TWO THORNBER FAMILIES IN BURNLEY, LANCASHIRE, ENGLAND

1.   A THORNBER FAMILY IN BURNLEY WITH ORIGINS IN GISBURN, YORKSHIRE, ENGLAND

A Lancashire Family Inheritance, by Frank Thistlethwaite, was published in 1996 (ISBN 095282860X).  It describes the Thornber families of Burnley descended from Benjamin Thornber who was born in Gisburn in 1800.  Benjamin is mentioned in one of the families in Gisburn.  Benjamin Thornber and his family lived in Rimington near Gisburn before moving to Burnley and are shown at Rimington in the 1851 census.

In Frank Thistlethwaite's book, a family tree is shown giving the ancestors of Benjamin Thornber and this fits with work done by others researching Thornber families in Gisburn.  There is one error in the book.  As a result of transcribing the registers of Houghton Chapel, Tosside, and obtaining copies of three wills, I have proved that the William Thornber who married Ann Procter in 1790 was not the son of Thomas Thornber and Jennet Tattersall.  He was the son of Ralph Thornber and Elizabeth Beecroft and was baptised in 1749.  William's will mentions a daughter Agnes (from his first wife Mary Downham) and he is known to have had a son called Ralph.  Agnes is also mentioned in the will of her grandfather, Ralph Thornber.  See the section on  Thornber Families in Slaidburn and Gisburn Forest.

Most of the information given below is taken from Frank Thistlethwaite's book.  Documentary sources are not quoted in the book but some of the information was obtained from a family bible.  In the few cases where I have additional information from my own research, this is added in square brackets.   Edward Mark Thornber in Cornwall has provided me with some additional information about the families of Edward Sharp Thornber and two of his brothers, William and Ben. Full birth dates, even when known, are not shown for more recent generations.

In addition I am grateful to Molly Haines for bringing to my attention "Who was Who in Burnley" published by the Burnley and District Historical Society in 1997.  This contains short biographies of Benjamin Thornber, his sons Caleb and Thomas, and his grandsons John, Sharp and Luke.  Some dates in the tree below have been taken from this source.  Sharp and Luke had a brother James Thornber who set up a cotton manufacturing business at Holme Mill in Clitheroe.  James wrote "Burnley Worthies", which includes details of some of the family members. I am grateful to Caroline Sheldrick for information on James' family.

John Titus Thornber of Cliviger provided me with the details of his descent by direct line through the successive eldest sons from Benjamin Thornber.

The information on Benjamin Thornber's son Thomas and his family comes from David Thornber in Kinross.  Thomas and his family have been found in the census of 1881. Some of the information on Lucy Thornber, daugther of Thomas Thornber comes from Margaret Cogdell, nee Lancaster, living in California.

I have taken the information on Caleb Thornber's family from the 1881 census.

At the end of this tree I show census data I abstracted on the family for 1851 and details of a monumental inscription at St. Mary's Church, Gisburn which are recorded in a book of inscriptions held at Clitheroe Library.  It was prepared by the Upper Ribble Valley branch of the Lancashire  Family History and Heraldry Society.

I am grateful to Helen Kinch formerly Hagerty for information on the families of John Thornber and Jane Watson in generation 3 below and that of William Thornber in generation 4 below. He is the son of Sharp Thornber. In addition I have been in contact with Helen's cousin, Anne Thornber, the daughter of Hugh in generation 5, the son of William and she has provided some dates on that family. Helen has also provided me with a photocopy of two typed but unpublished booklets about cotton manufacturers by J. Howell and I show full details in Footnote 3.

Helen found, on the British Newspaper Archive, articles on the September 1919, Burnley wedding of a Jennie Thornber, daughter of Alderman John and Mrs Thornber of Cordova, 256 Manchester Road. Two papers cover the wedding in lengthy articles, with a photograph in one. Jennie was marrying Hartley Emmott Atkinson, nephew of Alderman Hartley Emmott J.P. At that time Helen could not find Jennie's birth, nor sort out for sure which John Thornber was her father.

The additional information is added below.

There is an article on Benjamin Thornber and his sons in Who was Who in Burnley, published by Burnley District Historical Society in 1997, pages 87-97

Abbreviations

MI  Monumental Inscription. 
BC Birth Certificate  

• 1.  Benjamin Thornber, bapt. 20 July 1800, Gisburn; died 1885, Burnley; [buried 28 March 1885 aged 84 at Gisburn.  The MI says he died in 1886 aged 85]
• +   Margaret Duckworth, marr. 29 Sept 1828, Gisburn; born 1810, Newby, [died 8 May 1888, Burnley and buried on 11 May 1888, aged 77 at Gisburn. The MI says she was 79. Margaret Thornber left a will and the executors were her son Thomas of Hollins near Burnley and her grandson Sharp Thornber. She died at 66 Devonshire Road, Burnley]
  • 2.  Luke Thornber, 1829- [died 4 September 1866, buried 6 September 1866 aged 37 at Gisburn, Will].
  • +   Alice Pomfret, known from Luke's will and census. The only marriage of a Luke before 1856 was in the September quarter of 1854 at Burnley, Ref. 8e 235. Luke Thornber son of Benjamin married Alice Pomfret, dau. of Lawrence at Habergham Eaves on 5 July 1854 (Vital Records Index). See Footnote 2.
    • 3.   Parthenia Thornber (born 1855 from census of 1861)
    • 3.  John Thornber 1856-1922, Alderman in Burnley.(Information from Helen Kinch on John's marriage and family.)
    • +  Jane Ann Watson in 1876 at Holy Trinity, Burnley.
      • 4.  FannyThornber, born in 1876 in Burnley.
      • 4.  Luke Thornber, born 1877, Burnley.
      • 4.  Alice Maud Thornber, born 1879, Burnley.
      • 4.  Alma Thornber, born 1881 in Burnley.
        
