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I found the photograph in the Widnes library archive department. The Widnes Weekly News micro film for around March/April of 1954. I took a copy but it did not turn out good enough to copy again.

Hello hope you are feeling better. I have been to Widnes Cemetery and Widnes Library and found some things out I will let you know what I have found and what I think and see how we go. If I repeat myself I am sorry but I feel if I do the story then I can keep with the flow.

Ellen Cameron 22 spinster married Eric Ernest Priestly 24 bachelor 9th February 1918 at Chester Registry Office on special licence. Her fathers name on the certificate is DAVID CAMERON INNKEEPER. His father is HARRY PRIESTLY STORE KEEPER. Ellen and Eric both have addresses in Chester.

Eric's army papers were altered to change his next of kin from his father to ELLEN PRIESTLY of 16 MARGARET STREET WIDNES later an address in London and then Brisbane. As papers show when looking for ELLEN to send her ERIC'S medals.

On the 31st May 1918 there was an article in the Widnes Weekly News titled BROTHER AND SISTER ON ARMY SERVICE. It was about Private Alexander Cameron son of the late Mrs Cameron of 16 Margaret Street Widnes had been wounded and in hospital in Scotland. He had been in France for 16 months and 6 months ago was awarded the Military Medal. There is some information about him working at Widnes Foundry and attending St Marie's school?. His sister Mrs Ellen Priestly who has recently married an Australian soldier has worked for 15 months for the Navy and Army Canteen Board 9 months of which were spent in France. She also served as a Steward on The Spectator a ship of the Harrison Line. There is a picture of Alexander and Ellen in the article.

In late June of 1918 another article in the Widnes Weekly News about the funeral of an Australian soldier named Eric Ernest Priestly at Widnes Cemetery. In the report it states the chief mourners were Ellen Priestly (Wife) Mr W Cameron (Father-in-law) Alexander Cameron (Brother-in-law) and others. The funeral party was from 16 Margaret Street Widnes.

On my register of people buried in Widnes Cemetery I have found Mrs MATILDA CAMERON 40 years old of 16 Margaret Street Widnes who passed away and was buried in 8th January 1918 Plot Number 11R grave 2696. There is no report in the local paper of the funeral because of the war and shortage of paper so no details.

Mr William Cameron passed away 16th March 1954 Plot Number 12C grave 4644. There is a report ( and a photograph) in the local paper which states Mr William Cameron of 16 Margaret Street Widnes a native of Scotland aged 76 he was at one time employed by ICI and in later life at Widnes Foundry. Bearers were T.O,Connor, F. Cameron, H. Pountain, J.Smith, W.Smart, W.Lamb and about 20 mourners.

William and Matilda Cameron also had another Daughter named Matilda and she married John Henry Pountain of Widnes. She died 22nd February 1983 and she had 4 sons and 5 daughters, she is buried in Plot Number 17R grave number 5609 with her husband.

I cannot find any of this Cameron family in the 1901 or 1911 census of England and Wales and they must be on the Scottish census of which I do not have access, Sorry.

I believe you need to look on the Scottish site and look for,

1901 William Cameron Born 1876 age 25
         Matilda Cameron Born 1878 age 23
     Alexander Cameron Born 1894 age 7

1911 William Cameron Born 1876 age 35
         Matilda Cameron Born 1878 age 33
     Alexander Cameron Born 1894 age 17
         Matilda Cameron Born 1906 age 5


I really hope this helps you and is the true story, but I have trawled through information for my family and found mistakes that are so simple. We do forget in those days they travelled the country for work and money indeed the travelled the world. Also education was not available to all.

If I can help anymore I will try my best It has been fun doing it but I have headbutted the wall a few times.

Nearly forgot Margaret Street in Widnes was back to back terraced house,s and is now a green field park with kids swings and slides, O how things change. My grandfather would not remember it today and yet he lived there for over 30 years in that street.

From Stockport to Widnes is 25 miles it takes 30 minutes today on the motorway I dont think it was possible in those days. Also there is no mention of other children in everything I have found so I do not think the Higgins family are connected, but you never know. I will keep searching and will let you know.

I have noticed you asking about Cameron from Leith, I hope I can help with what I have found out in the last 5 days.

I was looking for information on a Eric Priestly who is buried in Widnes Cemetery Cheshire England. I found his war records and found that he died at reading No1 war hospital on 11th June 1918 and was buried from 16 Margaret Street Widnes Lancashire. His wife's name was Ellen Priestly and they married on 9th February 1918. The address's for them were Eric Eaton Temperance Hotel City Road Chester and for Ellen 15 Trinity Street Chester. His Father is down as Harry Priestly Store Keeper and her father as David Cameron Innkeeper. They were married at Chester Registry Office and the witness's were James Murray and Annie Dolan.

Also in the records for Widnes Cemetery are Matilda Cameron 16 Margaret Street Widnes died 8-1-1918 age 40 buried in plot 11R grave 2696 William Cameron 16 Margaret Street Widnes died 16-3-1970 age 78 in plot 12C grave 4644.

I am going to Widnes Library Thursday/Friday to view the local paper to see if the Burial for Eric Priestly is in which I believe it will.

This happens because a friend and myself found his Commonwealth Headstone and wondered why he was buried in Widnes.