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Mr Richard Walker, aged 80, - Mr William Bradley 87 - Mr William Moore, 67, and Mr Alexander Blundell - aged 60 years - all died within a few days of each other - They were all Men greatly respected, and well known in the Town.
[March] 16th Sale of James Boyles Shop in Salford also Richard Moor's, Bought by Dutton & Co for £5270 about £4000 of a Bargain to the Owners.
[March] 17th William Mitton, an humble but faithful old Servant of Mr Hopwood, died suddenly in the Street -
[March] 18th Died this Morning after a long and painful illness Miss Margaret Hartley, the daughter of the late Rev. W. Hartley of Balderstone, a fine young Woman and one of whom we thought very highly - Aged 21 yrs.
Fearful accident, by the bursting of Bradfield Reservoir on the Evening & Morng of March 11th & 12. More than 200 people drowned.
Good Friday. - (March 25th) Exceedingly fine & clear day. Vast Multitudes left the town for cheap Trips to the Sea Side & other places. - Parish Ch: Morning - Aftern home, Mr L Clarke of Preston visited us, - also Rev L. Preston.
[March 26] Saturday very fine & throng - being Easter Eve.
Easter Sunday [March] (27) cold - Morning fine but indications of change, snow in the Evening & very winterly - Rev P. Graham preached at Holy Trinity a magnificent Sermon, on the faith once delivered to the Saints
[March 28] Easter Monday - wet, windy & as cold as need be. Died Dr Martland, - aged 69. Much respected, 45 years practice in the Town -
[March 29] Easter Tuesday - Good Meeting of the St John's F Friendly Society - Mr Smith & Mr Wallace attended
Died Roger Pomfret - Rope Manufr - Charles Whitworth cheese Factor - Mrs Cardwell Inn keeper Craven Heifer; -
April 2nd The New Workhouse inaugurated - Dinner to the Inmates. - Afterwards celebrated at the Old Bull by a Grand Dinner & Expensive Dinner -
April 14th 1864
I this day underwent the operation for braking [sic] the Stone in the Bladder, Dr Thos Pickop officiated assisted by Dr Smith, - I was 2.40 min under the first operation some stones were ejected I afterwards submitted to two more operations of a very painful character, the Latter of which reduced me to the very point of death, and from the effects of which I did not recover untill the month of August undergoing in the meantime the most agonising pains & sufferings about the 10th of June I went with Mrs Tiplady to Lytham, where I sojourned 7 weeks part of the time I was with Mrs Harwood, late Nancy Procter, an old Servant of ours - afterwards at P Walmsley's where I did not like - then to Mr Knox's the Draper a good place - Lytham is a nice quiet place for an invalid - Upon the whole I recreated strength but July was hot, & brought on a fit of bile & loosening Mr Hastleton a Druggist there prescribed for me very successfully, I left Lytham Friday July 28th and came to the New House in St Alban's, which I like very well. -
Note I bought this House for £300 from Mr Backhouse. It was considered a Bargain.
On Tuesday the 2nd [August] my Son William, left home to meet his Brother Richard at Southampton, and on Friday the 5th Day of August, my dear Son Richard safely landed and visited home after an absence of 6 years & three months. He is grown a fine Manly young fellow, about the size of his Brother Charles and very like him in voice and other resemblances. - His arrival was the signal for a joyous Home festival, wh: was then particularly celebrated on Sunday the 7th when all my children dined with me and were very happy.
In the meantime I was gradually regaining lost strength and thro the mercy of God, and the kind attentive nursing of Mrs T am partly recovered (Aug 15th) our Marriage day. -
On Thursday 11th [August] Died in Anvil Street most suddenly Mr George Callis, my Brother-in-law of heart disease.
