John William, Lilian and the children - John, Edna and Leslie (L to R)
John William Bay was born in 1886 in Salford to James Bay and Hannah Jackson; he was the youngest of six children. When John was little the family lived at 18 West Park Street, Ordsall, Salford close to Salford Docks.
In 1907 his father died and he married Lilian Mary Sadler later that year. He was aged 22 and she 20. The couple lived all their married life at 6 Thornfield Street, Weaste, Salford.
John served in the Army in World War 1. His discharge papers stated that he entered service in 1915 and was discharged in 1920. He was 5' 3".
John worked as a pattern card maker; this involved making wood patterns for the construction of steel or other metal objects.
His widow, Lilian, lived at 6 Thornfield Street until her death in 1968. Their daughter Lily never married but lived with and cared for her mother. His son, John, lived at no 12 Thornfield Street with his family.