Descendants of John Pilling of Trawden, Lancashire



I have substantially updated this Pilling Webpage since 2000. I recently looked into where the Mary Pilling and her parents lived and became interested in the Pilling genealogy. It turns out that I found an Ancestry Tree by someone who was interested in the Pilling family of Trawden. He had that Mary Pilling's father Greenwood was the illegitimate son of Sarah Pilling who was born in 1745. Along with Sarah's ancestry, this brought my Pilling ancestry back to the 1600's in Trawden, Lancashire. I am unable to prove or disprove the Ancestry Pilling Tree I found, but it seems plausible and the creator of the tree may have some special knowledge of the Pilling family.

Seghole Farm Trawden

The photo above is of the Seghole Farm. Mary Pilling born in 1802 was born either at this farm or at Alderhurst End. These are two locations that are near to each other to the South of Trawden Village up the Hill, on the outskirts of Trawden.


First Generation



1. John Pilling .

John married Alice Hartley on 3 Jul 1672 in St Bartholomew, Colne, Lancashire, England.

Children from this marriage were:

   M    i. John Pilling was born on 31 Aug 1673 in Bough Gap, Trawden, Lancashire and died on 28 Jan 1674 in Bough Gap, Trawden, Lancashire.

   M    ii. James Pilling was born on 22 Nov 1674 in Bough Gap, Trawden, Lancashire.

   M    iii. Geoffrey Pilling was born on 14 Jul 1679 in Winewall, Lancashire, England.

   2 M    iv. John Pilling was born on 18 Jan 1685 in Winewall, Lancashire, England.

   F    v. Ellen Pilling was born on 20 Jul 1689 in Winewall, Lancashire, England and was christened on 28 Jul 1689 in St Bartholomew, Colne, Lancashire, England.

Ellen married John Driver on 27 Aug 1720 in St Bartholomew, Colne, Lancashire, England.

Second Generation


2. John Pilling (John1) was born on 18 Jan 1685 in Winewall, Lancashire, England.

John married Dinah Pickles on 11 Jun 1711 in St Bartholomew, Colne, Lancashire, England. Dinah died in 1738 in Winewall, Lancashire, England and was buried on 26 Nov 1738 in St Bartholomew, Colne, Lancashire, England.

Children from this marriage were:

   F    i. Bridget Pilling was born in 1711 in Winewall, Lancashire, England and was christened on 16 Sep 1711 in St Bartholomew, Colne, Lancashire, England.

Bridget married John Hartley on 1 Nov 1743 in St Bartholomew, Colne, Lancashire, England.

   3 M    ii. John Pilling was born in 1714 in Winewall, Lancashire, England, was christened on 8 Apr 1714 in St. Bartholomew, Colne, died in 1772 in Winewall, Lancashire, England at age 58, and was buried on 18 Feb 1772 in St Bartholomew, Colne, Lancashire, England.

Third Generation


3. John Pilling (John2, John1) was born in 1714 in Winewall, Lancashire, England, was christened on 8 Apr 1714 in St. Bartholomew, Colne, died in 1772 in Winewall, Lancashire, England at age 58, and was buried on 18 Feb 1772 in St Bartholomew, Colne, Lancashire, England.

John married Elizabeth Stansfield/Standfield on 27 Dec 1733 in St Bartholomew, Colne, Lancashire, England.

Children from this marriage were:

   M    i. William Pilling was born in 1734 in Winewall, Lancashire, England and was christened on 12 Jun 1734 in St Bartholomew, Colne, Lancashire, England.

William married Catherine.

   F    ii. Mary Pilling was born on 6 Mar 1737.

   M    iii. Thomas Pilling was born in 1739 in Winewall, Lancashire, England, was christened on 2 Dec 1739 in St Bartholomew, Colne, Lancashire, England, died in 1741 in Winewall, Lancashire, England at age 2, and was buried on 8 Jan 1741 in St Bartholomew, Colne, Lancashire, England.

   4 F    iv. Sarah Pilling was born in 1745 in Winewall, Trawden, Lancashire, England and was christened on 3 Feb 1745 in St. Bartholomew, Colne.

   F    v. Peggy Pilling was born in 1753 in Winewall, Lancashire, England and was christened on 1 Apr 1753 in St Bartholomew, Colne, Lancashire, England.

Fourth Generation


4. Sarah Pilling (John3, John2, John1) was born in 1745 in Winewall, Trawden, Lancashire, England and was christened on 3 Feb 1745 in St. Bartholomew, Colne.

Her children were:

   5 M    i. John Pilling was born in 1776 in Alder Hirst End, was christened on 8 Sep 1776 in St Bartholomew, Colne, Lancashire, England, and died in Alderhurst End, Trawden, Lancashire, England.

   M    ii. William Pilling died in Rings Farm, Trawden, Lancashire, England.

Her child was:

   6 M    i. Greenwood Pilling was born about 1780 and died on 12 Feb 1804 in Aldersend about age 24.

The grouping of these three are based on the way they were entered in my genealogy program. I was not intending to show that John and William were full brothers and Greenwood a half brother. It looks like John and Greenwood could have been closer to each other as John names his eighth child Greenwood. I don't have a record of John naming any of his sons William. It appears that Sarah was the first to make the move from Winewall to Alderhurst End. Sarah is a mysterious figure. The way the genealogy is written, she had three illegitimate sons.

Trawden 1818

The map above shows Winewall where the Pilling family lived in the 1600's and early 1700's. Bough Gap was a farm on the road that says Ings Heys. The area near Bouslworth Hill called Oldrest End is what is more commonly called Alershurst End today. I believe that this area is much less populated than it was in 1818. Seghole is probably about where the 'E' is in Higer NaysEnd.This would be called Naze End today.

Fifth Generation


5. John Pilling (Sarah Pilling4, John3, John2, John1) was born in 1776 in Alder Hirst End, was christened on 8 Sep 1776 in St Bartholomew, Colne, Lancashire, England, and died in Alderhurst End, Trawden, Lancashire, England.