During the Months of Sept, Oct & November, I was shut out from the world & suffered dreadfully from an enlargement of the Liver and other Complaints which reduced me to the verge of the grave - so much so that I was given up by all - but ultimately by God's providence was gradually built up again - & on the 12th Day of November a change for improvement took place - During this season of great and severe sickness I was carefully nursed by my excellent Wife, who for months had watched over me with tender solicitude & unwearied diligence - My spiritual Advisers were Dr Rushton the vicar, and Dr Robinson of Holy Trinity and in their presence and Mrs Rushton took the Sacrament, as being as it were my last public service of the Church Dr Thomas Pickop visited me at times and prescribed and had I believe the concurrent assistance of many able men of the faculty, all of whom knew of my illness - These good Men have all gone Since to their eternal rests, and I yet remain an instance of the sparing Mercy of Almighty God.
1864.pdf
1864 pdf includes the text above and footnotes by David Hughes
1865
1865 - Jan 2nd
Through the Mercy of Almighty God - I am still in being, having passed thro one of the severest ordeals that a human being could suffer. - For the last 8 weeks, my strength has gradually returned - but yet I am only thin of flesh & weak of Limb - But I must wait in patience & leave all to Him, - in whom we live and move & have our being -
Weather 31 Decr morning damp - Jan 1 Fine Day hard frost - 2nd excessively cold with much snow.
Jan 22nd At St Michael's afternoon Mr Pengelly - He every one that [?] good sermon
Jan Mr Walter Watson accidentally drowned in the reservoir at Stone Bridge Mill - Aged 35 great sensation caused thereby -
Wrote Annual reports for Widow & Orphans Do New Assurance Society
[January] 29th & 30th Very heavy fall of snow, none larger since 1861 - Back Garden & Yard very full.
The Thaw was very partial, so about the 4th [February] a very hard frost set in, with wind E & N E and generally a clear but exceedingly cold atmosphere, which I was little able to bear.
Feb 7th Richard's 22nd Birthday - We had letters on the 8th from Brazils (all well) including £50 for certain Articles wh: he bought when over
This Day Died in his chair very suddenly Mr Councillor Edward Holroyde aged 56 years, a Man highly respected by his colleagues in the council and by all the Public.
[February] 8th Died Miss Carr, very aged, (say 86 years) one of the old Links of a bygone Generation.
Feb 17th Friday - Sad accounts from Scotland of the great severity of the Winter - large falls of snow, & storms. This day it snows very much in Bn and we have not had so much snow for many years. The frost is sharp
[February] 16th Died Miss Longworth - also Cardinal Wiseman aged 63 years. -
My health feeble - received from Tradesman's £9.7.2 for salary & work. -
[February] 17th to 20. Exceedingly severe frost with large falls of Snow. I fast at home, very feeble, but upon the whole holding on for warmer weather. -
[February] 19 Anniversary of P Aid Society - Hail, sleet snow, rain, wind & Thunder, a very rough day - more moderate p.m.
Feb 23rd The old Tradesmans Society broken up, and the money divided, the amount each Member was £31.3.6 less 1/5 for a widow, All this time I had been very ill, The President, Stewards & Trustee, made an intermingling of accounts which was very unpleasant & caused many reflections to be passed upon the Secretary - The Books of the Society were ordered to be burnt in the presence of Mr John Robinson Trustee & Mr Brogden who was called to assist at the division of the funds. - Mr Adam Balshaw was the President at the time of the Winding up of the Club. - I have enclosed the accounts sent out to each Members, I got my Money on the 28th Feb. - A more uncomfortable transaction has not happened for a long time
[February] 27th St Mary's Ward Election, Mr Stafford elected in the room of Mr E Holroyd
The Grand New Organ of St Peter's Church open by Mr Best of Liverpool, splendid performance, very successful Event.
[February] 25th Died & Buried this day, Mr Heywood a great supporter of Mr Hornby Wednesday March 1.
March 5 (Sunday) St Michaels in the Afternoon. Good Sermon by the Curate.
[March] 8th Letter from Richard - (all well) thank God -
[March] 9th The Annual Meeting of the O. D. Gas Company. - All the Directors present, Dined at Mrs Smalley's - £7.0.0 per cent dividend Declared - Tired at night as the Weather was cold. -
[March] 10th Fall of Snow - very cold weather -
A few days since Miss Mary Pilkington, youngish daughter of the Member, married Major (?) Flynn an Irish Man, much to the annoyance of her parents and friends -
The month of March exceedingly cold & stormy especially from the 16th to the 25th [March] Lady Day when there fell a large quantity of Snow.
