Pentecost Family Profile

A concise, source‑grounded portrait of the Pentecost family — immigrants, professionals, and the next generation who made their lives in Toronto and beyond.

Family Overview

The Pentecost family traces roots from England and the United States to Toronto, Ontario. Key family members include Ashton Spencer Pentecost and his wife Agnes Elizabeth D'Eye Pentecost, and their children Norman, Hazel, Agnes Ruth, and Marjorie. Several family events — births, marriages, occupations, and burials — are documented in archival records and contemporary newspapers.

Quick timeline

Ashton born 1863 Agnes D'Eye born 1864 Marriage 1884 (Chicago) Children 1884–1896 Norman died 1917 (France) Ashton died 1936 (Toronto) Agnes died 1946 (Toronto)

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Ashton Spencer Pentecost

Born: 25 Feb 1863 — Died: 10 Dec 1936 — Occupation: Architect

Ashton emigrated from England and worked as an architect in Toronto. He is recorded in the 1911 census as residing at 93 Charles St. East and later at 39 Wheeler Avenue. His obituary appeared in the Toronto Star following his death in December 1936.

"Pentecost - On Thursday, December 10th, Spencer Ashton, dearly beloved husband of Agnes E. Pentecost, 39 Wheeler avenue, and father of Mrs. A.H. Wilson; Mrs. E.D. Shaw: in his 74th year."

Notes: Worked as an architect for many years; burial at St. John's Cemetery is recorded.

Agnes Elizabeth D'Eye Pentecost

Born: 13 Oct 1864 (Watton, Norfolk, England) — Died: 4 Feb 1946 (Toronto)

Agnes was born in Watton, Norfolk, and immigrated to Canada in 1882. Census records show her living in Toronto by 1911; her obituary and burial are documented in Toronto newspapers and cemetery records.

"On Monday, Feb. 4, 1946, at Toronto, Agnes E. D'Eye, wife of the late Ashton Pentecost, and mother of Mrs. E.D. Shaw (Marjorie), of Philadelphia, U.S.A."

Notes: Buried at St. John's Norway, Toronto.

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Children and Next Generation

Norman Ashton Pentecost

Born: 4 Dec 1884 (Chicago) — Died: 9 Apr 1917 (France)

Norman served and died during World War I; military burial records place him in Pas‑de‑Calais.

"He was buried at the Nine Elms Military Cemetery in Pas de Calais, France in 1917."

Hazel Madge Pentecost (Mrs. Arthur H. Wilson)

Born: 1 Jul 1887 (Chicago) — Died: 1 Jun 1945 (Toronto)

Hazel worked professionally as an accountant and later settled in Toronto; she married Arthur Harold Wilson in 1915 and had one daughter, Vivienne Louise Wilson.

"She worked as an accountant on 21 Jun 1911 in Toronto, York, Ontario, Canada."

Buried at Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

Agnes Ruth Pentecost

Born: circa 1890 (Chicago) — Died: 24 Jun 1903 (Toronto)

Agnes Ruth died young; death records list diabetes and heart disease as causes and show burial at St. John's Norway in Toronto.

"Cause of Death: diabetes/heart disease."

Marjorie Pentecost (Mrs. E.D. Shaw)

Born: Oct 1896 (USA)

Marjorie appears in the 1911 Toronto census with the family and later is referenced in Agnes's obituary as living in Philadelphia (Mrs. E.D. Shaw).

"She was Anglican on 21 Jun 1911 in Toronto, York, Ontario, Canada."

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Granddaughter: Vivienne Louise Wilson

Vivienne Louise Wilson

Born: 6 Aug 1919 — Died: 5 Mar 1940 (Toronto)

Vivienne, daughter of Hazel and Arthur Wilson, worked as a stenographer in Toronto. Her death in 1940 was reported in contemporary newspapers and the coroner's report concluded drowning, possibly following electric shock.

"Vivienne Wilson, pretty 20-year-old stenographer, was electrocuted or drowned while taking a bath at her home today."

Buried at Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

Profile: The Family of John Westwell and Ann Ashworth of Blackburn, Lancashire

In the early decades of the 19th century, as Lancashire’s cotton towns surged with industrial growth, John Westwell and Ann Ashworth built a large and deeply rooted family whose lives unfolded almost entirely within the streets, mills, and terraces of Blackburn. Their story — and that of their nine children — reflects the rhythms of working‑class life in Victorian Lancashire: long hours in the mills, crowded housing, shifting fortunes, and the resilience of families who endured hardship together.

John Westwell (c.1809–1874)

Cotton Spinner of Blackburn

John was born around 1809, reportedly in Houghton, Lancashire. By the time he married, he was already working in the cotton industry — a trade he would follow for more than forty years. His marriage record describes him simply as a spinner on 26 February 1832 in Blackburn.
“He worked as a spinner on 26 Feb 1832 in Blackburn, Lancashire, England.” (John Westwell report)

He married Ann Ashworth on 26 February 1832 at Blackburn Parish Church. The marriage entry notes that it was Marriage by Baans (banns), a standard form of Anglican marriage at the time.

Throughout his life, John appears in the records as a steady mill worker, moving between addresses typical of Blackburn’s industrial neighborhoods: Pict Street (1841), Mop Street (1851), Jack House, Oswaldtwistle (1861), and Broad Carr (1871). In 1841 he is listed as a cotton spinner living at Pict Street, Blackburn.
“He resided at Pict Street in 1841 in Blackburn, Lancashire, England.” (John Westwell report)

John died on 20 January 1874 in Blackburn. His cause of death was recorded as bronchial asthma, and he was buried at Blackburn Cemetery on 24 January 1874, in grave reference K/E/12210.

Ann Ashworth (c.1811–1894)

Housekeeper, Dressmaker, and Matriarch

Ann was born around 1811 in Preston, Lancashire, though her records show several conflicting birth years: Cir 1811, Cir 1814, Cir 1819, and Cir 1821 all appear in different sources.
“She has conflicting birth information of Cir 1814 in Preston, Lancashire, England.” (Ann Ashworth report)

Like many working‑class women of the era, she adapted her skills to the needs of her household and community. In 1851 she is listed as a housekeeper, and by 1861 she was working as a dressmaker in Blackburn. She appears at a series of addresses over the decades, including Pict Street, Mop Street, Jack House, Oswaldtwistle, Broad Carr, and later Trinity Street and Larkhill.

Ann outlived her husband by twenty years. She died on 9 January 1894 at 87 Larkhill, Blackburn, her cause of death recorded as pneumonia, and was buried at Blackburn Cemetery on 12 January 1894, in the same grave reference K/E/12210 as John.
“She was buried at the Blackburn Cemetery in Blackburn, Lancashire, England on 12 Jan 1894. Grave ref K/E/12210.” (Ann Ashworth report)

Children of John Westwell & Ann Ashworth

John and Ann raised nine children, born between about 1832 and 1852. Their lives collectively paint a vivid picture of Victorian Blackburn — mill work, early deaths, large families, and in some cases, brushes with the law.

1. James Westwell (c.1832–1877)

James was born around 1832 and baptized on 13 January 1833 at Blackburn. As a young man he followed his father into the mills, working first as a cotton spinner and later rising to the position of spinning master. In 1851 he is listed as a cotton spinner living at Mop Street, Blackburn.
“He worked as a cotton spinner in 1851 in Blackburn, Lancashire, England.” (James Westwell report)

He married Sarah Ainsworth on 8 June 1854 in Blackburn, a marriage recorded as Marriage by Baans. Together they had a large family, with at least eleven children named in the records.

James died on 23 January 1877 in Blackburn. His cause of death was recorded as epilepsy, which he had suffered for several years:

“According to death record, had epilepsy for 4 years prior to death.”

— James Westwell individual report

He was buried at Blackburn Cemetery on 27 January 1877, grave reference K/E/12150.

2. Benjamin Westwell (c.1834–1859)

Benjamin was born around 1834 and appears in the 1841 census at Pict Street with his parents. By 1851 he was working as a cotton piecer and living at Mop Street, Blackburn.
“He worked as a cotton piecer in 1851 in Blackburn, Lancashire, England.” (Benjamin Westwell report)

He married Elizabeth Talbot on 16 June 1853 in Blackburn, a marriage noted as Marriage by banns, and they had three children.

Benjamin died on 23 November 1859 in Blackburn at about 25 years of age. His cause of death was recorded as gastric fever, and he was buried at Blackburn Cemetery on 27 November 1859, in grave K/E/12211.

3. Mary Westwell (c.1836–1901)

Mary was baptized on 18 September 1836 at Blackburn. She appears in the 1841 census at Pict Street and in 1851 at Mop Street, where she is recorded as a cotton winder.
“She worked as a cotton winder in 1851 in Blackburn, Lancashire, England.” (Mary Westwell report)

On 18 May 1856, Mary married Thomas Harrison at Holy Trinity Church, Blackburn. The marriage notes state simply: Marriage in the Holy Trinity Church, Blackburn.

Mary and Thomas raised a large family, and Mary remained closely tied to Trinity Street for decades, appearing at 28 Trinity Street in 1861 and 1871, and at 34 Trinity Street in 1881 and 1891.

She died on 2 July 1901 at 65 East Park Road, Blackburn. Her cause of death was recorded as osteo‑arthritis (9 years) and gastritis (2 months). She was buried at Blackburn Cemetery on 6 July 1901.

