§

In Loving Memory

of

Joseph Williams

of Dorking

Who fell asleep, 9th month, 25th, 1891,

aged 55 years.

'Thy will be done.'

The interment is intended to take place at the Friends' Burial Ground, at 3 o' clock on 3rd day, 29th inst.

On Thursday, September 26th, 1893 Florrie and I removed to 58, Rumford Street, Chorlton on Medlock, I having bought two houses there. Mother still stayed at Heywood Street with Priscilla Warburton from Cambridge, her brother's daughter, and Lily McCoughlin, the child she had partly adopted. She was then sixty-seven years old. We only stayed at Rumford Street ten months, where Franky was born at Christmas 1893. I then sold them. On Thursday, June 19th, 1894 I removed Mother from Heywood Street to 70, Sloane Street and sent most of her furniture into storage, and on Wednesday, July 11th we left Rumford Street to rejoin her there, as I had wished to do ever since we separated.

In 1897 we all went to Dorking to see Mother's sister Aunt Mary Williams. Mother and Lily stayed there three months. On Tuesday, September 21st, 1897 Florrie and I removed to 15, Greenhill Street, Greenheys to one of my houses there, a large, gloomy old place, and on Friday, October 15th, 1897 Mother and Lily came home and never slept away from us again while she lived. In July, 1899 we sent Lily away to a convent at Preston, her mother being a Catholic, and Mother being too ill to keep her any longer. After this Mother seemed to break down and lose health and on December 11th, 1899 when Lily came to visit us she came downstairs for the last time, and I hired a gramophone for her to hear. On February 13th, 1900 at 9.30 at night my dear Mother died in my brother's and my presence without a groan and very suddenly in a fit of coughing, after living with me nineteen years in Manchester. My dear, beloved Mother.

§

319, Fairfield Road

19th December, 1891

My dear Florrie,

We thank you very much for your very kind invitation, and shall be very pleased to come and spend Christmas day with you. We have spent Christmas day together now for some years either at your house or ours, and I shall be very pleased to come this year as you are now mistress and the family is now complete, and I trust that we may all enjoy many years of each other's company. We are comparative strangers to each other so far but I trust we shall not remain so, for I do indeed wish you and Frank every success and happiness, and I trust that time will make my lot brighter. I am only afraid of giving you too much trouble, there are so many of us. I think it would be better if we came in the morning of Christmas day as then we should not hinder you so much, but I should like Fred to come and see you before the time then you can tell him what you think. I should not like to give you any more trouble than I can help. I hope Aunt is well, please give our love to her. Hoping to see you soon, with our dear love to you and Frank

I remain

Yours very affectionately

S. Gent

[also two birthday cards]

[also Mark Twain's speech 'On babies.']

[I completed copying my great grandparents' love letters on 25th December, 1996, by co-incidence my great grandfather's birthday, born one hundred and thirty-eight years ago. FJG]

413, West Derby Road,

Tuebrook, Liverpool

§

Sunday

My Dear Frank and Florrie,

I received your post card. I thought you would be lonely but am only come for a short time and you have had no time for reading so it will be a change, and it is nice to go to a place of worship. I hope you will not neglect that but remember the golden rule. Well it has been a dreadful day, raining in torrents, but fine the last half hour. Now tea time. Henry is going to Liverpool to-morrow if fine so it will be a treat for him. I took Arthur out yesterday, then did a bit of shopping, but Henry is very good at that. Arthur got a cough I think. Sarah is the same. All else are well, I am glad to say. I suppose Florrie's brother came yesterday or she would be lonely till she gets used to it. I felt sorry the little difference came, I don't like to see anyone upset. The tram I got in was the Albert Square one, so it came down in torrents, I waited in Market Street a long time then went to Picadilly and waited some time and Mrs Rament came and got in the same tram so it was late when I got here, hope it will be fine weather. I have slept and eat well since I came. Do not forget the cat's tile we dispose of them. I am thinking Prissy will be coming to-day, do not get her a jacket if you have not, for a cloak will be more useful for winter and keep her petticoats dry. I could meet you when I come home if you do not buy it before. Now in dear love to both,

I am your loving Mother

E. Gent

All join in kind love to both.

This must be after their wedding, before birth of my grandfather, i.e. about 1892. Arthur died aged about two, but I have no details of his birth or death. He must have been a late child, as John Henry was born 1878, Edith in 1885, and Arthur about 1891 - was this why Sarah missed the wedding?

§

Postmark: Knutsford, 4th February, 1892

To: Mr Gent, 79, Heywood Street, Brooks Bar, Manchester

Dear Frank,

I shall come early to-morrow, Friday, unless it is very wet. Mrs Birch wants me to come back same day. I am glad to say she is better, gets up for a cup of tea. If I do not come put a bottle of water in my bed, it is over the kitchen in bed.

Kind love to both.

§

1892

John Gent died September 22nd, 1840, age 78

Sarah died November 15th, 1843, age 92

Thomas Warburton died April 8th, 1861, age 74

Mary Warburton died November 8th, 1869, aged 69

Astbury Church, July, 1892, with Cousin Joe from Dorking

§

Holidays in Devonshire 1892

September 1st

Flo 1/-

Wed

Bottle 2/-

Cafe etc 2/7

Thu

Rail 42/6

Car 2/2

Wire and Cugs

Fri

Trek [?] Teignmouth 2/-

Lunch etc 10

Ripe [?] 1-0

View 1-0

Tea etc 1-2

Cream 1-2

Pcds 6

Br 11

Book 1/-

Sat

Boat 6

Gloves etc 2/3

Exmouth 2/-

Sun

Cathedral 6

Tea etc 3/-

Mon

Chudleigh 7/-

Bus, Brake, Tea, Drinks, Boy etc 1/6

Tues

Ilfracombe

Rail 7/-

Tobac and Ref 7

Sandwiches 8

Newton 2/-

Views 2/3

Wed

Torquay

Rail and Boat 8/-

Dinner and Tea 3/-

View, and Sarah 2/4

Cider 8

Thu

Exeter View etc 1/4

Cider etc 1/3

Fri

Cab 1/3

Tea 1/9

Cab 2/7

§

Whit Week 1893 Scarborough

Walked to Exchange Good ride arrived eleven. Hotel to eat lunch Went to lodgings. Walked all round Castle Hill North and South Bay, oysters pics in hotel Drive sixteen miles tea at six Evening in Spa Sickening snobbery home at ten. Br[ead] ham and bed

Friday Breakfast nine Stroll on North Bay to Scalby Mills Good dinner and Yorkshire Pudding at two Oliver Mount in afternoon, tea, stroll nt dks supper Flo ill all night.

Saturday morning letter from Mother Drive round South Cliff in jockey phaeton Portrait taken on sands in phaeton Dinner, home at three got off at Leeds for half hour to look at town Manchester at seven

§

Wednesday, 16th August, 1893

Fred down at night before we went away.

Thursday 17th Met Mr Barrington and Emily at Central. Liverpool boat Prince of Wales in at three, looked round, tea at 70, Circular Road, tram etc at night.

Friday on the Head. Palace at night.

Saturday Flo and I drive to Laxey and Dhoon, tea at Glur drive home, set in cold.

Sunday Kirk Bread. Wet afternoon head in all night.

Monday Rail St Johns. Walk Glen May down to beach trap to Peel Tea, train home.

Tuesday Head again afternoon. Wet, had photo Flo and I at the rocks. Bought Flo boots, row about Emily.

[This fragment inside remaining cover of diary/account book. The rest appear to have been lost]

Went to digs to see if any letters, StG nn wtd till 9.15. Bus to Piccdly mt g. who hd b n stg in Mc Scotts Hotel and the Monico. Fch abt twn, wlkd hme, nr Hyde Park, still mr Fch etc. Thurs Let fm Flo, quite cheering and joyful, read over bkfst in public coffee room. Grand morng walked to Albert Memorial, Hyde Park, Marble Arch, Oxford Street, Edware Rd, Harrow Rd, Trinity Chchtn, Dinner Avechurch [?] ham venison wrote to Flo in pub in Fleet Street, home to tea. Drury Lane Theatre at night Cheer Boys Cheer, walk home at twelve, last night. Bed right away, no supper, botle of stout.

Friday St G. last time nrly [?] fetched bag away, walked about town all night bt o'coat. Dinner Neal's Newgate Street walked back to Oxford Street again Bus to St Pancras train home 4 PM.

Nº 14 from October 9th 93 to September 16/94

October 9th, 1893

Monday Bought Oil cloth and stair carpet fitted up back sitting room oil cloth border 11 PM

Tuesday Fitted carpet on stairs. Mothers at night fitting pictures etc lobby oil cloth etc. Fred there.

Wednesday cleaning and fitting Venetian back sitting room.

Thursday 12th October Mother up first time, Prissy and Lilly, Mr and Mrs Barrington also. tea and supper. grand evening, saw them home by Chorlton Road car at ten.

Friday Fitted dresser back, Cistern door. Mother's to tea in afternoon. Back at six to have letterbox and cupboard done.

Saturday drew £70 Mrs Bk. Lawyers at eleven with Mr Barrington, paid £100 on property

October 16th

Monday Beautiful day. Went to Paulden's at night for lobby brass. Washed the cat in disinfectant to kill fleas made it very ill.

Tuesday Mother's to tea at six, stayed till 8.30.

Wednesday Went to Finlay's sale corner Moss Lane East one till four. Bought vases, two flower pot stands, gipsy table, cornice and six pictures.

Friday Bricklayer at work.

Saturday very poorly. Went on new round. Mother's at night, home at eleven. Blackguard tracked us.

Sunday Sent letter, while we were out at Unitarian church, went up to show it Mr Barrington at once.

October 23rd

Monday Mr Barrington and I went to police about letter. Emily and Willy with Flo all day. Detective came at night and followed to Heywood Street and back. No one followed. Saw scampish fellow at corner.

Tuesday Willy with Flo all afternoon. Mr and Mrs Barrington down at night. M[?] and I followed Flo. No go.

Wednesday Willy all day. Mr B. down at night

Thursday Willy down for an hour while at office. Home all day alone, very miserable.

Friday Went to Mother's at noon till seven. Bitter cold and wet.

Saturday Mother came up to stay with Flo from one till seven.

Sunday At home all day, Front room two hours at night watching.

October 30th

Monday Emily and Willy all day, saw Emily to Oxford Road corner at night.

Tuesday Emily down all day. Called at Mother's. Prissy been very bad.

Wednesday Saw Mrs Parkinson about her girl.

Thursday Fitted back room blind. Fire in back room first time.

Friday In town, bought mangle, fender, chair and stair rods. Mother's at four. Drew 20/- from bank. Up to town, got men and cart to bring things. Got mangle in cellar, went back to Mother for tea. Home at ten.

Saturday Met Harry Newhall, came in for an hour.

Sunday Salford at three till ten. Had goose to supper. Bitter cold.

November 6th

Monday Nelly would go home, stayed all night. I called at Mother's.

Tuesday Called at Mother's. Mother's lodger came, Mrs Carson.

Wednesday Willy down.

Thursday Nelly left. No coal to be bought. Went to spend day at Mother's. Walk up to Wilbraham Road. Home at nine.

Friday Town, home all evening.

Saturday Mother's at noon.

Sunday Mother, Prissy and Lilly came to dinner lest we could not have a Christmas feed. Mr and Mrs Barrington round to tea. Saw them all of at All Saints' at ten.

November 13th

Monday Tic all day and night.

Tuesday Ill all night. Took black draught and sweet nitre.

Wednesday In all day.

Thursday Flo and I to Moss Side Bank to draw 30/- for housekeeping etc. Town bought mantle, Salford tea and super. Walk home at eleven. Rat on bell wires.

Friday In till four. Down to Mother's. Super, home at ten.

Saturday Fearful storm. Went Salford to engage girl, she came at four.

Sunday Wilkes's chron. In all day

November 20th

Monday Bitter cold. Keen came to tea.

Tuesday Girl cried to go home.

Wednesday Sent her home afternoon. Brought all bed linen down and put in cellar. Intensely cold.

Thursday Walk at night Pauldens etc bought a lot of things.

Friday Mother's to tea and supper, home at 10.30.

Saturday Horribly wet and cold. In all night. Tic all night.

Sunday Walked to Mother's in morning. Mother bad cold. Flo and I to Newhalls to tea, home twelve. Black stock [?] and hare.

November 27th

Monday Called at Mother's.

Tuesday do

Wednesday Town Hall, Mr Whittingham.

Thursday Salford at night. Bought wool vests and four pairs of socks.

Friday Dreadfully cold. Went to Mother's. Prissy ill, called on Miss Griffiths, home at four to tea. Pipes all frozen, lit fire and gas in bath room.

Saturday Great cold again.

Sunday Thaw, very mild, all the pipes in 60 and 62 Rumford Street burst.

December 4th

Monday Flo and I went to see nurse at night in February [?] Street, engaged.

Tuesday Went home to dinner first time and book on round. Mr and Mrs Barrington to tea.

Wednesday Bought rocker chair, coal scuttle etc called on Mother and on Nurse in Crawley Street. Nurse came from Weaste at night. Mrs Holmyard came for three hours.

Thursday Mother and Lilly came tea and supper, saw her in car at nine.

Friday Barringtons to get carpet for bath pipes. Walked to Hulme, engaged nurse, home to tea. Padding both room and pipes till eleven at night.

Saturday Prissy came for the day. I saw her past Oxford Road at 9.30.

Sunday Fire in parlour, sat in alone all day.

December 11th

Monday Damp clammy day. Called on Mother.

Felt ill at Mother's. Chills. Gruel etc.

Tuesday Drenching. Out two hours.

Wednesday Busy morning. Felt very unsettled all week, loneliness and worry, felt it was not properly enjoying life and yet there seems no escape from toil and Mother we hardly ever have here, and still we might not aprel[?] if she was with us. What blind, helpless, miserable creatures we are.

Thursday Went to Mother's at five, home at ten.

Friday Walked to farm at Chorlton alone. Flo and I met Mother and Lilly to look at Pauldens in afternoon. Xmas decorations Had tea there, bought stair cloth, cake dish etc. Saw Mother to corner of Jackson Street. Flo and I to Salford, home at eleven.

Saturday Frances down.

Sunday In all day. Maud Newhall down.

December 18th

All Sunday night neuralgia.

Monday Big day, no dinner, went to Salford to re-enter Tilley's to give to FitzPatrick. Mother's to tea, collecting late ready for Xmas.

Tuesday Dreadful day, out till seven from noon. Prissy came down both days to help Flo. Emily down.

Wednesday Wretched, cold and sleet. Been ill all week, cold, aches, tic and worry.

Thursday Office. Talk to Fred. Load of coal. Flo locked out, broke cellar window to get in.

Friday December 22nd. To town alone to buy cards etc., alone to Mother's at night to ask if she was coming, home 9.30.

Saturday Collected twelve till six. Mother's to dinner. She decided to go to Fairfield to spend Xmas day. Ill all week colds and tic. Awfully ill after stout on Saturday.

Sunday Very mild, Starkie's to tea. Went home at ten. Flo and I sat up till one. Giblet pie to supper. Drenching night. Xmas Eve.

25th December

Monday Xmas Day. Up at nine. Mild as spring. Dinner by ourselves. Fairly settled down to married life and housekeeping in our own house. First Xmas for about nine years my family not been all together. Went to Salford at four. Tremendous thunderstorm. Great night, up till three, slept all night there. v. for first time.

Tuesday Up at ten. Breakfast and dinner. Weaste to tea with Mrs Barrington to Frances's, home at eight.

Wednesday Collected. called at Mother's. Said she walked to Central Station on Xmas morning and from Alexandra Park Station at ten coming home. Bed at twelve.

Thursday December 28th. Flo began to be ill at three. Got piece of mackintosh to put under. Looked outside to see someone to fetch woman, no one about. Mild as summer, warmed some milk. Fetched midwife at five, told me not to go out, it was near, sent cab for Mrs Barrington at ten to eight. Boy born about half past, only the midwife here. Mrs Barrington came fifteen minutes after, stayed all day. Mr Barrington came at noon, told Fred at office. Nurse came at six. Wrote Mother. Slept in back room.

Friday Mother and Lilly came, Emily and Maud.

Saturday Did the shopping.

Sunday Last day of '93. Nurse went to bed at eleven. I let New year in at twelve. very quiet day.

January 1st, 1894

New Year's Day Went to Mother's at eleven. No one else been so I let her the New Year in. Dinner at home with the nurse. Writing new book all day. Mr and Mrs Barrington down at night. Mother's.

Tuesday Tic all day, working till six. Mother's.

Wednesday Tic all day, working till six. Bitter cold since Monday.

Thursday In all day. Saw dark young man dangling about at night, followed him to Nelson Street then lost sight.

Friday Knutsford at 1.30. Intensely cold. To [?] and Wagstaffe's, walked Old Trafford to Mother's. Fred there. Mother very bad cough.

Saturday Called and got Mother cough mixture and coal.

Sunday In all day.

January 8th.

Monday In Nobles at twelve looking at pipes. Fetched plumber there, gave him 1/- for calling. Bitter cold, with Wildman till six.

Tuesday Warm. Dinner at Mother's. Nobles had a burst at night.

Wednesday very warm, like summer. Flo came down in middle room.

Thursday Quite close, Emily down. Brought hood, christening shawl, socks and other things.

Friday Like summer. Went to have tea with Mother, her cough very bad, stayed till eight, bought her a bottle of wine.

Saturday Mother's to dinner.

Sunday Two lads to dinner from Barringtons. Quarrel with Flo about it. Wilkes down to supper. Very wet and extremely mild.

January 15th

Monday called on Mother.

Tuesday Frummity at Mother's. Very bad with cough, felt miserable about her. Bought her cough bottle and ale.

Wednesday Called on Mother in morning. Went again at night in rain.

Thursday Mrs Shaw came to wash. Mrs Sellars left.

Friday I got up to light fire, Mrs Shaw got lost, got here at 11 AM, thought she would not come. Went to Mother's, stayed till six. Took her half shoulder of mutton.

Saturday Mother's to dinner. Found her very weak. Sent her bottle of wine.

Sunday Took baby out first time, half an hour in morning. Alone all day.

January 22nd

Monday Mother's in morning. Mrs Shaw washing. Mr and Mrs Barrington down at night. Writing twenty replies to letters in reply to house advertisement, twelve to one o' clock.

Tuesday Mother 's for dinner, rather better.

Wednesday Mother's in morning, took box iron to Percy. Miss Noble in at night.

Thursday In all day showing house to customers.

Friday do

Saturday Mother's to dinner. Mary Ikin came there from situation.

Sunday Took Mother a bit of partridge.

January 29th

Tuesday Called at Tax Office about income tax. Bought mellins food.

Wednesday Went to Mother's, took Baby first time, home at seven. Cross all night.

Thursday Wet, went to see tax surveyor, out, bought oil cloth.

Stayed in Friday

Saturday Roberts doing part of round. Mother's to dinner, Mrs Leach called, Mary Ikin there.

Sunday February 3rd. Took Baby to Christ Church, Salford. Emily there only. Nobody else. Fergus Hill christened him. Oldfield Road to tea and supper, home at ten.

February 5th

Monday Roberts doing most of round. Went and saw tax surveyor, did not get it returned. Mother's at five. Seemed better.

Tuesday Called Mother's.

Wednesday Mother's at two. Dinner, stayed for a long chat about what she would do at the quarter end. Home and books till ten. Found out the taxes and insurance etc on two Rumford Street houses come to about £12 a year.

Thursday very cold and raw, at home all day.

Friday do. Miserably low-spirited and dull at night. Sitting at home with Florrie. Baby very cross; grumbling that we had not more company society. Same complaint we had in Heywood Street, yet if we had company now Flo could not attend, baby wanting all attention so shall have to get a servant somehow and then have worry with her beside the expense, in this expensive house which costs in rates and taxes 7/- or 8/- a week equal to a rent although I have bought it. Yet why did I come into so big a place. Because small houses cannot be got in clean good localities and if we live in town and get big town wage or salary we have to stand big rents and taxes in proportion. Where is comfort happiness and peace? Mother cannot come to see us (too poorly) will not come and live with us. I am at coolness with my brother and family and so we are left in a handsome and large house alone.

Saturday Mother's to dinner.

Sunday Mother's to tea. Found her very poorly, home at seven. Enormous hurricane.

February 12th.

Monday Fred's birthday. Wrote him night before. Called Mother's.

Tuesday big day. called Mother's.

Wednesday Salford to tea, bought baby short clothes.

Thursday Went to Agents' Dinner at Oldham. Vulgar affair. Miss Ikin stayed with Florrie and till noon next day.

Friday Miss Ikin talked about Mother's affairs all morning, before she went away. Went up to see officer about property tax after seeing surveyor. he had charged me for the half year. I had had them [?] Dyer[?] would have let me pay the bill told him surveyor said it was for him to pay, so he'd paid it. Went to Mother's for the hour.

