family and descendants of peter yoxall & martha brereton · causey foot, little marsden,...

Family and Descendants of Peter YOXALL & Martha BRERETON

Peter YOXALL & Martha BRERETON This book only records the family of Peter, Martha and their descendants, though the family of Peter can be traced back through his parents William YOXALL b.c. 1782 and Martha POTT b.c.1782 and his grandparents Moses YOXALL, b.c 1755, and Elizabeth LEWIS b.c. 1759. Until July 1837, births, marriages and deaths were not recorded by the state. This information was recorded by churches, in Parish Registers. A baptism for Peter for Peter has been found. His father was Mercer & Tailor, living in Church Hulme, Cheshire when Peter was baptised. Baptism record of Peter YOXALL, baptised 28 Oct 1813 Church Hulme Parish Church, Holmes Chapel, Cheshire, (ref. MF 49, Page 3, entry no. 23) Son of William YOXALL & Martha POTT. William was a Mercer & Tailor. 1

There has been a church on this site since the 13th Century. Many parts of the current building date from the 15th Century when it was dedicated to St Luke in 1430. The church's present-day appearance dates from around 1700 when the old plaster and timber walls were replaced by brick. The tower is built from red Cheshire sandstone and has survived largely intact from the 15th Century. It was renovated in 1839 along with much of the rest of the church and further restored and repaired in 1931 and 1950.

St Luke, formerly Church Hulme, Holmes Chapel, Cheshire

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Peter married Martha in 1834, a copy of the Marriage has been found in Middlewich. Marriage Record of Peter YOXALL & Martha BRERETON at St Michael & All Angels Parish Church, Cheshire, 31 December 1834, (ref. MF86/4 Page 241, entry no. 721). 2 There has been a church on this site since the middle of the 12th century, but the only remains of that building are the two easternmost pillars on each side of the nave, which show very clearly the transition from Norman to Early English style. The chancel and the rest of the nave were rebuilt in the 14th century, so the church is mainly Perpendicular in style. The fine carved capitals of the octagonal nave piers are particularly worthy of notice.

The tower, the nave clerestory, the two-storeyed porch, and the Lady Chapel at the east end of the south aisle were all added in the 15th century, while the Bostock (otherwise Kinderton) Chapel, now used as vestries, was built in the 16th century by the Baron of Kinderton.

St Michael & All Angels, Middlewich, Cheshire

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First Generation – Peter, Martha & their children ---------------------------------------- 1. Peter YOXALL Apart from his baptism, 28 October 1813, Church Hulme Parish Records, (Film no. 1655594)1, and his marriage to Martha BRERETON 31 December 1834, St Michael & All Angels, Middlewich, Cheshire (Reference:- MF86/4, Page 241, entry no. 721)2, nothing more is known of Peter until the1841 census (HO107/122/5, folio 3, page 18)3, when he was age 25, his wife Martha was age 20, and children William, age 5, and John, age 1, were living in Cotton, Cheshire. Later census record the birth places for William and as Holmes Chapel, Cheshire, the same place as Peter was baptised. In 1841 Peter, like much of the working population, was an Ag. Lab, an Agricultural Labourer. For those who are unfamiliar with the term Ag. Lab., until the Industrial Revolution there was little alternative work for the majority of the population except on the land. As people came off the land into an emerging Industrial Revolution, though work was often harsh and dangerous, it offered them the opportunity of a better quality of life for them and their family. The area where Peter lived, Brierfield, Lancashire, was an area where employment was almost overwhelmingly in the manufacture of Cotton, as copies of many census included in this book will testify. China & India are currently going through their own Industrial Revolutions. Millions of people are coming off the land, the only work in most cases is work in factories that, like our ancestors, are harsh, dangerous and where pay is poor, but it is still infinitely better than working on the land. The 1841 census records only the place of census, name, age, occupation and if born in same County. It is perhaps worth pointing out that ages on the 1841 census were also rounded down for anyone over the age of 13. Below this age was supposed to be an exact age. Thus Peter, though recorded as age 25, could have been up to age 29 years old. Likewise Martha, age 20, could have been up to age 24. What is not shown on the 1841 census is a daughter for Peter & Martha, Frances YOXALL, baptised 19 July 1835, Church Hulme, Cheshire, buried 4 July 1836. 4 By the 1851 census (HO107, piece 2254, folio 128, page 9)5, Peter was living with his family in Causey Foot, Little Marsden, Lancashire, his occupation recorded as a Platelayer. He and his wife Martha had added Thomas, age 6, Moses age 4, and George, age 3, to their family. His two eldest children living at home, William and John, were born in Cotton, Cheshire but Thomas was born in Carnforth, Lancashire, Moses in Westmoreland and George in Marsden, Lancashire. William was a Weaver whilst his brothers John, Thomas and Moses were Scholars. Until his death in 1875, Peter was a Platelayer, a newspaper report recording he had worked on the railways for 27 years. This would place his start date on the railways about 1848. Since Thomas was born c. 1845 in Carnforth, part of the important West Coast railway line, it suggests Peter was actually working on the railways when Thomas was born, and probably when his other son Moses was born. The timing of George’s birth suggests Peter arrived in Brierfield between 1847 and 1850. Missing from the 1851 census is a son for Peter & Martha, Peter YOXALL, baptised 9 November 1841, Church Hulme, Cheshire, buried 10 May 1844. With Peter and Martha finally settled in Brierfield, the 1861 census (RG9, piece 3077, folio 42, page 38) 6 records his family lived at Hudsons Row, Little Marsden, Lancashire and had increased by a further 4 children. The additional children, Richard, age 6, Mary Anne, age 4, Jane, age 3 and

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Margaret Ellen, age 1, were all born in Little Marsden. Peter was a Platelayer, his sons William, John, Thomas and Moses were all Power Loom Cotton Weaver whilst George and Richard were Scholars. At this time, the Lancashire districts now known as Colne, Nelson & Brierfield were divided between Little Marsden and Great Marsden. This should be borne in mind when looking for anyone in these districts before 1871. Sadly, the 1871 census (RG10, piece 4155, folio 92, page 6)7 at Colne Road, Brierfield (formerly Little Marsden), records Peter as a Widower. His wife Martha died on 26th November 1866 at Lomas Row, Marsden, Lancashire and was buried 29th November 1866, St John the Evangelist, Great Marsden, Lancashire. Martha was age 50 when at time of death, and was recorded as the wife of Peter Yoxall, Railway Plate Layer. Cause of death was Typhoid Fever, certified and Peter was present at the death.8 Between the 1861 and 1871 census Peter & Martha added 2 more children to their family, Susannah, age 8, and Henry, age 6. Peter was still a Platelayer but his eldest son William was now a Labourer. Elder children, John, Thomas and Moses had left home and have been traced on the 1871 census with families. George, however, had died about 1866. Richard, Mary Anne and Sarah Jane were Cotton Weavers, Margaret Ellen a General Domestic whilst Susannah and Henry were Scholars7. For those counting the children of Peter & Martha, there are only 13 children recorded so far, Frances, William, John, Peter, Thomas, Moses, George, Richard, Mary Ann, Sarah Jane, Margaret Ellen, Susannah and Henry. A 14th known child of Peter & Martha was James YOXALL, baptised 3rd June 1849 at St Paul, Little Marsden, Lancashire, where James’ father is recorded as Peter, a Labourer, living at Causey Foot. James does not appear on the 1851 census, the address for Peter, Martha and family also being Causey Foot proving James was their son. There is also a death for a James YOXALL in the Burnley District on the GRO death register, March quarter 1851, and before the 1851 census. Though the death certificate has not been seen, there were no other YOXALL families in the area except that of Peter and Martha. A burial for James YOXALL 12th December 1850, St John the Evangelist, Great Marsden, Lancashire, the same church as his mother, confirms the belief he was Peter & Martha’s son. Using this assumption, there are 2 other YOXALL in this area on the GRO who may therefore have been children of Peter and Martha. A Martha YOXALL birth was registered in the Burnley District in the December quarter 1852, there is a death in the September quarter 1853 and a burial 27th July 1853. There is also a birth and a death for a Peter YOXALL registered in the Burnley District in the March quarter 1864.9 There is also a burial for Peter 16th March 1864, St John the Evangelist, Great Marsden, Lancashire The fact both children had the same name as their parents’ supports this belief. None of Peter and Martha’s children were married at the time of either the birth of Martha or Peter. So the total family for Peter & Martha is probably 16 children. It is also worth adding that the couple had already had a child Peter, who sadly died age 2. So perhaps they were doubly unlucky.

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Peter & Martha had the following children: i Frances Frances had a relatively brief life. Born in 1835, Frances was baptised 19 July 1835, Church Hulme Parish Church, Cheshire. Sadly, she was buried 4 July 1836, also at Church Hulme Parish Church, Cheshire. ii. William According to various censuses, William’s birth year varies between 1836 and 1838. However, a birth certificate, dated 2nd December 1837, has been located that fits the criteria for William. The problem is that there is no Christian name stated on the certificate. It says "boy" giving the Father's name as Peter Yoxall and the Mother's name as Martha Brereton. There is no residence address but the Father's occupation is given as "Labourer of Cotton". The Registration District is Congleton and the sub-district Church Hulme. Because all the criteria match other details known about William, it is likely the unnamed boy is this William. A Baptism has also been found for William YOXALL, son of Peter & Martha, 3 Dec 1837, Church Hulme, Cheshire10. William never married. On the 1841 census he is living with his parents in Cotton Cheshire3. By 1851, though only age 13 and living at home in Causey Foot, Little Marsden, Lancashire5 with his parents, he was already working as a Weaver. The cotton industry was now a major employer in Lancashire and in1861 William, age 23, still living with his parents, at Hudsons Row, Little Marsden, Lancashire6, was now a Power Loom Cotton Weaver. For some reason, in 1871, William, age 34, has been reduced to a Labourer but was still living with his parents at Colne Rd, Brierfield, Lancashire7. With Industry rapidly expanding in Lancashire, energy was needed to power all the machinery and there were abundant supplies of coal in Lancashire to meet these needs. On the 1881 census (RG11, piece 4305, folio 95, page 5) 11 William, age 43 and unmarried, was recorded as a Coal Heaver, lodging with a family in Lion, Coates, Yorkshire. The census registration sub district was Barnoldswick, a small town that has switched between Yorkshire and Lancashire on occasions, and was close to Brierfield where his parents lived. There is no trace of William in censuses after 1881, suggesting he had died between 1881 and 1891. A search of all GRO deaths found a death for a William YOXALL, died age 53, in the Jun Qtr 1891, District of Burnley, vol 83, page 205. His birth age of 1838 matches William son of Peter and Martha and there are no other William born c. 1838 in the Burnley area. A death certificate or burial record should confirm if this belief is correct. 2 iii. John (~1839-~1888) iv Peter was born abt 1841. Like his sister Frances, Peter also had a short life. He was baptised 9 Nov 1841, Church Hulme Parish Church, Cheshire and was buried 10 May 1844 in Church Hulme Parish Church, Cheshire. 3 v. Thomas (1845-~1900) 4 vi. Moses (~1847-1917) vii. James was born abt 1849 in Little Marsden, Lancashire and baptised on 3rd June 1849 in St Paul, Little Marsden, Lancashire12. Sadly, James also died as an infant, the GRO Death Index recording James’s death in the Mar Qtr 1851, aged 2. He was buried 12th December 1850, St John the Evangelist, Great Marsden, Lancashire. viii. George was born on 14th December 1850 in Causey Foot, Little Marsden, Lancashire and baptised on 9th March 1851 in Marsden, Lancashire.122 In his short life he was

