Thomas Alkins, died aged 47/49, of Wood Lane.

Thomas Atkins Senior was a collier working on the East 10-foot seam when he died.

1841 census Alton HO107/1006/1
John Alkins abt 1816 Staffordshire, England Alton Staffordshire
Mary Alkins abt 1818 Staffordshire, England Alton Staffordshire
Ann Alkins abt 1841 Staffordshire, England Alton Staffordshire

1851 census Alton HO107/2009
John Alkins abt 1815 Alton, Staffordshire, England Head Alton Staffordshire
Mary Alkins abt 1818 Alton, Staffordshire, England Wife Alton Staffordshire
Ann Alkins abt 1842 Alton, Staffordshire, England Daughter Alton Staffordshire
Edward Alkins abt 1850 Alton, Staffordshire, England Son Alton Staffordshire
Elizabeth Alkins abt 1844 Alton, Staffordshire, England Daughter Alton Staffordshire
John Alkins abt 1848 Alton, Staffordshire, England Son Alton Staffordshire

1861 census Kingsley RG9_1951 101, 8
John Alkins abt 1815 Alton, Staffordshire, Head
Sarah Alkins abt 1829 Cheadle, Staffordshire, Wife
Alfred Alkins abt 1860 Kingsley, Staffordshire, Son
George Alkins abt 1859 Kingsley, Staffordshire, Son
John Alkins abt 1848 Alton, Staffordshire, Son
Thomas Alkins abt 1853 Alton, Staffordshire, Son

1871 census Wood Lane, Audley
Thomas Alkins 24 labourer Alton
Harriet 24 Ellastone
Sarah Ann 4 Ellastone
Thomas 1 Audley
Elizabeth 1m Audley

1881 census
Wood Lane, Audley
Thomas ALKINS Head M Male 35 Alton, Stafford, Coal Miner
Harriet ALKINS Wife M Female 34 Ellastone, Stafford,
Thomas ALKINS Son Male 11 Audley, Stafford, Scholar
Elizabeth ALKINS Daur Female 10 Audley, Stafford, Scholar
Mary ALKINS Daur Female 8 Audley, Stafford, Scholar
William ALKINS Son Male 5 Audley, Stafford, Scholar
John ALKINS Son Male 4 Audley, Stafford,
Arthur ALKINS Son Male 8 m Audley, Stafford,

Next door to William Sproston and family (William died at Diglake aged 47/43).
Thomas Alkins married Harriet Allen at Ellaston, St Peter in 1865.
Thomas and Harriet had two children under the age of 13 at the time of the disaster, both received payments from the Disaster Fund via their mother. They were: Emma (18/11/1882) and Ada Alice (6/8/1888). Harriet was born in 1847 and died 13th November 1927.

Inscription from the churchyard of St James, Audley:
Ilmo Thomas Alkins who met his death at Diglake Pit 14/1/1895 aged 49 years.
and Harriet beloved wife of the above of Argyle Road, Normacot died 13/11/1927 aged 81 years. God's finger touched her and she slept. Also of Peter Durber who died 16/3/1963 aged 89 years. Also Ada Alice beloved daughter of Thomas and Harriet Alkins who died 12/2/1909 aged 20 years. Also Mary beloved wife of Peter Durber who died 2/10/1927 aged 55 years.

From the official report into the disaster, page 11:
"On the day of the inundation the only places which were being driven in the diretcion of the old workings were those marked 'brake dip' and 'air dip' on the plan, and those places were known as the 'top end'. Thomas Atkins, a miner, who worked in the air dip on the 12th January, stated at the inquest that he had a conversation that day with a fireman named Aaron Platt. He said that Platt came into his place just after he had fired a shot in the brake dip and observed "its getting wet yonder". Atkins replied, "It is rather; I think it's time boreholes were started," and Platt replied "Yes it is, lad". Atkins had been in the brake dip the day before and said it was wetter than it had been."

Henry Bailey, died aged 38/42

Henry was a crutter working on the East 7-foot seam when he died.

1861 census Chatterley, Wolstanton RG9/1921 59 25
Britting Wynne abt 1846 Hanmer, Flintshire, Wales Son
Edward Wynne abt 1816 Rowrey, Flintshire, Wales Head
Elizabeth Wynne abt 1814 Periniton, Flintshire, Wales Wife
Elizabeth Wynne abt 1854 Little Green, Flintshire, Wales Daughter
Martha Wynne abt 1842 Urmos Green, Flintshire, Wales Daughter
Thomas Wynne abt 1848 Anmer Green, Flintshire, Wales Son
William Wynne abt 1850 Little Green, Flintshire, Wales Son

1871 census Chesterton RG10/2839 28, 49
Jane Benson abt 1833 Lanarkshire (Glasgow), Scotland Head
Alice Benson abt 1861 Lanarkshire (Glasgow), Scotland Son
Charlotte Benson abt 1868 Chesterton Daughter
Isabella Benson abt 1864 Lanarkshire (Glasgow), Scotland Daughter
James Benson abt 1864 Lanarkshire (Glasgow), Scotland Son
Jane Benson abt 1863 Lanarkshire (Glasgow), Scotland Daughter
John Benson abt 1869 Chesterton Son
Margaret Benson abt 1854 Lanarkshire (Glasgow), Scotland Daughter
Mary Benson abt 1852 Lanarkshire (Glasgow), Scotland Daughter

1881 census Flats Norton, Norton in the Moors
Henry BAILEY Head M Male 28 Chester City Of Coal Miner
Elizabeth BAILEY Wife M Female 27 Flint, Wales

1881 census Red St, Chesterton
Jane BENSON Head W Female 48 Scotland
James BENSON Son U Male 17 Scotland Stoker At Coal Mine
John BENSON Son U Male 12 Wolstanton, Stafford, Scholar
Isabilla BENSON Daur U Female 17 Scotland Brick Presser
Samuel MORRIS Lodger U Male 49 Ridley, Cheshire, Coal Miner & Labourer

1891 census Red St, Chesterton R12_2154
Henry Bailey 38 coal miner Chester, Cheshire
Elizabeth 37 Flintshire
Samuel adopted? son 10 Derbyshire
Lucy Whynne 9 adopted? daughter Staffordshire
Jane Benson wid lodger 59 Scotland Glasgow

Lucy Wynne was born Dec qtr 1881 Wolstanton.