      • 4.  Benjamin Thornber, born 1884 in Burnley, died 1971. Lived in Brooklands Rock Lane. Associated with Salem Congregational Church. (Footnote 3)
      • +   Elizabeth Gaukroger, married 1908 in Burnley. She was the dau. of Titus Gaukroger and died in childbirth.
        • 5.  John Titus Thornber
      • 4.  John Watson Thornber born 1887, Burnley.
      • 4.  Elizabeth Thornber born 1890 in Burnley
      • 4.  Annie Thornber born 1893 in Burnley
      • 4.  Jane Elizabeth Thornber, born 1895 in Burnley. She married Hartley Emmott Atkinson in September 1919.(Information from Helen Kinch)
    • 3.  Betty Thornber, born abt 1858 (from 1861 census) Down as Elizabeth in 1871 census
    • 3.  Margaret Thornber, born abt 1860 (from 1861 census)
    • 3.  Mary J. Thornber, born abt 1862 (from 1871 census)
  • 2.  Jane Thornber, born 1830; died in infancy.
  • 2.  John Thornber, [bapt. 28 Aug 1831, Clitheroe Wesleyan Methodist]; died in infancy. [A John Thornber of Rimington, aged 3, was buried at Gisburn 1 July 1835.]
  • 2.  James Thornber, [bapt. 29 Dec 1833, Clitheroe Wesleyan Methodist]; died 1899, Burnley. (Born Rimmington, Footnote 3.)
  • +   Ann Sharp, marr. 13 June 1858, Burnley: born 1832, Colne; died 1906, Burnley.
    • 3.  Sharp Thornber, 1858-1933 (Cotton Manufacturer, Alderman and J.P.) Baptised at Burnley Salem Chapel 27 July 1858.
    • +   Florence Nightingale, marr. 1883; born 1859, Burnley; died 1917, Burnley.
      • 4.   Thomas Thornber, 1884-1964. (Helen Kinch notes he was Thomas Edward born 1886 and died in 1968 but also reports he married Gwladys Parry. Dates and places to be confirmed)
      • +  Sarah Hargreaves (Sally Anne on Free BMD. Footnote 3.)
      • 4.   Edward Sharp Thornber, 1886-1968.
      • +    Sally Anne Hargreaves
        • 5.   Elizabeth Margaret Thornber, born c. 1913, married A. N. Smith, and died about 1987 in Bermuda.
        • 5.   Edward Norman Thornber (1918-1992)
        • +   Nan E. Bevan, died in January 2015 (information from Helen Kinch nee Hagerty)
          • 6.   Edward Mark Thornber
          • +    V. A. Mace.
            • 7.  Edward Joseph Thornber
            • 7.  David Richard Thornber
            • 7.  Adam Thomas Thornber
      • 4.   Benjamin Thornber, 1882-1975. (Emigrated to Canada but visited UK in 1968) Was married to Ada Brandshaw from whom he separated and had two further wives in Canada. (Footnote 3.)
        • 5.  Robin Thornber (son of Benjamin's third wife, believed to be Isabelle Thomson Stewart. (Information from Helen Kinch nee Hagerty)
          • 6   Adam Thornber, born in Canada in 1977 and moved to Washington State in the USA. Married to Alicia with two young children, Finn and June. (Information from Adam)
      • 4.   William Thornber, 1889-1968. Buried at Burnley Cemetery together with his wife.
        +   Agnes Murtagh, married 6 Feb 1915 at St. Mary's Burnley. Witnesses were William Nightingale and Agnes Hirst. Agnes was born 5 March 1889 at 124, James Street, Burnley the daughter of Hugh Murtagh, master jeweller and Bridget formerly Mullin. Agnes died 3 Feb 1966 at 2 Clevelands Mount in Burnley.
        • 5. Florence Thornber born 14 July 1916 at 170 Brunshaw Road Burnley (father was said to be missing presumed dead on the BC but was actually among the wounded at the Battle of the Somme. Florence died in Feb 1991 and is buried at Whalley & Wiswell Cemetery.
        • + Arnold Thomas Hagerty, married in March 1954 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Nelson. He was a Chief Engineer in the Merchant Navy. He was born in 1921 and died in 2006. This couple are the parents of my informant, Helen Mary Hagerty, who was their only child.
        • 5. Mary Thornber died April 1976
        • 5. Hugh Thornber, died 1991
        • + Barbara Cash, married 1954
          • 6. Anne Thornber
          • 6. Adrian Thornber
        • 5. Geoffrey Thornber, died 24 Apr 2014 (information from Helen Kinch (nee Hagerty)
        • + Valerie Senegal, wife of Geoffrey Thornber, died 24 Nov 2012 (information from Helen Kinch (nee Hagerty)
      • 4.   Florence Nightingale Thornber, 1892-1983
      • +    Lee Thistlethwaite, marr. 1934; born 1885; died 1973.
        • 5.  Frank Thistlethwaite died on the 17th of Feb. 2003, aged 87.
        • +   Jane Hosford, 1918-1992
        • 5.  Richard Thistlethwaite, 1917-1984
    • 3.  Benjamin Thornber, born 1860; died in infancy. [Benjamin Thornber of Burnley, aged 3 weeks, was buried at Gisburn on 21 June 1860]
    • 3.  Margaret Ellen Thornber, born 1861; died in infancy.
    • 3.  Ada Thornber, born 1863; died in infancy.
    • 3.  Amy and Albert Thornber, twins born 1865; died in infancy.  [Albert Thornber of Burnley buried Gisburn aged 6 weeks on 25 March 1865.  Amy Thornber of Burnley buried Gisburn aged 4 months on 15 June 1865]
    • 3.  James Thornber, born 17 June 1866, died 19 July 1942, author of Burnley Worthies. (I am grateful for Information from Caroline Sheldrick on the family of James as shown below.)
    • +  Elizabeth Ellen Clough, born 22 Feb 1866, died 31 July 1953
      • 4. Luke Thornber, born 31July 1894, died 25 Nov 1896
      • 4. William Thornber, born 9 Oct 1895, died 14 Feb 1975
      • + 1st Grace Wood, born 19 July 1896, died 20 July 1943
        • 5. James Tempest Thornber, born 17 Dec 1922, died 12 Feb 1985 (married with four sons)
        • 5. Helen Elizabeth Thornber, born 18 March 1925, died 26 August 2016
      • +2nd Nancy Kenyon, born 21 Oct 1919, died 25 Sept 1989.
        • 5. Caroline Mary Thornber, born 1960
        • + James Henry Sheldrick
          • 6. Maria Rose Sheldrick born 1990
          • 6. Sarah Elizabeth Sheldrick, born 1992
      • 4. Ada Thornber, born 17 Dec 1889, died 26 June 1930 (unmarried)
    • 3.  Luke Thornber, 1868-1935 (Alderman). politics Liberal, in local government. Residence Montague Road and used Salem Congregational Chapel.
    • +  Margaret Catlow (From Footnote 3)
      