4. Robert Westwell (1838–1893)

Robert was born on 17 November 1838 in Blackburn and baptized on 31 March 1839 at St. Mary‑the‑Virgin. He appears as a child at Pict Street in 1841 and as a cotton creeler at Mop Street in 1851.
“He worked as a cotton creeler in 1851 in Blackburn, Lancashire, England.” (Robert Westwell report)

Over his working life he is variously described as a cotton spinner, piecer, and later a spinning master. He married Elizabeth Glover on 19 September 1863 at Haslingden, Lancashire, a marriage recorded as Marriage by banns.

Robert and Elizabeth had five children: Mary Ann, Eleanor, Robert, Elizabeth Jane, and Martha. The family lived at several addresses in Blackburn, including 42 Chester Street, 21 Dewhurst Street, and 30/32 Chester Street.

Robert died on 4 June 1893 in Blackburn. His death certificate gives the cause as pneumonia, duration two days, certified by James Atchison.
“Cause of Death: pneumonia… Duration: 2 days.” (Robert Westwell report)

He was buried at Blackburn Cemetery on 8 June 1893, in Section 6, Grave 9529.

5. Isaac Westwell (1841–1843)

Isaac was born on 30 January 1841 in Blackburn. His birth is documented by a civil birth certificate, and he appears in the 1841 census at Pict Street with his parents.
“He resided at Pict Street in 1841 in Blackburn, Lancashire, England.” (Isaac Westwell report)

Isaac died on 22 February 1843 in Blackburn, his cause of death recorded as measles. He was buried on 25 February 1843 at Blackburn.

6. Joseph Westwell (1845–1878)

Joseph was born on 4 March 1845 in Blackburn and baptized on 6 April 1845. As a youth he appears at Mop Street in 1851 and Jack House, Oswaldtwistle in 1861, working as a piecer and later a cotton spinner.
“He worked as a piecer in 1861 in Blackburn, Lancashire, England.” (Joseph Westwell report)

On 27 February 1869, Joseph married Mary Clegg at Oswaldtwistle. At that time he was a spinner living at Ram’s Clough.

By the time of his death, Joseph was described as a farmer residing at the Coach and Horses, Ramsclough, Oswaldtwistle. He died on 18 April 1878 of cephalitis and was buried at Immanuel Churchyard, Oswaldtwistle, on 23 April 1878.

7. Elijah Westwell (1848–1907)

Elijah was born on 30 April 1848 in Blackburn and baptized on 14 May 1848. As a child he appears at Mop Street in 1851 and Jack House, Oswaldtwistle in 1861, working as a scholar and later a piecer.
“He worked as a piecer in 1861 in Blackburn, Lancashire, England.” (Elijah Westwell report)

He married Ellen Cunliffe on 24 September 1870 in Oswaldtwistle and continued to work as a cotton spinner and labourer. However, Elijah’s life took a darker turn in the 1890s, when he appeared in several newspaper reports and criminal records.

In 1897 he was charged with stealing a mare at Blackburn Fair. The Liverpool press reported:

“The jury found the prisoner guilty, and he was sentenced to twelve months’ hard labour.”

— Evening Express, 28 Jul 1897 (quoted in Elijah Westwell report)

Elijah’s physical description from the criminal records is striking: height 5' 4½", grey hair, blue eyes, with scars on his eyebrow, forehead, and right eyelid, and contracted fingers.

He died on 28 January 1907 at the Union Workhouse, Blackburn, his occupation given as a cattle drover. His cause of death was cerebral haemorrhage, and he was buried at Blackburn Cemetery on 1 February 1907, in the family grave K/E/12210.

8. John Thomas Westwell (1850–1922)

John Thomas was born on 10 September 1850 in Blackburn and baptized on 6 October 1850. As a boy he appears at Mop Street in 1851 and Jack House, Oswaldtwistle in 1861, where he is recorded as a creeler.
“He worked as a creeler in 1861 in Blackburn, Lancashire, England.” (John Thomas Westwell report)

He spent most of his life as a cotton spinner, living at addresses such as Broad Carr, Billings Street, Chester Street, Withers Street, and George Street East in Blackburn.

John Thomas married Alice Butterworth on 2 August 1873 in Oswaldtwistle (marriage by banns), and they had at least five children. After Alice’s death, he married Elizabeth Ellen McGrath on 2 April 1910 at the Register Office in Blackburn.

He died on 2 October 1922 at 55 Parkinson Street, Blackburn. His death certificate records the cause as acute bronchitis/pulmonary congestion with cardiac muscle failure, and at that time he was working as a joiner’s labourer. He was buried at Blackburn Cemetery on 5 October 1922.

9. William Henry Westwell (1852–after 1883)

William Henry was born on 28 September 1852 in Blackburn. As a child he appears at Stanley Street Terrace and later at Jack House, Oswaldtwistle, working as a creeler and then a cotton spinner.
“He worked as a creeler in 1861 in Blackburn, Lancashire, England.” (William Henry Westwell report)

On 4 July 1874, he married Mary Ann Edleston at St. Thomas Church, Blackburn, a marriage noted as Marriage by Banns. They had at least one daughter, Elizabeth.

William Henry’s adult life was marked by repeated brushes with the law. In 1875 he was convicted of violently assaulting his wife:

“When they got to a lonely spot he attacked her, knocked her down, and kicked her severely about the legs. The Bench sent him to gaol for three months.”

— The Manchester Guardian, 1 Feb 1875 (quoted in William Henry Westwell report)

In 1883 he was again before the courts, this time for stealing money from his cousin, Elijah Ashworth, in a case that reached the Preston Sessions:

“He was sentenced to four calendar months imprisonment.”

— Preston Chronicle and Lancashire Advertiser, 7 Apr 1883 (quoted in William Henry Westwell report)

The records do not clearly state his date of death, but they leave a vivid impression of a man whose life diverged sharply from the more stable paths of some of his siblings.

Conclusion

The family of John Westwell and Ann Ashworth represents a quintessential Lancashire mill family — hardworking, tightly clustered in the same neighborhoods, and deeply shaped by the industrial world around them. From Pict Street and Mop Street to Trinity Street, Chester Street, and the lanes of Oswaldtwistle, their lives were woven into the fabric of Blackburn’s cotton economy.

Their descendants spread across Blackburn and beyond, carrying forward the legacy of a family that weathered poverty, illness, tragedy, and the relentless demands of mill life. In the records they left behind — certificates, census entries, burial registers, and newspaper reports — we can still trace their voices, their struggles, and their enduring presence in the story of Lancashire.

Profile: John Taylor and Jane Whittle Family

🧬 John Taylor & Jane Whittle: A Lancashire Family in the Industrial Age

John Taylor and Jane Whittle lived through the heart of England’s industrial transformation, raising a large family in Blackburn, Lancashire. Their story, stitched together from baptismal records, census data, and death certificates, offers a vivid glimpse into working-class life in mid-19th century northern England.

👤 John Taylor (circa 1820 – 20 March 1861)

Born around 1820 in Heywood, Lancashire, John Taylor was baptized on 25 March 1820 at the local Church of England parish. He spent much of his adult life in Blackburn, where he worked variously as a labourer and a striker in a foundry. His residences included Sutton Street, Eanam, Brook Street, Quarry Street, Syke Street, Daisy Street, and Turner Lane—each address marking a chapter in his working life.

John died of influenza on 20 March 1861 and was buried four days later in Blackburn Cemetery. At the time of his death, he was living at 25 Daisy Street and working as a striker for blacksmiths.

👤 Jane Whittle (8 November 1823 – 25 June 1861)

Jane Whittle was born in Blackburn on 8 November 1823. She married John Taylor on 22 May 1842 in Blackburn. Like many women of her time, Jane’s life is traced primarily through her roles as wife and mother, appearing in census records and baptismal entries for her children. She died just three months after her husband, on 25 June 1861.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Children of John Taylor and Jane Whittle

John and Jane had nine children, many of whom lived short lives—a poignant reminder of the era’s high child mortality rates.

#	Name	Birth–Death	Notes
1	Mary Ann Taylor	1843–1846	Died young
2	James Taylor	1845–1893	Married Alice Ann Rothwell in 1864
3	Mary Elizabeth Taylor	1848–1855	Died at age 7
4	Ellen Taylor	1851–1851	Died in infancy
5	John Taylor	b. 14 Dec 1852	Cotton spinner in 1871; possibly married Martha Ann Bulcock
6	Rachel Taylor	1855–1855	Died in infancy
7	Charles Taylor	1856–1939	Had a long life; served in the Royal Navy
8	William Taylor	1859–1859	Died in infancy
9	Thomas Taylor	1861–1861	Died shortly after birth

🧵 Threads of Continuity

John and Jane’s son, John Taylor (b. 1852), appears in the 1861 census living with his maternal grandparents, John and Ellen Whittle, following the death of both parents earlier that year. By 1871, he was living with his brother James and sister-in-law Alice Ann Rothwell, working as a cotton spinner. Later records are harder to confirm due to the commonality of his name, though a possible marriage to Martha Ann Bulcock has surfaced through Ancestry hints.

🪦 Final Resting Places

Both John and Jane were buried in Blackburn Cemetery, their deaths occurring just months apart in 1861—a tragic year for the family.

