My Great Grandfather Alfred Jesse Burrell

Alfred Jesse Burrell

Written by W. Craig Burrell

Key Points

Born: 16 November 1846 Norwich, Norfolk, England

Parents: James Charles Burrell and Lucy Murrell

Spouse: Charlotte Nevelia Brett 26 Dec 1866

Death: 14 July 1872

            Alfred Jesse Burrell was born to James Charles Burrell and Lucy Murrell on 16 Nov 1846 in Norwich, Norfolk, England. He was raised in a large family and was one of the younger children. His siblings included: James 1833, Elizabeth L 1835, Charles William 1837, George 1841, Harriet 1843, George Edwin 1844, and Emmanuel 1850. Large families were common in England at the time. Unless there were funds for continuing education young men found themselves in the work place at an early age.

            Norwich was an industrial city. The railroad made it possible to ship in materials and ship out products. The line from Norwich to Gt. Yarmouth was opened in 1844, and the line to London was completed in 1846. Many people in Norwich were put to work in the boot making industry. At first many of the people worked at home. The material was delivered to them and the finished product was picked up. Nevertheless, in the 1860s leather sewing machines were purchased. Large factory buildings were built and men, women and children found themselves running machines in these dismal factories. By the year 1868, 6000 people were employed producing 24,000 pairs of shoes a week. The conditions in these factories were not compatible with good health and happiness. Men, women and children worked long hours. Workers were subjected to air pollution from the machines and the tobacco that was smoked. Nothing was done to improve ventilation or minimize the noise from the machines.

            Young Alfred found himself working as a boot maker as a young man. At the age of 20 he married Charlotte Nevelia Brett on 26 Dec 1866. He was employed at a boot factory at the time. Their first child, Alice, was born in 1868. They had a son born in 1870 and named him Alfred. He died as an infant. Their third child, Alfred (Alfred Burrell Sr.) was born in 1871.

            Alfred Jesse became chronically ill from the conditions in the work place. He died in 1872 leaving Charlotte with two young children to raise.