Diglake Colliery - Names S-W

Men of Diglake - Names S - W

David Spord, died aged 62, of Chapel St. David was working as a collier on the West 8-foot seam when he died. 1871 census Tutill St, Audley David Spode 37 coal miner Audley Ann 34 Audley Charles 13 employed mine Audley Martha 11 Audley Arthur 7 Audley George 2 Audley George Newton lodger wid labourer Audley 1881 census Diglake St, Audley David SPORD Head M Male 45 Stafford, Stafford, England Coal Miner Mary A. SPORD Wife M Female 42 Audley, Stafford, England Thomas BELL Son In Law M Male 26 Market Drayton, Shropshire, England Coal Miner Martha A. BELL Daur M Female 21 Audley, Stafford, England Arthur J. BELL Son U Male 18 Audley, Stafford, England Coal Miner George A. SPORD Son Male 12 Audley, Stafford, England Scholar Wilmot SPORD Son Male 10 Audley, Stafford, England Scholar Mary A. SPORD Daur Female 7 Audley, Stafford, England Scholar 1891 census Chapel St, Audley David Spord 56 miner Audley Mary A 55 Audley Arthur J 27 miner Audley George W miner 22 Audley Wilmot 19 miner Audley Mary A 16 Audley Elizabeth 25 daughter in law Newcastle Martha A grandaughter 3 Audley William H grandson 1 Audley David Spord (or Spoode) married Mary Ann Shaw in 1854 at Chesterton, Holy Trinity. Mary Ann Spord died 2nd September 1910. She never remarried. David and Mary had no children under the age of 13 at the time of the disaster.

George Walter Spord, died aged 23/26, of Chapel St. George was working as a loader on the West 8-foot seam when he died. son of David Spode (see entry above). George married Martha Hall (born 1873) at Talke St Martin in 1892. At the time of disaster they had 2 children under the age of 13: Harry (9/8/1892) and Ethel (18/10/1894). Martha had her payments from the Disaster Fund stopped on 31st July 1902 for 'misconduct'. In 1901 she was working as a charwoman in Audley.

Thomas Sproson, died aged 64/45, of Wood Lane. Thomas was working as a contractor on the East 7-foot seam. 1871 census Wood Lane James Sproston 30 coal miner fireman Wybunbury Emma 23 Audley Hannah 3 Audley Arthur 7m Audley Thomas 21 brother coal miner Wybunbury William 19 brother coal miner Wybunbury 1881 census Wood Lane, Audley Thomas SPROSON Head M Male 31 Wybunbury, Cheshire, England Coal Miner & Grocer Hannah SPROSON Wife M Female 29 Wolstanton, Stafford, England Ernest SPROSON Son Male 6 Audley, Stafford, England Scholar Ethel A. SPROSON Daur Female 3 Audley, Stafford, England Frank T. SPROSON Son Male 3 m Audley, Stafford, England Thomas married Hannah Platt (born 1851) in 1871. Hannah was the daughter of William Platt, a miner from Chesterton, and Ann. Her brother was Aaron Platt, born 1849, father of John and James Platt, who were both killed at Diglake. At the time of the disaster, Thomas and Hannah had five children under the age of 13: Hannah (13/1/1883), Mabel (12/1/1885), Maud (22/7/1886), Beatrice (15/1/1889) and Arthur (9/7/1891). Harry Clough became Thomas and Hannah's adopted son. Harry also died at Diglake that day. Hannah Sproson therefore lost her husband, son, adopted son and two nephews that day. Thomas' brother James Sproson (born Wybunbury 1841) was also killed underground, at Apedale Colliery in 1872. Thomas was the brother of William Sproson (see below) and John Sproson (of the rescue team). Read more about John Sproston and his family. Thomas was a class leader and chapel steward at the Weslayan Methodist Chapel.

	The headstone of Thomas Sproson (above), his son Frank Thomas and adopted son Harry Clough, located at St James, Audley. 'In loving memory of Thomas Sproson of Wood Lane / born Sep 13th 1849 aged 45 years / Also Frank Thomas his son / born Dec 25th 1880 aged 14 years / also Harry Clough adopted son / aged 19 years / all the above lost their lives in the Diglake disaster Jan 14th 1895. Also Hannah wife of Thomas Sproson died May 8th 1915 aged 63 years / also Ethel Ann their daughter died July 27th 1890 aged 12 years / also Ernest beloved son of Ernest & Hannah Sproson who died in infancy.' (Ernest was Thomas' son, he married Hannah Breretin in 1899).

