Grewelthorpe

Walker family.

Details of the Walker family in the Grewelthorpe area.Research started June 2014. Latest update Jan. 2023.

Letter from Kayleigh Walker. [June 2021].

Hi i am kayleigh walker and i am trying to trace my walker ancestors my dna test said william Henry WALKER was my earliest known relative, it is my paternal side that are walkers my father Paul had 4 brothers but 1 passed his father John william walker had 3 brothers their parents where John and eathal walker I do not no much more is their any chance you have came across them.

Letter from Jim Wilkinson re. John Walker [Dec. 2020]. Please contact the site if you want to contact Jim.
I trust all in and near Grewelthorpe are avoiding the plague and prospering.
In response to request on your website I can confirm that John Walker, b. Ellingstring 1810 and his second wife Ann Scott are my great great grandparents. I traced many of his ancestors in the Dales, residences and the couple’s dispersed children some years ago. I also found details of rail accidents during his time as porter and clerk in Ripon. If I can assist anyone by passing on information I would welcome queries. I live on the edge of York.
Jim Wilkinson

Thanks to Gail Doughty for photos of Margaret Hannah Walker nee Close and her family.
May 2020.


Letter from Sandra Gascoigne [Sept 2019].
If you can help please contact the site.

I started a search for an old friend who I would dearly love to find before I die. Your entry of George Charles Walker of Masham, married Edith, and lived in Quaker Terrace, Masham, fits the memory I have of the family I knew. At the time I knew them, they lived in the cottage with an arch, next to the Kings Head. According to your record, Mrs Edith Walker would have been aged 31 when her son was born. It is this son whom I would like to find. His name also, was George Charles Walker. born 07.02.1946. He married a Ripon girl named Jennifer Cameron in 1969 (I think). Last time I saw them, they had two small children named Cheryl and Craig. I last saw Edith when she lived in the elderly folks home in Masham, during my time working with Age Concern, Ripon . Relatives of theirs, named Musgrove? Lived in Quaker terrace at the time I knew them. I wonder if you can help me. I have always thought that George and Jennifer moved abroad, but I may be wrong. Thank you so much. Kind regards, Sandra Gascoigne (nee Fishwick).

Letter from Jo Jolliffe October 2014. and photos of Walker family May 2015.
I am a descendant of the Walkers from Grewethorpe and I see you have been researching them quite recently. My grandfather was William Henry Walker, AKA Harry Walker b 1891 in Grewethorpe, who was a tram driver in Huddersfield, as was his father, William (Billy) Walker (who was married to Margaret Hannah Close).
William (Harry) never returned from WW!, and we never knew what happened to him. Possibly a deserter. I have posted a message on Ancestry.co.uk just in case … well who knows! I have done further research about the Walkers, and maybe I can add to your website when I get the chance. However, I also write about Albert Whitfield who was Harry’s first cousin, the child of William Walker’s sister (Emma I think). He was born in Sessay but by age 2 he lived in Grewelthorpe and in the 1901 census was living with the Walkers. Albert died on Feb 8th 1916 in France. Although he was not born in Grewelthorpe he lived there as part of the Walker family through his childhood. I wonder if he could be remembered on the memorial? I currently live in the Middle East but hope to visit Grewelthorpe before too long.
Thanks again for your great work. Jo Jolliffe
Jo contacted us again in May 2018 asking for photos.
I’d like to make an appeal for any photos your readers may have, of any of the Geldart; Close or Walker Family.
In particular I’m looking for any photographs of Margaret Close, the wife of William Michael Walker or their children, including William, Emma, Marjory (Madge), Gertrude, Elizabeth.
I hope someone in Grewelthorpe or connected to Grewelthorpe might have one or any of them in their photo album.

If you can help Jo with photos or information particularly about Harry who went missing in WW1. Please contact the site.


ALF WALKER. Son of Elizabeth Walker.

Alf Walker.


ANDREW WALKER. Born C1847 Masham. House Painter. Married to Martha of Healey.
ANN WALKER. Born C1841 Kirkby Malzeard. In 1861 a servant in Ripon.
ANN WALKER Born 1864 Grewelthorpe. Dau of John & Edden.
ANNIE ELIZABETH WALKER. Born 26 .7. 1856 Constable Burton. Died 7 July 1942 Leyburn. Dau of Thomas & Mary Bell.

Annie Elizabeth Walker.


