Person Page - 16

     Edwin Douglas Birks was born on 3 December 1914 in Elm Grove, Hartlepool, Durham, England.^3,4 He was the son of Hugh Hallifield Birks and Emily Douglas Lamb. The first part of Edwin's working life was as a manager of the Whitby Street branch of Birks Brothers who were grocers in Hartlepool. Later he worked for Amos Hinton in Middlesborough and finally as a hospital gardener in Guisborough. He lived in Hartlepool 1914-1960, Guisborough 1961-81, Reeth 1981-87 and Morpeth until his death.⁴ In the census of 19 June 1921 in 2 Elm Grove, West Hartlepool, Durham, England, he was listed as the son of Hugh Hallifield Birks.⁵ He married Norma Hall, daughter of Shafto Robson and Myra Lilly Moore, on 12 June 1953 in Hartlepool, Durham, England, Wedding arrangements had to be changed at the last minute when Edwin's mother refused to be at the wedding if Aunts from the Birks side of the family were present. The old Birks/Lamb rift was still alive and well. Edwin was Norma's second husband and there were no children from this marriage.^6,2,4,7 He died on 20 January 2006 in Ashington General Hospital, Ashington, Northumberland, England, aged 91 Edwin was living at Morpeth, Northumberland.^4,8

     Norma Robson was born on 6 September 1916 in Guisborough, Yorkshire, England.^2,3,4 She was the daughter of Shafto Robson and Myra Lilly Moore.² Norma and Dorothy went to school at Westgate Private School, and later to Henry Smith School in Hartlepool.² On 29 September 1939 in the National Register Norma Robson was listed as living at Nuhome, Brougham Street, Hartlepool, Durham, England, with her parents Norma was a chemists assistant.⁵ She married Joseph Hall in 1942 This was Norma's first marriage and took place just a few months before her sister Dorothy was tragically killed. Joseph was an RAF Officer.^1,2 Norma and Joseph were divorced in 1947.² She married Edwin Douglas Birks, son of Hugh Hallifield Birks and Emily Douglas Lamb, on 12 June 1953 in Hartlepool, Durham, England, Wedding arrangements had to be changed at the last minute when Edwin's mother refused to be at the wedding if Aunts from the Birks side of the family were present. The old Birks/Lamb rift was still alive and well. Edwin was Norma's second husband and there were no children from this marriage.^4,1,2,6 Norma died on 11 March 2015 aged 98.⁴

     Hugh Reginald Birks was born on 26 August 1917 in 2 Elm Grove, West Hartlepool, Durham, England, he weighed 11lbs at birth.^4,5,6 He was the son of Hugh Hallifield Birks and Emily Douglas Lamb. In the census of 19 June 1921 in 2 Elm Grove, West Hartlepool, Durham, England, he was listed as the son of Hugh Hallifield Birks.⁷ He married Catherine Vansteenwinckel, daughter of Louis Vansteenwinckel and Teresa McKenna, on 20 August 1945 in St Mary's the Virgin, Arkengarthdale, Richmond, Yorkshire, England.^1,8 Hugh and Catherine emigrated on 5 June 1951 from Liverpool, Lancashire, England, to Quebec,Canada aboard the Empress of Scotland. Hugh, Catherine and their sons Peter and Stephen travelled together.¹ He was an engineer on Toronto airport. Hugh and Catherine invited friends, neighbours and relatives to their "open" house over the weekend of their diamond wedding anniversary. Over 100 people turned up over the period and I understand a great time was had by all.¹ Hugh died on 25 September 2016 in Bramalea, Ontario, Canada, aged 99 Hugh had developed Shingles (on his face) starting 1 September and had recovered but the toll was simply to too great.⁶ Hugh was buried in Meadowvale Cemetery, 7732 Mavis Road, Brampton, Ontario, Canada.⁶

