joseph Gardner, a spinner, at 3 Little Brunswick Street. It was in that year that they lost their mother and brother. John GARDNER: John Gardner died in August 1832, and was buried on 13 Aug 1832 in St Wilfrid's Cemetery. The burial transcripts record his age as 32, but he would have actually been about 47 years old. Ellen GARDNER: Ellen (Bland) Gardner died in October 1832, just two months after her son John, and was buried on 29 Oct 1832, aged 73 years. As Ellen and John died before the start of civil registration, there are no death certificates, and there were apparently no obituaries published. Therefore it is impossible to know what caused their deaths, but a search of the newspapers of the period reveal that Preston was dealing with outbreaks of both typhus and cholera. At the time of the 1841 census John Gardner, aged c. 80, was living in Brunswick Place, Preston with his unmarried children, Catherine, aged 48; Thomas, an agricultural labourer, aged c. 40; Ellen, a cotton reeler, aged c. 35; Edward, a mechanick (sic), aged c. 30; and Elizabeth, a cotton reeler, aged 28; as well as his granddaughter Jane, aged 10, one of the children of his eldest son Robert. They were all listed as having been born in Lancashire. John Gardner Sr died on Friday, 25 Oct 1844, and was buried three days later in the churchyard of St Ignatius Catholic Church, aged 87. Death Notice: "DEATHS...Yesterday week,...John Gardner, Brunswick-place, aged 87." Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 2 Nov 1844 Note: Further information on this family available on request.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of William and Ellen GARDNER: William Gardner, a bachelor, and Ellen Sherliker, a spinster, both of Preston, were married on 7 Nov 1836 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Thomas Clark, Curate, and the witnesses were Joseph Sherliker and Isabella Cook. Isabella signed the register with an X, all other signed their own names. William and Ellen settled in Preston and baptized their first child, Mary Ann, the following year. She was born on 13 Dec 1837 and was baptized Mary Ann Gardiner (sic) at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 17 Dec 1837. Mary Ann was followed by Ann, who was born on 28 Jul 1840 and was baptized on 2 Aug 1840 at St Wilfrid's Chapel. At the time of the 1841 census William Gardner, a journeyman stone mason, aged c. 30, was living in Back Fylde Road, Preston with his wife Ellen, aged c. 20, and two children, Mary, aged 3; and Ann, aged 9 months. They are all listed as having been born in Lancashire. After a gap of over 6 years, their third child was born. Ellen GARDNER: Ellen Gardner was born on 1 Apr 1847, and was baptized Ellen Garner (sic) on 4 Apr 1847, the sponsors being John Smith and Hannah Berry. Ellen died in infancy and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 14 Mar 1848. The burial transcript records her age as 11 years when it should have been 11 months. There was only one death registered for an Ellen Gardner in Lancashire in 1848, aged 0 (i.e. less than a year old). About ten months after Ellen's death, William and Ellen had another daughter they also called Ellen. She was born on 19 Jan 1849 and was baptized Ellen Garner (sic) the same day at St Wilfrid's Chapel. The following year, their first son was born. William Gardner was born on 20 Oct 1850, and was baptized William Garner (sic) the same day at St Wilfrid's Chapel, with the sponsors being Richard and Mary Waring. At the time of the 1851 census William Gardner, a stone mason, aged 38, was living at 74 Back Lane, Preston with his wife Ellen, aged 31, and four children, Mary Ann, a scholar, aged 13; Anne, a scholar, aged 10; Ellen, aged 2; and William, aged 5 months. William Sr was listed asd born in Lancaster, the rest of the family were born in Preston. Their son died about four months later. William GARDNER Jr: William Gardener, who was born in 1850, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 27 Jul 1851, aged 8 months. William and Ellen's next three children died in infancy but were not buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery as the cemetery was closing or had closed by the time of their deaths. Margaret was born on 3 Jul 1852 and was baptized Margaret Garner (sic) on 4 Jul 1852, Agnes was born on 4 Dec 1854 and was baptized on 10 Dec 1854, and Elizabeth was born on 26 Apr 1857 and was baptized Elizabeth Garner (sic) on 3 May 1857, all three at St Wilfrid's Chapel. Elizabeth's baptism was the first to record her mother's maiden name. William and Ellen's ninth and last child was called Margaret Agnes. She was born on 9 Aug 1860 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 12 Aug 1860. Like her sister Elizabeth, the baptism register recorded her mother's maiden name, Sherliker. At the time of the 1861 census William Gardner, a stone mason, aged 50, was living at 27 Back Lane, Preston with his wife Ellen, aged 41, and three children, Ann, a cotton winder, aged 20; Ellen, a scholar, aged 11; and Margaret Ann (sic), aged 8 months. Also staying with them was a boarder, Ann Livesey, a dress maker, aged 19. This was the last census to list William, who died in early 1870. Death Notice: "Since our last:...William Gardner, Back-lane, 69;" Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 8 Jan 1870 After the death of her husband, Ellen took over the running of The 3 Crowns pub. At the time of the 1871 census Ellen Garner (sic), widow, a beer house keeper, aged 51, was living at The 3 Crowns, 37 Canal Street, Preston, with her daughter Margaret A., a scholar, aged 10; her son-in-law Robert Clark, aged 20; and her married daughter Ellen Clark, a dress maker, aged 21. Also staying with them was Miles Whittle, a brewer (and former landlord of the pub), aged 62; and his son Charles, a butcher, aged 20. Ellen had only taken over the pub in Feb of 1871, and was soon in trouble with the local authorities for selling drink during prohibited hours on a Sunday. Perhaps it was this trouble or the hefty fine of £5, but Ellen's time as a landlord was fairly short and someone else had taken over the pub by 1877. By the time of the 1881 census Ellen Gardner, widow, a dress maker, aged 62, was living at 16 Harrington Street, Preston, with her unmarried daughter Margaret Agnes, a weaver in a cotton mill, aged 20; and her grandson, William Clark, a scholar, aged 8. William was the son of Ellen's daughter and son-in-law, Robert and Ellen Clark. Also staying with them was an unmarried lodger, James Hunter, a loomer in a cotton mill, aged 54. They were all listed as born in Preston. Ellen (Sherliker) Gardner died on 21 Sep 1890, aged 71 years, and was buried in a Sherliker family plot in Preston Cemetery. Note: As noted above, this family's surname was often spelled Garner, and on a couple of occasions Gardiner. This was a common mistake but I am certain that their surname was Gardner.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of John and Jane GARDNER: Research on this couple is hampered by the fact that there were two couples called John and Jane Gardner living in Preston at the same time - one Catholic and one Anglican - and it appears that both couples moved frequently. The Catholic couple were married in Garstang, and baptized the first of their children at the Catholic chapel in Claughton-on-Brock. John Gardner, a minor, and Jane Eccles, a spinster, were married on 15 Nov 1802 at St Helen's Parish Church in Churchtown, Garstang. They were married after Banns by Reginald Sharp, Curate, and the witnesses were Henry Cook and John Cornthwaite. Jane Eccles signed the register with an X, and although the marriage register describes them both as being "of this Parish" the Banns register provides the further information that they were both of Bilsboro (Bilsborrow), which is in Garstang parish. John Gardner was a minor, i.e. under 21 years of age, when they married and this may have been because Jane was expecting their first child, who was born about four months later. Ann Gardner was baptized on 16 Mar 1803, followed by Jane, who was baptized on 28 Jul 1806, both at St Thomas' Catholic Chapel in Claughton-on-Brock. John and Jane are probably the same couple who baptized two more children at St Francis Catholic Chapel, also known as Hill Chapel, in Goosnargh, the first being Elizabeth, who was baptized on 13 Sep 1811; and the second being their first known son. John GARDNER: John Gardner was baptized on 22 Mar 1815 at St Francis Catholic Chapel in Goosnargh. It is possible that John and Jane had further children baptized elsewhere before moving to Preston, where they baptized their son Robert on 21 May 1817 at St Wilfrid's Chapel. Robert lived just two years and was buried on 15 May 1819 at St John's Parish Church. The burial register records that he was the son of John Gardiner (sic) of Harrison's Hill, and was a Papist (Catholic), aged 2 years. Jane GARDNER: Jane (Eccles) Gardner, the wife of John Gardner, a sawyer, died on 31 May 1838, aged 64 years, and was buried on 3 Jun 1838 in St Wilfrid's Cemetery. Later that same year, the man I believe to have been their son died. John Gardner Jr died at 4 Heatley Street, Preston on 25 Aug 1838, and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery the following day, aged 23 years. Although Jane apparently died at 1 Back Seed Street, and John Jr died at 4 Heatley Street, by the time of the 1841 census there was no one called Gardner living in either of those streets. John and Jane Gardner's daughter Elizabeth married John Worden at St John's Parish Church in Preston on 13 Jun 1835. John Worden was a bachelor and Jane Gardner was a spinster, both of Preston. They were married after Banns by Thomas Clark, Curate, and the witnesses were Robert Worden and Ann Barnes. The bride, groom and both witnesses signed the register with an X. At the time of the 1841 census Elizabeth Worden, aged c. 30, was living in Melling's Yard, Preston with three children, Mary, aged 3; Eleanor, aged 2; and Elizabeth, aged 1. Also staying with her was her father, John Gardner, aged c. 55. Elizabeth Worden and John Gardner were both listed as "Ind.", meaning of independent means, and they were all listed as having been born in Lancashire. Elizabeth Worden and her children seem to have vanished after 1841 and I can find no further record of them. The children's births do not appear to have been registered and I can find no record of their baptisms in Preston. John Gardner, a widower, of 1 Melling's Yard, and Ann Parkinson, of 17 Pitt Street, were married on 9 Mar 1845 in Preston, and at the time of the 1851 census they were both inmates of the Preston Workhouse in Fulwood. John Gardner was listed as an inmate, a journeyman cabinet maker, aged 74, and Ann Gardner, was an inmate, engaged in household work, aged 73. John was listed as born in Bilsborough, and Ann was born in Preston. A John Gardner died in Preston in 1851, aged 72, and was buried on 20 Feb 1851 at St Mary's Church in Goosnargh, however, this can't be the man shown in the 1851 census, which was taken later in the year. I have been unable to find a record of the death or burial of either John or Ann Gardner.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Children of Constance GARDNER: This one is a real mystery. According to what few records I can find, Constance Gardner had at least two children, but there are problems with each of them - and with Constance herself. Margaret GARDNER: Margaret Gardner was born in 1838 but her birth was never registered. To further complicate things, there is no record of her baptism in Preston under that name or any variation of it. When she died on 25 Apr 1839, aged 8 months, her mother was recorded as Constantina Gardner of 3 Shepherd's Yard, Preston. Their surname was spelled Gardner in the civil record, but when she was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 28 Apr 1839 her surname was spelled Gardener. Her brother is even more problematic. Richard GARDNER: Richard Gardner was born on 22 Dec 1843, and was baptized Richard Gardiner (sic) on 1 Jan 1844, the son of Constance Gardiner and Michael McNally. There was only one sponsor, Margaret Cillan. According to the birth registration indexes, there were three Richard Gardners born in Lancashire in 1843-44, but all three were still alive at the time of the 1851 census. Therefore, the birth of this Richard Gardner appears not to have been registered under either Gardner (or any variants) or McNally. Richard died on 16 Apr 1844 at 32 Mount Pleasant Street, and was buried two days later in St Wilfrid's Cemetery, aged 4 months. The biggest mystery of all is the identity of Constance Gardner. I can find no trace of a Constance or Constantina Gardner anywhere in Lancashire during this period, and the sponsor to Richard's baptism is equally elusive, with no trace of a Margaret Cillan (or similar) anywhere in Lancashire. When civil registration in England and Wales began on 1 July 1837, it was the local registrar's responsibility to keep track of births, marriages and deaths in his sub-district. Registration of births was hit and miss in the early years as there was no legal obligation to register your child's birth. Between 1837 and 1875, when the law changed, as many as 15% of births were not registered. The Births and Deaths Act 1874 made registration compulsory beginning in 1875 and parents had to register their child's birth within 42 days or face penalties. Therefore, although sad (and frustrating), it is not surprising that the births of these children, born to an unmarried mother, were never registered. Note: Mount Pleasant is now called Bowran Street.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Mary GARDNER: Mary Gardner was the widow of Michael Gardner. Michael Gardner, a house carpenter, and Mary Mawdesley (sic), a spinster, both of garstang, were married on 8 May 1783 at St Helen's Parish Church in Churchtown, Garstang. They were married after Banns by James Fisher, Vicar, and the witnesses were Richard Maudsley and Ann Gardner. Ann Gardner signed the register with an X, and all others signed their own names, with Mary spelling her surname Maudsley. Michael and Mary settled in the area around Claughton-on-Brock, where they baptized seven children at St Thomas' Catholic Church. Their first child being John, who was baptized on 3 Oct 1785. Some time after the baptism of their daughter Jane in 1802, the family moved to Preston where young Jane died, aged 4 years. Her body was brought back to Garstang for burial in the parish churchyard on 31 Jan 1807. The burial register records that she was the daughter of Michael Gardner, of Preston. Michael Gardner died in Preston and, like his daughter two years earlier, was taken back to Garstang for burial. He was buried on 22 Aug 1809, aged 51 years. The burial register records that he was a carpenter, of Preston. It would appear that Mary Gardner moved in with her son John after the death of her husband. John had been married a couple of years before to Ann Bawker, and they baptized three children at St Wilfrid's Chapel. Mary (Maudsley) Gardner died on 13 Jul 1829 and was buried two days later in St Wilfrid's Cemetery, aged 68 years. Death Notice: "On the 13th ult., aged 68, Mrs. Gardner, mother of Mr. John Gardner, builder, Avenham-road, Preston." Published in the Lancaster Gazette, Sat., 1 Aug 1829 The 1832 electoral rolls list John Gardner, a builder, living at 22 Avenham Road, Preston. Note: Further information about this family is available on request.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of Francis and Jane GARDNER: Francis Gardner, a bachelor, and Jane Pritchard, a spinster, were married on 26 Apr 1830 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Thomas Clark, Curate, and the witnesses were John Dixon and Esther Pritchard. The Curate apparently spelled Jane's surname Prichard but when she signed the register she spelled it Pritchard, as did the witness Esther Pritchard. Francis and Jane settled in Preston, and baptized their first child, Thomas at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 23 Jan 1831, with sponsors James and Elizabeth Gardner. The 1832 Preston electoral rolls list Francis Gardner, a plasterer, living at 28 Alfred-street, and it was at this address where their second child was born. Robert GARDNER: Robert Gardiner (sic) was baptized on 13 Jan 1833 at St Wilfrid's Chapel, with sponsors Michael Gardiner and Cecilia Coupe. Robert lived 2 months, and was buried on 20 Mar 1833 in St Wilfrid's Cemetery. The following year, Francis and Jane had their first daughter. Mary GARDNER: Mary Gardner was baptized on 19 Jan 1834 at St Wilfrid's Chapel, with sponsors John Taylor and Cecilia Coupe. Mary lived about 7 months, and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 23 Aug 1834 under the name Mary Garner. A little less than a year later, Francis and Jane had their fourth and last child. Mary Ann GARDNER : Mary Ann Gardner was born on 5 Jul 1835, and was baptized on 11 Jul 1835 at St Wilfrid's Chapel, with sponsors John and Alice Gardner. Sadly, this child also died in infancy, and was buried on 15 Sep 1835 in St Wilfrid's cemetery, aged 3 months. At the time of the 1841 census Francis Gardner, a plasterer, aged 36, was living in Alfred Street, Preston with his wife Jane, aged 30, and their only surviving child, Thomas, aged 10. Also staying with them was Mary Pritchard, of independent means, aged 65, who may have been a relative of Jane's. Francis Gardner died aged 39, and was buried on 17 Mar 1844 in the churchyard at St Ignatius' Catholic Church in Preston. Later that year, Jane remarried. Francis Smith, widower, a plaisterer (plasterer), of full age, and Jane Gardener (sic), widow, of full age, were married on 16 Oct 1844 St Mary the Virgin Parish Church in Blackburn. They were married by William Walker and the witnesses were John Pilkington and Joseph Fairbrother. Francis was described as the son of Thomas Smith, a plasterer; and Jane was the daughter of Robert Pritchard, a moulder. At the time of the 1851 Census Francis Smith, a plasterer, aged 40, was living at 40 Pole Street, Blackburn with Jane, aged 41; her son Thomas Gardner, a joiner, aged 21; and his three children, Thomas Smith, a plasterer, aged 13; Elizabeth Smith, a scholar, aged 12; and Jane, a scholar, aged 10. Also staying with them were three lodgers, Thomas Shepherd, a joiner, aged 23; his wife Martha A. Shepherd, aged 19, and their son Richard, aged 1 month. Francis was listed as born in Goosnargh, Jane was born in Manchester, Thomas Gardner was born in Preston, and the three Smith children were born in Chipping. This is the last record I can find of the family. Note: Francis Gardner was almost certain the Francis Gardner who was baptized on 3 Aug 1804 at St Thomas' Catholic Church in Claughton-on-Brock. He was the son of Thomas and Mary Gardner.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of William and Ann "Nancy" GARDNER: It appears that William and Nancy Gardner were not originally from Preston. In 1851 Nancy gave her birthplace as Lancaster, and I did find the marriage of a William Gardner to a Nancy Mozier in Lancaster in 1810, but I have been unable to confirm that it is the right couple. William Gardner, a husbandman, and Nancy Mozier, a spinster, both of Heaton in the Parish of Lancaster, were married on 5 Feb 1810 at St Mary's Parish Church in Lancaster. They were married after Banns by James Thomas, Curate, and the witnesses were Richard Key and Dorothy Gardner. The bride, groom and both witnesses signed the register with an X. By at least 1823 William and Nancy had relocated to Preston, where their son was born. Thomas GARDNER: Thomas Gardener (sic) was baptized on 9 Jan 1825 at St Wilfrid's Chapel. The sponsors were John and Isabel Holding. Although the burial transcript records his age simply as "infant", he would have been about four years old when he was buried on 16 Oct 1829. His address was recorded as Fishergate Lane, and the Preston electoral rolls list William Gardner, a retail brewer, living at Fishergate-lane in 1832. The following year, their daughter died. Ann "Nancy" GARDNER: Ann Gardiner (sic) was baptized on 12 Jan 1823 at St Wilfrid's Chapel. The sponsors were John Gardner and Alice Fox. She is almost certainly the Nancy Gardner who was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 20 Dec 1833. Again the burial transcript records her age as "infant". Nancy would have been about 10 years old. It also lists her address as Fishergate rather than Fishergate Lane. At the time of the 1841 census, William Gardner, a sawyer, aged 52, was living at The Regatta Inn pub in Fishergate Lane, with his wife Nancy, aged c. 50, and Margaret, a dress maker, aged 23; Alice, aged 20; Jane, aged 11; and Nancy, aged 8 months. Also staying with them was Thomas Cowburn, a joiner, aged 22; and John Gardner, a sawyer, aged 27. They were all listed as having been born in Lancashire. The last person listed, John Gardner, may have been a relative of William's, and may be the John Gardner, son of Thomas and Ellen, who married Isabella Oldcorn in the Catholic church at Lancaster on 21 Oct 1838. Their daughter Ann Ellen, who was born in Preston in 1840, may be the 8 month old Nancy Gardner listed above. If she was 8 months old on the night of the census, 6 June 1841, it would put her birth at about early October of 1840. There was an Ann Gardner who was born on 12 Oct 1840, and baptized on 18 Oct 1840, but the space for her parents' names was left blank. Only the names of the sponsors, William and Agnes Noblet, were recorded. Isabella (Oldcorn) Gardner died in Preston and was buried at St Mary's Church in Lancaster on 6 Apr 1841. The burial register records her abode as Preston and notes that she was a Roman Catholic. William Gardner died some time before 1851, and may be the William Gardner who was buried on 23 Mar 1845 at St Peter's Parish Church in Preston. The burial register records his abode as Albion Street West, and his age as 53, which seems to be off, as he would ave been closer to 56 years old. At the time of the 1851 census, Nancy Gardner, widow, a housekeeper, aged 59, was living at 2 Nixons Row with her unmarried daughter Jane, a cotton weaver, aged 22. Nancy was listed as born in Lancaster and Jane was born in Preston. Also staying with them was Nancy's unmarried uncle, George Wilson, a chair maker, aged 40, who was born in Inglewhite. I can find no further confirmed record of Nancy after 1851, but she may be the Ann Gardner who was buried on 17 Jan 1864 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. The burial register records her abode as Foster's Square and her age as 68 years. She would have actually been about 71 years old.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Richard GARDNER: As the burial transcript contains so little information, it is not possible to be certain, but this child may have been the Richard Gardner who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 11 Feb 1821, the son of Thomas and Margaret. The sponsors were John Holden and Mary Blackburn. A Thomas Gardner, a minor, of Bilsboro (Bilsborrow) in the Parsih of Garstang, and Margaret Shepherd, a minor, of Claughton (Claughton-on-Brock) in the Parish of Garstang, were married on 6 Apr 1812 at St Helen's Parish Church, Churchtown, Garstang. They were married after Banns by John Pedder, Vicar, and the witnesses were William Bamford and John Cornthwaite. Thomas and Margaret signed the register with an X. Although it is not recorded in either the Banns register or marriage register, the couple would have needed their parents' permission to marry under the legal age of 21 years. Thomas and Margaret's marriage as minors may have been prompted by an impending arrival, as their first child was born just six weeks later. Robert Gardner was born on 24 May 1812 and was baptized the same day at St Thomas' Catholic Chapel in Claughton-on-Brock. Sadly, their son lived only three years and was buried on 4 Jan 1816 in the churchyard at St Helen's Parish Church, Churchtown. Thomas and Margaret had two more children while living in Claughton, Mary, who was born on 24 Oct 1814 and baptized on 29 Oct 1814; and Jane, who was born on 25 May 1817 and baptized Jane Garner (sic) on 26 May 1817, both at St Thomas' Catholic Chapel. Shortly after Jane's birth the couple moved to Preston, where they baptized six more children at St Wilfrid's Catholic Chapel. The first of their Preston born children was another son they called Robert, baptized on 25 Jul 1819 and who also died in infancy. He was followed by Richard, baptized on 11 Feb 1821, who may have been the child buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 3 Oct 1831. Their next child was John, baptized on 5 Jan 1823; followed by a third son they called Robert, baptized on 11 Feb 1827; Thomas, baptized on 1 Jan 1829; and James, baptized on 26 Sep 1830. They also appear to have had another child, Lucy, in about 1836, but I cannot find any record of her baptism. At the time of the 1841 census Thomas Gardner, a grocer, aged c. 50, was living in Lancaster Road with Margaret, aged c. 50, and four children, Jane, aged c. 25; Robert, aged 13; James, aged 10; and Lucy, aged 4. Also staying with them was Mary Shepherd, aged c. 70; and Thomas Gregson, aged 2. They were all listed as having been born in Lancashire. Mary Shepherd may have been a relative of Margaret (Shepherd) Gardner's. I cannot find any further information about this couple and their children, and suspect they left the Preston area after 1841. Note: Full baptism details for their first nine children are available on request.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of John GARLINGTON: John Garelington (sic) - of the Parish of Leyland, and Mary Howcroft, a spinster, of the Chapelry of Walton-le-Dale, were married on 8 Nov 1821 at St Leonard's Parish Chapel in Walton-le-Dale. They were married after Banns by James Greenwood, Officiating Minister, and the witnesses were William Barnewell and James Tomlinson Jr. The bride signed the register with an X. After marrying in Walton-le-Dale, John and Mary settled in the area around Whittle-le-Woods, where they baptized their first three children at St Chad's Catholic Church. By 1832 the family had relocated to Preston, and the 1832 Preston electoral rolls list John Gerlington (sic) living at 12 North-street. It was from this address that John was to bury four children and his wife. Anthony GARLINGTON: Anthony Gerlington (sic) was baptized on 29 May 1831 at St Wilfrid's Chapel. He lived about 14 months, and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 10 Jul 1832. Thomas GARLINGTON: Thomas Garlington was baptized in Oct 1828 at St Wilfrid's Chapel. He was one of nine children baptized between 28 September and 12 October of that year whose baptisms did not record the exact date. He died aged 6 years and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 26 Jul 1835. Ann GARLINGTON: Ann Garlington, their first child, was baptized Ann Gerlington (sic) on 27 Mar 1823 at St Chad's Catholic Church in Whittle-le-Woods. She survived infancy but died aged just 16 years, and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 22 Dec 1839. The burial transcript recorded her first name as Alice, but the civil death index recorded her name as Ann. Her death was registered in the 4th quarter of 1839. Martha GARLINGTON: John and Mary's third child was baptized Martha Gerlington (sic) at St Chad's Catholic Church on 4 Dec 1825. She died a few days before her older sister Ann, and was buried on 15 Dec 1839 in St Wilfrid's Cemetery, aged 14 years. Mrs Mary GARLINGTON: Mary (Howcroft) Garlington was born in about 1798 and, after having had at least seven children in a period of 14 years, died at the age of 41. She was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 29 Jan 1840. At the time of the 1841 census John Garlington, a cotton weaver, aged c. 35, was living at North Street with John, a cotton piecer, aged c. 20; Margaret, a power cotton weaver, aged c. 20; Elizabeth, a cotton throstle spinner, aged c. 15; Mary, aged 8; and Alice, aged 6. They were all listed as having been born in Lancashire. It is unclear how the younger John Garlington and Margaret Garlington, both listed as aged c. 20, were related to the family. They are too old (between 20 and 24 years old) to have been the children of John and Mary, so may have been some other relation. John Garlington, son of Thomas and Alice Garlington, and Margaret Holderscroft, daughter of William and Mary Holderscroft, were married on 10 Oct 1847 at St Ignatius Catholic Church in Preston. They were married by Father William Knight, and the witnesses were Richard and Roseann Livesey.   Although spelled Holderscroft in both the church register and civil record, Margaret's surname was variously spelled Hawcroft, and Oldcroft, with Oldcroft being the most common spelling. It is also very similar to the surname given for John's first wife, Mary Howcroft, and it may be that the two ladies were related. John and Margaret had six children together, but the records can be frustrating. Their daughter Ann was born on 13 Mar 1849 but when she was baptized at St Augustine's Catholic Church on 18 Mar 1849 her name was recorded as Ann Darlington and her mother's maiden name as Oldcroft. The civil index records her name as Mary Ann Garlington (which is strange as John already had a daughter called Mary) and her mother's maiden name as Hawcroft. Mary Ann was followed by Thomas, who was born on 12 Aug 1850 and baptized on 18 Aug 1850 at St Wilfrid's Chapel. At the time of the 1851 census John Garlington, aged 47, was living at 17 Atkinson Street, Preston with his wife Margaret, a hand loom cotton weaver, aged 34, and five children, their youngest two, Thomas, aged 1; and Ann, aged 2; and John's older children, Mary, a power look cotton weaver, aged 18; Alice, a cotton throstle spinner, aged 15; and Ellen, a power loom cotton weaver, aged 13. John was listed as born in Wheelton, Margaret was born in Walton-le-Dale, and the children were born in Preston. John and Margaret went on to have four more children, including a set of twins. Martha was born on 13 Apr 1852 and baptized Martha Darlington on 18 Apr 1852; William was born on 19 May 1854 and baptized William Thomas Darlington on 21 May 1854; Agnes Ann and Maria Jane were born on 16 Apr 1860 and were baptized on 22 Apr 1860 and the baptism register recorded their mother's maiden name as Croft. All four children were baptized at St Ignatius Catholic Church in Preston. When the twins' births were registered Agnes Ann was registered as Ann and Maria Jane was registered as Jane. Both girls died in infancy. Jane died in 1860 but her death was registered under the name Ann Garlington. She was buried, again under the name Ann Garlington of Atkinson Street, on 29 Apr 1860 in a public grave, E-458, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 1 week. Agnes Ann died the following year and was buried under the name Agnes Garlington of Atkinson Street, on 3 Mar 1861 in a public grave, E-302, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 10 months. At the time of the 1871 census John Garlington, a hand loom cotton weaver, aged 68 was living at 17 Atkinson Street, with his wife Margaret, a hawker, aged 54, and four children, Ann, a power loom cotton weaver, aged 22; Martha, a power loom cotton weaver, aged 19; and William, a hawker, aged 16. Also staying with them and listed as their daughter was Agnes Garlington, aged 3. She was actually their granddaughter, the child of their unmarried daughter Ann. Agnes was born on 2 Dec 1867 and was baptized Mary Agnes on 7 Dec 1867 at St Wilfrid's Chapel, the daughter Ann Garlington of 17 Atkinson Street. The sponsors were William Tunstal and Margaret Garlington. Unusually, the baptism transcript records the baby's father's name as David Harker, but includes a question mark on his surname. Margaret Garlington, of 17 Atkinson Street, died in 1875 and was buried on 27 Sep 1875 in a public grave, G-268, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 57. By 1881 John Garlington, widower, a cotton weaver, aged 80, was living at 17 Atkinson Street, with his son William, a salt dealer, aged 23, and William's wife Rachael, a cotton weaver, aged 23. John Garlington, of 17 Atkinson Street, died three years later and was buried on 8 Apr 1884, in grave B-429, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 81. His was the second burial in a private grave purchased by John Gregson, and there appears to have been at least eight people buried in the grave. Death Notice: "Preston - Burials since our last:...John Garlington, Atkinson-street, 81;" Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 12 Apr 1884 Note 1: John Gerlington (sic) was baptized on 15 Aug 1801 at St Chad's Catholic Church, Whittle-le-Woods, the son of Thomas. Sponsors: John Gerlington and Hell: Wilkinson. Although not mentioned in the baptism register, his mother's name was Alice. Thomas Gerlington (sic) and Alice Holland were married on 25 Aug 1800 at St Andrew's Parish Church in Leyland. Note 2: The Lancashire Archives holds a pedigree of the Garlington family going back several generations under the reference DDX 1520/1.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Walter GARRETT: Walter Garrett was the only person with that surname buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery and, according to the available transcripts, there was only one child by the name Garrett baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel, that being Henry Garrett, the son of John and Mary, who was born on 1 Aug 1836 and baptized on 14 Aug 1836, with one sponsor, Catherine Riley. I cannot find John and Mary Garrett, or their son Henry, in the 1841 census in Preston or elsewhere in Lancashire, so it may be that they came to Preston after the birth of Walter and moved away after the birth of Henry. It is also possible that Walter and Henry were one and the same person and that a transcription error was made at some stage, but it is impossible to prove or disprove that.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Ann GAVIN: Ann Gavin, who was born in about 1775, was the widow of John Gavin, a pipe maker. That much is certain. The following is not as certain, but is based on the available records and evidence. I'll leave it up to you to decide. I believe that Ann Gavin's husband John was the man listed in the 1810 Catholic census of Preston as John Gaving (sic), living in High Street, Preston. Also at that address were Catherine, Bryan, and Winifred Gaving. None of their ages were recorded, so it is impossible to know how these people were related to one another. It appears that John Gavin married the following year. John Gavin and Ann "Nancy" Crumbleholme, both of Preston, were married on 4 Nov 1811 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Thomas Brocklebank, Curate, and the witnesses were John Taylor and Mary Leach. The bride, groom and both witnesses signed the register with an X. John Gavin would have been about 41 and Ann Crumbleholme about 36 when they married, and this may have been the second marriage for each of them. I can find no record of an earlier marriage for John, but suspect that Ann was the widow of William Crumbleholme. William Crombleholme and Nancy Coup, both of the Chapelry of Goosnargh, were married on 12 Jun 1797 at St Mary the Virgin Chapel in Goosnargh. They were married after Banns by Joshua Southward, Minister, and the witnesses were Henry Grimbalston and John Coup. Nancy Coup and John Coup signed the register with an X. William and Ann "Nancy" Crumbleholme had at least five children, starting with Thomas, who was baptized on 19 Dec 1797 at St Francis, Hill Chapel, in Goosnargh; followed by Richard, who was baptized on 21 Aug 1799 at the same chapel; John, who was born and baptized on 22 Jul 1801 at St Mary and St Michael Catholic Church in Bonds, Garstang; and Mary, who was born and baptized 21 Mar 1803 at St Joseph's Catholic Church, Brindle. Their fifth child, Lewis, was apparently born in Preston in about 1806, but the St Wilfrid's baptism records for that period are missing. Ann's husband apparently died before 1810, and is probably the William Crumbleholme buried on 3 Oct 1806 in the churchyard at St John's Parish Church, aged 27 years. As noted above, John Gavin was living in High Street at the time of the 1810 Catholic Census, and in that same census Ann Crumbleholme, by then apparently a widow, was also living in High Street. Ann Crumbleholm (sic), m (mother) was listed with Thomas, aged 12, John, Mary, and Lewis. Richard, who would have been about 10, was not listed in the census. After Ann married John Gavin they went on to have three children, all baptized at at St Wilfrid's Chapel, with the first being Ann Gavan (sic), who was baptized on 16 Jan 1814, with sponsors Barnabas Gavan and Mary Leach. She was followed by Winifred Gavan (sic), who was baptized on 11 Aug 1816, with sponsors Barnabas and Winifred Gavan; and Joseph Gavin, who was baptized on 25 Oct 1818, with sponsors were Barnabas and Winifred Gavin. (unnamed) GAVIN: If my suspicions are correct, Ann's second husband John died about eight months before the birth of their son Joseph, and was the person buried on 14 Feb 1818, aged 47 years. That person's first name was not recorded, but the age fits, and it is the only adult Gavin burial that I can find in the right period. Further, John Gavin is not listed at the High Street address, or elsewhere in Preston, in the 1820 Catholic census. In that census Bryan Ganen (sic), aged 61 is listed at 36 High Street with Winifrid, aged 52; Adam, aged 43, and Winifrid, aged 2. I suspect that the census was mistranscribed and that Adam is actually Ann Gavin, and that Winifred is her daughter, who would have actually been about 3 years old. I can find no record of Ann's other children, and no record of there ever having been an Adam Gavin in Preston during that time period. Bryan Gavin, who would have been born in about 1758, died the following year and was buried at St John's Parish Church on 28 Jun 1821. The burial register records that he was aged 63 years, lived in High Street, Preston, and was a Papist (Catholic). Ann Gavin never remarried and at the time of the 1841 census Ann, a housekeeper, aged c. 65, was living in Agnes Street, Preston with her daughter Winifrida (sic), a cotton weaver, aged c. 20. Also staying with them was Martha Hall, aged c. 20; Joseph Leach, aged c. 40, and Robert Johnson, aged c. 30, all cotton weavers. They were all listed as having been born in Lancashire. Although living in Agnes Street in 1841, Ann returned to High Street by 1849, as it was from that address that she was buried on 20 Mar 1849 in St Wilfrid's Cemetery. Ann's son Richard Crumbleholme was also living in High Street at the time of his burial in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 5 Feb 1832, aged 32 years, and her daughter Mary (Crumbleholme) Lyon, the wife of James Lyon, was living in High Street when she buried her infant son John Lyon in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 31 Jan 1833. At the time of the 1851 census Winnifred Gavin, an unmarried cotton weaver, aged 34, was living at 5 St Mary's Street South, Preston. Also staying with her was a lodger - and possible relative - Agnes Crombleholme, an unmarried cotton weaver, aged 20. Both ladies were born in Preston. Winifred was married two years later. Edward Gardner, aged 43, bachelor, power loom weaver, of 11 Walker Street, son of Mary Gardner, of Durham, and Winifred Gavin, aged 38, spinster, a power loom weaver, of St Mary's Street North, daughter of John and Ann Gavin, deceased, were married on 16 Jul 1853 at St Augustine's Catholic Church in Preston. They were married by Father Edward Swarbrick and the witnesses were Joseph Rigby of Oxford Street, and Nancy Latus of Fox Street. At the time of the 1861 census Edward Gardner, a cotton weaver, aged 53, was living at 5 St Mary's Street North, Preston with his wife Winifred, a cotton weaver, aged 45. Edward was listed as born in Garstang and Winifred was born in Preston. I cannot find any record of them after 1861. Note: The name Gavin was often spelled Gavan in various records and the name Crumbleholme was sometimes spelled Crombleholme, which is the more common spelling today.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Patrick GAVAN: I can find no record of the baptism of Patrick Gavan, but he may have been the son of the Patrick Gavan, a labourer, who was listed in the 1832 Preston electoral rolls living at 25 Back Canal Street. A Patrick and Ann Gavan (or Gavin) baptized two children at St Wilfrid's Chapel: John Gavin (sic), who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 20 Jan 1833, with sponsors John and Mary Connor; and Mary Gavan, who was baptized at St Mary's Chapel on 1 Nov 1835, with sponsors Edward and Mary McIntyre. Patrick and Ann Gavan are not listed in Preston in the 1841 census and it may be that they left the area, perhaps to return to Ireland, after the death of their infant son.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

