The Parish of Westhoughton in the County of -- Lancashire --

The Pretoria Pit Disaster
(No.3 Bank Pit, Hulton Colliery, Westhoughton)
21st of December 1910

Here follows a list giving the personal data of the 344 men and boys who perished in the Pretoria Pit disaster of 21 December 1910. For those victims whose burial place has a gravestone, a link marked 'MI' is available to take you to the memorial inscription. The recovery and burial details of the 16 bodies that were never identified, are given at the end of the main list. Abbreviations are explained here.

ALDRED Thomas
Age 14. 158 Bolton Road, Westhoughton. Haulage Hand.
Born in Atherton birth registered Leigh 2nd Q 1896 as Alldred.
Body not identified but he worked in the Yard Downbrow District and may be Unknown victim No.42
Coroner’s Inquest: Frederick Aldred was Witness No.59 (Pope 1911).
Buried: Presumed to be in the vault for unknown victims, Westhoughton Cemetery.
Family at home: Father Frederick 50, Step-mother Sarah Jane 38; Siblings Frederick Potter 26, Harry 19; Half-siblings George Nevile 9, Inez 7, Frank 6, Bessie 3, Jack 4m.
HCF Dependants: Sarah Jane Aldred.
Compensation: LCM £15. HCF 5s./w. WCA £100. (£5 lump sum, balance of £92.10s. invested to give 5s./w.).
Insurance: Royal Liver £10.
Income : Before 8s.8d./w. After 10s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS.
Variants: In birth, baptism and census records the name is spelt Alldred.

ANDERTON William
Age 15. 37 King Street, Westhoughton. Haulage Hand.
Born in Westhoughton birth registered Bolton 4th Q 1895.
Recovery No.314. Body position 191. Tally 1157.
Recovered 4 Jan 1911 from Yard Downbrow District East Level: just inbye of junction with Downbrow. Identified by Edward Anderton (brother).
Cause of death: Explosion. Fractured skull and left forearm.
Coroner’s Inquest: A report on the inquest in the Wigan Observer stated that Edward Anderton said his brother “had never complained so far as he knew”.
Buried: 6 Jan 1911 Westhoughton Cemetery, Section A Old School Site, Consecrated Ground, Grave 34; Register No.6130. MI
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/375. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 252.
Family at home: Grandfather Peter Valentine 74; Mother Mary Alice 54; Siblings Edward 21, Abraham 19, John Henry 11.
HCF Dependants: Mary Alice & John Henry Anderton.
Compensation: LCM £15. HCF 7s./w. WCA £75. (£20 lump sum, balance of £53.10s. invested to give 5s./w.).
Income: Before 9s.3d./w. After 12s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS.

ASCROFT William Lees
Age 14. 659 Manchester Road, Chequerbent. Haulage Hand.
Born in Westhoughton birth registered Bolton 3rd Q 1896.
Recovery No.193. Body position 58. Tally 1052.
Recovered 25 Dec 1910 from North Plodder District: opposite motor house in East Plodder level. Identified by John Abram Ascroft (father).
Cause of death: Explosion
Buried: 29 Dec 1910 Westhoughton Cemetery, Section C New Cemetery, Consecrated Ground, Grave 1445; Register No.6092. MI
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/376. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 252.
Family at home: Parents John Abram 44 & Sarah 39; Siblings Florence Hannah 13, Walter 11.
HCF Dependants: Sarah Ascroft.
Compensation: LCM £15. HCF 5s./w. WCA £85. (£10 lump sum, balance of £73 invested to give 5s./w.).
Insurance: Royal Liver £10.
Weekly : Before 8s.3d./w. After 10s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS. Member of Chequerbent Harriers. Named on the Wingates Independent Methodist Chapel Memorial (Westhoughton Library).
Variants: Ashcroft (HCF, LCM, PB, R). Age 15 (G).

ASHTON William
Age 22. 9 Eckersley Street, Daubhill, Bolton. Collier.
Born in Wigan in 1888.
Recovery No.72. Body position 211. Tally 912.
Recovered 24 Dec 1910 from Yard Downbrow District East Level: in a group just outbye No.2 jig. Identified by John Ashton (brother).
Cause of death: CO (gas).
Buried: 26 Dec 1910 Westhoughton Cemetery, Section C New Cemetery, Roman Catholic Ground, Grave 498; Register No.6047.
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/378. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 252.
Family at home: Wife Mary Jane 22; Children William 4, another expected.
HCF Dependants: Mary Jane & William Henry Ashton.
Compensation: LCM Widow and children’s’ annuity 6s./w. HCF 9s./w. WCA £232.14s. (£20 lump sum, balance of £205.4s. invested to give 8s./w.).
Income: Before 29s.10d./w. After 23s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS. Roman Catholic.
Variants: Address 53 Bella Street, Daubhill (PB), 51 Brancker Street (BR).

ASPDEN Arthur
Age 21. 121 Bolton Road, Westhoughton. Drawer.
Born 31 March 1889 in Westhoughton birth registered Bolton 2nd Q 1889.
Recovery No.66. Body position 150/156/157?. Tally 991.
Recovered 24 Dec 1910 from Yard Downbrow District: 40 yards outbye No.3 jig. Identified after burial in Feb 1911 from clothing by Thomas Aspden (father).
Cause of death: CO. Burnt.
Coroner’s Inquest: Harry Aspden was Witness No.30 & No.62 (Pope 1911).
Buried: 28 Dec 1910 in the vault for unknown victims, Section B New Cemetery, Grave 924 2nd right; Register No.6142. MI
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/381. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 252.
Family at home: Parents Thomas 58 & Alice 60; Siblings John Thomas 36 (killed), Harry 28, Fred 22, Alice 19, Maggie 14.
HCF Dependants: Alice Aspden.
Relation to other victims: Brother of John Thomas & Walter Aspden. Brother-in-law of John Hodson.
Compensation: LCM £15. Combined for brothers Arthur & John Thomas; HCF 7s.6d./w. WCA £150 (£20 lump sum, balance of £127.10s. invested to give 10s./w.).
Income: Combined for brothers; Before 41s.8d./w. After 17s.6d./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS. Anonymous in Redmayne; Recovery No. and Tally from PB.

ASPDEN John Thomas
Age 37. 121 Bolton Road, Westhoughton. Collier.
Born in Westhoughton birth registered Bolton 1st Q 1874.
Recovery No.116. Body position 173. Tally 1014.
Recovered 24 Dec 1910 from Yard Downbrow District: full way at jig bottom. Identified by Henry (Harry) Aspden (brother).
Cause of death: CO (gas).
Coroner’s Inquest: Harry Aspden was Witness No.30 & No.62 (Pope 1911).
Buried: 27 Dec 1910 Westhoughton Cemetery, Section C New Cemetery, Unconsecrated Ground, Grave 195 (with Walter Aspden); Register No.5984. MI
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/379. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 252.
Family at home: Parents Thomas 58 & Alice 60; Siblings Harry 28, Fred 22, Arthur 21 (killed), Alice 19, Maggie 14.
Relation to other victims: Brother of Arthur & Walter Aspden. Brother-in-law of John Hodson.
HCF Dependants: Alice Aspden.
Compensation: LCM £15. Combined for brothers Arthur & John Thomas; HCF 7s.6d./w. WCA £150 (£20 lump sum, balance of £127.10s. invested to give 10s./w.).
Income: Combined for brothers; Before 41s.8d./w. After 17s.6d./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS. Member of Westhoughton Conservative Club. Named on the Independent Order of Oddfellows, Manchester Unity Lodge 1160 Memorial (Westhoughton Library).

ASPDEN Walter
Age 28. 52 Hindley Road, Daisy Hill, Westhoughton. Drawer.
Born 20 December 1882 in Westhoughton birth registered Bolton 1st Q 1883.
Recovery No.97. Body position 163. Tally 1004.
Recovered 24 Dec 1910 from Yard Downbrow District: about 40 yards outbye side of No.3 jig. Identified by Maria Aspden (wife).
Cause of death: CO (gas).
Buried: 27 Dec 1910 Westhoughton Cemetery, Section C New Cemetery, Unconsecrated Ground, Grave 195 (with John Thomas Aspden); Register No.5985. MI
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/380. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 252.
Family at home: Wife Maria.
Relation to other victims: Brother of Arthur & John Thomas Aspden. Brother-in-law of John Hodson.
HCF Dependants: Maria Aspden.
Compensation: LCM Widow’s annuity 4s./w. HCF 7s./w. WCA £183.3s. (£8 lump sum, balance of £163.19s. invested to give 10s./w.).
Insurance: Albion Assurance £7.10s.
Income: Before 23s.5d./w. After 21s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS.
Variants: Age 27 (DR).

ATHERTON Joseph Edward
Age 14. 4 James Street, Westhoughton. Haulage Hand.
Born 9 Sep 1896 in Westhoughton birth registered Bolton 4th Q 1896.
Recovery No.337. Body position not recorded. Tally 1193.
Recovered 26 Jan 1911 from North Plodder District. Identified by Esther Coop (mother).
Cause of death: Explosion. Burns. CO. Buried by fall. Fractures, hand, knee.
Coroner’s Inquest: Esther Coop was Witness No.4 (Pope 1911).
Buried: 28 Jan 1911 St John, Wingates, Westhoughton; Register No.63. Grave 337. MI
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/320. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 252.
Family at home: Grandfather Joseph Scoble 53 (killed); Mother Esther Coop 33, Step-father Joseph Coop 33; Coop half-siblings, Harry 7, Herbert 5, Thomas 14m.
Relation to other victims: Grandson of Joseph Scoble.
HCF Dependants: Esther Coop.
Compensation: LCM £15. HCF 5s./w. WCA £100 (£20 lump sum, balance of £78 invested to give 10s./w.).
Insurance: Unspecified £10.
Income: Before 8s.11d./w. After 15s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS. Tally from PB, not recorded in Redmayne. The relationship between Joseph Scoble and Joseph E. Atherton is putative. Joseph E. Atherton was the illegitimate son of Esther Atherton (later Coop), herself the illegitimate daughter of Elizabeth Atherton, born in Ince in 1879. Joseph Scoble married Elizabeth Atherton in 1891.
Variants: Recovered 24 Jan 1911 (PB). Sgt. Brown’s book states that he was ‘found in East Level’, presumably the east side of the Plodder Level, not the East Level to the Downbrow Yard face.

AUSTIN John
Age 37. 326 Park Road, Chequerbent. Collier.
Born in Carbrook, Sheffield, Yorkshire birth registered Sheffield 3rd Q 1873.
Recovery No.36. Body position 43. Tally 887.
Recovered 23 Dec 1910 from Three Quarters Mine: in 1st jig road, on his back between the rails, feet outbye. Lamp 983 by his side, 40 yards up from main level. Identified by James Anthony Doxey (cousin).
Cause of death: Not stated.
Buried: 25 Dec 1910 Westhoughton Cemetery, Section C New Cemetery, Consecrated Ground, Grave 1291; Register No.6001. MI
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/376. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 252.
Family at home: Wife Annie (Hilton) 29; Children Hannah 10, George 9, John Henry 8, Nancy 4, another expected.
HCF Dependants: Annie, Hannah, George, John Henry, Nancy & Edna Austin.
Compensation: LCM Widow and children’s annuity 14s./w. HCF 17s./w. WCA £282.2s. (£10 lump sum, balance of £235.1s.9d. invested to give 6s, /w.).
Insurance: Pearl Office £15. Prudential £3.18s.6d.
Income: Before 36s.2d./w. After 37s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS. Bolton & District Cricket Association.
Variants: Age 36 (DR, G, MI).

BAKER James
Age 25. 5 Earnshaw Street, Daubhill, Bolton. Collier.
Born in Golden Hill, Staffordshire birth registered Wolstanton 1st Q 1885.
Recovery No.189. Body position 44. Tally 1029.
Recovered 25 Dec 1910 from North Plodder District: 3 yards inside west Plodder level. Identified by Joseph Baker (father).
Cause of death: Gas. Burnt.
Buried: 28 Dec 1910 St Mary the Virgin, Deane, Grave EE19. MI
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/383. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 253.
Family at home: Mother Eliza 63. Father Joseph 63 lived with a married daughter at 262 Gaskell St., Parr, St Helens.
HCF Dependants: Eliza Baker.
Compensation: LCM Special Case £5 and mother placed on fund as a widow at 4s./w. HCF 7s./w. WCA £276.5s (£30 lump sum, balance of £243.15s. invested to give 10s./w.).
Insurance: Unspecified £5.
Income: Before 35s.5d./w. After 21s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS.

BALFORN Fred
Age 30. 5 Peel Terrace (Church Street), Westhoughton. Drawer.
Born in Westhoughton birth registered Bolton 4th Q 1880.
Recovery No.158. Body position 274. Tally 953.
Recovered 24 Dec 1910 from Yard Downbrow District: between 2nd and 3rd places to north of No.2 jig, in face, in a group. Identified by Annie Balforn (sister).
Cause of death: CO (gas).
Buried: 27 Dec 1910 Westhoughton Cemetery, Section B Old Cemetery, Consecrated Ground, Grave 1168 (with Percival Monks); Register No.6079. MI
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/384. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 253.
Family at home: Mother Sarah Monks (formerly Balforn) 54 and Step-father Percival Monks 36 (killed); Balforn siblings Annie 27, Betsy 24, James 18; Step-sister Florence Monks 13.
Relation to other victims: Step-son of Percy Monks.
HCF Dependants: Sarah Monks.
Compensation: LCM £15. Combined for Percival Monks and Step-son Fred Balforn; HCF 9s.6d. WCA £275 (£30 lump sum, balance of £242.10s. invested to give 15s./w.).
Income: Combined for Step-father & -son; Before 56s.8d./w. After 28s.6d./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS.
Variants: Balfern (BR, LCM, PB, R).

BALL Job
Age 52. 402 Derby Street, Daubhill, Bolton. Dataller.
Born 3 Oct 1858 in Rumworth birth registered Bolton 4th Q 1858.
Recovery No.37. Body position 104. Tally 888.
Recovered 24 Dec 1910 from South Plodder Motor House under cog wheel. Identified by James Ball (brother) of 274 Deane Church Lane, Bolton.
Cause of death: Explosion. Burnt.
Buried: 27 Dec 1910 St Mary the Virgin, Deane, Grave G78.
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/385. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 253.
Family at home: Wife Sarah (Allen) 50; Children Mary 30, Ellen 26, Bertha 21, Ethel 11.
HCF Dependants: Sarah & Ethel Ball.
Compensation: LCM Widow and child annuity 4s./w. WCA £215.3s. (£3.2s. down plus a lump sum to the oldest daughter, balance of £187.10s. invested)
Insurance: Royal Liver £12.15s. Crossguns Society £5. Rumworth & Hulton Club £6.
Income: Before 27s.7d./w. After 8s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS.

BATES Enoch Arthur
Age 23. 29 Brancker Street, Chequerbent. Drawer.
Born in Garston birth registered West Derby 4th Q 1887.
Recovery No.103. Body position 168. Tally 1009.
Recovered 24 Dec 1910 from Yard Downbrow District: about 5 yards outbye No.3 jig. Identified by Ethel Bates (wife).
Cause of death: CO (gas).
Buried: 28 Dec 1910 St Mary the Virgin, Deane, Grave G275. MI
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/386. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 253.
Family at home: Wife Ethel (Bottomley) 21; Children John Arthur 8m.
HCF Dependants: Ethel & John Arthur Bates.
Compensation: LCM Widow and child annuity 6s./w. HCF 9s./w. WCA £280.16s.0d. (£35 lump sum, balance of £198.6s. invested to give 8s./w.).
Income: Before 36s./w. After 23s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS. Member of Daubhill Salvation Army Barracks – played trombone in the band.

