John Sykes
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John Sykes (c 1797-1874) a Brief Biographical Sketch

John Sykes was born circa 1797 in Adwalton, Birstall Parish Yorkshire, England the son of Benjamin Sykes. John Sykes was a cordwainer. He married several times.

Children of his first marriage to Ann Stell were: Benjamin 1818, Samuel 1821, Isabelle 1823, George Stell 1826, James 1829, Mary 1832, Joseph 1834, Joseph 1835, Sarah Ann 1838.

Ann Stell Sykes died in 1841.

John Stell married Ellen Hainsworth Taylor a widow in 1843. Ellen Sykes died in 1863.

In 1864 John Sykes married Elizabeth Siddle Walker who was the mother of John's daughter in law, Sarah Walker, who was married to his son, George Stell sykes.

John Sykes died in Sandal in 1874.

John Sykes, Birth

John Sykes, son of Benjamin Sykes, clothier, was born in 1797/98 in the village of Adwalton, township of Drighlington, parish of Birstall, Yorkshire, England.

Note: Father's name and occupation, taken from the the records John Sykes's second marriage in 1847 and his third marriage in 1864. Place of birth taken from the censuses (Adwalton 1851 and 1871, Drighlington 1861).

It is assumed that his mother was Hannah Longbottom. Hannah Longbottom married Benjamin Sykes of Drighlington, 11 January 1796, a year before the birth of John Sykes. Hannah, age 84, was listed with John Sykes and his family in the 1841 census. Unfortunately, no relationship was listed in this census. Unfortunately, it is not know if Longbottom was a maiden or married name. There does not appear to be any real consistency in using married or maiden names in the church records.

I have not been able to find the baptism of John Sykes as of July 2011.

John Sykes, Cordwainer and Master Shoemaker

John Sykes was listed on several records as either a shoemaker or a cordwainer.

  • At least three of his sons, Benjamin, George Stell, and Joseph were cordwainers.

  • At least one of his grandsons, William, the son of Benjamin, was a boot maker.

John Sykes and his sons were not listed in any of the local Directories, with the exception of George who was listed as an Adwalton boot and shoemaker in the 1857 Leeds directory. In Baine's Directory of 1822, three shoemakers were listed in Birstall: Thomas Armitage, James Walker and John Walker. There were none listed in the 1829 Pigots. The 1834 Pigots listed four shoemakers: Thomas Armitage in Birstall, William Cawthown in Gomersal, William Dewhirst in Birstall, and James Walker in Birstall. While Drighlington was listed for other trades, there were no listings in Dringlington for shoemakers.

In the 1841 census in there were 1028 people in the village of Adwalton including 14 shoemakers and 4 shoemaker apprentices. There was a shoemaker for every 73 people in the village. Since many people in the area wore clogs, it would appear that the shoemakers in Adwalton were not making shoes or boots for the local population.

What were they doing? There appear to be two possibilities:

  1. According to ancient tradition cordwainers were shoemakers who worked with cordovan leather. Cordovan was a heavy leather used to make the highest quality men's shoes. During the Middle Ages the Arabs in Cordoba Spain developed the process for making this highly prized leather from horsehide. Cordovan was called "cordwain" in England. Since the Middle Ages the title "Cordwainer" had been used rather loosely to indicate shoemakers. Generally, however, it referred to a certain class of shoe and boot-maker. Unlike the "cobbler", the cordwainer worked only with new leather.

    A 1944 ad in Life magazine calls cordovan "the leather of kings" and further states:

    "Cordovan had a great history. Kings and Emperors of the Middle Ages had rich-looking, long wearing boots made from this rare and wonderful leather. Today it is not only costly but extremely rare".

    According to The Honourable Cordwainers Company at www.thehcc.org

    "Whenever shoemakers have organized, they have shown a clear preference for the title "Cordwainer", conscious of the distinguished history and tradition it conveys".
  2. There are a few hints on the Internet that cordwainers in some parts of England were making boots for the army

  3. In The West Riding of Yorkshire At the Opening of the Twentieth Century W. Herbert Scott says the the area was known for coal mining, shoe and boot making, and cloth manufacturing.

  4. A Master Cordwainer traditionally did a seven year apprenticeship. This could mean that they started at 13 or 14 and finished at 20 or 21.

Marriage of John Sykes and Ann Stell, 1817

"John Sykes of this parish and Ann Stell of this parish were married in this Church by Banns with Content of _______ this twenty seventh Day of April in the Year One Thousand eight Hundred and Seventeen by me Matthew Sedgwick, curate. This Marriage was solemnized between us John Sykes, Ann Stell, "her mark". In the presence of James Fox and John Chadwick."
Batley Parish marriage certificate No. 214, 1817 (LDS microfilm 0990861)

Notes:

  • John Chadwick was the parish clerk. I don't know anything about James Fox.
  • Ann Stell was born in Gomersal in Birstall parish.
  • John Sykes, according to the 1851 census, was born in Adwalton in Birstall Parish.
  • Their children were baptized in Birstall parish.
  • Batley and Birstall parishes abut one another and the records show a fair amount of movement between one parish and the other. However, since all of the other records connected with the Sykes and Stells were found in Birstall parish I am not sure why the marriage occurred in Batley parish.

