Page 2

Sep 27 to Oct 5th Took a tour with Mrs Tiplady, our first since Marriage in 1839, - Went first to Blackpool, got excellent lodgings at Miss Gaulton's, Talbot Road, - first day strolled on the Beach, - Wednesday the 28th very high wind - Tide low - walked to Bispham, my Wife telling of her old visits to these quarters; thence to Poulton to the Agricultural Show, met here with Mr Yeo who kindly gave me a Ticket for Dinner; Mr W. Patten in the chair. Mrs T stopt at Mr Yeo's lodgings & got Tea, We left at 6 o'clock for Blackpool. - Thursday went to Lytham & Kirkham, day wet & uncomfortable got home at 7 & to bed tired. Friday had a good warm bath with Mary at the South Shore, thence took Train to Fleetwood - Dined at the Victoria Hotel - good & cheap Dinner, after which took Tickets and went on board the "Cambria" to the Isle of Man at half past 2pm. The voyage was stormy - especially the last 20 miles - was on the Water seven hours - nearly all the passengers very sick - the vessel pitched tremendously - Mrs Tiplady a capital Sailor, stood the Gale equal to any party on board not excepting the Crew. Landed at 1/2 past five pm at Douglas. - Next Day being fine we went to Castle Town per Coach, - very cheap - Sunday to St George's Church - heard a good discourse, Afternoon to Laxey, 7 Miles per Jaunting Car - saw the Lead Mines and the largest Wheel in England 72 [feet] Diameter - met with James Tattersall at the Isle, - Monday the 3rd sailed back to Fleetwood, pleasant sail arrived and Blackpool per Rail at 8pm. - Tuesday remained in Bpool and had a Glorious Sea high Tide, strong Wind & a Swell with Breakers such as I had never witnessed. Wednesday returned home - left Mrs T there and on the following Sunday returned for her then both came home on Monday, much pleased with our tour. -

​

Amount in the Saving's Bank belonging the Family.

Died Oct 13th 1853, Mrs Nightingale, aged 80 Years, - one of the excellent of the earth. -​

Viz -    James Lomax Tiplady	42 :	3 :	5
Angelina Blackshaw
Virginia Tiplady	42 :	3 :	5
Selina Tiplady
Anne Tiplady	42 :	3 :	5
Charles Tiplady	42 :	3 :	5
Elizabeth Tiplady	42 :	3 :	5
Margaret Tiplady	42 :	3 :	5
Jane Tiplady	42 :	3 :	5
Priscilla Martin	42 :	3 :	5

The Business was transacted by Mr Leonard Wilkinson

​

Oct 24th. 1853 - This Day was remarkable for three things

1st. My Niece Priscilla & her Mother took their final leave of the Shop & concern, and invited myself and Thomas to Supper - with Wife, Sisters, & children

2nd. Thomas' Birthday - aged 20.

3rd Sisters, Niece, and Brother John presented me with a valuable gold Watch, in testimony of regard for my humble and faithful stewardship of their money. We were very comfortable & happy on the occasion.

Resolution - To do my utmost so as long as God spares me to help forward the welfare of my Sisters &c. - 2nd To lay bye [sic] a Shilling per Week towards the Interest of their Money. 3rd To restrict my Expenses, except business require those to sixpence per Day. - 4th Alway to remember with thankful this token of love

I hereby pray to be enabled to do these things.

Oct 28th Grand Masonic Demonstration & Banquet

Oct 31st. Was led into a little Excess on Saturday by Mr K. which I must henceforth avoid.

Yesterday (Oct 30th) went in Procession with the Mayor to the Church - a very fine Day and a goodly Company. - In the Afternoon visited Aunt Ratcliffe who lies at the point of death, - Had to Dinner & Tea Mrs William, Priscilla and Baby prior to their final departure to Atherstone. - In the Evening the fourth Quarterly Lecture of the Oddfellows was held. - at the Pump House, closed at 7 o'clock.

[October] Nine o'clock a m (31st.) - This Day also died my Mother's Sister Aunt Ratcliffe, aged 75 years. Between her and my mother, as the only children of the late James Lomax there existed a lasting friendship This is the third death in the family in the space of Two Months.

