by YorkshireLad » Wed Jun 29, 2011 7:19 pm
Hi
Ruth Sykes gave me quite a headache. Initially I went down the wrong path. Assuming what was not possible. All came to light through transcribed records. Help from Pontefract FHS Vice Chairman too.
Ruth was an illegitimate child b 14/2/1871 Burghwallis to Sarah Sykes -Ruth died 16/2/1959 and was buried 19/2/1959 at Pontefract. Having died Headlands Hospital, Pontefract.
Sarah Ann Sykes was a Housemaid and I think that is why she could not keep the child. She worked for the Roper family
She was born Brackenhill in 1854 and was baptised 11/6/1854. She died in Pontefract in 1925
Sarah married Arthur Heseltine in 1883. Sarah was the daughter of John Sykes and Sarah Lee (Sister of Mary Lee who married John Garlick)
Re the Walkers
Francis Henry Walker was born 1867 Pontefract. Occupation a Colliery Banksman. The family believes he died of an Illness not an industrial accident but death was on the 1/3/1916. With Bella leaving, Francis passing and the loss of Jack. I think Ruth would have wondered what she had done to deserve it. Life must have been very tough with Claude in 1917 being just 5 years of age.
Francis Henry was the Son of James Walker and Isabella Brierley so as Isabella was clearly given her grandmothers name.
It was James and Isabella who left for Australia in 1856. The dynasty could have ended quite easily! They had 10 children including 3 girls. The first five children were lost within 1 year of birth. John the 6th survived.
James was a bricklayer clearly a job in demand in Australia even today. Baptised 17/10/1830 in Pontefract and died 18/10/1885 at 8 Friarwood Terrace, Pontefract and is buried Pontefract. He married Isabella in Featherstone 8/7/1855
The bed they had on the Voyage to Australia was just 30 inches wide. I think Hot Bunks did not begin with the current generation of Sailors on Warships do you? The home on Friarwood is where they lived mostly after the return and as at 2007 was still standing!!!!
Isabella was bapt 30/12/1836 Pontefract although this was a difficult one to define. She died 18/2/1894 at 8 Friarwood Terrace. The family home.At least she would have known about her grandaughter.
I will cover off the children of the couple tomorrow. Isabella's mother Charlotte Mennards is still a problem. I cant find her.
I suspect she will be in a related or nearby Parish such as Darrington or Womersley that I still have to research. Another lady in the tree Ann Perfect is a similar problem.
The Walkers are back to 1713c with William but I am foundering with him and the next step. I did manage to view the fiche for his son but it was poor quality and I still have to take time out trying to find him myself. I am hopeful that Pontefract FHS will produce the transcription but like Charlotte and Ann I think William is not to be found in Pontefract Parish.
Until the next time.
Yorkshire Lad