Edward ALSTON [Parents]-A0408 was born about Aug 1836 in Blackburn, Lancashire. He was christened ¹ on 28 Aug 1836 in the church of Saint Mary the Virgin, Blackburn, Lancashire. He died ² on 12 May 1904 in Blackburn, Lancashire. Edward married ³ Elizabeth ROSTRON-R0465 on 05 Dec 1857 in Saint Mary the Virgin, Blackburn, Lancashire.

Edward was counted in a census on 07 Jun 1841 in Kay Street, Blackburn, Lancashire. He was described as aged 5 years. He was counted in a census on 30 Mar 1851 in Jubilee Street, Blackburn, Lancashire. He was described as Son aged 15 years, working as a Cotton Weaver. He was counted in a census on 08 Apr 1861 in 31, Eccles Street, Blackburn, Lancashire. He was described as Head of family, married, aged 25 years, working as a Fireman. He was counted in a census on 02 Apr 1871 in 23, Lord Derby Street, Blackburn, Lancashire. He was described as Head of family, married, aged 35 years, working as a Fireman. He was counted in a census on 03 Apr 1881 in 59, Baines Street, Blackburn, Lancashire. He was described as Head of family, married, aged 44 years, working as a Fire-Beater in a Cotton Mill. He was counted in a census on 05 Apr 1891 in 2, Southworth Street, Blackburn, Lancashire. He was described as Head of family, married, aged 54 years, working as a Nightwatchman. He was counted in a census on 31 Mar 1901 in 7, Pritchard Street, Blackburn, Lancashire. He was described as Head of family, married, aged 64 years, working as a Night Watchman in a Cotton Mill.

Elizabeth ROSTRON-R0465 was born about 1837 in Blackburn, Lancashire. She died ¹ about Feb 1927 in Blackburn, Lancashire. Elizabeth married ² Edward ALSTON-A0408 on 05 Dec 1857 in Saint Mary the Virgin, Blackburn, Lancashire.

Elizabeth was counted in a census on 08 Apr 1861 in 31, Eccles Street, Blackburn, Lancashire. She was described as Wife aged 24 years, working as a Winder. She was counted in a census on 02 Apr 1871 in 23, Lord Derby Street, Blackburn, Lancashire. She was described as Wife aged 34 years. She was counted in a census on 03 Apr 1881 in 59, Baines Street, Blackburn, Lancashire. She was described as Wife aged 43 years. She was counted in a census on 05 Apr 1891 in 2, Southworth Street, Blackburn, Lancashire. She was described as Wife aged 53 years. She was counted in a census on 31 Mar 1901 in 7, Pritchard Street, Blackburn, Lancashire. She was described as Wife aged 63 years. She was counted in a census on 02 Apr 1911 in 7, Pritchard Street, Blackburn, Lancashire. She was described as Head of family, a Widow, aged 73 years, working as a Housekeeper. Had given birth to 9 children of which 6 were still living.

Elizabeth's father was James Rostron - could he be a brother of Ellen Rostron (Edwards mother), if so it could help in locating the parents of Ellen.

In the 1911 census, Elizabeth has recorded that she gave birth to 9 children, of whom 3 had died by 1911. One of these is known to be John James who died in 1863 aged 3 years. The other two must have been born and died between the census years.

Thurston ALSTON [Parents]-A0404 was born ^{1, 2} on 02 May 1846 in Blackburn, Lancashire. He was christened on 03 Dec 1848 in the Church of Saint Mary the Virgin, Blackburn, Lancashire. Thurston married ³ Betsy SMITH-S0451 on 11 Apr 1868 in the Church of Saint Mary the Virgin, Blackburn, Lancashire.

Thurston was counted in a census on 30 Mar 1851 in Jubilee Street, Blackburn, Lancashire. He was described as Son aged 6 years. He was counted in a census on 08 Apr 1861 in 8, Jubilee Street, Blackburn, Lancashire. He was described as Son aged 14 years, working as a Cotton Weaver. He was counted in a census on 02 Apr 1871 in 2, Clarke Street Court, Bury, Lancashire. He was described as Boarder, married, aged 24 years, working as a Weaver.

