Cheshire Ancestor

84 Pages·2015·2.35 MB·English

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The Family History Society of Cheshire
www.fhsc.org.uk
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Location of Groups
(see inside cover for contact details)
NNCCEESSTTOORR
The Journal of the
Family History Society of Cheshire
MOBBERLEY RESEARCH CENTRE
Rajar Building, Town Lane,
Mobberley, WA16 7ER
Tel: [phone]
The Rajar Building is situated
on the corner of Town Lane
(A5085) and Ilford Way. The
entrance is at the front of the
building on Town Lane.
Free access to findmypast
Ancestryand The Genealogist.
Parish registers on film,
national probate index,
extensive library and much
more. Large tree printing,
fiche/film and A3 scanning In this edition
available –please enquire.
Family History Events Book Reviews Help wanted or offered
Non-members admitted by prior booking only, with proof of identity
The First World War – A South African Perspective Net That Serf
required, or they may join on arrival
Diary of the Gorse Hall Murder A Dip into Church Court records
Admission charges apply. Closed on bank holidays. Parking available.
Corporal A Clarke MM Members’ Interests and more...
Opening hours: Monday-Friday 10.00am-4.00pm
Please refer to website www.fhsc.org.uk for holiday closure dates.
Volume 45 March 2015 Issue No.3
CHESHIRE ANCESTORprinted by: Deanprint Ltd., Cheadle Heath Works, Stockport SK3 0PR
ISSN 1460-0277
OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY GROUP LEADERS
CHAIRMAN CHESHIREBMD & UKBMD MEMBERS’ INTERESTS ALSAGER GROUP COMPUTER GROUP NORTHWICH GROUP
Paul Simpson, Ian Hartas, Chris Hughes, Peter Rugman, Geoff Johnson, Helen Green,
14 Jubilee Gardens, [email protected] The Anchorage, 157 Sandbach Road North Garth Nook, Well Lane, 17 Green Lane,
Nantwich CW5 7BS 105 Marine Drive,
Alsager, Little Budworth, Wincham,
Tel:[phone] MOBBERLEY RESEARCH Rhos-on-Sea,
Cheshire ST7 2AX. Tarporley CW6 9DA Northwich CW9 6EF
[email protected] CENTRE REPRESENATIVE Colwyn Bay,
Tel: [phone] Tel: [phone]. Tel: [phone].
Alan E Jones, Conwy LL28 4HU
HONORARY SECRETARY 7 Beaufort Close, Tel: [phone] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
Howard Martin Alderley Edge SK9 7HU [email protected]
2 Roxburgh Close, Tel: [phone] BEBINGTON GROUP CONGLETON GROUP RUNCORN GROUP
Macclesfield SK10 3QE [email protected] ELECTRONIC PROJECTS Bob Wright, David Smetham, Linda Finnigan,
Tel: [phone] Peter Davenport, 9 Lough Green, Little Trees, 10 Ashbourne Avenue,
[email protected] PUBLICITY OFFICER Glenside, Bebington, Gawsworth Rd, Runcorn WA7 4XY
Peter Johnson, One Oak Lane,
Wirral CH63 9NH Gawsworth, Tel: [phone].
HONORARY TREASURER 57 Helston Close, Wilmslow SK9 2BL
Victoria Doran Brookvale, Tel: [phone] Tel: [phone]. Macclesfield SK11 9RA [email protected]
9 Birkett Road Runcorn WA7 6AA [email protected] [email protected] Tel: [phone].
West Kirby Tel: [phone] [email protected] TAMESIDE GROUP
Wirral [email protected] RESEARCH ADVISER BIRKENHEAD GROUP Gay Oliver,
CH48 5HT Richard Corbett, Janet Cooper, CREWE GROUP 26 Woodville Drive,
Tel :[phone] LIBRARIAN 113 Saughall Road, 62 Hinderton Rd, Margaret Spate, Stalybridge SK15 3EA
[email protected] Joan Irving, Chester CH1 5ET Crewe Group, Tel: [phone].
Birkenhead,
62 Orme Crescent, Tel: [phone] c/o Crewe Library, [email protected]
HONORARY EDITOR Macclesfield SK10 2HS [email protected] Wirral CH41 9AE Prince Albert Street,
Jean Laidlaw, Tel: [phone] Tel: [phone]. Crewe, CW1 2DH, TARPORLEY GROUP
47 Sycamore Crescent, [email protected] WEBMASTER [email protected] [email protected] Jan Craig,
Macclesfield SK11 8LW Alan Bennett, 10 Dunns Lane,
[email protected] JOURNAL DISTRIBUTION 8 Barford Dr, Lowton, BRAMHALL GROUP
John Lord, Warrington WA3 1DD Ian Bickley, MACCLESFIELD GROUP Ashton Hayes,
BOOK SALES & 17 Rowan Drive, Tel: [phone] Lumb Cottage, Rosie Rowley, Chester CH3 8BU
OUTSIDE EVENTS Cheadle Hulme, [email protected] 21 Lavenham Close, Tel: [phone].
