Deep Waters

Local and Family History

Sarah Ann Abbott of Gargrave

Previous

1 2 3 4 5 6

Next

Sarah Ann Abbott, the mother of Harriet French, was born in River Place, Gargrave, in March 1851, the second daughter of Richard Abbott and Jane Parker.1 She joined her three-year old sister Elizabeth.2

Gargrave is a township, parish and village five miles north-west from Skipton in the wapentake of Staincross and Ewecross, situated on the River Aire and the Leeds to Liverpool Canal.3 In 1851 the population of Gargrave was only 1,214, most inhabitants being employed in the cotton industry. Sarah Ann’s father was an agricultural labourer and as Gargrave parish’s 11, 600 acres were mainly pastoral would have found work as a husbandman on the local farms.

Early Life in Gargrave

In April 1851 Sarah Ann was only one month old and living with her mother Jane , and her sister Elizabeth.4 Sarah Ann’s mother Jane Abbott may have been gaining her strength after giving birth, and it is no surprise that there were two additional female adults in the household to help. There was one visitor, Mrs. Elizabeth Hanby, (or Himby) and a lodger, Jane Abbotson, living with the family. It is highly probable that Jane or Elizabeth, or even perhaps both, were there for Jane’s confinement with the birth of Sarah Anne. Sarah Anne’s father Richard Abbott was not present in Gargrave in 1851. He was lodging in the household of Robert Wetherall, a farmer of two hundred acres in Winterburn.5 Richard Abbott was a farm servant, and it may have been part of his job to stay overnight at his place of work occasionally. The walk from Gargrave to Winterburn would have taken a couple of hours, or alternatively he may have ridden, and it is conceivable that he would have lodged there during the week. Lambing time in April, when the census was taken, would have been particularly busy and necessitated Richard living in at this time. Richard may not have been absent from the household usually. Sarah Ann was christened on 11 May 1851 and it is certain that he would have been in Gargrave on this occasion.6

Sarah Ann’s Gargrave Cousins

Sarah Ann and her family lived next door but one to her paternal grandfather, Elijah Abbott, who was living in River Place, Gargrave with his daughter Elizabeth, and her daughter, his ten year old granddaughter, Mary Ann Abbott in 1851.7 At the age of sixty-two, Elijah was recorded as a labourer in the census, and his daughter Elizabeth was working in the local factory. It would appear that Elijah was heavily dependent on his daughter Elizabeth’s income to make ends meet. Elizabeth may only have earned twelve shillings a week, and the family income would have been under a £1 a week, so his other children may have helped out. No doubt Sarah Ann’s mother Jane Abbott would also have kept an eye on him. Sarah Ann and her three-year old sister Elizabeth were probably very close to their cousin Mary Ann Abbott who may have helped to care for the young sisters.

Sarah Ann had many relatives living in Gargrave in 1851. Her paternal uncle Henry Abbott was living in South Street, Gargrave, with his wife Mary and their children; four year old Isabella, three year old John, and four month old Elizabeth.8 These cousins would no doubt have been called upon to play out when they were young.

When Sarah Ann was only one year old, her unmarried aunt, Elizabeth Abbott, had another daughter, Isabella, who was christened on 6 January 1852.9 No doubt Sarah Ann, and her four year old sister Elizabeth, would have attended the christening. As they only lived next door but one, her mother Jane and her aunt Elizabeth would probably have shared some of the child care. Sarah Ann and her cousins, Mary Ann, and the new arrival Isabella,would have been very close. Sarah Ann’s cousin Isabella was the illegitimate daughter of William Astin, tailor, of Gargrave. However, within two months, by March 1852, Elizabeth had married William Astin.10 Perhaps one year old, Sarah Ann would have attended the wedding with her sister Elizabeth and her cousins Mary Ann and Isabella. By the time Sarah Ann was five years old her aunt Elizabeth and her husband William Astin had had two more children, Anne and William.11 With seven cousins in Gargrave Sarah Ann had her own built in set of playmates to chose from.

The year’s 1858-9 saw the funerals of Sarah Ann’s great aunt Margaret Smith, nee Abbott and her husband William Smith, the sexton.12 Sarah Ann may not have known them very well, but she would have attended their funerals. These would have been large family gatherings and perhaps an occasion for her to meet other members of the family.

Starting Work

When Sarah Ann was five years old, her youngest sister Mary joined the family and was christened on 22 July 1855 in Gargrave.13 In 1861, Sarah Ann Abbott was ten years old and living in Gargrave with her mother Jane and her sisters thirteen year old Elizabeth and six year old Mary.14 Sarah Ann’s eldest sister, Elizabeth, had already started work as a cotton spinner. In 1857 there were two cotton factories in Gargrave, High Mill run by the Mason brothers and Airebank Mill run by Christopher Bracewell and Brothers from Earby and Barnoldswick.15 Elizabeth could have worked at either of these mills, but it is highly probable that she worked at Airebank Mill, as it was nearer to their home in River Place. Elizabeth would have brought in an additional six shillings a week as her contribution to the family income. Sarah Ann was a scholar and probably attended the local National school, which was situated opposite the vicarage, only a ten minute walk away.16 She would have had at least fifteen hours schooling a week and may have already started to work part-time in the cotton factory as a doffer. A doffers role was to join broken threads together to keep the machines working. Sarah Ann may have been envious of her sister Elizabeth’s full-time job and may have aspired to earn and pay her way in the household. Within a couple of years Sarah Ann would have joined her sister, and would have found the work very laborious. Work in mid nineteenth century cotton mills was extremely noisy and humid. The temperature was kept high, usually about seventy degrees Fahrenheit, and water was often thrown on the ground to keep the room humid, and ensure that the cotton threads could be spun more easily. Sarah Ann would have returned from her work, feeling very hot and sticky.