    • 2.  John Thornber, [bapt. 29 Nov 1835, Clitheroe Wesleyan Methodist]; died in infancy [ A John Thornber of Rimington was buried at Gisburn on 9 July 1837, aged 1. Death Certificate shows he died on 7 July 1837 at Rimington, aged 1, of measles. The father's name was not given but the occupation was shown as weaver. The informant was John Duckworth, uncle, a weaver.]
    • 2.  Martha Thornber, born 1837.  In the 1881 census Martha appears as a widow with her parents Benjamin and Margaret with the name of Martha Stephenson with two sons, Ephraim and Albert.
    • 2.  Benjamin Thornber (the younger), 1839, [died 5 October 1882, buried 9 October 1882, aged 44, at Gisburn, Will].
    •  +  Sarah Ann Smith (surname from 1891 census when Sarah Ann is a widow living with her son and two sisters with the surname Smith). She was born in Bury, Lancashire
      • 3. John Thomas Thornber, son of Benjamin and Sarah Ann Thornber, born 26 June 1872 at Bond Street, Burnley. Benjamin was said to be a cotton piece looker. He was baptised on 15 September 1872 when Benjamin's occupation was given as a manufacturer. I am grateful to Matthew Smith for this information. I have found some census entries for this family as shown below in Footnote 1.
      • + Mary ?
      • 3. Sarah Ann Thornber, died in 1975. She was Matthew Smith's grandmother
    • 2.  Caleb Thornber, 1842-1923. He was a cotton spinning manufacturer, was Mayor of Burnley and a local benefactor. (There is only one reference in the GRO index of births for a Caleb and it was at Clitheroe in the June Quarter of 1843.) (Caleb is said to be born in Gisburn, a Liberal, an Alderman then Mayor of Burnley in Footnote 3. However, this source gives his wife as Martha Tattersall rather than Martha Ingham.)
    • +   Martha Ingham dau. of William Ingham at Habergham Eaves on 13 December 1866. She was born c. 1840/41 at Barrowford (Census of 1881).  Martha wife of Caleb Thornber of Park Hill, Burnley, aged 73 was buried at Wheatley Lane Inghamite Chapel on 8 April 1914 in vault, section 2, number 247. (From my transcription of the Wheatley Lane registers.)
      • 3.  Mary Jane Thornber, born c. 1868/9, Burnley. Mary Jane, d. Caleb & Martha Thornber of Burnley, buried at Wheatley Lane Inghamite Chapel aged 2 on 2 August 1872. 
      • 3.  Mary Jane Thornber   There must have been a second daughter called Mary Jane.   I am grateful to David Baxter for pointing out from the Lancashire BMD that Mary Jane Thornber married George Herbert Grey in 1892 in the Burnley Registration district. There are records for the burials of George Herbert Grey and Mary Jane Grey at Wheatley Lane Inghamite Chapel on 6 Dec 1946 and 1 July 1938 respectively. There is also a burial record at Wheatley Lane for Caleb Thornber Grey, son of George Herbert and May Jane Grey of 59 Colne Road, Burnley, aged 6 months on 12 April 1894 in Caleb Thornber's vault.
      • 3.  Margaret Thornber, aged 1, is shown in the 1871 Census (Ref 4149 folio 130 schedule 113. Information from Gilly Cox )
      • 3.  Thomas H. Thornber s. Caleb & Martha Thornber buried Wheatley Lane Inghamite Chapel, on 18 February 1873 aged 13 months.
      • 3.  Benjamin Thornber, born c. 1873/4, Burnley.  Benjamin son of Caleb and Martha Thornber, of 24 Holme View, Burnley buried Wheatley Lane Inghamite Chapel, aged 8 on 1 February 1882 in 2nd section, Caleb Thornber's vault.
      • 3.  William Ewart Thornber, born 1876, Burnley, registered in the June quarter at Burnley 8e 264. (Died 1923 aged 46 and married Caroline Richmond from Footnote 3.)
      • 3.  Annie Thornber, born c. 1877/8, Burnley.
    • 2.   Jane Thornber, born 1844 [bapt. 2 Feb 1845, Gisburn]; died 1891. Information from Kath Beattie and Helen Kinch:: Jane married Thomas Varley (1841-1916) of Habergham Eaves in 1869. They are in the 1871 census. Two sons were Granville Varley (1879-1954) and Benjamin Thornber Varley (13 March 1885-12 March 1959). Granville married Bertha Hargreaves, in Lancaster, Skerton, St. Luke's in December 1909 and had no surviving children. Benjamin Thornber Varley married Ada Earnshaw in December 1907 and they had one daughter, Alice Margaret Varley (23 April 1912 - 14 Oct 2005) the mother of Kath Beattie.
    • 2.   Thomas Thornber, born 29 December 1846 in Rimmington and died 26 May 1915. He was the Mayor of Burnley and made a freeman of the town. Family of Thomas with his wife Agnes and children John Fred and Annie shown in 1881 census of Burnley when Thomas said to be 34 and Agnes 30. (PRO Ref RG11 piece 4151, folio 15 page 23 at 14 Matthew Street, Habergham Eaves, Lancashire.
    • +    Agnes Emmett, born Barrowford, 1850 and died 18 October 1910. (Alternative spelling in the area is Emmott.(
      • 3.  John Thornberm born Burnley, 1 June 1874, died 1952.
      • +   Ellen Miller, daughter of James Miller 1884-1949.  They had 4 children
      • 3.  Benjamin Thomas Thornber, born 1875, died in infancy.
      • 3.  Fred Thornber, born 14 March 1878, Burnley, died 7 September 1936.
      • +   Florence Clegg, born 20 July 1878, died 31 January 1976.  They had 4 children.
        • 4. Harold Thornber, son of Fred, died 1920 aged 66.
        • + Mary Dickinson, dau. of Frank Dickinson, cotton manufacturer. (Footnote 3)
      • 3.   Annis Thornber, born 24 February 1880, Burnley. Helen Kinch found that her Christian name was Annis not Annie as first thought. It is confirmed in an index of birth and marriages (BMD) and a census record.
      • +   Edward Morley Grey, married 1902 Burnley Reg Offiice. He was born 9 August 1869.  The couple had two children.
      • 3.  Ada Thornber, born 14 May 1882, married Richard Thomas Holdsworth. (Information from John Utley)
      • +   Richard Thomas Holdsworth, born 13 February 1875, died 18 March 1931.  The couple had two children.
      • 3.  Margaret Thornber, born 24 April 1884, died 18 March 1962.
      • +   Charles Lancaster, born 19 September 1882, died 1960.  They had one child.
      • 3.  Lucy Thornber, born 22 April 1886.
      • +   Alfred Lancaster, born 26 November 1886, Habergham Eaves, son of Alfred Lancaster and Mary Ann Hargreaves. He died in 1951.  They had two children, Alfred Lancaster, born 11 November 1911, died 4 December 1990 and Lucy, born February 1921, died October 1991.
      • 3.  Tom Thornber, born 5 May 1888, died 11 May 1916
      • +   Elsie Hargreaves, died 9 December 1975.  They had one child. (Helen Kinch reports her name as Lizzie Hargreaves.)
      • 3.  Agnes Thornber, born 10 May 1889, died 1975
      • 3.  Percy Thornber, born 28 May 1891, died 1984.  Resided at Inglewood.
      • +   Elizabeth Barritt, born 29 February 1888, died 7 November 1969.  The couple had three children including David Thornber who gave me the information on the children of Thomas and Agnes Thornber.
      • 3.  James Thornber, born 28 November 1892, died 16 April 1932.
      • +   Mollie Sumner.  No issue from this couple.
    • 2.   Betty Thornber, born 1848,  [died 13 November 1856, aged 7, MI,  Betty Thornber of Burnley, aged 7,  buried at Gisburn on 16 November 1856]
    • 2.   Joseph Thornber, 1851; died in infancy. [Joseph Thornber of Burnley, aged 2, was buried at Gisburn on 31 May 1853]
    • 2.   Margaret Ellen Thornber, 1853-1928.

