John Crossley

1. Eldest son of Benjamin Crossley and Elizabeth Hannah ("a free woman of colour"). Born in Jamaica in June 1812. According to directions given in his father's will (proved 1822), John and his two younger brothers were to be educated in England and " brought up to some trade of profession as they may chuse". Gained a legacy of £500 sterling from his father at the age of 24.

2. In 1841, John Crossley was living at the boarding house on Colquitt Street, Liverpool, age 28, merchant, born foreign parts. Living at 49 Islington, Liverpool, a lodger, unmarried, age 38, merchant, born Jamaica, in the census of 1851 in the household of Elizabeth Steele, widow, age 46, "commercial house". John Crossley, bachelor, merchant, of 15 Everton Terrace, son of Benjamin Crossley, merchant, married Lucy Smally, spinster, of Everton Road, daughter of Joseph Smally, builder, in Everton 09/01/1854. Living in Wrockwardine, Shropshire in 1861, age 46, seed and spice merchant, with his wife Lucy age 35, housekeeper Sarah Bailey age 24, visitor Lucy Baily age 12 and servant Edward Hayes age 20.

1. See entry for his father Benjamin Crossley.

2. Ancestry.com, Liverpool, England, Marriages and Banns, 1813-1921 [database online]. 1851 and 1861 censuses online.

We are grateful to Martin James for his assistance with compiling this entry.