LETTERS - GENEALOGY & FAMILY HISTORY

Robert Latham

Hello,
I am just starting out looking for pictures and information on my Great grandfather Robert Latham who on Nov 1st 1930 was chairman of Tarleton and Hesketh Electricity Committee and was presented with a brass inscribed key, (which is in my posession) for turning on the Electric Supply when it came to Tarleton.

Can anyone help?

Best Regards
Peter Latham 31st January 2012
peter (at) prlirrigation.co.uk

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The Delta

My great grandfather, James Taylor, lived most of his life in Middleton, Manchester. However, his death certificate says that he died on 22nd October 1917 at “The Delta, Hesketh with Becconsall R.D.” By then he was a 76 year old widower. Can anyone please tell me something about The Delta? Was it a residential home or hotel, perhaps? Any information would be gratefully received.

Dave Shaw. 22nd October 2011
e-mail: shaws(at)vectis8.wanadoo.co.uk

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HUNTING THE HALSALL's

Dear Sir:

I’ve traced my mother’s bloodline back to Hesketh with Becconsall, as detailed below…

01 Dec 1772: HENRY HALLSAL (sic) married MARGERY WIGNALL in Croston, Lancashire, both Hesketh locals.
05 Jan 1777: THOMAS HALSALL was baptised at Becconsall Chapel.
02 May 1803: THOMAS HALSALL (now a sailor) married PEGGY DOBSON at St Michael and All Angels, Croston. Neither was literate so both left their marks on the register, as witnessed by Sarah Houghton and Lauce. Farrington.
24 May 1812: THOMAS HALSALL was baptised in Becconsall Chapel.
30 Jul 1832: THOMAS HALSALL (another sailor in the family) married ELIZABETH WHALLEY (from Liverpool) at All Saints, Hesketh with Becconsall. Thomas had some schooling, but Elizabeth had to leave her mark, the witnesses being Robert Wright (X), and James Johnson.
21 Jun 1835: RICHARD HALSALL was baptised at All Saints, Hesketh with Becconsall.

Richard was my great-great-grandfather. Does anyone in the area have anything further on this family? I’d love to hear from you. [ tallorder (at) gmail.com ]

Regards,
Phil Braithwaite, Auckland, New Zealand. 2nd May 2011

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Records at St Mary's Tarleton

Hello,

I have been working on my family tree for quite some time and have a great deal of interest in Tarleton and its church records, can anyone tell me why there are no Marriage records for the period 1753-1822 for St. Mary's, was there a fire or flood that makes these records non existent. Also i have noticed that there are no Burials after 1883 were they done at another church other that St. Mary's.
My reason for asking is I am stuck on the Bapt. record for my 5th gr. grandfather Hugh Leigh who died in 1784 and that makes it hard to follow the line with no Bapt. or Marr. records.

I thank you kindly for giving me the opportunity to ask.

Kindest Regards,
Mike Lee, Canada. 21st March 2011

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LEIGH / LEE

Hello all,
My name is Michael Lee and Tarleton has a very special place for me for several reasons the first being that my family tree has been traced back to Thomas Leigh 1754 and there after its hard to find any more info due to the lack of available records, and the split between Leigh and one family member who left home at an early age and when the census was taken he spelled his name Lee, and secondly I have been honoured to have transcribed all the "available" records for St Mary's church, Baptisms, Marriages and Burials, I have done this transcribing through the Lancashire Online Parish Church (O.P.C.) site.

The reason for my query is to find out if there are any Leigh/Lee that are still in the Tarleton area that are looking to connect. I live in Canada and I am going to be visiting the area and the church yard to look for possible grave markers in the 2nd week of May.

So here's hoping I get a response (leefshngmgc (at) sympatico.ca)

Very good site very informative.

Regards,
Mike Lee, Woodstock, Ontario, Canada. 6th March 2011

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LOOKING FOR TAYLOR – JOHNSON FAMILY

My name is Bill Taylor and I live in Ontario, Canada. My grandfather’s family came from the Tarleton-Hesketh area.

I would be very interested in touching base with family descendants in hopes of learning more about my roots.