     Catherine Vansteenwinckel was born on 11 May 1921 in Grace Hospital, Ancoats, Manchester, Lancashire, England.^2,3 She was the daughter of Louis Vansteenwinckel and Teresa McKenna. In the census of 19 June 1921 in 155 Every Street, Ancoat, Manchester, Lancashire, England, siblings Winifred, Louis and Catherine were living with their parents in their Aunt Emily Kair's house.⁴ On 29 September 1939 in the National Register Catherine Vansteenwinckel was listed as living at 17 Hampden Street, Manchester, Lancashire, England, with her parents.⁵ Catherine was a land girl at Holker Hall during WW11.²
She married Hugh Reginald Birks, son of Hugh Hallifield Birks and Emily Douglas Lamb, on 20 August 1945 in St Mary's the Virgin, Arkengarthdale, Richmond, Yorkshire, England.^2,6 Catherine and Hugh emigrated on 5 June 1951 from Liverpool, Lancashire, England, to Quebec,Canada aboard the Empress of Scotland. Hugh, Catherine and their sons Peter and Stephen travelled together.² Hugh and Catherine invited friends, neighbours and relatives to their "open" house over the weekend of their diamond wedding anniversary. Over 100 people turned up over the period and I understand a great time was had by all.² Her husband Hugh died on 25 September 2016 in Bramalea, Ontario, Canada, aged 99 Hugh had developed Shingles (on his face) starting 1 September and had recovered but the toll was simply to too great.⁷ Catherine died at home as she wished on 1 November 2016 in 45 Ascot Avenue, Bramalea, Ontario, Canada, aged 95 just five weeks after her husband Hugh.⁷ Catherine was buried in Meadowvale Cemetery, 7732 Mavis Road, Brampton, Ontario, Canada.⁷

     George Lamb Birks was born on 18 January 1921 in Hartlepool, Durham, England.^3,4 He was the son of Hugh Hallifield Birks and Emily Douglas Lamb. In the census of 19 June 1921 in 2 Elm Grove, West Hartlepool, Durham, England, he was listed as the son of Hugh Hallifield Birks.⁵ George started work in the Midland bank when he was 17 years of age.⁶ George joined the Territorial Army in May 1939, he said his time in the army was a disaster, as he was declared to be irresponsible.⁶ After demob he rejoined the Midland bank and rose through the ranks to end up as the Bank Manager.⁶ He married Jean Elliot in May 1948 in Leeds, Yorkshire, England.^1,7 Sadly Jean went into a nursing home but George visited her daily.³ A wonderful photograph of George on his 90th birthday.⁸ At the family reunion in the Grand Hotel, 100 years after his parents marriage George told the story that he wore his father's wedding ring on his little finger. It had been given to him by his mother who had worn it until shortly before her death. It is promised to his son Richard upon his death. Barbara his daughter in law wears his mother's wedding ring.⁶ His wife Jean died on 16 September 2011 in The Terrace Care Nursing Home, Richmond, Yorkshire, England, quietly in her sleep.^8,9 George died on 15 March 2014 in The Rigg, Arkengarthdale, Yorkshire, England, aged 93.^10,11 George was buried on 24 March 2014 in St Mary's Church, Arkengarthdale, Yorkshire, England.^10,11

After George’s death in 2014 , it was learned that he had in fact another son, Stewart Hodgson, born 26 May, 1946. George had kept him secret all those years, even from his wife Jean. Stewart only learned who his father was , when his mother, Myrtle, on her deathbed in 1993, directed him to a letter she had left for him, explaining all. Myrtle’s letter told Stewart who George was, and where he lived. Subsequently, Stewart contacted George who confirmed the story, and they were in contact, secretly, for the next 21 years. Stewart lived only 50 miles from George. Stewart never met his half-brother Richard, although they had some contact, and his half-sister Judy never learned of his existence.¹⁰

     Jean Elliot was born in 1925.² She married George Lamb Birks, son of Hugh Hallifield Birks and Emily Douglas Lamb, in May 1948 in Leeds, Yorkshire, England.^1,3 Sadly Jean went into a nursing home but George visited her daily.⁴ A wonderful photograph of George on his 90th birthday.⁵ Jean died on 16 September 2011 in The Terrace Care Nursing Home, Richmond, Yorkshire, England, quietly in her sleep.^5,6 Jean was buried on 26 September 2011 in St Mary's Church, Arkengarthdale, Yorkshire, England, at 1:30pm.⁶

     Rebecca Jane Rowell was born on 6 December 1981 in Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland.^1,2,3 She was the daughter of John Robert Rowell and Penelope Mary Lamb. Becky was a construction lawyer.³

