My 2nd Great Grandparents

William Widdowson

Elizabeth (nee Simons)

William was born in 1828 at Sileby, Leicestershire, England. On 7 June 1841 William lived with his parents at Brook Street, Sileby. On 30 March 1851 William lived at Charlton, Nottinghamshire, England and his occupation was Shopman. William married Elizabeth (nee Simons) in 1852 in the district of Barrow Upon Soar, Leicestershire, England. On 7 April 1861 William was a Framework Knitter. William died in 1880 and was buried on 5 June 1880 at St Mary, Sileby, Leicestershire, England. William was aged 52.

Elizabeth was born in 1823 at Sileby, Leicestershire, England. She was baptised on 19 October 1823 at St Mary Church, Sileby, Leicestershire, England. Elizabeth married William in 1852. On 7 April 1861 they lived at 48 Banks, Sileby, Leicestershire; her occupation was Seamstress. On 2 April 1871 & 3 April 1881 they lived at 19 Barrow Road, Sileby, Leicestershire; her occupation on 3 April 1881 was Seamer (Hos). On 5 April 1891 Elizabeth lived with her daughter Mary Ann at King Street, Sileby, Leicestershire; her occupation was Assistant Dairy Maid. Elizabeth died on 26 April 1900 at Sileby, Leicestershire; she is buried in grave plot B121 at Sileby Cemetery, Sileby, Leicestershire, England. Elizabeth was aged 77.

William and Elizabeth had 7 children:

Their names are –

John                born 1851 Sileby

Mary Ann        born 1855 Sileby

Rueben           born 1857 Sileby        died 3 April 1918 Leicestershire

Betsy              born 1859 Sileby        died 19 December 1935 Leicestershire

Joseph            born 1862 Sileby        died 21 September 1945 Leicestershire

Elizabeth         born 1866 Sileby

Emma             born 1867 Sileby

All information was found on www.ancestry.co.uk, National Burial Index for England & Wales (Third Edition) cd, Sileby Cemetery Alphabetical Listing of Deceased (pdf) – which I found on the internet in 2008.

my Uncle Doug

Douglas Staniforth

(aka Tommy)

Douglas should have been named Thomas Elijah Fairbanks Staniforth but because my grandpa (Colin) and a friend of his Mr Buxton got a bit tiddly before registering the baby they named him Douglas because they knew it had something to do with the actor Douglas Fairbanks; Douglas grew up with his mam and others calling him Tommy.

Below is a picture of the Staniforth family minus one - Sonia Kathleen was away being a nurse.

on the left as you look at it - Kathleen (nee Betts), Colin, Juanita Gertrude,  Betty Marina, Gordon Barry, Enid Hidebrand, (behind Enid) James Colin, Olive Mary, Douglas.

All information was from my mam (Olive Mary nee Staniforth)

My 2nd Great Grandparents

Thomas Staniforth

Eliza (nee Hutchinson)

Because I don’t have much information on the above I’m going to tell you about their whole family, which as you will see isn’t much.

Thomas was born about 1840. On 4 October 1864 Thomas’ occupation was Bricklayer (Journeyman). In 1886 Thomas’ occupation was a Stone Mason. Thomas died before 1887. (It says on Elijah’s marriage certificate that his father is deceased.)

Eliza was born about 1840.

Thomas and Eliza had two children (as far as I know)

Elijah (my great grandfather)

Minnie was born about 1865. Minnie around 1909 married William Humphrey.

Minnie and William had a child

Clarence Gilbert was born in October 1909 at Sileby, Leicestershire, England. On 3 April 1911 Clarence Gilbert lived with Elijah and his family, (I have been told that Clarence got left on my great grandparents doorstep). Clarence Gilbert married Millicent Audrey (nee Moss) in 1934. Clarence Gilbert died on 21 June 1944 at Burma, he has no known grave; his name is on the Rangoon Memorial.

All information was found on www.ancestry.co.uk, family members, twgpp.org & certificates.

Thomas & Sophia Ann’s family.

I’m going to tell you about the children of the above, it might not be much but it’s all I have.