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recorded with his parents in 1851 at Causey Foot, Little Marsden, Lancashire5 and in 1861 at Hudsons Row, Little Marsden, Lancashire6. According to the GRO Death Index, George died between Oct and Dec 1866, he was 15 at time of death. A burial has been for George, 23rd December 1866, St John the Evangelist, Great Marsden, Lancashire ix. Martha was born abt Dec 1852 in District of Burnley, Lancashire and died abt Sep 1853 in District of Burnley, Lancashire. She too died as an infant and was buried 27th July 1853, St John the Evangelist, Great Marsden, Lancashire. 5 x. Richard (~1855-1919) 6 xi. Mary Anne (~1857-) 7 xii. Sarah Jane (1858-) 8 xiii. Margaret Ellen (1860-) 9 xiv. Susannah (~1863-) xv. Peter was born abt Dec 1864 in District of Burnley, Lancashire. and died abt Dec 1864 in District of Burnley, Lancashire. Confirmation of Peter’s death is from a burial 16th March 1864, St John the Evangelist, Great Marsden, Lancashire. 10 xvi. Henry (~1865-1937)

St. Bartholomew, Colne, Lancashire

On 13 September 1873 Peter married for a second time, at St. Bartholomew Parish Church, Colne, Lancashire (Page 108, entry no. 216)13. His wife was Sarah Madden nee Latham. Peter was age 58, a Widower, a Plate Layer and living in Little Marsden. Sarah was age 53, a Widow and living in Little Marsden. They were married by Banns according to the Rites and Ceromonies of the Established Church. Both Peter and Sarah made their mark in the register. Peter's father was William Yoxall, a Grocer and Sarah's father was John Latham, a Blacksmith. The witnesses were John and Ann Horsfield. This particular marriage is most important, as it is the only record that links the Peter YOXALL in Brierfield to his father, William YOXALL, a Grocer. Though it was suspected Peter’s father was William YOXALL, son of Moses YOXALL and Elizabeth LEWIS, it could not be proved without a marriage record, and on his first marriage to Martha BRERETON the fathers of the couple are not named. The marriage was to be a short one, with no children, as Peter was killed in a railway accident on 30th September 1875 and was buried 3rd October 1875 at St John the Evangelist, Great Marsden, Lancashire. Peter was recorded as age 62 at time of death, his occupation given as a Platelayer. Cause of death was Fracture of the skull, run over by a Goods Train on the Railway, Accidental instant death14. A death certificate was received from H.U. Hargreaves, Coroner for Lancashire and an inquest was held 2 October 1875. Two reports of the accident were printed in a local paper, the Colne & Nelson Times.


2nd October 1875- Brierfield Shocking Death on the Railway - About seven o'clock on Thursday morning a shocking accident occurred on the Railway, near to Tunnel Ened, Brierfield, and immediately behind the Waggon and Horses Inn. Peter Yoxall, a foreman platelayer, was walking on the line towards Nelson examining the metals, when he observed a goods train coming towards him from Nelson, on the line of rail on which he was walking. He immediately stepped across into the other line of rails. Soon afterwards a goods train came up at quick speed from Brierfield and before deceased observed it he was knocked down and killed almost instantaneously. His brain was scattered about on the line. Deceased was about age 58 years of age, and has worked on the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway for 27 years.15 9th October 1875 - Brierfield Inquest - On Saturday last an inquest was held at the Junction Hotel, Brierfield, before H. U. Hargreaves, Esq. coroner, touching the death of Peter Yoxhall, a platelayer, who was killed on the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway, on Thursday last. From the evidence adduced, it appears that deceased about seven o'clock on Thursday morning, the 30th ult., was walking on the line towards Nelson, examining the metals, when he observed a goods train coming towards him from Nelson, and on the same line of metals as Yoxhall was walking in. Deceased stepped aside into the other line of metals, and immediately a goods train came up in the opposite direction, and before deceased was aware of it he was thrown down and killed instantaneously. His skull was crushed in a dreadful manner, and other parts of his body were mutilated. - A verdict of " Accidental death" was returned. - Deceased was an old servant, having been in the employ of the company for 27 years.16 To date, there is no trace of a death for Sarah YOXALL nee LATHAM, the 2nd spouse of Peter. For reasons unknown, the two youngest children of Peter & Martha were living with their sister Margaret Ellen and her husband in 1881. So the question is why didn’t Henry & Susannah live with their stepmother if she had not died before 1881? There is a possible 3rd marriage, for a Sarah YOXALL to a Thomas CLITHEROE, 12 Jul 1878, Habergham Eaves, Burnley, Lancashire. Sarah's age of 48 gives a birth c. 1830, not c.1820. But though she is previously married, her father is recorded as John YOXALL (perhaps he was John LATHAM, Sarah’s father, as both John YOXALL & John LATHAM’s occupations were a Blacksmith). At this time the only YOXALL families in the area were all related to Peter YOXALL and Martha BRERETON. The marriage in 1878, 3 years after Peter was killed, does fit the timeframe. So even though the marriage details do not match, this possible marriage should not be ruled out, especially as there is no trace of a death for a Sarah YOXALL b.c. 1820, as there should be unless she married again. Second Generation – Peter & Martha’s children & grandchildren ---------------------------------------- 2. John YOXALL. Born about 1839 in Holmes Chapel, Cheshire, he was baptized 3rd June 1849, St. Paul, Little Marsden, Lancashire (PR2938/1/2 sht 1 of 2 page 26 entry no. 208). James 's father, Peter, was a Labourer, living at Causey Foot. A second baptism at Church Hulme Parish Church, Cheshire took place on 15th September 183917. John was living with his parents in Cotton, Cheshire in 18413. In 1851 he was at home with his parents at Causey Foot, Little Marsden, Lancashire, recorded as a

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Scholar5. By 1861 he was a Power Loom Cotton Weaver like his brothers William, Thomas & Moses, though still with his parents at Hudsons Row, Little Marsden, Lancashire6. On 12th March 1867 John, married Betty DUERDEN, daughter of Benjamin DUERDEN and Margaret LANDLESS, at St Bartholomew Parish Church, Colne, Lancashire (PR3172/1/40 sht 2 of 6, page 51, entry no. 102)18. John was age 28, a Bachelor, a Weaver and living in Little Marsden. Betty was age 25, a Spinster and also living in Little Marsden. They were married according to the Rites and ceremonies of the Established Church after Banns. Both John and Betty signed the register. John's father was Peter YOXALL, a Plate Layer, whilst Betty's father, Benjamin DUERDEN, was a Farmer. The witnesses were James DUERDEN and Catherine CLEGG. Betty was married on the same day, at the same Church as a Martha DUERDEN. and Joseph RUSKIN. Though the fathers of Betty and Martha are different, i.e. they are not sisters, it is possible they are cousins, perhaps their fathers are actually brothers Like his father Peter and his brothers Thomas and Moses, John married at St. Bartholomew because it was the Parish Church for an area from Brierfield to Colne at this time. It was also the oldest building in Colne, built in 1122. A plaque on the wall celebrates this historic building. Between his marriage and the 1871 census, John had become a Grocer, an occupation that other family members were to follow. Trade directories of the area record John trading from 1872 to 1893 at 98 Colne Rd, Brierfield, though the latter entry is possibly his wife rather than John, as he died in 1888. He and Betty went on to have four children, Martha, Margaret, Benjamin Ernest and James. The 1871 census (RG11, piece 4162, folio 75, page 14)19 records John, age 32, a Grocer, born Holmes Chapel, Cheshire living on Colne Rd, Brierfield, with his wife Betty, age 29, born Little Marsden, and children Martha, age 3, born Little Marsden, Margaret, age 1, born Little Marsden, and John DUERDEN, age 22, a Carter, born Brierfield19. It seems likely he is related to Betty as her maiden name was also DUERDEN. For anyone interested in the DUERDEN surname there is an excellent DUERDEN Website, whose address is www.rayduerden.co.uk. Details of Betty’s ancestors are recorded on this website. As confirmed from Trade directories, John, age 42, born Holmes Chapel, was a Grocer on the 1881 census (RG11, piece 4162, folio 75, page 14)20 at 98 Colne Rd, Brierfield, Lancashire with his wife Betty, age 39 born Little Marsden and children Martha, age 13, a Cotton Weaver, born Little Marsden, Margaret YOXALL, age 11, a Scholar, born Little Marsden, Benjamin Ernest YOXALL, age 8, a Scholar, born Little Marsden, James YOXALL, age 5, a Scholar, born Little Marsden. The 1881 census was to be the last census for John as he died age 49 about March 1888 and was buried 31st March 1888 at St Paul, Little Marsden, Lancashire. His wife and daughter Martha are

