Hamlet Holcroft was born in Croft, the son of John Collier and Ellen Holcroft. He was baptised at Newchurch Parish Church on 18th June 1826.

The 1841 census has the family living at Mill Houses, Croft (now Mill House Lane). Hamlet is the eldest of six children.

He was arrested on 27th April 1846 and charged with ‘Having, at Southworth-with-Croft, feloniously assaulted and carnally known Sarah Green, a child 9 years of age.’
On 15th August 1846 the case was proved and evidence given to show that there had been penetration. He was found guilty of rape at Liverpool Assizes and sentenced to Transportation for Life. He remained in Liverpool Gaol until 10th September 1846, when he was prepared for transportation.

On 12th September 1846 a petition was made to free Hamlet by 34 inhabitants of Croft, pleading previous good character, first offence and youth. This was refused.

He departed the country along with 199 other convicts on 8th October 1846 aboard the Pestonjee Bomanjee and arrived at Van Diemen’s Land (later called Tasmania) on 17th February 1847.

His probation records state that he can neither read nor write. He seems to have continued with a life of crime, having various offences recorded with many visits to Port Arthur, a penal settlement for reconvicted persons. In 1858 he was found guilty of stealing a horse and sentenced to 4 years hard labour. The last comment on the paper record says,
‘Conditional Pardon 30th June 1863’.

Hamlet Holdcroft-Collier married Elizabeth Knowles on 12 February 1866 and went on to have 5 daughters and a son. They lived together in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia until Elizabeth died in 1901.
​Hamlet died on 19th January 1908.
 
Some 73,000 convicts were transported to Van Diemen’s Land mainly from the British Isles and Ireland, between 1803 and 1853, and convicts and their descendants formed the large majority of the population of the island colony throughout this time.

Liverpool Mercury
15th December 1897

The adjourned inquest into the circumstances attending the death of George Timperley, aged 58, who was found shot dead in his cottage on November 22nd, at Risley Lane, Culcheth, where he lived alone, was held yesterday at the Noggin Inn, Culcheth, before Mr. S. Brighouse.


Mr. Dootson, solicitor, watched the case on behalf of the police.
John Timperley, the elder brother of the deceased, gave evidence of identification, and said he last saw the deceased alive about three months ago. Deceased had no enemies so far as he knew.


Christopher Ball, farmer bailiff, of Woodend Farm, deposed to paying deceased his wages, 16s. 6d., about half-past four on Saturday, November 20th. Deceased did not return to work on Monday.
By Mr. Dootson: Deceased never complained of men saying he was a watcher for poachers.

John Lea, farmer, of Kinknall Farm, Culcheth, said on Sunday afternoon, November 21st, whilst on a visit to Risley Old Hall Farm, he went to the stable and deceased came into the yard about five o'clock. Two of the farm labourers said to deceased, "Are you going to the Green tonight?" Deceased replied, "Not tonight, it is rather too far to carry a load back."


Miss Sankey, Risley Old Hall, said about a quarter past seven on the Sunday, she and Mr. Lea were walking towards Hollins Green. When near Stubb's farm, Rixton, Edward Tracey, Edward Hansbury, John Tracey, and Ned Tracey passed them and said, "Good night" They had come from the direction of the deceased's cottage.
On returning from Hollins Green about half-past nine she remarked that there was no light in deceased's house.
​By Mr. Dootson: The first three men worked at her farm. There was a gun in the house, but the men had no right to go into the house. Her labourers had had no quarrel with deceased.

​Edward Hansbury said he and others had been charged before the magistrates with causing deceased's death, and discharged.
About seven o'clock on the Sunday night he and John and
Edward Tracey were passing deceased's house on their way to the Black Swan, Rixton, when they saw deceased at his hencote with a light.
They then went to the Black Swan, and stopped there
till closing time. He did not hear a gun fired on the Monday night.
 
When the body was discovered, Monks, the finder, came first to him, and they both went for the police. He did not know any person who had done the deed.
John Tracey, another discharged prisoner, corroborated.
 
William Monks, Risley New Hall Farm, deposed to finding deceased in his cottage, where nothing was disturbed.
 
Police-sergeant Barnes said he had known the deceased 13 years, and remembered him and his wife parting. He deposed to the position in which the body was found. He searched the deceased's bedroom, and found £5 in gold and a postoffice bank-book showing £28 savings under a mattress, twopence in copper on the mantelpiece, and ninepence in silver in his trousers pocket.
 
He had heard various rumours as to where the deceased was
on the Saturday night, but could not get to know anything definitely. Thomas Leigh, Dr. Sephton's coachman, had said whilst in drink that he saw deceased shortly after nine o'clock on the Sunday night, but he afterwards denied that he had seen him.
The witness then explained why he arrested three men on suspicion.
 
Deceased was apparently shot on the doorstep, and then dragged further into the house. He fell on his left side, for this side was very much matted with blood.
By Mr. Dootson: Two of the farm labourers wore cord trousers.
 