John married Jane Nutter on 25 Dec 1804 in St Bartholomew, Colne, Lancashire, England. Jane was born about 1784 in Trawden, Lanchashire, England and died in Alderhurst End, Trawden, Lancashire, England.

Children from this marriage were:

   M    i. John Pilling was born on 20 Mar 1805 in Alderhurst End, Trawden, Lancashire, England and died in 1856 in Alderhurst End, Trawden, Lancashire, England at age 51.

John married Ann Hartley on 5 Apr 1832 in St Bartholomew, Colne, Lancashire, England. Ann was born in 1807.

   F    ii. Mary Pilling was born on 1 Dec 1806 in Alderhurst End, Trawden, Lancashire, England and was christened on 18 Jan 1807 in St Bartholomew, Colne, Lancashire, England.

   F    iii. Betty Pilling was born on 9 Mar 1809 in Alderhurst End, Trawden, Lancashire, England and was christened on 14 May 1809 in St Bartholomew, Colne, Lancashire, England.

   M    iv. Henry Pilling was born on 11 Nov 1811 in Alderhurst End, Trawden, Lancashire, England and was christened on 12 Jan 1812 in St Bartholomew, Colne, Lancashire, England.

Henry married someone.

   F    v. Sarah Pilling was born in 1815 in Alderhurst End, Trawden, Lancashire, England and was christened on 15 Oct 1815 in St Bartholomew, Colne, Lancashire, England.

   F    vi. Jane Pilling was born in 1818 in Alderhurst End, Trawden, Lancashire, England and was christened on 5 Jul 1818 in St Bartholomew, Colne, Lancashire, England.

   M    vii. Paul Pilling was born in 1821 in Trawden, Lancashire and was christened on 12 Aug 1821 in St Bartholomew, Colne, Lancashire, England.

   7 M    viii. Greenwood Pilling was born in 1826 in Alderhurst End, Trawden, Lancashire, England, was christened on 7 May 1826 in St Bartholomew, Colne, Lancashire, England, and died in 71 Albert Rd, Colne, Lancashire.

From the above it appears that all these people lived in Alderhurst End. Here is the elder John who appears as a farmer in 1841:

1841johnpilling (300K)

However, his son John was living not too far away at Slack Houses and working as a joiner.The younger John had a large family, but I didn't record all his children. The elder John is important as he may bave played a part in raising Mary Pilling after both her parents died.

johnslackhouses (372K)

6. Greenwood Pilling (Sarah Pilling4, John3, John2, John1) was born about 1780 and died on 12 Feb 1804 in Aldersend about age 24.

Noted events in his life were:

• He worked as a Weaver in 1800.

Greenwood married Nancy Shackleton, daughter of John Shackleton and Mary, on 2 Jun 1800 in St. Bartholomew's, Colne, Lancashire, England. Nancy was born in 1781 in Pasture Spring, Trawden and died on 19 Sep 1804 in Seghole, Trawden at age 23. Another name for Nancy was Nancy Pilling.

Marriage Notes: John Shackleton assumed to be bride's father.

Noted events in her life were:

• She was baptized on 29 Jul 1781 in St. Bartholomew's Chapel, Colne, England.

Children from this marriage were:

   M    i. John Pilling was born on 2 Jul 1800 in Trawden, Lancashire, England.

   8 F    ii. Mary Pilling was born on 2 Feb 1802 in Seghole, Trawden, Lancashire, England, died on 23 Mar 1874 in 23 Austin Street, New Bedford, MA at age 72, and was buried in Lot 32, Section GG, Oak Grove Cemetery, New Bedford, MA.

   F    iii. Sarah Pilling was born about Jul 1804, died on 1 Nov 1804 in Seghole, Trawden, and was buried on 3 Nov 1804.

General Notes: Died of decline


Sixth Generation


7. Greenwood Pilling (John Pilling5, Sarah Pilling4, John3, John2, John1) was born in 1826 in Alderhurst End, Trawden, Lancashire, England, was christened on 7 May 1826 in St Bartholomew, Colne, Lancashire, England, and died in 71 Albert Rd, Colne, Lancashire.

Greenwood married Mary. Mary was born in 1825 in Colne and died in 71 Albert Rd, Colne, Lancashire.

The child from this marriage was:

   F    i. Margaret Clara Pilling was born in 1866.

8. Mary Pilling (Greenwood Pilling5, Sarah Pilling4, John3, John2, John1) was born on 2 Feb 1802 in Seghole, Trawden, Lancashire, England, died on 23 Mar 1874 in 23 Austin Street, New Bedford, MA at age 72, and was buried in Lot 32, Section GG, Oak Grove Cemetery, New Bedford, MA. Other names for Mary were Mary Hartley and Mary Wilkinson.

Noted events in her life were:

• She had a residence in 1837 in Slack Booth, Trawden.

• She was baptized on 30 Jun 1837 in Methodist Chapel, Trawden, Lancashire, England.

• She had a residence in 1851 in 183 Underbank Street, Bacup, Lancashire, England.

• She had a residence in 1841 in Hollin Hallrow, Trawden, Lancashire, England.

Mary married Robert Hartley, son of James Hartley and Betty Baldwin, on 16 Sep 1830 in St. Bartholomew's Chapel, Colne, England. Robert was born on 24 Feb 1803 in Trawden, Lancashire, England, died in 1835 in Hollin Hall, Trawden at age 32, and was buried on 6 Aug 1835 in Colne.

Noted events in his life were:

• He worked as a Weaver.

• He was baptized on 10 Apr 1803 in St. Bartholomew's Chapel, Colne, England.

Children from this marriage were:

   9 M    i. Greenwood Hartley was born on 25 May 1831 in Trawden, Lancashire, England, died on 18 Sep 1892 in Rochester, MA at age 61, and was buried in Sherman's Cemetery, Rochester.

   10 F    ii. Ann Hartley died in Dec 1886.

Mary next married Robert Wilkinson, son of Moses Wilkinson and Jane Shaw, on 15 Sep 1839 in St Bartholomew, Colne. Robert was born about 1802 in Colne.