Enoch Sproson, died aged 25, of Wood Lane. Enoch was working as a loader on the East 10-foot seam when he died. 1861 census Audley James Sproson abt 1827 Audley, Staffordshire, England Head Sarah Sproson abt 1827 Audley, Staffordshire, England Wife James Sproson abt 1855 Audley, Staffordshire, England Son Walter Sproson abt 1850 Audley, Staffordshire, England Son William Wilshaw abt 1770 Audley, Staffordshire, England Boarder 1871 census Hougher Wall, Audley Jane Hollins 72 annuitant Manchester Walter Sproson 21 coal miner Audley Harriet Sproson 20 Audley 1881 census Queen St, Audley George CLEWES Head M Male 30 Audley, Stafford, England Coal Miner Harriet CLEWES Wife M Female 30 Audley, Stafford, England Enock SPROSON Son U Male 9 Audley, Stafford, England Scholar Harriet SPROSON Daur U Female 6 Audley, Stafford, England Scholar Charles SPROSON Son U Male 4 Audley, Stafford, England Scholar Sarah E. SPROSON Daur Female 2 Audley, Stafford, England Elizabeth CLEWES Daur Female 2 m Audley, Stafford, England 1891 census Hougher Wall, Audley Harriet Clews 35 Audley Elizabeth Clews 9 Audley Enoch Sproston 19 coal miner Audley Charles Sposton 16 miner Audley Sarah Sproston 12 Audley Enoch was the son of Walter Sproson and Harriet Hollins (married in 1870 at St James, Audley). On 7th June 1878 Walter was killed at Audley Colliery, aged 26, leaving Harriet with their four children. She was married again to George Clewes in 1880, but he too died in 1883. In reports of the Diglake disaster, Enoch is stated to be the son of William Sproson (see entry below). However, there is no direct connection between the two families, so if Enoch was adopted by William and Elizabeth it was not because of any family connection. Enoch's grandfather, James Sproson, was also a miner who was killed, aged 40, at Talk'o'th'Hill Colliery on 13th Dec 1866. To complete the picture, Enoch's brother, Charles, met with a similar death in 1908 when he was killed in a fall at Birchenwood Colliery on 11th January. Enoch married Ellen Austin (born 1874) in 1893 (civil marriage). They had no children, and Ellen remarried on 2nd March 1897.

Frank Thomas Sproson, died aged 14, of Wood Lane. Frank was working as an engine driver on the East 7-foot seam. son of Thomas Sproson (see entry above).

William Sproson, died aged 43/47, of Wood Lane. William was working as a fireman on the East 10-foot seam when he died. 1871 census Wood Lane James Sproston 30 coal miner fireman Wybunbury Emma 23 Audley Hannah 3 Audley Arthur 7m Audley Thomas 21 brother coal miner Wybunbury William 19 brother coal miner Wybunbury 1881 census Wood Lane, Audley William SPROSTON Head M Male 29 Wybunbury, Cheshire, England Coal Miner Elizabeth SPROSTON Wife M Female 28 Audley, Stafford, England Albert SPROSTON Son Male 9 Audley, Stafford, England Scholar William SPROSTON Son Male 2 Audley, Stafford, England Frank SPROSTON Son Male 9 m Audley, Stafford, England Ann SPROSTON Daur Female 5 Audley, Stafford, England Scholar John COOPER Boarder U Male 38 Audley, Stafford, England Coal Miner William Sproson was the fireman at the pit that day, and it's likely that the explosive shot he fired caused the walls between the old and new mine to collapse. His son, William, was lucky enough to be rescued by Richard Howle and survived to give evidence at the inquest. Two of William's other sons, Albert and Leonard (born 1882) went on to become undermanagers and managers of mines. William's bother Thomas Sproson (see above) also died. In reports of the Diglake disaster, William is stated to be the son of Enoch Sproson (see entry above). However, there is no direct connection between the two families, so if Enoch was adopted by William and Elizabeth it was not because of any family connection. William and Elizabeth were living next door to Thomas Alkins and his family in 1881. Elizabeth died in early 1893 aged 41, and at the time of his death William still had three children under the age of 13: Leonard 15/3/1882, Minnie (24/1/1884) and Lizzie (7/6/1886). William's daughter Annie (born 1876) was acting as guardian to her younger siblings after her father's death, and she received payments from the Diglake Disaster Relief Fund until August 1898, when she 'was delivered of an illegitimate child' and her pay was discontinued. Her brother Albert took over as guardian on 15/2/99 and received payments from the Fund until the younger children turned 13. Albert died in 1929, and is buried along with his wife, Elizabeth Jane Billington, in the churchyard of the Central Methodist Church, Chapel Street, Bignall End. Elizabeth died on 26th December 1962 aged 87. Read more about William Sproston and his family.

