Category Archives: Ashforth

Clara Ashforth, Jessie Renwick, New Zealand: Intrigue

Published: April 4, 2007    Last modified: February 13, 2017

[PiwigoPress id=997 lnktype='albumpicture' opntype='_self' size='me' url='https://familyhistoryjournal.com/gallery']

Noelene Eleanor, Donald Raynor, Trevor Martin and Harry Ivan (Tim) Williamson

The four children in the above photograph were born in New Zealand though whether to Clara or Jessie I cannot recall. What I do recall quite clearly and I remember it often being repeated, is that in the 1960's one of these children (by now in their late teens or early twenties) travelled to England, and while taking some photographs from the newly erected Cole Brothers building (a local large department store) fell down a lift shaft and died of his injuries. It was certainly reported in the Sheffield Star so a trawl through their archives should probably give me the exact date.

Hopefully sometime soon I will ask my mother to go over this story in more detail and try and establish a more comprehensive timeline of events.

Updates:
2007-07-31 Very exciting news. Descendants of the ASHFORTH / RENWICK line have left comments and sent an email regarding this post and provided further details of this branch of the family tree. I will endeavour to repost with corrections and amendments as soon as possible.

2007-08-02 I have amended, corrected and created a new post regarding the death of Douglas Roy WILLIAMSON 1940-1963. To read this update please click here.

2007-08-04 Using FreeBMD I have found a marriage record for Clara ASHFORTH 1895-1932 and Henry James WILLIAMSON 1894-1965. The marriage took place at Sheffield in the June quarter of 1919. To read this update please click here.

2009-01-28 Thanks to KW for kindly contacting me and providing a great deal of information regarding the families of Henry James WILLIAMSON 1894-1965, enabling me to correct and clarify this article.

It was Douglas Roy WILLIAMSON 1940-1963 who died as a result of injuries sustained in a fall. - KW

The four children in the photograph above were from the marriage of Henry James WILLIAMSON 1894-1965 and Clara WILLIAMSON (née Clara ASHFORTH) 1895-1932. - KW

Douglas Roy WILLIAMSON 1940-1963 was from the marriage of Henry James WILLIAMSON 1894-1965 and Jessie RENWICK 1908-1982. - KW

To read this update please click here.

2015-03-16 This link to Henry James WILLIAMSON 1894-1965 may help clarify the marriage details.

Old Comments:

ashforth/renwick
Submitted by susan horsfield on Sat, 2007-07-14 13:56
harry renwick is my great grandfather,clara renwick is my grand mother who married john barber ,my mothers name was joan barber and she had a sister called rene and a brother called jack.ernest renwick was my uncle ,my sister and i visit the ashforth and renwick graves at wardsend cemetary.we have several family photos of all these people and also frank and bob .i was born at 41 burton street where we used to live with my great grandparents,sadly my grandparents and my own parents are deceased, i would love to hear from anyone who knows of our family .the person who you mention that fell to his death from cole brothers was my mothers cousin dion williams (son of jessie from nz).please do not hesitate to contact me for more information if wanted. sue

Related Posts:
Clara Williamson (née Clara Ashforth 1895-1932)
Clara Ashforth and Henry J Williamson: Marriage
Douglas Roy Williamson: Died 30th December 1963, aged 23 years
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Hawksley Road, Sheffield 6

Published: April 3, 2007    Last modified: February 12, 2017

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Florence Ashforth (née Florence Flowers 1876-1973)
Hawksley Road, Sheffield 6

Owlerton, Burton Street, Bamforth Street, Capel Street, Cuthbert Bank Road, Roscoe Bank, Shalesmoor, Jericho and Saint Philip's Road are districts and streets in the north-west of Sheffield where ancestors from my ASHFORTH line were born; most lived and died there too.

As a very young child I remember being dragged off to what seemed like far away places in order to visit the 'rellies', and how one felt like an explorer, cautiously examining an alien environment. During these visits we children would be quickly ushered out to play, usually into the backyard or street, which of course were quite safe, being devoid of motor vehicles.

