Family History

Richard and Sarah's first son was called William. He was baptised on 29th April 1841, but only lived a few weeks. He was buried just four days later, on 3rd May 1841.

Their next son, another William, was born in the summer of 1842 and baptised in Cardington on 7th June 1842. He lived in Leebotwood for most of his life and appeared with the rest of the family in the census records. For example, in 1871 he is listed as living in the grocer's shop. He was buried on 1st December 1879 at the age of 37.

His gravestone indicates that he died on 25th November and reads; 

In Loving Remembrance of
WILLIAM Eldest Son of
Richard and Sarah Preen
LEEBOTWOOD
Who died November 25th 1879
aged 37 years
TO GOD DEVOTE YOUR EARLY DAYS
AND WALK IN WISDOM'S PLEASANT WAYS
THE MIGHTY GOD WILL BE YOUR FRIEND
AND BLESSINGS CROWN YOUR LATTER END.