Wigan Album

W J Greener became manager after his predecessor, WJL Watkin, was killed during rescue attempts after the explosion in King Pit on 11th October 1877. He succeeded Greener's father, William Greener, who was killed in a roof fall at Rainford Pit on 9th July 1865. WJ Greener was then killed at Bye Pit on 1st February 1897. Two of his six sons were killed in the Great War, and are commemorated on his grave in St John's churchyard, Pemberton. He was married there - but his eight children were Baptised in the tin church and St Matthew's Highfield - both built by the coal owners, the Blundells.
Neither of his sons appear on the war memorials in either St John's or St Matthew's - presumably having moved away before the war.
Acknowledged to the Historic Society of Lancs & Chesh. - Vol. 117 of their Transactions, from an article by D Anderson on Wages & Disputes etc.