What was Life Like in Sunderland in 1869?

A wonderful letter from M.M.T. to her son (?) Henry, tells news of the town describing the cold weather that winter, the demise of "Uncle Rees" in a riding accident in town, selling eggs, and other tidbits. The letter is transcribed in this document: a letter from M.M.T. to Henry. Can anyone figure out who M.M.T. and Henry are?

Thanks go to Barbara Ray of Martinez, CA for making this letter available.