Also served in the First World War. Like Charles and Amos, Ernest worked at the coal face. Like Amos he was married twice. By his first wife he had two daughters, Elizabeth and Ethel. His first wife died of consumption while he was away at war. He did get compassionate leave to visit his wife who was dying. He never saw her alive. She died when he was coming up the street, just a few yards from his front door. On returning from war, Ernest married again, a lady called Susie. Susie and Ernest went to live in Yorkshire where they had a large family –at least 4 sons. His two daughters were brought up by his mother, Elizabeth Nuttall (nee Amos). His daughter Elizabeth, also got consumption and died of T.B in 1926. Ethel married a man called ****Evans and had several children, she lived in Standish or Wigan until her death. Her greatest fear was being buried alive and so her body was cremated.
As Ernest’s first wife lay dying, Alice and Elizabeth Nuttall and another woman claim they saw an angel go over the bed from the foot of the bed to the head of the bed and then disappear. Alice said that this was the most beautiful sight she had ever seen in her life. When the angel had gone, Ernest’s wife was dead.
Ernest had an accident in the pit (possibly an explosion and fire) and one side of his face was disfigured and one of his eyes was watery. After a while you didn’t notice this because he had such a friendly and outgoing personality and an excellent sense of humour. |