Hello Joan

Thank you so much for your information....one of my 'problems' researching Robert Kelly is that the IOM was, and still is, full of them!!!

I also found the death you were referring too when I looked throught the IOM Times for information.

My great grandfather was blinded in the Laxey mine, not killed. He went to a Blind Institution in Liverpool (1881 Census) and there met, and married Jane McGinn in 1885, oral history is that she worked there.
They had 2 children, Robet Edwin, my gf, and Alice. My gf was also a basketmaker, like his father, who had learnt the trade at the Institution. My grandfather was taught by Mr Shipsides, who I am told ,was his father's partner.
Blind Robert died young,aged 33. Again my 96 yr old relative says that he died from injuries relating to his mining accident.

I love the way names 'carry on' through lines. His great great grandson is also called Robert Kelly, aged 15, living in Douglas.

I do appreciate your input.
What I can never understand is why Jane McGinn did not receive any support from her husband's family, when he died, leaving her with 2 very young children in Douglas...and why she didn't return to her family in Liverpool.

(Robert's mother was a housekeeper/ nurse to children of Captn Rowe of Laxey mines...she went to London with his eldest daughter when she married and left the island...so Robert's mum was not around...but he had several uncles and aunts in Lonan and Kirk Michael...and a grandma)

I am told that Jane described the IOM as 'a little bit of Heaven on God's earth'.

I think we can all agree on that!
Adrienne