Henry Bailey married Elizabeth Wynn at St Margaret Wolstanton on 25th December 1873. Henry was 22 and Elizabeth was 21, both are listed as living in Chesterton. Elizabeth's father is Edward Wynn, labourer; Henry's father is George Bailey, labourer. Witnesses were William Fallows and Sarah Palin.

Elizabeth never remarried. She died on 14th January 1914.

John Bailey, died aged 22

John was a crutter working on the East 7-foot seam when he died.

1871 census Stone Hole Alsagers Bank
Henry Bailey 46 game keeper Audley
Elizabeth 35 Audley
Henry 18 coal miner Audley
Sarah 10 Audley
Georgiana 8 Audley
Simon 6 Audley
Earnest Mark 4 Audley
John 2 Audley

1881 census
Alsagers Bank Apedale, Audley
Henry BAILEY Head M Male 55 Congleton, Cheshire, Game Keeper
Elizabeth BAILEY Wife M Female 46 Audley,
Simon BAILEY Son U Male 17 Audley, Horse Driver Collery
Ernest BAILEY Son Male 15 Audley, Slack Washer Collery
John BAILEY Son Male 13 Audley, Horse Driver Collery
Herbert BAILEY Son Male 11 Audley, Scholar
Fred BAILEY Son U Male 8 Audley, Scholar
Alfred BAILEY Son U Male 5 Audley, Scholar
Bertha WORGAN Grand Daur U Female 3 Audley

1891 census Alsagers Bank
Henry Bailey 65 farmer Congleton
Elizabeth 55 Halmer End
John 23 coal miner Halmer End Audley
Herbert 21 coal miner Halmer End Audley
Fred 18 coal miner Halmer End Audley
Alfred 15 general labourer Halmer End Audley
Bertha 14 gdaughter domestic servant Halmer End Audley

2152 p39 George Bailey

John was unmarried when he died and so his family received £20 in compensation from the Disaster Relief Fund. This took the form of two payments of £10, one made on 10th August 1895 and the other on 23rd December 1895.

John's parents, Henry and Elizabeth, lived at Stone Quarry Farm, Alsagers Bank. Henry died on 15th March 1920 aged 95, and Elizabeth died 15th December 1924 aged 88. They are both buried at St John, Alsagers Bank.

James/John Thomas Beckett, died aged 22, of Chapel St.

John was a loader working on the East 7-foot seam when he died.

1841 census Acton, Cheshire HO107/116/1
Joseph Beckett abt 1816 Cheshire, England Acton Cheshire
Mary Beckett abt 1816 Cheshire, England Acton Cheshire
Ellen Beckett abt 1834 Cheshire, England Acton Cheshire
Sarah Beckett abt 1840 Cheshire, England Acton Cheshire
William Beckett abt 1837 Cheshire, England Acton Cheshire

1851 census Acton, Cheshire HO107/2169
Joseph Beckett abt 1812 Leighton, Cheshire, England Head Acton Cheshire
Mary Beckett abt 1814 Baddiley, Cheshire, England Wife Acton Cheshire
Joesph Beckett abt 1846 Acton, Cheshire, England Son Acton Cheshire
John Beckett abt 1850 Acton, Cheshire, England Son Acton Cheshire
Sarah Beckett abt 1841 Acton, Cheshire, England Daughter Acton Cheshire
Thomas Beckett abt 1848 Acton, Cheshire, England Son Acton Cheshire

1861 census Cholmondeston
Jane Barker abt 1833 Acton, Cheshire, Servant
Martha Bebbington abt 1842 Over, Cheshire, Servant
Joseph Beckett abt 1846 Acton, Cheshire, Servant
Charles Beech abt 1844 Acton, Cheshire, Servant
Catherine Boden abt 1842 Acton, Cheshire, Niece
Elizabeth Done abt 1810 Acton, Cheshire, Wife
Thomas Done abt 1805 Over, Cheshire, Head
William Done abt 1835 Acton, Cheshire, Son
Mary Owen abt 1846 Acton, Cheshire, Servant
Mary C Warburton abt 1796 Tarporley, Cheshire, Visitor

1871 census Chapel St, Audley
Joseph Beckett 25 coal miner Acton Cheshire
Ann 26 Nantwich Cheshire
Mary Ann 4 Audley
Frederick William 2 Audley
John Thomas 3m Audley
John Beckett boarder 20 coal miner Acton Cheshire

1881 Albert St, Audley
Joseph BECKETT Head M Male 34 Acton, Cheshire, Coal Miner
Ann BECKETT Wife M Female 36 Nantwich, Cheshire,
Frederick W. BECKETT Son Male 12 Audley, Stafford, Scholar
John T. BECKETT Son Male 10 Audley, Stafford, Scholar
Joseph BECKETT Son Male 5 Audley, Stafford, Scholar
Abigail BECKETT Daur Female 3 Audley, Stafford,
Annie BECKETT Daur Female 1 Audley, Stafford,
George EARDLEY Boarder U Male 18 Audley, Stafford, Coal Miner

1891 census Chapel St, Audley
Joseph Beckett 45 miner Nantwich
Ann 48 Nantwich
Fred W 22 Audley
John T 20 miner Audley
Joseph 16 miner Audley
Abigail 13 domestic servant Audley
Annie 11 Audley
Florence 5 Audley
Arthur L 6m Audley

Joseph Beckett married Anne Bebbington at Audley St James in 1865.

John's wife was Sarah Ann Rhodes, born 1873. They were married at Silverdale, St Lukes in 1892. They had just one child, John Thomas (born 19th January 1895, just five days after John died). Sarah was later taken off the Disaster Relief Fund on 31st August 1899, for having an illegitimate child.