Profile: Charles Taylor (1856-1939)

🧭 Ancestor Profile: Charles Taylor (1856–1939)

Born in the heart of industrial Lancashire, Charles Taylor’s life journey spanned the Victorian era, two world wars, and the evolution of Britain’s maritime strength. His story is one of service, movement, and resilience—woven through census records, certificates, and naval assignments.

🧒 Early Life in Blackburn

Charles Taylor was born on 13 August 1856 in Blackburn, Lancashire, England^[1]. He was baptized just two weeks later on 27 August at the local Church of England parish^[2]. His parents, John Taylor (circa 1820–1861)^{[14][15][16][17]} and Jane Whittle (1823–1861)^{[3][18][19][20]}, both passed away when Charles was still a child, leaving him to navigate early life in a rapidly changing industrial town.

By 1861, Charles was living at 49 Forrest Street in Blackburn and attending school^[3]. A decade later, he had moved to Accrington, still a scholar, residing at 29 Canary Street^[4].

⚓ A Life at Sea

Charles’s maritime career began in earnest with his marriage to Eliza Aylward on 28 August 1877 in Portsea, Hampshire^[5]—a naval hub that likely influenced his path. In his marriage record he was recorded aboard H.M.S. Excellent, working as a seaman^[5].

Over the next decades, Charles rose through the ranks:

• 1881: Leading Seaman aboard H.M.S. Boadicea^[6]
• 1891: Seaman and Coast Guard in Tynemouth, Northumberland^[7]
• 1901: Chief Boatman, Coast Guard in Cromer, Norfolk^[8]
• 1911: Chief Officer, Coast Guard in Barton Under Humber, Lincolnshire^[9]
• 1921: Retired Coast Guard Officer in Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire^[10]

His postings reflect the strategic coastal locations vital to Britain’s naval defense, and his steady advancement suggests a respected career.

🏡 Family and Residences

Charles and Eliza had at least two children:

• Elizabeth J. Taylor (born circa 1879)^[7][24]
• Frederick Charles Taylor (born circa 1886)^[9]

The family moved frequently, following Charles’s assignments:

• Tynemouth (1891)^[7]
• Cromer (1901)^[8]
• North Somercotes (1907)^[12]
• Barton Under Humber (1911)^[9]
• Cleethorpes (1921–1939)^[10][11]

Eliza passed away on 3 August 1907 in Louth, Lincolnshire and was buried in North Somercotes Cemetery^[12][13].

🕊 Final Years

Charles spent his final years in Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire, residing at Twining Place. He died on 3 January 1939 of bronchio pneumonia^[11], closing a chapter that had begun in the smoky mills of Blackburn and ended on the quiet coast of Lincolnshire.

📚 Source Citations

1. Birth certificate, 13 Aug 1856 – GRO, Blackburn
2. Baptism record – Blackburn Church of England
3. 1861 England census – Blackburn
4. 1871 England census – Accrington
5. Marriage certificate – Portsea, Hampshire
6. 1881 England census – Royal Navy
7. 1891 England census – Tynemouth
8. 1901 England census – Cromer
9. 1911 England census – Barton Under Humber
10. 1921 England census – Cleethorpes
11. Death certificate – 3 Jan 1939, Cleethorpes
12. Death certificate – Eliza Taylor, 3 Aug 1907
13. North Somercotes Cemetery record
14. Baptism record – John Taylor
15. 1851 England census – Blackburn
16. Death certificate – John Taylor, 1861
17. Deceased Online – John Taylor
18. Baptism record – Jane Whittle
19. Birth certificate – Jane Whittle
20. 1841 England census – Blackburn
21. Birth certificate – Eliza Aylward
22. 1861 England census – Portsea Island
23. 1871 England census – Portsea Island
24. 1881 England census – Portsea Island

Profile: Alice Hacking (ca 1807-1889)

Alice Hacking (circa 1807–1889)
Name: Alice Hacking
Gender: Female
Birth: Circa 1807, Clitheroe, Lancashire, England
Death: 4 November 1889, Blackburn, Lancashire, England
Burial: 7 November 1889, Blackburn Cemetery, Lancashire

Life and Residences
Alice Hacking lived a full life across various addresses in Blackburn, Lancashire. Her movements reflect the changing landscape of industrial England and the realities of working-class life in the 19th century:

• 1841: High Street, Blackburn
• 1844: Back Lane, Blackburn
• 1846: 38 Salford, Blackburn
• 1851: Ewood Bridge, Blackburn
• 1861: 6 Swarbrick Street, Blackburn
• 1871: 33 Peter Street, Blackburn
• 1881: 146 Cleaver Street, Blackburn
• 1889: 69 Alker Street, Blackburn (final residence)

Marriage and Family
Alice married Henry Rothwell on 22 July 1833 in Blackburn. Together, they had nine children:

• Nancy Rothwell (b. 1828)
• Richard Rothwell (c. 1834–1844)
• James Hacking Ratcliffe Rothwell (b. 1835)
• Mary Rothwell (c. 1836–1903)
• Henry Rothwell (c. 1838–1840)
• Martha Alice Rothwell (1840–1899)
• Ellen Rothwell (1842–1844)
• Alice Ann Rothwell (1844–1872)
• Elizabeth Rothwell (b. 1846)

Her children’s lives spanned various paths, with some marrying and others passing away young—a poignant reminder of the era’s harsh realities.

Conflicting Birth Records
There are conflicting records regarding Alice’s birth year. While most sources suggest circa 1807, one record indicates circa 1810. This discrepancy is common in early 19th-century documentation and adds complexity to genealogical research.

Final Days
Alice passed away on 4 November 1889 in Blackburn. Her death certificate cites a strangulated hernia and exhaustion after a 12-day illness. She was laid to rest three days later in Blackburn Cemetery.

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Sources

• Census: Blackburn, Lancashire, folio 4, page 1 [D01529]
• 1851 Census: Haslingden, Lancashire, folio 244, page 14 [D01628]
• 1861 Census: Blackburn, Lancashire, folio 100, page 27 [D01602]
• 1871 Census: Blackburn, Lancashire, folio 75, page 25 [D02674]
• 1881 Census: Blackburn, Lancashire, folio 24, page 41 [D01347]
• Death Certificate: England and Wales, 4 Nov 1889, Blackburn [D02683]
• Burial Record: Blackburn Cemetery, 7 Nov 1889 [D02680]

Profile: Henry Rothwell 1811-1875

Ancestor Profile: Henry Rothwell (1811–1875)

Birth & Early Life
Henry Rothwell was born on 1 August 1811 in the market town of Haslingden, nestled in the rolling hills of Lancashire, England. He was baptized just a few months later on 20 October 1811 at the local parish church, marking the beginning of a life deeply rooted in the industrial heart of northern England. He was the son of Richard and Mary Rothwell, whose own stories remain elusive in the historical record.

Marriage & Family
On 22 July 1833, Henry married Alice Hacking in Blackburn, Lancashire. Their union spanned over four decades and produced nine children:

• Nancy Rothwell (b. 1828)
• Richard Rothwell (c.1834–1844)
• James Hacking Ratcliffe Rothwell (b. 1835)
• Mary Rothwell (c.1836–1903)
• Henry Rothwell (c.1838–1840)
• Martha Alice Rothwell (1840–1899)
• Ellen Rothwell (1842–1844)
• Alice Ann Rothwell (1844–1872)
• Elizabeth Rothwell (b. 1846)

Their family life was marked by both joy and sorrow, with several children passing away young—a common tragedy in Victorian England.

Occupational Journey
Henry’s working life paints a vivid picture of the laboring class in 19th-century Lancashire. He held a variety of roles, each reflecting the gritty resilience of a man who adapted to the demands of a rapidly industrializing society:

• Horsekeeper & Ostler (1833–1836): Early records show Henry working with horses, a vital role in transportation and trade.
• Porter & Carter (1840s–1870s): He transitioned into roles involving the movement of goods, often recorded as a carter or porter in Blackburn.
• Labourer & Foundry Worker: By the 1860s, Henry was employed in a foundry, contributing to the industrial backbone of the region.

His residences—High Street, Back Lane, Salford, Ewood Bridge, Swarbrick Street, and Peter Street—map a life spent in the bustling neighborhoods of Blackburn.

Final Years & Death
Henry in a hotel in Blackpool, Lancashire on 25 July 1875 while vacationing there. The cause was broncho-pneumonia, a respiratory illness that claimed many lives in the era before antibiotics.

He was laid to rest on 28 July 1875 at Blackburn Cemetery, a final return to the town that had shaped his life.

Legacy
Henry Rothwell’s story is one of perseverance, family, and quiet strength. Through decades of hard labor and personal loss, he helped build the foundations of modern Blackburn. His descendants carry forward the legacy of a man who lived humbly but left a lasting mark.

Profile: Mary Alice Taylor Lee

Ancestor Profile: Mary Alice Taylor Lee (1867–1938)
Born into the heart of industrial Lancashire, Mary Alice Taylor Lee lived a life woven into the fabric of Blackburn’s working-class history. Her story is one of resilience, family, and quiet strength—an enduring legacy that echoes through generations.

Early Life
Mary Alice Taylor was born on January 7, 1867, in Blackburn, Lancashire, England. She was baptized just weeks later on January 27 at a Church of England parish in Blackburn. Her parents were James Taylor (1845–1893) and Alice Ann Rothwell (1844–1872).