BATTERSBY Joseph Grundy
Age 16. 306 Bolton Road, Westhoughton. Haulage Hand.
Born 24 May 1894 in Westhoughton birth registered Bolton 3rd Q 1894
Recovery No.229. Body position 266. Tally 1123.
Recovered 26 Dec 1910 from Yard East Jig District: top of No.1 east jig. Identified by James Stephen Battersby (father).
Cause of death: Explosion.
Buried: 29 Dec 1910 Westhoughton Cemetery, Section B New Cemetery, Consecrated Ground, Grave 1439; Register No.6066. MI
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/387. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 253.
Family at home: Parents James Stephen 38 & Mary Horrocks 38.
HCF Dependants: Mary Horrocks Battersby.
Compensation: LCM £15. HCF 5s./w. WCA £100 (£30 lump sum, balance of £68.5s. invested to give 10s./w.)
Income: Before 15s.2d./w. After 15s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS.
Variants: 306 Wigan Road, Westhoughton (BR, PB).

BAXTER James
Age 32. 501 Manchester Road, Westhoughton. Dataller.
Born in Astley birth registered Leigh 4th Q 1878. Baptised Astley St Stephen, 6 Oct 1878.
Body not identified but he worked in the South Plodder District and may be Unknown victim No.299 with Body position 127/128?
Coroner’s Inquest: Esther Baxter was Witness No.53 (Pope 1911).
Buried: Presumed to be in the vault for unknown victims, Westhoughton Cemetery.
Family at home: Wife Esther (Hughson) 32; Children John 7, Ellis 6.
Relation to other victims: Son of John snr, brother of John jnr & Sam Baxter.
HCF Dependants: Esther, John & Ellis Baxter.
Compensation: LCM Widow and children’s annuity 8s./w. HCF 11s./w. WCA £195 (£20 lump sum, balance of £152 invested to give 8s./w)
Insurance: Mechanics’ Society £8.
Income: Before 25s./w. After 27s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS.

BAXTER John
Age 30. 334 Ravenswood Terrace (Park Road), Chequerbent. Collier.
Born in Astley birth registered Leigh 1st Q 1880. Baptised Astley St Stephen, 2 May 1880.
Recovery No.76. Body position 153. Tally 994.
Recovered 24 Dec 1910 from Yard Downbrow District: about 40 yards outbye side of No.3 jig. Identified by Alice Baxter (mother).
Cause of death: CO (gas).
Buried: 28 Dec 1910 Westhoughton Cemetery, Section A New Cemetery, Consecrated Ground, Grave 26; Register No.6076.
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/388. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 253.
Family at home: Wife Ellen (Leigh) 32; Children Elizabeth Alice 5, John 8m.
Relation to other victims: Son of John snr, brother of James & Sam Baxter.
HCF Dependants: Ellen, Elizabeth Alice and John Baxter.
Compensation: LCM Widow and children’s annuity 8s./w. HCF 11s./w. WCA £284.1s. (£20 lump sum, balance of £251.19s.6d. invested to give 8s./w.).
Insurance: Pearl Assurance £15. Druids Society £8.
Income: Before 36s.5d./w. After 27s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS. His son John was the last recipient of payments from the HCF, and after he died in January 1973, the fund was closed (The Journal 26 Jan 1973).
Variants: 534 Park Road, Westhoughton (PB).

BAXTER John
Age 58. 8 Earnshaw Street, Daubhill, Bolton. Collier.
Born in Astley birth registered Leigh 4th Q 1852. Baptised Astley St Stephen, 19 Oct 1852.
Recovery No.77. Body position 152. Tally 993.
Recovered 24 Dec 1910 from Yard Downbrow District: 35 yards outbye of No.3 jig. Identified by Alice Baxter (wife). Property: can, knife, centre punch.
Cause of death: CO (gas).
Buried: 27 Dec 1910 Heaton Cemetery, Bolton, Grave 2/K/60 Church Ground (with Samuel Baxter & William Bromby). Later burials in same grave from Grave Deed 9200: Edith Baxter 14m on 21 Oct 1911. Alice Baxter 79 on 24 May 1934. MI
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/389. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 253.
Family at home: Wife Alice (Williams) 56; Adopted daughter Mary Jane Heeson 23.
Relation to other victims: Father of James, John & Sam Baxter. Adoptive father of William Bromby.
HCF Dependants: Alice Baxter.
Compensation: LCM Widow’s annuity 4s./w. HCF 7s./w. WCA £276.5s. (£30 lump sum, balance of £243.15s invested to give 8s./w.).
Insurance: Prudential £28.
Income: Before 35s.5d./w. After 19s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS.
Variants: Tally in error as 933 (PB).

BAXTER Samuel
Age 24. 789 Manchester Road, Over Hulton. Collier.
Born in Astley birth registered Leigh 2nd Q 1886. Baptised Astley St Stephen, 4 Jul 1886.
Recovery No.156. Body position 277. Tally 956.
Recovered 24 Dec 1910 from Yard Downbrow District: between 2nd and 3rd places to north of No.2 jig, in face, in a group. Identified by Jane Ellen Baxter (wife).
Cause of death: CO (gas).
Buried: 27 Dec 1910 Heaton Cemetery, Bolton, Grave 2/K/60 Church Ground (with John Baxter & William Bromby). Later burials in same grave from Grave Deed 9200: Edith Baxter 14m on 21 Oct 1911. Alice Baxter 79 on 24 May 1934. MI
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/390. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 253.
Family at home: Wife Jane Ellen 25; Children Edith 5m.
HCF Dependants: Jane Ellen & Edith Baxter.
Relation to other victims: Son of John snr, brother of James and John jnr Baxter.
Compensation: LCM Widow and child’s annuity 6s./w. HCF 9s./w. WCA £258.4s.7d. (£8.4s.7d lump sum, balance of £247.10s invested to give 8s./w.).
Insurance: Refuge Society £15. Druids Society £8.
Income: Before 33s.1d./w. After 23s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS.

BELLEW William
Age 19. 3 Library Street, Westhoughton (lodgings). Drawer.
Born in Preston birth registered Preston 4th Q 1891.
Recovery No.147. Body position 188. Tally 1061.
Recovered 24 Dec 1910 from Yard Downbrow District: 90 yards above No.2 jig, buried in face. Identified by Patrick Bellew (father) of 180 St Georges Road, Preston.
Cause of death: CO (gas).
Buried: 29 Dec 1910 Preston Cemetery Section R 557 Roman Catholic. Grave unmarked.
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/391. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 253.
Family at home: In Preston: Parents Patrick 47 & Elizabeth 47; Siblings John 21, Frances 16, Isabella 10.
HCF Dependants: Elizabeth Bellew.
Compensation: LCM £15. HCF 5s./w. WCA £50 (£20 lump sum, balance of £29.5s. invested to give 5s./w.).
Insurance: Unspecified £25.
Income: Before 26s.10d./w. After 10s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS. Roman Catholic. In Sgt. Brown’s book in the tally column are the words “No tally”, but with an apparently later insert of “(working tally 255) 1061”.

BENNETT Henry
Age 20. 23 Bolton Road, Westhoughton. Drawer.
Born 24 Sep 1890 in Westhoughton birth registered Bolton 3rd Q 1890.
Recovery No.111. Body position 172. Tally 1013.
Recovered 24 Dec 1910 from Yard Downbrow District: at corner of jig. Identified by Thomas Bennett (father).
Cause of death: CO (gas).
Buried: 28 Dec 1910 Westhoughton Cemetery, Section C New Cemetery, Unconsecrated Ground, Grave 204 (with William Bennett); Register No.6070. MI
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/394. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 254.
Family at home: Parents Thomas 55 & Alice 50; Siblings Israel 24, Thomas 22, William 17 (all 3 killed), Ellen 14, John 11.
Relation to other victims: Brother of Israel, Thomas and William Bennett.
HCF Dependants: Alice, Thomas & John Bennett.
Compensation: LCM £15. HCF & WCA see Israel Bennett.
Income: Combined for four brothers; Before £106s 10d./w. After 42s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS.

BENNETT Israel
Age 24. 23 Bolton Road, Westhoughton. Collier.
Born 26 Mar 1886 in Westhoughton birth registered Bolton 2nd Q 1886.
Recovery No.169. Body position 293. Tally 972.
Recovered 25 Dec 1910 from Yard Downbrow District: just below 971 (Joseph McCabe) and at corner of south cross roads. Identified by Thomas Bennett (father).
Cause of death: CO (gas).
Buried: 28 Dec 1910 Westhoughton Cemetery, Section C New Cemetery, Unconsecrated Ground, Grave 203 (with Thomas Bennett); Register No.6068. MI
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/392. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 253.
Family at home: Parents Thomas 55 & Alice 50; Siblings Thomas 22, Henry 20, William 17 (all 3 killed), Ellen 14, John 11.
Relation to other victims: Brother of Thomas, Henry and William Bennett.
HCF Dependants: Alice, Thomas & John Bennett.
Compensation: LCM £5 special case, mother placed on fund as a widow at 4s./w. Combined for 4 brothers; HCF 18s./w. WCA £480 (£50 lump sum, balance of £427.10s. invested to give 20s./w.).
Income: Combined for four brothers; Before £106s 10d./w. After 42s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS.
Variants: Recovered 24 Dec 1910 (PB).

BENNETT Thomas
Age 22. 23 Bolton Road, Westhoughton. Collier.
Born 30 Dec 1887birth in Westhoughton registered Bolton 1st Q 1888.
Recovery No.120. Body position 235. Tally 936.
Recovered 24 Dec 1910 from Yard Downbrow District East Level: 175 yards inbye of No.2 jig, in group. Identified by Thomas Bennett (father).
Cause of death: CO (gas).
Buried: 28 Dec 1910 Westhoughton Cemetery, Section C New Cemetery, Unconsecrated Ground, Grave 203 (with Israel Bennett); Register No.6069. MI
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/393. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 254.
Family at home: Parents Thomas 55 & Alice 50; Siblings Israel 24, Henry 20, William 17 (all 3 killed), Ellen 14, John 11.
Relation to other victims: Brother of Israel, Henry and William Bennett.
HCF Dependants: Alice, Thomas & John Bennett.
Compensation: LCM £15. HCF & WCA see Israel Bennett.
Income: Combined for four brothers; Before £106s 10d./w. After 42s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS.

BENNETT William
Age 17. 23 Bolton Road, Westhoughton. Drawer.
Born 29 Dec 1892 in Westhoughton birth registered Bolton 1st Q 1893.
Recovery No.129. Body position 176. Tally 1017.
Recovered 24 Dec 1910 from Yard Downbrow District: at east corner of jig bottom. Identified by Thomas Bennett (father).
Cause of death: CO (gas). Burnt.
Buried: 28 Dec 1910 Westhoughton Cemetery, Section C New Cemetery, Unconsecrated Ground, Grave 204 (with Henry Bennett); Register No.6071. MI
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/395. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 254.
Family at home: Parents Thomas 55 & Alice 50; Siblings Israel 24, Thomas 22, Henry 20 (all 3 killed), Ellen 14, John 11.
Relation to other victims: Brother of Israel, Thomas & Henry Bennett.
HCF Dependants: Alice, Thomas & John Bennett.
Compensation: LCM £15. HCF & WCA see Israel Bennett.
Income: Combined for four brothers; Before £106s 10d./w. After 42s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS.

BERRY James
Age 21. 202 Manchester Road, Westhoughton. Engineer’s Fitter.
Born in Aspull birth registered Wigan 1st Q 1890.
Recovery No.67. Body position 15. Tally 941.
Recovered 24 Dec 1910 from Yard Pit Shaft Area: No.4 Pit in pump mouthing side of pit, around shaft. Identified by Ernest Berry (brother) of 3 Newgate, Plodder Lane, Middle Hulton. Property: silver watch, metal chain, 2 ft rule, centre punch, lamp key, 2 pence, knife, 2 keys.
Cause of death: CO
Buried: 26 Dec 1910 Westhoughton Cemetery, Section C New Cemetery, Consecrated Ground, Grave 1305; Register No.5983. MI
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/396. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 254.
Family at home: Parents James 62 and Mary 66; Siblings Keziah 26.
HCF Dependants: Mary Berry.
Compensation: LCM £15. HCF 5s./w. WCA £120 (£20 lump sum, balance of £97.10s. invested to give 10s./w.).
Income: Before 12s.11d./w. After 15s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS.

BLUNDELL Henry
Age 38. 13 Lord Street, Westhoughton. Collier.
Born in Westhoughton birth registered Bolton 2nd Q 1872. Baptised 25 August 1872 at St Bartholomew,
Recovery No.278. Body position 92. Tally 1173.
Recovered 29 Dec 1910 from North Plodder District No.1 Face: on east side. Identified by Henry Blundell (father).
Cause of death: CO (gas). Burnt. Not decomposed at all. 8th day.
Coroner’s Inquest: Henry Blundell was Witness No.44 (Pope 1911). BEN (30 Dec 1910) report of the inquest recorded that he said “his son had come home and he had asked him ‘what was up’. Deceased had replied ‘well we were gassed out today” Sometimes deceased had come home on account of the conveyor”.
Buried: 30 Dec 1910 Westhoughton Cemetery, Section A Old Cemetery, Consecrated Ground, Grave 1960; Register No.6125. MI
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/397. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 254.
Family at home: Parents Henry 62 & Alice 62; Siblings Anne 40, Alice 31, Thomas 27, Maggie 23, Amelia 18.
HCF Dependants: Henry Blundell.
Compensation: LCM £15. HCF 5s./w. WCA £130 (£20 lump sum, balance of £107.10s. invested to give 5s./w.
Insurance: Unspecified £12.
Income: Before 29s.3d./w. After 10s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS. Member of Westhoughton Conservative Club.
Variants: Also known as Harry Blundell.

BOARDMAN George
Age 23. 22 Seddon Street, Westhoughton. Conveyor Attendant.
Born in Aspull birth registered Wigan 4th Q 1887.
Recovery No.274. Body position 87. Tally 1168.
Recovered 28 Dec 1910 from North Plodder District No.1 Face: on conveyor. Identified by Robert Boardman (brother).
Cause of death: CO (gas). Burnt.
Coroner’s Inquest: Robert Boardman was Witness No.45 (Pope 1911). BEN (30 Dec 1910) report of the inquest recorded that he said his brother “complained several times of gas. He had come home about twice a week through the conveyor. About a fortnight ago he was carried out through the gas”.
Buried: 30 Dec 1910 Westhoughton Cemetery, Section C New Cemetery, Unconsecrated Ground, Grave 67; Register No.6123.
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/398. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 254.
Family at home: Parents dead; Siblings Robert 25, William 18, Amelia 14, Herbert 11.
HCF Dependants: Amelia & Herbert Boardman.
Compensation: LCM £15. HCF 7s./w. WCA £30 (£20 lump sum, balance of £9.15s. invested to give 5s./w.)
Income: Before 28s./w. After 12s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS. Named on the Wingates Independent Methodist Chapel Memorial (Westhoughton Library).

BOARDMAN John
Age 33. 296 Bolton Road, Westhoughton. Collier.
Born 6 Dec 1877 in Westhoughton birth registered Bolton 1st Q 1878.
Recovery No.87. Body position 159. Tally 1000.
Recovered 24 Dec 1910 from Yard Downbrow District: about 40 yards outbye side of No.3 jig. Identified by Peter Boardman (brother) of 292 Bolton Road, Westhoughton.
Cause of death: CO (gas).
Buried: 28 Dec 1910 Westhoughton Cemetery, Section C New Cemetery, Consecrated Ground, Grave 1410; Register No.6072. MI
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/399. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 254.
Family at home: Wife Alice (Hurst) 39; Children Walter 2; Stepchildren surname Hurst, Mary Jane 16, Arthur 14, Elizabeth 7.
Relation to other victims: Brother of Walter Boardman.
HCF Dependants: Alice Boardman, Elizabeth Hurst, Walter Boardman.
Compensation: LCM Widow and children’s annuity 6s./w. HCF 11s./w. WCA £236.12s. (£20 lump sum, balance of £214.2s. invested to give 10s./w.).
Insurance: White Lion £8. Refuge £20.
Income: Before 30s.4d./w. After 27s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS. Named on the Independent Order of Oddfellows, Manchester Unity Lodge 1160 Memorial (Westhoughton Library).
Variants: Age 31 (DR, LCM, PB), 32 (BR).

