Anthony Joy © Dave Joy 2017
Anthony Joy was my great-grandfather. The son of Daniel and Mary, he was born in Bolton Bridge, Yorkshire, on 28th August 1863. In 1873, Anthony’s family relocated to Garston, Liverpool, and opened a dairy in Railway Street.
A full account of Anthony’s life as a cowkeeper is included in my book, Liverpool Cowkeepers. Rather than repeat that story here, I will focus on other aspects of Anthony’s family life in Garston.
He married Ann Jane Percival at St Michael’s, Garston, on 17th May 1888. They lived at 9 Jackson Street, then at 23 Island Road and finally at 37 Wellington Street. They had six children:
A full account of Anthony’s life as a cowkeeper is included in my book, Liverpool Cowkeepers. Rather than repeat that story here, I will focus on other aspects of Anthony’s family life in Garston.
He married Ann Jane Percival at St Michael’s, Garston, on 17th May 1888. They lived at 9 Jackson Street, then at 23 Island Road and finally at 37 Wellington Street. They had six children:
George, Flora and Percy c.1898 © Dave Joy 2017
Anthony Percival Joy (1889-1973) – Known as 'Percy'. Served in the King’s Liverpool Regiment during WW1. Married Ellen Savage at St Michael’s, Garston, on 24th July 1916. Buried at St Michael’s, Garston. Children: Anthony Eric Joy (1919-2007).
Ellen Gertrude Joy (1891-1891) - Died at 5 months old. Buried at St Michael’s, Garston.
George Joy (1893-1974) - Married Mary Westwood nee Patterson (1893-1972) in 1926. Buried at St Michael’s, Garston. Children: stepdaughter, Lily Westwood (b. 1917).
Flora Joy (1897-1969) - Married George Price on 9th April 1928. Buried at St Michael’s, Garston. Children: George Douglas Price (1929-2000).
William Cecil Joy (1902-1974) - Married Eleanor Stanton on 27th April 1936. Was a Retail Master Butcher at 87 St Mary’s Road, Garston. Buried at St Michael’s, Garston.
Kathleen Joy (1905-2005) - Married Capt. Hugh Roberts at St Michael’s, Garston, in 1931. Buried at St Michael’s, Garston. Children: Joy Kathleen Roberts (1934-1939), Robert Anthony Roberts (1934-2002).
Ellen Gertrude Joy (1891-1891) - Died at 5 months old. Buried at St Michael’s, Garston.
George Joy (1893-1974) - Married Mary Westwood nee Patterson (1893-1972) in 1926. Buried at St Michael’s, Garston. Children: stepdaughter, Lily Westwood (b. 1917).
Flora Joy (1897-1969) - Married George Price on 9th April 1928. Buried at St Michael’s, Garston. Children: George Douglas Price (1929-2000).
William Cecil Joy (1902-1974) - Married Eleanor Stanton on 27th April 1936. Was a Retail Master Butcher at 87 St Mary’s Road, Garston. Buried at St Michael’s, Garston.
Kathleen Joy (1905-2005) - Married Capt. Hugh Roberts at St Michael’s, Garston, in 1931. Buried at St Michael’s, Garston. Children: Joy Kathleen Roberts (1934-1939), Robert Anthony Roberts (1934-2002).
Receipt from St Michael's Church, Garston, for Burial of Ellen Gertrude Joy (Child), 1891. © Dave Joy 2017
Amongst my father’s papers were a number of old cuttings from local newspapers and some handwritten notes/letters, all pertaining to important events in the Joy family history. They also provide a glimpse of what life was like in Garston at that time.
Anthony and Ann Jane at Kathleen Joy's Wedding, 1931. © Dave Joy 2017
The first is a newspaper cutting of unknown origin, reporting on the wedding of Kathleen Joy and Capt. Hugh Roberts, in 1931:
Garston Parish Church was the scene of a pretty local wedding on Easter Monday, the contracting parties being Miss Kathleen Joy, youngest daughter of Mr and Mrs Joy of Wellington Dairy, Garston, to Mr Hugh Roberts, younger son of Captain and Mrs R Roberts of Seddon Road, Garston. The bride is an assistant cub mistress of the Parish Church Wolf Cubs, and the little people assembled with totem poles and cub pack colours to make an archway and provide a guard of honour. The service was conducted by the Rev J M Swift, M.A., vicar of Garston, and chaplain to the Scout and Cub Group.