Sarah Ann’s father Richard Abbott was an agricultural labourer and would have earned perhaps 11 shillings and seven pence a week in 1861.17 This would have been barely enough to feed his family, and he would have been dependent on the wages of his wife Jane, and his daughters, to keep food on the table. It is highly likely that a live-in agricultural servant would have been paid a premium, and it is no surprise that Richard was absent on the date of the 1851 and 1861 Gargrave Censuses, which were taken in April. In 1851 Richard had been recorded as a farm servant in Winterburn, two miles from Gargrave. In 1861 Richard had changed employer, and was living in as a farm servant in the household of Samuel Laid, a farmer, at Stainton Coates Cottage, Moorbar Bottom, Bank Newton.18 Bank Newton was nearer to his young family than Winterburn, and that may have been one of the reasons for Richard’s change of employer. Even living-in, Richard cannot have taken home more than fifteen shillings, and his wife Jane may have needed to find another way to make ends meet. In 1861 Jane Abbott had taken in a lodger, eighteen year old John Elbrick, to help with the family finances.

Burying Cousins

Sarah Ann’s cousins Isabella Abbott, and William and Anne Astin, were living next door but one to Sarah Ann in 1861 in her grandfather Elijah Abbott’s household on River Place.19 Sarah Ann was very close in age to these cousins and no doubt Sarah Ann and her younger sister Mary would have played with them, perhaps on the Green in Gargrave. Her grandfather Elijah Abbott was a cotton weaver and may also have worked for the Bracewell brothers in their large weaving sheds at Airebank Mill. Work in the cotton mills could be extremely dangerous, as there as a lot of moving machinery. Sarah Ann would have been all too aware of this as a doffer. However, in 1869, when Sarah Ann was nineteen years old, the real danger of the equipment she worked with every day would have been brought home to her. Her cousin William Astin was killed in a cotton mill accident in January 1869 and was buried in Gargrave on 30 January aged only thirteen.20 Being such close neighbours, as well as relatives, Sarah Ann would have been greatly affected by this sad loss. The whole family may have felt especially anxious when they next went to work, knowing the damage that the machines they worked with could inflict personally.

This was not the first time, however, that Sarah Ann had attended the funeral of one of her close cousins. Her uncle Henry Abbott lived on South Street, only a stone’s throw from Sarah Ann’s family. Sarah Ann would have known Henry’s children well. When she was only five years old she would have had to watch her four-year-old cousin Elizabeth being buried on 1 April 1855. Then again, when she was only seven, she would have seen the tiny coffin of her one-year-old cousin William being lowered into Gargrave Parish Church burial ground.21 In 1861 Henry and his wife Mary had six children.22 Fifteen year old Isabella and thirteen yearold John were already working in the cotton factory, Isabella as a spinner and John as a doffer. They may have been too old to be very close to Sarah Ann. She would, however, have played with eight-year-old Mary, six year old James and even perhaps two-year-old Henry and baby David. Little Henry died of scarlet fever aged five and was buried on 29 December 1863, when Sarah Ann was twelve years old.23 The family had probably only just recovered from this tragedy when, less than a year later, Sarah Ann’s cousin Mary was buried on 26 October 1864 aged eleven.24 Sarah Ann would have attended each funeral, but loosing four cousins in six years would have been very hard. This may have brought thirteen-year-old Sarah Ann and her remaining cousins eighteen-year-old Isabella, fifteen-year-old John, eight-year-old James and two-year-old David very close.

Sarah Ann’s sister Elizabeth marries William Horner

On a happier note, Sarah Ann’s eldest sister Elizabeth married William Horner in June 1864 when she was just sixteen.25 Sarah Ann was thirteen years old and may have been a bridesmaid with her eight-year-old younger sister Mary. Elizabeth Horner, nee Abbott, was eleven years younger than her husband William Horner who was twenty-seven when they married.26 William Horner was also a widower with two young children, four-year-old Mary and three-year-old William, having lost his first wife Rachel in January 1863.27 This was a large task for a sixteen-year-old girl to take on, caring for two children under five, and keeping house for her husband William. It is not certain what Sarah Ann’s parents Richard and Jane thought of the marriage, but they may have had little choice. Elizabeth was probably at least three months pregnant with her first child when she married William. Their first daughter, Jane, named after her grandmother, was christened on 11 December 1864.28 Elizabeth’s husband was a mechanic and he may have worked on the machines in Airebank Mill. Elizabeth and William Horner set up home in Gargrave and had two more children, Elizabeth Ann and James.29 In 1871 Elizabeth was living in Airebank Terrace, Gargrave, with her husband William, her two step-children ten-year-old Mary and nine-year-old William and her two youngest children, three-year-old Elizabeth Ann and two-year-old James.30

In 1871 Elizabeth Horner nee Abbott’s oldest daughter Jane was living with Sarah Ann Abbott and her-family at 12, River Place, Gargrave. Twenty year old Sarah Ann and her fifteen year old sister Mary may have had very little time to care for their six-year-old niece as both were now working in the cotton factory.31 Sarah Ann was a spinner and her sister Mary was a doffer. Sarah Ann’s mother, Jane Abbott, was a laundress and probably took care of the young girl. Sarah Ann’s sister Elizabeth probably had her work cut out for her with two children under five, two step-children and being five months pregnant. It is no wonder that her eldest daughter, Jane, was staying with her grandparents Richard and Jane. In July 1871 Sarah Ann’s nephew Alfred was born, and Jane may have moved back to be with her family in Airebank Terrace.32

Sarah Ann may have worked with her Abbott cousins, her uncle Henry’s children, in Airebank Mill in 1871. Her twenty three year old cousin Isabella was a spinner and may have shown Sarah Ann the ropes when she started as a spinner. Her sixteen year old cousin James was also a spinner and they may have worked together. Her ten-year-old cousin David was a doffer and may have worked with her fifteen-year-old sister Mary. Sarah Ann’s uncle Henry Abbott and his family still lived on South Street, Gargrave.33 Henry Abbott, like his brother Richard, Sarah Ann’s father, did not work in the cotton factories. Whether this was because they had found the confined working conditions of their youth unpleasant, or whether they were unsuited to the work is not clear. Henry and Richard were both agricultural labourers in 1871.