John GAVIN: John Gavin was born on 22 Aug 1836, and was baptized the following day at St Ignatius Catholic Church in Preston, the son of John and Honora Gavin. The sponsors were Patrick and Mary Gavin. John and Honor had another son, Thomas, who was born on 6 May 1838 baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 7 May 1838, with sponsors Patrick Gavin and Mary Maguire. His birth was registered under the name Thomas Gaven, and his mother's maiden name was recorded as Fain. I can find no record of the marriage of John Gavin to Honor Fain - or similar - and suspect that they were an Irish couple who were married in Ireland and returned to Ireland some time after 1838. Although I cannot find John and Honor Gavin in the 1841 census, there was a Patt Cavan (sic), aged c. 60, living in Hope Street, with Mary Gavan, aged c. 40, and three children, John Gavan, aged c. 15, William Gavan, aged 9; and Patrick Gavan, aged 6. This may be the Patrick and Mary Gavin that were the Godparents of John Gavin in 1836.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

(unnamed) GERRARD: With so little information to go on, it is difficult to be certain, but this may have been John Gerrard, who was baptized on 17 Dec 1815, the son of Mary Gerrard. There was only one sponsor, Ellen Eatsforth. Neither is listed in the 1820 Catholic census of Preston and I can find no further record of Mary Gerrard or her son.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Ann GERRARD: "Lately, at Preston, Mrs Ann Gerrard, aged 73, sister to the late Evan Jno. Gerrard, Esq. of Haighton." Published in the Lancaster Gazette, Sat., 7 Oct 1820 Ann Gerrard's death notice refers to her as Mrs, and the sister of Evan John Gerrard. This would mean that she married someone with the same surname. or the description of her as "Mrs" was an error. I can find no record of her marriage and suspect that she was actually a spinster. The 1810 Catholic census of Preston lists a Mrs Gerard (sic) living in Fishergate, and a Lady Garrade (sic) living in Mount Street, but does not record the age of either woman. The 1820 Catholic census lists Ann Geread (sic), aged 77, living at 16 Chapel Street, Preston. She died later that year and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 8 Sep 1820, aged 74 years. Note: Ann brother, Evan John Gerrard, was born in about 1740. He was married first to Elizabeth Farrer, daughter of Alderman Farrer of York, on 11 Apr 1768 in York, and they had two children, Margaret, baptized on 14 Oct 1770; and Evan Richard, baptized on 8 Jun 1772, both at St Wilfrid's Chapel. Elizabeth died shortly after Evan Richard's birth and was buried on 12 Jun 1772 at St John the Baptist Parish Church in Broughton. The burial register described her as the wife of Mr. Evan John Gerard of Haighton. Ten years later he married Elizabeth, Baroness Teynam. They were married by licence on 7 Nov 1782 at St John's Parish Church in Preston, where the bride signed her name Eliza Teynham. Evan John Gerrard died in Manchester and his body was brought back to Broughton to be buried in the parish churchyard at St John the Baptist Parish Church on 28 Jan 1794. In his will, dated 15 Nov 1784, he left his sister Ann Gerard £50, an annuity of £17 and furniture. He left his daughter Margaret her mother's jewellery, and left the residue of his considerable estates to his only son, Evan Richard Gerrard. He also left various amounts to other named individuals. A copy of the document is held at the Lancashire Archives in Preston under the reference DDCL/317.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Richard GILDERT: Richard Gildart (sic) was baptized on 14 Jul 1833 at St Wilfrid's Chapel. He was the son of Richard and Ann Gildart, and the sponsors were William Horracks and Mary Smith. Richard Geldert (sic), a bachelor, and Ann Smith, a spinster, both of Preston, were married on 27 Apr 1820 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Matthew Mark, Curate, and the witnesses were Robert Swarbrick and Elling (Ellen) Smith. Richard Gildert signed the marriage register with an X. On the same day Richard and Ann had a Catholic ceremony at St Wilfrid's Chapel, and the marriage transcript spells Richard's surname Gildart and names the witnesses as Robert Swarbrick and Ellen Smith. Richard and Ann's first child was baptized William Geldart on 16 Jul 1820; followed by Ellen, who was baptized Ellen Guildart, on 21 Nov 1822; then the first child they called Richard, who was baptized Richard Gildart on 5 Sep 1824; followed by their fourth child, who was baptized John Gildert on 3 Feb 1828, all at St Wilfrid's Chapel. The 1832 Preston electoral rolls list Richard Geldert (sic), carter, at 47 High-street, the address they were living at when their youngest son, the second to be called Richard, was buried on 4 May 1834.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of Nicholas GILLETT: The 1810 Catholic census of Preston lists a Nicholas Gillet (sic) living in Singleton's Row, Preston. He was the only Gillett at that address and his age was not recorded. If it is the right Nicholas Gillett, he would have been about 26 years old. Nicholas Gillett, a bachelor, and Mary Noble, both of Preston, were married on 10 Feb 1819 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married, by licence, by Matthew Mark, Curate, and the witnesses were John Noble and Hannah Grimston. They also had a Catholic ceremony the same day at St Wilfrid's Chapel, with the witnesses recorded as "Mr Noble and Mrs Grimstone", almost certainly the same people who witnessed their official marriage. The following year they were included in the 1820 Catholic census of Preston, when Nicholas Gillat (sic), aged 35; and Mary, aged 26, were listed living at 1 Bolton Street. It is unclear when the census was compiled, but Mary may have been pregnant with their twins. George GILLETT: George Gillet (sic) was baptized on 24 Jan 1820 at St Wilfrid's Chapel, and the sponsors were John Noble and Hannah Grimbleston - again, almost certainly the same people who witnessed their marriage ceremonies. Although I can't be certain, he is probably the George Gillett who was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 1 Apr 1838, aged 16 years. George's twin sister Sarah, who was baptized the same day with sponsors William Swarbric (sic) and Margery Noble, survived. Nicholas and Mary's next child appears to have died in infancy. William GILLETT: William Gillat (sic) was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 15 Mar 1821, with sponsors Edward Noble and Elizabeth Yates. We know that he did not survive infancy as Nicholas and Mary's named another child William a few years later. I suspect that William was the infant buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 5 Mar 1822 with no first name recorded. Nicholas and Mary's fourth child was daughter they called Elizabeth. She was baptized on 28 Aug 1822, and the sponsors were Edward Noble and Elizabeth Yates. It was in that year than the 1822 Pigot's Directory of Preston listed, under Maltsters, "Noble and Gillet, Spittals-moss", and "Noble Edward, Back-lane". Elizabeth was followed by William, the second son to be given that name, who was baptized on 15 Apr 1825, with sponsors George and Isabel Noble; then their sixth and last child Mary Jane, who was born on 19 May 1827 and baptized on 21 May 1827, with sponsors Thomas and Jane Leeming. It may have been Mary Jane birth that caused the early death of her mother. Mary GILLETT: Mary (Noble) Gillett died sometime between May 1827, when her daughter Mary Jane was born, and Feb 1829, when Nicholas remarried. I suspect that she was the "Mrs Gillett" who was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery in June 1827. The exact date of burial was not recorded. The 1828 Pigot's Directory of Preston, under Miscellaneous, was listed "Noble and Gillet, maltsters, Maudlands". Nicholas remarried the following year. Nicholas Gillett, of the Parish of Preston, and Hellen (Ellen) Lupton, of the Parish of Penwortham, were married on 10 Feb 1829 at St Mary's Parish Church in Penwortham. They were married after Banns by James T Wareing, and the witnesses were Thomas Snape and Ann Thomson. The 1832 Preston electoral rolls list Nicholas Gillett, a maltster, at the malt kiln, Lawson Street; and the 1834 Pigot's Directory of Preston, under Maltsters, lists "Gillett Nicholas, Dawson st", "Noble Edward, 38 Back lane", and Noble John, 7 Maudland road". Nicholas Gilett died two years later. Nicholas GILLETT: Nicholas Gilett died on 6 Dec 1836 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery three days later, aged 52 years. Death Notice: "On Tuesday last, aged 53, Mr. Nicholas Gillet, of Penwortham, maltster." Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 10 Dec 1836 In his Will, dated 20 Apr 1835, Nicholas appointed Richard Gornal, John Walker, and George Noble as his Executors, with instructions for them to rent his malt kiln and other property in Lawson Street and use the money raised to support his wife and children. He does not name his wife or any of the children, but makes special provision for the children who were not yet 21 years of age.   Nicholas signed his own name, and the will was witnessed by Thomas Hind, John Eamer, and Thomas Winder, attorney, of Preston. The will was proved on 2 Feb 1837 with a declared value of under £300. A note on the will states that Nicholas died on 6 Dec 1836. At the time of the 1841 census Ellen Gillett, a maltster, aged c. 60, was living in Back Lawson Street, with two of her stepchildren, Sarah, aged 21; and Elizabeth, aged 18. Also staying with them was Ann Dewhurst, aged c. 25. They were all listed as having been born in Lancashire. Mrs Ellen GILLETT: Ellen (Lupton) Gillett died on 1 Jul 1845 and was buried the following day in St Wilfrid's Cemetery, aged 65 years. Death Notice: "On Tuesday last, aged 65, Ellen, widow of the late Mr. Nicholas Gillett, maltster, Lawson-street." Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 5 Jul 1845 Note 1: Nicholas Gillett may have been the child baptized Nicholas Gillot on 2 Oct 1784 at St Anne's Catholic Church in Westby, near Kirkham, the son of William and Betty Gillot. Note 2: The baptism entry for each of Nicholas and Mary's children spelled their surname Gillet, with the exception of William in 1821, whose surname was spelled Gillat.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of Francis and Jane GILLETT: Francis Gillat (sic) and Jane Wilson, both of Lytham, were married at St Cuthbert's Parish Church in Lytham on 28 Jan 1760. They were married after Banns by Christopher Whitwell, and the witnesses were Thomas Winstanley and Mary Wilson. The bride and both witnesses signed the register with an X. Francis and Jane started their married life in the area of Lytham, where they baptized their children at St Peter's Catholic Church in Lytham, including William, who was baptized William Gillet (sic) on 24 Aug 1761, the son of Francis Gillet (his mother's name was not recorded in the register); Richard, who was baptized Richard Gillet (sic) on 2 May 1765, the son of Francis and Jane Gillet; Catherine Gilet (sic) who was baptized on 7 Jan 1768, the daughter of Francis Gilet (her mother's name was not recorded in the register); and Mary Gillet (sic) who was baptized on 5 Mar 1777, the daughter of Francis and Jane Gillet. Catherine Gillat (sic) married James Snape on 10 Jan 1791 at St Cuthbert's Parish Church in Lytham, and at some point the family moved to Preston, where Mary Gillat (sic) married James Wilcock on 18 Jan 1802 at St John's Parish Church. Francis Gillett died in Preston and was buried under the name Francis Gellet on 5 May 1807 at St John's Parish Church in Preston, aged 72. Three years later the 1810 Catholic census of Preston listed Jane Gillat (sic) living in Mount Street, Preston with her son Richard. Their ages were not recorded in the census but Jane would have been about 77 and Richard would have been about 45. Jane died on 25 Apr 1817 and was buried under the name Jane Gillott, of Preston, on 26 Apr 1817 at St John's Parish Church in Preston, aged 84 years. The burial register includes the fact that she was a Papist (Catholic). Death Notice: "DIED...On the 25th ult...Mrs. Jane Gillot, of Preston, aged 84." Published in the Lancaster Gazette, Sat., 3 May 1817 The Family of William and Mary GILLETT: Francis and Jane's son William married a woman called Mary but I cannot find any record of their marriage. Although they both appear to have been from Lytham, they were not married at the parish church there. They had at least seven children, but I can only find the baptism records for the youngest three in the baptism register for St Peter's Catholic Church in Lytham. Helena (Ellen) Gillat (sic) was baptized on 17 Sep 1815, with sponsors Robert and Susanna Nixon; and Catherine Gillat (sic) was baptized on 1 Jan 1817, with sponsors James and Catherine Snape (nee Gillett). This child did not survive and was buried on 9 Feb 1817 at St Cuthbert's Parish Church in Lytham. The following year William and Mary had their last known child, another daughter they called Catherine, who was baptized Catherine Gillat (sic) on 24 Oct 1818, with the same sponsors, James and Catherine Snape. I suspect that William and Mary only came to the Preston after 1818 as they are not listed in the 1810 Catholic census, but are listed in 1820 when William, aged 60, and his wife Mary, aged 55, were living in Birketts Place, Preston with six children, Margaret, aged 19; Richard, aged 15; Matthew, aged 13; Nancy, aged 11; Ellen, aged 4; and the second child they called Catherine, aged 2. Their surname was spelled Gillat in the census. Catherine GILLETT: The second child to be called Catherine did not survive childhood and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 5 Nov 1829, aged 11 years, although the burial transcript records her age as 13 years. William GILLETT: William Gillett, who as mentioned above, was baptized on 24 Aug 1761 in Lytham, was a shoemaker, like his younger brother Richard Gillett. Neither man was listed in the early Preston trade directories, so may have been shoemakers working for someone else. William died in February 1834 and was buried on 24 Feb 1834 in St Wilfrid's Cemetery, aged 73 years. William and Mary's daughter Ellen married Cuthbert Fairclough on 31 Oct 1839 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. Ellen (Gillett) Fairclough died on 3 Nov 1842 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery three days later, aged 26 years. Richard GILLETT: As mentioned above, Richard Gillett was baptized Richard Gillet (sic) on 2 May 1765 at St Peter's Catholic Church in Lytham, the son of Francis and Jane, and at the time of the 1810 Catholic census of Preston he was living in Mount Street, Preston with his widowed mother Jane. At the time of the 1820 Catholic census Richard Gillett was listed as aged 55, and living at 35 Mount Street. He died on 14 Apr 1829 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery, aged 63 years. The burial transcript does not record the exact date of his burial, but it would have been within a day or two of his death. Richard Gillett, a shoemaker, of Preston, wrote his will on 7 Aug 1826 appointing his brother, William Gillett, shoemaker, of Preston, and James Norris, brush maker, of Preston, as his Executors. He directed that his cottage house, garden and premises in Mount Street, as well as all of his household goods and furniture be sold as soon as convenient after his death and, after paying his debts and funeral expenses, the residue of his estate was to be divided equally between his brother William Gillett, and his sisters Mary Wilcock and Catherine Snape.

Richard signed his own name to the will, which was witnessed by James Newsham, James Rigby, and William Winstanley. The will was proved on 19 Apr 1829, with a value of under £200. Note 1: Richard's surname was spelled Gillat throughout his will.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Ellen GILLETT: Ellen Gillett was born on 18 Jul 1840, and was baptized Ellen Gillet (sic) on 25 Jul 1840 at St Wilfrid's Chapel, the daughter of John and Elizabeth Gillet. The sponsors were John Swift and Mary Bell. Ellen's birth does not appear to have been registered. John Gillett, a bachelor, and Elizabeth Elliott, a spinster, both of Preston, were married on 31 Jan 1835 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Thomas Clark, Curate, and the witnesses were Thomas Moorby and Ellen Gillett. The bride and Ellen Gillett signed the register with an X. It would seem that John and Elizabeth's marriage would have been a matter of some urgency, as their first child was born five months later. Alice Gillett was born on 27 May 1835 and was baptized on 30 May 1835 at St Wilfrid's Chapel, with sponsors James Turner and Margaret Gillett. Their next known child, Mary, was born on 1 Jul 1838 and was baptized on 8 Jul 1838 at St Wilfrid's Chapel, with sponsors Thomas and Isabella Gillett. Ellen was their third known child and, after her death at age 9 months, they had another child, a daughter that they also called Ellen. She was born on 15 Apr 1842 in Kirkham and was baptized on 24 Apr 1842 at St John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Kirkham, with sponsors James Wilding and Maria (Mary) Ball. It appears that the family didn't stay in Kirkham long as this second Ellen's death was registered in Preston that same year. The following year their first son, John, was born in Preston on 17 Jun 1843. He was baptized on 25 Jun 1843 at St Augustine's Catholic Church in Preston, with sponsors Henry Hughes and Mary Turner. He did not survive infancy, dying later in 1843. I cannot find this family in the 1841 census but in 1851 John Gillett, aged 41, his wife Betsy, aged 38, and their two surviving children, Alice, aged 16; and Mary, aged 13, all power loom weavers, were living at 16 George Street, Preston. John was listed as having been born in Kirkham, while wis wife and daughters were born in Preston. After a gap of almost exactly ten years, John and Elizabeth had another daughter, Mary Ann, who was born on 14 May 1853, and was baptized the following day, also at St Augustine's Church, with sponsors John Fellows and Elizabeth Shaw. Sadly, she died later that year. Six years later their son Robert was born. He was born in Preston on 24 Mar 1859, and was baptized on 27 Mar 1859 at St Ignatius' Catholic Church, with sponsors Thomas Stringfellow and Ann Woodacre. Strangely, I cannot find the burial records for the second Ellen, John Jr, or Mary Ann. They were not were not buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery, or in either St Ignatius' or St John's churchyards. It is possible that they were buried in the churchyard at St Augustine's Church, and I have a suspicion that the burial records for that church are incomplete. I suspect that John and Elizabeth's marriage broke down after 1859 and I cannot find him in any later census. At the time of the 1861 census Elizabeth Gillet, a house servant, aged 49, and her son Robert, aged 2, were living at 13 Newton Street, Preston, the home of William and Alice Walton. Elizabeth is listed as married. By 1871 she was listed as a widow, aged 56. She and her son Robert, a cotton creeler, aged 12, were living at 10 Hopwood Street, Preston. Staying with them as boarders were William Carter, an unemployed engine tenter, aged 38; and his wife Sarah, a cotton weaver, aged 40. Although Elizabeth was listed as a widow, I can find no record of her husband's death between 1861 and 1871. A John Gillot (sic), of Stephenson Terrace, died in Preston and was buried on 21 Apr 1874, aged 65, but I cannot confirm that he was Elizabeth's husband. By 1881 Elizabeth had relocated to 8 Water Street, Ince in Makerfield, near Wigan. She was described as a widow, aged 65, and had no occupation. Her son Robert, a coal miner, aged 21 and unmarried, was living with her. Elizabeth died in 1886, aged 73. Her death was registered in the Wigan district, which would have included Ince in Makerfield. Note: An Ellen Gillett's birth was registered in Lytham in 1840 but I have confirmed that she was the child of another couple.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Isabella GILLETT: Isabella Gillet, a spinster, died in Farington of consumption on 26 Feb 1841 and her body was brought to Preston for burial in St Wilfrid's Cemetery, aged 34 years. Her death was registered by George Bell, of Farington, who was in attendance. George Bell was the second husband of Elizabeth Gillett, who he married in 1835. It is very likely that Isabella Gillett and Elizabeth (Gillett) Bell were related. If Isabella was 34 when she died and Elizabeth was about 45 in 1841 Elizabeth would have been too young to have been Isabella's mother. Note: There are a couple of issues with Isabella's burial. Firstly, the death certificate records her date of death as 26 Feb, but the burial transcripts record her date of burial as 25 Feb - the day before she died. George Bell registered her death of 27 Feb, and it would have been highly unusual (and possibly illegal) to bury someone before their death was registered. Secondly, the burial transcripts record Isabella's age as 20 years, but according to the death certificate she was aged 34 years.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Mrs Ann GILLIBRAND: Ann (Marshall) Gillibrand was the first wife of James Gillibrand. James Gillibrand, bachelor, aged 21, a joiner, of Marsh Lane, the son of John Gillibrand, a labourer; and Ann Marshall, spinster, aged 22, a winder, of Bleasdale Street, the daughter of James Marshall, a labourer, were married on 2 Jul 1838 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married by Charles Wagstaff, Curate, and the witnesses were Daniel Knowles and Jane Ferguson. The bride and both witnesses signed the register with an X. Marriage Announcement: "MARRIAGES...On Monday last, at the Parish Church, Mr. James Gillibrand, to Miss Ann Marshall;" Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 7 Jul 1838 I suspect that this was a mixed marriage and that Ann Marshall was Catholic and her husband was Church of England. By 1838 there was no longer a requirement for Catholics to marry in an Anglican church, and they baptized their two children at St John's Church. Their first child, John, was baptized on 2 Jun 1839, and their second, Thomas, was baptized on 6 Jun 1841. Both register entries gave their abode as Brow Square and James' occupation as either Carpenter or Joiner. At the time of the 1841 census James Gillibrand, a joiner, aged c. 20, was living at Brows Square, Preston with his wife Ann, aged c. 20, and two children, John, aged 2; and Thomas, aged 3 mos. They were all listed as having been born in Lancashire, and unusually, Ann was listed last, after their children. James and Ann's youngest son, Thomas, did not live to see his first birthday, and was buried on 7 March 1842 in the churchyard at St Peter's Parish Church in Preston. The register entry, recorded in the registers for St John's Church, records his age simply as "infant" and his abode as Brow Square. Ann Gillibrand died later in 1842 and was buried on 11 Dec 1842 in St Wilfrid's Cemetery, aged 26 years. She was the only member of her family - and the only person called Gillibrand - to be buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery. James Gillibrand was remarried in 1843 at St Mary's Church in Penwortham but the church registers were destroyed in a disastrous fire in the church in 1857. He married Isabella Ratcliffe and they went on to have ten children, nine of whom were baptized at St John's Church. Sadly, five of their children died in infancy. Two were buried at St Peter's Church and three were buried at St John's Church. James Gillibrand, of 62 Nelson Street, died in December 1875 and was buried on 7 Dec 1875 in a public grave, Q-617, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 58 years. Death Notice: "DEATHS...Preston:- Since our last...James Gillibrand, Nelson-street, 58;" Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 11 Dec 1875 Isabella (Ratcliffe) Gillibrand, of 50 Ashmoor Street, survived her husband by less than three years and died in April 1878. She was buried on 29 Mar 1878 in a public Catholic grave, P-669, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 60 years. Death Notice: "DEATHS...Preston:- Since our last...Isabella Gillibrand, Ashmoor-street, 60;" Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 6 Apr 1878

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Ann GILLOW: I cannot find any information on Ann Gillow as she left no will and there was no death notice published in any of the Preston newspapers of the period. The 1820 Catholic census of Preston lists a William Gillow, aged 21, living at 14 Ratcliffe Street, but this may be just a coincidence. He would have been born c. 1799, so would have been 19 to 20 years younger than Ann Gillow. I cannot find William Gillow in the 1832 Preston electoral rolls or in Preston in the 1841 census, and it is tempting to wonder if he might have been the same William Gillow who had a brush with the law in 1825. That William Gillow was convicted at the Lancaster Assizes on 5 Mar 1825 of "maliciously shooting at Dennis Carter, at Walton-le-Dale." and was sentenced to death. This was later commuted to transportation for life, and on 23 Nov 1825, at age 25, he was transported to New South Wales, Australia aboard the prison hulk, 'Retribution'.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Mrs Catherine GILLOW: Catherine (Cragg) Gillow died on 20 Jan 1848. Death Notice: "On Thursday last, in her 27th year, Mrs. Gillow, wife of Mr. Richard Gillow, draper and tea dealer, Lune-street." Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 22 Jan 1848 Richard Gillow, the son of Richard and Elizabeth Gillow, and Catherine Cragg, the daughter of John and Alice Cragg, were married on 21 Sep 1846 at St Peter's Catholic Church in Lytham. Marriage Announcement: "At the Catholic Chapel, Lytham, by the Rev. Joseph Walmsley, Mr. Richard Gillow, grocer and tea dealer, Preston, to Catherine, daughter of the late Mr. John Cragg, of Blackpool." Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 26 Sep 1846 At the time of the 1851 census Richard Gillow (Sr), a retired farmer, aged 76, was living at 307 North Road, Preston with his wife Elizabeth, aged 58, his son Richard, a travelling tea dealer, aged 28; and his married daughter Alice Crookall, aged 20, with her husband William Crookall, an agricultural labourer, aged 27. Although a widower, Richard Jr was listed as unmarried. The Gillow family were all listed as having been born in Little Eccleston, and William Crookall was born in Kirkham. About five years after the date of the 1851 census Richard Gillow Jr was remarried. The marriage register (in Latin) records that Richardum Gillow of Fleetwood, the son of Richardi and Elizabeth Gillow, married Ludovicam (Louisa) Willis of Salfordii, the daughter of Thomae and Lyciae Willis, on 3 May 1856 at the Cathedral Church of St John the Evangelist, in Salford, witnessed by Thoma Willis and Anna Eyres, both of Salfordii. Their daughter Lycia Louisa Gillow was born the following year. By 1861 Richard Gillow, a traveller in earthenware, aged 39, from Little Eccles (sic), was living at 1 Roscoe Street, Hulme, Manchester, with his wife Louisa, aged 47, and their daughter, Lycia L Gillow, aged 3, who was born in Fleetwood. Also staying with them were two unmarried lodgers, Thomas Willis, a general porter, aged 39; and Ann Willis, a seamstress, aged 38, both from Salford, possibly relatives of Louisa's. Lycia Louisa Gillow died in the Salford district in 1864, and in 1871 Richard Gillow, a tailor, aged 49, from Little Eccleston, near Preston, was living in Manchester Road, Kersley, with his wife Louisa, a tailor's wife, aged 48, from Salford. Richard died there seven years later, aged 56 years. The Will of Richard Gillow, late of 205 Manchester-road Kersley, in the County of Lancaster, Tailor, who died 29 July 1878 at Kersley, was proved at Manchester by Louisa Gillow of 205 Manchester-road, Widow, the relict, the sole Executrix. Personal estate under £100. Note: Louisa (Willis) Gillow was remarried on 7 Dec 1885 to Peter Hope, but by 1891 Louisa was widowed again and was living at 84 King Street, Farnworth. She was a 68 year old widow, and had taken in a lodger, Mary Simmons, aged 34.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Margaret GILLOW: Margaret Gillow was baptized on 29 Mar 1830 at St Wilfrid's Chapel. She was the daughter of Thomas and Isabella Gillow, and the sponsors were Robert and Margaret Lupton. Thomas Gillow, a bachelor, and Isabella Gillow, a spinster, both of the chapelry of Walton-le-Dale, were married on 2 Jan 1827 at St Leonard's Chapel in Walton-le-Dale. They were married after Banns by Randle H. Fielden, Sub Curate, and the witnesses were Robert and Alice Gillow. They were also married the previous day at St Wilfrid's Chapel in Preston with the same witnesses. Margaret appears to be the only child they baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel, and they appear to have left Preston not long after her death. By the night of the 1841 census they were living in Lancaster. Thomas Gillow, a saddler, aged c. 30, was living in Penny Street with his wife Isabella and their daughter Ann, aged c. 15. By 1851 they had moved to King Street, Lancaster. Thomas Gillow, a saddler, aged 46, was living in Calverts Rooms, King Street, with his wife Isabella, aged 44, and four children, Ann, a dressmaker, now aged 22; Mary, aged 10; Joseph, aged 6; and Ellen, aged 3. Thomas and Ann were listed as having been born in Eccleston, Isabella was born in Singleton, and the three younger children were born in Lancaster. Eventually the family returned to Preston where Isabella died in 1855. Death Notice: "DEATHS...On Monday last, Isabella Gillow, Butler's-court, aged 49." Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 31 Mar 1855 By the night of the 1861 census Thomas, a saddler, aged 56, was a widower living as a lodger at 15 Tithe Barn Street, Preston.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Mary GILLOW: Mary Gillow was the wife of Robert Gillow, and at the time of the 1820 Catholic census of Preston Robert Gillow, aged 37, was living at 37 Hill Street, Preston with Mary, aged 35, and five children, Robert, aged 12; Elizabeth, aged 10; William, aged 8; Winifrid, aged 6; and Mary Ann, aged 4. The three oldest children were born during the period for which the St Wilfrid's baptism records are missing, but their daughter Winifred was baptized on 3 Jun 1814, with sponsors Robert Heaton and Mary Higgison; and Marianne (Mary Ann) was baptized on 4 Jun 1816, with sponsors Thomas Gregson and Jane Stephenson. Although it's not possible to be certain, Robert and Mary were probably the couple married at St John's Parish Church in Preston on 13 Jul 1807. Robert Gillow and Mary Riley, both of Preston, were married, by licence, by William Myers, Curate, and the witnesses were William Wilcock and Ann Billington. Note: Some researchers have identified Robert Gillow Sr as the man baptized (in Latin) Robertus Gulielmus Joachim Gillow on 12 Jul 1783 at the Catholic chapel in Wesham, Lancashire, the son of Robert and Ann (Eaton) Gillow. I cannot confirm this, and cannot find any further record of Robert. At least some of his children stayed in Preston, married, and had families.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Dennis GILMARTIN: It would appear that the Gilmartin family were short-term residents in Preston when Dennis Gilmartin, son of James Gilmartin, died on 12 May 1838, aged 16 years. No one by the name Gilmartin was listed in the 1820 Catholic census of Preston, and he was not baptized in St Wilfrid's or St Mary's Catholic chapels. It would appear that the family left Preston shortly after Dennis was buried on 14 May 1838 in St Wilfrid's Cemetery. He was the only person of that name buried in the cemetery, and the family are not listed in Preston - or anywhere in England - in the 1841 census. In fact, there were only nine people called Gilmartin, a family of three, a family of five, and a single individual, listed in all of Lancashire in 1841. I can find no further record of this family.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Ellen GILMORE: Ellen Gilmore was born on 21 Jun 1850, and was baptized Ellen Gilmour (sic) on 25 Jun 1850 at St Ignatius Catholic Church in Preston. Frustratingly, her parents names were omitted from the baptism register, with only the names of the sponsors, Patrick and Mary Swift, entered. According to the birth indexes at www.lancashirebmd.org.uk, Ellen's mother's maiden name was Riley, but I could find no record of the marriage of any man called Gilmore to a woman called Riley. However, I did find the record of a baptism of another child, Catherine Gilmore, who was born on 7 Apr 1854 and baptized on 17 Apr 1854, also at St Ignatius Catholic Church. This time, the parents names were included - William Gilmore and Catherine, nee Riley. The sponsors were John Octer (?) and Mary Leyden, but it appears that this child's birth not registered, at least not under that or any similar surname. Although their daughter Ellen was born in Preston before the date of the 1851 census and their daughter Catherine was born after, the family do not appear in the 1851 census in Preston or anywhere else in the country. In fact, there was no one called Gilmore or Gilmour listed in Preston in 1851. Ellen Gilmore died on 26 Jan 1854 and was buried two days later in St Wilfrid's Cemetery, aged 3 years. It is possible that William and Catherine were an Irish couple and returned to Ireland some time after their daughter Catherine's birth in 1854. They do not appear in the 1861 census, and do not appear to have had any more children born in Preston or the area. Note: When Ellen Gilmore died her mother would have been pregnant with Catherine.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Ellen GLOVER: Ellen Glover, the widow of Thomas Glover, died on 7 Feb 1818 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery four days later, aged 62 years. Death Notice: "DIED...On Saturday last, at an advanced age, Mrs. Ellen Glover, relict of Thomas Glover, of Preston, seedsman." Published in the Lancaster Gazette, Sat., 14 Feb 1818 Thomas Glover, widower, a gardener, and Nelly Walker, a spinster, aged 30, both of Preston, were married on 16 Apr 1787 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married, by licence, by John Nicholson, Curate, and the witnesses were Thomas Woodcock and John Simpson. Thomas and Ellen signed the marriage register with an X. Their marital status, Thomas' occupation, and Ellen's age were not recorded in the marriage register and are taken from the Marriage Bond, dated 16 Apr 1787. Thomas and Ellen baptized one child at St Wilfrid's Chapel. John Glover, who was baptized on 22 Feb 1788, with sponsors William Barton and Mary Walker. Thomas Glover was buried on 18 Dec 1806 in the churchyard at St John's Parish Church, aged 72 years. Death Notice: "DIED...Last week, at Preston, Mr. T. Glover, gardener." Published in the Lancaster Gazette, Sat., 27 Dec 1806 The 1810 Catholic census of Preston lists Mrs Glover living in Fishergate. It is not known where she was living at the time of her death eight years later. Note 1: Thomas Glover was a widower when he married Ellen Walker. His first marriage may have been the one recorded at St John's Parish Church in Preston in 1773. Thomas Glover, a servant, and Ann Richmond, a spinster, both of Preston, were married on 23 Feb 1773 at St John's Parish Church. They were married after Banns by Randall Andrews, Vicar, and the witnesses were Henry Barns and Evan Heath. Thomas signed the marriage register with an X. I can find no record of Thomas and Ann having had any children, and she may be the Ann Glover, wife of Thomas Glover, who was buried on 26 Nov 1786 at St John's Parish Church, aged 40 years. Note 2: If the ages recorded for the above mentioned people are accurate, Thomas would have been about 12 years older than his first wife, and 23 years older than Ellen.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Mrs Mary GOGGINS: Mary Goggins, of Clarence Street, who was born in Ireland in about 1799, died in Preston on 16 Jun 1848 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery two days later, aged 48 years. Death Notice: "DEATHS...yesterday week, Mary Goggins, Clarence-street, 48;" Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 24 Jun 1848 Mary Goggins was the wife of William Goggins. They and their known children were born in Ireland, and it is likely that they were married there. On the night of the 1841 census William Goggins, a cotton sizer, aged c. 40, was living in Rhodes Square, Preston with Mary, aged c. 40, and three children, Michael, aged 10; John, aged 10; and Mary, aged 5. Also staying with them was Michael Goggins, a tailor, aged c. 20. They were all listed as born in Ireland. I can find no further record of the family after 1841 with one possible exception. At the time of the 1851 census a John Goggins, a factory hand, aged 20, was living as one of seven lodgers at 64 Bedford Street, Preston, the home of Patrick and Bridget Goggins. John Goggins was listed as born in Mulligan, Ireland. Patrick Goggins, a pensioner, aged 80, and his wife Bridget, aged 55, were both listed as born in Westmeath, Ireland.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

