Circus connections-GIBSON/CORRIGAN

[jillruss]

EDWARD GIBSON and his son ROBERT ARTHUR GIBSON were - according to family stories - involved with a circus ( possibly Randall Williams circus) and with Hull Fair, around the end of 1800's and start of 1900's. Edward was born in Liversedge in 1854 and was a ringmaster - Robert was born in Dewsbury in 1892 and was a clown and bareback rider. The family ended up in Hull. Trouble is, I can't prove any of this! I've tried the 'galloper' website with no luck. There is also a connection with the CORRIGAN fairground family - I think it's likely that Edward's brother John married a Corrigan. I know it's a long shot , but has anyone any ideas where else I can look? Or, are there any Corrigans out there who might be able to throw a little light on the subject?
Thanks, Jill.

[JillJ]

Hi Jill,

I believe the Corrigan fairground family diversified into Amusement Arcades of which there are still several in the Bridlington/Scarborough areas at least.   Have you tried to contact them?   Going back about 40 years I believe Jimmy Corrigan was the head of the company.

Jill

[genjunction]

When I used to work for a catering wholesaler one of our customers was the Corrigans, we delivered to Batley, I believe.

Also from memory, the Corrigan family owned The Batley Variety Club, now the Frontier.  The Batley Variety Club being one of the up and coming clubs of the time, along with the Wakefield Theatre Club and the Fiesta Club in Sheffield.  I seem to think that these clubs were only in the North of England.  These clubs used to attract the great stars of the time.

Carol
www.wakefieldfhs.org.uk
Wakefield Family History Sharing

[coffeyc1]

This will help you. The book is still available and James (Jimmy) did own the Batley Variety Club and has still relations running the family business at Scarborough.


From : Thereze 
 Subject : Re - Reuben Holdsworth
 
Hi, yes it is Reuben Holdsworth from the fairground family! I haven't yet expandeed this side of my fmaily tree further than my fater, Reuben but his father was Reuben and so was his. I did have details of my ancestors on this side of the family dating quite far back but unfortunatley have lost the information. I got it from the book 'Live like a Lord' about James Lord Corrigan was a relation to my fathers, mother. The Corrigans were originally potato farmers in Ireland and came accross after the potato famine, becoming travellers. Email me direct on Email address removed by moderator to prevent spam - please contact by personal messageto see if I can help you any further.   
 

[john1954]

Hi there!
I know this is an old post, but I have only just joined it.
My name is John Williams, I am an ex Midland Showman from the Williams family that started back in 1786 as Showmen.
Robert Williams is my ancester, he was also the starting point of Randall Williams although i'm off a different line.
Moving on to Reuben Holdsworth, of Flying Pigs fame! he was my Great Grandfather.
Although i have never met him he was long gone before I was born.
My father was John Williams, and this was my Grandfathers name aswell.
My Grandfather John married Reudens daughter Evelyn.
My Great grandmother died in child birth!
This is as much as I know, can anyone please help?
Regards
John Henry Williams

[coffeyc1]

Hi - I am related to Reuben Holdsworth, and the Corrigan family too. Please have a look at my family tree which may be able to help -

http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/c/o/f/Christine-Coffey-Dover/WEBSITE-0001/UHP-Index.html

Kind regards
Christine

[Phc]

Hi Rueben, I believe your grandmother and my father were cousins.  I wondered if your father and Irene are still around as haven't seen them since the 60's?!

PHC

[john1954]

Reuben Holdsworth
Of flying pigs fame.
If anyone is still on here with any information about Reuben please come back to me.
He was either my Grandad or Great Grandad!
From John Williams
Retired Showman aged 61