Sixth Generation

41. Mary Ellen MOUNTFORD⁴⁶ was born in 1874 in Odd Rode, Cheshire.⁴⁷ She appeared in the census in 1881 in Mow Cop, Cheshire.²⁶ In 1881 she was a scholar.²⁶ She appeared in the census in 1901 in Mow Cop, Odd Rode, Cheshire.³¹ She was buried in St Luke, Mow Cop, Cheshire.⁴⁶ She was described as quiet by nature but very kind..⁴⁶ Mary Ellen died before her husband, Herbert. In later years he nursed her tirelessly.

Mary Ellen MOUNTFORD and Herbert IKIN were married on 3 May 1892 in Odd Rode, Cheshire.²⁹ When Herbert signed the marriage registrar he signed himself as 'Hurbert'. Herbert and Mary Ellen were described by their grand-son, Clifford Ikin, as decent hard-working people who lived through hard times and had their share of tragedies. Herbert IKIN (son of John IKIN and Emma HENSHALL) lived at 82 Station Road in Mow Cop after marriage.⁴⁶ He was born in 1868 in Biddulph, Staffs.⁴⁸ He appeared in the census in 1881 in Biddulph, Staffs.⁴⁸ In 1881 he was a coal miner.⁴⁸ He appeared in the census in 1891 in Mow Lane, Odd Rode, Cheshire.⁴⁹ In 1891 he was a coal miner (employed).⁵⁰ In 1892 he was a Collier.^29,46 He worked mainly at Chatterly Whitfield colliery. He appeared in the census in 1901 in Mow Cop, Odd Rode, Cheshire.⁵¹ In 1901 he was a coal hewer under.⁵¹ He was buried in St Luke, Mow Cop, Cheshire.⁴⁶ He was described as short, stockily built, very friendly and loved by everyone.⁴⁶ Mary Ellen MOUNTFORD and Herbert IKIN had the following children:

+80	i.	Living.
+81	ii.	Living.
+82	iii.	Living.
+83	iv.	Living.
84	v.	Herbert IKIN was born in 1898 in Odd Rode, Cheshire.52 He appeared in the census in 1901 in Mow Cop, Odd Rode, Cheshire.31 He died on 23 Dec 1913 in Brown Lees, Biddulph, Staffs.46,53 From family sources it appears that he died aged 15 in a mining accident. Herbert was working a shift as a favour for a friend on Christmas Eve (considered an unlucky day to be working) when his coat became entangled in machinery. His legs were crushed and he died in hospital. His father took down the Christmas decorations immediately and as a mark of respect they were never used again. A report from the Mines Inspectors seems to indicate that the accident occured on 23 Dec 1913, here is the entry: Herbert Ikin 23/12/1913, 15, Dirt picker, Brown Lees , Robert Heath and Sons Ltd, Stafford, Deceased had been employed a few weeks at this work. His duty was to stand at the side of the shaker and pick dirt out of the coal as it was carried past him. For some unknown reason he went to the back of the shaker, and was found shortly afterwards fast between two bevelled wheels on the main driving shaft. The recognised means of exit for the screen hands was by a step ladder and not by the passage behind the shaker, the former being the more convenient in every way. The passage way was for the use of the engineman only. There was however no fence to deter them from using the passage. A fence has since been erected. The boys injuries were so severe that he died in the Infirmary from shock about 10 hours after the accident.
85	vi.	Joseph IKIN died.46 He died aged three. He was badly burned by accident and died from his injuries.
+86	vii.	Living.
+87	viii.	Living.