Here are some of the names I have in my lineage. William Taylor (1857-1931) and his wife (Mariah Johnson (1857-1915). Henry Taylor (b.1834) and wife (1) Mary Iddon (1836-1861), wife (2) Margaret Dobson (b.1830). James Iddon (b.1811) and wife Mary Ashcroft (b.1813). William Taylor (b.1809) and wife Dorothy Duckworth (b.1811). Henry Duckworth (1772-1853) and wife Rebecca Duckworth (1785-1857). William Duckworth and wife Margaret Whittle (married 1772), and James Taylor and wife Betty (dates unknown). William Johnson (1820-1901) and his wife Alice Hornby (1826-1908). William Johnson (b.1841) and his wife Margaret Mayor (1790-1851). Edmund Hornby (1805-1880) and his wife Sarah Wignall (1804-1870). John Hornby (1761-1841) and his wife Alice Mayor (1765-1848).

Please email me at bungalow.bill (at) cogeco.ca

Bill Taylor, 28th January 2011

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Hesketh Bank Genealogy

Hi, I’m sure you don’t recall me emailing you around Christmas time, but thanks to an ad placed in the geneology section of your website, I have been trading information with someone who has the same family roots. I live in Canada and the other person lives in Denmark. Amazing.

Thank you.

Bill Taylor, 25th January 2011

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Reverend William Tomlinson

Dear editor,

I have recently returned to southport, after retiring from work. During the 1980s I began a genealogical journey to find out about my forebears. I was stymied because the registers for "the old church" would not be released by the Lancashire record office. the helpful staff did do some investigation for me, but your website has been wonderful in this respect.

I believe the Reverend William Tomlinson was my 9 or 10 X great grandfather. I know he was baptized at St Laurence Chorley 29-9-1697 ordained deacon 1-7-1720 and priest 15-7-1722 at Chester by Francis Gastrell and was buried at St Johns Preston 13-7-1746.

He was curate at St Marys Tarleton from 1722 to 1744, although the bishops records have him as William and John, with John crossed out and William written above in some places. I should be grateful if you could give me any help you could with regard to this man. Was he married? did he have sons called William and Johnathan?

Any help you can give with regard to finding any information would be a great help. Please contact me via email at dpwareham (at) yahoo.com or telephone 01704 382906

Kind regards,
David Wareham. 7th September 2010

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CARR Family History

Hi there,

I am just starting to research my family history, starting with my Dad’s family in Hesketh Bank.

My father is Roy Carr (born 1937), and his parents were William Carr and Dorothy (nee Taylor) who lived on Granville Avenue – where I spent many weekends and holidays.

My great-grandfather was David Carr (wife’s name not yet known) who had a farm and I believe 13 children. The names I know are: William (my grandfather) Leslie Fred 4th son (name not yet known) Vera Ruby Margaret (Peg) who married Bob Checkley and had a son Brian Other daughters?

I would love to hear from anyone who has any information relating to our family. Please email amanda.carr (at) dsl.pipex.com

Best wishes,
Amanda Coleman (nee Carr) 2nd August 2010

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Photograph of The Ancient Mariner

Dear Editor,

Your earlier posting of May Cropper's old photographs [see below] has produced another result. I have received an e-mail from Caroline Johnson, who though she now lives in France, where she is a professional artist, is the grand daughter of Elizabeth Johnson, born Tarleton 1889. Elizabeth Johnson's mother's brother was Matthew Sutton Iddon, who was a Mariner and Caroline has sent me an excellent old photograph of him which I attach.

Because of her experience as a portrait painter (and hence facial features) and familiarity with style of dress in the 1800s, she has been able to identify the man with the ship painting in May Cropper's photographs as Matthew Iddon's father Thomas Iddon (though it could possibly be Thomas' brother William). She believes she has also a photograph of Thomas' brother Hugh, who was also a Mariner. Since I am busy researching the maritime history of Tarleton and Hesketh Bank this is like the gentle lifting of Pandora's box lid - pictures and stories.

So I hope that this letter will prompt other readers to make contact either through yourself, or directly to me at david(at)edmundson.orangehome.co.uk (my name has been mis-spelled by Orange) with any information, photos or memorabilia to do with the villages' pre 1900 maritime past. Equally I may be able to give them some information.

There are lots of Iddons who were Mariners, from Bargemen on the canal to sea-going Captains. For those who are interested, the story of Matthew and his previous generations is briefly as follows.