George Beech, died aged 32/27, of Wood Lane.

George was a roadman working on the West 8-foot seam when he died.

1851 census Chesterton HO107/2002
Thomas Beech abt 1829 Newcastle, Staffordshire, England Head Chesterton Staffordshire
Elizabeth Beech abt 1830 Wolstanton, Staffordshire, England Wife Chesterton Staffordshire
James Beech abt 1850 Wolstanton, Staffordshire, England Son Chesterton Staffordshire

1861 census Bignall End
Thomas Beech abt 1830 Newcastle, Staffordshire, Head
Elizabeth Beech abt 1831 Wolstanton, Staffordshire, Wife
Ann Beech abt 1855 Audley, Staffordshire, Daughter
James Beech abt 1850 Audley, Staffordshire, Son
John Beech abt 1860 Audley, Staffordshire, Son
Thomas Beech abt 1857 Audley, Staffordshire, Son

1871 census Wood Lane Audley
Thomas Beech 40 coal miner Newcastle
Elizabeth 39 Wolstanton
James 20 coal miner Wolstanton
Thomas 14 coal miner Audley
John 13 Audley
Lavinia 9 Audley
George 5 Audley
Elizabeth 1 Audley

1881 census
Wood Lane Audley
Thomas BEECH Head M Male 52 Newcastle, Stafford, Coal Miner
Elizabeth BEECH Wife M Female 51 Wolstanton,
Thomas BEECH Son U Male 22 Audley, Stafford, Coal Miner
John BEECH Son U Male 20 Audley, Stafford, Coal Miner
Lavina BEECH Daur U Female 18 Audley, Stafford, Domestic Servant (Out Of Employ)
George BEECH Son U Male 13 Audley, Stafford, Coal Miner
Elizabeth BEECH Daur Female 12 Audley, Stafford, Scholar

1891 census Chapel St, Audley
George Beech 23 coal miner Audley
Sarah J 21 Wolstanton
Florence 1 Chesterton

George married Sarah Jane Steele (born 1869) in 1888 at Hope, Holy Trinity. They had 4 children: Florence Ethel (25/7/1889), Eveline May (6/1/1892), Lilian Maud (4/12/1892) ans Doris Rosa (6/12/1894). Doris Rosa died on 22nd April, 1896.

Sarah Jane remarried on 20th February, 1898.

George Beech died trying to save fellow miners in Diglake Pit, and his family was awarded a one-off payment of £20 as a result.
"In my opinion Beech lost his life in trying to save others" (from the 8 foot seam) - William Dodd, Diglake undermanager.
Thomas Dobson, a survivor of the 8-foot seam, stated that as he went up the dip he came across George Beech and Sam Cooper. After this he saw Samuel Crosby and Sidney Rhodes, and they said the water had broken in. He told them they were going the wrong way, but they did not run back.

Elijah Billington, died aged 56/57

Elijah was a collier working on the West 8-foot seam when he died.

1861 census Audley, Hougher Wall
Elijah Billington abt 1837 Audley, Staffordshire, Head, coal miner
Hannah Billington abt 1837 Audley, Staffordshire, Wife
Betsy Billington abt 1861 Audley, Staffordshire, Daughter
Enoch Billington abt 1859 Audley, Staffordshire, Son

1871 census
Hougher Wall, Audley
Elijah Billington 33 coal miner Audley
Hannah 34 Audley
Enock 13 Audley
Aaron 8 Audley
Mary 5 Audley
Harriet 1 Audley

1881 census
Boon Hill, Audley
Elijah BILLINGTON Head M Male 43 Audley, Stafford, Coal Miner
Hannah BILLINGTON Wife M Female 44 Audley, Stafford
Enoch BILLINGTON Son U Male 22 Audley, Stafford, Coal Miner
Aaron BILLINGTON Son U Male 18 Audley, Stafford, Coal Miner
Harriet BILLINGTON Daur U Female 11 Audley, Stafford, Scholar
Sarah BILLINGTON Daur Female 6 Audley, Stafford, Scholar
Martha BILLINGTON Daur Female 5 Audley, Stafford, Scholar

1891 census Audley
Elijah Billington 54 miner Audley
Hannah 54 Audley
Martha 15 Audley
Aaron 29 miner Audley
Jane 29 daughter in law Lancs Hutton
Mary L 2 grandaughter Audley
Arthur 5m grandson Audley

The death of a baby called Elijah Billington is registered in Newcastle L district the same quarter as Elijah's death.

Elijah Billington married Hannah Brindley at St James, Audley in 1860. Hannah was born in 1836, and died on 26th August 1918. She never remarried. The couple had no children aged under 13 at the time of the disaster.

Elijah was a member of the congregation at the Weslayan Methodist Chapel, Audley.

John Blurton (Burton), died aged 16

John was a taker-off working on the East 7-foot seam when he died.

1871 census Hougher Wall, Audley
Charles Blurton 35 coal miner Ashbourne
Prudence 27 Audley
Charles 3 Audley
Thomas 9m Audley

1881 census Albert St, Audley
Charles BURTON Head M Male 46 Ashbourne, Derby, Farm Labourer
Prudence BURTON Wife M Female 40 Audley, Stafford,
Charles BURTON Son Male 13 Audley, Stafford, Horse Driver
Thomas BURTON Son Male 11 Audley, Stafford, Scholar
Mary A. BURTON Daur Female 4 Audley, Stafford, Scholar
John BURTON Son Male 2 Audley, Stafford,

John Burton was 16 when he died, and so his family received £20 in compensation from the Disaster Relief Fund, £10 on 10th August 1895 and £10 on 23rd December 1895.

Thomas Sargeant Bowers, died aged 28/32

Thomas was a crutter working on the East 7-foot seam when he died.

