My great grandmother, Dorothy Roxby (nee Wilkinson) was a regular contributor to her local newspapers, commenting on her early life in Northumberland and relating information on her forebears.
She was born in Netherwitton, Northumberland in 1858. Her father was John Wilkinson and mother Dorothy Aynsley b.1821. Dorothy Aynsley was the daughter of William Aynsley and Sarah Jeffrey ( who my GGM refers to as ‘Grannie’).
There are various family trees that are well researched for the Wilkinsons and Aynsleys. However whilst Sarah Jeffrey (b.1797 Felton, m.1820 Long Horsley, d. 1872) is included there is no information regarding her origins. The only pointer is that her mother was ‘Jane’.
My GGM writes that her Grannie, Sarah, told her that HER Grandmother’s ‘name was Dorothy Henderson of Chatton Hall. She ran away and married the joiner on the estate whose name was Jeffrey’.
I question 'Chatton Hall' for timing; could Hetton Hall be a candidate?
I’ve been unable to substantiate Sarah’s parentage and would appreciate any suggestions.