genres including, but not limited to, children's literature, Christian literature, and books related to the pottery industry. Sophia's father-in-law Thomas Allbut (31 March 1777 – 29 December 1857) was a New Connexion Methodist and publisher of children's literature (Elements of Useful Knowledge [1835]). Thomas Allbut and Sydney Allbut (c. 1779 – 18 December 1851) his wife, are buried in the Allbut family burial vault below the Bethesda Methodist Chapel in Hanley along with Dorothy Mort (Sophia's mother), who occupies a single burial vault. The vault is now closed to the public as it has been vandalized. The inscription on the memorial to Thomas and Sydney reads as follows: In the crypt are deposited the remains of THOMAS ALLBUT, born at Ross, in the county of Hereford, March 31st, 1777. Died at Hanley, December 29th, 1857. He was a trustee of this chapel, and for many years faithfully discharged the duties of book-steward to the Methodist New Connexion, of which communion he was for upwards of half a century a consistent member, and a highly acceptable preacher. He was diligent, upright, and enterprising in business as a citizen. He associated enlightened views with active usefulness ad his piety was sincere and unostentatious. He departed this life full of years, leaving an unblemished reputation and fragrant memory. The righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance - (unreadable). Also of SYDNEY, his wife, who died December 18th, 1851 in the 72nd year of her age. She humbly walked with God and was eminently an affectionate wife. A devoted mother. And a sincere friend. Favour is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. - (unreadable). Biography Childhood Sophia Mort was born in Nottingham, England on 4 September 1807. While it is not known for certain, it is likely that some of Sophia's childhood was spent following her father to different areas across England while he preached. Marriage and Life in Northwood On 3 May 1837 Sophia Mort married William Allbut. At least as early as 1840 Sophia and William were living together in Northwood, Hanley, Staffordshire with Dorothy Mort (Sophia's mother), Elizabeth Mort (Sophia's sister), their children, a few governesses, and seven (or more) pupils. During their time in Northwood, Sophia and Elizabeth Mort ran a boarding and day school for young ladies, teaching them English education, needlework, and other skills. This school was advertised in