St Wilfrid's Catholic Cemetery, Preston

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of Richard and Ann TALBOT:

Richard Talbot, a warper, and Ann Farnworth, a spinster, both of Leyland, were married on 10 Oct 1802 at St Andrew's Parish Church in Leyland. They were married after Banns by Thomas Rebanks, Curate, and the witnesses were William Craven and Thomas Plaskett. Ann signed the marriage register with an X.

Although described as "of Leyland" in the marriage register, Richard and Ann were probably from Clayton Green, a small village in the parish of Leyland. They baptized their first five known children at St Mary's Brownedge Catholic Church in Bamber Bridge, beginning with Alice, who was baptized on 23 Aug 1803, with Godparents James Clayton and Peggy Tabiner. Their second child was Ann, who was baptized on 17 May 1805, with Godparents Barnard and Ann Tabiner. She was followed by Margaret, who was baptized on 26 Apr 1807, with Godparents Henry and Dolly Farnworth; then John, who was baptized on 13 Oct 1809, with Godparents John Farnworth and Jane Tabiner; and Henry, who was baptized on 2 Feb 1813, with Godparents George Werden and Winifred Osbaldeston. Although not baptized at St Mary's, Richard and Ann had at least one more child, James, who was born in about 1815.

It is not known when the family moved to Preston. They were not listed in the 1820 Catholic census of Preston, but were living in the town by early 1840.

Richard TALBOT:

Richard Talbot, who was born in about 1772, died in Preston and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 3 Feb 1840, aged 67 years. There was no death notice published and he did not leave a Will.

On the night of the 1841 census Ann Talbot, Ind. (of independent means), aged c. 65, was living in Frenchwood Street, with Ann, a dressmaker, aged c. 35. They were both listed as born in Lancashire. Although the 1841 census did not record people's relationships, the younger Ann was almost certainly Richard and Ann's daughter, who would have been about 35 in 1841.

At the time of the 1851 census Ann Talbot, widow, a housekeeper, aged 78, was living at 83 Frenchwood Street with two unmarried children, Margaret, a servant, aged 42; and Henry, a porter, aged 38. Also staying with them were two unmarried lodgers, Richard Shuttleworth, a journeyman currier, aged 23; and Ellen Shuttleworth, a dressmaker, aged 15. Ann was listed as born in Walton, Margaret and Henry were born in Clayton, and their lodgers were born in Longridge. Ann died less than a year later.

Mrs Ann TALBOT:

Ann (Farnworth) Talbot, who was born in about 1772, died on 2 Feb 1852 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery three days later, aged 79 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On Monday last, in Frenchwood-street, aged 79, Ann, widow of the late Mr. Richard Talbot, formerly of Clayton Green, much respected."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 7 Feb 1852

The Family of John and Ann TALBOT:

Richard and Ann's on John Talbot, a bachelor, and Ann Carling, a spinster, were married on 6 May 1833 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Thomas Clark, Curate, and the witnesses were James Swarbrick and Ann Talbot. Ann Carling signed the marriage register with an X.

John and Ann made their home in Preston and had only one known child, Alice, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 23 Jun 1834, and the sponsors were James and Ann Talbot. On the night of the 1841 census John Talbot, a journeyman joiner, aged c. 30, was living in Hill Street, Preston with Ann, aged c. 30, and one child, Alice, aged 6. Also staying them was Elizabeth Newsham, a cotton weaver, aged c. 40; and Thomas Lund, a tin worker, aged c. 30. They were all listed as born in Lancashire.

At the time of the 1851 census John Talbot, a joiner, aged 41, was living at 8 Hill Street with his wife Ann, aged 40; and their only child, Alice, "at home", aged 16. Also staying with them was his sister-in-law, Elizabeth Newsham, widow, a power loom weaver, aged 51. John was listed as born in Clayton, and the rest of the household was born in Preston. It seems that John and Ann's daughter was suffering from some sort of disability that kept her at home when most girls her age would have been working. She died two years later.

Alice TALBOT:

Alice Talbot, of 8 Hill Street, died on 29 Apr 1853 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 3 May 1853, aged 18 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...Yesterday week,...Alice Talbot, Hill-street, aged 18."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 7 May 1853

On the night of the 1861 census John Talbot, a joiner, aged 51, was living at 9 Hill Street with Ann, aged 50, and his widowed sister-in-law Elizabeth Newsham, (described as a boarder), a laundress, aged 62. Elizabeth (Carling) Newsham, the widow of James Newsham, died in 1866, aged 66, and by the time of the 1871 census John Talbot, a joiner, aged 61, was living at 9 Hill Street with Ann, aged 60.

John and Ann Talbot died within a short time of each other. Ann Taylor, of 9 Hill Street, was buried on 4 Aug 1876 in a private grave, B-443, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 65 years. Hers was the second interment, buried ten feet deep.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...PRESTON, Since our last:...Ann Talbot, Hill-street, 65;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 5 Aug 1876

John Talbot, of 9 Hill Street, died on 26 Aug 1876, and was buried on 29 Aug 1876 in the same grave where his wife had been buried twenty-five days earlier. His was the third interment, buried eight feet deep.

Probate Information:

TALBOT John - Effects under £500. 12 October. Administration of the effects of John Talbot late of Preston in the County of Lancaster joiner a Widower who died 26 Aug 1876 at Preston was granted at Lancaster to Margaret Corbishley (Wife of William Corbishley, joiner) of Preston the niece and one of the Persons entitled in Distribution.

Note 1: Margaret Corbishley was the daughter of John's brother James and his wife Ellen (Worden) Talbot. She married William Corbishley on 11 May 1865 at St Wilfrid's Chapel.

Note 2: Ann and Elizabeth Carling may have been the daughters of John and Alice Carling, who are buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery. Elizabeth Carling married James Newsham at St John's Parish Church on 31 Jan 1825.

The Family of James and Ellen TALBOT:

On the night of the 1841 census James Talbot, a joiner, aged c. 25, was living in Frenchwood Street with Margaret, ind. (of independent means), aged 33; and Henry, a saddler, aged 28. Also staying with them was Thomas Baines, a servant man, aged 20. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. The 1841 census did not record the relationship between people in a household, but James, Margaret and Henry were siblings. James Talbot was married the following year.

James Talbot, the son of Richard and Anne Talbot of Preston, and Ellen Worden, the daughter of Richard and Margaret Worden of Preston, were married at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 21 Nov 1842. The witnesses were John Bonney and Helen Richardson, both of Preston. They made their home in Preston and baptized three children at St Wilfrid's Chapel, beginning with Margaret, who was born on 25 Feb 1844 and was baptized two days later, with sponsors John Ainsworth and Helen Richardson. She was followed by Ann, who was born on 20 Jan 1846 and was baptized on 1 Feb 1846, with sponsors John and Ann Talbot; then Mary Ellen, who was born on 30 Jan 1848, and was baptized on 1 Feb 1848, with sponsors Thomas Duckett and Ann Talbot. Their mother died the next year.

Mrs Ellen TALBOT:

Ellen (Worden) Talbot, of Heatley Street, who was born in about 1813, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 19 Sep 1849, aged 36 years.

At the time of the 1851 census James Talbot, widower, a beer seller, aged 35, was living at 11 Heatley Street, The Pack Horse Inn, with three children, Margaret, aged 7; Ann, aged 5; and Mary Ellen, aged 3. Also staying with him was his unmarried sister Ann, a dressmaker, aged 45. James and Ann were listed as born in Clayton, and the children were born in Preston. James remarried two years later.

James Talbot, widower, aged 37, a joiner, of Heatley Street, son of Richard Talbot, a weaver, deceased, and Ellen Rogerson, spinster, aged 40, a housekeeper, of Chapel Yard, daughter of John Rogerson, a farmer, deceased, were married on 1 Jun 1853 at St Ignatius' Catholic Church in Preston. They were married by Richard Cooper and the witnesses were Joseph Thomson and Ann Singleton. All four signed their own names in the register.

James Talbot died sometime between 1853 and 1861, but I can't find any record of his death or burial, and there does not appear to have been a death notice published. The Pack Horse Inn was listed to be Let in the Preston Chronicle on 9 May 1857, but there was no mention of the previous tenant. On the night of the 1861 census Ellen Talbot, widow, a housekeeper, aged 50, was living at 26 Great Shaw Street, Preston with her three step-daughters, Margaret, a dressmaker, aged 17; Ann, a cotton winder, aged 15; and Mary, a cotton winder, aged 13. Ellen was listed as born in Thurnham, and the three girls were born in Preston.

Margaret Talbot married William Corbishley on 11 May 1865 at St Wilfrid's Chapel, and at the time of the 1871 census Ellen Talbot, widow, a dress maker, aged 60, was living at 2 Trinity Square, Preston with her two unmarried (step)-daughters, Ann, a cotton winder, aged 25; and Mary E, a cotton winder, aged 23. Also staying with them was a visitor, Elizabeth Rogerson, an unmarried housekeeper, aged 56; and a boarder, Hugh Charnock, a draper's assistant, aged 16, Ellen Talbot and Elizabeth Rogerson were listed as born in Thurnham, Hugh Charnock was born in Samlesbury, and Ann and Mary Ellen were born in Preston. Ellen (Rogerson) Talbot died in the workhouse six years later.

Ellen Talbot, of the Workhouse, was buried on 11 Dec 1877 in a public grave, G-183, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 67 years.

Note: James and Ellen's daughter Mary Ellen married Thomas Swarbrick on 19 Jun 1872 at St Ignatius Catholic Church in Preston. Marriage Notice: "On the 19th inst. at St Ignatius Catholic Church by the Rev Father Mitchell, Mr Thomas Swarbrick to Miss Mary Ellen Talbot, both of this town". Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 29 Jun 1872.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of Roger and Mary TALBOT:

Roger Talbot, bachelor, a weaver, aged 26, and Mary Yates, a spinster, aged 24, were married on 16 Oct 1781 at St Leonard the Less Chapel in Samlesbury. They were married after Banns by W Stockdale, and the witnesses were William Valentine and John Parker. Mary signed the marriage register with an X.

Roger and Mary settled initially in Samlesbury, and baptized the first seven of their known children at St Joseph's Catholic Church in Brindle, beginning with Margaret, who was born on 23 Jan 1782, and was baptized the following day, with sponsors William Crook and Elizabeth Parker. Their second child was Elizabeth, who was born on 25 Nov 1783, and was baptized on 30 Nov 1783, with sponsors William Gregson and Margaret Cowpe. She was followed by Mary, who was baptized on 10 Dec 1786, with sponsors Mathew Talbot and Helen Sharrock; then Alice, who was baptized on 13 Apr 1788, with sponsors James Smith and Elizabeth Sharrock; Thomas, who was born on 17 Apr 1790, and was baptized the next day, with sponsors John Procter and Mary Heatley; Ann, who was born on 3 Mar 1792, and was baptized on 6 Mar 1792, with sponsors John Wilcock and Mary Stell; then John, who was born on 4 Apr 1794, and was baptized two days later, with sponsors Nicholas Crook and Mary Maudsley.

Some time after John's birth the family moved to Blackburn, and baptized two further children at St Alban's Catholic Church. Jane Talbot was baptized on 3 Jul 1796, with sponsors Thomas and Betty Witherington; and Brigit (sic) Talbot was baptized on 18 Nov 1798, with sponsors William Sharrock and Mary Anderton.

Mary (Yates) Talbot died less than three years after the birth of bridget, and was buried on 4 Mar 1801 in the churchyard at St Leonard the Less Chapel in Samlesbury. The burial register does not record her age, but does record that she was the wife of Roger Talbot, and her abode was Blackburn.

It's not known when Roger moved to Preston. He was not listed in the 1810 Catholic census, but in the 1820 census Roger Talbot, aged 66, was living at 1 Thomas Street with Ellen, aged 36; and Kiddy, aged 20. Kiddy may have been a mis-transcription of Biddy, a pet name for Bridget, his youngest daughter, who would have been about 21 in 1820. Roger Talbot died five years later.

Roger TALBOT:

Roger Talbot, who was born in about 1754, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 15 Sep 1825. The burial transcript records his age as 77 years, but if other records are correct he would have actually been about 71 years old.

Bridget TALBOT:

Bridget Talbot, who was born in Samlesbury and baptized in Blackburn on 18 Nov 1798, never married, but did have one known child. Mary Talbot was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 17 Dec 1826. She was the daughter of Bridget Talbot, and the sponsors were John Parkins and Ann Carroll. No father was listed in the baptism entry. Bridget died a little less than three years later and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 29 Sep 1830, aged 30 years. After Bridget's death her infant daughter may have been cared for by other members of her family, and may be the Mary Talbot who was living with Bridget's brother Thomas in 1841.

The Family of Thomas and Alice TALBOT:

Thomas Talbot, a bachelor, and Alice Dewhurst, a spinster, were married on 7 May 1823 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Thomas Raven, Curate, and the witnesses were George Holderness and Jane Hamson. The bride, groom and Jane Hamson signed the marriage register with an X. They apparently had only one child.

William TALBOT :

The infant buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 27 Aug 1824 may have been William Talbot, who was baptized on 29 Feb 1824 at St Wilfrid's Chapel. He was the son of Thomas and Alice Talbot, and the sponsors were Robert and Alice Morley. William was the only child that Thomas and Alice baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel, and he was not living with them in 1841, when he would have been 16 years old.

The 1832 Preston electoral rolls list Thomas Talbot, a warper, living at 65 Albert Street, and on the night of the 1841 census Thomas Talbot, a cotton warper, aged c. 50, was living in Avenham Lane with Alice, aged c. 55; and one child, Mary, a power loom weaver, aged 14. Also staying with them were Richard Swarbrick, a cotton weaver, aged c. 45; Thomas Duckett, a corn warehouseman, aged c. 50; Thomas Duckett Jr, a journeyman plasterer aged c. 30; and Robert Porthouse, a journeyman tailor, aged c. 30. They were all listed as born in Lancashire.

One of the drawbacks of the 1841 census is that it does not record the relationships between people living in the household, so there is no way to know how Mary Talbot was related to Thomas and Alice, but I believe that she was their niece, the orphaned daughter of Thomas' sister Bridget. Mary was baptized on 17 Dec 1826, the daughter of Bridget Talbot, but Bridget died four years later, leaving Mary an orphan.

Some researchers believe that Mary was the Mary Talbot who married John Greenwood At Blackburn Cathedral on 24 Aug 1847. The space for her father's name was left blank in the marriage register, which would seem to indicate that she was illegitimate. In any event, she was not living with Thomas and Alice by the time of the 1851 census, when Thomas, a provision dealer, aged 60, was living at 64 Pleasant Street with Alice, aged 66. Thomas was listed as born in Manchester, and Alice was born in Lancaster.

Thomas and Alice were not living in Preston at the time of the 1861 census, and I can find no further confirmed record of them.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of John and Mary TAYLOR:

John Taylor and Mary Banks, both of Preston, were married on 10 Oct 1791 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by John Nicholson, Curate, and the witnesses were Thomas Billington and Betty Bell. The two ladies signed the marriage register with an X. John and Mary also had a Catholic ceremony on the same day at St Wilfrid's Chapel.

John and Mary had a large family of about eleven children, but the missing St Wilfrid's baptism register prevents us from knowing exactly how many children they may have had. Their first child was Elizabeth, who was baptized on 18 Mar 1792, with sponsors George Lancaster and Elizabeth Carter. She was followed by Mary, who was baptized on 17 Dec 1793, with sponsors James Carter and Helen Sherliker; then Agnes, who was baptized on 17 Jan 1796, with sponsors James Aspinall and Agnes Lancaster; Jane, who was baptized on 31 Dec 1797, with sponsors Joseph Wilcock and Elizabeth Flannigan; John, who was baptized on 18 May 1800, with sponsors Robert Whalley and Alice Aspinall; and Joseph, who was baptized on 7 Jan 1803, with sponsors James Aspinal and Elizabeth Carter. During the period covered by the missing register, 1803 to the end of 1812, they appear to have had at least four more children, including Ellen, who was born in about 1806; the first of two daughters to be called Ann, born in about 1808; and the first of two sons to be called Thomas, born in about 1809.

At the time of the 1810 Catholic census of Preston John Taylor, F (father), was living in Friargate with Mary, M (mother); Elizabeth, aged 18x; Mary, aged 15x; Agness, aged 12; Jane, aged 10; John, aged 8; Joseph, aged 5; Elling (Ellen), aged 4; Ann, aged 2; and Thomas, aged 1. The youngest two children appear to have died in infancy. Thomas may be the Thomas Taylor who was buried in the churchyard at St John's Parish Church on 25 Jul 1811, and Ann may be the Ann Taylor who was buried in the same churchyard on 22 Mar 1812.

John and Mary had a second son they called Thomas, who was born in about 1812; followed by the second child they called Ann, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 2 May 1813, with sponsors John Catteral and Bet. Marsden.

The 1820 Catholic census of Preston lists John Taylor, aged 55, living at 68 Friargate with Mary, aged 50; Elizabeth, aged 24; Jane, aged 19; John, aged 17; Joseph, aged 15; Ellen, aged 12; Thomas, aged 8; and Ann, aged 6. The ages given in these censuses are not always accurate, and it seems that the ages given for Elizabeth and Ellen are off by a couple of years.

It's not possible to be certain, but it would appear that John and Mary's youngest daughter died in childhood.

Ann TAYLOR:

Ann Taylor, the eleventh and youngest known child of John and Mary Taylor, may be the child who was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 12 Oct 1827, aged 14 years.

Mary TAYLOR:

Again, it's difficult to be certain, but it appears that Mary (Banks) Taylor, died before the date of the 1841 census and may be the Mary Taylor who was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 18 Jun 1834, aged 66 years. Her age at death would suggest that she was born in about 1767, and her age at the time of the 1820 census would suggest that she was born in about 1770.

The only John Taylor listed in Preston in the 1841 census was an agricultural labourer, aged c. 75, living in Edward Street, off Friargate, with Jane, aged c. 35; and John, aged 19. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. If this is the right family, Jane should have been about 43 years old. The younger John would have probably been his grandson.

Note: I hesitated in posting the above information due to the uncertainty, but in the end I decided that it made the basis for further research, and that some people might find it helpful.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Alice TAYLOR:

Alice Taylor was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 21 Mar 1830. She was the daughter of Peter and Elizabeth Taylor, and the sponsors were Richard Rigby and Elizabeth Wilson.

Peter Taylor, a bachelor, and Betty Smith, a spinster, both of Preston, were married on 8 Feb 1823 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Thomas Raven, Curate, and the witnesses were Jonathan Hindle and Mary Hewitt. The bride, groom and both witnesses signed the marriage register with an X.

Peter and Elizabeth's marriage may have been a matter of some urgency, as their first child was born about four months later. John Taylor was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 1 Jul 1823, with sponsors John Bamber and Mary Taylor. He was followed by Mary, who was baptized on 19 Jun 1825, with sponsors James Helme and Bella Towers; then James Harrison, who was baptized on 9 Dec 1827, with sponsors Thomas Bamber and Eliza Imison; then the above mentioned Alice in 1830; and Thomas, who was baptized on 13 May 1832, with sponsors John Bride and Elizabeth Wilson. In that year the 1832 Preston electoral rolls listed Peter Taylor, a spinner, living at 2 George's Row.

After losing their infant daughter in April 1831, Peter and Elizabeth's sixth child was another they called Alice, who was born on 1 Dec 1834, and baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel the following day, with sponsors John and Mary Tailor (sic).

At the time of the 1841 census Peter Taylor, a spinner, aged c. 35, was living in Water lane, Preston with Elizabeth, aged c. 35, and five children, John, a cotton warehouseman, aged c. 15; Mary, a cotton weaver, aged c. 15; James, a cotton piecer, aged 10; Thomas, aged 5, and Alice, aged 5. All listed as born in Lancashire. The 1841 census was unique in some respects, one being that the ages of anyone 15 or older was to be rounded down to the nearest multiple of five, but in this case it seems that the enumerator rounded down the ages of the entire household, which makes it appear that Thomas and Alice were twins. Thomas was actually two years older than Alice.

Peter Taylor, an overlooker in a cotton mill, died on 19 Jan 1844, and was buried in the churchyard at St Paul's Church two days later. The burial, recorded in the burial register at St John's Parish Church, records that he was aged 43 years, and his abode was Meadow Street. On the night of the 1851 census Betty Taylor, widow, a beer seller, aged 47, was living at the Coach and Horses pub, 3 Percy Street, with two children, James, a cotton spinner, aged 23; and Alice, a servant, aged 16. Also staying with them was Betty's step-father John Vause, widower, aged 66; and a lodger, William Bosle, a soldier on furlow, aged 21. Betty was born in Burnley, the lodger's birthplace was unknown, and the rest of the household were born in Preston. Betty died three months later.

Betty Taylor, of Percy Street, died on 27 Jun 1851, and was buried on 29 Jun 1851 in the churchyard at St Paul's Church, aged 48 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...Yesterday week, Betty Taylor, Percy-street, aged 48."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 5 Jul 1851

Note 1: When James Harrison was baptized in 1827, the surname of one of the sponsors, Eliza Imison, had a question mark beside it. I suspect the transcriber had difficulty reading the writing and that the surname was likely to be the more common Ibison.

Note 2: The John Vause living with Elizabeth in 1851 was her mother's second husband. John Vose and Mary Smith were married at St John's Parish Church in Preston on 13 Aug 1805. Elizabeth would have been an infant at the time.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of Henry TAYLOR:

Note: The name of Henry's first wife is a very unusual one and was spelled many different ways. Because I cannot confirm the correct spelling, I have spelled it exactly as it has been spelled and/or transcribed in the various records.

Karen-Happuch Starkey was baptized on 29 Jul 1792 in Clapham, Yorkshire, daughter of Edmund Starkey. Her mother's name was not recorded in the baptism register.

Henry Taylor, a labourer, and Keren-happusk Starkie, a spinster, both of the Parish of Warton, were married on 18 Sep 1814 at St Oswald's Parish Church in Warton, near Lancaster. They were married after Banns, and with the consent of the bride's father, by Thomas Washington, Vicar, and the witnesses were Robert Gibson and John Starkie. The bride, groom and John Starkie signed the marriage register with an X.

Henry and Karen-Happuch initially settled in the area around Warton and baptized their first four known children at St Oswald's Church, beginning with George, who was born on 4 Jun 1815 and baptized on 2 Jul 1815. He was followed by Edmund, who was born on 17 Jan 1817 and was baptized on 30 Mar 1817. In both entries their parents were recorded as Henry and Kerenhappuch Taylor, his father was a labourer, and their abode was Hutton. Their third child was Henry, who was born on 15 Oct 1819 and was baptized privately on 5 Dec 1819. His father was a labourer, and their abode was Borwick. There are two different transcriptions of his baptism and in one his parents were recorded as Henry and Kerenhappuch Taylor, and in the other they are recorded as Henry and Sheren Happuck Taylor. I double-checked the original baptism register and it is clearly Keren-happuch, although the hyphen may have been due to space limitations.

Henry Taylor's baptism

Their fourth child was William, who was born on 23 Jan 1822 and baptized on 17 Feb 1822. His parents were recorded as Henry and Kerenhappuch Taylor, his father was a labourer, and their abode was Yealand.

Some time after William's birth the family moved to Preston, where they baptized their son David on 9 Apr 1824 at St John's Parish Church. His parents were recorded as Henry and Karenhappen Taylor, his father was a labourer, and the abode was Mount Pleasant. It is not clear whether the family were always Catholics but were conforming to the "established church", or whether they converted after David's birth, but they baptized their next four children at St Wilfrid's Catholic Chapel in Preston. The first of those was Martha, who was baptized on 28 May 1826, the daughter of Henry and Kernappak Taylor, and the sponsors were Joseph Turner and Mary Parkinson. She was followed by John, who was baptized on 26 Oct 1828, the son of Henry and Caran Taylor, and the sponsors were John Crook and Alice Dickinson; then Christopher, who was baptized on 9 Jan 1831, the son of Henry and Charontis Taylor, with sponsors Richard Walmsley and Ann Dickenson.

The 1832 Preston electoral rolls list Henry Taylor, a striker, living at 13 St Ann Street. Two years later, their last known child was born. Sharon Abbott Tailor (sic) was baptized on 2 Nov 1834, the daughter of Henry Abbott Tailor and Sharon Abbott Tailor, and the sponsors were Robert Goodier and Esther Lee. This baptism was listed under A in the baptism transcripts.

A little more than two years after the birth of their last child, Henry lost his wife.

Karen-Happuch TAYLOR:

Karen-Happuch (Starkey) Taylor, who was born in Yorkshire in 1792, died in Preston and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 5 Jan 1837, aged 45 years. Her name was recorded in the burial transcript as Charin Abak Taylor. Just two months later, one of their sons followed his mother to the grave.

Christopher TAYLOR:

Christopher Taylor, who was born in 1831, died in childhood and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 12 Mar 1837, aged 6 years.

Almost exactly 13 months after his first wife's death, Henry remarried. Henry Taylor, widower, a striker, aged 39, of St Ann Street, the son of the late George Taylor, a shoemaker, and Ann Rose, spinster, a weaver, aged 28, of Friargate, the daughter of John Rose, a labourer, were married on 3 Feb 1838 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married by Charles Wagstaff, Curate, and the witnesses were John Ramsbottom and Ann Salisbury. The bride and groom both signed the marriage register with an X.

Nancy Rose does not appear to have been a Catholic. She was born on 14 Nov 1809, the daughter of John and Sally Rose, and was baptized at St John's Parish Church in Preston on 31 Dec 1809. In any event, all of Henry and Nancy's children were baptized at St John's Parish Church, beginning with James, who was born about three months after they married, and was baptized on 27 May 1838. His father was listed as a labourer, of St Ann Street. Five months later, Henry lost another child.

Charon Abbott TAYLOR:

Charon Abbott Taylor, of 7 Ratcliffe Street, who was baptized Sharon Abbott Tailor in 1834, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 23 Oct 1838, aged 4 years.

Henry and Nancy's second child was Robert, who was baptized on 2 Apr 1840, by which time the family had moved to Heatley Street. He lived only a few days and was buried in the churchyard at Trinity Church, Preston on 8 Apr 1840.

Henry and Nancy's third child was Joseph, who was baptized on 5 Mar 1841, and on the night of the 1841 census Henry Taylor, a labourer, aged c. 50, was living in Heatley Street, Preston with Nancy, aged c. 30, his three children, David, a cotton piecer, aged c. 15; John, a warehouse boy, aged 13; and James, aged 3; their son Joseph, aged 6 (actually 6 weeks); and Nancy's daughter Isabella Rose, aged 7. They were all listed as born in Lancashire.

