James was born in 1828 to James and Nancy Oldfield of Eccleshill. He grew up in Chapel Street, working as a slubber in one of the woollen mills. After his marriage to Mary nee Shepherd in 1852, he continued to live in Chapel Street where they raised their family of four children – one son and three daughters. All the daughters went on to marry local men, and they and their families are buried in the cemetery. Mary passed away in 1874. Two years later, James married Martha Hollins nee Hargreaves and the couple continued living in Chapel Street until James died in 1893. He was laid to rest with his first wife, Mary.
Whilst repainting the inscription on the small headstone for the Oldfield grave, Sue noticed there was more lettering below the soil. The headstone was dug out and repositioned so that the full inscription could be seen. On researching the records, it was discovered that there was actually a third person buried with them – Ada Fell, in 1937 – which is the likely explanation for why the headstone was reburied too deeply.
Location: Section3 G11