Betsy SMITH-S0451 was born about 1846. She died ¹ about Nov 1875 in Blackburn, Lancashire. Betsy married ² Thurston ALSTON-A0404 on 11 Apr 1868 in the Church of Saint Mary the Virgin, Blackburn, Lancashire.

William ALSTON [Parents]-A0405 was born about 1844 in Blackburn, Lancashire. William married ¹ Mary DOUGLAS-D0408 on 07 Jul 1866 in Holy Trinity Church, Blackburn, Lancashire.

William was counted in a census on 30 Mar 1851 in Jubilee Street, Blackburn, Lancashire. He was described as Son aged 7 years, a Scholar. He was counted in a census on 08 Apr 1861 in 8, Jubilee Street, Blackburn, Lancashire. He was described as Son aged 16 years, working as a Glazier. He was counted in a census on 02 Apr 1871 in 11, Foundry Hill, Blackburn, Lancashire. He was described as Head of family, married, aged 25 years, working as a Machine Grinder. He was counted in a census on 03 Apr 1881 in 100, Maudsley Street, Blackburn, Lancashire. He was described as Head of family, married, aged 42 years, working as an Iron Grinder. He was counted in a census on 05 Apr 1891 in 18, Oxford Street, Blackburn, Lancashire. He was described as Head of family, married, aged 48 years, working as a Cotton Grinder. He was counted in a census on 31 Mar 1901 in 13, Oxford Street, Blackburn, Lancashire. He was described as Head of family, married, aged 58 years, working as an Iron Grinder.

William appears to have adopted the surname ALSTEAD (later HALSTEAD) around the time he married, so his children were all registered as ALSTEAD.

Mary DOUGLAS-D0408 was born about 1846 in Langho, Lancashire. Mary married ¹ William ALSTON-A0405 on 07 Jul 1866 in Holy Trinity Church, Blackburn, Lancashire.

Mary was counted in a census on 02 Apr 1871 in 11, Foundry Hill, Blackburn, Lancashire. She was described as Wife aged 25 years, working as a Cotton Weaver. She was counted in a census on 03 Apr 1881 in 100, Maudsley Street, Blackburn, Lancashire. She was described as Wife aged 36 years, a Housekeeper. She was counted in a census on 05 Apr 1891 in 18, Oxford Street, Blackburn, Lancashire. She was described as Wife aged 44 years. She was counted in a census on 31 Mar 1901 in 13, Oxford Street, Blackburn, Lancashire. She was described as Wife aged 54 years.

Mary was known by her nickname of 'Polly'.

In the 1871 Census, Mary's place of birth is recorded as Preston, in 1881 as Langho, in  1891 as Billington and 1901 as Blackburn.

John ALSTON [Parents]-A0406 was born ¹ on 19 Nov 1841 in Blackburn, Lancashire. He was christened ² on 08 Dec 1841 in the church of Saint Mary the Virgin, Blackburn, Lancashire. He died ³ about Aug 1895 in Blackburn, Lancashire. John married ⁴ Mary WHITESIDE-W0426 about May 1863 in Blackburn, Lancashire.

John was counted in a census on 30 Mar 1851 in Jubilee Street, Blackburn, Lancashire. He was described as Son aged 9 years, a Scholar. He was counted in a census on 08 Apr 1861 in 8, Jubilee Street, Blackburn, Lancashire. He was described as Son, unmarried aged 19 years, working as a Cotton Cloth Looker. He was counted in a census on 02 Apr 1871 in 15, Watsons Buildings, Blackburn, Lancashire. He was described as Head of family, married aged 28 years, working as an Auctioneers Clerk. He was counted in a census on 03 Apr 1881 in 15, Watsons Buildings, Blackburn, Lancashire. He was described as Head of family, married, aged 40 years, working as an Assistant Bailiff. He was counted in a census on 05 Apr 1891 in 13, Smith Street, Blackburn, Lancashire. He was described as Lodger, married, aged 50 years, working as a Clerk.