1841 census Keele HO107/988/23
Samuel Bowers abt 1809 Staffordshire, England Keele Staffordshire
Fanny Bowers abt 1812 Staffordshire, England Keele Staffordshire
George Bowers abt 1833 Staffordshire, England Keele Staffordshire
Ralph Bowers abt 1830 Staffordshire, England Keele Staffordshire
William Bowers abt 1837 Staffordshire, England Keele Staffordshire
Joseph Cornes abt 1832 Staffordshire, England Keele Staffordshire

1851 census Knutton Heath, Staffordshire
Samuel Bowers abt 1809 Knutton Heath, Staffordshire, Head
Elizabeth Bowers abt 1842 Knutton Heath, Staffordshire, Daughter
George Bowers abt 1834 Knutton Heath, Staffordshire, Son
Hannah Bowers abt 1849 Knutton Heath, Staffordshire, Daughter
Ralph Bowers abt 1832 Knutton Heath, Staffordshire, Son
Samuel Bowers abt 1846 Knutton Heath, Staffordshire, Son
William Bowers abt 1839 Knutton Heath, Staffordshire, Son
Joseph Comes abt 1833 Knutton Heath, Staffordshire, Grandson

1861 census Knutton
Samuel Bowers abt 1808 Keele, Staffordshire, Head Knutton Staffordshire
Fanny Bowers abt 1813 Keele, Staffordshire, Wife Knutton Staffordshire
Hannah Bowers abt 1850 Keele, Staffordshire, Daughter Knutton Staffordshire
Samuel Bowers abt 1845 Keele, Staffordshire, Son Knutton Staffordshire
Thomas Bowers abt 1853 Keele, Staffordshire, Son Knutton Staffordshire

1871 census High St, Knutton, Wolstanton
Samuel Bowers 24 miner Silverdale
Sarah 32 West Bromwich
Thomas S 4 Silverdale
Willie 2 Silverdale
Samuel 2m Silverdale
Mary A Whitehouse sister in law 15 gen servant West Bromwich

1881 census
James St, Wolstanton
Samuel BOWERS Head M Male 36 Silverdale, Stafford, Collier
Edna E. BOWERS Wife M Female 47 Tunstall, Stafford,
Thomas S. BOWERS Son Male 14 Silverdale, Stafford, Scholar
Willie BOWERS Son Male 12 Silverdale, Stafford, Scholar
Fanny BOWERS Visitor W Female 69 Silverdale, Stafford, Widow

1881 census 22 Sutton St, Newcastle under Lyme
Phoebe WHITEHOUSE Head W Female 65 Bilston, Stafford, Wid Of Isaac Whitehouse
Joseph WHITEHOUSE Son U Male 21 West Bromwich, Stafford, Engineer At Forge (Eng Driv)
John WHITEHOUSE Son U Male 18 Silverdale, Stafford, Steam Hammer Driver (Iron)
Samuel BOWERS Grand Son Male 10 Silverdale, Stafford, Scholar

Thomas Sargeant Bowers was the son of Samuel Bowers and Sarah Whitehouse. Samuel and Sarah were married in Wolstanton on the 30th April 1866. Sarah died in the spring of 1871, aged just 32. Their youngest son, Samuel, survived and was living with his grandmother, Phoebe Whitehouse, in 1881. Samuel's second wife was Edna Emily Myatt, who he married at Christ Church, Tunstall in 1872.

Thomas married Adelaide Chadwick at Audley St James in 1890. They had two children together: Arthur (6/11/1893) and Louisa Agnes (20/8/1895). Arthur died on 9th September 1895, aged just 1, eight months after his father.
Adelaide was born on 17th October 1868. Despite being just 27 when widowed, she never remarried and remained on the Disaster Fund books until it closed. She lived at 72 Stanley St, Middleport, Burslem.

John Brough, died aged 38/30, of Ravens Lane.

John was a collier working on the East 7-foot seam when he died.

1841 census Trentham HO107/993/7
Benjamin Brough abt 1816 Staffordshire, England Trentham Staffordshire
Ellen Brough abt 1816 Staffordshire, England Trentham Staffordshire
Benjamin Brough abt 1826 Staffordshire, England Trentham Staffordshire
Charlotte Brough abt 1834 Staffordshire, England Trentham Staffordshire
Elizabeth Brough abt 1827 Staffordshire, England Trentham Staffordshire
Ellen Brough abt 1839 Staffordshire, England Trentham Staffordshire
Emma Brough abt 1828 Staffordshire, England Trentham Staffordshire
James Brough abt 1830 Staffordshire, England Trentham Staffordshire
John Brough abt 1840 Staffordshire, England Trentham Staffordshire
Wilhelmine Brough abt 1832 Staffordshire, England Trentham Staffordshire

1851 census Stoke upon Trent HO107/2007
Elizabeth Steele abt 1781 Hixson, Staffordshire, England Wife Stoke upon Trent Staffordshire
Thomas Steele abt 1802 Childs Ercall, Shropshire, England Head Stoke upon Trent Staffordshire
James Brough abt 1831 Trentham, Staffordshire, England Apprentice Stoke upon Trent Staffordshire

1861 census Penkhull RG9/1938
James Brough abt 1831 Trentham, Staffordshire, Head
Sarah Brough abt 1833 Hanford, Staffordshire, Wife
Elizabeth Brough abt 1856 Hanford, Staffordshire, Daughter
Emily Brough abt 1861 Stoke Upon Trent, Staffordshire, Daughter
James Brough abt 1860 Hanford, Staffordshire, Son
Sarah Ann Brough abt 1858 Stoke Upon Trent, Staffordshire, Daughter

1871 census Briery Brook
James Brough 40 colliery blacksmith Trentham
Sarah Ann 37 Trentham
James 13 employed in mines Trentham
Emily 10 Stoke on Trent
William 8 Stoke on Trent
John 6 Stoke on Trent
Benjamin 4 Stoke on Trent
Richard 1 Audley

