The Wilsons (father and various sons) were poets, artists and singers and musicians. Alexander penned verses in the John O'Greenfield 'style' several of which appeared on broadsides of the day, eg "Jonny Green's wedding, and description of Manchester College", "Johnny Green's description of Tinker's Gardens" and "Jone's ramble fro' Owdam to Karsy-Moor Races".

Some of Edwin Waugh's verses also made it onto ballad sheets (in breach of copyright), "Come 'Whoam' to thi' childer an' me" was probably the most popular.

There is a superb website about these and other minor poets of the Victorian age. It also contains the full text of several of Waugh's books, including Sketches of Lancashire Life.