• Jesse Shirley was born in November 1848 in Etruria, Stoke-on-Trent. His brther Henry was born 10 years later in June 1858.   

• The Etruscan Bone and Flint Mill on the banks of the Trent & Mersey Canal had been built by their father the year before Jesse's birth. 

"Another well remembered school was Mr. C. Alfieri's, Northwood Clasical and Commercial School, ..... at the end of Birch Street, Northwood. 

In the 1860's this school was well known for the education that was provided. Fees for boarders varied from twenty-five to thirty guineas, according to age. Day pupils, of the age of 12 and over, were admitted at one and a half guineas a quarter; under 12, at one guinea, and day boarders three and a half guineas a quarter. 

Mr. Alfieri was a member of the management committee of the Potteries Mechanics Institute which had been established in Pall Mall, Hanley, in 1861. 

Northwood, in 1840, was one of the most select residential areas of the district.."

Warrillow's History of Stoke-on-Trent

"Then then Mayor of Hanley, Councillor H. B. Shirley, and his brother, Alderman Jesse Shirley, presented a drinking fountain cut in grey stone. It was first intended that this fountain should be placed in the centre of Howard Place, Shelton. 

Made by Mr. Forbes, of Shelton, the funds for the purchase were to be raised by public subscription, but these were not forthcoming. 

In due course Mr. Shirley and his brother purchased it, intending to place it in Hanley Park, but it was thought that the grey stone would not be suitable, so to Etruria Park it finally went. The fountain is squarely built, with a pagoda-like top." 

"At each corner is a white Sicilian marble pillar, resting on a base of St. Anne's marble, with a white marble water basin. In the rear of the fountain is fixed a thermometer and barometer.

On Mr. Shirley's suggestion, Wedgwood panels - carried out by Mr. J. A. Austin, the firm's modeller - were placed on opposite sides of the fountain. They comprise white and blue jasper on a background of black basalt. The first panel shows two of the seasons, Spring and Summer, depicted by cupids carrying a bird in its nest. Over their heads are musical instruments and flowers and wreaths typical of Summer, together with Flaxman's famous " Dancing Hours." 

A large medallion of Josiah Wedgwood is also included, and a portrait of Wedgwood and Bentley.

The famous Portland Vase is represented in the other panel, and the original moulds were used in the making. The whole, together with a panel depicting Autumn and Winter, makes a delightful work...."

Warrillow's History of Etruria