Young Joseph died in infancy and was buried in the churchyard at Trinity Church, Preston on 12 Jul 1843, aged 2 years. Henry and Nancy's fourth child was Ellen, who was baptized on 4 May 1845. She was followed by their fifth and last child, Sarah, who was baptized on 15 Nov 1847.

At the time of the 1851 census Henry Taylor, a farm labourer, aged 60, was living at 24 Heatley Street with his wife Nancy, a nurse, aged 61, and four children, Isabella, a cotton frame tenter in a mill, aged 16; James, a cotton frame tenter in a mill, aged 13; Ellen, aged 5; and Sarah, aged 4. Henry was listed as born in Warton, and the rest of the family were born in Preston. Isabella was listed with the surname Taylor but was actually Isabella Rose, Nancy's daughter. She died three years later and was buried in the churchyard at St Peter's Church on 15 Jan 1854, aged 19 years. She was buried under her real name, and her abode was recorded as Heatley Street.

Henry Taylor, of Heatley Street, was buried on 17 Nov 1857 in a public grave, O-391, in a Church of England section of Preston Cemetery, aged 74.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...Since our last:...Henry Taylor, Heatley-street, aged 74;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 21 Nov 1857

On the night of the 1861 census Nancy Taylor, widow, a winder, aged 52, was living in Heatley Street with her daughter Sarah, a card room hand, aged 14. They were both listed as born in Preston. Nancy died five years later.

Nancy Taylor, of 22 Heatley Street, was buried on 11 Aug 1866 in a public grave, R-201, in a Church of England section of Preston Cemetery, aged 57 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...Since our last:...Nancy Taylor, Heatley-street, aged 57;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 18 Aug 1866

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Elizabeth TAYLOR:

Elizabeth Taylor was born on 16 Jul 1835, and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 19 Jul 1835. She was the daughter of George and Margaret Taylor, and the sponsors were John Akres and Ann Baron.

George Taylor, a bachelor, and Margaret Ratcliffe, a spinster, both of Preston, were married on 6 Oct 1834 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Thomas Clark, Curate, and the witnesses were William Garforth and Ann Hayhurst.

Elizabeth was George and Margaret's first child. Their second child was Charles, who was born on 3 Jan 1837, and was baptized three days later, with sponsors James Holden and Winifrid Gillow. He was followed by John, who was born on 25 Feb 1839, and was baptized on 28 Feb 1839, with sponsors Edward and Eleanor Walker. Some time after John's birth the family moved to Darwen, where their son William was born in 1841, and on the night of the 1841 census George Taylor, a police constable, aged 31, was living in Duckworth Street in Over Darwen, near Blackburn with Margaret, aged c. 30, and three children, Charles, aged 4; John, aged 2; and William, aged 4 weeks. Also staying with them was Elizabeth Mosely, aged 12; John Francis Crean, a police constable, aged c. 25; and Sarah Crean, aged c. 25. George Taylor and Sarah Crean were listed as having been born outside of Lancashire, John Francis Crean was born in Ireland, and the rest of the household were born in Lancashire.

At some point George and Margaret returned to Preston where their son George Jr, who was born on 18 Jun 1843, was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 23 Jun 1843, with sponsors Robert Dunderdale and Elizabeth Lupton. Their stay in Preston seems to have been brief, later moving to Cumberland, where their son Thomas was born in 1849 and by the time of the 1851 census George Taylor, a journeyman currier, aged 41, was living in Skinner Street, Cockermouth, with his wife Margaret, aged 40, and five children, Charles, an ironmonger's apprentice, aged 13; John, a shoemaker's apprentice, aged 11; William, a scholar, aged 9; George, a scholar, aged 7; and Thomas, aged 1. Also staying with them was a lodger, Robert Piel, a draper's apprentice, aged 17. George Sr was listed as born in Newcastle, Staffordshire, William was born in Darwen, Lancashire, Thomas was born in Cockermouth, and Margaret, Charles, John and George Jr were born in Preston. The lodger was born in Manchester.

At the time of the 1861 census George Taylor, a currier, aged 51, was still living in Skinner Street, Cockermouth with Margaret, aged 49, and five children, William, a tinman, aged 20; George, a skinner, aged 17; Thomas, a scholar, aged 11; Mary, a scholar, aged 8; and Martin, a scholar, aged 6. George Sr was listed as born in Newcastle, Staffordshire, Margaret and George Jr were born in Preston, William was born in Darwen, and the three youngest children were born in Cockermouth. By the night of the 1871 census the children had left home and George and Margaret had moved home again. George Taylor, a currier, aged 62, was living at 6 Back Ormrod Street in Bolton, Lancashire, with Margaret, aged 60. Also staying with them were two lodgers, Alexander Holden, a paper maker, aged 30; and his wife Jane Holden, a reeler in a mill, aged 25. George Taylor and Jane Holden were listed as born in Newcastle upon Tyne, Margaret Taylor was born in Preston, and Alexander Holden was born in Scotland.

This is the last confirmed record I can find of George and Margaret. With their names being so common and their habit of moving around the North West, it is difficult to trace them further. A Margaret Taylor died in the Bolton area in the third quarter of 1879, aged 68, but I cannot be certain that this was the wife of George Taylor, and there does not appear to have been a death notice published.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of William and Mary TAYLOR:

William Taylor and Mary Dewhurst were married at St Mary's Penwortham in 1840. Unfortunately a fire in the church in 1856 destroyed all of the church registers, leaving only the Bishop's Transcripts and civil records (post 1 Jul 1837) surviving. The Bishop's Transcripts do not cover marriages in 1840.

After marrying in Penwortham William and Mary settled in Preston, where they baptized their first child at St Wilfrid's Chapel. Margaret Taylor was born on 24 Apr 1841, and was baptized the following day, with sponsors James and Elizabeth Taylor, and on the night of the 1841 census William Taylor, a cotton carder, aged c. 25, was living in Laurel Street, Preston with Mary, aged c. 20, and their infant daughter Margaret, aged 6 weeks. They were all listed as born in Lancashire.

William and Mary's second child was Elizabeth, who was born on 1 Feb 1843, and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 5 Feb 1843, with sponsors James Eccles and Elizabeth Taylor. Sometime after Elizabeth's birth the family moved to Blackburn, where they baptized their next six children at St Alban's Catholic Church, including a set of twins. Emma and John Alexander Dewhurst, were born on 8 Feb 1845 and were baptized at St Alban's Catholic Church the following day. Emma's Godparents were James Guest and Mary Dewhurst; and John's were Thomas Standing and Ann Rose. Both children died before the year was out.

Emma TAYLOR:

Emma Taylor died in July 1845 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery, aged 5 months, but the exact date of her burial was not recorded. Her twin brother died a month later.

John Alexander Dewhurst TAYLOR:

John Alexander Dewhurst Taylor was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 3 Aug 1845, aged 6 months.

William and Mary's fourth child was another daughter they called Emma, who was born on 9 May 1846, and was baptized on 7 Jun 1846, with Godparents Thomas Standing and Alice Wood. She was followed by Matilda, who was born on 16 Sep 1848, and was baptized on 24 Sep 1848, with Godparents James and Mary Dilworth. Her name was spelled Mathilda in the baptism register. William and Mary's sixth child was William Henry, who was born on 8 Apr 1850, and was baptized on 14 Apr 1850, with Godparents Simon Gudgeon and Jane Tomlingson.

It appears that two more of William and Mary's children died in infancy, but were not brought back to Preston for burial. The second child called Emma apparently died in 1848, aged 2, and her older sister Elizabeth apparently died in 1849, aged 6. They may have been buried in the grounds of St Alban's Church, but those records are not readily available.

On the night of the 1851 census William Taylor, a waste dealer, aged 35, was living at 6 Stannah Street, Blackburn with Mary, a charwoman, aged 40, and four children, Mary Ann, a tenter, aged 13; Margaret, a scholar, aged 10; Matilda, aged 2; and William Henry, aged 1. William, Mary Ann and Margaret were listed as born in Preston, Mary was born in Ribchester, Matilda and William Henry were born in Blackburn. It is unclear who Mary Ann was. She was born before William and Mary married, and I can find no record of her baptism under the surnames Dewhurst or Taylor.

William and Mary's last known child was John James, who was born on 22 Mar 1853, and was baptized at St Alban's Catholic Church on 27 Mar 1853, with sponsors William Gerard and Elizabeth Walsh.

Sometime after John James' birth the family moved to Blackpool, and at the time of the 1861 census William Taylor, a lodging house keeper, aged 44, was living at 9 Bonny Street, Blackpool with Mary, aged 50, and three children, Margaret, a general servant, aged 19; William H, a scholar, aged 11; and John J, a scholar, aged 8. William was listed as born in Preston, Mary was born in Dutton, Margaret was born in Beeston (probably a mis-transcription of Preston), and the two younger boys were born in Blackburn. They didn't stay in Blackpool long and by 1871 they were back in Blackburn. In 1871 William Taylor, a cotton waste dealer, aged 53, was living at 32 Back Lane with Mary, aged 60, and their unmarried daughter Margaret, a cotton winder, aged 29. Also staying with them was a boarder, William Poole, aged 17, from Liverpool.

This is the last confirmed record I can find of William and Mary, who may have died before 1881. With their names being so common in Lancashire it is difficult to trace them any further.

Note 1: The burial of John Alexander Dewhurst Taylor was listed under D in the burial transcripts because it was assumed that his surname was DEWHURST-TAYLOR, when his surname was actually TAYLOR, with Dewhurst being one of his middle names.

Note 2: Although they were apparently living in Blackburn, the deaths of their twins were registered in Preston.

Note 3: In each baptism entry in the register at St Alban's Church, Mary's maiden name was recorded as Dewhurst.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of Joseph and Alice TAYLOR:

Joseph Taylor, a bachelor, and Alice Swarbrick, a spinster, were married on 12 Aug 1826 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by W. Cresswell, and the witnesses were John Walmsley and Ellen Taylor. The bride, groom and both witnesses signed the marriage register with an X.

Joseph and Alice's first child was John, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 30 Mar 1828, with sponsors Robert Wilcock and Elizabeth Taylor. Their second child is a bit of a mystery.

Mary TAYLOR:

Mary Taylor, an infant, of Dawson Square, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 1 Dec 1832. According to the 1832 Preston electoral rolls Joseph Taylor, a labourer, was living at 3 Dawson's Square in that year. I believe that Mary was the child baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 11 Apr 1830, with sponsors James Igginson (sic) and Mary Gregson, however the names of her parents were recorded in the transcripts as Joseph and Mary.

About ten months before Mary's death, Joseph and Alice had a set of twins. William Taylor was baptized on 8 Feb 1832, with sponsors George Brindle and Elizabeth Newsham. His twin brother did not survive infancy.

Thomas TAYLOR:

Thomas Taylor was baptized on 8 Feb 1832, with sponsors Thomas Bretherton and Marianne Wilcock. He died aged 3 years and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 9 Mar 1835. His younger brother died later that same month.

Joseph TAYLOR (1):

Joseph Taylor was baptized at St Mary's Catholic Chapel on 30 Mar 1834, with sponsors William and Isabella Shaw. He lived just less than a year and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 22 Mar 1835. His age was recorded simply as "infant".

Joseph and Alice's sixth child was Thomas, who was born on 7 Jan 1836, and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 10 Jan 1836, with sponsors George Bilsborough and Alice Singleton. The baptism register recorded his mother's maiden name as Swarbrick. Their seventh child also died in infancy.

Joseph TAYLOR (2):

Joseph Taylor, the second of their children to be given that name, was born on 3 Apr 1838, and was baptized five days later at St Wilfrid's Chapel. Although his birth was registered as Joseph, he was baptized John Taylor, with sponsors John Hall and Elizabeth Cole. He was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery under the name Joseph Taylor on 20 Jan 1839, aged 9 months.

About eleven months after the death of the second Joseph, Joseph and Alice had a third son they called Joseph, who was born on 18 Nov 1839, and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 24 Nov 1839, with sponsors William and Mary Swarbrick. On the night of the 1841 census Joseph Taylor, a labourer, aged c. 35, was living in Dawson Square, Canal Street, Preston with Alice, aged c. 35, and four children, John, a cotton spinning loom, aged 13; William, aged 9; Thomas, aged 5; and Joseph, aged 1. Also staying with them were Mary Swarbrick, a cotton scutcher, aged c. 30; and William Swarbrick, a cotton piecer, aged c. 15. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. The following year, their ninth child was born.

Margaret Taylor was born on 15 Dec 1842, and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on Christmas Day 1842, with sponsors George Brindle and Mary Swarbrick. She was followed by Henry, whose birth was registered in the second quarter of 1845, but I have checked the baptism records for St Wilfrid's Chapel, St Ignatius' Church and St Augustine's Church but could find no record of Henry's baptism. Joseph and Alice's eleventh and last known child was Mary, who was born on 12 Aug 1849, and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 19 Aug 1849, with sponsors Robert and Ann Latham.

Joseph and Alice apparently avoided the census taker in 1851, but on the night of the 1861 census Joseph Taylor, a gardener, aged 59, was living at 8 Brougham Street, Preston with Alice, aged 55; and their two youngest children, Henry, a cotton piecer, aged 15; and Mary, a cotton tenter, aged 11. Alice was listed as born in Woodplumpton, and the rest of the family were born in Preston. By 1871 all of the children had left home and Joseph, a gardener, aged 67, was living at 9 Brougham Street with Alice, aged 65. Alice died two years later and was buried on 28 Oct 1873 in a private grave, A660, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 68 years. Hers was the second interment, buried 18 feet deep.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...PRESTON - Since our last:- Alice Taylor, Brougham-street, aged 68;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 1 Nov 1873

After his wife's death Joseph went to stay with his son Thomas, and at the time of the 1881 census Thomas Taylor, a cotton spinner, aged 44, was living at 75 Haydock Street, Preston with his wife Alice, aged 48, and seven children, John, aged 26; William, aged 23; Joseph, aged 21; Robert, aged 19 - all piecers in a cotton mill; Jane, a card room hand, aged 15; James, a piecer in a cotton mill, aged 13; and Henry, a scholar, aged 10. Also staying with them was Thomas' widowed father Joseph, a gardener, aged 78. They were all listed as born in Preston. Joseph died late the following year.

Joseph Taylor, of 75 Haydock Street, was buried on 20 Nov 1882 in the private grave, A-660, where his wife had been buried nine years earlier, aged 78 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...PRESTON-Burials since our last:...Joseph Taylor, Haydock-street, 78;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 25 Nov 1882

Note: When the twins William and Thomas were baptized their parents names were recorded in the transcripts as Thomas and Alice Taylor. Unless I can inspect the original baptism register I cannot determine if this was an error made at the time of the baptisms or if it was a transcription error.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Thomas TAYLOR:

Thomas Taylor, who was born in about 1780, died in Preston on 27 Dec 1846 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 7 Jan 1847, aged 66 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On Saturday last, Thomas Taylor, Brown-street (sic), aged 66."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 2 Jan 1847

Thomas and Ann Taylor baptized nine children at St Wilfrid's Chapel, beginning with John, who was baptized on 25 Aug 1816, with sponsors James Diccison and Eliz. Ball. He was followed by the first of two children to be called Mary, who was baptized on 13 Sep 1818, with sponsors Robert and Elizabeth Denny. She died in infancy. Their third child was Martha, who was baptized on 29 Oct 1820, with sponsors James Dickenson and Ann Danson; then the second child to be called Mary, who was baptized on 29 Jun 1823, with sponsors James Diccoson and Elizabeth Denny. She was followed by Thomas, who was baptized on 24 Oct 1824, with sponsors James Dickinson and Eliza Arkwright. He too died in infancy. Thomas and Ann's sixth child was Sarah, who was baptized on 27 Aug 1826, with sponsors Peter Dickinson and Martha Woods; then Elizabeth, who was baptized on 12 Apr 1829, with sponsors Thomas Dickinson and Sarah Denny; followed by Ann, who was baptized on 17 Apr 1831, with sponsors Peter Dickenson and Elizabeth Dennis. She also died in infancy. Thomas and Ann's last known child was William, who was baptized on 30 May 1835, with sponsors Peter and Mary Dickenson.

On the night of the 1841 census Thomas Taylor, a cotton weaver, aged c. 50, was living in Bowran Street, Preston with Ann, aged c. 45; and six children, John, a labourer, aged c. 25; Martha, a reeler of cotton, aged c. 20; Mary, a lin (linen?) spinner, aged c. 15; Sarah, a lin spinner, aged c. 15; Elizabeth, aged 12; and William, aged 6. Also staying with them was Martha Dickenson, a housekeeper, aged c. 70. They were all listed as born in Lancashire.

Thomas and Ann's oldest son John Taylor, of 9 Biron street (sic), married Margaret Townley, a spinster, of 3 Meadow street, at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 12 Nov 1843. They were married by John Gosford, and the witnesses were John Barker and Mary Townley.

After Thomas' death in 1846 his widow Ann went to live with her son John, and on the night of the 1851 census John Taylor, a baker, aged 34, was living 1 Peel Street, Preston with his wife Margaret, aged 30, and one child, Thomas, aged 4. Staying with them was John's widowed mother, Ann, a hand loom cotton weaver, aged 59, and his brother William, a cotton piecer, aged 15. Living separately in the same house was John's married sister Mary, aged 27, and her husband Henry Walker, a carter - sundries, aged 33. John was born in Fulwood, Margaret was born in Aughton, Ann was born in Lancaster, William and Mary were born in Preston, and Henry Walker was born in Tewelfield (?). John Taylor died six years later, and his mother died about 11 months after him.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...Since our last:...John Taylor, Peel-street, aged 41 years;"

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

Ann Taylor, of Bentinck Street, wife of Thomas Taylor, a weaver, was buried on 15 Nov 1858, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 66 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...Since our last:...Ann Taylor, Bentinck-street, aged 66;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 20 Nov 1858

On the night of the 1861 census John Taylor's widow, Margaret Taylor, a baker, aged 40, was living at 1 Peel Street, with her son Thomas, a reed maker, aged 15. They were all listed as born in Preston. Also staying with them were eight boarders.

Note 1: Without knowing Ann's maiden name, I cannot confirm where or when she and Thomas were married.

Note 2: The three children that died in infancy were probably buried in the churchyard at St John's Parish Church but there is not enough information recorded in the burial registers to confirm this.

Note 3: Mary Taylor married Henry Walker on 28 May 1849 at St John's Parish Church. Her father was listed in the marriage register as the late Thomas Taylor, a weaver.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Mrs Ellen THOMPSON:

Ellen (Wareing) Thompson, the wife of Michael Thompson, died in Preston on 8 Feb 1853 and was buried two days later in St Wilfrid's Cemetery, aged 33 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On Tuesday last,...Ellen Thompson, Chew's-yard, aged 23 (sic)."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 12 Feb 1853

Although the newspaper item records her age as 23, Ellen was actually 33 years old, verified by the death register index. She was baptized on 24 May 1819 at St Wilfrid's Chapel, the daughter of Joseph and Ellen, at which time the family surname was spelled Waring. The sponsors were John Tomlinson and Ruth Waring.

At the time of Ellen's birth Joseph and Ellen already had two children, Thomas, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 28 May 1815, with sponsors John and Ann Waring; and Elizabeth, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 17 Aug 1817, with sponsors Joseph and Mary Waring. During the first few years of their married life Joseph and Ellen appear to have lived with his family in Friargate, Preston, and the 1820 Catholic census of Preston lists Thomas Wareing, aged 58, living at 128 Friargate with Elizabeth, aged 58; Ann, aged 22; Mary, aged 19; Ruth, aged 17; John, aged 26; Joseph, aged 26; Ellen, aged 26; Thomas, aged 5; Elizabeth, aged 2; and Ellen, aged 1.

On the night of the 1841 census Joseph Wareing, a tailor, aged c. 45, was living in Friargate, Preston with Ellen, aged c. 45, and three children, Ellen, a linen spinner, aged 22; Ann, a linen spinner, aged 20; and Mary, aged 17. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. Ellen was married three years later.

Michael Thompson, a bachelor, aged 24, a tin plate worker, of Paradise Street, the son of Michael Thompson, a weaver, and Ellen Wareing, a spinster, aged 24, a spinner, of Friargate, the daughter of Joseph Wareing, a tailor, were married on 18 Feb 1844 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married, by certificate, by Henry Offley Irwin, Curate, and the witnesses were Thomas and Ellen Whiteside. The bride and both witnesses signed the marriage register with an X.

The Thompson family were apparently not Catholics and this may explain why Michael and Ellen were married in the Parish Church. They also baptized their two daughters at St John's Parish Church. Mary was baptized on Christmas Day 1844 and the baptism register records that her father was a tin plate worker, of High Street. Their second child, Ellen, was baptized on 23 Jul 1848, and the baptism register records that her father was a tin plate worker, of Paradise Street.

At the time of the 1851 census Michael Thompson, a journeyman tin plate worker, aged 31, was living at 18 Russell Street, Preston with his wife Ellen, aged 31, and two children, Mary, a scholar, aged 6; and Ellen, aged 2. They were all listed as born in Preston.

Some time after Ellen's death in 1853 Michael moved his family to Accrington, and on the night of the 1861 census Michael Thompson, widower, a tin plate worker, aged 42, was living at 3 Davy Street, New Accrington with his two daughters, Mary, aged 16; and Ellen, aged 13, both power loom cotton weavers. Also living with them was an unmarried servant, Jane Broadbelt, a general servant, aged 56, her unmarried daughter Ann Broadbelt, a cotton rover, aged 27, and two grandchildren, James Broadbelt, a scholar, aged 5; and Mary E Broadbelt, aged 14 months. This is the last record I can find of Michael Thompson. He was apparently still living when his daughter Mary, aged 19, married Emmatt (sic) Harker at St James Church in Accrington on 12 Dec 1864. Mary, of Davey (sic) Street, listed her father as Michael Thompson, a tin plate worker. At the time of the 1871 his servant, Jane Broadbelt, was still living at 3 Davy Street with her family, but was then shown as the head of household.

Note: Michael Thompson, the son of Michael and Ellen of Walton Street, was baptized on 20 Oct 1819 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. His father was listed as a weaver. The 1832 Preston electoral rolls list Michael Thompson, a weaver, living at 11 Paradise Street.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Henry THOMPSON:

Henry Thomson (sic) was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 10 Jul 1831. He was the son of Thomas and Sarah Thomson, and the sponsors were James Osbaldeston and Ellen MacCarel.

Thomas Thompson, a bachelor, and Sarah Wood, a spinster, both of Preston, were married on 2 Jul 1831 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Thomas Clark, Curate, and the witnesses were William Whiteside and Ellen Thompson. The two ladies signed the marriage register with an X, and although Sarah's surname was recorded as Wood, it was almost certainly the more common Woods.

Marriage Notice:

"Marriages - On Saturday last, Mr. Thomas Thompson, to Miss Sarah Wood;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 9 Jul 1831

At the time of their marriage Sarah would have been heavily pregnant, as their son Henry was baptized just eight days later. The 1832 Preston electoral rolls list Thomas Thompson, a weaver, living at 26 High Street, and when their above mentioned son was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 21 May 1832, their abode was recorded as High Street.

Thomas and Sarah went on to have eight more children, beginning with Elizabeth, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 24 Feb 1833, with sponsors James Osbaldeston and Elizabeth Crook. She was followed by Helen (Ellen), who was born on 27 Jan 1835, and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 1 Feb 1835, with sponsors Thomas Atkinson and Helen MacKarel. Their fourth child was Lucy, who was born on 25 Jan 1837, and was baptized four days later at St Ignatius Catholic Church, with sponsors John Woods and Elizabeth Blundell. She was followed by another son they called Henry, who was born on 25 Feb 1839, and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 3 Mar 1839, with sponsors Thomas Woods and Susan Atkinson. In each case, the family surname was spelled Thomson.

On the night of the 1841 census Thomas Thompson, a cotton weaver, aged c. 35, was living in High Street with Sarah, aged c. 30, and four children, Elizabeth, aged 7; Ellen, aged 5; Lucy, aged 4; and Henry, aged 2. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. Their sixth child was born later that year.

Mary Thompson was born on 4 Jul 1841, and was baptized at St Ignatius Catholic Church on 11 Jul 1841, with sponsors William and Elizabeth Woods. She was followed by Roger, who was born on 16 Jul 1843, and baptized at St Ignatius Catholic Church the following day, with sponsors Thomas Woods and Mary Blundel. His surname was spelled Tomson in the baptism register. Thomas and Sarah's eighth child was Thomas Woods Thompson, who was born on 11 Apr 1846, and was baptized at St Ignatius Catholic Church on 19 Apr 1846, with sponsors Peter Cooper and Mary Smith. He died on 30 Jan 1847, aged 9 months, but was not buried at St Wilfrid's Cemetery or in the churchyards of either St Ignatius Church or St John's Parish Church. He may have been buried at St Augustine's Catholic Church, but those burial records are apparently missing.

Almost exactly a year after their sons death Thomas and Sarah had another son that they called Thomas Woods Thompson. He was born on 8 Jan 1848, and was baptized at St Ignatius Catholic Church the following day, with sponsors Robert Caton and Elizabeth Houghton. His surname was spelled Thomson in the baptism register. Their tenth and last child was Sarah, who was born on 20 Dec 1850, and was baptized at St Ignatius Catholic Church two days later, with sponsors John Waring and Agnes Nixon. Her surname was spelled Thomson in the baptism register, and her birth was registered in Jan 1851, at which time their surname was spelled Thompson, and her mother's maiden name was recorded as Woods.

At the time of the 1851 census Thomas Thompson, a hand loom cotton weaver, aged 43, was living at 27 High Street with his wife Sarah, aged 42, and eight children, Elizabeth, aged 18; Ellen, aged 16; Lucy, aged 14; Henry, a scholar, aged 12; Mary, aged 9; Roger, aged 7; Thomas, aged 3, and Sarah, aged 3 months. The three oldest daughters were power loom cotton weavers, and they were all listed as born in Preston. Also living with them was Sarah's son Edward Woods, a journeyman flagger and slater, aged 22, who was born in Barton.

On the night of the 1861 census Thomas Thompson, a hand loom cotton weaver, aged 52, was living at 96 High Street with his wife Sarah, aged 52, and five children, Mary, a power loom cotton weaver, aged 19; Roger, power loom cotton weaver, aged 17; Thomas Woods, aged 13, and Sarah, a scholar, aged 10, and Elizabeth, aged 4 months. They were all listed as born in Preston. Also living with them was Sarah's son Edward Woods, a flagger and slater, aged 32. Although the 4 month old Elizabeth was listed as their daughter, she was actually their granddaughter. Elizabeth Ellen Thompson was born on 25 Nov 1860 and was baptized at St Ignatius Church on 2 Dec 1860. She was the daughter of Mary Thompson, and the sponsors were Henry Thompson and Elizabeth Eaves. Thomas Thompson died three years later.