BOARDMAN Walter
Age 28. 292 Bolton Road, Westhoughton. Collier.
Born in Westhoughton birth registered Bolton 3rd Q 1882.
Recovery No.202. Body position 245. Tally 1102.
Recovered 25 Dec 1910 from Yard East Jig District: 3 yards round corner at bottom of Crab Road. Identified by Thomas Boardman (brother).
Cause of death: Gas.
Buried: 28 Dec 1910 Westhoughton Cemetery, Section A Old School Site, Consecrated Ground, Grave 58; Register No.6086. MI
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/400. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 254.
Family at home: Mother Alice 62; Siblings Peter 29, Thomas 26.
Relation to other victims: Brother of John Boardman.
HCF Dependants: Alice Boardman.
Compensation: LCM £15. HCF 5s./w. WCA £100 (£20 lump sum, balance of £78 invested to give 7s.6d./w.).
Insurance: Unspecified £8.
Income: Before 24s.4d./w. After 12s.6d./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS. Named on the Independent Order of Oddfellows, Manchester Unity Lodge 1160 Memorial (Westhoughton Library).

BOND William Alfred
Age 28. 48 Wigan Road, Westhoughton. Collier.
Born in Westhoughton birth registered Bolton 3rd Q 1882.
Recovery No.31. Body position 37. Tally 881.
Recovered 23 Dec 1910 from Three Quarters Mine: by side of 880 (Samuel Hardman). Identified by Margaret Bond (wife).
Cause of death: CO. Extensive burns.
Buried: 25 Dec 1910 Westhoughton Cemetery, Section C New Cemetery, Consecrated Ground, Grave 979; Register No.5991. MI
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/401. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 254.
Family at home: Wife Margaret (Wood) 29; Children Richard Bond Wood (born before marriage) 8, John 6, William 4.
HCF Dependants: Margaret Bond, Richard Bond Wood, John, William & Roger Bond.
Compensation: LCM Widow and children’s annuity 8s./w. HCF 16s./w. WCA £300. (£20 lump sum, balance of 265 5d. invested to give 6s./w.).
Insurance: Albion Society £4.
Income: Before 38s.5d./w. After 30s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS.

BRADLEY John
Age 20. 6 Lee Common, Park Road, Westhoughton. Drawer.
Born in Westhoughton birth registered Bolton 2nd Q 1890.
Recovery No.199. Body position 110. Tally 1058.
Recovered 25 Dec 1910 from South Plodder District: top of last down brow in level. Identified by Elizabeth Bradley (mother).
Cause of death: Explosion.
Coroner’s Inquest: Elizabeth Bradley was Witness No.35 (Pope 1911).
Buried: 29 Dec 1910 Westhoughton Cemetery, Section C New Cemetery, Consecrated Ground, Grave 1422 (with William Bradley); Register No.6101. MI
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/403. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 255.
Family at home: Parents William 50 (killed) & Elizabeth 45; Siblings Mary Alice 16, Edward 12, Margaret 7.
Relation to other victims: Son of William Bradley.
HCF Dependants: Elizabeth Bradley.
Compensation: LCM £15.
Income: Combined for father & son; Before 52s.3d./w. After 31s.6d./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS.
Variants: Tally incorrectly recorded as 1038 in PB. Address incorrectly recorded as Leigh Common (LCM, PB). Age 21 (G).

BRADLEY William
Age 50. 6 Lee Common, Park Road, Westhoughton. Collier.
Born in Westhoughton birth registered Bolton 3rd Q 1860.
Recovery No.201. Body position 111. Tally 1059.
Recovered 25 Dec 1910 from South Plodder District: top of last down brow in level. Identified by Elizabeth Bradley (wife).
Cause of death: Gas. Burnt.
Coroner’s Inquest: Elizabeth Bradley was Witness No.35 (Pope 1911). BEN (27 Dec 1910) report of the inquest recorded that the widow of Wm. Bradley “had often complained of gas during the last fortnight”.
Buried: 29 Dec 1910 Westhoughton Cemetery, Section C New Cemetery, Consecrated Ground, Grave 1422 (with John Bradley); Register No.6100. MI
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/402. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 255.
Family at home: Wife Elizabeth 45; Children John 20 (killed), Mary Alice 16, Edward 12, Margaret 7.
Relation to other victims: Father of John Bradley.
HCF Dependants: Elizabeth, Edward & Margaret Bradley.
Compensation: LCM Widow and children’s annuity 8s./w. Combined for father William & son John; HCF 13s.6d./w. WCA £311 5s (£40 lump sum, balance of £268.15s invested to give 10s./w.).
Income: Before 52s.3d./w. After 31s 6d./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS.
Variants: Address incorrectly recorded as Leigh Common (LCM, PB).

BROMBY William
Age 37. 18 Hector Street, Daubhill, Bolton. Collier.
Born in Alkborough, Lincolnshire birth registered Glanford Brig 4th Q 1873 (as Bromby).
Recovery No.140. Body position 267. Tally 946.
Recovered 24 Dec 1910 from Yard Downbrow District: 5th place off No.2 jig in face and north of jig. Identified by Elizabeth Entwistle of 18 Hector Street, Daubhill, Bolton.
Cause of death: CO (gas).
Buried: 27 Dec 1910 Heaton Cemetery, Bolton, Grave 2/K/60 Church Ground (with John & Samuel Baxter). Later burials in same grave from Grave Deed 9200: Edith Baxter 14m on 21 Oct 1911. Alice Baxter 79 on 24 May 1934. MI
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/405. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 255.
Family at home: De facto wife Mrs. E. Entwistle (widow) and her 3 children.
Relation to other victims: ‘Adopted’ son of John Baxter snr.
HCF Dependants: None.
Compensation: LCM £5 to Mrs Entwistle for funeral expenses. £10 to his brother George Bromby of 51 Litherland Street, Bootle, Liverpool. WCA £5 each to Mrs Elizabeth Entwistle, 18 Hector St, Daubhill, and Mrs J. Baxter, 8 Earnshaw St, Daubhill.
Income: Not recorded.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS. A footnote in Sgt. Brown’s book says “Official Book Tally No.225”.
Variants: Brumby (DR, MI, PB, R).

BROWN William Thomas
Age 39. 2 France Street, Daisy Hill, Westhoughton. Collier.
Born in Westhoughton birth registered Bolton 1st Q 1871.
Recovery No.313. Body position 70. Tally 1095.
Recovered 4 Jan 1911 from North Plodder District: straight on east level. Identified by Oliver Hollingsworth (father-in-law) of 127 Hindley Road, Westhoughton.
Cause of death: Explosion. CO. Fractured ribs and sternum.
Coroner’s Inquest: BEN [5 Jan 1911] report of the inquest recorded that Oliver Hollingsworth stated “It is no use, I shall be boycotted happen, if I tell, but I will tell. He had complained of having to run in the main road twice a day for gas”. The Coroner replied “I didn’t think you need have any fear of being boycotted. I have heard the story of boycotting previously, and have made enquiries in the employer’s quarter, and I think I can say that nothing of that kind would be done. The Masters’ Federation are desirous of having the truth, and the whole truth at this inquiry, and I don’t think you have any fear. I know the story is abroad, but I want it to be dissipated. Every protection will be given that can be given if there is any suggestion of it”.
Buried: 5 Jan 1911 St James the Great, Daisy Hill, Westhoughton; Register No.492. Unmarked grave Bay 7 Plot 4, with later burial of Sarah Ann Brown 81 on 17 Feb 1954.
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/404. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 255.
Family at home: Wife Sarah Ann (Hollingsworth) 39; Children Mary Hannah 14 (deaf & dumb).
Relation to other victims: Brother-in-law of Edward and William Hollingsworth.
HCF Dependants: Sarah Ann & Mary Hannah Bradley.
Compensation: LCM Widow’s annuity 4s,/w. HCF 9s./w (Child allowed 4s./w till an institutional place allocated). WCA £263.5s. (£10 lump sum, balance of £250.15s invested to give 8s./w.).
Insurance: United Industrial Society £6. Flower of Westhoughton £10.
Income: Before 21s.3d./w. After 21s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS. Named on the Wingates Independent Methodist Chapel Memorial (Westhoughton Library).

BULLOUGH Adam
Age 28. 44 Wigan Road, Atherton. Collier.
Born in Westhoughton birth registered Bolton 1st Q 1882.
Recovery No.78. Body position 154. Tally 995.
Recovered 24 Dec 1910 from Yard Downbrow District: 40 yards outbye of No.3 jig. Identified by William Bullough (brother) of 46 Wigan Road.
Cause of death: CO (gas).
Buried: 27 Dec 1910 Atherton Cemetery, Grave NG 110; ceremony by Rev. J.J.Wright, Minister of Chowbent Unitarian Chapel. MI
Also buried in same grave is Nellie Bullough 5 on 18 Apr 1914.
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/406. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 255.
Family at home: Parents John 55 (killed) and Elizabeth 59; Siblings Ethel 16.
Relation to other victims: Son of John Bullough. Nephew of William Cowburn. Cousin of Robert Cowburn.
HCF Dependants: Elizabeth Bullough.
Compensation: LCM £15. Combined for father John & son Adam; HCF 13s.6d./w. WCA £350 (lump sum of £250 to be paid to mother in production of deeds linked to purchase of property).
Income: Before 30s.9d./w. Combined for father & son; Before 66s.9d./w. After 17s.6d./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS. Member of Chowbent Unitarian Chapel choir and Sunday School Class.

BULLOUGH John
Age 55. 44 Wigan Road, Atherton. Collier.
Born in Westhoughton birth registered Bolton 4th Q 1854.
Body not identified but he worked in the Yard Downbrow District and may be one of unknown victims Nos.106, 150, 171.
Coroner’s Inquest: Elizabeth Bullough was Witness No.52 (Pope 1911).
Buried: Presumed to be in the vault for unknown victims, Westhoughton Cemetery. MI
Family at home: Wife Elizabeth (Fletcher) 59; Children Adam 28 (killed), Ethel 16.
Relation to other victims: Father of Adam Bullough. Brother-in-law of William Cowburn. Uncle of Robert Cowburn.
HCF Dependants: Elizabeth Bullough [also names Adam Bullough – in error?].
Compensation: LCM Widow’s annuity 4s./w. Combined for father John & son Adam; HCF 13s.6d./w. WCA £350 (lump sum of £250 to be paid to widow in production of deeds linked to purchase of property). Note: 1918 correspondence - £400 in Compensation, invested in loan to Atherton District Council.
Insurance: Wesleyan £50.
Income: Combined for father & son; Before 66s.9d./w. After 17s.6d./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS. Founder member of Wingates Temperance Prize Band.

BYERS Fountain
Age 33. 16 Seddon Street, Westhoughton. Pusher-on.
Born 10 Sep 1877 in Adlington birth registered Chorley 4th Q 1877.
Not given a recovery number. Body position 1. Tally 851.
Recovered alive on 21 Dec 1910 from Yard Pit Shaft Area: Between and to the north of No3. and No4. shafts on the outbye end of the East Level. Died in Bolton Infirmary on 22 Dec 1910.
Cause of death: Explosion, burns and shock. Dr. Hatton described his condition as follows “He was badly burnt about the head, chest, back and body, arms, and legs, unconscious, covered with coal dust, and with a severe scalp wound on the back of his head. After attention he was removed to the Bolton Infirmary, where he died the following morning from shock due to his injuries. He was suffering from asphyxia, but with no definite symptoms of after-damp.”
Coroner’s Inquest: Held at Bolton Infirmary on 24 Dec 1910 by Borough Coroner Mr. J. Fearnley. BEN (24 Dec 1910) report of the inquest recorded that his wife stayed with him at the infirmary till he died. She asked if he could recollect anything about the accident, but he could not. She also stated he had not complained about his work.
Buried: 25 Dec 1910 St John, Wingates, Westhoughton; Register No.19. Grave 25. MI
Death registration: BRO 1911 SWB/12/68. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 229.
Family at home: Wife Sarah Ann (Jolley) 33; Children Richard 8.
Relation to other victims: Brother-in-law of Richard Jolley.
HCF Dependants: Sarah Ann & Richard Byers.
Compensation: LCM Widow and child’s annuity 6s./w. HCF 9s./w. WCA £300. (£20 lump sum, balance of £277.10s.invested to give 8s./w.).
Insurance: Prudential £56. Druids £8. Wingates £4.
Income: Before 38s.5d./w. After Total: 23s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS. Wingates Church choir leader. Named on the Wingates Independent Methodist Chapel Memorial (Westhoughton Library). Bolton & District Cricket Association. Funeral reported in BEN 27 Dec 1910. A biographical sketch of Fountain Byers was published in BJG 20 Jan 1911. His unusual first name was his grandmother’s maiden name (Andrea Finney pers.comm.).
Variants: Fountain Byers appears in Redmayne Appendix D as an unnumbered, apparently random insert after the men recovered on 16 January 1911 (3 weeks after his burial); as he has the lowest body position and tally number, it would have been logical for him to have been No.1 on the recovery list too, except for the fact he was still alive when brought up the shaft.

CALDERBANK Alfred
Age 48. 8 Bolton Road, Westhoughton. Back Fireman.
Born in Westhoughton birth registered Bolton 3rd Q 1862.
Recovery No.226. Body position 264. Tally 1121.
Recovered 26 Dec 1910 from Yard East Jig District: top of No.1 east jig. Identified by Mary Alice Calderbank (wife).
Cause of death: Explosion.
Buried: 27 Dec 1910 Westhoughton Cemetery, Section C New Cemetery, Consecrated Ground, Grave 1366 (with Robert Calderbank & Fred Dootson); Register No.6051. MI
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/407. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 255.
Family at home: Wife Mary Alice (Connor) 49; Children Robert 23 (killed), Lily 17, Edith 9.
Relation to other victims: Father of Robert Calderbank. Uncle of William Calderbank. Father-in-law of Fred Dootson.
HCF Dependants: Mary Alice & Edith Calderbank.
Compensation: LCM Widow and child’s annuity 6s./w. Combined for father Alfred & son Robert; HCF 11s.6d./w. WCA £339.11s. (£30 lump sum, balance of £307.1s invested to give 15s./w.).
Insurance: Unspecified £19.
Income: Combined for father & son; Before 56s.9d./w. After 32s.6d./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS. Member of Westhoughton Conservative Club.
Variants: Occupation Dataller (PB). Age generally reported as 49 but birth registration indicates he was 48.

CALDERBANK Robert
Age 23. 8 Bolton Road, Westhoughton. Dataller.
Born 6 May 1887 in Westhoughton birth registered Bolton 3rd Q 1887.
Recovery No.151. Body position 186. Tally 1027.
Recovered 24 Dec 1910 from Yard Downbrow District: 30 yards beyond 1026 (Albert Howarth), in level. Identified by Mary Alice Calderbank (mother).
Cause of death: Explosion.
Buried: 27 Dec 1910 Westhoughton Cemetery, Section C New Cemetery, Consecrated Ground, Grave 1366 (with Alfred Calderbank & Fred Dootson); Register No.6052. MI
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/409. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 255.
Family at home: Parents Alfred 49 (killed) and Mary Alice 49; Siblings Lily 17, Edith 9.
Relation to other victims: Son of Alfred Calderbank. Cousin of William Calderbank. Brother-in-law of Fred Dootson.
HCF Dependants: Mary Alice Calderbank.
Compensation: LCM £15. Combined for father Alfred & son Robert; HCF 11s.6d./w. WCA £339.11s. (£30 lump sum, balance of £307.1s invested to give 15s./w.).
Income: Before 22s.10d./w.- combined for father & son 56s.9d./w. After 32s.6d./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS.