Children of John Sykes and Ann Stell

  1. Benjamin Sykes, cordwainer, (1818-1866) and Mary Halliday
    Baptism: Benjamin, "son of John and Ann Sykes of Little Gomersal, shoemaker", born April 25, baptized May 24, 1818 (Church of England, Birstall Parish)
    Occupation: Cordwainer.
    Marriage: Benjamin Sykes, age 27, bachelor, cordwainer, of Pudsey, son of John Sykes, cordwainer, and Mary Halliday, age 29, spinster, of Pudsey, daughter of John Halliday, farmer, were married on October 19, 1846 in the parish church of Calverley, Yorkshire.The both signed their names. Witnesses were Joseph Halliday and Rebecca Clayton (her mark). Note: Pudsey is between Bradford and Leeds.
    Birth of Mary Holliday: Mary Halliday baptized April 5, 1816, daughter of John Halliday and Betty Balmforth
    Residence: Benjamin and Mary Sykes lived in Adwalton (a village in the township of Drighlington) and in Nethertown (a village north of Adwalton in the township of Drighlington)
    Children:
    1. John ✟ died as an infant
      Birth: September 13, 1847, baptized November 14, 1847, of Benjamin and Mary Sykes, Adwalton, cordwainer (twin, see next entry) ( Church of England, Birstall Parish)
      Death: John son of Benjamin Sykes of Adwalton died March 12, 1848, age 5 months. (Parish records)
    2. Joseph ✟ died as an infant
      Birth: (twin, see above entry) (Church of England, Birstall Parish)
      Death: Joseph of Benjamin Sykes of Adwalton died April 6, 1848, age 5 months (Parish records)
    3. James Holliday ✟ died as an infant
      Birth: James Halliday of Benjamin and Mary Sykes of Adwalton, cordwainer born March 18, 1850, baptized April 28, 1850 (Church of England, Birstall Parish)
      Death: James Holliday Sykes Neathertown April 25, 1852 age 2 years
    4. William Sykes, boot maker (1852-??) and Hannah Abbott
      Birth: William of Benjamin and Mary Sykes, Netherland, cordwainer born February 9 baptized March 21 1852
      Marriage: October 27, 1879 William Sykes, 20 bachelor, born Birstall, son of Benjamin Sykes, shoemaker to Hannah Abbott 20 spinster born Carlinghow Batley, daughter of Edwin Abbott miner. Both signed. Witnesses Edwin Abbott his mark and Elizabeth Sykes (signed) Note: Based on the similarity between this signature and the signature at her own marriage this Elizabeth Sykes was the sister of William Sykes.
      Children:
      1. Mary mma of William and Hannah Sykes, Carlinghow, shoemaker, April 7 Aug 24 1874, Birstall Parish
      2. Elizabeth circa 1888, Birstall
      1871 Census: With his uncle, Joseph. See Sykes in the Censuses
      1881 Census, Church Street, Gomersal:
      • William Sykes, head, married, age 29, born Drighlington, boot maker
      • Hannah Sykes, wife, age 28, born Birstall
      • Mary E Sykes, daughter, age 7, born Carlinghow
      1891 Census, High Street Birstall, Gomersal:
      • William Sykes, head, married, age 39, born Nethertown, Adwalton, cordwainer
      • Hannah Sykes, wife, age 38, born Birstall
      • Mary E Sykes, daughter, age 17, blanket finisher, born Batley
      • Elizabeth A, age 3, born Birstall
      1901 Census: High Street Birstall, Wm. Sykes, head, married, age 49, postman (& shoemaker), worker, born Nethertown, Hannah Sykes wife age 48, born Birstall, Mary E Sykes, daughter, age 24, dressmaker, own account, at home, born Batley, Eliza A Sykes, daughter, age 13, born Birstall.
      1911: SYKES, WILLIAM HEAD MARRIED M 59 POSTMAN NETHERTOWN DRIGHLINGTON YORKSHIRE SYKES, HANNAH WIFE MARRIED 38 F 58 BIRSTALL YORKSHIRE SYKES, ELIZA ANN DAUGHTER SINGLE F 23 BIRSTALL YORKSHIRE, Address 36 HIGH ST BIRSTALL County Yorkshire West Riding District Dewsbury Subdistrict Gomersal Enumeration District 3 Parish Birstall
    5. Elizabeth Sykes (1854-) and Thomas Ellis Bolland
      Birth: Elizabeth of Benjamin and Mary Sykes, Drighlington, cordwainer, born May 21 1854, baptized June 19, 1854, Drighlington Chapel (Church of England, Birstall Parish)
      1871 Census: With her Uncle, Jospeh. See Sykes in the Censuses
      Marriage: April 13, 1876 Thomas Ellis Bolland, age 22 bachelor, joiner, born Huddersfield Road Birstall father Preston Bolland, cooper and Elizabeth Sykes spinster born Church Street, Birstall daughter of Benjamin Sykes, shoemaker, Both signed. Witnesses: Arthur Preston Bolland and Elizabeth Haridine Ellis, Birstall Parish.
      Children:
      1. Emma Bolland and William Wormald Horsfall
         Birth: Emma of Thomas and Elizabeth Bolland, Birstall, joiner, Jan 24, 1877 April 1
        Marriage: Emma Bolland Age: 31 Marriage Date: 25 Jul 1908 Parish: Birstall, St Peter Father's name: Thomas Ellis Bolland, deceased joiner, Spouse's Name: William Wormald Horsfall Spouse's Father's Name: Tom Horsfall, deceased printer Witness Louisa Bolland. Both signed.
        Death: Emma Horsfall BIRTH: abt 1877 DEATH: Dec 1955 - Spen Valley, Yorkshire West Riding, England
      2. Louisa of Thomas and Elizabeth Bolland Birstall joiner, May 16, Sept 7, 1879
        1901 Census: Louisa Bolland Age: 21 Estimated Birth Year: abt 1880 Relation: Servant Gender: Female Where born: Birstall, Yorkshire, England Civil parish: North Manchester Ecclesiastical parish: St Luke County/Island: Lancashire Country: England Registration district: Prestwich Sub-registration district: Cheetham ED, institution, or vessel: 14 Neighbors: View others on page Household schedule number: 217 Piece: 3769 Folio: 72
      3. Benjamin Herbert Bolland (1884-1961) and Ada Scarth
        Birth: Benjamin Herbert Bolland, Nov 2, Oct 5, 1884, St. Peter Birstall, son of Thomas Ellis and Elizabeth Bolland Birstall green grocer.
        Marriage: Benjamin Herbert Bolland Age: 25 22 Aug 1910 Bruntcliffe, St Andrew Father's name: Thomas Ellis Bolland, deceased, joiner, Spouse's Name: Ada Catherine Scarth Spouse's Father's Name: David Scarth, deceased, quarryman. Both signed.
        Death: Benjamin H Bolland BIRTH: abt 1885 DEATH: Jun 1961 - Spen Valley, Yorkshire West Riding, England
      1881 Census: Huddersfield Rd., Gomersal, Thomas Bolland, age 27, woolen cloth finisher, Born Birstall, Elizabeth age 26, born Netherton, Emma age 3, Louisa 12 months, both born Birstall. Nest to Preston Bolland age 72, cooper, born Batley. And Arthur Bolland age 27 cloth dresser born Birstall and families.
      1901 Census: Middlegate Birstall next to her uncle, Joseph Sykes age 68 journeyman boot maker. And next to her cousin, John Sykes, age 38, woolen cloth finisher, son of Joseph Sykes.
      1911: BOLLAND, BENJAMIN HERBERT HEAD MARRIED M 26 JOINER JOURNEYMAN YORKSHIRE BIRSTALL BOLLAND, ADA CATHERINE WIFE MARRIED UNDER ONE F 22 YORKSHIRE MORLEY BOLLAND, WILLIAM SON M 1 MONTH YORKSHIRE BIRSTALL BOLLAND, ELIZABETH MOTHER WIDOW F 56 HOUSE KEEPER YORKSHIRE DRIGHLINGTON, Address 47 GELDARD ROAD BIRSTALL County Yorkshire West Riding District Dewsbury Subdistrict Gomersal Enumeration District 5 Parish Birstal
    6. John George ✟ died as an infant
      Birth: John George of Benjamin and Mary Sykes, Drighlington, cordwainer, born May 10, 1857 baptized June 7, 1857, Drighlington Chapel (Church of England, Birstall Parish)
      Death: John George Sykes, Drighlington, infant, June 19, 1857, Drighlington Chapel
    7. Anne Holliday ✟ died as an infant
      Birth: date of birth unknown
      Death: August 2, 1866, according to tombstone inscription.
      Notes:
      • There is no record of the death of Ann Halliday or Anne Sykes in the Sept 1866 death index.
      • There is no record of the death of Ann Holiday or Ann Sykes on August 2, 1866 in the Drighlington Chaple records on LDS film #1849288
      • No death in the Birstall Parish records Aug 2, 1866
      • No death in Batley Aug 2, 1866
    1851 Census: See Sykes in the Censuses
    1861 Census: See Sykes in the Censuses
    Death of Benjamin Sykes: Benjamin Sykes of Nethertown, July 17, 1866, age 48 (LDS film #1542225 and #1849288)
    Civil record Index Deaths, Sykes Benjamin, age 48, Sept 1866, Bradford Y vol. 9b page 9
    Death of Mary Halliday Sykes: Mary Sykes of Nethertown July 29, 1866, age 50 (LDS film #1849288)
    Civil record index: Deaths, Sykes, Mary, age 50, Sept 1866, Bradford Y vol 9b, page 10)
    Death of Anne Halliday Sykes : August 2, 1866 per tombstone. Note: Anne was not listed with Benjamin and Mary in the 1861 census.

    Tombstone:

    Erected in affectionate
    Remembrance of Benjamin Sykes
    Late of Nethertown in the township
    Of Drighlington who died July 15, 1866
    Age 48
    Also of Mary, his wife, who died July
    27, 1866, age 50
    Also Anna Holliday, daughter of the above
    Who died August 2,1866

    William and Elizabeth Sykes in the 1871 census: William and Elizabeth, the orphaned son and daughter of Benjamin Sykes and Mary Halliday, were listed with their uncle, Joseph Sykes, see Sykes in the Censuses

  2. Samuel Sykes, machinist (1821-1911), Emigrated to US and Canada
    Baptism: Samuel, son of John and Ann Sykes of Adwalton, shoemaker, was baptized March 4, 1821 (Church of England, Birstall Parish)
    Marriage: Arthur Ashton Sykes who wrote a Sykes family history in Canada in 1970 said he thought Samuel was married twice, the first time in England, but he had no proof of that.
    Note: Possible marriage of Samuel Sykes - Rothwell 1842 October 11, Samuel Sykes age 22 bachelor, smith, Bell Isle, son of John Sykes shoemaker to Ann Hartley age 22 spinster weaver Bell Isle daughter of James Hartley clothier. He signed. She made her mark
    Occupation: Machinist, Engineer
    Immigration: Samuel Sykes left England about 1843:
    • He was in the United States from at least 1849 to 1855
    • He was listed in the 1850 US Federal Census in Ithaca, New York
    • Circa 1855 he immigrated Toronto, Canada and later moved to Newmarket, Ontario, Canada where he was listed in the 1871 Canadian census.
    Note: He was not listed in the 1841 census in England with his parents.
    Marriage: Ann Hill, daughter of Daniel Hill of Long Island, date and place unknown.
    Children:
    1. Isabelle, born circa 1849, USA
    2. Josephine, born circa 1852, USA
    3. Adelaide, born circa 1854, USA
      4. Question: Samuel was 29 years old when his first known child was born. Were there other children by this or another marriage?
    1871 Census Newmarket, Ontario, Canada:
    • Samuel Sykes, married, age 50, born England, machinist
    • Ann Sykes , married, age 45, born US, Irish
    • Isabel Sykes, age 21, born US
    • Josephine Sykes, age 19, born US
    • Adeline Sykes, age 17, born US
    • Mary Ellen (or Elden), single, age 47, born Ireland
    • Charles Johnson, age 17, born Ontario, apprentice
    1881 Census, Canada: Samuel Sykes and his family were listed in Newmarket, York North, Ontario, Canada as follows:
    • Samuel, age 60, born in England
    • Hannah, age 52, born Jamaica, West Indies
    • Isabelle, age 25, born in USA
    • Josephine, age 23 born in USA
    • Adelaide, age 21, born in USA
    • Mary Gill, age 52, born in Jamaica, West Indies
    Note:
    • Newmarket is several miles north of Toronto.
    For more information on Samuel and his family in the USA and Canada see Sykes in Canada

