The Bitterness of John Crisp - Walkley Sheffield Spring 1911

A friend of mine sent me this 1911 Census form that they had come across. It was filled in by Mr John Crisp at his house at 75 Highton Street, Walkley Sheffield

In the box marked "Occupation" he wrote "formerly Spring Smith but now thrown on the scrapheap for old age." He was 62 years old at the time.

I posted this information in Wed 21st March 2012 to the Blog and commented that his sentiments seem to have a modern-day ring about them - a case of nothing ever changes!.

At the time I did not know if he managed to turn things around but what I have just found out is that John lived another 15 years and died in April 1926 at the age of 77 at his home in Highton Street

This is his burial record

CRISP, John (Blacksmith, age 77).
     Died at 75 Highton St; Buried on April 26, 1926 in General ground;
     Grave Number 12, Section J1 of Burngreave Cemetery, Sheffield.
     Parent or Next of Kin if Available: . Remarks: Officiating Minister, D Manterfield: Removed from Sheffield Parish.

His wife Annie died in February 1932 age 82 and is buried with John. They had been married for 52 years which in the early C20th was very rare
   
CRISP, Maria W (Widow, age 82).
     Died at Royal Infirmary; Buried on February 18, 1932 in General ground;
     Grave Number 12, Section J1 of Burngreave Cemetery, Sheffield.
     Parent or Next of Kin if Available: . Remarks: Officiating Minister, J W Swarbrick: Removed from Sheffield Parish.
 
HIDES, Ann (Widow, age 56).
     Died at 11 Jericho Street; Buried on September 19, 1874 in General ground;
     Grave Number 12, Section J1 of Burngreave Cemetery, Sheffield.
     Parent or Next of Kin if Available: . Remarks: .
     Plot Owner: John CRISP of 11 Jericho Street. Page No
     

"Nothing Ever Changes"

As the current incumbent of 11 Downing Street is delivering yet another budget that will favour the rich and hammer the poor, he will no doubt remark how well he is steering the UK economy through treacherous waters, and that he must be vigiliant in ensuring that the workers don't get "uppity" and start demanding living wages. And furthermore he will also maintain that by pursuing the current course of belittling the working class , he will ensure that one day, every rich person will reap the rewards of his stewardship.

BUT if you are middle-aged and had "life experiences" the chances are that you will find yourself under-employed or unemployed as the economy follows the traditional Conservative course of low growth, high prices and rampant unemployment.

But this is not a new phenomina. Mr John Crisp, a sixty two year old Walkley resident from Highton Street notes of his census form that he was "formerly a spring-smith but now thrown on' scrap heap for old age"

He said it a hundred years ago though!!

A chorus of "Nothing Ever Changes" is called for