Orbituary Thomas Whitelegge, 1850–1927
Abstract
[Excerpt from p. 265] … Whitelegge was born of humble parents at Stockport in Cheshire, England, on August 17, 1850. Soon after his birth the family was cast into destitute circumstances, and young Whitelegge received but meagre schooling, being put to work for one-half of each week at the tender age of eight years. One year later his father died and his son's miserable pittance of two shillings and sixpence per week contributed to the support of his mother, who was a bobbin winder by occupation. From this time up to the age of about fifteen, Whitelegge suffered hardships and privations which might well have seared the soul of a less spirited and resourceful being. A review of his vicissitudes will read like romance in these modern days of comparative comfort and protection; it will show the greatness of the man and the merit of his ultimate accomplishment. …