In the 1871 census, Mary is listed as a scholar living at 42 Milham Street. Her mother’s death in 1872 likely had a profound impact on her early life.

Working Years
Mary entered the workforce early, appearing in the 1881 census as a cotton weaver residing at 11 New Mill Street. She continued this occupation through the 1891 census, where she was listed as a lodger at 133 Cleaver Street, living with her sister and brother-in-law.

By 1901, she lived at 57 Moss Street, and in 1911, she was still working as a weaver. The 1921 census shows a shift—her occupation is listed as home duties, and she resided at 9 Progress Street.

Marriage & Family
Mary married Thomas Lee (circa 1866–circa 1946) on August 8, 1891, at St. Michael and All Angels Church in Blackburn. Together, they had four children:

• Eliza Alice Lee (b. circa 1893)
• James Lee (b. circa 1895)
• Clara Lee (b. circa 1902)
• Robert Lee (b. circa 1903)

Final Years & Legacy
Mary passed away on November 17, 1938, at 42 Derby Street, Blackburn. Her cause of death was listed as cerebral haemorrhage and bronchitis. She was buried on November 22 at Blackburn Cemetery.

Her life—documented through birth, marriage, death certificates, and census records—offers a vivid portrait of a woman who weathered the challenges of industrial England, raised a family, and contributed to the legacy of a town built on labor and love.

Source Citations

• Birth Certificate: England and Wales, GRO Southport
• Baptism Record: Church of England, Blackburn
• Marriage Record: St. Michael and All Angels, Blackburn
• Death Certificate: England and Wales, GRO Southport
• Burial Record: Deceased Online
• Census Records: 1871, 1881, 1891, 1901, 1911, 1921
• Father's Baptism & Census: 1851, 1861
• Mother's Birth Certificate: GRO Southport

Profile: The Bass Family

The Bass Lineage: A Weaver’s Legacy in Blackburn

When Mary Alice Rawcliffe Rothwell married John Bass on 2 March 1882 at the Furthergate Congregational Church, she laid the foundation for a new chapter in the Rawcliffe family story — one that continued to spin its threads in Blackburn’s weaving sheds and bustling neighborhoods.

John Bass, born around 1861, shared Mary Alice’s industrious spirit, and together they raised a large family against the backdrop of cotton mills and rapidly changing times. Their first child, Aquila Bass, arrived the same year they married, in 1882. Though his life was heartbreakingly short — he passed away in 1890 — he was the forerunner of a line that would carry the Bass name into the 20th century.

The couple’s second child, Martha Bass, born around 1885, also died in infancy. Despite these early losses, the family continued to grow. Their daughter Alice (born circa 1887) and son Samuel (born around 1888) would have come of age as Blackburn navigated the final decades of the Victorian era. The family's resilience was evident as they moved from Alker Street to Cook Street, where Mary Alice lived out her final years.

The youngest children — Harry, William, and Elizabeth Bass — were born between the mid-1890s and 1899. Records indicate Harry passed away in childhood, but William and Elizabeth likely saw the dawn of modern Britain, shaped by the industrial landscape their parents had known so intimately.

Living at 18 Cook Street by 1911, Mary Alice managed a household that had endured hardship yet remained rooted in love, labor, and endurance. Her death in 1916 at that address marked the end of an era, but the Bass children and their descendants would carry her legacy forward.

Though their stories are still unfolding, the Bass family’s roots in Blackburn are planted deep in the same soil that nourished the Rawcliffes — a testament to endurance, work ethic, and the bonds of kinship.

Profile: Rawcliffe Family

The Rawcliffe Family of Blackburn: A Legacy Woven Through Lancashire’s Cotton Mills

The Rawcliffe family story unfolds in the heart of industrial Lancashire, where weaving looms, cobbled streets, and a tightly knit community defined the rhythms of life. At its center stands Martha Alice Rothwell, born on 25 April 1840 in Blackburn, to Henry Rothwell and Alice Hacking. Although her birth year fluctuates across records—from 1837 to 1841—what remains constant is her enduring presence in Blackburn’s working-class fabric, quite literally: she was a cotton weaver her entire adult life.

In 1864, Martha married Samuel Rawcliffe at St. Michael’s Church in Blackburn. Samuel, likely born around 1839, also in Blackburn, worked variously as a labourer, carter, and general haulier. The pair shared a life that saw them move through multiple addresses—Alker Street, Swarbrick Street, Cob Street—places which map the flow of Lancashire’s industrial heartbeat. They remained in Blackburn throughout their lives and were residing on Birley Street when Martha passed away on 22 July 1899, following a cerebral apoplexy. Samuel, still living and working at the same address as a carter at the time, faded from official records not long afterward.

Together, Martha and Samuel had one biological daughter, Mary Alice Rawcliffe Rothwell, born 1 May 1861 at Union Buildings, Blackburn. Her middle name, Rothwell, perhaps signifies the importance of her maternal lineage. Like her mother, Mary Alice entered the weaving trade, working half-time by the age of ten. Over the years, she lived mostly on Alker Street and Cook Street before her death on 15 February 1916 due to a cerebral hemorrhage. She married John Bass in 1882 at the Furthergate Congregational Church. Their seven children included Aquila, Martha, Alice, Samuel, Harry, William, and Elizabeth—a testament to a thriving family legacy rooted firmly in Blackburn.


The Rawcliffe family profile—built from scattered census entries, occupational listings, church records, and burial sites—forms a poignant and richly textured tapestry of working-class resilience. Their story, while deeply local to Blackburn, echoes the larger narrative of 19th-century English industrial life: anchored by hard labour, uplifted by family, and quietly heroic in its constancy.

The Bass Family: A Story of Strength and Legacy in Blackburn

The Bass family of Blackburn, Lancashire, represents a rich historical narrative woven into the fabric of England’s industrial past. Their story is one of hard work, resilience, and deep family connections, spanning generations and shifting through the changing landscape of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

John Bass & Mary Alice Rawcliffe Bass: A Union of Two Legacies
John Bass married Mary Alice Rawcliffe Rothwell on March 2, 1882, in Blackburn, Lancashire, as recorded in official marriage documents [D02686].

Mary Alice was born on May 1, 1861, and baptized in Blackburn, England [D09287, D09294]. Her life was deeply connected to the working-class realities of Blackburn, a town shaped by the demands of the textile industry and evolving urban development.

The couple resided in multiple locations throughout Blackburn, as documented in the 1891, 1901, and 1911 censuses [D09289, D09290, D09291]. They established a home at 30 Cook Street, where their lives intertwined with the growing industrial presence of the town.

The Children of John and Mary Alice Bass
The Bass family was blessed with children who grew up amidst the bustling streets of Blackburn, each contributing to the family’s legacy in unique ways:

• Aquilla Bass (circa 1881-1890)
• Martha Bass (1885-1885)
• Alice Bass (circa 1887 - ?)
• Samuel Bass (circa 1888 - ?)
• Harry Bass (circa 1895 - 1899)
• William Bass (circa 1897 - ?)
• Elizabeth Bass (circa 1899 - ?)

The presence of the Bass children in the household is noted in various census documents, tracing their journey from childhood to adulthood within the industrial town.

A Life of Transition: Mary Alice’s Final Years
Mary Alice passed away on February 15, 1916, in Blackburn. Her death certificate confirms the event, reflecting the closing chapter of her enduring journey [D09292]. She was later laid to rest in Blackburn, as documented in burial records [D09293].

A Family’s Mark on Blackburn
The Bass family’s historical footprint is preserved through various records, from marriage certificates to census data. Their journey—from the union of John and Mary Alice to their evolving residence in Blackburn—paints a vivid picture of working-class life in England during a time of change and development.

Their experiences reflect the hardships and triumphs of a family navigating an industrializing world, securing their place within the fabric of Blackburn’s rich history.

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Sources:
[D02686] England and Wales, marriage certificate for John Bass and Mary Alice Rawcliffe Rothwell, married 2 March 1882; citing 08e/546/147, Q1 quarter 1882, Blackburn registration district, Blackburn sub-district; General Register Office, Southport.

[D09287] (Blackburn, Lancashire, England), Lancashire, England, Church of England Births and Baptisms, 1813-1911, "Baptism Record - Mary Alice Rothwell," 3069; digital images, ancestry.ca, ancestry.ca

[D09289] 1891 census of England, Blackburn, Lancashire, England, folio 137, page 14, 87; digital images, Ancestry, Ancestry.ca (accessed 19 May 2025); citing PRO RG 12/3405.

[D09290] 1901 census of England, Blackburn, Lancashire, England, folio 94, page 18, 120; digital images, Ancestry.com (accessed 19 May 2025); citing PRO RG 13/3912.

[D09291] 1911 census of England, 30 Cook Street; digital images, Ancestry.com (accessed 19 May 2025); citing RG 78 PN 25048, RG 14, registration district (RD) Blackburn, sub district (SD) Blackburn Northern, enumeration district (ED) 22, schedule number (SN) 187.

[D09292] England and Wales, death certificate for Mary Alice Rawcliffe Bass, died 15 February 1916; citing 8e/475/29, Q1 quarter 1916, Blackburn registration district, Blackburn sub-district; General Register Office, Southport.