Helen Kinch found a newspaper report of the marriage of Annis Thornber to Edward Morley Grey from which family connections are shown.

Marriage of Mayor of Burnley's Daughter

The wedding took place at the Bethel Primitive Methodist Chapel, Hammerston Street, Burnley. The bridegroom wasa Mr. E. Morley Grey, manager of the Burnley branch of the Mercantile Bank, a son of the late Mr. John Grey, the founder of the large firm of Messrs. J. Grey Ltd. The bride was Miss Annis Thornber, eldest daughter of the Mayor of Burnley, Thomas Thornber. The bridesmaids were Misses Ada, Margaret, Lucy and Agnes Thornber, sisters of the bride

Census of 1851 at Rimington Lower Gills Farm, Rimington, (reference HO 107/2255, folio 8).

At this time the family lived in Rimington, which is near Gisburn and six of the children were at home.

Census of 1861 at 6 Albion Street, Habergham Eaves, near Burnley. Source Citation: Class: RG 9; Piece: 3071; Folio: 16; Page: 26; GSU roll: 543074.

Census of 1871 at Habergham Eaves, (address not legible). Source Citation: Class: RG10; Piece: 4149; Folio: 105; Page: 24; GSU roll: 846733

Census of 1881 at 5 Albion Street, Habergham Eaves. Source Citation: Class: RG11; Piece: 4151; Folio: 83; Page: 30; GSU roll: 1341994.