Saturday Wretched day, wet and cold. with Wildman

Sunday Short walk in afternoon with Flo

February 19th

Monday Bitterly cold. Mother's for an hour at tea time.

Tuesday Mother's for half hour. Mr and Mrs Barrington down for evening.

Wednesday Home all afternoon

Thursday Pauldens in afternoon, bought cradle and other things.

Friday Town in morning, advertized for servant, Mother's in afternoon. Poured in torrents, had tea Dr Ikin had been to sound her. I called to see him, he said she was in a weak state. I am passive and helpless not knowing what to do but leave her there though I long to spend the rest of the time with her. Rained so much had to fetch a cab when I went to the Prince with Prissy for the beer. Rode home at eight.

Saturday Lunch at Mother's.

Sunday Sat in front room all day. Very low spirited, was ill the next week. Perhaps that caused it.

February 26th

Monday Bleak day.

Tuesday Went to dentist to have tooth stopped, put arsenic paste in to kill nerve, bleak day, ached all day, ill at night. Whiskey at Alexandra Brotherly Knot

Wednesday Too ill to go out, got up at noon, felt as weak as possible all day. Gruel at night.

Thursday Only went to office, felt very sickly.

Friday Went to Mother's, found she had been very ill the night before. I went to Barretts to take book and to tell servant girl whom we had sent for not to come, then packed bags and all of us took tram to Mother's to sleep there. Slept at old bedroom in Heywood Street in the old bed that had been rigged up again after we left.

Saturday Walk in park morning. Beautiful day. Bought Mother bottle of emulsion. Flo went to bazaar at Iron Room to please Mother. I went to give notice to Mrs Carson's daughter. Bitter cold night.

Sunday Flo cooked the dinner. Mother very poorly in the morning, had to lie down. Henry and Edith came at noon to bring her a pigeon. She had it to supper. She got vexed at Prissy at night for not saying the coal was done. She will not part with her and yet grumbles always.

March 5th

Monday Prissy had no coal in for morning. Row about it, I had to go to coal yard. Mother made herself so vexed she was ill. Prissy wept all morning. We came home with luggage in tram at four. Rained all night.

Tuesday Called dinner at Mother's. She was gone to lie on bed.

Wednesday Called at Heywood. Prissy ill again.

Thursday Called on Mother in morning. Went to Weaste at night to see Mrs Wilkes. Walked from Cross Lane to Weaste, fine night. Emily there, home at 8.30. Lizzie Bullock came as servant.

Friday Went to Mother's for an hour in afternoon.

Saturday Mother's to dinner, Theatre Royal alone at night, last night of pantomime. Not had a night out for six months. It was like bedlam let loose. I never yet heard anything so horrible, the row was all night, not a word from the stage could be heard. Maud Hill the actress there. Saw Mother for an hour all of us.

March 12th

Monday Mother's at night for an hour, undecided as to whether to leave Heywood Street this quarter or not, Mr Cox wanted to know.

Tuesday Cistern broken in bath room stayed with plumber till one, at noon at Mother's to tea.

Wednesday Mother's in morning.

Thursday Went to Mother's at eight at night. Pleasant night.

Friday Flo and I to town to see about bassinette, arranged for Percy to get it. Back home to dinner at Mother's, Flo and I and children to Park in afternoon. Beautiful day. Walk home at four. Pleasant visit.

Saturday St Patrick's Day, walked to Salford at night to collect and round town.

Sunday Walk in afternoon. Saw Mrs Wilkinson. I went to Mother's at night.

March 19th

No snow all winter. Beautiful spring.

Monday Beautiful weather

Tuesday Mother's to dinner.

Wednesday Mother's in morning. Mr and Mrs Barrington down at night.

Thursday All went to town in afternoon to Warehouse to buy baby a coat.

Good Friday March 23rd. Went to Mother's for dinner. Flo and children went in Park, I stayed in. Mother very weak. Home at nine. Pleasure to have the day there.

Saturday Mother's to dinner. I went at night to see Dr Fairclough to call on her.

Sunday Mother's in morning, Dr Fairclough had been. Flo and I to Salford in afternoon. Frances etc there, came away at eight. I went to Dr Fairclough to see what he said about Mother. Said I could bring her here in a cab if wished, and that she must do no work.

March 26th

Monday Easter Monday. Maud here for day, Mother had Teddie and Henry for the day, came here at night, I saw off at Central Station. Both in at night. Tic.

Tuesday Went to Mother's, very poorly.

Wednesday Fell ill at night cold, Flo slept with girl so that I could sweat.

Thursday Still felt very ill, aches and weak.

Friday Met Mr Gee. Went to Knutsford. Mother's to tea, home at nine.

Saturday With Wildman, Baby very bad cough

Sunday Mr and Mrs Barrington down, home all day. Mother wrote saying Lily got hooping cough, better not go down.

April 2nd

Monday Newhall's at night. Mother's in morning with Wildman.

Tuesday Mother's in morning.

Wednesday

Thursday Lizzie left. Fred came to tea, first time to the house, repaired the ball tap and water closet. Emily down.

Friday Paid Percy for perambulator. Went to Mother's.

Sunday Went to hear Celestine Edwards Farewell lecture. Took baby out in my arms in morning. Prissy came at night.

April 9th

Monday

Tuesday Called on Mother. Called on Dr Fairclough at night.

Wednesday Dr Fairclough called. Very hot day. Horrible toothache at night. Could not do books.

Thursday Felt horribly weak and ill. Baby ill and Florrie with the tic. Mr Crofts came at night to say he would have the house 56 Rumford Street. Felt very ill, went to have drink with him.

Friday Miss Crofts came and looked at Nobles and said they did not care to have it. I insulted her for them wasting my time. Tearing rage all day about it. Went to Mother's to ask for Prissy.

Saturday Prissy here all day.

Sunday Mrs Barrington down at night.

April 16th

Monday Mother's in morning. Saw doctor there. Emily down all day.

Tuesday Mother's in afternoon for few minutes.

Wednesday Felt sick of worry of houses and work, wish I could sell and get back to Moss Side and arrange something about Mother, but Baby ill, Florrie not able to go out no servant. Mother and Lilly both ill and not fit to come here. all is standing still.

Thursday Nothing

Friday Ill all day

Saturday and Sunday Home all day

April 23rd

Monday Mother's at night

Tuesday Mother's at noon

Wednesday Mothers at noon. Prissy up, helping.

Thursday Wet

Friday Took baby to Mother's, dinner there. Mother had been very ill at Batemans. Took baby to Dr Fairclough, went to Salford rne [?], raining. Got cab, asked George McCall to let me leave bassinette till morning, would not, had to walk home with it. Sent Flo and Baby in cab.

Saturday Went to Knutsford to meet man about repairing passage. Mr Whitelegge very disagreeable, home at eight.

Sunday Wet, home all day, very quiet.

April 30th.

Monday [crossed out] of May. May Day

Tuesday Mr and Mrs Barrington to tea. Prissy down

Wednesday Very wet

Thursday Mrs Ballard's sale at Rumford Street. Bought jug and bowl for bath room, four vegetable dishes and iron bedstead for recess in small bedroom. Tom Jackson helped me in with them. Gave him his dinner and 1/-.

Friday Very cold day.

Saturday Quiet day.

Sunday Took Baby through Victoria Park in morning. Henry and Edith came in afternoon, walked to Mother's for an hour, back to tea, they went home at eight.

7th May

Monday Went to Mother's to Dinner and tea, Had Beast Pudding. All went out a few yards walk in afternoon. Home by Stretford Road at 6 PM. Mrs McLoughlin wrote saying coming in a month for Lily.

Tuesday Called on Mrs Leisley Boston Street. Called at Mother's, in town at night.

Wednesday Very wet. Mother could not come as arranged.

Thursday Did not go for Mother still too wet. Town in afternoon after office to advertize house. Mother's at night. Fred there. Got a fit of dumps, miserable about Mother and the worry. Called on Leas in Harper Street, tram home. Wrote post card to Mother saying we would go to Chorlton instead of coming.

Friday Mother's at one. All went Chorlton at 2.30, walk. tea at cottage, sat on Green, home at six.

Saturday Went at twelve to fetch Mother and Lily to spend Whit Week. Lost macintosh in car. Went to Dr Fairclough's at night to fetch Mother bottle of physic so as to have at hand.

Sunday Whit. Mother and Lily. I and baby walk round Plymouth Grove. Bright morning. Good dinner at one. Sat in all rest of day.

Whit Monday May 14th

Whit Monday Round in morning, home all afternoon.

Tuesday Flo's birthday. Big day's work went to Town Hall third time to see of my macintosh turned up. No.

Wednesday Made up books in morning. Wet all rest of day.

Thursday Very cold east wind. Took Mother and Lily and Baby through Ardwick Green and back by London Road, Grosvenor Square and Oxford Road. gave her port wine at George on Booth Street. Boiled ham to dinner, Mother and Lily stayed in. Flo and I went to Salford to see decorations, back at 7.30. I went to Heywood Street to feed the cat.

Friday Took Mother and Lily walk to Whitworth Park. Back by car to dinner. They went home in afternoon, Flo and I went with them and to tea walk to Park, Bitter cold, came home at seven.

Saturday Whit Saturday

Sunday

May 21st

Monday With Wildman all morning. No use going round. Came home at 11.30, took Flo and Baby in car to town to see decorations rode there and back in same car. Went to Mother's at two. Uncle Joseph there, Mother's birthday. Flo and Uncle and I went to Stretford Road to see the Queen pass, back to Mother's for tea. I went with Uncle to station and back to Mother's to take Flo home.

Tuesday Collecting. Town at night illuminations.

Wednesday Collecting. Town at night illuminations.

Thursday First warm day for two weeks.

Friday Flo, I and baby through Victoria Park and Birch Fields round Rusholme and back by Oxford Road. Mother's at night.

Saturday Quiet.

Sunday Walk to Whitworth very wet.

May 28th

Monday Emily here. Prissy came for day to help Flo washing.

Tuesday Called at Mother's. Went to lawyers to ask him to send deed to Mrs Peel's Building Society and to take man up to ask about property. Lawyer objects to Mrs Peel.

Wednesday Flo and I to Mother's to dinner and tea wet.

Thursday Mr Holt said Fred would have to leave if no more business, went to lawyers to talk again about Mrs Peel. Then went to Salford by car, back by cars at eight.

Friday Went to see Mrs Peel in morning, said she would see if Provident Society would let her buy the two. On to Mother's and to Savill's to take dress. Home at eight. Beautiful day.

Saturday Wretched day. Went to Mother's after the round.

Sunday Were to have gone on Ship Canal with Pa and Ma and Wilkes, but no car in [?], Percy and Frances came to tea, they had not gone.

June 14th

Monday Pouring wet. Building Society agent to see me, said Mrs Peel must have house, and he would get her to give £257/10/0. I promised. Mother's at night.

Tuesday Pouring, went to lawyer's, long talk, said he would send abstract to London lawyers and lend me balance of £100 himself to pay off my mortgage. Advertized last one again.

Wednesday Went with Flo to dressmaker and to Mother's dinner and tea. Spoke about taking a house and putting Mother in it till we could go after selling this.

Thursday Mrs Cheetham came from Weaste, in reply to my answer to her advertisement in News. Got answer to my last advertisement from News office.

Friday Showing folks through, Moss Side at two, looking for house, saw Sloane Street, tea at Mother's.

Saturday Went to see agent about Sloane Street, too late, felt disappointed.

Sunday Went to Mother's after tea for two hours. Very cold.

June 11th

Monday Went to see lawyer, gave me letter from Provident and to ask Mrs Peel why not going on. Flo to Mother's. Went about another house in Sloane Street and looked at Portman. Went to Mrs Peel's, said she would write. People sent from Sloane. I went to see her. Said agent was going to let me have house. Took Mother's pictures and own. Home ten.

Wednesday Went to town to lawyers, to say Mrs Peel would write to London Provident, and to agent to take house in Sloane Street. Went down to see it. Mother sent Miss Ikin's furniture to Frances's.

Thursday Agent of Provident came to have a second paper filled up. Mr and Mrs Barrington down.

Friday All down to Mother's and house cleaned at Sloane Street.

Saturday At Heywood and Sloane, took Mother to see house. Man in doing scullery and floor. Flo and I down again at night. Very tired.

Sunday Tram to Salford and back.

June 18th

Monday Finished round early, went to help Mother to pack. Flo came at night.

Tuesday Went to Mother's at noon. Men came at three. Fred down to put clock ready. Took stuff to Sloane Street and sent rest to store. Put bed right for Mother, tram home at ten.

Wednesday Went to Sloane Street and got cat from Helfrod [?] door catch etc. Fred at Rumford Street at night.

Friday Fred called in morning to take [talk?] about leaving refuge. Mother's in afternoon.

Saturday Quiet day.

Sunday Quiet day, in all day.

June 25th

Monday Very heavy and oppressive, not like summer this year at all yet. Broughton at night to re-enter Sutton, 26 Camp Street.

Tuesday At Mother's afternoon.

Wednesday Mother came to spend two days. Tram ride to Withington and back on top. Beautiful day. Fred left Refuge and went to Leeds and General the week before.

Thursday All took car to Docks. Steamer 'America' to Irlam, Tea on board. Ferry boat from Docks to Albert Bridge. Tram town house. Tea at home at eight.

Friday Took Mother home at four. Had tea, awful headache with intense heat.

Saturday-Sunday Intense heat, home all time.

July 2nd

Monday Went cold and wet.

Tuesday Emily down. Mother's at noon. Went to Salford to tea to meet Flo, home at ten. Mrs Peel had been to Nobles.

Wednesday Mrs Peel came at night. Felt very much worried and ill.

Thursday Went to lawyers, said Mrs Cheetham wanted me to go out of house, went up to Weaste to see her in afternoon, she came to Wilkes to see me, said no to a week, promised her to go after [?] week, home at nine.

Friday Went to lawyer's, he said don't hurry as she was not in a hurry, and promised to have it settled on Thursday. Went home and took Thrush to Mother's, went to Chorlton on bus, turned it out, found it could not fly, so drowned it, home by train, Mother came for the day. Went home at ten.

Saturday Not well, pills very bad.

Sunday Went to Mother's for evening and tea at Sloane Street.

July 9th

Monday Mrs Cheetham down at eight to pay £2. Said she had given notice to leave so I arranged to leave on Wednesday, wrote to Emily and Barratt and remover. Began to strip the house at once.

Tuesday At home nearly all day and till twelve at night packing. Last night at Rumford Street, couldn't sleep.

Wednesday Emily came again. Van came at nine, got away at 1.30. Got to Sloane Street at last.

Thursday Lawyer's at twelve to sell my house in Rumford Street, called at Rumford Street 56 and 58.

Friday Fixing up all day. Mother very poorly.

Saturday Mother showed me how she had fallen off in flesh. All took car to Whitehouse's to have Mother and baby photographed. Could not get back for the crowd till two.

Sunday Chapel in the morning first time for nine months, walk to Miss Ikin at night. St Swithun rained in morning.

July 16th

Began to give Flo 5/- of Mother's money and pay her 2/- extra myself for Lily.

Monday Poured in torrents. Piles very bad.

Tuesday Brotherly Knot, lot of ale.

Wednesday Quiet day. Mother and I took baby to Park.

Thursday Fitting cornices and curtains, quarrelling about Prissy. Mother stayed out all day. Went to the Whalley at night and found out train times. Told Prissy to pack up, wired to her aunt to meet her at five next night at Bartlow [?]. Packing up for her till twelve at night. Seemed very sorry to go.

Barringtons wrote to say Maud coming to stay few days, Uncle Warburton wrote to say like to come for week end. I wrote had no accommodation.

Friday All rush, took her by car to Central [Station] at 10.20 ticket to Cambridge. felt very sorry for her. Been here five years, often wondered for what purpose she was destined to come here during the constant rows with Mother and now gone back at last without yet knowing the reason. Eliza Wagstaffe down. Mrs Noble came to pay rent, gave her 10/- as a present.

Saturday With Wildman.

Sunday Mr and Mrs Barrington and children down to tea and supper at new house.

July 23rd

Monday Dull, heavy day.

Tuesday Very cold all day. Wildman getting no biz.

Wednesday Fred brought Edith. Stayed three hours with Wildman and I making up till one.

Thursday Office, no dinner till four, at Smallman's. Fred down at night. Felt very ill, piles and sickness.

Friday Quiet day, in all day. Dr Fairclough at night to ask about piles. Called on Mrs Peel. Maud and Edith went home.

Saturday Albert Wilson and his wife called, from Belfast.

Sunday Beautiful day. Quiet. Flo and I walk round Seymour Grove.

July 30th

Monday

Tuesday Beautiful day.

Wednesday Very wet. Mr and Mrs Wilson to tea and supper.

Thursday Met Wilson and stayed about town with him till six o' clock. Got pretty well with booze. cold fronting [?] wet and windy like winter. Seems to have set in autumn already.

Friday Cold and wet.

Saturday Very wet.

Sunday Fine, all went in park at night. Wedding anniversary (third) forgot it.

August 6th

Monday Bank Holiday. All went at two o' clock to Bowdon, Miss Ikin also. Drove in open carriage to Rostherne and back. Tea at Bowdon opposite Unicorn, home at eight. Awfully bad bilious. Brandy, soda etc ill all day and night.

Tuesday nice day

Wednesday do

Thursday Piles very bad. Town collecting. Felt bad at night, ill and worried. Repairs at Knutsford and Rumford Street.

Friday In all day. Mother very weak and ill.

Saturday-Sunday Wet wet always.

August 13th

Monday

Tuesday Brotherly Knot at night a little stout and others

Wednesday very bad could not do my books. Piles all day. Went to fetch Flo from Salford at seven, walked home. Gruel, bed at eleven. gregory powder.

Friday Ill all day

Saturday very sick and ill. Thought I could clear myself with big purge, took it at night.

Sunday felt very little better. Poured all day.

August 20th

Monday Still ill with piles and sickness.

Tuesday do very

Wednesday do Dr Fairclough at night for bottle. Slept in back room alone. But did not sleep any better. Rheumatic etc on muscles of legs for some days.

Thursday Still felt ill. Mr and Mrs Barrington down at night. Fred down. I went back with Mr and Mrs Barrington to get the stick from Salford that I won in raffle

Friday Home all day. In park with Mother and baby in morning.

Saturday Went to lawyers.

August 27th

Monday Very bad with piles and sickness. Had taken Siegel's Syrup. Dr Ikin came in at night to tell about his trip to London; examined me.

Tuesday Much better through warm fomentations. Called on Mr Boothroyd for two hours.

Wednesday Quiet day.

Thursday Went to lawyers to settle and sell 56 Rumford Street to Mrs Peel. Got £18-18-0 and had to wait for rest till lawyer got cheque cashed. Mrs Atkinson and Mrs Buxton came on bicycles. Bought suit of clothes and new top hat.

Saturday With Wildman

Sunday Weak at night. Frightful fog.

September 3rd

Monday Round at night, walk town and back.

Tuesday Went to lawyers to get money for last house in Rumford Street.

Wednesday Making up till eleven.

Thursday Aunt and Mary S. came. I met them at Central at six; cab to Miss Griffiths.

Friday Mother and I went with Aunt and M. S. to town and Chetham's Hospital. Flo went to Salford alone. Aunt and M. S. came up at night. Stayed with them till nine. Went to fetch Flo back. Roast duck to supper.

Saturday Went with Mother to Pauldens to see Baby's chair. Back with Aunt and M. S.

Sunday All went walk in park.

September 10th

Monday day's work Barrett's round, good.

Tuesday Easy day.

Wednesday All went to Knutsford by 1.30 trip. Sat on Heath. Tea at Coffee Tavern. To Old Trafford Station home.

Thursday Mary [Ikin?] came to help me to make up in morning.

Wednesday Got load of coal.

Friday Aunt and M. S. came for dinner, tea and super. Went to Whitworth Park in morning and all went walk in afternoon. Very pleasant day.

Saturday Harry Ikin did my round.

Sunday Aunt and M. S. to tea, Flo and I went to St James Hall to hear Lecture on Celestine Edwards. Left Baby with Mother and Maggie. Aunt and M. S. went to Free Trade Hall.

Not much sleep on Sunday night.

Monday Up at six. All went to town, met Henry and Edith, all went to Blackpool at 8.45, got in at 10.30. Went to end of shore. Milk and sandwiches. Tram ride back to North Shore. Flo fell in car with Baby. Tea, Talbot Road, went on beach, Mother fell off steps. Six o' clock, port wine etc Clifton Bar; went to wrong station, had to hurry back to Talbot Road, home at 10.30.

Tuesday Mother took them to Mrs Atkinson's at two, got home at eleven.

Wednesday I went with them to Town Hall, went to top of tower. M. S. helped to do books at night.

Thursday Aunt and M. S. in cooking in afternoon and to tea.