In 1871 Sarah Ann’s grandfather Elijah Abbott was a living in West Street, Gargrave. Elijah was eighty years old and was recorded as ‘formerly a weaver.34 It is not clear who was caring for him, but his youngest daughter, Sarah Ann’s aunt Esther Hoggarth, nee Abbott, was living very close-by. In 1861 Esther had been living in Caroline Square,Skipton, with her husband John Hogarth.35 By 1871 Esther and her husband had moved to Gargrave and they were living in Old Hall Yard, off West Street.36 Esther may have helped to care for her aged father, and his declining health may have prompted her move back to Gargrave. Elijah was in his eighties and may have been becoming very frail. He died in November 1871 ‘of old age’ and was buried on 24 November 1871 aged eighty-two.37 Sarah Ann would have felt this loss keenly as they had lived so closely together during her early years.

Only four months later in March 1872 Sarah Ann’s sister Elizabeth Horner, nee Abbott, lost her eleven month old son Alfred who was buried on 16 March 1872.38 This may have been a cot death as the parish registers record that ‘his heart stopped suddenly’. Sarah Ann may have tried to comfort her sister through her grief. Then in the summer there was a happier occasion. Sarah Ann’s cousin Isabella Abbott, her aunt Elizabeth’s daughter, married James Hacking on 22 June 1872.39 This would have been a happy family event and Sarah Ann’s parents, Richard and Jane and her fourteen year-old sister Mary would also have attended the wedding. Sarah Ann’s sister Elizabeth Horner, nee Abbott, was definitely there as her husband William Horner was a witness. Sarah Ann’s thirty-one year old cousin Mary Ann Abbott was the other witness.

A year later there were three more happy occasions for Sarah Ann and her family. Sarah Ann’s sister Elizabeth Horner, nee Abbott, had her daughter Lily christened in February 1873.40 Sarah Ann’s cousin Ann Astin, her aunt Elizabeth’s daughter, married Robert Eastwood on 27 September 1873.41 Then at the end of the year Sarah Ann’s youngest sister Mary Abbott married Henry Banks on 27 December 1873.42 Twenty-two year-old Sarah Ann Abbott was a witness, and may also have been a bridesmaid.

Marrying John French

During 1873 Sarah Ann had probably met and started to court John French.43 John French lived at 9, River Place in 1871, just a few doors down from Sarah Ann Abbott’s family, and was also a spinner in a cotton factory.44 They may have met through working in the same spinning shed. John and Sarah Ann’s first daughter, Mary Jane Abbott, was born out of wedlock on 14 December 1874.45 It is not clear why twenty six year old John French did not marry twenty three year old Sarah Ann before the birth of their first child, but two months later on 13 February 1875 John married Sarah Ann in Gargrave.46 Their young daughter Mary Jane would have attended the wedding. Sarah Ann’s sister Mary Banks, nee Abbott, and Mary’s husband Henry Banks were witnesses. John and Sarah Ann settled in 41, River Place, Gargrave, with their young daughter, just a few doors down the road from his father Abraham French, and Sarah Ann’s parents Richard and Jane. A year later in July 1876 their second daughter Harriet arrived.47 Then two years later, Sarah Ann’s eldest son George was born on 19 October 1878.48 Sarah Ann had three children under five and she would have stayed at home to care for them. Her husband, John French, would have earned about fourteen to sixteen shillings a week as a general labourer, but could have earned up to eighteen shillings during harvest-time.49 This would have been enough to keep a small family. No doubt Sarah Ann’s family would also have helped with the childcare.

Sarah Ann’s sister Elizabeth remarries

In June 1875 tragedy struck for Sarah Ann’s sister Elizabeth Horner, nee Abbott. By 1875 Elizabeth had moved to Bell Busk with her family. Elizabeth’s youngest daughter Annie was born on 3 June 1875, and this should have been a joyous occasion.50 However, less than a week later Elizabeth’s husband William Horner ‘of Bell Busk’ died in June 1875 in a railway accident. William Horner was buried on 8 June 1876 aged only thirty-eight years old.51 Elizabeth Horner, nee Abbott, was left with two step-children and five children under the age of twelve. Presumably Elizabeth moved back in with Sarah Ann’s parents Richard and Jane Abbott. Four years later in 1879, Elizabeth married Richard Henry Edmundson on 28 June 1879 in Gargrave.52 Richard Henry was a widower and Elizabeth once again took on the care of two more small step-children. However, it is not certain that her step-children from her first marriage, or even her own children lived with her.

In 1881 Elizabeth Edmundson, nee Abbott, was living at 23 George Street, Skipton, with her second husband Henry Edmundson and his two children by his first marriage, eight year old Louisa and five year old John.53 Elizabeth had a young baby Bertha, who was only one year old. Her own children from her first marriage did not even live in the same town as she did. They had remained in Gargrave with her parents Richard and Jane Abbott. It is not certain why Elizabeth’s children did not live with her, but her new husband may have refused to take on Elizabeth’s four children and two step-children. Her step-children were young adults, and Henry Edmundson may have found that twenty year old Mary and nineteen year old William stretched his earnings as a saddler to the limit, even though they would have brought in welcome extra shillings. Elizabeth’s only son, twelve year old James, may have found the situation difficult with a new father and may have challenged him, leading to an impossible situation for Elizabeth. Her four daughters seventeen year old Jane, thirteen year old Elizabeth Ann, eight year old Lily, and five year old Annie, may have also found life difficult with two new step-siblings. Whatever the reason for the family split, in 1881 Elizabeth’s children and step-children were living with her parents, Richard and Jane Abbott at 12, River Place, Gargrave.54

Richard and Jane Abbott may not have been able to take in all of Elizabeth;s children. In 1881 Elizabeth’s eldest daughter, sixteen year old Jane Horner, was living with Sarah Ann’s sister Mary Banks, nee Abbott, and her husband Henry at 14, River Place, Gargrave. Mary may have welcomed an extra pair of hands as she had a young one-year-old son Richard Banks.55

