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A Family History

Tomlinson's and Walmsley's and the link to "Owd Joe o' Lawrence's"

James Tomlinson 1838-1917

Mary Hannah Tomlinson the wife of William Grime was born in the first quarter of 1867. She was the daughter of James Tomlinson and Margaret Whittaker who married at the Congregational Chapel Over Darwen on the 18th December 1862. At the time of the marriage James was living in Robert Street and Margaret was at Edwin Street. Both of them were working as Cotton Power Weavers.

Mary Hannah had five brothers - John Thomas, Joseph, Lawrence, William and George and four sisters - Constance, Elizabeth, Jenny and Margaret. George died young. Elizabeth "Great Aunt Libby" died in 1960 aged 95. Connie married a Mr. W. Martin and died young leaving a son Bobby. William died in 1907 at the age of 36.

In 1881 the family were living at Belgrave View. The census record gives the following information.

In 1901 some of them were still shown at Belgrave Cottage.  James and Margaret were still in the company of children Elizabeth Alice, a Cotton Weaver, William and Lawrence had joined James at the Rope & Twine Works.  Maggie was a Cotton Winder and by that time her younger sister Connie, born about 1883 was also in the Cotton trade as a weaver.  Young Joseph, aged 3 in 1881 was, by 1901, married to Lily (née Watson) and living in a public house at 6 Hacking Street  (Bay Horse).  Lily's mother Susannah Watson was the head of the household, a widow aged 51.  Peculiarly there is an entry for one Verdi Tomlinson, aged 14, described as son of Joseph and Lily.  Since Lily was only 18 at the time this is clearly a mistake by the enumerator.  Perhaps Verdi was a Watson.

James Tomlinson was one of five children born to Thomas Tomlinson and Hannah Walmsley. James was born around 1838 in the Chapels area of Darwen. His father, Thomas a Calico Bleacher, died of asthma on 29th August 1840 when James was perhaps only two years old.

Belgrave Cottage built by James Tomlinson in 1880

James lived a long, active, and successful life. Around 1890 he went into business by acquiring a rope making business at Willowfield which had been started in the 1870's by Harwood Brothers for whom he had worked. In 1902 he was able to acquire Spring Vale Rope Walk from the Beesley family. Some time after 1916 the business was formed into Darwen Rope & Twine Company Limited. Willowfield closed in the late 1920's and the Spring Vale works failed in 1939 under Joseph his son.

In 1904 the Darwen and County Gazette produced a book celebrating "Pictorial Darwen and Local Celebrities". The book includes reference to many people who were important to the development of the town at that time. James Tomlinson was featured in its pages which also included an advertisement for the rope companies.

James was elected as Mayor of Darwen for the year of 1905. The day after his selection in October 1904 the following article appeared in the Darwen News.

Darwen's Mayor-Elect.

COUNCILLOR JAMES TOMLINSON SELECTED.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH

Last night, Councillor James Tomlinson, of Belgrave Cottage, accepted the Mayoralty for the ensuing year, in succession to Councillor Ralph Yates. This information of the selection of the chief magistrate of the town for 1905 was received officially in the advanced hours of last evening. Councillor Tomlinson's selection will no doubt be a surprise to many. Up to yesterday morning, another Councillor was freely spoken of as the probable Mayor-elect. Mr. Tomlinson has been a member of the Council for nine years, representing the burgesses in West Central Ward, and is a retiring Councillor in November. Previously , he has never found it necessary to contest his seat, and from all appearances at present he will again take office unopposed. For many years he has been an esteemed figure in Darwen, and has innumerable friends. Municipally, he has always been very active on the Building Committee (of which he is chairman), and the Slaughter Houses and Highways Committees, his strict attention to the work in these departments having been freely remarked upon at various times, though he has always been of a quiet and retiring disposition. Councillor Tomlinson was

BORN IN THE CHAPELS DISTRICT

some 66 years ago, and is a descendant of an old Darwen family, the only surviving member on his mother's side being Mrs. Betty Harwood, of Gillibrand-street. At the age of eight years he commenced work in the dyeing department at Messrs. Heron, Baron, and Eddleston, at Dob Meadows Dyeing Works, and after nine years in this capacity, he started as a weaver in a local cotton mill, but after a short stay here he became engaged with Messrs. Harwood Bros. at the Willow-street Ropery, afterwards taking up duties as caretaker at the Belgrave Independent Meeting House, a position he filled for twelve years. Subsequently, he purchased from Messrs. Harwood the Willow-street Ropery, about fifteen years ago, and commenced business on his own account, taking into partnership with him one of his sons. This business he has run successfully up to the present time, but he now finds many leisure hours, as his sons have a thorough acquaintance with the work. About two years ago he purchased the Spring Vale Rope works, formerly the property of Mr. Beesley, and now the Willow-street and Spring Vale establishments combined are worked by Mr. Tomlinson and his four sons. Coming to his domestic life, we find that he married Miss Margaret Whittaker, who was born in Hoddlesden and who is a descendant of the Whittakers, of Hoddlesden, an old Darwen family.