CALDERBANK Thomas Alfred
Age 23. 37 Park Road, Westhoughton. Collier.
Born 9 Nov 1887 in Westhoughton birth registered Bolton 4th Q 1887.
Recovery No.135. Body position 180. Tally 1021.
Recovered 24 Dec 1910 from Yard Downbrow District: 10 yards up No.3 jig. Identified by Richard Calderbank (brother) of 3 Perth Street, Daubhill, Bolton.
Cause of death: CO (gas). Burnt extensively.
Buried: 27 Dec 1910 Westhoughton Cemetery, Section C New Cemetery, Non. Con. Ground, Grave 1774; Register No.6000.
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/410. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 255.
Family at home: Parents James 58 and Ellen 56; Siblings Betsy 30, Margaret Alice 25, James Edward 18, William Albert 15.
HCF Dependants: Ellen Calderbank.
Compensation: LCM £15. HCF 5s./w. WCA £70 (£20 lump sum, balance of £48.15s invested to give 5s./w.). Insurance: Unspecified £10.
Income: Before 23s.1d./w. After 10s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS. Member of the Independent Order of Rechabites. Nonconformist. Named on the Wingates Independent Methodist Chapel Memorial (Westhoughton Library).

CALDERBANK William
Age 21. 16 Bolton Road, Westhoughton. Drawer.
Born in Westhoughton birth registered Bolton 3rd Q 1889.
Recovery No.175. Body position 289. Tally 968.
Recovered 25 Dec 1910 from Yard Downbrow District: about 80 yards from face in No.2 jig. Identified by Joseph Calderbank (brother) of 32 School Lane, Upholland.
Cause of death: CO (gas). Burnt.
Buried: 27 Dec 1910 Westhoughton Cemetery, Section A Old Cemetery, Consecrated Ground, Grave 2159; Register No.6055. MI
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/408. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 255.
Family at home: Mother Mary 52; Siblings Thomas 28, James 17, Herbert 14, Annie 12.
Relation to other victims: Nephew of Alfred Calderbank. Cousin of Robert Calderbank.
HCF Dependants: Mary, Herbert & Annie Calderbank.
Compensation: LCM £15 and 4s./w. HCF 11s./w. WCA £80 (Nil lump sum, balance of £78 invested to give10s./w.).
Income: Before : 27s.8d./w. After 25s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS. Nonconformist. Named on the Wingates Independent Methodist Chapel Memorial (Westhoughton Library). A brother (James) aged 17 years who worked on the surface was injured by the explosion and was also suffering from shock (LCM).
Variants: Recovered 24 Dec 1910 (PB).

CATTELL Cyril
Age 14. 41 Bella Street, Daubhill, Bolton. Haulage Hand.
Born in Warrington birth registered Bolton 2nd Q 1896.
Recovery No.15. Body position 14. Tally 866.
Recovered 23 Dec 1910 from Yard Pit Shaft Area: in manhole near bottom of Plodder jig. Identified by Jane Cattell (mother). Property: watch case, small metal whistle.
Cause of death: Explosion.
Buried: 26 Dec 1910 Heaton Cemetery, Bolton, Grave 3/W5/77 Church Ground. Grave unmarked. Later burials in same grave from Grave Deed 9199: Iorweth Ivor Edwards 75 on 9 Feb 1929. Cyril Cattell 4 on 27 Jun 1929. Catherine Ann Edwards 76 on 31 Oct 1929. George Cattell 24 on 10 Jan 1935. Jane Elizabeth Cattell 63 on 18 Dec 1935.
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/412. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 255.
Family at home: Mother Jane Elizabeth 38; Siblings Evelyn 17, Sidney 13, William 12 (Father had lived away for 9 years).
HCF Dependants: Jane Elizabeth Cattell.
Compensation: LCM Special case £5 granted at 4s./w. HCF 5s./w. WCA £75 (£25 lump sum, balance of £48.15s invested to give 10s./w.).
Income: Before 8s.3d./w. After 15s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS.
Variants: Cathel (R). In PB incorrectly described as a Hooker-on. Age 15 (G).

CATTERALL William
Age 40. 2 Spring Gardens, Atherton. Collier.
Born in Buckley, Flintshire birth registered Chester 1st Q 1870 (as Catherall).
Recovery No.339. Body position not recorded. Tally 1200.
Recovered 29 Jan 1911 from Top Yard District. Identified by Sarah Catterall (wife) from clothing (BEN 30 Jan 1911). Property: tobacco box.
Cause of death: Explosion, CO, buried by fall. Burnt.
Coroner’s Inquest: Sarah Catterall was Witness No.55 (Pope 1911).
Buried: 1 Feb 1911 Atherton Cemetery. Unmarked grave NG 1910; ceremony by Rev. J.J. Wright, Minister of Chowbent Unitarian Chapel. Also buried in same grave is William Catterall 16 on 17 Sep 1913.
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/411. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 255.
Family at home: Wife Sarah (Baldwin) 42; Children Hannah 19, William 13, John 11, Dinah 8, Mary 3, Francis 1.
HCF Dependants: Sarah Jane, William, John, Dinah, Mary & Francis Catterall.
Compensation: LCM Widow and children’s annuity 14s./w. HCF 17s./w. WCA £218.19.5d. (£20 lump sum, balance of £187.6s.5d invested to give 5s./w.).
Insurance: Royal Victoria Burial £6.
Income: Before 28s.1d./w. After 36s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS.
Variants: Catherall (HCF, LCM), Caperall (R). Birth registration and censuses suggest Catherall was the original spelling in Flintshire, but the name modified to Catterall in Lancashire. Tally from PB, not recorded in Redmayne. Recovered 28 Jan 1911 (PB).

CHADWICK Jesse
Age 23. 23 Adelaide Street, Daubhill, Bolton. Collier.
Born in Middle Hulton birth registered Bolton 1st Q 1887.
Recovery No.190. Body position 57. Tally 1051.
Recovered 25 Dec 1910 from North Plodder District: 10 yards inbye west level. Identified by Alice Chadwick (wife).
Cause of death: Gas. Burnt (in Sgt. Brown’s book it says “p.m. burns”).
Coroner’s Inquest: Alice Chadwick was Witness No.50 (Pope 1911). BEN (27 Dec 1910) report of the inquest recorded that the widow of Jesse Wallwork [this must be an error for Chadwick, who was the only victim named Jesse] said he had complained of gas.
Buried: 27 Dec 1910 St Mary the Virgin, Deane, Grave G50.
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/413. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 256.
Family at home: Wife Alice (Clark) 21; Children Florence 2, another expected.
HCF Dependants: Alice, Florence & Jessie Chadwick.
Compensation: LCM Widow and child’s annuity 8s./w. HCF 11s./w. WCA £243.15s. (£20 lump sum, balance of £206.5s.6d invested to give 8s./w.).
Insurance: Philanthropic £14.10s.
Income: Before 31s.3d./w. After 27s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS.
Variants: 20 Adelaide Street (BR, PB).

CHADWICK Orlando
Age 42. The Heatons, Chew Moor Lane, Westhoughton. Collier.
Born 29 June 1868 in Westhoughton birth registered Bolton 3rd Q 1868.
Recovery No.200. Body position 244. Tally 1101.
Recovered 25 Dec 1910 from Yard East Jig District: 16 yards from turn where Crab was. Identified by Levi Worthington (brother-in-law), of 516 Wigan Road, Deane, Bolton.
Cause of death: Gas.
Coroner’s Inquest: Levi Worthington was Witness No.20 (Pope 1911).
Buried: 29 Dec 1910 Westhoughton Cemetery, Section C New Cemetery, Consecrated Ground, Grave 1508; Register No.6105. MI
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/414. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 255.
Family at home: Mother Mary 74.
HCF Dependants: Jane [sic] Chadwick.
Compensation: LCM £15. HCF Mother placed on fund as a widow at 3s./w. WCA £65 (Nil lump sum, balance of £63.5s invested to give 5s./w.).
Income: Before 19s.9d./w. After 8s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS. Named on the Independent Order of Oddfellows, Manchester Unity Lodge 1160 Memorial (Westhoughton Library).
Variants: Address 3 Heatons, Chew Moor Lane (BR), 3 The Heatons, Mirey Lane (PB).

CHETWYND Arthur
Age 21. 180 Bolton Road, Westhoughton. Drawer.
Born in Stalybridge birth registered Ashton-under-Lyne 2nd Q 1889.
Recovery No.69. Body position 147. Tally 988.
Recovered 24 Dec 1910 from Yard Downbrow District: 35 yards outbye No.3 jig. Identified by Mary Ann Chetwynd (wife).
Cause of death: CO (gas).
Buried: 27 Dec 1910 St Mary, Weaverham, Cheshire. MI
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/415. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 256.
Family at home: Wife Mary Ann (Inglefield) 23; Children Arthur 1, another expected.
HCF Dependants: Mary Ann, Arthur, Cyril.
Compensation: LCM Widow and child’s annuity 8s./w. HCF 11s./w. WCA £175.10s. (£20 lump sum, balance of £143.15s.1d. invested to give 8s./w.).
Income: Before 22s.6d./w. After 27s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS. His father John Chetwynd was the Station Master at Acton Bridge in Cheshire. The funeral was reported in the Northwich Guardian 30 Dec 1910, and Northwich Chronicle 31 Dec 1910.
Variants: Widow’s address Station House, Acton Bridge, Northwich.

CLARKE James
Age 24. 438 Ravenswood Terrace, Chequerbent (lodgings). Collier.
Born in Northwich, Cheshire birth registered Northwich 1st Q 1886.
Recovery No.263. Body position 308. Tally 1089.
Recovered 26 Dec 1910 from Top Yard District: alongside 1088 (Harry Partington). Identified by William Hastie (Landlord) of same address.
Cause of death: CO. Not decomposed.
Buried: 30 Dec 1910 St Helen’s churchyard, Witton, Northwich, Cheshire.
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/416. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 256.
Family at home: At 24 Oak Street, Northwich, Cheshire: Parents Robert 49 and Elizabeth 36 Rathbone (James was born to Elizabeth Clarke before his parents married in late 1886); Siblings Violet 19, Florence Mary 16, Elizabeth 12, Mary 6.
HCF Dependants: Elizabeth Rathbone.
Compensation: LCM £15. HCF 5s./w. WCA £50 invested to give 10s./w.
Income: Before 23s./w. After 15s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS. Member of Roebuck Tontine Club (Northwich). Bolton & District Cricket Association. The funeral was reported in the Northwich Chronicle 7 Jan 1911.
Variants: Clarke Rathbone (name on coffin), Clark (LCM). Address 649 Manchester Road, Chequerbent (PB). Age 23 (DR, G).

CLAYTON Richard
Age 52. 232 Church Street, Westhoughton. Fireman.
Born in Congleton, Cheshire birth registered 3rd Q 1858.
Recovery No.1. Tally 852.
Recovered 21 Dec 1910 from an air crossing in the Arley Mine workings from No.4 Shaft. Identified by Herbert Clayton (son). Property: knife, key, nut, railway ticket.
Cause of death: Suffocation. Dr Hatton described his condition as follows “…was found insensible, though there were no traces of any violent disturbance due to the explosion near him. Artificial respiration and every means of recovery were resorted to, without avail. On being brought to the surface a plug of tobacco was found lodged in his throat. It would be difficult to say whether it was the cause or the effect of death. He was certainly asphyxiated, which might very likely be caused by foul and impure air, of which a good deal had penetrated the Arley workings.”
Coroner’s Inquest: BEN [23 Dec 1910). Report of the inquest recorded that his son Herbert stated that Richard Clayton was in good health when he left home for work on Wednesday, and had not complained of working conditions.
Buried: 24 Dec 1910 Swinton Cemetery after a service at Trinity Wesleyan Church, Westhoughton. Other burials in the same grave Ada Clayton 18m on 10 Nov 1888, James Robert Harris 9m on 28 Jun 1902, Alice Clayton 2d on 1 Mar 1920, Elizabeth Clayton 66 on 11 Apr 1924. MI
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/417. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 256.
Family at home: Wife Elizabeth (Benyon) 52; Children Herbert 21, Florrie 19; adopted daughter Annie Butterworth 13.
HCF Dependants: Elizabeth Clayton & Annie Butterworth.
Compensation: LCM Widow’s annuity 4s./w. HCF 9s./w inc. 2s./w for adopted daughter. WCA £297.1s.0d. (£30 lump sum, balance of £248.1s invested to give 8s./w.).
Income: Before 38s.1d./w. After 21s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS. Wesleyan Methodist. Richard Clayton was the only man who died in the Arley Mine workings accessed from No.4 Shaft.
Variants: Age 51 (DR), 55 (PB). Clayton’s death in the Arley Mine seems to have caused confusion in the reports. In Redmayne his body position is 336, which is an erroneous duplication of William Dyke’s body position in the Top Yard District. The body locations refer only to corpses recovered from No3. Shaft workings, so Clayton cannot have a body position number. Sgt. Brown’s book erroneously gives Clayton’s body position as “Yard Mine East side near pit under a timber cart” – a duplicate of unidentified body No.9.

CLYNES Edward
Age 15. 19 Garden Place, Atherton. Lasher-on.
Born 17 Apr 1895 in Atherton birth registered Leigh 2nd Q 1895.
Recovery No.308. Body position 17. Tally 1181.
Recovered 4 Jan 1911 from Yard Pit Shaft Area: bottom of No.3 Pit. Identified by Edward Clynes (father).
Cause of death: Explosion. CO. All limbs fractured, head blown off. Chest and abdomen laid open.
Coroner’s Inquest: A report on the inquest in the Wigan Observer stated that Edward Clynes (father) said that he “had heard no complaints from him whatever”.
Buried: 6 Jan 1911 Atherton Cemetery. Unmarked grave NG 1854 (with Fred Hook). Others buried in same grave: Frederick Hook 40 on 5 May 1910, John Clynes 12m on 27 Apr 1912, Edna Clynes 12m on 23 Jun 1933.
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/431. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 257.
Family at home: Parents Edward 37 and Elizabeth 35; Siblings Ethel 8, Sidney 4, Charlotte 2.
Relation to other victims: Cousin of Frederick Hook.
HCF Dependants: Elizabeth Clynes.
Compensation: LCM £15. HCF 5s./w. WCA £115 (£20 lump sum, balance of £92.10s. invested to give 10s./w.).
Insurance: Unspecified £12.5s.
Income: Before 9s.5d./w. After 15s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS.
Variants: The correct address comes from Sgt. Brown’s original book, and the Atherton Cemetery register; incorrectly given as 18 Garden Street (LCM), and in PB incorrectly transcribed as Garden Hall. Sgt. Brown’s book incorrectly records the body location as “Harley [sic] pit bottom, in bottom of pit.” The Arley Pit was No.4 shaft, and only James Higham’s body was recovered from No.4 shaft.