I was born at Hawksley Road, just off Owlerton Green, though I don't recall there being a great deal of 'green' other than that of Hillsborough Park. I was christened at the Church of Saint John the Baptist, Owlerton, which remarkably, is still in service as a church, despite the dire developments which have taken place all around.

I remember there were three cul-de-sac: Hawksley Road (at the end of which were gates leading into the southern section of Hillsborough Park), Cheadle Street and Cannock Street. What I do remember quite clearly is that for some considerable time only one family owned a motor vehicle. I think this family, a retired man and wife, were named Mr and Mrs Thurlin. I recall they hated us using the gable end of their house for football, tennis and cricket practice, and the risks we took when the inevitable happened and we had to recover the ball from their backyard.

In the midst of row after row of terraced houses, Hillsborough Park was our saviour. We would spend most of our days playing football or cricket, until just before dusk when the toll of the bell would signify that the huge iron gates would soon be locked. Not that this mattered much, since as soon as the 'parky' had carried out his duties and was out of sight, we merely scrambled over the park gates and carried on playing until hunger finally drove us home.

Four generations lived in a rented 3 bedroom terraced house with the ubiquitous outside toilet, which was without an electric light, and of course, freezing cold in winter. But unlike many of the houses it had the luxury of a bathroom, admittedly very small but enormous when compared to a tin bath. The bedrooms were so cold in winter that I would sleep with a hot brick wrapped in a blanket to my feet. The brick was placed in the coal fire just before I went to bed. At least unlike an hot water bottle it couldn't burst, though third degree burns were always a distinct possibility.

My great grandmother Florence ASHFORTH (née Florence FLOWERS 1876-1973), her son and daughter-in-law (my grandfather and grandmother) Ernest ASHFORTH 1905-1990 and Emily ASHFORTH (née Emily BELLAMY 1903-1992), my mother and father and me. When some six years later my younger sister was born I guess we were probably officially classed as 'overcrowded'. So at the age of 7 years I and my family left the ASHFORTH household and moved approximately 3 miles to a newly built semi-detached house at School Lane, Stannington near Sheffield.

In the mid 1950's Stannington was still just a village, with a handful of shops, little new development and lots of wide open spaces. A totally alien environment to a young lad from the inner city.

Related Posts:
Historic Hillsborough: Sheffield, Yorkshire, England
Picture Sheffield: Old pictures of Sheffield
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Clara Williamson (née Clara Ashforth 1895-1932)

Published: February 13, 2007    Last modified: February 15, 2017

[PiwigoPress id=993 lnktype='albumpicture' opntype='_self' size='me' url='https://familyhistoryjournal.com/gallery']

Clara Williamson (née Clara Ashforth 1895-1932)

Clara Williamson (née Clara ASHFORTH 1895-1932) was my great great aunt, the youngest child of William Henry ASHFORTH 1851-1899 and Ellen ASHFORTH (née Ellen TOMLINSON 1855-1943).

On the reverse of this photograph written in ink is this citation:

"With love from Clara to William"

William Henry ASHFORTH 1851-1899, Clara's father, died about 4 years after her birth, so this is most likely a reference to either her brother (my great grandfather) William Henry ASHFORTH 1873-1926 or her nephew (my great uncle) William Henry ASHFORTH 1896-1916. Her nephew William Henry ASHFORTH 1896-1916 would have been only a year or two younger than Clara; he died in action at the Somme, France on the 10th of July 1916.

Written in pencil on the reverse of the photograph is a date, though only 'June 10.....' is legible.

Updates:
2012-01-27 In earlier research I recorded Ellen ASHFORTH (née Ellen PASLEY) to be the wife of William Henry ASHFORTH 1851-1899 when in fact later research showed it to be Ellen ASHFORTH (née Ellen TOMLINSON 1855-1943). I have edited this article to reflect the change.

