John Durrant - Part 3 - The End

The family’s address was 160 Great King Street, Macclesfield.  The property was a small two up, two down terrace – so pretty cramped.  It still exists but of course may have changed over the years.  One more surviving daughter was born – Amelia.  The other girls were growing up.  Caroline Elizabeth had left home and was working as a servant in a house in Chestergate, Macclesfield – today it’s a jewellers shop.

 

In 1871 John was admitted to Macclesfield Workhouse where he stayed for 10 days.    On admission he was logged as ‘insane’ and when he was discharged it was to the asylum.

 

Obviously something drastic happened to the man.  I have his medical notes from the asylum and it queries ‘drink’.  He is given a sedative because he is noisy but soon quietens down.  He stays in the asylum until his death in 1874.  He talks about his work and is visited by his daughter Mary Ann – who is working as a ‘carrier off for brickmakers’. 

 

Despite the age he gives - it is noted in his medical notes that he looks 60 – he is actually 56.  There is no mention of anymore visitors – and no mention of Maria, other than her name on his notes and denoted as ‘wife’.  However it is noted that John told the doctor that his mother - Ann Foxley - had been insane and so had his aunt.

 

When John died the cause of death is given as ‘general paralysis’.  I have been told by my aunt that it could well have been Parkinson’s disease.  Apparently his daughter, Amelia is reputed to have had this in later life too.

 

After John’s death the family moved to Brough Street West, Macclesfield and Maria meets husband number 2.