CHAPTEE VII 



WEDGWOOD'S MARRIAGE 



WEDGWOOD had arrived at the age of thirty-four before 

 he united himself to a woman who was well worthy of 

 his noble character. Yet he had long loved her. The 

 lady was Sarah Wedgwood, daughter of Eichard Wedg- 

 wood, who had settled at Spen Green in Cheshire, and 

 made a considerable fortune as a cheese-factor. Eichard 

 had two children, a son and a daughter. The son died 

 early, and the daughter became his heiress. 



The families were remotely connected. Eichard 

 occasionally visited Burslem, taking his daughter on a 

 pillion behind him after the old fashion. His purpose 

 on those occasions was to see his brothers, the sons of 

 Aaron Wedgwood of the Big House. Thus the ac- 

 quaintance of Josiah and Sarah began, and grew until 

 it became a true love affair. 



The young lady had received an excellent education. 

 She was agreeable, cheerful, handsome, and beautiful. 

 No wonder that Josiah was attracted by her, not only by 

 her personal appearance, but by her keen and accurate 