(Bridget) GOLDING: This child, aged 6 weeks, who was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 3 Feb 1837 with no first name recorded may have been the child baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel in 1836. If you subtract six weeks from 3 Feb 1837 you get a date of 23 Dec 1836. Bridget Goulden (sic) was born on 22 Dec 1836 and was baptized three days later. She was the daughter of James and Mary Goulden and the sponsors were Thomas Hardman and Catherine Dowd. This is the only child that James and Mary baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel, and I have been unable to find any other record of the family in Preston.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of Christopher and Ellen GOODIER: Christopher Goodear (sic), and Ellen Wilding, both of Preston, were married on 22 Feb 1803 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by William Myers, Curate, and the witnesses were William Ainscow and Nancy Smith. All four signed the marriage register with an X. They also had a Catholic ceremony on the same day at St Wilfrid's Chapel. Christopher and Ellen were married just before the beginning of the period covered by the missing register, so there is no way to know what children they may have had during the first nine years of their marriage. The first of their children to appear in the surviving baptism registers, where in each instance their surname was spelled Goodear, was Mary, who was baptized on 9 May 1813, with sponsors George Gregson and Jane Wilding. She died in infancy, before 1823, but I have been unable to find any record of her burial. Mary was followed by William, who was baptized on 24 Dec 1815, with sponsors Thomas Bamber and Ellen Goodear; then John, who was baptized on 1 Mar 1818, with sponsors Thomas Wilding and Alice Gregson; Thomas, who was baptized on 16 May 1820, with sponsors James Parker and Jane Dagger; and Helen (Ellen), who was baptized on 31 Mar 1822, with sponsors Henry Hothersall and Rebecca Butler. She too died in infancy and was buried in the churchyard at St John's Parish Church on 10 Jul 1826, aged 4 years. The burial register records that her abode was Bridge Street, and that she was a Papist (Catholic). Ellen was followed by a second daughter they called Mary, who was baptized on 26 Oct 1823, with sponsors James Slater and Alice Millar; and finally Alice, who was baptized on 16 Oct 1825, with sponsors James Slater and Alice Millar. Alice was only two years old when her father died. Christopher GOODIER: Christopher Goodier, of Bridge Street, who was born in about 1773, was buried under the name Christopher Goodyear in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 12 Jan 1828, aged 54 years. There was no death notice published, and he did not leave a Will. Christopher and Ellen's son William married Ellen Buck at St John's Parish Church on 1 Mar 1834 and they baptized their first child, Helen, at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 27 Apr 1834. Some time after Helen's birth the family left Preston, eventually settling in the village of Enfield, Clayton-le-Moors, where they baptized another ten children at St Mary's Catholic Church in Clayton-le-Moors. Christopher and Ellen's son Thomas also moved to Clayton-le-Moors and married Mary Cockshutt at St James' Church in Altham on 20 Jul 1840, at which time his father was described as Christopher Goodear (sic), a weaver. Thomas and Mary baptized eight children at St Mary's Catholic Church in Clayton-le-Moors. On the night of the 1841 census Ellen Goodier, aged c. 50, was living in the village of Enfield, Clayton-le-Moors with John, a cotton spinner, aged c. 20; and Alice, a piecer, aged c. 15. Listed at the next address was her married son William Goodier, a cotton spinner, aged c. 25; Ellen, a piecer, aged 25; and Mary, aged 4. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. Christopher and Ellen's son John Goodier married Ann Davies at All Saints Church in Clayton-le-Moors on 2 Oct 1841, where his father was described as Christopher Goodier, a barber. His sister Alice Goodier married William Riley at St James' Church in Altham on 3 Apr 1847, at which time her father was described as the late Christopher Goodier, a tailor. At the time of the 1851 census William Riley, a block printer, aged 22, was living in Broadley Row, in the village of Enfield, Clayton-le-Moors with his wife Alice, aged 26, and one child, Alice, aged 5 months. Also staying with them was Alice's widowed mother Ellen Goodier, a smoother of clothing (mangle), aged 67. William and the infant Alice were listed as born in Clayton-le-Moors, and Alice and her mother were listed as born in Preston. On the night of the 1861 census Ellen Goodier, widow, a confectioner, aged 78, was living at 19 Blackburn Road in Great Harwood. Living with her were two unmarried lodgers, James Kilshaw, aged 21; and Thomas Monk, aged 16. Both men were power loom cotton weavers. Ellen was listed as born in Preston, James Kilshaw was born in Lancaster, and Thomas Monk was born in Blackburn. Living next door at number 17 was Ellen's married son Thomas Goodier, a cotton spinner, aged 40, with his wife Mary, aged 39, and their six children, William, a cotton spinner, aged 20; Ellen, aged 16; John, aged 14; Nancy, aged 12; Thomas, aged 9; and Emanuel, a scholar, aged 4. Ellen, John, Nancy and Thomas Jr were all power loom cotton weavers. Thomas Sr was listed as born in Preston, Emanuel was born in Great Harwood, and the rest of the family were born in Clayton-le-Moors. Ellen (Wilding) Goodier died five years later. Ellen Goodier's death was registered in Great Harwood in the first quarter of 1866, aged 84 years, but I have not been able to find her burial record. Great Harwood Cemetery did not open until 1887, but Ellen was not buried in the local churchyard. Note: In 1861 Ancestry.com has indexed the family under the surname Gordier.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of William and Isabella GOODIER: William Goodacre (sic), and Isabel Worthington, both of Preston, were married on 8 Oct 1813 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Isaac Smith, Curate, and the witnesses were Stephen and Ann Thompson. The bride, groom and both witnesses signed the marriage register with an X. William and Isabella baptized six children at St Wilfrid's Chapel, beginning with Joseph, who was baptized Joseph Goodear on 26 Nov 1815, with sponsors John Catterall and Sarah Alton. He was followed by Richard, who was baptized on 19 Jul 1818, with sponsors John Catteral and Mary Thompson; then the first of two daughters they called Elizabeth, who was baptized Elizabeth Goodear on 11 Feb 1821, with sponsors William Conroy and Elizabeth Adams. She died in infancy, before 1825, but I have been unable to locate the record of her burial. William and Isabella's fourth child was William, who was baptized William Goodear on 22 Sep 1822, with sponsors Thomas Waterhouse and Elizabeth Adams. He was followed by the second daughter they called Elizabeth, who was baptized Elizabeth Goodear on 6 Mar 1825, with sponsors William Brown and Elizabeth Goodear. She died not survive infancy: Elizabeth Goodier, of Bridge Street, was buried on 23 Oct 1827 in the churchyard at St Peter's Church in Preston. The burial register recorded her age as "infant" and made note that she was a Papist (Catholic). William and Isabella's sixth child was George, who was baptized George Goodear on 9 Mar 1828, with sponsors John and Rachel Bambur. He also died in infancy: George Goodier, of Bridge Street, was buried on 12 Jan 1830 in the churchyard at St Peter's Church, aged 2 years. The burial register records that he was a Papist. The 1832 Preston electoral rolls list William Goodier, a blast tenter, living at 18 Bridge Street. William and Isabella may have had seventh child, but there is a bit of a mystery surrounding this child. For reasons I can't yet explain, some members of the Goodier family seem to have also used the surname Diggles. I initially thought that this may have stemmed from the marriage of Mary Goodear, a widow, to Joseph Diggles, a bachelor, who were married on 19 Sep 1818 at St John's Parish Church. However, I later found John O Diggles/Goodear listed in the 1810 Catholic census of Preston, living in Syke Hill with Mary. Their ages were not recorded. So, did William and Isabella sometimes use the surname Diggles? Elizabeth GOODIER: Elizabeth Diggles, alias Goodear was born on 24 Feb 1836, and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel four days later. She was the daughter of William and Isabella Diggles, and the sponsors were Edward Wairing (sic) and Ann Myerscough. This may be the Elizabeth Goodier, an infant, of Starch Houses, who was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 2 Feb 1837, eleven days after William Goodier was buried from the same address. William GOODIER Sr: William Goodiar (sic), of Starch Houses, who was born in about 1794, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 22 Jan 1837, aged 42 years. Isabella (Worthington) Goodier remarried a year after her husband's death. Thomas Woodruffe, a widower, of full age, a weaver, of 5 Starch Houses, Preston, the son of Robert Woodruffe, a weaver, and Isabella Goodier, a widow, of full age, a weaver, of 3 Starch Houses, the daughter of Richard Worthington, a farmer, were married on 26 Feb 1838 at St Leonard's Chapel in Walton-le-Dale. They were married by Robert Hornby, and the witnesses were William Atherton and James Tomlison. Thomas and Isabella both signed the marriage register with an X. Marriage Notice: "MARRIAGES...On Monday, the 26th ult., at Walton le-Dale, Mr. Thomas Woodruff to Miss (sic) Isabella Goodier, both of the Starch Houses, in this town. He had been four weeks a disconsolate widower, - a delay which probably would not have taken place, but that the new Marriage Act requires three weeks' notice." Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 10 Mar 1838 At the time of their marriage Thomas was a widower with at least seven children. He and Isabella had one child together. Joseph Woodruff was born on 14 Apr 1839 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel seven days later, with sponsors Jane and Ellen Woodruff, and on the night of the 1841 census Thomas Woodruff, a weaver, aged c. 40, was living in Starch Houses, Preston with Isabella, aged c. 45, and eight children, John, aged c. 15; Ellen, aged c. 15; Robert, aged 14; Catherine, aged 11; Mary, aged 9; Edward, aged 6; James, aged 4; and Joseph, aged 2. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. Thomas' first wife Elizabeth and at least one of their children were buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery, and more information on the Woodruff family will be included under their surname. Note: William and Isabella's first child, Joseph, may have been the Joseph Goodear (sic) who was buried in the churchyard at St John's Parish Church on 2 Jan 1816, age 1. The burial register noted that he was a Papist. The Family of Richard and Nancy GOODIER: William and Isabella's son Richard Goodier, a bachelor, of full age, a mechanic, of Starch Houses, the son of the late William Goodier, a fire tenter, and Nancy Whiteside, a spinster, of full age, a weaver, of Fylde Road, the daughter of William Whiteside, a mechanic, were married on 17 Jan 1841 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married by J.C. Whish, Curate, and the witnesses were Richard and William Whiteside. Richard and Nancy both signed the marriage register with an X. At the time of the 1841 census Richard Goodier, a grinder in a cotton card room, aged c. 20, was living in Fylde Street, Preston with Nancy, aged c. 20. Living with them was William Goodier, an apprentice mechanic, aged c. 15. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. Their first child was born the following year. William Goodier was born on 23 Jan 1842 and was baptized on 30 Jan 1842 at St Ignatius Catholic Church in Preston, with sponsors John Woodroffe and Elizabeth Bradley. He was followed by Richard, who was born on 27 Aug 1843 and was baptized Richard Goodyear at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 24 Sep 1843, with one sponsor, Elizabeth Leaming. In each case their mother's name was recorded as Ann in the baptism registers. Richard and Nancy's third child did not survive infancy. Ann "Nancy" GOODIER: Nancy Goodier was born on 29 Jan 1845 and was baptized Ann Goodear at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 2 Feb 1845, with sponsors Joseph Dewhurst and Alice Parkinson. She died at age 21 months and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery under the name Nancy Goodhier on 19 Oct 1846, just eight days after her older brother. William GOODIER (2): William Goodier, of Chapel Street, who was born in 1842, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 11 Oct 1846, aged 4 years. Richard and Nancy's fourth child was Isabella, who was born in Feb 1848 and was baptized on 13 Feb 1848, with one sponsor, Harriet Holden. Isabella's date of birth was difficult to read but may have been 11 Feb. She was followed by a second child they called William, who was born on 12 Oct 1849 and was baptized William Goodhier at St Wilfrid's Chapel two days later, with sponsors John Smith and Rebecca Clayson. On the night of the 1851 census Richard Goodier, a grinder and glazier, aged 33, was living in Starch Houses, Preston with his wife Nancy, at home, aged 35, and three children, Richard, aged 7; Elizabeth (Isabella), aged 3; and William, aged 1. They were all listed as born in Preston. The three children were listed as "school boy", but it's unlikely that 1 year old William would have been attending school. Richard and Nancy had one more child while living in Preston, a daughter called Ellen, who was born on 24 Oct 1852 and was baptized Ellen Goodair at St Wilfrid's Chapel the same day, with one sponsor, Margaret Taylor. Her parents' names were recorded as Richard and Alice in the baptism transcripts. Sometime after Ellen's birth the family moved to Blackburn, where their seventh child was born. John Thomas Whiteside Goodier was born and died in 1855, but I have been unable to locate the record of his baptism or burial. His birth was registered in Blackburn in the first quarter of 1855 and his death was registered in Blackburn in the third quarter of that year. Richard and Nancy's eighth and last child was born two years later and was, for some reason, baptized in a Church of England church. Nancy Goodier was born on 2 Nov 1857 and was baptized on 27 Dec 1857 at St Mary the Virgin Parish Church in Blackburn. The baptism register records that she was the daughter of Richard Goodier, a grinder, and his wife Nancy, of Back Union Street. At the time of the 1861 census Richard Goodier, a machine grinder and glazier, aged 44, was living at 12 Havelock Street in Blackburn with Nancy, aged 48, and five children, Richard, a mechanic in a foundry, aged 18; Isabella, a cotton weaver, aged 13; William, a cotton weaver, aged 12; Ellen, a scholar, aged 9; and Nancy, a scholar, aged 3. They were all listed as born in Preston. Although the infant Nancy was listed as born in Preston, her birth was registered in Blackburn in 1857. Richard Sr died five years later. Richard Goodier, of 17 Great Bolton Road, the son of William Goodier, was buried on 23 Dec 1866 in the churchyard at St Mary the Virgin Parish Church in Blackburn, aged 47 years. Death Notice: "Deaths...Since our last: Richard Goodier, Great Bolton Road, aged 47 years;" Published in the Blackburn Standard, Wed., 2 Jan 1867 Sometime after Richard's death Nancy went into the Workhouse, and on the night of the 1871 census Nancy Goodier, widow, a housekeeper, aged 58, was an inmate at the Blackburn Union Workhouse, where her birthplace was recorded as Preston. She died in the workhouse eight years later. Ann "Nancy" Goodier, the daughter of William and Nancy Whiteside, who was born on 22 Nov 1815 and was baptized four days later at St John's Parish Church in Preston, died in Blackburn and was buried on 16 Jul 1879 in a public grave, U-6404, in a Church of England section of Blackburn Cemetery, aged 60 years. The burial register records that she was the "relict of Richard", and died in the workhouse. Death Notice: "Deaths...GOODIER - Nancy Goodier, Workhouse, 60." Published in the Blackburn Standard, Sat., 19 Jul 1879 Note 1: William Goodier Sr may have been the William Goodear who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 25 Aug 1793. He was the son of William and Elizabeth Goodear, and the sponsors were Thomas Banks and (blank) Rawcliffe. Note 2: William and Isabella's son William Jr, a bachelor, aged 19, a grinder, of High Street, the son of the late William Goodier, a machine maker, and Mary Hargreaves, a spinster, aged 19, of New Street, the daughter of John Hargreaves, an innkeeper, were married on 26 May 1842 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married by C. Richson, Curate, and the witnesses were Richard and Nancy Goodier. All four signed the marriage register with an X. William and Mary had eight children, all baptized at St John's Parish Church, so it would appear that William Jr had left the Catholic faith. Note 3: In 1861 Ancestry.com has indexed the family under the surname Eodier.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of John and Catherine GOODIER: John Goodear (sic) and Catherine Jarret, both of Preston, were married on 31 Jan 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 George Riley. The bride, groom and Elizabeth Goodear signed the marriage register with an X. It would appear that Catherine was pregnant when they married, as their first child was born less than six months later. William Goodear was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 7 Jul 1816, with sponsors John Fishwic (sic) and Margaret Allen. He was followed by Ann, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 27 Sep 1818, with sponsors Richard Allan and Jane Parker. She was the last child they had together. John GOODIER: John Goodier died sometime between 1818 and 1821, and I believe that he was the John Goodear (sic) buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 7 Dec 1819, with no age or abode recorded. We know he died before June 1821, when Catherine's third child was born. Robert Goodear was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 3 Jun 1821, with sponsors John Cuerden and Jane Laurenson. The baptism entry records that he was the son of Catherine Goodear, but the father was not named. A little more than a year later Catherine remarried. Catherine (Jarret) Goodear married George Osbaldeston on 24 Aug 1822 at St John's Parish Church in Preston, and had five more children, one of whom, Matthew Osbaldeston, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery in 1837.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

John GOODIER: John Goodier, who was born in about 1760, died in the Preston Workhouse in Fulwood on 22 Jan 1854, aged 93 years. Death Notice: "Deaths...On Sunday last, at the Workhouse, aged 93, John Goodier." Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 28 Jan 1854 On the night of the 1851 census John Goodier, aged 86, was a lodger in Bishopsgate, Preston, at the home of John and Margery Hodskinson. He was listed as born in Woodplumpton, and in the space for his occupation was entered "old age". He was listed as married, but was almost certainly either unmarried or a widower.

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Margaret GOODIER: Margaret Goodear (sic), of Lawson Street, who was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 27 Oct 1834, aged 83 years, may have been the Margaret Goodier, aged 65, that was listed in the 1820 Catholic census of Preston living in Avenham Street; and may also have been the Margaret Goodier listed in the 1810 Catholic census living in Singleton Row with Joseph Goodier. Unfortunately, their ages were not recorded in 1810. Margaret did not baptize any children at St Wilfrid's Chapel, and I suspect she died childless. There was no death notice published, and she did not leave a Will.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

William GOODIER: William Goodier, who was born in about 1755, died of "natural decay" in Preston on 30 Nov 1839, aged 84 years. His death was registered by Joseph Goodier, of Canal Street, who was with him when he died. William was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 2 Dec 1839, where no age or abode was recorded. There was no death notice published.

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The Family of James and Selina GOODWIN: James and Selina Goodwin were both born in Ireland, as were their known children, therefore it is safe to assume that they were married there. It is not known when the family came to Preston, but on the night of the 1841 census James Goodwine (sic), a labourer, aged c. 70, was living in Back Grimshaw Street, Preston with Selenna (sic), aged c. 60; Edward, a labourer, aged c. 40; Sarah, a cotton weaver, aged c. 25; and John, aged 3. Also staying with them was Rose Fox, aged c. 50; Hugh Fox, aged c. 15; and John Fox, aged 11. They were all listed as born in Ireland. If 3 year old John was born in Ireland it would appear that the family had only recently arrived in Preston. At the time of the 1851 census James Goodwin, aged 86, and Selina Goodwin, aged 86, were lodgers at 1 Gradwell Street, Preston, the home of Ann Bennett, a 42 year old widow. James and Selina, who were both born in Ireland, were "in receipt of Parish relief". Both James and Selina died within weeks of each other two years later. Mrs Selina GOODWIN: Selina Goodwin, who was born in Ireland in about 1773, died in Preston on 28 Nov 1853, and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 1 Dec 1853, aged 80 years. Death Notice: "DEATHS...On Monday last,...aged 80, Selina, wife of Mr. Jas. Goodwin, weaver." Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 3 Dec 1853 James Goodwin survived his wife by 28 days. James GOODWIN: James Goodwin, who was born in Ireland in about 1763, died in Preston on 26 Dec 1853, and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 29 Dec 1853, aged 90 years. Death Notice: "DEATHS...On Monday last, aged 90, Mr. Jas. Goodwin, weaver, Marsh-lane." Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 30 Dec 1853

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Sarah GOODWIN: Sarah Goodwin, of Lill's Court, who was born in about 1772, died on 31 May 1839 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 2 Jun 1839, aged 67 years. She was the wife of Edward Goodwin, a labourer. Sarah may have been the former Sarah Donnelly, a spinster, who married Edward Goodwin, a bachelor, on 22 Dec 1834 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Thomas Clark, Curate, and the witnesses were Robert Bennett and Sarah Hayes. Edward and both ladies signed the marriage register with an X. Marriage Notice: "MARRIAGES...On Monday last, Mr. Edward Goodwin to Miss Sarah Downely (sic)." Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 27 Dec 1834 If this is the right couple, Sarah would have been 64 years old when she married Edward, but their ages were not recorded in the marriage register. I can only find one Edward Goodwin living in Preston in 1841 but he was about 29 years younger than Sarah, and at the time of the 1851 census he was described as unmarried rather than a widower.

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Elizabeth GORDON: Elizabeth Gordon, who was born in about 1756, died in Preston on 11 Dec 1822 and was buried on the same day in St Wilfrid's Cemetery, aged 66 years. Death Notice: "DIED...On Wednesday se'nnight Mrs. Elizabeth Gordon, sister to Mr. Daniel McKenzie, of Preston." Published in the Lancaster Gazette, Sat., 21 Dec 1822 If Elizabeth was the sister of Daniel McKenzie we would assume that her maiden name was McKenzie. The only marriage I can find between a Gordon and a McKenzie was that of John Gordon to Elspet McKenzie. They were married on 25 Jul 1778 in Crathie and Braemar, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. If Elizabeth was born in 1756 she would have been 22 years old in 1778.

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Ann GORE: Ann Gore was born on 28 May 1836 and was baptized the following day at St Wilfrid's Chapel. She was the daughter of George and Sarah Gore, but there were no sponsors. The lack of sponsors may have been an oversight, or it may have been an emergency baptism at home if Ann was not expected to survive. She lived one month and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 28 Jun 1836, where her abode was recorded as 14 Snow Hill. Three years after their daughter's death George and Sarah had another daughter they called Ann, who was born on 5 Apr 1839 and was baptized at St Ignatius Catholic Church on 13 May 1839, with sponsors Richard Wearing and Ruth Parkinson. When her birth was registered her mother's maiden name was recorded as Moorby. These appear to have been the only children that George and Sarah baptized in Preston, and I can find no further record of this family in Preston. On the night of the 1841 census a George Gore, a hatter, aged 36, was living in Simpson Square, Bolton with Sarah, aged 33, and two children, Elizabeth, aged 13; and Sarah, aged 2. Staying with them was George Dixon, an agricultural labourer, aged 30, and Harriet Dixon, aged 32. George Gore and Harriet Dixon were listed as born in Ireland, and the rest of the household was born in Lancashire. I cannot be certain that this was the same George and Sarah Gore that baptized two children in Preston, and I can find no further record of the family. The birth of their daughter Sarah does not appear to have been registered.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of James and Mary GOULD: James Gould, a soldier, and Mary Felley, a spinster, both of Preston, were married on 20 Feb 1781 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Joseph Southward, Curate, and the witnesses were John Salter and Harry Barns. Mary's surname was spelled Fellon in the register, but she signed her own name and spelled in Felley. James and Mary made their home in Preston and baptized nine children at St Wilfrid's Chapel, where their surname was spelled Gold at each baptism. Their first child was John, who was baptized on 21 Dec 1783, with sponsors Thomas Aubin and Jane Rigby. He died in infancy and was buried in the churchyard at St John's Parish Church in Preston on 13 Jul 1785, where he was recorded in the burial register as John Gold, the son of James Gold, aged 1. James and Mary's second child was Mary, who was baptized on 7 Dec 1785, with sponsors Thomas Cowper and Mary Banks. She was followed by Elizabeth, who was baptized on 23 Feb 1787, with sponsors James Townsend and Elizabeth Allen; then Ann, who was baptized on 5 Dec 1788, with sponsors Henry and Mary Hubersty; and a second son they called John, who was baptized on 20 Apr 1791, with sponsors Joseph Holding and Mary Sharrock. He too died in infancy and was buried in the churchyard at St John's Church on 10 Jun 1792. The burial register records that he was the son of James Gold, aged 1. James and Mary's sixth child was a third son they called John, who was baptized on 5 Jun 1793, with sponsors Robert Sherliker and Rose Ascroft. He was followed by Margaret, who was baptized on 29 Feb 1796, with sponsors Henry Smith and Elizaeth Goodear; then Jane, who was baptized on 22 Apr 1798, with sponsors John and Ann Bamber; and Catherine, who was baptized on 23 Mar 1800, with sponsors William Holden and Helen Hoghton. She also died in infancy and was buried on 25 Nov 1803 in the churchyard at St John's Church, where she was recorded in the burial register as Catherine Gould, the daughter of James Gould, aged 3. The 1810 Catholic census of Preston lists James Gould living in Back Lane with Mary, and six children, Mary, aged 23; Elizabeth, aged 22; Ann, aged 21; John, aged 16; Margaret, aged 14; and Jane, aged 12. The parents' ages were not recorded. Their daughter Ann was married Richard Myerscough later that year. James and Mary's son John was married in 1816 (see below) and at the time of the 1820 Catholic census of Preston James Gold (sic), aged 79, was living at 24 Bridge Street with Mary, aged 60, and four grown children, Mary, aged 30; Betty, aged 29; Margaret, aged 24; and Jane, aged 22. James died nine years later. James GOULD: James Gould, of Bridge Street, who was born in about 1751, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 11 Nov 1829, aged 78 years. His wife survived him by almost exactly two years. Mary GOULD (1): May Gould, of Simpson Street, who was born in about 1758, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 21 Nov 1831, aged 73 years. There was no death notice published. The Family of John and Ellen GOULD: John Gould and Ellen Hutchinson, both of Preston, were married on 21 Oct 1816 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by William Towne, Curate, and the witnesses were John Fishwick and James Hatch. The bride, groom and John Fishwick signed the marriage register with an X. John and Ellen's first child was James, who was baptized James Goold at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 5 Jan 1817, with sponsors Richard Myerscough and Margaret Goold. His mother's name was incorrectly recorded as Margaret in the baptism transcripts. He was followed by Margaret, who was baptized Margaret Goold at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 11 Mar 1821, with sponsors Henry Hothersall and Dorothy Birchall. Their third and last known child did not survive infancy. Mary GOULD (2): Mary Gould was baptized Mary Gold at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 2 Apr 1825. She was listed as the daughter of John and Helen Gold, and the sponsors were John Berry and Helen Turner. Mary lived about six years and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 8 Feb 1831, where her age was recorded as "infant", and her abode was Bridge Street. The 1832 Preston electoral rolls list John Gould, a labourer, living at 27 Simpson Street, the address given when his mother died the year before, and on the night of the 1841 census John Gould, a labourer, aged c. 50, was living in Olive Street, Preston with Ellen, aged c. 45, and two grown children, James, a cotton spinner, aged c. 25; and Margaret, aged c. 20. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. John and Ellen's daughter was married the following year. Thomas Helm and Margaret Gold (sic) were married at St Mary's Parish Church in Penwortham in 1842 and James Hutchinson Gold (sic) married Hannah Fogg in the same church in 1846. Unfortunately, a fire in the church on Tuesday, 6 Jan 1857 destroyed the original parish registers and the Bishop's Transcripts do not cover this period. At the time of the 1851 census Thomas Helme, a cotton spinner, aged 29, was living at 20 Dawson Street, Preston with his wife Margaret, aged 30, and three children, John, aged 7; Eliza, a scholar, aged 5; and Henry, aged 2. Living with them, as lodgers, were Margaret's parents, John Gould, an agricultural labourer, aged 59, and Ellen Gould, aged 59. They were all listed as born in Preston. Ellen died seven years later. Ellen Gould, the wife of John Gould, a labourer, of Robert Street, was buried on 18 Apr 1858 in a public grave, J-70, in a Church of England section of Preston Cemetery, aged 66 years. Death Notice: "DEATHS...Since our last:...Ellen Gould, Robert-street, aged 66 years;" Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 24 Apr 1858 On the night of the 1861 census Richard Myerscough, a baker, aged 42, was living at 30 Brunswick Place, Preston with his wife Ann, aged 41, and five children, Robert, a scholar, aged 10; Ann, a scholar, aged 8; Thomas, a scholar, aged 6; Jane, a scholar, aged 4; and John, aged 1. Living with them as a boarder was John Gould, widower, a labourer, aged 67. With the exception of Ann, who was listed as born in Clifton, they were all listed as born in Preston. Richard Myerscough was John Gould's nephew, the son of his sister Ann (Gould) Myerscough. John Gould died six years later. John Gould died in the Woodplumpton Workhouse on 30 Mar 1867, aged 73 years, but I have been unable to locate his burial record. He was not buried in the churchyard in Woodplumpton, or in Preston Cemetery. Death Notice: "DEATHS...On the 30th ultimo, at the Workhouse, Woodplumpton, Mr. John Gould, labourer, aged 73." Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 6 Apr 1867