Marriage Notes: Witnesses: Thomas Foulds (X) his mark

Noted events in his life were:

• He worked as a Weaver.

• He had a residence in 1841 in Hollin Hallrow, Trawden, Lancashire, England.

• He had a residence in 1851 in 183 Underbank Street, Bacup, Lancashire, England.

• He had a residence in 1861 in Higher Broadclough, Bacup.

• He had a residence on 19 May 1855 in Underbank, Bacup, Lancashire, England.

Children from this marriage were:

   11 M    i. William Wilkinson was born on 5 May 1840 in Trawden, Lancashire, England, died on 17 Aug 1910 in St. Luke's Hospital, New Bedford at age 70, and was buried on 20 Aug 1910 in Lot 32, Section GG, Oak Grove Cemetery, New Bedford, MA.

   M    ii. Horsfall Wilkinson was born between Mar 1841 and Apr 1841 in Trawden, Lancashire, England.

General Notes: Appear to have died young.

   F    iii. Elizabeth Wilkinson was born in 1850 in Whalley, Lancashire, England and died on 19 Nov 1866 in Section D392, Whitworth, Lancashire, England at age 16.

General Notes: May have been a grandaughter of Mary Pilling

Mary next married someone.

Her child was:

   12 M    i. John Pilling was born on 10 Oct 1822 in Trawden, Lancashire, England, died on 4 Apr 1900 in Union Workhouse, Burnley, England at age 77, and was buried on 7 Apr 1900 in Burnley Cemetery, Burnley, Lancashire, England.

Seventh Generation


Greenwood Hartley

9. Greenwood Hartley (Mary Pilling6, Greenwood Pilling5, Sarah Pilling4, John3, John2, John1) was born on 25 May 1831 in Trawden, Lancashire, England, died on 18 Sep 1892 in Rochester, MA at age 61, and was buried in Sherman's Cemetery, Rochester.

Noted events in his life were:

• He was baptized on 13 Nov 1831 in St. Bartholomew's Church, Colne, England.

• He worked as a Powerloom weaver in 1851.

• He worked as a Powerloom weaver between 1861 and 1865.

• He had a residence between 1858 and 1869 in Higher Broadclough, Bacup, Lancashire, England.

• He had a residence between 1869 and 1870 in 7 Eighth Street, Fall River, MA.

• Natl-Decl: 11 Dec 1872, in Bristol Superior Court, New Bedford, MA.

• He had a residence between 1871 and 1874 in 23 Austin Street, New Bedford, MA.

• He immigrated on 24 Oct 1869 to Boston, MA.

• He worked as a Baker in 1858.

• He has conflicting death information of 18 Aug 1892.

Greenwood married Ann Emmet, daughter of Isaac Emmet and Esther Howorth, on 18 Dec 1851 in Bacup Chapelry, Bacup, Lancashire, England. Ann was born on 10 Jun 1829 in Bacup, Lancashire, England, died on 5 Sep 1906 in Rochester, MA at age 77, and was buried in Sherman Cemetery, Rochester. Another name for Ann was Ann Hartley.

Marriage Notes: Witnesses: Robert Bolton, Lawrence Bridge (X) mark

Noted events in their marriage were:

• They appeared on the census in 1861 in Higher Broadclough, Bacup, Lancashire, England.

Noted events in her life were:

• She immigrated on 24 Oct 1869 to Boston, MA.

Children from this marriage were:

   13 F    i. Mary Ann Hartley was born on 30 Apr 1855 in Bacup, Lancashire, England, died on 24 May 1924 in Union Hospital, Fall River at age 69, and was buried on 27 May 1924 in Oak Grove, Fall River.

   F    ii. Esther Hartley was born on 21 Mar 1858 in Higher Broadclough, Bacup, Lancashire, England, died on 30 Oct 1870 in Rear of 200 Ray St., New Bedford, MA at age 12, and was buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, New Bedford.

General Notes: Died of Typhoid Fever Name also listed on monument at Sherman Cemetery, Rochester, MA

   14 M    iii. James Hartley was born on 21 Jan 1862 in Higher Broadclough, Bacup, Lancashire, England, died on 30 Jun 1918 in Rochester, MA at age 56, and was buried in Sherman Cemetery, Rochester, MA.

10. Ann Hartley (Mary Pilling6, Greenwood Pilling5, Sarah Pilling4, John3, John2, John1) died in Dec 1886. Another name for Ann was Ann Cockrill.

Noted events in her life were:

• She was baptized on 6 Dec 1835 in St. Bartholomew's Chapel, Colne, England.

• She worked as a Weaver between 1858 and 1861.

• She worked as a Weaver in 1881.

• She had a residence in 1871 in Scarr Bottom, Newchurch, Lancashire.

Ann married Elijah Cockrill, son of William Cockerell and Mary Ashworth, on 26 Jun 1858 in Christ Church, Bacup, Lancashire, England. Elijah was born in 1832 and died in Oct 1893 in Burnley at age 61.

Noted events in his life were:

• He was baptized on 20 Aug 1832 in St. John's Church, Bacup, Lancashire, England.

• He worked as a weaver between 1858 and 1861.

• He had a residence in 1861 in Underbank, Bacup, Lancashire, England.

• He had a residence in 1858 in Higher Newgate, Bacup, Lancashire, England.

• He worked as a cotton beamer in 1881.

• He had a residence in 1881 in Spotland Newline, Rochdale, Lancashire, England.

• He had a residence in 1891 in 35 Westmoreland St., Burnley.

Children from this marriage were:

   15 M    i. Joseph Cockrill was born in 1870 and died in Mar 1952 in Lancaster, Lancashire at age 82.

   16 M    ii. William Greenwood Cockrill was born in Jan 1873 in Bacup and died on 9 Aug 1929 in Reading, Berks at age 56.
William Wilkinson

11. William Wilkinson (Mary Pilling6, Greenwood Pilling5, Sarah Pilling4, John3, John2, John1) was born on 5 May 1840 in Trawden, Lancashire, England, died on 17 Aug 1910 in St. Luke's Hospital, New Bedford at age 70, and was buried on 20 Aug 1910 in Lot 32, Section GG, Oak Grove Cemetery, New Bedford, MA.

