I am trying to trace my family history. The family names are LEE (James Lee was publican of the Black Dog, Belmont in the late 19th/early 20th century; my father, Arnold Lee, was born in Handforth and before that his parents lived in Turton); WARD & ISHERWOOD (my aunt and great-aunt of these names lived in the High Street Belmont most of their lives); and RANWELL (who had farm/s in Edgeworth). Any information welcome!
Best regards,
Jenny (Jennifer Ward Lee)

Hi Jenny

I guess we must be related in some way. My great great grandfather was James Lee b.1841 pnblican of the Black Dog Belmont. He had 8 children May Lee 2nd daughter was the mother of my grandmother Edna Lee b. 1893. I have a pewter salt and pepper pot from the Black Dog. My brother has a large grandfather clock from the family farm.

Most of my information on James Lee has come from the online lancashire parish clerk project but I have been unable to trace James Lee's father although I do know his name was Samuel. I am trying to trace the fanily farm so if you have any information please could you let me know. In 1863 James Lee's occupation is listed as paper maker and remains thus until the birth of his 6th child John Lee in 1873 when it changes to publican. I wonder if the change in his circumstances is connected to the death of his father Samuel but have no information on this matter. I have northern relatives in Handforth. My father's cousins Sheila Lee and Harold Lee. Any information welcome!

Best Wishes

Gilly (Gillian (Lee) Burton)

Hi Gilly,
I have several census entries for families of Lee in Belmont, that have the same parents but different children. If you know the christian names of any of James Lee's children (apart from your great-grandmother May) it would enable me to 'nail' which family is the right one. Was James Lee married to an Ellen? And re your father's cousins in Handforth, I have ancestors from Handforth too (including my father's family) - do you know the names of any of the others, apart from Sheila and Harold (their parents, or grandparents, etc)?
The trouble is, there were so many LEE families in Bolton that it is difficult to separate them! Re the farm, I have the names of about three farms relevant to different Lees, but there is no point my sending you information until I know it is the right Lee family.
Great to hear from you, and all best wishes, Jenny Lee

Hi Jenny,
Great to hear from you too.

James Lee's children (wife Ellen Hornby)

Elizabeth Ellen, baptised 1863
Sam b. 1865
May b. 1867
Noah b. 1869
Margaret b. 1872
John b. 1873
Ester b. 1874
Joseph b. 1874

I have not checked to see how many of them survived but Noah was a witness at May's wedding. His occupation is listed as farmer. All records are from St Peter, Belmont (built in 1850).

My grandmother's brothers were Fred Lee, wife Betty, who lived in Handforth. Her other brother Harold Winston Lee, wife Joyce, lived in Wimslow.

Hope this information clarifies your data!
Best
Gilly Burton

p.s. I read an online account of the Black Dog which suggested it had once been a farmhouse.