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Mrs Alice GRADWELL: Alice Gradwell, of Hill Place, died on 5 Sep 1836 and was buried six days later in St Wilfrid's Cemetery, aged 84 years. Her age was not recorded in the burial transcripts. Death Notice: "DEATHS...On Monday last, aged 84, Mrs. Alice Gradwell, sister of Mr. John Gradwell, Terrace, Fishergate, much and deservedly respected." Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 10 Sep 1836 This is rather confusing as both the burial record and the death notice refer to Alice as Mrs Alice Gradwell, but the death notice refers to her as the sister of John Gradwell. This could mean that she was married to someone with the same surname, or that she was actually John Gradwell's sister-in-law. A less likely possibility is that both records are mistaken, and she was actually Miss Alice Gradwell. The 1810 Catholic census lists an Alice Gradwell living in Dale Street, but did not record her age. The 1820 Catholic census lists an Alice Gradwell, aged 66, living at 4 Willow Street. Living with her was Margaret Brown, aged 28. Alice's brother, the John Gradwell of "Terrace, Fishergate" may have been the John Gradwell of Gradwell's Row, who died in 1837.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of John and Jane GRADWELL: John Gradwell a threadmaker, and Jennet (Jane) West, a spinster, both of Preston, were married on 23 Sep 1776 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by R. Andrews, Curate of Broughton, and the witnesses were William Machon and Richard Taylor. John and Jane both signed the marriage register with an X. They had been married in a Catholic ceremony at St Wilfrid's Chapel the previous day, where John's surname was spelled Gradal and Jane's name was recorded as Jenny West. John and Jane's first child was James, who was baptized James Gradal at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 4 Dec 1779, with sponsors Thomas Smythys and Margaret Sharples. He was followed by a child that was listed in the baptism transcripts as Joseph Gradal, but I am fairly certain that this was a transcription error and the child's name was actually John. He was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 1 Jan 1782, with sponsors Bernard Smith and Sarah Hubbert. I can find no record of the death of Joseph or any record of the baptism of their son John. Their third child was also baptized Joseph. He was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 13 Jul 1784, with sponsors Bernard Smith and Betty Banks. John and Jane's fourth child was baptized Joseph William at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 23 Mar 1789, with sponsors James Townsend and Mary Cuerden, but I suspect that another error was made and that the child's name was actually William. He was followed by Thomas, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 4 Jan 1792, with sponsors Richard Sharrock and Sarah Hoghton. Thomas died in infancy and was buried on 8 Apr 1792 in the churchyard at St John's Parish Church, where the burial register records that he was the son of John Gradwell. John and Jane's sixth, and apparently last, child was Catherine, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 1 Nov 1794, with sponsors Joseph Appleton and Alice Cowper. John and Jane's son Joseph married Elizabeth Pemberton at St John's Parish Church in 1808 (see below), and their son John married Mary Southworth in 1809 (see below). The 1810 Catholic census of Preston lists John Gradwell living in Friargate with Jane, James, aged 29; William, aged 20; and Catherine, aged 16. John and Jane's son William married Margaret Cuerden on 4 Jul 1812 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by J. Harrison, Officiating Minister, and the witnesses were Richard Chew and Catherine Gradwell. William, Margaret and Catherine all signed the marriage register with an X. John and Jane's daughter Catherine married Thomas Hodgson in 1814, and their son James married Alice Fazackerley in 1817 (see below). By 1820 John and Jane were living in Bridge Lane, Preston. Their married son William and his wife were living with them, as well as their married daughter Catherine and her family. The 1820 Catholic census of Preston lists John Gradwell, aged 64, living at 16 Bridge Lane with Jane, aged 67; William, aged 30; Margaret, aged 30; Thomas Hodgson, aged 28; Catherine Hodgson, aged 25; and their four children, James, aged 4; Catherine, aged 3; John, aged 2; and Mary, aged 1. This is the last record I can find of either William or Margaret Gradwell. They did not baptize any children in Preston, William was not listed in any of the Preston trade directories or the 1832 Preston electoral rolls, and neither he nor Margaret are listed in Preston in the 1841 census. I believe that they both died within a few years of the 1820 Catholic census. William GRADWELL: William Gradwell, who was born in about 1789, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 8 Nov 1824, aged 35 years. His abode was not recorded in the burial transcripts, there was no death notice published, and he did not leave a Will. Margaret GRADWELL: Margaret (Cuerden) Gradwell, like her husband, disappears from local records after 1820 and I believe that she was the Margaret Gradwell, of Marsh End, who was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 18 Dec 1825, aged 39 years. There was no death notice published, and she did not leave a Will. The 1822 Pigot's Directory of Preston lists, under Thread Makers, John Gradwell, living in Friargate; and the 1828 Pigot's Directory lists, under Thread Manufacturers, Jas. Gradwell, living at 114 Friargate. The 1832 Preston electoral rolls list John Gradwell Sr and James Gradwell, thread makers, living at 14 Marsh Lane; and John Gradwell Jr, a thread maker, living at 117 Friargate. Jane Gradwell died the following year. Jane GRADWELL (1): Jane (West) Gradwell, of Gradwell's Row, who was born in about 1751, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 1 May 1833, aged 81 years. The 1834 Pigot's Directory of Preston lists, under Thread Manufacturers, John, Joseph and James Gradwell, at 144 Friargate, although this may have been their business premises rather than their home address. The 1835 Preston electoral rolls list John Gradwell, of 14 Marsh Lane, as the owner of freehold houses in Bridge Lane, with Riley and others as tenants; and James Gradwell, at same address, as owner of a freehold house in Friargate, with Townson as tenant. John Gradwell Sr died two years later. John GRADWELL (1): John Gradwell, of Gradwells Row, who was born in about 1752, died on 11 Feb 1837 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 16 Feb 1837, aged 84 years. John Gradwell wrote a Will appointing his sons, Joseph Gradwell and John Gradwell, and Robert Cowell as his Executors and Trustees. He first directed that his just debts, funeral and testamentary expenses be paid out of his personal estate, and from his Real Estate if the personal estate was not sufficient to cover the expenses. He left all of his household goods, furniture, beds and bedding, to his wife Jane for her use and enjoyment during her lifetime. After her death the Executors were to sell it all. (Note: Jane died before John, but after he wrote his Will) John owned several leasehold properties in Friargate Brow, including two messuages or dwellinghouses and buildings, and a weaving shop or maugh house and premises, which he directed to be distributed as follows: The premises known by the name Thatched House Tavern in Friargate Brow, then in the occupation of Joseph Townsend, he gave to his son James Gradwell. The messuage or dwellinghouse behind the Thatched House Tavern, then in the occupation of his son Joseph Gradwell, he gave to his son Joseph. The "former weaving shop now a maugh house" in Friargate Brow, in the occupation of James Townsend, he gave to his son John Gradwell. He gave all of his other real estate to his Executors, Upon Trust, that from the rents, receipts, and profits they were to pay 14 shillings a week to his wife Jane Gradwell during her lifetime. After her death, the monies, if not needed to settle his debts, were to be divided equally between his sons and daughter. John's other real estate included a messuage or dwellinghouse in Marsh Lane, eleven messuages or dwellinghouses in Gradwells Row, and a parcel of vacant land behind Gradwells Row with a pump, which were to be distributed as follows: The house in Marsh Lane and two houses in Gradwells Row, then in the occupation of Robert Baines and Joseph Riley, he gave to his son John Gradwell. Three other houses in Gradwells Row, in the occupation of Peter Pickering, John Crook and John Dawson, he gave to his daughter Catherine, the wife of Thomas Hodgson. Three other houses in Gradwells Row, in the occupation of Thomas Sutcliffe, Standish Cuerden and Arthur Fish, he gave to his son Joseph. Three other houses in Gradwells Row, in the occupation of John Shuttleworth and Richard Longworth (the other was presumably vacant), he gave to his son James. In addition, each of his four children were given a one fourth part of the vacant land behind Gradwells Row, and the use and enjoyment of the pump on that land, subject to each of them paying a portion of the ground rent for the property. The houses in Gradwells Row, the vacant land, and the house in Marsh Lane were to be independently valued and if it was found that one child's inheritance was of a greater value than the others, the Executors were to make up the difference from his personal estate. John Gradwell signed his Will with his mark and seal on 19 Sep 1832, witnesses by W. Walker, Joseph Riley, and Standish Curedale (sic).   On 31 July 1837, the Will of John Gradwell, late of Preston, Yeoman, who died on or about 11 February 1837, was proved to Joseph Gradwell, thread maker, and Robert Cowell, mechanic, the surviving Executors. His personal estate was valued at under £100. Note 1: John Gradwell's son John Jr died before three years before his father (see below). Note 2: The Thatched House Tavern is not listed in the Preston trade directories for 1822, 1828 or 1834 but the 1834 Pigot's Directory of Preston lists, under Retailers of Beer, Joseph Townsend, at 48 Friargate. He was also listed in the 1832 Preston electoral rolls as a chair maker at the same address. The Family of Joseph and Elizabeth GRADWELL: Joseph Gradwell and Elizabeth Pemberton, both of Preston, were married on 1 Feb 1808 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by William Myers, Curate, and the witnesses were John Gradwell and Francis Brakenbury. Unusually for this period, they all signed their own names in the marriage register. Joseph and Elizabeth were married during the period for which the St Wilfrid's records are missing, so there is no way to know if they also had a Catholic marriage ceremony, or what children they may have had before 1813, but we know from later records that they had at least three, Cicily, who was born in about 1809; John, born in about 1810; and Ann, born in about 1811. The first of their children to appear in the surviving St Wilfrid's baptism records was Lawrence, who was baptized on 12 Jun 1814, with sponsors William Pemberton and Ann Slater. He was followed by the first of two daughters they called Jane, who was baptized on 27 Feb 1816, with sponsors James and Margaret Gradwell; then William, who was baptized on 30 Oct 1817, with sponsors William and Elizabeth Cornthwaite; then the first of two daughters to be called Mary. Mary GRADWELL (1): Mary Gradwell was baptized on 26 May 1819, with sponsors Robert and Mary Pemberton. She lived less than a year and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 9 Dec 1819, aged 1 year. The 1820 Catholic census of Preston lists Joseph Gradwell, aged 35, living at 5 Hill Street with Eliza, aged 34, and six children, Cicily, aged 11; John, aged 10; Ann, aged 9; Lawrence, aged 6; Jane, aged 4; and William, aged 2. Their daughter Jane died later that year. Jane GRADWELL (2): Jane Gradwell, who was born in 1816, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 28 Oct 1820, aged 4 years. At the time of their daughter's death, Joseph and Elizabeth would have been expecting the imminent arrival of their eighth known child, another daughter they called Jane, who was baptized just three days after they buried the first daughter they called Jane. She was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 31 Oct 1820, with sponsors Robert and Mary Pemberton. She was followed by another daughter they called Mary, who was baptized on 11 Apr 1822, with sponsors Joseph Townsend and Margaret Gradwell. The following year Joseph and Elizabeth lost another child. Jane GRADWELL (3): Jane Gradwell, who was born in 1820, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 4 Mar 1823, aged 2 years. Elizabeth would have been pregnant at the time of Jane's death, and their tenth known child was born four months later. Joseph GRADWELL (1): Joseph Gradwell was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 15 Jul 1823, with sponsors Charles Townsend and Ann Crook. Joseph died in infancy but there is no record of his burial in Preston - unless he was the child buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 28 Mar 1824, with no first name recorded. The burial transcripts record that child's age as 10 years, but Joseph would have been 10 months old in March of 1824 and I suspect a transcription error was made. I have seen quite a few entries where months and years were confused in the transcriptions. Joseph and Elizabeth's eleventh known child was Frances, who was baptized on 9 Jan 1825, with sponsors Charles Townsend and Elizabeth Waring. Her father was recorded as James instead of Joseph in the baptism transcripts. She was followed by Margaret, who was baptized on 30 Apr 1826, with sponsors William Livesay and Ann Lee; then Elizabeth, who was baptized on 25 Nov 1828, with sponsors John and Elizabeth Townsend. Joseph and Elizabeth's daughter Cicily married William Smith in 1829, and their last known child, a second son they called Joseph, was born the following year. He was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 18 Aug 1830, with sponsors John Townsend and Ann Crooke. The 1832 Preston electoral rolls list Joseph Gradwell, a threadmaker, living at 48 Friargate, where his daughter died six years later. Mary GRADWELL (2): Mary Gradwell, of Friargate, who was born in 1822, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 22 Aug 1838, aged 16 years. On the night of the 1841 census Joseph Gradwell, a thread maker, aged c. 55, was living in Friargate, Preston with Elizabeth, aged c. 55, and four children, William, a thread maker, aged c. 20; Jane, aged c. 20; Fanny, aged c. 15; and Joseph, aged 11. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. Elizabeth (Pemberton) Gradwell died eight years later. Elizabeth GRADWELL (1): Elizabeth Gradwell, of Friargate, who was born in about 1785, died on 7 Jan 1849 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery four days later, aged 63 years. Death Notice: "DEATHS...on Sunday last,...Elizabeth Gradwell, Friargate, aged 63;" Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 13 Jan 1849 At the time of the 1851 census Joseph Gradwell, widower, a thread maker, aged 65, was living at 55 Friargate, with his unmarried daughter Frances, a confectioner, aged 24. They were both listed as born in Preston. Joseph died four years later. Joseph Gradwell's death was registered in Preston in the fourth quarter of 1855, aged 71 years, but I can find no record of his burial. By 1855 St Wilfrid's Cemetery had been closed by public order, and he was not buried in the newly open Preston Cemetery or the churchyards of either St Ignatius Catholic Church or St John's Parish Church. It is possible that he was buried in the churchyard at St Augustine's Catholic Church, but their early burial register is apparently missing. The Family of John GRADWELL: John Gradwell and Mary Southworth, both of Preston, were married on 28 Aug 1809 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by William Myers, Curate, and the witnesses were Thomas Thompson and F. Brackenbury. Mary signed the marriage register with an X. John and Mary were married during the period for which the St Wilfrid's records are missing, so there is no way to know if they also had a Catholic marriage ceremony, or what children they may have had before 1813. At the time of the 1810 Catholic census of Preston John and Mary were living in Friargate, near to his parents John and Jane Gradwell, but did not yet have children. Their first known child, Richard, was born in about 1811. The first of their children to appear in the surviving St Wilfrid's records was John, who was baptized on 16 May 1813, with sponsors John Townsend and Catherine Gradwell. He was followed by Elizabeth, who was baptized on 6 Jun 1816, with sponsors John and Elizabeth Southworth. Mary (Southward) Gradwell died some time before 1819, but was not buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery or in the churchyard at St John's Parish Church, and I have been unable to find the record of her burial elsewhere. It is also thought that their daughter Elizabeth did not survive. John remarried in 1819. John Gradwell, a widower, and Isabella Miller, a spinster, both of Preston, were married on 13 Feb 1819 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Matthew Mark, Curate, and the witnesses were William Gradwell and Lawrence Tomlison. They also had a Catholic ceremony at St Wilfrid's Chapel on the same day, where Isabella's name was recorded as Isabel Millar, and the witnesses were William and Margaret Gradwell. When Isabela married John he was a widower with at least two children. Their first child together was Joseph, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 9 Jan 1820, with sponsors Joseph and Elizabeth Gradwel. Their surname was spelled Gradwel in the baptism transcript. The 1820 Catholic census of Preston lists John Gradwell, aged 33, living at 36 Friargate with Isabella, aged 21, and three children, Richard, aged 9; John, aged 7; and Joseph, aged 1. Staying with them was Lucy Gardiner, aged 12. Their second child together was born the following year. Catherine Gradwell was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 20 May 1821, with sponsors Charles Townsend and Ann Carter. Catherine's mother was listed in the transcripts as Elizabeth instead of Isabella, but as Isabella was the Latin form of Elizabeth it may be that an error was made in the original entry. Catherine was followed by a child that did not survive infancy. Jane GRADWELL (4): Jane Gradwell was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 22 Dec 1822, with sponsors Thomas Hodgson and Ann Pemberton. She died in infancy, but I can find no record of her burial - unless she was the infant buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery in May 1823, with no first name or abode recorded. They exact date of the burial was not recorded, and the child's age was recorded simply as "infant". John and Isabella's fourth child was another daughter they called Jane, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 4 Jan 1824, with sponsors Thomas Hodgson and Ann Pemberton. She was followed by George, who was baptized on 17 Sep 1826, with sponsors Thomas and Mary Millar. Their surname was spelled Gradwel in each case. Six weeks after baptizing George, John and Isabella lost their eldest child. Joseph GRADWELL (2): Joseph Gradwell, who was born in 1820, died in childhood and is almost certainly the J. Gradwell, of Friargate, who was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 1 Nov 1826, aged 6 years. John and Isabella's sixth child was another son they called Joseph, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 23 Mar 1828, with sponsors Joseph and Elizabeth Gradwell. He was followed William, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 3 Jan 1830, with sponsors William and Catherine Hoskisson; then Lucy, their eighth and last known child, who was baptized on 26 Jan 1834 at St Mary's Catholic Chapel in Preston, with sponsors William Gillow and Ann Gradwell. In another error in the transcripts, her parents were recorded as Henry and Isabella. Lucy was less than four months old when she lost her father. John GRADWELL (2): John Gradwell, a threadmaker, of Friargate, who was born in about 1785, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 20 Apr 1834, aged 48 years. There was no death notice published, and he did not leave a Will. Isabella never remarried but she did have further children. Isabella Gradwell was born on 12 Jan 1841 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel four days later, with sponsors William Gillow and Lucy Worthington. Two months later, she lost another child. Jane GRADWELL (5): Jane Gradwell, of Butler's Court, who was born in about 1824, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 28 Mar 1841, aged 17 years. On the night of the 1841 census Isabella Gradwell, a female servant, aged c. 40, ws living in Butlers Court, Preston with three children, William, aged 11; Lucy, aged 7; and Isabella, aged 5 months. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. Sometime after 1841 Isabella moved her family to Liverpool, where another child was born. Mary Ann Gradwell was born on 11 Jan 1843, and was baptized Mary Ann Garrity Gradwell at St Anthony's Catholic Church in Liverpool four days later. The baptism register shows the parents as Thomas and Isabella, but I suspect that the father was called Thomas Garrity and that he was not married to Isabella. Mary Ann's birth does not appear to have been registered under either surname. The family did not stay in Liverpool long, moving again to Layton with Warbreck, near Blackpool, and at the time of the 1851 census Isabella Gradwell, a widow, was living in the village of Layton with three children, George, a journeyman butcher, aged 24; Isabella, a scholar, aged 10; and Mary A., a scholar, aged 8. Also staying with her was a grandson, Thomas Miller, a scholar, aged 9. Isabella Sr was listed as born in Poulton, George and Isabella Jr were born in Preston, and Mary Ann and Thomas were born in Liverpool. Although Thomas was listed as Isabella's grandson, he may have been related in some other way, as his surname was the same as Isabella's maiden name. Two months after the date of the census John and Isabella's son George was married in Preston. George Gradwell a bachelor, aged 25, a butcher, of Lune Street, the son of the late John Gradwell, a thread maker, and Mary Hall, a spinster, aged 28, a servant, of Winckley Square, the daughter of George Hall, a miner, were married on 29 Jun 1851 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married by John Kitton, Curate, and the witnesses were Richard and Alice Gradwell. George, Mary and Alice all signed the marriage register with an X. Marriage Notice: "MARRIAGES...On Sunday last,...Mr. George Gradwell to Miss Mary Hall." Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 5 Jul 1851 By the time of the 1861 census Isabella had moved again, and on the night of the census Isabella Gradwell, widow, a lodging house keeper, aged 61, was living a 3 Lark Hill in Blackpool with her married daughter Isabella Lord, aged 20; her son-in-law Richard Lord, a joiner and carpenter, aged 24; and two granddaughters, Catherine Gradwell, a scholar, aged 7; and Alice Ann Gradwell, a scholar, aged 3. Isabella Sr was listed as born in Poulton-le-Fylde, Richard Lord was born in Bacup, Alice Ann was born in Blackpool, and Isabella Jr and Catherine were born in Preston. Meanwhile, Isabella's daughters Lucy Gradwell, a chambermaid, aged 27, and Mary Ann Gradwell, an assistant chambermaid, aged 18, were living and working at the Lane End Hotel in Blackpool. Lucy was listed as born in Preston and Mary Ann was born in Liverpool. Isabella (Miller) Gradwell died five years later. Isabella Gradwell died in Blackpool on 9 Apr 1866, but I have been unable to find her place of burial. Blackpool had no municipal cemetery at the time, and she was not buried in the churchyard at St John the Evangelist Parish Church. Death Notice: "DEATHS...On the 9th inst., Isabella, relict of Mr. John Gradwell, thread maker, Blackpool, formerly of Preston, aged 63." Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 14 Apr 1866 Note 1: Isabella's age varied from one record to another. When her death was registered in 1866 her age was recorded as 63 years, but she was almost certainly a few years older than that. Note 2: John and Isabela's daughter Catherine, who gave birth to a son she called Richard in 1841, married Thomas Sharp in 1844, but died less than fifteen months later. Catherine (Gradwell) Sharp died on 13 Mar 1846 and was buried the following day in St Wilfrid's Cemetery, aged 24 years. Death Notice: "DEATHS...Yesterday week, Catherine Sharp, Spring-gardens, aged 24." Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 21 Mar 1846 The Family of James and Alice GRADWELL: James Gradwell, a bachelor, and Alice Phizackerley (sic), aged 35, both of Preston, were married on 14 Sep 1817 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married, by licence, by Roger Carus Wilson, Vicar, and the witnesses were Robert Cowell and Betty Phizackerley. The Vicar took the unusual step of recording Alice's age, but did not record James' age. He would have been about 37 years old. Marriage Notice: "MARRIAGES...On Sunday last,...Mr. James Gradwell, thread-manufacturer, to Miss Alice Fazackerley, both of Preston." Published in the Lancaster Gazette, Sat., 20 Sep 1817 Perhaps due to their ages when they married, James and Alice had just three children, all baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel, beginning with William, who was baptized on 28 Jun 1818, with sponsors Robert Cowel and Margaret Gradwel (sic). He was followed by Jane, who was baptized on 19 Jul 1819, with sponsors John Townsend and Ann Waring. In both instances the family's surname was spelled Gradwel. The 1820 Catholic census of Preston lists James Gradwell, aged 40, living at 50 Friargate with two children, William, aged 2; and Jane, aged 1. The fact that Alice wasn't listed may mean that she was not a Catholic. James and Alice's third and last known child was John, who was baptized on 8 Aug 1821, with sponsors William Gradwell and Catherine Hoskinson. The 1828 Pigot's Directory lists, under Thread Manufacturers, Jas. Gradwell, living at 114 Friargate. The 1832 Preston electoral rolls list James Gradwell, a thread maker, living at 14 Marsh Lane. The 1834 Pigot's Directory of Preston lists, under Thread Manufacturers, John, Joseph and James Gradwell, at 144 Friargate, although this may have been their business premises rather than their home address. The 1835 Preston electoral rolls list James Gradwell, of 14 Marsh Lane, as owner of a freehold house in Friargate, with Townson as tenant. James died four years later. James GRADWELL: James Gradwell, a thread maker, of 28 Marsh Lane, who was born in 1779, died of asthma on 9 Mar 1839 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery four days later, aged 60 years. There was no death notice published, and he did not leave a Will. The last record I can find of Alice (Fazackerley) Gradwell was when she registered the death of her husband. She was not listed in Preston on the night of the 1841 census, and I can find no record of her remarriage or death before 1841. The Family of William GRADWELL: James and Alice's son William Gradwell, a bachelor, and Alice Harrison, a spinster, both of Clayton in the Parish of Leyland, were married on 22 Jan 1837 at St Andrew's Parish Church in Leyland. They were married after Banns by Gardner Baldwin, Vicar, and the witnesses were Thomas Gregson and Mary Robinson. The bride and both witnesses signed the marriage register with an X. After marrying in Leyland William and Alice settled in Preston, and baptized their first child at St Wilfrid's Chapel nine months later. Elizabeth GRADWELL (2): Elizabeth Gradwell was born on 24 Sep 1837 and was baptized on 1 Oct 1837, with sponsors Thomas Gregson and Mary Robinson. She did not survive infancy and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 3 Jan 1838, aged 14 weeks. Her abode was recorded as Marsh Lane in the burial transcripts. William and Alice's second child was Mary, who was born on 16 Dec 1838 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel seven days later, with sponsors Thomas Gregson and Mary Robinson. She was followed by Jane, who was born on 18 Oct 1840 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 25 Oct 1840, with sponsors Henry Grundy and Margaret Gillow. On the night of the 1841 census William Gradwell, a bookkeeper, aged c. 20, was living in Gradwell Street, Preston with Alice, aged c. 25; and two children, Mary, aged 2; and Jane, aged 7 months. Staying with them was Elizabeth Harrison, a female servant, aged c. 45; and John Cutler, a journeyman tailor, aged c. 35. They were all listed as born in Preston. William and Alice's fourth child was another daughter they called Elizabeth, who was born on 27 Dec 1842 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 1 Jan 1843, with sponsors Robert Greenough and Margaret Margeson. She was followed by Ann, who was born on 8 Feb 1845 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel the following day, with sponsors David Hothersall and Mary Holden; then James, who was born on 28 Apr 1847 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 2 May 1847, with sponsors William and Marianne Reeder. Less than a year after their son's birth, they lost another child. Elizabeth GRADWELL (3): Elizabeth Gradwell, of Gradwell Street, who was born in 1842, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 22 Feb 1848, aged 5 years. William and Alice's seventh child was John Gilbert, who was born on 12 July 1849 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel three days later, with sponsors William and Ann Walmsley, and on the night of the 1851 census William Gradwell, a bookkeeper and school master, aged 32, was living in Gradwell Street, Preston with his wife Alice, aged 36, and five children, Mary, a scholar, aged 12; Jane, a scholar, aged 10; Ann, a scholar, aged 6; James, aged 3; and John Gualbert, aged 1. Also staying with them was Alice's mother, Elizabeth Harrison, a widow, aged 56. Alice and her mother were listed as born in Euxton, and the rest of the family were born in Preston. William and Alice's eighth child was a third daughter they called Elizabeth, who was born on 28 Dec 1852 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel the following day, with one sponsor, Margaret Margison. I suspect that Elizabeth's baptism was an emergency baptism, which might explain why she had just one sponsor. She lived just three days. Elizabeth Gradwell, of Brunswick Street, was buried in the churchyard St Ignatius Catholic Church on 2 Jan 1853, aged 3 days. William and Alice's ninth child was Alice, who was born on 19 Jan 1854 and was baptized at St Ignatius Church on 22 Jan 1854, with sponsors Henry and Mary Hodgeon, and at the time of the 1861 census William Gradwell, a bookkeeper, aged 42, was living at 5 Steward Street, Preston with Alice, a housewife, aged 45, and five children, Mary, a cotton weaver, aged 22; Ann, a cotton weaver, aged 18; James, a confectioner, aged 13; John Gualbert, a scholar, aged 11; and Alice, a scholar, aged 7. Still living with them was his widowed mother-in-law, Elizabeth Harrison, aged 67. Alice (Harrison) Gradwell died seven years later. Alice Gradwell, of 60 Fylde Road, was buried on 15 Aug 1868 in a public grave, Q-51, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 54 years. William and Alice's grandson, John William Gradwell, was born not long after Alice's death and on the night of the 1871 census William Bradwell, (sic) widower, a club collector, aged 52, was living at 60 Fylde Road, Preston with three of his unmarried children, Mary, a cotton weaver, aged 32; Jane, a housekeeper, aged 30; and John G., a cotton warehouseman, aged 21. Also staying with him was his grandson, John W. Gradwell, aged 2. William remarried later that year. William Gradwell, a widower, the son of (James) Gradwell, married Ann Walmsley, a widow, the daughter of (William) Tomlinson, were married on 19 Apr 1871 at St Walburge's Catholic Church in Preston. They were married by Richard Payne, and the witnesses were (Lawrence) Joseph Sargent and Ellen Sargent. The handwriting in the register was poor and the ink faded, making the entry difficult to read. William and Ann had two daughters. Margaret Gradwell was born in about 1872, but I have been unable to find any record of her baptism. Their second child was Ellen Ann, who was born on 27 Oct 1873 and was baptized the next day at St Walburge's Church, with sponsors John and Mary Ann Slone. Ellen Ann's birth may have been a difficult one for Ann, who died shortly after her birth. Ann (Tomlinson) Walmsley-Gradwell, of 60 Fylde Road, was buried on 31 Oct 1873 in a private grave, C-427, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 39 years. Hers was the second interment, buried 10 feet deep. Their daughter died a month later. Margaret Gradwell, of 1 Weston Street, was buried on 27 Nov 1873 in the same grave where her mother had been buried 27 days earlier, aged 1 year. Less than eight months after his second wife's death. William married for a third time. William Gradwell, a widower, aged 55, a collector, of Bird Street, the son of the late James Gradwell, a thread manufacturer, and Ann Porter, a widow, aged 41, of Fishergate, the daughter of Robert Canny, a shoemaker, were married on 25 Jun 1874 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married, by licence, by Edmund Lee, Curate, and the witnesses were John and Margaret Houghton. Marriage Notice: "MARRIAGES...On the 25th inst., at the Parish Church, Preston...Mr. William Gradwell to Mrs. Ann Porter." Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 27 Jun 1874 On the night of the 1881 census William Gradwell, a retired club collector, aged 62, was living at 221 Brook Street, Preston with his third wife Ann, a shopkeeper, aged 47, and his daughter Ellen A, a scholar, aged 7. Also living with them was a step-daughter, Agnes Porter, a dressmaker, aged 16; and a boarder, Alice Hoghton, a cotton winder, aged 17. William, Ellen and the boarder were listed as born in Preston, Ann was born in Kirkham, and Agnes was born in Carrs Green. William died the following year. William Gradwell, a burial club collector, died of apoplexy and paralysis on 21 Jul 1882 at 221 Brook Street. His death was registered by his step-daughter, A. Porter, of 221 Brook Street. He was buried on 25 Jul 1882 in a private grave, C-278, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 63 years. His was the fifth interment, buried 13 feet deep. Death Notice: "DEATHS...PRESTON - Burials since our last:...Wm. Gradwell, Brook-street, 63" Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 29 Jul 1882. Note: Although William and Alice's son was baptized John Gilbert Gradwell, in later records his name was recorded as John Gualbert Gradwell.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of John and Margaret GRADWELL: John Gradwell, a yeoman, of Clifton in the Parish of Kirkham, and Margaret Gregson, a spinster, of the Parish of Blackburn, were married on 13 Oct 1774 at St Mary the Virgin Parish Church in Blackburn. They were married, by licence, by Rev. William Hewertson, Curate, and the witnesses were Peter Nevill and John Nevill. Unusually for this date, they all signed their own names in the marriage register. According to a history of St Thomas' Catholic Chapel in Claughton-on-Brock [Catholic History Society vol. XX], John Gradwell was descended from the ancient family of Gradell, of Barbles Moor in Ulnes Walton; and Margaret was the daughter and heiress of John Gregson, of Green House, Balderstone. After marrying in Blackburn John and Margaret settled in Clifton-with-Salwick, and baptized ten children at the Catholic Chapel of Salwick Hall, beginning with Richard, who was baptized on 26 Aug 1775, with sponsors George Gregson and Alice Gradwell. He was followed by twins, John and Robert, who were baptized on 26 Jan 1777, with sponsors William and Helen Brown and Thomas and Dorothy Brown; then George, who was baptized on 6 Feb 1779, with sponsors Richard Gregson OSB and Maria Hall; then the first of three sons they called Henry, who was baptized on 24 Jul 1781, with sponsors Robert Hummer and Anne Brown. He was buried on 9 Jan 1785 in the churchyard at St Michael's Parish Church in Kirkham. John and Margaret's sixth child was Esther, who was baptized 22 Jan 1784, with sponsors Thomas Blacow and Margaret Goodier; followed by the second son they called Henry, Henry Felix, who was baptized on 30 May 1786, with sponsors Robert and Anne Smith. He was buried on 3 Mar 1788 in the churchyard at St Michael's Church in Kirkham. John and Margaret's eighth child was the first of two to be called Ann, who was baptized on 11 Nov 1789, with sponsors Robert and Anna Smith. She was buried in the churchyard at Kirkham on 8 Feb 1790. John and Margaret's ninth child was the third son they called Henry, Henry Odo, who was baptized on 19 Nov 1792, with sponsors Robert and Anne Smith. He was followed by a second child they called Ann, who was baptized on 3 Jul 1796, with sponsors Thomas Singleton and Maria Gregson. Some time after Ann's birth the family moved to Preston and the 1810 Catholic census of Preston lists "Mr Gradwell" living in Lord Street with "Mrs Gradwell", and three children, John, George, and Ann, aged 14. Ann's age was the only one to be recorded. Their son George was married nine years later (see below). Margaret Gradwell died in Preston and her body was taken back to Lea for burial in the Catholic churchyard. The burial register records that Margaret Gradwell, of Preston, formerly of Clifton, the wife of John Gradwell, was buried on 27 Jul 1827. John Gradwell, of Preston, was buried in the same churchyard on 24 Apr 1829. Their ages were not recorded in the burial register. Note: Two of John and Margaret's sons became priests. Robert Gradwell, who was born one of twins in 1777, was ordained on 4 Dec 1802 and went to the Catholic chapel at Claughton-on-Brock on 18 Jul 1809. He was priest there until he left on 15 Sep 1817, leaving his brother Henry in charge. He died in London on 15 Mar 1833, aged 56 years. Death Notice: "DEATHS...On the 15th inst., the Right Rev. Dr. Gradwell, Bishop of Lydda, and coadjutor to the Right Rev. Dr. Branstone, Bishop of Usula, Vicar Apostolic in the London District, and brother of the Messrs. Gradwell, merchants, of this town." Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 30 Mar 1833 Henry Odo Gradwell, who was born in 1792, was ordained on 3 Oct 1803 and took over the mission at Claughton in 1817, where he remained until his death on 22 May 1860. At that time Claughton Chapel did not have a burial ground so his body was conveyed to Preston for burial in the Gradwell family vault in the churchyard at St Augustine's Catholic Church. Death Notice: "DEATHS...On Tuesday last, at the Rectory, Claughton, the Very Rev. Henry Gradwell, formerly Grand Vicar, and canon of the diocese of Liverpool, aged 67." Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 26 May 1860 The mission at Claughton-on-Brock was taken over by two of his nephews, the sons of George Gradwell (see below). The Family of Richard and Jane GRADWELL: Richard Gradwell, a bachelor, and Jane Marsh, a spinster, both of Hindley in the Parish of Wigan, were married on 12 Feb 1798 at All Saints Parish Church in Hindley. They were married, by licence, by Rev. J. Gibson, Minister of Wigan, and the witnesses were Jonathan Thomason and James Mackie. All four signed their own names in the marriage register. It is not known where Richard and Jane began their married life or where their children were born. It would appear that they had only two children, Margaret, who was born in about 1799, and Esther, who was born in about 1804. They were not listed in the 1810 Catholic census of Preston, but by the time of the 1820 Catholic census Richard Gradwell, aged 45, was living at 6 Lune Street with Jane, aged 44, Margaret, aged 20; and Esther, aged 16. Sometime after 1820 the family moved to Liverpool, where both of their daughters died. Margaret, who had married Richard Carr in Preston on 26 May 1823, died in Liverpool on 13 Sep 1831 and her body was brought back to Preston for burial in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 16 Sep 1831, aged 32 years. Death Notice: "DEATHS...On Tuesday last, at the house of her father, Mr. Gradwell, Liverpool, Margaret, the wife of Mr. Richard Carr, of this town, aged 32. Her Christian virtues will cause her to be long regretted and lamented by her family and friends." Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 17 Sep 1831 Richard and Jane's youngest daughter died the following month. Esther GRADWELL: Esther Gradwell, of Liverpool, who was born in about 1804, died in Liverpool on 28 Aug 1831 and, like her sister's, her body was brought back to Preston for burial in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 30 Aug 1831, aged 27 years. Death Notice: "DIED...On the 28th ult., aged 27, Esther, youngest daughter of Mr. Gradwell, Stafford-street, Liverpool, late of Preston." Published in the Lancaster Gazette, Sat., 10 Sep 1831 Richard Gradwell, described variously as a corn merchant, merchant, and home owner, was listed living in Stafford Street in the 1832, 1835 and 1837 Liverpool electoral rolls, and it was in 1837 that his wife died. Jane GRADWELL: Jane (Marsh) Gradwell, of Liverpool, who was born in about 1765, died in Liverpool on 28 Jun 1837 and her body was brought back to Preston for burial in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 1 Jul 1837, aged 72 years. Death Notice: "DEATHS...On Wednesday last,...Jane, wife of Mr. Richard Gradwell, of Liverpool, formerly of this town, aged 72." Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 1 July 1837 After the death of his wife, Richard returned to Preston and moved in with his former son-in-law Richard Carr, the husband of his late daughter Margaret, who was by then remarried. On the night of the 1841 census Richard Carr, a corn dealer, aged c. 40, was living in Lord Street, Preston with Ann, aged c. 30, and one child, Hannah, aged 3. Living with them was Richard Gradwell, Ind. (of independent means), aged c. 65, and two servants, Ann Edmondson, aged c. 25; and Mary Cross, aged c. 15. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. Richard died the following year. Richard Gradwell died on 26 Oct 1842, aged 67 years. He was probably buried in the family vault at St Augustine's Church, but their early burial register is apparently missing. Death Notice: "DEATHS...On Wednesday last, after a short illness, aged 67, Richard Gradwell, Esq., of this town," Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 29 Oct 1842 Richard Gradwell wrote a Will assigning his brother George Gradwell, of Preston, merchant, his brother Reverend Henry Gradwell of Claughton, clerk, and Richard Carr of Preston, corn merchant, to be the Executors and Administrators of his estate. He left them his messuage, farm and lands in Balderston, then in the possession of James Cronkshaw; three houses in Great Avenham Street, and any other messuages, lands, tenements and real estate he possessed at the time of his death; as well as his personal estate and effects, Upon Trust, that the Executors call in and convert into money all of his personal estate, then pay his just debts, funeral and testamentary expenses, and invest the residue. They were to stand possessed of his real estate, trust monies and securities, and pay the rents, interest, etc., to Richard Carr during his lifetime, for his own use and benefit. After Richard Carr's death the rents, profits and interest was to be paid to his sons, John Carr and James Carr, when they had reached the age of 21 years. If only one of the children survived their father, the whole of the monies would go to that child. If either of the sons were under the age of 21 years at the time of Richard Carr's death the Executors were to use that child's share of the monies for their maintenance and education until they reached the age of 21 years. Richard signed the Will on 11 May 1841, which was witnessed by Edward R Harris and George Ashworth, his clerk.   On 15 March 1843 the Will of Richard Gradwell, late of Preston, Gentleman, "who departed this life on 26 Oct 1842" was proved and Richard Carr, one of the Executors, was sworn to administer the estate, with power being reserved by the other two Executors, George Gradwell and Rev. Henry Gradwell. The personal estate was valued at less than £2000. Note: "John's eldest son, Richard, by his wife Jane, the daughter of Peter Marsh, of Hindley, cotton manufacturer, had an only (sic) daughter and heir Margaret, who married Richard Carr, of Preston, corn merchant, and carried the Balderstone estate to that family." Excerpt from a brief history of the Parish of Brindle, published in Catholic Record Society volume XXIII. The Family of George and Mary GRADWELL: George Gradwell, a bachelor, aged 40, a linen merchant, of Preston, and Mary Ashurst, a spinster, aged 31, of the Parish of Burton in Cheshire, were married on 29 Jun 1819 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married, by licence, by Roger Carus Wilson, Vicar, and the witnesses were Ann Gradwell, John Gradwell, Iona Lodge, R. Greenough, and Alice Greenough. Their ages and George's marital status were not recorded in the marriage register and are taken from the Marriage Bond, dated 28 Jun 1819. Marriage Notice: "MARRIED...On Tuesday last, Geo. Gradwell, Esq., merchant, of Preston, to Miss Ashurst, of Puddington, near Chester." Published in the Lancaster Gazette, Sat., 3 Jul 1819 According to a history of St Thomas' Catholic Chapel in Claughton-on-Brock [Catholic History Society vol. XX], Mary was the daughter of Richard Ashurst, steward to Sir Thomas Massey-Stanley, of Puddington Hall and Hooton Hall in Cheshire, Bart. Her mother was Mary, the daughter of John Blundell, of Preston, corn merchant. George and Mary's first child was Mary Ann, who was baptized Marianne Gradwell at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 23 Apr 1820, with sponsors John and Ann Gradwell, and the 1820 Catholic census of Preston lists George Gradwell, aged 20 (sic), living at 41 Fishergate with Mary and Ann (Mary Ann), whose ages were not recorded. They later moved to Lord Street and the 1822 Pigot's Directory lists, under Corn and Flour Dealers, John and George Gradwell, Lord Street. They are also listed under Linen Drapers as Jno. & Geo. Gradwell (importers of Irish linens, &c. and corn merchants), Lord Street. George and Mary's second child was born that same year. John Joseph Gradwell was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 22 Apr 1822, with sponsors Robert Ashurst and Alice Greenough. He was followed by Richard, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 30 Apr 1824, with sponsors Rev. Henry Gradwell and Margaret Sidgreaves; and Robert, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 26 Oct 1825, with sponsors Richard and Jane Gradwell. Their fifth child is a bit of a mystery as I can find no record of his baptism. George Gradwell was born in about 1827 and I only discovered him through the obituary published when he died in 1855, where he was referred to as the youngest son of the late George Gradwell. The 1828 Pigot's Directory of Preston lists, under Corn & Flour Dealers, Jno. and Geo. Gradwell, at 2, 3 & 4 Lord Street. Their sixth and last child was born two years later. Henry GRADWELL: Henry Joseph Gradwell was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 6 Nov 1830, with sponsors James McCanna and Jennette Arrowsmith. He lived about seven weeks and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 28 Dec 1830, where his age was recorded as "infant" and his abode was recorded as Lord Street. The 1832 Preston electoral rolls list George Gradwell, a corn dealer, living at 2 and 3 Lord Street; the 1834 Pigot's Directory of Preston lists, under Corn & Flour Dealers, John and George Gradwell, 3 Lord Street; and the 1835 Preston electoral rolls list George Gradwell, of Lord Street, as owner of a freehold house in Fishergate, with John Gradwell as tenant. His daughter was married four years later. James Gernon, the son of James and Marian Gernon of Castello Atheam, County Meath, Ireland, and Mary Ann Gradwell, daughter of George and Mary Gradwell of Preston, were married on 30 Oct 1839 at St Wilfrid's Chapel, witnessed by John and Ann Gradwell, both of Preston. Marriage Notice: "MARRIAGES - On Wednesday last, at St. Wilfrid's Catholic Chapel, by the Rev. A. Barrow, James, the eldest son of James Gernon, Esq., of Athcarne Castle, county of Meath, Ireland, to Mary Ann, only daughter of George Gradwell, Esq., of this town." Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 2 Nov 1839 On the night of the 1841 census George Gradwell, a corn merchant, aged c. 40 (sic), was living in Lytham with Mary, aged c. 50, and two children, John, aged c. 15; and Richard, aged c. 15. Also staying with them was their married daughter Mary Gernon, Ind. (of independent means), aged c. 20, and her son James Gernon, aged 8 months. James Gernon was listed as born in Ireland and the rest of the family were born in Lancashire. Mary died seven years later. Mary (Ashurst) Gradwell died in Preston on 4 Apr 1848, aged 61 years. She was almost certainly buried in the Gradwell family vault in the churchyard at St Augustine's Catholic Church in Preston, but their early burial register is apparently missing. Death Notice: "DEATHS...On Tuesday last, after a long and painful illness, Mrs. Gradwell, wife of George Gradwell, Esq., Bushell-place, aged 61 years." Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 8 Apr 1848 Not long after the death of his wife, George resigned as Director of the Ribble Navigation Company, and his son was appointed to replace him. Newspaper Item: "RIBBLE NAVIGATION COMPANY - On Thursday last, Mr. Richard Gradwell, corn merchant, of this town, was appointed director of the Ribble Navigation Company, in place of his father, Geo. Gradwell, Esq., who had resigned that office." Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 15 Jul 1848 George Gradwell died in Preston on 2 Dec 1849, aged 70 years. He too was probably buried in the family vault at St Augustine's Church. Death Notice: "DEATHS. On Sunday last, at his residence, Bushell-place, in the 71st year of his age, George Gradwell, Esq., an alderman and a justice of the peace for this borough, and for many years an extensive corn merchant in Preston. Mr. Gradwell was a member of the Roman Catholic communion, and to his liberality and personal exertions the Catholics of this town are in a great measure indebted for the erection of the church and schools of St. Augustine." Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 8 Dec 1849   Note 1: Two of George and Margaret's sons became priests. George Gradwell Jr, who was born in about 1827, was ordained in 1853 but suffered ill health and died in Torquay, Devon on 23 Nov 1855, aged 28 years. Death Notice: "DEATHS...Yesterday week, at Torquay, in the 29th year of his age, the Rev. George Gradwell, youngest son of the late George Gradwell, Esq., of this town." Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 1 Dec 1855 Robert Gradwell, who was born in 1825, was ordained on 20 Dec 1849 and served at St Augustine's Catholic Church in Preston from June 1852 to June 1856, when he went to Claughton-on-Brock to assist his uncle Henry Odo Gradwell, who he succeeded after Henry's death in 1860. He was made a Monsignor in 1882 and died in Claughton on 16 May 1906, aged 81. He was buried in the burial ground next to the chapel. Note 2: George and Mary's grandson James Gernon died suddenly on 12 Feb 1859. Death Notice: "DEATHS...At the residence of his father, Athcarne Castle, County Meath, from rupture of a blood-vessel, Jas. George, eldest son of James Gernon, jun., Esq., aged 18 years." Published in The Belfast Newsletter, Tue., 15 Feb 1859.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Samuel GRADWELL: Samuel Gradwell was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 18 Dec 1831. He was the son of John and Catherine Gradwell, and the sponsors were Lawrence Gradwell and Margaret Kellet. He lived almost exactly one year and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 17 Dec 1832, where his age was recorded as "infant", and his abode was recorded as Friargate. This couple is a complete mystery. I can find no record of the marriage of a John Gradwell to anyone called Catherine (or Katherine) prior to 1831, this is the only child they baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel, and I can find no record of them living anywhere in Lancashire in 1841 or later. It is tempting to wonder if Samuel's parents' names were recorded incorrectly in the transcripts. Could he have actually been the son of John and Isabella (Miller) Gradwell, who were living in Friargate at about this time?