General Notes: Listed as a farmer in 1905. Residence at 435 South Front Street at time of death.

Noted events in his life were:

• He worked as a Cotton Mill Harness Fixer.

• He had a residence on 21 Jul 1870 in 140 Bedford St., Fall River, Bristol, MA.

• He had a residence in 1871 in 23 Peasiville? Street, New Bedford.

• He had a residence in 1872 in 1 Wall Street, New Bedford, MA.

• He had a residence in 1900 in Quaker Lane, Acushnet.

• He had a residence on 6 May 1910 in 435 Front Street, New Bedford.

William married Tamar Dawson, daughter of William Barnes, on 6 Aug 1859 in St Johns, Bacup, Lancashire, England. Tamar was born on 22 Dec 1840 in Otley, Yorkshire, England, died on 24 Sep 1902 in Acushnet at age 61, and was buried on 26 Sep 1902 in Lot No. 32, Section GG, Oak Grove Cemetery, New Bedford, MA. Other names for Tamar were Jane Dawson and Tamar Wilkinson.

Noted events in her life were:

• She worked as a Housewife.

• She was employed in 1859.

Children from this marriage were:

   M    i. John William Wilkinson was born in 1862 in Bacup, Lancashire, England, died on 21 Jan 1872 at age 10, and was buried in Lot 32, Section GG, Oak Grove Cemetery, New Bedford, MA.

   M    ii. Robert Wilkinson was born in 1864 in Bacup, Lancashire, England, died on 21 Jan 1872 in New Bedford at age 8, and was buried in Lot 32, Section GG, Oak Grove Cemetery, New Bedford, MA.

   17 F    iii. Margaret J. Wilkinson was born in 1866 in Bacup, Lancashire, England.

   18 F    iv. Jane Wilkinson was born in 1869 in Bacup, Lancashire, England.

   M    v. Greenwood Wilkinson was born about 9 May 1871 and died on 24 May 1871 in New Bedford.

   F    vi. Sarah Wilkinson was born on 7 Nov 1872 in New Bedford.

Sarah married Abner W. Pierce, son of Orlando G. Pierce and Susan F. Lake, on 25 Jan 1893 in New Bedford. Abner was born about 1871 in Tiverton, Rhode Island.

Noted events in his life were:

• He worked as a teamster in 1893.

   19 F    vii. Bessie Wilkinson was born about 1875 in New Bedford, died in 1940 about age 65, and was buried in 1940 in Oak Grove, New Bedford.

   20 M    viii. William Wilkinson Jr. was born on 22 Jun 1879 in New Bedford and was buried in Long Plain Cemetery, Acushnet, Massachusetts.

   M    ix. Nehemiah Wilkinson was born in 1881, died on 13 Aug 1882 in Durfee and Ashland, New Bedford, MA at age 1, and was buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, New Bedford, MA.

William next married Jane Rose, daughter of William Rose and Elizabeth Wilson, on 3 Jun 1905 in New Bedford. Jane was born in 1842 in England.

Noted events in her life were:

• She worked as a Housekeeper.

12. John Pilling (Mary Pilling6, Greenwood Pilling5, Sarah Pilling4, John3, John2, John1) was born on 10 Oct 1822 in Trawden, Lancashire, England, died on 4 Apr 1900 in Union Workhouse, Burnley, England at age 77, and was buried on 7 Apr 1900 in Burnley Cemetery, Burnley, Lancashire, England. Another name for John was John Hartley.

General Notes: Served in the Civil War in the 5th Battery, Massachusetts Volunteer Light Artillery as a private from 9/23/1861 to 10/25/1865.

Noted events in his life were:

• He had a residence in rear Wamsutta Mills, New Bedford.

• He had a residence in 1837 in Slack Booth, Trawden.

• He worked as a Factory Operative in 1867 in Wamsutta Mills, New Bedford, MA.

• Milit-Beg: 23 Sep 1861, in Fifth Battery Massachusetts Volunteer Light Artillery.

• He was baptized on 30 Jun 1837 in Methodist Chapel, Trawden, Lancashire, England.

• He had a residence between 1871 and 1874 in 9 Austin Street, New Bedford, MA.

• Milit-End: 25 Oct 1865, in Fifth Battery Massachusetts Volunteer Light Artillery.

John married Margaret Foster, daughter of James Foster and Ann Leichmann, on 16 Nov 1859 in New Bedford. Margaret was born on 18 Jan 1830 in Scotland, died on 24 Jan 1907 in 1035 County Road, New Bedford at age 77, and was buried on 28 Jan 1907 in Lot 32, Section GG, Oak Grove Cemetery, New Bedford, MA. Other names for Margaret were Margaret Pilling and Elizabeth Foster.

Noted events in her life were:

• She had a residence in 1880 in 9 Austin St., New Bedford.

Children from this marriage were:

   21 F    i. Marion Ann Pilling was born on 3 Aug 1861 in New Bedford, died on 28 Mar 1949 in 1035 County St., New Bedford, MA at age 87, and was buried on 31 Mar 1949 in Lot 32, Section GG, Oak Grove Cemetery, New Bedford, MA.

   22 M    ii. Abraham L. Pilling was born on 14 May 1865 in New Bedford and died on 2 Feb 1925 in Fall River at age 59.

   23 M    iii. James F. Pilling was born on 1 Feb 1867 in New Bedford.

John Pilling was baptized in Trawden at the age of 14 as John Hartley. He would have used his stepfather's name even though Robert Hartley had died two years before this time. Two years later he would have a new stepfather, Robert Wilkinson. Soon he would be living with Wilkinson step-siblings, Wilkinson half siblings and Hartley half siblings.

John emigrated to New Bedford and on 16 November 1859 he married Scotland born Margaret Foster. He was 34 and an overseer at the Wamsutta Mills. She was 28 on her wedding day. On 18 August 1860 the couple was living with John Hargrave from England and his Scottish wife Elisabeth and their 3 small children. The Pilling family lived on Purchase Street at the time of the birth of their first child a year later (3 August 1861).

