Fred Cliffe (born James Frederick) was born on 18th March 1897, the son of James Cliffe (born Whitley) and his wife Mary (nee Clare) who was born in Stockton Heath.
In the census of 1901, he was living in Hatton village with his parents and his older siblings Mary E, (21), Percy (18), and Harry (15). His eldest brother John Peter had already married and left home. His father was a gardener.
Ten years later Fred, now 14 years old, was working as a painter. He was still living with his parents. Mary E. and Harry had left home, but Percy and a sister Flora Annie (23), were there, as well as two grandchildren, Gertrude Harrison (6) and Priscilla Mabel Walmsley Cliffe (7 weeks).
In 1915 Fred appeared on the Roll of Honour at Daresbury Church: he had joined the Rifle Brigade (according to the Warrington Guardian of 2nd February that year). He would appear to have had a few service numbers during the War: T1/783 as a driver in the Army Service Corps, 203398 in the Royal Garrison Artillery and 31543 as a private in the Rifle Brigade. It is not clear what medals he was awarded or what theatre of war he served in.
Fred was on the absent voters list for Hatton in 1918 and 1919 and then returned to Hatton. He was recorded on the electoral roll for 1920-26 in the village in Hatton.
Fred never married. He died 11th June 1931 and is buried with his parents, James and Mary Cliffe, (who outlived him). His address was given as 2, Hickson’s Cottages in Hatton.
He was 34 years of age and was buried at Daresbury.