     Charles Edward Smith was born in 1856 in Cowesby, Yorkshire, England.^1,2 He was the son of Charles Smith and Sarah Ainsworth. In the census of 7 April 1861 in 56 South North Codsell Road, York, Yorkshire, England, he was listed as the son of Charles Smith.³ In the census of 2 April 1871 in Normanby Hotel, 36 Mainsforth Terrace, Stranton, West Hartlepool, Durham, England, he was listed as the son of Charles Smith Charles was a scholar.⁴ He married Elizabeth Leng, daughter of Stephen Leng and Mary Ann Colling, in 1881 in Hartlepool, Durham, England.⁵ He was a marine engineer in 1884. Charles was listed as the head of the family on the census of 5 April 1891 in 89 Scarbro Street, Stranton, West Hartlepool, Durham, England, Charles was a Superintendant Marine Engineer living with his wife and two younger children, his daughter Sarah was with her grandparents.⁶ Charles was listed as head of household in the census of 31 March 1901 in Cowesby, 48 Clifton Avenue, Hartlepool, Durham, England, Charles was a shipowner living with his wife and two of his children.⁷ The will of Sarah Laking was proved on 27 January 1903 in London to her children Charles Edward Smith and William Abbey Smith shipowners and Jane Ellen Mitchell. Her effects were valued at £3435 14s 6d.⁸ Charles was listed as head of household in the census of 2 April 1911 in Cowesby, 48 Clifton Avenue, Hartlepool, Durham, England, Charles was a Consulting Marine Engineer and Ship Marine Surveyor living with his wife and daughter in their nine roomed home. They had a servant called Isabel Harrison aged 19.⁹ Charles died in 1930 in Hartlepool, Durham, England.¹⁰

     Elizabeth Leng was born in 1856 in Stockton on Tees, Durham, England.¹ She was the daughter of Stephen Leng and Mary Ann Colling.² She married Charles Edward Smith, son of Charles Smith and Sarah Ainsworth, in 1881 in Hartlepool, Durham, England.³ In the census of 5 April 1891 in 89 Scarbro Street, Stranton, West Hartlepool, Durham, England, she was listed as the wife of Charles Edward Smith.⁴ In the census of 31 March 1901 in Cowesby, 48 Clifton Avenue, Hartlepool, Durham, England, she was listed as the wife of Charles Edward Smith.⁵ Ellen, Georgina and Elizabeth together with Mrs Hull, and Mrs Pringle were involved in a serious driving accident on 8 July 1905 when they were thrown from their brake being driven in the direction of West Hartlepool when the horse shied and upset the vehicle. Mrs Hull, Mrs Pringle and Ellen were rather badly hurt and were sent home in a cab after receiving medical attention. Elizabeth and Georgina escaped with a shaking. The driver and the horse were unhurt.^6,7 In the census of 2 April 1911 in Cowesby, 48 Clifton Avenue, Hartlepool, Durham, England, she was listed as the wife of Charles Edward Smith.⁸ Her husband Charles died on 1930 in Hartlepool, Durham, England.⁹ Elizabeth died in 1959 in Hartlepool, Durham, England.¹⁰

     Charles Frederick Smith was born on 4 February 1884 in 23 Bertha Street, Hartlepool, Durham, England.^1,2 He was the son of Charles Edward Smith and Elizabeth Leng. In the census of 5 April 1891 in 89 Scarbro Street, Stranton, West Hartlepool, Durham, England, he was listed as the son of Charles Edward Smith.³ In the census of 31 March 1901 in Cowesby, 48 Clifton Avenue, Hartlepool, Durham, England, he was listed as the son of Charles Edward Smith Charles was an apprentice marine engineer.⁴ Charles died in 1967 in Hartlepool, Durham, England.^1,5

     Anne Smith was born on 25 January 1886 in Hartlepool, Durham, England.^1,2 She was the daughter of Charles Edward Smith and Elizabeth Leng. In the census of 5 April 1891 in 89 Scarbro Street, Stranton, West Hartlepool, Durham, England, she was listed as the daughter of Charles Edward Smith.³ In the census of 31 March 1901 in Cowesby, 48 Clifton Avenue, Hartlepool, Durham, England, she was listed as the daughter of Charles Edward Smith.⁴ She married James Edward Sellex in 1911 in Hartlepool, Durham, England.⁵ In the census of 2 April 1911 in Cowesby, 48 Clifton Avenue, Hartlepool, Durham, England, she was listed as the daughter of Charles Edward Smith.⁶ Her husband James died on 1957 in Hartlepool, Durham, England.⁷ Anne died in 1981 in Cleveland, Yorkshire, England.⁸