§

Stretford Road

June 26th, 1894

Dear Mr Gent,

Enclosed you will find account for Mrs Gent Senior if I should have sent it to her and not you will you please let me know?

With very kind regards

I am

Faihfully yours

J. J. Kent Fairclough

[on back]

Men are advised to lift themselves out of the station they are born in if it is a low station, and necessarily leave all others of their class to still sweat in it; nice teaching, so unselfish, when will people learn that the only real lasting benefit they can acquire is by lifting mankind not by lifting oneself to increase the weight upon the rest.

Tories advise contentment with things as they are and call radicals and Socialists a stomach ache lot and yet they call, when it serves them, [to] tell people to fight and bleed and groan and pay for their country's honour and prestige to preserve and increase what their forefathers fought and struggled for.

Every new movement and effort to benefit humanity is at first scorned and persecuted and calls out the noblest qualities in its members: courage, devotion, enthusiasm and self-sacrifice. But when it becomes more successful and consequently more respectable (as respectability only allies itself with what is safe and secure) the nobler qualities it was built upon languish and hypocrisy and creed and emptiness bring the contempt on it which has attended the former reforms.

§

Letter from Esther Gent while at Fred's in Droylsden about 1894 while Frank and Florrie at Barmouth

I was sorry to hear you had not written about a place as Mrs Crewe wanted you if I had gone with you I do not know what I should have done and it would be wearing for you all after such a long journey I am glad dear Frankie is good it is cold and showery here I do hope you have it fine and hope you will meet with a comfortable place I saw…

…brothers it is a beautiful place she says and she wants you and Florrie to come to see them later on I am better than when I was here before JH saw Mrs Crewe and Else in Town to-day just moved Edith been to Mrs Harrison's for some flowers and lettuce this afternoon.

Give baby kisses from

Gran

§

413, West Derby Road,

Tue Brook,

Liverpool

July 31st, 1894

Dear Nephew,

Please excuse my neglect in not replying sooner; which I quite intended to do, but let the time slip.

We should like to have seen you all, but thought it would only mean a very few hours, so decided not to run over to Manchester. We were surprised to hear that you and my sister were living together again.

I don't know whether you have heard that Mr James is suffering from what I should call an incurable disease (namely, tumour on the liver) so the doctors say, they have advised him to dispose of his business while he had the energy to do so. So consequently this business is in the market, so that I am in total ignorance as to where or what I shall do.

Teddie is intending to go by excursion train on Saturday next to Brighton and from there to Dorking. It will be a long journey but he seems very anxious to go. I think they are thinking of coming over again.

Have you been for your holiday yet, if you come our way, pay us a visit.

We enjoyed our visit to the Isle of Man, and I am glad to say that I feel much better.

With love to sister, your wife and self in which Louie joins.

I am

Your affectionate Uncle

Joseph L. Warburton

In haste.

[The last letter]

In Loving Memory of

Joseph Lea Warburton

(Husband of Louisa Warburton)

Who departed this life, Oct. 7, 1894

Aged 53 years

And was interred at Flaybrick Hill Cemetery, Birkenhead

§

After Uncle J. Warburton's death

Butter Hill,

Dorking

Dear Frank,

As I have a little time I thought I would write you a few lines which I think are very true and which we should all do well to profit by. They are as follows:

What silences we keep, year after year,

With those who are most near to us and dear!

We live beside each other day by day,

And speak of myriad things, but seldom say

The full, sweet word that lies just in our reach,

Beneath the commonplace of common speech.

Then out of sight and out of each they go,

These close familiar friends who loved us so;

And sitting in the shadow they have left,

Alone, with loneliness, and sore bereft,

We think with vain regret of some kind word,

That once we might have said, and they have heard.

When you right again say what you think of these lines. Did you have it fine yesterday, we hope so. It was very wet here. Was it a large funeral? We have not heard yet whether the wreath arrived in time, received a Memorial Card this morning. We think you did quite right to go, you live so near. J. H. would have liked to go very much, but it was such short notice and a very expensive journey, It will be very nice if you can help Teddie with the affairs for he is so young and as you say ignorant of life. Now I must conclude with dearest love to you and Florrie trusting you all are well.

Your loving cousin,

Mary Sarah.

§

Letter from Esther Gent (fragment)

Saturday

My Dear Frank and Florrie,

I am still improving I hope you are out of Greenhill Street with no more loss will you send a bottle of medicine from Dr Fairclough I do not like to be without on account of my cough I have not had any […]the last fortnight…

…I was just saying to-day I would like to see baby and Frankie just for a short time but it is nice to be quiet I have been serving[?] but it tires me so much can only do a little the marrows and beans are so nice fresh got it is […]'s birthday to-morrow

Droylsden, July 1895

Dear Frank and Florrie,

I have not been well at all but yesterday am beginning to feel better give baby a kiss for me I do not forget him little darling I am coming back to take him in the garden Three of us went to dinner and tea to Mrs Harrison's and enjoyed it very much. J. H. called at night and had tea it is a very pretty place they could not have been kinder gave me a pretty bunch of flowers but they will not help

nice I fear to bring home I may come on Friday night the same way I come but you need not meet me they say it is only just beginning to do me good do not be disappointed if I do not come I shall not if wet it has been wet and cold not been able to go out only yesterday it was so fine we sat in the garden all afternoon it was a pleasant visit you would like a talk with all of them the youngest has just won a very large silver cup he is just leaving school I got your post card I am surprised to get a bill while yet having medicine J. H. and fred have been poorly J. H. not right got a bad cough he has not stayed at home sore throat sick pain in bowels he is thin I was surprised Teddie was at Dorking I wish poor J. H. could have gone but there are things to be considered we none of us went out on Sunday I was not well and Henry quite out of sorts 3 day was not fit for business We had a nice chance to go to Belle Vue on Wednesday Edith's school took five wagonettes and I think we should have gone but it was a very wet morning and the conveyances were covered at night so it would have been right and I would have liked him to enjoy himself now I hope you all well Tom's boy the youngest is gone to sea All join in kind love to both

Your loving mother

E. Gent

Thursday if I do not come please send postal

§

70, Sloane Street, September, 1895

Dear Mrs McLaughlin,

I was surprised to have a letter this morning from Mrs W. she says she and George seen Lilly many times the last three week have they asked your permission they would not allow me without letter from you does she know where you are. now it is not me that a word as got out you asked me to keep it a secret I asked you to write me to say if you were having Lilly out a few days or only going just to see her I think Mrs W. is staying at Ormskirk coming to Manchester on Monday. I do not know where she lives if at the same place Lilly would be delighted to see her. Especially George. Are you having any holidays I put off going to Dorking thinking you would be having them we have the workmen in and are in a sad state having the scullery wall knocked down put to the kitchen and new scullery built you can't imagine what a state we are in. I shall and have been expecting to hear from you I wondered you did not let me know what I asked you about Lilly if she was going to be with you a few days I am anxious to know if Mrs W. knows where you are. I was struck to hear from her and the contents

§

October 21st 1895 when I went to London alone

I Clivedon Place

Eaton Square

London S. W.

Monday night 6 PM

My Dear Florrie,

I got in at three, had ham and eggs and have walked till now. I have taken a bed for to-night at this Coffee House (2/-) I don't know if I shall stay here. You will not believe me, but I'm sorry I came. I have got nowhere to go, no one to speak to, nothing to do. I'm a restless creature so I must abide it.

I hope you are not fussing yourself a bit, and that you have got safe home and both you and baby well.

I shall ramble about to-night, it is not bed time till 12.30.

With love to you and Baby and all the family

I am

Yours affectionately

Frank

I shall remove to an Hotel in the City if not comfortable but if anything urgent you can send here.

I do hope you will be easy and happy till I come home. I'll take care of myself. I cannot come back any earlier except by ordinary fair, no matter how monotonous it is. I may be all right to-morrow.

Where I dined on the visit to London, year of Mabel's birth

15 0 Swiss cafe

10 High Holborn

3

2

2 Fleming

4 Tob Vaudeville

1 5 Strand

Tuesday

1 4 Gladstone Hotel

Wednesday

Brompton next Oratory

Tea at home

Spread Eagle, Leadenhall

White Hart

Z[…]

Abchurch Lane

Cannon St

King William St

Tuesday 11 PM

My Dear Florrie,

I have been out all day till seven, then I came home to tea, bought a pair of sox and changed them, had to sit without boots they were soaked. It is miserable here, no one to speak to, a big private room and no fire and so cold to-day. They put my boots near the Hotel's fire, and I put them on again and went out in desperation at 9.30 to have a drop of warm whisky. The Hotels here have no bar parlours, no nice warm rooms. You stand up at the bar, so you don't stay long. How to get over the rest of the time I don't know. Oh it is wretched, it serves me right I shall be satisfied at home after this wretched experience. I am giving myself away by saying what a wretched time I am having but I can't help it. I must write or burst. Barmouth was grand to this, alone here and no release for three days unless I pay ordinary fare. Why you will be in happiness compared to me in this. After I sent you the post card I walked till nearly wet through, and then came here to tea in a cold big room with no boots on and my wet sox in my overcoat pocket now. Thank Goodness there are no bugs, that is the only thing good in this place. If I don't come home I must go somewhere else to live this is awful. You daren't speak to anyone in a town like this but a constable or a bus driver. I shall have some things to tell you. I wish I was back now from the bottom of my boots. Good old Manchester, it's quiet, but sound; dull, but genuine: this is rotten to the core. As you walk among the vast streets of teeming mansions five to ten stories high and see the magnificence, of this bloated wealth, you feel as insignificant as a gnat on a wall and begin to learn things. I went to a theatre last night, Monday, and spoke to no one and came out at 9.30 or ten. I could not stand it and was so tired I came home to bed and now to-day it is too wet. The theatres don't come out till 11.30, the pubs don't close till 12.30 and folks don't go to bed till two or three. Oh what a place to spend life in, I wonder they live half as long as others. If fine to-morrow shall go to the Exhibition, if wet again I don't know what on earth I shall do with myself, and then there is Thursday and Friday to get through. Well I hope I shall have learnt a lesson and then I shall have at least that satisfaction and that is all for my pains and expense. I pay 3/- bed and breakfast dinner outside, plate of meat and bread and vegetables and pint of ale 1/6 and another good meal as tea and supper 1/6, but it's the weariness, you must turn in a pub for shelter or a few minutes rest and keep spending more. I hope you and dear baby are well. With love and longing for home.

Yours affectionately

Frank

§

131, Oldfield Road

Wednesday afternoon 23rd October, 1895

My Dear,

I feel very disappointed with your letters. I so much wanted you to enjoy this little holiday. get away from that cheerless place, where there is a fire, I am afraid you will have a bad cold. I am sorry you feel lonely, but surely there is some nice fellow to speak to. I had a good account of [London?] from Frances I went to see her yesterday afternoon She looked very ill and has had the doctor, so I wanted to see her, but she is improving.

Try and see all you can the remainder of the time, and get more comfortable apartments. I wish you had taken your slippers The weather here is very fine and pleasant since I have come. They make me very welcome and baby is quite at home. he missed you after you went on Monday, he had a look round and said, 'Dada gone.' He talks a deal here and makes them laugh. I took the book to Mrs Kelly and saw them both, they were very nice. I said what you told me and he said certainly and he seemed to think we were lucky to get two holidays. It was wet when we all started from home. We went on the tram together, it would be the 8 PM tram your Mother would catch, father late, but we had to wait for Henry. We are going to be home for Friday afternoon and I will have something warm for your supper when you get back. I think you said about ten o' clock. Frances said we did well not to have taken baby. Ma and Pa have gone to town this afternoon. I felt rather strange here for a time as I told you. So no more until I see you on Friday. I hope you will enjoy yourself. With dear love from me and baby

Your affectionate

Florrie

October 24th, 1895

Thursday 4.30

My Dear,

Your letter made me happy. I am so glad to hear that both of you are well. This time to-morrow I shall be on the way, so it's not worth while removing now. I have been on foot since ten this morning, and this is the third time I have turned in for a drink and a rest. But it's hard to find a pub where you can sit, there's no rest for the sole of the foot or the seat of the trousers. I was going to the Tower to-day, but will save that to see when I bring you, it is about the only thing in London I have not seen, you shall come but Frances is right, it is no place for a child. But she looks only on the surface of London, the glorious magnificence which strikes everyone at first, has given her a good impression. But the more you come the more you learn. I have seen the poor on the seats here at night. Last night, one old woman, one middle aged and one young leaning her head on a man's shoulder, all asleep or dozing in the cold at midnight that on one seat and thousands of cabs and splendid carriages carrying the swells to and from everywhere and no one took any notice. I have lived this time in the West End, and have seen endless miles of mansions, packed together as the middle classes are with us, and the rents are a fortune. Can such wealth exist without vice? Thousands with nothing to do but waste money on selfishness and vice from birth to death. Oh, yes it's a glorious place; but the foulest stinkpot in England. Every morning and every night the placards bear the account of some tragedy but no one minds, what is one or two human lives among so many. First it is an officer's son, in a row at a rum house and a serious affray, then a stockbroker takes train at night to Southampton and shoots himself in it, then another stockbroker is shot at by a man. Then a young man is found shot in the train here, with a girl's photo clasped in his hand. Then a young girl is found cut into on the railway last night. Then a London bank clerk is chloroformed in the train and robbed and wakes up miles away. All this has been on my short visit, and is always going on. A glorious place. I could tell you things for an hour or two. It's the hellish money that does it all. Human life is cheap here.

I shall be glad to see you to-morrow night at 9.30. Oh it's a grand thing to make us think of home and those we love. But I shall break down at this rate.

So Baby makes them laugh, poor little man. I have not found him a toy yet.

I have shifted some food stuff since I came. Thank God I was able to buy it and to eat it. But look at this for instance. I went to a tavern to-day where it was marked cheap 10d, had hashed venison, my bill was 1/10, so we must keep smiling, that referred to lunch, and this was dinner, but it was a good feed and a pint of ale. I need no more till 8 PM. Well I've sat long enough over this glass so I must go on tramp again.

With best love dear to you and Baby and kind wishes round

Yours

Frank

The Marquis of Waterford committed suicide, I don't wonder at any of the aristocracy doing that who live here, wealth and London are the things to cause that.

§

From a Notebook c. 1896

Socialism is the legal power of society to protect the weak against the uncurbed will of the strong.

We cannot save ourselves by removing ourselves heartlessly out of the social wreck and leaving others to sink but we must try to save ourselves in saving others.

Sunday, May 12th, 1895

Wt sh mst hv sffd to cause the kn to brk undr the strn, Oh must it be our wthy b done. Mrcfl Hvn to come to th at lst

ht me at lst hr the pm all rmg satsfctn of seeing, the rest of the tme.

M rfts seems to set prudery above humanity but nthr stre nor anyone alse need lceture me I besch tho as a slght favor

I never forget my duty, but it shll not drive friendsh love and pity out of my hrt.

my flgs fr yr dghtr are too deep too pure for Miss Y to comprehend, it is that worshp wh comes to some of us once in lfe and nctr nor is forgotn

We are grown up children crying for the loss of a toy or something we are not permitted to have.

With women in courtship coarseness and indifference is more successful than tenderness and adoration, they want masculinity even to brutality.

The first time I was p[…] to her money pld [?]

The second time I was […]ght pr and even.

A woman seldom likes the one who m[…] truly loves her because he treats her too much as an angel and so being a woman and tyrannical she uses the power she has over him to his pain and throws away the most sublime gift a woman can receive in this life, a true, pure, consuming love, a heart and soul in the first glorious freshness of youth, and takes instead the evil, calculating, careless suitor, who can speak the love he does not feel just as the first one could only feel the heart throbs [?] he could not speak.

The hopes of life are quenched like lights before sleeping. Col grows the heart, joy or sorrow becomes indifferent.

May 1895

I hv not sd anytg to you - wh I ought nt to hv dn. I wsh to - - I hd not sn any of the fmy. You knw I hve nd to say so. Whtvr I hv said hs bn prmptd by pity for the sfrg wh everyone can s[ - ] whch in sme mn wld hv creatd a feelg of rvngfl satsfctn but in me is only creatd feelgs of pty and grf, poor Miss C [?] once told me when I was railg bttrly at the cruelty of - - tauntg me for the way sh hd pnsh[?] by showing my lttrs to the wrld, that if I knw all I shd be s[ - ] for wht I sd, and wept at the time and so I natly thght sh wld nt dcve me and [if?] I did not knw wh sh mnt [?] by…

March 1895

In reading the book that C. Starkie has sent me 'The Agnostic Island' I do not feel the same interest or critical spirit I used to do. Is it the beginning of dull carelessness which we reach in middle life which stops us from being so delighted with new ideas and speculations, what folks call fossilization. If so, how should we try to remodel anything we have intended to do before we get any older and more fixed or careless.

Fossilization may well come through having to yield to fate in everything in life, till we become inert and helpless, hopeless, we are like caged eagles, suppressed, misunderstood, imprisoned.

§

No date - 1896, after Mabel's birth?

Fairfield Road

Dear Frank and Florrie,

I should have come back on Friday but it was very wet till dinner time and great showers all day. I am feeling a little better, can eat better. I wish you would get away as soon as the weather takes up. J. H. says it did not rain in Manchester, he has gone by tram. It was so wet here. Fred came home poorly last night, had to lay two hours on one of the members' house on sofa, sick and bowel complaint. I told them you and Florrie might come this afternoon if fine but am glad you are resting, if it is fit I shall come back to-morrow, don't know what time. I feel very sorry for poor Fred Tom's boy only fourteen to go amongst strangers and such hardship, I wonder why he has been spared to live, Prissy came to friends that could and bare and care for her more than strangers. I have not coughed so much here. Poor Frankie, I hope he will soon learn to keep out of hot water. It was wet all day yesterday only a short time at once. There was such a passion for the Irish [?] party traps flying in all directions it will be known in the morning who got in. We none of us were out last Sunday. It is fine but I don't know if we shall go out. I have been a walk with Sarah one day after tea, could not walk far. Give baby kisses for me dear Frank and Florrie

I am Your loving

Mother E. Gent

I got your postal safe.

§

My Dear Mother also passed from us on February 13th, 1900 at 9.30 PM in the presence of Fred and I her two sons at 15, Greenhill Street, without a word or a groan, and was buried at the parish church, Knutsford with my Father and sister on February 17th at 3 PM. Born May 21st 1826 Age 73 years when she was called. I had the blessing permitted me by the Almighty of being with both my parents at their death.

§

Monday, July 26th, 1897

Pouring wet. Mother and Lily, Flo and I and two children cab London Road 10 AM to London, Fred saw us off. Kings Cross twenty to four, cab to Cannon Street, train to Dorking, raining. Mary Sarah met us. Tea etc etc. Walk at night in dark Flo, M. S. and I. Franky slept in nice little chair bed in front room with us.

Tuesday With M. S. to Rickman's house to see greenhouse, pigeons, chickens. Put Franky on rocking horse. Beautiful tea house on the lawn. Flo and I went down town, hired mail cart took round Mill Road and through church. Dinner. Flo, I and children to Westcott in afternoon, very hot, grand.

Wednesday 9 am Flo and I to London Waterloo, over Waterloo Bridge, on Embankment, Somerset House, school and offices, gardens up to Temple, Temple Gardens, Old Courts church Fountain Court and Goldsmith's grave, Strand, Law Courts, Clements Inn, record Office, Bartholomew's Hospital and church, grave yard, Smithfield meat market, ST Bride's church, Old Bailey, Newgate Street, St Martins le grand, Post Office, Dinner, St Paul's churchyard, cathedral, crypt, Nelson's tomb, Wellington's tomb and car, Bank of England, Mansion House, bus Holborn, Oxford Street, Baker Street, Tussauds, bus Audley Street, Park Lane, Hyde Park corner Inside, Rotten Row etc bus Picadilly saw Chesterfield House Devonshire House Apsley House Burlington House Green Park, ST James Park Regent Street Trafalgar Square through National Gallery, down Whitehall Foreign Office Montagu House through Whitehall to St James Park back to Houses of Parliament Westminster Abbey Underground Cannon Street to Charing Cross Strand and Charing Cross home 9 PM.

Thursday Box Hill, Burford Bridge and Denbies in afternoon.

Friday 9 AM bus, London Charing Cross cab Kings Cross waited two hours, I took Franky down Pentonville Road, train at 1.15, Manchester 6.30 Tram home.