  3. Isabelle Sykes (1823-1869) and Dick Holdsworth
    Baptism: Isabelle, daughter of John and Ann Sykes of "Barnsley", cordwainer, was baptized on May 25, 1823 "Barnsley" The Chapelry of Drighlington in the parish of Birstall, (Church of England, Birstall Parish)
    Marriage: March 31 1848, Dick Holdworth full age bachelor mason Farnsley, son of Thomas Holdsworth mason to Isabelle Sykes full age spinster Fransley daughter of John Sykes shoemaker. Both made their mark. Leeds St Peter.
    Civil Record: SYKES Isabella HOLDSWORTH Dick St Peter, Leeds Leeds CE46/27/169, 1848 (Yorkshire BMD)
    Children:
    1. Thomas Holdsworth (1849-) and Marie Oddy
      Birth: Thomas, Adwalton, circa 1849
      Marriage: May 24 1873, Thomas Holdsworth age 25, bachelor, stone mason Farnley, father Dick Holdsworth, mason, Marie Oddy age 23 spinster, George Oddy, farmer. Both signed.
      Children:
      1. George Oddy Holdsworth (1874-) and Eliza Ann Smith
        Birth: George June 28 1874 St Michael and All Angels George Oddy of Thomas and Marie Holdsworth Farnley stone mason
        1881 Census: George Holdsworth age 6, in Farnley with his grandmother, Fanny Oddy, and aunts and uncles.
        Marriage: George Oddy Holdsworth, mason, bachelor, Thomas Holdsworth, builder, age 32, Oak Lea, Gildersome, to Eliza Ann Smith daughter of Edward Smith, rag merchant. 19 Sep 1906 - Bruntcliffe, St Andrew, Yorkshire, England. Both signed. Witness Arthur Holdsworth.
      2. James Holdsworth (1876-) and Marie Smith
        Birth: James circa 1876
        Mariage: James Holdsworth Age: 29, bachelor, builder, Oak Lea, Gildersome, father Thomas Holdsworth, builder, 9 Nov 1905 St Andrew to Frances Maria Smith Spouse's Father's Name: Robert Dixon Smith, rage merchant, 9 Nov 1905. Both signed. Witnesses: Thomas Holdsworthand, Hilda Holdsworth, Robert and L Smith
      3. Hilda
      4. Arthur Holdsworth (1882-) and Hilda Naylor
        Birth: Arthur Holdsworth Birth Date: 24 Dec 1882 Parish: Gildersome, St Peter Baptism Date: 15 Oct 1883 Father's name: Thomas Holdsworth Mother's name: Maria Holdsworth
        Marriage: 9 August 1915, Pudsey, Arthur Holdsworth age 32, bachelor, grocer, Oak Lea House Gildersome, father Thomse Holdsworth, builder to Hilda Naylor age 25, spinster, 26 south Parade Pudsey, d of Samuel Naylor deceased spinner overlooker. Both signed.
      5. Thomas
        Birth: Thomas Edward Holdsworth Farnley, St Michael and All Angels 29 Jun 1890 Thomas Holdsworth, Maria Holdsworth
      1881 Census: Gildersome Street Lane, Thomas Holdsworth, head, age 32 stonemason, born Farnley Marie, age 30 woolen weaver, James age 5, Hilda J age 3
      1891: Thomas Holdsworth Age: 42 Relation: Lodger Gender: Male Where born: Farnley, Yorkshire, England Civil parish: Poulton Bare and Torrisholme Ecclesiastical parish: Lancaster Town: Paulton County/Island: Lancashire Country: England Occupation: stonemason, married, Registration district: Lancaster Sub-registration district: Heaton ED, institution, or vessel: 3 Neighbors: View others on page Piece: 3463 Folio: 72 Page Number: 21, also George O son age 16 stone mason apprentice.
      1891: Gildersome Street lane, Marie Holdsworth age James, 15, filler wool Arthur 8, Thos E. age 1
      Death of Marie Oddy Holdsworth???: After 1891
      Marriage 1 of Thomas Holdsworth????: Neoma before 1901. His wife was listed as Neoma in the 1901 census.
      1901: Gildersome, Upper Terrace, Thomas Holdsworth 52, builder and contractor, employer, Neoma Holdsworth 51, George O Holdsworth 26, stone mason, James Holdsworth 25, joiner, Hilda J Holdsworth 23, Arthur Holdsworth 18, cannot read assistant Thomas E Holdsworth 11,
    2. Ann Holdsworth (1850-) and Tom Turner
      Birth: Ann, Farnley, circa 1850
      1881 Census: See Sykes in the Censuses
      Marriage: Ann Holdsworth age 36 spinster, weaver 20 Mulgrave Street Bradford, daughter of Dick Holdsworth, mason to Tom Turner 50 years widower, shoemaker 18 Mulgrave Street Bradford, son of George Turner warp dresser 3 November 1884, Bradford Parish Church.
      Children:
      1. Martha Turner 1886
      1901 Census: Bramley, Bramley street, Tom Turner 66, boot finisher in factory, Ann Turner 51 Martha J Turner 15 knotter in woole mill
    3. Seth Holdsworth (1853 - 1919 ) and Ann Elizabeth Maude
      Birth: Seth, Farnley, circa 1853
      Marriage: July 3, 1875 Seth Holdsworth, age 23, bachelor stonemason Batley, son of Dick Holdsworth, mason to Ann Elizabeth Maude age 22, spinster weaver Batley daughter of George Maude carrier. He signed. She made her mark.
      Children:
      1. Dick Holdsworth, Gildersome
        Birth: Dick Holdsworth 13 Jun 1876 Gildersome, St Peter 3 Aug 1892 Seth Holdsworth, Ann Elizabeth Holdsworth
      2. Mary Alice Holdsworth, circa 1879 born Gildersome
      3. Lily Holdsworth (1885 - ) and Thomas Benjamin Hargreaves Wormold
        Birth: Lily, circa 1885 born Gildersome
        Marriage: Lily Holdsworth age 27, spinster, can't read, Gildersome, father Seth Holdsworth contractor, to Thomas Benjamin Hargreaves Wormold age 26, bachelor, watchman, Gildersome, son of Albert Wormold can't read, February 17, 1912 St Peter Gildersome.
      4. Annie, circa 1887 born Gildersome
      5. Maurice, born Gildersome
        Maurice Holdsworth MOTHER: Ann Elizabeth Holdsworth FATHER: Seth Holdsworth BIRTH: 29 Jul BAPTISM: 3 Aug 1892 - Gildersome, St Peter, Yorkshire, England
      1881 Census: See Sykes in the Censuses
      1891 Census: See Sykes in the Censuses
      Marriage 2: February 13, 1915, Seth Holdsworth age 63, widower, builder, Gildersome, father dick Holdsworth, deceased, to Sophia Harrison age 60 spinster, Gildersome daughter of Edward Harrison, deceased, Gildersome St Peter. Both signed.
    4. Mary Holdsworth (1858-) and William Henry Buttrey
      Birth: Mary, Farnley, baptized October 31, 1858, parents Dick and Isabelle Holdsworth, Farnley mason. St Michael and All Angels
      Marriage: November 4, 1880 Mary Holdsworth age 24, spinster, Lower Wortley daughter of Dick Holdsworth, mason, to William Henry Buttrey age 21, bachelor, footman, Lower Wortley son of William Buttrey farmer Parish Church Leeds. He made his mark. She signed.
    5. Hannah, Born 28 Sept 1861 baptized the same day as her brother John Nussey Holdsworth
    6. John Nussey Holdsworth (1859 - ) and Martha Jane Booth
      Birth: John Nussey baptized St Michael and All Angels, June 8th 1862, parents Dick and Isabelle Holdsworth, Farnley mason, born 15 May. John, Farnley, circa 1859. John Nussey Holdsworth according to the 1881 census.
      1881 Census: See Sykes in the Censuses
      Marriage: John Nussey Holdsworth, age 22, bachelor, mason, Gilderson, FATHER: Richard Holdsworth, mason, SPOUSE: Martha Jane Booth MARRIAGE: 26 Dec 1881 - Batley, Yorkshire, England. He made his mark; she signed.
      Children:
      1. Alice Ann Holdsworth MOTHER: Martha Jane Holdsworth FATHER: John Nussey Holdsworth BIRTH: 27 May 1883 BAPTISM: 27 Jun 1883 - Gildersome, St Peter, Yorkshire, England
      2. Fred Holdsworth MOTHER: Martha Jane Holdsworth FATHER: John Nussey Holdsworth BIRTH: 16 Jan 1887 BAPTISM: 29 May 1887 - Gildersome, St Peter, Yorkshire, England
      3. Martha Jane Booth SPOUSE: John Nussey Holdsworth FATHER: John Booth BIRTH: abt 1858 MARRIAGE: 26 Dec 1881 - Batley, Yorkshire, England
      1891 Census: Gildersome, Street Lane, Martha Holdsworth, wife, age 33, alice Ann age 7, Fred age 6
      Death of John Nussey Holdsworth: Between 1881 and 1891
      1901: Gildersome -- Terrace, Martha Holdsworth, widow, Alice Fred and Albert next to Albert Wormold age 42 and his daughter Alberta age to
    7. Sarah, baptized July 31, 1864 parents Dick and Isabelle Holdsworth, stone mason, Farnsly, etc.
    8. Martha Holdsworth (1866-) and Sam Webster
      Birth: Martha, circa 1866
      Marriage: December 26 1886 Martha Holdsworth, age 20 spinster Gildersome daughter of Dick Holdsworth mason to Sam Webster age 22, bachelor , mill hand, Morley David Webster mill hand. Both signed.
      Children:
      1. Willie
      2. Leonard
      3. Elizabeth Webster
      4. Arthur Webster
      5. Harry Webster
      1891 census: Gildersome, Sam Webster 27, power loom weaver, Martha Webster 26 Willie Webster 9, Farnley, Leonard Webster 3, Gildersome
      1901 Census: Gildersome, Sam Webster 37 Martha Webster 37 Willie H Webster 19 Leonard Webster 13 Elizabeth Webster 9 Arthur Webster 7 Harry Webster 5
    1851 Census: In Leeds. See Sykes in the Censuses
    1861 Census: In Leeds. See Sykes in the Censuses
    (Church of England, Birstall Parish)
    Death: Isabelle Holdsworth, Farnley, December 19 1869, age 46. She may have died as a complication of childbirth. Isabelle Holdsworth daughter of Richard and Isabelle Holdsworth Farnley Stone Mason, was baptized March 16 1870, born November 26, 1869. Isabelle Holdsworth Farnley 4 month old infant died March 28, 1870.
    1871 Census: In Leeds. See Sykes in the Censuses
    4. Remarriage of Dick Holdsworth: HOLDSWORTH Dick, WILSON Anne, Holy Trinity, Armley Hall Leeds CE3/38, 1874 (Yorkshire BMD)
    25 April 1874 Dick Holdsworth age 49, widower, stonemason,son of Thomas Holdsworth stonemason, to Ann Wilson, age 46, spinster, daughter of Edward Wilson, Parish clerk. both of the Parish of Armley Hall. He made his mark; she signed.
    1881 Census: In Leeds. See Sykes in the Censuses

  4. George Stell Sykes, Master cordwainer, (1826-1898)

    Note: George Stell Sykes was my direct line ancestor, Maggie Land Blanck

    Baptism: George Stell Sykes, the son of John and Ann Sykes, Adwalton, cordwainer, was baptized on March 12, 1826 in the Chapelry of Drighlington, parish of Birstall.