Matthew Sutton Iddon was born in 1864, taking his middle name from his mother Margaret's maiden name. At the age of 17 he was Mate on the 'Twin Sisters'. He captained various vessels working out of Barrow and moved to Silloth. He died in 1936 when he drowned having slipped from the deck of a sailing vessel.

Matthew's father Thomas was born in 1841 on Carr Lane but lived his married life on Hesketh Lane. He worked as Mate on the ship his father captained, the 'Edwin & Emma', and later took over as Master himself. He was Master of the 'Forshaw' when aged 60 and lived into his 70s.

Thomas' father was William Iddon born probably in 1807 (he wasn't too good at giving his right age to officials) and sailed as Master not only with his son Thomas as Mate, but also with his other son Hugh on the 'Mary Alice'. He and his wife Sarah (nee Watkinson) lived on Carr Lane throughout their married life.

A three generation history of Tarleton Mariners from just one photograph. I'm sure their are many more out there to be pieced together, and some of your readers are the key to Pandy's box.

With grateful thanks,
Dave Edmondson, 30th March 2010

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CROPPER FAMILY HISTORY

Dear Editor,

I was born in 1950 in Hesketh Bank and lived at 23 Moss Lane. Your website has prompted me into trying to find out more about my family history.

I seem to be in many of the photographs which appear on the site as do some of the other members of my family. My maiden name was Glynis Johnson and I am the daughter of Lily Cropper and Cyril Johnson.

I left Hesketh Bank when I was 11 and have no real contacts there now although I am sure there are family members still living in the area. My mother Lily was one of 3 illegitimate children born to Margaret Cropper of 25 Moss Lane.

When asking any questions as a child about my grandfather I was quickly silenced. Who he was I have no idea to this day. Was the father the same for all 3 children ....who knows???? It was never discussed.

I have traced through the 1911 census that my Nana (Margaret Cropper) was born to Richard and Martha Cropper who lived on Shore Side and had several children called John, Ellen, Richard, Alice Ann and James. Ellen was an Assistant Housekeeper (aged 20) and Margaret was a domestic servant (aged 15). Did they work at the same place and where could that have been in Hesketh Bank?

Going further back Richards father was John Cropper (born 1827) and was a Blacksmith living at Long Fold, Hesketh with Becconsall. His wife was Margaret and they had at least 3 children called Thomas, Richard and Hamlet.

I am writing to ask if you know of anyone who might still be able to remember and throw any light on to the above. I live in Derbyshire and could travel over to speak to anyone if necessary. I have many memories of happy times at Hesketh Lane Sunday School and would appreciate any help anyone could give to me.

With kind regards,
Glynis Smith (nee Johnson) 25th March 2010
dollybarn (at) ic24 (dot) net

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Arthur Pickup

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am going through the effects of my late father and have found an early WWI postcard, addressed to an Arthur Pickup Esq who lived on (no number) Hesketh Lane, Tarleton. The card is clearly from a soldier, presumably a regular, or called-up reservist, who was undergoing training near Sevenoaks, Kent on 2nd December 1914. The soldier signs off as "T.K."

Is there a local historian in the village who might be able to help me with the context of this card? I can think of no link between my family, who came from Ireland/settled in Liverpool in the late 19th century, other than the remote possibility that the "K" is for Kehoe.

Who Mr Pickup was I have no idea, nor do I know why TK wrote (fairly informally) to him. Any help you provide will be much appreciated.

Kind regards,
Rory Kehoe, 10th March 2010
rorykehoe (at) hotmail (dot) com

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NOLA

Having read David Carr's letter about the Hind Family it brought a few memories to mind when he mentioned the tune 'Nola'. 
When I was a young girl I often went to the local Cinema in Tarleton and 'Nola' was played there just before the film started and also at the end of the film too. 
As Mr Carr cannot remember how this catchy tune went I have included a link for him to open so he can listen to 'Nola' again.

Richard Dowling Playing 'Nola'

Enjoy the music Mr Carr.

Susan Wilson (nee Hodson), 23rd February 2010

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HIND FAMILY

Hi,

This may seem like an odd letter and it is, in a way. It has nothing to do with any relatives from Tarleton but a friend of my late brother Eric. I grew up in Southport and came to Canada with my late wife, Jean in 1952 age 24. I am now 82 and like many older people I think about happy times in my life. I suddenly started to hum "Doll Dance" and my present wife Ella and I did a little dance to it!