Nov 1. Municipal Election, very riotous and disgraceful proceedings - street fighting - stone throwing - Bludgeon attacks, and violence of every kind without check from the police. The Liberals won every seat in the Council and the Con: so disgusted that they will contest the point no longer

​

Wages for Self and Family	1:10:0
David, Journeyman	1:1:0
George, (Binder)	18:0
Henry, Apprentice	7:6
John     Do.	5:0
Son, Thomas, (& keep)	2:6
Robinson	2:6
Pemberton	2:0
Charles, William & Richard	1:10:0
Rent Taxes & Outlay	18:0
Interest of Money Borrowed	10:0
	£7:6:6

Set off Rents, - £40}

Interest &c 12} - £52:0:0

I feel under the above responsibilities a heavy and constant depression, with a daily fear that I cannot often pay my Credit which I find the utmost difficulty in.

Now only think of the iniquity of paying Income Tax when I know that all my earnings & my servants are swallowed up in Education - but what is worse than this my Wife imagines we are saving a little, and asks how much less Interest I am paying.

[November] 7th Had an interview with Mr Pilkington respecting Grandfather’s Estate & the best mode of ending the Trust.

Nov 6. Thos Walsh, Sexton of St Peter's died. A few years he appeared one of the strongest & best built men in the Town. I thought he had the best Tenor voice I ever heard.

[November] 9th Thos Dugdale Esqre elected Mayor - Aldermen John Polding, John Sparrow, Wm Pilkington, R R Jackson, James Cunningham, and Robert Hopwood.

Decr 2. Young Mr Hornby of Age, his Father W.H.H. sent a present of One hundred Guineas to the Stranger's Friend Society –

[December] 6th Went to Balderstone to see Richard - my Wife with me.

[December] 9th Old Mr Chew, post Office Whalley, died, aged 71, An Israelite indeed, in whom was no guile.

​​1853 pdf includes the text above and footnotes by David Hughes

​

The year 1853 ended with clear, sharp frosty atmosphere and on New Years Day 1854 (Sunday) the Reservoir at Rishton was completely covered, Hundreds being upon the Ice - The weather continued fine until 1/2 past 4 pm when a fall of snow commenced and continued all night, on Monday the 2nd though the wind was piercing cold there was little snow - the frost however was intense, on Tuesday Evening the atmosphere was wild and portended a very heavy fall of Snow nor were we deceived for on Wednesday Morning it had reached the depth of several - Canals Railway & Highways were all alike fastened & snowed up.

[January] The frost remitted about the 7th & a rapid thaw commenced

1854 Jany 9th Took Charles my son to the Brookhouse Mills where I have obtained for him a situation in the Warehouse To begin Work in the Morning

Things went on smoothly until a certain went home & Essy being unsettled I took her to another Bed. My Wife got into one of her tantrums and we quarrelled violently –

[January] On the 5th Sunday I was informed that Thos had formed an intimacy with Miss Forrest (Mason's Arms.) and that he was in distress of mind. I expostulated with him, but found out he was in a very melancholy way; The following day had with him WBS. - Told Rev C.R. & Uncle Ratcliffe and also took the advice of Doctor Grime, He said it was a religious Melancholy & he must have change. Thursday the 9th went to Darwen & assisted at the purchase of a plot of Ground adjacent to the Gas Works - from Miss Walsh.

Friday last Thirty one years since I was apprenticed & 24 since loose - Building Society Meeting. Annual at the school Rooms.

[January] 10th John Bramley, Tallow Chandler, died

Jany. 9th to 21st. My Son Thomas remained in a very restless, unsettled, and extraordinary condition - I could make nothing of him, when greatly to my astonishment he said he would leave home. Accordingly an Advertisement appearing in the Preston Chronicle, he said he would take the situation vacant and he left me on the 21st Day of Jany 1854.

Of course this resolution & proceeding of his caused me intense feeling - but being now used to heavy disappointment, I felt it were best to be resigned.

1854. April 1. Thos Orrell accused of Embezzlement by his old mas [master] Tom Forrest. Trial at the Sessions on the 7th & 8th at Preston - great sensation - universal sympathy to Orrel believed all to be spite - Went down to Preston, swore to his character as an upright Man, - After two days he was fully acquitted.

[April] 14th. Good Friday (fine). Mary & Charles went down to Blackpool. - Saturday - Thos followed by his own request. He seems better

Drought Continues. April 25th. Great Meeting of the Philanthropic Burial Society to petition against certain Clauses in the New Friendly Societies' Act Petition carried with acclamation.