Dr. Sephton said he made a post-mortem examination, and found the right lung completely demolished. The greater part of the charge was lodged in the spine. The wound certainly could not have been self-inflicted. When the shot was fired the gun must have been almost in a straight line with the man's chest.
The wound had a very slight upward tendency. It was impossible for deceased to have moved after being shot, and death must have been instantaneous.
From experiments made, the shot was certainly fired within two feet.
 
Alfred Taylor, farmer, Moss Farm, Risley, said he lived 600 yards from the deceased's house.
About eleven o'clock he and his wife were in bed when they heard a shot fired, apparently from the deceased's cottage. Both Risley Old and Risley New Hall were nearer to the cottage than deceased's house.
 
The Foreman: Did you not say yesterday in this house that you could put your hand on the deceased's murderer?
Witness: No, you have been told false.
Isaac Warburton, landlord of the Noggin Inn, was here called and said the witness Taylor in his hearing and that of Miss Carter and Herbert Seddon distinctly said, "I could almost put my hand on the man who murdered Timperley."
Taylor said this about four o’clock and was not then in drink.
Taylor, questioned by the Coroner, said he might have said that, but he was larking. He had no true suspicions of the murderer. The
question was repeated to witness as to whether he
had any suspicion, but he gave what was considered an evasive answer.
The Coroner and Superintendent Higginbotham took Taylor into another room and. examined him privately, nothing being disclosed to the press.
 
In answer to the Coroner as to the arrest of the three men John Tracey, Edward Tracey, and Edward Hansbury, Superintendent
Barnes explained that Hansbury stated that he passed
Timperley's house a little before eleven o'clock on the Sunday night, but from inquiries he understood that Hansbury was at Rixton,
two miles away, at five minutes past twelve.

He (Superintendent Barnes) knew of a man having been assaulted two years ago with very little provocation, and he knew that it was
done by one of that gang, although he did not know which did it. Another man, twelve months ago, had his head cut very badly by Ned Tracey.
Timperley remarked to him some time ago that they were a rum lot those Irishmen, and about three weeks before his death Timperley was reported to have said that he was getting on all right, but had had a bother with the Irishmen.
It was decided to go to the place where the men lived, and two pairs of trousers were found belonging to John and Ned Tracey. They were stained as if with blood, and owing to the suspicious circumstances the trousers and the men were taken to Leigh, and the men were remanded to have the trousers examined. The expert reported that the stains were not blood stains, and the men were then discharged. He did not consider the men's account of themselves satisfactory.
His inspector was present when the arrest was made, and was responsible for the arrest, but he (Superintendent Barnes) would have done the same on his responsibility.
 
The Coroner, after further evidence, summed up, saying there were many suspicious circumstances which might perhaps some day come to light, and a verdict of wilful murder against some person or persons unknown was returned.

Samuel Yates and his twin sister Mary were born on 14 August 1877 in Croft, Lancashire to local butcher Samuel Yates and his wife Mary-Ann.
​
They were baptised at Croft Unitarian Chapel on 19 August 1877.

​In the 1881 census the family are living on Warrington Road, Croft.
In the 1891 census they are living at Barracks Cottages, Mill House Lane in Croft.

In 1900, Samuel married Lizzie Hankin Meeks at Christ Church, Croft. They had a son, Harry in April 1901.
In the 1901 census they are living together at Jacques Houses in Croft.
They had another four children together, all boys. Robert, James,
​John and Frank.
In 1911 the family had moved to Orford.

Samuel signed up for military service on 4th December 1915 and was transferred into the Army reserve.

On 18th April 1917 he was mobilised and posted to the
Royal Garrison Artillery Depot.  On 11th May he was posted to the 1st Reserve Brigade.
​
On 30th August 1917 he was declared a deserter. He was apprehended by civil police on 16th September 1917 and admitted to Lord Derby War Hospital on the same day. His diagnosis was ​‘Insanity aggravated by service’.
He was discharged from the army on 13th July 1918, his medical notes stating:

"On 22nd May 1918 he suddenly became acutely excited and confused, evidently in a state of extreme terror and apprehensiveness"
​
His mental and physical condition worsened after his discharge. Whilst he himself was unwell, his 11-year-old son John tragically died in June 1920, and then Samuel passed away in Rainhill Asylum on 9 July 1920 at the age of 42.
His death certificate states both Insanity and TB as causes of death.
​
He was buried next to his Mother’s grave at Christ Church, Croft with a designated Official Commonwealth War Grave Commission Headstone.

He was one of 55,000 men who returned from war with TB and one of the 18,000 who had died from it by 1922.
​
His father Samuel Yates was still living on Mill House Lane, Croft when his son died. Three years later when he passed away, he joined the family grave at Christ Church.
 
Samuel was the Great Grandson of Samuel and Ellen Yates, who together built Croft Unitarian Chapel on Lady Lane, Croft.
​
The Yates Family were well known butchers in Leigh and Warrington and the company is still in business today as 'Yates & Greer'.