§

With Flo one day in London July 28th, 1897

[details of intinerary and expenses]

§

From Dorking about September, 1897

Dear Frank and Florrie,

I received your letter and postal. I am so sorry about Frankie he had got wind on his stomach. I do hope he is all right poor boy. I shall soon see him if all be well. Mrs McLaughlin owes me a good deal more but I must write and tell her I am so sorry about the remove and I like the look out so much but it seems it is to be. I have hoped even up to now if you have the front room to live in do not put the pinhole [pianola?] in it will be knocked and be too dusty and the old glass from Spen Green I would like put in my bedroom but you may not have time so that could be done after. I hope you keep well. We went a little walk yesterday to the farm. Miss Mitchell is so kind, would do anything. Do not put yourself about it. May be for the best A wisdom far beyond our ken is planning all for us I feel it. The wedding is on the sixth of October but I can stay as long as I like they say they shall be sorry when I go but it must make a difference. I could not have got back only for Lilly, they are not used to children. I do not think they will leave before spring, the next letter may decide, but if we come now it would not make any difference to me. They say tell Frankie Lilly has got such lots to tell him. If any letters come redirect them, it will not cost anything, I do not think, anyone can tell you, any more or different. You have taken every step you were advised and it had no effect. As we have to go I wish we had gone sooner. It's just nice now the garden. I only wish late as it is some one could help us now.

In dear love to all

I am yours

Ma

I sent Mrs a stamped envelope to write here not bother you. I have not written to Mrs Darlington.

§

Dorking, Autumn 1897. Send for key.

Dear Frank and Florrie,

I am wondering if anyone has turned up for Greenhill Street or if Fred has been down. Tell Annie to put my things of the bed and the things hanging in my closet altogether. Lilly's shoes the boxes on my drawers and the tin box with china the handle is broken you must see that carried down. M. S. gone to Southampton this morning, went out at half past six coming back on Saturday. It is a lovely day. Sister and I going a walk to the poultry farm. I tried once before but could not manage it. I had better if it goes cold have my respirator put it in the bulrow [?] you would not forget it if you saw Lilly eat I refuse her sometimes my cough is troublesome sometimes sister makes lintseek [linseed?] and black currant for me to drink it is very nice. She gets tomatoes from the greenhouse opposite let her have them at 7 pence per pound the person favours me in eggs and gives me buttermilk at the farm Lilly goes every Wednesday to band of hope let Anne put the brick in my bed but see that she does it I should to double the bed round it the frosty nights have killed a lot of the marrows someone been stealing the apples so M. S. got the rest yesterday. Sister gave a quantity of those yellow plums last year I have not seen any this not heard from Lilly Mother I have written to her I am wonderful but very feeble it is the harvest thanksgiving at every place on Sunday except the Friends it will soon be time now to come back. Give my kind regards to Mrs Crewe and Mrs Lovel if you see them. Lilly's shoes nearly done. Sister and Lilly's love and xxxxx for baby and Frankie. The iron came yesterday, they want the bill.

Your loving Mother

E G

Dorking

October, 1897

My Dear Frank and Florrie,

I got your letter this morning, have attended to Fred's. I am still hoping for the best about Greenhill Street. Is baby weaned or can she walk. Will write soon. It is strange Fred has not been down, perhaps he may by this. I had a letter from Fred and Sarah about a week ago. M. S. went with me to the clergy this afternoon. She is gone to Mrs Maishes to tea. I thought you would be waiting for a letter so Lilly will write; tell Frankie she will send him a little letter for I am tired. Give my and all our kind love to Florrie, Mr and Mrs B[arrington], and kisses for the children. I cannot say about the time I am coming. There is a grand wedding from London and they are wishful for me to see a Quaker wedding. I am taking care.

Kindest love.

I am

Your loving Ma

E G

I hope Annie is doing well. Kind regards to her.

Tuesday

We have been having blackberry and apple, tell Florrie it is nice.

§

About November to December, 1897

My Dear Cousin,

I sincerely wish you all a very happy year. You will see we have moved. I have been at my sister's in the south over three months. Came home if I may call it. We have no servant and two little children, and me not being able to do anything makes it uncomfortable. I hope you and all keep well which is a very great blessing. I am very poorly, do not get up till twelve or so. remember me very kindly to Mr Harrison and all. Lost your address but Fred said this would find you.

Dear love.

Your affectionate cousin

15, Greenhill Street

Near Embden Street

Manchester

§

Copy of Mother's last letter to Aunt at Dorking, written from her bed Sunday February 11th, 1900, two days before she died.

My Ever Dear Sister,

How long I have been longing to write you but too ill to write what I would say. SO many thanks for all the nice things […] thanked for as I ought. I cannot express my feelings but I hope we shall all meet in that happy home where there is peace and rest.

Your loving sister,

E. Gent

§

7th May, 1900

Oh, for some mature sympathy. There is no one to condole, no one to reason feelingly and enter into one's loneliness. Flo is not interested and not wounded by the grief. Barringtons are strangers. Fred seems to be unaffected or our natures are so dissimilar that we do not even understand each other. Teddy is quite indifferent and self engrossed. Joe and Dorking are far away. Sarah and the others are bitter and cold. Uncle Warburton dead, and me left in lonely, deserted grief without a shadow of human sympathy at hand.

§

Southampton, August, 1900

Wed 1/-

Muslin 1/3

Wshg 1/-

Tram 4

Salford 4

Rl 46/-

Trn 5

But to Wh… 8

Stout 4

Flo 1/-

Beer 4

Sole 1/6

Picture 7

Cup 1/10

Bargate 1/4

Tram 2/6

Trap 5

Bridge 6

Tram 6

Cart 6

Plate 1/9

Photos 3/6

Thu

Rail 6/6

Photo 1/3

Spoons 1/-

Old Lady 2/-

Bus 9

Br 3

Tea 1/-

Tob 6

Cab 1/8

Flo 5/6

4/2/0 and £4 In bag rest of Mother's Insurance 22/6

Friday, August 3rd, 1900

Up at seven, Flo, I, Franky and Mabel to London by 10.30 Central, left Dora Salford. Very wet, St Pancras 3.40. Bus to Waterloo, stout etc. 5.20 to Dorking, arrived seven, bus home. Met Aunt top of garden. Tea, William [?] in at night Supper bed at 11.30.

Saturday Breakfast at eight, gave presents. With Florrie and children to poultry farm through the Glory Wood Churt Lane home dinner. Walk with Flo and children through town by mill pond back.

Sunday 5th August First Sunday in Dorking for fourteen years. Meeting all but Aunt. Saw Alfred and Mrs Marsh Mother's old friends. In all afternoon. Walk at night all. Supper Bed eleven. Nine years to day since wedding.

Monday, August 6th Aunt and M. S. saw us off at nine to Southampton. J. H. met us 2.20. Pouring, dinner, tea great walk with Joe by western shore, supper.

Tuesday 7th All over Docks, dinner, tram to Shirley to see Scotchman.

Wednesday Up at seven, walk to common, breakfast afternoon carriage from Woolston to Netley Hospital saw the wounded men, legs off, arms off, many other wounds. Home by train 4.30 walk from Woolston to tea.

Thursday Pouring. Joe took us to Docks to see troops go out on Britannia. Home dinner. All out in afternoon, walk all over town. Redgy's niece down at night. Joe and I long walk. Bed at eleven.

Friday Up at seven. packed bought presents. Ridgy photographed. Lunch all saw us off 1.30 London five. Bus to St Pancras. tea etc 6.45 train. Home 11.20 cab bed twelve.

In July I went to see Mother's sister Mary Ann Williams at Dorking and her son my cousin Joe at Southampton to relieve my feelings of loss, leaving Dora at Salford with Mr Barrington, and on October 24th, 1900 removed again to 117, Claremont Road where Randle was born in 1901, so all my children were born in different houses. I resold the houses 117 119 Claremont Road in April, 1905, and also the house Craven Cottage, Craven Terrace, Sale. I bought the Portman Street houses in December, 1905, and removed into number 27 on Wednesday, 11th April, 1906. Mr Barrington was taken ill in July with colic but seemed to improve. We came from holidays at Llandudno on August 18th and he died suddenly at Percy Wilkes' at Weaste on August 20th. A noble, honest man. Life has been more dreary without him.

In April, 1909 my brother asked me to see his employer about bidding for him at some property of his at auction. The man Taylor was a deceiver and almost might have ruined me, by getting me to buy in and then refusing to give me the contract to resell as he had promised. I was distressed for some months till he became bankrupt. My brother did not help me but refused to state what his employer had promised and added to my distress, so it caused an estrangement between us.

§

Phrenology

January 31st, 1908

F. Gent by Professor Roscoe

Memory to be cultivated. Ambition and self-reliance somewhat wanting. Capability is there, but held in check by this want of self-reliance which may be increased as power is there to do the things which you think you cannot.

Must avoid doing a little of anything and then tiring of it. Must learn one thing thoroughly. Fond of pet animals and children. Sharp temper, which is only checked from going too far by sympathy.

Would make good progress in learning music. Suited best for commercial life. Very fond of making money If having been paid for doing something will not do it again without payment. Would be no good as an engineer or anything connected with mechanics.

Have to be more tidy, and keep things in their places.

Not very religious. Looks upon religion as just keeping straight, not praying.

Good appetite. Not strong in arm or chest. Breathing not deep enough. Should exercise with 2lbs dun-bells every morning, should have a warm bath once a week in winter, and after bath be sponged with cold water and then rubbed dry hard.

Not a good judge in character. Does not wish to make friends, but puts too much trust in other people and not in self, laying himself open to be cheated or robbed.

Another by Professor Roscoe of my grandfather, it looks like a paraphrase by his father

Too superficial, gets tired of things to soon, if many things are taken up and then dropped, so make a deep study and success of one. Wanting in ambition and self-reliance yet has the ability to do much that he is thought incapable of, if he will set to and carry the responsibility. Too prone to rely on others and underestimate his own powers, when his own powers are quite equal to the task. Avoid apathy and indifference but have confidence in your own ability and with industry success would come.

Has fair amount of firmness and will not easily be shaken from his purpose. But must avoid rash judgment and impulse. Second thoughts are best. Is not a very good judge of character and along with impulsiveness will be exposed perhaps to others' treachery, so must cultivate much caution and keen deliberation. Is fond of artistic taste but not sufficiently orderly, must encourage order and method and tidiness.

Is fond of home but must keep in curb feelings of sex. Is not much inclined to friendship and sociality, will prefer females to males but will not exert himself much to obtain friendship and is too direct and unsparing in opinions and decisions so must cultivate more reticence of opinions and more suavity in their expression.

Avoid wounding others' feelings and consequent dislike by this outspoken plainness. Is inclined to be hot-tempered and severe while angered, but has this counteracted somewhat by sympathy of nature. So must not encourage feelings of revengefulness but those of forgiveness.

Is below the necessary standard of bodily strength but must increase it by chest exercise six months etc.

Has sufficient commercial business capacity to attain success and manage a business and carry all the weight if he will undertake it but must learn to be self reliant of his own ability and importance, yet cautious in his dealings and actions and friendships and trust, on account of being too rash and impulsive in his decisions and judgment of character, lest he is open to deception. He is fond of good living and has good appetite, must bring up his digestion and physical nature to as good a standard.

Is fond of earning money and will want reasonable pay for his services and will endeavour to save some.

Has a good capacity for music. Is honourable and reliable in his actions. Is not very strong in hope, more inclined to live in the here and now than trust to the future.

§

Account January 1908 to January 1909, when I was then injured

Clothing 7 16 6

House 5 11 6

Property 4 10 0

Travelling etc 10 19 0

28 18 0

School 35 10 0

etc 5 0 0

In February, 1908 my brother and family removed to Liverpool. On February 14th, 1908 at 6.40 PM Henry Barrington Gent was born. On February 23rd, 1909 I had an accident in Upper Moss Lane, Hulme. Knocked down by tram and thrown under a lurry; left thigh broken, compound fracture, right thumb nearly cut off. Taken in tram to Infirmary, in till March 26th, came home in ambulance, in bed in plaster five weeks more. Lost my large insurance book and crippled.

§

Sunday at one o' clock (February, 1909)

Dear Father,

We could read your letters all right. Henry came here at six o' clock on Saturday night. He is going to try and see you in a few minutes, and if she will you will have seen him by the time this letter gets to you. I was glad to hear you were a little better and I hope they are giving you more food. I heard from Parson Smith that they were giving you some toast and tea while he was there.

I am going to try and get off from work again on Thursday, but I don't know whether Kellett will let me this time. Henry is going back home to-night so I hope they will let him se you. I slept with him last night in the washroom. Walter did his round and I did mine, and Smith did al the rest. He says he thinks that everything is in order now. It is awful to think of you lying there but whoever you ask they all say that you are better there than you would be at home, and it being the best place of its kind in the world, we are hoping that you will get the best treatment, but still I can't see what good it will do to keep you without food, but I suppose they know best. It will be very painful when your leg begins to knit together again, but after that you will have your well earned rest.

Will write again soon.

Frankie.

§

My Dear Frank,

I want you to be sure to eat the jelly plenty of lemon in it and good flavour. I have helped to make it only we have not got the knack of making it quite clear it's not shop jelly, eat the top portion but it is all good eat plenty. Mother bought two 1/- cakes late last night so have sent you a piece of each. Do hope you will enjoy it. I know you are weak, everyone is while in bed so long, I felt weak after the fortnight in bed. Use the clean spoon, don't give it all away. Just read your letters, Mabel is bringing. I hope in time to eat a bit for dinner, if you can get at. So glad your hand is better.

Love from all.

Your loving Florrie.

§

27, Portman Street

Dear Dada,

You will have four letters to read this morning, Monday. Won't it be nice if you can come home on Wednesday week. You will have a bed in the middle sitting room. You won't be lonely at home. I think baby will be able to walk when you come home. We will be glad to see you. I hope you are feeling better. We all went to Sunday school to-day. I hope you will be much better when they come to see you on Thursday. I can't come on Thursday, it is Dora's turn.

Now I will tell you what everyone is doing at home while I am writing this letter. Franky is reading Robinson Crusoe, Randle is talking with Dora, Lily is sitting down. Mama is writing you a letter and baby is asleep. Hoping you are feeling better.

Your loving Mabel

God bless you and help you to bear your pains.

From Mabel with love.

§

Postmark: Southampton, 27th February, 1909

68, Waterloo Road,

Southampton

My dear Cousin,

I am so very sorry to get your card and to hear of your accident, you are in great pain I am sure, I can sympathize with you, I broke my arm and that could not be half as bad as your leg and other parts of your body in pain as well. I do hope to hear you are getting on. henry has not home from work yet, so he knows nothing about it yet, he will be in a wax I am sure. I thought I must write to you at once. I do just wish I could drop in to se you. I am sorry for poor Flo and the children. One never knows when we get up in the morning what is going to happen before night.

I am very well but Henry has been ill with a bad boil on his neck, I had to poultice it for three weeks night and day. It's better now and he is at work again.

I will write to Florrie. I shall think about you and shall be anxious just to get a line how you are; don't bother to do it yourself, I am sure the Nurse would kindly do, so accept our dear love, try and cheer up, I hope you will son recover although it will be some time if you get on ever so well before you can walk about. Henry would, I am sure, join with me in dear love.

From your loving cousin S. Williams.

§

1, Spa Villas

Matlock

1st March, 1909

Dear Florrie,

We have been expecting to hear from you every day, but no one has let us know yet how frank is progressing. I do so hope you will drop me a line. Fred will be in Manchester on Thursday, do you think you could [get] him a permit to see Frank in the Infirmary, and if so will you let us know in time.

I do so hope to hear favourable news of Frank from you.

Your loving and sincere sister,

Maud.

§

16, Carter Street,

Greenheys,

Manchester

1st March, 1909

Dear Mr Gent,

I cannot say how very sorry indeed we all are to hear of your most unfortunate accident.

When Henry called in on Sunday and told us all about it we were quite taken aback, although through the week I had asked if you had been and of course on Henry relating to us I can only say again how sorry we were, however, I am very pleased to know you are 'progressing favourably' as the bulletin board tells us. I saw it to-night at Nelson Street and I sincerely trust that each day will find you making a speedy and effective headway towards recovery. I hope to be able to have a look at you on Thursday. Henry tried hard on Sunday to have a few words with you - no use - against the rules and so of course he had to return to Liverpool without speaking to you, he was disappointed. I have sent them a line to-night just to let them know how you are and will continue to do so.

You must not bother yourself about replying and if you possibly can: Don't worry! - though not for me to advise. I can well understand how very much you will feel it having to lie up in idleness and then the good people at Portman Street; anyway I am only too glad to hear of your going on well and I can assure you that I am quite looking forward to seeing you on Thursday, hoping by then to hear the best possible news. I will conclude my few lines with kindest regards from all at home, dad has gone to Portman Street to-night.

Believe me,

Yours very sincerely,

William Newhall.

It's a bit of a consolation to us knowing you're less than five minutes away.

§

[?] March, 1909

Good news. What Florrie told you yesterday is permanent and cannot be discontinued. Letter will explain full particulars. Cheer up; all quite well at home.

Your loving Florrie and Fred

Got your letter this morning and attended to it.

Mr Smith is going to write you a cheerful letter and will confirm statement on other side, but we have it from real authority (Taylor and 7)

§

Bootle, 2nd March, 1909

dear Florrie,

I intend coming over on Thursday morning on the very sorrowful errand of seeing Frank in his misfortune, I do wish it had been under happier circumstances. I was very much distressed and shocked when I heard of the accident and I offer you my heartfelt sympathy. I wrote to Frank last night. Henry will be coming over later. We heard this morning from Willie Newhall that the report on the bulletin board last night at five o' clock was 'progressing favourably.' I hope he will continue so and that he will have a safe recovery.

I cannot say whether I shall call at your house between twelve and one or whether I shall meet you at the Infirmary. If I do not hear from you in the meantime expect me on Thursday.

Henry is working late to-night, not come in yet. Sarah and Edith join me in love to you and will write later.

Give my love to the children and tell them I shall se them on Thursday.

With love

from your affectionate Brother in law

Fred

(Geo. F. Gent)

§

169, Worcester Road,

Bootle,

Liverpool

3rd March, 1909

Very pleased to receive your post card this morning. I am coming to see you to-morrow and I trust I will find you still improving.

With love from, Fred

Very best wishes from me and all of us. Till to-morrow I will say no more. Hope all will be well with you and all. Calling at 27.

§

Thursday, 4th March

My dear Flo and Children,

Since you went I hear both the men taken out last night are dead. Mr Hughes, joiner (G. S) B[…])and that fine old man who lost his leg. Well it's fateful. Ask Fred to tell Dr Smith if he likes that I told you a week ago I did not think I could face the labour again. I have 300 a year or perhaps more ordinary Debit which is £15 a year and think in my 291/2 years I have found a way as much as would have made my book approaching £30 a year This is […] Tell Fred or Franky to tell Mr Smith a letter has come from a gentleman I know in London and ask him to send him a prospectus and proposal for 50 ordinary age 39 to draw in 11 years. Mr Wm Thatcher, 44, Audrey Road, Ilford Essex. Singers have just been in room who come each Thursday sang Abide with me, Go away thy sorrow. Last week that old hymn of Mother's I've found a friend, Oh such a fellow, he loved me ere I knew him. Love to Flo, Fred, Ma and all children and dear friends. How the whole family have rallied round us in the storm I'll never forget. May God bless you all and bring me through.

Yours

Frank.

§

'Corner Shop'

4th March, 1909, 10.30 PM

How are you by now? Much better I hope!

Dear Mr Gent,

I had not forgotten my promise to try and have a brief look at you this afternoon and can honestly say how disappointed I was; fact is at the moment I happen to be particularly busy, having a job on at Olympia New Rink - my stars! they do hustle you - anyway I sincerely trust and hope to se you ere many days, so once again with wishes of the very best,

Believe me

Yours very sincerely,

[?]

I heard Fred is over to-day - have not yet seen him

I know you're making good progress towards recovery - see Bulletin each day.

§

27, Portman Street

Manchester S. W.

5th March, 1909

My Dear Brother,

Love to you. I am here yet. Stayed at Mr Newhall's last night and am going there to-night. Am returning to Bootle to-morrow. We went (Florrie and I) to 122, Great Western Street last night. Mr Smith was out, and we went to Cavendish Street police station to find out who went with you in the car, that young gentleman you mentioned. They would not give us any information, said we must apply at Town Hall.

We went to 122, Great Western Street this morning and Mr Smith, who showed very friendly, said the payment was under Employers' Liability Act, and would be continued as long as you breathed, or until you chose to resume work for them, and that if you had been killed or if this accident should even now cause such a lamentable result a lump sum would have to be paid. But such a thing will not now happen as you are really I am assured going on very nicely, and you will soon be about again. So cheer up. Florrie says she wants you, not money.

Well after seeing Smith, Florrie took me up to Taylor and Taylor's, who took all particulars, but said he did not understand new Liability Act. He saw another solicitor, a friend of his, who said you were safe the amount they want to allow you and you could get more if you wanted but that they could not reduce or lower the amount or discontinue it, except by permission of the Court on evidence of you being fit for employment, so it is in your hands, and that you did not seem to have a very good case for damages against the tramways, but that could be decided by yourself what to do, as no action need be taken until end of six months.

Smith (Refuge) said he was going to write you a cheery letter and to put in black and white that you would get your payments as long as you lived or until you resumed work for them, same as Seeley and the others. So I have done what I could do to make your mind easy. I hope I have done right.

