Worsley

Little is known about this man. He died before seeing any grand children, who are compiling these records. His dates of birth, marriage and death have been found only through research at the Liverpool Central Library, where the church and national registers bore fruit. From these records, we know that he family started married life living with his mother-in-law (1901 census) at 10 Longville St, now demolished. They had at least three or more addresses before 1933, when his widow settled in one home for many years.

The records show that he started work as a dock labourer before he took the job at the scourine powder factory. It was the silica in this powder that caused his fatal illness. Word of mouth relates that most of his generation of relatives who worked there also died in a similar way (Bob Ball's family).

A black note book was found at the family home after the death of his last child. This contained a thoughtful text covering two pages that contained pious thoughts and sentiments, and is in the same hand as the name and address on the inside front page. As this name is Edward, we believe that he wrote these passages. If so, then this may be the closest we can get to the man. The book also contains lists of names and donations. We assume that he collected these as part of his devotion to the services of the Salvation Army. Among notes for his children are anecdotes which may help to build a picture.

"Monday 15/9/24 What a wonderfull thought - I belong to a Army of people & my position gives me the opportunity of speaking to over 200 boys & girls of a Saviour who is Mighty - to save for time & eternity. Oh that I might grasp every opportunity. I mean too feel more & more that the time for Eternal things are fast sliping by the home my children then other peoples. Oh God give me the wisdom I have the people Make me wise in the things of God Help me to tell with no un certain sound the message I feel that I want to shout "look out" or else you will miss the chance. I also want those of my comrades to do the same. Oh won't you help me see the crowd going on to a eternal end of misery. Never mind argument I mean If my education makes a mistake in the right rendering I mean for ever & ever in a place without Christ what does this mean no Christ no law no love no any thing that is good oh can you imagine what that means. I could picture to you or paint to your imagination some . . "

Edward always blamed himself for the death of his first son, Edward. At the time, he was out of work due to some injury, and the family's circumstances were extreme. It is believed that the boy died of malnutrition.

1911 census address 46 GRAMPIAN ROAD FAIRFIELD LIVERPOOL County Lancashire District West Derby Subdistrict West Derby Eastern Enumeration District 13 Parish West Derby

Name: Relationship to head: Marital Status: Years married: Sex: Age in 1911: Occupation: Where born: WORSLEY, EDWARD HEAD MARRIED M 37 GENERAL LABOURER LAN TOXTETH PARK LIVERPOOL WORSLEY, MARY ELIZABETH WIFE MARRIED 15 F 35 LAN TOXTETH PARK LIVERPOOL WORSLEY, MABEL ELIZABETH DAUGHTER F 14 GENERAL LABOURER LAN TOXTETH PARK LIVERPOOL WORSLEY, MARY BARBARA DAUGHTER F 13 SCHOOL LAN TOXTETH PARK LIVERPOOL WORSLEY, JOHN STANLEY SON M 7 SCHOOL LAN TOXTETH PARK LIVERPOOL WORSLEY, ELIZA DAUGHTER F 2 LAN TOXTETH PARK LIVERPOOL KEARNS, THOMAS MICHAEL BOARDER SINGLE M 23 GENERAL LABOURER LAN CHESTER CHESHIRE BALL, ROBERT BOARDER SINGLE M 21 GERERAL LABOURER LAN TOXTETH PARK LIVERPOOL

As the fathers of both Edward and Molly were regulars at St Peters, it seems likely that this is where the two met.

The story goes that Mollie's parents (one or the other or both) did not agree with her match with Edward. They kept the marriage secret until he had found a home for them to move to. Mollie's mother followed home and cursed them, kneeling outside on the step.

Mollie was around 19 at the time, and if indeed her mother was so against the match, then Mollie must have had permission from her father - else the wedding could not have taken place.

Yet, the census of 1901 gives them living together, with Mollie's mother as the head of the family. So, whatever the earlier argument, circumstances had changed.

We guess that after Edward's return to work, the family may have moved out again, perhaps to Clyde Road. Later, the older woman may have joined them close to her death. Mollie was very sad that she was unable to cope with the last days of her mother's illness, and the mother died in a workhouse.

JM