The bride, who was given away by her father, wore an ankle-length gown of Lido georgette and lace, with hat, silver shoes, and stockings to tone. Her bouquet was of pink carnations and white roses. She was attended by Miss Roberts (sister of the bridegroom) and Miss Metcalfe, of Yorkshire (cousin of the bride), whose gowns were of floral ninon, with black hats and shoes to match. Their bouquets were of red tulips. The bridegroom’s gifts to the bridesmaids were dress rings. Mr W C Joy (brother of the bride) was best man, and Mr G Price groomsman.
Mrs Joy (mother of the bride) was in a black ninon gown and chenille, with hat to match; and Mrs Roberts (mother of the bridegroom) was in brown satin and brown lace coatee, with hat en suite. The reception was held at the home of the bride’s parents, and the bride and bridegroom afterwards left for London, the bride travelling in crepe-de-chine and brown coat with beaver fur military collar and hat to match. The bridegroom’s present to the bride was a fitted dressing case; and the bride gave the groom a traveller’s writing set.
The second item is a letter to Anthony from solicitors in Skipton, dated 12th May 1896. The letter appears to be seeking the closure of certain business affairs following the death of Anthony’s father, Daniel, who died in February 1896. In particular, it refers to the consequences of the death of Daniel’s uncle, Horatio Bowdin, who had died in 1893. It also makes reference to money owed by Daniel to his cousin, Ralph Bowdin. Presumably, the matters were being referred to Anthony as he was Daniel’s heir.
As well as illustrating how business affairs were dealt with at that time, the letter also demonstrates the family and business links that were maintained between relatives in the dales and those who had moved to Liverpool. Also of interest, is the reference to investment in the Coniston Mine and Furness Railway.
As well as illustrating how business affairs were dealt with at that time, the letter also demonstrates the family and business links that were maintained between relatives in the dales and those who had moved to Liverpool. Also of interest, is the reference to investment in the Coniston Mine and Furness Railway.
Wright, Charlesworths & Wilson
Solicitors
Bank Buildings, Skipton
C. Percy Charlesworths
Richard Wilson
Chas W. Wright
Geo. K. Charlesworths
12th May 1896
Dear Sir,
Re: Horatio Bowdin decd.
We have sent the Release to the Executors, together with a cheque for the amount due to you, to Messrs. Wright Beckett & Co., Solicitors, 17 Water Street, Liverpool, and if you will call upon them, and produce this letter, they will complete the matter with you.
Your late father owed Mr Ralph Bowdin £15. 5. 9. and Messrs. Wright & Co. will retain this service. They will also pay to you your share of the Coniston Mine and Furness Railway funds.
Yours faithfully,
Wright, Charlesworths & Wilson.
P.S. Inasmuch as we have sent the Release to Liverpool to save you the cost of a journey to Skipton, you will of course pay Wright Beckett & Co.’s charges.
Mr Anthony Joy,
Island Road,
Garston,
Liverpool.
Solicitors
Bank Buildings, Skipton
C. Percy Charlesworths
Richard Wilson
Chas W. Wright
Geo. K. Charlesworths
12th May 1896
Dear Sir,
Re: Horatio Bowdin decd.
We have sent the Release to the Executors, together with a cheque for the amount due to you, to Messrs. Wright Beckett & Co., Solicitors, 17 Water Street, Liverpool, and if you will call upon them, and produce this letter, they will complete the matter with you.
Your late father owed Mr Ralph Bowdin £15. 5. 9. and Messrs. Wright & Co. will retain this service. They will also pay to you your share of the Coniston Mine and Furness Railway funds.
Yours faithfully,
Wright, Charlesworths & Wilson.
P.S. Inasmuch as we have sent the Release to Liverpool to save you the cost of a journey to Skipton, you will of course pay Wright Beckett & Co.’s charges.
Mr Anthony Joy,
Island Road,
Garston,
Liverpool.
Anthony Joy © Dave Joy 2017
The next item is the eulogy that was read at Anthony Joy’s funeral at St Michael’s, Garston, on 25th February 1937. The author is unknown:
Anthony Joy was a well-known and highly respected figure in more than one sphere of local life. A Yorkshire man by birth he came to Garston when a young boy and was educated at our church day school. Here he has made his home for nigh 70 years.
When a young man he joined his father in business and some here may remember the old dairy in Railway Street and the farm and the fields where now are the railway sidings.
Anthony Joy was a member of the Liverpool & District Farmers and Cowkeepers Association for some 40 years and an official for many of those years.
He was an Oddfellow for 50 years and reached high office in the order. Declining an offer to stand for election to the City Council, he nevertheless took an active interest in local politics, and was a Ward Chairman for a number of years.
As a young man he was a good athlete and in later days was President of the Garston Hotel Bowling Club. He maintained his interest in sport almost to the end as I know from talks I used to have with him.
