York 1935 to 1955 Surname Atkinson (Mother in law cannot remember!!)

[audbr]

Can any body help? I am trying to trace when my mother-in- law’s grand parents died. The problem is she can’t remember.

The only thing she can remember is that they moved from Scarborough to York, probably around the period 1935 to 40. The only thing she is definite about is that during WW2 their house was bombed and they had to be dug out of the debris. (I am assuming that both were still alive at the time of the bombing)

Can any one advise as to whether many bombs were dropped on York during WW2 and are there any lists anywhere of the houses damaged due to bombing and the of names the occupants?

My mother-in law believes that they died in York possibly as late as 1955. Despite searching the death indexes I cannot find the registration of their deaths.

Can anyone give me any inspiration or am I missing the obvious?

Their names are:
John Thomas Atkinson born July 1864 (i.e 76 in 1940; 86 in 1950) occupation Carpenter and Joiner.
Florence Harriet Attkinson born March 1872 (i.e 68 in 1940; 78 in 1950).

Sorry it’s a bit vague.
Thanks for your help.
Regards
Brian

[Pinetree]

Brian,

York Cemetery website is quite useful and they offer all sorts of search services at fairly reasonable costs.

http://homepages.tesco.net/~hugh.murray/arc2.htm

A quick check shows they have 465 ATKINSONs 

My mother-in-law can remember bombs being dropped in York during the war but I don't know whether a list of areas exists.  She lived in the Clifton area of York at the time.

Pinetree

[audbr]

Pinetree,
Many thanks for the link I will definately follow it up.
Regards
Brian

[Pinetree]

Brian,

I've had another thought.  York library has a card index of surnames of people that appeared in the local paper.  There may be a reference to the bombing in there or possibly an obituary notice that would give a better indication of a possible date of death.

I don't know whether you are near to York but if not I could have a quick look for you sometime.

Let me know.

Pinetree

[audbr]

Pinetree,
Thanks for your reply.
I live on the Wirral between Chester and Birkenheadso with work chances to get to York Library are few and far between. I usually view York from the A64 bypass when I visit the in-laws at Scarcorough.
If you are going past the library sometime that would be a great help. At your convenience.
Regards
Brian

[Pinetree]

Brain,

I had a quick look for you today but the only reference to John Thomas ATKINSON didn't seem to fit too well with your other information but here it is anyway.

John Thomas ATKINSON died 11 Aug 1934 Aged 70
wife Mary Eleanor died 26 Mar 1964 aged 96
daughter Elizabeth Maud Mary died 16 May 1969 aged 76

interred at St. Stephen's, Acomb.

There was nothing under Florence.

Pinetree

[audbr]

PineTree,
Well it was worth a try many thanks. My mother in law is adamant they died in York, but having looked at the death indexes. I am not so sure. I wonder whether they moved to live with one of their daughters perhaps at somewhere like Leeds. But how do I prove that fact? It is far easier in the 1800s when one can look at the census returns.
Thanks opnce again for your help.
Regards
Brian

[Pinetree]

Brain,

I really thought I was on to something with this John Thomas ATKINSON as he was obviously born at the same time as yours but sadly not 

I did check all J and John ATKINSONs and F ATKINSONs too.

Maybe the Cemetery records might help.

Good luck and if there is anything else I can do to help please let me know.

Pinetree

[audbr]

Pinetree,
Many thanks for all your help.
I have sent an e-mail to York Cemetery from the link you sent me, but as yet I have not received a reply.

I believe I need to relook at the death indexes perhaps for a wider time period and for a wider area than just York.
Regards
Brian