Kirkby of Harthill: help and input welcome

[Val-ellie]

Hi John, First time I've used this so I hope it works.   Elizabeth Mellars was  also my great grandmother.  My grandmother who died before I was born was Henrietta Battersby (nee Mellars) - the Mrs Battersby shown in the mourners and of course sister to "Aunt Sally" your grandmother. My Mum Mary is still alive believe it or not and will be 105 in April. I think you may be Jack's son.   I knew your Aunt Kit and Aunt Min very well.  I don't think I have much information you don't have but do have the obituary cutting for  Elizabeth Mellars and photographs of her if you are interested. Val

[Hilary Ashley]

Hi my name is Hilary Ashley. My Grandfather was Henry Kirkby (1893 - 1977) who was born in Harthill, his Father was Mark Kirkby and his mother was Sarah. I know he had two brother's Harry and Mark, and two sisters Lily and Mary. They started Kirkby & Son's the coach builders who had a garage in Harthill. Later I think around the 1970's Harold Brady (cousin to my grandfather) took the garage in South Anston and my Uncle, Kenneth Kirkby, went to work for him. Do you know if Mark was related to the list of Kirkby's that you have? This is my first posting so hope it works!

[Val-ellie]

Hi My name is Val, I did the post above in response to John asking about Elizabeth Mellars but haven't heard anything since (but his post was 2006!)  I don't recognise the names you mention But my Great  Grandmother was born Elizabeth Kirkby and yes she was from Harthill.   My Mum died last year at 105 - she was Mary Locking (nee Battersby). Her Mum was Henrietta Battersby (nee Mellars) and her Mum was Elizabeth Mellars (nee Kirkby).   I was brought up at Aston and I remember the Kirkby coaches just a few miles up the road at Anston and my Mum saying we were related to them.   This was as far back as the 1950s.  I also remember my Mum mentioning Anne Kirkby who would be her Gt. Aunt. I am not at home at the moment so don't have exact dates with me but  Elizabeth Mellars (Kirkby) was born 1839 and I think died at about 90 yrs of age.   She is buried in Aston Cemetery.   I will also check as I believe I have a photo of her Mother ("Granny Kirkby" - who would be my Mums Gt. Grandmother).   Hope this is of interest.  Kind wishes Val.   P.s. I am new to this as well!!!

[Hilary Ashley]

Hi Val, thanks for your reply. I'm sure the families must be related somewhere as it was such a close community in those days. I'm off to Scotland for a week tomorrow so I haven't had time to do any more research, but when I get home I'll see if I can get any further back. I also have my cousin on the case now as she lives in Thurcroft, rather closer than myself in Bedford! I'll keep you posted if I find anything.