    Marriage: Sarah Walker January 16, 1847

    Children:

    1. Oliver Walker Sykes (1847-1864)
    2. Samuel (1850) married Caroline Tolson, immigrated Canada
    3. James (1852-1853)
    4. Ann (1855-) married Job Nussey and Thomas Parker
    5. Elizabeth married Law Land, immigrated Canada and USA. Note; Elizabeth Sykes was my direct line ancestor, Maggie Land Blanck
    6. Robert Walker Sykes (1859) married Annie Hepworth, immigrated Canada
    7. John George Sykes (1864-19090 married Harriett Ellen Fenton
    8. Mary Sykes (1866)
    9. Benjamin (1868-1870)

    More Information on the family of George Stell Sykes and Sarah Walker: See George Stell Sykes

  5. James Sykes (1829-1905), Emigrated to US and Canada, and Sarah Erp
    Baptism: James, the son of John and Ann Sykes, Adwalton, cordwainer, was baptized on February 15, 1829, Chapelry of Drighlington, parish of Birstall.
    Immigration: James Sykes immigrated to Ithaca, New York, before 1850 where he was listed with his brother, Samuel in the 1850 census. His daughter Emily was born in Buffalo in 1856. His son, William John Sykes, was born in Canada in 1859.
    1851 Census: Ithaca New York with his bother, Samuel. Unmarried. See Sykes in Canada
    Circa 1856: Buffalo at birth of Emily per her marriage record in 1881.
    Marriage: Sarah Erp (Earp) USA. See Sykes in Canada for more details
    Children:
    1. Emily Sykes (1856-1934) Buffalo, N. Y. and Henry James Kelly
      Birth: Emily Sykes, circa 1856, Bufallo, USA
      Marriage: Henry James Kelly age 25, Winnipeg Manatoba, Holland Landing bachelor, merchant, son of Edward and Jane Kelly, to Emily Ann Sykes age 26, Toronto, born Buffalo single, daughter of James and Sarah Sykes, 28 September 1881 Church of England, witnesses, M. J. Oxenhaw and Fred H. Sykes
      Children:
      1. Edith Kelly, 1883. Married Arthur Ross Doan See Sykes in Canada for more details
      2. Elise Kelly, 1889
      3. Lucy, 1891
        Birth:
      1891 Census:, Toronto City St Patrick Ward H J Kelly 33, no occupation, Emily Kelly 34 Edith Kelly 7 Elise Kelly 2, next to James and Sarah Sykes,
      1901 Census: Toronto West, Henry Kelly 46, chief eng. imp salesman, Emily Kelly 46 Edith Kelly 17 Elise Kelly 11 Lucy Kelly 9, next to James and Sarah Sykes,
      1911 Census: Toronto Center Ward 4, Henry Kelly 56, officer custom house, Emily Kelly 55, immigrated 1862*, Edith Kelly 26 Eloise Kelly 21 Lucy Kelly 18
      *Her brother, William John Sykes, was born in Canada in 1859.
      Death of Emily Sykes Kelly: 1934, York Toronto, Emily Ann Kelly, 181 Bunadar Rd. widow, born United States, age 80, father James Sykes, mother, Sarah Erp, both born England, reported by Miss Kelly daughter, buried Mt Pleasant Cemetery , Dec 16, 1934, astiosceroris cerebralis et al pericarditis and failure.
    2. William John Sykes (1859 to 1921) and Mary Ellen Banburg
      Birth: William J, June 15, 1859, Ontario, Canada, New Market per death record.
      Marriage: William John Sykes age 21, Whitchuch, Canada, farmer, parents James and Sarah Sykes, to Mary Ellen Banbury age 29, Whitchuch, Canada daughter of Richard and Mary Ann Banburg. Witnesses, Edwin Bamburg Whitchurch and Emily Sykes Toronto, 20 October 1880
      Children:
      1. Mary Emily Sykes and Samuel Wallace
        Mary Emily 9 September 1881 of William John Sykes and Mary Ellen Bamburg, farmer, Whitchurch. Married Samuel Wallace. For more information see Sykes in Canada
      2. Fred Henry Sykes and Florence C Carmichael
        Fred Henry ?4 November 1883, of William John Sykes and Mary Ellen Banbury, farmer, Whitemarch, York. For more information see Sykes in Canada
      3. Laura Adeline Sykes and Harry Dudley Smith and Wilfred Raymond
        Birth: Laura Adeline
        Boarder Crossing: Sykes, Laura A age 24, no occupation, born Canada, Toronto, father, Wm. J Sykes 58 Holland?? Ave, Toronto to Detroit Michigan, St Albans, Vermont.
        Marriage: Harry Dudley Smith, 31, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA born Monnett?? Missouri, USA engineer Presbyterian father John Henry Smith, mother Elizabeth Dudley, to Laura Adeline, Sykes 28, 58 Nowland Ave, Toronto, Ont, Anglican daughter of William John Sykes and Ellen Banburg. Witnesses, John Owen Smith and Ethel Louisa Sykes, December 1, 1913 Toronto
        For more information see Sykes in Canada
      4. Arthur Ashton Sykes and Rachael Marion Clint
        Arthur Ashton Sykes, April 29, 1888, #043367, father, William Sykes, occupation, grocer, mother, Mary Ellen Banbury (?), 167 College Street Toronto.
        Marriage:
        Children:
        1. Clint (Chris Ibbotson Feb. 2006, information from his father Peter, 1970s)
        For more information see Sykes in Canada
      5. Evelyn Sykes and Charles Day
        Evelyn Sarah Sykes, November 24, 1890, #044077, daughter of William John Sykes, grocer, and Mary Ellen Banbury, 34 College Street, Toronto. For more information see Sykes in Canada
      6. Ethel Louise Sykes and John L Healey
        Ethel Louise Sykes, August 26, 1892, #042149, daughter of William John Sykes, grocer, and Mary Ellen Banbury, 346 College Street.
        For more information see Sykes in Canada
      7. Reta Isabel Sykes and Robert McHardy
        Rita Isabel Sykes, April 29, 1895, father, William John Sykes, grocer, Mother, Mary Ellen Banbury, 346 College Street, Toronto, #040316. For more information see Sykes in Canada
      1901: Ontario, Toronto West, William J Sykes Marital Status: Married Age: 42 Birth Day & Month: 15 Jun Birth Year: 1859 Birthplace: Ontario Relation to Head of House: Head Racial or Tribal Origin: English Nationality: Canadian Religion: Church Of England Occupation: Grocer Province: Ontario District: Toronto (West) District Number: 118 Sub-District: Toronto (West) Ward No 4 Sub-District Number: B-43 Name Age William J Sykes 42 M. Ellen Sykes 48 M Emily Sykes 19 Fred H Sykes 17 Addeline Sykes 15 Arthur A Sykes 12 Evelyn J Sykes 10 Ethel L Sykes 8 Reta L. Sykes 5
      1911: Sykes, William age 54, excise officer, Mary E age 59, Fredrich age 27, engineer city hall, Adams??, Adeline, daughter age 25, Ethel age 18, Reta age 16,
      Death: Sykes, William John Wellsley Hosp age 62, place of birth, Newmarket, June 15, 1859, trade, customs office, father, James Sykes born england, Mother Sarah ERp, informant, Arthur Sykes, son, 58 Howland Ave., Toronto Burial Nov 5, 1921, Toronto.
    3. Frederick Henry Sykes (1864-1917) and Louise Ryckman
      Birth: Fred H., circa 1864, Ontario
      Marriage: Leeds Ontario, Canada, Sykes Frederick Henry age 36, Philadelphia Pa Queensville ?? University lecturer, to Louise Laselle Ryckman, age 32, Toronto, Kingston, 22 August 1900, name of parents, James Sykes, Sarah Earp. Hers Edwin B and Emmaline (cannot read)
      Travel: 1908 September 20, on the Columbia, Sykes, Frederick, age 44, professor of English, born Canada, USA, New York, from Glasgow, Scotland to New York
      Travel: Caledonia, September 16, 1916, Sykes, Frederick Henry, age 48, professor, to New York from Glasgow, Scotland, columbia University Teachers College, 5 ft 10 inches, dark brown hair, brown eyes
      Travel: 1910 October 07, Mauretania, Sykes Louise, age 42, James Thornton, age 4, Frederick R. age 5, non immigrant aliens from Rev. Dr. Ryckman, Kingston, Ont. to husband father Prof F H. Sykes Columbia University Arriving NY from Liverpool. Death: Dr. Frederick Henry Sykes, for ten years a member of the Teachers College faculty and more recently president of the Connecticut College for Women, died suddenly on October 13, at his home, 3 Craigie Circle, Cambridge, Mass. Teachers College Record, vol 19, Number 1, 1918
      Dr. Frederick Henry Sykes, until recently president of the Connecticut College for Women, died suddenly of heart disease at Cambridge, Mass., on October 14. Dr. Sykes was born in Queensville, Ont,, on October 21, 1863; was graduated from the University of Toronto in 1885 and took post-graduate courses at Johns Hopkins and Oxford. From 1903 to 1910 he was professor of English literature at Columbia University and for three years afterward was director of technical education at Teachers College. From Teachers College he went to the Connecticut State College for Women. He resigned last June at the request of the trustees, with whom he disagreed concerning the administration of the college. Intellect, Volume 6, 1917

      For more information see Sykes in Canada

    James Sykes in the 1871 Census: Holland Landing, Ontario, Sykes, James, age 40, born England, Engineer, Sarah, age 35, born England, Emma, age 18, born U. States, William age 11, born Ont, Fred H. age 4, born Ont.

    James Sykes in the 1881 Census: Sykes, James, age 50, born England, no occupation, Sarah age 48 born England, Emily age 25, born Us, Wm J age 21 born Ontario, farmer, Fred H.? 17, born Ontario, all Church of England

    James Sykes in the 1891 Census: Ontario, Toronto City, St Patrick's Ward, Sykes, James, 60, England, dealer in stoves, Sarah, 58, England, Fred, age 27, Ontario, language master, all Church of England

    1901 Census: Toronto West, Sykes, James 16 January 1828, age 72, born England, head, ch-- eng, Sarah, wife 10 June 1833, age 67 born England

    Death of James Sykes, 1905: Sykes James, Feb 25, 1905, age 76, 14 Augusta, labourer, born England, dilatation of heart, bronchitis pleurisy

    Death of Sarah Erp Sykes: Toronto , York, Sarah Sykes date of death Feb 26, 1911, age 77, 150 Augusta Ave, occupation, Lady, widowed, arthritis Neformans 6 to 8 years, broncho pneumonia 1 week

  6. Mary Sykes (1832-1922) and William Wright

    Baptism: Mary, the daughter of John and Ann Sykes, Adwalton, shoemaker, was baptized on May 13, 1832, parish of Birstall. Mary was listed with her father in the 1851 census. 1851: In 1851 Census with her father.

