James Lythgoe Missionary Journal / pp075-076

[75] May 30, Friday, Tyldesley

Breakfast with Heelis[es]. Very wet morning so I had use for my open covering. Made my way to Shaving Lane and got finely [finally?] wet through. Bro. James Stones would have me to pull off some of my clothes. I did so. After doing so I felt none the more uncomfortable. Had dinner with them. Called to see Powels [Howels?]. Tea with them, daughter Mary. Ann was very unwell, going away in weakness or decline.

Called to see Bro. J.E. Stones (?), who is in the depth of his trouble on account of the death of his son William, aged 7 years & 6 months. I went upstairs to see him in his coffin. Old man was much troubled, said he would much rather have parted with anything in his possession than one of his children. He gave me a shilling to put in the mission fund. I did not desire to take it from him unless he could comfortably spare it, but he insisted upon me so to have it.

It continued to rain and was again wet through when I got to Morts where I had supper & lodgings.

[76] May 31, Saturday, Leigh

Breakfast with Morts. Read a little in the newspaper speaking about the Manchester murder, giving full descriptions of Taylor & his wife, who is supposed to have killed three of their own children, and the murder of one Mr. Mellor but have not yet received their sentence but at the present time is in Kerkdale Gaol [Jail].

Called to see Greenhalghs, he who is the present of the Tyldesley Branch. He had been took away to the Preston Prison on account of some debt that he owed some man but possibly could not pay. He has a wife and 7 children in his absence to cling round the table for something to eat but had to say they do not find any. If this is not being in a bad state of circumstances I don't know how they must be fixed. A poor, hard-working man must be took to gaol [jail] simply because he cannot live without having with his family something to eat. He is gone for 21 days, too long for a man under such trials to be away from home. The Saints I believe are doing what they can for him.