     Jessie Edith Noyes was born on 6 August 1904 in Hambledon, Surrey, England.^1,2 She married Henry Charles Mitchell, son of Thomas Mitchell and Emily Raggett, in 1928 in Hambledon, Surrey, England.³ On 29 September 1939 in the National Register Jessie was listed as living at Southbourne, Dorking Road, Chilworth, Surrey, England, with her husband Henry. With their son Kenneth and a boy called Peter Lambird.⁴ Her husband Henry died on 25 March 1972 in Surrey, England, aged 72.⁵ Jess and her son Ken went ona visit in August 1972 to Northallerton, Yorkshire for a few days and sent a post card to her bridsemaids parents who were living in Goseden Cottages, Gosden Common Bramley in Surrey.⁶ Jessie died in 1993 in Surrey, England.⁷

     Anne Sellex was born on 24 October 1912 in Tynemouth, Durham, England.^2,3 She was the daughter of James Edward Sellex and Anne Smith. Anne died on 24 January 2005 in Clifton House, Hartlepool, Durham, England, aged 92.^4,5 Peggy's death was given in the Daily Telegraph paper under announcements on 26 January 2005. Inquiries were suggested to be made to Mason and Gerald Martin Funeral Directors on 01429 862021.⁶ Her body was cremated on 8 February 2005 in Stranton Grange Crematorium, Stranton, West Hartlepool, Durham, England.²

     Charles Smith was born about 1831 in Margate, Kent, England.¹ In the census of 30 March 1851 atHungate, York, Yorkshire, England, he was listed as the brother in law of Zachariah Waite. The household consisted of Zachariah a tinner and iron monger, his wife Mary, their children Dinah and Rachael and Charles who was working as a footman.² He married Sarah Ainsworth in 1854 in Harrogate, Yorkshire, England.^1,3 Charles was listed as the head of the family on the census of 7 April 1861 in 56 South North Codsell Road, York, Yorkshire, England, Charles was a butler living with his wife and three children.⁴ Charles was listed as head of household in the census of 2 April 1871 in Normanby Hotel, 36 Mainsforth Terrace, Stranton, West Hartlepool, Durham, England, Charles was a hotel keeper living with his wife and children with a domestic housemaid.⁵ Charles died in 1871 in Hartlepool, Durham, England.⁶

     William Abbey Smith was born in 1863 in Low Moor, Yorkshire, England.^1,2 He was the son of Charles Smith and Sarah Ainsworth. In the census of 2 April 1871 in Normanby Hotel, 36 Mainsforth Terrace, Stranton, West Hartlepool, Durham, England, he was listed as the son of Charles Smith William was a scholar.³ In the census of 3 April 1881 in Normanby Hotel, 36 Mainsforth Terrace, Stranton, West Hartlepool, Durham, England, he was listed as the son of George Laking.⁴ William is mentioned as brother of Charles Edward Smith page 80 Yesterday once more by George Colley. He was an insurance broker in 1901. The will of Sarah Laking was proved on 27 January 1903 in London to her children Charles Edward Smith and William Abbey Smith shipowners and Jane Ellen Mitchell. Her effects were valued at £3435 14s 6d.⁵

     Harry Buckner was a chemist.

     James Dakers was born about 1834 in Hetton le Hole, Durham, England.¹ He was the son of James Dakers and Alice Tulip.¹ In the census of 6 June 1841 in Nova Scotia, Harraton, Durham, England, he was listed as the son of Alice Dakers.² In the census of 30 March 1851 at Hetton le Hole, Durham, England, he was listed as the son of James Dakers James was a coalminer overseer helper.³ In the census of 7 April 1861 in Lyons house, Hetton le Hole, Durham, England, he was listed as the son of James Dakers James was a colliery agent.⁴ He married Margaret Loudon in 1865 in Houghton, Durham, England.⁵ James was listed as the head of the family on the census of 3 April 1881 in South Side, Lyon House, Hetton le Hole, Durham, England, James was a collier surveyor.⁶ James was listed as the head of the family of on the census of 5 April 1891 in Lyons House, Hetton le Hole, Durham, England, James was a mining surveyor living with his wife and son.⁷ James was listed as head of household in the census of 31 March 1901 in Lyons Colliery, Hetton le Hole, Durham, England, James was a colliery worker.⁸ James died in 1906 in Houghton, Durham, England.⁹