Doris and William (Harold)

Doris and William (Harold) moved into a small house/shop on Cannon Street. The front was a small typical bakery-grocery business; the back was a living area for the family. Here William continued the bakery business. One difficulty Doris and William faced during this time with the bakery was the relatives. Some of the families were preparing to emigrate to Canada and Australia, they sold their homes and belongings for the trip and while they were waiting for visas to be approved they lived with Doris and William (Harold). While living there the relatives freely ate out of the bakery, and ate quite heartily; eating almost all the shop’s profits. Later the family moved to Claughten Street. This shop had a big front window to display all bakery items. Doris helped with the preparing and baking for the shop. Later the family, which consisted of William (Harold), Doris, Eric and George, moved into a three bedroom home.

Doris and William (Harold) had three children; Eric, born July 13, 1921, George, born December 8, 1926, and Grace Alma, born October 25, 1932. All of the children were born in Bolton, Lancashire, England.

Doris records in her journal an event that occurred when she was a young mother involving her oldest son, Eric. She writes:

“When my oldest boy was two years old, he was very badly burned on his chest. He was just recovering from an attack of the measles and was of course in a low state of health. I called the doctor and the Elders (from the LDS church) at once they all came at the same time. I had already dressed the burn, so beyond looking at it the doctor did not touch him, but he said it was imperative that he sleep, so as to avoid fatal results from the shock. The Elders anointed the boy and prayed that sleep might be given him; they also prayed that I should be blessed with strength to nurse him and that rest should be given me. Almost before the prayer was ended the boy was asleep. He slept for twelve hours and was so bright and contented I could see the direct answer to our prayer. Although the burn was so very severe he was very contented and I did not lose one nights’ rest. In a few weeks time, he was fully recovered. The answer was so direct, so easy to see, that none could doubt that God sent his spirit down to help us.”