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Mary GRADY: Mary Grady, of 40 Russell Street, the daughter of Lakey and Savoyah Grady, died of smallpox on 5 Aug 1839, and was buried two days later in St Wilfrid's Cemetery, aged 1 year. Lakey and Savoyah Grady were both born in Ireland, and it appears that they were married there. I can find no record of Mary's birth in Lancashire, and it may be that she too was born in Ireland. On the night of the 1841 census Lackie Gready (sic), a mason, aged 29, was living at 49 Lancaster Road with Cibenia (sic), aged 24, and Malachie, aged 1. They were living at the home of John England, a labourer, aged 40, his wife Mary, aged 41, and their four children, John Jr, aged 13; Michael, aged 10; Hannah, aged 11; and Mary A, aged 6. Also living at the address was Patrick Gready, a labourer, aged 22; John Walsh, a labourer, aged 27; Joseph Hall, a labourer, aged 30; Margaret Hall, aged 40; Edward MacDonald, a labourer, aged 30; and Michael MacDonald, aged 5. They were all listed as born in Ireland. I believe that Lacky, or Lackie, was a nickname for Malachie - but the spelling of their first and last names is questionable. I can find no further record of this family. They did not baptize any children at St Wilfrid's Chapel and were not living in Lancashire at the time of the 1851 census.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

William GRAHAM: William Graham was born on 16 Sep 1843 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 2 Oct 1843. He was the son of Elizabeth Graham, and the sponsors were James Butler and Ann Shaw. The father's name was recorded in the baptism transcripts as George Wareing. On the night of the 1841 census Elizabeth Graham, a cotton winder, aged c. 25, was living in Pitt Street, Preston. She was living, presumably as a lodger, at the home of Joseph Shaw, a joiner, aged c. 40; his wife Mary, aged c. 40, and their daughter Ellen, a cotton winder, aged 18. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. Although listed as aged 25, Elizabeth was almost certainly much younger, and was probably about 17 or 18 years old. At the time of the 1851 census Joseph Shaw, a joiner, aged 53, was living at 16 Arthur Street, Preston with Mary, aged 53, and their daughter Ellen, a dressmaker, aged 27. Still lodging with them was Elizabeth Graham, a warper, aged 27. Joseph was listed as born in Thurnham, Mary was born in Goosnargh, Ellen was born in Whittle, and Elizabeth was born in Blackburn. Ellen was married five weeks later. Ellen Shaw married Alexander Ford at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 5 May 1851, with witnesses John Dallasper and Ann Shaw. Their son Alexander Jr was born on 18 Jul 1855. He was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 22 Jul 1855, with sponsors George Yates Booth and Ann Shaw. Alexander Sr died two years later, and Ellen (Shaw) Ford married Robert Noblet in 1858. On the night of the 1861 census Joseph Shaw, a joiner, aged 63, was living at 8 Pitt Street, with Mary, a housekeeper, aged 63, and their long-time lodger, Elizabeth Graham, aged 40. In this census Joseph was listed as born in Lancaster, while Mary and Elizabeth were listed as born in Preston. All three were dead before the night of the next census. Mary Shaw, of Pedder Street, who was born in about 1797, was buried on 21 Jun 1864 in a public grave, H-189, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 67 years. Death Notice: "DEATHS...Since our last:...Mary Shaw, Pedder-street, aged 67;" Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 25 Jun 1864 Elizabeth Graham, of 21 Arthur Street, who was born in about 1823, was buried on 28 Jan 1867 in a public grave, D-20, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 43 years. There was no death notice published. Joseph Shaw, of the Workhouse, who was born in about 1796, was buried on 6 Mar 1871 in a public grave, N-344, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 74 years. Death Notice: "DEATHS...Since our last:...Joseph Shaw, Workhouse, 74;" Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 11 Mar 1871

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of John and Sarah GRAVESTON: John Graveston and Sarah Coupe, both of the Parish of Penwortham, were married on 27 Dec 1802 at St Mary's Parish Church in Penwortham. They were married after Banns by Robert Atherton Rawsthorne, Minister, and the witnesses were Thomas Foster and John Forshaw. John and Sarah's first child was Helen, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 13 Mar 1803, with sponsors Joseph Woodruffe and Mary Grayston. Unfortunately, due to the missing St Wilfrid's register covering the period 1803 to 1812, there is no way to know what children they may have had during that period, but they did have a son Robert born in about 1805, and a daughter Mary born in about 1812. The family was not listed in either the 1810 or 1820 Catholic censuses of Preston, so it would appear that they were living outside of the boundaries of St Wilfrid's Parish, probably in Penwortham. As Penwortham had no Catholic church at that time, they would have taken their children to Preston for baptism, and there are two children listed in the surviving St Wilfrid's baptism records that where the children of a John and Sarah. Margaret Graveston was baptized on 4 May 1815, with sponsors Robert Moss and Margaret Smalley; and Elizabeth Gravestone was baptized on 14 Oct 1821, with sponsors William Daniel and Agnes Smalley. Four years later, they lost their eldest child. Helen GRAVESTON: Helen (or Ellen) Graveston, who was born in 1803, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 5 Mar 1825, aged 22 years. There was no death notice published. John and Sarah's son Robert married his first wife in Penwortham in 1826, but was widowed by 1832 (see below), and on the night of the 1841 census Sarah Grayson (sic), Ind. (of independent means), aged c. 60, was living in South Meadow Lane, Preston with Robert, an agricultural labourer, aged c. 30; and Mary, a weaver, aged c. 25. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. The following year Robert remarried and moved to Walton Hall Cottages in Walton-le-Dale, where Sarah died four years later. Sarah GRAVESTON: Sarah (Coupe) Graveston, the widow of John Graveston, who was born in about 1779, died on 12 Jun 1846 at Walton Hall Farm. Her body was brought back to Preston for burial in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 14 Jun 1846, aged 65 years. Her surname was spelled Grayston in both the death record and the burial transcript. Note: I have been unable to find the record of John Graveston's death but believe he died before the date of the 1841 census. The Family of Robert and Martha GRAVESTON: Robert Gravstone (sic) and Martha Brown, both of the Parish of Penwortham, were married on 20 Nov 1826 at St Mary's Parish Church in Penwortham. They were married after Banns by Christopher Barnes, Officiating Minister, and the witnesses were James Brown and Mary Gravstone. The bride, groom and Mary Gravstone signed the marriage register with an X. Robert and Martha had just one child, Ellen, who was baptized Ellen Gravestone at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 22 Jun 1828, with sponsors James Brown and Mary Gravestone. Ellen was only four years old when her mother died. Martha GRAVESTON: Martha (Brown) Graveston, who was born in about 1803, died in the Hutton/Penwortham area and her body was brought back to Preston for burial in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 4 Sep 1832, aged 29 years. Eight years after losing his wife, Robert lost their only child. Ellen GRAVESTON: Ellen Graveston, of 13 Mill Bank, who was born in 1828, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 18 Nov 1840, aged 12 years. At the time of the 1841 census Robert was living with his widowed mother Sarah (see above). He was remarried a year later. Robert Graveston, the son of John and Sarah Graveston, and Margaret Smith, the daughter of James and Jane Smith, of Preston, were married at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 15 May 1842, and the witnesses were John Singleton of Preston and Elizabeth Parkinson of Blackburn. Marriage Notice: "MARRIAGES...at the Catholic Chapel of St. Wilfred (sic)...On Sunday last, Mr. Robert Graveston to Miss Margaret Smith. All of this town. Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 21 May 1842 At the time of their marriage Robert would have been about 36 and Margaret would have been about 26 years old. They did not have any children together. After marrying in Preston Robert and Margaret settled at Walton Hall Cottages in Walton-le-Dale, where his mother died four years later (see above). On the night of the 1851 census Robert Graveston, a gardener employing two men, aged 44, was living at Walton Hall Cottages in Walton-le-Dale with his wife Margaret, aged 36. Living with them was a lodger, William Whalley, a gardener, aged 17. Robert was listed as born in Penwortham, Margaret was born in Preston, and the lodger was born in Bretherton. At the time of the 1861 census Robert Graveston, a gardener, aged 54, was still living at Walton Hall Cottages with Margaret, aged 46. Living with them was a boarder, Henry Bramley, a gardener, aged 14, who was born in Euxton. By the time of the 1871 census the couple had moved to Bamber Bridge. Robert Grayston (sic), a market gardener, aged 61, was living in School Lane, Bamber Bridge with Margaret, a housekeeper, aged 55, and her widowed mother, Jane Wray, an annuitant, aged 85. Also staying with them was a half-cousin, Henry Brindlow, an unmarried railway porter, aged 25. Robert was listed as born in Penwortham, Margaret was born in Preston, and Jane was born in Ribchester. Henry's birthplace was illegible. Jane Wray died later that year. She died at School Lane on 20 Dec 1871 and was buried on Christmas Eve 1871 in the churchyard at Brownedge St Mary's Catholic Church in Bamber Bridge, aged 86 years. On the night of the 1881 census Robert Graveston, a gardener, aged 75, was still living in School Lane with Margaret, aged 65. Living with them were two unmarried boarders, Martha Howarth, a cotton winder, aged 40; and Mary Taylor, a cotton winder, aged 24. Robert died five years later. Robert Graveston, of Bamber Bridge, died on 30 Jan 1886 and was buried on 3 Feb 1886 in the churchyard at Brownedge St Mary's Catholic Church in Bamber Bridge, aged 80 years. At the time of the 1891 census Margaret Graveston, widow, a grocer, aged 74, was living in Station Road, Bamber Bridge. One of the boarders who had been living with Robert and Margaret ten years earlier, Mary Taylor, a cotton winder, aged 36, was still living with Margaret. She was born in Grimsargh. Some time after 1891 Margaret Graveston moved to the Newton, near Manchester. She died there on 22 Dec 1899 and her body was brought back to Bamber Bridge for burial in the churchyard at Brownedge St Mary's Catholic Church on 26 Dec 1899, aged 81 years.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

James GRAVESTON: James Graveston was born on 29 Aug 1842 and was baptized James Grayston on 4 Sep 1842 at St Augustine's Catholic Church in Preston. He was the son of James Grayston and Elizabeth Worden (sic), and the sponsors were Robert and Margaret Grayston. When his birth was registered his surname was spelled Gravestone and his mothers maiden name was spelled Wearden. He died at 3 River Street, Preston on 20 Aug 1846, and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery three days later, aged 4 years. James Greaveston (sic), a bachelor, and Elizabeth Wearden, a spinster, both of Preston, were married on 3 Apr 1837 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by J. Jackson, Officiating Minister, and the witnesses were John Melling and Margaret Greaveston. The bride, groom and Margaret Graveston signed the marriage register with an X. James and Elizabeth had already been married the previous day at St Wilfrid's Chapel, with the same witnesses. James and Margaret's surname was spelled Gravedon, and Elizabeth's was spelled Reardon. Marriage Notice: "MARRIAGES...at the Parish Church...on Monday, Mr. James Greaveston, to Miss Elizabeth Wearden;" Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 8 Apr 1837 Eight months before James and Elizabeth were married, Elizabeth gave birth to a daughter. Alice Weardon (sic) was born on 3 Aug 1836 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel four days later. She was the daughter of Elizabeth Weardon and the putative father was James Quisson. The sponsors were Roger Daniel and Margaret Weardon. It is possible that James Graveston was Alice's father and that Quisson is a rather strange corruption of his surname. The first child born after they married was John, who was born on 16 Apr 1838 and was baptized John Graystone at St Wilfrid's Chapel six days later, with sponsors Henry Daniel and Elizabeth Bradley. He was followed by Robert, who was born on 11 May 1840 and was baptized Robert Gravestone at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 17 May 1840, with sponsors John and Margaret Melling. When John's birth was registered his surname was spelled Graveston and his mother's maiden name was spelled Weardon. When Robert's birth was registered his surname was spelled Graveston and his mother's maiden name was spelled Wearden. On the night of the 1841 census James Gravestone (sic), a farmer, aged c. 25, was living in Cop Lane, Penwortham with Elizabeth, aged c. 25, and three children, Alice, aged 4; John, aged 3; and Robert, aged 1. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. James and Elizabeth's next child was the above mentioned James, and he was followed by Sarah, who was born on 7 Aug 1845 and was baptized Sarah Grayston at St Wilfrid's Chapel three days later, with sponsors Robert Grayston and Dorothy Daniel. She was followed by another son they called James, who was born on 14 Jul 1848 and was baptized James Graceton at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 23 Jul 1848, with sponsors Robert Graeston (sic) and Margaret Graceston. Their births do not appear to have been registered. At the time of the 1851 census James Grayson (sic), an agricultural labourer, aged 45, was living in Middleforth Green, Penwortham with Elizabeth, aged 44, and five children, Alice, a steam loom cotton weaver, aged 15; John, a steam loom cotton weaver, aged 13; Robert, a scholar, aged 10; Sarah, a scholar, aged 4; and James, aged 2. They were all listed as born in Penwortham, but it would appear that James and Elizabeth's ages were off by several years. Their last child was born later that year. Mary Ann Grayston was born on 5 Apr 1851 and was baptized Mary Ann Gravestone at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 16 Apr 1851, with sponsors Isaac Finch and Mary Gravestone. When her birth was registered her surname was spelled Gravestone and her mother's maiden name was spelled Wearden. She was just four years old when her father died. James Grayson (sic), of Penwortham, was buried on 16 Apr 1855 in the churchyard at St Ignatius Catholic Church in Preston, aged 43 years, and on the night of the 1861 census Betty Grason (sic), widow, a housekeeper, aged 46, was living at 81 Ribble Bank Street, Preston with six children, Alice, a cotton weaver, aged 24; John, a cotton weaver, aged 22; Robert, a daily labourer, aged 20; Sarah, a cotton weaver, aged 15; James, an errand boy, aged 12; and Mary An, a scholar, aged 10. Living with them was a lodger, James Bradley, widower, a daily labourer, aged 67. Sarah and James were listed as born in Preston, and the rest of the household were born in Penwortham. On the night of the 1871 census Elizabeth Grayston (sic), formerly a cotton weaver, aged 55, was still living at 81 Ribble Bank with five unmarried children, Alice, a cotton weaver, aged 31; John, a cotton weaver, aged 29; Robert, a cart driver, aged 27; James, a mason's labourer, aged 22; and Mary, a cotton weaver, aged 19. With the exception of James, who was born in Preston, they were all listed as born in Penwortham. Elizabeth is believed to have been the woman who died ten years later. Elizabeth Grayston (sic), of 43 Ripon Street, who was born in about 1817, was buried on 24 Mar 1881 in a private grave, A-774, in a Church of England section of Preston Cemetery, aged 63 years. Death Notice: "DEATHS...PRESTON, Burials since our last:...Elizabeth Grayston, Ripon-street, 63;" Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 26 Mar 1881 Note: John Melling and Margaret Greaveston, the witnesses at James and Elizabeth's wedding in 1837, were married in a Catholic ceremony at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 30 Apr 1837, where Margaret's surname was spelled Gravedon, and the witnesses were N. Melling and Mary Gravedon. They were married "officially" on 1 May 1837 at St John's Parish Church, where Margaret's surname was spelled Greaveston, and the witnesses were William Melling and Mary Greaveston. The bride, groom and both witnesses signed the marriage register with an X, which might explain the variations in the spelling of Margaret's surname.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Mary GRAY: Mary Gray was born on 18 Jan 1835 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel two days later. She was the daughter of George and Isabella Gray, and the sponsors were James Norris and Ann Margeson. George Gray, a bachelor, and Isabella Pedder, a spinster, both of Preston, were married on 27 Sep 1830 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Thomas Clark, Curate, and the witnesses were Henry Catterall and Mary Pedder. The two ladies signed the marriage register with an X. Isabella was pregnant at the time of their marriage and their first child was born less than two months later. William Grey (sic) was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 17 Nov 1830, with sponsors James Millar and Elizabeth Wood. He was followed by Thomas Grey (sic), who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 14 Dec 1832, with sponsors Richard Hool and Ursula Grey; then the above mentioned Mary. Their fourth known child was John, who was born on 26 Jan 1839 and was baptized John Grey at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 4 Feb 1839, with sponsors William Whittle and Ann Grey. Not long after John's birth the family moved to Liverpool, where their fifth known child was born. Ann Gray was born on 29 Sep 1840 and was baptized on 4 Oct 1840 at St Anthony's Catholic Church in Liverpool, with sponsors William Townsend and Ann Gray. At the time of the 1841 census, George and Isabella were staying in Liverpool with another family member. Thomas Gray, a coach spring maker, aged c. 40, was living in Bean Lane, Liverpool with George, a journeyman tailor, aged c. 30; Isabella, aged c. 30; Ann, aged c. 15; William, aged 10; Hannah, aged 4; John, aged 2; and Ann, aged 1. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. Because the 1841 census did not record the relationships between people it's difficult to tell which of the children are George and Isabella's. George and Isabella eventually returned to Preston, where their daughter Isabella was born on 29 Dec 1849. She was baptized on 1 Jan 1850 at St Ignatius Catholic Church, and the sponsors were John Baines and Ursula Gray. On the night of the 1851 census George Gray, a master tailor employing 1 man, aged 41, was living at 296 North Road, Preston with Isabella, aged 42, and their three youngest children, John, a scholar, aged 12; Ann, a scholar, aged 10; and Isabella, aged 1. They were all listed as born in Preston except Ann, who was born in Liverpool. Isabella (Pedder) Gray died four years later. Isabella Gray, who was born in about 1808, died on 15 May 1855, aged 46 years, and was buried in a private Pedder family grave in the churchyard of St Paul's Church, Preston. Death Notice: "DEATHS...On Tuesday morning last, very suddenly, Isabella, wife of Mr. George Gray, tailor, Friargate." Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 19 May 1855 Monument Inscription "Sacred to the memory of Mary, the wife of Thomas Pedder, who died January 12th, 1835, aged 63 years. Also of Mary, their daughter, who died August 22nd, 1835, aged 21 years. Also of Thomas Pedder, husband and father to the above, who died December 17th, 1849, aged 76 years. Also Isabella, daughter of the above and wife of George Gray, who died on the 15th day of May, 1855, aged 46 years." George Gray was remarried at St Walburge's Catholic Church, Preston, on 16 April 1857 to Ann Grimshaw. He and Ann had no children together, and on the night of the 1861 census George Gray, a tailor and glass and china dealer employing one boy, aged 51, was living at 38 Friargate, Preston with Ann, aged 53, and his two youngest daughters, Ann, a dressmaker, aged 20; and Isabella, a scholar, aged 11. With the exception of Ann, who was born in Liverpool, they were all listed as born in Preston. Ten years later, at the time of the 1871 census, George Gray, a tailor &c, aged 61, was living at 39 Friargate with Ann, aged 63, and his daughter Isabella, aged 21. On the night of the 1881 census George Gray, a house agent, aged 71, was living at 6 St Ignatius Square, Preston with Ann, aged 73. Living with them was a boarder, Ellen E Howes, an unmarried National School mistress, aged 26, who was born "at sea". George Gray died seven years later. George Gray, of 7 Theatre Street, who was born in about 1809, died on 11 February 1888, and was buried four days later in a private grave, C-140, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 78 years. His was the first interment, buried 8 feet deep. Death Notice: DEATHS..."GRAY - February 11th, at his residence, Theatre-street, Preston, George Gray, in his 79th year. R.I.P." Published in the Preston Herald, Sat., 18 Feb 1888 Probate Notice: GRAY George - 16 June (1888) The Will of George Gray late of Preston in the County of Lancaster House Agent who died 11 February 1888 at Preston was proved at Lancaster by Edward Walmsley of Alfred-street Preston Shopkeeper one of the Executors. Personal Estate £41 15s. Ann Gray, of Fulwood, who was born in about 1807, was buried on 8 Sep 1896 in the private grave at Preston Cemetery, C-140, where her husband had been buried 8 years earlier. Hers was the second interment, buried 6 feet deep. Note: The 1820 Catholic census of Preston lists John Gray (age not recorded) living at 26 Vauxhall Road with Thomas (age not recorded); Elizabeth, aged 20; John, aged 17; George, aged 11; Orselash (Ursula), aged 8; William, aged 5; and James, aged 3. They were not listed in the 1810 Catholic census.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

John GRAYSTON: John Grayston died on 20 Jan 1818 and was buried two days later in St Wilfrid's Cemetery, aged 17 years. Death Notice: "DIED...On Tuesday last, Mr. John Grayston, of Preston, aged 17." Published in the Lancaster Gazette, Sat., 24 Jan 1818 A John Grayston was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 11 Feb 1798. He was the son of William and Ann Grayston, and the sponsors were Richard Waterhouse and Mary Cuzzle. However, if this was the same John Grayston who died in 1818, he would have been 19 years old at the time of his death. William Grayston and Nancy Smith, both of Preston, were married on 22 Jan 1797 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by John Nicholson, Curate, and the witnesses were William Wharton and William Hodgkinson. Ann "Nancy" Smith signed the marriage register with an X. William and Ann had at least three other children, Margaret, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 13 Jul 1800, with sponsors Richard Holden and Sarah Shakeshaft; William, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 7 Nov 1802, with sponsors James and Ann Smith; and Joseph, who was born in about 1808, during the period for which the St Wilfrid's records are missing. The 1810 Catholic census of Preston lists William and Ann Grayston living in Canal Street with John, aged 13; Margaret, aged 10; William, aged 7; and Joseph, aged 2. The parents' ages were not recorded. I can find no further information on this family. Note: John's surname was spelled Grayson in the burial transcript.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of William and Elizabeth GREAVES: William Greaves, a bachelor, and Betty Bamber, a spinster, both of Preston, were married on 19 Aug 1822 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Matthew Mark, Curate, and the witnesses were Thomas Cornwall and Catherine Bamber. They also had a Catholic ceremony at St Wilfrid's Chapel on the same day and with the same witnesses, however Betty's name was recorded as Elizabeth and Thomas' surname was spelled Cornwell. William and Elizabeth baptized just one child at St Wilfrid's Chapel. Joseph Greaves was baptized on 5 Aug 1825, and the sponsors were Richard and Alice Bamber. I believe that both mother and child died not long afterwards. Elizabeth GREAVES: Elizabeth Greaves, who was born in about 1803, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 30 Oct 1825, aged 22 years. There was no death notice published. Joseph GREAVES: I believe that Joseph Greaves was the infant buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 6 Feb 1826 with no first name or abode recorded. He would have been about six months old, but his age was recorded as "infant" in the burial transcripts. I can find no further record of William Greaves, who appears to have left Lancashire.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of Thomas and Ann GREAVES: The 1810 Catholic census if Preston lists Thomas Greaves living in Everton Gardens. His age was not recorded, but if he was the Thomas Greaves that married Ann Hothersall, he would have been about 15 years old. Thomas Greaves and Ann Hothersall, both of Preston, were married on 1 Sep 1817 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Roger Carus Wilson, Vicar, and the witnesses were Isable Gillow and Robert Preston. They baptized their first child almost exactly one year later. Elizabeth Greaves was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 9 Aug 1818, with sponsors Robert Parker and Bella Gillow, and at the time of the 1820 Catholic census Thomas Greaves, aged 28, was living at 2 Mounce (Mount) Street with Ann, aged 29, and Elizabeth, whose age was not recorded. Their second child was born the following year. John William Greaves was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 14 Feb 1821, with sponsors John and Elizabeth Hothersall. The 1822 Pigot's Directory of Preston lists, under Joiners and Cabinet Makers, Greaves and Gardner, at Shepherd Street. Thomas and Ann's third child, Robert, was born later that year. He was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 15 Dec 1822, with sponsors Ralph and Mary Crookall. He was followed by Marianne (Mary Ann), who was baptized on 7 Nov 1828 at St Wilfrid's Chapel, daughter of Thomas and Ann Greeves (sic), and the sponsors were John and Mary Townsend. Her mother died four months later. Ann GREAVES: Ann (Hothersall) Greaves, of Mount Street, who was born in about 1791, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 21 Mar 1829, aged 37 years. The 1832 Preston electoral rolls list Thomas Greaves, a joiner, living at 3 River Street. He remarried later that year. Thomas Greaves, a widower, aged 36, a cabinet maker of Preston, and Agnes Cornthwaite, a spinster, aged 40, of Lancaster, were married on 1 Oct 1832 at St Mary's Parish Church in Lancaster. They were married, by licence, by John Hull, Curate, and the witnesses were Frederic and Mary Paul. They also had a Catholic ceremony at St Peter's Catholic Church on the same day and with the same witnesses. Their ages were not recorded in the marriage register and are taken from the Marriage Bond, dated 30 Sep 1832. Thomas' youngest son died seven months later. Robert GREAVES: Robert Greaves, who was born in 1822, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 27 Apr 1833, aged 10 years. Although Thomas was apparently living in River Street, Bow Lane was the abode recorded when his son was buried. The 1835 Preston electoral rolls list Thomas Greaves as the owner of freehold houses in River Street, with him living in one and "Schofield and others, tenants". Thomas died five years later. Thomas GREAVES: Thomas Greaves, of River Street, who was born in about 1795, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 7 Oct 1840, aged 45 years. On the night of the 1841 census Agnes Greaves, a shopkeeper, aged 56, was living in River Street, Preston with two step-children, Elizabeth, aged 22; and John, a plumber, aged 21. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. Elizabeth died later that same year. Elizabeth GREAVES: Elizabeth Greaves, of River Street, who was born in 1818, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 25 Aug 1841, aged 23 years. Her brother John died almost exactly one year later. John GREAVES: John Greaves, of 3 River Street, who was born in 1821, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 3 Aug 1842, aged 22 years. After the death of her husband and step-children, Agnes returned to Lancaster, and on the night of the 1851 census she was lodging at the home of Mary Cornthwaite, who may have been a relative. Mary Cornthwaite, widow, a retired publican, aged 74, was living at 8 Sun Street in Lancaster with her unmarried daughter Esther, a dress maker, aged 27. Living with her was a servant, Agnes Higginson, a dress maker, aged 17; and two lodgers, Agnes Greaves, a retired grocer, aged 64; and Isaac Isaacs, married, a managing clerk in an attorney's office, aged 55. Mary was listed as born in Warrington, Agnes Higginson was born in Leighton, Isaac was born in Liverpool, and the rest of the household were born in Lancaster. Agnes (Cornthwaite) Greaves died later that year. Agnes Greaves died on 15 May 1851, aged 65, but I have been unable to locate the record of her burial. Death Notice: "DEATHS, Lancaster - On the 15th inst., Agnes, widow of Thos. Greaves, Sun-street, Lancaster, aged 65 years." Published in the Lancaster Gazette, Sat., 24 May 1851 Note: It is unclear how Thomas Greaves was related to Sarah (Swindlehurst) Rawcliffe, but she died at his home, 3 River Street in 1839, and he was the informant on her death certificate.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of John and Mary GREEN: John Green, a bachelor, of the Parish of Kirkham, and Mary Dawson, a spinster, of Penwortham, were married on 17 Aug 1830 at St Mary's Parish Church in Penwortham. They were married, by licence, by Joseph Rigg, Officiating Minister, and the witnesses were Bartholomew and Margaret Hothersall. Mary signed the marriage register with an X. John and Mary made their home in Preston and baptized three children at St Wilfrid's Chapel, beginning with William, who was baptized on 8 May 1831, with sponsors William Dawson and Margaret Taylor. The 1832 Preston electoral rolls list John Green, a tailor, with a house in Back Lane, and it was in that year that their second child was born. John Green Jr was baptized on 21 Oct 1832, with sponsors Thomas and Alice Dawson. He was followed by Alice, who was baptized on 15 Jun 1834, with sponsors John and Alice Dawson. The following year would see Mary lose her husband and two of her three children. John GREEN Jr: John Green died in infancy and is almost certainly the John Green, aged 2 years, who was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 18 Apr 1835. His abode was not recorded and there was no death notice published, so it is impossible to be certain, but I can find no other record of their son's death or burial. Alice GREEN: Alice Green, of 11 Back Lane, who was born in 1834, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 21 Apr 1835, just three days after the above mentioned John Green. Her age was recorded simply as "infant" in the burial transcripts. John GREEN Sr: John Green, of Back Lane, died on 4 Aug 1835 and was buried two days later in St Wilfrid's Cemetery, aged 29 years. Death Notice: "DEATHS...On Tuesday last, Mr. John Green, tailor, Back Lane, aged 28." Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 8 Aug 1835 Mary (Dawson) Green was a widow for five months and two days. Thomas Patterson, a bachelor, aged 25, a tailor, and Mary Green, a widow, aged 33, both of Preston, were married on 6 Jan 1836 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married, by licence, by Roger Carus Wilson, Vicar, and the witnesses were Joseph Grayson and Alice Dawson. The two ladies signed the marriage register with an X. Their ages and Thomas' occupation were not recorded in the marriage register and are taken from the Marriage Bond, dated 5 Jan 1836. Thomas and Mary wasted no time in having children of their own, with their son Alexander being born four months after they married. He was born on 8 May 1836 and was baptized seven days later at St Wilfrid's Chapel, with sponsors James and Jane Dawson. Alexander was followed by John, who was born on 15 Oct 1837 and was baptized John Paterson (sic) six days later, with sponsors Thomas and Margaret Carter; then Alice, who was born on 7 Apr 1839 and was baptized seven days later, with sponsors Joseph Grayston and Ann Dawson; and Margaret, who was born on 3 Mar 1841 and was baptized on 9 Mar 1841, with sponsors John Dawson and Alice Clayton. All baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel. On the night of the 1841 census Thomas Patterson, a tailor, aged c. 25, was living in Turks Head Court, Preston with Mary, aged c. 35, and their five children, Alexander, aged 5; John, aged 3; Alice, aged 2; Margaret, aged 3 months; and Mary's son William Green, aged 10. Also staying with them was James Dawson, a butcher, aged c. 20. With the exception of Thomas, who was born in Scotland, they were all listed as born in Lancashire. Thomas and Mary had three more children, all baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel. Mary Jane Patterson was born on 28 Feb 1843 and was baptized on 5 Mar 1843, with sponsors John and Isabella Brady. She was followed by the first of two daughters they called Ann, who was born on 17 Dec 1844 and was baptized on 1 Jan 1845, with sponsors Richard Moore and Isabella Bradey (sic). She died in 1846, aged 2 years, but was not buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery or the churchyards of either St Ignatius Catholic Church or St John's Parish Church. She may have been buried in the churchyard at St Augustine's Catholic Church, but their early burial register is apparently missing. The following year their seventh and last child, another daughter they called Ann, was born. She was born on 9 Jun 1847 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 22 Jun 1847, with sponsors John Thompson and Ann Burke. Her father's name was recorded as William Patterson in the baptism transcripts. At the time of the 1851 census Thomas Patterson, a journeyman tailor, aged 39, was living at 4 Turks Head Court with Mary, aged 48, and six children, Alexander, an apprentice butcher, aged 14; John, a scholar, aged 13; Alice, a scholar, aged 11; Margaret, a scholar, aged 10; Mary Jane, a scholar, aged 8; and Ann, aged 3. Thomas was listed as born in Turmholler, Scotland, Mary was born in Penwortham, and their children were born in Preston. On the night of the 1861 census Thomas Patterson, a tailor, aged 53, was living at 57 Fishergate Hill, Preston with his wife Mary, a housekeeper, aged 57, and four children, Alexander, a butcher, aged 24; John, a butcher, aged 23; Margaret, aged 20; and Ann, aged 13. In this census Mary was listed as born in Cottam. By the time of the 1871 census Thomas Patterson, a tailor, aged 57, was living at 58 Fishergate Hill, Preston with Mary, aged 64, and their two unmarried sons, Alexander, a butcher, aged 35; John, a butcher, aged 33. In this census Thomas' birthplace is recorded as Kirkcudbright, Scotland, and Mary's was recorded as Preston. Mary died two years later. Mary Patterson, of 58 Fishergate Hill, who was born in about 1803, was buried on 18 Dec 1873 in a private grave, V-556, in a Church of England section of Preston Cemetery, aged 70 years. Hers was the second interment, buried 18 feet deep. Her husband survived her by four years. Thomas Patterson, of 58 Fishergate Hill, who was born in about 1809, died in Preston on 20 Oct 1877 and was buried three days later in the private grave, V-556, where his wife had been buried four years earlier, aged 68 years. His was the third interment, buried 16 feet deep. Probate Notice: PATTERSON Thomas - 7 December. The Will of Thomas Patterson late of Preston in the County of Lancaster Tailor who died 20 October 1877 at Preston was proved at Lancaster by William Thomas Dalzell of Saul-street Preston Superintendent of Public Baths one of the Executors. Effects under £100.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Children of Mary GREEN: There were two children buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery that were the children of Mary Green, a single woman. James GREEN: James Green, the son of Mary Green, a weaver, of 3 Gradwells Yard, died of smallpox on 17 Mar 1841 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery two days later, aged 13 months. If he was 13 months old at the time of his death he would have been born in about February of 1840, but I can find no record of his baptism in any of Preston's Catholic churches. Alice GREEN: Alice Green, the daughter of Mary Green, a weaver, of Raby's Court, died of whooping cough on 15 May 1843 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery three days later, aged 16 months. If she was aged 16 months at the time of her death she would have been born in about January of 1842 but, like James, I can find no record of her baptism in any of Preston's Catholic churches. I have done a search of the 1841 census for Mary Green but without success, and there is no way to be certain that the same Mary Green was the mother of both of the above children.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of Thomas and Mary GREEN: There were two couples called Thomas and Mary Green living in Preston and baptizing their children at St Wilfrid's Chapel at the same time. I have done my best to try to work out which children belonged to which couple, but it was not easy and I may have made one or two errors. The following is based on the best available evidence. Thomas Green a bachelor, and Mary Banks, a spinster, were married on 10 Feb 1823 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Thomas Raven, Curate, and the witnesses were William Green and Mary Waring. They also had a Catholic ceremony at St Wilfrid's Chapel on the same day, and with the same witnesses. Thomas and Mary's first child was Ann, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 21 Dec 1823, with sponsors Richard and Teresa Barns. She was followed by Alice, who was born in about 1825, but I cannot find any record of her baptism. Their third known child did not survive infancy. William GREEN: William, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 1 Oct 1826, with sponsors John and Mary Green. He died in infancy, before 1827, and may be the infant, of Snow Hill, who was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 3 Nov 1826, where no first name was recorded. He would have been one month old, but the burial transcripts recorded his age simply as "infant". Thomas and Mary's fourth known child was another son they called William, who was born on 2 Oct 1827 and was baptized five days later at St Wilfrid's Chapel, with sponsors John and Mary Green, almost certainly the same people who were sponsors to the first William Green the year before. One year after this child's birth, Thomas and Mary lost their eldest child. Ann GREEN: Ann Green, of William Street, who was born in 1823, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 29 Oct 1828, aged 4 years. Their fifth child, another daughter they called Ann, was born about seven months later. Ann Green was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 9 Jun 1829, with sponsors Charles and Alice Green. She was followed by another child that did not survive infancy. Mary GREEN: Mary Green was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 17 Oct 1830, with sponsors William Helme and Jane Hunter. She lived about nine months, and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 19 Jul 1831, where her age was recorded as "infant". Thomas and Mary's seventh child was Thomas, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 1 Jan 1832, with sponsors William Helme and Jane Hunter. He was followed by John, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 31 Mar 1833, with sponsors John Cooper and Helen Barton; then Joseph, who was born on 5 Nov 1836 and was baptized on 6 Nov 1836 at St Wilfrid's Chapel, with sponsors John Swift and Catherine Barton. His mother's name was incorrectly recorded as Margaret in the baptism transcripts. He was followed by another daughter they called Mary, who was born on 28 Feb 1838 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 4 Mar 1838, with sponsors Joseph and Ann Barton; then James, who was born on 29 Aug 1839 and was baptized at St Ignatius Catholic Church on 1 Sep 1839, with sponsors Wm. (?) Sharrocks and Mary Dickens; and finally Richard, who was born on 31 Dec 1840 and was baptized at St Augustine's Catholic Church on 3 Jan 1841, with sponsors John and Mary Green. On the night of the 1841 census Thomas Green, a book keeper, aged c. 40, was living in Leeming Street, Preston with Mary, aged c. 40, and nine children, Alice, a weaver, aged 16; William, aged 13; Ann, aged 11; Thomas, aged 10; John, aged 9; Joseph, aged 6; Mary, aged 3; James, aged 2; and Richard, aged 1. Staying with them was Ellen Barton, a weaver, aged 26. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. Thomas and Mary's thirteenth and last known child was Catherine, who was born on 23 Apr 1843 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 27 Apr 1843, with sponsors Charles Holiday and Catherine Green. She died in infancy and her death was registered in the fourth quarter of 1843. The death of Thomas and Mary's youngest son, Richard, was also registered in the fourth quarter of 1843, aged 2 years, and it would appear that both Thomas and Mary died sometime between the dates of the 1841 and 1851 censuses, but I cannot find the records of their deaths or the records of any of their burials. They were not buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery or the churchyards of St Ignatius Catholic Church or St John's Parish Church. As Leeming Street was very near to St Augustine's Catholic Church, it may be that they were buried in the churchyard there, but their early burial register is apparently missing. At the time of the 1851 census Alice Green, a power loom weaver, aged 26, was living at 34 Edmund Street, Preston with her four younger siblings, Ann, a power loom weaver, aged 21; Thomas, a shoemaker's apprentice, aged 19; Joseph, a factory hand, aged 14; and James, a rope maker's apprentice, aged 11. Ellen Barton, who was living with the family in 1841, is still living with them. She was listed as a lodger, unmarried, a power loom weaver, aged 35. They were all listed as born in Preston.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of John and Alice GREEN: John Green, a bachelor, and Alice Bryan, a spinster, both of Preston, were married on 22 Oct 1831 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Thomas Clark, Curate, and the witnesses were Arthur Best and Ellen Shale. The bride, groom and Ellen Shale signed the marriage register with an X. Alice's surname was actually O'Brien. John and Alice settled in Preston and baptized their first six children at St Wilfrid's Chapel, beginning with William, who was baptized on 7 Jul 1833, with sponsors John and Helen Barry. He was followed by Mary, who was born on 24 Feb 1835 and was baptized on 1 Mar 1835, with sponsors Michael Shea and Ann O'Leary. Their third child did not survive infancy. Margaret GREEN (1): Margaret Green was born on 20 Mar 1836 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 3 Apr 1836, with sponsors Richard Doyle and Mary Burke. She was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 31 Oct 1837, aged 19 months. Her abode was recorded in the burial transcripts as London Road, Fishwick. John and Alice's fourth child was Ann, who was born on 14 Sep 1837 and was baptized three days later, with sponsors William Fox and Mary Burk. Their fifth child, another daughter they called Margaret, also died in infancy. Margaret GREEN (2): Margaret Green was born on 2 Apr 1839 and was baptized five days later at St Wilfrid's Chapel, with sponsors Patrick Coffey and Mary Doyle. She died in infancy and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 26 Apr 1840, aged 1 year. Her abode was recorded as Floyer Street. Less than seven months after their daughter's death, John and Alice's sixth child was born. Thomas Green was born on 19 Nov 1840 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel three days later, with sponsors Thomas Shea and Ann Bryan, and on the night of the 1841 census John Green, a journeyman tailor, aged c. 30, was living in Floyer Street, Preston, with Alice, aged c. 25, and four children, William, aged 8; Mary, aged 6; Ann, aged 4; and Thomas, aged 6 months. John and Alice were listed as born in Ireland, and their children were born in Lancashire. Staying with them, presumably as lodgers, were Nancy Neagle, a cotton spinner, aged c. 25; John McKiniffe, a journeyman cotton weaver, aged c. 25; and Margaret McKiniffe, a cotton spinner, aged c. 25. They were all listed as born in Ireland. John and Alice's last two children were baptized at St Augustine's Catholic Church in Preston. Patrick Green was born on 1 Mar 1842 and was baptized five days later, with sponsors James Burke and Mary Fox. He was followed by John, who was born on 25 Sep 1843 and was baptized on 1 Oct 1843, with sponsors Peter McGrave and Mary Connelly. The handwriting was difficult to read and I am unsure of the male sponsors surname. In each instance the baptism register recorded their mother's maiden name as O'Brien. On the night of the 1851 census John Green, a tailor, aged 40, was living at 28 Floyer Street with Alice, aged 37, and six children, William, a taylor (sic), aged 18; Mary, aged 16; Ann, aged 14; Thomas, aged 10; Patric (sic), aged 9; and John, aged 7. Also staying with them were two lodgers, James McNeil, a tailor, aged 21; and Robert McNeil, a labourer, aged 18. John and Alice were both listed as born in Waterford, Ireland, their children were all born in Preston, and the two lodgers were born in Galloway, Scotland. At the time of the 1861 census John Green, a tailor, aged 50, was living at 26 Stanley Street, Preston with his wife Alice, aged 45, and three children, their unmarried sons Patrick, a cotton stripper, aged 18; and John, a tailor, aged 17; their married daughter Ann Baker, a cotton winder, aged 22; and their granddaughter Alice Baker, aged 1. Also staying with them was an apprentice tailor, John McKeniffe, aged 14. John and Alice were listed as born in Ireland, Alice Baker was born in Chorley, and the rest of the household were born in Preston. Their son John died two years later. John Green, of Stanley Street, was buried on 3 Mar 1863 in a public grave, E-164, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 19 years. Although it was initially a public grave, John Green Sr returned to the cemetery on 31 Dec 1863 and purchased the grave. Because his son had been buried 8 feet deep, there would only be room for two more burials. Death Notice: "DEATHS...Since our last:...John Green, Stanley-street, aged 19;" Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 7 Mar 1863 On the night of the 1871 census John Green, a tailor, aged 60, was still living at 26 Stanley Street with Alice, aged 56. Living with them was an unmarried boarder, James O'Melia, a tailor, aged 40, who was also born in Ireland. John Green Sr died on 29 Jul 1878 and was buried on 1 Aug 1878 in the private grave, E-164, at Preston Cemetery, aged 69 years. His was the second interment, buried 7 feet deep. Death Notice: "DEATHS...PRESTON - Since our last:...John Green, Stanley-street, 69;" Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 3 Aug 1878 Alice (O'Brien) Green survived her husband by a little more than two and a half years. Alice Green, of 66 Newton Street, died 10 Mar 1881 and was buried two days later in the family grave, E-164, at Preston Cemetery, aged 66 years. It was the third and last burial, buried 6 feet deep. Newspaper Report: "DEATH THROUGH DRINKING BRANDY. – On Thursday, the coroner Mr. W. Gilbertson, held an inquest at the Police-station, Preston, touching the death of Alice Green, of 56, Back Newton-street, who died from the effects of drinking a large quantity of raw brandy. - Thomas Green, 56, Back Newton-street said that the deceased was his mother; she was a widow and was 66 years of age. She had been living with him for about three weeks. About half past twelve on Tuesday morning he went home for his dinner. She was in the house at the time, but did not take anything to eat whilst he was there. He left her in the house, and next saw her in the Lamb Hotel, about half past four o'clock; she was lying on the sofa, apparently asleep, and he left his wife with her. Again he was sent for, about three o'clock on Wednesday morning, and found her dead. The body was then removed to his own house. She had been a very temperate woman, but had been out of health since Christmas, and had taken a little Brandy at times. Witness thought that lately she had not been quite herself. - Anne Bonny, a domestic servant at the Lamb Hotel, said that on Tuesday last, about 1:30, the deceased asked her for 3s worth of brandy, and asked for it in a jug. Witness went to the bar, put the brandy in a jug, and returned with it to deceased who gave her a sovereign. She returned to the bar for change, and when she took the change back, the deceased had the jug to her mouth. Witness took it from her, and there was only about a spoonful left at the bottom of the jug. She was then sat in a chair, but soon became unconscious, and witness lifted her onto the sofa. Deceased began to throw her arms about and then went to sleep. Mr. Bonny came in at that time, and he went for Dr. Hart, who came shortly afterwards. – Dr. Hart said that on Tuesday, about a quarter past four p.m., when he was called, deceased was laid on the sofa at the Lamb Hotel quite insensible. They told him that she had had a gill and a half of brandy, but he did not perceive any smell. He applied the stomach pump but there was no smell of brandy in what came back. He visited her three or four times. About ten o'clock at night she showed some slight signs of consciousness. He did not see her again afterwards. The symptoms were quite consistent with what he had been told she had taken. He had no doubt that death resulted from congestion of the brain. She died at 3 o'clock on Wednesday morning. - the jury returned a verdict that she died from the effects of taking a quantity of Brandy, but the jurors were of the opinion that at the time of her taking the Brandy the deceased was not in a proper state of mind to judge of the effects of her so doing." Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 12 Mar 1881