[D09293] (Blackburn, Lancashire, England), "Burial Record - Mary Alice Bass," 46; digital images, Deceased Online, Deceasedonline.com

[D09294] England and Wales, birth certificate for Mary Alice Rothwell, born 1 May 1861; citing 8e/345/214, Q2 quarter 1861, Blackburn registration district, Blackburn sub-district; General Register Office, Southport.

The Slater Family: A Legacy Woven Through Time

In the heart of Blackburn, Lancashire, the Slater family carved out a life defined by resilience, hard work, and an unbreakable bond. Their story spans decades, intertwining with the region’s historic textile industry and the challenges of an evolving world.

Mary Rothwell Slater (1836–1903): A Life of Determination
Born in the bustling town of Blackburn in circa 1836, Mary Rothwell was baptized on September 3, 1836. Like many women of her time, she dedicated her life to weaving—a craft that sustained her from her early years into late adulthood. She worked as a cotton weaver through multiple decades, adjusting to the demands of industry while raising her family.

Mary married George Slater on December 19, 1854, marking the beginning of a partnership that would shape their family’s trajectory. They resided in various homes across Blackburn, moving between Turner Lane, Barnes Street, and Alker Street, each location serving as a backdrop to their growing household.

Later in life, Mary found herself in the Blackburn Union Workhouse, a solemn reality for many elderly individuals during that era. She passed away on November 29, 1903, from senile decay, and was laid to rest in Blackburn Cemetery on December 5, 1903.

George Slater (Born circa 1834): The Weaver’s Journey
George Slater, whose birth records vary between 1832 and 1837, was a lifelong weaver and laborer. His journey reflects the shifting economic landscape of 19th-century Blackburn. Like Mary, he contributed to the cotton industry, working as a weaver in 1854 and continuing this trade for decades.

His family life revolved around Mary and their four children—William Henry, Alma, Margaret Alice, and Rothwell Slater—each of whom carried forward the family’s legacy in their own ways.

The Slater Children: A Generation of Tradesmen and Women
The children of George and Mary Slater grew up surrounded by the sights and sounds of Blackburn’s industrial landscape. They each contributed to the weaving industry at some point in their lives:

• William Henry Slater (Born circa 1856) – From a young age, he worked as a scholar before transitioning into cotton weaving like his parents.
• Alma Slater (Born circa 1858) – Followed in his father’s footsteps, working as a cotton weaver in Blackburn.
• Margaret Alice Slater (Born circa 1859) – A weaver from her youth, she later married John Riches in Feathergate Congregational Church in 1879.
• Rothwell Slater (Born circa 1863) – Like his siblings, Rothwell took up cotton weaving, marking the family’s enduring connection to the textile industry.

A Story of Perseverance
The Slater family’s tale is one of steadfast perseverance, navigating the challenges of industrial Lancashire while ensuring their trade sustained future generations. From the looms of Blackburn’s bustling mills to the hardships of the Union Workhouse, their experiences reflect the larger narrative of working-class life in 19th-century England.

Their legacy—woven into the very fabric of Blackburn’s history—remains a testament to the resilience and strength of families who shaped the world one thread at a time.

Ancestor Profile: Mary Rothwell – A Life Woven Through the Mills of Blackburn

Mary Rothwell was born around 1836 in Blackburn, Lancashire, a town at the heart of the Industrial Revolution’s textile boom. Her baptism on 3 September 1836 at Blackburn’s parish church marks the earliest confirmed record of her life. While multiple documents list varying birth years—from 1833 to 1840—her baptism suggests a birth in mid to late 1836¹.

She was the daughter of Henry Rothwell (c.1812–1875) and Alice Hacking (c.1807–1889), part of a working-class family that endured the trials and transformations of Victorian England.

The Weaver’s World
Mary spent her entire life in Blackburn, where from a young age she worked as a cotton weaver—a common but demanding job for women in Lancashire’s textile mills. In 1851, she was living at Ewood Bridge and already employed in the cotton trade³. Her trade would remain consistent throughout her life, recorded as her occupation in the 1851, 1871, and 1881 censuses³⁵⁸.

On 19 December 1854, Mary married George Slater, another cotton worker, at Blackburn⁴. The couple was living on Turner Lane at the time and both listed weaving as their profession. Their lives were emblematic of the many families who navigated marriage, work, and child-rearing within the constraints of factory schedules and industrial housing.

Home and Family
Mary and George had at least four children:

• William Henry Slater, born around 1856⁹
• Alma Slater, born around 1858⁵
• Margaret Alice Slater, born around 1859⁵
• Rothwell Slater, born around 1863⁸

Their homes shifted over the decades but remained within Blackburn. In 1861, they were living at 9 Barnes Street, and by 1871, they had moved to 85 Alker Street, where they remained at least through 1881⁹⁵⁸.

Decline and the Workhouse
The 1901 census paints a somber picture of Mary’s final years. She was listed as a "chairwoman"—possibly a home-based job or informal labor—and living in the Blackburn Union Workhouse¹⁰. Notably, she was described as a “lunatic”, a label commonly (and often inaccurately) applied in Victorian records to those with mental illness, dementia, or other cognitive challenges.

Mary died on 29 November 1903 at the workhouse (then located at 24 Copperfield Street) from senile decay, an outdated term often referring to age-related mental decline⁶⁷. She was buried in Blackburn Cemetery on 5 December 1903⁶.

George Slater – Husband and Mill Worker
Born around 1834, George Slater shared Mary’s life of weaving and resilience. The son of Lawrence Slater, George also experienced uncertain birth dates ranging from 1832 to 1837²³⁴. Like Mary, his occupation was listed as a cotton weaver across several census decades²³⁴, and he lived with her at their various Blackburn addresses.

Records after the 1881 census grow quiet about George, and it’s unknown whether he passed before Mary or simply left fewer records behind.

Legacy
Mary Rothwell’s life is a vivid example of a 19th-century working-class woman in industrial Britain. From the cotton mills of Blackburn to the workhouse in her later years, Mary endured hardship with persistence typical of many women in her era. Her story, pieced together through historical records, offers a glimpse into the life of a Lancashire cotton weaver and the unspoken struggles of the Victorian poor.

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Sources
1. (Blackburn, Lancashire, England), Lancashire England, Church of England Births and Baptisms 1813-1911, "Baptism Record - Mary Rothwell,"; digital images, ancestry.ca, ancestry.ca [D09244].

2. 1841 census of England, Blackburn, Lancashire, folio 4, page 1, 24; digital images; citing PRO HO 107/502/14. [D01529].

3. 1851 census of England, Haslingden, Lancashire, folio 244, page 14; digital images; citing PRO HO 107/2250. [D01628].

4. England and Wales, marriage certificate for George Slater and Mary Rothwell, married 19 December 1854; citing 08e/503/9, Q4 quarter 1854, Blackburn registration district, Blackburn sub-district; General Register Office, Southport. [D09270].

5. 1871 census of England, Blackburn, Lancashire, England, folio 45, page 27, 134; digital images, Ancestry.ca, Ancestra.ca; citing PRO RG 10/4176. [D09276].

6. England and Wales, death certificate for Mary Slater, died 29 November 1903; citing 08e/292/294, Q4 quarter 1903, Blackburn registration district, Blackburn sub-district; General Register Office, Southport. [D09269].

7. Blackburn Cemetery (Blackburn, Lancashire), order for interment of Mary Slater, 5 December 1903; digital images, Deceased Online, Deceased Online. [D09284].

8. 1881 census of England, Blackburn, Lancashire, England, folio 92, page 34, 128; digital images, Ancestry.ca, Ancestry.ca; citing PRO RG 11/4186. [D09277].

9. 1861 census of England, Blackburn, Lancashire, England, folio 100, page 40, 222; digital images; citing PRO RG 9/3103. [D09275].

10. 1901 census of England, Blackburn, Lancashire, England, folio 131, page 34, 1; digital images, Ancestry.com; citing PRO RG 13/3916. [D09279].

Profile: Ellen Rothwell

Now that I have sorted out the information for Ellen Rothwell and have connected her to the family, I can write up a profile for her.

Ellen Rothwell was born on July 7, 1842, in the historic town of Blackburn, Lancashire, England. A child of Henry Rothwell and Alice Hacking, her brief life story reflects the poignant reality faced by many in the 19th century.

Birth and Baptism: Ellen entered the world on a summer's day in 1842. She was baptized on March 23, 1843, in her hometown of Blackburn. This ceremony, an important rite of passage, marked her initiation into the local church community.

Family Background: Ellen was the beloved daughter of Henry Rothwell (c. 1812-1875(?)) and Alice Hacking (c. 1807-1889(?)). Her father, Henry, lived to see the changing times of the late 19th century, while her mother, Alice, outlived him by more than a decade. Their lives were intertwined with the fabric of Blackburn’s industrial growth.

Tragic Early Death: Sadly, Ellen's life was cut short by consumption, a common term for tuberculosis. She passed away on May 31, 1844, just shy of her second birthday. This devastating illness took a heavy toll on many families during that period. She was laid to rest on June 2, 1844, in Blackburn.

Legacy: Though her time on this earth was brief, Ellen Rothwell's story is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring bonds of family. Her life, though short, remains a vital thread in the rich tapestry of the Rothwell family's history.

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Sources:
[D09228] (Blackburn, Lancashire, England), Lancashire, England, Church of England Births and Baptisms 1813-1911, "Baptism Record – Ellen Rothwell," PR 3037/1/18; digital images, Ancestry.com, Ancestry.com

[D09229] England and Wales, birth certificate for Ellen Rothwell, born 7 July 1842; citing 21/10/228, 3 quarter 1842, Blackburn registration district, Blackburn sub-district; General Register Office, Southport.