    Marriage: Bradford St Peter's Cathedral 1853, 20 January, William Wright age 27, bachelor weaver, from Bradford, father James Wright shopkeeper to Mary Syke age 21, spinster, dressmaker, bradford father James Sykes Shoemaker, Both signed. Witnesses, Benj Sykes and George Sykes.

    Children:

    1. Annie 1854 England
    2. James 1856 England
    3. Sarah 1866 Canada

  7. Emigration to Canada: Circa 1860

    Death: April 1922, Toronto, Canada.

    For more information see Sykes in Canada

  8. Joseph Sykes 1834 ✟ died as and infant

    Death: Joseph Sykes Adwalton infant buried 2 February 1834

    Note: This record is very vague and there was another Sykes family having children in Adwalton at the time. See Sykes in Adwalton now or at the bottom of the page. However, the name and the spacing fit.

  9. Joseph Sykes, Cordwainer (1835-1901+) and Elizabeth Lord
    Baptism: Joseph Sykes, the son of John and Ann Sykes, shoemaker of "Drighlington", was baptized on July 19, 1835 (LDS film #0990529)
    Further Records: Joseph is listed in the 1841 census with his parents, in the 1851 census with his brother Benjamin, and on his own in the 1861, 1871 and 1881, 1901 censuses.
    Occupation: Cordwainer
    Marriage: July 16, 1859 Joseph Sykes age 24, bachelor cordwainer, Dringlington, son of John Sykes, cordwainer, to Elizabeth Lord age 27 spinster Birstall daughter of David Lord, carpenter. both signed. Henry Sykes witness.
    Children:
    1. Annie H. 1861 (1861 English Census)
      Oct 7, Aug 17 1860 Annie Sarah of Joseph and Elizabeth Sykes Birstall cordwainer
    2. Eva✟ June 15 Dec 4, 1861, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Sykes, Birstall, Cordwainer, Birstall St Peter
      Death: Eva Sykes daughter of Joseph Sykes shoemaker Birstall March 17, 1863, age 1.
    3. John Sykes (1863-) and Fanny Hirst
      John, born circa 1863 (1881 English Census)
      Birth: Feb 23 1863, John son of Joseph Sykes and Elizabeth Birstall shoemaker, Birstall St Peter.
      Marriage: July 10, 1886 John Sykes age 23, bachelor cloth finisher Birstal son of Jseph Sykes Shoemaker to Fanny Hirst age 22, spinster, Birsatll Dan Hirst deceased hairdresser. Both signed. Witness Nora (Nona?) Sykes Hirst.
      Children:
      1. Eva E, circa 1888, born Birstall
      2. Joseph, circa 1892, born Birstall
      3. Willie, circa 1896, born Birstall
      4. Minnie, circa 1898, born Birstall
      5. Ernest circa 1903
      1911 Census:
      SYKES, JOHN MARRIED 24 M 48 FINISHER CLOTH BIRSTALL YORKSHIRE SYKES, FANNY WIFE MARRIED 24 F 47 GOLCAR YORKSHIRE SYKES, EVA E DAUGHTER SINGLE F 23 WEAVER BIRSTALL YORKSHIRE SYKES, JOSEPH SON SINGLE M 19 HAIR DRESSER BIRSTALL YORKSHIRE SYKES, WILLIE SON SINGLE M 15 TWISTER BIRSTALL YORKSHIRE SYKES, MINNIE DAUGHTER SINGLE F 13 WEAVER BIRSTALL YORKSHIRE SYKES, ERNEST H SON SINGLE M 8 BIRSTALL YORKSHIRE, Address 4 NORFOLK ST BATLEY County Yorkshire West Riding District Dewsbury Subdistrict Batley Enumeration District 11 Parish Batley
    1861 Census: in Birstall. See Sykes in the Censuses
    1871 Census: In Birstall. See Sykes in the Censuses
    1881 English Census in Gomersal: See Sykes in the Censuses
    1901 Census: In Birstall See Sykes in the Censuses