Mary Emily was born in 1885 at Foleshill, Warwickshire, England. On 5 April 1891 she lived with her parents at Somerby Row, Radford, Warwickshire. Mary Emily died in 1901 at Coventry, Warwickshire; she was 16 years old.

Harriett May was born in 1887 at Foleshill, Warwickshire. On 5 April 1891 she lived with her parents at Somerby Row, Radford, Warwickshire. On 31 March 1901 she lived with her parents at 21 Welford Place, Coventry; her occupation in 1901 was a Wool Weaver. In 1909 Harriett May married William Arthur Bevins at Coventry, Warwickshire. On 2 April 1911 Harriett and her family lived at 10 Narrow Lane, Coventry. In 1945 Harriett May married Albert J Rouse at Coventry, Warwickshire. Harriett May died in 1961 at Coventry, Warwickshire; she was 74 years old.

Thomas William was born in 1889 at Foleshill, Warwickshire. On 5 April 1891 he lived with his parents at Somerby Row, Radford, Warwickshire. On 31 March 1901 & 3 April 1911 he lived with his parents at 21 Welford Place, Coventry; in 1911 Thomas William’s occupation was a Silk Ribbon Weaver.

Daisy Maud was born in 1891 in Foleshill, Warwickshire. On 5 April 1891 she lived with her parents at Somerby Row, Radford, Warwickshire. On 31 March 1901 & 3 April 1911 she lived with her parents at 21 Welford Place, Coventry; in 1911 Daisy Maud’s occupation was a Silk Winder. On 6 July 1912 Daisy Maud married Sidney John Brown. On 23 March 1913 & 27 February 1919 she lived with her family at 10 Narrow Lane, Coventry. On 18 January 1935 Daisy Maud was living at Square Lane, Corley, Coventry. Daisy Maud died in 1936 at Coventry; she was 45 years old.

Elsie Ann was born in 1894 at Foleshill, Warwickshire. On 31 March 1901 & 3 April 1911 she lived with her parents at 21 Welford Place, Coventry; in 1911 Elsie Ann’s occupation was a Silk Winder. In 1919 Elsie Ann married Charles Minor at Coventry, Warwickshire. Elsie Ann died on 11 November 1939 in Coventry, Warwickshire; she was 44 years old.

Albert Edward was born in 1896 at Foleshill, Warwickshire. On 31 March 1901 & 3 Apr 1911 he lived with his parents at 21 Welford Place, Coventry; in 1911 Albert Edward’s occupation was a Silk Ribbon Weaver. On 10 December 1915 he was enlisted into the Royal Warwickshire Regiment, Albert Edward never served in France he was discharged on 19 August 1916 on his army service record it says “Discharged ‘not being likely to become a efficient soldier’; on the 22 March 1916 it was found that Albert Edward had a defect of heart. Albert Edward died in 1918 at Coventry, Warwickshire; he was 22 years old.

Lilly Sophia was born in 1900 at Foleshill, Warwickshire. On 31 March 1901 & 3 April 1911 she lived with her parents at 21 Welford Place, Coventry; in 1911 Lilly Sophia’s occupation was school.

Arthur Ernest was born in 1904 at Foleshill, Warwickshire. On 3 April 1911 he lived with his parents at 21 Welford Place, Coventry; in 1911 Arthur Ernest’s occupation was school.

All information was found on www.ancestry.co.uk & certificates.

James & Rose Hannah’s family.

I’m going to tell you about the children of the above, it might not be much but it’s all I have.

Frances Anne Hammond was born in 1880 at Ashby St Ledgers, Northamptonshire, England, she was baptised on 25 Dec 1880 at Shotteswell, Warwickshire, England. On 5 April 1891 she lived with her parents at Duck Pool, Charwelton, Northamptonshire; her occupation was a scholar. On 31 March 1901 Frances lived at The Green, High Street, Byfield, Northamptonshire; her occupation was a Domestic Housemaid. On the 1901 census her surname is Brown so I presume that between 1891 and 1901 James Brown adopted her.