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of William and Agnes GREEN: William Green, a bachelor, and Agnes Thistlewood, a spinster, both of Preston, were married on 6 Nov 1819 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Matthew Mark, Curate, and the witnesses were John Thistlewood and Lawrence Tomlison. Agnes signed the marriage register with an X. William and Agnes settled in Preston and baptized their children at St Wilfrid's Chapel, beginning with Ann, who was baptized on 5 Mar 1820, with sponsors Thomas Green and Hannah Pert. The 1820 Catholic census of Preston lists William Green, aged 24, living in Back Lane with Agnes, aged 22, and Ann, aged 1. Their second child was born the next year. Alice Green was baptized on 20 Jan 1822, with sponsors John and Alice Green. She was followed by the first of three children they called Mary. Mary GREEN (1): Mary Green was baptized on 22 Feb 1824 at St Wilfrid's Chapel, with sponsors Peter Rosthorne and Mary Green. We know that Mary died before 1830, and she may have been the infant who was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 7 Jan 1826 with no first name or abode recorded in the burial transcripts. William and Agnes' fourth child was Agnes, who was baptized on 7 May 1826, with sponsors William Helm and Alice Green. She was followed by William, who was baptized on 13 Apr 1828, with sponsors James Helme and Mary Green; then a second child they called Mary. Mary GREEN (2): Mary Green was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 22 Aug 1830, with sponsors John and Mary Green. She too died in infancy and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 17 Nov 1831, aged 15 months. Her abode was recorded as Back Lane. The 1832 Preston electoral rolls list William Green, a mechanic, living at 62 Back Lane, where they were living when their seventh child was born later that year. Elizabeth Green was baptized on 21 Oct 1832, with sponsors George Eccles and Mary Green. She was followed by a third child they called Mary, who was born on 3 Mar 1835 and was baptized five days later, with sponsors Charles Green and Helen Warton; then Maria, who was born on 16 Mar 1837 and was baptized three days later, with sponsors Thomas and Catherine Green. When she was baptized her name was entered as Mary, but in all other records she was called Maria. William and Agnes' tenth and last child also died in infancy. Thomas Thistlewood GREEN: Thomas Thistlewood Green was born on 11 Mar 1839 and was baptized six days later at St Wilfrid's Chapel, with sponsors Thomas Etherington and Mary Green. He was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 28 Jun 1840, aged 15 months, and his abode was recorded as 82 Back Lane. When his burial was transcribed his name was recorded as Thomas Thistlewood-Green and was listed alphabetically under T, but Thistlewood was his middle name. On the night of the 1841 census William Green, a mechanic, aged c. 45, was living in Back Lane, Preston with Agnes, aged c. 40, and seven children, Ann, a cotton winder, aged 19; Alice, a cotton weaver, aged 17; Agnes, a cotton winder, aged 15; William, aged 13; Elizabeth, aged 8; Mary, aged 6; and Maria, aged 4. Staying with them was Agnes' mother, Ann Thistlewood, Ind. (of independent means), aged c. 70. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. At the time of the 1851 census William Green, a mechanic, aged 55, was living at 82 Back Lane with Agnes, aged 53, and seven children, Ann, a winder, aged 25; Alice, a steam loom weaver, aged 24; Agnes, a winder, aged 22; William, a mechanic, aged 21; Elizabeth, a steam loom weaver, aged 19; Mary, a winder, aged 17; and Maria, a scholar, aged 13. Also staying with them was an unmarried lodger, Catherine Croston, a steam loom weaver, aged 19. They were all listed as born in Preston. At the time of the 1861 census William Green, a shoe maker, aged 56, was living at 33 Back Lane with Agnes, a house keeper, aged 54, and six children, Ann, aged 29; Alice, aged 27; Agnes, aged 25; Elizabeth, aged 23; Mary, aged 20, and Maria, aged 19. The three older girls were cotton winders, and the three younger girls were cotton weavers. William died a year later. William Green, of Back Lane, died on 13 Jun 1862 and was buried in a private grave in the churchyard at St Mary's Catholic Chapel in Fernyhalgh, aged 66 years. Death Notice: "DEATHS...On the 13th instant, William Green, Back-lane, aged 65;" Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 14 Jun 1862 William and Agnes' daughter Elizabeth Green died on 13 Dec 1867 and was buried in the private family grave in Fernyhalgh, aged 34 years, and on the night of the 1871 census Agnes Green, a widow, aged 70, was still living at 33 Back Lane, with her five unmarried daughters, Ann, a heald knitter, aged 40; Alice, a cotton winder, aged 38; Agnes, a cotton winder, aged 35; Mary, a cotton winder, aged 27; and Maria, a cotton winder, aged 25. Also living with them was a boarder, Hannah Green, a cotton winder, aged 18. Agnes died three years later. Agnes Green died on 20 Oct 1874 and was buried with her husband and daughter in the family grave in Fernyhalgh, aged 77 years. William and Agnes' daughter Ann died five moths after her mother. Ann Green, of Back Lane, died on 29 Mar 1875, aged 53 years, and was buried in the family grave in Fernyhalgh. William and Agnes' three surviving daughters, Alice, Agnes and Mary, continued to live at 33 Back Lane, where they were living at the time of both the 1881 and 1891 censuses. Alice Green died on 18 Dec 1892 and was buried in the family grave in Fernyhalgh. The transcript of the headstone inscription records her age as 28 years but I suspect someone has misread the inscription. Alice would have been 70 years old at the time of her death. Monument Inscription: "GREEN, Jesus Mercy, Mary Help, of your charity, pray for the soul of William Green of Preston, who died 13 Jun 1862, aged 66 years. Also Elizabeth, daughter of the above, who died on 13 December 1867, aged 34 years. Also Agnes Green, wife of the above, who died 20 Oct 1874, aged 77 years. Also Ann, daughter of the above, who died 29 March 1875, aged 53 years. Also for Alice Green, daughter of the above, who died 18 December 1892, aged [28] years. R.I.P." Note: When I get a chance I will visit the grave and confirm the above inscription and take a photograph, if possible.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Peter GREEN: Peter Green, the son of William Green, a labourer, died of accidental burns on 17 Feb 1843 and was buried the following day in St Wilfrid's Cemetery, aged 7 years. The burial transcripts recorded his age as 5 years but the death certificate and coroner's report recorded his age as 7 years. Newspaper Report: "DEATH FROM FIRE - Another of the melancholy instances, of which we have had to record so many, of children being burnt to death, in consequence of being left in the house alone, occurred in this town, last week. It appears that the clothes of a child aged seven years, named Peter Green, of Back Mount Pleasant, caught fire, doubtless accidentally, though there were no witnesses of the accident in the first instance, yesterday evening week; and so much injured was the child, that it died the next day. An inquest was held on Saturday last, before R. Palmer Esq., coroner, on view of the body; when a verdict of "Accidental death" was returned." Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 25 Feb 1843 Peter's family were not living in Preston at the time of the 1841 census and he may have been the child who was baptized in Wigan in 1835. Peter Green, the second son of William and Ann Green, was baptized on 2 Apr 1835 at All Saints Church in Wigan, a Church of England Church. His father was described as a labourer from Ince. On the night of the 1841 census William Green, a labourer, aged c. 35, was living at Smithy Green in Ince in Makerfield, near Wigan, with Ann, aged c. 35, and five children, William, aged 10; Ann, aged 8; Peter, aged 6; Robert, aged 4; and James, aged 1. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. At the time of the 1851 census William Green, a colliery labourer, aged 48, was living in Broom Street in Ince with his wife Ann, aged 47, and five children, William, an assistant coal miner, aged 20; Robert, an assistant coal miner, aged 14; James, an assistant coal miner, aged 11; Richard, a scholar, aged 9; and Ellen, a scholar, aged 3. Living with them was a lodger, Richard Brom, an assistant coal miner, aged 14. They were all listed as born in Wigan. The fact that their son Peter was not listed with the family in 1851 leads me to believe that he died between 1841 and 1851, but the fact that this family does not appear to have been a Catholic family makes me wonder if this William and Ann were the parents of the child buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery in 1843.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Samuel Richard GREEN: Samuel Richard Green was born on 30 May 1846 and was baptized on 14 Jun 1846 at St Patrick's Catholic Church in Toxteth Park, Liverpool. He was the son of Thomas and Elizabeth Green, and the sponsors were William and Bridget Owen. Thomas Green, the son of Samuel and Ann Green of Bolton, and Elizabeth Owen, the daughter of Richard and Mary Simpson of Preston, were married at St Ignatius Catholic Church in Preston on 27 Nov 1837. They were married by Francis West, and the witnesses were John Whalley and Ann Simpson, both of Preston.   Marriage Notice: "On Monday last, at the Catholic Church of St. Ignatius, by the Rev. Francis West, Mr. Thomas Green to Mrs. Elizabeth Owen, both of this town." Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 2 Dec 1837 On the night of the 1841 census Thomas Green, a shoe maker, aged 36, was living in Melling Street, Preston with Elizabeth, a power cotton weaver, aged 24, and her three children, Mary Owen, aged 10; William Owen, aged 8; and Thomas Owen, aged 6. Living with them was John Preston, a shoe maker, aged 21. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. Sometime after 1841 the family moved to the Liverpool area, where Samuel Richard was born in 1846 and their son Richard was born in about 1849. At the time of the 1851 census Thomas Green, a boot maker employing 1 man, aged 44, was living at 17 Mill Street in Toxteth Park with Elizabeth, aged 43, and five children, Mary, aged 19; William, a dyer, aged 17; Thomas I, aged 15; Samuel R, aged 5; and Richard O, aged 1. Thomas Sr was listed as born in Bolton-le-Moors, Elizabeth, Mary, William and Thomas were born in Preston, and Samuel and Richard were born in Liverpool. Although I cannot confirm the date of his death, I suspect that their youngest son, Richard, also died in infancy, and by the time of the 1861 census Thomas Green, a boot and shoe maker, aged 54, was living at 50 Barlow Lane, Kirkdale, Liverpool with Elizabeth, aged 53. Staying with them was a grandson, Richard Kellett, aged 7. Elizabeth Green died sometime between the dates of the 1861 and 1871 censuses and on the night of the 1871 census Thomas Green, widower, a boot maker, aged 64, was living at 195 Westminster Road, Kirkdale. Living with him was his step-son, William Owen, a dyer, aged 36; and his step-granddaughter Sarah Owen, a scholar, aged 11. Thomas was listed as born in Bolton, William was born in Preston, and Sarah was born in Crew. I can find no further confirmed record of Thomas Green, who appears to have died before the date of the 1881 census. Finding more information on this family is difficult due to the fact that their names were very common. Note: Elizabeth (Simpson) Owen was the widow of William Owen, who she married in Preston in 1828.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Sarah GREEN: Sarah Green, the daughter of Agnes Green, an unmarried weaver, died on 19 Mar 1844 at her home in Edward Street, Preston. She was buried two days later in St Wilfrid's Cemetery, aged 20 months. Sarah Amelia Green was born on 25 Jun 1842 and was baptized five days later at St Ignatius Catholic Church. She was the daughter of Agnes Green, and the sponsors were John and Ann Bilsboro (sic). Her middle name was not recorded on either her birth or death certificate. I can only find one potential candidate for Sarah's mother in Preston. On the night of the 1841 census Thomas Green, an agricultural labourer, aged c. 60, was living in Green Street, Preston with Agnes, aged c. 25; Mary, a hand cotton weaver, aged c. 20; Thomas, an agricultural labourer, aged c. 15; Alice; a cotton drawer, aged c. 15; Jane, aged 3; and Ann, aged 2. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. At the time of the 1851 census Agnes Green, an unmarried cotton weaver, aged 36, was living at 5 Mount Pleasant, Preston with her daughter Ann, a cotton weaver, aged 12. Agnes was listed as born in Bartle and Ann was born in Preston. This is the last record I can find of Agnes or her daughter.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Thomas GREEN: Thomas Green, of Ryley Street, who was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 4 Jun 1835, aged 2 years, may have been the child baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel. Thomas Green was baptized on 29 Jul 1832. He was the son of Thomas and Alice Green, and the sponsors were Arthur O'Leary and Margaret O'Brian. Thomas and Alice Green baptized two other children, a daughter Margaret, who was born on 22 Nov 1837 and was baptized on 6 Dec 1837, with sponsors Matthew and Bridget Mooney; and another son they called Thomas, who was born on 9 Nov 1838 and was baptized on 18 Nov 1838, with sponsors James and Mary Laurenson. When their births were registered their mother's maiden name was recorded as Billington. I can find no record of the marriage of a Thomas Green to an Alice Billington, and the couple seem to have left Lancashire before the date of the 1841 census. I can find no further record of them.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Thomas GREEN: This is an odd one. When Thomas Green, of Addison's Court, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 20 Sep 1840 his age was recorded in the burial transcripts as 21 months, which is fairly specific, and would put his date of birth in about December of 1838. However, there were only two deaths registered in Preston for a Thomas Green in 1840, one being Thomas Thistlewood Green, and the other being Thomas Green, aged 5 years. Is it possible that the age for this boy could have been recorded as 21 months when he was actually 5 years old? There was no one called Green living in Addison's Court at the time of the 1841 census, and I have not been able to find any information that might solve this mystery.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Edward GREENHALGH: Edward Greenhalgh, the son of James and Elizabeth Greenhalgh, lived just one day and may have been baptized privately at the bedside. There is no record of his baptism in either of Preston's three Catholic churches. He died at Park Place, Preston on 4 Nov 1840 and was buried the following day in St Wilfrid's Cemetery, aged 1 day. When his birth was registered his mother's maiden name was recorded as Poulton. James Greenhalgh, a widower, of full age, gentleman, of Manchester, the son of Edward Greenhalgh, gentleman, and Elizabeth Poulton, a spinster, of full age, of Manchester, the daughter of John Poulton, a farmer, were married on 25 Feb 1840 at St John's Parish Church in Manchester. They were married, by licence, by William Huntington, Rector, and the witnesses were William Poulton and Benjamin Hargreaves. Elizabeth and William Poulton signed the marriage register with an X. James and Elizabeth, who were apparently not from Preston, may have been staying temporarily in the town when their son was born. They were not living in Preston at the time of the 1841 census and I have been unable to find any further confirmed record of them.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of Henry and Mary GREGSON: Thomas and Mary Gregson were not married in Preston and may have been the couple who were married in Lancaster in 1793. Henry Gregson, a servant man, of Thurnham, and Mary Cornthwaite, a spinster, were married on 8 Jul 1793 at St Mary's Parish Church in Lancaster. They were married after Banns by J. Thomas, Curate, and the witnesses were Andrew Cornthwaite and Dorothy Lawrenson. The first child they baptized in Preston was William, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 17 May 1794, with sponsors John Johnson and Ann Forister. He died in infancy and was buried on 31 Jul 1796 in the churchyard at St John's Parish Church. The burial register records that he was the son of Henry Gregson, and was 2 years old. Henry and Mary's second known child was James, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 21 Sep 1795, with sponsors Lawrence and Mary Pemberton. He was followed by Ann, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 22 Apr 1797, with sponsors John Johnson and Jane Corney; then Richard, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 9 Jun 1800, with sponsors William Kaye and Jennet Gregson; and a second child they called William, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 10 Nov 1802, with sponsors Philip Banks and Jane Gregson. He too died in infancy and was buried on 27 Jun 1805 in the churchyard at St John's Parish Church. The burial register records that he was the son of Henry Gregson, and was 2 years old. There is a gap in the St Wilfrid's records from early 1803 until the end of 1812, so there is no way to know what children were baptized during that period, but other records indicate that they had Thomas in about 1805, John in about 1807 and Mary in about 1811. They may have also had a daughter called Rachel that died in infancy. A Rachel Gregson, the daughter of Henry Gregson, was buried on 9 Aug 1806 in the churchyard at St John's Parish Church, aged 1 year. The 1810 Catholic census of Preston lists Henry and Mary Gredgson (sic) living at Bridget (possibly Bridge Street) with four children, Jane (possibly James), aged 14; Richard, aged 9; Thomas, aged 5; and John, aged 3. The ages of the adults were not recorded. After the gap in the St Wilfrid's records there appears the baptism of another child they called William, who was baptized on 2 Oct 1814, with sponsors George Werden and Ann Slater. He also died in infancy and may be the William Gregson who was buried on 4 Jun 1816 in the churchyard at St John's Parish Church. The burial register records that he was Papist (Catholic), aged 1 year. Henry and Mary's son would not yet have reached his second birthday. The 1820 Catholic census listed Henry Gregson, aged 57, living at 135 Friargate with Mary, aged 52, and four children, Richard, aged 18; Thomas, aged 15; John, aged 11; and Mary, aged 9. The 1832 Preston electoral rolls lists Henry Gregson, a coal seller, and Richard Gregson, a reedmaker, living at 135 Friargate. Richard may have left home in that year, as he was also listed living at 11 Union Street in 1832. Mary died the following year. Mary GREGSON: Mary Gregson, of Friargate, who was born in about 1767, died on 2 Feb 1833 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery three days later, aged 65 years. Death Notice: "DIED...On Saturday last, Mary, the wife of Mr. Henry Gregson, Friargate, aged 65." Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 9 Feb 1833 It is interesting that Richard Gregson lived for a time in Union street, as the only Henry Gregson of about the right age listed in the 1841 census was living in Union Street. Henry Gregson, a ostler, aged c. 70, was living in Union Street, presumably as a lodger, in the home of Mary Warriner, aged c. 50, and her daughter Agnes, aged c. 15. He may be the Henry Gregson that died five years later. Henry GREGSON: Henry Gregson, a labourer, who was born in about 1764, died of "natural decay" at Penwortham Workhouse on 25 Jan 1846 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery three days later, aged 81 years. The Family of Richard and Elizabeth GREGSON: Richard Gregson, a bachelor, and Elizabeth Foxcroft, a spinster, both of Walton, were married on 1 Sep 1822 at St Leonard's Church in Walton-le-Dale. They were married after Banns by Edmund Stregfellow Radcliffe, Curate, and the witnesses were Thomas Leach and James Tomlison Jr. Elizabeth Foxcroft and Thomas Leach signed the marriage register with an X. After marrying in Walton-le-Dale Richard and Elizabeth settled in Preston where they baptized five children at St Wilfrid's Chapel, beginning with Mary, who was born on 29 Sep 1822 and baptized on 6 Oct 1822, with sponsors Thomas Gregson and Elizabeth Barnes. She died in infancy and was buried on 1 Apr 1823 in the churchyard at St John's Parish Church. The burial register records that she was of Vicar Street, and aged 1 year. Richard and Elizabeth's second child was Jane, who was baptized on 21 Mar 1824, with sponsors James Cornthwaite and Elizabeth Barton. She too died in infancy and was buried on 25 Mar 1825 in the churchyard at St John's Church, where her aged was recorded as 1 year and her abode was Friargate. It was also noted that she was a Papist (Catholic). Richard and Elizabeth's third child was John, who was baptized on 1 Jan 1826, with sponsors Thomas Gregson and Eliza Barnes. He was followed by Henry, who was baptized on 19 Oct 1828, with sponsors Thomas and Ann Leach; then Thomas, who was baptized on 11 Apr 1830, with sponsors Thomas Swarbrick and Mary Emer. Thomas was only 19 months old when his mother died. Elizabeth "Betsy" Gregson, of Friargate, was buried on 15 May 1830 in the churchyard at St Peter's Church, aged 27 years. Her infant son was buried in the same churchyard less than a year later. Thomas Gregson was buried on 27 Apr 1831 in the churchyard at St Peter's Church, where his age was recorded as "infant", his abode was Friargate, and it was noted that he was a Papist. The 1832 Preston electoral rolls list Richard Gregson, a reed maker, living at 135 Friargate (his parents' home), and at 11 Union Street, so it would appear that he moved during that year. He was apparently living in Union Street when he remarried the following year. Richard Gregson and Elizabeth Wilson, both of the Parish of Penwortham (sic), were married on 7 Jul 1833 at St Mary's Parish Church in Penwortham. They were married after Banns by Robert Atherton Rawstorne, Minister, and the witnesses were Robert Marks and Ann Allenson. The two ladies signed the marriage register with an X. Richard and Elizabeth's first child together was William, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 13 Oct 1833, with sponsors Henry and Mary Gregson. He died in infancy, but I have been unable to locate the record of his burial. Their second child was Thomas, who was born on 21 Aug 1835 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel nine days later, with sponsors James Smith and Martha Richardson. He was followed by the first of two children they called Mary Alice, who was born on 3 Sep 1837 and was baptized seven days later at St Wilfrid's Chapel, with sponsors James Hall and Isabella Howarth; then a second child they called William, who was born on 1 Sep 1839 and was baptized seven days later at St Ignatius Catholic Church, with sponsors Michael Speakman and Jane Marsh. Mary Alice Gregson died in infancy and was buried on 7 Apr 1840 in the churchyard at St Peter's Church in Preston, aged 2 years. Her abode was recorded as Union Street, and on the night of the 1841 census Richard Gregson, a reedmaker, aged c. 40, was staying at Ann Place in Liverpool, the home of Thomas and Mary Gregson, and their four young children. Thomas, a printer, aged c. 35, may have been a relative of Richard's. Richard's wife, Elizabeth Gregson, aged c. 35, was living in Union Street, Preston with three children, John, a linen doffer, aged c. 15; Thomas, aged 5; and William, aged 1. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. The 15 year old John Gregson was Richard's son by his first wife. His son Henry, aged 13, was a servant working in Broughton on the farm of John and Betty Foxcroft, his late mother's parents. Richard and Elizabeth's fifth child was born later that year. Isabella Gregson was born on 6 Dec 1841 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel six days later, with sponsors John Holden and Mary Ashworth. She died in infancy and was buried on 29 Oct 1843 in the churchyard at St Peter's Church in Preston, aged 1 year. Her abode was recorded as Union Street. A little less than a year after Isabella's death Richard and Elizabeth's sixth child, another daughter they called Isabella, was born. She was born on 5 Sep 1844 and was baptized at St Ignatius Catholic Church three days later, with sponsors John Howarth and Anne Hayhurst. She was followed by a second child they called Mary Alice, who was born on 23 Mar 1847 and was baptized five days later at St Wilfrid's Chapel, with sponsors John Gregson and Ann Carter. Her name was transcribed as Mary Agnes in the baptism transcripts. Richard and Elizabeth's eighth child was James, who was born on 22 Sep 1849 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 7 Oct 1849, with sponsors Michael Speakman and Marianne Booth. At the time of the 1851 census Richard Gregson, a reed maker, aged 50, was living at 2 Hill Street, Preston with his wife Elizabeth, aged 42, and five children, Thomas, an apprentice blacksmith, aged 15; William, aged 11; Isabella, a scholar, aged 6; Mary Alice, a scholar, aged 4; and James, aged 1. Elizabeth was listed as born in Woodplumpton, and the rest of the family were born in Preston. Their youngest son died later that year. James GREGSON: James Gregson, of 2 Hill Street, who was born in 1849, died at home on 7 Aug 1851 and was buried three days later in St Wilfrid's Cemetery, aged 23 months. Richard and Elizabeth's ninth child also died in infancy. Elizabeth GREGSON: Elizabeth Gregson was born on 25 Apr 1852 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 2 May 1852, with one sponsor, Ann Brophy. Her father's name was incorrectly recorded as William in the baptism transcripts. She died at home, 2 Hill Street, on 15 Oct 1853 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery four days later, aged 17 months. Her age was transcribed as 17 years in the burial record, but her correct age was recorded on her death certificate. Richard and Elizabeth's tenth known child was another daughter they called Elizabeth, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 16 Jun 1855, with sponsors James Smith and Catherine Keenan. On the night of the 1861 census Richard Gregson, a reed maker, aged 61, was living at 4 Shepherd's Yard, Preston with Elizabeth, a house keeper, aged 52, and three children, Isabella, a cotton weaver, aged 16; Mary Alice, a cotton weaver, aged 13; and Elizabeth, a scholar, aged 5. Elizabeth (Foxcroft) Gregson died four years later. Elizabeth Gregson, of Shepherd's Yard, was buried on 19 Jul 1865 in a public grave, J-669, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 55 years. Death Notice: "DEATHS...Since our last:...Elizabeth Gregson, Shepherd's-yard, aged 55;" Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 22 Jul 1865 On the night of the 1871 census Richard Gregson, widower, a reed maker, aged 70, was living at 19 Mill Hill, Preston with three of his unmarried children, William, a labourer in a saw mill, aged 31; Mary Alice, a worsted weaver, aged 23; and Elizabeth, a worsted weaver, aged 15. Richard died two years later. Richard Gregson, of 19 Mill Hill, was buried on 6 Mar 1873 in a public grave, D-174, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 72 years. Death Notice: "DEATHS...Since our last:...Richard Gregson, Mill-hill, 72;" Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 8 Mar 1873 Note: Elizabeth "Betty" Foxcroft, the daughter of John and Betty Foxcroft, was born on 14 Apr 1803 and was baptized on 22 May 1803 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. The Family of John and Ellen GREGSON: At the time of the 1841 census Newton Higginson, a shoemaker, aged c. 30, was living in Bridge Lane, Preston with Jane, aged c. 30, and six children, Ellen, a linen spinner, aged 12; James, aged 9; Winifred, aged 7; Margaret, aged 5; Thomas, aged 3; and Edward, aged 6 weeks. Ellen was still living in Bridge Lane eight years later when her son was born. Edward Higginson, the son of Ellen Higginson of Bridge Lane, was baptized on 24 Jun 1849 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. No father was listed in the baptism register, but it is possible that John Gregson was Edward's father. John and Ellen were married the following year. John Gregson, a bachelor, aged 23, a brakesman, of 2 Hill Street, the son of Richard Gregson, a reedmaker, and Ellen Higginson, a spinster, aged 22, a weaver, of Bridge Lane, the daughter of Newton Higginson, a shoemaker, were married on 8 Sep 1850 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by John Kitton, Curate, and the witnesses were John Kendal and Ann Ball. Ellen and both witnesses signed the marriage register with an X. Ellen was pregnant at the time of their marriage and their daughter Jane was born about four months later. She was born on 28 Jan 1851 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 2 Feb 1851, with sponsors Thomas Singleton and Mary Baines. On the night of the 1851 census John Gregson, a railway brakesman, aged 24, was living at 2 Springfield Place, Preston with his wife Ellen, a housekeeper, aged 23, and two children, Edward, aged 1; and Jane, aged 2 months. Ellen was listed as born in Kendal, Westmorland, and the rest of the family were born in Preston. John Gregson died three and a half months later. John GREGSON: John Gregson, who was born in Preston in 1826, was killed in an accident at work on 12 Jul 1851 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery two days later, aged 24 years. Newspaper Story: "FATAL RAILWAY OCCURRENCE. An inquest took place before R. Palmer, Esq., on Monday last, into the cause of the death of John Gregson, a breaksman on the North Union Railway. From the evidence it seemed that the deceased, on the evening of the previous Saturday, was assisting to attach an engine and waggons to some other luggage waggons, and passing between the two trains of waggons, he was jammed betwixt two buffers, and so hurt that he died in a few hours. The deceased’s duty was to have waited till the waggons had joined, and then to have attached them. Verdict – “Accidental death.”." Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 19 Jul 1851 Perhaps due to the fact that Ellen was a non-Catholic, she had their daughter Jane baptized again at St John's Parish Church on 23 Dec 1851. The baptism register records the parents' names as John and Jane, the father's occupation as breaksman, and their abode as Springfield Place. There was no indication that the child's father was deceased. Sometime after her husband's death Ellen went to stay with father, and on the night of the 1861 census Newton Higginson, a shoemaker, aged 55, was living at 87 Brougham Street, Preston with his wife Jane, aged 55, and three children, John, a brush maker, aged 15; Ann, a scholar, aged 11; and Elizabeth, a scholar, aged 7. Living with them was their widowed daughter Ellen Gregson, a cotton weaver, aged 33, and her two children, Edward, a scholar, aged 11; and Jane, a scholar, aged 10. Newton and Ellen were listed as born in Kendal, Westmorland, and the rest of the household were born in Preston. At the time of the 1871 census Newton Higginson, widower, a shoemaker, aged 65, was living at 87 Brougham Street, Preston with two of his unmarried daughters, Ann, a cotton weaver, aged 21; and Elizabeth, a cotton weaver, aged 17. Living separately at the same address was Ellen Gregson, widow, an unemployed cotton weaver, aged 42, and her two unmarried children, Edward, a cabinet maker, aged 21; and Jane, a cotton weaver, aged 20. In this census Newton was listed as born in Walton-le-Dale, Ellen was born in Kendal, Westmorland, and the rest of the household were born in Preston. Ellen (Higginson) Gregson died eight years later. Ellen Gregson, of the Workhouse, was buried on 13 Jan 1879 in a public grave, G-218, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 50 years. Death Notice: "DEATHS...PRESTON. - Since our last:...Ellen Gregson, Workhouse, 50;" Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 18 Jan 1879 Newton Higginson died in the workhouse and was buried on 13 Mar 1879 in a public grave, F-841, in a Non-Conformist section of Preston Cemetery, aged 73 years. Note: Edward Higginson-Gregson lived for many years with a woman called Mary Macaulay. In 1881 he was living as her lodger, and in 1891 she was living as his lodger. They were married on 17 Jul 1892. Edward Gregson, a bachelor, aged 42, a cabinet maker, the son of the late John Gregson, a breaksman on the railway, and Mary Macaulay, a widow, aged 43, the daughter of the later Patrick Melia, a corn miller, were married at St Andrew's Parish Church in Ashton-on-Ribble. They were married by A.W. Wiseman, Vicar, and the witnesses were John and Alice Higginson.

