Sorry everyone, I didn't mean to be rude but a storm took out my computer! Back to catching up now.
Thanks for all those replies.
These are the details for John Wilkinson Barker I have so far.
1881 census then aged 26 - a few which 'could' be John W., one in Skipton, another with a mother 'Margaret' I have ruled out. Impossible to prove.
1871 census - then aged 16 - unable to find. His father Abel had remarried and is living in Town St. Armley with new wife Martha and her two children. His sister Mary is living with John Wilkinson also in Town St. Armley.
1861 census - then aged 6 -living inFar Fold with father Abel, Mother Ellen, sister Mary.
John was born 29 Sept 1855, Bramley, Wortley, father Abel Barker, Mother Ellen (Wilkinson).
On his death certificate, which should show how long he had been in Australia - blank! He would never talk of his early years in Australia.
He married in 1900 in Charters Towers, Sarah Binns. I have found Mining Leases in the name of John Barker, presumably his as his occupation on his marriage certificate is 'cyanider'.
Thanks again for all those replies. Hope this helps. Really appreciate your interest.
Cheers, Del