In September he was enlisted in the Fifth Battery Massachusetts Volunteer Light Artillery. He mustered on December 3, 1861 under Captain Max Eppendorf of Saxony. He fought in the Civil War as a Private at Washington, Gettysburg and other locations. He transferred on September 26, 1863 to the Veteran Reserve Corps. He re-enlisted on April 29, 1864. He deserted on Oct. 25, 1865. According to War Department records, "The charge of desertion of Oct. 25/65 against this man is [revoked?] and he is discharged to date Oct 25/65 under the provision of the Act of Congress approved Mch. 2, 1889." When he was discharged, he belonged to Company "I" of the 18th Veteran Reserve Corps.. "The medical records show him treated as follows: … June 24 to 27, 63, Colic returned to duty… July 10 to 14, 63 Rheumatism;… July 9 to Aug 8, 63, Convalescent, returned to duty. Examined for Transfer to Invalid Corps, Aug. 25, 63, Disability, - Injury of back;… Sept. 14 to 18, 65 (no diagnosis) returned to duty. Nothing additional found."

As John Pilling's arrival predated the Wilkinsons and Hartleys, it is likely that he was instrumental in their emigration to New Bedford. In 1869, the New Bedford Directory still had John listed as part of the Massachusetts Battery and gave his address as the rear of the Wamsutta Mills. Soon after that he was back working at the Mill and moved to 9 Ashley Street which starts at the Western end of Austin Street. A few years later he moved to 9 Austin Street. He lived there until about October 6, 1877, when he left his family.

The account of his leaving is told in the New Bedford Evening Standard of Friday August 24, 1877. It gives some insight to local history and details of the Pilling family.

STEPPED OUT - Some 50 workers of the Wamsutta Mills have for some time past been banded together and have purchased groceries of a Providence firm, E. W. Pierce & Co. The association is known as the New Bedford Workingmen's Provision Store, and the plan of operations was for each member to bring an order to the secretary, who ordered the goods of the Providence firm and their members on receiving the goods paid the cost of them and three per cent, additional to cover necessary expenses to the treasurer, who in turn paid the necessary amount to the secretary, and the latter sent it to the Providence firm. This plan has been found to work very well, as goods were obtained at a lower rate, and the money was always promptly paid by the members.

The secretary of the workingmen's association is Mr. Edwin Jones and the treasurer is John Pilling, the latter being a section hand in the weave room of Wamsutta Mill No. 3 and residing at No. 9 Austin street.

Last Saturday the workingmen's association was indebted to Pierce & Co., in the sum of $565 for goods received, and in the evening the secretary met the treasurer by appointment down street, and the latter was to have the money with him to be forwarded by Hatch & Cuts (?) express to Providence in liquidation. At the meeting the treasurer told the secretary that he had not brought the money, as there was an account concerning a barrel of flour purchased the previous month, which he wished to straighten out before remitting. He said he would send the money on Monday and forward the express company's receipt to the secretary.

Monday night Pilling went to the overseer of the room in the mill where he worked and obtained leave of absence. The next forenoon he went down street with his wife and bought two dresses, one for her and one for a daughter. In the afternoon he went away from home, without saying anything about where he intended to go or how long he would be absent. As he did not return at night his wife on Wednesday instituted inquiries and found that the previous afternoon he had purchased a ticket at the Pearl Street Station, but the agent could not remember to what place. Pilling had on his best clothes at the time he went away and took an extra shirt with him, but no other baggage.

Mr. Jones (the secretary of the workingmen's association), not seeing Pilling or the receipt on Tuesday, in the evening called at his house and found that he had stepped out. On Wednesday Mr. Jones went down to the express office, and there found that Pilling had not called at the office or sent any money to Providence.

Pilling borrowed $30 of one of his fellow operatives and a small sum of another, and it is said bought some clothing on credit at a store down town previous to his departure.

John Pilling and Margaret Foster

At an interview with Pilling's wife this morning she professed entire ignorance of his whereabouts, said she could assign no cause for his going away, and added that she did not wish to see him again after the disgrace which he had brought upon her. She said that their relations had always been harmonious and their home happy. Pilling is a sober and temperate man, and, indeed, has been considered one of the apostles of the cause at the North End.

The members of the workingmen's association are in a quandary as to what is to be done about the payment of the indebtedness incurred, not knowing to what an extent they are responsible. A meeting was held last evening, but no action was taken, and Mr. Pierce is expected in the city to-day, when a consultation will be held.

According to subsequent newspaper articles, John Pilling's "decamping" left behind several legal and financial problems. The Figure on the right is now believed to be a picture of John Pilling. The picture.is inscribed "Abe Pilling" on the back but it appears by the age of the man and his clothing to be John Piling. The picture could have been taken around 1875 when John was in his 50's.

Mrs. John Pilling is listed as living at 9 Austin Street up until at least 1885. She then moved to Fall River with her son where she lived at 639 Plymouth Avenue. She applied for a military pension in 1897. In a letter to the Pension Office dated Feb. 3, 1898, Margaret states, "…that at the time he left home he was a loom-fixer and was not disabled by disease or injury; that I have disposed of no real estate since Oct. 6, 1897 and that I have no property real, personal or mixed except a small quantity of household furniture and no source of income except what is paid me by one son a laborer, which is sometimes five dollars ($5.-) per week and sometimes four and a half dollars ($4.50) per week and sometimes less." She was initially denied a pension as she had not proved that her husband was deceased. Her lawyer, Nicholas Hatheway, Jr. wrote to the Commissioner of Pensions on July 9, 1900:

Dear Sir,

The application of Margaret Pilling for a pension was rejected Ap. 26th 1898 on the ground that the circumstances under which the soldier left his family about 1877 did not warrant the presumption of his death. Since then Mrs. Pilling has received notice that her husband died in the workhouse in Burnley, Eng. We can show that her husband was working in Cliviger in 1895 and was seen there in 1893 and was then working in a mill there. We can also prove that the John Pilling who was Margaret Pilling's husband and who was seen there in 1893 was the same died in the workhouse in Burnley. Kindly advise me if it is not possible to revive Mrs. Pilling's claim for a pension without filing a new one and also what evidence is required if any in addition to the above. I believe that the claim was complete except the evidence of death.