THE MARRIAGE

was solemnised 43 years ago at Lower Chapel, and has been productive of five sons and five daughters, but only four sons now survive, three of whom are married, the eldest being at present caretaker at Belgrave Chapel. The remainder are in the rope business, whilst two of the daughters are also married. The mother of the Mayoress-elect is still living at the ripe old age of 86 years, and resides in Peabody-street, but Councillor Tomlinson's mother died some two and a half years ago at the advanced age of 93 years. The social side of the Mayor-elect's life has also its features. He is a lover of music , and recalls with pride and pleasure his 14 years' association with the old Darwen Temperance Band. Whilst connected with this body of musicians, he was the solo soprano player, and was a member of this band when it competed at a contest held at the Crystal Palace in July of 1861. Since the formation of the Darwen Brass Band Contest Committee, Councillor Tomlinson has acted as treasurer; he was, in fact, one of the prime movers of the organisation. We need hardly say that he is a staunch Liberal, although his father and mother were both Conservatives and Church people. He, however, was formerly associated with the Lower Chapel sanctuary but for many years now has been connected with the Belgrave Chapel, where he is a member of the chapel committee. Other public institutions which claim his membership are the Market-street and William-street Reform Clubs. At the latter place he has occupied the position of president, and is now an active vice-president. Councillor Tomlinson is a member of the Harmony and Industry Lodge of Freemasons, and is also connected with the Duke of Clarence Lodge of Oddfellows. As our readers are aware, the subject of our sketch has unfortunately been indisposed during the past fortnight, but we are glad to learn that he is now convalescent. In fact, he was able to come downstairs last evening to meet our representative for the purpose of an interview. Although a little weak, he was quite cheerful, and our hopes are for a speedy recovery to the best of health. His residence, Belgrave Cottage, was built by him in 1880, and formerly he resided in Belgrave-road.

James' activities in local affairs took him to the opening of the Jubilee Tower, built between June 1897 and September 1898 on the moors above Darwen. He is shown amongst the collection of dignitaries at the opening ceremony.

The Opening of Darwen Tower - September 24th, 1898

His duties as Mayor also extended to the laying of the corner stone for the Cobden Mill on February 27th 1905. The gavel and trowel used in the ceremony are shown below, indicating that by this time he was also a Justice of the Peace.

After his death on 27th May 1917 an extensive obituary was printed in the Darwen News.

Darwen News Wednesday May 30th 1917

Death of Alderman James Tomlinson J.P.

We deeply regret to record the death of Alderman James Tomlinson, J.P., which occurred at his residence, Church-terrace, early on Sunday morning. For some months past the deceased gentleman had been confined to his room and though it was not expected he would completely recover it was not until a few weeks ago that symptoms developed which brought the end much nearer. During the whole period he had been confined to his room he had borne his illness with the patience and cheerfulness characteristic of his personality, and friends he welcomed as visitors at all times. By his death still another link with Darwen's early days is broken, another of the town's veterans is no more. Born in the year 1838, Alderman Tomlinson was therefore 79 years of age. He first saw light at Lower Chapel, and like many of his time his early opportunities for learning were limited. At the age of eight years he was found engaged at Dob Meadows Dyeing and Bleaching Works, where, as he frequently recalled the days when in reminiscent mood, he worked from five o'clock in the morning until ten and eleven o'clock at night for the miserable pittance of three shillings per week. When it did not interfere with the necessities of the works he was permitted to attend Mr. Eccles Shorrock's Half-time School in William-street, and there he picked up a little education under Thomas Holden, who was the schoolmaster. Nine years later he became engaged in the cotton mill, but he did not remain a long time there. His next employment was at the Willow-street Ropery. Then he was for nine years caretaker at the Belgrave Independent Chapel. Entering into business on his own account as a rope maker, he acquired Willow-street works, where earlier in life he had been employed, and added to his responsibilities the Spring Vale Ropery, the business being conducted under the title of Messrs. James Tomlinson and Sons, with which he was associated to the time of his death, and which he actively supervised until failing health led him to seek a more retiring life.