[March] 25th Confirmation at the Parish Ch: by the Bishop of Manchester - Essy & Henry my youngest Son & Daughter were confirmed - very wet & stormy.
Health Moderate - Thank Aly God for his great mercy. -
A dreadful March until the 28th or thereabouts thence calm and mild -
Died at London April 2nd Richard Cobden Esq. the great advocate of the Repeal of the Corn Laws. universally respected -
[April] 4th - John Barlow - formerly an Overlooker at Brookhouse but lately partner with Hy Shuttleworth & Co. hanged himself - it is said by reason of reverses in business.
[April] 1st Mrs Critchley died - an excellent person - the wife of Mr Critchley the Druggist -
Health problem - Bowels disordered.
April 11th Down to Whalley with Mrs Tiplady a very pleasant day and warm - did me much good
[April] 14th Good Friday - 12 Months this day since I had the operation performed - since which time my sufferings have been very severe - I attended Church & Sacrament this day -
[April] 16th Easter Sunday - a Magnificent day -
The fair well attended - Thunder Storm in the Evening - & great change in the Atmosphere.
[April 18] Easter Tuesday - the usual Tea party at St Johns F Friendly Society - I took cold with the East Winds -
Wed - 19[April]. Thomas Lund, Sec of a Co-op committed for forgery & Embezzlement - His furniture [?] & establishment broken up.
[April] 26th Special Council Meeting - Present - Mr Charles G. H Beck, solicitor of Worcester was elected Town Clerk in the room of Mr Saward discharged - 22 to 12.
[April] (14th) President Lincoln assasinated [sic] in the Theater at New York - General Lee surrendered to Grant.
My health rather better in April
[April] 25th Attended the funeral of the late Joseph Pearson at Balderstone - There was a procession of Masons at his funeral. - About Ten went forward.
May 4th Thursday. This day I went to Manchester & thence to Denton to the Anl Prov Grand Lodge of Masons, and travelled in the whole by Rail & Bus, about 70 Miles - Was much fatigued but all right on the (5th) - The only person from person from [sic] Bn was Mr Richard Eaves, whose death will be found entered in its proper place a very excellent Christian & a consistent Free Mason.
May 20th, (Saty) 1865 - Funeral of Le G. N. Starkie Esq. R W. Prov G. Master of West Lancashire, at Padiham.
This day I was present at one of the magnificent though mournful spectacles wh I ever witnessed viz the funeral of Mr Starkie - The Freemasons attended in large numbers with nearly the whole staff of the Prov Grand Lodge - The day was exceedingly fine & beautiful - The funeral cortege consisted of 250 Masons from Liverpool, Preston, Blackburn, Burnley, Clitheroe, Accrington, Harwood & other Towns. - The Company consisted of the principal Gentry & Magistracy of the county - including L Gen Scarlet, Lord Abinger, Townley Parker, C. Townley, Joseph Feilden & many others - the Tenants mustered about 200 strong, and then nearly forty Gent Carriages in the Procession. - The Guests were invited to the Hall at 11 am, and a large Tent was erected for the special accommodation of the Masons. Breakfast of a sumptuous character was provided for all who attended. After wh. Captain le Gendre N Starkie paid his respects to the Company. - The Cortege left the Hall at 12.45 and proceeded to the Ancient parish Church of Padiham where the Burial Service was read in a very feeling & effective manner, - The Choir sang "Vital Spark of heavenly flame" in a most delightful & solemn Manner, - Thence the Procession moved on to the Cemetery & about 2.30 his remains were consigned to the Tomb. The Masonic Oration followed & two Anthems were sung & the Doxology. The whole affairs was inexpressively grand & solemn & the whole population of the Town seemed to have poured out onto the Streets to view the Procession.
June 4th 1865
Whitsuntide was ushered in with the usual festivities The weather was exceedingly fine & genial - There were very cheap Trips to York and other places. Mrs T & children went to York - W. to Whitewell - C to Hodder Bridge - Myself to Sawley - Mr & Mrs H to Blackpool & all arrived safely home.
