The House of Morrell; with a foreword by William ... - University Library

employment in whatever occupation might be available. He worked
as a farm laborer, hostler and gardener. In this latter capacity he
worked for one William Paven of Pickfield, and with him William
Foster established a reputation for skill and fidelity. The friendship
between the two lasted until Mr. Paven's death.
In all of his positions, during the years between his sixth and
nineteenth birthdays, he established an outstanding record of skill,
diligence and faithfulness. The following story which is told about
him gives clear indication of his character. He was employed by a
family which expected him to do certain things which his conscience
did not approve. Even though only lo years old at the time, he refused.
William tied the few things he possessed in a handkerchief,
threw them out his bedroom window; and going downstairs passed
into the darkness, seeking a new position and home. He walked all
night, finally coming to the home of friends. These friends treated
him sternly but approved of his action. Ever afterwards their treatment
of him was better and more cordial.
His sister, Ann, had married Isaac Wright of Bradford. The
Wrights established a grocery business in Bradford and it grew rapidly.
When William was about 19 years old he went to
Bradford to
assist his sister in the conduct of the business, her husband having
died. He staj'ed with her until her death in 1840.
Following Ann's death he went to work for George Morrell and
Sons as head counter-man in the Sunbridge shop and later was connected
with the Westgate shop. In both of these shops he proved to
be a valuable as well as a reliable worker.
In some historical notes written by Thomas D. Foster in the early
1900s, he comments as follows about his mother and father: ''Being
in the b.ome of George and Elizabeth Morrell he met Mary Morrell,
their daughter, and forming an attachment for each other, they were
married in 1845. A short time before, my father had commenced
business in the grocery line on his own account in Silsbridge Lane,
Bradford, and furnished a house in connection with it which was the
home my mother went to when married. My father and mother were
married in Selby parish church, that is the Abbey, to which my
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