Smith says Saunders payment £1-18-1 was made on Thursday, February 18th (the Thursday before your accident) and those other matters could be gone into when you are able to see him.

I shall keep writing you a letter when I get home and if I can do anything else for you let me know. Now with love, hoping and praying for your speedy and perfect recovery as far as can be so soon

I am

Your loving Brother

Fred.

§

8th March, 1909

My Dear Brother,

I received your very welcome post card first post this morning and as soon as I saw it I noticed the difference in the writing and knew you had been using your right hand. You seem to be getting on very nicely considering the injuries. I should think it is not advisable to try to use those right fingers too much until the hand has healed, yet I was very glad to see you had been able to use them, for it seems like a big step in the right direction.

Now about that letter from Smith. He said in Friday morning that you were evidently despondent and that he should write you a letter saying he hoped you would soon be able to be home again, and to try to cheer you up, as well as mentioning that your compensation (or pension) was quite safe and would be paid to you until such time as you were quite able to go about your business as usual and as formerly. This he said he hoped for your sake might be so, or it might on the other hand turn out that you would never be able to resume to the full your old duties and in that case the payment would be a permanent one. So you can take it that from all sides it rests with yourself when you cease to receive it. I will be only if you desire to take an active position. So you need have no fear of its discontinuance but I hope for your own sake and for all, that the result will not be as bad as you and we feared and that you will have a good recovery and be able to enjoy a good holiday and leisure when you come away from the Infirmary. I have no need to say, 'Be brave,' you have proved so, and your pluck is helping you through. But 'Don't worry' all will yet turn out as right as it can be.

Henry will come over to see you on a Saturday or Sunday if you can manage a permit, and if not then on a Thursday. You can let us know which you would rather. But I suppose you will be away from the Infirmary and at home again before long. Sarah wrote a letter to Florrie which I gave her last Thursday, and she will write a letter to you which she will enclose in my next, as it is now nearly post time and I want you to get this by first post in the morning or else it might not be sent up to you till afternoon. I expect Henry would have enclosed a line but he has not come in yet, so that too will come with my next.

How kind Mr Smith is, the Reverend, I mean; he is one of the right sort visiting the sick and those who are in trouble and we do not know what other good he does in a quiet way. The world could do with plenty more like him. I am very glad you got to know him. I am sure he must have been a very great comforter to you, and he has been able to let Florrie know how you are going on.

Now we hope to hear of a steady and rapid progress towards recovery and although you say 'whatever the pain' I hope you may be spared much pain. Some you are sure to have, the aches in the arms I am told always come to anyone who has, in good health, to take to their bed, so do not fear anything from that and I hope your legs may come right again without the suffering which sometimes accompanies the healing.

And now with my love to you and praying that God may be good to you in your affliction.

I am,

Your loving Brother

Fred.

§

9, Westfield Road,

Westbrook

Margate

10th March, 1909

Dear Mrs Gent

I have only heard to-day of the sad accident to your husband, and deeply feel for you in this severe trouble, Mr R. was quite upset on hearing the news and would like to hear how your husband is going on, if Frankie would write us a few lines and say if his Father is able to receive letters yet.

Do pray the injuries are not so serious as they have been told us and in God's good time all may be well again. Try and bear up, under this great trial, and hope for the best. Trusting your children are all well, and hoping to hear better accounts very soon. With kind love and deepest sympathy

Believe me

Yours very sincerely

Ada M. E. Robinson

§

My Dear Wife and Children,

I have just had dinner. I have lain here reading the books and papers since breakfast till now have not been asleep since breakfast this day, am very tired now, go to sleep in a while, feel very weak and tired. They brought me a big thick chop and potatoes, but it was too tough to cut. I tried a long while but couldn't cut it, so when nurse came in I asked her to do it. She had to fetch a sharper knife before she could. I don't get propped up and a lame hand and tough meat. tell nobody, as I told you before, but you see I want no special cookery. If I can stand this I can stand anything you have at home.

It was very kind of Ralph, Albert and Arthur to come down to help us, thank them for me. I don't see much use in going to see Dr F[airclough?] Perhaps he will call on you. Doctor told me nothing to-day. If I don't hear soon it doesn't look like coming on Wednesday, Dora's birthday. I hope I shall have someone to help me when I get up so weak and one leg to use.

Mabel is a good girl, she sent a very nice letter. Does Franky go to night school? He has no time to write. But they say he is being good and doing everything right. tell Mabel if I' not out on Thursday, I surely may be on Friday, so don't miss the cooking class unless she is anxious.

I have got half a pot of marmalade, that will do.

You cannot mean it that the children are not good, when I am lying here and they don't know how I shall be.

Both Charles Starkie and fred behaved like that. C. Starkie had known a week or more yet not come or written, and Fred has not written for a good while now. But yet they can't help it, some strange things in their natures, perhaps fickleness, causes their concern not to appear at one time and yet show itself at another. I did not mind, if a man lets feeling overcome him, it is not often hypocrisy, it may be from mixed feelings as you said, part self and part friend but most are selfish. Yet let's believe some genuine feeling moved them. I know no one has felt or could feel like you, not even the children yet, who have I to feel care for me but you. If I can get well and back to you I may have calm and peace. If we are permitted to have such times as we have had of long [………] and we did not value it.

I am thankful my hand is easier to-day, and hope it will be more so. Give my kind wishes to Mr and Mrs S. and with love to you and children and Mother

Your loving husband

Frank.

§

10th March, 1909

Greenheys

Dear Frank,

I write a few lines to say how sorry I was to hear of your serious accident, but do hope and trust you will pull through all right, and no one breathing will be more pleased at seeing you on the old sofa once more, and not only myself but all around me, and I also would have liked to have come and seen you, only for thinking others will be wanting to come so I will wait as patiently as a Roman Catholic priest until such time as it is convenient which I hope won't be for long, so cheer up and look on the bright side and no doubt you will come through. I was pleased to see Fred, and hope when he comes around this way again, he will not fail to call as he is welcome I assure you, it was like old times once again, and will be more so especially if we can see yourself, Mrs Gent and family all as well as ever.

Well now my old friend, I must not forget to remind you that the insurance etc will be attended to this week and next, so set yourself at rest over anything concerning the same.

I don't know of any other particular news to send and really I must not weary you in writing too much, but can't resist telling you once again

That in every sky there is a cloud [etc…]

I know you will excuse me not writing before this but I want you to be able to read my scrawl and not to cast it aside and now with the very best wish for your speedy recovery

Believe me your old friend

Harry

and Joe Rosenburgh too inquires after you and also wishes you well.

§

169, Worcester Road, Bootle

11th March, 1909

My Dear Brother,

I received your letter first post this morning and was very glad to hear from you as it showed me you were still, as they say, 'progressing favourably' really. When I wrote about your arms I was not belittling your sufferings which I know must be severe, and I feel for you very much and appreciate your bravery, but I wanted to convey to you not to look upon those sufferings which I know must be severe, and I feel for you very much and appreciate your bravery, but I wanted to convey to you not to look upon those sufferings as unfavourable symptoms. Perhaps I did it in a clumsy way, but I want to keep you in good cheer, and the pain cannot help but be there considering the injuries. I should think it quite possible that your wrist or arm and hand were run over as well as being knocked by the tram car and I don't know how you write at all except by a strong effort. It shows courage. And I am almost afraid lest you do your thumb any harm by writing. We want to hear from you and yet you do not want you to hurt or injure yourself by writing. I do hope you will go on improving rapidly and soon be at home again when I shall be able to see you for a longer time. I am sure they will all be glad to do anything for you when you get home; and you can make your mind easy about the compensation, that is certain.

I wish I could have seen you to-day but I expect you will have had a lot of visitors and be quite tired out, just for the one day in the week when you can again get in touch with the outside.

I received the permit for Henry which you got, and any further messages he will bring you, so as not to tire you with too long a letter. Let me know if there is anything I can do for you, or if there is any book or paper or reading matter that would help you pass the weary hours. Letters from the others will come later or by Henry and with my best love to you, in which Sarah and Edith join

I am

Your loving Brother

Fred

I wrote to Florrie, day after my letter to you.

§

Bootle

11th March, 1909

My Dear Uncle,

Your letter to hand this morning, I am very glad indeed to hear you are still progressing so favourably - at the same time I know what pain you must be suffering, and how you manage to write at all is amazing - there's no other word for it - it's sheer pluck and I admire your resolution to attain so much under such painful conditions.

You enclose a 'permit'. I am taking the opportunity it affords and am coming to see you myself - this time at any rate I shall not be turned away at the threshold.

So look out for Henry appearing about three o' clock Saturday afternoon next, and I trust to find you still improving, and more comfortable. If a word of cheer will help, well it will not be for the want of it on my part.

Afterwards I shall go on to Portman Street to deliver any message you may have and to give them a report of my visit to you, and how you are going on.

I will not say more now except to thank you for obtaining the 'permit' for me which I thoroughly appreciate.

With our dear love to you from us all. All further news when I se you. Au revoir,

I remain always,

Your affectionate nephew,

Henry.

§

Friday afternoon

My Dear [?],

I send 1d for little Dora, I forgot yesterday in the hurly burly. You see we can't have any quiet or privacy on the visiting day. Myers, Feddon, Stone and all the family and other friends, time goes at once. Give children Saturday money. I hope Lily will help you to wash up and house work etc to help you. Henry writes he is coming direct here at three to-morrow afternoon and then to Portman Street so it will do.

Yes always have eggs to breakfast and tea am eating Maud Newhall's first. I need no more yet. dear Mabel's three little cakes very good, eat all last night. I have got the big one cut up ready with a dinner knife to-day from one of the others. I asked for beef tea to-day but nurse said wouldn't get me very strong so sent nice bit of boiled fowl and potato and rice pud and I had last bit of your jam sponge to it so good dinner. Letter from Albert to-day. Very sorry about Emily hope she will soon be well. I did not mean to put Ma and Emily to expense of chocolate but if they won't take money I give them many thanks and hope to return it some way. I am getting very thin but did not show you my leg, is my face thinner, you didn't say.

I asked one of doctors this morning when he came to write history of the accident, what was broken and he said my thigh. He said it was a wonder I was not unconscious with the knockabout, and seemed to think I did not really remember. But you know I was aware of everything that day. I have rambled and groaned dozens of hours in the night's first part, but that was in some sleep. You have to stand it when you're disabled, it isn't bravery it's necessity. Glad you put cash in safe.

Tell Franky to tell me what cases the 13/3 was on that south [?]left and then I'll know what it means. Tell me again if you remember (not unless) if I gave Saunders money to office or not, that 1/18/1 I can't think. I gave nurses a lot of chocolate some refused to take many so I'll hand 'em round again. I gave night nurse a big handful in paper bag, plenty left yet. You see we could not have a quiet hour. Try to let Franky let me know clearly what that 13/3 is. Dr Furrow been to-day and seen the doctor hopes I may come out Wednesday next week (Dora's birthday 10) that would be twenty-nine days here. He says would come out in splints by ambulance and then be in bed at home. I don't know how weak I shall be. My hand tires, so conclude. Best love to you and children and friends,

Your loving husband,

Frank.

I think I should like to be out in garden so bright and nice.

§

Dear Franky, Mabel, Dora and Randle,

I hope you are all very well and being good and obedient to your Mama and kind to each other. No one ever knows the last time they will ever see each other, even without accidents. Did Uncle Albert bring Miss Wagstaffe's photos. Franky, write to Miss Wagstaffe, Pear Tree House, Knutsford, and tell her I had terrible accident on Shrove Tuesday and have been in Infirmary since. After thirty-five years constant travelling the streets of Manchester, but that you expect me to be brought home as soon as can be moved and that is reason I have not been over Tell Mama garden will be empty so send for 2d dwarf stertions for your Mama's bed and middle bed. I can tell you about gladiolus and other seeds on shelf after all being well. Tell M. D. and R. I am sure they are good and have sent me such nice letters.

With love to you all from

Father.

Note on back: What a quiet Saturday. I wonder what you all doing. Hope

List on back by Florrie:

Front or back room

which bed

Accident policy

Note from Southampton P. C.

if coal bill must wait

if you would like to come out as soon as possible, to ask doctor how soon

About office

Whether got shirt

about income tax

on sitting piece

Saunders policy

where is money for same

which bank should we put money

About Dr Farrow

§

Eat eggs; all going on well here.

Sunday night.

My Dear Frank,

I have been wondering what kind of a day you have had. We have had a quiet one. You know Mother is at Salford, went on Friday. She will come to-morrow. Mrs Allen was asking Mabel how you were. Franky will go again to-morrow night, for money. Did I tell you Mr Lotton of Old Trafford brought the 12/6 and asked how you were. I told him all about it. I hope Mr Smith won't bother you much on Tuesday about the business, there is plenty of time for that when you get home. You had better send that mirror in envelope by Mr Smith. You can say one of children gave it you. Rev. Mr Smith must think you are improving because Mrs Smith said to me when you were better he would not need to go so often. She says he is hardly ever at home especially on Sundays. I am going to see Mrs Thorp to get full particulars this week. Do you think you would like to come next Wednesday week. Henry and I were talking as to the bed in middle room. I think the single bed are like those in the room you are in. H[enry] suggests a camp bed or another small single bed. Mrs Heyworth says they are only 6/11 with spring mattress. Mother said it would do for her after for Willie that could stand under James Turner. We must not have your leg disturbed until it has properly set, other peoples set and get right with time. We must be very thankful it is not the knee. Me and baby could sleep on smallest one, it would hold two single beds very nicely and no fear of disturbing you at all. You being upstairs would be out of question, because Ann next door said she had to slide down for some time, another week may work wonders. I asked Franky about 13/31/2 he remembers some of names, Mr Smith will tell you, but the calmer you are kept the sooner your leg sets, they say. I hope you are feeling contented, have you much pain? I have not been to see Dr F[airclough] as you did not want me to, of course I should have liked to have asked him a few things. Henry is getting to know the time of notice as regards tram, they will have to pay something. I hope I have not wearied you with my letter. I will have something more to say to-morrow; hoping you have a better day.

Best love

Florrie.

§

Monday, 15th March, 1909

My Dear Flo,

Very glad to have letters, very nice letters from dear children. It was very good of children to send me mirror and like to look in it but dread it breaking. Have put it away. What good seeing Thorp again. I see no good. Would I like to come Wednesday week you say. Well that is nine days more to lie here But judge better on Thursday. Does Dr F[airclough] want me there as a patient. Let things drift, he will come and tell you if he wants that. Will middle room hold two small beds, are all pictures safe? No more accidents. get man to see. Don't you touch piano. One great rupture case here through piano moving. Get men. You never weary me, never. I have no pain since doctor put leg right Sunday morning. Hand is healing I am glad to say. The only thing is monotony. Meal to meal, day to night, night to day, on my back. Would front room be better where couch is. Please yourself, but don't you lift. Ask Randle not to pull sticks and twigs, some are rose cuttings. Glad to see all the place again and be home with you.

Love to you all,

Frank.

If you need help for a while and Lily willing why not have her.

§

My Dear Frank,

I hope you have been a little better to-day. Mother has just come. I will send Mrs Robinson's letter next time I write, I have just mislaid it. She wanted Franky to write all about it and Mr Robinson wants to write to you if he may. I will write to them. Frank just collected rents Bishop [Street] all paid, so will bank it to-morrow. I have been washing curtains to-day. I am getting the house ready. I am so glad you had fish and custard. Lily is going to Chorley to-morrow to look after another place, she seems to like Chorley and I am glad. Mrs Ford will suit me better, Lily can't wash and can't clean windows she says. Wishing dear Frank you are feeling better.

Your loving

Florrie.

§

27, Portman Street, Moss Side

Dear Dada,

I hope you are getting better. baby has got nearly all his teeth. I went to Sunday School. I am coming to see you on Thursday. Lily is here yet, she is going to Chorley again to look after a place. She is a member of the unemployed isn't she. She seems to like Chorley. I hope to see you much better when I come to see you on Thursday. The mice and the cat are alive. I must thank you for the penny you sent me. Griffiths are leaving their house in about a fortnight, and Gladys told me they were going to live at number 5 Middleton Street. Our day school teacher says this is the second time Niagra Falls has been frozed over as far as the white people can remember. It has been a very cold winter. I think it is time winter was over don't you. I don't forget to ask God to help you.

I must now close.

Your loving daughter Dora.

§

Tuesday, 5 PM, 16th March, 1909

Dear Flo,

Had a fair day. Smith been, no further information, seems to know no more than told you. He brought me two papers. Says I look better than for two years past. I have not got my bowels working and that or lying causing indigestion and pains in chest. My hand does not heal yet. They still keep on that disinfectant lotion, it seems numbed and thumb and fingers seem to be too tight together. Smith has been to see Thorp. Don't do any curtains climbing and risk. That's how Ann did hers, getting ready. Don't do it. Have no more. Hadn't I used to laugh at warning of danger and have only got my life by a miracle of the Almighty. When I think of the horror if the wheel had gone over my head, chest or belly I feel what a tragedy it would have been for me and for all of you. God help me to give thanks as long as I live.

Sister told me this morning I'd soon have my leg in plaster and be coming home. But Dr F[airclough] did not say it, I don't know what it means. Smith begs me to stay here as long as they'll let me.

Don't bring any more jelly or things till I know.

§

I always look for your letters to see how you are.

Your loving Florrie.

Dear Frank,

I am sorry your hand is painful. Mother had a bad cut on her finger when a girl and even now she can feel the bone a bit sore, so yours is sure to be sore for a while and it will be stiff through not moving. It will be tedious and slow your leg, let us be truly thankful it is not both you will stand a better chance one leg free. We must be careful when you come home. I am sending a little parcel. Mother and I had a hand at making the jelly. It has to be sieved six or seven times, nothing but calves' feet, whites of eggs and lemons, it is strengthening and good, don't give it all away. The jam is good and will perhaps help your bowels; use the fresh spoon, the other is not nice. Are you having any rice pudding:? Beef tea would be nice, if they would let me make some very good and send it, or send some fish cooked. I will let you have it when you come home, of course; we must have patience. I think they are clever there. I would like to see you oftener. I am sending a small piece of cake, simnel. I am getting the bed ready for you next week, then it will be ready when you do come. Don't let them think you are anxious because they may think you are not satisfied. It has been a very nice day. Lewis's has a sale for boys' clothes. Franky wanted one for Sunday so I met him a quarter to two at Lewis's, and got a beautiful suit; he wanted long trousers and he looks well, it was 12/6. I tried to get one at 10/6. I got Randle a pair of trousers 1/-. Mother is mending a few stockings, shall we bring you a pair when you come home for one foot at any rate.

Now dear Frank, cheer up, a good time coming.

§

Wednesday afternoon

Dear Wife and Children,

I'm still feeling better. Looking forward to your visit, wonder who you'll bring with Dora. Bring eggs and a round rice cake like Mabel brought that I got cut up in slices, same as last Thursday, nothing else at all, am just finishing Miss B.'s jam, marmalade here yet. Thank Ma for doing trousers and pants, I shall want some to come home in next week. I fancy I shall buy crutches here. It is good of dear Mabel, but if I have to have separate bed I need no one to stay in same room. I can do in the night then it would not crowd room. Yes I know what the C [?] doctor would do. But Dr F has visited me and you him, and the doctors here are sure to give him instructions about me. Mrs Ford will do fine. But not much for me. I need nothing in cooking. What you have ordinary will be grand for me and you'll see me enjoy it: toast, tea, brown [?] bread and a cake. I've all papers from my pockets middle room.

Love to you all,

Frank

Please bring book off piano called 'Colonizing London'.

§

Bootle, 19th March, 1909

My Dear Uncle,

We were very glad indeed to hear from you - and I am sure you will be thankful when you are once again at home. I should think that you are improving greatly otherwise the doctor would not allow you to go. If I may suggest I would advise you to get the absolutely fullest information and directions from him as to the treatment you have to follow out when you are at home - everything depends upon it.

I would have written before but this is my first evening at home this week - have had a very hard week's work - thoroughly weary after the office late work.

I cannot ascertain whether any limit to time required for notice being given of accident to Manchester Corporation - nor can I state with accuracy whether you come under Employers' Liability Act - I think you do not as it was not a fixed wage - but my opinion is this: That you cannot do better than instruct a good solicitor - also I would say notify through solicitor or otherwise - notify Manchester Corporation of accident and probable claim, and my opinion is that sooner than fight the claim they would attempt to settle it for some amount to be arranged, and that would of course be better than letting things go on without any action being taken in the matter. Could not Percy Wilkes do this for you? I will, or Father will, if you wish, but we are handicapped through being so far away. I shall look forward to seeing you again before long under more cheerful conditions, and that you may be completely restored is the sincere and earnest wish of each one of us.

