Our Family Tree

Eliza married George Grove probably at the Methodist Tablenacle in Old Hill. She had 10 children of which the youngest Wesley died at just 17. George was a coal miner an she was a nailmaker. Hence the family perfectly fits this description on the Black Country Nail Trade:

" It was common practise in the Black Country for colliers and ironworkers to marry a nailing wench who was also expected to bring up the children while they followed more manly pursuits. A medical officer reported in 1883 that the high death rate, chiefly infants under five years of age, "was due in great measure to the habit of mothers leaving their children unattended while they were engaged in the nail shop". Not all nailers were like this however, many turned to religion and became strong Methodists."

They were most definitely in the latter category and even had an organ in the living room!

Ref: https://www.sedgleymanor.com/trades/nailmakers2.html