Edwin was the son of Thomas Ma(n)gnall (HM180) and Sarah Walker (HM181). He was born in Little Lever in 1851 and baptised at St Matthew’s Church in Little Lever on the 15th November 1851.

The 1861 Census shows that although Edwin was only 10 years old he was working as a cotton bleacher. He was living with his mother and step father at Kiln Lane in Little Lever but he is recorded as being named Edward.

Edwin married Mary Ann Jones in 1870 but I have not been able to find them in the 1871 census. We know of the following children:

  • Sarah, born 1871 in Radcliffe;
  • Ernest Edwin (EM007), born 1879 in Radcliffe;
  • Tom, born 1881 in Radcliffe;
  • Harry, born 1884 in Radcliffe.

In the 1881 Census Edwin and Mary Ann were living at 14 Ainsworth Road in Radcliffe with their two oldest children. Edwin was now working as an Engineer (Driver) at a mill. I believe this meant that he controlled the engines, not that he drove them like a car!

Again, I cannot find the family in the 1891 census but by the time of the 1901 Census Edwin and Mary Ann had moved to 204 Bolton Road where they lived with their younger two children. Edwin was still working as an Engine Driver at a cotton mill.

Edwin died on the 17 February 1908. He was still living at 204 Bolton Road with Mary Ann and he was working as a Firebeater. I understand this to mean that he was responsible for stoking the fires in the steam engines. He was buried on the 20 February 1908 at St Thomas’ Church in Radcliffe. Probate (5 May 1908) tell us that he left £86 4s 6d to his widow. We think that Mary Ann lived until 1920 and was also buried at St Thomas’, Radcliffe.


[Last updated 27 Nov 2011]