April 23rd Abram Crossthwaites died of the Hay market Tavern

​

		Frederick Ashton - retired
Votes	317	Michael McManus
"	578	John Clough	Majority 261

The same day Mr John Durham, died, he voted at the poll - was much pressed by the crowd. He died of Apoplexy Aged 67 years. Also Died Richard Bell the Glazier, much & deservedly respected.

[May] 25. Cock Robin, alias Robert Riding married his Bar Maid Rachel - In the course of the Day some of the children rebelled, an ill-assorted marriage

[May] 27th Died Wm Yates, Senr Ironfounder he also voted at the last Election - Truly in the midst of life, we are in death.

[May] 28 Sunday Went to Balderstone - Afternoon.

June 2nd Started to London, as a Deputy at the AMC [Annual Moveable Conference] with G. Allen & L Coupe there until the 11th then came down to Atherstone. Was appointed a Member of the Board of Directors.

July 6th Mrs Houlker retired from the Bay Horse Inn - where I usually with other Tradesmen consorted.

Augt. 2nd. R. R. Jackson, Esqr married Miss Whittaker the Daughter of our worthy vicar - He lies dangerously ill at home - not likely to recover.

[August] 3rd Miss Feilden of Witton married to young Mr Ashton [Assheton] of Downham.

[September] 1st. Was again troubled in my mind respecting my pecuniary, and having met wine cross - got angry & vexed with my wife - who I am sorry to say rather provoked than allayed the heat which led the way to much unpleasantness but, ended I sincerely trust in a true and lasting reconciliation.

[September] 3rd This moment has departed my best and earliest friend Dr Whittaker, Vicar of this Town, - I hope the Lord has taken him to heaven.

Teachers of the Schools - the Mayor & Corporation - and a great concourse of Inhabitants - D Riley played the Organ and an Anthem was sung on the occasion - The procession extended from the Church nearly to the Vicarage. Very solemn and affecting Service.

Oct 1st 1854 T Poulton Church with my Wife - heard the Bishop of Manchester preach also saw the Confirmation - Got Tea at Black Bull, - Walked back to Blackpool.

Oct 25th Yesterday (the 24th) my Eldest Son Thomas attained his majority, - I gave him necessary advice as to his future career. - At present he stays with me.

On the same day J H Pickup had a Son born and the first marriages at St John's & Trinity Church were solemnised

Mr John Clayton to Mrs Knowles (St John)

Mr Pearson to Mrs Morris (Trinity)

Mr Charles Glover to _____________ Parish

Novr 12th Sunday, My Niece Priscilla Martin died an irreparable loss to her afflicted Mother and Husband. She had but poor health from the time of her first Childbirth and gradually grew worse. She leaves a little Girl to lament her loss. - Aged 23

Sickness of the Town - up to the above Date the Town had continued in a very healthy state, but the dark, damp weather then set in and brought Fever of the worst kind Amongst the victims, besides sudden deaths of various kinds - were Mr W. B Stones, Mr Richd Backhouse, Solr [Solicitor], Mr Gillies, Land Surveyor, Mr Ashcroft, shoemaker, Mr Kenyon Solicitor, Mr T Taylor, Green Grocer, Mr Thos Bennet, Innkeeper, Mr John Mercer, Innkeeper, Mr Thomas Sower, and many others - As many as 1,000 Cases were said to be in the Town at one time, - There has only been three Days of frost since the Commencement of Winter - myself and family though we have had colds have been most mercifully preserved.

​​1854 pdf includes the text above and footnotes by David Hughes

Jan 21. 1855. My eldest Son Thomas left me this day, and took a situation in Preston under Mr Dobson at the Chronicle Office. Though the Young Man is going to a situation and has conducted himself with sobriety under me, it is impossible not to feel a sense of bereavement at his departure as if he had died - and what makes the loss more heavy - I have no other Son, as yet fit to succeed here.

It was about this time a very severe frost commenced, and continued with little intermission up to the 20th of Feby, 1855.

From the Reports of the Newspapers all the large Rivers in the Kingdom, including the Thames, Severn, Mersey, Exe, Dee, Ribble, as well also the Reservoirs, Ponds, Lakes, Brooks, Pools & Canal Lodges were completely frozen a Great Distress took place in Liverpool on Monday the 19th Inst there were bread Riots.