I found all well when I arrived at Portman Street, except that Baby was teething and consequently not A1. Aunt has had a very hard time of it indeed, all the trouble and grief, and still all the work to attend to and nobody really to talk to for advice and comfort, she does long for you home I can tell you. But let me say this: don't be over anxious to get home until you feel reasonably confident that you are safe in doing so, as I feel sure that you will get better surgical attention at the Infirmary than you would otherwise.

You will be sorry to hear that Willy Oldham (Mrs Atkinson's nephew) has fallen down and broken his hip bone; he goes in the Infirmary for operation to-day Friday - is it possible he is in your ward!

Fred Eltoft's Mother I saw last Saturday, she has got a cancer and doctors refuse to operate saying it is a hopeless case merely a question of time, so everybody seems to have trouble, don't they?

I enclose you cutting re Germany which may interest you and while away a bit of time for you.

All is well here, except that Edith does not seem to make any improvement, we are hoping that the warmer weather will do her complaint a lot of good, this cold weather has not suited her at all.

Now I really must stop or you will be quite weary of reading. Father is also enclosing a letter.

We are always very glad to hear from you, if only a few brief words saying how you are.

With my earnest wishes for a complete restoration for you, in which we all join.

I remain always,

Your affectionate nephew,

Henry.

§

…and then I can do anything for you that you would like me to do. So do not think that I keep talking about these matters when I ought to be on other subjects. I am mentioning what I think you are most anxious about.

I shall be very glad to hear how you are going on, and to hear when you are likely to be removed. Henry has spoken on this subject in his letter and when I heard his letter read I thought there will be very little left for me to say, yet here I am running into a long letter; if it tires you tell me and I will be shorter next time. You do not say how your leg is going on or whether you have any trouble with it. Until the bone has commenced to reunite I should think it would not be safe to be disturbed by removing to home but I suppose you will be able to let us know more about this in a little while. If you cannot write without hurting your hand perhaps Florrie might let us know or let Mabel or Frankie drop us a line. I wish you could have come over to see us this summer but I am afraid it will be some time before you are fit to take a journey.

I hardly think you will take much interest in the two newspaper cuttings enclosed but as soon as you get better in your health and can take interest in other matters we will exchange news. At any rate if you do not care for them they may pass a lonely interval.

This day last week Henry was with you, and at Portman Street. Now there is his letter. Only a poor substitute for a talk. Sarah and Edith are sitting opposite me and they both send their love and best wishes to you. And now with my love and prayer for your ease and for quick and complete recovery and with love to all at home from

Your loving brother

Fred.

Hope shall hear soon that you are going on grand.

§

Friday 19th March, 1909, 6 PM

My Dearest Flo,

Dr F[airclough?] been to-day. I was asleep, did not wake me, sister says she told him, she did not know what day I would go till Dr Raynor came back.

Oh, Stark sent me five magazines and Mr Stone brought me a book, so send me nothing more to read now.

If Mr Smith wants to know anything particular, Mr Stone would see me if Mr S. will ask him, and if you want to send me any parcel Mr Stone would bring it me if sent to 12, Hulton Street, but I don't think there's anything needed.

I asked the Head Nurse to-day if my hand was doing right, she said it had a bit of proud flesh in yesterday so they had put some other stuff on to clear it and make it heal, but I told her it ached and so I asked her to tell Dr Morley when he came this afternoon. He looked at it and told her to simply wrap it up dry (just dry lint) but I have shooting pains in the thumb as I told you for days. I hope it is really mending, but I should hope these pangs in the bone to stop. I don't seem to be able to open my hand much between the thumb and fingers. I hope it will get well and leave no injured bone, the thumb is so dangerous. I would not mind if only weak if no danger. I wonder what injured my hands. I think I must have held them up and got the shock of the tram on them, they have been so bad aching and so on, and my hands are both so sprained. I told you I can hardly lift any little weight, cups or dinner plates. I have not got my leg put in plaster yet so will tell when.

Life is made of joys and sorrows, calms and storms. All this time gone and no time to enjoy the years of calm as we ought to have done. I hope God will grant us peace and happiness again and wisdom to thankfully and gratefully appreciate it and the blessed gift it is to us, and not be troubling about things as I have done, and killing joy when it was given me. For calm and joy last not for ever, the clouds come.

With best love to you and dear children and Mother. Hoping soon to be granted recovery.

Your loving husband

Frank.

§

Sunday morning

My Dear Frank,

You will be surprised to see Henry. I do hope he can see you, I was very pleased to see him last night. I took him to Mr Smith and Mrs Smith said she could see another Gent. They had a nice talk. Mr S. thinks you are very wonderful considering. Henry was very anxious to see you. I am delighted to read your letter. I know it must have been a trouble. We have all the rents for Cecil [St]. I took that cheque back, he changed it for gold. I got last week also and Mother's. Mother said it was quite right. To-morrow I will take it to Whalley Range Post Office. Franky's bank book is on the mantle piece, I can put it in that all the rents I get, as you ask me to do. I can make a lot of your letter this morning, we have all had a try. I am sure you will have the use of your hands soon. My dear Frank, I am so glad you are improving better, slow and sure. Dr F[airclough?] knows the doctor, also the sister well of your ward. I was anxious about your chest and back. He called to se me, he was attending someone on the row. I told him, he was sorry and said he would have a look at you, he got to know you could come home in three weeks. You will not be better, but safe. He and his wife were very kind when I called to see what he thought, they told me you could not be in a better place. I will tell you more on Thursday. I won't call. Mother is calling me for dinner, we are having a little pork. I am having no company and want none, except Mother. Henry is very welcome, I can tell you. If he asks for his Father to come to see you I would do so. I am in a hurry for H[enry] to get his dinner so he can meet Mr S. as arranged. I want to know how you are so much. We must both have patience dear Frank, and I know all will be well, al the papers quarterly are given to Mr Smith, all his going on well will write again soon.

Your loving

Florrie.

If I can send you anything tell Henry. Mr Smith is coming to-morrow. I will be there at the dot on Thursday. Franky is writing.

§

169, Worcester Road, Bootle

April 23rd, 1909

You can read the letter part first if you like, marked with a black lead line. Don't know what made me write about other lives.

My Dear Frank

I hope you are still improving and are having an easier time and resting better. I know how dreadfully wearisome it is to suffer from enforced idleness, and it is a blessing you have not much pain to ad to the affliction. The more I think of it and the more I marvel how it came about that you were not worse injured. It seems certain that there is a destiny or providence in all our affairs. Is it possible that our friends and parents or ancestors, and even our own former selves, are watching and guarding, or inflicting trials. Our own former selves, working out their reward or punishment; in us, their second (or one thousand and second) selves; working upward or downward on our appointed path to our ultimate winning post; put through our training again and again. On what other ground can the differences in the positions, environments and opportunities of each fresh birth be justified. Besides all things in nature work on a definite plan. Nothing in the greater universe is by chance, so may we not fairly assume that nothing in our small individual universe is by chance either. Our present is part of our eternity, says Oliver Lodge, so we are now in eternity, and as all things (great things that we can see and know) are worked on one uniform plan, so too may be our lives; and this life an index and plain explanation to us of our former and future existence for in nature nothing is new; nothing ceases, nothing is destroyed. So we wake up or are born, live our day or life; and go to sleep or die; waking again next day to suffer for our errors of the previous day and days, or to benefit by our efforts or advantages gained in those previous days or day. We do not remember even at our age all of yesterday or a week ago; the infant probably, like we infants, remembers nothing of its yesterday; yet that yesterday influences its to-day. And if we are in eternity then that theory coincides with the new testament teaching of reward or punishment. When we are older we may remember previous days, and progress accordingly.

Our researches into pedigree helped to give rise in me to some of these ideas, and to me no other theory can account for what would otherwise be a horrible irony; or an injustice committed by a just Creator. Unless this is so then are we all like mites in a cheese, coming by chance, living by chance, the best of the strongest, as it seems to us here to be; and both evil and good unrewarded, in present existence as a rule at any rate. But the result may be felt the next day, and if so what we look upon as misfortunes may be blessings. It is written 'For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.' Ps 91, 17. 'Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister to hem who shall be heirs of salvation.' Heb. 1, 14 'Though he fall he shall not be utterly cast down for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.' Ps 37, 24. We know of some things that we do, what the result will be to-day (in this life); why not then some of the events of this life be influenced or caused by yesterday (our last life).'God has placed a sign in the hand of all men, that each one may know his works.'

Who are these ministering angels, can it be possible they are those now with a greater knowledge, who have lived in us before, and are living in us again, guiding ourselves and themselves into the path we must ultimately tread, no matter how often we turn away from our training. Now al this may sound very foolish to you, but at any rate it may interest you, and you say you have no hobby now; and some such ideas which are in accordance with, or not contrary to, the teachings of the Scriptures, may ten to while a weary hour.

And yet I had no intention of writing on such a subject when I sat down. Who is it that has written this part of the letter, perhaps James Turner, who is looking at you now from the wall aside of you, or perhaps some more remote ancestor, who thought of such things and from whom we have inherited them. Who were struggling after truth and have now a greater knowledge. Well to leave such subjects I have just lately come across an entry of marriage of John Grindy and Anne Gould: Feb 7-1737. John Gould of Middlehulme married Mary Sherwin of Ipstones Oct 19-1736. And now what about this Rebecca: Rebekah daughter of William and Dorothy Gould baptized Dec 10-1735, perhaps called after Rebecca wife of William Gent - and was she perhaps Rebecca daughter of Humphrey Adam, junior, baptized Oct 20-1651.

I wanted to send you a cutting from the Dispatch (but I can't find it) about General Booth. It says, 'why does he not publish a balance sheet of what is really a charitable institution why does he accumulate a vast sum himself and keep telling us the frightful need of funds to alleviate vast misery and to promote spiritual work which would relieve that misery. He looks like a Jew and probably is a Jew.' That is the newspaper opinion, but he was born in Nottinghamshire of English parents, yet he does look a very Jew. Who is living again in him? is it the Both, Archbishop of York and a yet more remote ancestor who probably was a Jew. At any rate he is past want, although still a hard worker and perhaps he thinks he cannot be blamed for what those do who come after him. Yet he may be much wiser than his critics and may perhaps, by will, leave his wealth to be administered by his descendants for the purpose of religious teaching and the upheaval of the lowest, at the same time providing for his heirs both work and wages. What was the history of the Booth, Archbishop of York. DO you know? And what Jew of old may be living again, how do we know what chances may be vouchsafed.

General Booth is a great man and is doing and has done very great good. No matter what he does with his money, it does not cost as much percentage for him to distribute it as it does our vaunted poor law and municipal institutions. Verily the labourer is worthy of his hire. No man now living has done so much as he.

I remember you telling me some time ago the coat of arms of the Gents of Venice. In the Sunday Chronicle of April 18th entitles 'Some Venetian Vignettes" it says, 'These refugees… did everything artistically, because they did not know how to do it otherwise.' 'What was it in their blood which gave them for several hundred years the unfailing artistic instinct.' 'Tis was before America was known.' Then why did their glory fade. Here's a nice bit of family history like Mr Read says in his book on the Read pedigree how some are gone to the lowest and some to comfortable positions in life. Are any of the Gents in Venice yet? Descendants indeed The descendant of a Doge, a vendor of curiosities. Men with names of Venetian nobility, merchants in maccaroni. Sellers of picture postcards. Purveyors of tinsel decorations to be purchased by ignorant trippers. There is something sad about it.'

Then again the Gents were in Holland. There came a religious persecution and a lot of the Hollanders fled to England. But there must have been an Exodus before that, either religious or a trade Exodus, for some Hollanders, hundreds of years before that religious war, settled down in trade in Norfolk. Some went into Staffordshire and set up in trade there and founded a town which they called after their own old town of Leek in Flanders. But these had not fled from Catholic oppression for they attached themselves to the Catholic Abbey and held higher appointments therein. Some went to Dieu la Cresse, some went to the Abbey near Chorley in Lancashire. And part of these afterwards returned to the Leek district and were then called the Chorleys, to distinguish them from the Gents who had remained in Leek, although those who were left in Chorley still retained the name Gent and handed it down to their posterity. The Chorleys who returned to Leek built themselves a house there which is still standing and can be recognized by its Dutch architecture, which they had built out of love for their old home.

I do not know what you will think of this. There is a lot of it. I should like to know if it interests you or bores you. Let me know. And let me know too what subject (now you have no hobby) has the most attraction for you then I can hold forth on that in my next letters and we shall have a subject of mutual interest. I believe if we had stuck at it we should have had the pedigree reliable and established back to about 1300. It is as the Bible says, 'How can one be warm alone.'

Now I have gossiped for a long time so to the real letter. You say the doctor is going to examine he leg to see if it is ready to come out of the plaster of Paris. When is that to be? I think you would do well to have the plaster softened on the macintosh as you say it would be safer. The lifting into and especially out of the bath might undo weeks of work as regards the setting and might throw you back months in your recovery. I am very anxious to have full particulars how you are progressing and what the doctor says. When a join has taken place in a broken bone it must be much weaker for some time and requires thorough hardening before it is subjected to any strain. When you begin to sit up again and begin to use your hands the contraction and weakness will go off to some extent. Let me know when you are going to have the leg taken out of plaster, and then how you go on.

I was telling you about my walk on Good Friday because, as you could not go with us, I described it so as to be your deputy. We passed the shop where Joseph L. Warburton used to be in Conway Street Birkenhead and had a look in at the shop. The one where he used to be in Strand Road is only ten minutes walk from here. What a many changes have taken place since then.

Edith says she should have called to see you again before she came back but she had so many places to go to that she had not time to see them all, and she seems to have given more time at Portman Street than any of her other calling places. She would have called again if she could. Monday next at two ' clock she has to go in to the operation on her nose which we sincerely hope and trust may do good and perhaps to some extent undo the harm that was done in the last operation and may perhaps take away some of the disfigurement which has so spoiled her appearance.

Have you got to know yet whether any formal notice was sent on by Taylor and Taylor to the Manchester Corporation. When you saw me you seemed to think it would be very hard to prove negligence on the part of the car driver.

The lurryman might as you say be able to give some information. His address was 15 or 17 Ludlow Street, off Oxford Road. I think that is the house where Mr Silkstone used to lodge, when Aunt M. A. lived in Mackworth Street and I used to visit him. Can you get any one to call on the lurryman?

Let me know any particulars you gather, and what course you decide upon; and whether I can do anything for you. It is as you say a great reduction in your income, and increased expense, but let us hope you will soon be in a position to mend matters. I feel sure with your active brain you will devise some means of increasing your income even if it is some sit at home work or something which can be brought to the house by advertising or following up miscellaneous wants and sales columns. Perhaps property or business transfers, you will be sure to fix on something and make a little out of it. I hope so, because it will be a good bit yet before you will be able to take advantage of the offer of the Refuge. Cheer up.

Well it is nearly dark now, I must stop. I usually read your letters over twice, and again after a day or so. One seems to get more of the meaning then. It takes so much more trouble to write than to read a letter, that I think it deserves at least twice reading. Do you ever read mine twice? I hope so, and I hope that my letters seem to convey my meaning; they may seem light and careless but I am actuated by a very kindly feeling and I hope they convey that impression There are some enquiries I would like you to answer. One: what subject would you like me to dwell upon; and what second. And keep me well informed how you, and all of you are going on.

Henry is working late every night yet and will be for another week till balancing and arrears of work are cleared up. He said he would get back about ten to-night and would put a line in. So I shall keep this until then so you will get it about eleven o' clock in the morning instead of by first post.

April 24: Henry was late and I got interrupted so am finishing to-day. Henry has been late all this month, and says he will write soon. He has to have the work done by Monday night as Mr Webster is going to America on Tuesday. So Henry will write or see you soon. It has been very wet here to-day so Manchester does not get all the rain. I hope I shall hear from you soon. And will write better next time.

Now with love to you, and to the children and to Florrie, in which Sarah, Henry and Edith join.

Your loving brother

Fred.

§

169, Worcester Road, Bootle, Liverpool

May 1st, 1910

My Dear Frank,

I was very leased to receive your letter of 22nd April and to hear that you were all well. And glad to see you had at last got something in writing from your Superintendent. It is better but I should have been glad if it had been granting you improved terms. They evidently think you are too young for a pension yet. Let us hope the time will come when that long wished for grant will soon be made. You see Mr Harrap was not long in recognising your scheme for changing over from Industrial to Ordinary business and I don't see why the agents should find fault with you, for they got the business given to them. I enclose his letter in this envelope as you will of course want to keep it. I am glad you are keeping me up to date in what is going on.

You repeat what I said about your active brain finding some good outlet for your energies and you seem to think I did not mean exactly what I said. However, I did mean it, yours is more active than mine. As an instance see the genealogy and what a mass of information you succeeded in getting. I had never thought of it until you started it, and it has been a very interesting study. I think too that some of the puzzles are unravelling. I am not enclosing the Booth etc in this as I have not yet completed the copy but I will do so within the next few days.

Have you had the following, I think so but am not sure. I got it at Manchester Library (I think it was 'History of Middlewich'): Miss Lucy Gobert of Adlington, Cheshire 1635/6 leaves to her son Sir Thomas Barrington Kt and Bart a gold ring 40/- to John his eldest son, £10 Oliver second son, £10 to Gobert Barrington youngest son and my godson, £20 to my grandchild Lucy Barrington a chest of viols and a border of gold and pearls. To Lucy Leigh daughter of Thomas Leigh of Adlington £100 and a silver cup with cover, Dorothy Leigh, Marie Leigh, Penelope Leigh etc etc

Margaret Beswick of Stayley 1616/17 appoints Brother in law Laurence Henshall Executor.

William Stonehewer of Baileyford Cheshire gives to his son George Stonehewer and to his son in law Anthonie Booth 20/- in full satisfaction of their part to Sarah Bagnall and Ellen Bourne my daughters each £5 Ditto Joseph Stonehewer my son. £100 to be put at interest for Jane Stonehewer daughter of my son John - Anthony Booth owes him £20. Catherine Booth bequeathed various to wife (née Wrench) of Revd Thomas Aubrey before 1759.

Perhaps you have these, perhaps you even gave them me. So Barringtons were mixed up with the Leighs if not the Leas and came from Adlington as well as Essex. What about Beswick sister in law of Thomas Henshall. I will give some more Booth names in my next if you have not previously had the above…

§

June 24th to 28th, 1910

Rhyl, 25, Queen Street

all of us went

Fare etc 1 9 9

3 whole 3 halogs [?]

Grocery 1 3

Meat 3 0

Stamps 6

Bread 6

Eggs 1 0

Toys cloth 10

Sausage 7

Brd Kiprs 1 3

Bacon and Eggs 1/- 1 4

Chldn Br 5 Bd 6 11

Drive [?] 6 4 7

Dogs and But Bd Tea 7 1 1

Brd 7 pic 8 1 3

Present 8 8

Bill 1 3 0

But 7 Brd 7 chldn 3 1 5

3 14 2

§

March 14th, 1912

My Dear Frank,

I was very much pleased to receive your remembrance of my birthday anniversary, it is cheering to find there is still anyone who cares to give a word of good cheer as one passes another lap and I appreciate the kindly word and greeting and the motive, to make one feel there is still friendship and companionship and a recollection of old times. And Sarah appreciated the old book you sent, on account of its previous owner. How kindly we all look back on those old times, as we think of those we loved and who loved us, now alas beyond our reach.

I was very sorry to hear you had all more or less been ill but you speak of it as 'we were' - so now I suppose you are all about right again. You say you have written to me twice and no reply - I think you are wrong there. I wrote you the first two or three days in February and heard from you once since (on the 12th) if any other has been sent it has not reached here, but that is quite possible as they do not seem very careful about deliveries here, in this village.

You ask how we are for coal - well I said there would be no stoppage or only a short one to create a scare and raise prices but Sarah thought best to be on the safe side so laid in a gradually accumulating supply and we have still enough to last about another month or more, so by that time the miners will most likely be at work again.

You did not say whether you had heard from Mr Hulme of Leek. If we knew what that deed was it would show whether the descent was as we suppose through the William and Rebecca and all the long was that takes us or not.

I saw a book - Jewitt's English Coins and Tokens - and in it there was an engraving of Gervase Gent's token at Tideswell

Obv. Gervase Gent of Tideswell his halfepenny

rev. Two eagles ermine crest demi eagle displayed out of a coronet

This is one out of only about half a dozen tokens which were marked with the family's arms. [and see Reliquary vol. 7, p. 159]

John Gent of Leek Grocer had the Grocer's arms, a chevron between nine cloves.

Boyne's 17th century tokens published 1858 also describes among many others these two tokens, all of which date between 1648 and 1672. SO that was the arms of the Leek lot and if Randle of Liverpool was right one hundred and twenty five years later in taking the Northampton coat he was not descended from the 1543 lot at Leek. I do not think he was reliable however and even the bookplate he had engraved was wrong for he has a fesse chequy instead of counter company and there is nothing to show how many squares there should be. But what about our two eagles and the Moyns three eagles…

§

January 25th, 1912

My Dear Frank,

I have been so upset and despondent lately that I have neglected replying to you sooner but everything else is being equally neglected by me. I think my head is going, when all comes to be considered there comes a time to all of us if we live long enough when we are no use or pleasure to others or ourselves and I suppose that is nature's weakening of the ties.