1881 Census
Briery Brook, Audley
James BROUGH Head M Male 50 Trentham, Stafford, Blacksmith
Sarah BROUGH Wife M Female 48 Trentham, Stafford,
William BROUGH Son U Male 18 Stoke, Stafford, Coal Miner
John BROUGH Son Male 15 Stoke, Stafford, Coal Miner
Benjamin BROUGH Son Male 14 Stoke, Stafford, Coal Miner
Richard BROUGH Son Male 10 Audley, Stafford, Scholar
Robert BROUGH Son Male 8 Audley, Stafford, Scholar
Frank BROUGH Son Male 7 Audley, Stafford, Scholar

1891 census Diglake St, Audley
Enock Procter 67 widower miner Audley father in law
John Brough 24? Miner Little ? Staffs
Mary Brough 26 Audley
Sarah A Brough 6 Audley
Ruth 4 Audley
Emily 3 Audley
Elizabeth 1 Audley

John married Mary Ann Procter in 1884 (civil marriage). Mary Ann was born in 1864, and she remarried on 8th October 1899.
John and Mary Ann had 6 children: Sarah Ann (2nd March 1885), Ruth (1.5.1886), Emily (27/12/1887), Elizabeth (17/1/1890), Frank (14/8/1892) and John (11/4/1895).

John Brough was a chorister and Sunday school teacher at the Weslayan Chapel Audley. He was also a member of the local Ancient Order of Foresters, as were 29 of the other men who died and 7 of the boys. John worked hard to support the Foresters and through his musical abilities he attracted great gatherings at the various public meetings connected with the local Foresters. The Order sent £3 3s to his widow upon hearing of his death.

William Butler, died aged 20/22

William was a loader working on the East 7-foot seam when he died.

1851 census Brinklow HO107/2069
James Butler abt 1826 Branson, Northamptonshire, England Head Brinklow Warwickshire
Angeola Butler abt 1827 Brinklow, Warwickshire, England Wife Brinklow Warwickshire
Francis Butler abt 1850 Brinklow, Warwickshire, England Daughter Brinklow Warwickshire
John Butler abt 1846 Brinklow, Warwickshire, England Son Brinklow Warwickshire

1861 census Chatterley
James Butler abt 1824 Branston, Northamptonshire, Head
Angler Butler abt 1827 Brincklas, Warwickshire, Wife
Frances Butler abt 1849 Brincklew, Warwickshire, Daughter
Thomas Butler abt 1852 Brincklew, Warwickshire, Son
William Butler abt 1854 Brincklew, Warwickshire, Son

1871 census Red St, Audley
James Butler 46 labourer Northamptonshire
Angles Butler wife 44 Brinklow Warwickshire
Thomas 19 miner Brinklow Warks
William 17 miner Brinklow Warks
Joseph Edward 7 Red St Audley

1881 census Red St, Chesterton
William W. BUTLER Head M Male 26 Warwick, Coal Miner
Fanny BUTLER Wife M Female 25 Wolstanton, Stafford,
William R. BUTLER Son Male 6 Smallthorne, Stafford,
James BUTLER Son Male 2 Red Street, Stafford,
Rhoda A. BUTLER Daur Female 7 m Red Street, Stafford,
John DYER Boarder W Male 57 Ireland Labourer

1891 census Red St Chesterton
William Butler 37 coal miner Warwickshire Bumbury? Parish
Fanny 36 Wolstanton
William 16 coal miner Wolstanton
James 13 Wolstanton
Martha 10 Wolstanton
Frances 7 Wolstanton
Ada 5 Wolstanton
Joseph 3 Wolstanton
Lily 1 Wolstanton

William Wale Butler married Fanny Ridge at Wolstanton St Margaret in 1875.

William was 20 when he died and unmarried, so his family received £20 in compensation from the Disaster Relief Fund, £10 on 10th August 1895 and £10 on 23rd December 1895.

George Carter, died aged 40, of Chapel St.

George was a collier working on the East 7-foot seam when he died.

1861 census Bignall End RG9/1919
John Cartwright abt 1833 Audley, Staffordshire, England Head Bignall End Staffordshire
Harriet Cartwright abt 1834 Audley, Staffordshire, England Wife Bignall End Staffordshire
Ann Cartwright abt 1861 Audley, Staffordshire, England Daughter Bignall End Staffordshire
Betsy Cartwright abt 1856 Audley, Staffordshire, England Daughter Bignall End Staffordshire
George Cartwright abt 1854 Audley, Staffordshire, England Son Bignall End Staffordshire
Wilmot Cartwright abt 1857 Audley, Staffordshire, England Son Bignall End Staffordshire

1871 census Wood Lane Audley
John Carter 37 coal miner Audley
Harriet 36 Audley
George 17 coal miner Audley
Betsy 15 Audley
Wilmot 13 Audley
Annie 11 Audley
John 8 Audley
Jane 4 Audley
Hannah 10m Audley

1881 census
Wood Lane, Audley
John CARTER Head M Male 48 Audley, Stafford, Coal Miner
Harriet CARTER Wife M Female 47 Audley, Stafford,
George CARTER Son U Male 27 Audley, Stafford, Coal Miner
John CARTER Son U Male 18 Audley, Stafford, Coal Miner
Mary J. CARTER Daur. Female 12 Audley, Stafford, Scholar
Hannah CARTER Daur. Female 10 Audley, Stafford, Scholar
Selina CARTER Daur. Female 8 Audley, Stafford, Scholar
Phoebe CARTER Daur. Female 6 Audley, Stafford, Scholar

1891 census Chapel St, Audley
George Carter 37 miner Audley
Betsy 27 Audley
Mary 3 Audley
Ann 2 Audley
Selina 2m Audley

George married Betsy Webb (born 1864) in 1888 (civil marriage). They had 5 children: Mary (6/4/1888), Annie (20/10/1889), Selina (26/1/1891), Fred (5/4/1893) and Edith (7/3/1895). Betsy remarried on 20th September 1896 (Charles Burgess).

Thomas Cartwright, died aged 45/48

Thomas was a collier working on the East 10-foot seam when he died (stated to have been 39 on the official report into the disaster).