Thomas Thompson, of High Street, was buried on 27 Oct 1864 in a public grave, T-470, in a Church of England section of Preston Cemetery, aged 58 years. The burial was also recorded in the burial register at St John's Parish Church in Preston.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...Since our last,...Thomas Thompson, High-street, aged 58;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 29 Oct 1864

At the time of the 1871 census Sarah Thompson, widow, a housekeeper, aged 61, was living in the cellar of 27 High Street with her unmarried daughter Sarah, a cotton rover, aged 19. Also staying with them was an unmarried boarder, Dorothy Beetham, a cotton rover, aged 19.

Sarah (Woods) Thompson, of 5 Lower Walker Street, died on 28 Apr 1879, aged 71, and was buried on 1 May 1879 in a private grave, B-362, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery. Hers was the first interment, buried 15 feet deep.

Note: Sarah's burial record on the Find a Grave website incorrectly records her date of death as 28 September 1879, but looking closely at the photo of her headstone you can see that the date was actually 28 April 1879.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

James THOMPSON:

James Thompson died on 31 May 1826 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 2 Jun 1826, aged 36 years.

Death Notice:

"DIED...On the 31st ult., in the 36th year of his age, John (sic) Thompson, printer and stationer, of Preston."

Published in the Lancaster Gazette, Sat., 10 Jun 1826

James Thomson (sic), a bachelor, aged 21, a stationer and printer, and Ann Snape, a spinster, aged 21, both of the Parish of Poulton-le-Fylde, were married on 5 Sep 1820 at St Chad's Church in Poulton-le-Fylde. They were married, by licence, by Robert Bowness, Curate, and the witnesses were Thomas Snape and Ann Carter.

James and Ann settled initially in Poulton where their first two children were born. John Thomson, son of James and Ann (Snape) Thomson, was born and baptized by Rev. Ralph Platt on 24 Jun 1821 at St John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Poulton-le-Fylde. The sponsors were Rev. Ralph Platt and Catherine Carter. Perhaps to keep up the appearance of conforming to the 'established church', John was also baptized at St Chad's Parish Church on 9 Dec 1821, and the baptism register records that his father was a stationer, of Poulton. James and Ann's second child was Henry, who was born and baptized by Rev. Ralph Platt on 24 Nov 1822 at St John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Poulton-le-Fylde, with sponsors William and Helen Carter. He was also baptized at St Chad's Parish Church on the same day.

Some time after Henry's birth the family moved to Preston where James died on 31 May 1826. Ann was heavily pregnant at the time of her husband's death, and their third child was born the following month. James Thompson, son of James and Ann Thompson, was baptized on 31 Jun 1826 at St Wilfrid's Chapel. The sponsors were Thomas and Alice Carter.

After her husband's death Ann carried on the business and the 1828 Pigot's Directory of Preston listed, under Booksellers, Stationers and Printers, Thomson and Abram, at 4 Fishergate. The 1834 Pigot's Directory listed, under Booksellers, Stationers and Printers, Ann Thomson, at 4 Fishergate. On the night of the 1841 census Ann Thompson, a bookseller, aged c. 35, was living in Church Street, Preston with three children, John, an apprentice printer, aged c. 15; Henry, an apprentice printer, aged c. 15; and James, aged c. 10. Also staying with them were Ellen Latus, a female servant, aged c. 40; and James Midghall, a book binder, aged c. 45. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. The practice of rounding down ages to the nearest multiple of five was only meant to be applied to people 15 or older, but in this case the Enumerator seems to have applied this to young James, who would have actually been 14 years old.

At the time of the 1851 census Ann Thomson, widow, a bookseller, aged 50, was living at 30 Fishergate, Preston with two unmarried sons, John, a printer, aged 29; and James, a stationer, aged 25. Also staying with them were two unmarried servants, James Midghall, a book binder, aged 56; and Ellen Latus, aged 50; and an unmarried niece, Ellen Rogerson, aged 34. Ann and John Thompson were listed as born in Poulton-le-Fylde, James was born in Preston, James Midghall was born in Liverpool, Ellen Latus was born in Woodplumpton, and Ellen Rogerson was born in Thurnham.

James and Ann's son Henry married Alice Bamber at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 6 Feb 1855, witnessed by James Thomson and Mary Anne Bamber, and on the night of the 1861 census Ann Thompson, widow, a bookseller, aged 62, was living at 3 Lune Street, Preston with two unmarried sons, John, a printer compositor, aged 38; and James, a printer compositor, aged 34. Also staying with them was an unmarried servant, Mary Askrigg, a house servant, aged 22. Ann and John were listed as born in Poulton-le-Fylde, James was born in Preston and the servant was born in Yorkshire. Ann Thompson died two years later.

Ann Thompson died on 19 May 1863, aged 64 years, but was not buried at Preston Cemetery, and I have been unable to locate her burial record.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On the 19th inst., Mrs. Ann Thomson (sic), Catholic bookseller, Lune-street, aged 64."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 23 May 1863

Ann's Will was proved at Lancaster on 28 Nov 1863, effects under £600. She gave all of her dwellinghouses, lands, tenements, buildings, etc. situate in Poulton-le-Fylde, and all other real and leasehold estate to the use of her two sons, John and Henry as tenants in common for their own absolute use and benefit. He gave all of her personal estate (except leaseholds) to the use of her son James for his own use and benefit, subject to him paying her just debts, funeral and testamentary expenses. She appointed Richard Gornall, Gentleman, and Thomas Heys, corn merchant, to be her Executors, and left all estates vested in her by any trust or by way of mortgage, "Upon and subject to the trusts and equities affecting the same." She signed the Will, spelling her name Ann Thomson, on 16 May 1863, witnessed by John Turner, Solicitor, Preston and his clerk, Thomas Turner.

Note: James Thompson of Preston, son of James Thompson, married Elen Smith of Preston, daughter of George Smith, on 25 May 1870 at St Wilfrid's Chapel, witnessed by Henry Thompson and Alice Walker, both of Preston. Ellen's parents George and Ann Smith are buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of Joseph and Jane THORNBER:

Joseph Thornber, a bachelor, and Jane Waddington, a spinster, both of Preston, were married on 5 Feb 1833 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Thomas Clark, Curate, and the witnesses were William Burke and Mt. (Matthew?) Lathom.

Joseph and Jane initially settled in Preston and baptized the first five of their twelve known children at St Wilfrid's Chapel, beginning with Elizabeth, who was baptized on 7 Oct 1833, with sponsors Patrick and Elizabeth McNamara. Their second child did not survive infancy.

Ann THORNBER:

Ann Thornber was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 21 Dec 1834, with sponsors John Bains and Elizabeth Wareing. She was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 8 Apr 1835, aged 4 months - although the burial transcript records her age as 4 years.

Joseph and Jane's third child was Louisa, who was born on 21 Mar 1836, and was baptized Louisa Thornborough on 27 Mar 1836, with sponsors Richard Higginson and Sarah Wobank. The baptism transcript incorrectly recorded her mother's name as Ann. She was followed by Realoam Francis, who born on 25 Jul 1838, and was baptized R Francis Thornborough, on 5 Aug 1838, with sponsors William Redow and Eliza Bailey; then Leonora Ann, who was born on 29 Feb 1840 and was baptized Leonora Ann Thornberry on 14 Mar 1840, with sponsors John and Mary Ann Acres.

On the night of the 1841 census Joseph Thornber, a publican, aged 32, was living at the Prince Albert Inn pub in Pleasant Street, Preston with Jane, aged 27, and four children, Elizabeth, aged 7; Laura, aged 5; Frances (Francis), aged 3; and Ann, aged 1. Also staying with them was a servant, Alice Jolly, aged 12; David Higginson, a police officer, aged 22; Elizabeth Higginson, aged 22; and James Higginson, aged 9 months. They were all listed as born in Lancashire.

Newspaper Notice:

"If the CART left by James Smith, at the house of Joseph Thornber, the Prince Albert Inn, Pleasant Street, on the 17th February last, be not taken away in one month from this date, it will be sold to defray expenses. Preston. September 24th 1841."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 25 Sep 1841

Joseph and Jane's sixth child was another that did not survive infancy.

Lavinia Frances THORNBER:

Lavinia Frances Thornber was born on 6 Dec 1841, and was baptized on 19 Dec 1841 at St Augustine's Catholic Church, with sponsors Thomas Simpson and Sarah Turner. She died on 2 Apr 1843 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery three days later, aged 17 months.

For reasons that may never be known, Joseph and Jane baptized their seventh child in a Church of England church. He also died in infancy.

Isaiah Joseph THORNBER:

Isaiah Joseph Thornber was baptized on 7 May 1843 at St John's Parish Church by John Owen Parr, Vicar. The baptism register records that his father was an Innkeeper, and their abode was Pleasant Street. He was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 11 Oct 1843, aged 6 weeks.

At around the time of their son's death the family were going through difficult financial times, and Joseph was declared an Insolvent Debtor.

Legal Notice:

"Insolvent Debtors - To be heard at the Court House at Lancaster, in the county of Lancaster,...On Saturday, at the same time and place:- JOSEPH THORNBER, formerly of 17, Union-street, Preston, in the County of Lancaster, Provision Dealer, Cheese Factor, Green Grocer, and Potato Dealer, afterwards of 3, Vicarage, Provision, Coal, and Potato Dealer, and Coffee Roaster, then Provision Dealer, Railway Policeman, and Store Keeper, then Railway Policeman and Store Keeper only, then of 2, South Meadow Lane, and occupying a Room at the North Union Railway Bridge, for the Sale of Drapery, Shoes, Hats, Minerals, Shells, Corallines, Fossils, and Railway Policeman and Store Keeper, then of 4, Brunswick-street, and occupying the said Room at the North Union Railway, carrying on the same business and Store Keeper, then Railway Guard, then of 17, Robinson-street, Railway Guard, then Railway Breakman and Coal Agent, then of the Prince Albert Tavern, Pleasant-street, Licensed Victualler, Coal Agent, and Railway Breakman, then Licensed Victualler and Coal and Hop Agent, and late of 13 Pleasant-street, all of Preston aforesaid, Coal Agent Only."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 28 Oct 1843

Perhaps it was due to their financial and personal worries, but the birth of Joseph and Jane's eighth child, another son they called Isaiah Joseph, was never registered. He was baptized Joseph Thornborrow on 26 May 1844 at St Augustine's Catholic Church, with sponsors William Helme and Mary Dickinson. He died on 23 Aug 1844, aged 4 months, and his death was registered as Isaiah Joseph Thornber. I can find no record of his burial and it may be that he was buried in the churchyard at St Augustine's Catholic Church, but those burial registers appear to be missing.

Some time after their son's death Joseph and Jane moved away from Preston and had two more children, another daughter they called Frances Lavinia, whose birth was registered in Kendal in 1846, and Alphonsus Richard, who was born c. 1850, but whose birth does not appear to have been registered. At the time of the 1851 census Joseph Thornber, an inspector of railway working, aged 41, was living at Hay Close, in Hay and Hutton inth' Hay, Westmorland, with his wife Jane, aged 36, and seven children, Elizabeth, a scholar, aged 17; Louisa, a scholar, aged 15; R. Francis, a scholar, aged 12; Lenora Ann, a scholar, aged 11; Frances, aged 5; and Alphonsis Ric'd, aged 1. Joseph was listed as born in Downham, Jane was born in Croston, Elizabeth, Louisa, R Francis, and Lenora Ann were born in Preston, Frances was born in Kendal, Westmorland, and Alphonsis Richard was born in Hay, Westmorland. Also staying with them were three lodgers, James Godber, unmarried, aged 48; John Bibby, widower, aged 40; and James Bennet, unmarried, aged 27 - all rail labourers. Joseph and Jane's eleventh child, Mary Babiana, was born later that year but lived only a short time. Her birth and death were registered in Kendal in the second quarter of 1851, under the surname Thornbin.

Joseph and Jane's twelfth and last known child was Mary Jane, who was born in 1855, and on the night of the 1861 census Joseph Thornber, a railway inspector, aged 40 (sic), was living at Hay Close Cottage, Hutton in the Hay, Westmorland, with Jane, aged 37 (sic), three children, Elizabeth, a dress maker, aged 19; Alphonsus, a scholar, aged 13; and Mary J, aged 5; and a granddaughter Louisa J, aged 9 months. Louisa was apparently the daughter of Elizabeth. Joseph was listed as born in Downham, Jane was born in Croston, Elizabeth was born in Preston and the rest of the household were born in Hay, a hamlet in the Parish of Kendal, Westmorland (now Cumbria).

Jane (Waddington) Thornber died in Hay on 26 Aug 1867, aged 53 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On Monday, the 26th inst.,...Mrs Jane Thornber, aged 53 years."

Published in the Westmorland Gazette, Sat., 31 Aug 1867

At the time of the 1871 census Joseph Thornber, widower, a railway inspector, aged 61, was living as a lodger at 4 Union Street in Lancaster, with his daughter Mary Jane, a house maid, aged 16. Joseph was listed as born in Downham, Lancashire and Mary Jane was born in Hutton, Westmoreland. Joseph and Mary Jane were lodging at the home of Henry and Eleanor Huntington. Joseph died nine years later, on 8 Jun 1880, aged 70 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...Lancaster - On the 8th inst., Mr. Joseph Thornber, railway inspector, Union-street, aged 70 years."

Published in the Lancaster Gazette Sat., 12 Jun 1880

Probate Information:

"3 August 1880 - The Will with two Codicils of Joseph Thornber formerly of Hay Close Cottage ner Kendal in the County of Westmoreland Inspector of the Permanent Way of the London and North-Western Railway Company but late of Lancaster in the County of Lancaster Railway Detective who died 8 June 1880 at Lancaster was proved at Lancaster by Richard Thornber of Orton in Craven near Skipton in the County of York Retired Farmer the Brother the surviving Executor. Personal Estate under £300."

Joseph Thornber wrote his will on 7 Dec 1867, appointing his brother Richard Thornber, and Thomas Nelson of Stainton, near Kendal, as Executors of his estate. He gave his Executors all of his personal estate and effect "whatsoever and wheresoever", upon trust to sell and convert into money his personal effects and to firstly pay his just debts, funeral and testamentary expenses, then to divide the net residue equally between his seven children, namely Elizabeth Saul, Louisa Thornber, Francis Thornber, Leonora Annie Huntington, Frances Lavinia Brown, Alphonsus Richard Thornber, and Mary Jane Thornber. Joseph signed his own name to his Will, which was witnessed by John Bolton, Solicitor, Kendal, and Richard Bolton Wilson, his clerk. In a Codicil to his Will written on 4 Oct 1877, Joseph appointed his nephew Henry Thornber of Howick House, near Preston to be one of his Trustees, then in a second Codicil, written on 14 Mar 1878, he directed that the house at 18 William Street, Preston belonging to Joseph Thornber be sold and the proceeds be divided with the remainder of his estate.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Alice Ellen THORNTON:

Alice Helen (Ellen) Thornton was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 20 Apr 1835. She was the daughter of James and Ann Thornton, and the sponsors were Henry and Margaret France.

James Thornton, a tallow chandler, of Preston, and Hannah Booth, of Constablee in the Chapelry of Haslingden, were married at both the Sunnyside Catholic Chapel and at St James Chapel in Haslingden on 8 Jul 1834. At their "official" wedding they were married, by licence and with consent of parents, by William Gray, Minister, and the witnesses were [illegible] Hartley and Robert Thornton. It would seem that James was at least 21 but Hannah may have been only 20, which would explain the need to get her parents' consent to marry.

Marriage Notice:

"On the 8th inst., at Sunnyside, by the Rev. Mr. Hodson, and afterwards at the Parish Church, Haslingden, by the Rev. W. Grey. A.M., Mr. James Thornton, of this town, to Hannah, youngest daughter of the late Nathaniel Booth, Esq., Constable, near Haslingden."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 19 Jul 1834

After marrying in Haslingden James and Hannah settled in Preston where their first child, the above mentioned Alice Ellen, was born. Their second child was Thomas Nathaniel, who was born on 25 Oct 1836, was baptized two days later at St Ignatius Catholic Church, with sponsors Robert and Rosamond Thornton. He was followed by Mary Ann, who was born on 13 Nov 1838, and was baptized the following day at St Ignatius Catholic Church, with sponsors Edward Wilcock and Ann Marginson; then James, who was born on 21 Sep 1840, and was baptized at St Ignatius Catholic Church the following day, with sponsors Richard Crook and Martha Polding.

On the night of the 1841 census James Thornton, a grocer and tea dealer, aged c. 30, was living in Friargate, Preston with Hannah, aged c. 25, and two children, Mary, aged 2; and James, aged 8 months. Also staying with them were Elizabeth Thornton, aged 10; Alice Booth, aged c. 50, Frederick Myers, aged c. 20; Thomas Booth, an apprentice, aged c. 15, and Isabell Wilcock, a female servant, aged c. 20. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. Their son Thomas Nathaniel, aged 5, was staying with relatives of his mother's in Lower Booths, near Rossendale. Their fifth child was born later that year.

Elizabeth Thornton was born on 9 Nov 1841, and was baptized on 11 Nov 1841 at St Ignatius Church, with sponsors Peter and Mary McEntyre. She was followed by Hannah, who was born on 12 Jan 1844, and was baptized the following day at St Ignatius Church, with sponsors Joseph Bradley and Sarah Grimston; then Edmund, who was born on 18 Jul 1845, and was baptized the following day at St Ignatius Church, with sponsors Peter and Mary Harrison; then Sarah, who was born on 30 Jun 1847, and was baptized on 2 Jul 1847 at St Ignatius Church, with sponsors Rev. R. Gillow and Eliza Parker; and Margaret, who was born on 8 Jan 1849, and was baptized two days later at St Ignatius Church, with sponsors Rev. Charles Walker and Margaret Cookson.

At the time of the 1851 census James Thornton, a wine merchant, aged 39, was living at 18 Friargate, with his wife Hannah, aged 38, and four children, Mary Ann, aged 12; James, aged 10; Elizabeth, aged 9; and Hannah, aged 7 - all scholars. Also staying with them was an unmarried assistant, Thomas Booth, a clerk, aged 27. James Sr and his children were listed as born in Preston, Hannah Sr was born in Hareholme in the Forest of Rossendale, and Thomas Booth, who may have been a relative of Hannah's, was born in Constablee. Their son Thomas Nathaniel was at Spinkhill College (now known as Mount St Mary's College), a Catholic boarding school for Boys in Spinkhill, near Eckington and Renishaw, Derbyshire. He was listed as born in Preston. Their other children, Edward (actually Edmund), aged 5; Sarah, aged 3; and Margaret, aged 2, all listed as born in Preston, were lodgers at Kirkham School Farm in Fulwood, the home of John and Elizabeth Kirkham.

James and Hannah' ninth child was Alice, who was born on 21 Dec 1851, and was baptized on 23 Dec 1851 at St Wilfrid's Chapel, with sponsors Anthony and [---] Bodoano; followed by their tenth and last child, Joseph Ralph, was born and baptized on 22 Apr 1854 at St Walburge's Catholic Church, with sponsors J. Bond and Elizabeth Field. At the time of the 1861 census James Thornton, a wine and spirit merchant, aged 49, was living at 18 Friargate with Hannah, aged 48, and four children, Mary Ann, aged 22; Elizabeth, a scholar, aged 19; Alice, a scholar, aged 9; and Joseph R, a scholar, aged 6. Also staying with them were two servants, Jane Morley, aged 28; and Ann Gillett, aged 24. James and his children were born in Preston, Hannah was born in Rossendale, Jane Morley was born in Blackpool, and Ann Gillett was born in Lytham. James and Hannah's daughters Hannah, aged 17; Sarah, aged 15; and Margaret, aged 13, were away at Raikes Hall Catholic boarding school for girls in Layton with Warbreck. Edmund Thornton, aged 15, was a live-in student at Spinkhill College, where his older brother Thomas Nathaniel was ten years earlier.

On the night of the 1871 James Thornton, a wine merchant, aged 59, was living at 32 Winckley Square, with his wife Hannah, aged 58, and three children, Elizabeth, aged 29; Margaret, aged 22, and Joseph R, aged 16. Also staying with them was a visitor, Margaret Bonney, aged 22; and a servant, Margaret Wells, a general domestic servant, aged 23. The family later moved to Fernyhalgh, where James died five years later.

James Thornton died on 26 January 1876 in Fernyhalgh, near Preston, and was buried in the churchyard of St Mary's Catholic Church in Fernyhalgh, aged 65 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On the 26th inst., at his residence, The Mount, Fernyhalgh, James Thornton, wine merchant, aged 65."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 29 Jan 1876

At the time of the 1881 census Hannah Thornton, widow, a wine and spirit merchant and farmer of 22 acres, employing two men, aged 68, was living at The Mount, Fernyhalgh with her unmarried daughter, Margaret E, aged 32. Also staying with them was a servant, Elizabeth Gilmore, a domestic servant, aged 20.

On the night of the 1891 census Hannah Thornton, a widow living on her own means, aged 78, was living at The Mount in Fernyhalgh with her unmarried daughters Margaret, aged 42; and Alice, aged 39. Also living with them were two servants, Mary Gibson, a cook, aged 21; and Emma Walmsley, a waitress, aged 21. Hannah was listed as born in Rossandale (sic), her daughters were born in Preston, Mary Gibson was born in Piddington, Shropshire, and Emma Walmsley was born in Bolton.

Hannah (Booth) Thornton, of The Mount, Fernyhalgh, died on 5 Mar 1900, and was buried in the churchyard of St Mary's Catholic Church in Fernyhalgh, aged 87 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...THORNTON - On the 5th inst., at The Mount, Fernyhalgh, Hannah Thornton, aged 88. R.I.P."

Published in the Preston Guardian, Sat., 10 Mar 1900

Monument Inscription:

THORNTON - Of your charity pray for the soul of James Thornton of Fernyhalgh, who died 26 Jan 1876, aged 65 years. Also for Hannah, wife of the above, who died 5 March 1900, aged 88 years. May they Rest in Peace. Also for Margaret, daughter of the above, who died 6 January 1904, aged 54 years. Also for Alice Thornton, daughter of the above, who died 5 July 1933, aged 81 years.

Probate Information:

James Thornton wrote a simple and straight-forward Will. He appointed his wife Hannah Thornton as his sole Executrix, and left of his real estate, and his leasehold and personal estate to Hannah, absolutely and forever. He signed the Will with his "hand and seal" on 11 Sep 1843, which was witnessed by Frederick Myers and Thomas Booth. The Will was proved at Lancaster on 29 Mar 1876 to Hannah, "The Testator James Thornton was formerly of Preston, Grocer, but late of The Mount, Fernyhalgh, near Preston aforesaid, both in the County of Lancaster, Wine and Spirit Merchant, and died on the twentysixth day of January 1876 at The Mount, Fernyhalgh aforesaid, under £9000, no Leaseholds."

Unlike her husband's Will, Hannah's was long and more detailed. She firstly appointed her sons-in-law Joseph Fernhead, a chartered accountant, of Bolton, and James Walmsley Carter, of Preston as her Executors and Trustees. She devised all of her real and personal estate unto her Trustees upon trust to dispose of her estate according to her directions. They were to sell and convert into money her trust property and out of the monies raised and her ready money, pay her debts, funeral and testamentary expenses. From the residue of her estate they were to pay the following legacies (and legacy duties where directed): £1500 to her daughter Margaret Thornton, £1500 to her daughter Alice Thornton, £400 to her daughter Mary Ann Thornton - all free of legacy duty. As to her four feather beds, one each to her daughters Elizabeth Fearnhead (wife of Joseph Fearnhead), Hannah Currie (the wife of Walter Ovenstone Currie), Margaret Thornton and Alice Thornton. As to her jewellery, plate, plated goods, bed linen, table linen, and the pictures in her own bedroom, they were to be divided fairly and equally between her daughters Margaret and Alice. The residuary trust monies were to be divided into three equal parts, with one part invested and the income paid to her daughter Elizabeth Fearnhead (subject to a number of conditions). After the death of Elizabeth or her husband (whichever was later) the money was to be held in trust for her grandchildren, the children of her sons Edmund and Joseph Ralph, when they have reached the age of 21 years or marry under that age. Another one third part of her residuary trust monies was to be invested and the income paid to her daughter Hannah Currie and her husband, under the same conditions as stated for Elizabeth and her husband. The last one third part of her trust monies was to be held in trust for her grandchildren, the children of her daughter Sarah Carter, the late wife of her Trustee James Walmsley Carter, under similar conditions as were applied to her daughters' inheritance. All property or monies left to female children or grandchildren were to be for their sole and separate use. Hannah Thornton signed her Will on 6 Dec 1898, witnessed by H. Cartmell, Solicitor, Preston and T W Drury, Clerk with Messrs W Banks and Co, Solicitors, Preston. The Will was proved at Lancaster on 12 Jun 1900, effects £8125 13s 7d.

Note 1: Hannah's Will was very detailed and complicated, including detailed instructions as to how her money should be invested, what was to happen if any of her children or grandchildren were to die before receiving their inheritance, etc.

Note 2: The 1820 Catholic census of Preston lists Ellen Thornton, aged 45, living in Molyneux Square with John, aged 22; Robert, aged 19; and James, aged 9.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of Thomas and Jane TIPPING:

Thomas Tipping, aged 21, a corn factor, and Jennet Eastham, aged 21, a spinster, both of Preston, were married on 4 May 1796 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married, by licence, by Humphrey Shuttleworth, Vicar, and the witnesses were John Walmsley and Mary Eastham. All four signed their own names in the marriage register, Jane signing her name Jeane Eastham. They also had a Catholic ceremony at St Wilfrid's Chapel on the same day, where their names were recorded as Thomas Tippin and Jane Eastham. Some information not recorded in the marriage register is taken from the Marriage Bond, dated 15 Apr 1796.

Thomas Tipping's signature

Thomas and Jane had a large family, all baptized (where records survive) at St Wilfrid's Chapel, beginning with Robert, who was baptized on 22 Jun 1796, with sponsors John Johnson and Mary Eastom (sic). He was followed by Richard, who was baptized on 1 Jul 1797, with sponsors John Walmesley and Jane Eccles; William, who was baptized William Tippin on 3 Aug 1799, with sponsors Thomas Millar and Elizabeth Hall; Nancy, who was baptized Nancy Tippin on 6 Sep 1801, with sponsors John Heatley and Ann Woods. Then occurs the gap in the records caused by the missing baptism register, but other records show that they had Hannah, born in about 1803; Mary, born in about 1806; and Thomas, born in about 1809.