  10. Sarah Ann (1838-1917) and William Thornton
    Birth:
    • Baptism Sarah Ann, the daughter of John and Ann Sykes, shoemaker of "Dringlington", was baptized on September 22, 1838 (LDS film #0990529)
    • Civil Birth Record: Sarah Ann, daughter of John Sykes, cordwainer, and Ann Sykes, formerly Stell, was born on September 22, 1838, Drighlington, reported by John Sykes, father, Dringlington.
    1851 Census: Sarah Anne was listed with her father in the 1851 census.
    1861 Census: There were two Sarah Ann Sykes born in Adwalton circa 1838 in the 1861 census. Both were servants: one a maid, the other a cook. The other Sarah Ann was the daughter of Joseph Sykes and Mary Thornton.
    Marriage:
    • Civil Record: August 31, 1864 Parish Church Morley, William Thornton, age 23, bachelor, corn dealer, Brighouse, father, John Thornton, joiner, married Sarah Ann Sykes, age 25 spinster, Morley, daughter of John Sykes, shoe maker, both signed. Witnesses: George Stell Sykes and John Wormald
    • Church Record:
    Children:
    1. John Thornton (1865- ) and Henrietta Gibb
      Birth: John Thornton Birth Date: abt 1865 Parish: Brighouse, Rastrick Baptism Date: 25 Jun 1865 Father's name: William Thornton, corn dealer, Mother's name: Sarah Ann Thornton
      Occupation: "He became a newspaper man, being at times editor of the Blackpool Herald after other assignments." (Arthur Ashton Sykes' notes sent by Ellen Sykes June 2007)
      Marriage H Gibbs (Chris Ibbotson Feb. 2006, information from his father Peter, 1970s)
      Henrietta Gibbs born circa 1866 (Arthur Ashton Sykes' notes sent by Ellen Sykes June 2007)
      Children:
      1. William Fletcher circa 1891
        Further Records: William Fletcher Thornton - born abt. 1891; deceased abt. 1956. He married Valerie. "who at age 65 died while returning from a holiday in Scotland, leaving a widow and daughter" (Arthur Ashton Sykes' notes sent by Ellen Sykes June 2007)
      2. Jessie Cunningham
        Further Records: Jessie Cunningham Thornton, a private secretary until her marriage in 1940 to Willaim Hodge Craig. In 1942 they adopted a daughter, Christine Fiona, who married in 1968 David Beddard, who is a lecturer in plastics at Southal College. (Arthur Ashton Sykes' notes sent by Ellen Sykes June 2007)
      3. James Douglas Thornton, a ladies hairdresser and prominent in amateur dramatic circles (Arthur Ashton Sykes' notes sent by Ellen Sykes June 2007)
      1891 Census: Rawtenstall, Lower Booths, Lancashire, England, John Thornton, age 25, newspaper reporter, born Brighouse Yorkshire, Henrietta wife age 25, William F age 6 mo.
      1901 Census: Blackpool, Lancaster, 33 Woodfield Rd. John Thornton, age 35, journalist, newspaper editor, born Brighouse Yorkshire, Henrietta, wife, age 35, born Scotland, William Fletcher, son, age 10, Jessie Cunningham daughter age 4, Agnes Marshall Pilling (?), sister? in law, widow, age 40, certified school mistress, born Scotland, James Stuart, Pilling ?, nephew, age 10, Jessis Atkin Pilling ? age 5, niece and Emily Capel, servant age 23
      Note: I can't read the first leter of Agnes Marshall _illing, sister in law, It is very strange and may be P, V or N. It is most likely a P based on the way the census taker made his Rs.
      1911 Census: THORNTON, JOHN HEAD MARRIED M 45 NEWSPAPER EDITOR YORKSHIRE BRIGHOUSE THORNTON, HENRIETTA CUNNINGHAM WIFE MARRIED 21 F 45 LANARKSHIRE WISHAW THORNTON, WILLIAM FLETCHER SON SINGLE M 20 ELECTRICIAN LANCASHIRE RAWTENSTALL THORNTON, JESSIE CUNNINGHAM DAUGHTER SINGLE F 14 SCHOOL LANCASHIRE BLACKPOOL THORNTON, JAMES DOUGLAS SON M 9 SCHOOL LANCASHIRE BLACKPOOL PILLING, JAMES STUART NEPHEW SINGLE M 20 NEWSPAPER REPORTER LANCASHIRE RAWTENSTALL PILLING, JESSIE AILKEN CUNNINGHAM NIECE F 15 MILLINERS APPRENTICE LANCASHIRE HASLINGDEN Address 14 VICTORIA TERRACE SOUTH SHORE BLACKPOOL County Lancashire District Fylde Subdistrict Blackpool Enumeration District 40 Parish Blackpool
      Death of Henrietta Gibb Thornton: March, 1939 (Arthur Ashton Sykes' notes sent by Ellen Sykes June 2007)
      Death of John Thornton: Feb. 1940 (Arthur Ashton Sykes' notes sent by Ellen Sykes June 2007)
    2. Emma (Emily), 1867, never married.
      Birth: Emma Thornton Birth Date: 9 Jun 1867 Parish: Brighouse, Rastrick Baptism Date: 14 Jul 1867 Father's name: William Thornton Mother's name: Sarah Ann Thornton
      Further Record: Emily Thornton, the eldest girl of the family, born 1871, was a far as I know, the only one of the folks who visited this country. Emma was unmarried and came to Ontario a few years after I had left for the west and visited at Newmarket and Toronto. I heard of her through letters at the time and occasionally since. She was quite popular with the relatives. She left this world February 1919. (Arthur Ashton Sykes' notes sent by Ellen Sykes June 2007)
      Death of Emily Thornton : 26 Feb 1919 in England (Arthur Ashton Sykes' notes sent by Ellen Sykes June 2007)
    3. Mary Thornton (1870-) and Samuel Empsall
      Birth: Mary Thornton Birth Date: 4 Aug 1869, Parish: Brighouse, Rastrick Baptism Date: 12 Sep 1869 Father's name: William Thornton Mother's name: Sarah Ann Thornton
      Marriage 1907: Mary Thornton Age: 37, spinster, Marriage or Bann Date: 9 Jan 1907 Parish: Brighouse Father's name: William Thornton, corn dealor, Spouse's Name: Sam Empsall Spouse's Father's Name: Jonas Empsall, deceased. Both signed. Witness John Thornton.
      4. S Empsall (Chris Ibbotson Feb. 2006, information from his father Peter, 1970s)
      Other: In 1891 and 1901 censuses with her parents.
      1911 Census: EMPSALL, SAM HEAD MARRIED M 42 PLUMBER YORKSHIRE BRIGHOUSE EMPSALL, MARY WIFE MARRIED 4 F 41 YORKSHIRE BRIGHOUSE Address FERN HOUSE 23 BRACKEN ROAD WEST BRIGHOUSE County Yorkshire West Riding District Halifax Subdistrict Brighouse Enumeration District 14 Parish Brighouse
      More Information on Mary Thornton: Mary, the fourth child and second daughter, married Samuel Empsall. She was born in 1869, and lasted till Sept. 1955. Samuel was born in 1869 and died May 16, 1933. Isabel Jenkinson and the Empsalls I believe visited and corresponded for years but I have no details to offer. (Arthur Ashton Sykes' notes sent by Ellen Sykes June 2007)
      Death of Samuel Empsall: 16 May 1933 (Arthur Ashton Sykes' notes sent by Ellen Sykes June 2007)
      Death of Mary Thornton Empsall: 28 Sep 1965. (Arthur Ashton Sykes' notes sent by Ellen Sykes June 2007)
    4. Hannah Thornton (1872-) and Samuel Ibbotson
      Birth: Hannah Thornton Birth Date: 14 Nov Parish: Brighouse, Rastrick Baptism Date: 17 Dec 1871 Father's name: William Thornton Mother's name: Sarah Ann Thornton
      Marriage: Hannah Thornton, spinster, Age: 26 Marriage or Bann Date: 29 Dec 1897 Parish: Brighouse Father's name: William Thornton, corn merchant, Spouse's Name: Samuel Ibbotson, clerk, Spouse's Father's Name: Ephraim Ibbotson, stone merchant. Both signed. Witnesses included John Thornton and Elizabeth?? Thornton.
      Samuel Ibbotson       (Chris Ibbotson Feb. 2006, information from his father Peter, 1970s)
      Children:
      1. Edith circa 1899, married Alan Dobson (Chris Ibbotson Feb. 2006, information from his father Peter, 1970s) - child- Michael (Arthur Ashton Sykes' notes sent by Ellen Sykes June 2007)
      2. Arthur Edward married Lily Sibley, children Peter John (married Hilary Shakespeare - Children: Richard , born 1968 & Christopher John , born 1970 Lily Sibley divorced Arthur Ibbotson in the 1930s and married George Bradbrooke in the 1940s. George Bradbrooke was a Lt. Col in the 1st Canadian Paras and from a legendary Army family from Saskatoon, SK ! (Chris Ibbotson Feb. 2006, information from his father Peter, 1970s)
      1901 Census: 17 John Street Brighouse: Sam Ibottson, head age 33, clerk in borough office, Hannah, wife age 29, Edith M, daughter, age, 2, all born Brighouse.
      1911 Census: IBBOTSON, SAMUEL HEAD MARRIED M 43 ACCOUNTANT YORKS: BRIGHOUSE IBBOTSON, HANNAH WIFE MARRIED 13 F 39 YORKS: BRIGHOUSE IBBOTSON, EDITH MARY DAUGHTER F 12 SCHOOL YORKS: BRIGHOUSE IBBOTSON, ARTHUR EDWARD SON M 9 SCHOOL YORKS: BRIGHOUSE Address 122 CHATSWORTH ROAD MORECAMBE County Lancashire District Lancaster Subdistrict Heaton Enumeration District 2 Parish Poulton, Bare and Torrisholme
      Samuel Ibbotson in the 1881 Census in Brighouse on Albion St: Mary Ibbotson, head, widow age 45, Sarah, daughter, age 18, tailoress, Samuel son age 13 errand boy, Fanny, daughter age 8 scholar, all born Brighouse.
      More on Hannah Thornton and Sam Ibbotson: The second daughter, Hannah, I am sorry to say I have been unable to trace, other than to have some detail about her marriage and family. She married Samuel Ibbotson. They had two children, Edith and Arthur. Edith married Alan Dobson and they have a son Michael, married. Arthur married Lily Sibley; they had a son, Peter, married to a lady with the first name of Hilary and they are the parents of two, a lad, Richard, aged two and another lad Christopher John, a baby. (Arthur Ashton Sykes' notes sent by Ellen Sykes June 2007)
    5. Joseph Thornton (1875_) and Hannah Jackson
      Birth: Joseph Thornton Birth Date: 21 Apr Parish: Brighouse, Rastrick Baptism Date: 24 May 1874 Father's name: William Thornton Mother's name: Sarah Ann Thornton
      Marriage: H Jackson (Chris Ibbotson Feb. 2006, information from his father Peter, 1970s) Hannah per census
      Children:
      1. Eleanor (Nellie) married L Smith no family, (Arthur Ashton Sykes' notes sent by Ellen Sykes June 2007) see A A Sykes not below
      2. Ann, married Arnold Downend, no family (Arthur Ashton Sykes' notes sent by Ellen Sykes June 2007) see A A Sykes not below
      3. Fred - The third child and first son, Fred married K. Baldwin. Two children; John, who married M. Conway and they have children three - David, and twins, Carol and Vivian, aged 8 and 6 respectively; the other son, Brian, married P. Davis and they are the parents of three; Ian, Andrew and Susan, aged 7, 5, and 2, respectively. (Arthur Ashton Sykes' notes sent by Ellen Sykes June 2007)
      4. Lilias, the fourth child of Joseph and Hannah, died in infancy. (Arthur Ashton Sykes' notes sent by Ellen Sykes June 2007)
      5. Hilda, number five of the family, married E. Robertshaw. Two children - Pamela and Anthony. Pamela married P. Shaw and have two children, Deborah, aged 6, and Richard, aged 4. Anthony married J. Whitehead. They too have a couple of children, Emma, 4, and Daniel, a few months. (Arthur Ashton Sykes' notes sent by Ellen Sykes June 2007)
      1901 Census: 14 Firth Street, Rastrick, Brighouse, Joseph Thornton, head, age 26, fit-- hydraulic engineer, Hannah, wife, age 25, Eleanor M, daughter, age 1, all born Brighouse
      1911 Census: THORNTON, JOSEPH HEAD MARRIED M 36 FOREMAN MECHANIC MAKER VALVE MAKER BRIGHOUSE YORKS THORNTON, HANNAH WIFE MARRIED 14 F 35 BRIGHOUSE YORKS THORNTON, ELEANOR MAY DAUGHTER F 11 SCHOOL RASTRICK YORKS THORNTON, ANNIE DAUGHTER F 9 SCHOOL RASTRICK YORKS THORNTON, FREDERICK WILLIAM SON M 7 SCHOOL RASTRICK YORKS THORNTON, HILDA DAUGHTER F 2 RASTRICK YORKS Address 37 PIGGOTT ST BRIGHOUSE County Yorkshire West Riding District Halifax Subdistrict Brighouse Enumeration District 19 Parish Brighouse
      More on Joseph Thornton: Joseph, the second son and fifth child of William and Sarah Thornton, born 1874, died Nov. 13, 1933. His wife was Hannah Jackson 1876-1963. They had four daughters and one son. Nellie married L. Smith No family. Anne (Ann) married Arnold Downend, and no family. I am indebted to this Ann for most of the information about the English cousins, and in addition have had some most interesting letters from her, and received a very well prepared chart of the Thornton family, which has set me straight on a number of items. (Arthur Ashton Sykes' notes sent by Ellen Sykes June 2007)
      Death of Joseph Thornton: 13 Nov 1933 (Arthur Ashton Sykes' notes sent by Ellen Sykes June 2007)
      Death of Hannah Jackson Thornton: 2 Jul 1963 (Arthur Ashton Sykes' notes sent by Ellen Sykes June 2007)
    6. Fletcher Thornton (1876-1934) and Alice Lister
      Birth: Fletcher Thornton Birth Date: 6 Jun [abt 1876] Parish: Brighouse, Rastrick Baptism Date: 16 Jul 1876 Father's name: William Thornton Mother's name: Sarah Ann Thornton
      July-Aug-Sept 1876 Halifax 9a (Free BMD)
      Marriage: Alice Lister (Chris Ibbotson Feb. 2006, information from his father Peter, 1970s)
      December 5th 1900 Fletcher Thornton age 24, bach, house painter, Commercial Building Brighouse, father William Thornton,corn dealer, to Salice Lister 21 spinster, Freemasons Arms Brighouse, d of James Lister, publican. Both signed. Sam Lister and Mary Thornton witnesses. Brighouse Parish Church.
      Children:
      1. Eleanor
      1901 Census: 19 Dale Street, Brighouse, Fletcher Thornton, head, age 24, house painter, Alice both born Brighouse
      1911: HORNTON, FLETCHER HEAD MARRIED M 34 HOUSE DECORATOR YORKS BRIGHOUSE THORNTON, ALICE WIFE MARRIED 10 F 31 YORKS BRIGHOUSE, Address 9 HAMGRAM STREET BRIGHOUSE County Yorkshire West Riding District Halifax Subdistrict Brighouse Enumeration District 16 Parish Brighouse
      More on Fletcher Thornton: Fletcher, the sixth child and third son of Sarah and William, was unfortunate in being an invalid for most of his life, following his marriage to Alice Lister. Born 1877, died 1934. No family. (Arthur Ashton Sykes' notes sent by Ellen Sykes June 2007)
      Death of Fletcher Thornton : 17 Feb 1934 (Arthur Ashton Sykes' notes sent by Ellen Sykes June 2007)
      Fletcher Thornton BIRTH: abt 1877 DEATH: Mar 1934 - Halifax, Yorkshire West Riding, England
    7. Sarah Elizabeth Thornton (1879-) and Percy Roberts
      Birth: Sarah Elizabeth Thornton Birth Date: 26 Mar [abt 1879] Parish: Brighouse, Rastrick Baptism Date: 27 Apr 1879 Father's name: William Thornton Mother's name: Sarah Ann Thornton
      Marriage: P Roberts (Chris Ibbotson Feb. 2006, information from his father Peter, 1970s) - Percy Roberts (Arthur Ashton Sykes' notes sent by Ellen Sykes June 2007)
      Children:
      1. Freda Isobel - married George H. COUSINS - children: Marion and Raymond (Arthur Ashton Sykes' notes sent by Ellen Sykes June 2007)
      2. Elsa married Colin McLeod (Arthur Ashton Sykes' notes sent by Ellen Sykes June 2007)
    8. Frederick ✟ died as an infant
      Frederick Thornton MOTHER: Sarah Ann Thornton FATHER: William Thornton BIRTH: 11 Mar BAPTISM: 16 Apr 1882 - Brighouse, Rastrick, Yorkshire, England
      Frederick, born 1886; deceased 20 Oct 1886 (Arthur Ashton Sykes' notes sent by Ellen Sykes June 2007)
      Frederick, died in his infancy (Chris Ibbotson Feb. 2006, information from his father Peter, 1970s)
    1871 Census: Brighouse Hipperholme com Brighouse, 4 Bank Street William Thornton, head age 29, corn dealer's assistant, Brighouse, Sarah A, wife, age 32, Adwalton, John, son, age 5, scholar, Adwalton, Emma, daughter, age 3, Brighouse, Mary, daughter, age 1, Brighouse
    1881 Census: Brighouse Hipperholme com Brighouse, 4 Bank Street William Thornton, head age 39, shopman corndealer, Brighouse, Sarah A, wife, age 42, Adwalton, John, son, age 15, scholar, shop boy, Adwalton, Emma, daughter, age 13, millhand Brighouse, Mary, daughter, age 11, scholar, Brighouse, Hannah, daughter age 9, scholar, Brighouse, Joseph, son, age 6, Fletcher, son, age 4, Sarah E, daughter, age 2
    1891 Census: Brighouse Hipperholme com Brighouse, 4 Bank Street William Thornton, head age 49, shopman corndealer, Brighouse, Sarah A, wife, age 52, Adwalton, John, son, age 15, scholar, shop boy, Adwalton, Mary, daughter, age 21, cotton reeler, Brighouse, Joseph, son, age 16, mechanic's apprentice Fletcher, son, age 14, painter's apprentice Sarah E, daughter, age 12, scholar
    1901 Census: Brighouse 106 Commerical Street William Thornton, head age 59, corn dealer shopkeeper, own account at home born Brighton Sarah A wife age 62, born Adwalton Emma age 33, born Brighouse Mary age 31, born Brighouse
    1911 Census: THORNTON, WILLIAM HEAD MARRIED M 69 CORN DEALER YORKSHIRE BRIGHOUSE THORNTON, SARAH ANN WIFE MARRIED 46 F 72 YORKSHIRE ADWALTON, ROSMEAD 21 BRACKEN ROAD WEST BRIGHOUSE County Yorkshire West Riding District Halifax Subdistrict Brighouse Enumeration District 14 Parish Brighouse
    Death of Sarah Ann Sykes Thornton: 1 January 1917 (Chris Ibbotson Feb. 2006, information from his father Peter, 1970s) (also Arthur Ashton Sykes notes sent by Ellen Sykes June 2007).
    Death of William Thornton: 22 April 1917 (Chris Ibbotson Feb. 2006, information from his father Peter, 1970s) May 1917 (per Arthur Ashton Sykes' notes sent by Ellen Sykes, June 2007)
    More of William Thornton: He was listed in the 1861 census in Hipperholme cum Brighouse, on Commercial Street, age 19, corn dealer's assistant, nephew of John Hargreaves age 52, born Dewsbury, corn dealer, and his wife Mary, age 45, born Halifax. I did not find him in the 1851 census.