COFFEY Ambrose
Age 24. 223 Leigh Road, Daisy Hill, Westhoughton. Collier.
Born in Walkden birth registered Barton upon Irwell 2nd Q 1886.
Recovery No.50. Body position 195. Tally 896.
Recovered 24 Dec 1910 from Yard Downbrow District East Level: in group, outbye of No.2 jig. Identified by Elizabeth Ann Coffey (wife).
Cause of death: CO.
Buried: 28 Dec 1910 Westhoughton Cemetery, Section C New Cemetery, Consecrated Ground, Grave 1416; Register No.6083. MI
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/418. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 256.
Family at home: Wife Elizabeth Ann (Hellam) 21; Children John 2, Ambrose 1.
Relation to other victims: Brother of Frederick and John Lawrence Coffey. Brother-in-law of Henry Dootson.
HCF Dependants: Elizabeth Ann, John & Ambrose Coffey.
Compensation: LCM Widow and children’s annuity 8s./w. HCF 11s./w. WCA £196.6s (£20 lump sum, balance of £173.16s. invested to give 10s./w.).
Insurance: Albion £16.
Income: Before 25s.2d./w. After 29s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS.

COFFEY Frederick
Age 30. 355 Leigh Road, Daisy Hill, Westhoughton. Collier.
Born in Walkden birth registered Barton upon Irwell 4th Q 1880.
Recovery No.59. Body position 205. Tally 906.
Recovered 24 Dec 1910 from Yard Downbrow District East Level: in group, outbye of No.2 jig. Identified by Harriet Coffey (wife).
Cause of death: CO.
Buried: 27 Dec 1910 St James the Great, Daisy Hill, Westhoughton; Register No.480. MI
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/420. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 256.
Family at home: Wife Harriet 25; Children Lily Hills (illegitimate), John Lawrence 1.
Relation to other victims: Brother of Ambrose and John Lawrence Coffey. Brother-in-law of Henry Dootson.
HCF Dependants: Harriet Amelia & John Lawrence Coffey & Edith Lillian Daisy Hills.
Compensation: LCM Widow and children’s annuity 6s./w. HCF 11s./w. WCA £219.14s. (£20 lump sum, balance of £188.19s invested to give 8s./w.).
Insurance: Albion £13.
Income: Before 28s.7d./w. After 25s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS.
Variants: Harriet Coffey’s address in compensation claims was given as 223 Leigh Road (where Ambrose Coffey lived).

COFFEY John Lawrence
Age 28. 33 Manchester Road, Wingates, Westhoughton. Collier.
Born in Walkden birth registered Barton upon Irwell 3rd Q 1882.
Recovery No.114. Body position 231. Tally 932.
Recovered 24 Dec 1910 from Yard Downbrow District East Level: 175 yards inbye of No.2 jig, in group. Identified by Elizabeth Coffey (wife). Property: watch & chain, 8d.
Cause of death: CO (gas).
Buried: 26 Dec 1910 St John, Wingates, Westhoughton; Register No.31. Grave 325. MI
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/419. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 256.
Family at home: Wife Elizabeth (Lunn) 24; Children Annie 1.
Relation to other victims: Brother of Ambrose and Frederick Coffey. Brother-in-law of Henry Dootson.
HCF Dependants: Elizabeth & Annie Coffey.
Compensation: LCM Widow and child’s annuity 6s./w. HCF 9s./w. WCA £206.14s. (£20 lump sum, balance of £184.4s. invested – nil /w.).
Insurance: Black Horse £10. Albion £9. Wingates £4.
Income: Before 24s.6d./w. After 15s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS. Bolton & District Cricket Association. Nonconformist. Named on the Wingates Independent Methodist Chapel Memorial (Westhoughton Library).
Variants: Elizabeth Coffey’s address in compensation claims was given as 286 Church Street, Westhoughton.

CONNOLLY William
Age 16. 25 Chorley Road, Westhoughton. Dataller.
Born in Westhoughton birth registered Bolton 1st Q 1895.
Body not identified; believed to have been working in the North Plodder District.
Coroner’s Inquest: Jane Conolly [sic] was Witness No.74 (Pope 1911).
Buried: Presumed to be in the vault for unknown victims, Westhoughton Cemetery. MI
Family at home: Parents Patrick 59 and Jane 55; Siblings Eliza 30, Edward 25, Thomas 25, Ellen 21.
HCF Dependants: Jane Connolly.
Compensation: LCM £15. HCF 5s./w. WCA £50 (£20 lump sum, balance of £29.5s. invested to give 5s./w.).
Insurance: Unspecified £5.
Income: Before 11s.3d./w. After 10s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS. Roman Catholic (altar clerk). Member of the Independent Order of Rechabites. His father Patrick had a weak heart and died on 24 Dec 1910, apparently from shock at the disaster.
Variants: Conelley (LCM), Connelly (HCF).

COOP Thomas Henry
Age 28. 96 Leigh Road, Westhoughton. Conveyor Attendant.
Born in Westhoughton birth registered Bolton 4th Q 1882.
Recovery No.268. Body position 81. Tally 1162.
Recovered 27 Dec 1910 from North Plodder District No.1 Face: in brow 17 yards from face. Identified by Wright Coop (father) of 6 Tithebarn Street, Westhoughton.
Cause of death: CO.
Buried: 29 Dec 1910 Westhoughton Cemetery, Section C New Cemetery, Consecrated Ground, Grave 1364; Register No.6046. MI
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/421. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 256.
Family at home: Wife Harriet Eliza (Radway) 25; Children James Austin 4, Ethel 2, Ruth 5w.
HCF Dependants: Harriet Eliza, James Austin, Ethel & Ruth Coop.
Compensation: LCM Widow and children’s annuity 10s./w. HCF 13s./w. WCA £230.15s. (£20 lump sum, balance of £208.5s. invested to give 6s./w.).
Insurance: Prudential £22.9s. Free Mechanics £8.
Income: Before 29s.7d/w. After 29s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS. Bolton & District Cricket Association.

COPE Robert
Age 19. 24 Woodbine Road, Daubhill, Bolton. Haulage Hand.
Born: not known where, but possibly in Atherton.
Recovery No.233. Body position 310. Tally 1125.
Recovered 26 Dec 1910 from Top Yard District: 2 yards beyond Josiah Lee. Identified by William Cope.
Cause of death: Explosion. CO. Much decomposed.
Coroner’s Inquest: William Cope was Witness No.16 (Pope 1911). BEN (27 Dec 1910) report of the inquest recorded that the witness said that Robert Cope had complained of gas.
Buried: 28 Dec 1910 St Mary the Virgin, Deane, Grave EE50. MI
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/422. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 256.
Family at home: Parents William 60 and Sarah 61.
HCF Dependants: Sarah Cope.
Compensation: LCM £15 and mother allowed 4s./w. HCF 7s./w. WCA £75 (£25 lump sum, balance of £48.15s. invested to give 10s./w.).
Income: Before 17s.10d./w. After 21s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS. Robert Cope is something of a mystery as there is no record of him with the Cope family in the 1901 census, nor is there an appropriate birth registration.

COWBURN Robert
Age 16. 61 Croston Street, Daubhill, Bolton. Haulage Hand.
Born in Westhoughton birth registered Bolton 1st Q 1894.
Body not identified; believed to have been working in the North Plodder District.
Coroner’s Inquest: Elizabeth Cowburn was Witness No.56 (Pope 1911). BEN (30 Dec 1910) report of the inquest recorded that she said “her husband had complained about there being so much gas in the mine”.
Buried: Presumed to be in the vault for unknown victims, Westhoughton Cemetery. MI
Family at home: Parents William 42 (killed) and Elizabeth 40; Siblings Joseph 18, Adam 16, James 13, Maggie 11, Ada 9, William 8, Phyllis 1.
Relation to other victims: Son of William Cowburn. Nephew of John Bullough. Cousin of Adam Bullough.
HCF Dependants: Elizabeth Cowburn.
Compensation: LCM £15. Combined for father William and son Robert; HCF 21s.6d./w. WCA £365.1s. (£50 lump sum, balance of £312.12s. invested – nil /w.).
Income: Before for Robert 15s.9d./w. After combined for father & son 33s.6d./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS. MI is at St Mary, Deane. Named on Wingates Independent Methodist Chapel Memorial (Westhoughton Library).

COWBURN Samuel
Age 55. 18 Mabel Street, Daisy Hill, Westhoughton. Collier.
Born in Westhoughton birth registered Bolton 3rd Q 1855.
Recovery No.265. Body position 301. Tally 1074.
Recovered 27 Dec 1910 from Top Yard District: in place to left of level. Identified by Harry Cowburn (son).
Cause of death: CO.
Coroner’s Inquest: Harry Cowburn was Witness No.10 (Pope 1911). BEN (28 Dec 1910) report of the inquest recorded that “he was said by his son to have complained about gas and his place being warm and no air. Witness said he had worked four years in the pit himself, and he had had to run to the pit eye out of the workings owing to gas coming on the face and putting the lights out”.
Buried: 30 Dec 1910 St James the Great, Daisy Hill, Westhoughton; Register No.489. MI
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/424. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 257.
Family at home: Daughter Margaret Ellen 30 (he was a widower).
HCF Dependants: Margaret Ellen Cowburn.
Compensation: LCM Special Case daughter allowed £5 at 4s./w. HCF 4s./w. WCA £255.9s. (£20 lump sum, balance of £210.16s.6d. invested to give 10s./w.).
Insurance: Prudential £1.8s.
Income: Before 32s.9d./w. After 14s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS.
Variants: Age 52 (G).

COWBURN William
Age 40. 61 Croston Street, Daubhill, Bolton. Collier.
Born in Westhoughton as William Norris birth registered Bolton 1st Q 1870 (born before his parents James Cowburn and Ellen Norris were married).
Recovery No.275. Body position 88. Tally 1169.
Recovered 29 Dec 1910 from North Plodder District No.1 Face: near conveyor. Identified by Robert Cowburn (brother) of 3 Esther Fold, Westhoughton.
Cause of death: CO (gas). Burnt. Not decomposed.
Coroner’s Inquest: Robert Cowburn was Witness No.41 and recalled after Mary Woolstencroft Witness No. 72 (Pope 1911). A report on the inquest in the Wigan Observer stated that his brother said that “he had complained of there being so much gas in the mine”.
Buried: 31 Dec 1910 St Mary the Virgin, Deane, Grave G266. MI
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/423. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 257.
Family at home: Wife Elizabeth (Bullough) 40; Children Joseph 18, Robert 16 (killed), Adam 16, James 13, Maggie 11, Ada 9, William 8, Phyllis 1.
Relation to other victims: Father of Robert Cowburn. Brother-in-law of John Bullough. Uncle of Adam Bullough.
HCF Dependants: Elizabeth, James, Margaret, Ada, William & Phyllis Cowburn.
Compensation: LCM Widow and children’s annuity 12s./w. Combined for father William and son Robert; HCF 21s.6d./w. WCA £365.1s. (£50 lump sum, balance of £312.12s. invested – nil /w.).
Income: Combined for father & son; Before 47s.2d./w. After 33s.6d./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS. Member of the Independent Order of Rechabites. Member of Wingates Temperance Prize Band. Named on Wingates Independent Methodist Chapel Memorial (Westhoughton Library).
Variants: Age 42 (LCM, PB, Death registration). He was either late 40 or just turned 41.

CRITCHLEY Mark
Age 22. 9 Park Road, Westhoughton. Hooker-on.
Born 17 June 1888 in Westhoughton birth registered Bolton 3rd Q 1888.
Recovery No.10. Body position 7. Tally 859.
Recovered 23 Dec 1910 from Yard Pit Shaft Area: on full tubs, between Office and No.3 Pit. Identified by John Helm of 9 Park Road, Westhoughton (brother-in-law).
Cause of death: Explosion.
Buried: 25 Dec 1910 Westhoughton Cemetery, Section C New Cemetery, Consecrated Ground, Grave 1337 (with Samuel Critchley); Register No.6024. MI
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/429. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 257.
Family at home: Parents dead, lived with brother-in-law and married sister John and Elizabeth (46) Helm, and their family.
Relation to other victims: Brother of Samuel Critchley.
HCF Dependants: Elizabeth Helm.
Compensation: LCM £15. HCF 5s./w. WCA £40 (£5 lump sum, balance paid at 5s./w.).
Income: Before 16s.4d./w. After 10s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS. Member of Westhoughton Reform Club. Member of Westhoughton Cricket Club and Westhoughton Parish Church Guild Football Club. A noted bowler who won the Bolton & District League Cup in the previous season.

CRITCHLEY Samuel
Age 29. 37 Bolton Road, Westhoughton. Collier.
Born 27 December 1880 in Westhoughton birth registered Bolton 1st Q 1881.
Recovery No.125. Body position 237. Tally 938.
Recovered 24 Dec 1910 from Yard Downbrow District East Level: 175 yards inbye of No.2 jig, in group. Identified by James Bond (brother-in-law) of 37 Bolton Road, Westhoughton.
Cause of death: CO (gas).
Buried: 25 Dec 1910 Westhoughton Cemetery, Section C New Cemetery, Consecrated Ground, Grave 1337 (with Mark Critchley); Register No.6025. MI
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/425. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 257.
Family at home: Parents dead, lived with brother-in-law and married sister James and Mary Ann Bond 27.
Relation to other victims: Brother of Mark Critchley.
HCF Dependants: Mary Ann Bond.
Compensation: LCM £15. HCF 5s./w. WCA £85 (£20 lump sum, balance paid at 5s./w.).
Income: Before 29s.1d./w. After 10s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS.

CROOK Walter
Age 16. 27 Hilton Street, Atherton. Haulage Hand.
Born in Atherton birth registered Leigh 2nd Q 1894.
Recovery No.132. Body position 178. Tally 1019.
Recovered 24 Dec 1910 from Yard Downbrow District: 3 yards up No.3 jig. Identified by Elizabeth Crook (mother).
Cause of death: CO (gas). Burnt.
Buried: 28 Dec 1910 Atherton Cemetery. Unmarked grave NG 1058. Others buried in same grave: Mary Crook 4 on 19 Nov 1891, William Hodkinson 59 on 17 Sep 1892, Thomas Crook 4 on 2 Oct 1908.
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/426. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 257.
Family at home: Parents Thomas 40 and Eliza 50; Siblings John 21, Bessie 18, Pollie 12, Harry 10.
HCF Dependants: Eliza Crook.
Compensation: LCM £15. HCF 5s./w. WCA £85 (£20 lump sum, balance of £63.5s. invested to give 5s./w.).
Insurance: Royal London £9.15s
Income: Before 10s.6d./w. After 10s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS.

CROSTON Ralph
Age 25. 321 Church Street, Westhoughton. Drawer.
Born 28 Feb 1885 in Westhoughton birth registered Bolton 1st Q 1885.
Recovery No.173. Body position 290. Tally 969.
Recovered 25 Dec 1910 from Yard Downbrow District: about 80? yards from face in No.2 jig. Identified by Henry Croston (father) of 321 Church Street, Westhoughton.
Cause of death: Explosion. CO (gas).
Coroner’s Inquest: Henry Croston was Witness No.31 (Pope 1911).
Buried: 27 Dec 1910 Westhoughton Cemetery, Section A Old Cemetery, Consecrated Ground, Grave 965; Register No.6061. MI
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/427. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 257.
Family at home: Parents Henry 52 and Margaret 53; Siblings Rachel 22, Sarah 19, Timothy 17, Maggie 15, Henry 11.
HCF Dependants: Margaret & Rachel Croston.
Compensation: LCM £15. HCF 7s./w. WCA £90 (£40 down, balance of £48.15s. invested to give 10s./w.).
Insurance: Unspecified £2.18s.
Income: Before 28s.10d./w. After 17s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS. Nonconformist. Named on the Wingates Independent Methodist Chapel Memorial (Westhoughton Library).
Variants: Recovered 24 Dec 1910 (PB).

