Hi everyone and a very happy new year to you all
Paul, the answers to your questions are:
My Crowther ancestors are clearly the same as yours, at least from George (1827-1894) back. George is my great, great grandfather. I'm assuming from your knowledge of Euphemia and Maggie MacKenzie that your ancestor is probably Harry, William and Maggie's youngest son (born 1902). I'm guessing that's your grandfather; am I right?
So, you probably know that William and Maggie lived on Bridge Road, Headingley in 1891 when my grandad, John (born 1885, presumably to William and Hannah Enoch) was 6 years old. In 1901 they lived in Weaver's Square, East Leeds.
My Dad, Ron, John's youngest son, remembers living on Fawcett St as a child (he was born in 1929) and just yesterday as I was sharing this stuff with him, he remembered going to St.Saviours school which he reckons was just around the corner from Fawcett St.
My grandparents John and Emma (Wilcock) moved to the Wykebecks, a large council estate to the north of Leeds and lived on Wykebeck Avenue when my Dad was a boy. They still lived on Wykebeck Avenue (in a different house) when I was young and I well remember visting them there, pretty much every Sunday. I note that Euphemia (my grandad's half sister) also lived on the Wykebeck's with her hubby, George Mark. My Mum and Dad both remember Aunt Famy well as a lovely natured lady. Dad reckons she inherited Maggie's large stature. Just yesterday he told me a story told to him by his Dad that someone came to their home (William and Maggie's) looking for one of the boys and, for whatever reason, Maggie saw him off with a smart right hook!
John had a bit of a reputation for bareknuckle fighting and also spoke of looking out for his youngest brother (half-brother) Harry. From your earlier story Paul, it rather looks like he picked up some tips from John. (I reckon I've answered my earlier question Paul - this must be your grandad.)
Don't know how well you know Leeds Paul, but the Wykebeck's were quite close (within a couple of miles) to Temple Newsam house and estate. We made regular family visits up there for picnics when I was small. I should add that I'm 56, born in 1953 so my early memories are from the 50s. We didn't have a car until I was around 10 so we walked a lot or used public transport including Leeds' famous trams. I have many happy memories or riding on them and switching the hinged wooden seat backs when they changed direction at the terminus.
After I was born we lived on Spencer Place (which later in the 60s and 70s became the centre of Leeds red light district) and after that on Roxholme Avenue, just the other side of Potternewton Park. I went to Roundhay School, the grammer school on the edge of Roundhay Park. After marrying I lived in Woodlesford, SE of Leeds, then Denby Dale, nr Huddersfield and now Hayfield, Derbyshire. My Mum & Dad moved out to Wetherby.
I'm not sure of the Wykebeck estate's still there. I'm guessing not. When the weather improves (we're deep in snow at the moment, here at my home in the Peak District) I must get on my motorbike and take a trip to some of the places I remember in Leeds.
Ben, found a link re that Showman's engine. Evidently Crowther & Johnsons (of Sheffield) bought it new from Burrell's, the makers, but it was repossessed by Burrell's after 2 years cos our illustrious ancestors couldn't keep up the payments. It cost £2500 new; a lot of brass in them days eh?
I wonder if you guys, Paul and Ben, might consider letting me have your email addresses? I can't fathom out private messaging on this site.
Mine is
geoff.kmrt@btinternet.com and I'd really like to be able to contact you directly since we're clearly related.
Finally, attached is a good photo of John Crowther, my grandad. I also have a couple of Euphemia, found on the internet. Let me know if you've not seen them.
I look forward to hearing from you both, (and any other relatives viewing here).
Take care and best wishes.
Geoff