It reminded me of my late brother's friend Eric Hind who would come to our house and with the greatest of ease sit down at the piano and play for us. The above named was one of the tunes I remember him playing.I also remember "Nola" but can't bring the tune to mind. I know that some families in England stay in or near the lovely quiet little village where they grow up. So, I thought, if "big" Eric (to distingiish from my brother who was very short") had any descendants still living in the area I would like to tell them what a lovely man Eric was and what a great deal of pleasure he gave us when I was growing up.

So there it is memories of a great friend from Tarleton who came into our lives and whose memory still gives me great pleasure.

With best wishes,
David Carr, Burlington Ontario, Canada. 22nd February 2010

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Banastre Family

Dear editor,
The genealogical events in our household over the past few days have been frantic and exciting. With the discovery of one Thomas Leadbetter, son of James Leadbetter and Ann (nee Lloyd) I managed to at last key into the expansive Leadbetter tree as published by Frank Leadbetter in 1992. With this came the knowledge that my 10th great grandmother was Margaret Banastre (born between 1587&1590) of Bank Hall, Bretherton. I would dearly like to know whether anyone has completed a comprehensive tree of the Banastre family as it promises a route to the Norman conquest, no less.

If anyone can help then they can e-mail me on todd215 (at) googlemail (dot) com

They can also contact me through the post at:
Mr S Todd, 215 Cemetery Road, Jump, Barnsley South Yorkshire S74 0JE

I look forward to a response.
Simon Todd, 10th January 2010

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MAY CROPPER'S PHOTOS

May Cropper was a resident of Hesketh Bank 1909 to 1982. Her nephew Tom Cropper has in his possession 140 photographs left by May and most of the people in them are identified. However some are not, and Tom and May's great nephew (and Godson) David Edmondson, neither of whom now live in the village, are trying to identify who the people in them are. Can you help?

May was fairly well known in the village being School Mistress at Banks school, County Councilor, England hockey player, and not one trying to go unnoticed. She had plenty of photographs around her house and always had a selection of family pictures on display. So it is likely that quite a few of the unidentified ones are her relatives/ancestors. They are likely to have been involved with the Methodist Chapel. May's parents were Thomas Cropper and Elizabeth Porter, so both Croppers and Porters are likely to figure. The older photographs will be beyond the memory of anyone alive now, but maybe you have seen similar old photographs. They are characterful snapshots of past Hesketh Bankers and too good to just throw away for lack of identification. Have a shot.

1. May Cropper Hockey Player: We know who this is, it's May Cropper (1909-82), May played in the first Hockey League International played in this country when England beat Scotland 3-1. Mary Wignall fellow player in the Hesketh Bank team had also trialed for the England side. It has been said, rightly or wrongly, that the Hesketh Bank club played on the Sports Ground on Station Road where the tennis club was (and the second bowling green now is) but does anyone know anymore about the club and its players, and how seemingly uniquely this small village team managed to be 'punching above its weight' at hockey. Oh, and whose that peeping around the corner?

2. Christmas Party: Probably early 1950s, Tom Cropper and Ken Measham are at the back, but who are all the others?

3. Fancy dress parade: Looks like Walking Day passing the end of Becconsall Lane, Oliver Hart bus in background, about 1937? Nobody identified.

4. Parade: Probably Hesketh Bank early 1900s. Any information please.

5. Two Sisters: But who are they?

6.Woman with Scarf: Who is she?

7. Man with Ship Picture: Probably the Captain of the boat in the picture ( a two masted schooner, possibly built at Tarleton). Croppers and Porters were not known to be Mariners or Boatmen, though some Cooksons, Rimmers, and Johnsons were. Which old salt is this?

8. Bewhiskered Man in Chair: W Rimmer is written on the photogaph mount but he may be the photographer, so who's old whisker chops?