Thursday June 8. To Lytham & Blackpool -
Reported in the paper three Dreadful Railway Accidents resulting in the death of nearly 30 persons & 50 Wounded more or less -
[June] 11th Sunday 12 a.m. or noon Departed this Life my old Neighbour & Friend, William Hart, Esq. Spring Hill, aged 67 years - For a long period we were united at St John's School as Superintendents and also in the Management of the Female Friendly Society. He was exceedingly kind to me in my late sickness visiting me very frequently & always bringing some little present, I sincerely hope he is now at rest -
[June] 16th W. Hart interred at the Cemetery. Attended the funeral - about Ten present besides the family, as E Baynes, C Parkinson &c
[June] 18th At St Johns, where the Rev J Smith Incumbent delivered an affecting Sermon wherein he paid a tribute of respect to Mr Hart, and to the Teachers of the Thunder Alley School.
[June] 23rd (Aged 57) Praised be God for all his Mercies. Treated the children, say, F & E & C & Henry with Mrs T, to a Drive Ribchester, Langho, Whalley Lamb Row where we had Tea, - Rain fell about 5 o'clock - very acceptable to the Farmers.
A Most Glorious & Magnificent June -
Electioneering beginning - Sound of a Contest -
[July] 11th Mr George Stones died aged 56 years
The Election
| 1. | Wm Hy Hornby, Esq. | 1,053 |
| 2. | Joseph Feilden, Esq. | 938 |
| 3 - | James Pilkington, Esq | 774 |
| 4. | John Gerald Potter, Esq | 5 |
| [227] |
Now there is one thing to note about this Election. There appeared to be a perfect understanding that there should be no contest - but one Ernest King the printer of the Bn. Times thought otherwise & so Mr Potter was brought forward to put in 2 Liberals - but the opinion of all moderate Men was against him. The upshot was that Mr Feilden of Witton at the eleventh hour was carried one of the Members for Blackburn, and James Pilkington Liberal who had served the town 17 years was thus thrown out by the folly and obstinacy of the extreme Radicals.
Sunday July 16th Reopening of Great Harwood Chu. attended Afternoon and Evening - Sermon in the Afternoon - "One Thing is Needful" plain, practical Discourse, and earnestly delivered by the Revd J Baker - Evening - Sermon by Revd G Beardall, very eloquent and impressive discourse - Text Malichie [sic] The Coming of the Lord to his Temple - I walked there wonderful strength, the Lord be praised - A Quire of Singers from St Peter's & St John Attended & sang some most beautiful Music - The Collection amounted to more than £64.0.0.
Visit to Lytham, Aug 26 Saty Left Bn for Lytham with Mrs Tiplady, and stayed with Mrs Harwood - Sunday dined at the Ship - 28th to Blackpool & had a sail - also a Bath - 29th In Lytham, 30 to Fleetwood & Furness Abbey - very fine day & delightful out & home at Night - Stayed in Lytham until the 9th September & then home in safety - Attended a Lodge on the 6th
This Sept the weather has been magnificent & fine also extremely hot. - this the 17th Day as hot as any
On the 13th [September] Died Mr Ellis Heath one of the Brethren of our Lodge - aged 48 years Interred with Masonic Honours. Also George Baron, Innkeeper, Both interred same day.
[September] 22nd Died Mr J D. Bolton a PM of 269.
[September] 25th Presentation of beautiful Silver Cup to John Dean, Esq Councillor for St Marys Ward.
[September] 27th Wednesday, The weather continues remarkably clear and fine. At Mid-day very hot indeed. On Monday there was a cloud of Midges or small Flies - in immense quantities - Rain has fallen and only twice this Month in Bn. - The Mills are closed for want of water - and the reservoirs are nearly dry. In short it is the hottest finest and driest September ever remembered, and the traffic on the Canal partly stopped
This Saturday the 30th of Sept concludes one of the driest seasons ever remembered. - The Water Works Co are nearly dried up - and the people have to get Water from pumps, old Wells & springs wherever they can get it. It has been also excessively hot. -
Oct 6th At O. Darwen to Eccleshill to settle upon route to Hoddlesden with new pipes, (Gas) thence to the Commercial Inn. At Dinner was nearly choked by a piece of Rabbit.