Despite having an official CWGC grave and being born, bred and buried in Croft, Samuel is not named on the Croft War Memorial in the church or at
​Croft Village Memorial Hall.
There is currently a campaign running to include him, and others who were missed off.

They all made the ultimate sacrifice.

​The Memorial Hall have now made the decision that Samuel Yates will not be added to the plaque outside the hall or at the church. This is because unfortunately there is no evidence to show him actually going to war.

​I have provided them with the following, which is everything that is available:

Death Certificate, CWGC Roll of Honour Certificate, War Pension Card, Medical Discharge Form, Enrolment Papers, Imperial War Graves Commission Headstone Inscription Form, War Dead Listing for Warrington Rural District.

Without proof that he actually went to fight, the Memorial Hall committee believe that rather than being missed off the plaque due to error, that it was a decision made by villagers at the time and they do not want to change that.

As with the other soldiers, he will be included on the new memorial which we are fundraising for.

After June’s D-Day anniversary, it came to light that there are no WWII deaths remembered on Croft Village Memorial Hall. I spent some time looking up the details of those fallen in the second world war, who had lived locally.

I found the information for three of them, which I think should be added to the memorial.
The missing WWII dead are:
 
Driver James Swindell
Of Lymm View, Risley (Formerly Risley Primitive Methodist Chapel)
Died of wounds Italy 23/10/1944 Aged 21
 
Lieutenant Richard Moores
Of 3 Lords Lane, Risley
Died Italy 31/10/1943 Aged 29
 
Lance Bombardier James (Jim) Wood
Of Lord Street, Croft
Worked at Oak Tree Farm for Lewis Birchall
Died Algeria 05/12/1942 Aged 35

Feedback has suggested that a handful of people think that the Memorial Hall was built originally as a WWI memorial and it should stay that way. However, the majority feel the names should be added.

If it is decided that the Memorial Hall should stay as a WWI memorial, then we really shouldn’t be holding WWII services there and could perhaps consider Christ Church in future.

After looking much more deeply into the names of the fallen, there are some local names missing from the WWI list.
The memorial hall plaque, which was unveiled in 2014, has the same 20 men as are listed on the Christ Church memorial. 

Christ Church on Lady Lane has two official
Commonwealth War Graves Commission graves from WWI.
​
Both soldiers are buried in the churchyard.
Both died from wounds obtained in WWI.
Both died after the war had ended.

Only one of them is on the memorial list.

Gunner Samuel Yates is not included on the memorial.
​
(The plaque in the church was unveiled whilst he was still alive, so it’s clear why he was missed off at first. I can only assume that by the time the plaque was next updated in 1945, a whole different generation was in charge, and he was sadly forgotten.)

There are three WWI gravestones at Croft Unitarian Chapel, one being an official Commonwealth War Graves Commission grave (Harold Houghton).
Harold Houghton is rightly named on the Christ Church and Memorial Hall plaques.
The other two are Lance Corporal William Whittle and Private George Daintith.
 
George Daintith’s stone was originally in the grave space of Harold Houghton’s grave and reads

IN MEMORY OF HAROLD’S COMRADE
PRIVATE GEORGE DAINTITH
LIVERPOOL REGIMENT
KILLED IN FRANCE
JUNE 25TH 1916
​
I can’t imagine how Harold would feel knowing that he was named on the village memorial whilst George wasn’t.
William Whittle is named on his parent’s grave, with the quote
​‘DUTY NOBLY DONE’.

The Risley War Memorial

This memorial was re-erected after the demolition of Risley Presbyterian Church in 1971. The triangular stone had previously topped the clock of Risley Presbyterian School (Closed as a school in 1932)
John Winterburn writes:
‘…the school was closed and became merely a polling station. Now (1974) there is nothing but the site, and a wooden hut on it at election times. Two relics only remain. Croft Parish Council have kept the War Memorial Tablet and old clock which were part of the school fabric. Someday, they hope to erect them again in another place.’
Taken from A History of Education in Culcheth.

Named on the memorial from WWI are:
Harold Houghton
George Daintith
William Whittle
Norman Gibbins

Again, only one of these names is on the Plaque at the Village Hall and in Christ Church.

So altogether, there are four names missing from the Memorial Hall Plaque which I believe should be on there.
 
Gunner Samuel Yates
Private George Daintith
Lance Corporal William Whittle
Gunner Norman Gibbins
 
The Church may have had (and may still have) other reasons for not including these names, but as the Memorial Hall is for the use of all residents and is in the centre of the village, I think the Croft community should add the missing names from WWI to the Village Hall memorial.

Alan Sharpe’s book states that the names on the church plaque were taken from the Croft 1901 census. This can’t be true for several reasons:

- The records were sealed until 2001
- If they had special access to a census, the 1911 census would be much more accurate than 1901
- Harold Houghton lives in Leigh, not Croft on the 1901 census, yet still made it onto the list
- Even on the 1911 census, both Harold Houghton and George Daintith lived at the Old Noggin Inn in Risley, yet Harold was on the list of Croft war dead, without George. 
​

Why Should We Add Missing Names?

