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Joseph Lawley was born in Coventry, Warwickshire around 1805. He was a watchmaker/clockmaker.

Watchmaking and ribbon weaving were the major industries in Coventry in the 18th and 19th century. These were often based in small workshops or worker's homes.

The Three Spires, Coventry

Butcher Row, Coventry

Joseph married Margaret Maria Crump who was born in Shrewsbury around 1809.

Three children, Charles Henry, Vincent and Louisa were baptised at Dawley Magna, Salop between 1830-1835

In 1847 when son William Joseph was born, Joseph was working as a police officer, living at Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury

by 1851 Joseph and Maria were living at Canal Buildings, Shrewsbury with seven of their nine children, Charles Henry, Sarah, Margaret, Ellen, Mary Ann, Joseph and Alfred. Joseph and son Charles Henry were working as shoemakers.

Children Louisa and Vincent were living with and working for the Crump family. Vincent was a journeyman confectioner working for Vincent Crump (brother of their mother Maria). Confectioner Vincent Crump later became mayor of Shrewsbury (1887-1888).

In 1856 Louisa (by then living in Crewe) married William Allcock, a coachbuilder from Crewe.

In 1861 Joseph appeared to be working as a watchmaker, boarding in Audlem, Cheshire.

Meanwhile his wife Margaret Maria was living with son Vincent, unmarried daughter Ellen, Vincent's wife and two children. Vincent was now a baker/confectioner in Monks Coppenhall, Cheshire

By 1871 Joseph and Margaret had returned to live in Shrewsbury. With them was son Ernest and grandson Charles Evans (believed to be son of Ellen)

In 1874 Joseph died in Crewe. Daughter in law Ann registered the death.

By 1881 (Margaret) Maria was working as a beerseller at West St, Crewe. Living with her were son Ernest, Daughter Marion, grandson Charles Evans, and two boarders

By 1891 she was living with Ernest and his wife Emma and children in Monks Coppenhall.