His interests never lay far either geographically or physically from the church. As a boy he sang in the choir and was present as a chorister when the foundation stone of this church was laid in 1877. He was a sidesman for upwards of 30 years and for several years was one of the Lay Reps to the Diocesan Conference with the late Capt. T. He was at one time Chairman of the Church Club and in many ways he showed his interest in the work of the church.
Although this was his home he was a true son of Yorkshire and inherited many of the characteristics of that great county, where in Craven district he was almost as well known as in Garston.
He was a keen businessman, but firm, honest and one who always expected and gave a square deal. He was a man of strong opinions but ready to listen to others who saw things from a different angle. I think that any who chanced to disagree with him could not but admire his transparent sincerity.
The church has lost in Anthony Joy a faithful son and a loyal worker. Of late years he was physically incapable of doing what he wished but he never failed to support the church with his substance up to the end. And his desire for his family’s religious upbringing and his wish that they should serve the church I know from personal experience.
It was in this church he first met the lady who was to become his wife and the mother of his children, the lady who shared with him the respect of all who knew them. Theirs was a standing example of a happy Christian marriage. They were married in this church in 1888 and in another 15 months would have celebrated their golden wedding.
To Mrs Joy and her family our sympathy goes out at this time. It will be some comfort to them in their sorrow to know in what high esteem their loved one was held. It will be some further inspiration to them to endeavour to live as we know he would have them live – lives of service to God and man. To us all will remain the memory of one who was upright in his dealings, generous in his friendship and trustful in his Lord. To God’s gracious mercy and protection we commit him. May the Lord bless him and keep him, may the Lord lift up the light of His countenance upon him and give him peace now and for ever more.
Anthony Joy was a well-known and highly respected figure in more than one sphere of local life. A Yorkshire man by birth he came to Garston when a young boy and was educated at our church day school. Here he has made his home for nigh 70 years.
When a young man he joined his father in business and some here may remember the old dairy in Railway Street and the farm and the fields where now are the railway sidings.
Anthony Joy was a member of the Liverpool & District Farmers and Cowkeepers Association for some 40 years and an official for many of those years.
He was an Oddfellow for 50 years and reached high office in the order. Declining an offer to stand for election to the City Council, he nevertheless took an active interest in local politics, and was a Ward Chairman for a number of years.
As a young man he was a good athlete and in later days was President of the Garston Hotel Bowling Club. He maintained his interest in sport almost to the end as I know from talks I used to have with him.
His interests never lay far either geographically or physically from the church. As a boy he sang in the choir and was present as a chorister when the foundation stone of this church was laid in 1877. He was a sidesman for upwards of 30 years and for several years was one of the Lay Reps to the Diocesan Conference with the late Capt. T. He was at one time Chairman of the Church Club and in many ways he showed his interest in the work of the church.
Although this was his home he was a true son of Yorkshire and inherited many of the characteristics of that great county, where in Craven district he was almost as well known as in Garston.
He was a keen businessman, but firm, honest and one who always expected and gave a square deal. He was a man of strong opinions but ready to listen to others who saw things from a different angle. I think that any who chanced to disagree with him could not but admire his transparent sincerity.
The church has lost in Anthony Joy a faithful son and a loyal worker. Of late years he was physically incapable of doing what he wished but he never failed to support the church with his substance up to the end. And his desire for his family’s religious upbringing and his wish that they should serve the church I know from personal experience.
It was in this church he first met the lady who was to become his wife and the mother of his children, the lady who shared with him the respect of all who knew them. Theirs was a standing example of a happy Christian marriage. They were married in this church in 1888 and in another 15 months would have celebrated their golden wedding.
To Mrs Joy and her family our sympathy goes out at this time. It will be some comfort to them in their sorrow to know in what high esteem their loved one was held. It will be some further inspiration to them to endeavour to live as we know he would have them live – lives of service to God and man. To us all will remain the memory of one who was upright in his dealings, generous in his friendship and trustful in his Lord. To God’s gracious mercy and protection we commit him. May the Lord bless him and keep him, may the Lord lift up the light of His countenance upon him and give him peace now and for ever more.
Ann Jane Joy c.1916. © Dave Joy 2017
The final item is a press cutting from the Garston & Woolton Weekly News (Friday 26th January 1951) reporting on the funeral of Ann Jane Joy:
Near Century of Garston memories
A link with South Liverpool of yester-year has been broken by the death on Friday of Mrs A Joy, aged 90 of Wellington Dairy, Wellington Street, Garston.
Born in Mersey Road, Aigburth, in 1861, her parents were Mr and Mrs Joseph Percival. The family moved to Aigburth Hall Road in 1870, and from there Mrs Joy attended Miss Booker’s private school in the old Booker’s Lane – a site occupied still by the school we know. She attended St. Anne’s Church and Sunday School, Aigburth and often spoke of the vicar of that time, the Rev John Livingstone, and the curate, the Rev. James Bannerman.
