Anne Brining
Born 4th November 1841, daughter of Henry and Esther (nee Proddow) of Damside, Ellel. She was actually the second Anne to be born to Henry and Esther, the original Anne had died a few months previous aged 7. In these times it was not uncommon to see a name occurring more than once amongst birth or baptism records signifying the earlier death of a child. Our Anne was baptised 18th November 1841 at Ellel Chapel. The baptism record describes father Henry as a silk comber as opposed to silk dresser on the birth certificate. I shall attempt to find out the difference between the two terms.
Our next sighting of Anne is on the 1861 Census for Thornton. She is now aged 19 and living at the Vicarage (Meadows Avenue?). Her birthplace is shown as Galgate, her relation to head of household is servant and occupation nurse. I wonder how she came to be in Thornton? 5 years later on 12th May 1866 she was married to James Fenton at Thornton Parish Church. Her occupation was still servant, the marriage was witnessed by Henry and Elizabeth Brining, her elder brother and sister. Fathers on the records are John Fenton (shoemaker) and Henry Brining (silk dresser).
The 1871 Census for Thornton has Anne and James living at Fishers Fold which I believe was somewhere near the Mill. James was aged 26, born Thornton, occupation Shoemaker. Anne no longer appears to have an occupation, I guess we can take that as housewife. By now 2 children had arrived, Esther 4 and Elizabeth Annie 1. The 1881 Census has their address as 'near the Mill,' a bit vague. James (shoemaker) and Anne are now 36 and 39 respectively and the family has grown to Esther 14, Elizabeth Annie 11, John 9, James 7, Sarah Ann 1, all born Thornton.
Annie, as she was also known, died 1st July 1909 aged 67 years. She is buried in Thornton Cemetery, the stone can still be seen and reads as follows:
In loving memory of Annie beloved wife of James Fenton died June 28th 1909 aged 67 years, Thy Will Be Done.
Also Esther daughter of the above died Sep 20th 1905 aged 39 years, At Rest.
Also James Fenton the beloved husband of the above who died January 26th 1916 aged 71 years.