The 1810 Catholic census of Preston lists Thomas Tipping, F (father), living in Church Street with Jane, M (mother); Richard, aged 13; William, aged 11; Nancy, aged 9; Annah (Hannah), aged 7; Mary, aged 4; and Thomas, aged 1.

Thomas Tipping was listed in Holden's Annual London and Country Directory 1811, under Preston, as a flour dealer, in Church Street. Their eighth known child, Margaret, was born at around that time. Their ninth and last known child was Catherine, who was baptized on 18 Apr 1817, with sponsors John and Margaret Tomlinson.

The 1820 Catholic census of Preston lists Thomas Tipping, aged 55, living at 34 Church Street with Jane, aged 48; William, aged 20; Ann, aged 18; Hannah, aged 16; Mary, aged 14; Thomas, aged 11; Margaret, aged 8; and Catherine Agnes, aged 3. Thomas Tipping was listed in the Preston Guild Rolls, 2 Sep 1822, as the son of Thomas Tipping, also a Guild Burgess. It's unlikely that this refers to the 13 year old Thomas, and it may be that Thomas Tipping Sr was also the son of a Thomas Tipping. The Baines Lancashire Directory, Volume 2, dated 1824, lists Thomas Tipping of 30 Church Street, under Corn and Flour Dealers. Their daughter died two years later.

Hannah TIPPING:

Hannah Tipping died on 21 Sep 1826 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery three days later, aged 23 years.

Death Notice:

"DIED...on the 21st inst., in the 23d year of her age, Hannah, the second daughter of Mr. Thomas Tipping, corn-dealer, of Preston."

Published in the Lancaster Gazette, Sat., 30 Sep 1826

The 1832 Preston electoral rolls list Thomas Tipping Sr, a corn dealer; and Thomas Tipping Jr, an attorney, living at 32 Great Avenham Street, where they were living when they lost another daughter the following year.

Catherine Agnes TIPPING :

Catherine Agnes Tipping died on 16 May 1833 and was buried two days later in St Wilfrid's Cemetery, aged 16 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On Thursday last, after a long and severe suffering, aged 16, Catherine Agnes, youngest daughter of Mr. Tipping, of this town."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 18 May 1833

Less than a month after losing his young daughter, Thomas lost his wife.

Mrs Jane TIPPING:

Jane (Eastham) Tipping died on 9 Jun 1833, and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 12 Jun 1833, aged 60 years. The burial transcript did not record her first name or age, entering the burial simply as "Mrs Tipping".

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On Sunday last, after a very long and lingering illness, aged 60, Jane, the wife of Mr. Tipping, of this town."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 15 Jun 1833

It is not known what illness or condition this family were suffering from but Catherine was described as having died after a "long and severe suffering", her mother was described as having died after "a very long and lingering illness", and Thomas Jr died just two years after his mother "after a long indisposition".

Thomas TIPPING Jr:

Thomas Tipping died on 29 Nov 1835 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 2 Dec 1835, aged 26 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On Sunday last, after a long indisposition, Mr. Thomas Tipping, solicitor, Great Avenham-street, aged 26."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 5 Dec 1835

Legal Notice:

"Notice to Debtors and Creditors - All Persons who have any demands against the Estate of Mr. Thomas Tipping, of Preston, Attorney, deceased are desired to send the particulars thereof immediately to Mr. Ascroft, of Preston, Attorney. And all Persons indebted to the late Mr. Tipping, are requested to pay the amount to the said Mr. Ascroft without delay. 11th December, 1835. ASCROFT, Attorney."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 12 Dec 1835

Thomas Tipping Sr died less than three months after his son.

Thomas TIPPING Sr:

Thomas Tipping Sr died on 14 Feb 1836, and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery three days later under the name William Thomas Tipping, aged 70 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On Sunday last, aged 70, Mr. Thomas Tipping, Great Avenham-street, corn dealer."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 20 Feb 1836

Three days before he died, Thomas Tipping Jr wrote a very simple Will appointing Robert Ascroft as his sole Executor. He directed that, after the payment of his debts, the surplus of his estate was to be paid the Rev. W (surname illegible - possibly Bispham). He signed his Will on 26 Nov 1835. The signatures of the witnesses are very difficult to read, but may be W and Sarah Tipping. On 6 Aug 1836 the Will of Thomas Tipping, attorney, "who departed this life on or about the twenty ninth day of November one thousand eight hundred and thirty five" was proved to Robert Ascroft, with the estate valued at under £100.

Thomas Tipping
Jr's signature

Thomas Tipping Sr's Will was a bit more detailed. He appointed his son William and his daughters Nancy and Margaret to be his Executor and Executrixes, and gave his son William his warehouse and building in Anchor Wiend in Preston, including all of his stock in trade in the warehouse, sacks, trucks, fixtures, monies, book and other debts owed to him at the time of his death, etc. Out of his father's estate, William was to pay his funeral expenses and any expenses in proving his Will, all just debts, and a legacy of £19 19 s each to his daughters Nancy and Margaret. He left his "messuage, shop, buildings and premises" in Church Street and Nile Street in Preston to his daughters Nancy and Margaret as tenants in common, and also gave them all of his china, plate, linen, household goods and furniture, beds and bedding "which shall be in my dwellinghouse at the time of my death" equally between them share and share alike. Thomas's son Robert must have fallen out of favour. "I give and bequeath unto my son Robert Tipping the legacy or sum of one pound one shilling and no more." Thomas signed his Will with his mark and seal on 19 Jan 1836, and it was witnessed by P Haydock, solicitor, and Hugh and Richard Almond, clerks to Mr Haydock.

On 9 March 1836 the Will of Thomas Tipping, corn dealer, "who departed this life on the fourteenth day of February 1836" was proved to William Tipping, one of the Executors named in the Will. Nancy and Margaret reserved their right to administer the estate, which was valued at under £200.

Thomas Tipping Sr's Mark and Seal

A little more than a year after Thomas Sr's death, his eldest daughter also died at a young age.

Ann TIPPING:

Ann Tipping died on 27 Apr 1837, and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 1 May 1837, aged 35 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On Thursday last, Ann Teresa, eldest daughter of the late Mr. Tipping, of this town."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 29 Apr 1837

Thomas and Jane's son William followed his father into the corn dealing business and was admitted as a Guild Merchant in the Preston Guild of 1822. He is listed in the Preston Guild Rolls, 2 Sep 1822, as the son of Thomas Tipping, also a Guild Burgess.

The Family of William and Sarah TIPPING:

William Tipping, bachelor, a corn merchant, aged 30, and Sarah Milner, a spinster, aged 27, both of Preston, were married on 18 Feb 1830 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married, by licence, by Roger Carus Wilson, Vicar, and the witnesses were Thomas Brodrick and Mary Ann Howarth. All four signed their own names, with Sarah spelling her surname Millner.

William Tipping's Marriage Bond

William and Sarah's first child was Catherine, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 3 Jun 1831, with sponsors Thomas and Margaret Tipping. The following year the 1832 Preston electoral rolls listed William Tipping, a corn dealer, living in Avenham Road, and it was in that year that their second child, Thomas, was born. He was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 7 Dec 1832, with sponsors Richard Crook and Catherine Tipping. William and Sarah's third and last child did not survive infancy.

William TIPPING Jr:

William Tipping was baptized on 3 Jun 1834 at St Wilfrid's Chapel, with sponsors Thomas Lupton and Mary Pilkington. He died on 7 Oct 1834 and was buried three days later in St Wilfrid's Cemetery. Although about 4 months old, his age was recorded simply as "infant".

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On Tuesday last, William, the infant son of Mr. William Tipping, corn dealer, of this town."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 11 Oct 1834

On the night of the 1841 census William Tipping, a corn merchant, aged c. 40, was living in Avenham Road with Sarah, aged c. 35, and their two surviving children, Catherine, aged 10; and Thomas, aged 8. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. Also staying with them was Catherine Milner, ind. (of independent means), aged c. 60, who may have been a relative of Sarah's. She was not born in Lancashire.

Some time after 1841 William Tipping took over running The Commercial Inn pub in Butler Street, where he died in 1851.

William TIPPING Sr:

William Tipping, of Butler Street, who was born in about 1799, died on 15 Feb 1851 and was buried five days later in St Wilfrid's Cemetery, aged 51 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On Saturday last, Mr. William Tipping, Butler-street, aged 51, - much respected."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 22 Feb 1851

At the time of the 1851 census the recently widowed Sarah Tipping, an innkeeper, aged 46, was living at the Commercial Inn, Butler Street, with two children, Thomas, an apprentice, aged 18; and Catherine, aged 19. Also staying with them was a visitor, William Gilfred, married, a mariner, aged 28. Sarah and her children were listed as born in Preston, and their visitor was born in Liverpool.

William and Sarah's son Thomas married Mary Walker at St Ignatius Catholic Church in Preston on 29 Jul 1857. They were married by Father Richard Corr, and the witnesses were William Ainsworth and Ann Walker.

Marriage Notice:

"On Wednesday last, at St. Ignatius's Church, by the Rev. R. Carr, Mr. Thomas Tipping, only son of the late Mr. Tipping, corn merchant, to Mary, eldest daughter of Mr. Robert Walker, tobacco manufacturer, all of this town."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 1 Aug 1857

On the night of the 1861 census Sarah Tipping, widow, a land proprietor, aged 58, was living at 45 Chaddock Street with her unmarried daughter Catherine, aged 28. They were both listed as born in Preston. Staying with them was an unmarried boarder, Emil Kaylock, a corn merchant, aged 32, who was born in Russia. Sarah's son Thomas, a manager in a cotton mill, aged 28, was living in Wood Lane, Timperley, Cheshire, with his wife Mary aged 28. They were both listed as born in Preston, and were lodging in the home of William and Elizabeth Warburton. Timperley was historically in Cheshire but is now in Greater Manchester, and is about 40 miles south of Preston.

Thomas Tipping was listed in the Preston Guild Rolls, 1 Sep 1862, as the son of William Tipping, of Preston, corn dealer, and grandson of Thomas Tipping, deceased. He died on 25 Jul 1864, aged 32, but was not buried in Preston Cemetery. He may have been buried at the Alston Lane Catholic Chapel, now known as Our Lady and St Michael's Catholic Chapel, but their burial records are apparently still held at the church and are not readily accessible.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On the 25th inst., Thomas, only son of the late Mr. William Tipping, corn merchant, of this town, aged 32."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 30 Jul 1864

At the time of the 1871 census Sarah Tipping, widow, an annuitant, aged 64, was staying at Lodge Bank in Grimsargh, the home of Thomas and Mary Alston. She was listed as born in Preston, but her relationship to the Alston family was not recorded. Catherine Tipping, a teacher of music, aged 35, was a visitor at the home of Robert and Jane McVitie, at 39 Cannon Street, Preston. She was listed as born in Preston.

Sarah Tipping died in Longridge on 23 Apr 1877, aged 74 years, and may have been buried at the Alston Lane Catholic Chapel. There does not appear to have been a death notice published, and she did not leave a Will.

On the night of the 1881 census Catherine "Kate" Tipping, an annuitant, aged 49, was living at Ashton Terrace in Longridge. Staying with her was a housekeeper, Mary Maguinis, aged 48, who was born in Ireland. By 1891 Catherine and her housekeeper had moved to Birkdale, near Southport, but by 1901 she had moved again and was living at 12 Club Street in the village of Euxton, near Croston. She was aged 66 and was living on her own means. Also staying with her was a servant, Kate Walmsley, a general domestic servant, aged 56. Catherine died later that year.

Catherine Tipping died on 30 Sep 1901, and was buried on 3 Oct 1901 in the churchyard at St Mary's Catholic Church in Euxton, aged 65 years.

Note 1: The St Wilfrid's burial transcript records William Tipping Sr's date of burial as 20 Mar 1851, but as he died on 15 Feb I think it unlikely that they would have waited over a month to bury him. I suspect that there was a transcription error made and that he was actually buried on 20 Feb 1851.

Note 2: After Thomas Tippings death his widow eventually remarried: "On the 6th instant, at St. Wilfrid's Catholic Chapel, by the Rev. Father Syrett, Mr. Joseph Blacoe, Church-street, to Mrs. Tipping, eldest daughter of the late Robert Walker, Esq., tobacco manufacturer, of this town." Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 10 Aug 1867

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of Thomas and Sarah TOMMONY:

Thomas and Sarah Tommony were born in Ireland and may have been married there. They were not listed in the 1820 Catholic census of Preston, and the first record I can find of them in Preston was the baptism of their first known child, Edward Tommeney, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 14 Apr 1823, with sponsors James Murphy and Catherine M. (surname not recorded). He was followed by Michael Tominy, who was baptized on 17 Apr 1825, with sponsors Edward Livesy and Judith Connor; then Catherine Tomminey, who was born on 10 Apr 1827, and was baptized on 15 Apr 1827, with sponsors Philip and Alice Hussey; followed by a set of twins. John and Henry Tominey were baptized on 11 Jan 1829. John's sponsors were John and Rose Tominey, and Henry's sponsors were Thomas and Ann Lang. John died in infancy but I can find no record of his death or burial. Thomas and Sarah's sixth known child was Susan Tomily, who was baptized on 14 Nov 1830, with sponsors Thomas Monaghan and Cecilia Cooney. The baptism transcript records her parents as Thomas and Alice Tomily.

The 1832 Preston electoral rolls list Thomas Tommoney, a pot dealer, living at 29 Back Canal Street, and it was in that year that another of their children died.

Catherine TOMMONY (1):

Catherine Tominy (sic), of Canal Street, who was born in 1827, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 26 Apr 1832, aged 5 years. Eight months later their seventh known child was born.

Alexander Tommenay was baptized on 23 Dec 1832, with sponsors Barnabas and Mary Lilley. He was followed by James Tominy, who was born on 8 Nov 1834 and was baptized on 16 Nov 1834, with sponsors Thomas Billington and Margaret Dogan. As if their family wasn't big enough, Thomas and Sarah next had a set of triplets. John, Catherine and Mary Ann Tamony were born on 19 Oct 1836 and were baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel four days later. John's sponsors were Philip Tamony and Ellen Connors, Catherine's were John and Mary McKiernan, and Mary Ann's were Richard and Mary Wilcock.

Birth Announcement:

"On Thursday last, the wife of Thomas Tamony, No. 106 Friargate, was safely delivered of three children, who, like their mother, are doing well."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 22 Oct 1836

Despite being described as "doing well", two of the children died in infancy.

Catherine TOMMONY (2):

Catherine Tominey, of Friargate, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 12 Jan 1837. She was aged 12 weeks, but the burial transcript recorded her age as 12 months. Her sister died four months later.

Mary Ann TOMMONY:

Mary Ann Tommony, of 6 Friargate, and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 30 Apr 1837, aged 7 months. Her burial was recorded under the name Mary Gamony, of 6 Friar Gate. Thomas and Sarah's twelfth known child also died in infancy.

Sarah TOMMONY:

Sarah Tamony was born on 26 Jul 1838, and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel three days later, with one sponsor, Catherine Gillgun. She was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 28 Mar 1840, aged 20 months. Sarah was the first of the children to be born after the start of civil registration and her birth was registered under the surname Tamony, with her mother's maiden name recorded as Hellan. Her death was registered under the surname Tommony.

Thomas and Sarah's thirteenth known child was Thomas, who was born on 26 Aug 1840 and was baptized Thomas Tominy at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 30 Aug 1840, with sponsors Robert Clarkson and Ann Crawford. His birth was registered under the surname Tommony, and his mother's maiden name was recorded as Allen.

On the night of the 1841 census Thomas Tamony, a shop keeper, aged c. 35, was living in Friargate with Sarah, aged c. 35, and eight children, Edward, aged 17; Michael, aged 15; Henry, aged 11; Susan, aged 9; Alexander, aged 7; James, aged 5; John, aged 3; and Thomas, aged 6 months. Also staying with them was a female servant, Susan Keyburn, aged c. 20. Thomas, Sarah and the servant were listed as born in Ireland and the children were born in Lancashire. Later that year, the last surviving triplet died.

John TOMMONY:

John Tommony, of Friargate, who was born in 1836, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 16 Dec 1841, aged 6 years. Thomas and Sarah's fifteenth and last known child was born two years later.

Philip Tommony was born on 3 Feb 1843, and was baptized Philip Pomany at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 5 Feb 1843, with sponsors Peter and Mary Clarkson. His birth was registered under the surname Tomminey, and his mother's maiden name was recorded as Hillan.

Michael TOMMONY:

Thomas and Sarah's second oldest child, Michael Tommony, of Upper Walker Street, who was born in 1825, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 17 Mar 1847, aged 21 yrs.

At the time of the 1851 census Thomas Tomany, a waste dealer, aged 49, was living in Melbourne Street, Preston with his wife Sarah, aged 45, and seven children, Edward, a waste dealer, aged 27; Henry, a mechanic, aged 21; Susannah, a dress maker, aged 18; Alexander, a clogger's apprentice, aged 16; James, a tailor's apprentice, aged 15; Thomas, a scholar, aged 10; and Philip, a scholar, aged 7. Also staying with them was an unmarried servant, Margaret Crawford, a general servant, aged 35. Thomas Sr and Sarah were listed as born in Ireland, their children were born in Preston, and the servant was also born in Ireland.

Thomas Tommony seems to have done well in business and invested his money in property. At the time of the 1861 census Thomas Tommoney, a proprietor of houses, aged 60, was living at 22 Melbourne Street with Sarah, aged 55, and two children, Thomas, aged 20; and Phillip, aged 18, both apprentice iron moulders. Thomas Sr died the following year.

Thomas Tommony of Melbourne Street, died on 13 Jun 1862 and was buried two days later in a private grave, A-465, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 64 years. His was the first interment, buried 20 feet deep. When his death was registered his surname was spelled Tommoney.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On the 13th inst.,...Mr. Thomas Tommony, Melbourne-street, aged 64."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 14 Jun 1862

Probate Information:

Thomas Tommany otherwise Tomony, Effects under £100. Thomas Tommony, a rag dealer, of Preston, wrote his Will in Oct 1859, appointing Robert Anderson, grocer, and William Howarth, bookkeeper, as his Executors. He directed that his just debts and funeral expenses be paid out of the yearly profits from his real property, that they continue to pay into the shares in his building society account until it was fully paid up, and that his wife Sarah was to have the rents, income and profits from his real and personal estate during her life. She was also to have the use and enjoyment of all of his household furniture and effects during her life.

His eldest son Edward was to have all of his stock in trade and was to pay the Executors for it, with the proceeds going into his personal estate. After the disposition of his estate the surplus - if any - was to be divided equally between all of his children after the death of his wife and when his youngest child reached the age of 21 years.

He left the use of his house, number 19 Melbourne Street, along with the warehouse and yard attached, to his daughter Susannah for her lifetime. He left the use his house, number 20 Melbourne Street, with the stable and yard, to his son Alexander for his lifetime. He left the use of his house, number 21 Melbourne Street, to his son James for his lifetime. As to his other two houses, numbers 22 and 23 Melbourne Street, then used as a beerhouse, in the occupation respectively of Thomas Tommony and William Adams as tenants, to the use of his son Edward for his lifetime, on the condition that he pay to Edward Pedder Esq. the ground rent for the land on which his eight houses in Melbourne Street and Walker Street were built, that being £10 9s 6d per year. He left the use of his house, number 24 Melbourne Street, to his son Thomas for his lifetime; his house number 15 Walker Street, to the use of his son Philip for his lifetime; and his house number 16 Walker Street, to the use of his son Henry for his lifetime.

The yearly profits from his other dwellinghouse with land, gardens and outbuildings attached being part of Freehold Park in Fulwood, were to be divided equally between all of his children.

After the deaths of all of his children the properties were to be sold and the proceeds from the sale were to be divided between all of his grandchildren.

Thomas signed the Will with his X on 10 Oct 1859, witnessed by Henry Cross, Alexander Davies and John Isherwood.

In a Codicil to his Will dated 22 May 1862, Thomas directed that his property in Freehold Park, namely London House and Park View, his two houses and smithy in Bridge Lane, and his business in Friargate, together with the stock in trade of a rag dealer, were to be sold and the profits divided equally between all of his children "share and share alike". The Codicil was witnessed by John Chandlery, Thomas Bamber and John Isherwood, schoolmaster.

Thomas died on 13 Jun 1862 and his Will was proved at Lancaster on 30 Sep 1862. The Probate entry contains the correction that the Executors names were Robert Sanderson - not Anderson, and William Howard - not Howarth.

Sarah Tommony, of 23 Melbourne Street, survived her husband by just under five years and died on 22 Apr 1867. She was buried four days later in the family grave, A-465, at Preston Cemetery, aged 58 years. Hers was the sixth interment, buried 10 feet deep.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On the 22nd instant, Sarah, relict of Mr. Thomas Tommony, waste dealer, Melbourne-street, aged 58."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 27 Apr 1867

Note 1: Thomas Tommony and Alexander Tommony were almost certainly related, and I suspect that they were brothers. They may have been related to the John Tommony, also a rag dealer, who also lived in Friargate, Preston.

The 1832 Preston electoral rolls list John Tommoney, a rag dealer, living at 102 Friargate, and on the night of the 1841 census John Tamony, a rag dealer, aged c. 60, was living in Vauxhall Road, Preston. He was living at the home of Isabella Anderson, also a rag dealer, aged c. 65, and they were both listed as born in Ireland. At the time of the 1851 census John Tomney, widower, a rag and bone collector, aged 55 (sic), was living in the cellar of 39 Vauxhall Road. He was listed as born in Ireland, but his age would have been closer to 75.

On the night of the 1861 census John Tommoney, widower, a rag gatherer, aged 84, was living alone at 40 Vauxhall Road, Preston. His birthplace is difficult to read but appears to be Cannabrook, Ireland. John Tommony died in the workhouse on 23 Jul 1862. He was buried on 27 Jul 1862 in a public grave, H-60, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 84 years. When his death was registered his surname was spelled Tomming, and when he was buried it was spelled Tomminy.

Death Notice:

“DEATHS...On the 23rd inst., John Tomminy, Workhouse, aged 84;”

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 26 Jul 1862.

NOTE: There were at least four Catholic Tommony families living in Preston as early as 1819, and I suspect that they were all related. The difficulty in researching the families was the wide variety of spellings of their surname. So far, I have counted 23 different spellings of the family's surname: TAMONY, TAMONEY, TAMMANY, TAMALY, THOMANY, TOMANY, TOMONY, TOMENY, TOMONEY, TOMINEY, TOMINY, TOMINA, TOMLEY, TOMMANY, TOMMANEY, TOMMONEY, TOMMONY, TOMMINEY, TOMMINY, TOMMING, and some even stranger spellings, such as GAMONY, POMANY, and DOMINO. Some of these variations will be due to transcription errors, but the root of the problem will have been illiteracy. The most common present day spelling is TOMMONY.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of Alexander and Rose TOMMONY:

Alexander Tommony and Rosanna McGinn were both born in Ireland and may have been married there. The first record I can find of them in Preston was the baptism of their son Philip, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel under the name Philip Domino on 4 Apr 1819. He was listed as the son of Alexander and Rose Domino, and the sponsors were Thomas Smith and Sarah Fitzsimmons. Their second known child was Rose, who was baptized Rose Tomina on 28 May 1820, with sponsors John Morgan and Bridget McGie. Although they were baptizing their children at St Wilfrid's Chapel, they may have lived outside of the St Wilfrid's parish, as they were not listed in the 1820 Catholic census.

Alexander and Rose's next child was baptized John Tommely at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 9 Jun 1822, with sponsors Thomas Michael Grow and Agnes Albin. He was followed by Henry, who was baptized Henry Tominy on 7 Nov 1830, with sponsors Philip and Alice Hussey.

The 1832 Preston electoral rolls list Alexander Tommoney, a rag merchant, living at 48 Back Canal Street. The following year their daughter Catherine was baptized Catherine Tominy on 22 Sep 1833, with sponsors Thomas and Sarah Tominy. Alexander and Rose's next child died in childhood.

Margaret TOMMONY:

Margaret Tommony was born on 13 Dec 1836, and was baptized Margaret Tomany at St Wilfrid's Chapel on Christmas Day 1836, with sponsors Roger and Margaret Flanigan. She was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 23 Feb 1840, aged 3 years. When her death was registered her surname was spelled Tommoney

Alexander and Rose buried their daughter Margaret just 18 days after the birth of their daughter Mary, who was born on 5 Feb 1840, and was baptized Mary Tominy at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 9 Feb 1840, with sponsors Pierce Fitzgerald and Bridget Allen. Mary was the only one of their children born after the start of civil registration, and her birth was registered as Mary Tommoney, with her mother's maiden name recorded as McGinn.

On the night of the 1841 census Alexander Tomeny, a rag dealer, aged c. 40, was living in Canal Street, Preston with Rosey, aged c. 40, and four children, John, aged c. 15; Henry, aged 10; Catherine, aged 5; and Mary, aged 1. Alexander and Rosey were both listed as born in Ireland, and the children were born in Lancashire.

At the time of the 1851 census Alexander Tommany, a linen draper, aged 61, was living at 15 Back Canal Street with Rosanna, aged 49, and five children, John, a linen draper, aged 29; Catherine, a power loom cotton weaver, aged 17; Henry, a power loom cotton weaver, aged 19; Christianna, a cotton frame tenter, aged 13; and Mary Ann, a scholar, aged 9. Staying with them was a lodger, Bridget Hughes, a widow, aged 70. Alexander, Rosanna and the Lodger were listed as born in Ireland, and the children were born in Preston. I do not know who Christianna was. She was not living with the family in 1841 and I can find no record of her birth or baptism. Alexander and Rose's daughter Catherine died two years later.

Catherine TOMMONY:

Catherine Tommony, who was born in Sep 1833, died young and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 11 May 1853, aged 21 years. When her death was registered her surname was spelled Tommaney.

On the night of the 1861 census Alexander Tomny, an agricultural labourer, aged 70, was living at 15 Sherliker's yard, off Canal Street, with his wife Rose, aged 66, and three of their unmarried children, John, aged 36; Henry, a corporation labourer - drainer, aged 30; and Mary, a cotton weaver, aged 20. It was noted that John was a "cripple". Their youngest child, Mary Ann, died later that year.