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The Family of Alexander and Sarah GREGSON: Alexander Gregson, a bachelor, and Sarah Cuerden, a spinster, both of Walton, were married on 5 Sep 1824 at St Leonard's Chapel in Walton-le-Dale. They were married after Banns by Edmund Stregfellow Radcliffe, Curate, and the witnesses were George Metcalf and James Tomlison. The bride, groom and George Metcalf signed the marriage register with an X. After marrying in Walton-le-Dale, Alexander and Sarah settled near Preston, where their first child was born. William Gregson was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 2 Jan 1825, with sponsors John Cuerden and Teresa Cocker. He was followed by Mary Esther, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 10 Dec 1826, with sponsors Thomas and Elizabeth Cuerden. After a gap of ten years, they baptized another daughter called Esther, who was born on 1 Jan 1837 and was baptized seven days later at St Wilfrid's Chapel, with sponsors William and Mary Cardwell. During that ten year gap Alexander and Sarah may have had other children that did not survive infancy, but I can find no record of baptisms for any other children. On the night of the 1841 census, Alexander Gregson, a plasterer, aged c. 35, was living in Simpson Street, Preston with Sarah, aged c. 35, and three children, William, a cotton piecer, aged c. 15; Mary, aged 13; and Esther, aged 4. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. At the time of the census Sarah would have been heavily pregnant with twins, who were born about two weeks later. George and Matthew GREGSON: The births of twins George and Matthew Gregson were registered in the second quarter of 1841, when their mother's maiden name was recorded as Cureden (sic). They were not baptized at either St Wilfrid's Chapel, or St Ignatius or St Augustine's Catholic Churches. As they lived such a short time, they may have been baptized privately at home. They were both buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 29 Jun 1841, where George's age was recorded as 2 days and Matthew's was recorded as 3 days. Alexander Gregson, of Blaylock (sic) Street, died on 15 May 1847 and was buried two days later in the churchyard at St Paul's Church in Preston, aged 49 years. Death Notice: "DEATHS...on Saturday last, Alexander Gregson, Blelock-street, aged 49;" Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 22 May 1847 On the night of the 1851 census Sarah Gregson, widow, a winder, aged 45, and her youngest child, Esther, a winder, aged 14, were living as lodgers at the home of William and Martha Houghton in Club Street, Bamber Bridge. Sarah died the following year. The death of Sarah Gregson was registered in Walton-le-Dale in the second quarter of 1852, and she may have been buried at St Mary's Brownedge Catholic Church, but the burial records for that date are not readily available and there was no death notice published. Note: Alexander and Sarah's daughter Esther married Robert Walker on 30 Jul 1860 at St John's Parish Church, at which time she was described as the daughter of the late Alexander Gregson, a white washer and plasterer.

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The Family of Henry and Jane GREGSON: Henry Gregson and Jennett Slater, both of this Parish and Chapelry of Goosnargh, were married on 21 Apr 1783 at St Michael's Parish Church in Kirkham. They were married after Banns by Humphrey Shuttleworth, Vicar, and the witnesses were John Garlick and John Swann. Henry and Jennet (Jane) both signed the marriage register with an X. Henry and Jane began their life together in Whittingham, near Goosnargh, where they baptized three children at St Francis Catholic Chapel, better known as Hill Chapel, in Goosnargh, beginning with Elizabeth, who was baptized on 8 Mar 1784, with sponsors Robert Gregson and Jane Wearden. She died in infancy and was buried on 22 Feb 1785 in the churchyard at St Mary the Virgin Parish Church in Goosnargh. The burial register did not record her age but did record that she was the daughter of Henry Gregson, of Whittingham. Henry and Jane's second child was another daughter they called Elizabeth, who was baptized on 3 Jul 1785, with sponsors Robert and Jane Gregson. She was followed by Alice, who was baptized on 13 Jun 1788, with sponsors John Wearden and Mary Whittingham. Sometime after Alice's birth the family moved to Preston, where they baptized three children at St Wilfrid's Chapel, beginning with Mary, who was baptized on 26 Dec 1789, with sponsors John Slater and Helen Gregson. She was followed by Helen (Ellen), who was baptized on 11 Nov 1791, with sponsors George Slater and Catherine Hubbersty; and John, who was baptized on 18 Jun 1793, with sponsors David Prescot and Alice Cooper. It appears that their son John did not survive infancy and may have been the John Gregson, son of Henry, who was buried on 14 Jun 1794 in the churchyard at St John's Parish Church in Preston, aged 1 year. Henry and Jane may have been living outside of the St Wilfrid's Parish for a time, as they were not listed in the 1810 Catholic census of Preston. By the time of the 1820 Catholic census Henry Gregson, aged 52, was living at 51 Friargate with Jane, aged 66. The 1832 Preston electoral rolls list Henry Gregson, a labourer, living at 3 Park Street. He was listed under "Names of Persons Expunged from the List of Electors by the Revising Barristers", so had apparently lost - or was denied - the right to vote. He died at a Park Street address two years later. Henry GREGSON: Henry Gregson, of 2 Park Street, who was born in about 1769, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 26 Sep 1834, aged 65 years. Jane Gregson survived her husband by about six weeks. Jane GREGSON: Jane (Slater) Gregson, of 2 Sharrock Court, who was born in about 1753, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 9 Nov 1834, aged 81 years.

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The Family of John and Isabella GREGSON: John Gregson and Isabella Cottam, both of the Parish of Penwortham, were married on Christmas Day 1831 at St Mary's Parish Church in Penwortham. They were married after Banns by James T Wareing, and the witnesses were John Constantine and Jane Cottam. The two ladies signed the marriage register with an X. The 1832 Preston electoral rolls list John Gregson, a striker, living at 11 Walker Street, where they were living when their first child was born almost exactly one year after they married. She did not survive infancy. Jane GREGSON: Jane Gregson was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 23 Dec 1832, with sponsors Titus Bibby and Jane Cotham (sic). She lived about one year and four months, and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 27 Apr 1834, where her age was recorded simply as "infant", and her abode was recorded as Walker Street. John and Isabella's second - and only other known child - was another daughter they called Jane, who was born on 12 Mar 1835 and baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel three days later, with sponsors Lawrence Gradwell and Mary Gregson. On the night of the 1841 census Bella Gregson, a hand cotton weaver, aged c. 40, was living in Walker Street, Preston with one child, Jane, aged 6. Also staying with them was Richard Caton, a cotton piecer, aged c. 15; and Henry Cook, a journeyman cotton sizer, aged c. 25. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. John Gregson was not at home on the night of the census. At the time of the 1851 census John Gregson, a mechanic, aged 44, was living at 11 Walker Street, Preston with his wife Isabella, aged 52, and one child, Jane, a power loom weaver, aged 16. Also staying with them were two unmarried lodgers, Edward Gardner, a dandy loom weaver, aged 40; and Joseph Rigby, a Greenwich pensioner, aged 40. They were all listed as born in Preston. Jane's age was transcribed as 10 years instead of 16. Isabella (Cottam) Gregson died later that year. Mrs Isabella GREGSON: Isabella Gregson, of 11 Walker Street, who was born in about 1796, died on 12 Sep 1851 and was buried two days later in St Wilfrid's Cemetery, aged 55 years. Death Notice: "DEATHS...On the 12th instant, Isabella Gregson, wife of John Gregson, mechanic, Walker-street, aged 55." Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 20 Sep 1851 John Gregson remained a widower for seven months. John Gregson and Jane Wilcock were married at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 23 May 1852, witnessed by Francis Snape and Sarah Collett. His only surviving daughter married three years later. Jane Gregson and James Fisher were married on 10 May 1855 at St Ignatius Catholic Church in Preston. They were married by Richard Cooper and the witnesses were John Sumner and Anna Morgan. They apparently had just one child, John James Fisher, who was born in 1859 and died in infancy. John James Fisher, the son of James Fisher, a miller, of Byron Street, was buried on 10 Apr 1859 in a public grave, C-652, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 4 months. On the night of the 1861 census John Gregson, a house agent, aged 52, was living at 7 Deepdale Road, Preston with Jane, a housekeeper, aged 52. Living with them was her unmarried daughter Mary A Wilcock, aged 26; and Mary's son John, aged 1. The next person listed, although shown as living at 24 Edmund Street, was Jane Fisher, a married cotton weaver, aged 26. They were all listed as born in Preston. At the time of the 1871 census John Gregson, a house agent, aged 66, was living at 6 Rigby's Court, Preston with Jane, aged 66, and two grandsons, Thomas Wilcock, a cotton creeler, aged 12; and Francis Wilcock, a cotton creeler, aged 11. John died seven years later. John Gregson, of Rigby's Court, was buried on 5 Jul 1878 in a public grave, G-201, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 72 years. The house of "J. Gregson" in Rigby's Court was badly damaged by fire that spread from a builder's premises in Back Lane and quickly spread to several houses in Back Lane and then to the backs of houses in Rigby's Court. The fire was reported in the Preston Chronicle of Sat., 24 Aug 1878, and on the night of the 1881 census Jane Gregson, widow, a housekeeper, aged 76, was still living at 6 Rigby's Court, Preston. Staying with her was a grandson, Francis W Wilcock, a piecer in a cotton mill, aged 19, and two lodgers, Margaret Atherton, married, a dressmaker, aged 58; and Mary Bland, widow, a dressmaker, aged 46. They were all listed as born in Preston. Jane died four years later. Jane Gregson, of 6 Rigby's Court, was buried on 16 Mar 1885 in a public grave, G-1, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 80 years. Death Notice: "DEATHS...PRESTON - Burials since our last:...Jane Gregson, Rigby's-court, 80;" Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 21 Mar 1885

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of William and Jane GREGSON: William Gregson, a bachelor, and Jane Cartmell, a spinster, both of Preston, were married on 24 Dec 1824 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married by Edward Moorhouse Hall, and the witnesses were John Adams and Margaret Barker. The bride, groom and both witnesses signed the marriage register with an X, and Jane's surname was spelled Cartman in the marriage register. William and Jane's first child was George, who was born on 17 Apr 1826 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 23 Apr 1826, with sponsors Thomas Wilding and Esther Gregson. The baptism register recorded his mother's maiden name as Cartmell. George was followed by Margaret, who was born on 17 Sep 1827 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel the following day, with sponsors Lewis Crumbleholme and Mary Rigg. Margaret apparently died in infancy and may have been the Margaret Gregson, of Friargate, who was buried in the churchyard at St Peter's Church on 31 Oct 1827, where her age was recorded as "infant". Their third child also died in infancy. John GREGSON: John Gregson was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 16 Mar 1828, with sponsors George and Hester Gregson. He was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery in Apr 1828, his age was recorded simply as "infant", and his abode was Feeble Street, but the exact date of burial was not recorded. William and Jane's fourth child was James, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 31 Jan 1830, with sponsors George Rowley and Elizabeth Holding. Their fifth child also did not survive infancy. William GREGSON: William Gregson was baptized on 4 Dec 1831 at St Wilfrid's Chapel, with sponsors George and Alice Gregson. He lived about 3 months and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 28 Feb 1832, where his age was recorded as "infant" and his abode was Starchhouses. The 1832 Preston electoral rolls list William Gregson, a weaver, living at 6 Starch Houses. Living next door at 6 Starch Houses was George Gregson, also a weaver. After a gap of more than five years, William and Jane's sixth and last known child, another son they called William, was born. He was born on 18 Jul 1837 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel five days later, with sponsors Thomas Barker and Ann Boardman. Sadly, he too died in infancy. William Gregson, of Starch Houses, was buried on 2 Jan 1838 in the churchyard at St Ignatius Catholic Church, aged 5 months. On the night of the 1841 census William Gregson, a weaver, aged c. 35, was living at Starch Houses, Preston with Jane, aged c. 35, and two children, George, aged 14; and James, aged 11. Living at the next address was Alice Gregson, a housekeeper, aged c. 60; John, a weaver, aged c. 30; Esther, a weaver, aged c. 30; and Mary, aged 3. William and Jane's son George was married twice. His first marriage was to Agnes Heavyside, who he married in 1850 at St Mary's Parish Church in Penwortham. They moved for a time to Backbarrow, near Kendal, where George lost his infant daughter and his wife with a few days of each other. Death Notice: "Deaths – At Backbarrow, Monday, the 19th inst., Jane, infant daughter of Mr. George Gregson, furcutter; and on Wednesday, the 21st inst., Agnes, his wife, aged 23 years." Published in the Kendal Mercury, Fri., 31 Mar 1848 George remarried two years later. George Gregson, a widower, of full age, a fur cutter, of Walton-le-Dale, the son of William Gregson, a hand loom weaver, and Ann Berry, a widow, of full age, a power loom weaver, of Walton-le-Dale, the daughter of Thomas Brighouse, a contractor, were married on Christmas Day 1850 at St Leonard's Chapel in Walton-le-Dale. They were married after Banns by Robert Hornby, and the witnesses were Peter Adams and Elizabeth Miller. George signed the marriage register with an X. At the time of the 1851 census William Gregson, a weaver, aged 49, was living at Starchhouses, Preston with Jane, aged 47. Living with them was their daughter-in-law Ann, married, a power loom weaver, aged 25; and their "son-in-law" (step-grandson), Thomas Berry, aged 2. Thomas Berry was listed as born in Liverpool and the others were born in Preston. Also living with them were five lodgers, John Taylor, married, a labourer, aged 54; Thomas Walker, married, a tallow chandler, aged 35; Henry Schofiled, married, a brush maker, aged 29; John Turner, unmarried, a basket maker, aged 27; and Margaret Taylor, aged 10. On the night of the census William and Jane's son George was working in Clitheroe for Robert Thompson, a hat manufacturer. George was described as married, a journeyman hatter, aged 24, and was born in Preston. At the time of the 1861 census William Gregson, a hand loom cotton weaver, aged 58, was living at 69 Starch Houses with Jane, aged 57. Living with them were two lodgers, John Rigby, married, aged 78; and Ann Welch, married, aged 76. Both lodgers were listed as "infirm". William and Jane were listed as born in Preston, John Rigby was born in Bury Lane, and Ann Welch was born in Ireland. Jane (Cartmell) Gregson died five years later. Jane Gregson, of Back Lane, was buried on 12 Mar 1866, in a public grave, R-225, in a Church of England section of Preston Cemetery, aged 61 years. Her husband died in the House of Recovery a year later. William Gregson, of the House of Recovery, was buried on 27 Mar 1867 in a public grave, D-217, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 65 years. Death Notice: "DEATHS...Since our last:...William Gregson, House of Recovery, aged 65;" Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 6 Apr 1867

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of Robert and Elizabeth GREGSON: Robert Gregson and Elizabeth Coverdale were married in Stokesley, Yorkshire on 25 Nov 1833. Sometime after marrying in Yorkshire they settled, for a time, in Preston, where their first known child was born. Thomas Gregson was baptized on 12 Jul 1835 at St Mary's Catholic Chapel in Preston, with sponsors James and Helen Bamber. He was followed by the first of two children to be called John, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 3 Jun 1838, with sponsors John and Jane Gregson. On the night of the 1841 census Robert Gregson, a flax dresser, aged c. 25, was living in Chatham Street, Preston with Elizabeth, aged c. 25, and two children Thomas, aged 5; and John, aged 3. Also staying with them was William Clarkson, a labourer, aged c. 55; Thomas Ibbison, a cotton spinner, aged c. 25; and Mary Ibbison, a cotton rover, aged c. 25. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. Both children died the following month. John GREGSON: John Gregson, who was born in 1838, died aged 3 years and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 2 Jul 1841. His older brother died less than three weeks later. Thomas GREGSON: Thomas Gregson, who was born in 1835, accidentally drowned in the Lancaster Canal on 16 Jul 1841. His body was recovered the next day, and he was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery two days later, aged 6 years. Newspaper Article: "DEATH BY DROWNING - An Inquest was held on Saturday last, before Mr. Palmer, coroner, on view of the body of Thomas Gregson, a boy six years of age, son of Robert Gregson, of Chatham-street. The deceased was missing on Friday night, and on Saturday the canal was dragged, when his body was found. The deceased often played near the canal and had frequently been driven away. Verdict, "Accidental death."." Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 24 Jul 1841 It would appear that Elizabeth was pregnant with their third child when Thomas died, as six months later they had another son they called John, who was born on 20 Jan 1842 and was baptized on 6 Feb 1842 at St Augustine's Catholic Church, with sponsors Joseph Gregson and Ann Guest. Sometime after their son's birth the family moved to County Durham, where their daughter Jane was born in 1843, but by 1851, they had moved again, to West Derby, Liverpool. At the time of the 1851 census Robert Gregson, a hemp dresser, aged 38, was living at South View, in West Derby with Elizabeth, aged 37, and two children, John, a scholar, aged 9; and Jane, a scholar, aged 7. Robert was listed as born in Garstang, Elizabeth was born in Stokesley, Yorkshire, John was born in Preston, and Jane was born in Stockton-on-Tees, County Durham. Living with them was a unmarried lodger, John Cowlan, a hemp dresser, aged 30, who was born in St George, Middlesex. By 1861 the family had moved again, to Kimberworth, Rotherham, Yorkshire, and on the night of the 1861 census Robert Gregson, a flax dresser, aged 48, was living in College Road, Kimberworth with Elizabeth, aged 47, and their two children, John, an iron moulder, aged 19; and Jane, a dressmaker, aged 17. John Gregson married Elizabeth Goodall in Rotherham in 1864, and their daughter Annie was born the next year. His sister Jane married Robert Leng in Rotherham in 1866, and on the night of the 1871 census Robert Leng, an engine fitter, aged 31, was living at 13 College Road, Kimberworth with his wife Jane, aged 27. Staying with them was Jane's mother Elizabeth Gregson, a visitor, aged 56; and their niece, Ann Gregson, a visitor, aged 5. Also staying with them was a servant, Ann Smith, a domestic servant, aged 16. Meanwhile Robert Gregson, a flax dresser, aged 58, was living in Slack, Crowle, Lincolnshire, about 35 miles northeast of Rotherham. The town of Crowle is on the border of Lincolnshire and Yorkshire and in 1881 census it was enumerated in Yorkshire but was described as being in Lincoln. At the time of the 1881 census Robert Gregson, a flax dresser, aged 68, was living in Crowle, Lincoln, with Elizabeth, aged 67, and their granddaughter, Annie Gregson, a dressmaker, aged 15. Also living with them was an unmarried boarder, William Clarke, a flax dresser, aged 59. Robert died three years later, and Elizabeth died three years after him. Robert Gregson's death was registered in the Thorne District of the West Riding of Yorkshire, which at the time included the town of Crowle, in the second quarter of 1884, aged 72 years. Elizabeth Gregson's death was registered in the Thorne District in the first quarter of 1887, aged 74 years. Note: In the 1841 census the Ancestry website has indexed the family under the surname Gregoan.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Lucy GREGSON: John Gregson, a bachelor, and Lucy Cottam, a spinster, both of Preston, were married on 5 Mar 1825 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Edward Moorhouse Hall, and the witnesses were Robert Rollinson and Betty Gregson. Lucy and both witnesses signed the marriage register with an X. I suspect that John and Lucy were of different faiths, as their first child, Margaret, was born on 22 Dec 1825 and was baptized at the Wesleyan Methodist Chapel in Preston on 11 Jan 1826. She was described as the daughter of John and Lucy Gregson, and her father was a weaver. John and Lucy baptized just one child at St Wilfrid's Chapel, a son they called George, who was baptized on 22 Apr 1829, with sponsors Henry and Jane Hull. As Lucy was buried nine days after her son's baptism, it may be that her death was as a direct result of a difficult birth. About five months after Lucy's death, John had their son baptized again in a Church of England church. George Gregson, the son of John and the late Lucy Gregson, was baptized on 18 Oct 1829 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. John was described as a weaver, of Cold Bath Street. Their son George died the following year and was buried in the churchyard at St Peter's Church in Preston on 10 Apr 1830, where he was described as an infant, of Cold Bath Street. I can find no further record of John Gregson or their daughter Margaret. Note: Lucy (Cottam) Gregson may have been the Lucy Cottam who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 13 Apr 1796. She was the daughter of Thomas and Alice Cottam and the sponsors were Edward Collison and Betty Marsh.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of Peter and Catherine GREGSON: Peter Gregson, a bachelor, and Catherine Pooles, a spinster, both of Preston, were married on 13 Feb 1822 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Matthew Mark, Curate, and the witnesses were Christopher Hunter and Mary Dixon. The bride, groom and Christopher Hunter signed the marriage register with an X. Peter and Catherine's first child was the first of three sons they called Thomas, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 10 Aug 1823, with sponsors John Cuerden and Mary Bland. He lived about six months and was buried in the churchyard at St John's Church on 13 Feb 1824. The burial register records his abode as Old Friary, his age as "infant", and noted that he was a Papist (Catholic). A little less than nine months after burying their son, Peter and Catherine had the second child they called Thomas. (Thomas) GREGSON (1): Thomas Gregson was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 7 Nov 1824, with sponsors John Cuerden and Frances McGowan. He died in infancy and is almost certainly the infant, of Old Friary, who was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery in Jul 1827, with no first name or exact date of burial recorded. Seven months after burying their second child, Peter and Catherine's third child, another son they called Thomas, was born. He was baptized on 12 Feb 1828 at St Wilfrid's Chapel, with sponsors Joseph Curedon (sic) and Mary Gregson. The 1832 Preston electoral rolls list Peter Gregson, a weaver, living at 11 Old Priory (Friary), the address recorded when four of their infant children were buried, including their fourth child. William GREGSON: William Gregson was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 15 Jun 1834, with sponsors Thomas Clarkson and Mary Cuerden. He was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 5 Apr 1835, aged 1 year. Peter GREGSON Jr: Eleven weeks after William's death another child was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery. Peter Gregson, of 11 Friary (sic), was buried on 25 Jun 1835. His age was recorded as 12 months, but I believe that this was an error. I can find no record of the baptism of this child and suspect that he died very soon after birth, perhaps 12 minutes, and was baptized privately at the bedside. If he was a newborn infant, his birth would fall in the three year gap between the birth of William in 1834, and Margaret, Peter and Catherine's first daughter. Margaret GREGSON (1): Margaret Gregson, the first of two daughters to be given that name, was born on 31 Mar 1837 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 2 Apr 1837, with sponsors Michael Lavery and Ann Lancaster. She too died in infancy and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 8 Oct 1839, aged 2 years. Her abode was recorded as 14 High Street. Six months before Margaret's death Peter and Catherine had a second son they called William, who was born on 2 Apr 1839 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel five days later, with sponsors John Gregson and Ann Poole, and on the night of the 1841 census Peter Gregson, a cotton weaver, aged c. 40, was living in Higginson Street, Preston with Catherine, aged c. 30, and two children, Thomas, a cotton piecer, aged 13; and William, aged 2. Staying with them, presumably as lodgers, were James Bickerstaff, a cotton piecer, aged c. 20; and Ann Bickerstaff, aged c. 20. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. Catherine may have been pregnant at the time of the census, as their son John was born about five months later. He was born on 4 Nov 1841 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel four days later, with sponsors James and Ann Snape. He was followed by their last child, another daughter they called Margaret, who was born on 3 Sep 1846 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel five days later, with sponsors Joseph Cuerden and Ann Snape. Over the next four years, Catherine lost her eldest surviving child, her youngest child, and her husband. Thomas GREGSON (2): Thomas Gregson, a weaver, of 6 Birk Street, who was born in 1828, died on 18 Mar 1848 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery four days later, aged 21 years. Death Notice: "DEATHS...on Saturday last, Thos. Gregson, Birk-street, aged 21;" Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 25 Mar 1848 Margaret GREGSON (2): Margaret Gregson, who was born in 1846, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 25 Jul 1848, aged 2 years. Peter GREGSON Sr: Peter Gregson, of Burke (sic) Street, who was born in about 1806, died on 9 Jun 1850 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery two days later, aged 44 years. Death Notice: "DEATHS...On Sunday last, Peter Gregson, Birk-street, aged 44." Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 15 Jun 1850 At the time of the 1851 census Catherine Gregson, a widow, aged 40, was living at 4 Back Whalley Square, Preston with two children, William, a cotton creeler, aged 13; and John a cotton creeler, aged 9. Staying with them was an unmarried visitor, Mary Parkington, a power loom cotton weaver, aged 23. They were all listed as born in Preston. Catherine remarried two years later. Robert Becconsall, a widower, aged 48, a labourer, and Catherine Gregson, a widow, aged 44, a weaver, both of Whalley's Square, Preston, were married on 10 Sep 1853 at St John's Parish Church. They were married after Banns by John Owen Parr, Vicar, and the witnesses were William and Mary Carns. Robert was the son of John Becconsall, a weaver, and Catherine was the daughter of the late William Pools (sic), a weaver. The bride, groom and both witnesses signed the marriage register with an X. I can find no further record of Robert and Catherine after 1853. At the time of the 1881 census a Catherine Beaconsall (sic), widow, a cotton weaver, aged 79, was an inmate at the Preston Workhouse in Fulwood, where she died the following year. Catherine Becconsall died in the workhouse and was buried on 24 Jul 1882 in a public grave, G-90, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 82 years. Death Notice: "DEATHS...PRESTON - Burials since our last:...Catherine Becconsall, Workhouse, 82;" Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 29 Jul 1882

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Maria GREGSON: Maria Gregson was born on 1 Aug 1842 and was baptized six days later at St Ignatius Catholic Church in Preston. She was the daughter of Mary Gregson, and the sponsors were Henry and Alice Cuerdon. Her birth was never registered. Maria died at her grandparents' home, 4 Warwick Street, on 11 Apr 1843 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery three days later, aged 8 months. On the night of the 1841 census John Gregson, a hand cotton weaver, aged c. 45, was living in Warwick Street with Maria, aged c. 40, and seven children, Thomas, a cotton piecer, aged c. 15; Mary, a card room linen worker, aged c. 15; Ann, a card room cotton worker, aged 12; Elizabeth, aged 10; William, aged 4; and Alice, aged 2. Also saying with them was John Slater, a hand cotton weaver, aged c. 75; and Ellen Slater, aged 4, who may have been related to Maria. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. By 1851 Mary was no longer living at home and I can find no further confirmed record of her. At the time of the 1851 census her father, John Gregson, a loomer, aged 58, was living at 10 Warwick Street, Preston with his wife Maria, aged 51, and five children, Thomas, a power loom weaver, aged 29; John, a spinner of cotton, aged 23; Betsy, a drawing tenter, aged 21; William, a cotton creeler, aged 14; and Alice, a scholar, aged 12. Staying with them was a granddaughter, Ellen Gregson, a power loom weaver, aged 15; and an unmarried lodger, Robert Fairclough, a self acting spinner, aged 23. With the exception of Ellen, who was born in Penwortham, they were all listed as born in Preston. Note 1: Maria's death was registered by her uncle, Thomas Gregson, but she was inadvertently recorded as the daughter of Thomas, a piecer. Thomas appears to have been illiterate, signing the register with his mark, so would not have been able to read the certificate and realize the mistake. Note 2: Mary's parents, John Gregson and Maria Slater, were married on 22 Sep 1821 at St John's Parish Church in Preston.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Thomas GREGSON: Thomas Gregson died on 28 Jul 1818 and was buried two days later in St Wilfrid's Cemetery. His first name, age, and abode were not recorded in the burial transcripts. Death Notice: "DIED...On Tuesday last, much respected, Mr. Thos. Gregson, of the firm of Messrs. Cross and Gregson, solicitors, Preston." Published in the Lancaster Gazette, Sat., 1 Aug 1818 Thomas Gregson died without making a Will. On 26 Sep 1818 Letters of Administration were issued to Alexander Gregson, of Samlesbury, Gentleman; John Gregson of Samlesbury, Yeoman, and John Forrest of Preston, Gentleman, bound in the sum of £9000. The Administration Bond states that Thomas "departed this life intestate on or about 27 July 1818", and describes Alexander as Thomas' "natural and lawful father". His personal estate was valued at under £5000. Thomas may have been the son of Alexander Gregson, a maltster, of the Parish of Samlesbury, and Ann Blanchard, of Alston in the Parish of Ribchester, who were married on 26 Jan 1767 at St Leonard the Less Parish Church in Samlesbury. They were married, by licence, by George Astley, Minister, and the witnesses were William Alker and Edmund Charnley. Alexander and Ann baptized three children at St Mary and St John Catholic Chapel in Samlesbury, beginning with Thomas, who was baptized on 29 Oct 1768, and the sponsors were Thomas Gregson and Ellen Blancher (sic). Their second known child was Ellen, who was baptized on 31 Jan 1771, with sponsors John Blanshert (sic) and Jane Gregson. She died in infancy and was buried on 21 Jun 1772 in the churchyard at St Leonard the Less Parish Church in Samlesbury, where she was described as Eleanor Gregson, the daughter of Alexander and Anne Gregson. Less than three months after Ellen's death Alexander and Ann baptized another daughter they called Ellen, who was baptized on 3 Sep 1772, with sponsors John Blanchart (sic) and Jane Gregson. This third child's birth may have been difficult for Ann, who died two months later. Ann Gregson, wife of Alexander Gregson, was buried on 12 Nov 1772 in the churchyard at St Leonard the Less Parish Church in Samlesbury. Her age was not recorded in the burial register. Alexander Gregson apparently died in either 1822 or 1823 but I have been unable to locate the record of his burial. He may have been buried in the churchyard at St Mary and St John Catholic Chapel in Samlesbury, but the burial registers are still held at the church and are not readily available. Note: If the Thomas Gregson who died in 1818 was the son of Alexander and Ann Gregson, he would have been about 50 years old at the time of his death.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of James and Mary Ann GREGSON: James Gregson, a bachelor, and Mary Ann Fox, a spinster, both of Preston, were married on 12 Feb 1831 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Thomas Clark, Curate, and the witnesses were Peter Hardman and Mary Ann Gregson. The bride, groom and both witnesses signed the marriage register with an X. The 1832 Preston electoral rolls list James Gregson, a carder, living at 36 Queen Street, where they were living when they had their first child. William GREGSON: William Gregson, the son of James and Marianne (sic) Gregson, was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 5 Feb 1832, with sponsors John Wells and Ellen Gregson. He lived eight months and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 14 Oct 1832, where his age was recorded as "infant" and his abode was Queen Street. Sometime shortly after William's death the couple appear to have moved to 56 Atkinson Street, where they were also listed in another section of the 1832 electoral rolls, and where they were living when they buried their second child. Thomas GREGSON: Thomas Gregson was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 15 Sep 1833, with sponsors Abraham Harrison and Mary Ann Gregson. He lived about seven months and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 20 Apr 1834, where his age was recorded as "infant" and his abode was Atkinson Street. James and Mary Ann's third child was Eliza Ann, who was born on 19 Mar 1835 and was baptized three days later at St Wilfrid's Chapel, with sponsors John Hardman and Mary Ann Lee. She was followed by Alice, who was born on 4 Jul 1837 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel five days later, with sponsors Oswald Eaves and Elizabeth Gillett; then another son they called William, who was born on 21 Sep 1839 and was baptized eight days later at St Ignatius Catholic Church, with sponsors John Hoole and Elizabeth Hardman. On the same day that they baptized their fifth child, they buried their fourth child. Alice Gregson, of Preston, was buried in the churchyard at St Ignatius Church on 29 Sep 1839, aged 2 years. On the night of the 1841 census James Gregson, a card master, aged c. 30, was living in Gudgeons Yard, Preston with Mary Ann, aged 29, and two their two surviving children, Eliza Ann, aged 6; and William, aged 1. Also living with them was Mary Ann's father, John Fox, Ind. (of independent means), aged c. 65. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. James and Mary Ann went on to have four more children while living in Preston. James and Mary Ann's sixth child was another son they called Thomas, who was born on 20 Jan 1842 and was baptized at St Augustine's Catholic Church ten days later, with sponsors John and Margaret Helm. He was followed by John, who was born on 14 Jun 1844 and was baptized at St Augustine's Church on 23 Jun 1844, with sponsors John Helme and Martha Bell; then Nicholas, who was born on 29 Jul 1846 and was baptized at St Ignatius Catholic Church on 9 Aug 1846, with sponsors John Hardman and Ruth Talbot. Whoever entered the information in the baptism register made a bit of a mess of it.   The last of their children to be born in Preston was Mary Ann, who was born on 11 Feb 1849 and was baptized at St Ignatius Church on 25 Feb 1849, with sponsors Thomas Baines and Mary Ann Fox. Some time after Mary Ann's birth the family left Preston and moved to Grassington in Yorkshire. At the time of the 1851 census James Gregson, a cotton carder, aged 40, was living "near the chapel" in Grassington, with his wife Mary Ann, engaged in "domestic duties", aged 39, and six children, Eliza Ann, a power loom weaver, aged 16; William, a lead miner, aged 12; Thomas, a worsted spinner, aged 9; John, a scholar, aged 7; Nicholas, a scholar, aged 5; and Mary Ann, aged 2. They were all listed as born in Preston. The following year their tenth and last child was born. James Gregson was born in Grassington on 29 Nov 1851. James and Mary Ann appear to have left the Catholic church by this time, and young James was baptized in a Wesleyan Methodist Chapel in Grassington on 15 Feb 1852. By 1861 the family had moved again and on the night of the 1861 census James Gregson, a labourer in a dye works, aged 51, was living at 66 Crown Street in Bradford, Yorkshire with Mary Ann, aged 50, and five children, Thomas, a carter, aged 19; John, a carter, aged 16; Nicholas, a cropper, aged 14; Mary Ann, a spinner, aged 12; and James, an errand boy, aged 9. With the exception of James Jr, who was born in Grassington, they were all listed as born in Preston. At the time of the 1871 census James Gregson, a wool combing machine labourer, aged 60, was still living 66 Crown Street in Bradford with Mary Ann, aged 59, and three children, William, an unemployed clog sole cutter, aged 31; Mary Ann, a worsted weaver, aged 22; and James, a planning machine mende (minder?), mill saw, aged 19. Also staying with them was an unmarried boarder, William Tyas, a carding machine labourer, aged 21. James Jr's occupation was crossed through and difficult to read. James Sr died three years later. James Gregson Sr died in Bradford on 1 Oct 1874 and was buried in a private grave, W-18, in the churchyard at Undercliffe Wesleyan Methodist Chapel in Bradford four days later, aged 64 years. His surname was spelled Gergson in the burial register. Death Notice: "DEATHS...GREGSON - October 1, aged 64, Mr. Jas. Gregson, Crown Street" Published in the Bradford Observer, Mon., 5 Oct 1874. Mary Ann survived her husband by almost four years. Mary Ann (Fox) Gregson died in Bradford and was buried on 4 Jul 1878, aged 66 years. She was buried in the same grave, W-18, where her husband had been buried four years earlier. Note: Undercliffe Wesleyan Methodist Chapel is now known as St. Andrew's Methodist Church.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