12th January 2010, Joy Higham added - Thomas Martin 1836-1908

9. Brickman: Is this someone at the brickworks, or is it a bricklayer (generations of Porters were bricklayers)?

10. Woman & Daughter: Nothing known.

11. Young Couple: Nothing known

12. Couple: Nothing known.

13. Curly Haired Woman: Latest fashion, or just a bad hair day? Who's the curly cutie?

14. Woman with Big Hat: Who is under the sombrero?

15. Chapel Dignitaries: The lady is Jane Cookson, nee Porter, 1881-1964 who was May Cropper's aunt and looked after the chapel buildings for many years. Cecil and Evelyn Cookson think the man in the hat is Bob Wright but can't be certain of the names of the two Ministers and the other gentleman. Someone out there must have confidence in their memory.

12th January 2010, Joy Higham added - Man with Glasses Robert Wright 1889-1964

Thanks,
David Edmondson, 21st December 2009
david (at) edmundson.orangehome.co.uk / 01254 826379

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CROFT FAMILY HISTORY - Dr Croft

Hi,
My name is Timothy Croft and my father- Herbert - was a country GP based at Lynton, Hesketh Lane Hesketh Bank from 1945 after he returned from Burma until 1955 when he died in Southport. His Father - Lawrence Croft - ran a GP practice from Lawn Bank, also in Hesketh Bank.

I would like to know Lawrence's, my grandfather, date of birth and place of birth or place of marriage. His wife was Elsie. My contact email address is croft.tim (at) googlemail.com if anyone can help.

Thanks,
Tim Croft, 31st August 2009

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Seeking Margaret Coulton

Dear Sir/Madam,

This is a "long shot" but perhaps you might be of some assistance in tracing a Mrs Margaret Coulton - who in 1986 had an address at : 142, Station Road, Hesketh Bank, Preston, PR4 6SR. To the best of my knowledge - and personal memory - Mrs Coulton was related (a niece I think) to a Capt. Arthur Wignall who was killed in an air accident at Sligo Airport, Strandhill, Co. Sligo, Ireland on April 1st 1984. [MARGARET HAS NOW BEEN IN TOUCH WITH JOHN - EDITOR]

We, at Sligo Airport, are holding a commemoration ceremony (25th Anniversary) at Sligo Airport next Sat (Apr 25th) which will be attended by a large number of the aviation community in Ireland. Capt Wignall - born in Lancashire I believe - was a former RAF pilot, an Aer Lingus captain and a champion aerobatic pilot - regularly competing in the Ireland, the UK and Europe in the early 80's. Mrs Coulton attended his funeral in Dublin - he is interred at Sutton cemetery on the outskirts of Dublin - and she subsequently visited Sligo in 1986. I met her then and she wrote a thank you letter to me in July 1986 - which I have just found containing the above address. I have had no contact since.

We are preparing a DVD ( from old film & TV footage) and small booklet about the late Arthurs' "escapades" and would like to send a copy to Mrs Coulton. I, as Chairman of Sligo Aero Club, invited Arthur to Sligo that fateful weekend and I still have copies of all press reports etc and various other items related to the incident.

He was the recipient of an award the evening before his accident - which remains on display at Sligo Airport. I would be grateful if you can assist in any way.

Yours Sincerely,
John Curran. Chief Flying Instructor Sligo Aero Club. 20th April 2009

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MILLER FAMILY

Dear Editor,
I am researching a line of my family called Miller. My 3rd Great Grandparents were Hugh Miller and Ann Thompson. They had 10 children that I have found-
Bella 1838-1838;
Robert 1839-1843;
Alice 1840-1841;
Richard 1842-1916 (my 2nd Great Grandfather);
Alice 1845-1916;
Robert 1847-1851;
Ellen c1850-?
Ann 1853-1856;
Mary-Anne 1856-?1904;
Ann(e) 1859-?

I would be grateful for any information relating to the Millers. They lived in and around Plox Brow and Village Lane and Coe Lane End. Hugh was an agricultural labourer. Richard moved to Eastham where he married Mary Ann Troughton.

Regards,
Carolyn Gander, 20th April 2009
mollygael (at) aol (dot) com

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Margaret Taylor born Tarleton 1856/7

My great grandmother was (according to census data) Margaret Taylor, born in Tarleton in about 1856/7. She married George Lloyd in 1877. I have been unable to find her baptism or any information on her parents. Can anyone help?

