He became the third generation of clock - makers in the family .
Mary 's father died in 1856 aged sixty - five and her mother took control of the business , despite financial difficulties , passing it to her son Thomas in 1872 .
father became the third generation of clock - makers in the family .
Mary 's father died in 1856 aged sixty - five and her mother took control of the business , despite financial difficulties , passing it to her son Thomas in 1872 .