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http://www.rayduerden.co.uk/


also buried in the same grave. 3 burials were recorded in St Paul's Little Marsden from 25th October 1884 to 4th December 1900. Parish fiche ref. PR2938/1/4 sht 1of 1 Page 35, entry 277, Martha Yoxall, Brierfield, January 17th 1884 16 yrs Page 41, entry 323, John Yoxall, Briefield, March 31st 1888 48 yrs page 52, entry 409, Betty Yoxall, Brierfield, January 4th 1898 56 yrs No Yoxall were found in searches from 1813 to 1868 PR2938/1/13 (3 shts)77 His wife Betty took over the business and is recorded on the1891 census (RG12, piece 3379, folio 70, page 27 & page 28)21 at 98 Colne Rd, Brierfield, as Betty YOXALL, Widow, age 49, a Grocer, born Little Marsden, along with her children Margaret, age 21, a Cotton Weaver, born Brierfield, Benjamin YOXALL, age 18, a Cotton Weaver, born Brierfield, and James YOXALL, age 15, Grocers Assistant, Brierfield21. The YOXALL surname is recorded on the Ancestry.co.uk website as FOXALL, just one of the various mis-transcriptions found for the YOXALL surname. However, as one who has looked at many original records, the accuracy of transcriptions is, in my opinion, extemely good. The 1891 census was the last for Betty, who died age 56, about January 1898 and was buried with her husband John at St Paul, Little Marsden on January 4th 1898. They had the following children: i. Martha Born 2nd December 1867, Little Marsden, Martha was baptised at St Luke Brierfield on 12th April 1868 (PR2938/1/1 sht 1 of 2 page 24 entry no. 185). Martha was christened on Easter Day 1868. Her father John was a Shopkeeper living in Brierfield22. On the 187119 and 188120 census she was living at home with her family. Like most children, Martha started work young, a Cotton Weaver on the 1881 census at the age of 13. At this time, children could start part time working at age 12, spending mornings at school and afternoons at work, moving into full time work at age 13. Sadly, Martha died age 16, about January 1884 and was buried with her parents John and Betty at St Paul, Little Marsden, Brierfield on 17th January 1884. 11 ii. Margaret (~1869-) 12 iii. Benjamin Ernest (1872-~1927) 13 iv. James (1875-1954) 3. Thomas YOXALL. The British Vital Records version 1 has a christening for Thomas Yoxall, born 23rd March 1845, christened 2nd May 1845 at Bolton le Sands.122 His father was Peter Yoxall and Martha. Whilst this Thomas's baptism was registered in Carnforth in 1845, it is believed this is the same Thomas as the christening took place in Bolton le Sands where Peter's brother John had a child, Frances YOXALL, christened there on 7th May 1845. In Apr 1851 Thomas lived with his parents at Causey Foot, Little Marsden, Lancashire5, and was also at home in Apr 1861, at Hudsons Row, Little Marsden, Lancashire6. By the 1871 census (ref. RG10, piece 4155, folio 162, page 26) 23, Thomas was a Cotton Weaver, like most of his family, had married Sarah EASTWOOD, and was living at High St, Brierfield, Lancashire with Sarah, and his son

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William, then aged 1. Ancestry.co.uk records the family surname as YOBALL on the 1881 census (RG11, piece 4161, folio 84, page 21), where Thomas is employed as a Cotton Overlooker, a step up from a Cotton Weaver), living with his second wife Nancy HOWARTH and his children William, Henry, Peter and Johnny, at 13 Elm St, Great & Little Marsden, Lancshire24. The 1891 census (RG12, piece 3376, folio 66, page 14), where Ancestry.co.uk records the surname as YOXHALL, proved to be the last trace of Thomas, employed as a Cotton Tackler and living at 10 Turner St, Nelson, Lancashire, with Nancy and their children Henry, Peter, Johnny & Jesse25. Though not proven, it is fairly clear that Thomas died in the Jun Qtr 1900, aged 54, District of Burnley. His wife Nancy is recorded as a widow on the 1901 census and all YOXALL in the District of Burnley at this time were related to one couple, Peter and Martha YOXALL. There are 2 children recorded on Free BMD and by Mr. D.J. Ellis, who are known to be daughters of a Thomas Yoxall and Nancy Howarth / Bannister and both births have been verified from certficates by D.J. Ellis. From the time frame of Thomas's marriage to Nancy Howarth, June 1876, it is quite probable that the girls, Priscilla b. 1877 and Margaret Ellen, b. 1878 d. 1878, were children of this couple. Though the original marriage certificate has not been seen, Nancy's father is recorded as George Howarth, not Bannister, on British Vital Records version 2. Neither girl appears on the 1881 census suggesting both had died by then, this belief confirmed by the GRO death index. On 15th May 1869 when Thomas was aged 24, he married Sarah EASTWOOD, at St. Bartholomew, Colne, Lancashire (PR3172/1/40 sht 5 of 6 page 168 entry no. 335)26. Thomas was age 24, a Bachelor, a Weaver and living in Little Marsden. Sarah was age 22, a Spinster and living in Little Marsden. They were married by Banns according to the Rites and Ceremonies of the Established Church. Thomas signed the register and Sarah made her mark. Thomas's father was Peter YOXALL, a Platelayer whilst Sarah's father was Joshua EASTWOOD. The witnesses were John YOXALL, probably Thomas's brother, and Betty YOXALL, John's wife. The only census record for Sarah as a YOXALL is the 1871, where she lived with Thomas at High St, Brierfield, Lancashire and was recorded as a Cotton Weaver, age 22, born in Marsden, Lancashire23. It is believed Sarah died abt Sep 1874, aged just 27, a death taken from GRO Death Index record in the District of Burnley. Sarah does not appear in the 1881 census, where Thomas has re-married Nancy and had 2 more children. A burial for Sarah has been found plus a death and a burial for a child Sarah, who is buried with this Sarah. It seems reasonable to assume this is mother and daughter based on other known facts. Providence Chapel Brierfield:- Burials without Grave numbers:- YAXHALL Sarah - 8 September 1874, age 27 years Thomas & Sarah had the following children: i. William was born on 21st Feb 1870 in Brierfield, Lancashire, William lived with his parents in Apr 187123 and Apr 188124. Until recently, no further trace of William had been found after the 1881 census except for a possible death for a William Yoxall, age 20, in the Dec Qtr 1890. This matches a birth date for William and explains why he is not traced on the 1891 census. In the deaths listed in the Nelson Chronicle for Dec 1890, there is an entry for a William Yoxall who died on 8.12.1890, aged 20, he

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lived on Turner Street Nelson. A copy of the death certificate will confirm William's family. There is no other male William YOXALL that matches the birth date and all YOXALL in the area are known to be linked, increasing the likelihood the death is for this William. Turner Street, Nelson is also the address of William’s family on the 1891 census. ii. Henry was born on 9 Sep 1871 in Brierfield, Lancashire27. In 1881 he was living at home a Cotton Weaver24, and in 1891 a Cotton Room Overlooker, living at home25 with his father Thomas and his step-mother Nancy, his mother Sarah died in 1874. For reasons unknown, in Apr 1901 (RG13, piece 3380, folio 73, page 4), Henry was boarding with his sister Martha Jane with a family called BOWKER at 7 Charles St, Nelson, Lancashire28. There is no known relationship between Henry and the BOWKER family, though it seems likely Henry moved in with the family as sister Martha Jane had been living there since at least April 1871. Based on notes from a YOXALL researcher and the UK Wills and Admons Index, Henry married Sarah Ann, surname unknown originally. The UK Wills & Admons Index 1843-1953, copy at Colne Library, Lancashire, records Henry’s details as:- 1909 - Yoxall Henry of 23 Chapel House Road Nelson Lancashire died 9 July 1909 Administration London 6 September to Sarah Ann Yoxall widow Effects £47-15s-1d.29 From the GRO Marriage Index, it seems likely that Henry married either a Sarah Ann BRYANT or Sarah Ann PILKINGTON in Sep Qtr 1903. No other details of Sarah Ann were known. Though the surname is recorded as Harry not Henry, both forenames are known to be used for one and the same person. A copy of the marriage is needed to verify if Henry is Harry and whether his father is Thomas YOXALL and identify Sarah Ann’s father and thus maiden name. Henry died at 23 Chapel House Rd, Nelson, Lancashire on 9th Jul 1909, aged 37. An In Memoriam was recorded in the Nelson Leader as follows:- July 15th 1910 - In Memory - In ever loving memory of Harry, the dearly beloved husband of Sarah Ann, who died July 9th 1909. Death pities not a sorrowing heart. The nearest dearest friends must part. Dearly loved and sadly missed. 56 Charles St. Nelson.30 The 1911 census for Henry/Harry’s family clears up all the queries for this couple. Sarah Ann is recorded as a widow, a Cotton Weaver, living at 56 Charles St, Nelson, Lancashire. Living with her was her sister in law Martha Jane YOXALL, Henry’s sister, a Cotton Weaver, and her brother George Thomas BRYANT, also a Cotton Weaver. 139 iii. Martha Jane was born on 9 Nov 1872 in Ivy Street, Burnley, Lancashire Matha's mother was Sarah YOXALL nee EASTWOOD and her father, Thomas, was a Loom Tackler at the time of her birth.31 On the 1881 census (RG11 piece 4162, folio 90, page 3), Martha Jane is living at 6 Cross St, Brierfield, Lancashire with a family called EASTWOOD32. Martha Jane’s mother was called Sarah EASTWOOD, and it seems likely Martha Jane went to live with the EASTWOOD family on the death of her mother in 1874. Though described as a Boarder in 1881, Martha Jane could well be the granddaughter of the head of the house, Ellen EASTWOOD, a widow. By the Apr 1891 census (RG12, piece 3376, folio 31, page 48), where Ancestry.co.uk records yet another spelling variation of YOSEALL, Martha Jane had moved to 22 Charles St, Nelson, Lancashire, living with a family called BOWKER33 and in Apr 1901 (RG13, piece 3380,

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folio 73, page 4) she was still with the BOWKER family at 7 Charles St, Nelson, Lancashire along with her brother Henry. 28 In 1891, 1901, and 1911 Martha Jane was a Cotton Weaver, in 1911 living at 56 Charles St, Nelson, Lancashire, with her sister in law Sarah Ann BRYANT, widow of her brother Henry. 139 A marriage has not been found for Martha Jane but there is a death that matches her known details. A GRO death in the Sep Qtr 1928, District of Burnley, Lancashire, records the death of a Martha Jane YOXALL, aged 56. A death certificate or other source should confirm if this belief is correct. iv. Sarah was born abt Sep 1874. This birth date is based on a burial, 17th April 1875 for a child called Sarah YAXALL, buried with a Sarah YAXHALL at Brierfield. It seems reasonable to assume this is mother and daughter based on other known facts. The details are:- Providence Chapel Brierfield:- Burials without Grave numbers:- YAXHALL Sarah - 17 April 1875, age 6 months On 3rd June 1876 when Thomas was age 31, he married his second wife Nancy HOWARTH , born abt 1846 in Reedymoor, Lancashire. In Apr 1851 (HO107, piece 2254, folio 349, page 13) 34 she lived with her parents George & Zilla HOWARTH and siblings, Albert, John & Martha at Reedy Moor, Foulridge, Lancashire. She was still at home in Apr 1861 (RG9, piece 3079, folio 82, page 31 & 32)35, when her father had re-married, living at Guy Syke, Colne, Lancashire with her siblings Martha & Tom where Nancy was a Powerloom Cotton Weaver. Still umarried in 1871 (RG10, piece 4157, folio 155, page 28) 36, she was a Cotton Spinner, living at Mill Green, Grocer Shop, Colne, Lancashire. In 188124 & 189125 Nancy was living with her husband Thomas and their family, having retired from work to bring up her family. Following the death of her husband Thomas, she moved to 36 Midland St, Nelson, Lancashire in 1901 (RG13, piece 3880, folio 161, page 41) with her son Jesse37. Nancy died abt Sep 1910, District of Burnley, aged 64.

