Roger Hirst
Roger Hirst was baptised at St Peter's on the 20th November 1779. He was the son of Thomas Hirst. Roger married Amelia Cocker on the 21st October 1801 at Rothwell. As the gravestone says, Amelia died only 2 years later. In 1802, Roger and Amelia had a son, Thomas, baptised on the 17th January 1802.
On the 19th November 1804, Roger married Sarah Philipson at St Peter's. They had a son John, baptised on the 2nd June 1805. In the 1851 census, 71 year old Roger and Sarah are living on Cluntergate and Roger is a grocer. John is also living with them and is working as a draper and painter.
The 1861 census shows Roger is now a retired shopkeeper and a proprietor of houses. His son John, now 56, is a portrait painter. Roger died on the 1st May 1862. He was described as a yeoman in the probate register. He left effects under £1,000. John died age 74 in 1879. He was buried at St Peter's on the 23rd August 1879.
The inscription reads:
"In memory of Amelia, the wife of Roger Hirst of Horbury, who departed this life on the 19th day of February 1803 aged 32 years.
Also Thomas, son of the above Roger and Amelia Hirst, who departed this life on the 14th day of April 1834, aged 32 years.
Also the above named Roger Hirst who departed this life May 1st 1862 aged 82 years.
Also Sarah, second wife of the above Roger Hirst who departed this life June 16th 1862 aged 82 years."
Helen Bickerdike June 2017