CROSTON William
Age 38. 44 Chorley Road, Westhoughton. Collier.
Born in Hindley birth registered Wigan 2nd Q 1872.
Recovery No.211. Body position 255. Tally 1112.
Recovered 26 Dec 1910 from Yard East Jig District: in yard east jig junction, 40 yards. Identified by Lambert Ratcliffe (brother-in-law) of 85 Chorley Road, Westhoughton.
Cause of death: CO (gas).
Coroner’s Inquest: Lambert Ratcliffe was Witness No.22 (Pope 1911).
Buried: 28 Dec 1910 St John, Wingates, Westhoughton; Register No.35. Grave 110. MI
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/428. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 257.
Family at home: Wife Ellen; Children Annie 10w.
HCF Dependants: Ellen & Annie Croston, Jane Holden.
Compensation: LCM Widow and child’s annuity 6s./w. HCF 11s./w. WCA £228.16s. (£20 lump sum, balance of £206.6s. invested to give 8s./w.).
Insurance: Dog Club £8. Sick Club £4.
Income: Before 29s.4d./w. After 25s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS. Named on the Wingates Independent Methodist Chapel Memorial (Westhoughton Library).

CURWEN Robert Clifford
Age 19. 20 Fairview Road, Oxton, Birkenhead. Student Mining Engineer.
Born 27 Jan 1891 in Oxton, Birkenhead, Cheshire birth registered Birkenhead 1st Q 1891.
Recovery No.227. Body position 265. Tally 1122.
Recovered 26 Dec 1910 from Yard East Jig District: top of No.1 east jig. Identified by Sidney Williams (brother-in-law) of 10 Arno Road, Oxton, Birkenhead.
Cause of death: Explosion.
Buried: 28 Dec 1910 Flaybrick Cemetery, Birkenhead, Non-conformist Section: Private Grave Section 6 No.135. MI
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/430. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 257.
Family at home: Lodged in Westhoughton, returned to Birkenhead at weekends. Both parents dead.
HCF Dependants: None.
Notes: Had been at Pretoria for two weeks, and prior to that at Walker Bros. Foundry in Wigan (BEN 23 Dec 1910). No financial details available.

DARLINGTON Joseph
Age 28. 126 Elizabeth Street, Atherton. Collier.
Born in Tyldesley birth registered Leigh 1st Q 1883.
Recovery No.143. Body position 139. Tally 980.
Recovered 24 Dec 1910 from Yard Downbrow District: near face of No.3 jig. Identified by Sarah Ann Darlington (wife).
Cause of death: CO (gas).
Buried: 27 Dec 1910 Atherton Cemetery, Grave NG 1679. MI
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/432. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 257.
Family at home: Wife Sarah Ann (Eccleston) 28; Children Edna 7, Ethel 5.
Relation to other victims: Son-in-law of James Eccleston snr. Brother-in-law of James jnr and William Eccleston.
HCF Dependants: Sarah Ann, Edna & Ethel Darlington.
Compensation: LCM Widow and children’s annuity 8s./w. HCF 11s./w. WCA £255.12s.8d. (£20 lump sum, balance of £201.15s.7d. invested to give 8s./w.).
Insurance: Royal Liver £10.
Income: Before 32s.9d./w. After 27s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS. Member of Tyldesley Swimming Club and well-know water polo player, having captained the Atherton Water Polo Team and played for the Manchester League.
Variants: LCM gives address as Elizabeth Street/Hesketh Street. Sarah Ann Darlington’s address later stated as 3 Kay Street, Atherton, where her widowed mother lived.

DAVIES Benjamin Aaron
Age 23. 357 Leigh Rd, Westhoughton (lodgings). Collier.
Born in Bersham, Denbighshire birth registered Wrexham 4th Q 1887.
Recovery No.330. Body position 335. Tally 1191.
Recovered. 12 Jan 1911 from Top Yard District: at face, 2nd right hand brow, past fault. Identified by Thomas Davies (brother) of 191 Swan Lane, Hindley.
Cause of death: Explosion. Extensive burns.
Coroner’s Inquest: Thomas Davies was Witness No.17 (Pope 1911).
Buried: 14 Jan 1911 Hindley Cemetery, Grave CE-B5-226. Grave unmarked. Other burials in same grave: Eliza Davies 46 on 18 Dec 1901, Norman H.M. Davies 5m on 27 Feb 1902, Ada Davies 6 on 18 Nov 1902, Olive Davies 9 on 16 May 1903, Benjamin Davies 3m on 15 Oct 1907.
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/433. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 257.
Family at home: At 24 Hoade Street, Ladies Lane, Hindley: Father Thomas 58; Siblings Lily 18, George 15.
HCF Dependants: Thomas Davies.
Compensation: LCM £15. HCF 5s./w. WCA £30 (£10 lump sum, balance of £19.10s. invested to give 10s./w.
Income: Before 22s.3d./w. After 15s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS.

DAWSON William
Age 47. 265 Waterloo Street, Astley Bridge, Bolton. Dataller.
Born in North Meols-Southport area birth registered Ormskirk 2nd Q 1863 (as William Bond).
Recovery No.257. Body position 64. Tally 1083.
Recovered 26 Dec 1910 from North Plodder District: on west side of brow No.1 jig. Identified by Annie Dawson (wife).
Cause of death: CO. Burnt. Not decomposed.
Coroner’s Inquest: Annie Dawson was Witness No.47 (Pope 1911). BEN (27 Dec 1910) report of the inquest recorded that witness “said her husband had told her that he was frightened to close his eyes in the mine for fear he should not open them again. He had been sent to different places in the mine with only a boy with him”.
Buried: 29 Dec 1910 St James the Great, Daisy Hill, Westhoughton; Register No.487. Unmarked grave Bay 23 Plot 24 with earlier burial of Robert Dawson 68 on 27 Jan 1902, Isabella Dawson 68 on 11 Sep 1903.
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/434. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 258.
Family at home: Wife Annie (Reeves) 27; Children step-daughter Lilian Mary Reeves 8, daughter Josephine Annie 2, another expected.
HCF Dependants: Annie & Josephine Annie Dawson & Lilian Mary Reeves.
Compensation: LCM Widow and children’s annuity 6s./w. HCF 11s./w. WCA £216.9s. (£20 lump sum, balance of £169.14s.3d. invested to give 6s./w.).
Insurance: Unspecified £33.
Income: Before 27s.9d./w. After 23s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS. His family history is interesting. William was buried in the same grave at Daisy Hill as his parents, Robert and Isabella Dawson, and the family can be traced back to 1871 in the Westhoughton area. Before that they lived in the North Meols area between Ormskirk and Southport, but their surname was Bond: the census data clearly indicate it was the same family, but why the surname changed to Dawson when they arrived in Westhoughton is not known.
Variants: His age is generally given as 41, but his census trail indicates he was born in mid-1863, so was 47.

DELAFIELD Sydney
Age 25. 280 Bolton Road, White Horse, Westhoughton. Collier.
Born in Nether Silton, North Riding, Yorkshire birth registered Northallerton 1st Q 1886.
Recovery No.333. Body position 100. Tally 1197.
Recovered 12 Jan 1911 from North Plodder District No.2 Face: 7 yards to west of No.3 jig, in face. Identified by Joseph Delafield (brother) of White Horse Hotel, Westhoughton.
Cause of death: Explosion.
Buried: 14 Jan 1911 Westhoughton Cemetery, Section C New Cemetery, Consecrated Ground, Grave 128 (with Thomas Delafield); Register No.6137.
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/435. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 258.
Family at home: Father dead. Mother Mary 53; Siblings Thomas 23 (killed), Lena 15, Harold 13, Henry 12.
Relation to other victims: Brother of Thomas Delafield.
HCF Dependants: Mary Ellen, Lena & Henry Delafield.
Compensation: LCM Special Case £5 and mother placed on fund as a widow at 4s./w. Combined for brothers Sydney & Thomas Delafield; HCF 11s./w. WCA £250 (£20 lump sum, balance of £222.10s. invested to give 10s./w.).
Income: Combined for the two brothers; Before 57s.4d./w. After 25s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS. At the grave site is a simple stone marker that says ‘M. Delafield’.
Variants: Dellafield (HCF, LCM). In PB the property found on his, or his brother’s body is listed in error against John Hargreaves’ name.

DELAFIELD Thomas
Age 23. 280 Bolton Road, White Horse, Westhoughton. Collier.
Born in Nether Silton, North Riding, Yorkshire birth registered Northallerton 2nd Q 1887.
Recovery No.319. Body position 71. Tally 1096.
Recovered 5 Jan 1911 from North Plodder District No.2 Face: 8 yards west of No.2 jig. Identified by Joseph Delafield (brother) of White Horse Hotel, Westhoughton.
Cause of death: Explosion. CO. Burnt (very badly).
Coroner’s Inquest: A report on the inquest in the Wigan Observer stated that Joseph Delafield “had not heard him complain about the pit”.
Buried: 8 Jan 1911 Westhoughton Cemetery, Section C New Cemetery, Consecrated Ground, Grave 128 (with Sydney Delafield); Register No.6132.
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/436. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 258.
Family at home: Father dead. Mother Mary 53; Siblings Sydney 25 (killed), Lena 15, Harold 13, Henry 12.
Relation to other victims: Brother of Sydney Delafield.
HCF Dependants: Mary Ellen, Lena & Henry Delafield.
Compensation: LCM £15. Combined for brothers Sydney & Thomas Delafield; HCF 11s./w. WCA £250 (£20 lump sum, balance of £222.10s. invested to give 10s./w.).
Income: Combined for the two brothers; Before 57s.4d./w. After 25s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS. At the grave site is a simple stone marker that says ‘M. Delafield’.
Variants: Dellafield (HCF, LCM).

DOOTSON Fred
Age 27. 8 Bolton Road, Westhoughton. Collier.
Born 5 Mar 1883 in Westhoughton birth registered Bolton 1st Q 1883.
Recovery No.54. Body position 198. Tally 899.
Recovered 24 Dec 1910 from Yard Downbrow District East Level: in group, outbye of No.2 jig. Identified by William Dootson (brother) of 16 James Street, Westhoughton.
Cause of death: CO.
Buried: 27 Dec 1910 Westhoughton Cemetery, Section C New Cemetery, Consecrated Ground, Grave 1366 (with Alfred & Robert Calderbank); Register No.6050. MI
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/438. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 258.
Family at home: Wife Sarah Ann (Calderbank) 26; Children James 2, Wilfred 8m.
Relation to other victims: Son-in-law of Alfred Calderbank. Brother-in-law of Robert Calderbank.
HCF Dependants: Sarah Ann, James & Wilfred Dootson.
Compensation: LCM Widow and children’s annuity 8s./w. HCF 11s./w. WCA £259.8s.8d. (£30 lump sum, balance of £228.4s.9d. invested to give 8s./w.).
Insurance: White Lions Oddfellows £8.
Income: Before 33s.3d./w. After 27s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS. Member of Westhoughton Conservative Club. Named on the Independent Order of Oddfellows, Manchester Unity Lodge 1160 Memorial (Westhoughton Library).
Variants: Address 14 Park Road, Westhoughton (PB), 14 Bolton Road, Westhoughton (BR).

DOOTSON Henry
Age 24. 162 Bolton Old Road, Atherton. Drawer.
Born 19 Jul 1886 in Westhoughton birth registered Bolton 3rd Q 1886.
Recovery No.82. Body position 217. Tally 918.
Recovered 24 Dec 1910 from Yard Downbrow District East Level: in a group, just outbye of No.2 jig. Identified by Leah Dootson (wife).
Cause of death: CO (gas).
Buried: 27 Dec 1910 St James the Great, Daisy Hill, Westhoughton; Register No.481. MI
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/440. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 258.
Family at home: Wife Leah (Coffey) 22; Children Ada 2, Amy 7m.
Relation to other victims: Brother-in-law of Ambrose, Frederick and John Lawrence Coffey.
HCF Dependants: Leah, Ada & Amy Dootson.
Compensation: LCM Widow and children’s annuity 8s./w. HCF 11s./w. WCA £196.6s. (Nil lump sum, balance of £182.9s. invested to give 8s./w.).
Insurance: Albion Insurance £16.12s.
Income: Before 25s.2d./w. After 27s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS.
Variants: Also known as Harry Dootson.

DOOTSON John Thomas
Age 26. 77 Wearish Lane, Westhoughton. Collier.
Born in Westhoughton birth registered Bolton 2nd Q 1884.
Recovery No.224. Body position 262. Tally 1119.
Recovered 26 Dec 1910 from Yard East Jig District: 10 yards outbye down east jig. Identified by John Higham of 33 Wearish Lane, Westhoughton.
Cause of death: CO (gas). Much decomposed.
Buried: 29 Dec 1910 Westhoughton Cemetery, Section C New Cemetery, Consecrated Ground, Grave 1447; Register No.6095. MI
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/439. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 258.
Family at home: Wife Annie (Greenough) 26; Children John 5, Joseph 4, Esther 1, another expected.
HCF Dependants: Ann, John, Joseph, Esther & Mary Jane Dootson.
Compensation: LCM Widow and children’s annuity 12s./w. HCF 15s./w. WCA £290.11s. (£20 lump sum, balance of £255.18s. invested to give 6s./w.).
Insurance: Unspecified £17.
Income: Before 37s.3d./w. After 33s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS.
Variants: Address spelt Warrish Lane in fund reports; Wearish as in PB is correct.

DOOTSON Samuel
Age 30. 5 Albion Street, Westhoughton. Collier.
Born in Westhoughton birth registered Bolton 3rd Q 1880.
Recovery No.285. Body position 331. Tally 1147.
Recovered 30 Dec 1910 from Top Yard District: near right hand place. Identified by Ann Dootson (wife).
Cause of death: CO (gas). Burnt.
Coroner’s Inquest: Ann Dootson was Witness No.5 (Pope 1911). BEN (30 Dec 1910) report of the inquest recorded that she said “her husband had made different complaints lately. His last complaints were about dirt coming down. He had complained about gas but not lately”.
Buried: 31 Dec 1910 St John, Wingates, Westhoughton; Register No.57. Grave 385. MI
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/437. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 258.
Family at home: Wife Ann (Holbrook) 37; Children William 6, Annie 3, Rachel 1.
HCF Dependants: Ann, William, Annie, Rachel & Sarah Dootson.
Compensation: LCM Widow and children’s annuity 10s./w. HCF 16s./w. WCA 252.3s.7d. (£10 lump sum, balance invested to give 6s./w.).
Income: Before 32s 4d./w. After 32s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS. Named on the Wingates Independent Methodist Chapel Memorial (Westhoughton Library).

DORCEY Dennis
Age 14. 14 Charles Street, Westhoughton. Lasher-on.
Born in Oldham birth registered Oldham 4th Q 1896.
Recovery No.13. Body position 12. Tally 864.
Recovered 30 Dec 1910 from Yard Pit Shaft Area: at empty road leading to Top Yard. Identified by Bernard Lyon (step-father).
Cause of death: Explosion.
Buried: 27 Dec 1910 St John, Wingates, Westhoughton; Register No.44. Grave 349. MI
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/441. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 258.
Family at home: Step-father Bernard Lyons 38; Mother Mary Ellen Lyons 36; Dorcey Siblings Benjamin 12, Johannah 10, Richard 8, Norah 6.
HCF Dependants: Mary Ellen Lyons.
Compensation: LCM £15. HCF 5s./w. WCA £75 (£10 lump sum, balance of £63.5s. invested to give 5s./w)
Insurance: Unspecified £10.
Income: Before 9s./w. After 10s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS. Roman Catholic. Step-father in Ancient Order of Foresters.
Variants: Dorsay (HCF, PB), Dorsey (LCM). Denis (MI).