I enclose the certificate m. received from Eng. Kindly return same to me. The official designation of Mrs. Pilling's claim was Eastern Div. …..

Eighth Generation


13. Mary Ann Hartley (Greenwood Hartley7, Mary Pilling6, Greenwood Pilling5, Sarah Pilling4, John3, John2, John1) was born on 30 Apr 1855 in Bacup, Lancashire, England, died on 24 May 1924 in Union Hospital, Fall River at age 69, and was buried on 27 May 1924 in Oak Grove, Fall River. Another name for Mary was Mary Ann Burrows.

Noted events in her life were:

• She had a residence in 1880 in 118 Pleasant Street, Fall River, Massachusetts.

• She worked as a Nurse between 1920 and 1924.

Mary married Abel Burrows, son of Samuel Burrows and Nancy Nutter, on 10 Feb 1874 in New Bedford. Abel was born between 1850 and 1851 in Marsden, Lancashire, England and died on 4 Mar 1903 in Fall River.

Noted events in his life were:

• He worked as a weaver, jeweller, and watch maker.

• He had a residence between 1861 and 1871 in Habergham Eaves, Burnley.

Children from this marriage were:

   F    i. Elizabeth A. Burrows was born on 18 Dec 1874 in Fall River, MA, died in 1944 at age 70, and was buried in 1944 in Oak Grove Cemetery, Fall River. Other names for Elizabeth were Lizzie Burrows and Elizabeth A. Williams.

Elizabeth married John Williams, son of William M Williams and Ann Caton, on 4 Mar 1897 in Fall River, MA. John was born about 1876 in England.

Noted events in his life were:

• He immigrated in 1892.

• He worked as a Watchmaker in 1897.

• He had a residence in 1900 in 454 Pleasant St., Fall River.

• He was naturalized in 1903.

• He worked as a jewelry store owner in 1920.

   F    ii. Esther Burrows was born on 11 Jun 1876 in Fall River, Massachusetts and died on 24 Feb 1895 in Fall River at age 18.

   F    iii. Nancy Burrows was born about 4 Jan 1878 in Fall River, Bristol, Massachusetts and died on 6 Sep 1884 in 24 Linden St., Fall River about age 6. Another name for Nancy was Nettie Burrows.

14. James Hartley (Greenwood Hartley7, Mary Pilling6, Greenwood Pilling5, Sarah Pilling4, John3, John2, John1) was born on 21 Jan 1862 in Higher Broadclough, Bacup, Lancashire, England, died on 30 Jun 1918 in Rochester, MA at age 56, and was buried in Sherman Cemetery, Rochester, MA.

Noted events in his life were:

• He worked as a Farmer.

James married Annie Louisa Snell, daughter of Isaiah Hatch Snell and Hannah Thomas Bradford, on 30 Apr 1885 in Long Plain Baptist Church, Acushnet, MA. Annie was born on 25 Aug 1866 in Rochester, died on 31 May 1961 in Rochester, MA at age 94, and was buried in Sherman Cemetery, Rochester, MA.

Noted events in her life were:

• She worked as a Housewife.

Children from this marriage were:

   M    i. Daniel Emmet Hartley was born on 20 Mar 1886 in Rochester and died on 25 Apr 1944 at age 58.

Daniel married Mary Sylvia Lawrence, daughter of George W. Lawrence and Mary A. Luscount, on 14 Nov 1909. Mary was born about 1876 in Acushnet, MA. Another name for Mary was Mary Sylvia Hartley.

   M    ii. Herbert Hartley was born on 27 Aug 1887 in Rochester and died on 25 Nov 1887 in Rochester, MA.

   F    iii. Grace May Hartley was born on 10 Nov 1888 in Rochester and died on 11 Aug 1957 at age 68.

Grace married Maxwell Sherman Gifford, son of George Goodenough Gifford Jr. and Elizabeth Anna Sherman, on 2 Dec 1906. Maxwell was born on 16 Jun 1886 and died on 17 Aug 1966 at age 80.

Noted events in his life were:

• He had a residence in 1940 in Dexter Lane, Rochester.

• He worked as a clerk, collector, treasurer, Town of Rochester in 1940.

   M    iv. James Hartley was born on 14 Feb 1891 in Rochester, died on 1 Oct 1974 in Wareham, MA at age 83, and was buried in Sherman Cemetery, Rochester, MA.

James married Marion Margaret Frazer, daughter of James Archibald Frazer and Margaret Clark, on 30 Jun 1917. Marion was born on 15 Sep 1894 in 51 Westminster St. "Hotel Westminster", Roxbury, Boston, MA, died in Jan 1982 at age 87, and was buried in Sherman Cemetery, Rochester, MA.

Noted events in her life were:

• She had a residence in Snipatuit Road, Rochester.

• She worked as a School Teacher.

• She was baptized on 15 Sep 1894 in S. John's Church, Boston Highlands, Roxbury, Massachusetts.

   F    v. Hannah Ellen Hartley was born on 17 Jan 1893 in Rochester.

   F    vi. Mary Elizabeth Hartley was born on 19 May 1895 in Rochester.

Mary married Charles B. Nute on 1 Dec 1916. Charles was born about 1895 and died on 10 Aug 1930 about age 35.

   M    vii. Greenwood Hartley was born on 20 Oct 1897 in Rochester and died on 11 Sep 1993 in East Freetown, MA at age 95.

Greenwood married Katherine Gifford, daughter of Robert B. Gifford and Mary I. Jackson, on 22 Feb 1922. Katherine was born on 15 Oct 1898 and died in May 1972 at age 73. Another name for Katherine was Kit Gifford.

   M    viii. Henry Bradford Hartley was born on 25 Jan 1900 in Rochester.

Henry married Grace E. Moncrief on 11 Oct 1924. Grace was born in New Bedford.

   M    ix. William Hartley was born on 23 Sep 1901 in Rochester and died on 26 Nov 1901.