St John The Evangelist

It is now clear from the marriage Register that the Nancy who married Thomas YOXALL was called HOWARTH, not BANNISTER as recorded by a YOXALL researcher for the birth of her first two children, Priscilla and Margaret Ellen, as she was a Spinster and her father was George HOWARTH. Thomas & Nancy married at St John The Evangelist, Great Marsden, Lancashire 3rd June 1876 (PR3015/1/11 page 1 of 6). 38 122 Thomas was age 31, and a Widower, a Tackler, living in Brierfield, Lancashire. His father was Peter YOXALL, a Plate Layer. Nancy was age 30, a Spinster, living in Grindlestone Kirk and her father was George HOWARTH, a Plate Layer. They were married by Banns and both signed the Register, whilst the witnesses were Hartley DUERDEN (signed) & Martha HOWARTH (made mark). It seems likely Martha HOWARTH was Nancy's Sister as a Martha HOWARTH is recorded as her sister on the 1861 census. So there is no doubt Nancy was a HOWARTH from birth. It seems probable that as both fathers were Plate Layers that is how the couple met, through their parents when Thomas's first wife died. The BANNISTER surname for Thomas & Nancy’s first two children is probably an error.

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Thomas & Nancy had the following children: i. Priscilla was born on 25th Jun 1877 in Grindlestone, Marsden and died abt 1877, her death recorded in the Sep Qtr 1877, District of Burnley, Lancashire This child's birth certificate has not been seen. Details of her parents, Thomas YOXALL and Nancy BANNISTER, have been provided by a YOXALL researcher27. But the surname BANNISTER is now thought to be incorrect. ii. Margaret Ellen was born on 20th Apr 1878 in Waterside, Colne and died as an infant abt 1878, her death recorded in the Sep Qtr 1878, District of Burnley, Lancashire. A burial for Margaret Ellen has been found, 24th December 1877, St John the Evangelist, Great Marsden, Lancashire. This child's birth certificate has not been seen. Details of her parents, Thomas YOXALL and Nancy BANNISTER, have been provided by a YOXALL researcher27. But the surname BANNISTER is now thought to be incorrect. 14 iii. Peter (~1879-) 15 iv. Johnny (~1880-1966) v. Jesse was born abt 1882 in Nelson, Lancashire, living with his parents in Apr 1891 at 10 turner St, Nelson, Lancashire25 and in Apr 1901 at 36 Midland St, Nelson, Lancashire, where his occupation was recorded as a Wood Turners Apprentice37. In 1911 Jesse was living with his brother Jesse, a Wood Turner, at 61 Bradshaw Street, Nelson, Lancashire. 143 Nothing more is known at present apart from a likely marriage in the Jun Qtr 1924 to a Frances May JOHNSTON, in the District of Burnley, Lancashire. No children for Jesse and Frances have been traced on the GRO Births Index.

Moses YOXALL

4. Moses YOXALL. Born abt 1847 in Burton in Kendal, Westmoreland, he lived with his parents on the 1851 census at Causey Foot, Little Marsden, Lancashire5 and in Apr 1861 at Hudsons Row, Little Marsden, Lancashire6. In the 1871 census (RG10, piece 4155, folio 97, page 16) 39 he was a Cotton Weaver living at Bridge St, Brierfield, Lancashire with his wife Margaret, also a Cotton Weaver, and son Arthur. By the 1881 census (RG11 piece 4162 folio 89 page 10, now at 14 Bridge St, Brierfield, Lancashire, his family had grown to 5 children, with Moses still employed as a Cotton Weaver40. The 1891 census (RG12, piece 3379, folio 140, page 32) records Moses at 26 St. James St, Brierfield, Lancashire, still a Cotton Weaver, where he was to spend the rest of his life41. The 1901 census (RG13, piece 3884, folio 95, page 13) for Moses, at 26 St. James St, Brierfield, Lancashire completes current census, where is again a Cotton Weaver and his family is now complete, 10 children in all42. By 1911, many of Moses, still a Cotton Weaver and Margaret’s children had left home. But the couple were still living at 26 St James Street, Brierfield, Lancashire with their children Sarah, Margaret, Moses, Elizabeth and John. 140

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Moses’s birthplace is caller Berton in 1881 and Burton in 1871 and 1861. The county of birth is Staffordshire in 1881, Cheshire in 1871 and Westmorelapnd in 1861 and 1851. It is thought Burton in Westmoreland is correct as his brother Thomas was born in nearby Carnforth in 1845. A local Trade Directory records him living at 26 St James's St, Brierfield in 1910 and he died in 26 St James' St, Brierfield on 22 Sep 1917, age 70, an Obituary recording his death as follows:- Burnley Express 26th September 1917 Death of Moses Yoxall - The death took place suddenly on Saturday of Mr. Moses Yoxall, of 24 St James' street. The deceased was one of the founders of the Brierfield Co-operative Society, and served on the general committee for many years. He was 70 years of age, and leaves a widow, and a family of 10 children. Four of the sons are on active service. The funeral took place yesterday at the Providence Chapel, the Rev. F. E. Walker conducting the services.43 A UK Wills & Admons Index, 1843-1953, confirmed his death, spouse and address. 1917 - Yoxall Moses of 26 St James' St Brierfield Lancashire died 22 September 1917 Probate London 12 November to Margaret Yoxall widow Effects £296 On 20 Jun 1868 when Moses was 21, he married Margaret BANNISTER, daughter of Thomas BANNISTER (~1817-) & Sarah (UNKNOWN) (~1815-), in St. Bartholomew, Parish Church of Colne Colne, Lancashire, (PR3172/1/40 sht 4 of 6 page 123 entry no. 245)44. Moses was age 21, a Bachelor, a Powerloom Weaver and living in Little Marsden. Margaret was age 20, a Spinster, a Weaver and living in Little Marsden. They were married by Banns according to the Rites and Ceremonies of the Established Church. Moses signed the Register and Margaret made her mark. Moses's father was Peter Yoxall, a Plate Layer on the Railway whilst Maragaret's father was Thomas Bannister, a Coal Miner. The witnesses were Thomas Yoxall (Moses's brother?) and Sarah Eastwood (Thomas's future wife?). Margaret BANNISTER was born on 15 Jun 1848 in Brierfield, Lancashire her date of birth taken from her Obituary. She lived with her parents in 1851 (HO107, piece 2254, folio 95, page 17)45 and siblings John, Betty and Charles. In 1861 (RG9, piece 3077, folio 92, page 28)46 at Hey Head, Little Marsden, Lancashire she was still with her parents an siblings Betty, Charles and Mary, where even Mary at just age 9 years was a Heald Knitter46. From 1871 to 1901 she lived with her husband and family. Margaret was employed as a Heald Knitter in 1861 and a Cotton Weaver in 1871. A note in the local paper recorded that she celebrated her 76th birthday w/e 20th June 1924 at Halifax Rd, Brierfield. Nelson Leader - 20 Jun 1924, Page 6 Brierfield Snapshots Congratulations And now just a word of congratulations to two old natives who have lived in Brierfield all their lives, and who have this week reached their 76th birthday. They were both born in the higher portion of Brierfield, both brought up at Providence Sunday School, and have throughout their long life been near neighbours and good friends. May they continue to enjoy fairly good health, and each live to enjoy the privelege of being the oldest inhabitant. Neither of them has sat in Mr. Bates' "Old Arm Chair", which is a pity, for they have seen Brierfield grow from small beginnings

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to its present respectable dimensions, and could recount many interesting occurrences which happened in the days of their youth. They remember the days when scarcely any girl dare venture after dark, to pass down the road adjoining Providence Chapel burial ground. Their names are Mrs. Yoxall & Mrs. Hartley.47 jim's note - The reporter was quite prophetic, as Mrs. YOXALL, wife of Moses YOXALL, did indeed become Brierfield's oldest resident when she died shortly before her 91st birthday. She became the oldest resident in Brierfield before her death at 26 St James's St, Brierfield, Lancs on 11 May 1939, age 90, with an Obituary in a local paper, Burnley Express - 13th May 1939 Brierfield's oldest resident Nonagenarian's death. By the death last Thursday of Mrs. Maragret Yoxall, of 26 St James's St, Brierfield has lost its oldest resident. Mrs. Yoxall would have been 91 on June 15th.

Margaret YOXALL

She was born in the Heyhead district and began work at heald knitting at Jonathan Clegg's in Lomas Row, when only eight years of age. At ten she was going to the mill half-time. At that time there was no Brierfield, butjust Great Marsden and Little Marsden. The railway station was known as Marsden. Mrs. Yoxall remembered accompanying the scholars of the old Providence Chapel, where she was a Choir member, to the celebrations at Burnley on the occasion of the marriage of King Edward and Queen Alexandra. She took part in a united procession, after which Brierfield scholars were entertained at Bethesda School. When a girl, it was part of her daily routine to go down old Cow-lane two or three times a day to bring water for household use from the bore-hole. Until recently this hole served the old Stump Trough.

nee BANNISTER

Seventy years ago she married Mr. Moses Yoxall, who died 20 years ago, and they had 13 children, eight of whom remain. One of the five sons is Mr. Lewis Yoxall, a District Council employee and former Markets Superintendent. She also leaves 15 grandchildren and 13 great granchildren. Mrs. Yoxall had lived 50 years in St. James's Street and 20 years in Bridge Street. The funeral will take place on Monday in the Providence Chapelyard.48 A second local paper carried a smaller Obituary. Nelson Leader, Nelson, Lancashire, 12/5/1939, "Brierfield's oldest resident," page 5 col. 4. Brierfield's oldest Resident Death of Mrs. Margaret Yoxall Brierfield lost its oldest resident yesterday afternoon by the sudden death at the ripe old age of 90, of Mrs. Margaret Yoxall of 26 St James's Street. A native of Brierfield, Mrs. Yoxall had lived in the district all her life, starting work as a Heald knitter at the age of eight, and becoming a half-timer