Adding missing names ensures that the memorial accurately reflects all those who sacrificed their lives. It honours every individual's contribution and maintains the integrity of the historical record.

Every person who served and died deserves recognition. Updating memorials to include missing names shows respect for those individuals and acknowledges their sacrifice.

For the families and communities of those whose names were initially omitted, adding their loved ones' names can provide a sense of closure and recognition. It validates their loss and ensures their relatives are remembered alongside their peers.

A complete memorial serves as a more comprehensive educational tool, providing a fuller picture of the war's impact on the community. It helps future generations understand the breadth of sacrifice made during the wars.

Omissions may have occurred due to oversight, lack of records, or other reasons. Correcting these omissions is a matter of historical justice, ensuring that every individual's contribution is duly noted and remembered.

Updating memorials to reflect all who served and died maintains the memorial’s role as a true representation of the community's history and collective memory. It reinforces the values of inclusivity and thoroughness.


​I will be approaching the committee for the Memorial Hall with this information and would also welcome any feedback from residents.

Update 07/11/24
​Decisions have now been made. Read the details here.

​Griffiths Joseph, Croft, Near Warrington, Lancashire -
Was born at Nantwich, Cheshire on December 1st, 1823, and after mastering the first four rules of arithmetic, the art of writing and reading, was sent to learn the bricklaying trade at the age of eleven years, starting with sixpence per day wages.
 
At the age of fourteen his attention was directed to the temperance
question by hearing two lectures at Nantwich, delivered by John Hockings,
the Birmingham blacksmith, and he determined to become a teetotaler.
He met with opposition and persecution, but held on his way, and
in 1844 removed to Manchester, where he had to fight against the
then prevailing habits and customs of the trade, fines and footings,
and eventually overcame all obstacles, and attained the position of
foreman.

He married a lady of like mind, and under all circumstances, they brought up their children without the use of intoxicating liquors.
 
About 1852 the family joined the Upper
Jackson Street (now Chapman Street), Manchester, Temperance
Society and Band of Hope, then newly formed, Mr. Griffiths
taking the position of choirmaster, and subsequently the son as
organist, this connection lasting for about twenty years, and helpful
to other societies and organizations.
 
In January, 1875, the family removed to Orford House, Croft, near Warrington, where they engaged in farming on teetotal principles, and triumphed over
prejudices and customs. They attached themselves to the Inde-
pendent Methodist Church, (Twiss Green) Culcheth, and took the
same positions, Mr. Griffiths as choirmaster, his son Horatio as
organist, and have laboured with success for over eighteen years.
 
Instead of being the only teetotal farmers in the district, there are
now several within four miles of Orford House. Mr. and Mrs.
Griffiths have seen fifty-one years of wedded life on teetotal
principles. Their sons, HORATIO, born November 3rd, 1852,
and JOSEPH W., born January 2nd, 1857, are life abstainers,
and their four grandchildren, whose united ages make up eighty six
years, with several others under sixteen years of age, are all life
abstainers. 

Those who have read the sad story of Ellen Yates will know that she was employed as a mill hand in Birkenhead, according to her death certificate.
I had assumed she must have travelled there by horseback, or even walking. Somebody else suggested that she may have had lodgings in Birkenhead, which is also possible.

It is unlikely we will ever know for certain how she travelled to work and how often, but I wanted to look further into it.

I came across an advertisement in a copy of the Leigh Chronicle from 1856 showing train times and prices.

Leigh would probably still have been too far out for her to walk, though she did have family in Leigh at the time.

Culcheth Station wasn’t opened until 1884, after her death, which ruled out her travelling from there. I then found that another local station, Kenyon Junction Station, had been open to the public from 1831.

An estimate of the distance from where she lived (Hop Pole Farm) to Kenyon Junction is about two and a half miles, which she could have easily walked.
The train journey took one hour and forty minutes, meaning a long day for her if this was the method she used.
The Kenyon Junction Station was on the Liverpool to Manchester Line and there were many routes to Birkenhead mills available from Liverpool Crown Street Station.

Harold Houghton was born in 1890 in Croft when his father, Thomas, was 31 and his mother, Mary, was 28. He had four brothers and four sisters.
In 1911 he lived at The Old Noggin Inn, Risley with his parents, his brother and two of his sisters
He worked at the Albion Ironworks in Leigh.
On 2nd September 1914 he joined the 5th Rifle Brigade, A Company, 2nd Battalion
On 24 March 1915 he died of his wounds from the battle of Neuve Chapelle, aged 25.
He was buried at Croft Unitarian Chapel, the grave stone stating
‘He Died for his Country’s Honour’.