Mary Ann Tominey, daughter of Alexander, a rag dealer, of Back Canal Street, died on 17 Aug 1861, and was buried the following day in a public grave, J-299, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 19 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On the 17th inst., Mary Ann Tomaney, Back Canal-street, aged 19;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Wed., 21 Aug 1861

Alexander Tominey, a rag dealer, of Back Canal Street, died on 30 Aug 1861, just 14 days after his daughter, and was buried on 1 Sep 1861 in a public grave, H-5 in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 72 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On the 30th ult., Alexander Tomony, Back Canal-street, aged 72;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 7 Sep 1861

When Alexander and Mary Ann's deaths were registered their surname was spelled Tominey.

On the night of the 1871 census Rose Tommaney, a widow, aged 70, was one of seven lodgers living in the lodging house run by Nancy McManus in Church Street, Poulton-le-Fylde. She died four years later. Her death was registered in the Kirkham district, but her body was brought back to Preston for burial.

Rose Ann Tommony, of 18 Friday Street, was buried on 13 Jan 1875 in a public grave, N-470, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 77 years. Her death registered under the name Rosanna Tommony

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...PRESTON, Since our last:...Rosannah Tomony, Friday-street, 77;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 16 Jan 1875

The Family of Philip and Mary TOMMONY:

The story of Alexander and Rose's son Philip and his wife Mary is a strange one for a few reasons, not least of which was the number of various spellings of their surnames. Philip's surname was spelled a number of ways, and Mary's was either Newsham or Nugent - which was often spelled Newgent. Another complication is that Philip and Mary started their family a few years before bothering to get married, and the births and deaths of some of their children were registered in one or both of their surnames. Philip and Mary's first known child did not survive infancy.

John NEWSHAM / TOMMONY:

John Newsham was born on 3 Feb 1837, and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 12 Feb 1837. He was listed as the son of Mary Newsham, and the sponsors were John Gregson and Ellen Waterhouse. His father's name was not recorded, and when he was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 25 Apr 1838, aged 1 year, his name was recorded as John Lonaly, which may have been a transcription error due to bad handwriting. His death was registered under the name Tamaly.

Less than a year after John's death Mary baptized another son at St Wilfrid's Chapel. John Tomany Nugent was born on 16 Feb 1839, and was baptized on 24 Feb 1839. He was listed as the son on Mary Nugent, and there was just one sponsor, Eleanor Nugent. Again, his father's name was not recorded. However, the civil birth registration is indexed under both surnames Newgent and Thomany, which is an indication that, although they were not married, Philip's name was recorded on the birth certificate.

On the night of the 1841 census Mary Nugham (sic), a cotton worker, aged c. 25, was living in Canal Street, Preston with her son John, aged 1 year. They were living, perhaps as lodgers, in the home of Jane Lamb and her four children. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. Her son died the following year.

John NUGENT/ TOMMONY :

John Tommony Nugent, who was born in 1839, died on 17 Jan 1842, and was buried two days later in St Wilfrid's Cemetery, aged 3 years. His death was registered and he was buried under the surname Nugent.

Mary was pregnant at the time of her son's death, and her daughter Ann was born six months later. Ann Nugent was born on 21 Jul 1842, and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 28 Jul 1842. Her mother was listed as Mary Nugent, and the sponsors were Richard Pert and Jane Taylor. Her father was not listed in the baptism record, but, like her older brother, when her birth was registered it was indexed under both surnames Newgent and Tommaney. Philip and Mary finally got married three years later.

Philip Tomany, a bachelor, aged 27, of 8 Canal Street, a labourer, the son of Alexander Tomany, a dealer in rags; and Mary Nugent, a spinster, aged 27, of 8 Canal Street, a card room hand, the daughter of Peter Nugent, a labourer, were married on 18 Dec 1845 at St Wilfrid's Chapel. They were married by Thomas Watson, and the witnesses were John Lighton and Alice Nugent. The two ladies siged the register with an X.

About a year after they married, Philip and Mary's first legitimate child, another son they called John, was born. John Tomony was born on 22 Nov 1846, and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel 20 Dec 1846. He was listed as the son of Philip and Mary Tomony, and the sponsor was Jane Sharrock. His birth was registered under the surname Tommony, and his mother's maiden name was recorded as Newsham. Whether Philip left Preston for a period of time or managed to avoid the census taker is not known, but he does not appear in the 1841 census and he and Mary do not appear in the 1851 census - even though when Mary died her address was recorded as Hope Street, where her infant son John had died fifteen years earlier.

Mrs Mary TOMMONY:

Mary (Newsham/Nugent) Tommony, who was born in about 1812, died in Preston on 7 May 1853 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery two days later, aged 40 years. Mary's surname was spelled Tominey in the burial transcript, and Tomley when her death was registered.

Philip Tommony remains an enigma, and I can find no record of him after Mary's death.

James TOMMONY:

I can find no record of the birth or baptism of James Tommony. When he was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 6 Feb 1829 his age was recorded as "infant", and it is possible that he died very soon after death and was given an emergency baptism at the bedside. These were rarely ever recorded in the church register. Also recorded in the burial transcript was the child's abode, Hope Street. The problem is that Alexander and Rose Tommony and their son Philip and his wife Mary both lived in Hope Street at various times, and there is no way to know which of these couples were the parents of this infant - if either.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of William and Ellen TOPPING:

It's not known when William and Ellen Topping moved to Preston. They were not listed in either the 1810 or 1820 Catholic censuses of Preston. The first record I can find of the family is the burial of William Topping.

William TOPPING:

William Topping Sr, who was born in about 1763, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 6 Jun 1831, aged 67 years.

The following year the 1832 Preston electoral rolls listed William Topping, a carder, and James Topping, a spinner, living at 21 Willow Street. James married Margaret Massey (actually Mercer) three years later, on 17 Oct 1835, at St John's Parish Church in Preston, witnessed by Richard Farrington and Esther Topping. All four signed the marriage register with an X.

James and Margaret had five children, beginning with William, who was born on 7 Nov 1836, and was baptized on 20 Nov 1836 at St Ignatius Catholic Church, with sponsors William Davies and Esther Topping. He was followed by Ellen, who was born on 9 Feb 1838, and was baptized on 18 Feb 1838 at St Ignatius Church, with sponsors Peter Topping and Mary Mercy (sic); then James, who was born on 14 Aug 1839, and was baptized the following day at St Ignatius Church, with sponsors Peter and Esther Topping.

On the night of the 1841 census Ellen Topping, aged c. 75, was living in Willow Street with William, a cotton weaver, aged c. 50; Peter, a cotton weaver, aged c. 50; and Easter, a cotton weaver, aged c. 30. Living at the next address was James Topping, a cotton spinner, aged c. 35; Margaret, a cotton weaver, aged c. 30; and three children, William, aged 5; Ellen, aged 4; and James, aged 2. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. Ellen died the following month.

Ellen TOPPING:

Mrs Ellen Topping, who was born in about 1763 or 1765, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 24 Jul 1841. The burial transcript records her age as 76, but the civil death indexes record it as 78 years old.

In August of 1840 St Augustine's Catholic Church opened in Preston, and James and Margaret began attending this new church. Their daughter Elizabeth was born on 8 Dec 1841, and was baptized at St Augustine's Church on 30 Jan 1842, with sponsors Henry Banks and Esther Topping. Margaret's maiden name was recorded as Masser. Their fifth and last child was Peter, who was born on 15 Feb 1844, and was baptized three days later at St Augustine's Church, with sponsors William and Esther Topping.

Margaret (Mercer) Topping did not recover from the childbirth and died on 22 Feb 1844, aged 37. Their infant son Peter did not survive his mother long, and died on 1 Oct 1844, aged 8 months. I can find not record of their burials and suspect that they were both buried in the churchyard at St Augustine's Church, but the burial register appears to be missing.

At the time of the 1851 census Peter Topping, widower, a weaver, aged 63, was living at 17 Willow Street with his unmarried brother William, a weaver, aged 60; his widowed brother James, a spinner, aged 49; his unmarried sister Easter, a weaver, aged 44; and four children, William, a clogger, aged 14; Ellen, a weaver, aged 10 (sic); James, a scholar, aged 12; and Elizabeth, a scholar, aged 9. Peter and William were listed as born in Wigan, James Sr was born in Euxton, Easter was born in Bolton-le-Moors, The younger William, who was listed as "son of James", was born in Wigan, and the three younger children were born in Preston. Peter Topping died before the year ended, aged 62 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On Monday last,...Peter Topping, Willow-street, aged 62 years."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 6 Sep 1851

Note: The surname of James Topping's wife Margaret was recorded in various records as Massey, Masser, and Mercer, but I believe that the correct name was Mercer.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of Thomas and Ann TOWERS:

Thomas Towers and Ann Higgison, both of the Parish of Preston, were married on 14 Oct 1806 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by William Myers, Curate, and the witnesses were John Swarbrick and William Hodgkinson. Thomas and Ann both signed the marriage register with an X.

Thomas and Ann settled in the neighbourhood of Fulwood, and baptized seven of their first nine children at St Mary's Catholic Chapel in Fernyhalgh, beginning with Robert, who was born on 7 Aug 1807 and was baptized the next day, with sponsors Ellen Towers and James Millar, as proxy for Christopher Herst. He was followed by John, who was born on 19 Aug 1808 and was baptized the same day, with sponsors Robert Towers and Ellen Billington; then Jane, who was born on 26 Nov 1809 and was baptized the next day, with sponsors Richard and Anna Crook. Their fourth child was Edward, who was born in about 1810 but was not baptized in Fernyhalgh. He was followed by Margaret, known as Peggy, who was born on 23 Nov 1811 and was baptized the same day, with sponsors Edward Southworth and Marta Johnson; then Thomas, who was born on 30 Nov 1812 and was baptized on 2 Dec 1812, with sponsors John and Mary Chew; Ann, known as Nancy, who was born on 27 Jan 1814 and was baptized the next day, with sponsors William Pearson and Ella Wilson; and Mary, who was born on 22 Feb 1815 and was baptized the next day, with sponsors William Molyneux and Mary Melling.

Thomas and Ann's ninth child was Alice, who was born in about 1815 but was not baptized in Fernyhalgh. Although still living in Fulwood, Thomas and Ann began having their children baptized in Preston, and their tenth child was the first of two daughters they called Elizabeth, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 14 Jun 1818, with sponsors George and Margaret Waring.

Thomas and Ann's eleventh child was Bridget, who was born in about 1819 but was not baptized in Fernyhalgh or Preston. She was followed by Helen (Ellen), who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 22 Oct 1821, with sponsors John Swarbrick and Elizabeth Brady; then Peter, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 17 Oct 1824, with sponsors George and Margaret Waring. Five years later, Thomas and Ann lost one of their older children.

Thomas TOWERS Jr:

Thomas Towers, of Fulwood, who was born in 1812, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 2 Aug 1829, aged 17 years.

Sometime between 1818 and 1830, Thomas and Ann's daughter Elizabeth died, but I can find no record of her burial. Their fourteenth child, another daughter they called Elizabeth, also died in infancy.

Elizabeth TOWERS:

Elizabeth Towers was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 4 Jul 1830, and the sponsors were James Jones and Margaret Gillet. She lived about one year and five months, and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 26 Nov 1831, where her abode was listed as Fulwood, and her age was recorded as "infant".

On the night of the 1841 census Thomas Towers, a cotton weaver, aged c. 60, was living in Fulwood with Nancy, aged c. 55, and eight children, Jane, a cotton weaver, aged c. 30; Margaret, aged c. 25; Ann, aged c. 25; Mary, aged c. 25; Alice, aged c. 20; Bridget, aged c. 15; Ellen, aged c. 15; and Peter, aged c. 15. Staying with them was Ann Aspindale, aged 10. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. Thomas died three years later.

Thomas Towers was buried in the churchyard at St Ignatius Catholic Church on 21 Jul 1844, aged 65 years. His residence and the name of the priest who performed the service were left blank in the burial register.

Burial of Thomas Towers

Thomas and Ann's daughter Bridget married Nicholas Cardwell at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 1 Feb 1846, with witnesses William Bamber and Ann Towers, and on the night of the 1851 census Ann Towers, widow, a housekeeper, aged 69, was living at Nook Houses, Fulwood with three of her unmarried daughters, Ann, a weaver, aged 37; Alice, a weaver, aged 35; and Ellen, a weaver, aged 29; Elizabeth, a scholar, aged 6, and a granddaughter Ann, aged 4. Staying with her was her married nephew, James Towers, a weaver, aged 34. The elder Ann was listed as born in Chipping, James was born in Barton, and the rest of the family were born in Fulwood. Elizabeth was listed as Ann's daughter but was actually a granddaughter. James was the son of Ann's late husband's brother James (see below).

Nancy Towers, of Broughton, was buried in the churchyard at St Ignatius Church on 13 Apr 1852, aged 69 years.

Burial of Ann Towers

Note: When Thomas and Ann's children, Margaret, Thomas and Ann were baptized in Fernyhalgh their mother's maiden name was recorded as Higginson instead of Higgison.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of Robert and Sarah TOWERS:

Robert Towers and Sarah Fowler, both of Barton in the Parish of Preston, were married on 3 Nov 1817 at St John the Baptist Parish Church in Broughton. They were married after Banns by Robert Dixon, Officiating Minister, and the witnesses were Richard Fowler and John Arkwright. Robert and Sarah both signed the marriage register with an X.

Robert and Sarah's first child was Richard, who was born in about 1818, but I have been unable to find any record of his birth or baptism. Their second child was James, who was born on 2 Mar 1820 and baptized the following day at St Mary's Catholic Church, Newhouse in Newsham, with sponsors Edward Towers and Ellen Fowler. His parents were described as being "of Barton". Robert and Sarah's third known child was Alice, who was born in about 1823 but, like her brother Richard, I can find no record of her birth or baptism. Robert and Sarah's last three known children were baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel. John Towers was baptized on 13 Jan 1825, with sponsors James Melling and Ann Knight. He was followed by Mary, who was baptized on 11 May 1828, with sponsors Robert Towers and Ann Melling; then Thomas, who was baptized on 3 Feb 1833, with sponsors Richard Fowler and Mary Charrot. Thomas was less than two years old when his father died.

Robert TOWERS (1):

Robert Towers, of 7 Green Street, New Preston, who was born in about 1790, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 15 Oct 1834, aged 44 years. There was no death notice published.

A little more than three years after losing her husband, Sarah lost her oldest son.

Richard TOWERS:

Richard Towers, a weaver, of 7 Green Street, who was born in about 1818, died of a ruptured blood vessel on 20 Jan 1838 and was buried three days later in St Wilfrid's Cemetery, aged 19 years. His mother Sarah, of 7 Green Street, registered the death.

After five years of widowhood Sarah (Fowler) Towers remarried. George Clayton, of Whittle, the son of William and Jane Clayton, of Brindle, and Sarah Towers, of Preston, the daughter of Bannister and Alice Towers (sic), of Ribbleton, were married on 21 Oct 1839 at St Ignatius Catholic Church. They were married by Francis West, and the witnesses were William Miller and Jane Turner.

Marriage Notice:

"MARRIAGES...On Monday last, at the Catholic Church of St. Ignatius,...Mr. George Clayton, of Whittle-le-Woods, to Mrs. Sarah Towers, of this town;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 26 Oct 1839

Robert and Sarah's son James married Isabella Atherton in 1840 (see below), but it appears that Sarah's second marriage was not a success and they went their separate ways. On the night of the 1841 census Sarah Clayton, a cotton weaver, aged c. 45, was living in Queens Court, Preston with Alice Towers, a cotton weaver, aged c. 15; John Towers, a cotton stripper, aged c. 15; and Thomas Towers, aged 8. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. Sometime after 1841 Sarah seems to have reverted to her former married name, which she was using at the time of her death four years later.

Sarah TOWERS:

Sarah Towers, of Duke Street, who was born in 1789, died on 15 Jan 1845 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery four days later, aged 55 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On Wednesday last, Sarah Towers, Duke-street, aged 55."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 18 Jan 1845

Note: Although the 1839 marriage register entry records Sarah's parents' surname as Towers, when the marriage was registered Sarah's maiden name was recorded as Fowler. Bannister Fowler and Alice Melling were married at St John's Parish Church on 18 Apr 1785. Sarah Fowler was born on 2 Aug 1789 and was baptized in the same church on 16 Aug 1789.

The Family of James and Isabella TOWERS:

James Towers, a bachelor, of full age, a hand loom weaver, of Ribble Bridge, Walton-le-Dale, the son of Robert Towers, a weaver, and Isabella Atherton, a spinster, of full age, a hand loom weaver, of 12 Spring Gardens, Preston, the daughter of Henry Atherton, a weaver, were married on 16 Aug 1840 at the Parochial Chapel of St Leonard, Walton-le-Dale. They were married by John Lomas, and the witnesses were William Kay and Margaret Atherton. The bride, groom and Margaret Atherton signed the marriage register with an X.

James and Isabella's first child was the first of two daughters they called Margaret, who was born on 6 Apr 1841 and was baptized five days later at St Wilfrid's Chapel, with sponsors Richard Fowler and Alice Towers. On the night of the 1841 census James and Isabella were living with her parents, Henry and Margaret Atherton. Henry Atherton, a cotton weaver, aged c. 55; was living in Spring Gardens, Preston with Margaret, aged c. 50, and three children, Edward, a cotton weaver, aged c. 20; John, a cotton weaver, aged c. 15; and Margaret, a cotton carder, aged c. 15. Living with them was their married daughter Elizabeth Davis, a cotton weaver, aged c. 25; her husband William, a cotton weaver, aged c. 25; their granddaughter Mary Davis, aged 2; their married daughter Bella Towers, a cotton weaver, aged c. 20; her husband James, a cotton weaver, aged c. 20; and their granddaughter Margaret Towers, aged 2 months. Also staying with them was Edward Walmsley, a cotton weaver, aged 13. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. Their granddaughter Margaret Towers died shortly after the census was taken.

Margaret TOWERS (1):

Margaret Towers, of Spring Gardens, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 20 Jun 1841, aged 10 weeks.

James and Isabella's second child was a second daughter they called Margaret, who was born on 9 Apr 1842 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel the following day, with sponsors Thomas Grundy and Elizabeth Davis. She was followed by another child that died in infancy.

Robert TOWERS (2):

Robert Towers was born on 18 Jun 1844 and was baptized five days later at St Ignatius Catholic Church, with sponsors John Carter and Margaret Atherton.

Baptism of Robert Towers

Robert Towers, of Egan Street, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 3 Jul 1844, aged 1 week. Less than a year later, James and Isabella lost their older child.

Margaret TOWERS (2):

Margaret Towers, who was born in 1842, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 7 Apr 1845. She would have been a few days shy of her third birthday, but her age was recorded in the burial transcripts as 5 years and, to add to the confusion, when her death was registered her age was recorded as 1 year.

At the time of Margaret's death, James and Isabella would have been expecting their fourth child

Robert TOWERS (3):

The birth and death of Robert Towers were recorded in Preston in the fourth quarter of 1845. He died soon after birth and may have been baptized privately at home. He was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 26 Nov 1845, aged 1 day. His abode was listed as Fulwood.

James and Isabella moved for a time to Walton-le-Dale, where their fifth child was born. James Towers was baptized on 9 Mar 1848 at St Joseph's Catholic Church in Brindle, and the sponsors were Richard Woodacre and Jane Wilcock. At the time of the 1851 census James Towers, a weaver, aged 34, was staying with his widowed aunt, Ann Towers, at Nook Houses in Fulwood (see above). His wife, Isabella Towers, a power loom weaver, aged 29, and their son James, aged 3, were living as lodgers at 73 Singleton Row, Preston, the home of Thomas and Sarah Acres. Isabella was listed as born in Goosnargh, and James Jr was born in Walton-le-Dale. Their son James apparently died in infancy but I can find no record of his death in Lancashire - unless he was the James Towers whose death was registered in Broughton in the fourth quarter of 1851, but that child's age was recorded as 5 years, when James and Isabella's son would have been 3 years old at the time. This child was probably buried in the churchyard at St Mary's Catholic Church in Fernyhalgh, but records from that date are still held at the church and are not readily available.

James and Isabella's sixth and last child was Mary, whose birth was registered in Broughton in the third quarter of 1859. She may have been baptized at St Mary's Catholic Church in Fernyhalgh. On the night of the 1861 census James Towers, a cotton weaver, aged 41, was living at Nook Cottage in Fulwood with Isabella, aged 39, and one child, Mary, aged 1. In this census James is listed as born in Barton, Isabella was born in Whittingham, and Mary was born in Fulwood.

Their daughter Mary was not with her parents in 1871, when she would have been about 11 years old. At the time of the 1871 census James Towers, a jobber in a cotton mill, aged 50, was living at 83 Ellen Street, Preston with his wife Isabella, a cotton weaver, aged 49.

James and Isabella's daughter Mary married Richard Waring in Preston in 1876, but he died the following year, aged 24 years. She then married Robert Wignall in Preston in 1880.

On the night of the 1881 census James Towers, a cotton overlooker, aged 61, was living at 25 Parker Street, Preston with Isabella, a cotton weaver, aged 58. In this census James is listed as born in Fishwick and Isabella is listed as born in Longridge. James died seven years later.

James Towers, of 27 Parker Street, was buried on 1 Feb 1888 in a private grave, B-116, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 67 years. His was the first interment, buried 10 feet deep. There was no death notice published, and he did not leave a Will.

On the night of the 1891 census Robert Wignall, a fish dealer, aged 34, was living at 27 Parker Street, Preston with his wife Mary, a cotton warper, aged 32; her son James Waring, a scholar, aged 11; and their four children, Elizabeth, a scholar, aged 9; Mary A, a scholar, aged 7; William, a scholar, aged 4; and Lilly, aged 2. Mary and her son James were listed as born in Fulwood, and the rest of the family were born in Preston. Mary's widowed mother Isabella Towers, a winder, aged 69, was living as a lodger at 174 Eldon Street, Preston, the home of John and Emma Place. She was listed as born in Whittingham. Ten years later, at the time of the 1901 census an Isabella Towers, a cotton winder, aged 79, was an inmate in the Preston Workhouse in Fulwood. However, she was listed as single instead of a widow, and her birthplace was listed as Bolton. Isabella died in the workhouse five years later.

Isabella Towers, of the workhouse, was buried on 4 Jun 1906 in the private grave, B-116, where her husband had been buried eighteen years earlier. She was aged 83 years and was the second interment, buried 8 feet deep. There was no death notice published.

Note 1: The private grave at Preston Cemetery was purchased by James and Isabella's daughter Mary Wignall, and there were five burials. In addition to James and Isabella was their great-granddaughter Mary Agnes Jones, of 39 Pitt Street, who was buried on 3 Jul 1913, aged 7 months; her brother Robert Jones, of 39 Pitt Street, who was buried on 10 Jan 1914, aged 30 hours; and Mary (Towers) Waring-Wignall, of 23 Inkerman Street, who was buried on 30 Mar 1932, aged 72 years. Hers was the fifth and last interment, buried 4½ feet deep. Mary Agnes and Robert were the children of James and Isabella's granddaughter Lilly (Wignall) Jones and her husband Albert Edward Jones, who were married in 1909.

Note 2: In 1891 the Ancestry website has indexed Isabella under the surname Fowers.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of John and Mary TOWNLEY:

John Townley was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 17 Jun 1821. He was the son of Robert and Ann Townley, and the sponsors were William Hoghton and Alice Higgison.

John Townley, a bachelor, aged 29, a wool comber, of Lill's Court, Friargate, the son of Robert and Ann Townley, of Lill's Court, Friargate, and Mary Sharrock, a spinster, aged 29, a weaver, of Walton, the daughter of Thomas and Alice Sharrock, of Walton, were married on 6 Nov 1850 at St Augustine's Catholic Church. They were married by T. Cookson, and the witnesses were James and Alice Sharrock, both of Walton.

On the night of the 1851 census John Townley, a woolcomber, aged 29, was living at Walton Village Cop, Walton-le-Dale, with Mary, a power loom cotton weaver, aged 28. John was listed as born in Preston and Mary was born in Samlesbury. Living separately at the same address were Mary's parents, Thomas and Alice Sharrock, both aged 71.

John and Mary had just one child during their brief marriage. Ann Townley was born on 30 Sep 1851 and was baptized on 5 Oct 1851, with sponsors James and Alice Sharrock.

Ann Townley's baptism

Ann was less than eight months old when her father died.

John TOWNLEY:

John Townley, of Lill's Court, who was born in 1821, died at Lill's Court on 19 May 1852 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery the next day, aged 30 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On Wednesday last,...John Townley, Lill's-court, aged 30."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 22 May 1852

Mary (Sharrock) Townley survived her husband by seven years.

Mary Townley, of Walton-le-Dale, the widow of John Townley, a spinner, was buried on 2 Apr 1859 in a private grave, B-416, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 37 years. Hers was the first interment, buried 20 feet deep.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...Since our last:...Mary Townley, Walton-street, aged 37;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 9 Apr 1859

I cannot find any further record of John and Mary's daughter Ann. After the deaths of her parents she may have been taken in by relatives and unofficially adopted.

Note 1: The private grave at Preston Cemetery was purchased in 1859 for the burial of Mary (Sharrock) Townley, and there were a total of eight burials. The second interment was that of Mary's father Thomas Sharrock, of Walton-le-Dale, who was buried on 16 Nov 1861, aged 84. The third was James Sharrock, of Walton-le-Dale, who was buried on 23 Feb 1862, aged 44, followed by Mary's mother, Alice Sharrock, of Walton, who was buried on 18 Mar 1868, aged 88. Catherine Brown, of 40 Cobden Street was buried on 16 Apr 1880, aged 19 years, being the fifth interment, buried 12 feet deep. Elizabeth Baynes, of 41 Clyde Street, a spinster, was buried on 6 Feb 1924, aged 84. Hers was the sixth interment, buried 9 feet deep. James Joseph Mercer, a labourer, of 35 Clyde Street, was buried on 27 Oct 1938, aged 76. His was the seventh interment, buried 7½ feet deep. The eighth and last interment was that of Catherine Mercer, the widow of James, of 20 Lytham Road, Freckleton, who was buried on 5 Dec 1942, aged 86 years. She was buried 6 feet deep.

Note 2: I suspect that an error was made in Mary's death notice and that she was of Walton, (Walton-le-Dale), not Walton Street in Preston.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of James TOWNSEND:

James Townsend and Margaret Charnley, both of Preston, were married on 1 Jan 1787 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Humphrey Shuttleworth, Vicar, and the witnesses were Thomas Breakill and William Hodgkinson. Margaret signed the marriage register with an X.