DOXEY Anthony
Age 18. 628 Manchester Road, Chequerbent. Drawer.
Born 18 October 1892 in Westhoughton birth registered Bolton 4th Q 1892.
Recovery No.30. Body position 38. Tally 882.
Recovered 23 Dec 1910 from Three Quarters Mine: 8 yards from 2nd place (right hand) off level, on his face, head outbye. Identified by Joseph Doxey (father).
Cause of death: CO. Extensive burns.
Buried: 28 Dec 1910 Westhoughton Cemetery, Section A Old Cemetery, Consecrated Ground, Grave 1003; Register No.6015. MI
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/444. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 259.
Family at home: Parents Joseph 50 and Betsy 48; Siblings Joseph 11, Nellie 9, Albert 5, Mary Ann 3.
Relation to other victims: Nephew of William Doxey.
HCF Dependants: Betsy Doxey.
Compensation: LCM £15. HCF 5s./w. WCA £115 (£20 lump sum, balance invested to give 10s./w.).
Income: Before 12s.11d./w. After 15s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS. Reported to have been his first day down the pit.

DOXEY Harry
Age 23. 685 Manchester Road, Chequerbent. Drawer.
Born 6 December 1887 in Westhoughton birth registered Bolton 1st Q 1888.
Recovery No.212. Body position 254. Tally 1111.
Recovered 26 Dec 1910 from Yard East Jig District: in yard east jig junction, 40 yards. Identified by James Anthony Doxey (brother) of 685 Manchester Road, Chequerbent.
Cause of death: CO (gas).
Buried: 29 Dec 1910 Westhoughton Cemetery, Section C New Cemetery, Consecrated Ground, Grave 1119 (with Samuel Doxey); Register No.6008. MI
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/445. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 259.
Family at home: Mother Jane 48; Siblings Mary Ann 27, James Anthony 16.
Relation to other victims: Brother of Samuel Doxey. Cousin of William Doxey.
HCF Dependants: Jane Doxey.
Compensation: LCM Special Case £5 and mother placed on fund as a widow at 4s./w. HCF 7s./w. WCA £70 (£20 lump sum, balance of £48.15s. invested to give 10s./w)
Insurance: Prudential £22.
Income: Before 27s.7d./w. After 21s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS.

DOXEY Samuel
Age 25. 661 Manchester Road, Chequerbent. Collier.
Born 21 Jan 1885 in Westhoughton birth registered Bolton 1st Q 1885.
Recovery No.303. Body position 67. Tally 1092.
Recovered 3 Jan 1911 from North Plodder District No.2 Face: top of No.2 jig. Identified by Elizabeth Doxey (wife).
Cause of death: Explosion 40 yds. away. CO. Burnt. Left arm fractured.
Coroner’s Inquest: A report on the inquest in the Wigan Observer stated that Elizabeth Doxey said “she had never heard him complain about the mine”.
Buried: 5 Jan 1911 Westhoughton Cemetery, Section C New Cemetery, Consecrated Ground, Grave 1119 (with Harry Doxey); Register No.6009. MI
Family at home: Wife Elizabeth (Westwell) 23; Children Irene 1.
Relation to other victims: Brother of Harry Doxey. Cousin of William Doxey.
HCF Dependants: Elizabeth & Irene Doxey.
Compensation: LCM Widow and child’s annuity 6s./w. HCF 9s./w. WCA £218.8s. (£20 lump sum, balance of £195.18s. invested to give 8s./w.).
Insurance: White Lion £8.
Income: Before 28s./w. After 23s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS. Named on the Independent Order of Oddfellows, Manchester Unity Lodge 1160 Memorial (Westhoughton Library).
Variants: Tally incorrectly recorded as 1023 in PB. Address 685 Manchester Road (BR).

DOXEY William
Age 51. 691 Manchester Road, Chequerbent. Timberman.
Born in Westhoughton in 1859.
Recovery No.273. Body position 86. Tally 1167.
Recovered 28 Dec 1910 from North Plodder District No.1 Face: on conveyor face. Identified by Peter Turner (son-in-law) of 149 Market Street, Atherton. Property: pliers, spanner, tobacco.
Cause of death: CO (gas). Burnt.
Coroner’s Inquest: Peter Turner was Witness No.42 (Pope 1911). BEN (30 Dec 1910) report of the inquest recorded that he said “deceased was in charge of the conveyor. He had told witness about twice about it sparking, but witness did not know what that meant. Deceased said he was tired of it and it was no use neither to him nor the men”.
Buried: 31 Dec 1910 Westhoughton Cemetery, Section A Old Cemetery, Consecrated Ground, Grave 1682; Register No.6013.
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/442. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 258.
Family at home: Wife Margaret (Hilton) 62.
Relation to other victims: Cousin of Samuel and Harry Doxey. Uncle of Anthony Doxey.
HCF Dependants: Margaret Doxey.
Compensation: LCM Widow’s annuity 4s./w. HCF 7s./w. WCA £236.12s. (paid out of court, nil /w.).
Insurance: Unspecified £29.
Income: Before 30s.4d./w. After 11s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS.
Variants: Age 50 (DR, PB). Occupation Conveyor (PB).

DUFFY Peter
Age 25. 69 Back Mason Street, Bolton. Pit worker.
Born in Bolton birth registered in Bolton 2nd Q 1885.
Recovery No.219. Body position 115. Tally 1064.
Recovered 26 Dec 1910 from South Plodder District: far end of down brow. Identified by Peter Duffy (father).
Cause of death: CO (gas). Burnt.
Buried: 28 Dec 1910 Heaton Cemetery, Bolton, Grave 3/W2/70&80 R.Catholic Ground.
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/446. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 259.
Family at home: Parents Peter 59 and Mary 60.
HCF Dependants: Mary Duffy.
Compensation: LCM £15. HCF 5s./w. WCA £150 (£40 lump sum, balance of £107.10s. invested to give 15s./w.).
Insurance: Unspecified £15.
Income: Before 24s.9d./w. After 20s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS.
Variants: Occupation Collier (PB). Age generally reported as 24 but birth registration indicates he was 25.

DUNN Thomas
Age 34. 11 Mabel Street, Daisy Hill, Westhoughton. Collier.
Born in Manchester in 1876?
Recovery No.68. Body position 203. Tally 904.
Recovered 24 Dec 1910 from Yard Downbrow District East Level: in large group just without No.2 jig. Identified by Martha Ann Dunn (wife).
Cause of death: CO.
Buried: 27 Dec 1910 St James the Great, Daisy Hill, Westhoughton; Register No.479. MI
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/447. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 259.
Family at home: Wife Martha Ann (Williamson) 33; Children child expected. Widow’s address given as 199 Leigh Road, Daisy Hill.
HCF Dependants: Martha & Thomas Henry Dunn.
Compensation: LCM Widow’s annuity 6s./w. HCF 9s./w. WCA £216.2s.1d. (£20 down, balance of £193.12s.1d. invested to give 5s./w.).
Insurance: Unspecified £35.
Income: Before 27s.9d./w. After 20s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS.
Variants: Dunne (PB).

DYKE William
Age 39. 46 Sloane Street, Daubhill, Bolton (lodgings). Collier.
Born in Wigan birth registered in Wigan 3rd Q 1871.
Recovery No.334. Body position 336. Tally 1192.
Recovered 13 Jan 1911 from Top Yard District: at face, 2nd right hand brow, 5 yards to right near 1194 (John Hodson). Identified by Edward Dyke of Coppull Lane, Coppull.
Cause of death: Explosion. CO. Burnt.
Coroner’s Inquest: Edward Dykes [sic] was Witness No.25 (Pope 1911). A report on the inquest in the Leigh Journal stated that Edward Dyke said his brother “had made complaints repeatedly to all his brothers, and especially to witness. For four of the five weeks prior to the explosion he had to come home ‘gassed out’. He had complained to witness often about gas”.
Buried: 17 Jan 1911 Wigan Cemetery, Grave C/E-G-26X. This was a common grave, and the remaining depth was bought in 1914 for a family called Townall.
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/448. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 259.
Family at home: At 4 Manchester Road, Clarington Brook. Ince. Parents Richard 64 and Alice 62. Siblings Charles 41 (blind and deaf), Israel 26 (crippled).
HCF Dependants: Richard & Alice Dyke.
Compensation: LCM Special Case £15. HCF 6s./w. WCA £180 (£10 lump sum, balance of £133.9s.7d. invested to give 10s./w.).
Income: Before 27s.11d./w. After 16s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS. William Dyke served with the Coldstream Guards for 7 years. He was called up with reserves during the Boer War, and received a bullet wound in his right arm in action at the Modder River Battle, and invalided home (BEN 14 Jan 1911).
Variants: Dykes (HCF, LCM).

ECCLESTON James
Age 31. 23 Prospect Street, Tyldesley. Collier.
Born in Hindley Green birth registered Wigan 4th Q 1879.
Recovery No.146. Body position 187. Tally 1028.
Recovered 24 Dec 1910 from Yard Downbrow District: at coal face top of No.3 jig. Identified by Betsy Eccleston (wife).
Cause of death: CO (gas).
Coroner’s Inquest: BEN (27 Dec 1910) report of the inquest recorded that the widow of Wm. Eccleston [this must be an error for James Eccleston Jnr. – William was unmarried, and James Snr had not yet been recovered] stated he had complained of gas.
Buried: 26 Dec 1910 Tyldesley Cemetery, Grave C298. MI
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/449. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 259.
Family at home: Wife Betsy (Collier) 33; Children Annie 10, Harold 5, Jack 2, Joseph 3m.
Relation to other victims: Son of James Eccleston. Brother of William Eccleston. Brother-in-law of Joseph Darlington.
HCF Dependants: Betsy, Annie, Harold, Jack & Joseph Eccleston.
Compensation: LCM Widow and children’s annuity 12s./w. HCF 15s./w. WCA £259.2s.1d. (£15 lump sum, balance of £236.12s.1d. invested to give 6s./w.).
Insurance: City of Glasgow Insurance Co. £13. Oddfellows £12.
Income: Before 33s.2d./w. After 33s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS.

ECCLESTON James
Age 60. 3 Kay Street, Atherton. Collier.
Born in Halliwell, Bolton birth registered Bolton 1st Q 1850.
Recovery No.293. Body position 96. Tally 1179.
Recovered 31 Dec 1910 from North Plodder District: 36 yards along east level off No.3 jig. Identified by Edna Eccleston (daughter).
Cause of death: Explosion. Burnt.
Buried: 2 Jan 1911 Atherton Cemetery, Grave NG 1680 (with William Eccleston); non-conformist burial. Also buried in same grave: Jemima Eccleston 62 on 3 Mar 1912. MI
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/452. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 259.
Family at home: Wife Jemima (Collier) 60; Children Edna 23, William 21 (killed).
Relation to other victims: Father of James and William Eccleston. Father-in-law of Joseph Darlington.
HCF Dependants: Jemima Eccleston.
Compensation: LCM Widow’s annuity 4s./w. Combined for father James & son William; HCF 9s 6d./w. WCA £345.1s. (£40 lump sum, balance of £302.11s. invested to give 20s./w.).
Insurance: Unspecified £46.
Income: Combined for father & son; Before 56s.1d./w. After 33s.6d./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS. The heading where James Eccleston worked was known as Eccleston’s Place, and in the Redmayne Report is reviewed, but discounted, as a possible site of the initial explosion.

ECCLESTON William
Age 20. 3 Kay Street, Atherton. Drawer.
Born in Hindley Green birth registered Wigan 1st Q 1889.
Recovery No.142. Body position 138. Tally 979.
Recovered 24 Dec 1910 from Yard Downbrow District: near face of No.3 jig. Identified by Edna Eccleston (sister).
Cause of death: CO (gas).
Buried: 27 Dec 1910 Atherton Cemetery, Grave NG 1680 (with James Eccleston snr); Roman Catholic burial. MI
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/453. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 260.
Family at home: Parents James 60 (killed) and Jemima 60; Siblings Edna 23.
Relation to other victims: Son of James Eccleston snr. Brother of James Eccleston jnr. Brother-in-law of Joseph Darlington.
HCF Dependants: Jemima Eccleston.
Compensation: LCM £15. Combined for father James & son William; HCF 9s 6d./w. WCA £345.1s. (£40 lump sum, balance of £302.11s. invested to give 20s./w.).
Income: Before 24s.8d./w. Combined for father & son; Before 56s.1d./w. After 33s.6d./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS.
Variants: Birth registration suggests age should be 21, not 20 as in reports and MI

EMMETT Leonard
Age 18. 17 Park Road, Westhoughton. Drawer.
Born 24 Jul 1892 in Westhoughton birth registered Bolton 3rd Q 1892.
Body not identified but he worked in the Yard Downbrow District and may be Unknown victim No.162.
Coroner’s Inquest: Florence Fanny Emmett was Witness No.68 (Pope 1911).
Buried: Presumed to be in the vault for unknown victims, Westhoughton Cemetery. MI
Family at home: Mother Florence Fanny 54; Siblings James Edgar 13.
Relation to other victims: Cousin of Thomas Emmett. Brother-in-law of James Hodgkiss.
HCF Dependants: Florence Fanny & James Edgar Emmett.
Compensation: LCM Special Case mother placed on fund as a widow 4s./w. HCF 7s./w. WCA £176.16s. (£10 lump sum, balance of £129.1s.3d. invested to give 8s./w.).
Insurance: Prudential £18.
Income: Before 22s.8d./w. After 19s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS.

EMMETT Thomas
Age 31. 41 Brancker Street, Chequerbent. Dataller.
Born Harlington, Middlesex birth registered Staines 2nd Q 1879 (as Frederick Thomas).
Recovery No.213. Body position 258. Tally 1115.
Recovered 26 Dec 1910 from Yard East Jig District: in yard east jig junction, 58 yards. Identified by Henry John Emmett (brother).
Cause of death: Explosion. CO (gas).
Buried: 28 Dec 1910 St Peter, Halliwell, Bolton; Register No.1155. Unmarked grave 365B. Others buried in same grave: Frederick William Emmett 18m on 15 Oct 1898 (nephew) and Ada Ellen Emmett 4 on 6 Jul 1905 (niece).
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/456. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 260.
Family at home: Lived with married brother John Emmett.
Relation to other victims: Cousin of Leonard Emmett.
HCF Dependants: None.
Compensation: LCM £15. WCA £10.
Income: No details.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS.
Variants: Emnett (R). Age usually stated as 32, but birth registration shows he was 31.

EVANS Roland
Age 32. 2 King Street, Westhoughton. Tunneller.
Born in Silverdale, Staffordshire birth registered Wolstanton 2nd Q 1878 (as Rowland).
Recovery No.179. Body position 49. Tally 1043.
Recovered 25 Dec 1910 from North Plodder District North Jig: about 15 yards down Rowlands Tunnel. Identified by Edward George Evans (brother) of 14 Silverdale Terrace, Hickley, Bridgenorth. Property: tobacco box.
Cause of death: CO (gas). Burnt.
Coroner’s Inquest: George Evans was Witness No.18 (Pope 1911).
Buried: 27 Dec 1910 Westhoughton Cemetery, Section B New Cemetery, Consecrated Ground, Grave 1441; Register No.6074. MI
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/458. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 260.
Family at home: Wife Lydia (Lowe) 29; Children Richard 9, Alice 7, Arthur 5, George 3, another expected.
HCF Dependants: Lydia, Richard, Alice, Arthur, George & Emma Evans.
Compensation: LCM Widow and children’s annuity 12s./w. HCF 15s./w. WCA £300 (£10 lump sum, balance of £287.10s. invested to give 5s./w.).
Insurance: Foresters £20. Prudential £18.16s.4d. Refuge £19.8s.4d.
Income: Before 38s.5d./w. After 32s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS.
Variants: Address 32 King Street (BR). Age 31 (PB), 33 (G). Tally incorrectly recorded as 1045 in PB. Occupation Collier in PB.