Related Posts:
Clara Ashforth and Henry J Williamson: Marriage
Clara Ashforth, Jessie Renwick, New Zealand: Intrigue
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Wedding Party: Burton Street, Sheffield

Published: February 13, 2007    Last modified: February 4, 2017

[PiwigoPress id=992 lnktype='albumpicture' opntype='_self' size='me' url='https://familyhistoryjournal.com/gallery']

Wedding Party, Burton Street, Hillsborough, Sheffield

According to my mother this photograph is of a wedding party at a house on Burton Street, Sheffield, Yorkshire, though she doesn't remember whose marriage was being celebrated.

Mother is the toddler on the front row dressed all in white and looking a little mesmerised. This photograph is most likely circa 1928.

Given time I'm hoping she will be able to identify some more of the children shown in this photograph and maybe even remember the names of the bride and groom.

Updates:
2007-08-02 I was contacted by some relatives who provided invaluable information regarding this photograph. To read more about the people in this photograph click here.

2016-11-06 The lady on the back row, second from the left, is Jessie WILLIAMSON (née Jessie RENWICK 1908-1982)

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Elizabeth Wild (née Elizabeth Flowers) and Florence Ashforth (née Florence Flowers)

Published: February 11, 2007    Last modified: November 6, 2016

[PiwigoPress id=990 lnktype='albumpicture' opntype='_self' size='me' url='https://familyhistoryjournal.com/gallery']

Front row 4th from right Elizabeth Wild (née Flowers) 1867-Deceased
Front row 5th from right Florence Ashforth (née Flowers) 1876-1973

I'm not sure what the occasion is, but this photograph of Elizabeth WILD (née Elizabeth FLOWERS 1867-Deceased) (front row, 4th from the right) and Florence ASHFORTH (née Florence FLOWERS 1876-1973) (front row, 5th from the right) depicts everyone wearing their 'Sunday best'.

Judging by the number of babies, perhaps it was a mass christening? or maybe a 'Whit Walk', since the babies are well wrapped up and the adults are wearing their heavy coats. Whatever the occasion their adult men folk are nowhere to be seen, though more likely, they are all still in the pub, celebrating.

One cannot but admire such a fine collection of hats! One of my main recollections regarding my great grandmother Florence ASHFORTH (née Florence FLOWERS 1876-1973) is that of her hats. Usually large, black, cylindrical and appeared to be made of straw. The hat she is wearing on this occasion is typical of her style.

Notes:
Studying the background of this photograph, in particular the stone wall, I can't help but feel this is on a banking surrounding the perimeter wall of Hillsborough Barracks, possibly at the top end of Capel Street or Swamp Walk.

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Harry Renwick and Jessie Renwick (née Jessie Ashforth)

Published: February 4, 2007    Last modified: May 22, 2022

[PiwigoPress id=986 lnktype='albumpicture' opntype='_self' size='me' url='https://familyhistoryjournal.com/gallery']

Front row l-r: Frank Renwick, Harry Renwick, Ethel Ashforth, Ellen Ashforth (née Ellen Tomlinson), Ernest Renwick
Back row l-r: Clara Renwick, Robert Renwick, Jessie Renwick

Like most families we have 'shoe boxes' and 'biscuit tins' stuffed full of old photographs. Sadly most of these photographs have never been catalogued and so the subject or place can no longer be identified. My mother is custodian of our family's collection, so borrowing a few at a time I am hoping to digitally scan as many as possible. Beginning with those which we can readily identify I hope to archive these to both digital and paper based media.

This is one such photograph. It depicts Harry RENWICK 1885-1959, his children, sister-in-law and mother-in-law. Since his wife Jessie RENWICK (née Jessie ASHFORTH 1887-1954), my great grand aunt, was alive and well is not in the photograph we can only assume she was probably behind the camera. This photograph was taken in the backyard of one of the hundreds of terraced houses on and around Burton Street, Sheffield. Harry RENWICK 1885-1959 and Jessie RENWICK (née Jessie ASHFORTH 1887-1954) and family lived at 41 Burton Street just above Burton Street School which I believe is now a community centre.

