Story
Samuel’s was born in 1855 in South Normanton, Derbyshire, and parents were Joseph Marriott (1832-1902) and Mary Brooks (1835-1919) who married on 13th February 1854 in South Normanton. In 1881, the family were living in Tibshelf, and on 12th March 1878, Samuel married Lucy Barlow (1860-1920) in Tibshelf. Samuel’s best man was Wright Wallis, who later joined Samuel working at Peckfield Colliery, and was the brother of John Wallis who was killed in the disaster. Their sister Hannah Willis married another relative, William Marriott (1856-1937). In 1883, Samuel moved to 34 Crescent and started working at Peckfield Colliery. On 6th September 1886, Samuel descended down the lift in No.1 shaft at 6:15 am, and started work alongside George Mosby who arrived shortly after him. Around 11:40am, George Mosby was crushed by a falling stone, 4 ft by 20 inches thick, and whilst Samuel was able to free him within 15 minutes, with the help of John Sutton, who was later killed in the Peckfield Colliery Disaster, George Mosby died at 12:10pm. George’s son Lot Mosby was subsequently in the Pit at the time of the colliery disaster, and was also rescued with Samuel, whilst his brother Jess Mosby was involved in the rescue efforts.
Samuel survived the Peckfield Colliery Disaster. He was 41 years-old at the time, and had 4 children. He saw the Rev E. Clapham of Selby on the following day. Samuel was a member of the congregation. The Reverend described Samuel’s nerves as badly shaken, but did his best to comfort him and his friends. Rev. Clapham said to the press: “you don’t after all, see the effects of the explosion out here [outside]. It is only in the homes of the sufferers that you can understand what the disaster really means.”
After the disaster, Samuel continued to live at 34 Crescent, and continued to work as a coal miner. He passed away in 1916. His wife Lucy died in 1920, and they are buried in Micklefield.
30th April 1896. The Peckfield Colliery Disaster at Micklefield 