Frederick Henry Taylor, died aged 27/30, of Ravens Lane. Fred was working as a collier on the East 10-foot seam when he died. 1841 census HO107/993/19 Tunstall 32 p8 John Taylor abt 1811 Staffordshire, England Wolstanton Staffordshire Hannah Taylor abt 1816 Staffordshire, England Wolstanton Staffordshire Henry Taylor abt 1837 Wolstanton Staffordshire Jane Taylor abt 1839 Staffordshire, England Wolstanton Staffordshire Ralph Taylor abt 1834 Staffordshire, England Wolstanton Staffordshire 1851 census Tunstall HO107/2002 John Taylor abt 1810 Wolstanton, Staffordshire, England Head Wolstanton Staffordshire Hannah Taylor abt 1793 Wolstanton, Staffordshire, England Wife Wolstanton Staffordshire Hannah Taylor abt 1846 Wolstanton, Staffordshire, England Daughter Wolstanton Staffordshire Henry Taylor abt 1838 Wolstanton, Staffordshire, England Son Wolstanton Staffordshire Jane Taylor abt 1840 Wolstanton, Staffordshire, England Daughter Wolstanton Staffordshire John Taylor abt 1844 Wolstanton, Staffordshire, England Son Wolstanton Staffordshire Ralph Taylor abt 1835 Wolstanton, Staffordshire, England Son Wolstanton Staffordshire Samuel Taylor abt 1849 Wolstanton, Staffordshire, England Son Wolstanton Staffordshire Selina Taylor abt 1842 Wolstanton, Staffordshire, England Daughter Wolstanton Staffordshire 1861 census Audley Ralph Taylor abt 1835 Tunstall, Staffordshire, England Head Prudence Taylor abt 1834 Audley, Staffordshire, England Wife Hannah Taylor abt 1851 Audley, Staffordshire, England Daughter Ralph Taylor abt 1860 Audley, Staffordshire, England Son Selina Taylor abt 1858 Audley, Staffordshire, England Daughter 1871 census Queen St, Audley Ralph Taylor 37 coal miner Tunstall Prudence 38 Audley Selina 14 Audley Ralph S Taylor 12 coal miner Audley Anne Elizabeth 7 Audley John 5 Audley Frederick Henry 3 Audley Olive 2 Audley 1881 census Chester Rd, Audley Ralph TAYLOR Head M Male 47 Tunstall, Stafford, England Coal Miner Prudence TAYLOR Wife M Female 48 Audley, Stafford, England John TAYLOR Son U Male 15 Audley, Stafford, England Coal Laborer Frederick TAYLOR Son U Male 14 Audley, Stafford, England Coal Laborer Olive TAYLOR Daur U Female 12 Audley, Stafford, England Scholar Betsy J. TAYLOR Daur U Female 10 Audley, Stafford, England Scholar Rosannah TAYLOR Daur U Female 8 Audley, Stafford, England Scholar Mary Alice TAYLOR Daur U Female 6 Audley, Stafford, England Scholar 1891 census Ravens Lane Frederick Taylor 24 coal miner Audley Hannah 22 Audley Albert 1 Audley Frederick married Hannah Riley (born 1869) in 1889 (civil marriage, Newcastle L). Hannah remarried on 25th March 1900. Frederick and Hannah had just one child under the age of 13 in 1895: Louis (25/2/1894). Frederick was the younger brother of Ralph Taylor , also killed at Diglake, see below. Fred was a member of the congregation at the Weslayan Methodist Chapel, Audley. This image of Frederick Taylor was kindly supplied by his descendent, FTaylor. Hannah Riley, Frederick's wife, courtesy of FTaylor. Hannah Riley around 1900, the year she remarried (Joseph Ball). Thanks to FTaylor for this image.

John Taylor, died aged 38/40 John was working as a crutter on the East 10-foot seam when he died. 1851 census Audley HO107/2001 George Taylor abt 1819 Audley, Staffordshire, England Head Audley Staffordshire Amy Taylor abt 1820 Audley, Staffordshire, England Wife Audley Staffordshire Elizabeth Taylor abt 1845 Audley, Staffordshire, England Daughter Audley Staffordshire George Taylor abt 1847 Audley, Staffordshire, England Son Audley Staffordshire Isaac Taylor abt 1841 Audley, Staffordshire, England Son Audley Staffordshire Mary Taylor abt 1843 Audley, Staffordshire, England Daughter Audley Staffordshire Noah Taylor abt 1839 Audley, Staffordshire, England Son Audley Staffordshire 1861 census Bignall End George Taylor abt 1818 Audley, Staffordshire, England Head Bignall End Staffordshire Amy Taylor abt 1821 Audley, Staffordshire, England Wife Bignall End Staffordshire Allen Taylor abt 1859 Audley, Staffordshire, England Son Bignall End Staffordshire George Taylor abt 1847 Audley, Staffordshire, England Son Bignall End Staffordshire Hannah Taylor abt 1851 Audley, Staffordshire, England Daughter Bignall End Staffordshire John Taylor abt 1856 Audley, Staffordshire, England Son Bignall End Staffordshire Wilmot Taylor abt 1853 Audley, Staffordshire, England Son Bignall End Staffordshire 1871 census Boon Hill Audley George Taylor wid 53 coal miner Audley Wilmot 17 coal miner Audley John 14 coal miner Audley Allen 12 coal miner Audley Sabrina granddau 8 Audley Sander grandson 7 Audley Hannah Johnson wid 45 general servant Audley 1881 census Boon Hill, Audley John TAYLOR Head M Male 24 Audley, Stafford, England Coal Miner Mary TAYLOR Wife M Female 24 Audley, Stafford, England Amy TAYLOR Daur Female 5 Audley, Stafford, England Alfred TAYLOR Son Male 4 Audley, Stafford, England George TAYLOR Son Male 1 Audley, Stafford, England John CROSBY Boarder U Male 33 Audley, Stafford, England Coal Miner 1891 census Boon Hill John Taylor 34 coal miner Audley Mary 36 Audley Amy 16 domestic servant Audley Alfred 14 driver? in coal miner Audley George 11 Audley John Tom 7 Audley Leonard 5 Audley Ruth 3 Audley Arthur 1m John married Mary Rowley (civil marriage) in 1876. Mary Taylor was still receiving payments from the fund when it closed. John and Mary had 5 children under 13 at the time of the disaster: John Thomas (21/12/1883), Leonard (13/6/1886), Ruth (18/1/1888), Arthur (3/3/1891), Martha Ellen (16/4/1893). Mary Rowley was born 25/11/1857 and lived at 45 Boon Hill, Bignall End. John was a member of the congregation at the Weslayan Methodist Chapel, Audley.