James and Margaret's first eight known children were baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel, beginning with John, who was baptized on 13 Nov 1787, with sponsors Charles Townsend and Mary Allen. He was followed by Mary, who was baptized on 8 Feb 1790, with sponsors Henry Hubersty and Margaret Cowper; then Charles, who was baptized on 28 Oct 1791, with sponsors William Livesey and Margaret Taylor. Charles did not survive infancy and was buried on 11 Aug 1793 in the churchyard at St John's Parish Church, aged 2 years. He was listed as the son of James Townsend.

James and Margaret's fourth child was Ann, who was baptized on 5 Sep 1793, with sponsors John Postlethwaite and Alice Cooper. She was followed by Charles Joseph, who was baptized on 21 Sep 1795, with sponsors John Postlewaite and Alice Cowper. Two years later they lost another child. Mary Townsend, who was born in 1790, was buried on 6 Mar 1797 in the churchyard at St John's Parish Church, aged 7 years. It was noted that she was the daughter of James Townsend.

James and Margaret's sixth child was Benedict, who was baptized on 18 Oct 1797, with sponsors Thomas Shakeshaft and Helen Woodacre. He was followed by James, who was was baptized on 1 Sep 1799, with sponsors Henry Smith and Alice Wynstanley; then Joseph, who was baptized on 16 Sep 1801, with sponsors James Gradwell and Alice Banks. There then appears a gap in the St Wilfrid's records, from 22 Feb 1803 to 1 Jan 1813, during which time quite a few events took place. James and Margaret had one more child, Richard, who was born in about 1803, and may have led to his mother's death. Margaret Townsend, the wife of James Townsend, was buried on 20 Jul 1803 in the churchyard at St John's Parish Church, aged 36 years. Left a widower with young children, James remarried later that year.

James Townsend, widower, a cordwainer, and Jane Clark, a spinster, aged 21, were married on 10 Sep 1803 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married, by licence, by William Myers, Curate, and the witnesses were Thomas Simpson and William Hodgkinson. Jane signed the marriage register with an X. Jane's age, and James' occupation, and marital status were not recorded in the marriage register and are taken from the Marriage Bond, dated 8 Sep 1803.

During the gap in the St Wilfrid's records James and Jane had at least two children, Mary, who was born in about 1806; and Margaret, who was born in about 1808. The 1810 Catholic census of Preston lists James and Jane Townsend living in Friargate with seven children, Charles, aged 15; Benedict, aged 13; James, aged 11; Joseph, aged 10; Richard, aged 7; Mary, aged 4; and Margaret, aged 2. The following year another child, Andrew, was born. The first child to appear in the baptism records after the gap was William, who was baptized on 1 Mar 1813, with sponsors Robert Eaton and Catherine Gradwell. Their next child died in infancy.

Francis TOWNSEND:

Francis Townsend was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 16 Aug 1815, with sponsors Joseph Gradwell and Mary Dodds. He was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 20 Mar 1818, aged 2 years.

James and Jane's last known child was Elizabeth, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 15 Jul 1819, and the sponsors were Joseph Gradwell and Mary Dodds. The 1820 Catholic census of Preston lists James Townsend, aged 55, living at 50 Friargate with Jane, aged 43, and seven children, James, aged 20; Richard, aged 16; Mary, aged 14; Margaret, aged 12; Andrew, aged 9; William, aged 7; and Elizabeth, aged 1. Elizabeth died later that year.

Elizabeth TOWNSEND:

Elizabeth Townsend, who was born in 1819, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 20 Jul 1820, aged 1 year. Elizabeth was buried three days after her older half-brother Benedict's marriage (see below). The following year, James lost one of his older children.

James TOWNSEND Jr:

James Townsend, who was born in 1799, died on 19 Apr 1821 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery three days later, aged 22 years.

Death Notice:

"DIED...On the 19th inst., aged 21, Mr. James Townsend, jun., of Friargate, Preston."

Published in the Lancaster Gazette, Sat., 28 Apr 1821

James and Margaret's son Charles was married in 1823 (see below), their son John married Elizabeth MacCafferey later that same year, their son Joseph married Elizabeth Bradley in 1828, and James and Jane's daughter Margaret married Thomas Dickinson in 1829. The 1832 Preston electoral rolls list James Townsend, a shoemaker, living at 48 Friargate. He died four years later.

James TOWNSEND Sr:

James Townsend, of Friargate Brow, who was born in about 1764, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 27 Jul 1836, aged 72 years. There was no death notice published.

On the night of the 1841 census Jane Townsend, a mangler, aged c. 65, was living alone in Friargate. She was listed as having been born outside of the county. Living at the next address was Joseph Gradwell, a thread maker, aged c. 55, who may have been the man who was a sponsor to James and Jane's last two children.

I cannot find Jane (Clark) Townsend in the 1851 census and at the time of the 1861 census she was living with her married granddaughter. Joseph Bretherton, a corn miller and shop keeper (?), aged 30, was living at 20 Walker Street, Preston with his wife Mary, a house keeper, aged 30, and three children, James, aged 4; Thomas, aged 2; and Agness, aged 6 months. Living with him was his unmarried sister-in-law, Jane Dickinson, a cotton weaver, aged 26; and his "grandmother", Jane Townsend, a house keeper, aged 83. Joseph was listed as born in Goosnargh, Jane Townsend and Jane Dickinson were born in Kendal, and the children were born in Preston. Jane Townsend was actually Mary (Dickinson) Bretherton's grandmother.

I can find no further record of Jane (Clark) Townsend, unless she was the person whose death was registered as Jane Townson in Preston in the fourth quarter of 1862, aged 85 years. She was not buried in Preston Cemetery and I cannot find her burial place elsewhere.

The Family of Benedict and Ellen TOWNSEND:

Bennadict Townend (sic) and Ellen Wallbank, both of the Parish of Mitton, were married on 17 Jul 1820 at All Hallows Parish Church in Mitton. They were married after Banns by John Wilson, Vicar, and the witnesses were Joseph Charles Townsend and Edward Chippindale. Ellen signed the marriage register with an X, and Benedict signed his own name as "Bendict Townsend".

Benedict and Ellen baptized five children at St Wilfrid's Chapel, beginning with Robert, who was baptized on 6 Jun 1822, with sponsors Charles and Mary Townsend. He was followed by Margaret, who was baptized on 18 Dec 1825, with sponsors Robert and Marianne Wallbank. Their third child died in infancy.

Jane TOWNSEND:

Jane Townsend was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 23 Dec 1827, and the sponsors were John and Elizabeth Townsend. She was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 6 Dec 1829, where her age was recorded as "infant". She would have been almost 2 years old.

Benedict and Ellen's fourth child was another daughter they called Jane, who was baptized on 27 Dec 1829, with sponsors John and Elizabeth Townsend. She was followed by Richard, who was baptized on 19 Jun 1831, with sponsors William Townsend and Jane Walbank (sic). Sometime after 1831 the family moved to Kirkham, where their sixth child was born. John Townsend was born on 27 Oct 1833 and was baptized three days later at 'The Willows', St John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Kirkham, with sponsors Thomas Ireland and Sara Wobank. He was only about six months old when his father died.

Benedict Townsend, of Kirkham, was buried on 27 May 1834 in the churchyard at 'The Willows' in Kirkham, aged 38 years. There was no death notice published.

I suspect that, after her husband's death, Ellen (Wallbank) Townsend returned to Preston, and may have been staying with her late husband's family in Friargate, where she lost her youngest child.

John TOWNSEND:

John Townsend, of Friargate, who was born in 1833, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 29 Mar 1835, where his age was recorded as "infant". His mother died the next year.

Ellen TOWNSEND:

Ellen Townsend, of Friargate, who was born in about 1805, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 13 Jan 1836, aged 30 years. There was no death notice published.

It appears that, after the deaths of their parents, Benedict and Ellen's two daughters went to stay with their father's older brother John, and on the night of the 1841 census John Townsend, a baker, aged c. 50, was living in Bridge Lane, Preston, with Elizabeth, aged c. 55; Margaret, a flax spinner, aged c. 15; and Jane, aged 10. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. The girl's younger brother Richard may have been the Richard Townsend, aged 9, who was in the Preston Workhouse and House of Recovery, probably due to illness.

Jane Townsend had a daughter she called Ellen, who was born on 16 Jan 1851 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel three days later, with one sponsor, Margaret Townsend, and at the time of the 1851 census Jane, a weaver, aged 22, and her infant daughter Ellen were living at 1 Poplar Street, Preston, the home of Mary Bradley, a widow, aged 72. Also living there was Jane's uncle Joseph Townsend, a cabinet maker, aged 48, and his wife Elizabeth, a washer woman, aged 46. Elizabeth was the daughter of Mary Bradley. They were all listed as born in Preston. At the same time, Jane's older sister Margaret Townsend, a spinner, aged 26, was one of three lodgers living at 136 Adelphi Street, Preston, the home of Richard and Eliza Bonney. She was listed as born in Kirkham. Both sisters were married the following year.

On 15 May 1852 Margaret Townsend married Joseph Holden at St Wilfrid's Chapel, witnessed by James Holden and Jane Townsend.

The marriage of Jane Townsend and Joseph Emett was registered in Preston in the third quarter of 1852, but they were not married in either of Preston's Catholic churches and may have been married in the Preston Register Office.

The Family of Charles and Margaret TOWNSEND:

Joseph Charles Townsend, a bachelor, and Margaret Williams, a spinster, both of Preston, were married on 7 Apr 1823 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Thomas Raven, Curate, and the witnesses were John Townsend and Margaret Ledham. Margaret Ledham signed the marriage register with an X.

The 1832 Preston electoral rolls list Charles Townsend, a fruitier, living at 6 Cheapside, (House and shop), and he was also listed at 31 Market Place. Charles and Margaret had no known children, and on the night of the 1841 census Charles Townsend, a fruitier, aged c. 45, was living in Smithson's Court, Friargate, Preston with Margaret, aged c. 40. Also staying with them was Ellen Dobson, aged 8; and Alice Gardner, a female servant, aged c. 15. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. Charles died six years later.

Charles TOWNSEND:

Charles Townsend, of Friargate, who was born in 1791, died on 31 Dec 1847 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 9 Jan 1848, where his age was recorded as 47 years. He would have actually been 56 years of age.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...yesterday week, Charles Townsend, Workhouse, aged 48;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 8 Jan 1848

At the time of the 1851 census Margaret Townsend, a widow, aged 53, was living as a live-in housekeeper for John Dunderdale, a landed proprietor, aged 87, at his home in Claughton-on-Brock. They were both listed as born in Claughton. Margaret married Edward Gillow later that year. They may have been married at St Thomas' Catholic Church in Claughton-on-Brock but those records are still held at the church and are not readily available.

On the night of the 1861 census Margaret Gillow, widow, a housekeeper, aged 63, was living at 3 Astley Court in Witton. Living with her was a niece, Ellen Walmsley, a cotton weaver, aged 28; and an unmarried lodger, William Kay, an agricultural labourer, aged 48. Margaret was listed as born in Claughton, her niece was born in Liverpool, and the lodger was born in Hothersall.

On the night of the 1871 census Margaret Gillow, a widow, aged 73, was working as a nurse at 27 Warwick Street, Blackburn, the home of James and Pamela Ward. She died before the date of the next census.

A Margaret Gillow died in the Blackburn Infirmary and was buried on 9 Mar 1881 in grave M-4505, in a Catholic section of Blackburn Cemetery, aged 83 years, however, she was listed as the relict of James Gillow.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of George and Mary TOWNSON:

George Townson and Mary Worswick, both of the Parish of Penwortham, were married on 26 Jan 1829 St Mary's Parish Church in Penwortham. They were married after Banns by James Taylor Wareing, and the witnesses were William Blackburn and Ellen Suddell. The bride and both witnesses signed the marriage register with an X. Although it was not stated in the marriage register, Mary was a widow who had been married twice before. Firstly to someone called Eccleston, and then to Henry Worswick in 1826. Her maiden name was Barns or Barnes.

The 1832 Preston electoral rolls list George Townson, a labourer, living at 3 Fylde Road. Their first child together was born in that year. Frederick Townsend (sic) was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 30 Sep 1832, with sponsors James Barns and Helen Worswick. He was followed by a set of twins. George and Elizabeth Townsend (sic) were baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 5 Oct 1834. George's sponsors were Robert Latham and Helen Blackburn, and Elizabeth's were John Dewhurst and Alice Barns. Both children died in infancy.

George TOWNSON Jr:

George Townsen (sic), of Fylde Road, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 14 Nov 1834, aged 5 weeks.

Elizabeth TOWNSON (1):

Elizabeth Townsend (sic), of 3 Fylde Road, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 2 Dec 1834, aged 2 months.

George and Mary's fourth child was Rosanna, who was born on 26 May 1836, and was baptized Rosanna Townsend three days later at St Ignatius Catholic Church, with sponsors Richard Rigby and Mary Blackburn. She was only the seventh child baptized in the newly opened church.

Baptism of Rosanna Townson

Rosanna was followed by John, who was born on 4 Jan 1838 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel three days later, with sponsors Robert Blackburn and Mary Harrow Again, their surname was spelled Townsend in the baptism records. His father died later that year.

George TOWNSON Sr:

George Townson, of Fylde Road, who was born in about 1807, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 4 Sep 1838, aged 31 years. There was no death notice published.

At the time of her husband's death, Mary was pregnant with their sixth child, who also died in infancy.

Elizabeth TOWNSON (2):

Elizabeth Townson was born on 31 Jan 1839 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 9 Feb 1839, with sponsors Robert Blackburn and Ellen Dewhurst. She was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 27 Nov 1839, aged 10 months. Her abode was listed as St Peter's Square.

On the night of the 1841 census Mary Townson, aged c. 40, living in Fylde Road, Preston with Mary, a cotton rover, aged 14; Frederick, aged 8; Rosanna, aged 5; and John, aged 3. Also staying with them was Joshua Pole, a labourer, aged c. 25. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. Although she was listed with the surname Townson, the oldest child was Mary's daughter from her previous marriage. Mary Worswick, the daughter of Henry and Mary Worswick, was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 22 Jul 1826, with sponsors Richard Worswick and Ann Slater.

Five years after her third husband's death, Mary (Barnes-Eccleston-Worswick) Townson married for the fourth time. John Dakin and Mary Townson were married on 30 Nov 1843 at St Wilfrid's Chapel, witnessed by James Fennell and Mary Dodds.

Sometime after marrying, John and Mary Dakin moved to Birkenhead, and on the night of the 1851 census John Dakin, a carpenter, aged 39, was living at Dock Cottage, Birkenhead with his wife Mary, a dressmaker, aged 52. John was listed as born in Sheffield, Yorkshire, and Mary was born in Preston. They later moved to the Kirkdale area of Liverpool, and at the time of the 1861 census John Dakin, a carpenter, aged 50, was living in Bank Passage, Kirkdale with Mary, aged 60, and a son John, a carpenter, aged 23, who was listed as born in Preston. Although listed as John Dakin, he may have actually been Mary's son John Townson, who would have been 23 in 1861.

Sometime after 1861 John and Mary returned to the Preston area, and at the time of the 1871 census John Dakin, a joiner, aged 60, and Mary Dakin, aged 73, were inmates at the Preston Workhouse in Fulwood. John was listed as born in Sheffield, but in the space for Mary's place of birth was written "Not known, Imbecile". Mary died later that year.

Mary (Barnes) Eccleston-Worswick-Townson-Dakin died in the workhouse on 22 Oct 1871 and was buried two days later in a public grave, D-116, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 73 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On the 22nd inst., at the Fulwood Workhouse, Mary Dakin, aged 73 years;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 28 Oct 1871

I can find no further record of John Dakin.

Note 1: George and Mary's last two children were born after the start of civil registration. When John's birth was registered in 1838 his surname was spelled Townson, and his mother's maiden name was spelled Barnes. When Elizabeth's birth was registered in 1839 her surname was spelled Townson, and her mother's maiden names were recorded as Barnes, Eccleston and Worswick.

Note 2: I cannot find any record of the marriage of Mary Barnes to anyone called Eccleston. She was a widow called Mary Eccleston when she married Henry Worswick on 3 Apr 1826 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. Henry Worswick died in June of that same year, and their daughter Mary was born one month later.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of James and Margaret TRAFFORD:

James Trafford and Margaret Worden, both of the Chapelry of Walton-le-Dale, were married on 29 Jun 1830 at St Leonard's Chapel in Walton-le-Dale. They were married after Banns by John Clay, Officiating Minister, and the witnesses were John Worden and James Tomlison. James and Margaret both signed the marriage register with an X.

James and Margaret began their married lives in Walton-le-Dale, and baptized their first six children at St Mary's Brownedge Catholic Church in Bamber Bridge. Their first child was John, who was born on 26 Feb 1832, and was baptized the same day, with sponsors John and Mary Worden. He was followed by Thomas, who was born on 21 Dec 1833, and was baptized the next day, with sponsors Thomas and Ellen Worden; then Richard, who was born on 3 Nov 1835, and was baptized the next day, with sponsors Richard Worden and Ellen Hall; William, who was born on 6 May 1837, and was baptized the next day, with sponsors William Worden and Ann Woods; Edward, who was born on 17 Sep 1838, and was baptized the next day, with sponsors Daniel Sisson and Ann Worden; and Henry, who was born on 9 Sep 1839, and was baptized the next day, with sponsors Andrew Cooper and Mary Hall. The following year, James and Margaret lost one of their children.

The death of William Trafford was registered in Garstang in the first quarter of 1840, aged 3 years. He may have been buried in the churchyard at St Mary and St Michael's Catholic Church in Bonds, but there is a gap in their burial records from 1825 to 1856. The family appear to have been living in the Garstang area, where their seventh child was born the following year. Jane Trafford was born on 25 Apr 1841 and was baptized on 1 May 1841 at St Mary and St Michael's Church, and the sponsors were William and Ann Wearding (Worden? Margaret's maiden name was spelled Wearding in the baptism register).

Not long after Jane's birth the family moved to Preston, and on the night of the 1841 census James Trafford, a cotton dresser, aged c. 35, was living in Back Croft Street, Preston with Margaret, aged c. 30, and six children, John, aged 9; Thomas, aged 8; Richard, aged 6; Edward, aged 3; Henry, aged 2; and Jane, aged 1 month. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. The following year, James and Margaret lost another child.

Jane TRAFFORD:

Jane Trafford, of Lower Croft Street, who was born in Garstang in 1841, died of scarlet fever on 22 Oct 1842 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery eight days later, aged 18 months. Her abode was listed as Lower Cross Street.

James and Margaret's eighth child was a second son they called William, who was born on 13 Jun 1844 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel three days later, with sponsors John Honby and Ann Woorden (sic). He was followed by James, who was born on 6 Jul 1846 and was baptized six days later at St Mary's Brownedge Catholic Church in Bamber Bridge, with sponsors Daniel Sisson and Ann Hutchinson.

At the time of the 1851 census James Trafford, a beamer in a cotton factory, aged 48, was living at 30 Edmund Street, Preston with his wife Margaret, formerly a weaver, aged 44, and six children, John, aged 19; Thomas, aged 17; Richard, aged 16; Henry, aged 11; William, aged 7; and James, aged 5. William was listed as born in Preston, and the rest of the family were born in Walton-le-Dale. All six children were listed as power loom weavers, which for the youngest three at least, was probably an error. James and Margaret lost their youngest son seven years later.

James Trafford, the son of James Trafford, a beamer, of Edmund Street, was buried on 19 Dec 1858 in a public grave, G-592, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 12 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...Since our last...James Trafford, Edmond-street, aged 12 years;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 24 Dec 1858

At the time of the 1861 census James Trafford, a beamer in a cotton mill, aged 56, was living at 14 Edmund Street with Margaret, aged 54, and five children, John, a cotton weaver, aged 28; Thomas, a man servant, aged 27; Richard, a cotton weaver, aged 25; Henry, a cotton weaver, aged 21; and William, a cotton weaver, aged 16. Margaret (Worden) Trafford died seven years later.

Margaret Trafford, of Edmund Street, died on 15 Jan 1868 and was buried three days later in a private grave, H-406, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 61 years. Hers was the first interment, buried 15 feet deep.

On the night of the 1871 census James Trafford, widower, a dresser, aged 68, was living at 14 Edmund Street with three of his children, Thomas, an assistant, aged 37; Richard, a cotton weaver, aged 35; and William, a cotton weaver, aged 25. James died two years later.

James Trafford, of 14 Edmund Street, died on 28 Jan 1873 and was buried two days later in the private grave, H-406, where his wife had been buried five years earlier. He was aged 69 years, was the second interment, and was buried 13 feet deep.

Monument Inscription

"Pray for the soul of Margaret, wife of James Trafford, who died Jan'y 15th 1868, aged 61 years. Also for the above James Trafford, who died Jan'y 28th 1873, aged 69 years. Mary Trafford died Jan'y 23rd 1876, aged 3 years and 7 months. Thomas Aquinas Trafford, brother of the above, died Feb'y 1st 1876, aged 11 months. Suffer little children to come unto me for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven Also for Ann, wife of John Trafford and mother of the above, who died April 2nd 1886, aged 47 years. Also for the above named John Trafford, who died March 6th 1894, aged 62 years. On whose souls sweet Jesus have mercy"

Note 1: Grave H-406 at Preston Cemetery was purchased by John Trafford in 1868, and there were a total of seven burials. In addition to Margaret and James were buried Mary Trafford, of 2 Agnes Street, who was buried on 26 Jan 1876, aged 3 years; Thomas A Trafford, of 2 Agnes Street, who was buried on 3 Feb 1876, aged 11 months; Ann Trafford, of 5 Great George Street, who was buried on 5 Apr 1886, aged 47 years; John Trafford, of 40 Morgan Street, who was buried on 9 Mar 1894, aged 62 years; and the seventh and last interment (not listed on the headstone), John Trafford, an infant, of 116 Skeffington Road, who was buried on 11 Sep 1897, buried 6 feet deep.

Note 2: In 1861 the Ancestry website has indexed the family under the surname Stafford.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of William TUNSTALL:

William Tunstill (sic), a bachelor, and Jane Billington, a spinster, were married on 20 Feb 1830 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Robert Thompson, Officiating Minister, and the witnesses were Abraham Ellithorne and Lucy Harrison. The bride, groom and both witnesses signed the marriage register with an X.

The 1832 Preston electoral rolls lists William Tunstall, a weaver, living at 37 Marsh Lane (cellar). Their first child was born the following year. Ann Tunstall was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 16 Jun 1833, with sponsors Bernard Clinton and Sarah Crombleholme. After a gap of almost six years, their second child was born.

Mary TUNSTALL (1):

Mary Tunsal (sic) was born 26 Feb 1839 and was baptized the next day at St Wilfrid's Chapel, with sponsors Thomas Billington and Alice Banks. She was listed as the daughter of William and Mary (sic) Tunsal. Mary, of 21 Paradise Street, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 14 Aug 1839, aged 6 months. Her mother died eleven months later.

Jane TUNSTALL:

Jane Tunstell (sic), of 21 Paradise Street, who was born in about 1805, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 23 July 1840, aged 35 years. There was no death notice published.

William Tunstall remarried the following year. William Tunstall, of full age, widower, a weaver, of Croft Street, the son of John Tunstall, a weaver, and Mary Yewse (sic), of full age, widow, a weaver, of Bridge Lane, the daughter of Richard Simpson, a labourer, were married at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 2 Jan 1841. They were married by William Walker, and the witnesses were Thomas and Ann Simpson. The bride and both witnesses signed the register with an X. In addition to the information recorded on the civil certificate, the church record adds the additional details that William was the son of John and Letitia Tunstall, and Mary Hughes was the daughter of Richard and Agnes Simpson.

Marriage Notice:

"MARRIAGES...On Saturday last, at the Catholic Chapel of St. Wilfrid, Mr. William Tunstall to Miss Mary Yewse (sic), both of this town."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 9 Jan 1841

On the night of the 1841 census William Tunstall, a cotton weaver, aged c. 30, was living in Back Croft Street with Mary, aged c. 30, and one child, Ann, aged 8. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. Their first child together was born later that year.

Jane Tunstall was born on 27 Oct 1841 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel four days later, with sponsors Thomas and Ann Simpson. She was followed by Lucy, who was born on 24 Mar 1845 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel six days later, with sponsors James Lucas and Ellen Morris, then John, who was born on 6 May 1847 and was baptized ten days later at St Ignatius Catholic Church, with sponsors Thomas and Ann Simson (sic).

At the time of the 1851 census William Tunstall, a hand loom weaver, aged 42, was living at 11 North Street, Preston with Mary, a hand loom weaver, aged 39, and three children, Jane, at home, aged 9; Lucy, at home, aged 6; and John, aged 4. Mary was listed as born in Lytham, and the rest of the family were born in Preston. Mary, who was one of a set of twins, gave birth to twins later that year.

Joseph and Mary Tunstall were born on 29 Aug 1851 and were baptized two days later at St Augustine's Catholic Church. Joseph's sponsors were Philip Maguire and Agnes Banks, and Mary's were Thomas Bamber and Mary Ann Banks.

The Tunstall twins baptism

Only one of the twins survived.

Mary TUNSTALL (2):

Mary Tunstall, of North Street, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 14 Nov 1851, aged two months.

Five years after their daughter's death, William and Mary lost one of their older children. John Tunstall, who was born in 1847, was buried on 4 Apr 1856 in the churchyard of St Augustine's Catholic Church, aged 8 years.

John Tunstall's burial

At the time of the 1861 census William Tunstall, a cotton weaver, aged 52, was living in Mount Pleasant, Preston with Mary, a cotton weaver, aged 49, and three children, Jane, a worsted spinner, aged 19; Lucy, a worsted spinner, aged 16; and Joseph, a scholar, aged 8. Living with them were two boarders, Henry Canda, a cotton spinner, aged 21; and his wife Mary A Canda, a cotton spinner, aged 21. Ten years later, all but one of their children had left home, and on the night of the 1871 census William Tunstall, a cotton weaver, aged 63, was living at 23 Mount Pleasant, with Mary, a cotton winder, aged 59, and their unmarried daughter Lucy, a cotton winder, aged 26. Mary (Simpson) Hughes-Tunstall died four years later.

Mary Tunstall, of 23 Mount Pleasant, was buried on 13 Jan 1875 in a public grave, N-469, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 63 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...PRESTON - Since our last:...Mary Tunstall, Mount-pleasant, 63;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 16 Jan 1875

At the time of the 1881 census William Tunstall, widower, a cotton weaver, aged 71, was still living at 23 Mount Pleasant, with his daughter Lucy, a cotton winder, aged 36. William died three years later.

