A Stonemason's Memorial

There is something very touching about this memorial in Clitheroe Cemetery. A sad figure stands beside a broken column. She holds a wreath in her right hand, while her left reaches out to touch the column. Curiously, you would expect her to be looking in the direction of the column, but maybe she is looking down to earth where the deceased is buried. Again, I am confused by the chronology of the naming. It appears to be back to front. From the top, it reads:

In loving memory of Thomas Mitchell of West View, Clitheroe
Born 24 December 1851 Died 3 October 1914
And Ellen his beloved wife Born 5 July 1853 Died 19 June 1906
Also William their beloved son
Born 14 July 1886 Died 16 Nov 1891
Also John their beloved son Born 28 Oct 1877 Died  5 October 1931

Thomas Mitchell, I discover, is listed as stone mason in 1881, employing eight men and a boy. In 1891, he is listed as a retired (39 years old). In 1901, his son John is a stone mason on his own account, while sister Bessie is a 16-year-old pupil Teacher.