[October] 8th Sunday After an unprecedented Season of Drought there are this Morning indications of change - Water is much wanted.
[October] 3rd Witnessed the Installation of Sir Thos G. Hesketh at Preston - not as imposing as at Leeds - thence to the Exhibition where I was very much gratified.
Oct 18th St Lukes Day - Died Lord Palmerston the prime minister aged 80 years - had he lived to until the 20th he would have been 81.
Died about this date Wm Sames Esq PM
The glories of our earthly state
Are shadows, not substantial things,
There is no armour against Fate
Death lays his icy hand on Kings
Sceptre & crown
Must tumble down
And in the earth be equal laid
With the poor crooked scythe and spade.
Sunday 22nd [October] The Annual Sermons of Holy Trinity Church. Two eloquent Sermons by the Rev Mr Quirk of Over Kellett. In the Morning from the psalms, in the Evening from Genesis - Ishmael. The preacher is a very talented Man, full of great power & language, his views sound his doctrine scriptural - his delivery very impressive. He is also an excellent Reader, in fact, quite a treat to hear him.
Saturday 28th [October] The Mayor, William Stones Esq - laid the Foundation Stone of the public Baths near St Peter's Church. The Day was fine, and there was a large Procession of the Corporation, Gentry, Magistrates, Oddfellows, Joiners, Masons, Shepherds, Licensed Victuallers & others. In the Evening 200 Gentlemen took Luncheon with the Mayor, when a very pleasant time was spent
Thursday Nov 2nd At Accrington Prov Grand Lodge on the Charity Committee, very pleasant Meeting, got James Pilkington £5 - The PGM recognised me after my illness - dined with the Lodge & home at 9.30 - very large & pleasant Meeting, splendid Sermon - at Ch Church -
[November] 9th James Thompson Esq elected Mayor - Aldermen James Cunningham (36) - John Dean (31) Charles Tiplady (27) - T. A. Pickup (21) - John Smith (20) Thomas Lewis - 16 Votes -
He gave me £5 for the Widow & Orphan's Society - i.e. the Mayor, J Thompson Esq.
Nov. 23rd. Died, young Thos Brooks aged 19, very much respected also Mrs Brennand, aged 60 - late the Widow of Mr Greenwood the Swan
with T. Riley, Schoolmaster
Dec 1. My Son Charles in a scrape - arrested and put in the Ward all Night on a charge of assault.
He avers was assaulted & acted only in self defence - they were set upon by a lot of Quarrymen one of whom Charley severely injured. Thomas looked after the case which heard privately by the Magistrates was dismissed -
Dec 10th Expired Leopold King of Belgium the Queens Uncle aged 74 - A wise & good Man, and dearly beloved by all both here and in his own Kingdom. He was the husband of Princess Charlotte, Daughter of Geo 4th (Qy? [Query?] was he not fond of Liaisons)
1865.pdf
1865 pdf includes the text above and footnotes by David Hughes
1866
The year was ushered in with very strong weather particularly windy & wet. On the 10th & 11th there was a heavy storm of Snow, which singularly began in the South & reached us here on the 11th Just - It snowed all night - but so rapid was the Thaw that on the 14th all vestiges were obliterated –
Jan 8th Died Mr Jno Stevenson of the White Bull Inn Salford Bridge, aged 56-7 - It is feared that intemperance hastened his end - He was a very interprising Man, particularly it must be noted he was the Originator of daily Omnibus in the Town, which was found to be highly convenient. Whether they will be continued remains to be seen - He was interred at Whalley on the 11th & the Licenced Victuallers walked in Procession a part of the way in respect to the deceased.
Jan 14th "Little Birdie" the Giller of our Son Richard died - to the grief of all the family.
Poor little Bird, thy warbling voice
We listen to no more
For thou art silent in thy Cage,
And one lament thee Sore -
Oft has "dear Essie" petted thee
And given thy daily bread
But now she sadly sighs & says
Papa "Poor Birdie" dead -
But still in Memory of our Dick -
Who brought thee is away
With us thy Body shall remain
Till many a distant day.