By 1888 Sarah Ann’s sister Elizabeth Edmundson, nee Abbott, had moved with her second family to Keighley and her youngest daughter Alice was born there. In 1891 Elizabeth and her two step-children by her second husband, and her two youngest daughters, Bertha and Alice, were living at 19, West Leeds Street, Keighley.56 Elizabeth settled in Keighley and completed her second family of three with the arrival of her son Harry in 1894, who joined six year old Alice and fourteen year old Bertha.57

Elizabeth may have returned to Gargrave on the occasion of her step-daughter Mary Horner’s marriage to James Davis in Gargrave on 11 August 1887.58 However, this is not certian as Mary’s brother William and her step-sister Jane were witnesses. A year later Jane’s Horner children moved to Colne in Lancashire. Elizabeth’s eldest daughter Jane Horner, married John Birkett in Colne in December 1888, and her siblings joined her.59 As workers in Airebank Mill, owned by the Bracewells, the children may have taken advantage of the Bracewells links with Earby, Barnoldswick and Clitheroe Mills to move from Gargrave. Many Gargrave cotton workers moved to the Earby and Colne area due to these links. Jane Birkett, nee Horner, settled in her new home at 1, Green Street, Colne, and by 1891 had a young son. Her youngest sister fifteen year-old Annie Horner also lived with the young family.60 In 1901 when Jane’s family had expanded, twenty five year old Annie went to stay with her sisters’ in-laws.61 Sarah Ann’s sister-in-law Margaret Brown, nee French, had two of the Horner girls, twenty two year old Elizabeth Ann, and eighteen year-old Lily as lodgers, in her house at 2, Green street, Colne, in 1891.62 Margaret Brown, nee French, lived next door to Jane Birkett, nee Horner, and her sister Annie Horner. Margaret had only been married two years to her husband Thomas William Brown, so there were four people in her early marriage!63 Elizabeth’s son, James Horner, had also settled at in Colne at 14, Damside by 1891.64 It is not certain whether Elizabeth Edmundson, nee Abbott, kept in contact with her children by her first marriage, as she had moved fifteen miles east to Keighley and the children had all moved eleven miles west to Colne in Lancashire. They may have met up on family occasions, but before the introduction of the telephone they may only have talked infrequently.

Sarah Ann’s sister Mary

It is not known whether Sarah Ann would have kept in contact with her sister Elizabeth, but she was probably much closer to her sister Mary Banks, nee Abbott, who only lived a few doors away at 14, River Place.

Baby David & Burial of baby George

On 4 March 1881 Sarah Ann and her husband John were still living at 41, River Place, when their youngest son David was born.65 He was only one month old when the 1881 census was taken. Sarah Ann’s husband John French, aged thirty three, was a cotton spinner, probably working in Airebank Cotton Mill owned by Bracewell Brothers.66 His wage as a cotton spinner would probably have been sufficient to support Sarah Ann and her four children, six year old Mary Jane, four year old Harriet, two year-old George and baby David. In 1870, a Warper, working at mills in Bradford and Leeds, earned between 15 and 20 shillings a week.67 This was a substantial wage and it is highly probable that John would have been earning a similar wage in Gargrave.

The summer of 1881 cannot have been a very happy time for Sarah Ann as her two year old son George died and was buried on 3 July 1881.68 This would have been a very difficult time for Sarah Ann and her family, especially her youngest daughter Harriet, whose fifth birthday was only three weeks later in July. Sarah Ann’s parents only lived a couple of doors away at 12, River Place, and no doubt Sarah Ann would have needed their support to get through the grief at losing her young son. Caring for baby David may have kept her busy anyway and given her very little time to grieve.

Sarah Ann’s Aunt Esther

However, a month later Sarah Ann’s aunt Esther Hoggarth, nee Abbott, passed away. Esther had been living in Old Hall Fold, Gargrave, with her husband John, a rag and bone man.69 The rag and bone business may not have brought in enough to feed the pair of them and Esther was a washer-woman, bringing in valuable extra pennies. Esther may have been suffering from a debilitating illness for a long-time as she is recorded dieing from ‘a large tumour on her neck’. It is not certain what this tumour was, or how long it had been there, but it was probably some form of cancerous growth. It is conceivable that Esther had had this tumour as a young girl. If so, it had self-evidently not affected her, as she died aged sixty in August 1881. She was buried on 13 August 1881.70 Sarah Ann would have attended the funeral and it probably brought back memories of burying a much tinier coffin only four weeks earlier.

Sarah Ann’s Uncle Henry

Sarah Ann may have been very close to her Abbott cousins, her uncle Henry’s children. Her youngest son David may have been named after her twenty year old cousin David. In 1881 David was a cotton mule spinner, living in South Street with his parents, Henry and Mary and his siblings, Sarah Ann’s cousins, thirty five year old Isabella and thirty two year old John.71

Sarah Ann’s Cousin Isabella

Sarah Ann had also been close to her aunt Elizabeth Abbott’s children, Mary Ann and Isabella. By 1881 her cousin Isabella Hacking, nee Abbott, had been widowed young with two young children and had just had her third child, the first to her new husband Marshall Knight, George Knight who was six months old.72 Her sister Mary Ann Abbott was living with her at 6, East Street, Gargrave, and Isabella would have welcomed an extra pair of hands in the house.

A Birth, Family Weddings & Funerals

Sarah Ann’s father Richard Abbott died on 15 April was buried on 19 April 1883 aged sixty-four.73 Sarah Ann and her husband would have attended this sad occasion with her children nine-year-old Mary Jane, eight-year-old Harriet, and two-year-old David. Sarah Ann would have been two months pregnant with her youngest daughter Maude who was born on 8 December 1883, and joined her three siblings in 41 River Place.74 However, Maude died in July 1885, aged only eighteen months. 75 John, Sarah Ann and their three surviving children, eleven year-old Mary Jane, nine year old Harriet and four year old David, would have felt this second loss very greatly.