Alderman Tomlinson was probably best known in the town as a public man. He had no pretensions for high office, but his sincerity, devotion to duty and the respect in which he was held won for him the highest honour that the town could bestow. It was in the year 1895 that he first came in touch with public life, when he became a representative of Central Ward on the Town Council. His first chairmanship was that of the Building Department at a time when Darwen had just entered upon the spontaneous development scheme, which resulted in the erection of a considerable amount of new property in the Belgrave-road, Sudellside, Sunnyhurst, and Blackburn-road districts, and when new commercial enterprises also came into being.

From the Building Department the Alderman came to be chairman of the Tramways, a position which he held to the time when a breakdown in health brought to a close his public career. In the year 1904 Alderman Tomlinson was elected with the unanimous consent of his colleagues to be Chief Magistrate of the borough and for a period of twelve months he discharged the duties of this honoured position with an absence of assumption, yet with complete efficiency and to the entire satisfaction of colleagues and burgesses generally. On the death of Alderman Lightbown the deceased gentleman being the senior Councillor was elected to the Aldermanic Bench. So that he had an unbroken association with the town's municipal undertaking for a period of twenty-two years.

In recognition, probably of his public services, Alderman Tomlinson was made a Justice of the Peace for the Borough in the year 1906 and frequently occupied a seat on the bench. In politics he was a sound and ardent Liberal, though in keeping with his general unassuming manner, he was not a prominent figure on the public platform. This, however, in no way minimised his support for the party and he was a past president of the William-street Reform Club, where, in the days of the late Councillor Cooper, Mr John Whalley, and Mr John Adcroft, he was frequently to be found. He was also a member of the Market-street Liberal Club and a vice-president of the Borough Liberal Association. A Nonconformist, he was identified with the Belgrave Congregational Church, and amongst other positions, was a member of the Chapel Committee there. Alderman Tomlinson's chief private interest, apart from business, was in music and particularly instrumental music. In his early life he was a musician of considerable ability, and for the long period of fourteen years he played the solo soprano instrument in the old Temperance Band. Some 56 years ago he took part in the memorable contest at the Crystal Palace with the band. Mr. George Duxbury is now the only surviving member of the famous old-time combination. For many years also he was treasurer of the Darwen Brass Band Committee, which was responsible for organising contests and concerts in Bold Venture Park. A prominent Oddfellow and a member of the local Masonic Lodge, Alderman Tomlinson had many other interests. In the summer time he was fond of bowling, and was a member of the two subscription greens in the town.

In the year 1861 Alderman Tomlinson married, at Lower Chapel, a member of an old Hoddlesden family, in the person of Miss Margaret Whittaker, who predeceased him a few years. Three sons and five daughters are left to mourn their loss, to whom every sympathy is extended. The funeral will take place at the Darwen Cemetery at noon to-day (Wednesday) and will be of a public character. The interment will be preceded by a memorial service in Belgrave Congregational Church at eleven o'clock.

This article was repeated on the Saturday following the funeral and followed by the details of the occasion.

Darwen News Saturday June 2nd 1917

THE FUNERAL

The funeral took place at the Darwen Cemetery at noon on Wednesday and was of an impressive character. The interment was preceded by a service conducted in Belgrave Chapel by the Rev. J. Emrys Morgan, B.A., B.D., (pastor), attended, in addition to the family mourners, by representatives of the various public organisations in the town with which deceased gentleman was associated. Among those present were the Mayor (Alderman John Tomlinson, J.P.), Alderman Cocker, J.P., Alderman Carus, J.P., C.A., Councillors Ainsworth, Butterworth, Duxbury, Hodkinson, Meehan, J. Pickup, Thornley, and Worth, J.P., Messrs H.D. Ashton J.P., J.J. Riley, J.P., C.A., J. Aspden, J.P., E.M. Davies, J.P., T. Whalley, N. Jepson, Robert Shorrock, J.P., T. Hindle, J.P., J.J. Beckett, Dr. T. Ballantyne, T.W.A. Forest, J.P., C.C., J. Harwood, J.P., James Cooper, C.S. Stansfield, the Revs. A. Botterill, M.A., J. Blackburn Brown, M.A. and J.W. Ffoulkes, R.H. Baldwin, J.P., Dr F.G. Haworth, H.D. Holland, W.H. Marsden, R. Whittaker, J.H. Catterall, T. Heald, W.A. Grime, and W. Kershaw.

