Edward DOWLE, born Cinderford or Lydney, circa 1885 (General)

by Chris Keen, Friday, July 18, 2025, 21:22 (35 days ago) @ jayned

Hi Jayned
I read your article with much interest
Having just embarked on researching my Great Grandfather James William Keen born 1860 in Cinderford,
He like your GG made his way to
Barnsley where he married Eliza and had 2 Children, Edith and Seth( my Grandad)
He lived in a place called Days Croft which was near Monk Bretton pit where he was the colliery overman,
Unfortunately he had a few too many pints and fell in the nearby canal
And drowned at the age of 40 !! February 1900 leaving a young widow and 2 kids about 2-3 years old and Seth only - a few weeks old!
I remember as a very young lad visiting Cinderford and meeting up with some of my Dads relations ,
He mentioned that he used to visit as a boy and stayed with his uncle Irvin( maybe KEEN) in the late 30s to early 50s
I have no knowledge of his resting place here in my village of Monk Bretton
Ironically I live only a short distance from where Days Croft is( now demolished )
It’s so interesting that many people have travelled north from a beautiful area as the FOD to start anew but hard life up here in the coal industry,
If you have any information or anyone else reading this I would love to hear from you,
Worsbrough where your relations settles as you know was a result if all the pits opening up,
I would like to mention if you have any interest in finding your GG involvement with the pits here in Barnsley then a visit to the NUM offices on Huddersfield Road
That’s an amazing place and have archives that they may share with you
Kindest regards
Chris