And tho no more we hear thy Song
Which filled us with delight
Will keep thy form for sake of him,
Forever in our sight
So if our God is good to Thee
And thou again shall come
Poor little Birdie thou shalt see
Within thine own dear Home
Jany. Clara Lister visited us from Ollerton in Nottinghamshire. We had very bad Weather during her visit - She is a very sensible young Woman. We took her to Blackpool, Preston & Liverpool - She left us with regret on Saturday the 17th.
Feb 22nd Opening of Rishton Schools Sermons by the Revd C W Woodhouse MA.
Feb 23rd At Over Darwen - rough day.
Feby 24th Attended the Handel's Anniversary at the Black Horse, - Mr Clough (tho' very poorly) presided. - There was a very large attendance, and a pleasant Meeting. -
March 8th Thursday, the Annual Meeting of the Over Darwen Gas Company, - re-appointed a Director, - £7.0.0 per Cent Dividend, - The weather very frosty - A comfortable and pleasant Meeting. -
[March] 12th New Reform Bill brought by the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
[March] 23rd Died Mrs J Gate - aged
[March] 25th Lady Day - very suddenly Mr Adam Duckworth He was interred at St Peters when the Lodge walked in procession about 50
[March] 27th Oratorio of Messiah at Darwen went with Fanny - and was much gratified –
[March] 28th Day of Humiliation for the Cattle Plague attended the parish Church
[March] 29th Good Friday - Weather fine - To the Church in the Morning - Afternoon at Whalley.
April 1. Easter-Day - cold but fair - Church Morning and Evening - Dr Robinson at Trinity. Dr Rushton at the Parish -
[April 2] Easter Monday - very throng fair - fine but cold.
[April 3] Tuesday the usual Annual Tea Party about 350 present - very pleasant Meeting -
[April 4] Wednesday Grand Catholic Ball -
[April 5] Thursday Grand First Assembly Ball at the Town Hall was made K T this Evening -
[April] 6th Dined with James Shorrock Esq at Astley Bank, Darwen - about 14 present, a very delightful company - Mrs Shorrock a most agreeable Lady - Home by Train -
Parish Well -
April 8. Sunday - Mrs James Forrest died suddenly - my son Thomas' Mother-in-law.
May 1st Very Winterly - snow & sleet - Mr McNab interred the Superintendent of the County Constabulary aged 31. - Eight children & widow -
In this Month the Rev R T. Wheeler visited Blackburn and preached first in St John's Ch. on behalf of the Schools Collection £130. Afterwards at Trinity Church, and on the following Sunday at the Parish Ch. at all which Services, and also at Witton very large & overwhelming Congregations were present and handsome Collections made
[May] 20th Whitsunday - Hot and fine - Wind Easterly.
[May] 21 Monday went with Fanny & Mrs T. to Lytham and had a pleasant day - Also visited Blackpool
This Day died Thomas Latham, the oldest Innkeeper in Blackburn. He was generally called old Tat being a sporting character
[May] 3rd Thursday - The Mayor dissolved the Council Meeting abruptly in consequence of the disorderly conduct of Councillor Backhouse.
July. Funeral of Dr Gill Free Mason, Accrington
Aug 16th Married at Holy Trinity Ch: by the Revd Dr Robinson Mr Charles Lomax Tiplady, to Miss Elizabeth Harrison, Schoolmistress, Christ Ch: May God prosper them
The weather in August & September exceedingly stormy, wet & ungenial - The harvest backward and much Grain spoiled, Eight weeks rain
Sepr 8th Grand Banquet at the Town Hall - James Thompson, Mayor, also review of the Volunteers, a very great day in the Town.
Sep 22nd Old Henry Mercer, aged 97 Years died. The oldest Man in the Town
Oct 13th Died James Houlker son of Mrs Houlker, late Bay Horse Inn, aged 44 years after a very long & painful sickness.
Sep 23rd to 29th A week full of change disaster and trouble -
Forrest & Co (my son's father law succumbed to bad Trade and losses. My Son Thomas a partner.