Peter Taylor, died aged 36/40, of Chapel St. Peter was working as a collier on the East 7-foot seam when he died. 1861 census Audley Richard Taylor abt 1832 Woore, Staffordshire, England Head Hannah Taylor abt 1836 Audley, Staffordshire, England Wife Edna Taylor abt 1860 Audley, Staffordshire, England Daughter Esther Taylor abt 1856 Audley, Staffordshire, England Daughter Peter Taylor abt 1858 Audley, Staffordshire, England Son 1871 census Ravens Lane Richard Taylor 39 coal miner Salop Woore Hannah 34 Audley Esther 15 Audley Peter Taylor 13 employed in mines Audley Edna 11 Audley Elijah 7 Audley Arthur 3 Audley Mary Ann 1 Audley 1881 census Chapel St, Audley Peter TAYLOR Head M Male 23 Audley, Stafford, England Coal Miner Mary TAYLOR Wife M Female 24 Cheshire, England John T. TAYLOR Son Male 5 m Audley, Stafford, England 1891 census Chapel St, Audley Peter Taylor 35 miner Audley Mary 34 Acton John T 10 Audley Selina 7 Audley Calab 6 Audley Hannah 4 Audley Annie 1 Audley Peter Taylor married Mary Beckett at St Martin, Talke in 1880. Mary was born on 3/2/1857 and died on the 6th November 1933. She never remarried. At the time of the disaster, Peter and Mary had 6 children under the age of 13: Seline (25/9/1882), Caleb (4/7/1884), Hannah (26/5/1887), Annie (21/8/1889), Ralph (25/11/1891) and Peter (8/5/1894). Peter was the older brother of Richard Taylor, see below.

Richard Taylor, died aged 18/19, of Diglake St. Richard was working as a loader on the East 7-foot seam when he died. 1861 census Audley, Miles Green Richard Taylor abt 1832 Woore, Staffordshire, England Head coal miner Hannah Taylor abt 1836 Audley, Staffordshire, England Wife Edna Taylor abt 1860 Audley, Staffordshire, England Daughter Esther Taylor abt 1856 Audley, Staffordshire, England Daughter Peter Taylor abt 1858 Audley, Staffordshire, England Son 1871 census Ravens Lane Richard Taylor 39 coal miner Salop Woore Hannah 34 Audley Esther 15 Audley Peter Taylor 13 employed in mines Audley Edna 11 Audley Elijah 7 Audley Arthur 3 Audley Mary Ann 1 Audley 1881 census Diglake St, Audley Richard TAYLOR Head M Male 48 Woore, Shropshire, England Coal Miner Hannah TAYLOR Wife M Female 45 Audley, Stafford, England Edna TAYLOR Daur U Female 20 Audley, Stafford, England Elijah TAYLOR Son U Male 17 Audley, Stafford, England Coal Miner Arthur TAYLOR Son Male 13 Audley, Stafford, England Coal Miner Mary A. TAYLOR Daur Female 11 Audley, Stafford, England Scholar Ellen TAYLOR Daur Female 9 Audley, Stafford, England Scholar Agnes TAYLOR Daur Female 7 Audley, Stafford, England Scholar Richard TAYLOR Son Male 5 Audley, Stafford, England Scholar Sarah TAYLOR Daur Female 3 Audley, Stafford, England Olive TAYLOR Daur Female 1 Audley, Stafford, England Thomas PLATT Father In Law M Male 83 Audley, Stafford, England Hannah PLATT Mother In Law M Female 78 Audley, Stafford, England 1891 census Diglake St, Audley John Griffiths 55 coal miner Audley Hannah Griffiths 55 Audley Ellen Taylor stepdau 19 servant Audley Agnes Taylor stepdau 17 servant Audley Richard Taylor stepson 15 coal miner Audley Olive Taylor stepdau 11 Audley Hannah Griffiths dau 10 Audley Bertha Griffiths dau 9 Audley Richard was the younger brother of Peter Taylor (see above) and son of Richard Taylor and Hannah Platt, who were married at St James, Audley in 1854. Richard's sister, Mary Ann Taylor (see above) married William Arthur Rowley in 1895, who also worked at Diglake and who led 20 men to safety that Monday morning. Mary Ann lost two brothers in the disaster, so it is possible that one of the other Taylors listed here was also the son of Richard and Hannah. Richard was obviously unmarried at the time of the disaster, being just 19 years old according to the Diaster Fund account book. The families of unmarried men were awarded £20 for those over 16 years old and just £10 for those under 16 years old. Richard Taylor's family received two payments of £10 each on 10th August 1895 and 23rd December 1895.