William Tunstall, of 23 Mount Pleasant, was buried on 19 Aug 1884 in a public grave, C-506, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 74 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...PRESTON - Burials since our last:...William Tunstall, Mount-pleasant, 74;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 23 Aug 1884

Note 1: Mary (Simpson) Hughes was the widow of John Hughes. John Hughes, the son of John and Mary Hughes, of Dublin and Wales, and Mary Simpson, the daughter of Richard and Agnes Simpson, of Preston, were married at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 28 Feb 1838. The witnesses were John and Ann Simpson, both of Preston.

Note 2: At the time of the 1891 census Lucy Tunstall, a cotton winder, aged 46, was living as a boarder at 9 Aughton Street (back), the home of Ann Worthington, a widow, aged 30. She never married and died in Preston in 1912.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of George and Elizabeth TURNER:

George Turner, of Goosnargh in the Parish of Kirkham, and Elizabeth Smith, of Barton in the Parish of Preston, were married on 11 Oct 1790 at St Michael's Parish Church in Kirkham. They were married, by licence, by J. Southward, Minister, and the witnesses were George Parker and John Swan.

After marrying in Kirkham George and Elizabeth, sometimes called Betty, settled in Goosnargh, and baptized four children at St Francis' Catholic Chapel, also known as Hill Chapel. Their first child was Ann, who was baptized on 12 Mar 1792, with sponsors George Rogerson and Ann Hothersall. She was followed by John, who was baptized on 10 Dec 1793, with sponsors John Arrowsmith and Bridget Chorley; then Thomas, who was baptized on 19 Oct 1795, with sponsors George Parker and Margarite Gornal; and William, who was baptized on 26 Sep 1799, with sponsors John and Betty Waring.

Sometime after 1799 the family moved to Preston, and the 1810 Catholic census of Preston lists George and Elizabeth Turner living with four children, Ann, aged 17; John, aged 16; Thomas, aged 15; and William, aged 11. Their abode was abbreviated "CH", but it is unclear what that represented.

The 1820 Catholic census lists George Turner, aged 60, living in Theatre Street with Elizabeth, aged 60, and their two oldest children, Ann, aged 27; and John, aged 25. Elizabeth (Smith) Turner died later that same year.

Mrs TURNER:

Elizabeth Turner, who was born in about 1760, died on 22 Aug 1820 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery. Her first name, age, abode and the exact date of her burial were not recorded in the burial transcripts.

Death Notice:

"DIED...On Tuesday last, advanced in years, Mrs. Turner, wife of Mr. Geo. Turner, of Preston, solicitor"

Published in the Lancaster Gazette, Sat., 26 Aug 1820

George and Elizabeth's son John was married in 1822 (see below), and his father died seven years later.

George TURNER:

George Turner, of Chapel Street, who was born in about 1762, died in Lancaster on 4 Sep 1829 and his body was brought back to Preston for burial in St Wilfrid's Cemetery. His age and the exact date of his burial were not recorded in the burial transcripts.

Death Notice:

"DIED...On the 4th inst., in this town, Mr. George Turner, of Preston, aged 67, bailiff of the hundred of Amounderness."

Published in the Lancaster Gazette, Sat., 12 Sep 1829

The Family of John and Jane TURNER:

John Turner, bachelor, an attorney at law, of the Parish of Preston, and Jane Whiteside, a spinster, of the Parish of Blackburn, were married on 15 Jan 1822 at St Mary the Virgin Parish Church in Blackburn. They were married after Banns by Richard Garnett, and the witnesses were James Swift and Catherine Whiteside. All four signed their own names in the marriage register.

After marrying in Blackburn John and Jane settled in Preston, where their first child was born. John Turner was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 12 Nov 1822, with sponsors Thomas Turner and Catherine Whiteside. He was followed by George, who was baptized on 14 Aug 1824, with sponsors William and Ann Turner; then William, who was baptized on 20 Apr 1825, with sponsors Joseph Whiteside and Mary Pilkington. William died in infancy but I have been unable to find any record of his burial in Preston.

The 1828 Pigot's Directory of Preston lists, under Attorneys, "Turner John, 12 Fox Street". Their fourth child was born the following year. William Joseph Turner was baptized on 20 Sep 1829 at St Mary's Catholic Chapel in Lea, with no sponsors. It appears that the child was not expected to live and was baptized privately. Their fifth child was Ann Mary, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 24 Feb 1831, with sponsors William Walker and Jane Teebay.

The 1832 Preston electoral rolls list John Turner, a solicitor, living at 10 Ribblesdale Place, where they were living when their sixth child was born.

Thomas TURNER:

Thomas Turner was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 6 Dec 1832, with sponsors Richard Crook and Elizabeth Pilkington. He died not survive infancy and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 3 May 1835, where his abode was listed as Ribblesdale Place, and his age was recorded as "infant".

John and Jane's seventh child was Isabella, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 25 Oct 1835, with sponsors Richard and Janet Arrowsmith, her mother's first name was not recorded in the baptism transcripts. She was followed by Catherine Margaret, who was born on 26 May 1837 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel three days later, with sponsors William Banks and Agnes Park, then Joseph Whiteside Turner, who born on 1 Jun 1839 and was baptized the next day at St Mary's Catholic Chapel in Lea. The handwriting in the original register was very difficult to read, but I believe the sponsors were Charles Walker and Elizabeth Parker. John and Jane's tenth child also died in infancy.

Mary Ursula TURNER:

Mary Ursula Turner was born on 5 Oct 1840 and was baptized at St Augustine's Catholic Church on 16 Oct 1840, with sponsors Thomas Cookson and Elizabeth Machell.

Mary Ursula Turner's baptism

Mary Ursula was the second child baptized at the newly opened St Augustine's Church, and, oddly, her birth was not registered until after her death. She was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 5 Dec 1840, aged 3 months, where her name was recorded as Ursula Turner, and her abode was listed as Ribblesdale Place.

On the night of the 1841 census John Turner, a solicitor, aged c. 40, was living in Ribbledale Place, Preston with Jane, aged c. 35, and seven children, John, aged c. 15; George, aged c. 15; William, aged 12; Anne, aged 10; Isabella, aged 5; Catherine, aged 4; and Joseph, aged 2. Living with them were two live-in servants, Margaret Cutler, aged c. 25; and Margaret Edmondson, aged c. 20. They were all listed as born in Lancashire.

John and Jane's eleventh child was another daughter they called Mary Ursula, who was born 5 Nov 1841 and was baptized three days later at St Augustine's Church, with sponsors Rev. Thomas Kieinan and Helen Oldfield. Rev. Kieinan performed the baptism. She was followed by another son they called Thomas, their twelfth and last child, who was born on 19 Feb 1843 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 18 Mar 1843, with sponsors Richard and Mary Anderton.

John and Jane's son John Jr married Margaret Mary Prescott, the daughter of John and Mary Prescott, on 19 Jul 1848 at St Ignatius Catholic Church. The witnesses were George Turner and Ann Walker.

Marriage Notice:

"MARRIAGES...On Wednesday last, at St. Ignatius's Church, by the Rev. W. Knight, Mr. John Turner, jun., solicitor, to Margaret, granddaughter of Mr. Prescott, Fylde-road Cottage."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 22 Jul 1848

Five months after his marriage, John Jr lost his mother.

Jane TURNER:

Jane Turner, of Bolton Street, who was born in about 1801, died on 20 Dec 1848 and was buried three days later, aged 47 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On Wednesday morning last, Jane, the beloved wife of Mr. Turner, solicitor, aged 47 years."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 23 Dec 1848

At the time of the 1851 census John Turner, widower, a solicitor, aged 57, was living at 6 Bolton Street West, Preston, with five children, George, aged 25; Anne Maria, aged 20; Joseph W, aged 11; Mary U, aged 9; and Thomas, aged 8. John was listed as born in Goosnargh, Joseph was born in Lea, and the rest of his children were born in Preston. Living with them were two unmarried servants, Ellen Cottam, a house servant, aged 44, who was born in Croston; and Ellen Christopher, a house servant, aged 24, who was born in Wigan.

On the night of the 1861 census John Turner, widower, an attorney, aged 66, was living at 64 Fishergate, Preston with seven children, William J, a general law clerk, aged 31; Ann M, aged 28; Isabella, aged 24; Catherine M, aged 23; Joseph W, an engineer, aged 21; Mary U, aged 19; and Thomas, an attorney's articled clerk, aged 18. John was listed as born in Whittingham, William and Joseph were born in Lea, and the rest of the family were born in Preston. Living with them were two unmarried servants, Margaret Murphy, a house servant, aged 25, who was born in Liverpool; and Margaret Casson, a house servant, aged 17, who was born in Ireland. John Turner died the following year.

John Turner, of Fishergate, who was born in about 1793, died on 10 Sep 1862 and was buried three days later in a private vault, A-673 & A-677, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 69 years. His was the first interment in a double vault he purchased himself.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On the 10th inst., John Turner, sen., Esq., solicitor, of Preston, in the 70th year of his age."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 13 Sep 1862

Probate Notice:

"TURNER John. 9 May (1864). The Will of John Turner late of Preston in the County of Lancaster Gentleman deceased who died 10 September 1862 at Preston aforesaid was proved at Lancaster by the oaths of John Turner of Preston aforesaid Gentleman Joseph Whiteside Turner of Preston aforesaid Engineer and Thomas Turner of Preston aforesaid Gentleman the Sons and Anne Maria Turner of Preston aforesaid Spinster the Daughter and the Right Reverend William Turner of Manchester in the said County D.D. the Brother the Executors. Effects under £800."

The second person to be buried in the family vault was John and Jane's son William, of 2 Garden Street, who died on 21 Apr 1866 and was buried on three days later, aged 36 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On the 21st inst., William Joseph, son of the late John Turner, Esq., solicitor, of this town, aged 36."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 28 Apr 1866

Next to be buried in the vault was John and Jane's son Thomas, of 22 Starkie Street, who died on 14 Sep 1866 and was buried four days later, aged 23.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On the 14th instant, Thomas, youngest son of the late Mr. Turner, solicitor, of this town, aged 23."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 22 Sep 1866

The fourth person to be buried in the family vault was Margaret Mary Turner, the wife of John Turner Jr, of Lytham. She was buried on 11 Ded 1877, aged 50.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On the 8th inst., Margaret Mary, the beloved wife of John Turner, of Woodville, Lytham, and of Preston."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 15 Dec 1877

The last person buried in the vault was Catherine Mary Turner, of Lytham, the daughter of John and Margaret Mary (Prescott) Turner, who died on 18 Oct 1882 and was buried three days later, aged 21 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS - On the 18th instant, Catherine Mary, the beloved daughter of John Turner, of Preston, solicitor, aged 21."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 28 Oct 1882

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of Francis and Elizabeth TURNER:

Francis Turner and Betty Middlehurst, both of Preston, were married on 3 Nov 1806 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by William Myers, Curate, and the witnesses were James Middlehurst and Sarah Kirk. Francis and Elizabeth both signed the marriage register with an X.

Francis and Elizabeth were married during the period for which there is a gap in the St Wilfrid's records, from 22 Feb 1803 to 1 Jan 1813, so there is no way to know if they also had a Catholic marriage ceremony, or what children they may have baptized in the chapel during that period. We know from later records that they had a daughter, Ellen, who was born in about 1807.

The first of their children to appear in the surviving St Wilfrid's baptism records was Thomas, who was baptized on 3 Dec 1815, with sponsors John Barker and Jane Middlehurst. He died in infancy but I have been unable to locate the record of his burial. He was followed by another son they called Thomas, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 31 Jan 1819, with sponsors John and Nancy Noblet; then the first of two sons they called William, who was baptized on 9 Sep 1821, with sponsors Peter Dickinson and Lucy Cottam. He also died in infancy but, like his brother, I can find no record of his burial in Preston. Francis and Elizabeth's next child was Ann, who was baptized on 18 May 1823, with sponsors Thomas Leeming and Lucy Cottam; followed by a second son they called William, who was baptized on 15 May 1825, with sponsors Matthew Noblet and Helen Turner.

The 1832 Preston electoral rolls list Francis Turner, a labourer, living at 16 Canal Street. Six years later, his eldest known child had a daughter. Alice Turner was born on 17 Jan 1839 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel three days later, with sponsors Patrick Corrigan and Alice Bradley. Her mother's first name was spelled Eleanor, and her father's name was not recorded.

On the night of the 1841 census Francis Turner was not at home. Betty Turner, aged 56, was living in Hope Street with two children, William, a cotton stripper, aged c. 15; Ellen, a cotton rover, aged 30; and her granddaughter Alice, aged 3. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. Alice died two years later.

Alice TURNER:

Alice Turner, of 32 Edward Street, who was born in 1839, died of scarlet fever on 6 Jan 1843 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery two days later, aged 4 years. Her death was registered by Betty Turner, and Alice was described as the daughter of Ellen Turner, a factory girl. Her grandmother, Elizabeth (Middlehurst) Turner, died four years later.

Elizabeth TURNER:

Elizabeth Turner, of 33 Edward Street, who was born in about 1787, died on 5 Aug 1847 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery three days later, aged 60 years.

Francis Turner was rather elusive and it is not known what became of him after his wife's death. The last record I can find of him was when he registered his daughter's death.

Ellen TURNER:

Ellen Turner, of 33 Edward Street, who was born in about 1807, died of chronic bronchitis on 14 Dec 1850 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery three days later, aged 43 years.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of John and Elizabeth (Clarkson) TURNER:

John Turner, a bachelor, aged 23, a butcher, and Elizabeth Clarkson, a spinster, aged 26, both of Preston, were married on 27 Jan 1829 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married, by licence, by Roger Carus Wilson, Vicar, and the witnesses were Mary Clarkson and James Turner. Their ages and John's occupation were not recorded in the marriage register and are taken from the Marriage Bond, dated 27 Jan 1829.

John and Elizabeth baptized eight children at St Wilfrid's Chapel, beginning with William, who was baptized on 14 Oct 1829, with sponsors James Turner and Mary Clarkson. He was followed by Margaret, who was baptized on 31 Jul 1831, with sponsors John and Margaret Clarkson; then Isabella, who was baptized on 2 Mar 1834, with sponsors William and Elizabeth Turner; Mary, who was born on 13 Mar 1836 and was baptized the same day, with sponsors Peter McIntyre and Nancy Clarkson; and George, who was born on 25 Aug 1838 and was baptized the next day, with sponsors Martin and Mary Turner.

On the night of the 1841 census John Turner, a butcher, aged c. 35, was living in Bostock Street, Preston with Elizabeth, aged c. 35, and five children, William, aged 11; Margaret, aged 9; Isabella, aged 7; Mary, aged 5; and George, aged 2. Living with them were Elizabeth Eaves, a servant, aged c. 20; and James Banks, an apprentice butcher, aged c. 15. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. Their sixth and seventh children were born the following year.

Twins, Nicholas and Ann Turner were born on 5 Jul 1842 and were baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel the following day. Nicholas' sponsors were Matthew Brown and Martha Turner, and Ann's were Nicholas and Ellen Hayes.

Nicholas TURNER:

Nicholas Turner, of Bostock Street, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 21 Aug 1842, aged 5 weeks.

John and Elizabeth's eighth child was John, who was born on 9 Jun 1845 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel the same day, with sponsors Nicholas Clarkson and Isabella Turner. Six months later, they lost another child.

Ann TURNER:

Ann Turner, of Bostock Street, who was born in 1842, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 10 Dec 1845, aged 3 years.

At the time of the 1851 census John Turner, a butcher, aged 45, was living at 8 Church Street, Preston with his wife Elizabeth, aged 47, and three children, William, an apprentice butcher, aged 21; Margaret, at home, aged 19; and John, a scholar, aged 6. Living with them was a nephew, John Catterall, a scholar, aged 12; and Ann Cross, a house servant, aged 18. Also staying with them was a visitor, Mary Seed, a widow, aged 63. Mary Seed was listed as born in Kirkham, and the rest of the household were born in Preston. Their other children, Isabella, Mary and George may have been away at school at the time of the census. Isabella died four years later.

Isabella Turner, of Church Street, died on 22 Sep 1855 and was buried four days later in the churchyard at St Ignatius Catholic Church, aged 21 years.

Burial of Isabella Turner

Death Notice:

"DEATHS. On Saturday last, after a long a tedious indisposition, Isabella, second daughter of Mr. John Turner, butcher, of this town, aged 21."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 29 Sep 1855

At the time of the 1861 census John Turner, a master butcher and farmer, aged 55, was living at Highgate Farm in Fulwood with Elizabeth, aged 59, and their unmarried son George, a grocer, aged 22. Living with them were two servants, Charles Mercer, a butcher, aged 25; and Elizabeth Willan, a farm servant, aged 15. In this census John is listed as born in Woodplumpton, Elizabeth in Wheelton, George in Winmarley (sic), and the two servants were born in Claughton. Their son William died three years later.

William Turner, of Broughton, died on 12 Jan 1864 and was buried three days later in a private grave, B-464, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 34 years. His was the fifth interment in a grave purchased by George Clarkson.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On the 12th inst., at Fulwood Park, Mr. William Turner, corn merchant, eldest son of Mr. John Turner, butcher, of this town, aged 34."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 16 Jan 1864

In 1861 Charles Mercer, a butcher, was living with John and Elizabeth. He is almost certainly the Charles Frederick Mercer who married their daughter Mary five years later. Charles Frederick Mercer, of Preston, the son of Thomas and Margaret Mercer, and Mary Turner, of Preston, the daughter of John and Elizabeth Turner, were married on 15 May 1866 at St Wilfrid's Chapel. The witnesses were George Turner and Ann Leeming.

Marriage Notice:

"MARRIAGES. On the 15th inst., at St. Wilfrid's Catholic Church, by the Rev. Father Cobb, Mr. Charles F. Mercer to Mary, only surviving daughter of Mr. John Turner, Church-street, - No cards."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 19 May 1866

Ann Leeming, the witness at Mary's wedding, married John and Elizabeth's son George three months later. George Turner, of Preston, the son of John and Elizabeth Turner, and Ann Leeming, of Preston, the daughter of John and Helen Leeming, were married on 21 Aug 1866 at St Wilfrid's Chapel, and the witnesses were Yates Booth and Jane Leeming.

Marriage Notice:

"MARRIAGES. On the 21st inst., at St. Wilfrid's, by the Rev. Father Cobb, George, the eldest surviving son of Mr. John Turner, Church-street, to Annie, eldest daughter of the late Mr. John Leeming. - No cards."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 25 Aug 1866

On the night of the 1871 census John Turner, a farmer, aged 65, was living in Sharoe Green Lane in the hamlet of Durton, in the Chapelry of Broughton, with his wife Elizabeth, aged 68; his married son George, a farmer's son, aged 32; and George's wife Annie, aged 24. Living with them was an unmarried servant, Jane Walmsley, a general domestic servant, aged 24. In this census Elizabeth is listed as born in Little Plumpton, George and his wife were born in Preston, and the servant was born in Bilsborrow. John was listed as a farmer of 65 acres, 2 roods and 24 perches of land, employing two men. He died about three months later.

John Turner, of Broughton, died on 29 Jun 1871 and was buried on 3 Jul 1871 in the private grave, B-464, at Preston Cemetery, aged 66 years. His was the sixth interment, buried 11 feet deep.

Probate Notice:

"TURNER John. 10 January (1873). The Will of John Turner formerly of Preston but late of Broughton near Preston in the County of Lancaster Butcher who died 29 June 1871 at Broughton was proved at Lancaster by George Turner Grocer the Son and Charles Mercer Butcher both of Preston the surviving Executors. Effects under £800."

Elizabeth (Clarkson) Turner, of Rose Cottage, survived her husband by a little less than a year and a half. She died on 11 Dec 1872 and was buried five days later in the private grave, B-464, at Preston Cemetery, aged 70 years. Hers was the seventh interment, buried 9 feet deep.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS. On Wednesday, the 11th inst., Elizabeth, relict of the late Mr. John Turner, of Broughton, aged 70 years."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 14 Dec 1872

Probate Notice:

"TURNER Elizabeth. 22 May (1873). The Will of Elizabeth Turner late of Preston in the County of Lancaster Widow who died 11 December 1872 at Preston was proved at Lancaster by George Turner Grocer and Tea Dealer the son and Charles Frederck Mercer Butcher both of Preston and Thomas Latham of St. Ignatius-square Preston Joiner the Executors. Effects under £100."

Note: The private grave at Preston Cemetery was purchased by George Clarkson in 1856 for the burial of John Clarkson, of Church Street, who was buried on 2 Apr 1856, aged 55 years. The others buried in the grave were Mary Cottrial, of St Austin's Place, who was buried on 30 Dec 1856, aged 49 years; George Clarkson, of St Austin's Place, who was buried on 18 Aug 1858, aged 84 years; and Isabella Smith, of Church Street, who was buried on 28 Dec 1863, aged 16. There was an eighth person buried in the grave but the page in the grave register is damaged and the burial number is missing.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of Charles and Jane TURNER:

Charles Turner, a widower, a gunsmith, and Jane Worsick, a widow, both of Preston, were married on 5 Dec 1803 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married, by licence, by William Myers, Curate, and the witnesses were Thomas Stackley and William Hodgkinson. Jane signed the marriage register with an X. Charles' occupation was not recorded in the marriage register and is taken from the Marriage Bond, dated 5 Dec 1803.

Charles and Jane married during the period for which the St Wilfrid's records are missing, from 22 Feb 1803 to 1 Jan 1813, so there is no way to know if they also had a Catholic marriage ceremony. Sometime after marrying in Preston the couple moved to Liverpool, where they baptized two children. Margaret Turner was baptized at St Mary's Catholic Church in Liverpool on 10 Jun 1805, with one sponsor, Catherine Camel. A note in the baptism register records that she had been born about 20 months earlier, so born in about October of 1803 - before Charles and Jane were married. Their second child was Joseph, who was baptized at St Peter's Catholic Priory in Liverpool on 19 Apr 1807, with sponsors James and Mary Hardman.

It is not known when members of the family returned to Preston. They were not listed in either the 1810 or 1820 censuses of Preston, and Charles was not listed in the 1832 Preston electoral rolls or any of the local trade directories for Preston. His death is a mystery, as he was not buried in any of Preston's churchyards or cemeteries, and a search of newspaper records did not turn up a death notice or obituary. His only known son, Joseph, was married in 1827 (see below), but there is no way to know if Charles was still living at that time. We only know that he died before his wife.

Jane TURNER:

Jane Turner, the widow of Charles Turner, a gunsmith, died on 16 Apr 1840, and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery three days later, aged 70 years. Her death was registered by Joseph Turner, of 9 School Street West. There was no death notice published.

The Family of Joseph and Margaret TURNER:

Joseph Turner, a bachelor, and Margaret Parkinson, a spinster, both of Preston, were married on 23 Apr 1827 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by P. Fraser, Curate, and the witnesses were Richard Walmsley and Margaret Barnes.

Joseph and Margaret's first child was Charles, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 13 Jan 1828, with sponsors John James Wilding and Helen Melling. Their second child died in infancy.

Thomas TURNER:

Thomas Turner, of Birk Street, was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 17 Jan 1830, with sponsors John Dolland and Margaret Barnes. He lived about three weeks and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 9 Feb 1830, where his age was recorded as "infant".

Joseph and Margaret's third child was Marianne (Mary Ann), who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 28 Aug 1831, with sponsors William Lambert and Mary Eccleston.

The 1832 Preston electoral rolls list Joseph Turner, a rover, living at 4 Birk Street. Their fourth child was born the following year.

Ellen TURNER:

Helen (Ellen) Turner was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 22 Sep 1833, with sponsors John and Helen Parkinson. She was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 1 Jan 1836, aged 2 years. Her abode was listed as 4 Birk Street.

At the time of their daughter's death Joseph and Margaret were expecting their fifth child, another daughter they called Ellen, who was born three months later. She was born on 15 Apr 1836 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel two days later, with sponsors William and Eliza Livesey. Three years later, Joseph and Margaret lost another child.

Charles TURNER:

Charles Turner, of Albion Street, who born in 1828, died of typhus fever on 3 Mar 1839 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery three days later, aged 12 years. His death was registered by Joseph Turner, a rover, of 25 Albion Street West. He was actually 11 years old at the time of his death.

At the time of their son's death Margaret would have been heavily pregnant with their sixth child. Theresa Turner was born on 8 Apr 1839 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel six days later, with sponsors William Richardson and Ann Banks.

Sometime after 1839 Joseph and Margaret moved to School Street West in Preston, where Joseph's mother died in 1840 (see above), and on the night of the 1841 census Joseph Turner, a cotton rover, aged c. 35, was living in School Street West with Margaret, aged 32, and three children, Mary, aged 10; Ellen, aged 6; and Teresa, aged 2. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. Their seventh and eighth children, twins, were born later that year.

Joseph and Mary Turner were born on 6 Dec 1841 and were baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel six days later. Joseph's sponsors were William and Agnes Nixon, and Mary's were James Sharrock and Elizabeth Dewhurst. They were followed by another son called Charles, who was born on 3 Jan 1844 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel four days later, with sponsors Charles Leach and Helen Saul. He too died in infancy and was buried in the churchyard at St Peter's Church on 17 May 1846, aged 2 years. His abode was recorded as Fosters Square.

A couple of months after Charles' death Joseph and Margaret's tenth child was born. Jane Turner was apparently born in Houghton, and her birth was registered in the Brindle/Withnell sub-district of Preston in the third quarter of 1846, but I cannot find any record of her baptism. She was followed by Margaret, their eleventh and last child, whose birth was registered in Preston in the first quarter of 1849 but she was not baptized in either of Preston's three Catholic churches and I have been unable to find the record of her baptism elsewhere. At the time of the 1851 census Joseph Turner, a cotton spinner, aged 44, was living at 32 Gilbert Street, Preston with his wife Margaret, aged 43, and seven children, Mary Ann, a carder, aged 19; Ellen, a weaver, aged 14; Theresa, aged 12; Joseph, aged 10; Mary; aged 10; Jane, aged 5; and Margaret, aged 2. Joseph Sr was listed as born in Liverpool, Margaret Sr was born in Lancaster, Jane was born in Houghton, and the rest of the family were born in Preston.

On the night of the 1861 census Joseph Turner, a smallwares dealer, aged 53, was living at 62 North Road, Preston with Margaret, aged 52, and their five younger children, Theresa, aged 22; Joseph and Mary, both aged 19; Jane, aged 15; and Margaret, aged 12. The children were all working as cotton weavers. Ten years later all but their youngest child had left home, and on the night of the 1871 census Joseph Turner, a smallwares dealer, aged 63, was living at 2 Aberdeen Street, Preston with his wife Margaret, a housewife, aged 63, and their daughter Margaret, a cotton weaver, aged 21. Living with them was an unmarried boarder, Elizabeth Carr, a cotton weaver, aged 23. Joseph died three years later.

