Mary Dronfield died early in 1891 so in the census of that year William is described as a widower 1891 Census William Dronfield Head Widower 71 Shoemaker Staveley, Derbyshire, England Job Dronfield Son Single 44 Colliery engine driver Staveley, Derbyshire, England Joseph E Dronfield Son Single 26 Colliery engine driver Staveley, Derbyshire, England William Dronfield died in 1899 aged 79.