[February] On Sunday the 18th there was a sort of Fair held upon the Great Reservoir at Rishton when from 8 to 10000 people visited the scene. The Ice was 2 feet thick, and thousands of Skaters were upon it. The Frost is considered to be the most severe since the Great Frost of 1813-4 when a Fair was had upon the Thames, Feb. 13 1814.

Saturday Feb. 17th R Walker buried (B [Beardsworth] & Walker) of Fever which yet continues very prevalent.

22nd Frost continues unabated Rigour!

Feb. 23rd Yesterday the cold was intense, about 3pm the Wind veered to the South East by South and at 6 o'clock the Snow began to fall and continued to do so the whole of the Night.

Extracts Copied from the London Times Feb. 21. 1855, Wednesday

​

Similar Accounts from every County in England, Ireland, Scotland & Wales, - The Ice on the reservoir 30 inches thick - Water frose [sic] close to my bedside & split the Water Jugs on Friday & Saturday the 16 & 17th. Inst. (Feb 17 40 below Zero.

C.T.

[February] On the 24th & 25th a Thaw thoroughly set in (Sat & Sunday, and continued until the 1st of March, but again commenced freesing [sic] on the 4th & on the 9, 10 & 11th was exceedingly cold, on the 10th it snowed but on the 11th there was a heavy fall of snow from the S & SW which continued till the 12th when the Wind shifted to the West with a Thaw

George Duxbury - (George & Dragon) and John Entwistle, (Star & Garter) died – March

Feb the 27th Went to London on the Gas Question 28th appeared before Lord Redesdale in Committee, did pretty well. - Saw Ice on the Thames.

March 1. Returned to Bn with T. Clough.

[March] 7th (Wed) Started again for London same business stopped at the (Dolly's Chop House) Newgate Street with T Clough & W Hutchinson, returned Sat. the 10th. with W.H. - Weather cold! - Expences paid by the Gas Company, Darwen.

March 21st (Wed) General Fast Day on account of the War. –

The Weather thro March very frosty - almost every night - but the days towards the latter End finer but cold, and so on up to April 5.

Decr 1. aged 49 Fred W James, in Australia, late Secretary to the Bolton Railway. - (Date 1854)

May 4. Friday Sometimes one meets with paragraphs announcing the extraordinary mildness of the Season - but I think the Weather this year has put to flight these old Women's Tales. I should say that we cannot have had less than 100 Nights of severe frost from Jany up to this time. - This Morning there was a keen blowing NE Wind & ice - very thick for the time.

[May] 2nd Mrs Astley run over and severely hurt.

John Kay, currier, died.

Good Friday - In the Church Morning - in the Evening, Building Club. John Gregson, Teetotaller, there. John a clever, sober, thrifty fellow. The son of the Old Clerk at Ribchester, John sometimes attacked the moderate Drinkers - I resolved to drink no Spirits a Month (May 4) - Kept it without deviation - 30 Day x 3 = 90 Glasses of Whiskey

May 7, 8 and 9. On these Days I attended my last Meeting as a Director of the Board of the L C of Oddfellows. As usual there were a good many knotty points to unravel, questions to answer and appeals to hear and decide, and as usual there was a deal of "Jaw" from "Daynes", and drollery from "Cox". on the whole the Meeting was comfortable. The Directors, to a Man, except myself, are returned as Deputies to the AMC [Annual Moveable Conference]. - It happened also very awkwardly for me, that my Son, Little Henry was taken severely ill on the 4th & remains so at present. On the 8th the Directors in a body left Manchester to pay Thos Kilner a visit to Eccles, where we dined at an Inn, inspected the Old Church and went also to Patricroft to Nasmith's Engineering Works, - We saw the Embryo of a Cannon, now Manufacturing of "Beaton Iron" and also had a view of the largest Steam Hammer in the World - 11 Tons - This we saw in operation by the kindness of Mr Willis the Manager.

I took leave of the Directors on Wednesday, and so ends my connection with the Board.

May 31. Dreadfully cold windy winterly & wet.