[D09230] England and Wales, death certificate, died 31 May 1844; citing 21/19/218, 2 quarter 1844, Blackburn registration district, Blackburn sub-district; General Register Office, Southport.

[D09232] (Blackburn, Lancashire, England), Lancashire, England, Church of England Deaths and Burials, 1813-1986, "Burial Record - Ellen Rothwell," 534; digital images, Ancestry.com, Ancestry.com

Profile: Rachel Taylor 1855-1855

As I have been researching the Rothwell family, I have also come across a child in the connected Taylor family of Blackburn, Lancashire who was born and died in between the census years and therefore did not appear in any census records. I have managed to trace her birth, baptism, death and burial records. I have put together the below profile for Rachel Taylor:

Remembering Rachel Taylor (1855-1855): A Brief Life in Victorian England

In the bustling industrial town of Blackburn, Lancashire, England, in the mid-19th century, a baby girl named Rachel Taylor was born. Rachel entered the world on February 26, 1855, into a family already brimming with life and activity. Her father, John Taylor, and mother, Jane Whittle, were steadfast parents working hard to provide for their growing family. John Taylor worked as a labourer in a foundry.

Rachel was christened just a few weeks later, on March 14, 1855, in Blackburn. As her parents held her close during the baptismal ceremony, they must have been filled with hopes and dreams for their youngest daughter's future.

The Taylor family resided at 25 Daisy Street, a modest home in Blackburn. It was within these walls that Rachel spent her brief but cherished moments. Surrounded by her siblings — James, Mary Elizabeth, Ellen and John - Rachel was part of a close-knit family. Her oldest brother, James, was nearly ten years her senior, while her youngest brother, John, was just a toddler at the time.

Tragically, Rachel's life was cut short by the harsh realities of the time. On September 27, 1855, after just seven months of life, she succumbed to influenza pneumonia, a common and deadly illness in Victorian England. Rachel's passing left a void in the Taylor family, who mourned the loss of their precious daughter and sister.

Rachel was laid to rest on September 30, 1855, in Blackburn. Her brief presence, though fleeting, was deeply felt by those who knew and loved her. The Taylor family's story continued, marked by both the joys and sorrows that characterized life during that era.

As we remember Rachel Taylor, we honor her short but meaningful journey and the love that surrounded her. Her story is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring bonds of family.

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Sources:
[D09238] (Blackburn, Lancashire, England), Lancashire, England, Church of England Deaths and Burials 1813-1986, "Burial Record - Rachel Taylor," 3212; digital images, ancestry.ca, ancestry.ca.

[D09242] (Blackburn, Lancashire, England), Lancashire, England, Church of England Births and Baptisms, 1813-1911, "Baptism Record - Rachel Taylor," 1098; digital images, ancestry.ca, ancestry.ca.

[D09247] England and Wales, birth certificate, born 26 February 1855; citing 08E/284/158, Q1 quarter 1855, Blackburn registration district, Blackburn sub-district; General Register Office, Southport.

[D09249] England and Wales, death certificate for Rachel Taylor, died 27 September 1855; citing 08e/169/132, Q3 quarter 1855, Blackburn registration district, Blackburn sub-district; General Register Office, Southport.

Genealogical Profile: George Forbes (1868–1951)

Genealogical Profile: George Forbes (1868–1951)



Early Life
George Forbes was born on 14 May 1868 in Woolwich, England, to James S. Forbes and Ellen Benson. Little is known about his early childhood, but he immigrated to Canada circa 1880, at the age of 12. This significant move marked the beginning of a life that would span vast distances and diverse occupations.

Religious and Family Life
George was a devoted Roman Catholic, with records of his faith appearing as early as 17 February 1887 in Toronto, York, Ontario, Canada. On 27 February 1897, George married Jane Louisa D’Eye at St. Michael's Cathedral in Toronto. Their union was witnessed by James Forbes and Madeline D’Eye.

Together, George and Jane had three children:

1. George Edgar Augustine D'Eye Forbes (b. 1898)
2. James P. Basil Forbes (b. 1899)
3. Gertrude Ellen Forbes (b. 1901)

Sadly, Jane passed away on 20 January 1905, leaving George to raise their children.

Career
George’s professional life was as varied as his places of residence. He initially worked as a telegraph dispatcher in Toronto (1897) and later served as a train inspector in Edmonton, Alberta, by 1921. Over the years, George developed a long-standing career with the Canadian Pacific Railway (C.P.R.), working as an employee from 1885 to 1928 and holding roles such as dispatcher and train inspector. By the time of his retirement, his dedication to the railway industry was well-established.

In later years, George shifted careers, working as a fruit grower in Naramata, British Columbia by 1945, a region known for its thriving orchards and vineyards. His residence in Naramata reflects a quieter chapter of his life.

Residences and Travels

George’s life was characterized by frequent relocations. He lived in several Canadian provinces, including Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia. Notable residences included:

• 20 Ross Street, Toronto (1897)
• Suite 15 Leamington Mansion, Edmonton (1921)
• Naramata, British Columbia (from at least 1945 until his death)

George also traveled to Seattle, Washington, USA, on 20 December 1945, perhaps reflecting his ties to family, business, or leisure pursuits.

Later Years and Death
In his later years, George resided in British Columbia, where he lived for 23 years. At the time of his death, he had been living in Vancouver for four months at 1970 McNicoll Street. George Forbes passed away on 13 April 1951 in Vancouver due to chronic myocarditis and generalized arteriosclerosis. He was buried at the Ocean View Burial Parkin Burnaby, British Columbia, on 16 April 1951.

Legacy
George Forbes’s life tells a story of perseverance, faith, and adaptability. From his beginnings in Woolwich to his varied career and family life across Canada, George’s journey exemplifies the experience of many immigrants who contributed to the development of their adopted country. His commitment to family, work, and faith continues to be remembered by those who study his life and lineage.

Genealogical Profile: Jane Louisa D'Eye (1868-1905)

Genealogical Profile: Jane Louisa D'Eye (1868-1905)

Birth and Baptism Jane Louisa D'Eye was born on 20 March 1868 in Watton, Norfolk, England. She was baptized shortly after, on 24 March 1868, in her hometown [D01885].

Parents and Family Background Jane was the daughter of George Hastings Rust-D'Eye (1836-1885) and Henrietta Fox Addison (1838-1921). Her family’s lineage connects to English roots, with her father’s death in her teenage years marking a significant moment in her early life.

Early Life In 1871, Jane resided at Wick Lane, Watton, Norfolk, England, and was recorded as a scholar in the census. By 1881, she had moved to Market Place, Swaffham, Norfolk, England, where she was attending a ladies' school as a boarder, continuing her education.

Immigration to Canada On 13 May 1883, Jane immigrated to Canada, arriving in Quebec City, Quebec aboard the SS Oregon. This marked the ship’s second voyage with the Dominion Line. The journey began in Liverpool on 3 May 1883, with a stop in Belfast before crossing the Atlantic. The SS Oregon was a notable ship, launched in 1882 with accommodations for over 1,300 passengers, predominantly in third class. Jane's move to Canada was part of a significant wave of British migration during this period [D02319].

Religious Life Jane’s faith journey saw changes over time. Initially recorded as Church of England in the 1891 census while residing in Toronto Junction, York, Ontario, she converted to Roman Catholicism in February 1897, shortly before her marriage.

Marriage and Family Jane married George Forbes on 27 February 1897 at St. Michael's Cathedral, Toronto, York, Ontario [D01887, D07127]. The ceremony was officiated by Father James P. Tracey. The couple had three children:

1. George Edgar Augustine D'Eye Forbes (b. 1898)
2. James P. Basil Forbes (b. 1899)
3. Gertrude Ellen Forbes (b. 1901)

Life in Canada As a young wife and mother, Jane resided in Toronto Junction, where George worked as part of the C.P.R. dispatching office. Jane’s primary role during these years was that of a housewife, supporting her family.

Health and Death Jane battled phthisis (tuberculosis) and general exhaustion for two years before passing away on 20 January 1905 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada [D07120, D07122]. Her death was reported in the Calgary Herald on 24 January 1905, which noted her lingering illness and the subsequent transport of her remains to Toronto by her husband. She was 36 years old [D07122].

Historical Context and Legacy Jane’s life offers a glimpse into the experiences of young women migrating to Canada during the late 19th century. Her story of resilience, religious conversion, and early death reflects the challenges faced by many settlers during this era. Her descendants, through her three children, carried forward her legacy in Canada.

Conclusion Though Jane’s life was brief, her journey from Norfolk to Canada highlights a narrative of adaptation and endurance. Her story remains a testament to the lives of many women who left their homeland in search of new opportunities and contributed to the fabric of Canadian society.

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Sources:
[D01885] (Watton, Norfolk, England), Norfolk, England, Church of England Births and; digital images, ancestry.com

[D01887] Ontario Archives of Ontario, Ontario, Canada Marriages, MS932; Reel: 91: 121, 1368, Forbes-D'Eye; digital images, Ancestry.ca, "Ontario, Canada Marriages".

[D02319] Canada, "Passenger List - SS Oregon 1882"; C-4532 C-4532, Library and Archives Canada, Ottawa.

