The first part of my life I spent in a screw factory from six in
the morning till five at night; and after tea used to do my washing
and cleaning. I only left two weeks and three weeks before my first
children were born. After that I took in lodgers and washing, and
always worked up till an hour or so before baby was born. The results
are that three of my girls suffer with their insides. None are able to
have a baby. One dear boy was born ruptured on account of my previous
hard work. Two of my lads, one married is a chronic sufferer, and
has three children; another, the one that was ruptured, has outgrown
that, but he is far from a robust lad. I can only look back now on
the terrible suffering I endured, that tells a tale now upon my
health. I could never afford a nurse, and so was a day or two after my
confinements obliged to sit up and wash and dress the others.
My husband’s wages varied owing to either hot weather or some of the
other men not working. I have known him come home with £3 or £4, and I
have seen him come home with _nothing_; and when earning good money, as
much as 30s. has been paid away in drink. I had three little ones in
two years and five months, and he was out of work two years, and during
that time I took in washing and sewing, and have not been near a bed
for night after night. I was either at my sewing-machine or ironing
after the little ones had gone to bed. After being confined five days
I have had to do all for my little ones. I worked sometimes up till
a few moments before they were born. I do hope I have not done wrong
in relating so much of my past, and that it may be of some use in the
furthering of our scheme.
_Wages £3 or £4 to nothing; ten children, two miscarriages._