Ralph Taylor, died aged 36/38 Ralph was working as a collier on the east 10-foot seam when he died. 1861 Werrington, Audley Ralph Taylor 26 coal miner Tunstall Prudence Taylor 27 Audley Hannah Taylor 10 Audley Selina Taylor 3 Audley Ralph Taylor 1 Audley 1871 census Queen St, Audley Ralph Taylor 37 coal miner Tunstall Prudence 38 Audley Selina 14 Audley Ralph S Taylor 12 coal miner Audley Anne Elizabeth 7 Audley John 5 Audley Frederick Henry 3 Audley Olive 2 Audley 1881 census Queen St, Audley Ralph TAYLOR Head M Male 21 Audley, Stafford, England Coal Miner Anne TAYLOR Wife M Female 20 Audley, Stafford, England Henry R. TAYLOR Son U Male 1 Audley, Stafford, England 1891 census Old Rd, Audley Ralph Taylor 32 coal miner Audley Martha Taylor 33 Audley Thomas Dobson brother in law 16 coal miner Audley Harriet Donson sister in law 14 home work Audley Harry R Taylor 11 Audley Jennie Taylor 4 Audley Nellie Taylor 4 Audley Ralph married Annie Ratcliffe in 1879 at Audley St James. Annie died in late 1883, and Ralph remarried Martha Dobson (born 1858) in 1886 (civil marriage). Ralph and Martha had two children under the age of 13 at the time of the disaster - twins Jane and Nellie, born 18th December 1886. Martha remarried on 9th May 1906, at which time she stopped receiving payments from the Disaster Relief Fund. Ralph was the older brother of Frederick Henry Taylor, also killed at Diglake - see above. Ralph was a member of the Adult Bible Class at the Weslayan Methodist Chapel, Audley.

Thomas Taylor, died aged 14/15 Thomas was working as a driver on the East 7-foot seam when he died. 1871 census R10_2835 p13 Audley, Staffs (nr Kings Head Inn) Ann Taylor widow 31 Audley John Taylor 12 employed in coal mine Audley Elizabeth Ann Taylor 11 Audley Charles Taylor 10 Audley Joshua Taylor 9 Audley George Taylor 8 Audley 1881 census Bank, Audley John GUISE U Male 25 Nightwood, Worcester, England Coal Miner 1881 census Church Bank, Audley Phillip LIGHTFOOT Head M Male 27 Audley, Stafford, England Coal Miner Anne LIGHTFOOT Wife M Female 43 Audley, Stafford, England John TAYLOR Step Son U Male 22 Audley, Stafford, England Coal Miner Elizabeth TAYLOR Step Daur U Male 21 Audley, Stafford, England Charles TAYLOR Step Son U Male 19 Audley, Stafford, England Laborer At Colliery Joshua TAYLOR Step Son U Male 17 Audley, Stafford, England Laborer At Colliery George TAYLOR Step Son U Male 15 Audley, Stafford, England Laborer At Colliery Martha TAYLOR Step Daur U Female 7 Audley, Stafford, England Scholar Prudence LIGHTFOOT Daur U Female 4 Audley, Stafford, England Scholar Ernest LIGHTFOOT Son U Male 2 Audley, Stafford, England Thomas LIGHTFOOT Grandson U Male 4 m Audley, Stafford, England 1891 census Church Bank, Audley John Guise 34 Miner Worcester Elizabeth Taylor housekeeper single 29 Audley Thomas Taylor 10 Audley Emily Taylor 7 Audley Agnes Taylor 5 Audley Vincent Taylor 2 Audley Thomas was obviously unmarried at the time of the disaster, being just 14 years old according to the Disaster Fund account book. The families of unmarried men were awarded £20 for those over 16 years old and just £10 for those under 16 years old. Thomas Taylor's family received two payments of £5 each on 10th August 1895 and 23rd December 1895. Phillip Lightfoot married Ann Taylor (nee Lawton) at Talke, St Martin in 1876. Ann already had 6 children from her first marriage, including Elizabeth, Thomas' mother. John Guise (see census extracts above) also died that day at Diglake.

