Biography

Ellen, the daughter of John Harrison and Jemima Whittle, was born in Coppull, a village about 7 km north of Wigan, in the spring of 1824. She was baptized at Coppull parish church on 20 June of that year. Ellen grew up on her parents’ farm, probably with a large number of siblings of all ages.

At the time of the 1851 census, Ellen was working as a domestic servant for Richard H Whitworth, the curate of Standish. She was living at his home on Church Street next to St. Wilfrid’s Anglican church.

At the time of the 1861 census, Elizabeth, age 36, was living at her father’s home at 21–23 Wallgate in the centre of Wigan. Her occupation was listed as beerseller, which was a trade often carried on from home in those days.

Over the next ten years, both of Ellen’s parents died, and what became of her is lost. She does not appear in the 1871 census under the name Ellen Harrison, so it is most likely that she married during the 1860s.


Source Documents


Details

  • Christening: 1824-06-20, Coppull Parish Church;