David Johnson, Cheadle, SK8 7DU Lumb Lane, Tytherington, [email protected]
91 Stretford House, Tel: [phone] PROJECTS - Bramhall, Macclesfield SK10 2TS
Chapel Lane, Stretford, [email protected] ADMINISTRATOR Stockport SK7 2BA [email protected] WALLASEY GROUP
Manchester M32 9AY Lesley Smetham, Tel: [phone]. Irene Birch,
MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS
Tel: [phone] Little Trees, [email protected] MIDDLESEX GROUP 9 Arundel Close,
& GIFT AID
[email protected] Gawsworth Road, David Arnold, Pensby,
Maurice Stokes,
Gawsworth, CHESTER GROUP 150 The Ridgeway, Wirral CH61 8TB
19 North Drive,
CD & FICHE SALES & High Legh, Macclesfield SK11 9RA David Guyton, North Harrow, HA2 7DD Tel: [phone].
FICHE LOAN SERVICE Knutsford, WA16 6LX Tel: [phone] Springfield, Tel: [phone]. [email protected]
Len Davenport,
Tel: [phone] 22 Lache Lane, [email protected]
10 Daleswood Avenue,
[email protected] Chester CH4 7LR WEST WIRRAL GROUP
Whitefield,
Tel: [phone]. NANTWICH GROUP Rod Caird,
Manchester M45 7WP
[email protected] MEMBERSHIP ENROLMENT [email protected] David Higham, 15, Neale Drive,
Sue McNulty 1, Heywoods Ridge Greasby,
59 Cedarway
Audlem, Wirral, CH49 1SL
Bollington
CW3 0EF Tel: [phone]
Macclesfield
Tel: [phone] [email protected]
SK10 5NR
(new members only) [email protected]
[email protected]
Cheshire
AnCestor
Registered Charity: 515168 Society website: www.fhsc.org.uk
Contents
Chairman’s Jottings 3 Net That Serf 39
Family History Events 6 A Dip into Church Court Records 49
Book Reviews 12 Diary of the Gorse Hall Murder 50
Help Wanted or Offered 15 Rags to Riches 53
The First World War – A South 19 Novice Ramblings 54
African Perspective Corporal A Clarke, MM 58
Cheshire Registers Post - 1910 30 Warburton DNA 61
Do you Remember when 32 Group Events 64
Certificate Exchange 37 Membership 72
Cover picture:
Photograph by Craig Thornber. Macclesfield War Memorial at Park Green.
The memorial was designed by John Millard. It was unveiled in 1921 and
consists of a stone pillar and pedestal with three bronze statues. See page
58 for the story of Cpl A. CLARKE MM who is commemorated here.
Cheshire AnCestor is published in March, June, September and December (see last page).
The opinions expressed in this journal are those of individual authors and do not necessarily
represent the views of either the editor or the Society.
All advertisements are commercial and not indicative of any endorsement by the Society.
No part of this journal may be reproduced in any form whatsoever without the
prior written permission of the editor and, where applicable, named authors.
The Society accepts no responsibility for any loss suffered directly or indirectly by any reader or
purchaser as a result of any advertisement or notice published in this Journal.
Please send items for possible publication to the editor: by post or email.
All items should include name & membership number or postal address of submitter.
Our society was founded in 1969—
one of the first family history societies
Cheshire AnCestor 1 March 2015
Editorial
by Jean Laidlaw
At this time of year many of us are reluctant to venture
out, so we get out our family history research to review
again. Are you stuck with a particular family or individual?
Do you need help? Are you getting the most from your
membership of the Family History Society of Cheshire?
I hope you enjoy reading Cheshire AnCestor but don’t
forget the society has many other things to offer.
Why not visit our Research Centres at Mobberley or Crewe or the help desks
(see Group Events page 64) run at various libraries where our volunteers will
be able to help you with your family history problems. The centres have a large
range of printed material as well as other resources. Don’t be deterred if you
are a computer beginner or non-user as the volunteers will help you get to grips
with Ancestry, Findmypastand The Genealogist. The internet has changed how
family history research can be undertaken and expanded the range of
materials available to us enormously – you never know what you may find!
If you don’t already attend a group meeting why not go along, meet other
enthusiasts and listen to interesting talks. It’s surprising what you can learn
not only from the speakers - but from other members. Members of the society
can attend any of the group meetings so check the Group Events page 64 or
check the website to see if any appeal. Visitors are usually welcome so take a
friend along to encourage them to take up our hobby.