George Henry Hammond was born in 1882 at Ashby St Ledgers, Northamptonshire; he was baptised on 6 June 1886 at Shotteswell, Warwickshire. On 5 April 1891 he lived with his parents at Duck Pool, Charwelton, Northamptonshire and his occupation was a scholar.

Alfred James was born in 1885 at Shotteswell, Warwickshire, England; he was baptised on 1 February 1885 at Shotteswell, Warwickshire. On 5 April 1885 he lived with his parents at Duck Pool, Charwelton, Northamptonshire and he was a scholar. On 31 March 1901 he lived with his parents at Hinton Village, Hinton in the Hedges, Northamptonshire his occupation was Agricultral labourer. Alfred James married Caroline Elizabeth (nee Carpenter) in 1909. On 2 April 1911 & in 1912 Alfred James and Elizabeth lived at 36 Lockhurst Lane, Coventry, Warwickshire; Alfred’s occupation was a Working Baker. Alfred James died on 6 December 1917 in France, he was 32 years old.

Fred was born on 18 August 1886 at Shotteswell, Warwickshire, England; he was baptised on 31 October 1886 at Shotteswell, Warwickshire. On 5 April 1891 Fred lived with his parents at Duck Pool, Charwelton, Northamptonshire. On 31 March 1901 he lived with his parents at Hinton Village, Hinton in the Hedges, Northamptonshire his occupation was Teamaster on Farm (at house). On 1 August 1910 Fred married Helena Kate (nee Garrison). On 2 April 1911 & 1912 Fred and Helena Kate lived at 64 Kingston Road, Coventry; Fred’s occupation was Baker and Confectioner. On 9 April 1941 Fred lived at 83 Crosbie Road, Coventry; his occupation was Baker and Confectioner. On 10 April 1941 Fred died from wounds received in the April raids at Warwick Hospital, Coventry. He and Helena (Helena died in the house on 9 April 1941) were buried in a mass grave on the 23 November 1941 at London Road Cemetery, Coventry.

This was taken from the book ‘Moonlight Sonata’ “As the long queue of relatives stretched outside the Council House for news of loved ones, the appalling work of identification went on. Rumours spread of mass produced coffins. Public baths were being used as emergency mortuaries and arrangements were made at the London Road Cemetery for the mass graves - two long, parallel trenches - and the two funeral services.

The bodies were put into shrouds and taken to the cemetery on the nights proceeding the services. All were in coffins, many of which were brought in from neighboring cities to cope with the numbers required. 

At 11 am on the dull, grey morning of 19 November, the first service was held. (The second was four days later.) No general announcement of the service was made and fighter planes were sent up against possible air attacks from the Germans.”

William was born in 1887 at Shotteswell, Warwickshire, England; William was baptised on 22 Dec 1887. On 5 April 1891 he lived with his parents at Duck Pool, Charwelton, Northamptonshire. On 31 March 1901 he lived with his parents at Hinton Village, Hinton in the Hedges, Northamptonshire his occupation was Teamaker on Farm. On 2 April 1911 he lived at 22 Welford Place, Coventry; his occupation was a Working Baker. On 9 April 1912 he married Louisa (nee Stoney) at Corley, Warwickshire and they lived at 44 Lockhurst Lane, Coventry; William’s occupation was a vanman.

This is William with the Bakers cart.

Sidney John was born 29 Jun 1889 at Shotteswell, Warwickshire, England. On 5 April 1891 he lived with his parents at Duck Pool, Charwelton, Northamptonshire. On 31 March 1901 he lived with his parents at Hinton Village, Hinton in the Hedges, Northamptonshire. On 2 April 1911 he lived with his parents at 22 Welford Place, Coventry; Sidney’s occupation was a Hauliers Carter. On 6 July 1912 Sidney married Daisy Maud (nee Morris). On 21 March 1913 he was enlisted into the Royal Warwickshire Regiment he lived with his family at 10 Narrow Lane, Coventry and his occupation was a Textile Worker at Courtalds, Coventry. On 22 March 1915 he went to France and on the 1 October 1917 he was wounded in his Left Chest and arm, Sidney was admitted to the Australian Hospital, Abbeville, France on 2 October 1917 where the bullet was removed from his Left Chest; on the 24 October 1917 he was admitted to the 4^th North General Hospital, Lincoln, England. On 27 February 1919 he was discharged from the army. In 1942 he lived at 49 Markfield Road, Foleshill, Coventry. On 29 August 1971 he died at Everdon Lodge, Everdon Road, Holbrooke, Coventry; he died from (a) Myocardial insufficiency   (b) Arteriosclerosis    (c) Senility. Sidney John is buried in Foleshill Cemetery, Foleshill, Coventry.

