Life Story: Alfred Hayton (1853-1933)
When you dive into family history, you never know what stories you’ll uncover. One fascinating example is Alfred Hayton, born in Epsom, Surrey, in 1853. His life had its fair share of twists and turns, including a brush with the law, but ultimately, Alfred's story is one of redemption and resilience.
In this true story, we explore Alfred’s life journey—from his early years to his time in prison and his eventual redemption. Stories like Alfred’s demonstrate the importance of genealogical research, revealing the hidden histories of our ancestors.
Early Life in Victorian England
Alfred Hayton was born into a working-class family in Epsom, Surrey. His father was a laborer, and Alfred began working as a gardener in his teenage years. Victorian England was tough for families like Alfred’s, where laborers lived day-to-day, often struggling to make ends meet.
Crime and Imprisonment
At the age of 18, Alfred’s life took a significant turn. In 1872, he was convicted of “simple larceny” for stealing £1 and 12 shillings—what would have been a substantial amount of money at the time. Simple larceny, a common crime during the Victorian period, refers to theft without violence or force. For this crime, Alfred was sentenced to six months of hard labor in Wandsworth Gaol, one of the most notorious prisons in London.
Alfred’s prison records provide a detailed snapshot of him at the time. He stood 5 feet 4 and 1/4 inches tall, had light brown hair, blue eyes, and a fresh complexion. These records even noted distinguishing features like a mole on his stomach and a scar on his right heel, highlighting the meticulous nature of Victorian prison records.
Life After Prison: Family and Work
After serving his sentence, Alfred rebuilt his life. In 1876, he married Fanny Walker, and together they raised nine children. By the 1880s, Alfred was working as a coal miner in Pemberton, Lancashire. Coal mining was grueling and dangerous work, but it provided stability for his family.
Despite the challenges Alfred faced early in life, he went on to live until the age of 80. He passed away in 1933 at 19 Duke Street, Pemberton, with the cause of death listed as cardiac failure and arteriosclerosis, a condition that hardens and narrows the arteries. His granddaughter, Mary Jane Morris, was present at his death, showing that even after a life of hardship, Alfred died surrounded by family.
The Importance of Family History
Alfred Hayton’s story is a testament to the power of family history research. Through genealogical records, we can uncover the fascinating lives of our ancestors—both the triumphs and the challenges they faced. Alfred’s story is just one example of how exploring your roots can reveal incredible, untold stories about your family's past.
If you’re interested in learning more about your own family history, yourfamilyline.co.uk is here to help you uncover the stories of your ancestors. Who knows what surprising discoveries are waiting to be uncovered in your own family tree?