Joseph Turner, of 16 Graystone Street, was buried on 6 Apr 1874 in a private grave, D-84, in a Non-Conformist section of Preston Cemetery, aged 66 years.

After the death of her husband Margaret Turner moved in with her married daughter, and at the time of the 1881 census James H Broughton, a joiner and builder, aged 34, was living at 47 Gorst Street, Preston with his wife Mary, aged 39, and four children, Elizabeth, a cotton weaver, aged 12; Margaret, a cotton weaver, aged 11; Mary, a scholar, aged 9; and James H, aged 11 months. Living with him was his widowed mother-in-law, Margaret Turner, aged 73. James Sr was listed as born in Accrington, Margaret Turner was born in Lancaster, and the rest of the family were born in Preston.

James Horsfall Broughton Sr, of 47 Gorst Street, was buried on 17 Jul 1890 in a private grave, C-763, in a Non-Conformist section of Preston Cemetery, aged 43 years, and on the night of the 1891 census Mary Broughton, widow, a housekeeper, aged 50, was still living at 47 Gorst Street with three of her children, Elizabeth, a cotton weaver, aged 22; Mary, a cotton weaver, aged 19; and James H, a scholar, aged 10; as well as her widowed mother Margaret Turner, living on her own means, aged 83. Margaret died the following year.

Margaret Turner, of Gorst Street, was buried on 27 Feb 1892 in the private grave, D-84, where her husband had been buried eighteen years earlier. She was aged 84 years, was the second interment in the grave, and was buried 16 feet deep.

Note: James Horsfall Broughton and Mary Turner were married in Preston in 1866. When their marriage was registered his middle name was recorded as Horsfield, but when his death was registered it was recorded as Horsfall. To confuse the issue further, when his birth was registered in Accrington in 1847 his middle name was recorded as Horsfold.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of Thomas and Mary TURNER:

Thomas Turner, a joiner, and Mary Mather, a spinster, both of the Parish of Blackburn, were married on 5 Sep 1791 at St Mary the Virgin Parish Church in Blackburn. They were married after Banns by William Fletcher, Curate, and the witnesses were John Fletcher and John Margerison.

Thomas and Mary, of Barton in the Parish of Preston, baptized thirteen children at St Mary's Newhouse Catholic Church in Newsham, beginning with Juliana, who was baptized on 26 Feb 1792, with sponsors William Threllfall and Mary Arrowsmith. She was followed by Agnes, who was baptized on 13 Oct 1793, with sponsors John Mather and Elizabeth Walker; then Elizabeth, who was baptized in Jan 1796, with sponsors Joseph Mather and Jane Riding. The exact date of her baptism was not recorded.

Their fourth child was Jane, who was baptized on 26 Mar 1798, with sponsors Charles Ratcliff and Ellen Walker; followed by John, who was baptized 5 Jul 1800, with sponsors Edward Soutworth (sic) and Anna Coop; then the first of two children they called Mary, who was baptized on 7 Jan 1803, with sponsors John Mather and Grace Kyhley. She died in infancy and was buried on 14 Jan 1803 in the churchyard at St John the Baptist Parish Church in Broughton, aged 1 week. The burial register describes her as the daughter of Thomas Turner, of Barton.

Thomas and Mary's seventh child was Nicholas, who was baptized on 2 Jan 1804, with sponsors John Mather and Grace Kyghley. He was followed by a second daughter they called Mary, who was born on 13 May 1806 and was baptized the same day, with sponsors John and Mary Kighley; then Joseph, who was born on 31 Jul 1807 and was baptized the same day, with sponsors John and (blank) Arrowsmith; George, who was born on 14 Nov 1809 and was baptized the same day, with sponsors George Arrowsmith and Anna Kighley; Margaret, who was born on 7 Jan 1811 and was baptized the same day, with sponsors James Dewhurst and Anna Blackburn; Thomas, who was born on 30 May 1812 and was baptized the same day, with sponsors John Blackburn and Anna Dewhurst; and Anna, who was born on 22 Jun 1814 and was baptized two days later, with sponsors Thomas Sinkinson and Agnes Blackburn.

Sometime after 1814 Thomas, Mary and their younger children moved to Preston, and the 1820 Catholic census of Preston lists Thomas Turner, aged 53, living in Heatley Street with Mary, aged 48, and seven children, Jane, aged 22; John, aged 20; Mary, aged 14; Joseph, aged 12; George, aged 10; Margaret, aged 9; and Thomas, aged 7. The fact that Ann, who would have been about 6 years old, was not listed leads me to believe that she too died in infancy, but I can find no record of her burial.

The 1832 Preston electoral rolls list George, Thomas and Joseph Turner, all joiners, living at 11 Nile Street. Thomas Turner Sr died the following year.

Thomas TURNER:

Thomas Turner, of 5 Nile Street, who was born in about 1767, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 27 Oct 1834, aged 67 years. There was no death notice published.

Mary (Mather) Turner survived her husband by seven years. Mary Turner, of Pole Street, was buried on 4 Jun 1841 in the churchyard at St Ignatius Catholic Church, aged 70 years. There was no death notice published.

Burial of Mary Turner

Note: Mary died two days before the 1841 census was taken.

The Family of George and Mary TURNER:

George Turner, a bachelor, and Mary Hothersall, a spinster, were married on 17 Jun 1833 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Thomas Clark, Curate, and the witnesses were Thomas Turner and Ann Rishton. The two ladies signed the marriage register with an X.

George and Mary's first child was Thomas, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 6 Apr 1834, with sponsors Thomas Turner and Ann Robinson. Their second child died in infancy.

Ellen TURNER (1):

Ellen Turner was born on 5 Oct 1836 and was baptized four days later, with sponsors Joseph Turner and Ellen Hothersall. She died of croup on 28 Sep 1838 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery two days later, aged 2 years.

George and Mary's third child was a second daughter they called Ellen, who was born on 19 Jun 1839 and was baptized four days later, with sponsors Joseph Turner and Ellen Hothersall, and on the night of the 1841 census George Turner, joiner, aged c. 30, was living in Nile Street with Mary A, aged c. 25, and two children, Thomas, aged 5; and Ellen, aged 1. Staying with them was Ellen Hothersall, a straw bonnet maker, aged c. 20, who may have been a relative of Mary's. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. George and Mary's fourth child was born later that year.

Mary Ann TURNER:

Mary Ann Turner was born on 27 Nov 1841 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel two days later, with sponsors George and Margaret Smith. She died on 19 Nov 1842 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery three days later, aged 1 year. Her sister joined her five days later.

Ellen TURNER (2):

Ellen Turner, of 9 Nile Street, who was born in 1839, died on 24 Nov 1842 was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery three days later, aged 3 years.

George and Mary's fifth child was a third daughter they called Ellen, who was born on 15 Nov 1843 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel four days later, with sponsors Joseph and Ellen Turner. She was followed by John, who was born on 22 May 1845 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel three days later, with sponsors George and Margaret Smith; then a second daughter they called Mary Ann, who was born on 28 Aug 1849 and was baptized the next day at St Wilfrid's Chapel, with sponsors Edward and Ellen Bradley.

At the time of the 1851 census George Turner, a joiner, aged 41, was living at 9 Nile Street, Preston with Mary, a dress maker, aged 39, and three children, Thomas, an apprentice brush maker, aged 16; John, a scholar, aged 5; and Mary Ann, aged 1. George was listed as born in Barton, Mary was born in Ribchester, and the children were born in Preston. Also staying with them was Jane Swindlehurst, visitor and niece, a housekeeper, aged 31, who was born in Barton. On the night of the census their daughter Ellen a scholar, aged 7, was staying with her widowed aunt, Elizabeth Bradley, aged 55, at Club Row in Hurst Green. Elizabeth was listed as born in Ribchester and Ellen was born in Preston.

By 1861 George and Mary were living apart, and on the night of the 1861 census Mary Turner, a milliner and dress maker, aged 49, was living at 89 North Road, Preston with three children, Ellen, a cotton winder in a mill, aged 17; John, a paper hanger, aged 15; and Mary A, a scholar, aged 11. Mary was listed as born in Ribchester and the children were born in Preston. George Turner, a joiner, aged 52, was living as a lodger at 36 Main Sprit Weind, Preston, the home of Henry and Ellen Bailey. He was listed as born in Barton. The house must have been a large one, as in addition to Henry and Ellen Bailey and their two sons, there were eleven lodgers, three boarders and one visitor.

George and Mary's daughter Ellen, of 89 North Road, was buried on 9 Sep 1867 in a private grave, B-466, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 23 years. Hers was the first interment in a grave purchased by her mother Mary. Her father was buried in the same grave four months later. George Turner died in the workhouse and was buried on 10 Jan 1868 in the private grave at Preston Cemetery, B-466, aged 58 years.

At the time of the 1871 census Mary Turner, widow, a dressmaker, aged 59, was still living at 89 North Road, with her youngest daughter, Mary Ann, a dressmaker, aged 21. Living with her was her widowed sister-in-law Julia Walmsley, a retired farmer's widow, aged 79; and an unmarried boarder, John Hornby, a school master, aged 24, who was born in Aughton. Mary's sister-in-law was her late husband George's older sister, who married Thomas Walmsley on 30 May 1814 at St John the Baptist Parish Church in Broughton. Julia (Turner) Walmsley, who was born in about 1792, died in Preston in 1879, but was not buried in Preston Cemetery.

At the time of the 1881 census Mary Turner, widow, a dressmaker, aged 69, was living at 88 North Road, Preston with her unmarried daughter, Mary Ann, a dressmaker and milliner, aged 31. Ten years later, on the night of the 1891 census, Mary Turner, widow, a dressmaker, aged 79, was living at 239 North Road with her daughter Mary Ann, a dressmaker, aged 41. Mary (Hothersall) Turner died two years later.

Mary Turner, of 56 Elcho Street, was buried on 22 Jan 1896 in the private family grave, B-466, aged 83 years. Also buried in the grave was George and Mary's daughter Mary Ann Turner, of 78 Mount Street, who was buried on 25 Jun 1928, aged 78 years; Mary Ellen Turner, of 94 Mount Street, who was buried on 6 Sep 1945, aged 74 years; and Agnes Turner, of 14 Cumberland Avenue, Liverpool, who was buried on 16 May 1958, aged 76 years. Hers was the sixth and last interment, buried 6 feet deep.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Margaret TURNER:

Margaret Turner, who was born in about 1823, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 20 Feb 1832, aged 8 years.

At the time of her death in 1832 Margaret was listed as living in the Shambles, and the 1832 Preston electoral rolls list William Turner, a butcher, living at 10 the Shambles. However, I can find no record of William and his wife Isabella ever having had a daughter called Margaret.

William Turner, a bachelor, and Bella Valentine, a spinster, were married on 30 Jul 1804 at St Helen's Parish Church, Churchtown, Garstang. They were married after Banns by John Pedder, Vicar, and the witnesses were John Dobson and John Cornthwaite. Bella signed her name Isabella Valentine. William and Isabella had been married in a Catholic ceremony the previous day at St Mary and St Michael Catholic Church in Bonds, Garstang.

William and Isabella seem to have moved frequently and I cannot find the baptism records for all of their children. They baptized a daughter Elizabeth, who was born on 13 Apr 1811 and was baptized the next day at St Mary's Catholic Chapel in Lea, with sponsors William Gregson and Catherine Valentine, then another daughter they called Elizabeth, who was born on 18 Nov 1813, and was baptized the same day at St Mary's Catholic Church in Fernyhalgh. The first child they baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel was Martin, who was baptized on 11 Oct 1818, with sponsors John and Alice Turner.

The 1820 Catholic census of Preston lists William Turner, aged 37, living in Back Lane with Isabella, aged 38, and six children, John, aged 15; James, aged 12; Ellen, aged 8; Elizabeth, aged 5; William, aged 4; and Martin, aged 1. Their next known child was born the following year.

Mary Jane Turner was baptized on 28 Jan 1821, with sponsors John Valentine and Mary Dodds. She was followed by Isabel, who was baptized on 19 Oct 1823, with sponsors Joshua and Isabel Bamber; then Alice Ann, who was baptized on 18 Feb 1827, with sponsors Joseph and Mary Gornal.

On the night of the 1841 census William Turner, a butcher, aged c. 55, was living in the Shambles, Preston with Isabella, aged c. 55, and five children, William, a butcher, aged c. 25; Elizabeth, aged c. 25; Martin, aged c. 20; Mary, aged c. 20; and Isabella, a milliner's apprentice, aged c. 15. Staying with them was a servant, Elizabeth Frankland, aged 12; and John Valentine, a butcher, aged c. 50, who may have been the brother of Isabella. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. William Turner Sr died two years later.

William Turner, of the Shambles, died on 15 Jun 1843 and was buried in the churchyard at St Ignatius Catholic Church three days later, aged 60 years.

Burial of William Turner

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On Thursday last, aged 61, Mr. William Turner, butcher, of this town."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 17 Jun 1843

Isabella Turner, of Lord Street, died on 27 Jan 1850 and was buried in the churchyard at St Ignatius Catholic Church three days later, aged 67 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On Sunday last,...Isabella, widow of the late Mr. Wm. Turner, butcher, Lord-street, aged 67."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 2 Feb 1850

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of Thomas and Maria TURNER:

Thomas Turner, a bachelor, aged 21, a butcher, and Maria Rock, a spinster, aged 22, both of Preston, were married on 23 Oct 1835 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married, by licence, by Roger Carus Wilson, Vicar, and the witnesses were Thomas and Eleanor Nield. Their ages and Thomas' occupation were not recorded in the marriage register and are taken from the Marriage Bond, dated 22 Oct 1835.

Thomas and Maria's first child was Jane, who was born on 29 Aug 1836 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 10 Oct 1836, with sponsors Daniel MacKay and Elizabeth Robinson. She was followed by John, who was born on 25 Dec 1838 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 20 Jan 1839, with one sponsor, Alice Garlington.

On the night of the 1841 census Thomas Turner, a butcher, aged c. 25, was living in the Shambles with Maria, aged c. 25, and two children, Jane, aged 4; and John, aged 1. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. Their daughter died later that year.

The death of Jane Turner was registered in Preston in the fourth quarter of 1851, aged 5 years, but 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. She may have been buried in the churchyard at St Augustine's Catholic Church, but their early burial register is apparently missing.

Thomas and Maria's third child was Thomas, who was born on 26 Mar 1843 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 2 Oct 1843, with one sponsor, Alice Garlington. He was followed by Jane Elizabeth, whose birth was registered in Preston in the first quarter of 1845, but she was not baptized in either of Preston's Catholic churches. She was about 6 years old when her mother died.

Mrs Maria TURNER:

Maria Turner, the wife of Thomas Turner, a butcher, died of consumption at 19 Oxford Street on 20 Feb 1849, and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery five days later, aged 36 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On Tuesday last, in the 37th year of her age, Maria, wife of Mr. Thos. Turner, butcher, Straight Shambles."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 24 Feb 1849

As was fairly common for a widower with young children, Thomas remarried within a short time. Thomas Turner, a widower, aged 35, a butcher, of the Shambles, the son of Roger and the late Jane Turner, of Lancaster Road, and Alice Garlington, a spinster, aged 35, a servant, of the Shambles, the daughter of Richard and Ann Garlington, of Walton, were married on 26 Aug 1849 at St Augustine's Catholic Church in Preston. They were married by T. Cookson, and the witnesses were John Smith of Friargate, and Ann Garlington, of Walton.

Thomas Turner's 2nd marriage

At the time of the 1851 census Thomas Turner, a butcher, aged 38, was living at 123 Church Street, Preston with his wife Alice, aged 29, and two children, Thomas, a scholar, aged 7; and Jane, a scholar, aged 5. They were all listed as born in Preston. Living with them was a servant, Ellen Sulman, aged 26, who was born in London. The census was taken on 30 Mar 1851, and Thomas Sr died four days later.

Thomas Turner, of Church Street, who was born in about 1812, died on 3 Apr 1851. He was not buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery and he too may have been buried in the churchyard at St Augustine's Catholic Church.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On Thursday last, after a long a tedious indisposition, Mr. Thomas Turner, butcher, Church-street, aged 39."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 5 Apr 1851

Alice (Garlington) Turner married Henry Cross, also a butcher, in Preston in 1853, and on the night of the 1861 census Henry Cross, a butcher, aged 35, was living at 88 London Road, a butcher's shop, with Alice, aged 39. Living with them was her step-son Thomas Turner, an iron moulder, aged 18; and their own three children, William, a scholar, aged 7; Ann, a scholar, aged 5; and Elizabeth, a scholar, aged 3. Henry was listed as born in Bailey, Alice was born in Walton, and the rest of the household was born in Preston.

Note: In 1851 the Ancestry website has indexed the family under the surname Tanner.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of John and Ann TWIST:

John Twist and Ann Snape, both of Lytham, were married in a Catholic ceremony on 11 May 1794 at St Peter's Catholic Church in Lytham, with witnesses John Wilson and Ann Rigby, and were married legally the following day at St Cuthbert's Parish Church in Lytham. They were married after Banns by John Gibson, Minister of Lytham, and the witnesses were John Wilson and Ann Rigby.

John and Ann settled initially in Lytham, and baptized five of their six children at St Peter's Catholic Church, beginning with John, who was baptized on 24 Jul 1795, with sponsors Thomas Newsham and Ann Rigby. He was followed by William, who was baptized on 6 Feb 1797, with sponsors John Willson (sic) and Margaret Handle; then Michael, who was born in about 1799 but was not baptized in Lytham. Their fourth child was Peter, who was baptized on 10 Sep 1800, with sponsors Thomas Hampson and Mary Crookall; followed by James, who was baptized on 15 Sep 1802, with sponsors John Newsham and Margaret Valentine; and George, who was born on 3 Jul 1805, and was baptized the next day, with sponsors Edward Bonney and Jane Crookall.

Sometime after George's birth the family moved to Preston, and the 1810 Catholic census of Preston lists John Twist, aged 45, living in Duke Street with Ann, aged 40, and six children, John, aged 14; William, aged 12; Michael, aged 9; Peter, aged 8; James, aged 6, George, aged 3. Eight years later they lost one of their adult children.

William TWIST:

William Twist, who was born in Lytham in 1797, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 12 Feb 1818, aged 21 years. He was the nineteenth person to be buried in the recently opened cemetery.

The 1820 Catholic census of Preston lists John Twist living at 20 King Street, with Ann, James, and George. Their ages were not recorded in the census. Five years later, they lost two more of their adult sons.

George TWIST:

George Twist, of Hill Street, who was born in Lytham in 1805, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 30 Oct 1825, aged 20 years.

Peter TWIST:

Peter Twist, of Hill Street, who was born in Lytham in 1800, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 15 Nov 1825, aged 25 years.

It is unclear where or when John Twist died, other than it being sometime between 1820 and 1839. John and Ann's son James was married in 1827 (see below), and Ann (Snape) Twist died in 1839.

Ann TWIST:

Ann Twist, of 21 Hill Street North, who was born in about 1762, died on 16 Sep 1839 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery two days later, aged 77 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On Monday last, in this town, Ann, widow of the late Mr. John Twist, gardener at Stonyhurst college, aged 79."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 21 Sep 1839

Note: Although the death notice records Ann's age as 79, the burial transcript and her death certificate record her age as 77.

The Family of James and Ann TWIST:

James Twist, a bachelor, aged 25, a cooper, and Ann Hayes, a spinster, aged 23, both of Preston, were married on 24 Dec 1827 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married, by licence, by Roger Carus Wilson, Vicar, and the witnesses were James Parker and Martha Crook. Their ages and James' occupation were not recorded in the marriage register and are taken from the Marriage Bond, dated 20 Dec 1827. Their first child was born three weeks after they married.

Mary Ann TWIST:

Marianne (Mary Ann) Twist was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 16 Jan 1828, with sponsors John Hays and Mary Heately. She did not survive infancy and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 3 May 1829, where her abode was listed as Hill Street, and her aged was recorded as "infant".

At the time of their daughter's death James and Ann would have been expecting their second child, another daughter they called Mary Ann, who was baptized Marianne Twist at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 9 Sep 1829, with sponsors John Hayes and Winifrid Gillow. James and Ann went on to baptize another seven children at St Wilfrid's Chapel, including John James, who was baptized on 16 Jul 1831, with sponsors John and Ann Heatly.

The 1832 Preston electoral rolls list James Twist, a cooper, living at 22 Hill Street. Their fourth child was born the following year. Helen (Ellen) Twist was baptized on 20 Mar 1833, with sponsors John Heys and Elizabeth Gillow. It appears that Ellen Twist died in infancy, but she was not buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery and I cannot find any record of her burial elsewhere.

James and Ann's fifth child was Maria, who was born on 22 Apr 1835 and was baptized four days later, with sponsors James Huff and Mary Ann Gillow. She was followed by William Peter, who was born on 8 Jul 1837 and was baptized the next day, with sponsors James Ireland and Ellen Walker; then George, who was born on 28 Apr 1839 and was baptized on 4 May 1839, with sponsors Francis and Agnes Snape; and Raphael (Ralph), who was born on 11 Feb 1841 and was baptized three days later, with sponsors John Green and Sarah Cliff.

On the night of the 1841 census James Twist, a journeyman cooper, aged c. 35, was living in Hill Street, Preston with Ann, aged c. 35, and six children, Mary, aged 11; John, aged 9; Mariah, aged 7; William, aged 4; George, aged 2; and Ralph, aged 3 months. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. Their ninth and last child was born two years later.

Edward Twist was born on 12 Feb 1843 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel two days later, with sponsors William Lucas and Mary Fairclough. At the time of the 1851 census James Twist, a cooper, aged 48, was living at 17 Hill Street, Preston with his wife Ann, aged 46, and five children, John, a bread baker, aged 19; William, a scholar, aged 13; George, a scholar, aged 11; Ralph, a scholar, aged 9; and Edward, a scholar, aged 7. James was listed as born in Lytham, Ann was born in Whittle-le-Woods, and the children were born in Preston. Their son William was married seven years later.

William Peter Twist, of Preston, the son of James and Ann Twist, and Margaret Taylor, of Preston, the daughter of Thomas and Ann Taylor, were married on 14 Aug 1858 at St Wilfrid's Chapel, and the witnesses were George Harrison and Mary Twist.

At the time of the 1861 census James Twist, a cooper, aged 58, was still living at 17 Hill Street with Ann, aged 57, and three children, George, a tailor, aged 22; Ralph, a chapel servant, aged 20; and Edward, an apprentice joiner, aged 18. Their son George was married nine days later.

George Twist and Ellen Smith were married on 16 Apr 1861 at St Augustine's Catholic Church in Preston.

Marriage Notice:

"MARRIAGES...On Tuesday last, at St. Augustine's, by the Rev. R. Taylor, Mr. George Twist to Miss Elen Smith, both of this town."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 20 Apr 1861

James Twist, of Hill Street, was buried on 10 Jun 1868 in a private grave, B-700, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 66 years. His was the first interment, buried 20 feet deep.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...Since our last:...James Twist, Hill-street, 66;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 13 Jun 1868

Edward Twist, of Preston, the son of James Twist, and Elizabeth Hothersall, of Preston, the daughter of Elizabeth Hothersall, were married at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 2 Sep 1869, and the witnesses were Ralph Twist and Margaret Hothersall. Their son James Henry was born on 10 Jan 1871 and was baptized two days later at St Wilfrid's Chapel, with sponsors Henry Hothersall and Ann Hothersall as proxy for Helen Twist. James Henry Twist, of 17 Ladyman Street, was buried om 5 Feb 1871 in the private grave, B-700, at Preston Cemetery, aged 3 weeks. His was the second interment, buried 18 feet deep.

On the night of the 1871 census Ann Twist, a housekeeper, aged 68, was living at 17 Hill Street, with her unmarried son Ralph, a house agent, aged 31. Living with her was her married son William, a painter, aged 35; his wife Margaret, a worsted weaver, aged 40; and their son John James, aged 6 (actually 4). Ann was listed as born in Chorley, Margaret was born in Accrington, and the rest of the family were born in Preston. Five years later, Edward and Elizabeth Twist buried another infant child.

Mary Elizabeth Twist was born on 15 May 1876 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel the following day, with sponsors William P Twist and Catherine Hothersall. She was buried on 7 Jun 1876 in the private family grave, B-700, aged 3 weeks. Hers was the third interment, buried 16 feet deep.

On the night of the 1881 census Ann Twist, a widow, aged 79, was still living at 17 Hill Street, now with her unmarried daughter Maria, a domestic servant, aged 46; her married son William P, a plumber and painter, aged 44; her unmarried son Ralph, an unemployed shop man, aged 40; and her grandson (listed as her son) John James, a tin plate worker, aged 14. Ann (Hayes) Twist died two years later.

Ann Twist, of 17 Hill Street, died on 16 Jan 1883 and was buried seven days later in the family grave where her husband had been buried 15 years earlier. She was aged 73 years, was the fourth interment, and was buried 14 feet deep.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On the 16th inst., Ann, widow of the late James Twist, Cooper, of this town, aged 81."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 20 Jan 1883.

James and Ann's son George died four months after his mother. George Twist, of 8 Willow Street, was buried on 14 Apr 1883 in the family grave, aged 43 years. His was the fifth interment, buried 12 feet deep.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...PRESTON - Burials since our last:...George Twist, Willow-street, 43;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 21 Apr 1883

James and Ann's son Edward, of 31 River Street, died on 27 Dec 1884 was buried four days later in the family grave, aged 41 years. His was the sixth interment, buried 10 feet deep.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On the 27th ult., at his residence, River-street, Preston, Edward Twist, aged 41 years."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 3 Jan 1885

William Peter's wife, Margaret (Taylor) Twist, of 14 Hill Street, was buried on 23 Jun 1885 in a public grave, G-5, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 55 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...PRESTON - Burials since our last:...Margaret Twist, Hill-street, 55;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 27 Jun 1885

William Peter Twist, a widower, the son of James Twist, and Jane Breakell, the daughter of Richard Breakell, were married at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 26 Oct 1887, with witnesses Thomas and Elizabeth Ireland.

James and Ann's daughter Maria Twist, of Hill Street, was buried on 17 Apr 1890 in the family grave, aged 54. Hers was the seventh interment, buried 8 feet deep. The eighth and last person to be buried in the family grave was Ellen (Smith) Twist, the widow of George Twist. She was buried on 30 Aug 1920, aged 85 years, and was buried 6 feet deep.

Note 1: Edward Twist's surname was transcribed as Turit in the baptism indexes.

Note 2: When Ann's death was registered her age was given as 73.

Note 3: In 1851 the Ancestry website has indexed the family under the surname Hurst.