For our distant members we now operate a look-up service see page 4.
Our bookstall has a range of family and local history books for sale - check the
website to see what titles are available or contact David Johnson - see inside
front cover.
A listing of Members’ Interests is available on the members only section of the
website or contact Chris Hughes - see inside front cover.
The website which is currently being changed and updated is full of useful
information about society events and resources.
These are just some of the things the society undertakes – are you making the
most of your membership?
Cheshire AnCestor 2 March 2015
Chairman’s Jottings
by Paul Simpson
It seems a bit late to say this, but this is my first
opportunity to wish you all a very Happy New Year.
As the months pass and the weather starts to warm up
many of you will be out and about seeking ancestors and
relatives in churchyards and cemeteries. I just want to
warn you to take care during your visits. Several mem-
bers of my family are buried in Bunbury cemetery. It is a
very old one and many of the unmarked graves have
caved in. When the grass is long, it is not easy to see these dips and holes so
just be aware! A trip or fall could lead to twisted ankles or even broken bones,
as I know to my cost when I tripped and fell due to an unseen rabbit hole.
I have received a letter from one member regarding the changes and increase
in our subscription costs so I will take this opportunity to confirm the changes
to you.
The subscription has not changed for over 5 years and will be fixed at the new
rate until 2017/2018 or later - it will not be reviewed again until 2016. The need
to increase the subscription is because we wish to maintain the quality of
Cheshire AnCestorand to ensure that the individual groups and their
meetings can continue to be funded.
This brings us to the options:
• If you wish to continue to receive a hard copy of Cheshire AnCestor
then your renewal and standing orders will need to be increased to £18.
• If you choose to receive an electronic version of Cheshire Ancestor then
your subscription will remain at £13. If you do not change your standing
order then you will receive an electronic version not a hard copy.
• The initial subscription for new members has been removed as no hard
copies of back issues of Cheshire Ancestor will be provided. An electronic
version of back issues will be provided.
• New overseas members will only be able to subscribe to the electronic
version. Existing overseas members will be contacted for their individual
requirements.
The increase was not something that your executive committee took lightly and
it was a hard decision, but we felt it was necessary to enable the society to
provide the best possible service to members.
Cheshire AnCestor 3 March 2015
Mobberley Research Centre
Alan E Jones
In November five informal talks were given to small groups of members.
Topics covered were:
How to start writing up your family history – Joan Irving
A browse through late seventeenth century records – Joan Irving
World War One records – Michael Watts
World War Two records – Michael Watts
A look at legal documents – David Lambert
Further talks for small groups are being planned for the spring but details are
not available at the time of writing this report. Details will be posted on the
website and at Mobberley. Numbers will be restricted to ten, so booking is
necessary by phoning the research centre on 01565 872210.
Jean Laidlaw is proposing to hold a short course for beginners starting in April.
If you are interested please contact her at [email protected] or leave your name
and contact details at Mobberley.
We are putting more of our information on a hard drive linked to all of our
computers. Peter Davenport regularly adds material that is often unavailable
on the Internet, including scanned copies of magazines, books and documents
and information transferred from other CDs including local directories. All the
files are organised either by county (not restricted to Cheshire) or by subject
(for instance army or country) and are easily searchable.
Lookup Service
What does the service provide?
We will search our research resources (see the list on the FHSC website) for
specific information about one named person. For example: a search for a
marriage, baptism or burial record or a search for a memorial inscriptions. We will also
check other indexes we hold. We cannot undertake in-depth family history
research. Members wanting that sort of service should seek the services of a
professional genealogist.
There is a charge of £5.00 per name for this service which includes any copying and postal
charges. The charge is not refundable if we are unable to provide the information you
require. We will respond as quickly as possible but please remember that the Research
Centre is staffed by volunteers who have other duties to perform.
At present this service is restricted to UK members. Postal requests only please.
Remember to include your membership number, contact details and cheque for £5 payable
to FHS of Cheshire and send it to: Family History Society of Cheshire, Look up Service,
Mobberley Research Centre, Rajar Building, Town Lane, Mobberley, Cheshire, WA16 7ER.
Cheshire AnCestor 4 March 2015
Diary Dates
For up-to-date news and dates check the website:
www.fhsc.org.uk
15th Apr Final copy date for Cheshire AnCestor.
16th - Who Do You Think You Are? Live. National Exhibition Centre
18th Apr Birmingham
19th Apr FHSC Executive Committee meeting, Rajar Building, Mobberley 2.00pm.
15th Jul Final copy date for Cheshire AnCestor.
26th Jul FHSC Executive Committee meeting, Rajar Building, Mobberley 2.00pm.
15th Oct Final copy date for Cheshire AnCestor.
1st Nov FHSC Executive Committee meeting, Rajar Building, Mobberley 2.00pm.