   F    x. Annie Louisa Hartley was born on 15 Nov 1902 in Rochester.

Annie married Ralph Evans Gurney, son of Jonathan Gurney III and Gertrude Rounseville, on 8 Nov 1924. Ralph was born on 18 Nov 1899 in East Freetown, MA.

   M    xi. Edwin Isaiah Hartley was born on 3 Oct 1904 in Rochester and died on 10 Oct 1951 at age 47. Another name for Edwin was Pop Hartley.

Edwin married Winnie A. Denham on 14 Oct 1924. Winnie was born on 5 Sep 1905 in Mattapoisett and died on 17 Sep 1976 at age 71. Another name for Winnie was Winnie A. Nye.

   F    xii. Margaret Esther Hartley was born on 21 May 1906 in Rochester.

Margaret married Wilfred A. Fortin on 8 Jul 1924. Wilfred was born in Acushnet.

   M    xiii. Merton Snell Hartley was born on 15 Sep 1907 in Rochester.

Merton married Barbara Knight on 7 Aug 1930. Barbara was born in Mattapoisett.

   M    xiv. Alan Burrows Hartley was born on 20 Dec 1908 in Rochester and died in Jan 1987 in East Freetown, MA at age 78.

Alan married Pauline Tomasik in Jan 1931. Pauline was born on 16 Jan 1909 in Rochester.

   M    xv. Robert Hartley was born on 8 Mar 1911 in Rochester.

Robert married Marie Ella B. Millette on 13 May 1933. Marie was born on 26 Oct 1911 in New Bedford. Another name for Marie is Marie Ella B. Hartley.

Noted events in her life were:

• She worked as a beauty parlor beautician in 1940.

15. Joseph Cockrill (Ann Hartley7, Mary Pilling6, Greenwood Pilling5, Sarah Pilling4, John3, John2, John1) was born in 1870 and died in Mar 1952 in Lancaster, Lancashire at age 82.

Noted events in his life were:

• He had a residence in 1911 in 66, Romney Street, Nelson.

Joseph married Ada Wainwright in Jan 1901. Ada was born in Jun 1875 in Nelson in Marsden, Lancashire. Another name for Ada was Ada Cockrill.

The child from this marriage was:

   M    i. Alec Llewellyn Cockrill was born on 5 Feb 1907 in Nelson, Lancashire and died in Mar 1973 in Lancaster, Lancashire at age 66.

Alec married Edna Gowling in Jun 1932 in Uxbridge, Middlesex. Edna was born in Oct 1908 in Burnley and died in Sep 1989 in Salford, Lancashire at age 80. Another name for Edna was Edna Cockrill.

16. William Greenwood Cockrill (Ann Hartley7, Mary Pilling6, Greenwood Pilling5, Sarah Pilling4, John3, John2, John1) was born in Jan 1873 in Bacup and died on 9 Aug 1929 in Reading, Berks at age 56.

William married Esther Elinor Widdop. Esther was born in 1876 in Stansfield, Yorkshire and died on 25 Mar 1946 in Reading, Berks at age 70. Another name for Esther was Esther Elinor Cockrill.

Children from this marriage were:

   M    i. Tom Widdop Cockrill was born on 22 Dec 1905 in Berkshire and died on 6 May 1985 in Caversham, Reading, Berks at age 79.

   F    ii. Vesta Irene Cockrill was born in Apr 1909 in Reading, Berkshire.

17. Margaret J. Wilkinson (William Wilkinson7, Mary Pilling6, Greenwood Pilling5, Sarah Pilling4, John3, John2, John1) was born in 1866 in Bacup, Lancashire, England. Other names for Margaret were Mary Wilkinson and Margaret J. Walton.

Margaret married John Fred Walton, son of Lonsdale Walton, on 17 May 1884 in New Bedford. John was born in 1861 in Nelson, England.

Children from this marriage were:

   F    i. Isabella Walton was born on 18 Jul 1885 in 3 Durfee St., New Bedford, MA and died on 12 Aug 1885 in 3 Durfee St., New Bedford, MA.

   F    ii. Tamar Walton was born on 25 Mar 1887 in New Bedford, MA and died in Aug 1890 in New Bedford, MA at age 3.

18. Jane Wilkinson (William Wilkinson7, Mary Pilling6, Greenwood Pilling5, Sarah Pilling4, John3, John2, John1) was born in 1869 in Bacup, Lancashire, England.

Noted events in her life were:

• She worked as a Weaver.

Jane married John H. Moore, son of John Moore and Margaret, on 8 Sep 1888 in New Bedford. John was born in 1868 in Stockport, England.

Noted events in his life were:

• He worked as a Weaver.

• He worked as a weaver in 1888.

• He worked as a painter in 1898.

The child from this marriage was:

   M    i. Herbert W. Moore was born on 17 Feb 1898 in New Bedford.

19. Bessie Wilkinson (William Wilkinson7, Mary Pilling6, Greenwood Pilling5, Sarah Pilling4, John3, John2, John1) was born about 1875 in New Bedford, died in 1940 about age 65, and was buried in 1940 in Oak Grove, New Bedford. Another name for Bessie was Bessie Sampson.

Noted events in her life were:

• She worked as a bomb winder in 1895.

Bessie married George W. Sampson, son of Frederick A. Sampson and Betsy W., on 27 Apr 1895 in New Bedford. George was born about 1873 in New Bedford or Westport, died in 1952 about age 79, and was buried in 1952 in Oak Grove, New Bedford.

Noted events in his life were:

• He worked as a machinist in 1895.

Children from this marriage were:

   F    i. Evaline P. Sampson was born on 18 Feb 1896 in New Bedford.

   F    ii. Sampson was born on 4 Apr 1898 in New Bedford.

20. William Wilkinson Jr. (William Wilkinson7, Mary Pilling6, Greenwood Pilling5, Sarah Pilling4, John3, John2, John1) was born on 22 Jun 1879 in New Bedford and was buried in Long Plain Cemetery, Acushnet, Massachusetts.