Fortunately my mother is blessed with a superb memory and can identify all those in the above photograph. After further research here is some additional information:

Frank RENWICK 1915-1949 - died of TB, aged about 23 years.
Harry RENWICK 1885-1959 - married Jessie ASHFORTH 1887-1954
Ethel ASHFORTH 1889-Deceased - suffered from epilepsy and was eventually admitted to Middlewood Hospital, Sheffield where she remained until her death.
Ellen ASHFORTH (née Ellen TOMLINSON 1855-1943) - my great grandmother, lived into her nineties.
Ernest RENWICK 1918-Deceased
Clara RENWICK 1912-Deceased - married John BARBER Deceased.
Robert RENWICK Deceased - died of Tuberculosis, aged about 23 years.
Jessie RENWICK 1908-1982 - emigrated to New Zealand and married Henry James WILLIAMSON 1894-1965.

Updates:
2007-08-02 Thanks must go to SH for leaving the comments re: RENWICKS / ASHFORTHS.

"The pictures you have of the wedding party are my great grand parents Harry RENWICK 1885-1959 and Jessie RENWICK (née Jessie ASHFORTH 1887-1954). I was born at 41 Burton Street, we have photos of Clara (my grandmother) and she did not emigrate to New Zealand but her sister Jessie did." - SH

"Harry RENWICK 1885-1959 is my great grandfather, Clara RENWICK 1912- is my grand mother who married John BARBER, my mothers name was Joan BARBER and she had a sister called Rene and a brother called Jack. Ernest RENWICK 1918- was my uncle, my sister and I visit the ASHFORTH and RENWICK graves at Wardsend Cemetery. We have several family photos of all these people and also Frank and Bob. I was born at 41 Burton Street where we used to live with my great grandparents, sadly my grandparents and my own parents are deceased, I would love to hear from anyone who knows of our family." - SH

I have amended some of the details and hope this time to have correctly identified everyone.

2007-09-09 I am still rather confused over the boys' names in this photograph. Subsequent research leads me to question my previous research. To read a later post outlining this issue click here.

2008-12-30 Further research shows Ellen ASHFORTH's maiden name to be TOMLINSON not PASLEY so I have amended this article.

2010-11-02 To read about my visit to Wardsend Cemetery and the location of a RENWICK / ASHFORTH grave please click here.

Old Comments:

These are my great great
Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 2016-06-23 11:32
These are my great great grandparents. This is amazing.

Ashforth and Renwicks
Submitted by susan horsfield on Sat, 2007-07-14 21:34

The pictures you have of the wedding party are my great grand parents Harry and Jessie Renwick. I was born at 41 Burton Street, we have photos of Clara (my grandmother) and she did not emigrate to New Zealand but her sister Jessie did. If you would like any further information please contact me.

Edit: Email address removed to thwart spammers.

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Henry Rodgers and Annie Matilda Rodgers (née Annie Matilda Flowers): Children added to GEDCOM

Published: November 20, 2005    Last modified: February 16, 2017

The England and Wales Census 1901 return for the household of Annie Matilda RODGER(S) (née Annie Matilda FLOWERS 1864-Deceased) records a number of children living in the household, these have been added to my GEDCOM. Annie's husband Henry RODGERS has disappeared so I am presuming he must have passed away quite recently.

FHJ Ref: 029
Census: England and Wales Census 1901
Place: 8 Poplar Street, Sheffield, Yorkshire, England
Household: Annie Matilda Rodger

SURNAMEFIRST NAME(S)RELSTATUSSEXAGEOCCUPATIONWHERE BORNREMARKS
RodgerAnnie MHeadWifeFemale36Sheffield, Yorkshire
RodgerGeorge HSonSingleMale17Punch strikerSheffield, Yorkshire
RodgerJohn FSonMale8Sheffield, Yorkshire
RodgerJoseph WSonMale6Sheffield, Yorkshire
RodgerLydia ADaughterFemale3Sheffield, Yorkshire
RodgerArthurSonMale8mSheffield, Yorkshire
AshforthFlorenceSisterMarriedFemale24CharwomanSheffield, Yorkshire

To view this table full width please click here.

Annie Matilda RODGER(S) (née Annie Matilda FLOWERS 1864-Deceased) my great grand aunt, was the eldest sister of my great grandmother Florence ASHFORTH (née Florence FLOWERS 1876-1973).