The family had several children who died in infancy as shown by the following monumental inscription at Gisburn St. Mary's.  The dates for Benjamin on the inscription do not agree with those in the parish burial register and I assume that the latter gives the correct information.

Monumental Inscriptions at St. Mary's Gisburn

Side 1

Benjamin Thornber of Burnley died 23 March 1886 aged 85
Margaret his relict died 8 May 1888 aged 79
Also Luke their son died 4 September 1866 aged 37
Also Betty their daughter died 13 November 1856 aged 7.

There is no corresponding burial for the first death above.  The burial register says Benjamin Thornber of Burnley was buried on 28 March 1885 aged 84. Margaret his wife was buried at Gisburn on 11 May 1888 and said to be 77.)

Side 2 

John, Jane, John and Joseph, children of Benjamin and Margaret Thornber who died
in infancy. Side 3  Benjamin son of Benjamin and Margaret Thornber, died 5 October 1882 aged 44
Also Sarah Ann his relict died 20 October 1899 aged 57.

The Manchester Royal Exchange Directory for 1905 shows that Benjamin Thornber and Sons Ltd., of 56 Faulkner Street, cotton spinners and manufacturers had three spaces allocated to them at location 15A. The names or initials given were John, W.E. and F. There was also an allocation to William Thornber of Thornber Sons and Co. of Green Lane Chemical Works, Padiham, marine and crystal sizes, calico printers' finishes.

Footnote 1. Benjamin Thornber the younger

Benjamin Thornber the younger, shown in generation 2, died in 1882. The following entry has been found in the Probate Index:

11 June 1883.  Benjamin Thornber    Will and Codicil Benjamin Thornber the Younger of 6 Bond Street Burnley in the county of Lancaster, Cotton Manufacturer who died 5 Oct. 1882 at 6 Bond Street, was proved at the Principal Registry by Thomas Thornber Cotton Spinner the brother, Sarah Ann Thornber, Widow, Relict and Thomas Smith, Tin Plate worker all of Burnley executors.

This is consistent with the date of death, the address in Bond Street and the name of the wife as Sarah Ann. As will be seen below from the 1891 census, Sarah Ann's maiden name was Smith so Thomas Smith may have been her brother.

1881 census at 6 Bond Street. Source Citation: Class: RG11; Piece: 4149; Folio: 122; Page: 18; GSU roll: 1341994.   At 6 Bond Street, Burnley.

This all fits with the family coming from Rimington, near Gisburn.  Cotton spinner can have two meanings.  It can be a workman operating a spinning machine but I have also seen it used for the owner of a spinning mill.

1891 census at 10 Colne Road, Burnley. Source Citation: Class: RG12; Piece: 3363; Folio: 112; Page: 3; GSU Roll: 6098473.

2.  A SECOND THORNBER FAMILY IN BURNLEY

Part of the following family tree was sent to me by Malcolm Walker in South Australia.  I have added some additional dates where I have these from my own work and extended the tree from census data and from marriage and burial records at Burnley St. Peter's.  Thomas Thornber is identified as the son of Robert Thornber on the grounds that the age of 51, given in the census of 1841, suggests birth in 1789/90. The age given at his burial suggests birth in c. 1787.  In addition Thomas uses the names Robert and Grace for his children as well as William and Shackleton, two names used by Robert and Grace.   The identity of Robert Thornber is not clear at this stage but there is a record in the registers of Burnley St. Peter's of a Robert Thornbour, son of William, on 20 May 1764 and this looks the most likely candidate so far.  A William Thornbour married Susan Roberts, both of Filly Close, by banns on 2 November 1761, at Burnley St. Peter's with witnesses Josiah Nuttall & Jonathan Ingham. This William seems a good candidate for the father of Robert. William Thornbour also had a daughter Jenny baptised 20 May 1754 at Burnley St. Peters.

Another Robert who has emerged recently was the son of Thomas Thornber of Sabden and was baptised at Newchurch in Pendle on 5 July 1741. He is clearly too old to be the one in the tree below but as Robert is not a common name among the Thornbers, he may be related to this group. This Robert had a brother, called William, baptised on 31 July 1736 who is old enough to be the William who married in 1761. If this is the correct William then the sequence would make Robert Thornber who married Grace Shackeleton named after his uncle Robert. He in turn would have named his eldest son Thomas after his own grandfather.

Robert and Grace called a son Shackleton Thornber. I have had extensive correpondence with Dennis Whitehead in Canada on this subject. Why would Robert and Grace call a son Shackleton but have no son called Pollard? Normally one would expect Shackelton to be a clue to a mother's or grandmother's surname but so far no connection has been made. The only possible Shackleton connection for a Thornber in this period is the marriage of John Thornber to Mary Shackleton in Whalley, both of that parish on 25 June 1757, by banns itpo: Nicholas Isherwood and Robert Isherwood. No children from this couple have been identified so far. Could it be that Grace Pollard died and Robert Thornber remarried to Grace Shackleton? Could Grace be a widow named Pollard whose maiden name was Shackleton? If so this details should have been on the marriage certificate. At this point all we know is that a Grace Thornber died aged 75 in 1833 and was buried at St. Peter's in Burnley. I have checked the burial records at St. Peter's from Jan 1778 to December 1896 and there is no record for another Grace apart from an infant and a woman of 34 born about 1821 who died in 1855, so it seems likely that the Grace Thornber who died in 1833 was indeed born Grace Pollard.

In addition I have received information from Beth Merryweather in New Zealand about Rosanna Thornber, born in 1851, shown below in bold type. Beth has also identified a likely marriage for Margaret Thornber to Isaac Smith.  