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in the mill two years later. Seventy years ago she married Mr. Moses Yoxall, who died twenty years ago, and there were thirteen children, eight of whom - five sons and three daughters - are still alive, among them being Mr, Louis Yoxall, caretaker of the Town Hall. There are also fifteen grandchildren. Throughout her life, Mrs. Yoxall had lived in only four houses, the last one for fifty years. Has she survived, Mrs. Yoxall would have celebrated her 91st birthday on June 15th.49 The death column of the Nelson Leader also recorded her death. Nelson Leader - 12 May 1939, Births, Marriages & Deaths YOXALL - On the 11th inst., at 26 St. James Street, Brierfield, Margaret Yoxall, aged 90 years. Internment, Monday, Brierfield Congregational Burial Ground, Cortege leaving home 1-30.50 A UK Wills & Admons Index, 1843-1953, confirmed her death, spouse and address. 1939 - Yoxall Margaret of 26 St James' Street Brierfield Lancashire widow died 11 May 1939 Probate Lancaster 9 June to Margaret Yoxall spinster Effects £267-10s-7d Moses and Margaret had the following children: 16 i. Arthur (~1870-1939) ii. Sarah was born 15 Sep 1871 in Brierfield, Lancashire27. She lived with her parents in 188140, 189141 and 190142 employed as a Cotton Weaver in 1891. By 1911, Sarah is still single and at home, 26 St James Street, Brierfield, Lancashire and recordedon the census as Assisting at Home. 140 It is not believed Sarah married. Though no trace of a marriage has been found for Sarah, there is a GRO death, Sep Qtr 1947, age 75 (i.e. b.c. 1872), District of Nelson, Lancashire. This date matches the known birth date and place for Sarah, but it could of course be Sarah, a spouse of a male YOXALL. 17 iii. Lewis (~1874-~1961) 18 iv. Peter (1875-~1955) v. Margaret was born on 19 Aug 1878 in Brierfield, Lancashire27, living at her with her parents in 188140, 189141 and 190142, working as a Cotton Weaver in 1901. At home with her parents in 1911, 26 St James Street, Brierfield, Lancashire, Margaret is still single and a Cotton Weaver. 140 It is known from the Will of her mother that she was a Spinster in 1939 and it is believed Margaret never married. A matching death has been located for Margaret YOXALL in the District of Nelson, Lancashire, Mar Qtr 1972, age 93, exceeding the grand old age of her mother who died age 90.

19 vi. Susannah / Cissie (~1880-) vii. Charles was born abt 1883 in Brierfield, Lancashire. On the 189141 & 190142 census he lived with his parents at 26 St. James St, Brierfield, Lancashire. When Charles was 27 he married Lizzie PEARSON, a brief record of the wedding published in a local paper. Nelson Leader, Nelson / Brierfield, 15th 1910, "Various events," page 7.

Lizzie PEARSON & Charles YOXALL

April 29th - Marriage - on the 28th inst. at the Weslyan

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Chapel Brierfield by the Rev. J. E. Creasey, Charlie Yoxall to Lizzie Pearson, both of Brierfield.51 The 1911 census records Charles with his wife Eizabeth at 11 Lord Street, Brierfield, Lancashire. 131

Charles was recorded in a 1923 Trade Directory as a Grocer, at Colne Rd, Burnley. He died in the same year, on 23 Nov 1923 at 62 Halifax Rd, Brierfield, age 40, and was buried on 27 Nov 1923 in Inghamite Church, Fence, Lancashire. Inghamite Church, Wheatley Lane, Fence, Lancashire Name Grave page Date age Yoxall Charles 6A2 333 27.11.1923 41 Address given as 2 Taylor St, Brierfield.77 The Nelson Leader recorded his death as follows:- Nelson Leader – 30 Nov 1923, page 3 Death of a Brierfield Tradesman We regeret to announce the death of Mr. Charlie Yoxall, grocer, of Colne Road, Brierfield, which took place at his residence, 2 Taylor Street on Friday morning. Mr. Yoxall was the fourth son of Mrs. Yoxall and the late Mr. M. Yoxall of St James' Street, and was for many years a tenor singer in the Brierfield Wesleyan Choir. He had been under medical treatment during the last twelve months for heart trouble. A short time ago he visited Morecambe for a change, and it was hoped the rest would give him a fresh lease of life. A few weeks after his return home, however, renewed symptoms arose. Mr. Yoxall is survived by a widow. Mr. Yoxall was highly respected by his fellow tradesmen, and many friends will mourn his death at the early age of 41.52 A UK Wills & Admons Index, 1843-1953, confirmed his death, spouse and address. 1924 - Yoxall Charlie of 2 Taylor Street Brierfield Lancashire died 23 November 1923 Probate London 26 Spetember to Elizabeth Yoxall widow Effects £733-6s-10d However, following the death of her husband Charles YOXALL, it is now known that Lizzie went on to marry Charles's brother Moses, in 1925 at Wheatley Lane, Fence, Burnley, Lancashire. 20 viii. Moses (~1885-1966) ix. Lizzie / Elizabeth was born abt 1889 in Brierfield, Lancashire, living with her parents in April 1891 and 1901 at 26 St. James St, Brierfield, Lancashire. At home with her parents in 1911, 26 St James Street, Brierfield, Lancashire, Lizzie is recorded as Elizabeth, still single and a Cotton Weaver. 140 At this time neither a marriage nor a death has been located for Lizzie/ Elizabeth. 21 x. John / Jack (~1892-) 5. Richard YOXALL was born abt 1855 in Brierfield, Lancashire. On the 18616 & 18717 census, when he was already working as a Cotton Weaver, he lived with his parents Peter & Martha. The 1881 census (RG11, piece 4148, folio 152, page 38)53 records him as a Cotton Weaver, at 1 Ivy St,

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Burnley, Lancashire, now with his wife and eldest child, a daughter Ada53. Still in the same area of Burnley in 1891, and a Cotton Weaver, Richard lived at 65 Brennand St, Burnley, Lancashire on the 1891 census (RG12, piece 3362, folio 83, page 57)54, with his wife Mary and children Ada, Mary, Elizabeth and William54. Not moving far between census, next door to be precise, the 1901 census (RG13, piece 3866, folio 67, page 28)55 records him with his wife Mary at 63 Brennand St, Burnley, Lancashire, once again his occupation being a Cotton Weaver, and children Ada, Mary, Elizabeth, William, Harry and Ernest.55 In 1911, Richard had moved up in the world and was a Smallware Dealer, living at 313 Briercliffe Road, Burrnley, Lancashire. With Richard in 1911 were his wife Mary Elizabeth, their daughter Ada, now married to Harry INHGHAM, Ada’s daughter Annie, daughter Elizabeth Hannah, and sons William, Harry & Ernest. 144

Richard YOXALL It is about this time when Richard decided to become a businessman, like his brothers John, a Grocer and Moses, a Shopkeeper. In 1911 he was recorded in a local Trade Directory as a ‘Smallware Dealer’, with a stall in the Market Hall, Colne, Lancashire. Within 20 years, Richard and his sons had several Grocers Shops from Burnley to Padiham, eventually becoming regarded as ‘The’ high class grocers of the area, the Harrods of Burnley. Even at this time about 1925, the family were making door to door deliveries, and those few people with a telephone could ring the main shop and receive a delivery same day, perhaps one the earliest form of Internet shopping on record. The firm of Richard Yoxall & Sons Ltd was wound up in October 1943, an announcement being made in the London Gazette, The London Gazette - 26th October 1943 Page 4738 RD. YOXALL & SONS, Limited. Special Resolution (pursuant to the Companies Act, 1929, Section 118) passed 22nd October 1943. At an Extraordinary General Meeting of the Members pf the above named Company, duly convened and held at 26 Howe Street, Burnley, in the county of Lancaster on the 22nd day of October 1943 the following Special Resolution was duly passed: "That the Company be wound up voluntarily under a Members' Voluntary Winding-up and that Fred Clarkson, Certified Accountant of 7 Hargreaves Street, Burnley, be and is hereby appointed Liquidator for the purpose of such winding-up." Dated the 22nd day of October 1943. H. YOXALL Chairman56 Richard died in 313 Briercliffe Rd, Burnley on 15 Feb 1919, age 64, without seeing the success his children made of the business he founded. A UK Wills & Admons Index confirms his date of death. UK Wills & Admons Index 1843-1953 1919 - Yoxall Richard of 313 Briercliffe Road Burnley died 15 February 1919 Administration

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London 8 August to Mary Elizabeth Yoxall widow Effects £414-10s

For some reason there is no Obituary or report on the death of Richard, although he was a well known businessman, in the local paper. All that is recorded in the Burnley Express & Clitheore Advertiser, Saturday 22nd February 1919, is a thank you from the family which says:- Mrs. YOXALL and family desire to thank all realtives and friends for their expressions of sympathy in their sad bereavement, also for floral tributes - 313 Briercliffe Road.

Mary Elizabeth YOXALL nee EAVES

In 1877 Richard married Mary Elizabeth EAVES, in the District of Burnley, Lancashire. Mary Elizabeth

was born abt 1858 in Worsthorne, Lancashire. At this time her parents are not known. On the 1861

census (RG9, piece 3069, folio 115, page 19)57, at 43 Huffin Hall, Habergham Eaves, Burnley, Lancashire, she is age 3, living with a family called HEAP and described as a Boarder. However, on the 1871 census (RG10, piece 4148, folio 79, page 42)58, at Byerden Mill, Burnley, Lancashire she is age 13, working as a Cotton Weaver and living with a couple called ALTHAM, she is described as daughter in law, a strange description for one so young. So, a little more research is required to establish her parents. In 188153, 189154 and 190155 she lived with her husband and family, working as a Cotton Weaver in 1881 before retiring from work to bring up her growing family. Mary's birthplace is given as Extwistle, now known as Worsthorne, in 1881 & 1891 census. Mary Elizabeth died in 313 Briercliffe Rd, Burnley on 30 Jul 1931, age 73, her date of death recorded on the UK Wills Index. UK Wills & Admons Index 1843-1953 1931 - Yoxall Mary Elizabeth of 313 Briercliffe Road Burnley widow died 30 July 1931 Probate London 8 August to William Yoxall Harry Yoxall and Ernest Yoxall grocers Effects £338-8s-11d An Obituary in the Burnley Express was accompanied by a lengthy list of tributes, expressing the regard in which Mary Elizabeth was held by many family and friends. The Late Mrs. M. E. Yoxall The funeral of Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Yoxall, whose death occurred at her home, 313 Briercliffe Road, Burnley, a week last Thursday, took place at the Haggate Cemetery on Monday. Mrs. Yoxall, who was very well known and highly respected in the district, is survived by three sons and 2 daughters. Prior to the cortege leaving the home a service was conducted by Mr. Fred Halstead, who also performed the last rites at the graveside, Mr. James Halstead officiating at a service in the Haggate Baptist Chapel. The chief mourners were: Mr. and Mrs. Ingham and family; Mr. and Mrs. Jobling and family, Mr. and Mrs. W. Yoxall and family, Mr. and Mrs. H. Yoxall, Mr. and