James S. Livesey Died suddenly. - He was in my shop on Wednesday. (yesterday) (31)

Oliver Roylance elected on the Board –

June 3rd (Sunday) Visited Blackpool where my Wife and three children are. Henry much better. Went down to Fleetwood, -

June 5th Died after a short illness, Edmund Pomfret, generally known as "Little Teddy" - He formerly kept a Farm at Cicely Hole, just above Mount Street.

June 2nd Appeared the first Number of a Weekly paper called the Blackburn Weekly Times, price One penny, - printed by F J Nicholls of Darwen.

July Died Robert Barlow of Salford.

Aug 6th & 8th These days were memorable for Two Lectures being delivered on Auricular Confession and the Inquisition - The first Lecture I did not attend but at the second I was called to the Chair. - There was a stormy Meeting - The Baron de Camin made some strong statements - Mr Alexr Woods, Mr Marwood, and Mr Charles Boardman opposed the Lecturer. At Ten o'clock I dissolved the Meeting.

Sep 2. Revd John Hartley son of W Hartley Inct [Incumbent] of Balderstone preached his first Sermon from Remember now thy Creator & - also Evening Mellor Brook - I heard him & Mrs T. - then went to T D. with Charles & Richard.

[September] 7th. This day was remarkable to self and Wife on this account, we went upon Pendle Hill, We started for Chadburn [Chatburn] per early train, which we reached at 8 o'clock, from thence we walked to Mrs Badger's the calf's head inn, Worsthorne and after refreshment sallied forth to the foot of Pendle. The day was remarkably fine, but hazy - we reached the top of the Mount at 12 o'clock - and enjoyed ourselves, - very much returning at 4 pm we took Tea with Mrs B and her interesting Daughters, and with Miles I went a nutting - We returned home safely by the 7 o'clock Train - well gratified & thankful.

Fall of Sebastopol

Sep 10th Rumours of the Capture of the Malakoff Tower were rife - and confirmed by Telegraph in the Times - at 7 o'clock pm. The fall of Sebastopol by electric Telegraph was announced. The excitement was great - the Bells rang - the Bands played, - the people shouted &c &c

Sep. 10, 11, 12, 13 Great Rejoicing on the fall of Sebastopol Bells Ringing - Band playing - Mob shouting - Flag Waving - Guns shooting & so on, in the Town. I lost a Hat which the Mob very uproariously made into a football.

[September] 11th Jury on Jem Kenyon's Wife, - Foreman, bad case of brutal ill treatment - no conclusive Evidence. Inquest adjourned to the 14th - On that day he was convicted of Manslaughter! & at Lancaster transported for Life in March 1856

[September] 26th Died Tom Edmondson the Letter Carrier He was, in youth, a School fellow of mine. - A very sober, upright & diligent Servant of the Blackburn Post Office.

Sep. 30th. This Day was appointed by her Majesty to be set apart for Thanksgiving for the late victory at Sebastopol in the Crimea.

October 24th 1855. Son Thomas' 22nd Birthday - May God bless him in all his affairs.

My Wife and two youngest Children Henry and Essy have been now at Blackpool since the 11th Inst. During this time we have been extremely busy and I have found the loss of her help exceedingly - Perhaps never since our Marriage in 1839 have I been more severely tried, and taught the value of an helpmate. In my sleepless hours this Morning at four my mind was much agitated. I was induced more particularly to review my conduct towards her, and tho' I could not charge myself with actual transgression of my Marriage, yet in thought, during temptation, how often had my heart & affections wandered! But in nothing more was I distressed that on the reflection that often by my irritability I had distressed her mind, and sad reflection, caused her affections to be somewhat alienated. In this state of agitation & dejection I could not find no rest on Man or any Creature, but here the Lord exercised his goodness, and gave to me such a measure of his Spirits that I was enabled to pour out my sl [soul?] troubles before him, - and by earnest & I hope a sincere exercise of repentance was greatly calmed, & felt that if God in Christ that alone sustained a Man under his Burdens - I believe this Trial had done me great service, and I do most solemnly entreat the Alty [Almighty] thro Christ to give me his Wisdom his help and his support that in future, so long as he shall spare my dear & faithful Mary & myself to one another - I may assume & practice love, forbearance & strict charity - Amen.

My Wife and Children returned safely home this night, for which mercy I thank God.