Well shall we ever get to the connecting links of our family of long ago in Staffordshire, Essex and Norfolk. Fancy Miss Wagstaffes going to live at Leek and near Mr Hulme. Now is your time if ever to get at the one missing link continuing your research far and very far back. The particulars of that deed (probably a marriage settlement) which Mr Beresford has, referring to William son and heir and John Gent of the Booths: this will connect you on to the right line at once - get the particulars while you can, even only the names and relationships of the different parties to the deed. It is the one thing needed, and as Mr Hulme has sufficient interest to send you the extract from Salt's volume he would probably send you these particulars if you tell him fully why it is wanted. Do not send him too long a rambling letter just what you want and no more except thanks for his interest.

I have looked for the parchment you speak of, Elizabeth ? Johnson, but cannot find it. It is not a will but only the certificate of a probate granted as far as I can recollect which has become detached from some will and may refer to something not nearly connected with us. However I will try to find it and even if I do not I feel sure you could have a copy of it when it is found.

Is all going well with you all, for the present is really more important than the past and Henry says the future is more important still.

I should like to hear how you all are and all your current news as well as any researches you have made. I suppose Mabel and Dora are quite grown up now, and Frankie will be quite a man [5ft 8in]. Let me know any news and how you and Florrie are keeping in health and affairs. Edith's face is much better [very good] and Sarah seems to be having better health than ever before. [very good] Henry and I are keeping well but you will be seeing him soon. I do not know when if ever I shall see Manchester again, [Mr B's great motto: If there's a will etc. You told me in Infirmary you'd think little of walking.]

I felt sure I had returned you Thomas Gent's letter (the father of Norman Gent) but find I had not done so and enclose it now together with extracts which I have written at intervals (and cuttings) ready to enclose in my first letter, [yes best way to reply, fresh from the mind] if there are any other extracts you have sent me which I have not returned and any questions I have not answered let me know and I will reply at once. If I have not done so it has been unintentionally so let me put it right.

We have been having dreadfully cold miserable weather here lately and I suppose it is the same in Manchester plus the fog.

I hope when Frankie grows up he will be like Henry is, for he is a good son and does all he can to make us happy and contented. I should say that he is like the Aunt that Carsons told you of, a comforting interested adviser and friend, he is a peacemaker and deserves his reward, and a great and present helper in time of trouble. I could not say more in anyone's favour. I wish I had been like he is.

Things are bad with me in business but while there's life there's hope and better times may come yet.

Sarah sends her love to you and Florrie, and the children, in which Henry and Edith join, and I as you know send my love to you and all of you. Write soon.

Your loving brother,

Fred.

I will send on anything I may come across and any deductions I make from what we have, if I can.

§

The coat of arms referred to in Shaw's History of Staffordshire must have gone back to a very early date, and the difference in colour may have been owing to difficulty of rendering same in a stained glass window, or perhaps to make a better display of colour. Shaw treats it and the rest as being of too far back to enable any remarks to be made. The window was there, old and out of memory, in 1597. [Why not write the Salt Society on it]

Your information from Mr Hulme re William Gent (not W M Gent as you write it) is a startler, just fancy 1361 the time when Edward the 2nd was king and the Black Prince took King John of France and brought him a prisoner to England an MP too in those days. Newcastle is close to Stoke and only seven miles from Congleton so perhaps that was the line of march. Then Richard granted property at Derby would account for members of our name Ashbourne and Uttoxeter way. I think we are now safe in saying the coat of arms is the eagle and not the one Randle had got hold of, the Northampton coat, even in the book we saw it there seems to be a doubt of 'Gent' or 'Guy'. [Can we find out if this coat of arms is like the Guy family]

I had no idea that Liverpool Library had Salt's recent publications on Staffordshire, but since your letter came I asked the librarian and he found it and brought it to me, the 1911 issue. There is a lot in about Ipstones etc and the descent of James Turner - our James Turner - from the Padwick and Ipstones family. [I know information re Turner is plentiful, wish it were ours] Perhaps future issues may tell you more and bring information of later dates. If I can I will see the earlier issues of the publication. Tell me in your next - have you got it in the Manchester Free Library?[Yes]

If you hope to bottom the true descent don't fail to ask for the particulars of that deed referred to and in the possession of Mr Beresford, William Gent and John Gent of the Booths. I think Mr Hulme would give you the particulars if you ask him. If so let me know.

The sign of Guy Earl of Warwick was a rough ragged staff, could the name Wagstaffe have been assumed by some descendant of his family.

We have never yet been able to solve the puzzle of Thomas Gent, who had a sister Ann Wardle, and who died a bachelor in 1791 before his father. But that is long past the time of our John Gent who married Jane Grindy. [So does not concern the direct descent]

It is quite probable that the Essex lot went from Staffordshire or were the same people with two locations [if so the oil paintings might be of Essex family] for then and earlier were stirring times, but certain as you say in one of your letters they were all related.

There was a vicar or rector of Walton church Richard Gwent in the same year that Richard Gent was vicar or rector of Leek, both under Lichfield. Were they the same. Walton was the mother church of Liverpool and Liverpool parish church was its chapel of ease in 1560. [what a change] In 1356 Staffordshire was probably about the richest county in England. [why]

All the Salt's volumes are in Liverpool Free Library from the first till now, weeks of reading for anyone who can.

§

May 27th, 1912

My Dear Frank,

Herewith I return you the four letters which you received from Mr T. H. Hulme, and which you sent me for perusal.

The one dated December 8th, '92. Is not this a mistake should it not be December 8th, '02.

The transcript or rather extract of the Chirograph Indenture of Trinity Term (7th Ann 1709) which Mr Hulme sent you does take a decided step towards identifying the John who married Jane Grindy with the John son of William and Rebecca. Chirograph particulars would make it nearly certain. Could you get the details?

Very strange these coming from Miss E. Wagstaffe's deeds, and I had written you just before saying I was afraid we should hear some news about the Miss Wagstaffes. I did not know what it would be. I knew a communication was coming from that quarter and I feared it was ill news. When you were writing to me with the enquiry about John and Ellen 1667&endash;1714 on Sunday May 19 I was answering that very query and enclose my draft. You see the custom was and is in that district that when a son got married, his parents set him up on some farm nearby. When they died or gave up, the son came to take their place in their old home and where he was born. In time he set up his son or sons and the process was repeated generation after generation. Now John and Ellen were living at Overhulme in 1668 when their eldest was born and in 1710 when Joan was married up to his death in 1714. William and Rebecca were also of Overhulme when their eldest was born in 1695 (William who left farming and went as a grocer to Leek and settled in Spout Street). Now according to usual rule did John set up in Ipstones and if so why there? Was it because his mother Rebecca had a pecuniary interest there, or owned the place (was this the place described in the chirograph) And why did John and Ellen and their son and son in law William and Rebecca exchange lands with Robert Brough and John Clayton…

§

November 1912

Florrie Hat 2/-

Randle's clothes 13/6

Randle's boots and repair 6/6

Pears Jelly Rum 4/-

Dr Wall 2/2/0

Stanyer 4/6

Farrow 1/10

Nesfield 2/5/0

Craven Moore 1/10

Ryan 10/6

Ryan 10/6

Clay 10/-

Hosp 1/10/0

Ambulance 12/0

Emily 10/-

Dressing Gown 10/-

air pad 10/0

mattress 15/0

Grave 4/0/0

Funeral 9/0/0

Stone 16/0/0

Will 20/0/0

§

At Portman Street October 1913 (6 months after Flo died)

Pillow slips 11

Bolster 3

Shirts 14

Roll Towel 2

Baby colls 10

Girls petticoat 5

Gloves 22 prs

Baby fronts 4

Napkin 1

Girls drawers 2

Tablecloths 5

2 seal muff bags

Flan sheets 4

Sheets 2

Blankets 7

Quilts 4

Girls Frocks and pinnies 9

Hand towel 1

Vests womens 3

Vests baby 2

Vests men 3

Pants 3

Children night gowns 6

Combinations 1

Jersey 3

Toil cov 9

Children sheets 3

Baby blouse 6

Bodices 2

Aprons 3

Silk blouses 4

delaine [?] 2

Print [?] 3

Drawers 2

Lace Collars 2

Fl[annel] chemises 2

do night gown 2

do petticoat 3

do drawers 1

Red Rep curtains 6 large and small

Flo's macrame work

Jackets and Mantle Brds

B[aby] D[ora] R[andle] Silk Hatbands 3

Dora's bible

Silver bracelets

Mother's white drawers 4

Mother's white petticoat 1

Muslin do 1

Stair Holland 2

Green Silk plaid

Mother's Flannel drawers 1

do Flannel night shirt 1

Father's white night gown 2

I dress shirt 1

5 white vests, waistcoats

1 Holland quilt

Flo 2 old blouses

1 combinations

Flos Holland skt

Bk do

January, 1913 my dear Florrie began to be ill with internal swelling. On 23rd took her to Bolton to Dr Ryan; said tumour or cancer. 25th seized with great pain in town at Albert Hall, Saturday night, her last entertainment. Monday 27th much worse; Dr Farrow called in. 29th Dr Walls, specialist from St Mary's Hospital, gave me an hour to decide to send her in to be operated on and give them carte blanche. I refused. Later I called in Dr Nesfield and two herbalists. Went worse. February 12th, an awful night, Dr Nesfield fetched by Frank at 1 AM through most awful fog for years. Next day called in Dr Helme, specialist from Northern Hospital. Mrs Barrington came down and we took Florrie by ambulance at 9 PM to Northern Hospital. Operated on Friday morning, 14th. Mabel and I went up in morning and Dr Hulme said hope lost, could not be removed from the body as it was permeated throughout. My dear lay there being starved to death and bedsore nineteen days. Brought home in ambulance to the front parlour at 27, Portman Street and lingered in misery till 2nd April and died of exhaustion, age 43.

§

Friday night

Dear Mother,

I was very glad to hear you are beginning to get a little better and we are all hoping for the time when you will be coming home again. I am looking after baby, and he calls me up every morning. Mabel makes a good housekeeper and has just been at me for my money and always wants a bit extra.

I am coming to see you to-morrow. I have been two or three nights to ask how you were but have not seen you yet. They are telling me to be sharp or they will be too late for the post, so cheer up and we will son see you here back again and well.

With best love

Frank.

§

16th February, 1913

My Dearest Florrie,

I hope and trust that you are better and that you enjoyed the jelly. I was so glad the sister was kind enough to let me see you, and to see you looked a little better, and were not being sick now. I expect Mother will be bringing the jelly from Frances when she comes to-morrow, if it comes I will bring it. Arthur Wilkes is sailing for America on Thursday.

I do so hope you will get your appetite and be able to eat some of the new laid eggs we sent you. I think it was the eggs you sent that kept me alive in the Infirmary.

We are all keeping pretty well and send our dearest love to you but must not tire you with too long a letter, till you are strong enough to write back. Praying God to bless you, we are with you in our thoughts continually.

Your loving husband and children.

§

18th February, 1913

My Dear Mother,

I have made you a few biscuits and some junket, I hope you will like them. Is there anything you would like us to bring you? We were very pleased to have your letter, you mentioned a vest, but I think you have one in your locker, and handkerchiefs as well in the locker. Did you like the calves' foot jelly that Auntie Frances made? It will do you good. Frankie has bought baby a horse and cart. We are going on all right at home, but we all want you back again as soon as you are well enough. try to keep your spirits up, and perhaps if the junket agrees with you and stays on your stomach you can have more. You have been in the hospital five days now. We are all looking forward to when you come home.

Your loving daughter

Mabel.

§

Tuesday night

18th February, 1913

My Dearest Florrie,

We were delighted to receive your first letter to-night, and hope you will keep improving and the doctors and sister and nurses will soon make you better. Sister told me some very good cures happen and I hope and pray they will soon make you stronger.

I suppose Emily would bring you the jelly to-day, after I had been. I was glad I was able to see you even from the door this morning. Good Mabel has made you some junket and some cakes, better than any from a shop. I have tasted them and they are beautiful. You ought to be set up with all this, and the chicken and the three lots of jelly. I hope you will soon have better nights.

With all our love and praying God's blessing upon you. We are your loving husband and children.

§

Wednesday night

February 19th

My Dearest Florrie,

I have just telephoned up to the hospital to ask how you are and you seem to be going on the same as when I was there this afternoon and saw you eating some gruel or broth. Sister told me you had had some jelly and some chicken and enjoyed it. I am so delighted. Which did you like best, lemon jelly from Miss Holding or sago jelly from Miss Bateman, or the jelly from Frances? Mabel wants to know if you liked the biscuits or the junket. I asked sister if you had eaten any eggs yet but she said no. They will do you such a lot of good when you are able to have them. I do hope you will soon be able to have them. I do so long to hear you are eating better and getting stronger. I hope I may be allowed to come in to you for a minute or two when I call to enquire. try to let us know anything you want so that we can bring it.

That God may bless you is our constant prayer.

Your loving husband and children.

All our fondest love.

§

Thursday night

February 26th

My Dearest Florrie,

Just a line to-night to tell you how delighted I was to see you to-day and how I hoe you will soon be better of your sickness and get more appetite and then you will soon get stronger by the help of God.

I telephoned up to-night to enquire how you were before Emily went home so as to tell her; I asked her to tell Frances to let you have plenty of jelly and I would pay for it as you liked it so much. Emily has been here all day and been a good kind friend. Franky will try to write you from the warehouse to-morrow as he was late home to-night. Keep your spirits up and we will remember the oranges and flowers you want us to bring.

With our dearest love and constant prayers for you, we are your loving husband and children.

§

Friday night

February 21st

My Dearest Florrie,

I got your letter this afternoon just after I got home bringing you the raspberry jam which I was very sorry was not there before you had tea, but you will enjoy it to-morrow to breakfast and tea and it will enable you to eat some bread and butter and I hope you can soon eat some eggs.

I am so delighted you had fish and rice pudding. Do eat and enjoy the rice pudding. I saw huge dishes of it one day I came and it looks beautiful. May God bless you and help you back to strength dear. We do so hope to hear you are improving more and more and trust the bed soreness may be relieved. Have patience, trust and faith.

With al our dear love

Your loving husband and children.

§

Saturday night

February 22nd

My Dearest Florrie,

I hope you were not disturbed by so many coming to see you to-day. I don't think either Frances or Newhalls needed to come. You only need to see your own nearest ones. I do so trust you will soon be stronger and less sore and weary. I cannot tell why you do not have eggs, as you had them both beaten up and boiled before you went in hospital, and they are such grand things to renew your strength. I telephoned to-night to ask sister how you were and to say I would bring chicken to-morrow, I asked sister if you could have the raspberry jam and she said she would see so I hope you had it to tea to-day.

The jelly Miss Holding sent you to-day is stronger of the lemon and calves' foot, and less brandy in it. I hope you will like it better. Mr Evans went specially to the club to get you the best brandy to flavour it.

Do try to eat all the good things you can dear, as keeping your strength up is what you want now.

May God bless you and keep you and give you comfort is the prayer of your loving husband and children.

§

Sunday night

February 23rd

My Dearest Florrie,

I 'phoned up to-night to ask how you were and they said you were pretty comfortable, so I hope and pray you may have a more easy night's rest and that you will enjoy the chicken broth to-morrow. I do so hope you may feel cooler and less feverish, perhaps they may let you sit up a bit before long now they have attended to the stitches and then I trust you will be less bed sore. I went to see that fat scotch woman Mrs Hutchison as I came from the hospital to-day an she says hr stoutness came on at the change, but she did not feel very ill although you know she became a tremendous size. She seems well yet.

If the food makes you more feverish I hope you will be able to eat broth and gruel until you are able to bear some more solid food but I do so long to see you eating a little more of something that does agree with you so as to get more strength. I shall be so overjoyed when you begin to pick up nicely. The jelly ought to do you a lot of good. It was very kind of sister to let me come in to see you to-day and I feel so grateful to her for the kindness.

May God bless you and preserve you and soon restore your strength. With all our dearest love,

Your affectionate husband and children.

I will bring the two boxes of chocolate you mentioned.

§

Wednesday night

My Dear Mother,

I do hope you feel better and are eating more. We found your vest and aired it and dada brought it this afternoon to the hospital. I suppose you have got it on now. Grandma comes to see that we go on all right and we do. We are eagerly waiting for your return home and I am longing for Saturday to come when I hope to be able to see you again. Baby is constantly amused with a toy Franky has bought him and is quite satisfied with it. Mrs Robinson, the washerwoman, came to-day and helped us very much for she did some washing and cleaning all in one day. Baby sleeps with Franky and he often gets up early for work. I hope you liked the jelly and if you fancy anything let us know and we will bring it. Hoping for a reply.

I am

Your loving daughter

Dora

xxx

§

Dear Mother,

Grandma has been to-night. Do you feel any better? I hope you do. Did you see the plant that we brought. We will be so glad to have you home again. We shall be bringing you a clean nightgown and vest this week. Whenever you feel well enough will you write to us, and tell us if you want anything, but if it is any trouble don't bother. I am getting good dinners ready because it is cold. We will bring the chocolate boxes for you. We are all waiting for the time when you will come home.

Your loving daughter,

Mabel.

§

February 24th

My Dear Husband and Children,

I feel a little better this morning and cooler, but last night the day nurse, the one I don't like, pushed me on my side and I was that uncomfortable. I begged later on in the night from night nurse to make me more comfortable. She grumbles but manages to make me easy. I told her I thanked God there was one that looked after me.

Is this the tenth day? They did not take all the stitches out, it seems they take more out to-day. I am tired of being in bed.

§

Monday night

25th February

My Dearest Florrie,

I was so glad to hear you were a little better when I telephoned this morning. It made me feel far more cheerful to-day. I hope you will keep on improving.

Did you see me at the ward door this afternoon when I brought the plant? I think you saw me but am not sure as they shut the ward door at once Sister seemed pleased with the plant and pot.

Mabel will tell you some more jelly is coming from Frances, so you need not spare it as you like it so much and it will do you good. I hope we shall keep hearing you are getting a little better, it gives us such delight, and to hear you are not so sore but feel more comfortable.

With our best love from your loving husband and children.

May God bless you and keep you is my prayer.

§

Tuesday night

26th February

My Dearest Florrie,

I was not allowed to come in to se you to-day because sister was not there. I brought you two boxes of chocolate and some clean clothes: night gown, vest and chemise. I was surprised when nurse brought word your message to me. As you said on Sunday, you felt better there where it was quiet. Do you feel better or worse than you were on Sunday? In your letter to-night which got here after tea, you say you were flushed and giddy and had wet cloth on your head, and yet they say you are a little better.

I am coming to see you all being well in the morning and I want you to tell me all about it. Don't say anything till I come. I haven't been to see Dr Helm to-night and he says I can come and see you about it. And he will try to see you, how you are. If you have any great wish to come away soon he would try to make it safe as he does not want to stand in the way of your wishes but he thinks it would be a great deal better and safer to allow your stomach to heal for another week, as you would have to be bandaged and strapped very tight to bear removal, as you know the ambulance jogs a bit. Have they at the hospital suggested you coming away or is it entirely your own wish? Tell me all this to-morrow when I come privately. But be sure, if it is safe, it can be just as you wish, though much as we wish you safe home again with us I should dread trying the journey too son if Dr Helm said it as dangerous.

And now dear may God bless you and watch over you and soon restore you to us and give you strength to get up again. Hoping to see you early to-morrow dearest.

I am your loving husband

Frank.

§

Friday night

February 28th

My Dearest,

I was so sorry not to be allowed to come in to see you either at non or to-night. I was up at one o' clock at noon and brought you some more papers, but they would not let me see you, and to-night at eight when I brought the grapes. I dare not come in when you beckon me, they will not allow it. They asked me to wait till sister came to me, then I gave her the grapes for you but she only gave you a few. Sister then told me you were coming on fairly so I had to come away. She said you had better have less visitors to-morrow than last week.

Sister told me the doctor had drawn something off to reduce the swelling to-day. When we come you will tell us what Dr Helme said about you coming home. Oh, I shall be rejoiced to have you back. May God grant you an early return home and give you strength again. You shall have any luxury you wish for, and not be refused what will give you comfort and pleasure. I do trust it will do you good what the doctor has done to-day and that you can soon come home.

Looking forward with joy to seeing you dear and praying God's blessing upon you.

We are your loving husband and children.