George Walter Thompson (George Rhodes), died aged 17 George was working as a taker-off on the West 8-foot seam when he died. To date I have been unable to trace George's birth, or his entry on either the 1881 or 1891 census (although there are 20 pages missing from the Wood Lane 1891 census). His name is listed on the Diglake memorial as G Rhodes. UPDATE: In September 2005 I received the death certificate for George Walter Thompson. This states, under occupation: "Dip Engine Worker in a Coal Mine. Son of Harriet Thompson, now the wife of Simeon Rhodes, Green Grocer Master." Harriet's address is given as Albert Street, Audley (next to Diglake St). Cause of death is given as "Drowned in a Coal Mine". View George Walter Thompsons's death certificate 1891 census Chapel St, Audley (next door to Elisha Mayer) Simeon Rhodes 57 greengrocer Audley Harriet Rhodes 36 Wolverhampton George W Rhodes 13 labourer Lancashire, Manchester Simeon Rhodes 10 Wolverhampton Henry Rhodes 4 Audley Simeon Rhodes married Harriet Thompson in 1879 in Nottingham. 1881 census Coven Green, Brewood, Staffordshire John PLANT Head M Male 23 Brewood, Stafford, England Blacksmith Mary J. PLANT Wife M Female 24 Wolverhampton, Stafford, England George W. RHODES Nephew Male 3 Manchester, Lancashire, England John Plant married Mary J Thompson in 1880 at Coven St Paul, so George was staying with his mother's sister at the time of the 1881 census. 1881 census Albert St, Audley Simeon Rhodes 48 green grocer Audley Next door Albert FRYER Head M Male 32 Mow Cop, Cheshire, England Coal Miner Sarah FRYER Wife M Female 34 Audley, Stafford, England Lillian FRYER Daur Female 6 Haslington, Cheshire, England Scholar Laura FRYER Daur Female 4 Audley, Stafford, England Scholar Simeon RHODES Boarder Male 11 m Wolverhampton, Stafford, England So in 1881, Harriet Rhodes (nee Thompson) was not living with her husband and her two sons, George and Simeon, were staying with her sister and next-door neighbours. Possibly she was visiting with family. Following his mother's marriage, George began to use her new married name of Rhodes, but clearly he was not Simoen Rhodes' son. 1871 census Stafford Rd, Wolverhampton RG10_2936 148 38 Charles Thompson 49 engine fitter at works Market Drayton, Salop Margaret Thompson 57 Scotland Harriet Thompson 16 domestic servant Wolverhampton Agnes Thonpson 12 Wolverhampton Alicia Thompson 7 Wolverhampton Charles Thompson 5 Wolverhampton Robert Mein boarder 20 clerk at railway Oxford Woodstock 1861 census Wolverhampton Charles Thompson abt 1822 Market Drayton, Shropshire, England Head Jane Thompson abt 1825 Market Drayton, Shropshire, England Wife Agness Thompson abt 1858 Wolverhampton, Staffordshire, England Daughter Ann Thompson abt 1851 Newport, Shropshire, England Daughter Betsy Thompson abt 1852 Wolverhampton, Staffordshire, England Daughter Harriet Thompson abt 1855 Wolverhampton, Staffordshire, England Daughter Mary J Thompson abt 1857 Wolverhampton, Staffordshire, England Daughter William Thompson abt 1835 Market Drayton, Shropshire, England Son 1861 census Audley Simeon Rhodes abt 1834 Audley, Staffordshire, England Head Ann Rhodes abt 1829 Audley, Staffordshire, England Wife Olive Rhodes abt 1860 Audley, Staffordshire, England Daughter As he was unmarried at the time of his death, George's family would have received a one-off payment of £20.

Thomas Tittle(Titley), died aged 15/19 Thomas was working as a loader on the East 7-foot seam when he died. 1871 census Miles Green, Audley Thomas Tittley 19 servant in Tomkinson household Salop Woore 1881 census Miles Green, Audley Thomas TITTLEY Head M Male 29 Woore, Shropshire, England Coal Miner Hannah TITTLEY Wife M Female 25 Audley, Stafford, England Frank TITTLEY Son Male 6 Audley, Stafford, England Scholar Charles W. TITTLEY Son Male 4 Audley, Stafford, England Thomas TITTLEY Son Male 2 Audley, Stafford, England Arthur TITTLEY Son Male 4 m Audley, Stafford, England 1891 census Hougher Wall, Audley Thomas Titley 40 Miner Salop Woore Hannah 36 Audley Frank 14 miner Audley Charles W 14 miner Audley Thomas 12 scholar Audley Arthur 10 Audley Alice 8 Audley Richard 6 Audley Rachel 4 Audley George 2 Audley Ellen 3m Audley Thomas was obviously unmarried at the time of the disaster, being just 15 years old according to the Disaster Fund account book. The families of unmarried men were awarded £20 for those over 16 years old and just £10 for those under 16 years old. Thomas Titley's family received two payments of £5 each on 10th August 1895 and 23rd December 1895.

