and throughout the whole county. His constitution was always delicate, and, like too many literary men, he sank into a premature grave at the early age of 36. His death occurred in April, 1848, and at his funeral, which took place in the Parish Church, on the! 23rd of the same month, a numerous circle of friends paid the last melancholy tribute of regard to his memory. Shortly afterwards his valuable library and literary property were purchased by subscription, and were placed in the custody of the directors of the Lyceum, for the benefit of the people of Oldham.

Amongst the tables which follow, and which the reader may find useful for future reference, the one which will be regarded with, perhaps, more interest than any of the others, will be that showing the number of children enjoying the benefits of Sunday school instruction. From " An account of the Origin of Sunday Schools in Oldham and its vicinity," published in 1848, by C.A. O'Neil, we see that Oldham was, if not the first, one of the earliest towns in the country which commenced this noble system, the first Sunday school having been commenced in the Grammar school in November, 1783, under the auspices of Messrs. Clegg and Henshaw, hat manufacurers, and the Rev. Thomas Fawcitt, of the Parish Church; and it is satisfactory to see the extent to which they have since increased.

 

 

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