William GREGSON: With so little information to go on it is impossible to be certain, but the William Gregson, an infant, who was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 26 Jan 1830 may have been the child who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel nine days earlier. William Gregson was baptized on 17 Jan 1830. He was the son of James and Sarah Gregson, and the sponsors were Joseph Cuerden and Mary Gregson. William was the only child James and Sarah baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel and it would seem that their time in Preston was brief. They may have been the couple who were married in Bolton in 1829. James Gregson, a bachelor, and Sarah Rosthorn, a spinster, both of Bolton, were married on 14 Sep 1829 at St Peter's Parish Church in Bolton. They were married after Banns by J. Slade, Vicar, and the witnesses were Peter Higson and James Liptrot. The bride, groom and Peter Higson signed the marriage register with an X. I can find no further record of this couple. They were not living in Preston at the time of the 1841 census, and I have confirmed that the James and Sarah Gregson who were living in Blackburn in 1841 were a different couple. Note: The burial transcripts recorded William's abode as Soup Houses, but this was almost certainly Soap Houses.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of Jeremiah and Emma GRIFFIN: Jeremiah Griffin, the son of John and Bridget Griffin, of Preston, and Emma Bamber, the daughter of Thomas and Ann Bamber of Preston, were married on 21 Oct 1843 at St Ignatius Catholic Church in Preston. They were married by William Knight, and the witnesses were Bridget Riley and Ann Hilton, both of Preston.   Jeremiah and Emma's first child was John, who was born on 6 Oct 1844 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 13 Oct 1844, with sponsors Denis Griffin and Mary Bamber. His parents were recorded as John and Ann Griffin in the baptism transcripts. Their second and third children died not survive infancy. Ann GRIFFIN: Ann Griffin was born at home, 92 Church Street, on 2 Feb 1846. She was described as a "six months child", meaning she was born three months prematurely. She only lived 10 minutes and was probably given an emergency baptism at the bedside. She was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 3 Feb 1846, aged 1 day. Elizabeth GRIFFIN: Elizabeth Griffin was also born prematurely, on or about 19 Nov 1846, and did not survive. She, like her sister, was probably baptized privately at the bedside. She was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 22 Nov 1846, aged 2 days. Jeremiah and Emma's fourth child was Mary, who was born on 18 Sep 1847 and was baptized the following day at St Wilfrid's Chapel, with sponsors Rev. John Bamber and Ellen Bamber. She was followed by another daughter they called Ann, who was born on 9 Dec 1849 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel three days later, with one sponsor, Ann Bamber. She too died in infancy and died on 26 Jan 1850, aged 8 weeks. She was not buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery or in the churchyards of either St Ignatius Catholic Church or St John's Parish Church, and I have been unable to locate her burial place. It may be that she was buried in the churchyard at St Augustine's Catholic Church, but their early burial register appears to be missing. On the night of the 1851 census Jeremiah Griffin, a pork/bacon dealer, aged 33, was living at 104 Church Street, Preston with Emma, aged 29, and two children, John, aged 6; and Mary, aged 4. Jeremiah was listed as born in Ireland, Emma was born in Manchester, and the children were born in Preston. Also staying with them was a servant, Catherine Swift, a house servant, aged 17. Her place of birth is difficult to read but appears to be Knowlsley. At the time of the 1861 census Jeremiah Griffin, a provision dealer, aged 45, was living in Church Street, Preston with Emma, a helpmate, aged 40, and their daughter Mary, a scholar, aged 12. Little had changed ten years later and on the night of the 1871 census Jeremiah Griffin, a provision dealer, aged 54, was living at 104 Church Street, with Emma, aged 49; and Mary, and assistant shopwoman, aged 22. Also living with them was an unmarried servant, Anne Woods, aged 22. At the time of the 1881 census Jeremiah Griffin, a provision dealer, aged 66, was living at 58 Friargate, Preston with Emma, aged 60, and their unmarried daughter Mary, aged 32. In this census Jeremiah is listed as born in Kerry, Ireland, Emma was born in Manchester, and Mary was born in Preston. Jeremiah died seven years later. Jeremiah Griffin died in the workhouse and was buried on 21 Jan 1888 in a public grave, C-563, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 65 years. On the night of the 1891 census Emma Griffin, widow, a sweets dealer, aged 69, was living at 84F Adelphi Street, Preston with her daughter Mary, a sweets dealer, aged 43. Emma died two years later. Emma Griffin, of Great Hanover Street, was buried on 16 Dec 1893 in a private grave, A-648, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 72 years. Hers was the seventh interment, buried 12 feet deep. Mary Griffin never married and lived the rest of her life in Preston, where she died in 1913. Mary Griffin, of 35 Edmund Street, was buried on 16 Oct 1913 in a public grave, D-484, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 65 years. Death Notice: "DEATHS...PRESTON - Since our last:...Mary Griffin, Edmund-street, 65;" Published in the Preston Guardian, Sat., 18 Oct 1913.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Susannah GRIFFIN: Susannah Griffin, the daughter of Mary Griffin, a reeler, was born on or about 29 Nov 1848, but was not baptized at any of Preston's Catholic churches. She died of convulsions at Buckingham Street, Preston on 10 Dec 1848, and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery three days later, aged 11 days. On the night of the 1851 census Mary Griffin, a reeler, aged 24, was living as one of five lodgers in the home of James Gregson, 12 Hope Street, Preston. She was listed as born in Ireland. I can find no further record of her in Preston.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of John and Jane GRIMSTON: A John Grimston, a bachelor, of Rippon in the County of York, and Jane Wrather, a spinster, of the Parish of St Bartholomew Exchange in London, were married on 24 Feb 1794 at St Bartholomew The Great Parish Church in the City of London. They were married by R. Wilson, Curate, and the witnesses were Robert Marsden and W. Dawson. This may be the couple who died in Preston, but the problem is that their only known child was born two years before this couple were married. Robert William Grimston, the son of John and Jane Grimston, was born on 3 Apr 1792 and was baptized on 27 Jun 1792 at St Mary Magdalene Church in Richmond, Surrey. The 1810 Catholic census of Preston lists Robert Grimston, aged 18, living in Lord Street. His parents do not appear to be listed, unless they were the couple recorded as John and Jane Grayston, who were living in Feeble Street. Their ages were not recorded in the census. Robert Grimston, a bachelor, aged 26, a linen merchant, and Hannah Noble, a spinster, aged 25, both of Preston, were married on 7 Jan 1819 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married, by licence, by Matthew Mark, Curate, and the witnesses were George and Mary Noble. Their ages and Robert's occupation were not recorded in the marriage register and are taken from the Marriage Bond, dated 1 Jan 1819. They also had a Catholic ceremony at St Wilfrid's Chapel on the same day, and with the same witnesses. Marriage Notice: "MARRIED...On the 7th inst. Mr. Robert Grimston, to Miss Hannah Noble, both of Preston." Published in the Lancaster Gazette, Sat., 16 Jan 1819 Robert and Hannah's first child was John, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 24 Nov 1819, with sponsors George Wilkinson and Dorothy Grimston. Robert and Hannah may have lived outside the boundaries of the St Wilfrid's Parish, as they were not listed in the 1820 Catholic census. The lady I believe to have been Robert's mother may have been the "Mrs. Grimminson" listed living in Walton Street. Her age was not recorded, and although called "Mrs", no husband was listed. Robert and Hannah baptized three more children at St Wilfrid's Chapel. Sarah Grimston was baptized on 17 Jun 1821, with sponsors John and Margaret Noble; followed by Mary, who was baptized on 2 Jan 1823, with sponsors Nicholas and Mary Gillet; and George, who was baptized on 9 Oct 1826, with sponsors George Noble and Jane Leeming.The woman I believe to have been the wife of John Grimston and mother of Robert Grimston died a little more than five years later. Jane GRIMSTON: Jane Grimston, of Walton Street, who was born in about 1763, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 19 Feb 1831, aged 67 years. Her husband died five years later. John GRIMSTON: John Grimston, of Penwortham, who was born in about 1776, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 15 May 1836, aged 59 years. Robert Grimston, of Snow Hill, died on 26 Mar 1840 and was buried in the churchyard at St Ignatius Catholic Church two days later, aged 49 years.   Death Notice: "DEATHS...On Thursday last, Mr. Grimston, Sawyer's Arms, Snow-hill." Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 28 Mar 1840 On the night of the 1841 census Hannah Grimston, an innkeeper, aged c. 45, was living at the Sawyer's Arms pub in Snow Hill, Preston with Sarah, aged 19, and Mary, aged c. 15. Also staying with them was a female servant, Margaret Leeming, aged c. 20. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. Robert and Hannah's son George was not at home on the night of the census, but died there later that year. George Grimston, of Snow Hill, was buried in the churchyard at St Ignatius Church on 28 Aug 1841, aged 14 years. Richard Teebay, the son of Anthony and Mary Teebay, and Sarah Grimston, the daughter of Robert and Hannah Grimston, were married on 16 Jun 1847 at St Ignatius Catholic Church. They were married by Robert Havers and the witnesses were George Singleton and Mary Grimston. At the time of the 1851 census Hannah Grimston, widow, a retired brewer, aged 58, was living at 10 Maudland Road, Preston with her widowed mother Sarah Clare, a proprietor of houses, aged 83, her unmarried daughter Mary, aged 28; and her grandson James Teebay, aged 2. Hannah was listed as born in Penwortham, Sarah was born in Broughton, Mary was born in Preston, and James was born in Liverpool. Hannah died two years later. Hannah (Noble) Grimston, of Fylde Road, died on 18 Feb 1853 and was buried in the churchyard at St Ignatius Catholic Church on 24 Feb 1853, aged 60 years. Her son, Father John Grimston, presided over the funeral. Death Notice: "DEATHS...Yesterday, in the 62nd year of her age, Mrs. Grimston, formerly of the Sawyer's Arms, Snow-hill, in this town." Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 19 Feb 1853 Hannah's mother, Sarah Clare, died eleven days after Hannah, on 1 Mar 1853, and was buried in the same churchyard on 4 March 1853, aged 85 years. Death Notice: "DEATHS...On Tuesday last, aged 85, Mrs. Sarah Clare, Maudland-bank." Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 5 Mar 1853 Note 1: When John and Jane Grimston were buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery their surname was spelled Grimstone. Note 2: Robert and Hannah's daughter Mary Grimston eventually did marry. She married John Noblet on 14 Sep 1853. St Walburge's Church had not yet been completed, so they were married in St Walburge's school. Marriage Notice: "MARRIAGES...at the Catholic School, Maudlands,...On Wednesday last, at the same place, by the Rev, J.J. Bond, Mr. John Noblet, of Manchester, to Miss Mary Grimston, of this town." Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 17 Sep 1853 Note 3: Hannah's mother, Sarah Noble, a widow, married Joseph Clare at St John's Parish Church in Preston on 28 May 1818.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Ann GROCE: If Ann Groce was 15 years old when she was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 26 Nov 1823, she would have been born in about 1808, during the period for which the St Wilfrid's records are missing. There was no one by that surname listed in the surviving St Wilfrid's baptism or marriage records. The 1810 Catholic census of Preston lists Thomas Groce, aged 2, living at "Lds Factory" with Mary, whose age was not recorded. The 1820 Catholic census lists an Edward Croce (sic), aged 20, living at 103 High Street. I can find no further confirmed record of these families.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The GROGAN Family of Wigan and Preston: Peter Grogan and Elizabeth Taylor, both of Wigan, were married on 12 Sep 1825 at All Saints Parish Church in Wigan. They were married after Banns by G Goodwill, Curate, and the witnesses were William Rowlinson and Samuel Vizard. Elizabeth signed the marriage register with an X. Their only known child died in infancy. Hugh GROGAN: Hugh Grogan was born on 14 Jun 1833 and was baptized at St John's Catholic Church in Wigan on 2 Jul 1833. He was the son of Peter and Elizabeth Grogan, and the sponsors were Thomas Bannister and Margaret Fairhurst. He was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 10 May 1835, aged 2 years. I can find no record of the couple after Hugh's baptism in 1833. I suspect that Peter Grogan was related to James Grogan, with a possibility that they were brothers. The Family of James and Mary GROGAN: James Grogan was born in Wigan on 5 May 1807 and was baptized at St John's Catholic Church in Wigan five days later, with Godparents George Gallaspy and Alice Knales. He was the son of Hugh Grogan and Elizabeth Fairhurst, who were married at All Saints Parish Church in Wigan on 25 Oct 1807. James married Mary Fielding sometime around 1829, but I can find no record of their marriage. They were living in the Wigan area during the early years of their marriage and baptized two children at St John's Catholic Church in Wigan. Elizabeth Grogan was born on 29 Nov 1829 and was baptized on 6 Dec 1829, with sponsors Peter Fairhurst and Judith Minto. She was followed by Hannah, who seems to have been known as Frances, who was born on 27 Nov 1831 and was baptized on 11 Dec 1831, with sponsors John Parry and Ann Stanley. The first of James and Mary's children to be baptized in Preston died in infancy. Margaret GROGAN: Margaret Grogan was baptized Margaret Groggin at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 11 Oct 1835, with sponsors Thomas and Esther Whittle. She lived 16 months, and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 16 Mar 1837, where her surname was spelled Gragan, and her abode was recorded as Well Street. James and Mary had two more children while living in Preston. Robert Grogan was born on 1 Mar 1838 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel ten days later, with sponsors Daniel Comberlean and Mary Rushton. He was followed by another daughter they called Margaret, who was born on 16 Apr 1841 and was baptized Margaret Groghen at St Ignatius Catholic Church on 2 May 1841, with sponsors Thomas Addleston and Nancy Groghen. When her birth was registered her mother's maiden surname was recorded as Fielding. On the night of the 1841 census James Groggan (sic), a cotton weaver, aged 36, was living in Atkinson Street, Preston with Mary, a cotton weaver, aged 33, and four children, Elizabeth, aged 11; Frances, aged 9; Robert, aged 3; and Margaret, aged 2 months. Also staying with them was Elizabeth Groggan, a cotton weaver, aged c. 20; and Ann Groggan, a cotton factory worker, aged c. 20. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. Although the 1841 census did not record the relationships between people, we know from other records that the last two ladies listed were James' sisters. Elizabeth was married later that year. John Walker, son of James and Ann Walker, and Elizabeth Grogan, daughter of Hugh and Elizabeth Grogan of Wigan, were married on 2 Nov 1841 at St Wilfrid's Chapel, witnessed by Thomas Eastham and Margaret Rushton, both of Preston. At some point after 1841 the family left Preston and at least some of them migrated to Manchester. James and Mary's daughter Frances Grogin (sic), a spinster, aged 19, of Rochdale Road, Manchester, and Robert Walmsley, a bachelor, aged 22, a cordwainer, of Back Mill Street, Manchester, were married on 4 Aug 1850 at Manchester Cathedral. Frances was described as the daughter of James Grogin, an engraver, and Robert was described as the son of Thomas Walmsley, a sawyer. They were married after Banns by W. Johnson, and the witnesses were Benjamin Sermon and Hannah Howarth. Robert signed his own name in the register and the others signed with their marks. I cannot find James and Mary in the 1851 census. Their youngest son Robert, a brickmaker's labourer, aged 13, was staying with his aunt Elizabeth on the night of the census. Benjamin Sermon, a brickmaker, aged 31, was living at 2 Taylor's Court in the Ardwick area of Manchester with Elizabeth, aged 35, and four children, Robert, a scholar, aged 6; Benjamin, aged 4; and Ann, aged 1. Although Benjamin and Elizabeth were listed as a married couple, they didn't actually marry until two years later. Elizabeth Walker, a widow, aged 36, of Percival Street, the daughter of Hugh Grogan, a weaver, and Benjamin Sermon, a widower, aged 33, a brickmaker, of Percival Street, the son of Benjamin Sermon, a brickmaker, were married on 17 Aug 1853 at Manchester Cathedral. They were married after Banns by C. Richson, Clerk in Orders, and the witnesses were Robert Hargreaves and Nancy Grogan. All four signed the register with their marks. I can find no further confirmed record of James and Mary Grogan. Note: If something happened to Hugh's parents, Peter and Elizabeth, did James and Mary bring their nephew to Preston with them?

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of William and Alice GRUNDY: William Grundy, a cordwainer, aged 21, and Alice Leach, a spinster, aged 20, both of Preston, were married on 26 Jul 1784 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married, by licence, by Humphrey Shuttleworth, Vicar, and the witnesses were Charles Townsend and William Hodgkinson. Alice signed the marriage register with an X. William's occupation and their ages were not recorded in the marriage register, and are taken from the Marriage Bond, dated 26 Jul 1784. William and Alice had several children, not all of whom were baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel. Their first child was James, who was baptized on 14 Aug 1785, with sponsors Michael Tomlison and Betty Gravestone. He was followed by Isabel, who was baptized on 25 Mar 1787, with sponsors Thomas Dunderdale and Elizabeth Noblet; and Robert, who was baptized on 21 Sep 1789, with sponsors Henry Hubersty and Ann Dunderdale. There is then a gap of about twelve years, during which time they had at least one daughter, Alice, who was born in about 1798. It is possible that the family were living away from Preston during that twelve year period. They went on to baptize two more children at St Wilfrid's Chapel, Charles, who was baptized on 19 Feb 1801, with sponsors Thomas Peeling and Mary Mascow; and Edward, who was baptized on 26 Feb 1803, with sponsors Thomas Barton and Isabel Dunderdale. There then appears the gap in the St Wilfrid's records from 1803 to the end of 1812, but we know from other records that they had a least four more children: Richard in about 1806, Henry in about 1811, Mary in about 1813, and Ellen in about 1819. The 1810 Catholic census of Preston lists Alice Grundy living in Singleton Row with five children, Bellow (Isabella), aged 23; Alice, aged 12; Charles, aged 9; Edward, aged 7; and Richard, aged 4. The 1820 Catholic census lists Alice Grundy, aged 54, living at 9 Fylde Street with seven children, Alice, aged 20; Charles, aged 17; Edward, aged 15; Richard, aged 14; Henry, age 9; Mary, aged 7; and Ellen, aged 1. The ages given for all of them is questionable. The Family of Charles and Jane GRUNDY: William and Alice's son Charles Grundy and Jane Woodcock, both of the Parish of Penwortham, were married on 28 Aug 1827 at St Mary's Parish Church in Penwortham. They were married after Banns by James Taylor Wareing, Curate, and the witnesses were Edward Grundy and Mary Ann Varon. The bride, groom and both witnesses signed the marriage register with an X. Charles and Jane's first child was William, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 28 Dec 1828, with sponsors John Bamber and Mary Dunderdale. He was followed by Ellen, who was baptized on 13 Mar 1831, with sponsors David and Mary Lee. The 1832 Preston electoral rolls list Charles Grundy, a carder, living at 6 Patten Street, and it was in that year that they lost their eldest child. William GRUNDY: William Grundy, of Pearsons Row, who was born in 1828, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 1 Mar 1832, where his age was recorded simply as "infant". Less than a year and a half after losing their son, Charles and Jane had another son they called William, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 18 Aug 1833, with sponsors James Topping and Ann Woodcock. Sometime after 1833 Charles and Jane left Preston for Dublin, Ireland, where two sons were born. George Grundy was baptized at Rathmines, Dublin on 30 Aug 1835, with sponsors John Kickham and Sara Hickan. The handwriting in the original register is very difficult to read and his mother's surname has been transcribed by Ancestry.com as Eugenius, which is the Latin form of Eugene. The names of the sponsors are also questionable, and it is possible that they had the same surname. The second child known to have been born in Dublin was Charles Jr., who was baptized at Rathmines in December 1840, with sponsors John Mercer and Sara Tam. The family next appear in Preston in 1844, when they baptized another child. Thomas Grundy was born on 29 Aug 1844 and was baptized at St Ignatius Catholic Church on 1 Sep 1844, with sponsors George Wilcock and Ellen Waring. He was followed by Mary Ann, who was born on 9 May 1847 and was baptized at St Ignatius Church on 16 May 1847, with one sponsor, Ann Brown. She appears to have died in the Walton-le-Dale area in 1849, but I have been unable to find any record of her burial. Charles and Jane's last child was James, who was born on 14 Apr 1850 and was baptized seven days later at St Mary and St John's Catholic Chapel in Samlesbury, with sponsors Richard Graham and Ellen Woodcock. On the night of the 1851 census Charles Grundy, a carder, aged 48, was living at 100 Lancaster Road, Preston with Jane, aged 45, and six children, Ellen, a factory operative, aged 20; William, a factory operative, aged 18; George, a factory operative, aged 16; Charles, a factory operative, aged 10; Thomas, a scholar, aged 7; and James, aged 1. George and Charles Jr were both listed as born in Dublin, Ireland, and the rest of the family were born in Preston. Also staying with them were two unmarried lodgers, Henry Haworth, a card room grinder, aged 21; and Deborah Taylor, a factory operative, aged 31. At the time of the 1861 census Charles Grundy, a cotton carder, aged 60, was living in Ramsbottom Lane, Ramsbottom with his wife Jane, aged 55; and their two youngest children, Thomas, a cotton carder, aged 16; and James, a cotton spinner, aged 11. Also staying with them was their married son George, a cotton spinner, aged 26; his wife Jane, a cotton weaver, aged 25; and their two children, William, a scholar, aged 5; and John, aged 1. George was listed as born in Dublin, his wife was born in Croston, John was born in Ramsbottom, and the rest of the household was born in Preston. On the night of the 1881 census Charles Grundy, a cotton carder, aged 78, was living at 85 Stubbins Lane, Ramsbottom with Jane, aged 68. Living with them were three unmarried boarders, Ellen Woodcock, an cotton drawer, aged 33; James Harrison, a cotton spinner, aged 29; and Edward Leach, a cotton spinner, aged 18. With the exception of Edward Leach, who was born in Bury, they were all listed as born in Preston. Ellen Woodcock may have been a relative of Jane's. I can find no further confirmed record of Charles and Jane after 1881. The Family of Edward and Ann GRUNDY: William and Alice Grundy's son Edward Grundy and Ann Nelson, both of Preston, were married on 20 Dec 1823 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Thomas Raven, and the witnesses were Samuel Nelson and Ann Sandell. The bride, groom and both witnesses signed the marriage register with an X. They also had a Catholic ceremony at St Wilfrid's Chapel on the same day, where the female witness was recorded as Ann Sandham. Edward and Ann's first child was Alice, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 8 Feb 1824, with sponsors Charles Grundy and Catherine Frazer. She was followed by John, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 25 Sep 1825, with sponsors Charles Grundy and Margaret Barnes. When Ann was pregnant with their third child, their oldest child died. Alice GRUNDY: Alice Grundy, who was born in 1824, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 30 Oct 1827, where her age was recorded simply as "infant". Their third child was born less than six weeks later. Edward and Ann's third child was another daughter they called Alice, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 9 Dec 1827, with sponsors Peter Livsey and Mary Grundy. She was followed by Margaret, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 18 Oct 1829, with sponsors John Billington and Jane McKenny. Sometime after Margaret's birth the family left Preston and had five more children before 1841. Their daughter Ann was born in about 1832, followed by Edward Jr in about 1834, then a third daughter they called Alice, who was born in about 1835, and the first of two daughters they called Mary, who was born in about 1837. These children may have been baptized at St Joseph's Catholic Church in Brindle, but the relevant baptism registers are apparently still held at the church and are not readily available. At some point the family either returned to Preston briefly, or brought their daughter's body back to Preston for burial. Mary GRUNDY: Mary Grundy, of Cheetham Street, who was born in about April of 1837, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 26 Jul 1838, aged 15 months. About a year after the death of their daughter Mary, Edward and Ann had another daughter they called Mary, whose birth was registered in the Chorley district in the third quarter of 1839. She too may have been baptized in Brindle. On the night of the 1841 census Edward Grundy, a cotton spinner, aged c. 35, was living in Bashall's Row, Walton-le-Dale with Ann, aged c. 35, and six children, John, a cotton piecer, aged c. 15; Margaret, aged 10; Ann, aged 10; Edward, aged 7; Alice, aged 5; and Mary, aged 2. Living with them, presumably as lodgers, were Mary Markland, a cotton carder, aged c. 25; Thomas Markland, aged 6; and Mary Robinson, a cotton carder, aged c. 30. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. Edward and Ann baptized two children at St Mary's Catholic Church, Brownedge, Bamber Bridge. Ellen Grundy was born on 28 Feb 1842 and was baptized on 6 Mar 1842, with sponsors James Siman and Mary Markland. She was followed by William, who was born on 23 Mar 1844 and was baptized at St Mary's Church on 31 Mar 1844, with sponsors William Lambert and Jane Glover. Shortly after William's birth the family were on the move again, and their last three children were baptized at St Marie's Catholic Church in Bury. Elizabeth Grundy was born on 11 Mar 1845 and was baptized five days later, with sponsors John and Mary Anne Holland. She died in infancy but I have been unable to locate the record of her burial. She was followed by another daughter they called Elizabeth, who was born on 14 Aug 1847 and was baptized eight days later, with one sponsors, Elizabeth Greenhalgh. She also died in infancy, and was followed by Elizabeth Ann, who was born on 17 Sep 1850 and was baptized five days later, with one sponsor, Alice Howarth. Shortly before the date of the 1851 census, Edward and Ann lost another of their children, Edward Jr, who was buried in the churchyard at St Mary the Virgin Parish Church in Bury on 9 Mar 1851, aged 16 years. On the night of the 1851 census Edward Grundy, a mule spinner, aged 47, was living in Chimney Row, Bury with Ann, aged 47, and six children, Margaret, a mule piecer, aged 21; Ann, a mule piecer, aged 19; Alice, a card room hand, aged 13; Mary, a scholar, aged 11; Ellen, a scholar, aged 9; and Elizabeth, aged 6 months. Ann Jr, Alice and Mary were listed as born in Chorley, Elizabeth was born in Bury, and the rest of the family were born in Preston. At the time of the 1861 census Edward Grundy, a labourer, aged 57, was living at Croston Brow in the village of Elton, near Bury, with Ann, aged 56, and three children, Mary, a card room drawer, aged 21; Ellen, a dressmaker, aged 19; and Elizabeth A, a scholar, aged 11. Ann (Nelson) Grundy died two years later. Ann Grundy, of Elton, was buried on 15 Feb 1863 in the churchyard at All Saints Parish Church in Elton, aged 58 years. Her youngest child followed her to the grave a little more than a year later. Elizabeth Ann Grundy, of Elton, who was born in Bury in 1850, was buried on 24 Apr 1864 in the churchyard at All Saints Parish Church, aged 13 years. Edward Grundy Sr, of Elton, who was born in Preston in 1803, was buried in the churchyard at All Saints Parish Church, Elton, on 2 Feb 1870, aged 67 years.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

John GUDGEON: John Gudgeon, of Stanley Street, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 24 Mar 1833, aged 47 years. It is not known when John Gudgeon moved to Preston. There was no one by that surname listed in either the 1810 or 1820 Catholic censuses of Preston, and no one by that name listed in the surviving baptism or marriage records for St Wilfrid's Chapel. The only record I can find of John Gudgeon in Preston is the 1832 Preston electoral rolls, which list John Gudgeon, a weaver, living at 11 Back Stanley Street.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Robert GULL: The burial of the infant Robert Gull in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 17 Oct 1830 is the only record of a person by that name that I can find in the St Wilfrid's transcripts. There was no one by that surname listed in the baptism or marriage records, no one by that name listed in either the 1810 or 1820 censuses of Preston, and the only record I can find of any other person in Preston with the surname Gull was the burial of Charles Gull, of Starch Houses, who was born in about 1799, and was buried in the churchyard at St Paul's Church on 16 May 1833, aged 34 years.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of Richard and Ellen GUY: Richard Guy was baptized on 2 Oct 1814 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. He was the son of Robert and Sarah Guy of Preston, and his father was a spinner. The 1832 Preston electoral rolls list Robert Guy, a spinner, living at 7 Back Lane. Richard was married four years later. Richard Guy, a bachelor, and Ellen Eccles, a spinster, both of Preston, were married on 25 Jan 1836 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Thomas Clark, Curate, and the witnesses were William Eawley and Ann Eccles. Richard and Ellen both signed the marriage register with an X. Marriage Notice: "MARRIAGES. On Monday last,...Mr. Richard Guy, to Miss Ellen Eccles." Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 30 Jan 1836 Ellen was pregnant at the time of their marriage and their first child was born four months later. Martha Guy was born on 20 May 1836 and was baptized two days later at St Wilfrid's Chapel, with sponsors Richard Pemberton and Helen Boulton. She was followed by John, who was born on 17 Mar 1838 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel the following day, with sponsors Thomas Green and Margaret Eccles. Ellen lost her husband seven months later. Richard GUY: Richard Guy, who was born in 1841, died at Back Lane, Preston and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 14 Oct 1838, aged 24 years. Less than six months after burying her husband, Ellen's youngest child died. John GUY: John Guy, who was born in 1838, died at 2 Adelphi Street, Preston and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 11 Apr 1839, aged 1 year. On the night of the 1841 census Ellen Guy, a power loom weaver, aged c. 20, was one of seven lodgers living in Kirkham Street North, Preston, at the home of Elizabeth Miller, of independent means, aged c. 60. Richard and Ellen's daughter Martha was staying with relatives. Robert Guy, a cotton spinner, aged c. 60, was living in Back Lane, Preston with Sarah, aged c. 50; Betty, a cotton factory worker, aged c. 35; Mary, a cotton winder, aged c. 25; John, a cotton piecer, aged c. 15; Robert; aged 9; and Martha, aged 5. Also staying with them was James Abba, a smith, aged c. 25. Ellen (Eccles) Guy remarried six days after the census was taken. Richard Deighton, a widower, aged about 37, a joiner, and Ellen Guy, a widow, aged about 31, were married on 12 Jun 1841 at the Preston Register Office. Marriage Notice: "MARRIAGES...On Saturday last, at the Register Office, Mr. Richard Deighton to Mrs. Ellen Guy,...all of this town." Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 19 Jun 1841 Richard and Ellen had two children while living in Preston, both baptized at St John's Parish Church. Samuel Deighton was baptized on 20 Mar 1842, and Catherine Deighton was baptized on 2 Jul 1843. In both instances, Richard was listed as a joiner, of John Street North. When Samuel's birth was registered his surname was spelled Dighton, and when Catherine's birth was registered it was spelled Dyson. In 1849 the family, Richard Dieghton, a joiner, aged 45, Elenor, aged 39; William, aged 17; Richard, aged 11; Samuel, aged 6; and Catherine, aged 4; boarded the ship 'Charles Chaloner' at Liverpool bound for New Orleans, Louisiana, eventually settling in Illinois. Ellen left her daughter Martha Guy in Preston with her grandparents, but her grandfather died the following year. Robert Guy, of St Peter's Square, was buried on 28 Apr 1850 in the churchyard at St Peter's Church in Preston, aged 70 years. On the night of the 1851 census Sarah Guy, widow, a housekeeper, aged 63, was living at 31 St Peter's Square with two of her unmarried children, Elizabeth, a winder, aged 46; and Robert, a steam loom weaver, aged 19; and her granddaughter Martha, a steam loom weaver, aged 15. Sarah was listed as born in Eccleston, and the rest of the family were born in Preston. Staying with them were four lodgers, John Gough, a joiner, aged 24; his wife Agnes, a steam loom weaver, aged 19; James Edington, a spinner, aged 17; and Jane Edington, a steam loom weaver, aged 12. After arriving in the USA, Richard and Ellen made their home in Beverly Township, Adams County, Illinois, where they were living at the time of the 1850 U.S. census. Richard Deighton, a carpenter, aged 44, was living in Beverly with Ellen, aged 36, and four children, Richard, aged 14; Samuel, aged 8; Catherine, aged 7; and Margaret A, aged 1. Margaret was born in Illinois and the rest of the family were listed as born in England. Ten years later they were still living in Beverly. Richard was by then 56; Ellen (called Hellen in the census) was 48; Samuel, now a blacksmith, was 19; Catherine was 17; and Mary, a new addition to the family, was 6. Ellen (Eccles) Guy-Deighton apparently died on 2 Sep 1863, aged 53 years and was buried in the Kingston Park Cemetery in Beverly. On the night of the 1870 U.S. census Richard Deighton, a widower, aged 66, a retired wagon maker, was living in Beverly with his youngest daughter, Mary, keeping house, aged 17. Richard died six years later. Richard Deighton, who was born in England in about 1804, died in Beverly, Illinois on 24 May 1876, and was buried in Kingston Park Cemetery in Beverly, aged 72 years. Note: Martha Guy stayed in Preston with her grandparents and was married in 1858. Benjamin Brooks, a bachelor, aged 26, a piecer, of North Road, the son of George Brooks, a weaver, and Martha Guy, a spinster, aged 22, a weaver, of Homer Street, the daughter of Richard Guy, a spinner, were married on 7 Sep 1858 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by A.J. Page, Officiating Minister, and the witnesses were Samuel Norwood and Mary Brooks.

Updated: 1 Sep 2025 © Copyright 2015-2025 Glenn Swarbrick, All Rights Reserved