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Mrs. E. Yoxall, Mrs. Crabtree, Mrs. Riley, Mr. Fred Halstead, and Mrs. Kippax. Floral tributes were inscribed as follows:- "With best love to dear mother and grandma," from Willie, Edith and Margaret; "In loving memory of a dear mother and grandma," from Ada, Harry and grandchildren, Annie, Arthur and John; "To dear mother, with love," from Harry and Annie; "With deep sympathy," from Mrs. Atkinson and Nellie; "A last token of love," from Doris, Lizzie, John and Mary; "In loving memory to dear mother," from Annie and Ernest; "To Margaret's Grandma, with love, resting where no shadows fall, with deepest sympathy in the loss of your beloved mother," from Mr. and Mrs. Dickinson and family; "With deepest sympathy," from Mrs. G.W. Jobling and Muriel; "With fondest love to Grannie," from Dorrie; "With deepest from a deal old friend," Mrs. Richard and family; "With deepest sympathy," from Mrs. Riley and family; "In loving memory," from Mrs. Budwell and family; "With deepest sympathy," from all at Smallshaw Farm; "With deepest sympathy," from Mr. and Mrs. Tattersall; "In remembrance," from Ruth and Elsie; "In loving memory," from Jack, Elsie and Eric; "With deepest sympathy," from Mrs. Whittam and Alice; "With deepest sympathy," from Mr. and Mrs. Kippax and family; "With all our love," from Minnie, Albert and Rhoda; "With deepest sympathy," from Mary, Evelyn an Margaret; "With deepest sympathy," from Mr. and Mrs. Heap, Shore Hay Farm; "With deepest sympathy," from Mrs. Tattersall, Jim and Nellie; "With deepest sympathy," from Alice, Martha and Rose; "With kind remembrance," from Mr. and Mrs. S. Calvert; "In affectionate remembrance," from Isobel and Jack; "With deepest sympathy," from Mrs. Leaver and family; "With deepest sympathy," from Mrs. Kippax; "In loving remembrance," from Harry and Susan. Richard & Mary Elizabeth had the following children: 22 i. Ada (~1879-) ii. Mary Ann was born abt 1885 in Burnley, Lancashire, living with her parents on both the 1891 and 1901 census, where she was Cotton Weaver. It is not known initially if she married but there was a Free BMD marriage for a Mary Ann YOXALL to either a John HEAP or Greenwood MAGNALL, Dec Qtr 1907. This is a good match as there are no other Mary Ann YOXALL in the Burnley area and a death for Mary A. has not been found to date. Greenwood Magnall has now, however, be ruled out, as he married Ellen Maude Hollinrake (Magnall Genealogy www.pmagnall.demon.co.uk Greenwood Yoxall married Ellen Maude Hollinrake (b 7 Apr 1885, d 27 Sep 1964) on the 7th Nov 1907 in Burnley and they had two children, both who appear to have been born in USA). There are two possible John Heap on the 1901 census who could be spouse of Mary Ann Yoxall, one born 1883 and one born 1884, both living in Briercliffe, Burnley like Mary Ann. However the 1911 census and a 1907 marriage, at Burnley Register Office, Burnley, 136 clarifies Mary Ann’s spouse, John HEAP. In 1911, Mary Ann is recorded with her husband John HEAP, a Dairyman Farmer, born abt 1884, Briercliffe nr, Burnley, Lancashire, living at Wards House Farm, Halifax Road, Nelson, Lancashire. 135 23 iii. Elizabeth Hannah (~1888-) 24 iv. William (~1890-~1957) 25 v. Harry (~1893-~1975) vi. Ernest was born abt 1900 in Burnley, Lancashire, living with his parents at 1901 63 Brennand St, Burnley, Lancs55. In 1911 Ernest was with his parents at 313 Briercliffe

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http://www.pmagnall.demon.co.uk/


Road, Burnley, Lancashire, and at school. 144 Ernest died in District of Burnley, Lancashire in 1962, age 62. After working in his father’s Grocery business for several year, Richard YOXALL & Sons, he became Company Secretary. A letter to a local paper gave some background on Ernest Burnley Express, Burnley, Lancashire, 21 Mar 2006, "More info on greengrocers's." Further to the questions asked by Mr. R. Frost and Mr. J. Wignall regarding Yoxall's grocers. A schoolboy who knew Ernest described him thus:- Mr. Ernest Yoxall was an elder and lay preacher at the former Angle Street Baptist Chapel. There had been a group of four Scottish Baptist Churches in the Burnley District at Angle Street, Haggate, Brierfield and Nelson. By the time of the Second World War the ties had been mainly broken but a certain amount of loyalty remained. I recall Mr. Ernest Yoxall preaching at Brierfield when I was a schoolboy. I remember a slight man, kindly looking and quietly spoken. He said what he had to say and knew when to sit down (not all preachers then, or now, possess this ability). Ernest YOXALL &

Annie ATKINSON He lived in Cleaver Street and I suppose would have considerable connections with the old Haggate Baptist Chapel as Haggate and Angle Street were very closely linked. The writer went on to say; The local Baptist Union published an inter Church Magazine for many years - The Burnley And District Baptist Monthly which always carried an advert for Yoxall's grocers. Changing hats and speaking as an old Brierfielder (although not a native), I well recall Mr. Moses Yoxall. I was unaware of the family link. I always understood Moses had more than one shop. He was long retired when I knew him, but the shop in Burnley Road was usually referred as Yoxall's. There was a Yoxall who had a Chemist's shop in Burnley Road, Brierfield, and I understand he was from the same family. The Brierfield Yoxall's had no connection with the Baptist Church, except for the Chemist who married a lady from the Church.59 The Moses YOXALL referred to by the author was the son of Moses YOXALL snr and Margaret BANNISTER , brother of Richard YOXALL, Ernest’s father, whilst Thomas YOXALL, the Chemist, was the son of Lewis YOXALL and Elizabeth SUMNER, Lewis being the brother of Moses YOXALL jnr . Although Ernest was married twice, there were no children from either marriage. In 1923 Ernest first married Annie ATKINSON, in the District of Burnley, Lancashire. At this time nothing else is known of Annie, though a photo of her and Ernest has been found.

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In 1950 when Ernest was 50, he married a second time, to Ida KEYES, in the District of Burnley. According to the GRO Death Index, Ada was born on 12 Aug 1904 in District of Burnley, and died in the District of Burnley, in 1977, age 73. Nothing else is known of her at this time. 6. Mary Anne YOXALL was born abt 1857 in Brierfield, Lancashire and was baptised on 27th December 1857 in St Paul, Little Marsden, Lancashire (PR2938/1/2 sht 1 of 2 page 71 entry no. 577)60. Mary Anne's baptism is recorded as a Private Baptism and her father was Plate Layer, living at Hudson Row. She lived with her parents in 18616 and in 18716, where she was working as a Cotton Weaver. The 1881 census (RG11, piece 4162, folio 89, page 1)61 records her at 8 Bridge St, Brierfield, Lancashire, living with her husband Thomas LEAVER and her two eldest children, having now given up work to bring up the family. Her brother Moses lived close by at 14 Bridge St. Still in Brierfield, the 1891 census (RG12, piece 3379, folio 140, page 31)62 records the family at 20 St. James St, Brierfield, Lancashire, her brother Moses still close by at 26 Bridge St. Living at no. 16 St. James St is Mary Ann's sister Susannah Rodwell nee Yoxall. By the time of the 1901 census (RG13, piece 3884, folio 125, page 27)63 the family had moved to 61 Halifax Rd, Brierfield, Lancashire. Her father in law, Thomas LEAVER had moved in with the family in 1901. The family were still at 61 Halifax Road, Brierfield, Lancashire in 1911. Thomas LEAVER was a House Builder and Mary Ann’s occupation was recorded as Housework. With them were their children Ellen, Martha and Margaret, all Cotton Weavers. 146 Mary Anne YOXALL married Thomas LEAVER abt Jun 1878, son of Thomas LEAVER, born abt 1818 in District of Burnley. Thomas LEAVER jnr, was born abt 1857 in Worsthorne, Lancashire, and was living with his wife and family in 1881, where he was a Stone Mason, 1891, where he was a Builder and Contractor, in 1901, where he was a Stone Builder and Contractor and in 1911 as a House Builder. Mary Anne & Thomas had the following children: i. Walter was born abt 1879 in Brierfield, Lancashire, living with his parents in 188161, 189162 and 190163. In 1891, age 12, Walter began work as a Half Time Cotton Weaver, as was the norm at this time for children of this age, and was recorded as a Stone Mason on 1901 census, no doubt trained by, and working with, his father. ii. George Henry was born abt 1880 in Brierfield, Lancashire, recorded with his parents on the 188161, 189162 & 190163 census. Like his brother Walter, he too started work as a Half Time Cotton Weaver, in 1891 just age 11. He too was probably trained by his father, and worked with, being recorded as a Joiner Carpenter on the 1901 census. iii. Ellen was born abt 1882 in Brierfield, Lancashire, living with her parents in 189162 and 190163, where she was a Cotton Weaver. In those days it would seem, girls were not allowed to follow in their father’s footsteps. So off to the Mill it was for Ellen. In 1911 she was at home with her family and a Cotton Weaver. 146 iv. Lewis was born abt 1884 in Brierfield, Lancashire also living at home with his parents on both the 189162 and 190163 census, where his occupation was recorded as a School Teacher Elementary.