It's curious that John was living separate, and not far, from his family at the time of the 1891 census.

Mary WHITESIDE-W0426 was born on 28 Jan 1839 in Blackburn, Lancashire. She was christened ¹ on 10 Feb 1839 in the church of St Alban, Blackburn, Lancashire. She died ² about Nov 1896 in Blackburn, Lancashire. Mary married ³ John ALSTON-A0406 about May 1863 in Blackburn, Lancashire.

Mary was counted in a census on 02 Apr 1871 in 15, Watsons Buildings, Blackburn, Lancashire. She was described as Wife aged 29 years, . She was counted in a census on 03 Apr 1881 in 15, Watsons Buildings, Blackburn, Lancashire. She was described as Wife aged 39 years, a Housekeeper. She was counted in a census on 05 Apr 1891 in 10, Cowell Street, Blackburn, Lancashire. She was described as Head aged 50 years, Housewife. She was counted in a census on 31 Mar 1901 in 83, Harwood Road, Rishton, Lancashire. She was described as Visitor, Widow aged 64 years, Retired Cotton Weaver.

William ALSTON [Parents]-A0501 # was born on 18 Oct 1812 in Gisburn, Yorkshire. He was christened ¹ on 22 Nov 1812 in Saint Mary the Virgin, Gisburn, Yorkshire. He died on 16 Dec 1869 in Blackburn, Lancashire. He was buried on 19 Dec 1869 in the Church Of St Mary The Virgin In Blackburn, Lancashire. William married Alice BENTHAM-B05EJ on 25 Feb 1867 in Saint Peter's Church, Blackburn, Lancashire.

William was counted in a census on 07 Jun 1841 in Kay Street, Blackburn, Lancashire. He was described as aged 30 to 34 years and working as an Engineer. He was counted in a census on 30 Mar 1851 in Jubilee Street, Blackburn, Lancashire. He was described as Head of family, married, aged 38 years, working as an Engineer in a Cotton Mill. He was counted in a census on 08 Apr 1861 in 8, Jubilee Street, Blackburn, Lancashire. He was described as Head of family, married, aged 50 years, working as an Engine Tenter in a Cotton Mill.

Other marriages:

ROSTRON, Ellen

The identity of William's father is not known. Unlikely to have been Thomas Exton, as Hannah married him almost five years later.

Possible death record for William. The age and timing are about right. It is also unusual to describe someone aged 60 as 'the son of' but the only record we have for William's birth/baptism, only shows a mother's name 'Hannah Halstead'.

Burial: 19 Dec 1869 St Mary the Virgin, Blackburn, Lancashire, England
William Halstead - Son of Annie Halstead
   Age: 60
   Abode: Wellington St.
   Buried by: R. Moss
   Register: Burials 1868 - 1870, Page 251, Entry 2505
   Source: LDS Film 1278821

The surname found in records for this family take three forms Alston, Alstead or Halstead and appear to change randomly rather than any deliberate attempt to change - presumably this is down to parish clerks and enumerators writing down what they believe they heard. On the 30 Mar 1851, the surname Alston was used on the census but Halstead used when his son Thomas was baptised on the same day!

Alice BENTHAM-B05EJ was born ¹ on 29 Nov 1828 in Mawdesley, Lancashire. She was christened on 21 Dec 1828 in St Michael and All Angels, Church Street, Croston, Lancashire. Alice married William ALSTON-A0501 # on 25 Feb 1867 in Saint Peter's Church, Blackburn, Lancashire.

Alice was counted in a census on 06 Jun 1841 in Brook Lane In Preston. She was described as aged 13 years. She was counted in a census on 02 Apr 1871 in 9, Snow Hill, Preston, Lancashire. She was described as Widow aged 43 years, Rover in Cotton Factory.

Alice was the eldest daughter of Henry Bentham and Anne Halliwell. After marrying William Alston in 1867, she is found as a widow in the 1871 census living in Preston with her widowed mother and brother Thomas.

George Washington WEALL-W0322 was born about 1872 in Blackburn, Lancashire. He died ¹ on 04 Aug 1908 in Blackburn, Lancashire. George married ² Gertrude ALSTEAD-A0318 about Aug 1896 in Blackburn, Lancashire.

