Biography

Thomas was born between Jan-Mar 1845 in Whitchurch and shown to be living at Lamb's Cottage, Hinton on the 1851 census at the age of 5 years. By 1861, again living with his parents, he was shown at Terrick Hall, Whitchurch at the age of 15 years with an occupation of Tailor's Apprentice. He was living at Green End, Whitchurch at the age of 20 years when he married his first wife, Elizabeth Parton on 30th Mar 1865. Thomas lived at Havannah Buildings, Whitchurch during his first marriage and had two children by Elizabeth. Elizabeth, died in 1868 and it is thought to have been as a result or from the effects of giving birth to their second child Albert.

Thomas re-married at Nantwich on 19th Jul 1870 to Agnes Wilkinson and the remainder of his children were by this second marriage when he and his wife, Agnes, were living at 76 and 44 Broad Lane (formally 76), Stapeley near Nantwich. His recorded occupation was that of a Journeyman Tailor and he worked for Stretch and Harlock in Nantwich for 20 years until Agnes, died in 1893.

Thomas was left with seven dependent children at home, the youngest being just 14 months old. It is thought that the horrendous task of providing for and rearing a young family of that size and at that time without any assistance was too much for Thomas. An additional thought, and one more probable knowing the resilient nature in-bred in the Sandland family, is that Thomas saw his death as a way of providing a sum of money for his children. He died on 4th Mar1894 under strange circumstances.

Thomas was found drowned in the ancient brine pit now located by the side of Weaver County Primary School in Nantwich. An inquest into his death was held on 6th Mar 1894 at The Globe Inn in Broad Lane, Stapeley which returned a verdict of 'found drowned'. He was buried in Wybunbury Parish Churchyard on 7th Mar 1894.