[D07120] Alberta Provincial Archives of Alberta, Alberta Canada Deaths Index, 1905: 227; digital image, "Alberta Deaths,".

[D07122] "Local and General," Calgary Herald, 24 Jan 1905, p. 8, col. 3; digital images, newspapers.com.

[D07127] (Ontario, Canada), Ontario, Canada, Roman Catholic Baptisms, Marriages and Burials, "Marriage - George Forbes and Jane D'Eye,"; digital images, FamilySearch.org.

Profile: Francis Ernest Burnet

Francis Ernest Burnet (1889-1918)

Frank Burnet and Louisa Emily Hewett’s eldest child, Francis Ernest Burnett was born on 5 November 1889 [D03783, D04043, D04044, D06723].

With a long history of military involvement, many members of the the Burnet family joined up with the Canadian Expeditionary Forces when the first World War began. Francis Ernest Burnet, the eldest son at twenty-five, was the first of the family to enlist on 12 May 1915 in Saskatoon [D06723]. He was assigned to the 53rd Battalion initially [D06723].

Ernest Burnet arrived in France in June of 1916 and upon arrival was transferred from the 53rd Battalion to the 14th [D06723]. On the 27th September of 1916, at the Battle of the Somme, the 14th Battalion was hit with some heavy losses and Ernest himself received a shrapnel wound in his left arm and was taken to a field hospital. He managed to recover and was able to return to his Battalion by the end of October [D06723].

Meanwhile, Ernest Burnet was still in France, fighting with the 14th at the Battle of Amiens. On the 10th of August, the 14th Battalion was supporting a charge led by the British and suffered heavy machine guns fire. Ernest received gun shot wounds on both hips, which eventually led to his death of septic thrombosis on 20th August 1918 at the age of twenty-eight [D06732]. He was buried in Abbeville, France [D06732] and is commemorated at Veteran’s Memorial Park in Orillia.

Profile: Harold Edwin Burnet

Harold Edwin Burnet (1891-1957)

Frank Burnet and Louisa Emily Hewett’s second child, Harold Edwin was born 21 March 1891 [D04043, D04044, D04061, D06760, D06843].

Harold Burnet moved to Battle River, Alberta prior to world war one and worked as a farmer [D04061, D06757]. He married Juanita Fern Harris on 10 January 1916 in Coronation, Alberta [D06760]. In 1923, Frank and Juanita emigrated to the United States, settling in McKenzie, Washington where he found work as the superintendant of the C.A. Harris sawmill [D06764, D06758, D07293].

Harold continued to work at the sawmill until 1944 when he relocated to Wenatchee, Washington and bought the Cascade Auto Court [D07293]. He sold his interest in the auto court in 1947, investing instead in rental properties in Wenatchee [D07293].

His wife, Juanita died 23 December 1948 [D06755, D06769]. Harold married his second wife, Winnifred Opal Funk on 20 January 1950 [D07262, D07263]. Harold died 29 November 1957 in Hood River, Oregon at the age of sixty-eight [D06764, D07293].  

Profile: John James Douglas (1860-1938)

John James Douglas (1860-1938)

John James Douglas was born 7 November 1860 in Guelph [D00307, D00335, D00766, D00862, D01131, D01559, D01597, D02022, D04768], the third son of Thomas Williams and Sybel Foxwell. When he was about two or three years old, the family moved from Guelph to Owen Sound [D02412]. In Owen Sound, JJ Douglas attended school at what was known at the time as the old Hill Street School, but later renamed Strathcona School [D02412] and is now closed. He later attended the Ottawa Grammar School, where his brother-in-law Joseph McDowall was a teacher [D02412].

In the mid-1870s, the fifteen-year old JJ Douglas began his training as a watchmaker. He returned to Owen Sound from Ottawa briefly before apprenticing in Toronto. After three and a half years in Toronto, he relocated to Bracebridge, Ontario and ran a watchmaking business there for five years [D02412].

He returned to Owen Sound in the 1880s and purchased a forty-foot schooner, named Caliope with his older brother Frederick [D02412]. The two fitted up the boat to serve as a floating jewellery store and watchmaking shop and sailed back and forth between Owen Sound and the north shore of Georgian Bay, doing business with the crews building the Canadian Pacific Railway in Northern Ontario [D02412].

The floating store business lasted for only a short while and J.J.Douglas opened up a jewellery store on Division Street in Owen Sound. He married Janet Highet Kennedy 16 December 1886 in Tara, Bruce County [D05698].

Janet Highet Kennedy was the daughter of Dr. James Kennedy and Margaret Thom and was born about 1866 [D00766, D04771, D01131, D03075, D04772, D06970].

The couple had two children together, Norman Kennedy Douglas, born 29 May 1888 [D00410] and Clarence Cecil Douglas, born 30 January 1890 [D00409]

Around 1896, Janet Douglas became sick with consumption [D02412, D06977, D06981]. JJ Douglas gave up his business and moved the family out to Rat Portage, now known as Kenora, Ontario in an attempt to aid her failing health. Unfortunately the move had the opposite effect and so after a year and a half, the family moved to the warmer climate of Los Angeles, California along with Janet’s mother [D02412, D06977, D06981].

Sadly, the change of climate did not improve her health, and Janet Kennedy Douglas passed on 27 November 1898 in Los Angeles [D01131, D03075, D04772].

Shortly after the death of his wife, JJ Douglas returned to Owen Sound and began working for A.J. Frost, later buying out his business [D02412].

On 29 August 1901, JJ Douglas married his second wife, Edna Pearl Galbraith in Owen Sound [D00862, D02746]. They had twon children, John Gordon Douglas, born 18 April 1906 [D01535] and Helen Henrietta Douglas, born 23 November 1913 [D00465].

In 1910, JJ Douglas partnered with David Creighton Taylor to form the business of Douglas and Taylor Jewellers and Watchmakers [D02412, *]. Douglas and Taylor knew each other from their apprenticing days [*]. The two ran a successful business located at 941 2nd Ave. West in Owen Sound for several years [D04768, D04932, D04934, D04939]. In 1928, both Douglas and Taylor had sons who were of age to being working in the business and so the two dissolved the partnership and went their separate ways [D02412, *].

J.J. Douglas continued on in his business by himself, and became a successful jeweller and watchmaker and was very well-known for his skills throughout Ontario.

On the eventing of Friday 29th July, 1938, J.J. Douglas was returning from a Rotary Club meeting held in Paisley, Bruce County. He was in a car with three other Owen Sound Rotarians that collieded with another car near Arkwright, Bruce County. J.J. Douglas was critically injured in the accident and was taken to the General and Marine Hospital in Owen Sound [D02412, D05685]. After being in the hospital for a week he contracted pneumonia, which ultimately led to his death on 8 August 1938 [D02022, D02412, D05685].

John James Douglas’ funeral was held two days later at the Division Street Church in Owen Sound and he is buried in Greenwood Cemetery in Owen Sound [D01131, D03816, D05719].

---

Sources:
[D00307] 1901 census of Canada, Ontario, district 65, sub-district D-8, Owen Sound, p. 11, dwelling 89, family 100; RG 31; digital images.

[D00335] 1911 census of Canada, Ontario, district 73, sub-district 48, Owen Sound, p. 17, dwelling 173, family 189; RG 31; digital images, Ancestry.com.

[D00409] Ontario Archives of Ontario, MS 929, reels 1-245, MS929; Reel: 98: 700, 10866, 44; digital image, Ancestry.com, "Ontario, Canada Births,".

[D00410] Ontario Archives of Ontario, MS 929, reels 1-245, Series: MS929; Reel: 98: 700, 10865, 43; digital image, Ancestry.com, "Ontario, Canada Births,".

[D00465] Ontario Archives of Ontario, MS 929, reels 1-245, MS929; Reel: 240: 268, 27039, 64; digital image, Ancestry.com, "Ontario, Canada Births,”.

[D00766] 1891 census of Canada, Ontario, district 68, sub-district Owen Sound Center Ward, Owen Sound, p. 59, family 282; RG 31; digital images, Ancestry.ca, Ancestry .

[D00776] 1891 census of Canada, Ontario, district 68, sub-district Owen Sound Center Ward, Owen Sound, p. 59, family 282; RG 31; digital images, Ancestry.ca, Ancestry.

[D00862] Ontario Archives of Ontario, Ontario, Canada Marriages, MS932; Reel: 107: 140, 7796, Douglas-Galbraith; digital images, Ancestry.ca, "Ontario, Canada Marriages,".

[D01131] “Owen Sound Greenwood Cemetery Interments" (typescript, 2005), p. 81.

[D01535] Ontario Archives of Ontario, MS 929, reels 1-245, MS929; Reel: 179: 708, 20570, 2; digital image, Ancestry.com, "Ontario, Canada Births,”.

[D01559] 1871 census of Canada, Ontario, district 37, sub-district 1-G, Owen Sound, p. 67, dwelling 258, family 262; RG 31; digital images.

[D01597] 1861 census of Canada East, Canada West, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia, Guelph, Guelph, p. 14; RG 31; digital images,Ancestry.ca.

[D02412] "JJ Douglas Dies Result of Injuries," Owen Sound Sun-Times , 9 August 1938, p. 1, col. 1; digital images(accessed 1 Nov 2020), Grey County Surname Collection.