Noted events in his life were:

• He worked as a farmer in 1899.

• He had a residence in 1899 in Acushnet.

• He worked as a cotton mill 3rd hand in 1920.

• He had a residence in 1920 in 958 County Street, New Bedford.

William married Esther M. Thomas, daughter of George Thomas and Peterson, on 15 Aug 1899 in New Bedford. Esther was born about 1881 in Duxbury, died in 1911 about age 30, and was buried in 1911 in Long Plain Cemetery, Acushnet, Massachusetts. Another name for Esther was Esther M. Wilkinson.

Children from this marriage were:

   M    i. Elmer Lewis Wilkinson was born on 10 Apr 1900 in Acushnet and died in Sep 1979 in New Bedford at age 79.

Elmer married Vivian Lorraine Gonsalves about 1935 in Massachusetts. Vivian was born on 29 Dec 1909 and died on 30 Oct 2006 at age 96. Another name for Vivian was Vivian Lorraine Wilkinson.

   F    ii. Tamar May Wilkinson was born in 1902 in New Bedford and died on 28 Jan 1996 in New Bedford at age 94.

   F    iii. Nellie Francis Wilkinson was born on 23 Dec 1904 in Rochester and died on 14 Jun 1964 at age 59. Another name for Nellie was Nellie Francis Tavares.

Nellie married Antonio Travers.

   M    iv. William Herbert Wilkinson was born on 25 Jun 1906 in Long Plain, Acushnet and died in Apr 1982 in New Bedford at age 75.

   M    v. George H. Wilkinson was born on 8 Dec 1907.

George married Isabelle Roderiques on 17 Nov 1930. Another name for Isabelle is Isabelle Wilkinson.

21. Marion Ann Pilling (John Pilling7, Mary Pilling6, Greenwood Pilling5, Sarah Pilling4, John3, John2, John1) was born on 3 Aug 1861 in New Bedford, died on 28 Mar 1949 in 1035 County St., New Bedford, MA at age 87, and was buried on 31 Mar 1949 in Lot 32, Section GG, Oak Grove Cemetery, New Bedford, MA. Another name for Marion was Marion Ann Wilkinson.

Noted events in her life were:

• She worked as a weaver in 1884.

Marion married David Wilkinson, son of David Wilkinson and Mary, on 23 May 1884 in New Bedford, MA. David was born in 1847 in England and died on 24 Dec 1918 in Lot 32, Section GG, Oak Grove Cemetery, New Bedford, MA at age 71.

Noted events in his life were:

• He worked as a weaver in 1884.

• He worked as a laborer in 1895.

Children from this marriage were:

   M    i. Wilkinson was born on 1 Feb 1885 and died on 1 Feb 1885 in 9 Austin Street, New Bedford.

   F    ii. Marion F. Wilkinson was born about 1887.

   F    iii. Alice H. Wilkinson was born on 30 Nov 1895 in New Bedford and died on 30 Nov 1895 in New Bedford.

22. Abraham L. Pilling (John Pilling7, Mary Pilling6, Greenwood Pilling5, Sarah Pilling4, John3, John2, John1) was born on 14 May 1865 in New Bedford and died on 2 Feb 1925 in Fall River at age 59.
Abe with Hartley Relatives 1921

Noted events in his life were:

• He worked as a Policeman.

• He worked as a weaver in 1885 in New Bedford, MA.

Abraham married Mary Halliwell, daughter of Abiah Halliwell and Martha _, in 1895 in Fall River. Mary was born in Sep 1870 in England.

Noted events in their marriage were:

• They appeared on the census in 1900 in Palmer Street, Fall River, MA.

Noted events in her life were:

• She worked as a Weaver.

Children from this marriage were:

   F    i. Alice D. Pilling was born in Sep 1896.

   M    ii. Everett L. Pilling was born in Aug 1898.

Abe was listed as a weaver where he boarded with his mother at 9 Austin Street, New Bedford but moved to Fall River where he married and became a policeman. He was appointed patrolman in 1892 and went on duty in 1893. In 1900, Abe�s mother Margaret was living in Fall River at 639 Plymouth Ave. Abe was in the same City on 478 Palmer Street. The records show he was reprimanded and charged with conduct unbecoming of and officer and intoxication. The charges were not sustained but he was found to be in violation of Rule 22, Section 16 - whatever that means. He was a visitor of the Hartley family in Rochester.


23. James F. Pilling (John Pilling7, Mary Pilling6, Greenwood Pilling5, Sarah Pilling4, John3, John2, John1) was born on 1 Feb 1867 in New Bedford.

Noted events in his life were:

• He had a residence in 217 Morgan Street, Fall River.

• He worked as a streetsweeper in 1901.

James married Ellen T. Sullivan, daughter of Patrick P. Sullivan and Ellen Conelly, on 30 Apr 1901 in Fall River. Ellen was born about 1876 in Ireland. Another name for Ellen was Ellen T. Pilling.

Noted events in her life were:

• She had a residence in 1901 in 175 Morgan Street, Fall River.

• She worked as a dressmaker in 1901.

Children from this marriage were:

   M    i. James F. Pilling was born on 13 Jul 1902 in 253 Fifth, Fall River and died on 13 Jul 1902.

   M    ii. James L. Pilling was born on 8 Feb 1904 in 405 Fifth, Fall River.

   F    iii. Margaret Pilling was born on 13 Jul 1906 in Rochester, Massachusetts.

   F    iv. "stillborn" Pilling was born on 24 Mar 1908 in 35 Branch, Fall River and was buried on 24 Mar 1908 in St. Patrick's Cemetery.

   M    v. Edmund Pilling was born on 27 Jun 1909 in 25 Branch, Fall River, died on 10 Jul 1910 in Fall River at age 1, and was buried on 11 Jul 1910 in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Fall River.

   M    vi. Raymond Pilling was born on 27 Jun 1909 in 25 Branch, Fall River.

   M    vii. Pilling was born on 13 Aug 1911 in 527 Fourth, Fall River.


Back to the Index

Back to the Hartley Home Page

Please send e-mail to: joel@jmhartley.com