1861 census Weaver Bank, Nantwich
CARTWRIGHT, John Head Married M 38 Agricultural Labourer Drayton Shropshire
CARTWRIGHT, Elizabeth Wife F 31 Nantwich Cheshire
CARTWRIGHT, Thomas Son M 5 Scholar Nantwich Cheshire
CARTWRIGHT, William J Son M 3 Scholar Nantwich Cheshire
WILLIAMS, Joseph Boarder M 0 (5M) Barbridge Cheshire

1871 census Cholmondeston Cheshire RG10/3712 9 6
John Ravenscroft 38 Davenham, Cheshire, Head
Jane Ravenscroft 27 Bunbury, Cheshire, Wife
Martha E Ravenscroft 3 Cholmondeston, Cheshire, Daughter
Catherine M Ravenscroft 2Cholmondeston, Cheshire, Daughter
Annie Ravenscroft 1 Cholmondeston, Cheshire, Daughter
Emma Smith 26 Acton, Cheshire, Servant
Thomas Cartwright 17 Nantwich, Cheshire, Servant
William Cartwright 15 Nantwich, Cheshire, Servant
Mary Higginson 16 Over, Cheshire, Servant
Eliza Jackson 13 Bunbury, Cheshire, Servant

1881 census Audley
Thomas CARTWRIGHT Head M Male 29 Cheshire, Ag Laborer
Betsy CARTWRIGHT (Wife) M Female 34 Audley, Stafford,
Abraham JOHNSON Son U Male 6 Audley, Stafford,
Hannah JOHNSON Daur U Female 4 Newcastle, Stafford,

1881 census Church St, Audley
William CARTWRIGHT Head M Male 26 Nantwich, Cheshire, Coal Miner
Hannah CARTWRIGHT Wife M Female 30 Audley, Stafford,
Harriet MADEW Daur U Female 6 Audley, Stafford,

1891 census Green Grass Lane Audley
Thomas Cartwright 39 Miner Nantwich
Elizabeth Cartwright mother widow 60 Nantwich
Thomas Cartwright 10 scholar Audley
John Cartwright 7 Audley
Ernest Cartwright 5 Audley
William Cartwright 4 Audley

Thomas married Sarah Roberts (Buckley) in 1893 at Audley St James (Sarah was born in 1850). She had been married twice before, and Thomas had previously been married too (he married Betsy Johnson in 1880 at St Margaret's, Wolstanton. Betsy died in October 1888, see below).

Thomas' children under 13 at the time of the disaster were: George Roberts (11/6/1882), John Johnson Cartwright (24/12/1882), Ernest Cartwright (20/12/1884) and William Leonard Cartwright (2/5/1886)
Sarah married again on 16th December 1900, to Edwin Warham at St James, Audley.

Thomas' son, John Johnson Cartwright, died in the Minnie Pit Explosion of 12th January 1918, aged 35. He left a widow, Edna, who lived at Heathcote Rd, Miles Green. She died on 8/2/1953 aged 69. John Johnson and Edna are buried in the churchyard of St James, Audley.

Thomas Cartwright was not due to be working the morning of the Diglake flood - he had exchanged shifts with his brother, whose wife was about to give birth. Thomas was the superintendent of the choir boys at Audley Church.

An inscription from the churchyard of St James, Audley reads:
"In loving memory of John Johnson of Grassy Lane, Audley, who died 13.7.1882 aged 67 years, also Hannah wife of the above who died 29.7.1886 aged 68 years, also Betsy Cartwright daughter of the above who died 19.10.1888 aged 42 years. Also Ann Swann their daughter who died 29.12.1894 aged 53 years."

"And what can we say of that kind, Christian man Thomas Cartwright? His pew is also empty" - the vicar of Audley Church.

Thomas Childers, died aged 27

Thomas was a loader working on the East 10-foot seam when he died.

1871 census Sutton, Shropshire RG10/2801 57 5
John Chidlow 26 Drayton, Shropshire, Head
Mary Chidlow 28 Whitechurch, Shropshire, Wife
Thomas Chidlow 4 Moreton Say, Shropshire, Son
Emily Chidlow 1 Drayton, Shropshire, Daughter

1881 census Tyrley Heath Cottages, Tyrley, Staffordshire
John CHILDER Head M Male 34 Mkt Drayton, Shropshire, Farm Labourer
Mary CHILDER Wife M Female 37 Whitchurch, Shropshire, Wife
Thomas CHILDER Son U Male 13 Mkt Drayton, Shropshire, Errand Boy
Emmily CHILDER Dau U Female 10 Sutton, Shropshire, Schollar
Elizabeth CHILDER Dau U Female 8 Sutton, Shropshire, Schollar
John CHILDER Son U Male 3 Little Drayton, Shropshire,

1891 census London Rd, Chesterton
Walter Fowles 43 bricklayers labourer Wolstanton
Mary Ann 37 Wolstanton
Charles W 9 Wolstanton
Leonard 7 Wolstanton
Elizabeth sister 27 Wolstanton
Thomas Childer boarder 23 coal miner Salop Market Drayton

Thomas Chidler married Elizabeth Ann Clarke in 1892 at Madeley All Saints (Elizabeth was born in 1870). They had two children: Lilian (4/2/1894) and Millicent (24/4/1895). Millicent died on 23rd January 1896.

Elizabeth Ann remarried on 1st November 1897.

Henry Clough, died aged 19

Henry was a loader working on the East 7-foot seam when he died.

Adopted son of Thomas Sproston (died aged 64/45).