Ellen was born in 1892 at Chastleton, Northamptonshire, England. On 31 March 1901 she was living with her parents at Hinton Village, Hinton in the Hedges, Northamptonshire.

Mary Ann Viola was born in 1894 at Wormleighton, Northamptonshire, England; she was baptised on 18 February 1894. On 31 March 1901 she was living with her parents at Hinton Village, Hinton in the Hedges, Northamptonshire. On the 2 April 1911 she lived with her parents at 22 Welford Place, Coventry; her occupation was a Silk Lacers.

Rose was born in 1896 at Prior’s Martone, Northamptonshire, England. On 31 March 1901 she lived with her parents at Hinton Village, Hinton in the Hedges, Northamptonshire. On 2 April 1911 she lived with her parents at 22 Welford Place, Coventry; her occupation was a Silk Lacers. Rose married Frederick Harris in 1912 at Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, England.

All information was found on www.ancestry.co.uk, & certificates, Book called ‘Moonlight Sonata’.

Thomas & Betsy’s family

I’m going to tell you about the children of the above, it might not be much but it’s all I have.

William was born in November 1889 at Sileby, Leicestershire, England. On the 31 March 1901 he lived with his parents at 19 Cemetery Road, Sileby. William died on 17 November 1915, he died of Phthisis which he had for 6 months his father was present when he died; William’s occupation when he died was a Shoe Hand. William is buried with his parents in grave plot B129 at Sileby Cemetery, Cemetery Road, Sileby. William was 26 years old.

Albert was born in 1891 at Sileby, Leicestershire. On the 31 March 1901 he lived with his parents at 19 Cemetery Road, Sileby. On 17 August 1914 Albert had a medical for the army and on the 20 August 1914 he was enlisted into the Leicestershire Regiment, on the 29 July 1915 he embarked to France and on the 14 July 1916 Albert was killed In Action, he has no known grave but is remembered on the Thiepval War Memorial, Somme, France. Albert was 25 years old.

Kathleen was born on 18 June 1895 at Sileby, Leicestershire. On the 31 March 1901 she lived with her parents at 19 Cemetery Road, Sileby. In 1918 Kathleen lived with her parents at 36 Cemetery Road, Sileby. And in 1919 she married Colin and on the 3 May 1919 she lived with Colin at 4 King Street, Sileby. On the 3 June 1929 Kathleen and Colin with their family lived at Albion Road, Sileby; then they moved to Ratcliffe Road, Sileby. On the 11 September 1955 Kathleen and her family lived at 24 Greedon Rise, Sileby also on this day Kathleen came home from Canada where she had been visiting her daughter Sonia Kathleen (and her husband and two children), Kathleen departed from Montreal, Quebec, Canada and arrived at Glasgow, Scotland the ship that she was on was called ‘Captain Cook’, the shipping line was Donaldson Line Ltd. In July 1960 Kathleen and her family lived at 110 Holmfield Avenue, Sileby. On the 7 July 1970 Kathleen died at Cossington, Leicestershire and on the 13 July 1970 she was buried at Sileby Cemetery, in grave plot C247nc. Kathleen was 75 years old.

Aubrey was born on 22 August 1898 in Sileby, Leicestershire. On 31 March 1901 he lived with his parents at 19 Cemetery Road, Sileby. On the 28 August 1916 he enlisted in the Leicestershire Regiment, his occupation was a Shoe Hand; his religion was Church of England (this was found on his army service record). On the 11 September 1917 he was transferred from the Leicestershire Regiment to the 3^rd South Staffs and on the 30 October 1917 he was posted to France. On the 29 January 1918 Aubrey was wounded in action in France (he was wounded in his leg) and on the 29 January 1919 he was demobbed. Aubrey married in 1924 to Maud Evelyn (nee Allen) and on the 14 October 1967 he died in Leicester, England. He was cremated and his ashes were scattered at Sileby Cemetery. Aubrey was 69 years old.

