William Anderton (bef. 1835 - 1865)

Born before 14 Jun 1835 in Berkswell, Warwickshire, England, United Kingdom

Ancestors

Husband of Ann (Littleton) Anderton — married 6 Apr 1856 in Royal Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, England, United Kingdom

Descendants

Died 11 Jun 1865 after age 29 in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England United Kingdom

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Biography

William Anderton was born in Warwickshire, England.

William was born in 1835 and baptized 14 Jun 1835 in Berkswell, Warwickshire, England, United Kingdom. He was the son of William Anderton and Hannah Wagstaff.^[1]

In the 1841 census, William (age 5) was in Berkswell, Warwickshire, England.^[2]

William married Ann Littleton on 6 Apr 1856 at Leamington, Warwickshire, England, United Kingdom.^[3]

In the 1861 census William (age 26), Engine Fireman, was the married head of household in Hoole, Cheshire, England.^[4]

On 7 June 1865 William was the driver on the lead engine of an excursion train that was carrying passengers from Birkenhead to London. The train consisting of 28 coaches, 2 brake vans and 2 engines. derailed shortly before reaching Rednal station. Thirteen people died including William, with another 30 injured.^[5] On the evening of the accident a statement was taken from William:

"My name is William Anderton. I was driving on the other side of Rendal, at about 30 miles an hour. I was driver of the first engine of the excursion train from Chester to London this afternoon. The platelayers were repairing the road, and no one came back with the flag to prevent us going on. The engine was thrown off the line. She went a considerable distance before she turned on her side. I could not stop her. I and the stoker must have been thrown off. I think the fall alone hurt me. I was thrown a considerable distance. I was sensible all the time. I remember coming to Shrewsbury station after the accident. I have been sensible all the time up to this time. I attribute the accident entirely to the platelayers, having been engaged in repairing the line, and not sending the flag backwards to prevent us coming on. I make this statement in prospect of death from the accident, and it is all true."^[6]

He then succumbed to his injuries on 11 June at Shrewsbury Hospital.^[7]

Sources

1. ↑ Baptism: "England, Warwickshire, Parish Registers, 1535-1963" citing Berkswell, Warwickshire, England, United Kingdom, Warwick County Record Office, England. FamilySearch Record: QLKP-8XD1 (accessed 24 June 2023). FamilySearch Image: S3HY-6QB9-89Y Image number 00294
   William Anderton baptism on 14 Jun 1835, child of William Anderton & Anna Anderton, in Berkswell, Warwickshire, England, United Kingdom.
2. ↑ 1841 Census: "England and Wales Census, 1841" citing The National Archives of the UK Class: HO107; Piece/Folio: 1129/61; Page: 8; Line: 24. FamilySearch Record: MQBG-T4R (accessed 17 July 2024). FamilySearch Image: 3Q9M-CS3H-P9RT
   William Anderton (5) in Berkswell, Warwickshire, England, United Kingdom. Born in Warwickshire.
3. ↑ Marriage: "England, Warwickshire, Parish Registers, 1535-1963" citing , p. , Warwick County Record Office, England; FHL microfilm 1,067,483. FamilySearch Record: Q2CG-5JDZ (accessed 24 June 2023). FamilySearch Image: S3HY-64LS-HZ3 Image number 00395
   William Anderton marriage to Ann Littleton on 6 Apr 1856 in Leamington, Warwickshire, England, United Kingdom.
4. ↑ 1861 Census: "England and Wales Census, 1861" citing PRO RG 9, The National Archives, Kew, Surrey. FamilySearch Record: M7L6-9VC (accessed 24 June 2023). FindMyPast Image
   William Anderton (26), married, Engine Fireman, head of household in Hoole in Great Boughton registration district in Cheshire, England. Born in Warwick Berkswell.
5. ↑ 1865 Newspaper: "Newspapers.com". The Birmingham Journal (Birmingham, West Midlands, England) Sat, 17 Jun 1865, page 7
6. ↑ 1865 Newspaper: "Newspapers.com". Liverpool Mercury, etc. (Liverpool, Merseyside, England) Fri, 9 Jun 1865, page 7. Newspapers Clip: 127012535 (accessed 24 June 2023)
7. ↑ 1865 Newspaper: "Newspapers.com". The Morning Post (London, Greater London, England) Mon, 12 Jun 1865, page 6. Newspapers Clip: 127011438 (accessed 24 June 2023)

Acknowledgements

This person was created through the import of McMillan Family tree.2.ged on 04 May 2011.