In the next two years from 1886 to 1889 Sarah Ann attended two Abbott funerals and three weddings. Her cousin John Abbott, her uncle Henry’s son, died on 12 July 1886 and was buried in July 1886 aged thirty-eight.76 Then only a year later her cousin Mary Ann Abbott was buried on 2 July 1887 aged forty-four.77 On a happier note her niece Jane Horner married John Birkett in Colne in December 1888.78 A year later, Sarah Ann’s cousin James, her uncle Henry’s son, married Elizabeth Sykes on 2 November 1889 in Gargrave.79 Then just a month later Sarah Ann and her family would have attended the wedding of her husband John French’s youngest half-sister Margaret Jane, to Thomas William Brown in Burnley in December 1889.80

It is not certain whether Sarah Ann would have felt comfortable at these weddings in November and December 1889, as she may have been sickening from a debilitating illness. Late December cannot have been an easy time for Sarah Ann’s family. Sarah Ann French, nee Abbott, was buried on Christmas day 1889 leaving her eight-year-old son David and her daughters fifteen-year-old Mary Jane and thirteen-year-old Harriet.81

Footnotes

  1. Sarah Ann Abbott was christened 11 May 1851, the daughter of Richard and Jane Abbott. Gargrave Parish Registers. Richard Abbott married Jane Parker  on 24 February 1847. Skipton Parish Registers. ↩︎
  2. Elizabeth was christened on 29 October 1848, daughter of Richard and Jane Abbott. Gargrave Parish Registers. ↩︎
  3. 1857 West Riding Post Office Directory. ↩︎
  4. Jane Abbott, 26, housekeeper, born Melmerby, Elizabeth, daughter, 3, born Otterburn, Sarah Ann, one month, born Gargrave, Jane Abbottson, lodger, unmarried, 22, spinner, born Willsworks, Yorkshire, Elizabeth Manby, visitor, married, born Norton Conyard, Yorkshire. 1851 Gargrave Census ↩︎
  5. Robert Wetherall, Unmarried, 44, Farmer Of 200 Acres, born Holton West, Isabella Wetherall, Sister,  Unmarried,  40, House Keeper, born Holton West, Jane Wetherall, Sister, Unmarried, 35, born Winterburn,  Richard Abbott, Married, 28, Farm Servant, born Gargrave. RG HO107/2278/68. 1851 Winterburn Census. ↩︎
  6. Sarah Ann was christened on 11 May 1851. Gargrave Parish Registers. ↩︎
  7. Elijah Abbott, widower, 64, Labourer, born Asha, Yorkshire, his daughter Elizabeth,Unmarried, 34, Factory, born Skipton, his granddaughter, Mary Ann, 9, scholar, born Gargrave.1851 Gargrave Census. RG/HO107/2278/110. Mary Ann  daughter of  Elizabeth  Abbott was christened on 28 November 1841. Gargrave Parish Registers. ↩︎
  8. Henry Abbott, 33, Labourer, born Gargrave, his wife Mary, 33 , born, Gargrave, his daughter Isabella, 4,  born Gargrave, his son John, 3, born Gargrave, his daughter Elizabeth, four months, born Gargrave,  James Jackson, his Father-In-Law, widower, 74, Pauper Labourer, born Gargrave. RG/HO107/2278/109 ↩︎
  9. Isabella daughter of Elizabeth Abbott was christened on 6 January 1852.   Gargrave Parish Registers. ↩︎
  10. Elizabeth Abbott married William Astin in March 1852. Skipton  9a 32. Free BMD ↩︎
  11. Anne Astin daughter of William and Elizabeth  Astin, of  Gargrave, tailor, was christened on 7 April 1853. William Astin, son of  William and Elizabeth  Astin of  Gargrave, tailor,was christened on 22 April 1855. Gargrave Parish Registers. ↩︎
  12. William Smith,the sexton, was buried on 20 July 1858, aged 69.  Margaret Smith was buried on 16 November 1859 aged 58. Gargrave Parish Registers. ↩︎
  13. Mary was christened on 22 July 1855. Gargrave Parish Registers. ↩︎
  14. Jane Abbott, 36, Agricultural Labourers Wife, born Melmerby,  her daughter, Elizabeth, 13, Cotton Factory Spinner, her daughter Sarah Ann, 10, Scholar, born Gargrave, her daughter Mary, 5,  Scholar, born Gargrave, and John Elbrick, Boarder, Unmarried, 18, House Labourer, born Gargrave. 1861 Gargrave Census. RG/RG09/3183/42. ↩︎
  15. 1857 Post Office Directory West Yorkshire. Ingle, Yorkshire Cotton. ↩︎
  16. 1857 Post Office Directory West Yorkshire.  1851 Ordnance survey map. ↩︎
  17. Work and Wages, James Rodgers, 1894.  ↩︎
  18. Samuel Laid, 41, Farmer Of 400 Acres Employing 4 Labourers, born Cononley, his wife Isabella, 38,  Farmers Wife, born Durham Gateshead, Anne Pegg, Servant, Unmarried, 23, Cook, born Northumberland, Sarah Moore, Servant, Unmarried, 25, House Maid, born Westmorland, Richard Abbott, Servant, 34,  Farm Servant, born Gargrave. 1861 Census. Stainton Coates Cottage, Moorbar Bottom, Bank Newton
    , Birstwith.. RG/RG09/3183/63.      ↩︎
  19. Elijah Abbott, Widower, 69, Cotton Weaver, William Aster, Son In Law, 35, Tailor, born Gargrave, his daughter, Elizabeth Aster, 45, House Wife, born Skipton, his granddaughter Isabella Aster, 9, Scholar, born Gargrave, his granddaughter, Anne Aster, 8, Scholar, born Gargrave, his grandson William Aster, 6,  Scholar, born Gargrave. 1851 Gargrave Census. RG/RG09/3183/42 ↩︎
  20. William Astin was killed in a cotton  mill  and buried on 30 January 1869 aged thirteen. His father William Astin was buried aged 55 in Gargrave on  10 November 1891. Gargrave Parish Registers. ↩︎