John Sykes' Residences

  • Adwalton (Birstall Parish) circa 1797 (Birth of John Sykes)
  • Gomersal (Birstall Parish) in 1796 (Birth of Ann Stell Sykes)
  • Batley Parish in 1817 at the marriage of John Sykes and Ann Stell
  • Gomersal (Birstall Parish) in 1818 (Birth of a child) Note: John Sykes was not listed in the Land Tax records for Gomersal in 1818 or before, LDS microfilm 1657962.
  • Adwalton Chapelry of Drighlington (Bristall Parish) in 1821 (Birth of a child)
  • Barnsley Chapelry of Drighlington (Bristall Parish) in 1823 (Birth of a child)
  • Adwalton Chapelry of Drighlington (Bristall Parish) in 1826 (Birth of a child)
  • Adwalton Chapelry of Drighlington (Bristall Parish) in 1829 (Birth of a child)
  • Adwalton Chapelry of Drighlington (Bristall Parish) in 1832 (Birth of a child)
  • Drighlington (Bristall Parish) in 1835 (Birth of a child)
  • Drighlington (Bristall Parish) in 1838 (Birth of a child)
    • Turnpike Road Drighlington (Bristall Parish) in 1841 (Census)
  • Adwalton (Birstall Parish) in October 1841, at the death of Ann Stell Sykes
  • Farnley (Leeds Parish) in October 1843, at the marriage of John Sykes to Ellen Hainsworth Taylor.
  • Adwalton Township of Drighlington (Bristall Parish) in 1851 (Census) "All that part of the Hamlet of Adwalton (being part of the township of Dringlington) including Spring Gardens and the Adwalton Moor".
  • Mirfield in the 1861 census
  • Churwell (Batley Parish, Morley Chapelry) at the death of Ellen Sykes in 1863
  • Churwell in the 1871 census

John Sykes in the 1841 Census

The 1841 census listed John Sykes on the Turnpike Road, County of York, Wapentake of Morley, Parish of Birstall, and Chapelry of Drighlington in Enumeration #1. This listing is between Adwalton Street and Gildersome Street, in the hamlet of Adwalton. In the 1841 census all ages over fifteen (unless they were of interest for some reason, such as extreme old age) were rounded to the nearest multiple of 5 in the 1841 census.

John Sykes and family were listed as follows:

  1. John, age 40, shoemaker
  2. Ann, age 40
  3. Benjamin, age 20
  4. Isabella, age 15
  5. George, age 15
  6. James, age 12
  7. Mary, age 9
  8. Joseph, age 5
  9. Sarah, age 2
  10. Joseph Stell, age 53, tailor
  11. Hannah Sykes, age 84, pauper

While no relationship is given to the head of household (the person who was listed first), Hannah Sykes was most likely John's mother.

George Stell was Ann's brother.

Enumeration District #1, in the village of Adwalton was described as "All that part of the township of Drighlington on the North and South of the Turnpike Road from Adwalton to Gildersome Street." George Stell Sykes' future bride, Sarah Walker, and her family were listed in the same Enumeration District. The only other Sykes in the 1841 census in either Drighlington or Adwalton were the families of Richard, Francis, and Joseph Sykes listed in Drighlington in Enumeration District #2. I do not believe that they were closely related to John Sykes.

The Death of Ann Stell Sykes, 1841

Church Record: Ann Sykes, Adwalton, buried October 27, 1841, age 45

Civil Record: Ann Sykes, Adwalton, age 45, wife of a cordwainer, died on October 24, 1841 of an "affliction of the lungs". Death reported by John Sykes, "present at the death".

Marriage of John Sykes and Ellen Hainsworth Taylor, 1843

Civil Record: John Sykes, full age, widower, shoemaker, residence, Farnley, son of Benjamin Sykes, clothier, married Ellen Taylor, full age widow, of Farnley, daughter of Thomas Hainsworth, clothier, in the parish church of Leeds after banns, October 15, 1843. Witnesses: George Davey's his mark and R. W. Pickard (signed). John Sykes signed. Ellen made her mark. (Civil Record)

Notes: The church record contains the same information. Farnley is between Adwalton and Leeds. I do not know why they did not marry in the parish where they appear to have lived both before and after the marriage.This is a fairly common occurrence.

John Sykes in the Leeds Directories

John Sykes was not listed in the Directory of Leeds for the villages of Adwalton or Drighlington in 1830, 1842 or 1847.

John Sykes in the 1851 Census

In Adwalton:

  1. John Sykes, head married age 53, cordwainer born Adwalton, Yorkshire
  2. Elllen Sykes wife age 51 born Blackburn, Lancashire
  3. Mary Sykes daughter age 18, weaver stuff, born Adwalton, Yorkshire
  4. Sarah Ann Sykes daughter age 13, spinner, born Adwalton, Yorkshire
  5. Harriet Taylor daughter age 12, scholar, born Blackborn, Lancashire

John Sykes in the 1853

John Sykes wrote a letter to his son James in The United States> The letter was to

" James posted at Drighlington, and stamped Leeds No 21 1853. It is dated Farnley, Noreside Nov.20 and directed to James and his wife as "Dear son and daughter". The letter was directed to James, Engineer, Horellsville Streaben Co, New York, America."

