june 10th 1911 john edward williams to sarah ann williams nee donaghey

liverpool, lancashire to eccles, manchester, lancashire

26.5 miles

the message

“June 9/11 Lpool

My Dear Mother

We have been to Hoylake, West Kirby and Heswall today - Walked 16 miles. Rather cooler. Will be home on Sunday night. Hoping you have been getting out this week.

With love from

Eddie and Flo”

the sender

John Edward Williams (1886-?) was the son of William Edward Williams (1864-1903) and Sarah Ann Donaghey (1866-?). William was listed as a Printer Compositor in the 1901 census.

John Edward “Eddie” worked for a Towel business. By 1939 he was a commercial traveller having previously been a clerk. In August 1913 he married Florence Gee (1885-?). In the 1911 census Florence’s occupation was Handkerchief Finisher.

It has been difficult to identify Eddie and Florence’s death records. Williams is a difficult name and there are several candidates.

the recipient

Sarah Ann Williams nee Donaghey (1866-?) was the daughter of John Donaghey (1823-?) and Sarah Dodd (1829-1876). In the 1871 census John’s occupation was given as Bill Poster.

In the 1881 census, Sarah is in domestic service working for a Corn Merchant in Chester named John Edward Haswell.

In 1885 Sarah married the Printer Compositor William Edward Williams.

the tree

Williams

Donaghey

the places

Liverpool, Lancashire to Eccles, Manchester, Lancashire

Liverpool, Lancashire plus Heswall, West Kirby and Hoylake

Eccles, Manchester, Lancashire

what the card says to us

The picture shows the Liverpool Landing Stage. The card was sent from Liverpool.

The couple, Eddie and Flo, appear to be on a walking holiday, having traversed the Wirral peninsular.

The card is dated June 10th and Eddie and Flo did not marry until August. Today it is not unusual for an unmarried couple to go on holiday together. Was it unusual in 1911? History books and films suggest that it was, but what is the true story?