April 1996

Dear Eardley Family Member,

You may recall I wrote you some weeks ago requesting information concerning my family history - the Eardleys. If you were unable to help me at that time, I can now provide you with some new information which could be of assistance.

As a result of my first letter, I received a tremendous response which has led me as far back as around the year 1812. Let me summarize the position as it stands at this time.

My grandfather Elijah Eardley was born in Smallthorne, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire in 1853. I have his birth certificate and his marriage certificate of 1874. Elijah’s father Henry Eardley was also born in Smallthorne in 1832. We know that at the time of his marriage he was living in Chatterley - part of the parish of Wolstanton - but which may now be part of what is now Tunstall - one of the six towns which make up the city of Stoke-on-Trent. I now know that Henry’s father was another Elijah who must have been born around 1812.

I know that my grandfather Elijah had at least three sisters and maybe some brothers, but we still don’t know this for certain. The sisters were named Jane, Annie and Emelia. Jane was born in 1857, Annie in 1867, and Emelia in 1863. Jane married a Brassington and had two children - Elizabeth and Ellen aged 3 and 2 in 1881. At present, that is all I know of Elijah’s relatives - but in 1881 they were living in Hanley.

I would be happy to share it with you if that is what you would like.

I do apologize for writing to you a second time - but it is possible that this new information may jolt some family memories. If you can help me further with information about my family or the Eardleys in general, please write, call, or fax me. I really look forward to hearing from you.

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