Arthur Ashton Sykes

John Sykes in the 1861 Census

The 1861 Census lists John Sykes at the Toll Bar House in Mirfield as follows:

  • John Sykes, age 64, toll collector, born Drighlington
  • Ellen, wife, age 61, born Haulton, Yorkshire
  • Harriett Taylor, daughter, age 22, cripple, born Blackburn, Lanchester

Death of Ellen Sykes, 1863

Ellen Sykes of Churwell, age 65, buried December 30, 1863, Drighlington Chapel.

Notes:

  • Churwell was/is a nearby village in the Chapelry of Morley.
Civil Death Record: SYKES, Ellen, Wortley, Leeds, WORT/24/290, 1863 (Yorkshire BMD)

Marriage of John Sykes and Elizabeth Siddle Walker, 1864

John Sykes, age 66, widower, shoemaker, residence Morley, son of Benjamin Sykes, clothier married Elizabeth Walker age 58, widow, residence Morley, daughter of Joseph Siddle, clothier, in the parish church of Batley on June 15, 1864. John signed. Elizabeth made her mark. Witnesses: Benjamin Ellis Brayshaw and Ellen W. Sykes, both signed.

Notes:

  • John Sykes (c 1797) was the father of George Stell Sykes (1826). Elizabeth Siddle Walker (born Elizabeth Siddle c 1806) was the presumed mother of Sarah Walker (c. 1829). George Stell Sykes (1826) married Sarah Walker (c. 1829) in 1847. Basically, John Sykes married his daughter-in-law's mother.

  • Who were Ellen W Sykes and Benjamin Ellis Brayshaw? And why were they the witnesses to the marriage of John Sykes and Elizabeth Siddle Walker?

    In May 2008 I received an email from Colin White telling me that Ellen Weatherhead Sykes was the daughter of John Sykes and Ann Wheatherhead. She was born 1 April 1841 in Whitley. She married Benjamin Ellis Brayshaw (born 29 January 1841 in Idle) on 15 June 1864 in Batley.

    John Sykes, full age, coal miner Whitley son of William Sykes coal miner, married Ann Weatherhead, full age daughter of John Weather head in Kirkheaton 9 May 1839. According to the censuses John Sykes, coal miner, was born circa 1816 in Whitley, the son of William and Hannah Sykes. William Sykes was born circa 1782 in Whitley. There is no apparent connection with any of these Sykes and John Sykes, cordwainer born 1797 Adwalton. A quick look at the censuses does not show any apparent connection with John Sykes or Elizabeth Siddle Walker to Benjamin Brayshaw. Why were a 23 year old young woman and man acting as witnesses to the marriage of a 58 and 66 year old couple who they have no obvious connection to?
    It would appear on the surface that the connecting factor was that both couples were were married on the same day in the same place. John Sykes was in turn a witness at the marriage of Ellen W. Sykes and Benjamin Ellis. The same surname may have been purely coincidental.

John Sykes and Elizabeth Siddle Walker Sykes in the 1871 Census

John Sykes was listed in the 1871 census on Dewsbury Road at the Tool Bar House in Churwell as follows:

  • John Sykes, age 74, toll collector, born Adwalton
  • Elizabeth Sykes, wife, age 65, born Gildersome
  • Ann Sykes, granddaughter, age 16 visitor born Adwalton

Note: Ann was the daughter of George Stell Sykes and Sarah Walker and the granddaughter of both John Sykes and Elizabeth Siddle Walker Sykes.

Death of John Sykes

Church Record: John Sykes of Sandal, December 5, 1874, age 79 (Birstall Parish Records)

Civil Record: John Sykes, age 79, tool bar keeper, died of bronchitis (not certified) on 3 December 1874, Miluthorpe, Sandal, Death reported by Elizabeth Jennings present at the death, Registration District of Wakefield, County of York

Elizabeth Siddle Walker Sykes in the 1881 Census

Elizabeth Siddle Walker Sykes was listed with her son, Joseph Walker, in Bradford under the name Elizabeth Walker. See Walker

Death of Elizabeth Siddle Walker Sykes

Church Record: Dringlington 1888 Elizabeth Sykes Batley May 29 age 82 years.

Civil Record: Free BMD Deaths Jun 1888, SYKES, Elizabeth, 82, Dewsbury, 9b, 370

The signature of John Sykes from his marriage certificate in 1817
The signature of John Sykes from his marriage certificate in 1843
The signature of John Sykes from his marriage certificate in 1864

Hannah Longbottom Sykes

Hannah Longbottom Sykes was born circa 1758 as listed on the 1841 Census with John Sykes and at her death in 1842.

Birth: Circa 1758

Marriage: ??

Children: ??

Marriage: Hannah Longbottom married Benjamin Sykes both of Drighlington after banns January 11, 1796. Both made their mark., Birstall St. Peter

Note: Hannah was about 39 years old at the time of the marriage. I am assuming that Hannah was a widow. The question is: Was she born or married a Longbottom?

Children:

  1. John Sykes circa 1797

1841 Census: Hannah Sykes, was listed with John Sykes and his family in the 1841 census. See Sykes in the English Censuses

Death:

  • Church Record: Hannah Sykes died in Adwalton and was buried January 6, 1842, age 84 years
  • Civil Record: Hannah Sykes, age 84, widow, died on January 4, 1842 in Adwalton of old age. The death was reported by John Sykes "occupier", Adwalton on January 6, 1842

If she was the mother of John Sykes she would have been 39 years old (give or take) at the time of his birth

Where was she born and who were her parents?

Benjamin Sykes of Adwalton

At the marriage of John Sykes and Ellen Taylor in 1843, and at the marriage of John Sykes and Elizabeth Siddle Walker Sykes in 1864 John's father was listed as Benjamin Sykes, clothier.

Birth of Benjamin Sykes: Circa 1731.

Marriage: Benjamin Sykes of Drighlington married Mary Fenton in Birstall parish 5 August 1753.

Children:

  1. Hannah daughter of Benj Sykes of Drighlington January 1754

    Death: Hannah daughter of Benjamin Sykes of Drighlington buried on February 13, 1754 (BT)

  2. Sarah daughter of Benjamin Sykes of Drighlington 23 March 1754/55. Birstall Parish.

    3. seven year break

  3. John son of Benjamin Sykes of Drighlington 31 October 1762, Birstall Parish

    Death: John the son of Benj. Sykes of Drighlington was buried January 10, 1763.

  4. Mary Sykes and Thomas Atkinson

    Birth: Mary daughter of Benj Sykes of Drighlington 14 June 1764 Birstall parish

    Marriage: Thomas Atkinson and Mary Sykes both of Drighlington by banns 26 November 1792. He signed. She made her mark. Witness Samuel Sykes his mark.

    Children: None in Birstall parish.

  5. Samuel son of Benj Sykes of Drighlington, 1 March 1767 Birstall parish

I originally found the baptismal and death records of Hannah, Sarah, John, Mary and Samuel in the LDS microfilm of Birstall parish. No other children of Benjamin/Benj Sykes come up in October 2011 Ancestry search. See Sykes in Adwalton

Death of Mary Fenton Sykes: Mary wife of Benjamin Sykes of Drighlington 20 March 1795.

Marriage: Benjamin Sykes and Hannah Longbottom both of Drighlington by banns parish of Birstall January 11, 1796. Both made their mark. Witness William W---ington his mark,

Children:

  1. John circa 1797 in Adwalton

Death of Benjamin Sykes: Benjamin Sykes of Adwalton December 4, 1817, age, 86.

Note: Benjamin Sykes born circa 1731 was 66 years old when John Sykes was born in 1797.

Elizabeth Siddle Walker Sykes

For more information on Elizabeth Siddle Walker Sykes go to Siddle

The Sykes in Adwalton

Since the census information indicated that John Sykes was born in Adwalton in Birstall parish and later records show that he lived in Adwalton, I make an investigation of the Sykes in Birstall parish with a special emphasis on the Sykes in Adwalton. The parish records show that the other Sykes in Adwalton were maltsters and were related to each other. The do know appear to be closely related to John Sykes, cordwainer.

For more information on the Sykes in Adwalton go to Sykes in Adwalton

Benjamin Sykes, Saddler

There were no other Sykes who were cordwainers or shoemakers in the parish until Benjamin Sykes who was listed as a saddler in Drighlington in the 1880s.

Sykes, Benjamin was listed under Drighlington in Kelly's Directory of Leather treade in 1880 and 1885. The 1871 Census in Drighlington lists BenjaminSykes age 32, saddler born Wakefield and his wife Sarah age 31 and daughter Sarah age 10 both born Dewsbury, on Whitehall Road. In 1881 they were back in Wakefield. In 1891 and 1901 they were in Ossett. According to the 1941 census he was the son of Benjamin Sykes saddler (born circa 1815) and his wife, Elizabeth.

The Sykes in the Adwalton

For information on the Sykes in the Adwalton, click HERE

The Sykes in the English censuses

For information on the Sykes in the English censuses, click on the picture of the description of the Hamlet of Adwalton from the 1851 census
Ann Stell, the wife of John Sykes

For information on Ann Stell, the wife of John Sykes, and her family, click on the photo of Fellane, Keightley Parish.
George Stell Sykes, the son of John Sykes and Ann Stell

For information on George Stell Sykes, the son of John Sykes and Ann Stell, and his family, click on the photo of Elizabeth Sykes in the lilac bush
The Siddles

Elisabeth Siddle was born in Gildersome in Batley Parish. For more information on the Siddles, click on the photo of the Batley Parish Church

The Sykes in Canada

For information on the Sykes in Canada, click on the picture of Arnold Land with his Sykes cousins in Toronto

If you have any suggestions, corrections, information, copies of documents, or photos that you would like to share with this page, please contact me at maggie@maggieblanck.com
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©Maggie Land Blanck - Page created 2004 - Latest update, October 2011