[D02022] Ontario Archives of Ontario, Ontario, Canada Deaths, MS935, Reel 607: 54, 017136; digital image, Ancestry.ca, "Ontario, Canada Deaths," Ancestry.ca.

[D02412] "JJ Douglas Dies Result of Injuries," Owen Sound Sun-Times , 9 August 1938, p. 1, col. 1; digital images, Grey County Surname Collection.

[D02746] Douglas-Galbraith marriage entry (1901); issued 2011, First Methodist Church (Central United) (Owen Sound, Ontario).

[D03075] Greenwood Cemetery (Owen Sound, Grey, Ontario), G-BLM- 37-.

[D03816] Greenwood Cemetery (Owen Sound, Grey, Ontario), G-W34- 4-.

[D04768] 1921 census of Canada, district 83, sub-district 45, Owen Sound, p. 11, dwelling 5, family 5; RG 31; digital images, ancestry.com.

[D04771] 1881 census of Canada, Ontario, district 156, sub-district C-2, Holland, p. 24, dwelling 114, family 120; RG 31; digital images, Ancestry.ca.

[D04772] California California Department of Public Health, 1849-1880, 74; digital image, ancestry.ca, "California, County Birth Marriage and Death Records,".

[D04932] Vernon's City of Owen Sound Street, Alphabetical Business & Miscellaneous Directory for the year 1924 (Hamilton, Ontario: Henry Vernon & Sons Publishers, 1924), 104.

[D04934] Vernon's City of Owen Sound Street, Alphabetical Business & Miscellaneous Directory for the year 1922 (Hamilton, Ontario: Henry Vernon & Sons Publishers, 1922), 106.

[D04939] Vernon's Town of Owen Sound Street Directory, 1917 (Hamilton, Ontario: Henry Vernon & Sons Publishers, 1917), 72. [D05685] "J.J. Douglas, Owen Sound, Died From Injuries Received in Car Accident," Grey County Surname Collection , 11 August 1938; digital images, Grey County Surname Collection.

[D05698] (Owen Sound) The Advertiser, Owen Sound, 23 December 1886, p. 2, col. 4.

[D06970] 1871 census of Canada, Ontario, district 37, sub-district a-2, Sullivan, p. 63, dwelling 200, family 203; RG 31; digital images.

[D05709] Grey County Surname Collection , 1938; digital images(accessed 31 Oct 2020), Grey County Surname Collection.

[D06977] (Owen Sound) The Advertiser, Owen Sound, 29 Nov 1898, p. 1, col. 3.

[D06981] (Owen Sound) Owen Sound Times, 1 December 1898, p. 5, col. 3.

[*] p99 "Owen Sound The Port City by Paul White. Natural Heritage Books Toronto c2000

Profile: Amy Seymore Williams (1856-1929)

Isaac Amos Williams and Caroline Seymore Sanders’ fourth daughter was named Amy Seymore Williams and was born in 1856 in what was then known as Canada West [D03763, D03788, D03789, D05012, D05018, D05019, D05020]. She grew up in Guelph and later moved with her family to Mount Forest and Lindsay [D03763, D03788, D03789].

Amy emigrated to the United States in 1898 [D05019], a few years after both her mother and father had passed. She first settled in Ogden, Utah to live with her younger sister Edith Mary Williams Bostaph and her husband William Bostaph [D07013].

Amy lived in Ogden a few years before relocating to Globe, Gilla, Arizona around 1900. Benjamin and Sarah Eastman, in-laws of Amy’s younger brother Edwin L. Williams had relocated there when their son, the Reverend Frederick Soloman Eastman was appointed to the St John’s Episcopal Church in Globe [D07134, D07136].

Amy married William Gaskill in Globe 19 February 1901 [D05105, D07130]. Frederick Eastman performed the marriage and his parents Benjamin and Sarah served as witnesses to the marriage [D05105, D07130].

William Gaskill was born 17 November 1855 in Manchester, England [D05021, D05023, D05614, D05615]. He emigrated to Canada in 1879 at the age of twenty-four settling in Fort William, Ontario (now part of Thunder Bay) [D05614, D05615]. He found work with the Canadian Pacific Railroad as an accountant and worked there for eighteen years before moving to Globe, Arizona in December of 1899 [D05614, D05615].

In Globe, William became a partner in the successful butchering firm of Ryan & Gaskill [D05614, D05615] where he worked until he retired in late 1908 due to his health which was getting progressively worse [D05621]. William Gaskill died 13 February 1909 of locomotor ataxia at the age of fifty-three [D05021, D05023, D05614, D05615].

After her husband’s death, Amy Williams Gaskil briefly moved back to Ogden to live with her sister Edith and brother-in-law William once again [D05619]. From there she relocated to Salmon, Idaho to live with her brother Fred A Williams on his farm where she found work as a music teacher [D05018, D05619]. Fred had lost his wife only a few years before.

Amy married William Russell Hoyt, 19 May 1912 in Portland, Oregon [D05014]. William was a photographer who had lost his first wife only the previous year [D07104].

The two remained in Oregon, moving between Portland, Salem and eventually Eugene [D07083, D07085]. WIlliam Hoyt died in Eugene, Oregon, 11 August 1924 at the age of seventy-six [D07078, D07079, D07112, D07113]. After her second husband’s death, Amy moved back to Portland and continued her work as a music teacher. She passed away herself 6 January 1929 [D05012, D05013, D05020].

---

Sources:
[D03763] 1861 census of Canada East, Canada West, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia, Wellington, Guelph, p. 31; RG 31; digital images,Ancestry.ca.

[D03788] 1871 census of Canada, Ontario, district 35, sub-district e, Mount Forest, p. 49, dwelling 173, family 173; RG 31; digital images.

[D03789] 1881 census of Canada, Ontario, district 129, sub-district B-2, Lindsay, Victoria, p. 99, dwelling 458, family 469; RG 31; digital images, Ancestry.ca.

[D05012] Riverview Cemetery (Portland, Multnomah, Oregon).

[D05013] Oregon Oregon State Archives and Records Center, Oregon Death Index, 1903-1998, 73; digital image, Family Search, "Oregon Death Index," FamilySearch.com.

[D05014] Oregon Oregon State Library, Oregon Marriage Index 1906-2009, 22447, Hoyt-Gaskill; digital images "Oregon Marriage Index,"

[D05015] Arizona Arizona History and Archives Division, Arizona County Marriage Records 1865-1972, 1: 315, 356134, Gaskill-Williams; digital images "Arizona County Marriage Records," ancestry.ca.

[D05018] 1910 U.S. census, population schedule, Brooklyn, enumeration district (ED) 0200, sheet 1A, p. 1A; digital images,ancestry.com; citing National Archives and Records Administration microfilm T624, roll T624_226.

[D05019] 1920 U.S. census, population schedule, Portland, enumeration district (ED) 160, sheet 5A, p. 5A, dwelling 255, family 298; digital images, ancestry.com; citing National Archives and Records Administration microfilm T625, roll T625_1502.

[D05020] The Oregonian, 9 January 1929, p. 13, col. 3; digital images.

[D05021] Globe Cemetery (Globe, Gila, Arizona). ID: D05021.

[D05023] Arizona Arizona Department of Health Services, death certificate (1909); digital image, "Arizona Death Records, 1887-1960,”

[D05614] “Honored Man Dead,"Arizona Silver Belt, 14 February 1909, p. 3, col. 5; digital images, newspaperarchive.com.

[D05615] "Death of William Gaskill,"Arizona Silver Belt, 17 February1909, p. 6, col. 6; digital images, Newspaper Archive (newspaperarchive.com).

[D05619] "Located in Idaho," Arizona Silver Belt, 09 May 1909, p. 7, col. 5; digital images, Newspaper Archive (newspaperarchive.com)

[D05621] "Personal Paragraphs," Arizona Silver Belt, 21 January 1909, p. 8, col. 3; digital images(newspapers.com)

[D07078] Oregon Oregon State Archives and Records Center, Oregon Death Index, 1903-1998, 268; digital image, Family Search, "Oregon Death Index," FamilySearch.com.

[D07079] Multnomah Park Cemetery (Portland, Multnomah, Oregon), F, 61, 5.

[D07083] US City Directories, 1917:, 104; digital images(accessed 6 Dec 2020).

[D07085] US City Directories, 1915:, 619; digital images(accessed 6 Dec 2020).

[D07104] “Hillsboro Woman Dies Suddenly at Astoria," Statesman Journal, 15 April 1911, p. 2, col. 5; digital images, newspapers.com.

[D07013] ”Local News," Arizona Silver Belt, 21 February 1901, p. 8, col. 1; digital images, newspapers.com

[D07112] "Died," 12 Aug 1924, p. 5, col. 4; digital images, newspapers.com.

[D07113] "William R. Hoyt, Eugene, Succumbs," The Eugene Guard, 11 Aug 1924, p. 2, col. 5; digital images, newspapers.com.

[D07134] F.S. Eastman, "Farewell of F.S. Eastman,"Arizona Silver Belt, 1 May 1902, p. 5, col. 3; digital images, newspapers.com

[D07130] “Local News," Arizona Silver Belt, 21 February 1901, p. 8, col. 1; digital images, newspapers.com

[D07136] “St John’s Episcopal Church Report,” Arizona Silver Belt, 11 July 1901, p. 1, col. 5; digital images, newspapers.com