[September] 29th Died awfully sudden, while eating his Supper Mr Ralph Abbott, aged 33, The Secretary of Lodge, 345, -
This day I underwent examination for the Stone but after a very severe Test by Mr Pickop he said there was none - only a partial stricture of the prostate gland -
The weather until the 30th [September] fearfully wet and ungenial for the harvest.
Oct 1st Delightful & summer like - at Whalley and Clitheroe
[October] 2nd Poor Ralph Abbott interred. A procession was formed to the Ceremony. -
Also Robert Peel, formerly Draper - in reduced circumstances. -
Oct 1. Meeting to establish a Church Institute.
The dismal Weather ended with 30th Sep and up to the 10th Oct very fine - On the 9th Tuesday spent a day at Blackpool with Mrs T. Mr & Miss Stevenson, and Essie - also visited Lytham.
Rev J. Smith left St John's Mr Baker appointed Sep 28.
[October] 9th Journey for a Day to Blackpool with Wife & Essy.
[October] 13th After a long, severe and dreadful illness died Mr James Houlker aged 45 years - In early life he was a fine strong young Man, but I think his Trade of Spirit Merchant led him into Company too Much - He married Lydia Lawson one of the finest Women in the Town, and she attended him with the devotions of a Martyr.
Also Died this day awfully sudden, Thomas Boardman, Esq, Painter & Gilder, a Man of varied attainments. - He latterly made himself conspicuous by his exposure of certain encroachments of the New Exchange Committee - He was in his year He died on the Platform of the Whalley Station.
Oct. Died John Yates Esq Iron founder, by a rapid consumption - There was a public procession at his funeral of Workmen & Free Masons. -
Nov 9. Fine Day - John Dean an old friend & acquaintance & schoolfellow, appointed Mayor, A very worthy Man, and an instance of the success attending honesty - punctuality and diligence in business Mr Dean commenced life in a Mill, was afterwards a journeyman Sawyer - Subsequently he took up the Coal Business, in which, & Slate Merchant he prospered Remarkably. Last there a Man &c Prov.
[November] 7th Retired from the Corporation - Motion made & Ald Baynes seconded by Councr Abbott - and expression of sincere regret -
[November] 15 & 16th Dreadful Flood - Water higher than I had seen for 20 years. - Whalley Bridge could scarcely take the Water.
Dec 3rd Journey to Preston to pay off the Preston Banking Company £81-0-3 - John Robinson lent me £80.0.0 at 5 per cent - and I lodged with him - Shares in the Water Company. -
On the 28th [December] Died much respected, the Rev Dr Skinner aged 68 years - He was pastor of Mount St Scotch Kirk for the long period of 36 years and was eminently useful & much beloved. He was a staunch opponent of all State Church Endorsements. There was a public Funeral on Thursday Jan 3rd 1867.
The Year 1866 concluded under a storm of hail, wind & Snow wh: commenced on the 30th leading to a hard frost on New Year's Day. - My health has been upon the whole pretty fair except in Autumn when an attack of my old Complaint seized me but was providentially averted. - The weather from July to Decr was awfully wet there being many Flood especially that on Nov 16 & 17 when all Lanc & Yorkshire were nearly under water i.e. places adjacent Rivers. The Trade is moderate but money very dear & scarce. -
Jan 1. 1867 A bright frosty - The Reform Demonstration plenty of Banners and Bands of Music but the Procession, predicted for 30,000 was short of the last Cypher. Hard frost up to the 5th when a thaw set in and lasted until the 10th at night - It re-commenced freezing -- On the 12th heavy fall of Snow.
[January] 3rd Died after Three Days sickness Mr Benjn Sandford Auctioneer, a person for whom at one time I did much printing. He has left a large family. The mortality of Lodge 345 of which Mr Sandford was a Member has been very great during the last 20 Months. There having been Death:
Viz
| Joseph Pearson PM | Thos Butterfield; S.W. |
| Ellis Heath, PM. | Adam Duckworth S.W. |
| James Houlker P.M. | Ralph Abbott, Secy. |
| Andrew Holden | John Yates, P.M. |
| Joseph Bolton, PM. | Benj Sandford, SW. |