Claude Hector was born 2 November 1901 at Sileby, Leicestershire. In December 1901 he lived with his parents at 19 Cemetery Road, Sileby. On the 3 May 1919 he lived with his parents at 36 Cemetery Road, Sileby. In 1937 Claude Hector married Jannet Lillian (nee Goss). Claude Hector died in 1976 at Coalville, Leicestershire, England. Claude Hector was 75 years old.

All information was found on www.ancestry.co.uk & certificates.

A short history of Coventry, Warwickshire, England

Although Coventry is most famous for ‘Lady Godiva’ and the November 1940 blitz that ruined St Michael’s Cathedral, I am going to tell you if it’s at all possible of something other than that.

Coventry was first incorporated by King Edward III, and the first mayor was chosen in 1348; it was erected into a county, with a considerable district, in the year 1451, by Henry VI, and both these charters were further confirmed by James I. The corporate body consists of a mayor; ten aldermen, who are justices of the peace for life; two bailiffs, who are sheriffs for the city and county; twenty common councilmen, a recorder, chamberlain, corner, wardens, and other inferior officers. The corporation, who have a gaol for felons, hold quarter sessions as in counties at large; the mayor and sheriffs hold a court of record for debts under forty shillings; and the sheriffs hold their county court every month. The city sends two members to parliament, who are chosen by the freemen, constituted such by birth and servitude; the sheriffs are the returning officers; the representatives elected in 1826 were Thomas Bilcliffe Fyler, Esq. and Richard E Heathcote, Esq.

The manufactures of Coventry consist principally of ribbons, which was first introduced a little more than a century ago, and was for a time confined only to a few hands, but has since spread to such a vast extent, that no town in England can compete with it in the quantity produced here of this ornamental and useful article of dress, which is carried to all parts of the world. Besides ribbons, camlets, gauzes and some broad silk fabrics are wove, and the silk throwing branch is of considerable importance. Within the last thirty years the making of watches has brought great reputation to this city; and its general trade, including that of a local nature, is prosperous, and its inhabitants wealthy and respectable.

The parish churches are three in number, all admired as being fine specimens of Gothic, or old-English architecture; that dedicated to the Holy Trinity is a vicarage, in the incumbency of the Rev. John Davies; St John the Baptist’s is a rectory, in the incumbency of the Rev. Wm. Brookes; St Michael’s is a vicarage, of which the Rev. Robert Simpson is the minister: this last-named church, the steeple of which is three hundred feet in height, is so finely proportioned that Sir Christopher Wren spoke of it as a master-piece in architecture.

By the parliamentary returns for 1821 the city of Coventry contained 21,242 inhabitants, and the ‘county of the city of Coventry,’ comprising the parishes of Anstey, Exhall, Foleshill, Sow, Stivichall, Stoke and Wyken; besides the hamlets of Keresley and Radford, in that part of the parish of St. Michael situated without the city, all which collectively contained 8,138: total number of inhabitants in the city and county of the city of Coventry 29, 380.

Information was found in ‘Pigot and Co.’s National Commercial Directory for 1828-9’.

Elijah & Henrietta’s family.

I’m going to tell you about the children of Elijah & Henrietta, it might not be much but it’s all I have.

Mary Hannah was born in 1888 when she was 3 years old she lived with her parents at 78 Cossington End, Sileby, Leicestershire, England. When she was 13 years old they lived at 39 Cemetery Road, Sileby. Mary Hannah died when she was 17 years old (I don’t know why she died). She is buried with her father and her sister Minnie Matilda.