ANNIE WALKER. Eldest Dau of James Walker. of Masham. Married Samuel Atkinson. a slater from Leeds. on November 24th 1877 in Hunslet , Leeds. [Ref. York Herald. Dec. 1877.]
BABARA WALKER Born 1920. Fearby. Dau of James & Henrietta Leathley.
CICELY WALKER. Born 27 June 1912. A Gardener in Mickley in 1939. Later married ? Boon.
DOROTHY MARY WALKER. Born 1901 Masham. Dau of James & Elizabeth. In 1911 in Harrogate.
EDITH WALKER. Born C1866 Grewelthorpe. Dau of John & Edden.
ELIZABETH WALKER Masham. Married in Masham to George Thirkell on 28 Aug 1751.
ELIZABETH WALKER. Born 1831 Kirkby Malzeard. Dau of Ralph & Ann Cartman. Married George Taylor
ELIZABETH WALKER. Born 1895 Azerley. Dau Of William [tram driver] & Margaret. Sister to Emma & Madge. In 1921 a woollen weaver in Huddersfield.

Elizabeth Walker.


ELIZABETH WALKER. Born C1862 Grewelthorpe. Dau of John & Edden.
EMMA WALKER. Born C1866 Spennithorne. Died November 1939 North Vancouver. Dau of Thomas & Mary Bell. Married in 1890 to John Thomas Spence of Studley Roger. Emigrated to Canada.
Emma Walker.


EMMA WALKER. Born C1879. Died C1950. Dau of William & Margaret Hannah Close. Married Fred Williams.

Emma Walker.

EMMA WALKER. Born C1892 Grewelthorpe. Dau of William [train driver] & Margaret. In 1911 she was a ring twister in a cotton mill in Huddersfield.
ERNEST H. WALKER. Born 1921?. Son of James [stonewaller] & Henrietta. He was a hairdressers assist. in 1939. Living in Fearby.
FRANCIS WALKER. In 1822. occupied all the freehold estate known as Newlands. Grewelthorpe.
FRED WALKER. Born C 1902 Masham. Son of James & Elizabeth. In 1911 in Harrogate.
GERARD WALKER. Born 10 Nov. 1911. Married to Margaret. Joiner on govt. work. Living Ripon 1939.
GERTRUDE WALKER. Born C1894 Grewelthorpe. Dau of William [train driver] & Margaret Hannah Close. In 1911 she was a winder in a cotton mill in Huddersfield.
GEORGE WALKER Born c1859 Farm Lab. Tanfield. Son of Margaret of Leeming Bar. Enlisted in 4 Brigade Yorks. Regt. in 1881. Service No. 2357. Served in Ireland. Discharged to reserve 1893.
GEORGE CHARLES WALKER. Born 21 Dec 1908. Married to Edith [born 1914]. Lived at Masham Station. in 1937. He was a member of the LNER Ambulance movement and was awarded a gold bar for 30 years efficient work . [Ref. Leeds Mercury July 1937]. In 1939 he lived Quaker Terrace Masham and was a Heavy Goods Vehicle driver.
GEORGE CHARLES WALKER. Born 7 February 1946. Masham. Son of George Chas Walker. & Edith. Married *Jennifer
Cameron.* see letter above.
HARRY WALKER. born WILLIAM HENRY. Born C 1891 Grewelthorpe. Son of William Michael [train/tram driver] & Margaret Hannah Close.. In 1911 he was living in Huddersfield & he was a brass moulder. Went missing in WW1. Married Ellen Cantwell of Bradford in 1914.
HENRY WALKER. Born 31 Jan 1878. Married to Mary A. [Born 1886]. Dairy farmer living Winksley in 1939.
HETTY WALKER. Born C1899 Kirkby Malzeard. Grand daughter of Edward & Ann Wood.
H.WALKER. Born C1917 Leyburn. Reported in Yks Post 1929 that he had done well in School sports.
ISABELLA WALKER Born 6 July 1825 Thirn. Died 1893 Grewelthorpe. Dau of Richard & Ellen Wright Married in 1851 to James Nicholson of Ilton.
JAMES WALKER Born C1811 Masham. Lived Glen Cottage Grewelthorpe in 1881. A Hind. Married to Elizabeth of East Witton.
JAMES WALKER. Born C1877 Masham. Married in 1899 to Elizabeth of Ripon. In 1911 living Harrogate.
JAMES WALKER. Born 9 July 1886. Married to Henrietta Leathley [Born 1888]. In 1921 he worked at Leighton Reservoir for Leeds water works. He was a stone waller living Fearby in 1939.
SIR JAMES R. WALKER. Bart. of Masham. Became a candidate for Ripon Council in Nov. 1888. [Ref. Yorkshire Gazette 1888].
JANE WALKER. Born 1807. Died 5 Aug 1876 Masham. Married 21 Dec 1833 to Matthew Wintersgill. of East Witton. Lived Swinton Masham.
JANE WALKER. Born C1847 Kirkby Malzeard. Dau of John & Hannah.
JANE WALKER. Born 1862 Spennithorne. Dau of Thomas & Mary Bell. Married Ernest Alfred Whitfield of Kirby Underdale in 1890.
Jane Walker b. 1862.


