Darwen

Albert Chadwick, the brother of Edgar
01
Sep
By Tony Onslow
0 Comments
1878-1889, 1890-1899, Articles, History, Members Work, Players, Tony Onslow,

Albert Chadwick, the brother of Edgar

When Thomas Chadwick married Susanna Pilkington in 1865 at St Peter's church in Blackburn, both their families had a firm foundation in the grocery trade which enabled them to set up their own local outlet at 66 Darwen Street. It was here that their first child, Albert Llewelyn, was born 1 August 1867. The family then moved to a terraced house on New Park Street – while the business was expanded elsewhere – and it was here that a second child, Edgar Wallace, was born 14 June 1869. He was destined to become an early legend at Everton Football Club.…
Read More
25
Jan
By Tony Onslow
0 Comments
1878-1889, Articles, History, Members Work, Players, Tony Onslow, ,

Only Once a Blue (8) Walter Smalley

Everton had just excepted the invitation to become founder members of the Football League when Tommy Costley declared himself 'unavailable' for the home game on 2 April. His place was taken by the elder brother of the club goalkeeper, Walter Smalley.   Born 1864 at Over Darwen in Lancashire, he was the eldest child of Thomas, a cotton mill manager, and Jane. The 1881 census recorded the Smalley family, now with four children, living in a larger home at St Matthews Terrace in Preston, where Walter had found employment as a clerk. He has also become a member of North…
Read More
25
Jan
By Tony Onslow
1890-1899, History, Tony Onslow, , , ,

Henry F Briggs, An Everton Goalkeeper

Signed as cover for the controversial 'Happy Jack' Hillman, Frank Briggs joined Everton from Darwen in January 1906, having first played football in the Nottinghamshire coalfield area. He had been born at dwelling number 84 on the Alfreton Turnpike at Eastwood in 1872 and was the third of child of John, a domestic servant, and his wife, Lucy. Henry Briggs is missing from the 1891 census, but contemporary newspaper reports placed him keeping goal for a Midland League side who were the forerunners of Mansfield Town. His skills quickly caught the attention of struggling Football League Division One outfit Darwen,…
Read More