When George Daintith was born on 24 February 1892 in Culcheth, his father, Thomas, was 25 and his mother, Mary, was 21. He was christened at Newchurch on 17th April the same year.
His mother Mary passed away in 1906 and his father remarried in 1907. He had seven brothers and two sisters.
In 1911 he lived with his father, stepmother and four of his brothers at The Old Noggin Inn, Risley.

In April 1915, he joined Kitchener’s Army, enlisting in the 1st King’s Liverpool Regiment. After about a year’s training he was sent to the Front and was attached to the 251st Company Royal Engineers. He was killed in action on June 25th, 1916, in the ‘great push’ near Albert.

Captain Hansen, R.E., in expressing his sympathy with his parents said:
‘Your son met his death on the night of June 25th while doing his duty, and I cannot speak too highly of his behaviour on this occasion, and ever since he joined this Company. I cannot say how deeply I felt his loss to my section, as he was one of my best men and could always be depended upon. He was a typical example of a true British Soldier, and died doing his duty to his King and Country and so great a cause. Your son was buried last night, and I have taken steps to have a cross placed upon his grave.’
A memorial service was held at Newchurch Parish Church on Sunday 23rd July 1916.
George is buried in Cambrin Military Cemetery.
Harold Houghton’s parents had a stone erected at Croft Unitarian Chapel in Harold’s grave space saying
'Private. George Daintith. In memory of Harold's comrade of the Liverpool Regiment, killed in France 25/06/1916'.

When William Whittle was born in 1889 in Culcheth, his father, William, was 29 and his mother, Ellen, was 21. He had two brothers.
In 1911 he lived and worked at Oakwood Farm, Risley with his parents and brothers.
He died on 14 June 1918 in France at the age of 29 and is buried at Terlincthun British Cemetery, Wimille.
He is remembered on the family grave at Croft Unitarian Chapel, the stone stating
​‘Duty Nobly Done’.

Royal Garrison Artillery. Died on 9th July 1920, aged 42.
​Son of Samuel and Mary Yates; husband of Lizzie Hankin Yates, of Longford Cottages, Longford, Warrington.

South Lancashire Regiment, transferred to as Private 584377, Labour Corps.
On 19th December 1918 he was admitted to the Military Hospital, Warrington with influenza and pneumonia. He passed away at 16:50 hours on the 26th November 1918. His history was of being unwell after he was gassed by mustard gas in France four months prior and he had chest trouble ever since.
He was the son of John and was the husband of Bertha, remarried to Andrews, of Little Town, Croft. He had two children, Thomas and Vera.

PRIVATE F FAULKNER
South Lancashire Regiment
​Died 16th March 1918

SERGEANT CYRIL WHITTLE
Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Died 23rd April 1944

PRIVATE JOHN CLARK PICK
Manchester Regiment
Died 31st May 1940

PRIVATE JOSHUE RICHARD CLEWORTH
King's Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment)
Died 25th November 1918

DRUMMER G LOCKE
Leinster Regiment
Died 8th May 1920

PRIVATE ARTHUR MONKS
Royal Army Service Corps
Died 18th January 1921

GUARDSMAN HUGH ARTHUR WOOD
Welsh Guards
Died 29 August 1921

PRIVATE W B MIDDLETON
Leicestershire Regiment
Died 29th March 1921

SERJEANT JOHN BUCHANAN
Royal Army Medical Corps
Died 27th October 1918

​George Newbrook, better known under his nom de plume of ‘Sammy Buttercup’ was a prolific writer of Lancashire Sketches. His humorous productions appeared in newspapers and literary supplements week by week up to the time of his death.
​Over 130 of his Lancashire Sketches were printed in the Leigh Chronicle, including ‘Grond Dooins at Croft’ and ‘Little Billy’ as well as a series under the title ‘Th’ Jubilee Debatin’ Club’ which also appeared in the Liverpool Weekly Post.
Sammy was in great request for recitations and comic sketches at local parties and social gatherings where his ready wit but quiet and unassuming manner made him invariably a universal favourite.

He sadly died on 20th February 1890. After his burial the Liverpool Daily Post wrote –

Yesterday, the mortal remains of George Newbrook, better known throughout Lancashire, and, indeed, the whole of the United Kingdom, as Sammy Buttercup, were interred in the churchyard of Croft, near Warrington.

Sammy has been ailing for a considerable time, the first symptoms of what has proved to be a fatal illness showing themselves so long ago as September last. He continued to grow weaker, and gradually lost the use of his eyesight, and became unable to read or write. He rallied somewhat towards the end of January, but catching cold early in the present month, he relapsed, and died on the 20th inst.

Sammy was born in Manchester on the 5th March 1835, and had thus almost completed his fifty-fifth year. He is survived by a widow and a grown-up family.

Widely known as Sammy’s writings were, few could claim to have a personal acquaintance with him; indeed, his personality was a mystery to many. A quiet, unassuming man, one would not readily suppose that his was the hand that wrote so many mirth-provoking tales.