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v. Martha was born abt 1886 in Brierfield, Lancashire. She lived with her parents and siblings in 1891 at 20 St. James St, Brierfield, Lancashire62 and in 1901 at 61 Halifax Rd, Brierfield, Lancashire where was recorded as a Cotton Weaver 63. In 1911 she was at home with her family and a Cotton Weaver. 146 vi. Margaret, the youngest child of Mary Anne & Thomas traced to date, and also lived with the family in 190163. In 1911 she was at home with her family and, like her sisters, she too was a Cotton Weaver. 146 Nothing else is known of the family to date. 7. Sarah Jane YOXALL was born on 7th June 1858 in Brierfield, Lancashire (PR2938/1/2 sht 1 of 2 page 73 entry no. 609)64. Sarah Jane's father, Peter, was a Plate Layer, living at Lomas Row. She was baptised on 16th June 1858 in St Paul, Little Marsden, Lancashire and lived with her parents in 18616 and 1871,7 where the census records her, unsurprisingly, as a Cotton Weaver. The 1881 census (RG11, piece 4162, folio 94, page 12)65 records Sarah Jane, still working as a Cotton Weaver, with her husband Norman THORNBER and daughter Martha at 2 Vine St, Brierfield, Lancashire. Sarah Jane’s daughter Martha was born 19 May 1878, but Sarah Jane didn't marry Norman THORNBER until Dec 1880. There is a marriage for a Sarah YOXALL to either a Thomas CLITHEROE or a James WILLIAMS in 1878, District of Burnley. It is a possiblity the 1878 marriage is a 1st marriage for Sarah. However, a death for neither of the two men between the first and second marriages for Sarah has been found, suggesting Martha is Norman’s daughter. Sarah Jane & Thomas’s family continued to expand, living at 298 Colne Rd, Burnley, Lancashire in 1891 (RG12, piece 3362, folio 103, page 34)66. The relationship for Margaret E. Hargreaves and Mary Hargreaves on the 1891 census is incorrect. Margaret is Norman's sister in law not mother in law, and also Sarah Jane's sister. Mary is Margaret's daughter, as confirmed by the 1901 census. At present, Margaret's husband Robert has not been located though he died before 1901, where Margaret is a widow. The family moved to 2 Murray St, Burnley, Lancashire in 1901 (RG13, piece 3866, folio 145, page 35)67 where Sarah Jane and Norman were living with their 4 youngest children, their eldest child, Martha, having married John ANFORTH in 1900. By 1911, only 3 children, Willie Bradshaw, Hargreaves and Herbert were living with Sarah Jane and her husband Norman, a Coal Dealer, at 2 Murray Street, Burnley, Lancashire. 141 On 25th December 1880 Sarah Jane married Norman THORNBER, in St. Luke, Brierfield (PR3171/1/4 sht 1 of 6 page 33 entry 66)68 122. Norman was age 22, a Bachelor, a Cotton Weaver and living at 3 Lee St, Burnley. Sarah Jane was age 22, a Spinster, a Cotton Weaver and living at 4 Vine St, Brierfield. They were married by Certificate according to the Rites and Ceremonies of the Established Church. Both Norman and Sarah Jane signed the register. Norman's father was not stated but Sarah Jane's father was Peter Yoxall, a Plate Layer. The witnesses were Robert D. HARGREAVES and Margaret Ellen HARGREAVES (probably Sarah Jane's sister). Norman THORNBER was born abt 1858 in Burnley, Lancashire, living with Sarah Jane and his family in 1881, working as a Cotton Weaver, and in 1891, 1901 and 1911 as a Coal Miner.

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Sarah Jane & Norman had the following children: 26 i. Martha (1878-) ii. Harry was born abt 1882 in Brierfield, Lancashire and lived with his parents in 189166 and 190167, where he is recorded as a Cotton Weaver. iii. William Bradshaw was born abt 1885 in Burnley, Lancashire and lived with his parents in 189166 and 190167, where he is recorded as a Cotton Weaver. He was still with his parents at 2 Vine Street, Brierfield, Lancashire in 1911, a Cotton Weaver. 141 iv. Hargreaves was born abt 1890 in Burnley, Lancashire and lived with his parents in 189166 and 190167. It seems possible that the forename Hargreaves was chosen in view of the friendship between Sarah Jane and her sister Margaret Ellen, whose husband was Robert D. HARGREAVES. Margaret Ellen & Robert D. were witnesses at the wedding of Sarah Jane and Norman, both marriage taking place in 1880. Hargreaves was still with his parents at 2 Vine Street, Brierfield, Lancashire in 1911, a Carter Coal, probably working with his father, a Coal Dealer. 141 v. Herbert, the youngest child traced to date, was born abt 1897 in Burnley, Lancashire, recorded with his parents and siblings on the 1901 census67. He was still with his parents at 2 Vine Street, Brierfield, Lancashire in 1911. Like his brother Willie Bradshaw, he too was a Cotton Weaver. 141 At this time, nothing else is known of the family. 8. Margaret Ellen YOXALL was born on 12th January 1860 in Brierfield, Lancashire and was baptised on 23rd April 1860 in Little Marsden, Lancashire. She lived with her parents in 18616 & 18717, where she was recorded as a General Domestic, a Servant. Married in 1880, Margaret Ellen lived with her husband Robert Davy HARGREAVES in 1881 (RG11, piece 4162, folio 95, page 13)69 at 4 Vine St, Briefield, Lancashire, together with her younger sister Susannah and brother Henry. It seems likely that Margaret Ellen took in her siblings on marriage, as they were orphans following the death of their father Peter YOXALL in 1875, or perhaps because they didn’t get on with their stepmother Sarah YOXALL nee LATHAM, or even perhaps because Sarah had also died between 1875 and 1881. For reasons not yet known, Margaret Ellen was living with her own daughter Mary and her sister Sarah Jane and her family in 1891 (RG11, piece 4162, folio 95, page 13)66 at 298 Colne Rd, Burnley, Lancashire. Margaret Ellen was recorded as married, though her husband has not been traced in 1891. The 1901 census (RG13, piece 3883, folio 112, page 12)70 records Margaret Ellen at 24 Castle St, Brierfield, Lancashire, describing her as a Widow. Her daughter Mary is also with her, with 2 Boarders who were also Cotton Weavers. No doubt Margaret needed Boarders, as a widow, in order to make ends meet. From 1881 to 1901 Margaret worked as a Cotton Weaver. On the 1911 census, Margaret Ellen is a Widow, a Cotton Weaver, living at 24 Cuerden Street, Briercliffe, Lancashire with her daughter Ethel. 148 In Dec Qtr 1880 Margaret Ellen married Robert Davy HARGREAVES (Free BMD, District of Burnley, vol 8e, page 410), born abt 1861 in Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire. The only trace of Robert

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Davy after his marriage is the 1881 census, at 4 Vine St, Briefield, Lancashire, when he was recorded as a Cotton Weaver. Robert died before 1901 as his wife is recorded as married on the 1891 census but widowed on the 1901 census. Margaret Ellen & Robert Davy had the following children: i. Mary was born abt 1883 in Huncoat, Lancashire and lived with her mother in 189166 and her widowed mother in 190170, where her occupation was a Cotton Weaver. ii. Ethel was born abt 1895 in Brierfield, Lancashire. Ethel had not been confirmed as a daughter of Margaret & Robert in 1901. She had been added on the basis of the 1901 census (RG13, piece 3383, folio 123, page 33)72 where she is described as a Niece of Susannah RODWELL nee YOXALL, her mother's sister, living at 8 Livingstone St, Brierfield, Lancashire. The 1911 census confirms Ethel was Margaret Ellen’s daughter as she is living with her at 24 Cuerden Street, Briercliffe, Lancashire. 148 9. Susannah YOXALL was born abt 1863 in Brierfield, Lancashire. She lived with her parents in 18717 and her sister Margaret Ellen in 188169, when she was a Cotton Weaver. On the 1881 census Susannah & Henry Yoxall are Margaret's sister/brother. It is believed that when their father Peter died in 1875 they initially lived with their stepmother Sarah, before going to live with their sister Margaret around 1880, as they were with her on the 1881 census. Margaret married abt Dec 1980. This also ties in with the possibility their stepmother married a third time, possibly to a Thomas CLITHEROE, 12 Jul 1878, Habergham Eaves, Burnley, with the children choosing not to move in with Sarah's new husband. By the 1891 census (RG12, piece 3379, folio 140, page 30)71 Susannah, still a Cotton Weaver, was living with her husband William RODWELL and daughter Elizabeth at 16 St. James St, Brierfield, Lancashire, a popular street in Brierfield as her brother Moses lived at 26 St. James St in 1891 & 1901 and her sister Mary Anne at 20 St. James St in 1891. The 1901 census (RG13, piece 3383, folio 123, page 33)72 at 8 Livingstone St, Brierfield, Lancashire is the last current record for Susannah and her family. Along with her children Elizabeth & Ernest RODWELL in 1901, there was also a niece, Ethel HARGREAVES, younger daughter of her sister Margaret Ellen HARGREAVES nee YOXALL. Her sister Margaret was a widow in 1901, taking in Boarders to possibly make ends meet, with Susannah returning the favour for Margaret who took Susannah and her brother Henry into her house (see 1881 census) when their father Peter Yoxall died in 1875. The 1911 census records William, a Cotton Weaver, and Susannah at 2 Livingstone Street, Brierfield, Lancashire. With them were their children Elizabeth and Ernest plus William’s father and brother, John RODWELL and Richard RODWELL respectively. 149 On 15th May 1886 Susannah married William RODWELL, son of John RODWELL, in St. Luke, Brierfield (PR3171/1/4 sht 2 of 6 page 61 entry 121)73 122. William was age 22, a Bachelor, a Weaver and living in Brierfield. Susannah was age 23, a Spinster, a Weaver and living in Brierfield. They were married by Certificate according to the Rites and Ceremonies of the Established Church. William signed the register and Susannah made her mark. William's father was John RODWELL, a Collier whilst Susannah's father was Peter YOXALL (deceased), a Labourer. The witnesses were Henry YOXALL (probably Susannah's brother) and Margaret RILEY, who married Henry in 1887.