Derek Tabron. 26th January 2009
tabronderekt (at) talktalk (dot) net

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Royal Artillary Officers

Dear Sir,
My great grand father Mr. Kala Khan and his two nephews Mr. Hadatulla Khan and Mr. khan Ali Khan did job in British Army. They were Tailor in British Army (Royal Artillery). Mr. Kala Khan (Tailor Master) did job in British Army for about 21 years. They performed his services in unit of 10 BATTERY R.A (1892 - 1898), 12 BATTERY R.F.A (1898 - 1902), 78 BATTERY R.F.A (1903 - 1913). His two nephews (Mr. Hadatulla Khan & Mr. Khan Ali Khanalso) performed his services.

Mr. Kala Khan passed away in January 1913 when he returned home from his unit 78 BATTERY R.F.A (77 campbellpur Attack). We have been living in this house since one century, this house is in same condition as Mr. Kala Khan built before. I want to search for

I have 17 Royal Artillery & Royal Field Artillery officer handwriting documents & some office picture. Some officer names.
1. Lt. Col. Charles Naesmyth Bruere Ballard
2. Lt. B A Butler
3. Capt AR Cook
4. Maj S W Graham

I want to search officer job record & the families of the officer who have signed these documents. I want to present these papers to them.

From,
Rubnawaz Balouch, 28th August 2008
House No. 1962, Mohallah Gillania wala i/s haram gate, Multan, Pakistan
syed_ali_naqi (at) yahoo (dot) com

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Fazackerley's & Jepson's

Dear Sir/Madam,
I am researching my family tree. My grandfather on my mum's side was Thomas Fazackerley who originally was born and lived down Blackgate Lane, Tarleton and who features in your Rector's Letters section from during the war years. He then married Betty Bond from Holmeswood and they then lived down Sugar Stubbs Lane at Banks and then eventually moved to Glebe Lane at Banks. Can anyone provide me with more infomation about my grandfather's family? I know his mother was Elizabeth Fazackerley.

On my dad's side I am researching the Jepson's mainly Harry & Sarah Jepson who lived in Carr Lane from approx 1917. They had a son Charles and a daughter, Florence and they were market gardeners by trade, I believe.

If anyone could contact me even with the smallest of information, I would be grateful.

Kind Regards,
Jennifer Pullin, 4th Febuary 2008
jenpullin (at) btinternet (dot) com

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Richard Hesketh

Dear sir.
I am researching Richard Hesketh of Hesketh Bank born about 1821. His family were Roman Catholic. Does anyone know which Catholic church was the nearest to Hesketh Bank for a baptism in about 1821.

Thank you.
Barbara Whiteside, 28th December 2007
bjw1 (at) talktalk (dot) net

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Stazicker

I am currently researching the stazicker family history. I have traced the family line back to Hugh stazicker (born 1791) who married an Anne (Banks?) born same year. Other members are:
Richard Stazicker - born 1826, married Ellen Dutton
Hugh stazicker - born 1864, married Sarah Gregson
John Stazicker - born 1901 married Martha Wignall

Areas covered seem to be Croston, Rufford and Lathom/Burscough for this line.

Would be interested in speaking with anyone who has a connection.

Anyone who wishes to contact me can do so through my e-mail account rob_medway (at) hotmail.com

Robert Medway, 25th November 2007

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Burrows

I see in my Hesketh Bank history booklet, that there was a headmaster at the school on Shore Rd. named Burrows. Does anyone know anything about him at all, would love to know as my single name was Burrows.

Please email mbbentley (at) uk2.net

Mo Bentley, 9th November 2007

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T. MELLING & SONS
CORN MILLERS OF TARLETON

Dear Sir,
A long shot, I know, but does anyone out there have a photo of Thomas Melling of T. Melling & Sons, Corn Millers, of Hesketh Lane, Tarleton. The Thomas I am trying to get a photo of was born 1859 and died 1924. He was at the mill in Rufford before 1901 before the family went to Tarleton.

Thanks,
Lesley Melling, 9th October, 2007
member (at) lmelling.freeserve.co.uk

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STAZICKER

I am trying to piece together my husbands family tree, The surname that is in your area is STAZICKER from RUFFORD, I have a HUGH STAZICKER b 1821 RUFFORD he married a ALICE DANDY 23/12/1846.

Can any one help with HUGH as the 1841 census does not have him with family, and I live near London. Also I have discovered the BALDWIN family amongst the info.

Hope to hear soon,
Amanda Schofield, 27th September 2007
caschofield (at) hotmail.com

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