Brought often to Garston for walks, she remembered the vicar, the Rev. John Gibson (Mr Gibson was vicar from 1836 to 1869) and recollected that he was a very tall man who always carried sweets in his pockets for children of the area.
Married 63 Years Ago
In 1888 Mrs Joy was married in Garston Parish Church by the vicar of the day, Rev. Dr Oliver, and from that day until her death, followed with keen interest the affairs of the church. In all, she had memories of six Garston vicars.
Often she used to speak about the good work and kindness shown to the poorer people by a number of Aigburth families, including the Garnetts, the Tinnes and the Singlehursts.
Relatives lived in the Old Monk’s House in Aigburth Hall Road, and many were the legends she could relate of the place. She remembered the building of Garston’s present parish church, and the excitement in the village when the bells were conveyed down the street for installation.
In particular did she recall the Bell family residing at Old House Farm in Seddon Road to Garston Old Road.
Near Century of Garston memories
A link with South Liverpool of yester-year has been broken by the death on Friday of Mrs A Joy, aged 90 of Wellington Dairy, Wellington Street, Garston.
Born in Mersey Road, Aigburth, in 1861, her parents were Mr and Mrs Joseph Percival. The family moved to Aigburth Hall Road in 1870, and from there Mrs Joy attended Miss Booker’s private school in the old Booker’s Lane – a site occupied still by the school we know. She attended St. Anne’s Church and Sunday School, Aigburth and often spoke of the vicar of that time, the Rev John Livingstone, and the curate, the Rev. James Bannerman.
Brought often to Garston for walks, she remembered the vicar, the Rev. John Gibson (Mr Gibson was vicar from 1836 to 1869) and recollected that he was a very tall man who always carried sweets in his pockets for children of the area.
Married 63 Years Ago
In 1888 Mrs Joy was married in Garston Parish Church by the vicar of the day, Rev. Dr Oliver, and from that day until her death, followed with keen interest the affairs of the church. In all, she had memories of six Garston vicars.
Often she used to speak about the good work and kindness shown to the poorer people by a number of Aigburth families, including the Garnetts, the Tinnes and the Singlehursts.
Relatives lived in the Old Monk’s House in Aigburth Hall Road, and many were the legends she could relate of the place. She remembered the building of Garston’s present parish church, and the excitement in the village when the bells were conveyed down the street for installation.
In particular did she recall the Bell family residing at Old House Farm in Seddon Road to Garston Old Road.
Funerals - Mrs A. J. Joy
A well known and greatly respected local woman, Mrs Ann Jane Joy, of 54 Lovelace Road, Garston died on Thursday of last week at the age of 89.
The funeral at Garston Parish Church on Wednesday was attended by a large congregation consisting of her many relatives, friends and neighbours. The organist was her son Mr William Joy, who accompanied the hymns “Abide with me” and “The day thou gavest Lord is ended”.
The chief mourners were: Mr P. Joy, Mr G. Joy, Mrs Price, Mr W. Joy, Mrs Roberts, Mr E Joy, Mr D Price, Mr T Roberts, Mrs P Joy, Mrs W Joy, Mr G Price, Mr H Roberts, Mr J Percival, Mr W Percival, Mr J Brannigan, Mrs J Brannigan and Mr Morgan.
The funeral arrangements were entrusted to Messrs. Thomas Porter & Sons, Ltd. 142 St Mary’s Road, Garston and were under the personal supervision of Mr Walter Douglas, their local manager.
A well known and greatly respected local woman, Mrs Ann Jane Joy, of 54 Lovelace Road, Garston died on Thursday of last week at the age of 89.
The funeral at Garston Parish Church on Wednesday was attended by a large congregation consisting of her many relatives, friends and neighbours. The organist was her son Mr William Joy, who accompanied the hymns “Abide with me” and “The day thou gavest Lord is ended”.
The chief mourners were: Mr P. Joy, Mr G. Joy, Mrs Price, Mr W. Joy, Mrs Roberts, Mr E Joy, Mr D Price, Mr T Roberts, Mrs P Joy, Mrs W Joy, Mr G Price, Mr H Roberts, Mr J Percival, Mr W Percival, Mr J Brannigan, Mrs J Brannigan and Mr Morgan.
The funeral arrangements were entrusted to Messrs. Thomas Porter & Sons, Ltd. 142 St Mary’s Road, Garston and were under the personal supervision of Mr Walter Douglas, their local manager.
© Dave Joy 2017