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William RODWELL was born abt 1864 in Brierfield, Lancashire. In 1891, 1901 and 1911 he lived with his wife Susannah and family, working as a Cotton Weaver. They had the following children: i. Elizabeth was born abt 1890 in Brierfield, Lancashire, living with her parents on the 189171, 190172 and 1911149 census. ii. Ernest was born abt 1893 in Brierfield, Lancashire, living with his parents on the 189171, 190172 and 1911149 census. Nothing more is known of the family at this time. 10. Henry YOXALL was born abt 1865 in Brierfield, Lancashire and lived with his widowed father Moses and siblings in 18717 at Colne Rd, Brierfield, Lancs. Sometime between 1875, when his father died, and 1881, both Henry, now a Cotton Weaver, and his sister Susannah were living with their sister Margaret Ellen HARGREAVES nee YOXALL and her husband Robert, living at 4 Vine St, Briefield, Lancashire in 188169. Quite why Henry & Susannah were living with their sister and her husband in 1881, instead of their stepmother Sarah, is not known. To date, there is no trace of a death for Sarah, the 2nd spouse of Peter after Martha died. Perhaps Sarah remarried (see notes for Sarah LATHAM, Peter’s second wife) and the children were abandoned or chose to live with their sister. However a third marriage for Sarah cannot be ruled out, especially as there is no trace of her death. After 1875, all deaths were allegedly recorded. Between 1837, when Civil Registration started, and 1875, it is estimated some 5% to 10% of deaths, and births, were unrecorded. This statistic is supported by the fact that of the 8 people on the 1881 census for whom I cannot yet find a living descendant, 5 of them do not appear on the GRO birth index, even though they were born between 1849 and 1869. So for those unable to find a birth or death for an ancestor, the answer may simply be that there isn’t one. More marriages were recorded as the person marrying the couple received payment. Returning to Henry, the 1891 census (RG12, piece 3379, folio 136 page 24 and folio 137, page 25)74 records him as a Cotton Weaver, living at 49 Sackville St, Brierfield, Lancashire with his wife Margaret. Sadly their marriage was to be a short one, as the 1901 census (RG13, piece 3884, folio 71, page 14)75 records Henry, a Cotton Weaver, with a second wife Susan, at 24 Guildford St, Brierfield, Lancashire, and a son William O. YOXALL, bc 1892, the son of Henry and Margaret. Though Susan's mother and sister is living with her it is not clear what her maiden name is as her mother's surname is different from her sister's surname. This suggests either her mother was married twice or her sister is her step-sister, as her sister is recorded as single. So at this time a maiden name has not been added for Susan. Henry died 47 Sackville Street, Brierfield, Lancs on 1 Dec 1937, aged 72, his death announced in the local paper. The Nelson Leader, 3 December 1937, page 9, column 3:- Found Dead in Bed Henry Yoxall (72) retired weaver, of 47 Sackville Street, Brierfield, was found dead in bed. He had been in poor health for some time.76

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The UK Wills & Admons Index 1843-1953 also records his death:- 1937 - Yoxall Henry of 47 Sackville Street Brierfield Lancashire died 1 December 1937 Probate London 24 December to William Oates Yoxall grocer Effects £3610-9s-4d Resworn £3595-19s-4d Henry had already purchased a family grave, at St John’s, Nelson, Lancashire, probably when his daughter Hannah died in 1889. Henry too is buried in the grave which has the monumental inscription:- Headstone - Grave no. 73M Margaret wife of Henry Yoxall of Brierfield d. August 26th 1893 aged 26 years Hannah daughter d. November 27th 1889 aged 8 months above Henry Yoxall d. December 1st 1937 aged 72 years Susan his wife d. August 11th 1941 aged 72 years.77 Little is known about either of Henry’s two wives. In 1887 Henry first married Margaret RILEY, in District of Burnley. From the 1891 census, where she was Henry’s wife, working as a Cotton Weaver, it is recorded that she was born abt 1867 in Brierfield, Lancashire. Margaret died on 26 Aug 1893, she was 26 and is buried in the same grave as her husband Henry, at St. John’s Nelson, Lancashire. Henry and Margaret had 2 children: i. Hannah, born abt Mar 1889. Her existence is known only because she died 27 Nov 1889, age just 8 months, and is buried with her parents at St John’s, Nelson, Lancashire. ii. William Oates, born on 13 Jul 1892 in Brierfield, Lancashire. Though recorded as William O. YOXALL on the 1901 census,75 his second forename, Oates, was found on a baptism for him at the Public Record Office Preston, which also records his date of birth. Brierfield Wesleyan Register, Colne Rd, Brierfield Baptism 26 Aug 1895 William OatesYOXALL, son of Henry & Margaret YOXALL 49 Sackville St, Brierfield, born 13 Jul 1892 No other baptisms (1862-1895) or marriages 1869-1904)77 His full name of William Oates YOXALL is also recorded on the UK Wills & Admons Index for the death of his father Henry and his stepmother Susan. On the 1901 and 1911 census, William is living with his father and stepmother at 24 Guildford St, Brierfield, Lancashire. 75 132 A likely marriage has been found on the GRO for him, William O. YOXALL to Elizabeth A. CRAWSHAW abt Sep 1920, District of Burnley, Lancshire. A search of all GRO births has failed to find any children for William and Elizabeth. A death for William Oates YOXALL is recorded on the GRO death index, Mar 1974, District of Eastbourne, whilst there is a likely death for his wife, Elizabeth Ann YOXALL, Mar 1972, District of Eastbourne. Though not confirmed, the birth date matches that known for William and the fact both deaths are in Eastbourne, so close together, suggest this Elizabeth Ann is the wife of William Oates YOXALL. It also explains why neither a death for William Oates of Elizabeth Ann has been

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found in the Burnley area. Henry married a second time in1900, to Susan HOLT, in District of Burnley, Lancashire. Susan was born abt 1870 in Brierfield, Lancashire and is recorded with Henry on the 1901 census75 at 24 Guildford St, Brierfield, Lancashire. The 1911 census records Henry & Susan still living at 24 Guildford St, Brierfield, Lancashire, along with their son William Oates YOXALL and Susan’s mother Ellen. 132 Susan died in 47 Sackville St, Brierfield, Lancashire on 11 Aug 1941, age 71, the same address as her husband who died 4 years earlier. On her death, she was buried in the family grave at St. John’s, Nelson, Lancashire, along with her husband Henry, his first wife Margaret and Henry’s daughter Hannah. Third Generation – Peter & Martha’s grandchildren & g’grandchildren ---------------------------------------- 11. Margaret YOXALL - Though born about September 1869, Little Marsden, for some reason Margaret was not baptised until 5th January 1873, at St Paul, Little Marsden (PR2938/1/3 sht 1 of 2 Page 41 Entry no. 325 & 326)78. Although Margaret and Benjamin Ernest YOXALL were both christened on the same day they are not believed to be twins, as the 1881 census20 records Margaret's age as 11 and Benjamin's age as 8. At the time of their Baptism their father John was a Grocer, living in Brierfield. Margaret lived at home with her family in 187119, 188120 and 189121, being a Cotton Weaver in 1891. A marriage has been found on the GRO (General Register Office), the Birth, Marriage and Death Indexes for England & Wales, that is believed to be for Margaret. A James KITCHEN married a Margaret YOXALL about March 1900, District of Lancaster. This family has been traced on the 1901 census (RG13, piece 3989, folio 107, page 19)79 at 23 Briery St, Lancaster, Lancashire, comprising James KITCHEN, age 37, a Stonemason, born Dent, Yorkshire, his wife Margaret KITCHEN, age 31, born Brierfield, Lancashire, and their son Jonathan KITCHEN, age10 months, born Lancaster, Lancashire. There is no other Margaret YOXALL about this age born in Brierfield, but a marriage certificate, or copy of the marriage Register, is needed to confirm the father of this Margaret is John YOXALL. The 1911 census records Margaret and her son Jack, the same child called Jonathan in 1901, at 17 Gerrard Street, Lancaster. 145 Her husband James KITCHEN has not yet been found in 1911. All that is known of the family at this time is what is recorded on the 1901 census. Margaret & James had only one child known to date: i. Jonathan was born abt 1900 in Skerton, Lancaster, Lancashire, living with his parents at 23 Briery St, Lancaster, Lancashire on the 1901 census and at 17 Gerrard Street, Lancaster.. 79 145 12. Benjamin Ernest YOXALL. Benjamin Ernest was baptised 5th January 1873, at St Paul, Little Marsden in the County of Lancaster (PR2938/1/3 sht 1 of 2 Page 41 Entry no. 325 & 326)78. Although Margaret and Benjamin Ernest YOXALL were both christened on the same day they are

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not believed to be twins, as the 1881 census20 records Margaret's age as 11 and Benjamin's age as 8. At the time of their Baptism their father John was a Grocer, living in Brierfield. In 188120 & 189121 Benjamin was living at home with his parents, a Cotton Weaver in 1891.

Benjamin Ernest YOXALL

Benjamin married Mary Ellen DENNISON, 19th January 1895, St. Luke, Brierfield, Lancs, (PR3171/1/4 sht 4 of 6 page 123 entry no. 246) 80 122, Parish of Brierfield in County of Lancaster. Benjamin was age 22, a Bachelor, a Bricksetter and residing at Brierfield. Mary was age 20, a Spinster, a Weaver and residing at Brierfield. They were married by certificate at the Parish church of St. Luke, Brierfield according to the Rites and Ceremonies of the Established Church. Benjamin signed the register whilst Mary made her mark. Benjamin's father was John YOXALL, a Grocer, whilst Mary's father was James DENNISON, a Spinner. The witnesses were Henry Edward MASON and May Ellen BRENNAN. After his marriage to Mary Ellen, Benjamin continued to live in Brierfield and on the 1901 census (ref. RG13, piece 3884, folio 17, page 26).81 was living with his family at 4 Humphrey St, Brierfield, Lancashire. Benjamin was age 28, a Cotton Weaver, born Brierfield, Lancashire and his wife Mary E, was age 26, born Buckley, Flint, North Wales. Living with them was their son John, age 5, born Brierfield, Lancashire, son James, age 3, born Brierfield, Lancashire, daughter Martha, age 3 months, born Brierfield, Lancashire, and James DENNISON, a Boarder, age 46, a Cotton Spinner, born London, Kent. James DENNISON is possibly a relation of Mary Ellen, as her maiden name was DENNISON.

Benjamin and Mary Ellen went on to have two more children, Evelyn born 1906 and Harry born 1909. Mary Ellen died 17th June 1910, age 36 years old, in the Union Infirmary, Burnley. Nelson Leader, 24 Jun 1910 – Page 7 Deaths Brierfield – June 17, age 36, Mary Ellen Yoxall, 28 Castle Street.82 She was buried on 21st June 1910, at Inghamite Church, Wheatley Lane, Fence, near Burnley, Lancashire, Grave no. 8/431. Her husband Benjamin died about December 1927, age 55, and was buried in the same grave as Mary Ellen on 29th December 1927. Both burials were recorded thus:-

Inghamite Church, Wheatley Lane, Fence, nr. Burnley, Lancashire Mary Ellen YOXALL

nee DENNISON Yoxall Benjamin Ernest 8/431 182 29.12.1927 55 Address given as 52 Bradshaw St, Nelson

Yoxall Mary Ellen 8/431 73 21.06.1910 35 Address given as 28 Castle St, Brierfield

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No headstones were found for either grave.77 In 1881 Mary Ellen lived in Exchange Street, Tottington Higher End, Lancashire. Benjamin Ernest & Mary Ellen had the following children: 27 i. John Hughes (1895-~1946) 28 ii. James (1897-~1967) iii. Martha was born abt 1901 in Brierfield, Lancashire and lived with her parents in 1901 at 4 Humphrey St, Brierfield, Lancashire.81

Martha YOXALL & James FLETCHER

The 1911 census records Martha with her father Benjamin Ernest YOXALL and stepmother M

family and descendants of peter yoxall & martha brereton · causey foot, little marsden,...

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