Both Mary and her husband Richard were born in Oswestry Mary in 1860 and Richard in 1856. Before their marriage Richard, an engine fitter, had lived with his brother, Mathew, a confectioner and hotel keeper in Bolton. After their marriage Richard and Mary stay in Lancashire possibly Mary gained her knowledge of confectionary from her brother-in-law. Mary and Richard had three daughters Mary Elizabeth, Nora and Annie J. born between 1888 and 1892. Her husband died in 1894 and Mary and children return to her home town of Oswestry.
They live at 56 Roft Street were Mary runs a confectionary business. Her two elder daughters join her in working for the business. Her youngest daughter Janet works as a photographer’s assistant