1851 census Betley HO107/2001
Adam Glover abt 1789 Audley, Staffordshire, England Head Betley Staffordshire
Jane Glover abt 1804 Wolstanton, Staffordshire, England Wife Betley Staffordshire
Elizth Clough abt 1831 Audley, Staffordshire, England Daughter Betley Staffordshire
James Clough abt 1828 Woore, Shropshire, England Son-in-law Betley Staffordshire
Samuel Clough abt 1850 Betley, Staffordshire, England Grandson Betley Staffordshire
Martha Glover abt 1839 Audley, Staffordshire, England Daughter Betley Staffordshire

1861 census Betley
James Clough abt 1826 Woore, Staffordshire, Head Betley Staffordshire
Elizabeth Clough abt 1828 Audley, Staffordshire, Wife Betley Staffordshire
George Clough abt 1857 Betley, Staffordshire, Son Betley Staffordshire
Samuel Clough abt 1850 Betley, Staffordshire, Son Betley Staffordshire
William Clough abt 1806 Stableford, Staffordshire, Visitor Betley Staffordshire

1871 census Betley RG10_2837
Joseph Warham 66 innkeeper Betley
Sarah Warham 72 Tamworth
Joseph Warham 31 painter Betley
Ann Warham 29 daughter-in-law Wrinehill
George Warham 8 grandson Betley
Frances Joseph Warham 5 grandson Betley
Charles Warham 3 grandson Betley
Arthur Warham 16m grandson Betley
Samuel Clough 21 servant ostler Betley
Emmela Tomkinson 19 servant Silverdale
Elizabeth Platt 13 servant nurse Hadfield, Derbyshire

1871 census Betley (parents of Samuel Clough) RG10_2837, same page
James Clough 43 ag lab Salop Woore
Elizabeth Clough 41 Audley
George Clough 13 Betley
Enock Clough 7 Betley

1881 census Betley
Samuel CLOUGH Head M Male 31 Englee Brook, Stafford, Farm Laborer
Mary CLOUGH Wife M Female 27 Blakenhall, Cheshire,
Harry CLOUGH Son Male 5 Betley, Stafford, Scholar
Alice E. CLOUGH Daur Female 3 Betley, Stafford, Scholar
Ethel A. CLOUGH Daur Female 1 Betley, Stafford,

Harry was 19 when he died so his family received £20 in compensation from the Disaster Relief Fund, £10 on 10th August 1895 and £10 on 23rd December 1895. The money was paid into a P O account in the names of Alice Elizabeth, Mary Hannah and Ethel Ann Clough, Harry's three sisters.

Harry's parents were Samuel Clough and Mary Sproson, who were married in 1872 at St Margaret's, Wolstanton. Mary Sproson was the sister of Thomas, William and John Sproston (Thomas and William both died at Diglake). Mary died in the March quarter of 1882, aged just 28, possibly following the birth of her youngest child, Mary Hannah. Samuel died a year later in 1883, aged 33, leaving their four children as orphans.

Thomas Sproston later adopted Harry (his nephew) as his son.

Joseph Cooper, died aged 18/20, of Megacre Lane.

Joseph was a taker-off working on the West 8-foot seam when he died.

1841 census Bignall End, Wood lane
Sam Cooper 25 ag lab Born Staffs
Martha Cooper 25 Born Staffs
John Cooper 3 Born Staffs
Harriet 1 Born Staffs

1851 census Bignall End HO107/2001
Samuel Cooper abt 1816 Betley, Staffordshire, England Head Bignall End Staffordshire
Martha Cooper abt 1814 Audley, Staffordshire, England Wife Bignall End Staffordshire
George Cooper abt 1847 Audley, Staffordshire, England Son Bignall End Staffordshire
Hannah Cooper abt 1845 Audley, Staffordshire, England Daughter Bignall End Staffordshire
John Cooper abt 1838 Audley, Staffordshire, England Son Bignall End Staffordshire
Mary Cooper abt 1849 Audley, Staffordshire, England Daughter Bignall End Staffordshire

1861 census Bignall End
Samuel Cooper abt 1816 Betley, Staffordshire, Head Bignall End Staffordshire
Martha Cooper abt 1814 Audley, Staffordshire, Wife Bignall End Staffordshire
Ann Cooper abt 1853 Audley, Staffordshire, Daughter Bignall End Staffordshire
George Cooper abt 1847 Audley, Staffordshire, Son Bignall End Staffordshire
Mary Cooper abt 1849 Audley, Staffordshire, Daughter Bignall End Staffordshire
Sarah Cooper abt 1851 Audley, Staffordshire, Daughter Bignall End Staffordshire

1871 census Wood Lane
Samuel Cooper 55 labourer Betley
Martha 57 Audley
George 24 coal miner Audley
Sarah Stevenson dau married 20 Audley

1881 census
Wood Lane, Audley
George COOPER Head M Male 34 Audley, Stafford, Coal Miner
Anglina COOPER Wife M Female 30 Audley, Stafford,
Ann COOPER Daur Female 8 Audley, Stafford, Scholar
Thomas COOPER Son Male 7 Audley, Stafford, Scholar
Joseph COOPER Son Male 4 Audley, Stafford,
John COOPER Son Male 2 Audley, Stafford,

1891 census Megacre Lane, Wood Lane
George Cooper 45 coal miner Audley
Anglina 41 Wolstanton
Thomas 19 coal miner Audley
Joseph 15 coal miner Audley
John 12 Audley
Arthur 9 Audley

Joseph was the son of George Cooper and Angelina Bagnall, who were married at St Margaret's Wolstanton in 1872. Joseph was just 19 when he died, so his family received £20 in compensation from the Disaster Relief Fund, £10 on 10th August 1895 and £10 on 23rd December 1895.

Samuel Cork, died aged 38, of Wood Lane.

Samuel was a collier working on the East 10-foot seam when he died.