George was counted in a census on 31 Mar 1901 in 5, Pritchard Street, Blackburn, Lancashire. He was described as Head of family, married aged 28 years, working as a Cotton Weaver.

Gertrude ALSTEAD [Parents]-A0318 was born ¹ about Nov 1870 in Blackburn, Lancashire. She died ² about Feb 1938 in Blackburn, Lancashire. Gertrude married ³ George Washington WEALL-W0322 about Aug 1896 in Blackburn, Lancashire.

Gertrude was counted in a census on 02 Apr 1871 in 23, Lord Derby Street, Blackburn, Lancashire. She was described as Daughter aged 6 months. She was counted in a census on 03 Apr 1881 in 59, Baines Street, Blackburn, Lancashire. She was described as Daughter, aged 10 years, a Scholar. She was counted in a census on 05 Apr 1891 in 2, Southworth Street, Blackburn, Lancashire. She was described as Daughter, unmarried aged 20 years, working as a Cotton Winder. She was counted in a census on 31 Mar 1901 in 5, Pritchard Street, Blackburn, Lancashire. She was described as Wife, aged 30 years, working as a Cotton Warper. She was counted in a census on 02 Apr 1911 in 7, Pritchard Street, Blackburn, Lancashire. She was described as Daughter, a widow aged 40 years, working as a Cotton Weaver. Had given birth to 3 children, all still living

Robert JOHNSON-J0508 was born about 1811 in Preston, Lancashire. Robert married ¹ Martha HOWSON-H0529 about May 1864 in Preston, Lancashire.

Robert was counted in a census on 02 Apr 1871 in 20, Snow Hill, Preston, Lancashire. He was described as Head of family, married, aged 60 years, working as a Journeyman Joiner.

Martha HOWSON [Parents]-H0529 was born about 1820 in Preston, Lancashire. Martha married ¹ Robert JOHNSON-J0508 about May 1864 in Preston, Lancashire.

Martha was counted in a census on 06 Jun 1841 in Mount Street, Blackburn, Lancashire. She was described as aged 20 to 24 years. She was counted in a census on 30 Mar 1851 in 5, Snow Hill, Preston, Lancashire. She was described as Daughter, married, aged 30 years. She was counted in a census on 08 Apr 1861 in 20, Snow Hill, Preston, Lancashire. She was described as Head of family, a Widow, aged 40 years, working as a Confectioner. She was counted in a census on 02 Apr 1871 in 20, Snow Hill, Preston, Lancashire. She was described as Wife aged 51 years.

Other marriages:

WALKER, John

William WALKER [Parents]-W0414 was born about 1842 in Preston, Lancashire. William married ¹ Mary SWEEDEN-S0452 on 26 Jun 1864 in the Church of St John in Preston, Lancashire.

William was counted in a census on 30 Mar 1851 in 5, Snow Hill, Preston, Lancashire. He was described as Grandson aged 9 years. He was counted in a census on 08 Apr 1861 in 20, Snow Hill, Preston, Lancashire. He was described as Son, unmarried, aged 20 years, working as a Se?? Minder. He was counted in a census on 02 Apr 1871 in 28, Snow Hill, Preston, Lancashire. He was described as Head of family, married, aged 29 years, working as a Minder in a Cotton Factory. He was counted in a census on 03 Apr 1881 in 20, Snow Hill, Preston, Lancashire. He was described as Head of family, married, aged 39 years, working as a Cotton Spinner.

Mary SWEEDEN-S0452 was born about 1841 in Ireland. Mary married ¹ William WALKER-W0414 on 26 Jun 1864 in the Church of St John in Preston, Lancashire.

Mary was counted in a census on 02 Apr 1871 in 28, Snow Hill, Preston, Lancashire. She was described as Wife aged 28 years, working as a Weaver in a Cotton Factory. She was counted in a census on 03 Apr 1881 in 20, Snow Hill, Preston, Lancashire. She was described as Wife aged 40 years.