In the small cottage at Croft where Sammy spent the latter days of his life, he composed some of the wittiest anecdotes. Brimful of that humour which pleases best of all, because it came naturally and without any apparent effort, Sammy’s favourite couplet

“Grief to our coffin adds a nail, no doubt;
Whilst every grin, so merry, draws one out.”

Expresses in small compass his own genial and lovable disposition. He was a great reader, and thought much on what he read; yet this passion for reading and writing with which he was possessed contributed in no small degree to his untimely death.
He moved in a very lowly sphere of life, and thus it is that his writings will endear him in the memory of that class in particular. He was not lacking in conversational powers, as an hour’s conversation with him would amply testify. His mind was stored with a large amount of general knowledge, from which he could draw to an unlimited extent.

Our Croft correspondent writes: - “A well-known person has been removed by the band of death from amongst the inhabitants of Croft, Mr. George Newbrook, the original “Sammy Buttercup” and Lancashire sketch writer, having died at his residence at Millhouse Brow, Croft, about 20 minutes past 11 o’clock on Thursday morning last, at the age of 54 years. Some months ago he broke a blood vessel, and was confined to his house for a short time, and was attended to by Dr. Sephton, of Culcheth, when he recovered a little, though he has never been in very good health since. He was, however, taken worse a few weeks ago, and gradually became weaker, and died as stated.

He was a man of very quiet disposition, and will be regretted by a large circle of friends amongst whom he visited. His funeral took place at Christ Church, Croft, on Sunday afternoon last, the ceremony being performed by the rector, the Rev. T. P. Kirkman. Several friends from Leigh and Croft were present to witness the funeral ceremony at the church.

Aw'm beawn to tell yo a bit ov a tale abeawt a chap at Croft, that bootiful little sitty ut lics abeawt six mile fro Leighth, 3,022 fro New York, an five fro Warrinton.

Neaw aw may as weel tell yo as heaw Croft's a varry aynshunt place, an th' reeason on't not bein menshund i'th Hist'ry o' Hinglond is bocose thoose ut wrote it didno goo to th' trubble o' payin it a visit to mak enquiries.

Neaw iv yo'll look i' Scriptur yo'll find it sez summat abeawt Moses bein fun i' some bullrushes, but it doesno say eggsactly wheer thoose rushes wur; but, iv aw remember reight, thoose rushes wur asoide o' where th' Booard Skoo is neaw, tho' th' rushes wur taen away mony a year sin to mak porayter hampers on.

Then agean, in another place, yo'll find summat abeawt Jonah swallerin a whale; but that's sich greyt while sin ut thers no trace left i' Croft o' noather Jonah nor t' whale, an th' lond bein plow'd up so mich so as to plant green peighs an carrots, its mich iv they ever find ony trace on't.

In another place yo find it menshund abeawt Jacob's ladder. Neaw thers a greyt mony ladders i' Croft, an they'n getten mixt up so mich ut thers no tellin which wur Jacob's ladder.

Neaw thers an owd smithy at Croft-bin theer monya hunderd year -- an accordin to th' Hist'ry o' Lankesher, it wur at this smithy wheer Oliver Crummell stopt to get shoon put on his hosses when he wur on his rode to Preston. When th' hosses ud getton their shoon on, he marcht his army to Leighth, an ther wur feet marks ov his cannon wheels uppoth hee rode for mony a year after, but thers no trace left on um neaw.
Oliver Crummell stopt o neet at th' King's Arms, Leighth, an th' next mornin, after he'd blown Whalley Abbey deawn, an Windleshaw Abbey, Sant Helen, he marcht his sowgers to l'reston.

Aw'm gettin off mi tale a bit, but as Croft wur a varry nooated place i' owden toimes, an nob'dy seeums to know mich abeawt it at th' present toime, aw think its just as weel to gie my readers a bit ov a descripshun on't.

It's not a varry largely-populated place, an at th'present toime its mooastly populated wi men, wimmin,an childer. Ov course thers a toothri hosses an keaws,an a toothri pigs an fowl, an loikewoise horn'd ponies an a four-legg'd cock, but aw dunno want to enter into nat’ral hist’ry.

Neaw ther's some varry owd inhabitants at Croft - some on ums bin livin theer ever sin they flit fro some-wheer else, au some's lived theer o ther loif-an its varry seldom ut a deeath taks place theer, becose its sich a healthy little spot.
Yo seen they get th' sea breeze fro th' Isle o' Mon every mornin bi t’ fust train, an th' climate theer doesno vary so mich-thermometers theer never goo deawn aboon 90 degrees below zero i'winter, nor aboon 327 n ‘arf i' summer.

Ther isno a doctor for miles, becose they dunno need ony. Thers noather warkheawses, ragged skoos, infirmaries, nor prisons, an th' inhabitants behave theirsels so weel ut it nobbut needs one poleesmon.