Isabella Dora was born in 1889 when she was 1 years old she lived with her parents at 78 Cossington End, Sileby. When she was 11 & 21 years old she lived with her parents at 39 Cemetery Road, Sileby; in 1911 (aged 21) Isabella was a Hosiery Hand. In 1928 she was a confectioner in Sileby. Isabella married Samuel Dilley in 1932 and lived at 222 Blackbird Road, Leicester, England. Isabella died on 21 March 1933 at the age of 43 at the City General Hospital, Gwendolen Road, Leicester. She died of a) Auricular Fibrillation       b) Mitral Incompetence     c) Exophthalmic Goitre

Isabella left Samuel the sum of £66 18s 4d.

Colin was born on 8^th December 1890, on 5 April 1891 he lived with his parents at 78 Cossington End, Sileby. When he was 10 & 20 years old he lived with his parents at 39 Cemetery Road, Sileby; in 1911 (aged 20) Colin was a Tile Maker. On 5 November 1915 when Colin was 24 years old he was enlisted in the Leicestershire Regiment, he served in France and was discharged on 13 June 1918 aged 27 years. In 1919 he married Kathleen Betts, on 3 June 1929 they lived with their family at Albion Road, Sileby and after their daughter Lillian died they moved from here to Ratcliffe Road, Sileby taking with them Lillian’s piano and the wood for the shed. On the 2^nd July 1960 Colin and his family lived at 110 Holmfield Avenue, Sileby, his occupation was Electrician (Retired). Colin died on 26 March 1974 and is buried with wife Kathleen.

Minnie Matilda was born in 1892 and died on the 22^nd May 1894.

James was born in 1895 when he was 6 & 16 years old he lived with his parents at 39 Cemetery Road, Sileby; in 1911 (aged 16) James was a Tile Maker. James died on 24^th May 1917 France.

I found this in the Leicester Mercury dated 14 July 1917, page 2.at Leicestershire & Rutland Record Office, Wigston, Leicestershire, England.

Clara was born in 1898 when she was 3 & 13 years old she lived with her parents at 39 Cemetery Road, Sileby; in 1911 (aged 13) she was still at school. In 1920 she married William Harrald, and in 1941 lived at 181 Cossington Road, Sileby; her occupation was a shopkeeper. Clara died aged 69 and is buried with her mother Henrietta.

Gertrude was born in 1900 when she was 1 & 11 years old she lived with her parents at 39 Cemetery Road, Sileby; in 1911 (aged 11) she was still at school. Gertrude died on 18 June 1931 aged 31. It is said in the family that she died of a broken heart, because she couldn’t marry the person she wanted to. (one of my aunties told me this.)

Hetty Matilda was born in 1902 when she was 8 years old she lived with her parents at 39 Cemetery Road, Sileby and she was at school. On 24 April 1929 she married Arthur Morgan and her occupation was a Boot Repairer they lived at 3 North Street, Barrow upon Soar, Leicestershire, England. Hetty died on 17 July 1978 at Barrow upon Soar, her ashes are buried with her husband’s.

Information is from www.ancestry.co.uk, family members, Leicestershire & Rutland Record Office, http://twgpp.org & certificates

More about Sileby's History

Occupations – 1813 to 1831 in Sileby, Leicestershire, England.

Boatmen

Blacksmiths

Bricklayers

Butchers

Carpenters

Carriers

Farmers

Framesmiths

Framework Knitters

Gardeners

Glaziers

Labourers

Lace Makers

Lace Merchant

Millers

Publican

Ragman

Sawyers

Servants

Shoemakers

Tailors

Wheelwrights

Wool Comber

Far from being a backwater village based on centuries of old traditions and working practices, Sileby was a forward looking, innovative and changing place. Over half the working population was engaged in a manufacturing trade, albeit on a very small scale. Nevertheless, the transformation from an agricultural to semi industrial village was well underway. Agriculture still had a quarter of the working population toiling within it, but the tide had turned with regard to occupational structure.

Sileby was quickly developing the skilled workforce that hosiery and footwear factories would be able to draw on later in the century. These were changes that would remodel the village morphology and change the nature of the whole community forever.

All information was found in the magazine ‘Bygone Sileby’.

