Thornes Jessop in Hunslet, Leeds

[abenne]

Dear Libby9 and Jane,

I can't even begin to thank you.  As you can tell, I have no clue how to navigate the British side of this search!  I've had lots of success with tracing my Bennett heritage in the States.  Although that side had fascinating, mind blowing things going on, half of my southern family moved north because they were mixed race and could "pass" as white, I think that the England side was filled with lots of heartache and toiled in difficult factory jobs.  I would love any recommendations for books about the Leeds area in the 1800s and early 1900s.

I think I told you that I am American, but am married to a man from near Bath, England?  I am bringing the kids to see their grandparents at Easter.  I would love to head North without kids.  As a newby at this, my gut instinct is to go to Leeds to poke around.  Would I be able to find records there that I can't get online?  (I know I have bombarded you with questions, please don't feel obligated to answer!!!!!)

Once again, you have made my day!  I can't wait to send this to my family.  Thanks.

Kind regards,
Amy

[libby9]

Hi Amy,

I will try and answer your questions later, I'm a bit distracted just now.  Meanwhile you may find this site of interest, there's lots of photos of old Leeds.

http://www.leodis.net/

[libby9]

Elsie Bennett aged 19, and Donald Bennett 7mnths, arrived in Liverpool 24th Jul 1916 on the ship Philadelphia from New York.

[libby9]

Arrived New York 17th Oct 1916 from Liverpool on the 'Orduna'

Donald Bennett 10mths
Elsie Bennett 19yrs 7mths, married, (husband born Savannah Georgia 30th Sept 1894)
Address in US - 353 Tompkins Ave, Brooklyn.

[libby9]

The below is possibly Arthur's marriage.

Arthur P Thornes/Nellie Rushworth, Apr-May-Jun 1930, Leeds South. 9b/1083

[libby9]

Suggestions for books.  http://www.leodis.net/discovery/discovery.asp?page=20031110_71880520&topic=2003128_484676540

And links here to some of the city's history.  http://www.leodis.net/discovery/default.asp?page=sitemap

[libby9]

I would love to head North without kids.  As a newby at this, my gut instinct is to go to Leeds to poke around.  Would I be able to find records there that I can't get online?

Amy, if you do decide to visit Leeds you'll find the family history library within Leeds City Library has a lot of good resources, they have parish registers, electoral rolls, index to wills, old maps, old photos and much more.  The staff are helpful and will point you toward resources relevant to your search.  If you find a will of interest in the index there's an office in the city centre where they can be ordered and paid for, (library staff will give you directions).  http://www.mylearning.org/museums/leeds-library-and-information-service/

Also in Leeds........... http://www.yas.org.uk/content/claremont.html

[abenne]

From the bottom of my heart, I would like to thank Jane and Libby9.  You have helped me immensely.  I am getting my ducks in a row and will start my search at the Leeds Library when I get to England. And, no questions in this post! 

[MalcolmH]

Amy
  You would probably find it of interest to look at the Leodis website , which has thousands of pictures of old Leeds.  It may include some of the areas suggested by the addresses given in the earlier replies to your message.
 Good Luck !
Malcolm H