EVANS William
Age 26. 21 Burnaby Street, Daubhill, Bolton. Collier.
Born in Ince-in-Makerfield birth registered Wigan 4th Q 1884.
Recovery No.252. Body position 326. Tally 1141.
Recovered 26 Dec 1910 from Top Yard District: near Thomas Gibbs. Identified by George Evans (father).
Cause of death: Explosion.
Buried: 28 Dec 1910 Heaton Cemetery, Bolton, Grave 3/43/65 R. Catholic Ground. Later burials in same grave from Grave Deed 9204: Alice Dowey 84 on 14 Apr 1923, George Evans 62 on 26 Aug 1929, Elizabeth Evans 64 on 27 Feb 1929, Thomas Stephens 16 on 21 Oct 1929.
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/457. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 260.
Family at home: Wife Kate (Stephens) 26; Children Alice Stephens (born before parents married) 2, Elizabeth 8m.
HCF Dependants: Kate Evans, Alice Stephens & Elizabeth Evans.
Compensation: LCM Widow and children’s annuity 6s./w. HCF 11s./w. WCA £187.17s. (£20 lump sum, balance of £165.7s. invested to give 8s./w.).
Income: Before 24s.1d./w. After 25s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS.

FAIRHURST Richard
Age 47. 219 St Helens Road, Daubhill, Bolton. Collier.
Born 5 Feb 1863, Tonges Farm, Halliwell, Bolton birth registered Bolton 1st Q 1863.
Recovery No.332. Body position 98. Tally 1195.
Recovered 12 Jan 1911 from North Plodder District No.2 Face: 40 yards to west along face of No.2 jig [Where the explosion started]. Identified by Alice Fairhurst.
Cause of death: Explosion. Fractures.
Coroner’s Inquest: Alice Fairhurst was Witness No.48 (Pope 1911).
Buried: 14 Jan 1911 Heaton Cemetery, Bolton, Grave 1B/P2/16 Church Ground. MI
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/459. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 260.
Family at home: Wife Alice (Lowe) 43; Children Jane Alice 22, Emily 19, Maggie 17, Lily 14, Richard 12, William Thomas 10, Rose 8, Hilda 5, Ida 4, Clifford 1.
HCF Dependants: Alice, Richard, William Thomas, Rose, Hilda, Ida & Clifford Fairhurst.
Compensation: LCM Widow and children’s annuity 16s./w. HCF 19s./w. WCA £300 (£30 lump sum, balance of £267.10s. invested – nil /w.).
Insurance: Royal Co-op £26.
Income: Before 38s 5d./w. After 35s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS.

FARRIMOND James
Age 15. 138 Bolton Road, Westhoughton. Haulage Hand.
Born in Westhoughton birth registered Bolton 2nd Q 1895.
Recovery No.43. Body position 143. Tally 984.
Recovered 24 Dec 1910 from Yard Downbrow District: 10 yards up No.2 jig. Identified by Alice Farrimond (mother). Property: pit lamp 943.
Cause of death: Explosion. Burnt.
Buried: 27 Dec 1910 St John, Wingates, Westhoughton; Register No.39. Grave unmarked.
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/460. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 260.
Family at home: Parents Samuel 38 (killed) and Alice 43; Siblings Elizabeth Jane 19, Mary Ann 18, Thomas 14.
Relation to other victims: Son of Samuel Farrimond. Nephew of Thomas Farrimond.
HCF Dependants: Alice Farrimond.
Compensation: LCM £15. Combined for father Samuel & son James; HCF 15s./w. WCA £100 (£20 lump sum, balance of £78 invested to give 10s./w.).
Income: Before 9s.7d./w. Combined for father & son; Before 37s 5d./w. After 29s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS. Named on the Wingates Independent Methodist Chapel Memorial (Westhoughton Library).

FARRIMOND Samuel
Age 37. 138 Bolton Road, Westhoughton. Collier.
Born in Rainford birth registered Prescot 2nd Q 1873.
Recovery No.93. Body position 158. Tally 999.
Recovered 24 Dec 1910 from Yard Downbrow District: about 40 yards outbye side of No.3 jig. Identified by Alice Farrimond (wife). Property: lamp.
Cause of death: CO (gas).
Buried: 27 Dec 1910 St John, Wingates, Westhoughton; Register No.38. Grave unmarked.
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/461. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 260.
Family at home: Wife Alice (Rigby) 43; Children Elizabeth Jane 19, Mary Ann 18, James 15 (killed), Thomas 14.
Relation to other victims: Father of James Farrimond. Brother of Thomas Farrimond.
HCF Dependants: Alice, Thomas & Jane Farrimond.
Compensation: LCM Widow and child’s annuity 4s./w. Combined for father Samuel & son James; HCF 15s./w. WCA £100 (£20 lump sum, balance of £78 invested to give 10s./w.).
Income: Combined for father & son; Before 37s 5d./w. After 29s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS. Member of Wingates Temperance Prize Band. Named on the Wingates Independent Methodist Chapel Memorial (Westhoughton Library).
Variants: Age 38 (DR, G, PB).

FARRIMOND Thomas
Age 40. 176 Manchester Road, Westhoughton. Collier.
Born in Rainford birth registered Prescot 4th Q 1870.
Recovery No.342. Body position not recorded. Tally 1203.
Recovered 14 Feb 1911 from Top Yard District. Identified by John Farrimond (son) of 176 Manchester Road, Westhoughton.
Cause of death: CO. Well preserved, just eight weeks, no injuries, dark carmine, skin parchment under fall.
Coroner’s Inquest: John Farrimond was Witness No.73 (Pope 1911). The Times (28 Jan 1911) reported that “the widow of Thomas Farrimond…said her husband had complained within a fortnight of the accident about some lights going out”.
Buried: 18 Feb 1911 St John, Wingates, Westhoughton; Register No.69. Grave 98. MI
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/462. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 260.
Family at home: Wife Alice (Ralphs) 43; Children John 18, Ernest 16, William 13, Ellen 10; Ralphs Step-children Maggie 19, Annie 10, Alice 4.
Relation to other victims: Brother of Samuel Farrimond. Uncle of James Farrimond.
HCF Dependants: Alice Farrimond, Annie & Alice Ralphs, Ellen, Thomas & Jane Farrimond.
Compensation: LCM Widow and children’s annuity (not including step-children). HCF the two step-children allowed 4s./w each. WCA £194.7s. (£20 lump sum, balance of £159.11s.3d. invested to give 5s./w)
Insurance: Unspecified £12.
Income: Before 24s.11d./w. After at least 13s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS. Member of Wingates Temperance Prize Band. Named on the Wingates Independent Methodist Chapel Memorial (Westhoughton Library). Anonymous in Redmayne with Tally entered in wrong column (body position). His body was the last to be found and recovered.

FAULKNER Thomas
Age 16. 12 Smithy Street, Westhoughton. Haulage Hand.
Born in Sutton birth registered Prescot 3rd Q 1894.
Body not identified but he worked in pit shaft area and may be one of unknown victims 9, 12, 309, 310, 325.
Buried: Presumed to be in the vault for unknown victims, Westhoughton Cemetery.
Family at home: He and his brother Charles 8, were orphans who lived with a married sister Mrs. Mary Mills and brother-in-law James Mills (killed).
Relation to other victims: Brother-in-law of James Mills.
HCF Dependants: Charles Faulkner.
Compensation: LCM Special Case £5 and his brother placed on funds as a child allowed 2s./w. HCF his brother allowed 2s./w. WCA £75 (nil lump sum, balance of £73 invested to give 7s.6d. /w.).
Income: Before 7s.10d./w. After 11s.6d./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS. Roman Catholic.
Variants: Age 15 (G, LCM).

FAULKNER Thomas Charles
Age 25. 14 Bright Street, Daubhill, Bolton. Drawer.
Born in Kirkham birth registered Fylde 4th Q 1885.
Recovery No.157. Body position 298. Tally 977.
Recovered 24 Dec 1910 from Yard Downbrow District: in shunt below jig in No.2 jig. Identified by Horace Smith (stepbrother) of 21 Jubilee Street, Daubhill, Bolton.
Cause of death: CO (gas). Burnt.
Buried: 27 Dec 1910 Heaton Cemetery, Bolton, Grave 3/G7/54 Church Ground. Other burials in same grave from Grave Deed 9082: James Olive 54 on 15 Jun 1910, Charles Austin Faulkner 2 on 7 May 1913, John Olive 21 on 30 Oct 1915, Mary Elizabeth Olive 71 on 7 Mar 1925.
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/463. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 261.
Family at home: Wife Margaret Alice (Olive) 27; Children Thomas 6, Annie 4, James Alfred 2, Charles Austin 2w.
HCF Dependants: Margaret Alice, Thomas, Annie, James Alfred & Charles Austin Faulkner.
Compensation: LCM Widow and children’s annuity 12s./w. HCF 15s./w. WCA £274.6.8d. (£20 lump sum, balance of £229.17s. invested to give 6s./w.).
Income: Before 33s.2d./w. After 33s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS. Age 24 (PB).

FEELY James
Age 31. 164 Park Road, Westhoughton (lodgings). Dataller.
Born in Ireland in 1880?
Recovery No.214. Body position 257. Tally 1114.
Recovered 26 Dec 1910 from Yard East Jig District: in yard east jig junction, 50 yards. Identified by Martin Feeley (brother) of 144 Bridgewater Street, Hindley. Property: bunch of keys.
Cause of death: CO (gas).
Buried: 28 Dec 1910 Hindley Cemetery, Grave RC-A1-221. Other burials in the same grave: John Feely 28 on 25 Apr 1891, Martin Feely 59 on 5 Oct 1926. MI
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/464. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 261.
Family at home: Parents dead; lived in lodgings with Mrs. Howcroft. Adult brother Martin lived in Hindley.
HCF Dependants: None.
Compensation: LCM £15. WCA £10 (settled).
Income: no details known.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS.
Variants: Feeley (DR). Incorrectly transcribed as James Lilly in PB. Age 30 (BR), 40 (G).

FLOOD John
Age 27. 685 Manchester Road, Chequerbent (lodgings). Drawer.
Born possibly in Swinton or NW Manchester area in 1884.
Recovery No.104. Body position 225. Tally 926.
Recovered 24 Dec 1910 from Yard Downbrow District East Level: 175 yards inbye of No.2 jig. Identified by Jane Doxey of 685 Manchester Road, Chequerbent.
Cause of death: CO (gas).
Buried: 26 Dec 1910 Westhoughton Cemetery, Section E New Cemetery, Consecrated Ground, Grave 1135; Register No.6010. Reinterred 13 Nov 1911 by licence from Home Secretary. MI
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/465. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 261.
Family: not known, he lodged with Mrs. Jane Doxey who lost two sons in the disaster.
HCF Dependants: None.
Compensation: LCM £8 paid to Mrs. Doxey for funeral expenses. WCA £10 (settled).
Income: no details known.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS.

FOSTER Walter
Age 28. 13 Park Road, Westhoughton. Conveyor.
Born in Hindley birth registered Wigan 4th Q 1882.
Recovery No.267. Body position 80. Tally 1161.
Recovered 27 Dec 1910 from North Plodder District No.1 Face: in brow 22 yards from face. Identified by Joseph Foster (brother) of Tynybedw Colliery, Pentre, Rhondda, South Wales. Property: knife, whistle, lamp key.
Cause of death: CO. Burnt.
Coroner’s Inquest: BEN (28 Dec 1910) report of the inquest recorded that Joseph Foster “had never heard the latter [Walter Foster] make any complaints to the family”.
Buried: 30 Dec 1910 Westhoughton Cemetery, Section A Old Cemetery, Consecrated Ground, Grave 1049; Register No.6119. MI
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/466. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 261.
Family at home: Wife Edith (Leigh) 30; Children Malinda 8, another expected.
Relation to other victims: Brother-in-law of John and Peter Leigh. Uncle of James and Walter Leigh.
HCF Dependants: Edith & Malinda Foster.
Compensation: LCM Widow and child’s annuity 6s./w. HCF 9s./w. WCA £248.19s. (£20 lump sum, balance of £204.18s.6d. invested to give 8s./w.).
Insurance: Industrial Society £5.
Income: Before 31s.11d./w. After 23s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS.

GERRARD Orlando
Age 21. 170 Church Street, Westhoughton. Fitter.
Born in Westhoughton birth registered Bolton 4th Q 1889.
Recovery No.40. Body position 105. Tally 889.
Recovered 24 Dec 1910 from South Plodder Motor House: in archway at back of motor house. Identified by Samuel Gerrard (father). Property: pair of callipers, knife, bunch of keys, straight edge, square.
Cause of death: Explosion. CO.
Buried: 26 Dec 1910 Westhoughton Cemetery, Section C New Cemetery, Unconsecrated Ground, Grave 40; Register No.6018. MI
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/467. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 261.
Family at home: Parents Samuel 54 and Nancy 48; Siblings Alice 29, James Ernest 27, Thomas Percy 25, Nelly 23, Katherine 19, Walter 17, Aaron 15, Ada 9, Hilda 6.
HCF Dependants: Nancy Gerrard.
Compensation: LCM £15. HCF 5s./w. WCA £75 (£20 lump sum, balance of £53.10s. invested to give 5s./w.).
Insurance: Unspecified £15.
Income: Before 11s.7d./w. After 10s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS.

GIBBS Thomas
Age 26. 16 Barn Hill, Westhoughton. Drawer.
Born in Flint, Wales birth registered Holywell 3rd Q 1884.
Recovery No.251. Body position 325. Tally 1140.
Recovered 26 Dec 1910 from Top Yard District: under 1139 (unknown). Identified by George Gibbs of 16 Tithebarn Street, Westhoughton.
Cause of death: Explosion. CO.
Buried: 29 Dec 1910 Westhoughton Cemetery, Section C New Cemetery, Consecrated Ground, Grave 1408; Register No.6064. MI
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/469. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 261.
Family at home: Father George 56; Siblings Lucy 20, Mary 18, Peter 15, Joseph 12, Emma 10.
HCF Dependants: George Gibbs.
Compensation: LCM £15. HCF 5s./w. WCA £75 (£20 lump sum, balance of £53.10s. invested to give 10s./w.).
Income: Before 26s.6d./w. After 15s./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS.
Variants: 16 Barn Hill and 16 Tithebarn Street (PB) are presumably the same place.

GIBSON Herbert
Age 18. 13 Wearish Lane, Westhoughton. Drawer.
Born in Westhoughton birth registered Bolton 1st Q 1892.
Recovery No.208. Body position 250. Tally 1107.
Recovered 26 Dec 1910 from Yard East Jig District: just above return pulley east jig junction, 40 yards inbye side of curve. Identified by Thomas Gibson (father).
Cause of death: CO (gas).
Coroner’s Inquest: BEN (23 Dec 1910) report of the inquest recorded that his father commented that “he (himself) was one of the rescuers and found the lad’s clog”.
Buried: 28 Dec 1910 St James the Great, Daisy Hill, Westhoughton; Register No.485. MI
Death registration: BRO 1911 HOR/32/471. GRO 1911 1st Quarter Bolton 8c 261.
Family at home: Parents at 39 Wearish Lane, Thomas 48 and Ellen 43; Siblings Lucy 20, Mary 18, Simeon 16 (killed), Peter 15, Joseph 12, Emma 10. Deceased lived with his Aunt.
Relation to other victims: Brother of Simeon Gibson.
HCF Dependants: Thomas Gibson.
Compensation: LCM £15. Combined for brothers Herbert & Simeon; HCF 7s 6d./w. WCA £306 (£40 lump sum, balance of £263.10s. invested to give 10s./w.).
Income: Combined for the two brothers; Before 28s./w. After 17s.6d./w.
Notes: Member of L&CMPRS.
Variants: Age 19 (G, LCM, MI). Address s