Representatives of Belgrave Chapel: Messrs C.H. Woods, A.K. Nuttall, G. Hunt, and J.M. Haddow.

Representatives of the Harmony and Industry Lodge of Freemasons: Bros. T. Davenport (W.M.), B. Horrocks, W. Horrocks, James Hindle, J. Duxbury, and Robert Entwistle.

Representatives of the Brass Band Contest Committee: Messrs. James and John Hindle.

Representatives of the Darwen District Oddfellows: Bros J.W. Hunt, J. Watson, J. Thompson, and J. Hargreaves.

Representing Borough Liberal Association: Mr. T. Dewhurst.

Representing Market-street Liberal Club: Mr William Berry.

Representing William-street Reform Club: Messrs. J.E. Dawson, A. Shorrock, and J.F. Preston.

Corporation Officials: The Town Clerk (Mr. W.P. Halliwell, B.A.), Gas Engineer (Mr. A. Smith), Borough Treasurer (Mr. S. Crook). Secretary for Education (Mr. W. Bretherick), Electrical Engineer (Mr. C. Garnett). Borough Engineer (Mr. Eli Marsden), Tramways Manager (Mr. Hosken), Nuisance Inspectors (Messrs. W.E. Marsden and C.R. Walsh), Meat Inspector (Mr. W. Bickerstaff), Markets Inspector (Mr. S. Angear).

In the course of a tribute to the deceased gentleman the Rev. EMRYS MORGAN said :-

"All is over and done,
Render thanks to the Giver
England, for thy son."

"Thus sang Tennyson on the passing of an illustrious son of this country.

The words can be most fittingly applied to other men, of lesser note perhaps than the Duke of Wellington, but men whose careers contributed to the enrichment and development of their native land, though their names were not known beyond the boundaries of their own parish. A national platform is not an infallible sign of a man's usefulness. Our towns and villages are still producing young Hampdens, who grow old in the service of the community. Tennyson, I think, strikes the right note in his tribute to the Hon Duke. It is the note of thankfulness for a great and glorious career, that shines in the annals of Britain. That is the note I wish to introduce into this gathering, sad and solemn though it naturally and necessarily is.

The death of Alderman Tomlinson occasions a loss which will be keenly felt in three directions at least - the home, the church and the public life of the town. In the first an most sacred of these circles, the home, the deepest sorrow will prevail. The consciousness that "father is no more" will come upon the children and impoverish the world for them.

Yet we repeat the words of the great poet with a fervour and conviction that become the occasion -

Render thanks to the Giver England, for thy son.

At least, Darwen can venture to thank Almighty God for citizens who were burning and shining lights for many a long day, and who by the loftiness of their character and loyal and strenuous nature of their service helped to bring sunshine, and its concomitants, health and happiness, into the common life. Conscious though we be of deep regret, is not it our duty to praise the Great Giver for such men as Alderman Tomlinson? Gratitude is not too common a virtue, especially in the case of public men. We do not break our boxes of ointment too often on the heads of our benefactors. Yet if there is one thing above another for which we ought to be profoundly grateful it is a serviceable, sacrificial life. All of you are in a better position than I to speak of our departed friend.

My acquaintance with him was only of short duration. I got no further than the outer court of the temple of his life . But certain impressions were left on my mind, and certain facts came to my knowledge which led me to conclude, that great would have been my privilege had I enjoyed the friendship of Alderman Tomlinson for a few years.

He was, to use St. Paul's happy phrase, a "workman who needed not to be ashamed." The keynote of his life was service. For a long period he voluntarily acted as a public servant who was ceaselessly and deeply interested in the welfare of his town. That Darwen was dear to his heart is proved by his honourable record. After all, is there anything that truly magnifies life like service? Real lasting greatness is not obtained by any man without willingness to serve. It is, not the mere possession of five talents that brings a man fame. I is the use of the talents for the benefit of others as well as self. As it was written of David, so may it be said of Alderman Tomlinson: "After he had served his own generation, by the will of God he fell asleep." That is not fulsome flattery. It is a base statement of fact. Can a finer tribute be paid to any man than to say he served his generation? What more can any of us do?