Great Grandparents

My Great Grandparents

Thomas Morris

Sophia Ann (nee Lowe)

Thomas Morris was born in 1859 at Foleshill, Warwickshire, England, he was christened on 24^th April 1859 at Saint Paul, Foleshill. On the 7^th April 1861 he lived with his mother at Narrow Lane, Foleshill and on the 6^th January 1881 he was imprisoned for 3 months for ‘Breaking and entering a Dwelling house and stealing therein’, on the 3^rd April 1881 he was at Her Majesty’s Prison Warwick and his occupation was a Silk Weaver. In 1884 he married Sophia Ann (nee Lowe) on 31^st March 1901 his occupation was a Silk Weaver but on the 3^rd April 1911 his occupation was a Silk Ribbon Weaver. This is the last date I have for Thomas.

Sophia Ann was born in 1863 at Foleshill, Warwickshire, England. On 2^nd April 1871 she was living with her family at Cromwell Street, St Michael, Warwickshire, her occupation was a Scholar. On 3^rd April 1881 she lived with her family at Grocers Shop, Cromwell Street, Coventry St Michael. After her marriage to Thomas Morris they lived on 5^th April 1891 at Somerby Row, Radford, Warwickshire, on the 31^st March 1901 they lived at 21 Welford Hill, Coventry and he occupation was a Silk Weaver, on the 3 April 1911 they lived at 21 Welford Place, Coventry. In 1916 Sophia Ann was still living at 21 Welford Place. This is the last date I have for her.

Thomas and Sophia Ann had 8 children

Mary Emily              born 1885 Foleshill                died 1901 Coventry

Harriett May            born 1887 Foleshill                 died 1961 Coventry

Thomas William      born 1889 Foleshill

Daisy Maud            born 1891 Foleshill                  died 1936 Coventry

Elsie Ann                born 1894 Foleshill                  died 11 November 1939 Coventry

Albert Edward        born 1896 Foleshill                  died 1918 Coventry

Lilly Sophia            born 1900 Foleshill

Arthur Ernest         born 1904 Foleshill

All information was found on www.ancestry.co.uk

Great Grandparents

My Great Grandparents –

James Brown

Rose Hannah (nee Hammonds)

James Brown was born on 23 December 1855 at Shotteswell, Warwickshire, England (although Shotteswell was in the Civil Registration District of Banbury, Oxfordshire, it is actually in Warwickshire). James was christened on 23 March 1856 at Shotteswell. His occupation on 2^nd April 1871 was an Agricultural Labourer. In 1884 he married Rose Hannah (nee Hammonds), on the 5^th April 1891 he was an Agricultural Labourer but on the 18^th February 1894 he was a Labourer and on 31^st March 1901 he was a Stockman of Cattle on farm, on 2^nd April 1911 he was a Builders Labourer and in 1912 he was a Labourer. I am not sure when James died the last date I have is on 6^th December 1917 he was 61 years old.

Rose Hannah (nee Hammonds) was born in 1860 at Ashby St Ledgers, Northamptonshire, England. On 7^th April 1861, 2^nd April 1871 and 3^rd April 1881 she was living with her family at Ashby St Ledgers, her occupation on the 3^rd April 1881 was a Housekeeper. After marriage to James Brown they lived on 5^th April 1891 at Duck Pool, Charwelton, Northamptonshire, then on 31^st March 1901 they lived at Hinton Village, Hinton in the Hedges, Northamptonshire, on 2^nd April 1911 they lived at 22 Welford Place, Coventry, Warwickshire. I am not sure when Rose Hannah died the last date I have is on 6^th December 1917 she was 57 years old and they were living at Coventry, Warwickshire, England.

James & Rose Hannah had 9 children –

Frances Annie            born 1880 Ashby St Ledgers

George Henry            born 1882 Ashby St Ledgers

Alfred James              born 1885 Shotteswell                    died 6 December 1917 France

Fred                          born 18 August 1886 Shotteswell     died 10 April 1941 Coventry

William                     born 1888  Shotteswell

Sidney John              born 29 June 1889 Shotteswell         died 29 August 1971 Coventry

Ellen                        born 1892 Northamptonshire 

Mary Ann Viola        born 1894 Wormleighton      

Rose                        born 1896  Prior’s Marston

All information was found on www.ancestry.co.uk

Great Grandparents

My Great Grandparents –

Thomas Betts

Betsy (nee Widdowson)

Thomas Betts was born on 25th January 1859 in Sileby, Leicestershire, England. He married Betsy (nee Widdowson) on 27th December 1888 at the Parish Church in Sileby.