  21. Elizabeth Abbott, daughter of Henry Abbott was buried on 1 April 1855 aged four. Gargrave Parish Registers.  Elizabeth Abbott died April 1855. Skipton  9a 21. Free BMD.  William Abbott aged one  was buried on 19 December 1857. Gargrave Parish Registers. Deaths Dec 1857   Abbott  William .  Skipton  9a 21.  Free BMD. ↩︎
  22. Henry Abbett, 43, Masons Labourer, born Gargrave, his wife Mary, 43, House Wife, born Gargrave, their children, Isabella, 15, Cotton Factory Spinner, born Gargrave, John, 13, Cotton Factory Doffer, born Gargrave, Mary, 8, Scholar, born Gargrave, James, 6, Scholar, born Gargrave, Henry, 2, Scholar, born Gargrave, David, six months, born Gargrave. 1861 Gargrave Census. RG/RG09/3183/41. Mary was christened on 13 January 1853.  James was christened on 12 December 1854. Henry was christened on 13 February 1859.  David was christened on 28 October 1860. Gargrave Parish Registers.  ↩︎
  23. Henry died of scarlet fever aged five and was buried on 29 December 1863.  Gargrave Parish Registers.  Henry Abbott died December 1863  . Skipton  9a 22. Free BMD.   ↩︎
  24. Mary was buried on 26 October 1864 aged eleven. Gargrave Parish Registers.  Mary Abbott died Dec 1864. Skipton  9a 21. Free BMD.   ↩︎
  25. Elizabeth Abbott married William Horner June 1864. Skipton  9a 76. Free BMD. ↩︎
  26. William Horner  was born on  24 December 1837 and christened on 3 June 1838. He was the son of William and Sarah Horner of Embsay, Blacksmith . Sarah Spencer of  Embsay and William Horner, Blacksmith,  married on 10 May 1821 in Skipton..  William’s wife Sarah was buried on 22 April 1853 aged 47, of Embsay. Holy Trinity Skipton Parish Registers.  William  Horner, Blacksmith  was the son of  Joseph Horner of Lodge in Pateley Bridge. ↩︎
  27. William daughter of William and Rachel Horner of Gargrave, mechanic, was christened on 8 December 1861. Rachel Horner was buried on 4 January 1863 aged 28 of Gargrave. Gargrave Parish Registers. ↩︎
  28. Jane daughter of William and Elizabeth Horner of Gargrave, mechanic, was christened on 11 December 1864. Gargrave Parish Registers. ↩︎
  29. Elizabeth Ann daughter of William and Elizabeth Horner, mechanic of Gargrave, was born on 11 October and christened on 22 December 1867. James son of William and Elizabeth Horner of Gargrave, mechanic, was born on 19 November and christened on 27 December 1868. Gargrave Parish Registers. ↩︎
  30. William Horner, 33, machine mechanic, born Embsay, his wife  Elizabeth, 23, born Otterburn, his children, Mary, 10, born Bentham, William,9, born Gargrave, Elizabeth Ann, 3, born Gargrave, James, born Gargrave. RG/RG10/4260/29. 1871 Aire Bank Terrace, Gargrave Census.  ↩︎
  31. Richard Abbott, 51,  agricultural labourer, Jane, 46, laundress, their daughters Sarah Ann, 20,  spinner, Mary, 15, doffer, their granddaughter Jane Horner, 6, scholar. All born Gargrave.1871 Gargrave Census. RG10/4260/33. ↩︎
  32. Alfred son of William and Elizabeth Horner, mechanic, of Gargrave, was born on 8 April and christened on 16 July 1871. Gargrave Parish Registers. ↩︎
  33. Henry  Abbott,  53, agricultural labourer, Mary Abbott,  52, Isabella ,  spinner,  25 , John , 23 ,  agricultural labourer, James,  16, spinner, David , 10 , .part time doffer.  All  born Gargrave. 1871 Gargrave Census.RG10/4260/37 . ↩︎
  34. Elijah Abbott, 80, widower, formerly  weaver, born Netherdale. 1871 Gargrave Census. ↩︎
  35. John Hoggarth, 67,  Labourer, born  Green Dykes, Yorkshire
    , his wife Esther , 38, born Gargrave. Caroline Square, Skipton. 1861 Census. ↩︎
  36. John Hoggarth, 77,  labourer, born  Firbank, Westmorland, his wife Esther,  50, born Gargrave. West Street, Gargrave 1871 Census. ↩︎
  37. Elijah Abbott was buried on 24 November 1871 aged eighty-two.  Gargrave Parish Registers. Elijah Abbott died November 1871, aged  80.  Skipton  9a 23. Free BMD.    ↩︎
  38. Alfred was buried on 16 March 1872 aged 11 months. Heart stopped suddenly. Gargrave Parish Registers. ↩︎
  39. Isabella Abbot, 20,  factory operative, married James Hacking, factory operative, son of William Hacking, factory operative, on 22 June 1872. Witnesses, William Horner and Mary Ann Abbott. Gargrave Parish Registers. ↩︎
  40. Lily Horner was born on 13 February 1873 and christened on 13 April 1873. Gargrave Parish Registers. ↩︎
  41. Ann Astin, 20, daughter of William Astin , tailor , was married on 27 September  1873  to  Robert Eastwood, 20, spinner, son  of  George Eastwood of  Gargrave  Butcher. Witnesses James Hacking and Mary Ann Abbott.   Gargrave Parish Registers. ↩︎
  42. Mary Abbot, 18, factory operative, daughter of Richard Abbott, labourer,  married Henry Banks, 23, son of Joseph Banks, corn miller, factory operative on 27 December 1873. Witnesses Thomas Heaton and Sarah Ann Abbott. Gargrave Parish Registers. ↩︎
  43. John French was born in Brooksbottoms in 1848 and christened  in Bury on  29 December 1849. Bury Parish registers. John French, June 1848, Bury  21. Free BMD. ↩︎