To put parts of the tree on a more secure footing it would be wise for future researchers to obtain more copies of birth, marriage and death certificates for the events after 1837 and in some cases the GRO index reference has been included.  However, the information from census returns allows dates of birth and marriage to be estimated, aiding a more detailed search.

Abbreviations.

C41 indicates information from census of 1841.

• 1.  Robert Thornber of the Parish of Burnley at his marriage. A Robert Thornburgh of Park Burnley, was buried at Burnley St. Peter's on 18 April 1830, aged 69, making birth about 1761, which would be consistent with the marriage of William Thornbour in that year.  Given the vagaries of age reporting at this time, it is possible that Robert was the one baptised at Burnley St. Peter's on 20 May 1764 son of William Thornbour.
  +  Grace Pollard, of Burnley on 25 October 1788, at Burnley St. Peter's by J. Raws, in the presence of James Smith and Richd. Clough.  Grace Thornber of Park, Burnley was buried at St. Peter's Burnley on 25 Sept 1833, aged 75 indicating birth about 1758.
  • 2.  Thomas, bapt. 27 Sept 1789, Burnley St. Peter's.  Of New Laund Booth at marriage.  The family with five children has been identified in the census of 1841.  Thomas Thornber, of Lane Bridge, Habergham Eaves, aged 55, was buried at St Peter's on 9 November 1842.  His wife Alice appears in the 1851 census. Death Certificate states Thomas Thornber, aged 55, labourer, of Finsley Row, Habergham Eaves, died 4 Nov 1842 of consumption. The informant was Alice Thornber, present at the death, who made her mark.
  • + Alice Rigg, of Reedley Hollows, on 30 Mar 1807, at Burnley St. Peter's
    • 3.   Robert, bapt. 9 Aug 1807, Burnley St. Peter's, son of Thomas and Alice, fullen miller of Reedley Hollows, buried aged 17 on 17 June 1825 at St. Peter's.
    • 3.   Smith, born 13 July, bapt.8 Oct 1808, Burnley St. Peter's son of Thomas and Alice, fullen miller of Ightenhall park.  He is probably the one said to be of Lane Bridge, Habergham Eaves, buried St. Peter's, aged 29 on 29 March 1839, as no other Smith Thornber is known. Death record in GRO index for March quarter of 1839.
    • 3.   Alice, bapt. 30 Aug 1812, Burnley St. Peter's.  Alice, dau. of Thomas Thornber, boatman and Alice his wife, of Dancer House, was buried aged 1 on 11 May 1813 at Burnley St. Peters
    • 3.   William, bapt. 9 Apr 1815, Burnley St. Peter's, son of Thomas and Alice, fullen miller of Dancer House. William is shown in the 1851 census for Ramsbottom at Lower Nuttall, (HO 107/2212, folio 92, page 18). He was a (cotton) carder, aged 36, fitting with birth in about 1815, and was born in Burnley. His wife was 45 and born in Bury. The only child at home was Thomas, aged 2. Note the use of the name Robinson for one of the sons.
    • +    Sarah Whittaker (Her maiden name is known from the birth certificates of the following three children.).
      • 4.   Robinson, born 1 August 1840, at Nuttall, Holcombe in Bury Registration District. William was then a jobber. (BC). Robinson probably died in infancy as a death entry under this name has been found in the GRO index for 3rd quarter 1840 in Bury (Ref. 21 177)
      • 4.   Betty, born 22 September 1841, at Nuttall, Holcombe in Bury District, (BC). Possibly died in infancy as there is an entry for Betty in the GRO deaths index for 4th quarter 1841 in Bury (Ref. 21 175)
      • 4. Thomas, born 23 October 1847, at Nutall, Holcomber, in Bury District, (C51 & BC)
    • 3.   Thomas Thornber, infant of Dancer House was buried 19 Feb 1817 at St. Peter's Burnley and is probably part of this family from the address.
    • 3.   Grace, bapt. 22 Jan 1818, Burnley St. Peter's, dau. of Thomas and Alice, boatman of Habergham Eaves.  Grace Thornber of Lane Bridge, Habergham Eaves, infant, buried 17 Feb 1818 at Burnley St. Peter. (See Footnote 3.)
    • 3.   Sarah, bapt. 22 Jan 1818, Burnley St. Peter's (twins?) dau. of Thomas and Alice, boatman of Habergham Eaves.   Sarah Thornber, aged 30, of Finsley, Habergham Eaves, was buried at St. Peter's on 13 April 1848, and the GRO reference has been identified for Burnley (21 158)
    • 3.   Shackleton, bapt. 17 Sept 1820, Burnley St. Peter's, son of Thomas and Alice, labourer of Lane Bridge, Habergham Eaves.   Appears in the 1851, 1861 and 1881 Burnley census with wife Ann. However, Dennis Whitehead has found baptism records for Margaret and Thomas at Burnley on 8 September 1844 with father Shackleton and mother Hannah. There is a GRO index entry for Mackleton Thornber, presumably a mistranscription for Shackleton Thornber marrying in Burnley in the June quarter of 1844 (21 152). There is no other marriage of Shackleton before 1851 so Ann and Hannah are probably the same person.  Children's details from census.  Shackleton Thornber died 18 Jan. 1897 at Burnley aged 76, MI at St. Peter's.
    • +    Ann Lindley (Hannah from baptism record of Margaret and Thomas, Ann from census of 1851 and from birth certificate of William in 1847.) Ann, the wife of Shackleton Thornber, died 26 May 1891 aged 68, MI at St. Peter's.
      • 4.  Margaret, born 1843, baptised 8 September 1844.   Margaret Thornber, aged 25, daughter of Shackleton Thornber married Henry Wilkinson aged 26, son of Leonard Wilkinson on 21 May 1868 at Habergham Eaves (information from Dennis Whitehead)
      • 4.  Thomas, baptised 8 September 1844, died 1 Nov. 1853, said to be in 10th year of his age, i.e. 9 on monumental inscription at Burnley St. Peter's.
      • 4.   William Thornber, son of Shackelton Thornber, steam engineer, and Ann Thornber formerly Lindley, born 19 February 1847 at Lanebridge, Habergham Eaves. (Information from Ian Roberts.
      • 4.  Alice, born 1848 probably the Alice dau. of Shackleton who married Alfred William Ashworth, son of Thomas, at Habergham Eaves on 31 August 1870.
      • 4.  Sarah Ann, born 1850
      • 4.  John, born 1855, died 19 July 1913 aged 58, MI at St. Peter's, Burnley
      • 4.  William, born 1858, indicating that the first William had died
      • 4.  Arthur L, born 1864
