Thomas Meadowcroft born in 1870 was the son of Thomas and Susannah Meadowcroft.
Thomas a native of Rochdale and Susannah from Oldham were married at St. Chads in Rochdale in 1854, barely a year later their first child was born, Charles.
The couple would go on to have a large family;
Charles born 1855, died 1917.
Henry born 1857, died 1916.
Edwin born 1859, died 1901.
Ann born 1861.
Sarah born 1863.
William born 1865, died 1869.
Ellen born 1868.
Thomas born 1870, died 1891.
John born 1873, died 1938.
The census records give us information as to their whereabouts in each of the census years, in 1871 the family were living with at Thomas' mothers address (Ada), at 9 Lilly Place in Scotland, 10 years later they were still in the Spotland area at number 7 Pym Street.
By 1891 the family had moved to Newhey and were resident at Shaw Road, Susannah was now a widow, her husband had passed away 4 years earlier. the family had become considerably smaller too, with only Susannah Sarah, Ellen, Thomas and John living there.
Charles Meadowcroft was a well known figure in Newhey, he had been closely associated with the Milnrow United Methodist Church. At the time of his death he was living at 201 Newhey Road (Bentfield), he had suffered terribly with Brights disease until his death.
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| Charles Meadowcroft 1855-1917 |
A most genial and welcoming character in the village he had worked as the warpers overlooker at Newhey Spinning Company, a liberalist in his politics he had been President of Newhey Liberal Club for four consecutive years. A keen cricketer he was also the President of the Newhey Soldiers and Sailors Parcels Committee, a year before his death, Charles' brother, Councillor Henry Meadowcroft had passed away.
Their youngest brother, Thomas, named after their father was a keen sportsman. A report in the local newspapers tells us that an inquest was held at the St. Thomas' School on the body of Thomas Meadowcroft who had died whilst playing football at Gravel Hole.
Thomas Clegg who was playing against Meadowcroft stated that he been trying to tackle Thomas and had caught him around the waist, Thomas managed to wriggle free and continue running, another player, Charles Stott then caught up with Thomas Meadowcroft, in getting away from Clegg Thomas fell forwards, his head folding under his body, Stott fell on top of him.
Thomas Meadowcroft was heard to shout; "I am done for, pull my neck", this they did and carried him to his home on Shaw Road.
Stott, Clegg and the match referee, Jonathon Taylor all gave evidence at the inquest corroborating each others story, all 3 stated the game had been a quiet one.
The jury returned a verdict of accidental death on poor Thomas, he died from a broken neck, they also declared that the game of football was becoming too rough.
Thomas was laid to rest at St. Thomas' on 29th April 1891.
26 years later, Thomas' brother Charles was interred in the same family plot.
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