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No we won't be disappointed Mel, there will be some crumb of info we didn't have, please make that comment right PLEASE.

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Gloria

I'd be dangerous with a brain.

The certs have arrived
5th Jan 1854 Hill End Briercliffe
Mary Parker
female
67 yrs
Widow of Daniel Parker a weaver
Found dead in bed. Cause of death not known.

5th Jan 1854 Hill End Briercliffe
Sarah Ellen Kippax
female
11 yrs
Daughter of James Kippax a weaver
Found dead in bed. Cause of death not known.

Two people found dead in bed on the same day and causes of death unknown, has anyone any explanation for this?

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Gloria

I'd be dangerous with a brain.

Check the papers for the time Gloria!

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Mel

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Another thought Gloria, could it have been carbon monoxide poisining? Classed as a silent killer today, awareness of it would have possibly been non-existent in the 1800's. I'm sure it must have been around then though a lot less common as homes weren't quite so airtight as nowadays.

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Mel

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Don't think it would have been carbon monoxide poisoning in 1854, but may be wrong.
Of course, check the papers, I'd be dangerous with a brain. Was the Burnley Express or Gazette going then?

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Gloria

I'd be dangerous with a brain.

Not sure what paper there would be Gloria.

I see Stanley on the (OGFB site) had a similar view to my CO theory. That is the only cause I can think of that isn't foul play.

_________________
Mel

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I have got in touch with Burnley library to see if they can give me an idea of any papers which could have covered it.
Still no idea of Mary Parker's maiden name, but the death cert says widow, which I thought was right, but all that other paperwork has her husband dying later, I know they are wrong.

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Gloria

I'd be dangerous with a brain.

Burnley library are brilliant. They have been back to me. They have found the report in the Burnley Advertiser and are sending me a photocopy.
I will send you a copy Mel for the site.

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Gloria

I'd be dangerous with a brain.

They are excellent aren't they. I was there last week and one of the staff was photocopying pages from an old book, obviously for someone who had sent in a request. She was having problems with the size of the book and commented "I hope this person appreciates this". I didn't say anything but did think to myself that I hope I have always shown them how grateful I am for their services.

_________________
Mel

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Transcribed by Gloria.

From the Burnley Advertiser Jan 1854

DEATH BY SUFFOCATION

About 7 o’clock on the morning of Thursday, the 5th inst., An old woman at Hill-end, near Hag-gate, aged 67 years, named Mary Parker, and her grand-daughter, Sarah Ellen Kippax, aged 11 years, were found dead in bed. Her son James Parker had been at her house at half past four o’clock p.m. on the day before, when his mother complained of being ill in consequence of a chimney smoking very much, which it always did when the wind blew in the same direction as on Wednesday last. The girl was in the habit of sleeping with her grandmother for company, and when last seen was alive and well. A person named John Barker went to the house at seven o’clock on Thursday Morning; he knocked several times and received no answer, and suspecting that there was something wrong, he got assistance, and broke open the door, and then found the two dead in bed. Mr Smirthwaite, Surgeon was called in, and on examining the bodies gave it as his opinion that death had been caused by suffocation of smoke.

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Mel

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Not foul play but looks like it was along the lines of the CO poisoning.

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Mel

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The Times, Tuesday, Aug 12, 1879
Obituary
Last evening a venerable Lancashire celebrity, Mr. Robert Townley Parker, died at his residence, Cuerden-hall, near Preston. Mr. Parker was the oldest magistrate of the county of Lancaster. He was the son of Mr. Thomas Townley Parker, of Cuerden and Extwistle, near Preston, by Susannah, daughter and heiress of Mr. Peter Brooke, of Istley. Mr. Parker would have been 87 years old had he lived till the 24th of this month. His paternal grandfather was for some time an alderman at Preston, and in 1762 the Guild Mayor of that borough. Through his father Mr. Parker became the representative of many old Lancashire families. In 1837 Mr. Parker was elected member of Parliament in the Conservative interest for Preston. In 1852 he was re-elected. In 1857 he retired from the representation. In 1862 he was Guild Mayor of Preston. In ploitics he was an enthusiastic Tory.

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Mel

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Daniel Parker married Mary Nuttall 5th Oct 1809 St Peters Burnley. I had her maiden name all the time
Daniel Parker buried 16th April 1849 aged 61yrs, address Hoult Hill (their spelling), place Haggate Baptist Chapel. Does anyone know if there is a headstone anywhere for him? I know I have asked this before but keep hoping it will pop up.

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Gloria

I'd be dangerous with a brain.

Needle in a haystack springs to mind Gloria!
I do have a folder of about 50 (or more) gravestones to add to the site. These are on hold for the moment as Lyndon has provided me with a better system for uploading pictures etc. Unfortunately it means I am having to transfer everything manually. This is where I am currently spending my time. I am hoping to be on top of it all by the end of the week when he gets back from France. If I get chance, I'll have a look to see if there are any Parkers amongst the pictures.

_________________
Mel

Searching for lost relatives? Win the Lottery!

Thanks Mel.

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Gloria

I'd be dangerous with a brain.