    • 3.   Parker, bapt. 16 Mar 1823, Burnley St. Peter's, son of Thomas and Alice, labourer of Lane Bridge, Habergham Eaves.   Appears in the 1851, 1861 and 1881 Burnley census with his wife Mary.  Children's details from census returns.  In the GRO marriage index there is a single reference to Parker Thornber in the September quarter of 1849 at Burnley. Parker Thornber died at Burnley in 1890 aged 67.
    • +    Mary
      • 4.  Ellen, born 1851 (died in infancy? She is not in 1861 census)
      • 4.  Thomas, born 1852
      • 4.  George, born 1855
      • 4.  Alice, born 1857. Alice aged 34, dau. of Parker Thornber married William Thornton, aged 38, son of Richard Thornton at Habergham Eaves on 19 December 1891.
      • 4.  Mary Jane, born 1859
    • 3.   Margaret, born about 1827, known from 1841 census and from the 1851 census at Habergham Eaves, where she was living with her widowed mother, Alice, her younger brother Robinson and an infant called Rosanna.  Rosanna was Margaret's daughter, born 19 May 1850 (BC). A Margaret Thornber aged 28, spinster, of Thorney Bank, Habergham Eaves, daughter of Thomas Thornber, a quarrier, was married to Isaac Smith, bachelor and labourer, of Wood Top, Habergham Eaves, son of Richard Smith, pipe maker, on 10 April 1855 at Trinity Church, Habergham Eaves (MC).  The age for Margaret and the name of her father is a good indication that this is the correct person.
      • 4.   Rosanna Thornber born 19 May 1850, married Thomas Burrell 12 Nov 1870 at St. James Burnley (MC) and died in Colne on 27 April 1913, aged 62 (DC). (Certificates for Margaret and Rosanna obtained by Beth Merryweather in NZ.) Death Certificate indicates she was 62 and died at 3 Varley Street, Colne, wife of Thomas Burrell, formerly a Cotton Carder's Overlooker. Alfred Burrell, son, was present at the death and registered it on 28 April.
    • 3.   Robert?  There is possibly of a second son called Robert here after the death of the first Robert in 1825.  There is a burial entry for Robert Thornber of Lanebridge, Habergham Eaves, aged 2 on 8 August 1830, at Burnley St. Peter's.
    • 3.   Robinson bapt. 3 Jun 1832, Burnley St. Peter's, son of Thomas and Alice, labourer of Lane Bridge, Habergham Eaves.  He appears in the 1861 census as an engine driver at a cotton mill with his wife and two children.  In 1881 the five youngest were still at home.  Birth years estimated from census.  Robinson died 13th October 1899 at 56 Tentre Street, Burnley aged 67.  He was at the time of his death a Cotton Mill Engine Tenter and his son William Thornber of 21 Kirkgate Burnley reported the death. (from Death Cert. obtained by Malcolm Walker)
    • +    Nancy Cornforth of Colne at Trinity Church, Habergham Eaves on 16 October 1852. Robinson was then an Engine Driver aged 21, son of Thomas Thornber a Quarry Mason.  Nancy was a weaver aged 20 the daughter of John Cornforth a Twirler at a Cotton Mill (Marriage certificate obtained by Malcolm Walker). Nancy died in 1903, aged 70, in Burnley. The birth of a Robinson Thornber was registered at Burnley in the December quarter of 1852, Reference 8e 230; this may have been this couple's first child and died in infancy.
      • 4.   Mary Ann, born c. 1854 (died in infancy?)
      • 4.   Alice born c. 1857, died 14 April 1860, aged 3, at Trinity Street, Habergham Eaves, dau. of Robinson, and engine tenter. Informant was Nancy Thornber. (Death Cert.)
      • 4.   Robinson, 1859.  Appears in 1881 Burnley census, aged 22, an engineer with his wife Margaret aged 24. There is a GRO reference for a Robinson Thornber in the March quarter of 1859 with ref 8e 171)
      • 4.   Elizabeth, 1862
      • 4.   Sarah Emma, 1869
      • 4.   Martha, 1872
      • 4.   William, 1874
      • 4.   Rebecca, 1875, born Reedley Hallows, Burnley.
      • +    Robert Walker.  (The information on the children of Robert Walker was provided by Malcolm Walker)
        • 5.  Benjamin Robinson Walker, born 1893, died in infancy.
        • 5.  Mary Alice Walker, died in infancy.
        • 5.  Annie Walker, born 1895, Burnley and died 1905.
        • 5.  Wilfred Walker, born 1897, Burnley, killed in the Greath War on 9 Aug 1918, at Ypres.
        • 5.  Robinson Walker, born 1899, Burnley.
        • 5.  Clara Walker, born 1902, Burnley.
        • 5.  Elsie Walker, born 1904, Haslingden.
        • 5.  Samuel Walker, 1905, Haslingden (Malcolm Walker's father)
        • 5.  Ada, born 1911, Blackburn.
  • 2.  Betty, bapt. 25 Sept 1791, Burnley St. Peter's.  Betty d. of Robert & Grace Thornber of Burnley buried at Burnley St. Peter's on 22 Mar 1792.
  • 2.  William Thornberg son of Robert and Grace, bapt. 24 June 1793, Burnley St. Peter's.  Possibly the William buried at Burnley St. Peter's aged 57 on 26 March 1851, for whom a burial record has been found under the name of William Thornber in the GRO index for March quarter of 1851. (See footnote 4.)
  • 2.  Mally bapt. 28 June 1795, Burnley St. Peter's. Molly daughter of Robert & Grace Thornber of Filly Close buried at Burnley St. Peter's on 11 Aug 1796.
  • 2.  Shackleton, bapt. 15 Oct 1797, Burnley St. Peter's
  • +   Mearcy Smith on 19 May 1817 at St. Bartholomew's, Colne. There is a MI for Haggate & Hill Lane Baptist, Briercliffe mentioning
    Elizabeth, wife of William Thornber, July 17th 1862 aged 36 yrs and Mercy, wife of Shackleton Thornber, who died May 4th 1864, aged 74 yrs and
    William Thornber, died Feb 20th 1907 aged 81yrs. (Information from Dennis Whitehead see footnote 2.)
    • 3. Robert, born 1817-1821, C41
    • 3. Margaret, born 1817-1821, C41
    • 3. William, born 1822-1826, C41
  • 2.  Robert, bapt. 5 April 1801, Burnley St. Peter's, in C81 Burnley, aged 80, unmarried. See note 4.
  • 2.  Margaret, bapt. 7 Oct 1804, Burnley St. Peter's.  (She may be Margaret Thornber of Lane Bridge, Habergham Eaves, buried at St. Peter's on 24 June 1834 aged 29. However, there was also a Margaret Thornber, spinster who married William Procter, bachelor by banns at Burnley St. Peter's on 25 December 1834 in the presence of James Clough and George Smith.)