Nov 8th This Day was interred (Died on the 4th.) Mr John Polding Junr aged 38 a very estimable person. The Members of the Union Club, 30 in Number, attended the funeral headed by Mr Hornby, Mr Hopwood & Mr Thos Dutton. He was a R Catholic. Interred at Osbaldeston.

12th. Rent Day. William Fielding of the Spread Eagle Inn, Cable Street died - after a short illness caused it is said by intemperate habits.

Decr 10th Mrs Tiplady Birthday - (45) –

[December] On the 1st of this Month old Mr Wraith was taken with a fit, and continued in a state of unconsciousness until the following Day, when he expired - He was a Man greatly respected by all classes. - He was also one of the oldest Tradesmen.

On the 5th there commenced a hard frost - the Reservoir was frozen over and was skated upon on the 10th Inst.

​1856​

​

Cash owing Building	​	420	0:	0
paid	105:0:0
profit	50:0:0	155	"	"
	£155:0:0	£265	"	"

[February] The adjourned Meeting was held on the 24th. and I got a very severe cold by attending

March 7th Mr Charles Boardman Painter died, after an awfully short illness of four hours. His death struck consternation into the minds of his sorrowing friends & relatives. He was in his 33rd year. (33)

[March] On the 11th his Mortal remains were conveyed to their last resting place in St Peters Yard and the sorrowing lamentations of relatives & friends - The Corpse was attended first by the pupils of the Free Grammar School headed by the chief Master then followed a body of Free Masons of which craft the deceased was a Master then came the immediate friends of Poor Charles among whom I walked then the Corpse & relatives closed the mournful cortege. The Organ was played by Mr Robinson in a very affective style, & the whole proceedings were marked by deep solemnity.

Thus passed to an early Tomb one of the bright ornaments of the Town. He had been elected Governor on the last Annual Meeting of the Grammar School and was a Councillor for St Peter's Ward - for remarks in the paper see previously –

Monday, March 24th Easter Fair, a vast Multitude of people in the Town. - Amusements such as is usual at Fairs were numerous & profitable.

[March] 25th. The Annual Meeting of the Female Friendly Society - favourable Report. Increase in Funds £75:12:0 & total Balance £860:8:0 My Son Charles assisted Mr Hart. I went to Manchester on the League Business but could not do any Business - as Mr Pratt refused to sanction the appointment of the Committee

[March] 26th Mr Walkden's failure announced

[March] 27th At Over Darwen Gas Meeting of the Directors. - Thompson Walkden & Johnson absent.

[March] 27th was very ill of a cold got in Manchester. - Mr Wilding gave me authority to communicate to the Family that he was ready to make a first Division of Monies under Mr Lomax' Will viz £800.

[March] 30th Sunday Morning. Parish Church - excellent discourse by Mr Kershaw on the rebellion of Korah, Dathan & Abiram - Evening (Trinity) The duty & privilege of reading the Scripture.

April 3rd Thursday - This Day is Memorable as being the time when a portion of the Money left us by Grandfather Lomax was divided between the families of Tiplady & Ratcliffe. After innumerable delays and consultations with Mr Wilding Solicitor we agreed to divide £1,800 in the following manner

​

Tiplady	£	s	d	Ratcliffe	£	s	d
1 James Lomax Tiplady	90	-	-	Thos Ratcliffe Senior
2 Sam L Tiplady				Adms for James
Trustees &				Ratcliffe deceased	112	10
Executors for				Do for Elizabeth	16	1	5
Angelina}        £30.0.0				Do for Ellen	18	15	0
Celina}            30.0.0	90	-	-	John Ratcliffe 1/8	147	6	5
Virginia}         30.0.0				Mary Anne Stones
3 Mary Tipladys				Wife of Geo Stones	147	6	5
Administrator	90	-	-	Robert Ratcliffe	147	6	5
4 Anne Tiplady	90	-	-	Thomas Ratcliffe
5 William Tiplady's				Junior	147	6	5
Trustees for his				Margaret Margerison
Grandchild	90	-	-	Boardman Adm	147	6	5
6 Charles Tiplady	90	-	-	Thos Ratcliffe Senior
7 Elizabeth Tiplady	90	-	-	as representative
8 John Tiplady	90	-	-	of Elizabeth Rab
9 Margaret Tiplady	90	-	-	Deceased	16	1	5
10 Jane Tiplady	90	-	-
	£900	-	-		£899	19	11
				My Account
Houses	500	-	-	Building Club	250	-	-
Gas Shares	90	-	-	Sisters	54	-	-
Shop Goods	600	-	-	Share of Stock	160	-	-
Loan Society	15	-	-
				Balance	791	-	-
	£1205	-	-	Kenyon	50	-	-
					£1205	-	-
				April 5th 1856			​

