Thomas Greenwood
[1783-1856]



Thomas Greenwood was a farmer / a local preacher.

He was described as


a very animated preacher, with a rough-hewn and barnstorming style.

In praying he raised his voice to a fearful pitch. [Floor] boards needed to be sound and resisting (he stamped his feet), and lamps & gas-brackets out of 'arm's way, when in full sail.

He was unkempt, animated, enthusiastic, unrefined, loud, intensely religious and larger than life.

His dress on the Sabbath varied little from when he was working on the farm.

He wore knee-breeches, grey stockings and gurt [great] three-hoyled lace shoes, no starched collar round his neck, but a thick muffler hung from his throat. He was rarely seen with a hat or cap and he

'ad a head as ruff as Soarby Moor

All who knew him said that he

laysh'd his hair year in and year out

 

On 26th February 1805, he married Sarah (Sally) Holgate.


Sarah [b 1890] was the 15-year-old daughter of Jonathan Holgate
 

After the death of Sarah's father [1807], her brothers – John and Jonathan Holgate – went to live with Sarah and Thomas.

On 9th May 1807, they became Pauper Apprentices to Thomas in Luddenden.

It was said that Sarah and Thomas delayed having children of their own as they had enough to cope with looking after John and Jonathan – however they (possibly) had a daughter

They lived at Upper Heys, Warley – and Thomas was known as Tommy o' th' Heys

Sarah – often known as Sally – was renowned for her porridge.

Intending his comments as praise for Sarah's porridge, Thomas once said

Sally's porridge were the thickest I ever saw, ye could cut and eyt it with a knife and fork. It were so thick, it were like potted meat when it flopped out o't' pan. The consistency was so thick and stiff that when retracting a lead spoon from it, the spoon would bend out of shape.

Thomas died in 1856.

Sarah died 23rd November 1860




© Malcolm Bull 2023
Revised 11:30 / 16th December 2023 / 4684

Page Ref: Y1

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