In 1901 his occupation was a Shoe Riviter. Thomas died on the 21^st January 1922.

Thomas is a brick wall in my family tree, I have little information about him and his family but I will not give up looking, if you have any where you can suggest to me to look then please leave me a comment.

Betsy (nee Widdowson) born on September 1859 in Sileby. On the 7th April 1861 she lived with her family at 48 Banks, Sileby, on the 2 April 1871 she lived with her family at 19 Barrow Road and her occupation was a Winder, on 3 April 1881 she lived with her family at 19 Barrow Road and her occupation was a framework knitter (stockings). After she married Thomas Betts they lived on 31 March 1901 in 19 Cemetery Road, Sileby, then in 1918 and 1919 they lived in 36 Cemetery Road, Sileby. Betsy died on the 19^th December 1935. She is buried in grave plot B129 at Sileby Cemetery, Cemetery Road, Sileby, Leicestershire, England with her husband Thomas and son William.

Thomas and Betsy had the following children –

William                     born November 1889 Sileby             died 17 November 1915 Sileby

Albert                       born March 1891 Sileby                   died 14 July 1916 France

Kathleen                  born 18 June 1895 Sileby                  died 7 July 1970 Cossington

Aubrey                     born 22 Aug 1898 Sileby                  died 14 Oct 1967 Leicester

Claude Hector        born 2 November 1901 Sileby             died 1976 Coalville

Information was found on www.ancestry.co.uk or given to me by Eric Wheeler.

Great Grandparents

My Great Grandparents –

Elijah Staniforth

Henrietta (nee Bradley)

Elijah Staniforth was born on 4^th October 1864 at Whittles Gard, Drummond Street, Leicester, England, he married Henritta Ellen (nee Bradley) on the 26^th September 1887 at The Registry Office, Barrow upon Soar, Leicestershire, England. On the 5^th April 1891 his occupation was a Brick Yard Fireman at Sileby Brick Yard, on the 31^st March 1901 and also on the 3 Apr 1911 his occupation was a Brick burner. Elijah died on the 7^th June 1921, he is buried with two of his daughters Minnie Matilda and Mary Hannah. They are buried in grave plot C60 in Sileby Cemetery, Cemetery Road, Sileby, Leicestershire, England.

Henrietta Ellen (nee Bradley) was born in March 1868 at Sileby, Leicestershire, England. On the 2 April 1871 she lived with her family at 38 Barrow Road, Sileby and she was a scholar. On the 29^th November 1874 she lived with her family in Church Lane, Sileby; on 3 April 1881 she lived with her family in Back Lane, Sileby. After she got married to Elijah Staniforth, they lived at 78 Cossington End, Sileby, on 31 March 1901 and also on 3 Apr 1911 they lived at 39 Cemetery Road, Sileby. Henrietta died on the 9^th February 1951 in Leicestershire, England, she is buried with her daughter Clara. They are buried in grave plot C417nc in Sileby Cemetery.

Elijah and Henrietta Ellen had 8 children

Mary Hannah          born March 1888 Sileby            died 26 Oct 1905 Leicestershire

Isabella Dora           born June 1889 Sileby               died 21 March 1933 Leicester

Collin                        born 8 December 1890 Sileby       died 26 March 1974 Cossington

Minnie Matilda      born December 1892 Sileby          died 22 May 1894 Sileby

James                      born March 1895 Sileby             died 24 May 1917 France

Clara                        born March 1898 Sileby            died 21 March 1967 Leicestershire

Gertrude                 born March 1900 Sileby            died 18 June 1931 Leicestershire

Hetty Matilda         born December 1902                died 17 July 1978 Barrow upon Soar

most information was found on www.ancestry.co.uk