ELIZA DENT (NEE TIMMINS)

Here is a torn photograph of my very young paternal, Great Grandmother Eliza Dent (nee Timmins) who was born in 1868 at Queen's Cross Dudley Staffordshire. 

Eliza Timmins maybe around 16 years of age

Restoration of Eliza Dent (nee Timmins) b circa 1868

Eliza Timmins was born at Queens Cross Dudley in Staffordshire, 

The Area of Queens Cross Dudley 2018

The 1871 Census shows that Jane Timmons (Eliza's mother) was 'Head of the Family' aged 20.  At this time Eliza was 3 years old and there was also one month old Amelia.  

Luke was a miner and could have been on shift, or even working away.

Ten years later the 1881 Census shows that Eliza was living at 1 South Street Hemlington Row County Durham.  No doubt the family had moved north for work, as it states Luke was a Coal Hewer.  

Part of Helmington Row 2018

At this time Luke Timmins was aged 36.  The Census also showed he was a widower.  I discovered that his wife Jane Timmins (nee Lee was born 1849-1880).  So, tragically, Jane had died at the age of 30 the previous year. 

Luke was left with three young children to take care of, Amelia aged 2, Mary (Martha?) aged 5 and Eliza (the eldest) aged 11.  

Undoubtedly at the age of 11 Eliza would have had to take care of the children and the house. 

Like Thomas Dent, it would appear that Eliza Timmins, as a child, also had a very hard life.