Charles Vernon, died aged 28/30, of Wood Lane. Charles was working as a collier on the East 10-foot seam when he died. 1851 census Marple, Cheshire Thomas Vernon abt 1791 Marple, Cheshire, England Head Bridget Vernon abt 1793 Epworth, Yorkshire, England Wife Thomas Breathwaite abt 1798 Warrington, Lancashire, England Visitor John Derbyshire abt 1835 Marple, Cheshire, England Relative Mary Vernon abt 1826 Oldland, Gloucestershire, England Son's Wife Samuel Vernon abt 1824 Marple, Cheshire, England Son George Walker abt 1806 Staleybridge, Lancashire, England Visitor 1861 census Knutton Samuel Vernon abt 1824 Marple, Cheshire, England Head Mary Vernon abt 1826 Bitton, Gloucestershire, England Wife Alfred Vernon abt 1854 Wolstanton, Staffordshire, England Son Edwin Vernon abt 1852 Marple, Cheshire, England Son Elizabeth Vernon abt 1857 Wolstanton, Staffordshire, England Daughter Samuel Vernon abt 1853 Oldham, Lancashire, England Son Sarah Vernon abt 1860 Wolstanton, Staffordshire, England Daughter Sarah J Vernon abt 1859 Wolstanton, Staffordshire, England Daughter William T Vernon abt 1848 Oldham, Lancashire, England Son 1871 census Cross Heath, Knutton, Wolstanton Samuel Vernon 47 cotton spinner Cheshire Marple Mary 44 Gloucestershire Bristol William J 21 cotton spinner Oldham Lancs Edwin 19 dubblin manger? Cheshire Marple Samuel 18 cotton piecer Oldham Lancs Alfred 16 cotton piecer Wolstanton Elizabeth 15 frame tenter Wolstanton Sarah J 12 Wolstanton Sarah 10 Wolstanton Charles 5 Wolstanton Harry 2m Wolstanton 1881 census Cross Heath, Wolstanton Samuel VERNON Head M Male 57 Maple County, Cheshire, England Grocer & Baker Mary VERNON Wife M Female 54 Britton, Gloucester, England Elizth. VERNON Daur Female 23 Wolstanton, Stafford, England Charles VERNON Son Male 16 Wolstanton, Stafford, England Harry VERNON Son Male 10 Wolstanton, Stafford, England Scholar William VERNON Grand Son Male 4 Wolstanton, Stafford, England Scholar Charles Vernon married Ann Cooper (born 1872) at Audley St James in 1891. They had two children, Ethel (18/7/1892) and Nellie (1/7/1894). According to the Disaster Relief Fund, Ann remarried on 24th October 1897 (Albert Herrod), at which point she stopped receiving payment. The Sentinel newspaper carried an interview with the Vicar of Audley who reported that Mrs Vernon's mind 'has completely gone. She is under the impression that she is taking a walk, and that her husband is with her'. It was initially believed that Charles Vernon was one of the two bodies recovered on Tuesday 15th January 1895.