To read my previous article on this subject please click here.

Old Comments:

Submitted by Andrew Clewes on Sun, 2016-04-03 19:53

Annie Matilda Rodgers is my great grandmother and Lydia Amelia is my grandmother. My mother is Phyllis. I believe Henry passed away, as Annie Matilda later re-married a George Senior, whom my grandmother did not have a good relationship with, I believe.

Submitted by Andrew Clewes on Sun, 2016-04-03 20:06

Annie Matilda Rodgers - née Flowers was my Great Grandmother. Her daughter Lydia Amelia Jowle - née Rodgers, was my Grandmother and Phyllis Clewes- née Jowle, was my mother.

Submitted by Andrew Clewes on Sun, 2016-04-03 20:14

I believe Henry died and Annie Matilda Rodgers remarried to a George / Henry Senior my grandmothers (Lydia Amelia Rodgers) step father, whom she did not have a good relationship with.

Related Posts:
Annie Matilda Rodgers (née Annie Matilda Flowers): England and Wales Census 1901: Transcription
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Annie Matilda Rodgers (née Annie Matilda Flowers): England and Wales Census 1901: Transcription

Published: November 18, 2005    Last modified: May 22, 2022

[PiwigoPress id=996 lnktype='albumpicture' opntype='_self' size='me' url='https://familyhistoryjournal.com/gallery']

Florence Ashforth (née Florence Flowers 1876-1973)
Sister to Annie Matilda Rodger(s) (née Annie Matilda Flowers 1864-Deceased)
Hillsborough Park, Sheffield

It has taken me almost 6 months to find time to finally publish my transcription of the England and Wales Census 1901 return showing my great grandmother Florence ASHFORTH (née Florence FLOWERS 1876-1973) living with her sister Annie Matilda RODGER(S) (née Annie Matilda FLOWERS 1864-Deceased) at 8 Poplar Street in the parish of Nether Hallam, Sheffield.

Here is my transcription:

FHJ Ref: 029
Census: England and Wales Census 1901
Place: 8 Poplar Street, Sheffield, Yorkshire, England
Household: Annie Matilda Rodger

SURNAMEFIRST NAME(S)RELSTATUSSEXAGEOCCUPATIONWHERE BORNREMARKS
RodgerAnnie MHeadWifeFemale36Sheffield, Yorkshire
RodgerGeorge HSonSingleMale17Punch strikerSheffield, Yorkshire
RodgerJohn FSonMale8Sheffield, Yorkshire
RodgerJoseph WSonMale6Sheffield, Yorkshire
RodgerLydia ADaughterFemale3Sheffield, Yorkshire
RodgerArthurSonMale8mSheffield, Yorkshire
AshforthFlorenceSisterMarriedFemale24CharwomanSheffield, Yorkshire

To view this table full width please click here.

So this leads me down new avenues of research. I have yet to add the RODGER(S) family to my GEDCOM.

Notes:
Further research leads me to believe the surname is more likely RODGERS.

It is interesting that my great grandmother Florence ASHFORTH (née Florence FLOWERS 1876-1973) is recorded as being married and living at the address; I would have expected her to be a visitor. Perhaps there was a family issue, or I think what is more likely is Henry RODGERS had recently passed away, leaving Annie Matilda with a very young child, and perhaps Florence is helping out. At some point I will try and spend a little time researching this curious situation.

Updates:
2016-11-03 In this post "Register of Inmates, Ecclesall Bierlow Workhouse" I discovered Florence ASHFORTH (née Florence FLOWERS 1876-1973) together with her youngest son Ernest Ashforth 1905-1990 registered as inmates at the Ecclesall Bierlow Workhouse.

I can only surmise that during the period circa 1900-1905 something had happened to her husband William Henry ASHFORTH 1873-1926. Unfortunately I will probably never know.
He died in 1926 at the relatively early age of 52 years.

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Documents

Published: June 13, 2005    Last modified: November 1, 2016

My parents have kindly loaned me the family documents that are in their possession. This will enable me to make digital copies of the paper documents and eventually, for further protection, store the original documents in suitable archival sleeves.

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