We are men of our own age, though our roots are in the past and our hopes push on into the future. Neither heaven nor earth expects more of us than to serve our own day in such a way that others shall rise up and call us blessed.

Our friend drew his inspiration from the invisible. The sanctuary had a centrality in his life, which continued to the end. He loved the House of God, and was one of those who found there the solace and strength which can come from no other quarter. The sanctuary means something, and means intensity to men like Alderman Tomlinson. It is no convention, but conviction, that constrains them to go thither habitually. They do not commit the mistake of divorcing heaven and earth. It seems well to erect a Tower of Babel as a sign of enterprise and prosperity, but that tower is a worthless and soul-destroying thing without Jacob's Ladder, which connects heaven and earth.

He won and maintained the esteem and goodwill of his fellow-men. The highest honours in municipal life were conferred upon him and they came as a reward of fidelity, and as a mark of high esteem."

An impressive service having closed with the Dead March in "Saul" Rendered on the organ by Mr. J. Bentham, the various representatives formed into procession to the Cemetery, the cortege being headed by a posse of police in charge of Superintendent McKeand and Inspector Hatton. The hearse was preceded by a landau containing many beautiful wreaths, whilst on each side of the hears walked the bearers, composed of public representatives and employees of the deceased gentlemen.

The mourners were:

Miss Tomlinson
Miss M. Tomlinson
Mr & Mrs J.T. Tomlinson
Mrs W. Martin
Mrs W. Grime
Mr & Mrs L. Tomlinson
Mr & Mrs John Bentham
Mr & Mrs Joseph Tomlinson
Miss Annie Tomlinson
Gunner W. Grime
Miss Alice Bentham
Master Jack Tomlinson
Mr & Mrs A. Taylor (Liverpool)
Mrs Green (Blackpool)
Mr J. Walton
Master David Grime
Mr & Mrs G. Whittaker
Mr & Mrs F.J. Nuttall
Mrs T. Yates
Mr Joseph Brandwood (Feniscowles)
Mr & Mrs J. Hunt
Mr L. Tomlinson
Rev J. Emrys Morgan
Mr Robert Martin

Wreaths and other floral tributes were sent as follows:

A tribute of love from the family
A token of affection and esteem from the directors committee and members of the Central Subscription Bowling Club
With loving sympathy from the members of the William-street Reform Club
In loving remembrance from Mr and Mrs Robert Martin and family.
With Doctor and Mrs Ballantyne's sincerest sympathy (Holker House Darwen)
From the Master, officers and brethren of the Harmony and Industry Lodge of Free masons. (3810 Darwen), with deepest sympathy.
In loving remembrance from Mr & Mrs George Whittaker and family
For Auld Lang Syne, from Mr & Mrs F.J. Nuttall (Gas Works Cottage)
With deepest sympathy, from the officers, sergeants and constables of the Darwen Police Force
A token of sympathy to our much respected President from the Band Contest Committee
Sincere sympathy, from the Borough Engineer's office staff
With deepest sympathy, from the officers of the Darwen Borough Liberal Association
With deepest sympathy, from Mr & Mrs William Nuttall and family
In loving remembrance from "Jack and Malata"
From Mr & Mrs Tomlinson with sincere sympathy (Earnsdale Darwen)
With deepest sympathy, from Mr & Mrs Robert Shorrock and family (Heatherby, Darwen)
With deepest sympathy from Willowfield and Spring Vale Roperies
In loving memory from Mrs Yates
A token of respect from Mr & Mrs Whittaker (Cheapside)
"Nellie Kershaw" (Grindleton)

James is buried in the non-conformist section "F" of Darwen Cemetery. A grave search produced the following list of those buried at his side.

This search provided the details of William Grime and Hannah Tomlinson's first child - until then completely unknown. I have assumed that George and William were sons of James and Margaret.

Advertisement for the ropery taken from Pictorial Darwen 1904

James Tomlinson left the following will.

