Recently, documents relating to the Phillips Family of Manchester have been found and amongst these was a letter from John Leigh Phillips to his parents.

Gateacre Novr 30th 1827
My Dear Mamma - I hope by this time you are quite well. I write to tell you the holidays will begin on the 19th December on which day I shall be very glad to see you all. I suppose my little brother will be Christened soon. I am very well and happy. Miss Benton, and Miss Hunt desire that their kind respects to you and Papa. I send you my best love. Your affectionate son
John Leigh Philips

We now know that Miss Hunt (Mary) was in Gateacre by 1827.

More about Miss Benton in another story.

Ten years later only Lydia Hunt is found in Woolton. In the 1851 census, we find her at Woolton Hill, Much Woolton, a School Mistress. She is 44 years of age, and born Derbyshire, 'Frith' and has with her another teacher Mary Duncan, born in Scotland, and 8 pupils, young boys aged from 5-10 years of age. Plus 2 servants.

The names of the boys were:

Edward Antrobus, Born Budworth Cheshire
Alfred Fletcher, Liverpool
William Rodger, Liverpool
Wm Basil Dixon, Wakefield Yorkshire
William Elliston, Liverpool
Charles E Elliston, Liverpool
William Richardson, Manchester
John Boyd, Liverpool

The 1861 Census shows that Lydia is living in Lymm with sisters Sarah Ellen Ross, and Ann Hunt. She is now 54 years of age, and born Chapel en la Frith. In the 1871 Census she is listed at 27 Church Road, Much Woolton, but is now retired. Her name is not found in the 1881 Census in Woolton. Her death was registered in the year 1880 - and a copy of her death certificate was obtained. She died in Prestwich, Lancashire 5th January aged about 70 years. Sadly she died in the Asylum there.

Mary Hunt died at Scarborough 1846 aged 51 years, and is buried in the Churchyard of St Peter, Stockport along with her parents and other members of her family.

Continued . . .