James Welsche (1863-1937)

Family

Spouse 

• Eliza Malone 1876 – 1962

Children

• William b1901
• John b1903
• Margaret b1905-1991
• Jane b1909

James Welsche spent his life in and around Failsworth area.  Although records show he was possibly born around 1863, his exact birth record has proven difficult to trace and details of his early life remain elusive.

The early years

In the 1901 census, taken on 31 March, James was recorded living with his wife Eliza at 4 Mill Houses, Failsworth.

James married Eliza Malone on Monday 19 April, 1897 in St. Maries Catholic Church, Failsworth. He signed the marriage register with ‘his mark’, suggesting he was likely illiterate. His father was recorded as John Welsh (deceased).

Their first child, William, was born on 9 July 1901, followed by John in 1903. Around this time, the family moved from number 4 to 2 Mill Houses

Margaret was born in 1905, and Jane followed in 1910. By then, the family had moved again, this time to 47 Clough Street, Newton Heath.

The 1911 census, taken on 2 April, records Eliza living at 5 Clough Road, Newton Heath, with her four children. Also present were her mother and stepfather, likely visiting at the time.

On the night of the census, James was a patient in Booth Hall General Hospital. Built in 1908, the hospital primarily cared for the sick from the Prestwich Poor Law Union. There is no indication of how long he remained there or the reason for his admission.

The 1921 census provides more detailed insight into the family circumstances. James was working for James Walton and Sons, Dyeing & Bleachers & Finishers in Clayton Bridge, Failsworth.

He recorded his age as 53, suggesting a birth year of 1868. However, at the time of his marriage in 1897, he gave his age as 34, indicating a birth year or 1863. Such discrepancies were common, as many people were unsure of their exact age or adjusged it for various reasons.

Eliza, aged 47, was recorded as being born in Macclefield and working as a charwoman. Their children were all contributing to the household: William (19) was a general labourer; John (18) a blacksmith; Margaret (15) a winder in a weaving shed; and Jane (11) was still at school.

By this time, the family had moved to 5 Coleridge Street, Failsworth. With five of the six household members earning, they appear to have been relatively stable and established.

The later years

James remained at 5 Coleridge Street until his death in 1937 at the age of 74 from cerebral thrombosis.

Notably, his son in law Alfred Spencer, lived nearby at number 9 Coleridge Street when he married Margaret Welsche. This close proximity reflects the strong family connections that were maintained.

Eliza continued to live at 5 Coleridge St at least until 1939, residing with her youngest daughter, son in law and granddaughter

James and Eliza are buried together in a family grave at Phillips Park Cemetery, in the Catholic section (Section C, grave 670), where a small marker still stands.

Alf Spencer and Margaret married in 1928, when she was 23. It is therefore likely that the family photograph was taken around this time, and quite possibly outside 5 Coleridge St

Middle row – James and Eliza Welsche with their daughter Margaret (in white dress)

Back row – in doorway is Alf Spencer Snr

Unfortunately, the identities of the other individuals in the photograph remain unknown.