On the same Day Mr William Stones & myself viewed and measured the property for the purpose of Administration, and in the Evening I went to Over Darwen where we entered into a contract for 2000 Tons Cannell @ 17/6 per Ton - On return Theatre, I saw H Stowe in Luke the Labourer

April 5th. 1856 - An important day of business Brother John came on the previous Evening and this Day received his £90. Sisters placed their Amount of £360 in Cunliffe & Co. Thos Kenyon called with his £100 Promissory Note, which I owed his Brother Henry & this was transferred to himself being reduced to £50. I borrowed £10 of Brother John. Robt Ratcliffe received his Money day before. I very unwell all Day with a severe headache.

April 10th Went down to Whalley along with Mr R. Thompson - It was the Horse Show. We were much wet on our return.

The same day died James Pickup, Esqre aged 74 Years a most worthy and upright Gentleman.

12th Died W Noblett Tobacconist - and on the 9th William Walsh (aged 53) a very old acquaintance and formerly Superintendent of Grimshaw Park School.

Truly we may remark Death's shafts fly thick

April 22nd Second Journey to Manchester on the League Building Society business. Met the Board and had a long Consultation with them. - They were very cordial & some business was done.

[April] Friday the 25th Went to Accrington with Mr Clough to the Oratorio of Judas - The singing was excellent Mr Hinchcliffe sang brilliantly & with great power I also liked Miss Senior, but she is not equal to Mrs Sunderland, Mr Cooper was not equal to the Tenor Songs in this Oratorio tho his efforts were very creditable indeed. The Instrumentalists were good and the Chorus well sustained.

May 24th Died at Burnley Thos Carus formerly of this Town. Schoolmaster & Parish Clerk - He was greatly addicted to liquor. Aged 52

May 29th Peace rejoicing - went to Preston.

June 2nd I narrowly escaped a severe accident by the falling of a skip of Weft from a Teagle in Clayton Street which slipped from the Iron & fell to the Ground within a few yards from me & others.

[June] 3rd Went to Manchester on the League Building business some progress was made, especially in reference to the proposed Dissolution & Dividend.

[June] 4th Mr Sansom was buried from the Old Bull Inn aged 39. - He was supposed to be very unhappy in consequence of the incontinency of Mrs S.

Memoribilia [sic] 1856

June 2nd Auditing the Corporation Accounts with Messrs. Coddington & Woods. - Books reflects great credit on Mr Hargreaves the assistant to the Treasurer. – Escaped

[June] 3rd Went third journey to Manchester on League Business

[June] 4th Returned from Manchester, early.

[June] 5th Darwen Gas Society's Meeting. –

[June] 6th Victoria Benefit Building Society Meeting Mr Sturdy withdrew his shares.

[June] 7th At the Shop –

[June] 8th Sunday Annual Sermons for the B N & S [Blackburn National & Sunday] Schools the Rev R Hart preached in the Morning, Parish Church.

In the Afternoon Rev A. Haworth at St Michael's.

June 14th Palmer, "the Great Murderer" hung.

July 19th This Day Son Thomas left Preston and went to Ingham Bros Paper Merchants, Brown Street, Manchester.

[July] 20th Children again to School. - Essy to Miss Forshaw's, Harry & Fanny to Miss Waddington.

Resolutions this Day for 12 months - by the assistance of God.

1. To drink no more spirits - unless unwell or find my health impaired

2. Ale & other Liquors in extreme moderation

3. Discontinue Sunday travelling by Rail, unless to Divine worship

4. Attend two services on the Sunday.

5. Put by One Shilling per day for the children's School wage.

6. Not to "bet" the most trifling wagers.

7. To inculcate Truth & Integrity at Home.

July 23rd James Cross Esq died at Ripon - buried here (St Peter's) on the 26th.

[July] 24th Died Jno Proudlove - suddenly.

[July] 26th paid four Sisters £9 each part of Sister Mary's Estate.

Same Day Charles promoted at the Mill to 5/- per week during pleasure