§

Saturday night

March 1st

My Dearest,

I was so delighted to see you looking better and brighter to-day. We all thought you improved since the last time we saw you, and if you can only enjoy the jelly and chicken, warm milk, gruel, rice pudding and so on you will soon have more strength, and we hope to soon have you home again. I bought a chicken in Victoria Market as we went back from the hospital and got ma to choose it. Hope to bring it to-morrow. We went to Alan Newhall's to fetch the children and they had a nice tea ready for us all, which was very kind. I have just telephoned up and they say you are doing very nicely. I thought of writing to Dr Taylor to ask if anything more can be done for your bed soreness, I do so wish that could be got easier for you and you could sit up and get changes of position from being always on your back.

May you have the blessing of God dear and be healed and restored by his almighty power.

With our dearest love

Your loving husband and children.

§

Sunday night

March 2nd

My Dearest,

I came up this afternoon and brought you the chicken and a piece of simnel cake that Mabel made, sister asked the doctor if you could have it and I think he consented, so I hope you liked it and that you will also like the chicken.

They would not let me in to-day, and the ward door was shut, so I could not even get a glance.

I spoke to Dr Taylor about your soreness and asked him if you could not have some more relief; he said they were doing all they could and that you were sore before you went in. Mabel and Dora say you were not sore before you went in, and I don't see how you could be, as you had only been in bed then a little over a fortnight. I lay ten weeks in splints and plaster and I was not that sore either in the Infirmary or when I got home, though I was on such a hard bed. Your Mother says some are in bed many months yet not that bad and you have got such good healing flesh. I wish and sincerely trust some better remedies may be tried to give you relief. They only used zinc ointment and spirits upon me, but they will of course know what is best to use for you. Do not fail to tell Dr Helme how bad the soreness is when he comes. I wish I knew what day you are coming home; they have not said anything exact to me yet, and I should like to know as you are wishful to come back home, and we do so want you. Keep your spirits up Dear and lie off your back as much as you can. Ma says bolsters are best to lie on, but I will get everything that can be got if we can get any nurse who can do the best for you Do keep on looking forward to being with us soon now and I hope it may be a nice mild day when you come and it will be better in the day time than cold night as you are so warm there.

So now God bless you dearest , and restore you to strength again.

With all our dear love.

Your loving husband and children.

§

Tuesday night

March 4th

My Dearest,

I was glad to see you this morning but I think you are looking as if you want more nourishment and Mabel says you shall have it. I hope you liked the grapes, I had to go to Shudehill to get them. I saw Dr Helme and got permission to bring you home to-morrow. I was so glad. Sister says Mabel must come to-morrow to be told how to attend to you. I have written to Ma to come and have been to the Nurses Home and seen the matron to arrange and have been about the ambulance to-night. We have fitted the bed up, and I telephone at nine o' clock and was told you were better. I guess that you are cheered up that you are coming home to us. May God grant you a return to strength and getting up son and bless our efforts to help you up again.

We shall be delighted and give thanks to have you with us and I hope you will not take any harm if you are wrapped up arm.

Praying God to protect you we send best love from your loving husband and children.

Frank Turner did not continue his chronicle after the death of his wife in 1913. The bereavement was, of course, a blow, and this was compounded by the death of his son Randle in 1915. This is his account of his son's death.

Randle was killed by a motor car in Cross Street, opposite the end of Tib Lane, at 11.50 PM on Saturday, October 30th, 1915. The streets were in darkness owing to the war. The taxi was going at twelve miles an hour with two officers to Victoria Station for Southport, and a wooden boarding was built on the footpath just at this spot owing to some rebuilding, leaving only two feet of footpath for pedestrians. He must have stepped off the path owing to its narrowness, and the taxi swerved into the footpath to escape a tramcar going to Albert Square on the single line just at that spot. Randle was taken to the Infirmary in the taxi with a fractured skull and other injuries - the police report says left arm and right leg - and died at 12.00 AM on Saturday night [31st October, 1915]. He had nothing on him to show his identity, so we could not be sent for to see him alive. We thought he had stayed all night at Seedley and they thought he had got safe home. When Dora went the next day, Sunday, to Seedley and said he had not got home they made enquiries and found a boy was lying at the Infirmary. I was telephoned for to go and identify at the Infirmary and face the grief and cruel loss.

§

Dear Frank,

You would get me in advance of this. I went to the funeral and when I got home I read your humpsome (but none the less welcome) letter to my wife and we condoned with you.

Yours ever truly,

C[harles W. Starkie, Librarian, Athenaeum]

§

Leatherhead

Tuesday, 14th September, 1920

My Dear Frank and Mabel, Dora and Harry,

I am here to-day writing this in fields under trees, it's almost impossible to sit in sun, the heat is so great. Have just sent post card to Eva of Box Hill which Mary [?] and I went to top of yesterday. They think of asking Joe over from Crowborough to meet me this weekend if he can come. It is a change from London you can believe. They want me to stay well into next week. I hope you will enjoy yourselves this weekend. But oh dear, Blackpool after this, like Knutsford after Scarborough. Mary very pleased with dress. William says he's writing to thank you for the tobacco so accept the thanks all if all right. I did not open the parcel any further than your slip of letter and thought your question re Gurley's tobacco meant would I like you to get some more, so when M opened the parcel she gave William the tobacco thinking for him and I was flummoxed I tell you but put the only face possible on it and appeared to think you had sent it to him, but as he doesn't smoke a pipe I'm going to buy him cigarettes and tell him I'll have the tobacco instead as it is grand stuff.

I do hope all is well and you are all keeping well. Is that matter right at Town Hall till I come? Are rents all right? Is Henry's cold better? I sweated like a bull in London till mine was cured. Expect to go to Guilford and Horsham. I wish M[abel?] could be here and see Mary's superb cooking and enjoy all that and the joys and beauties, but she would find it very short of life. She must see London some day and Leatherhead too. I wonder if it will be in my time? Who knows? If Henry gets in his house it's very likely.

Well, Frank, I've gone to a good bit of labour to try and please you. I have spent half a day standing up at a sale in a beautiful garden behind a large house BUT I assure you prices are pretty high and the difficulties of packing and carriage are so great as to stop anything large coming. I will certainly spend my time for you at house sales when I get home as soon as any chance occurs.

No, I have met no friend yet male or female. I'm not one of the desirables evidently now. Henry says his day is passing so I of course must not grieve. William is getting two days off to go about with us.

Time for post, so best love to all from

Father

§

In August, 1922, I went a trip one day to see my Father's old neighbourhood as I had long wished to do, and do not remember seeing any other than Astbury before. I took trams to Stockport and Hazel Grove, and motor bus to Macclesfield, then motor bus to Congleton. Went to the Lion and Swan Hotel, still same landlord, Massey Harper, whom I remember there nearly fifty years ago. After spending some time in the town, and looking at the streets (Wagg Street) my Mother's Mother, Mary Warburton, used to live in which I visited as a child, and West Street where my Father's sister Mary Gent lived, and then walked to Astbury, called at Hocknels Egerton Arms, then at the tomb of my Father's parents and his brothers; two of my Father's infant children were also buried in it about 1850 say, it is a square block tomb close to the church wall on south side. The stone over the grave of my Mother's parents, Thomas and Mary Warburton, on the north side, near the great yew tree, is crumbled and all the inscription obliterated.

I then went on towards Moreton till I got to the gates (on the left) leading to Moreton Hall; opposite to them on the right of the road, is a by road leading to Alcumlow Hall, my Father's birthplace in 1794. I went and explained the reason of my interest and my visit to the tenant, a Mr Laithwood and family, a very well bred, dignified gentleman farmer; they asked me in and I found the house a very handsome place, with large rooms, double fronted, and extending very far back for working quarters. I was very impressed and wished that some of my family were there still.

I explained to Mr Laithwood that my grandparents left it in 1805 when they bought Spen Green farm at Smallwood, a mile or two away, so as I wished to visit that, he directed me a short cut to it through his fields at the back of his house, which I greatly enjoyed and which brought me there in less than an hour, and I explored the beautiful country and the very fields where my Father spent his youth (he sailed out alone in a sailing ship at age fifteen to his eldest brother, John Gent MD, at Tortola, West Indies).

I found Spen Green a smaller and less handsome place than Alcumlow, but a good, square built, double fronted cozy house with good outbuildings, and air of prosperity. The old Father, Mr Bracegirdle, had lived there some forty years, his son and daughter in law, who have a grown son and daughter living there too; they made me very welcome and invited me to stay tea, which my time did not allow. They were interested in my statement and showed me over the ground floor completely, every portion delightfully clean and inviting. Some pretty almost white cats and a swarm of white fantail pigeons sparkling in the sunlight. I left them after a pleasant visit and talk to tramp back (as I thought) to Congleton and the bus four miles away, but I had not gone far on the road, when a lady generously gave me a lift in her motor car, which put me in Congleton again in a few minutes, and was a great relief from a hot and strenuous walk.

I looked through the park and had a grand tea. Bus to Macclesfield 7.30, train to Stockport 9.20, trams home: arrived 10.30. Weary, but with the memory of a grand day and the satisfaction of having seen places I was so much interested in and which had been a long cherished desire.

I should have liked my children to be with me and hear all the history, but that desire does not come till later life when the previous generation is no longer there to tell; so it was with me.

§

MDF 2/6/24 [but not clear. Mentions his birthday, 25th December]

Phps you wll thk it rather strnge for me to wrt you whl I am in the hse but I am sure you can't blve how anx [?] I am to asre y tht I am rlly [deleted] for allwg y to see me not as I rlly am but a bs com w. of crse you may thk dif now of me aft the awfl event. I cnnt say I am sor for wht I did, as I stll belv I was not in the wrng in the circs, but I am very gld to hear y say th wht you did was not intntnl but ws lk of tht. I rlly thk in the face of all wh has hpnd betw us it was a very crul [?] for y to do, esply whn y knw the crcs of the indffnces wh had unadly crppd up.

Y say y were rthr surp at my behvr, well I am also, now my mind has had time to concente on wh has hpnd, but I certly blve I was not respnble for my actns, yr opinn may be difnt but I sincrly hope I hve not lost all the resp wh you had for me, I dare not spk//of for I feel sure th has bn gone bef this hpnd, howvr I shll have to go on as I was bef, ben s admrd by pple who only care for my bed and not my sou, as I hd alws unstd.

I am afrd F I hav tkn y 2 sersly I tht yr love [?] was as dp as my ow, but evdtly not for now y sm qte eag for us to be apt. If I did not love [?] you I shd not heste for the life at psnt is only klg me and cnt go on much lgr, it is only woryg evryne and cnt last. Hwvr I can only sugst 1 thg and th is if y hve rlly csd to cre for me we sh be btr septed, as I cnt forgt as soon as othrs can, nor can I cse [lov]ing in so shrt a time, and to remain in the same h as a mcr sv is far more th I can br

So I want you if y care to, to consdr whthr y hve csd to [love] or whthr y only wnt the sepn bacse y thk y cre for somene else and hve decdd to try them to see if y cn be any hppr, of crse Iknw y cd be hpr if things were a litl smoothr but wh is the use of me tryg if y no lgr cre wh hpns 2 m. I had tht wh I came hr tht I had fnd somene who cd [love] me sicly, but somehw thgs//seem to hve alted. It has unsttld evrthg but I sppse we [love]d too dply at 1st. I warned y abt it but y ddnt seem to thk it wd but it has and ths sms to be the trng pnt. Now Td [?] if y can only blve me as a true hrtd wm I will spk to you hnstly and mean it and wh I say I am rept that is. If y hve csd to care for m I wll go and fre well, but it wl nvr cse me to frgt the hpy times I hve hd wth y nr th sympthy wh y hv shwn twrds m fm tim to tim. It may sm strge but I cn assre y tht I shl nev try and [love] anyone els, but smply play th fool whovr it may be, y may say tht is all rot, phps th is fm a good many wm, but fm me to-d my hrt has gne out to the 1 w I [love] and no one on earth will alt it now. Whth y [love] me or not it will not alt, only time may do tht

I dnt thk anyone who [loves] truly can trly say they wl frgt that is only bluff and this is not the tim for blffg for I am too sore at hrt and sers. Y say I once thrw m as… rnd y and sd I was srry yes I may hve done but I cd not br yr indfrce any lngr, but I cd not do the same in this case for I do not tk I am to blm, but I only wish I cd//

I cld wrt pgs to y and thn I shd not hve tld y all I wd like to, but all I can say now wd only be uselss unless y cd [love] me as y did befr.

Befr you ansr me Td just tk a lit a see if y cd be hpr wthout m and if y wd gain much by it. I cnt gve mslf to y onl, but I wd and I cd be hpy with y, I am qte sure, but y kno it is impsle just now. Td I cnt spk more plnly to y so wth yr ansrwc most lkly wll come to some def decsn for if I once go nthg on erth wll indce me to retn hwvr mch I sd lk 2, but if I do go aw fm here I shl nt go wth [deletion] I shl get the most out of life as lg as I lv wh I kno wd not last vry lng. Ah well I must close now as I cnt spk more plnly but if thr are any obstcls or any qstns y wd lk me to ansr don't be afrd to ask m and I wd wllgly ansr if thr is any possblty of mkg life easr and hppr. So trusting y will give this a creful considth. I never tht on my b d I sd hve wttn to y lke this I tht it wd hve bn full of blss and hpness but anyhow it is not and that is the end.

Yours devotdly if I cd be

§

February, 1926

42 [St Chad's Road]

Dear Frank,

I was at the lawyer's yesterday (Whitworth's, 2, St James's Square) getting the apportionment account and full details of the sale of 137, which was important, and have now written Mr Billington for the first monthly repayment of £5 off the £86 I advanced him. I was very unwell at their office, as I have been ever since the beginning of this month. I have strange fits of sickly giddiness, called vertigo, and they as lawyers on my affairs for twenty years asked me some intimate questions; had I made my will, who had I made my executors, if my family were fully acquainted with all the affairs, if they were interested and able to manage it, and so on. I told them I had made will, but did not offer to hand it to their keeping, that you and Henry in London were executors, that you were not well acquainted with all my property details, though the only one of the executors up here. They did not ask for any appointment for themselves, but said it would be a great pity if my family did not husband the assets when they had to manage themselves, but so as to get more time to their own business and making a living, were to allow the stuff to go at slaughtering price. They also asked me where my deeds were, and Knutsford specially, and advised me that they would certainly make it in shops rather than sell, and had no doubt that I could get tenants and so double the present income at very least. They had done so at Wilmslow and so advised same at Knutsford. There it remains. So this reminded me of my talk to Henry re the garage, which has cost £800. What a job I'd have to get that sum. Yet, if I did, where can you invest it again safely for an income? And if I did, £800 would only bring in 16/- a week, and with management the garage would bring in £2 or nearly, so investments are worth keeping even if a lot of trouble. £2 a week is the interest on £2,000, not £1,800. So it would be folly to neglect wealth already provided, because of trouble of management, so as to spend the time in working for more and losing that already there. All these arguments are clear to lawyers and business men, and wise men gladly listen to the advice of those competent and willing to teach them.

Of course I was advised repeatedly by Wilkinson, friends (?), tenants etc to sell nearly all out and live in luxury and peace for my time, but I preferred to still incur the toils, and shoulder the worries, so as to ease the burdens of my children in their lives, by keeping the investments and sources of income there, ready provided and in active working for them. I need not labour the question, which would have been the easier and more indulgent course for myself, had I cared to have a purely selfish aim.

My Father and I have had Knutsford seventy years. Suppose he had sold it, as he inclined to when I was a lad, or suppose I had sold it any time since I inherited. The money might have been spent, or lost in bad investment, and instead, it may possibly be a bigger income bearing asset still and for another lifetime. [It is, for someone else]

But since the lawyers talk I have thought much

Henry never writes to me, so would he be inclined to waste time and labour in fixing my affairs so far away? And yet you have not learnt to preserve all the interests which will then be yours, and warrant all time and attention bestowing on them as the income will cover the time spent until in shape and somewhat settled.

The lawyers asked me if my affairs would be as well managed as your grandfathers had been by us for twenty years. I should be happy to think so for all my children's sakes. I wish them all great happiness, how ardently I will leave them to find out for themselves by the sounder wisdom of later life, though not now appreciated to prove much reward I am content in the knowledge that everything I could do I have done, and can only leave their future welfare and punctual attention to their own interest, to their own sensible desire for their happiness.

Now in addition to all this 149 Bishop Street is coming vacant. Will it be better to sell one more or keep……

Butter Hill, Dorking, Surrey

May 9th, 1938

Dear Frank,

We were so very pleased to hear from you again, but I cannot express how exceeding sorry we are to hear of your illness. How I wish we were nearer so that we could pop in and have a chat. You know what a very warm place you have and always have had in our affections. Now my dear try not to let it worry you too much about your boys and girls not coming to see you, I know it hurts, but so many of the young folk nowadays act the same way; they don't understand what the older folks feel. You know what our Mothers used to say: 'You can't put old heads on young shoulders.' I do believe you are happier in your own home, if they would only come to see you. Yes there is an intense longing for the loved and lost, as we get far along the journey, but I believe they are nearer than we have any idea, if we could only realize that it is so. I can just enter into your feelings about needing the reassurance that we are ready whenever the call comes, it seems so difficult just to step out in faith, and take Him at His word, for He has said whoever cometh to Him, He will in no wise cast out. He came not to call the righteous, but sinners. 'All the fitness He requireth, is to feel our need of Him.' Take comfort in this dear rank, that some of God's greatest saints have had such distress of mind and have had a hard battle to fight to gain the victory. We cannot understand why perhaps it is to make them more perfect. The finer the gold the more it is tried, the base metal isn't worth it. My own dear Mother was very troubled toward the last, and I'm very sure she was a follower of the 'Friend of Sinners' and a shining example of patience and goodness in much suffering, as your dear Mother was also. The great David Livingstone prayed 'I accept Thy word as the word of a gentleman, who has never broken his word.' Did He not say to his little band of disciples, 'Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.' 'Because I live, ye shall live also, and I go to prepare a place for you.'

'Should He lead us through the shadows

Of earth's twilight cold and dim,

'Tis to reach our habitation

In the Glory Land with Him.'

We do very lovingly commend you to a loving Father's care, and shall ever pray for you, and 'As one whom his mother comforteth so may He comfort you.'

We shall be so glad to hear when you feel able to write a few lines.

I don't call it selfish to want to be with one's children or to see them, it is only natural.

With much love and many hopes that you will soon fel stronger. Am very glad you have someone who looks after you well.

Very lovingly

Yours

Mary

Am writing to tell Ridgy to send you a few lines.

§

Butter Hill,

Dorking

May 9th

Dear Frank,

We received your letter today and were very pleased to hear from you again, but certainly not pleased to hear of your indisposition. Things are very worrying for us all in these days. Days of transition and change; while some are making murder profits out of this mad race to re-arm, others are losing. It is a misfortune we live so far from you as we should like to call on you now you are laid up.

My view of life in relation to Christianity is that the Gospels (the really important part of the New Testament) and containing more of the words of Jesus - is that He laid great stress on Grace and Mercy and threw out the old Jewish idea of Justice and Law. Note the spirit of his attitude to men in his first declaration of his life work as he stood up in the synagogue, and nearly got stoned to death for his new teaching. See also his greatest of all Parables - of the Prodigal Son and the two previous ones, and He ran out after the son! Have you ever read Francis Thompson's 'Hound of Heaven' the same idea.

It is only the Pharisee class, the official mind, self-righteous humbuhs that HE condemned, and you can quite imagine when a man like Nicodemus came and consulted him, with an official, judicious mind, and one coated over with forms and ceremonius crustations, that Jesus should say, We can't remould your mind and outlook, it must be remade, old chap!

The mystery of the future to me is rather deep, but I always comfort myself with the thought, that however we may fall short of the mark,

'The Love of God is broader

than the measure of man's mind

And the heart of the Eternal

Is most wonderfully kind.'

And if our desire is to have the spirit of the Christ and live His life, but have failed, we shall be surprised in the next world at the welcome, and shall be only too glad to have the opportunity of making good, which I am much inclined to think from my reading of the N. T., we shall.

These remarks at some length are suggested by your reference to the book you said you found. Perhaps the Professional purveyor of the Gospel will think me a bit unorthodox, but I'm thinking the Church don't half understand its own gospel, or preach it truly.

I trust you will soon be stronger and that the attentions of your attendants will get you soon on your feet again. Mary S. is writing you a few lines.

I'm doing a few hours at the old trade, for one of the Brookers who does a bit on his own now, otherwise just keep afloat.

With every good wish, and love and strong hopes

Yours affectionately

Will[iam H. Dinnage]

§

…and are prepared. It's a worrying business all the same, not knowing what is going to happen. Hope you are keeping well I expect you have seen Joyce and Grace often. Barry is quite happy in Blackburn, in fact they all seem content. I feel very lonely and with Rex being out of work all those weeks I denied myself all sorts of things, so I couldn't take advantage of the extra freedom I had with all the children away. I am looking forward to seeing the picture 'Wuthering Heights' this week. We were so impressed with the book, that I doubt if the picture will satisfy us. Rex is going, which is very unusual. I hope you are keeping your spirits up.

Fondest love,

Mabel

Fight Spam! Click Here!