The Memorial Cross on Wilhelm Fuge’s grave attracted some publicity. In the Barrow News 2 August 1913 the photograph reproduced here (above) was accompanied by:

MEMORIAL CROSS The above is a photograph of the memorial cross erected to the memory of the late Mr. W. Fugi, of Paxton-terrace. It is the work of a Barrow man, Mr. J. H. Sharp, of Dalton-road. The cross is of Sicilian marble, and stands 9ft. high. The cross itself has been carved from a block of marble which weighed one ton before the work was commenced, and about 8 cwt at its completion.

At the 1911 Census, Wilhelm Fuge (aged 49) was living with his wife Jane (aged 58 and born at Worthington, Cheshire) at 187 Greengate Street. His daughter Magdaline, born in Salford and aged 28, also lived there.

At the 1901 Census the family was living at 37 Holker Street. Magdaline is called ‘Lena’, and there is a lodger, Frank Farrell an engine fitter, born in Openshaw. Wilhelm is identified as a naturalised British subject.

In 1891 the family was living at 34 Sussex Street, Salford, and Magdaline is listed as Eleanor. Wilhelm is not naturalised at this date.

In all Censuses Wilhelm’s occupation is listed as butcher. There were several butchers of German origin prior to WW1, often specialising in pork products. His business was at 3 Paxton Terrace.

When probate was granted in December 1912 he left his widow £1005 11s 7d, a considerable sum.

Magdalena (sic) married Erdmund Endrikat at St George’s, Barrow in 1914, and their infant son, along with Magdalene (note yet another spelling, which appears on the gravestone) who died in 1953, are mentioned on the grave memorial. The son, Arnold, died in 1915 at 14 weeks. A Myra Endrikat was born and died in Barrow in 1918, who may have been another child.