  44. Abraham French, 42, Roller Coverer in Cotton Factory, born Alerton, Suffolk, Agnes, 40, born Eastby, John, 23, spinner, born Brookssbottom, Caleb, 16, Picker, born Embsay, William, 15, Picker, born Embsay, Ann Elizabeth, 10, scholar, born Embsay, Margaret Jane, one month, born Gargrave. 1971 Gargrave Census. ↩︎
  45. Mary Jane Abbott was born on 14 December 1874 and christened on 14 February 1875.  Gargrave Parish Registers. ↩︎
  46. John French , factory  Operative, 26, married Sarah Ann Abbott, 23,  daughter of Richard and Jane Abbott. Witnesses were Henry and Mary Banks. Gargrave Parish Registers. ↩︎
  47. Harriet was born on 25 July 1876 and christened on 25 July 1878.  Gargrave Parish Registers. ↩︎
  48. George French was born on 19 October 1878 and christened on 17 November 1878.   Gargrave Parish Registers. ↩︎
  49. Yorkshire Past and Present by Thomas Baines. ↩︎
  50. Annie daughter of William and Elizabeth Horner of Bell Busk was born on 3 June and christened on 7 July 1875. Gargrave Parish Registers. ↩︎
  51. Gargrave Parish Registers. ↩︎
  52. Elizabeth Horner, widow, 31, daughter of Richard Abbott, farm servant, married Richard Henry Edmundson, widower, 33, sadler, son of William Edmundson, sadler on 28 June 1879. Witnesses Robert Preston and Mary Alice Edmundson. Gargrave Parish Registers. ↩︎
  53. Henry Edmundson, 33, Sadler, born Skipton, his wife Elizabeth, 33,  born Otterburn, his daughter Louisa, 8, Scholar, born Skipton, John R., 5, Scholar, born Skipton, Bertha, 1, born Skipton. 1881 Skipton Census. ↩︎
  54.  Richard Abbott, 62, Farm – Labourer (Agricultural), born Gargrave, his wife Jane, 56, born Melbmarly, Yorkshire, his granddaughter Elizabeth  A Horner, 13, Half Time Scholar and Cotton  Gatherer, born Gargrave, his granddaughter Lily Horner, 8, Scholar, born Gargrave, his grandson James Horner, 12, 1/2 Time Scholar and  Cotton, Doffer, born Gargrave, his granddaughter Annie Horner, 5, Scholar, born Bell Busk, William Horner, Boarder, 19 , Cotton Lap Carrier, born Gargrave, Mary Horner, Boarder, 20,  Cotton Rover, born  Bentham.. 1881 Gargrave Census. RG11/430/41. ↩︎
  55. Henry Banks, 30, Cotton Spinner, born Gisburn, his wife Mary, 25, born Gargrave, his son Richard, 1, born Gargrave, Martha Smith, Boarder, Single, 17, Cotton Operative, born Earby, Jane Horner, Visitor, Single, 16, Cotton Creeler, born Gargrave. RG/RG11/4303/42. 1881 Gargrave Census. 14, River Place, Gargrave ↩︎
  56. Henry Edmundson, 43, Assurance Agent, born Skipton, Elizabeth, 43, born Otterburn, Skipton, John H.,  15, Factory Jobber, born Skipton, Bertha, 11, Scholar,  born Skipton, Alice, 3, born Keighley. RG12/3538/107. 1891 Census. 19, West Leeds Street, Keighley. ↩︎
  57. In 1901 Elizabeth and Henry had moved to 15, Edensor Road
    , Keighley. Her step-children had left home, and Elizabeth
    was living with her children, Bertha, Alice and Harry. Henry Edmondson, 53, Saddler, born Skipton, his wife Elizabeth, 53, born Gargrave, Bertha, 21, Silk Weaver, born Skipton, Alice, 13, Worsted Spinner, born Keighley, Harry, 7 , born Keighley. RG13/4076/75. 1901 Census 15, Edensor Road
    , Keighley. In 1911 Elizabeth and Henry had moved to 9, Edensor Road
    in Keighley and were living with their children Alice and Harry. Henry  Edmundson, 63,  Saddler And Harness Maker , born  Skipton , his wife Elizabeth ,  63 , born  Otterburn,  his daughter  Alice, 23 , Spinner In Worsted Factory,  Keighley ,  Harry,  17 , Machine Iron Fitter , Keighley . RG14/ 26088  1911 Census 9 Edensor Road Keighley . ↩︎
  58.  11 August 1887 James Davis, 26, gardener, son James, gamekeeper,  married Mary Horner, 27, servant, daughter of William Horner, mechanic. Witnesses, William Horner and Jane Horner. Gargrave parish Registers. ↩︎
  59. John Birkett married Jane Horner, December 1888 . Burnley
      8e 307 . Free BMD.  ↩︎
  60. In 1891 Jane Birkett nee Abbott lived in 1, Green Street, Colne with her husband, John, their son John W., and her unmarried sister, Sarah Jane’s niece Annie Horner. John  Birkett,  26,  Weaver Cotton, born  Chepstow, Monmouthshire, his wife  Jane,  37 , born Gargrave,  their son  John W. aged one,  born  Colne,  and  Annie Horner,  Lodger , 15 ,  Factory Cotton Weaver, born  Bell Busk.  RG12/3381/44. 1891 Census. 1, Green Street, Colne, Lancashire. In 1901 Jane Birkett nee Horner had a family of four children and was living with her husband in the same house. John  Birkett, 37,  Cotton Weaver, born  Newport, Monmouthshire, his wife  Jane,  36 , born  Gargrave, his son John W.,  11,  born  Colne,  Sarah J.,  9,  born  Colne, his son  Harold,  7, born  Colne, his son Frank, 3 Months born  Colne.  RG/RG13/3886 /158 . 1901 Census. 1, Back Green Street, Colne , Lancashire. Jane had died by 1911 as her husband John was recorded as a widower in 4 Wycliffe Street, Colne with their children. John  Birkett,  Widower,  47,  Cotton Weaver , born, Chepston , Mon, his daughter  Sarah Jane, 20,  Cotton Weaver , born Colne, his son  Harold , 17 , Cotton  Cloth  Looker , born  Colne, his son  Frank,  11, Colne. RG14/24918 . 1911 Census. 4 Wycliffe St.,  Colne, Lancashire. ↩︎
