Looking for an Employer; in or near the town of PRESTON. Circa 1896

[Antonden]

Hi,
My grandfather attested for the South Lancashire Regiment in 1896.
On his attestation, he gives his employer as Mr Spoiling, in or near the town of Preston.
I would like any information re. this employer.
Thanks
Tony

[Galium]

I'm not sure that 'Spoiling' is a name, as it doesn't come up at all on a quick search of FreeBMD during
1891-1939.
Is it possible that it is 'Spelling', 'Spilling', or 'Spellman' ?  What kind of work did your man do? It might help if we knew what sort of employer to look for.

added: or maybe 'Spalding'?

[Antonden]

Hi,
Thanks for the reply.

There's no doubt about the spelling of the name. However he was illiterate so phonetically it should make sense.
Spelling, Spilling or maybe Spalding all would work.

He was a bricklayer's labourer.

Tony

[ShaunJ]

Thomas Sparling was a "master builder" in Preston at that time.

[Galium]

You beat me ShaunJ!

Thomas Sparling, master builder is on the 1891 census at 312 New Hall Lane, Preston, with possibly a business address at Leeming street (Thomas Sparling, stone mason), in Kelly's Directory for 1895. 

[garstonite]

a possible relation ? - a Joiner  - maybe Thomas's brother or son ?

Baptism: 26 Oct 1899 St Mark, Preston, Lancashire, England
Doris Sparling - [Child] of William Sparling & Ann
    Abode: 30 Wellington Street (West)
    Occupation: Joiner

[garstonite]

Looks like William  Sparling father was a Stonemason as well - so possibly related

Marriage: 8 Aug 1898 St John the Evangelist, Blackpool, Lancashire, England
William Sparling - 36, Joiner, Bachelor, 41 Bairstow Street, Blackpool
Ann Turner - 29, Spinster, 41 Bairstow Street, Blackpool
    Groom's Father: James Sparling, (deceased), Stonemason
    Bride's Father: Samuel Turner, (deceased), Coal Miner

[Antonden]

Thanks to all who replied.
Tony