Footnote 1

Monumental Inscription at St. Peter's Burnley, abstracted from the transcription held at Burnley Library, which was produced by members of the Lancashire Family History and Heraldry Society.

In memory of Thomas son of Shackelton and Ann Thornber of Burnley who died 1 November 1853 in the 10th year of his age. The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away, Blessed be the name of the Lord. Also of Ann, the beloved wife of Shackelton Thornber who died 26 May 1891 in the 69th year of her age. Also the above named Shackleton Thornber who died 18 January 1897 in the 77th year of his age. Also of John Thornber, son of the above named, who died 19 July 1913 in the 59th year of his age.

Footnote 2.

The other occupants of this grave are as follows:

Martha wife of James ACKROYD, May 19 1886 aged 45 yrs
Ann Wife of William THORNBER, June 5 1886 age 53 yrs
James (above) ACKROYD, April 8, 1893 age 63 yrs all of Burnley

Martha Ann wife of John William ASCOUGH, of Burnley Sept 19 1904, age 37 yrs
William (above) THORNBER, Feb 20 1907, age 81 yrs (placing his birth about 1826)
Elizabeth wife of Jonas Halsted, Burnley Lane, Sep 17 1884 age 36 yrs.

The 1841 census shows a poorly legible record with the following information on film HO 107 506_21, Burnley ED 8, folio 19 page 30. Ages were generally rounded down to the nearest multiple of five at this census. If Mercy had independent means she was probably a widow. A doffer was usually a young person charged with changing bobbins or pirns on a spinning or winding machine.

The 1881 Census reveals a William Thornber of the right age, married to Ann, living in Marsden with the following family at 15 Healey Row Habergham Eaves, Lancashire. PRO Ref RG11 Piece 4150 Folio 18 Page 30

Footnote 3.

A Grace Thornber of Burnley Lane was buried at Burnley St. Peter's, aged 34 of Burnley Lane on 17 June 1855, putting her birth about 1821. She would have been about 20 in the 1841 census and may not have been living at home at the time. A further search of the census data of 1841 and 1851 may find her.

Footnote 4.

The 1841 Census for Burnley on HO 107/506/22 ED 11 Folio 30 page10 at Jenkin Street shows

Two marriage records for people called William Thornber are known for Burney St. Peter's before 1837 and from the information above it seems that we are dealing with first shown below.

William Thornber, mason, bachelor married Elizabeth x Austin, spinster, both of this chapelry at Burnley St. Peter's, by banns on 31 October 1831, in the presence of Thomas Austin & James Hey.

William x Thornber, cotton spinner, bachelor & Margaret x Coates, spinster, both of this chapelry at Burnley St. Peter's, by banns on 6 April 1835, in the presence of George Thompson & Mary x Stuttard.

The presence of Robert Thornber in the same household is circumstantial evidence that they are related. It is tempting to think that they are the William and Robert shown in the tree in generation 2 baptised in 1793 and 1801 respectively. The ages were rounded down in the 1841 census so according to this record William was born in the period 1797 to 1801 and Robert between 1807 and 1811. These are serious inconsistencies and it may be that evidence from the 1851 census would cast further light on their ages and places of birth.

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