  61. By 1901 Annie Horner had moved to 35 Exchange Street, Colne to stay with John P. Birkett and his family. John P. Birkett,   63,  Confectioner, born  Stainton, Westmorland , his wife  Sara J.,  57 , born Chepstow, Monmouthshire, his daughter  Eliza,  26 , Cotton Spinner, born  Silsden. His daughter  Charlotte ,  23,  Cotton Winder, born  Skipton,  his son  Albert,  20,  Reed Makers Carter, born  Skipton, and  Annie Horner,  Boarder , Single,  25 , Cotton Spinner, born  Bell Busk. RG13/3886/117 . 1901 Census. 35, Exchange Street, Colne , Lancashire ↩︎
  62. In 1891 Elizabeth Ann Horner and Lily Horner were living in the home of Margaret Brown at 2 Green Street
    Colne, with her husband, Thomas. Thomas William Brown, 25, Cotton weaver, born Bolton, his wife Margaret Jane, 20, cotton winder, born Gargrave, lodger, Elizabeth Ann Horner, 22, cotton winder, born Gargrave, lodger, Lily Horner, 18, cotton winder, cotton card room hand. 1891 Colne Census. ↩︎
  63. Margaret Jane Brown nee French was buried on 27 December 1931. Her husband Thomas Brown was born on 20 December 1864 in Bolton
    le Moors and buried on 19 May 1936. IGI. December 1889 Margaret Jane French married Thomas  William Brown. Free BMD Burnley
      8e 410 . ↩︎
  64.  In 1891 Sarah Ann’s nephew James Abbott had married and was living at 14 Damside, Colne with his young wife Alice Ann. James Horner, 22 , Cotton Spinner, born Gargrave, his wife Alice Ann, 19,  Weaver Cotton, born Burnley.  RG12/3381/81. 1891 Census. 14, Dam Side, Colne, Lancashire. In 1901and 1911 James was living at the same house with his wife and their daughter Lily. James Horner, 31, Cotton Spinner, born Gargrave, his wife Alice A, 29, Cotton Weaver, born Burnley, Lily,  9, Colne. RG13/3885/24. 1901 Colne Census. 14, Daw Side, Colne, Lancashire James Horner, 42, Cotton Spinner, born Gargrave, his wife Alice Ann, 40, born Burnley, Lily,19, Cotton Weaver, born Colne. RG14/24917. 1911 Census. 14 Damside,  Colne, Lancashire . ↩︎
  65. David French  was born on 4 March 1881 and christened on 10 April 1881. Gargrave Parish Registers. ↩︎
  66. Craven Pioneer Guide to Skipton published 1901. In 1881 Census, John French, 33, Cotton Spinner, born Brooksbottoms, Lancashire, Sarah, 30, born Gargrave, Mary Jane Abbott, 6, scholar, Harriet French, 4, scholar, George French, 2, David French, one month. All children born in Gargrave. 1881 Gargrave Census. ↩︎
  67. Yorkshire Past and Present Vol. 1 by E. Baines. ↩︎
  68. George French was buried on 3 July 1881 aged 2 years and three months. Gargrave Parish Registers. ↩︎
  69. John Hoggarth,  88,  Rag & Bone Gatherer, born in the  Neighbourhood of Kendal, his wife Esther, 50, Washerwoman, born  Gargrave. 1881 Gargrave Census. ↩︎
  70. Burial 13 August 1881 Esther Hogarth, 60, large tumour in neck. Gargrave Parish Registers. Her husband John did not long survive her and he died in 1887. Burial, 24 August 1887 John Hogarth, 94 years. Gargrave Parish Registers ↩︎
  71. Henry  Abbott, 64, General labourer, born Gargrave, his wife Mary, 62, his daughter Isabella, 35, cotton throstle spinner, his son John, 32, labourer, David, 20, cotton  mule spinner. All born in Gargrave. 1881 Gargrave Census. ↩︎
  72. Marshall Knight, 24, Grinder In Cotton Mill, born Hellifield, his wife Isabella, 29, born Gargrave,  his son William Hacking, 8, Scholar, born Gargrave, his daughter Edith Hacking, 7, Scholar, born Gargrave, his son George Knight, six months old, born Gargrave, Mary Ann Abbott, boarder, Single, 38,  Cotton Cop Winder, born Gargrave. 1881 Gargrave Census. RG11/4303/47. ↩︎
  73. Richard Abbott  was buried on 19 April 1883 aged sixty-four. Gargrave Parish Registers. Monumental  Inscriptions. Richard Abbott died April 1883 , aged 62.  Skipton  9a 21. Free BMD.   ↩︎
  74. Maude French was born on 8 December 1883 and christened on 31 April 1884.  Gargrave Parish Registers. ↩︎
  75. Maude French was born on 8 December 1883 and christened on 31 April 1884. She was buried on 31 July 1885 aged one year and six months. Gargrave Parish Registers. ↩︎
  76. John Abbott was buried in July 1886 aged thirty-eight.  Gargrave Parish Registers.  John Abbott died July 1886, aged 38.  Skipton  9a 19. Free BMD.   ↩︎
  77. Mary Ann Abbott was buried on 2 July 1887 aged forty-four. Gargrave Parish Registers. Mary Ann Abbott died July 1887, aged 44.  Skipton  9a 19. Free BMD.   ↩︎
  78. John Birkett married Jane Horner, December 1888 . Burnley
      8e 307 . Free BMD.  ↩︎
  79. James Abbott, 34, labourer, son of Henry Abbott, labourer, married Elisabeth Sykes, 42, daughter of John Sykes, labourer on 2 November 1889. Witnesses William Emmott and Mary Emmott. Gargrave Parish Registers. ↩︎
  80. Margaret Jane Brown nee French was buried on 27 December 1931. Her husband Thomas Brown was born on 20 December 1864 in Bolton
    le Moors and buried on 19 May 1936. IGI. December 1889 Margaret Jane French married Thomas  William Brown. Free BMD Burnley
      8e 410 . ↩︎
  81. Sarah French  was buried on 25 December 1889 aged 33. Gargrave Parish Registers. Gargrave Parish Registers. ↩︎

Abbott Family