Those members who do not have access to the Internet should contact their
local group leader for up-to-date information about meetings, etc. Details for
all Group Leaders are inside the back cover.
Proofreading &
Copy-editing Services
Give yourself the edge!
Proofreading services at reasonable hourly rates.
Special rates for students.
Grammar, punctuation, ambiguity, clarity and accuracy all checked.
However long or short, be sure it is correct!
Contact me to discuss your project.
Suzie Woodward
Volunteer proof reader for the Cheshire AnCestor
Tel: [phone];
or Email: [email protected]
Cheshire AnCestor 5 March 2015
Family History Events
The Big Family History Fair
Saturday 2nd May 2015
The Burgess Hall
St Ives, Cambs. PE27 6WU
10.00am to 4.00pm
FREE Admission (children must be accompanied)
Light refreshments available to purchase Free Parking
Tracing your Irish Ancestors
6th - 12th September 2015 Belfast, Dublin, Derry City & more
Each day of the conference presents a choice of assisted research in the
archives with our team of experienced genealogists or an excursion to a
place of historic interest, including Dublin, Newgrange, and Titanic Belfast.
For more details https://www.ancestryireland.com/family-history-conference
Museum of Liverpool
First World War: Reflecting on Liverpool's Home Front
This exhibition opened in July 2014 and continues until 12 July 2015. It
explores some of the lesser-known stories of the First World War and asks
the questions: Did everyone rush to support the war effort? Was every
woman empowered by her wartime experience? Just how generous were
Liverpool citizens? There is also a special display featuring the experience
of black servicemen and their families.
Who Do You Think You Are? Live
NEC, Birmingham
16 - 18 April 2015
9.30am - 17.30pm
Expert help in researching your family history:
come to a live event where everything you
need to know is all under one roof!
http://www.whodoyouthinkyouarelive.com
Cheshire AnCestor 6 March 2015
WIRRAL ARCHIVES SERVICE
HISTORY WORKSHOPS for 2015
Wirral Archives Service presents a series of free local history workshops to
be held at 2.00pm on the following dates in the Lower Ground Floor
Conference Room, adjacent to the Search Room.
5 March Steam Yacht Rovenska Willie Williamson
2 April Birkenhead School Board David Griffith
7 May RMS Windsor Castle David White
4 June Emma Hamilton Heather Butler
2 July Victorian Wirral William Meredith
6 August Aerial Warfare over the Wirral Colin Schroeder
3 September The Early Lairds Elizabeth Davey
1 October Thomas Brassey Peter Bolt
12 November Wirral and the First World War, 1915 William Meredith
For further information, or to book a place on any of these workshops,
please contact the Archivist, William Meredith, on 0151 606 2922, or
email: [email protected]
Please also see our webpage at the following address:
www.wirral.gov.uk/my-services/leisure-and-culture/wirral-archives-service
The Merseyside and Cheshire Family History Fair
Hulme Hall,
23 Bolton Rd,
Port Sunlight,
Wirral.
CH62 5DH
Date: Sunday 8th March
Time: 10.00am-4.00pm
Admission: £2
Cheshire AnCestor 7 March 2015
Family History News
Irish Catholic registers will be free online
The National Library of Ireland has announced that the library's entire
collection of Catholic parish registers on microfilm is to be made available
online, free of charge, during the summer of 2015.
Dating from the 1740s to the 1880s, the registers cover 1,091 parishes
throughout Ireland, and consist primarily of baptismal and marriage records;
in the region of 390,000 images have been digitized.
Currently there are no plans to transcribe and index the records, which
means that researchers who don't know which part of Ireland their
ancestors came from will have an impossible task. Let's hope that one of
the large genealogy websites is planning to transcribe and index the records.
North West Film Archive
At Manchester Central Library you can gain free access to over 400 titles
from the North West Film Archive collections by booking time in one of the
new viewing pods located on the ground floor. Bookings can be made on
site. The film archive contains a diverse range of material from cinema
newsreels and documentaries to home movies. A wide range of subject
matter is covered including themes such as work and local industry, leisure,
holiday-making, sport and entertainment and wartime experiences.
The North West Film Archives has released a unique DVD to mark the
centenary of the First World War and it contains compelling footage of life
on the home front in North West England. The DVD which is priced at £12
can be purchased from a variety of outlets as well as online. For a list of
stockists please visit http://www.nwfa.mmu.ac.uk
The Maritime Archives and Library of the Merseyside Maritime Museum
The archives will have new opening hours from 2014. It will be open on
Monday and Tuesday from 10.30am to 4.30pm. The archive collections include:
Records of the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board, seamen’s charity and
educational records, shipping company records, diaries of emigrants and
seamen, photographs, maps and charts, accounts of slave traders and more.
Cheshire AnCestor 8 March 2015