From the Todmorden Advertiser and Hebden Bridge Newsletter, May 25th 1906:
“We have to record with very much regret the death of Mr. Ernest B. Stansfield, of Byrom Street, second son of Mr. Henry Stansfield, of Burnley-road, wine and spirit merchant, which took place at Bournemouth, on Tuesday. In addition to his connection with his father’s wine and spirit business, deceased also carried on the business of an auctioneer and valuer, and shipping agent. Deceased had not been well for about six months, suffering from throat and chest troubles. At Easter he spent a short period at Blackpool for the benefit of his health, and a fortnight ago last Saturday, on the advice of his medical attendant, he went to Bournemouth. He was taken worse during the journey, and on arriving at Bournemouth he went straight to bed, and a doctor was called in. The next day he was pronounced to be suffering from a severe attack of acute pneumonia. More than a week ago his condition was reported to be very critical, and then for a few days the reports were more hopeful, but it now appears that his condition was hopeless from the first. On Sunday he underwent an operation, which, however, does not seem to have had the desired effect. On Tuesday, his father and brother (Mr. Charles Stansfield, of Darwen) proceeded to Bournemouth in response to an urgent telegram, but deceased died about 2-30, before their arrival, in the presence of his wife and other relatives. Deceased, who was 32 years of age, was universally esteemed for his geniality and good nature, and he had a large circle of friends and acquaintances who sincerely regret his early demise. He was a prominent member of the Harmony Lodge of Freemasons, of which he was the Worshipful Master last year. He was also a vice-president of the Todmorden Cricket Club. He was a Churchman and a Conservative, although he never took any very active part in politics. Less than two years ago he was married to Miss [Kate] Lord, of Cliff-vilas. The body was brought home from Bournemouth yesterday, arriving at Todmorden last evening. The funeral takes place at Christ Church, Todmorden, this afternoon.”
Marian Stansfield and Harriett Taylor are Ernest’s younger sisters – Marion died aged 62, having never married, and left her entire estate to the youngest sister in their family Annie Elizabeth Stephenson. Harriett married William Taylor and died aged 71. Interestingly, given Henry Stansfield was a wine and spirits merchant, William Taylor’s father Paul’s profession as given on their marriage certificate is “publican”! William however gives his own profession as “manager”.