(Edwin) Henry Webb, died aged 35, of Bignall End. Henry was working as a collier on the East 10-foot seam when he died. 1851 census Audley Thomas Webb abt 1825 Audley, Staffordshire, England Head Eliza Webb abt 1829 Audley, Staffordshire, England Wife William Webb abt 1851 Audley, Staffordshire, England Son 1861 census Audley Thomas Webb abt 1826 Audley, Staffordshire, England Head Eliza Webb abt 1829 Audley, Staffordshire, England Wife Hannah Webb abt 1854 Audley, Staffordshire, England Daughter Henry Webb abt 1856 Audley, Staffordshire, England Son 1871 census Ravens Lane Thomas Webb widower 70 coal miner Audley David Webb Taylor grandson 10 Audley Thomas Webb lodger 45 engine worker Audley Eliza Webb lodgers wife 42 Cheshire Barthomley Edwin Henry Webb son 15 coal miner Audley 1881 census Ravens Lane, Audley Thomas WEBB Head M Male 57 Audley, Stafford, England Mining Engine Tenter Eliza WEBB Wife M Female 54 Barthomly, Cheshire, England Henry WEBB Son U Male 25 Audley, Stafford, England Coal Miner David WEBB Son U Male 20 Audley, Stafford, England Coal Miner 1891 census Boon Hill Henry Webb 35 coal miner Audley Theodosia 32 Audley Annie 9 Audley Arnold 8 Audley Thomas 5 Audley Wm 3 Audley Eliza 1 Audley Henry Webb married Theodosia Brindley in 1881, at Talke St Martin. Theodosia was born on 2nd November 1858 and the couple lived at 28 Hope St, Bignall End. Their children were: Annie (1882), Arnold Webb (25/4/1884), Thomas Webb (27 Nov 1885), William Webb (9/8/1887), Eliza Webb (11 Oct 1889), Charles Edwin Webb (23/8/1891), Fred Webb (18/9/1893). The children all stopped recieving payments from the Disaster Fund when they turned 13, but Theodosia was still receiving payments when the fund finally closed. She died in 1937. Above is a photograph of Theodosia and her seven children, taken around 1895 and kindly supplied by her relative, Brenda. The baby on Theodosia's knee could be Fred, while the eldest girl on the right is Annie. Eliza is on the left at the bottom, behind her is Thomas. Next to Theodosia on the right is William, and at the back is the eldest boy, Arnold. Finally, Charles Edwin is sitting in the chair on the right next to his sister. By 1901, Annie was working as a domestic servant, and Arnold, Thomas and William were all coal miners. Prior to her marriage, Theodosia Brindley worked for John Bastin's grocery and tea dealership in St Edward St, Leek . She was the eldest daughter of Charles and Charlotte Brindley (nee Prophett). 1841 census Boon Hill John Brindley 50 coal miner Born Staffs Theodosia Brindley 45 Born Staffs John Brindley 15 nailer Born Staffs Charles Brindley 14 coal miner Born Staffs John Brindley married Theodosia Tunstall at Audley on 3rd October 1818. 1871 Boon Hill Charles Brindley 43 coal miner Audley Charlotte 37 Nantwich Theodosia 12 Audley Ann 9 Audley John P 7 Audley Charles 3 Audley Charlotte 3 Audley Henry 1 Audley 1881 Boon Hill Charles BRINDLEY Head M Male 53 Audley, Stafford, England Coal Miner Charlotte BRINDLEY Wife M Female 47 Nantwich, Cheshire, England John BRINDLEY Son U Male 17 Audley, Stafford, England Coal Miner Charles BRINDLEY Son Male 13 Audley, Stafford, England Coal Miner Charlotte BRINDLEY Daur Female 13 Audley, Stafford, England Henry BRINDLEY Son Male 11 Audley, Stafford, England Scholar Edwin BRINDLEY Son Male 6 Audley, Stafford, England Scholar Arthur BRINDLEY Son Male 3 Audley, Stafford, England More about Henry and Theodosia Webb....

George Frederick Wynne, died aged 29/30 George was working as a loader on the West 8-foot seam when he died. 1851 census Hanmer Flintshire Wales Edward Wynne abt 1813 Hanmer, Flintshire, Wales Head Hanmer Flintshire Elizabeth Wynne abt 1815 Bronington, Flintshire, Wales Wife Hanmer Flintshire James Wynne abt 1841 Bronington, Flintshire, Wales Son Hanmer Flintshire Martha Wynne abt 1840 Bronington, Flintshire, Wales Daughter Hanmer Flintshire Perittian Wynne abt 1843 Bronington, Flintshire, Wales Son Hanmer Flintshire Thomas Wynne abt 1847 Bronington, Flintshire, Wales Son Hanmer Flintshire William Wynne abt 1850 Bronington, Flintshire, Wales Son Hanmer Flintshire 1871 census, 10 Albert St, Tunstall (R10_2847 57) James Wynne 33 coal miner Brinington Flintshire Ann Wynne 32 Cheshire Handly Mary E Wynne 7 Tunstall George G Wynne 5 Tunstall John E? Wynne 4 Tunstall Charles Wynne 10m Tunstall William Wynne 29 cousin farm labourer Brinington Flintshire 1881 census Red St, Chesterton, Wolstanton James WYNNE Head M Male 43 Benneyton, Flint, Wales Coal Miner Ann WYNNE Wife M Female 42 Malpas, Cheshire, England Mary WYNNE Daughter U Female 17 Tunstall, Stafford, England Tile Manfactor George WYNNE Son U Male 15 Tunstall, Stafford, England Brick & Tile Man John WYNNE Son U Male 14 Tunstall, Stafford, England Pit Boy (C) Charles WYNNE Son U Male 11 Tunstall, Stafford, England Henry WYNNE Son U Male 7 Tunstall, Stafford, England Alice A. WYNNE Daughter U Female 3 Tunstall, Stafford, England 1891 census Red St, Chesterton James Wynne ? labourer coal mine Chesterton Ann ? Cheshire Charles 20 coal miner Tunstall Geo F 26 coal miner Tunstall Arthur H 17 labourer Tunstall James Wynne (Winn) married Ann Hughes at Newcastle St Giles on 31st October 1859. James' father was John Winn, Ann's father was William Hughes. According to the accounts book of the Disaster Relief Fund, George Wynne was 30 at the time of the disaster and was unmarried. His family received two payments of £10 each as compensation for his death.