1851 census Chesterton HO107/2002
James Cork abt 1826 Wolstanton, Staffordshire, England Head Chesterton Staffordshire
Hannah Cork abt 1828 Norton, Shropshire, England Wife Chesterton Staffordshire
George Cork abt 1845 Wolstanton, Staffordshire, England Son Chesterton Staffordshire
George Cork abt 1850 Wolstanton, Staffordshire, England Son Chesterton Staffordshire

1861 census Chesterton
James Cork abt 1824 Wolstanton, Staffordshire, Head Wolstanton Staffordshire
Hannah Cork abt 1827 Market Drayton, Shropshire, Wife Wolstanton Staffordshire
Edwin Cork abt 1850 Wolstanton, Staffordshire, Son Wolstanton Staffordshire
Eliza Cork abt 1856 Wolstanton, Staffordshire, Daughter Wolstanton Staffordshire
George Cork abt 1845 Wolstanton, Staffordshire, Son Wolstanton Staffordshire
Mary Cork abt 1853 Wolstanton, Staffordshire, Daughter Wolstanton Staffordshire
Samuel Cork abt 1858 Wolstanton, Staffordshire, Son Wolstanton Staffordshire

1871 census Spring Wood, Chesterton
James Cork 45 ironstone miner Chesterton
Hannah 43 Shropshire
Edwin 21 ironstone miner Chesterton
Mary 18 housemaid Chesterton
Edna 16 domestic servant Springwood
Samuel 13 labourer coal pit Springwood

1881 Spring Wood, Chesterton
Samuel CORK Head M Male 28 Chesterton, Stafford, Coal Miner
Dinah CORK Wife M Female 23 Newcastle, Stafford,
William CORK Son Male 4 Audley, Stafford,

Samuel's widow was Dinah, born 1857. She died on August 4th, 1912. At the time of the disaster, Samuel and Dinah had two children under the age of 13: Beatrice (1/5/1886) and George (19/9/1889). George died at Jamage Pit in 1911 (see below).

Samuel married Dinah Brayford in 1776 at Knutton, St Mary.

The following is an inscription from the churchyard of St James the Great, Audley:

William, s/o Samuel & Dinah CORK,
Ravens Lane, Audley, 15 Dec 1902, 26
Samuel CORK, who was Entombed
in the Diglake Disaster, 1895, 38
George, s, who lost his life in
the Jamage Explosion, 25 Nov 1911, 22
Dinah, the above, 4 Aug 1912, 55

Samuel Crosby, died aged 18, of Chapel St.

Samuel was an engine driver working on the West 8-foot seam when he died.

1851 census Audley HO107/2001
George Crosby abt 1820 Alsager, Cheshire, England Head Audley Staffordshire
Elizabeth Crosby abt 1816 Audley, Staffordshire, England Wife Audley Staffordshire
Elizabeth Crosby abt 1850 Audley, Staffordshire, England Daughter Audley Staffordshire
George Crosby abt 1843 Audley, Staffordshire, England Son Audley Staffordshire
John Crosby abt 1848 Audley, Staffordshire, England Son Audley Staffordshire
Mary Ann Crosby abt 1845 Audley, Staffordshire, England Daughter Audley Staffordshire

1861 census Werrington Audley
CARSLEY, George Head Married M 41 Coal Miner
Alsager
Cheshire VIEW VIEW
CARSLEY, Bessey Wife Married F 44
Audley
Staffordshire VIEW VIEW
CARSLEY, George Son Unmarried M 18 Coal Miner
Audley
Staffordshire VIEW VIEW
CARSLEY, John Son M 13 Scholar
Audley
Staffordshire VIEW VIEW
BARRACK, Eliza Niece F 10 Scholar
Audley
Staffordshire

1871 census Wood Lane
George Crosby 28 coal miner Audley
Hannah 26 Audley
Catherine 2 Audley

1881 census
Wood Lane, Audley
George CROSBY Head M Male 40 Audley, Stafford, Coal Miner
Hannah CROSBY Wife M Female 38 Audley, Stafford,
Catherine CROSBY Daur Female 12 Audley, Stafford, Scholar
Elizabeth A. CROSBY Daur Female 8 Audley, Stafford, Scholar
John CROSBY Son Male 6 Audley, Stafford, Scholar
Samuel CROSBY Son Male 4 Audley, Stafford,
Francis CROSBY Daur Female 5 Audley, Stafford,

1891 census Wood Lane, Audley
George Crosby 51 Miner Audley
Hannah 48 Audley
John 15 miner Audley
Samuel 14 Miner Audley
Frances 15 Audley

Samuel was 18 when he died and as such his family received just two payments of 10 pounds each on August 10th 1995 and December 23rd 1895.

George Dodd, died aged 24, of Primitive St.

George was a loader working on the East 7-foot seam when he died.

1871 Wood Lane Audley
John Dodd 21 furnaceman ironworks Wolstanton
Harriet 22 Wolstanton
Elizabeth 1 Audley

1881 census
Wood Lane, Audley
John DODD Head M Male 31 Wolstanton, Stafford, Laborer In Iron Works
Harriet DODD Wife M Female 33 Newchapel, Stafford,
George DODD Son Male 10 Audley, Stafford, Scholar
Charles DODD Son Male 7 Audley, Stafford, Scholar
John DODD Son Male 6 Audley, Stafford, Scholar
Hannah DODD Daur Female 3 Audley, Stafford,
Sarah Ann DODD Daur Female 1 Audley, Stafford,

1891 census New St, Wood Lane, Audley
John Dodd 41 iron labourer Wolstanton
Harriett 42 Audley
George 20 miner Audley
John 16 miner Audley
Sarah A 14 Audley
Hannah 13 Audley

George Dodd was the son of John Dodd and Harriet Procter, who were married at St Margaret's Wolstanton in 1868. He married Emma Webb in 1892 (civil marriage). They had two children under 13 who received payments from the Disaster Fund: Ethel (24/1/1893) and Ada (15/5/1895). Emma was born in 1867 and remarried on 28th December 1909. Emma was living on Diglake St with her parents Amos and Mary in 1881.

Inscription from the churchyard of St James, Audley:
Loving remembrance of John Dodd od 13 Primitive St, Wood Lane, Bignall End who died 30/5/1917 aged 67 years. Also Harriet his beloved wife who died 8/9/1915 aged 67 years. Also Charles, their beloved son who died 7/3/1889 aged 15 years. But 'tis enough that Chist should know all, and we shall be with Him.