Will of James Tomlinson Rope and Twine Manufacturer
Date 14th March 1916

Executors John Thomas Tomlinson and Joseph Tomlinson

Probate granted 8th August 1917 to Thomas Tomlinson of The Municipal Buildings Darwen and Joseph Tomlinson of 7 Park Road Darwen. Gross Value £1579 Net Value £1114

I give an annuity of Ten shillings per week to my Daughter Elizabeth Alice for her life I also give to her all my Household furniture and Household effects

As to the rest of my estate I give devise and bequeath the same unto my Trustees Upon trust to sell and convert the same and divide the proceeds thereof and the purchase money of my business hereinafter mentioned equally amongst my children living at my decease except the said Elizabeth Alice Tomlinson as tenants in common

And as to my business or if the same be formed into a Limited liability Company then my share and interest therein I direct for the purposes of this my Will that the same shall be considered of the value of Five hundred pounds and such business or my share and interest in it as the case may be shall be offered at this sum to my Three Sons John Thomas Joseph and Lawrence jointly who shall within one month of my decease signify their acceptance or non-acceptance thereof If they shall not accept the said business or my share and interest in it then the same shall be sold along with the rest of my estate

If any of my said children shall die in my lifetime leaving lawful issue then I direct that the share of the one or more so dying shall go to his or her children equally and if only one then to that one

The executors were given the power to postpone the sale of the business for up to one year.

In 1841 just after James' father Thomas had died the family were living with the maternal grandparents in the Chapels area of Over Darwen. The name Ann is of course interchangeable with Hannah and to confuse things even more the baptism entry and 1851 census show her name as Annas.

It is possible that Thomas had worked at the Dob Meadows Dyeing and Bleaching Works referred to in James' obituary. As to Thomas' parents I can only speculate. The same census shows a Thomlinson family at Hollings.

The "h" in Thomlinson was introduced by the enumerator. The same family appears in 1851 and the "h" has disappeared. This James would have been the right age to be Thomas' father and they shared a common occupation. Some additional evidence, though not conclusive, is shown by the 1851 census return.

The record indicates that by this time James was blind or deaf and dumb.

A possible connection is the presence of the Harwood family as lodgers. The same census shows Betty Harwood (née Walmsley) living with Lawrence and Margaret Walmsley, Thomas Tomlinson's former parents in law, at Darwen Chapels.

Thomas had married Hannah Walmsley on the 10th June 1827 at Blackburn St Mary's after banns. The witnesses to the wedding were both church officials and Thomas and Hannah made their marks. Thomas was described as a crofter and neither of them had been married before.

Hannah married again a few years after Thomas' death. In 1851 the census shows the following families at Darwen Chapels.

Elias Walsh Walmsley may have been Hannah's (Annas) elder brother. In which case it is possible that their mother's maiden name was Walsh.

My Uncle recalled that his mother, Phyllis Grime, told him that James' half-brother, Joseph Branwood aged 9 months in 1851, had a romantic liaison that resulted in an unwanted pregnancy. Rather than marry the lady in question he signed up for the army and, while there, served in the Zulu war. He may have been buried at Hoddlesden/Pickup Bank. The 1861 census shows the family at 2 Edward St.

Hannah's parents were still alive, living with their daughter Betty, a widow by now.

Joseph Walmsley, Hannah's father was married to Margaret Lightbound on September 3rd, 1801 at Blackburn Parish Church. Witnesses to the marriage were Thomas Holden and John Margerison. Joseph was the "Old Joe o' Lawrence's" mentioned by Jeremy Hunt and recorded in the section of 'Darwen and its People' prepared by J.G. Shaw following Hunt's death.

"Lawrence Walmsley, who lived at the latter part of last century, had a son Joseph ("Owd Joe o' Lawrence's"), whom I knew very well when I was a young man. This Joseph Walmsley was a famous Darwen alto singer sixty years ago, and was one of those "Darruners" who used to sing at the Liverpool festivals. On one occasion they were rehearsing "And the glory of the Lord," from the "Messiah," under the conductorship of Mr. Gratrix, when the whole body of the singers, except Joe Walmsley, started a passage beat too soon. Joe would not be dragged wrong, but did his best to pull the others right. Gratrix stopped the singing, went up to him, and said. "Young man, you stand here and lead these altos," and stand there Joe did, two inches taller than ever he stood before, every day of the festival. Joe died about 1861."

"Owd Joe" was the third child of Lawrence Walmsley and Agnes (or Anas) Grime. The family were baptised at Lower Chapel.

Lawrence had been baptised on the 27th October 1754 son of David and Betty of Holden Fold, Chapels in Darwen. There is a monumental inscription which may belong to Lawrence and Agnes at Lower Chapel.

In memory of the old sexton Lawrence Walmsley died February 29th 1836 aged 84 years. Anas his wife died Decr 29th 1826 aged 86 years.

David Walmsley married Elizabeth Heys on August 16th, 1753 at Darwen Chapel. It is possible that Lawrence was their only child as no other baptisms are recorded for David and Betty.

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