Some foak may happen think ut thers no building at Croft nobbut a toothri farm-heawses ; but lemmi tell yo ut thers a grond brewery theer, wi twelve acres ov a orchard attatch'd to't, wheer they con get moor gooseberries i'th seeason nor what ud mak apple dumpling enuf to feed o Lankesher.

Then thers a Church, a Catholic Chapel, a Unitarian Chapel, a Booard Skoo, a Pooast Offis, a Penny Bank, a Burial Society, Horticultural Society, an a Oldfellas' Lodge, but aw conno understond these Oddfellas at o, becose they're welly o married men.
Th' "Charge of the Light Brigade" took place at Croft. Aw dunno meean thoose " noble six hundred, becose ther wur aboon six theausand o' these, an Paddy Flynn wur chargin un wi a leeted candle an a toastin-fork, an it wur set deawn i' hist'ry as th' " Massacre of the Innocents."

Th' Battle o' Wayterloo wur fowten somewhere between Charley Wild's Farm an th' General Elliot Hotel, an th' Hindyun Mutiny took place in a field belungin to Measter Sankey.

Dick Turnip stopt o neet at Croft when he wur on his rode fro Lunnon to York, an th' Mail Coach fro Liverpool to Jerusalem used to stop three days so as th'passengers could goo o' getherin strawberries.

Ther used to be a deol o' weyvin an fustin-cuttin i'Croft, an th' King o' Shanty onest went theer to be mezzerd for a numbrell an a pair o' breeches.

Aw've just dropt across a bit o' poetry abeawt Croft, ut wur written bi oather Lungfella or Shortfella, somewheer abeawt th' toime o'th fust Revolushun i'Seringapotater, so aw'l just gie yo a copy on't :-

CROFT
Thers a little spot co'd Croft,
O, aw've bin theer varry oft,
Its as nice a little spot as e'er wur seen ;
With its ripplin brooks an rills,
With joy my heart it fills,
An its grond i' summer, when its fields are green.

Thers ponies theer wi horns,
A farmer plagued wi corns,
An a cock ut struts abeawt wi four legs ;
A clock i'th frunt o'th skoo,
Tho' too lazy for to goo,
An a duck they sen ut oft lays gowden eggs.
 
Then thers Polly Ann McGuire,
With a yead as red as foyar,
Thers Paddy Flynn an Jeremy O'Neil ;
An thers little Jonty Roe,
Wi a blister on his toe,
An a greyt big mustard playster on his heel.
 
Thers a farmer theer wi't gout,
An his woife waynt let him out,
An a widder woman wi a wooden leg,
An then thers Jemmy G .,
Sometoimes he gets on th' spree,
An tho' wealthy oftoimes bacco he will beg.
 
Thers another chap --- Pee Heyes --
He's a boy for heytin peighs,
An little Sammy Yates goos killin pigs ;
Then thers little Jemmy Shaw,
He loikes a bit o' jaw,
An he's varry fond o' doncin Irish jigs.
 
An thers Charley Wild -aw'm sure
He is a perfect cure-
But as good a bit o' comp'ny as yo'il find ;
He could tell yo mony a tale
As ud mak yo'r face turn pale,
An he sez keaws' tails are allus hung behind.
 
Jemmy Johnson keeps a farm,
An he's seven cats i'th barn,
He sez he keeps um theer the rats to scare;
Then thers Roddy wi his gun,
Sometoimes he has some fun --
He one toime kill'd a hedgehog for a hare.

But to mi tale.

Little Billy warks at that smithy " hereinbefore menshund," as th' lawyers sez. He's a varry quiet an daysent soart ov a chap, an aw'm sartin his woife's getten a good husband.

Neaw Billy wauks abeawt two mile to his wark in a mornin an two mile back agean at neet, an he's never missin nobbut when he's absent.

His measter wanted to goo whoam a bit sooner tother day, so he towd Billy to put th' hoss i'th trap, an he went to get a gill o' ale while Billy geet it raddy.

After he'd bin i'th aleheawse abeawt hauve an heawr, he went eawt to see what Billy wur doin, an he fun him stondin theer lookin gradely puzzled.
"Is it raddy yet, Billy ?" th' measter axt.
" Aye, aw think it'll do neaw, " sed Billy.
" But what's this doin here ?" th' measter sed, when he seed th' hoss's collar lyin uppoth floor.
" Why, aw couldno find a place for that," sed Billy, "an aw thowt it ud happen do witheawt."
" But it'll not do witheawt," sed his measter, "look sharp an get it on, becose aw want to be gooin."
" Wheer does it goo!" sed Billy, as he poikt th'collar up an lookt at it.
" Why, it goos on it neck, to be sure," sed his measter, an then he went in for another gill.

Billy pood th' yead gear off th' hoss an tried to put th' collar on, but he kept th' narrow eend up, an for o he kept thrutchin an swattin, an welly shuved th' hoss i'th doytch, he couldno get th' collar o'er it yead.

