Sykes Family - Higham Ferrers/Rushden

[KEOS]

Hi

I've been doing a bit of research into the Sykes branch of my family tree and so far I've traced them back to Higham Ferrers/Rushden, Northamptonshire, in the mid/late 1700s. I'd love to trace them back even further if possible.

The earliest Sykes' I've been able to trace are John and Fanny Sykes (perhaps nee Fisher though not sure of this). I don't have a birth date for either of them but I have found a record of a John Sykes being buried in Rushden in 1796. However, I know there was another John Sykes (married to a Francis Sykes) in the village at a similar time so the burial may have been his.

I found a marriage between a John Sykes/Sikes and Fanny Fisher in Bromham, Bedfordshire in 1773.  I also have baptism and burial records of a number of their children in Rushden.
Alice Sykes - ?-1784
Fanny Sykes - 1780-1784
Sarah Sykes - 1782-1853
Fanny Sykes - 1784-1791
Thomas Sykes - 1784-1784
Betse Sykes - 1786-1791
Abraham Sykes - 1787-1787
Hannah Sykes - 1788-?
Thomas Sykes - 1791-1872 (my ancestor)

Is anyone able to trace back John Sykes' line any further? I know I'm pushing my luck a bit here since records start getting a bit hazy this far back, but I thought I'd ask just in case anyone can help me! 

Thanks!

[Victor Harvey]

Hi,
Welcome to RootsChat.
Source: Northamptonshire Family History Society
St Mary the Virgin, Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire, Burials:-
13/01/1775, SYKES, Sarah
13/01/1775, SYKES, Thomas
25/07/1777, SYKES, Eliz
03/06/1781, SYKES, Ann
19/05/1784, SYKES, Alice
27/09/1784, SYKES, Thomas
01/06/1785, SYKES, Thomas
26/06/1787, SYKES, Abraham
13/03/1791, SYKES, Betsey
19/03/1791, SYKES, Fanny
01/07/1796, SYKES, John

Thomas SYKES was buried at St Mary, Rushden, Northamptonshire, 15th December 1872, aged 79

Hope that helps.
Victor

[KEOS]

Hi Victor,

Thanks for your help! I believe the top four names on your list are the children of John and Francis Sykes who lived in the village at the same time as my relatives John and Fanny Sykes. I'm not sure if I'm related to John and Francis in some way but considering how small the village was I'm sure there must be some connection! Unfortunately I don't know how I could find that out. I'm also interested in finding out who the parents of John Sykes (the one married to Fanny) were. Did you come across any records on that?

Thanks again

[Victor Harvey]

Hi,
Sorry, but I only have burial data on a CD. Good hunting!
Victor

[iluleah]

Thomas Sykes - 1791-1872 who Married Martha Knowles 11 June 1812 St Mary the Virgin Higham Ferrers Northamps?

Parents:
John Sykes (1752-1796) m Frances ? ( 1742-1826)

Potential Grandparents
John Sykes m Elizabeth ?

Potential Great Grandparents
Philip Sykes m Mary Bayes

[KEOS]

Hi iluleah,

Yes that the right Thomas Sykes, married to Martha Knowles. When I looked on the Rushden St Mary the Virgin Parish Records I had his parents as John and Fanny Sykes. Did you find a link to Frances instead? Or could they be the same person with the name shortened?

That's great that you found a link to some potential grandparents and great-grandparents! I had come across a Phillip Sykes from Nether Dean (Bedfordshire) who married Mary Bayes in Rushden in 1723, but I wasn't sure how to connect him to John Sykes. But your John Sykes Snr and Elizabeth could be the link. I also found a record of a Mary Sykes (widow) being buried in 1740 so I thought she might be Mary Bayes.

[iluleah]

Hi iluleah,

Yes that the right Thomas Sykes, married to Martha Knowles. When I looked on the Rushden St Mary the Virgin Parish Records I had his parents as John and Fanny Sykes. Did you find a link to Frances instead? Or could they be the same person with the name shortened?

That's great that you found a link to some potential grandparents and great-grandparents! I had come across a Phillip Sykes from Nether Dean (Bedfordshire) who married Mary Bayes in Rushden in 1723, but I wasn't sure how to connect him to John Sykes. But your John Sykes Snr and Elizabeth could be the link. I also found a record of a Mary Sykes (widow) being buried in 1740 so I thought she might be Mary Bayes.

I think Frances / Fanny ( and John ) are one of the same, unless you have found records that show two separate couples living at the same time?

John bap 31 Mar 1752 St Peters Street United Brethern / Moravian,Bedford
..so marriage in 1773
1st child Mary born 1774
2nd/3rd  twins Thomas and Sarah, born 1775, died 2 days old

another set of twins 10th/11th Thomas and Fanny born 1784 makes me think fanny/ Frances & John are the same couple
If so........ Your Thomas is child 16th

Also on some of the children's baptisms it says Fanny and on their burial Frances or the other way around

[KEOS]

16th child! That's incredible! Thanks for your help iluleah, I really appreciate it

[iluleah]

10 potentially 11 died in childhood.

Which of Thomas's and Martha's children is your line?