" Aw'll be heng'd iv aw con understond this," sed Billy to hissel, as he stared fust at th' collar an then th'hoss's vead, "this here's oather gone less or else th'hoss's yead's gone bigger.But it happen doesno goo o'er it yead, " he sed, as a fresh thowt struck him.
Then he took th' hoss eawt o'th trap, an geet booath it hinder legs throo t' collar, an tried to get it on that rode, but it wur no use, for when he geet it up to it tail he couldno get it no furr.

"Its no use tryin, " he sed to hissel, as he clapt th'collar uppoth floor, "thers summat wrang somewheer. Aw darst bet th’ Bank o’ Hinglond, Iv aw had it, ut that hoss wern't mezzer'd for this collar.'

Th' measter coom cawt agean in a bit to see iv trap wur raddy, but it wur just same as it wur afoar.
" Hasn to getten that collar on yet, Billy ?" he sed.
" Nawe, " sed Billy, "an aw'd loike to see th' chap as con put it on.
"Put it on ? Why, it goos on yezzy enuf," sed th' measter, as he geet howd o'th collar and slipt it o'er th' hoss's yead, an Billy stood starein at him loike a thunner-struck grasshopper.
 
Billy couldno gie o’er thinkin abeawt th' hoss's collar. It wur th' topmost thing in his mind o neet, in fact he actily dreamt abeawt it that neet, geet up in his sleep, an wakken'd th' woife wi tryin to shuve th' hondle o'th kettle o'er her yead.
Then ther wur a gradely flare-up, becose th' woife thowt as heaw he wur tryin to murder her, till Billy wakken'd an towd her abeawt th' hoss's collar.

Heawever, things are o reight agean neaw, an Billy ul know heaw to put a collar on i' futur.

John Monks was born in 1815 to George and Ann Monks at Monk House, Newton-le-Willows. He was baptised at Risley Chapel on 12th February that year.
He married Lucy Dickinson on 12th June 1836 at All Saints Church in Wigan. 

John’s younger sister Alice Monks had married Francis Duffield, who was a home missionary at the Salford church. The couple were leaving for Australia with their son William and John took the opportunity for a new start and decided to join them. They sailed on the ship 'Delhi' from Liverpool, arriving in Australia on 20th December 1839.

​John vowed that if God prospered him in his new country, he would build a church. He did prosper and built Shady Grove Unitarian School and Church in 1845.
John married Priscilla Appleton (also from Lancashire, sailing in 1839 on a different ship) in 1850 and they had ten children. 

Unfortunately, John and Priscilla were still to suffer some personal hardships. On 24th December 1854, their son John passed away aged just 9 months. In 1863, their daughter Emmeline died, aged 3 years and 10 months. Their youngest daughter Emma passed away aged 20 in May 1889. John himself died in November that year.
They were all buried at the Shady Grove Unitarian Church Cemetery.
​
The church still stands today and is still active. The building is listed with the South Australia Heritage Register.

​Enoch William Sankey was born in Croft in February 1856 to Enoch and Eliza Sankey (nee Dootson).
He grew up at Heath Farm with his parents and his older half-brother, Reginald Owen.

In 1872 he set up business at Heath Farm, with £500 cash from his mother. He then received around £6 – 7,000 in capital from his father’s estate, as well as the General Elliot Hotel, a cottage and more land.

He married Mary Ann Millner on September 13th 1881, at Christ Church in Croft. They had eight children together, Annie, Gwendoline, Ernest , Sydney, Dorothy, Margaret, Lilian and Charles.

In 1892 Enoch purchased Heath Farm and it’s land, as well as Eaves Brow Farm, Croft and Cross Lane Farm, Culcheth for £7038. He also acquired New Hay Farm for £4200.
He continued in business as a farmer and was “one of the best known horse dealers in the North of England”.  He was a member of the Southworth with Croft School Board for a number of years.
He carried out extensive business across the country and made large profits.
Enoch lived an extravagant life involving frequent travelling abroad, motor cars and racing trips and was a well-known and much liked gentleman.

In 1911 his unsecured debts were £12878 and his free assets just £900. He was subject to a bankruptcy hearing in July 1912 at Warrington, which ran through to October.

He stayed at Heath Farm after bankruptcy and even continued in horse dealing, as he was summoned to court for a contravention of the Defence of the Realm Act in 1918 after selling a horse without a licence earlier that year.


There is little information available after 1918, but it seems that the family moved to Sale as he passed away there on 2nd November 1928 and was cremated at Manchester Crematorium.

LEFT TO RIGHT
BACK ROW: SIDNEY, ENOCH, ANNIE, REGINALD OWEN (ENOCH'S HALF BROTHER), ANNIE OWEN (DAUGHTER OF REGINALD), THOMAS PARK (SON-IN-LAW OF REGINALD)
​FRONT ROW: ERNEST, REGINALD SANKEY OWEN (SON OF REGINALD), FANNY LEES (DAUGHTER-IN-LAW OF REGINALD), MARY ANN (HOLDING MARGARET), GWENDOLINE, LILIAN, DOROTHY