JOHN WALKER Died July 1696. Married to Elizabeth.
JOHN WALKER. Born 1810 Ellingstring. Railway clerk in 1861 in Sharow. Married to Ann Scott of Kirkby Malzeard.
JOHN WALKER. Born C1817 Sawley. Married to Hannah of Lunedale. Living Killerby, Ingleton in 1871.
JOHN WALKER Born C1837 Nidderdale. Farmer living Grewelthorpe in 1871. Married to Edden.
JOHN WALKER. Born C1843 Kirkby Malzeard. Married to Elizabeth of Grewelthorpe. In 1911 he was a teacher of music in Durham. They had been married 36 years.
JOHN WALKER. Born 21 Nov. 1864. Married to Mary A. [Born 1866]. He was a boot repairer living Fearby in 1939.
JOHN W. WALKER. Born 1871 Masham. Son of Andrew [Painter] & Martha.
JOHN G.WALKER. Born 9 July 1914. Married to Freda [born 1914]. Gardener living Quaker Terrace Masham in 1939.
LAWRENCE WALKER. Born 21 April 1916. Son of James [stonewaller] & Henrietta Leathley. He lived Fearby in 1921 & 1939.
LILLA WALKER. Born 8 April 1913. Son of Henry & Mary A. of Winksley. Married ? Horsfall.
LIZZIE WALKER. Born C1896. Dau of William [train driver] & Margaret. In 1911 she was a weaver in Huddersfield.
MAGGIE WALKER. Sister of T.W.Walker of Masham. Dau of George Walker. Bridesmaid at Brother’s wedding in 1935.
MARGARET HANNAH WALKER [nee Close]. Born 1868 Ripon. Died Dec 1943 Huddersfield. Married William Walker in 1889 in Ripon. Dau of James & Elizabeth Close [nee Geldart].

Margaret Hannah Walker nee Close.


MARJORIE WALKER. Born C 1903. Kirkby Malzeard. Dau of William [train driver] & Margaret. Married Ramsden Beaumont.

Marjorie [Madge] Walker.

MARY ANN WALKER Born 1814 Kirkby Malzeard. Died 1873. Dau of Ralph & Ann Cartman. Married 1833 to William Pratt.
MARY H. WALKER. Born C1859 Finghall. Dau of Thomas the Bailiff & Mary Bell. Unmarried in 1901.
Mary H. Walker. Age 12.


MARY ANN WALKER. Born 1828 Fearby Cross Masham. Died 21 April 1898 Leeds. Dau of Robert & Elizabeth Ridley. Married 1 June 1850 to James Pounder. a master shoemaker.
MARY E. WALKER. Born C 1869 Masham. Dau of Andrew [Painter] & Martha.
MARY ELLEN WALKER Born C1886. Died 1965. Lived 8 Holmfield Grewelthorpe.
MARY WALKER. Born C1908 Starbeck. Dau of James & Elizabeth.
RACHEL WALKER. Born c1864. Dau of Thomas & Mary Bell.
Rachel Walker.


RALPH WALKER. Born C1788 Masham. Son of Ralph & Mary. Grandfather of George Crabtree. [Ref. 1861 Census]. Married in 1813 to Ann Cartman. Kirkby Malzeard.
REGINALD WALKER. Born 21 Dec 1913. Farm Lab. Unmarried in 1939. Living K.Malzeard.
S.A.WALKER. 1942 He was postmaster in Leyburn. It was reported that he had to deliver the mail on horseback because of the icy conditions. [Ref. Yorkshire post Jan 1942]
THOMAS WALKER. Born C1833 Finghall, Possibly died 1912. Married C 1856 to Mary Bell of Hawkswell. In 1911 Farm Bailiff in Kirkby Malzeard. a widower. In 1901 living with 2 grandsons William H. Walker & Albert Whitfield [see letter from Jo Jolliffe]

Thomas Walker b1833………..Thomas & Mary Walker.


TOM WALKER. Born C 1903 Grewelthorpe. Son of James & Elizabeth. In 1911 in Harrogate.
T.W. WALKER. Son of George Walker of Masham. Married Dorothy I’Anson. of Waterloo House, Masham. 3rd dau. of C.I’Anson on 22 April 1935 in St Mary’s Church Masham. [Ref. Leeds Mercury 1935].
WILLIAM WALKER. Born C1844 Kirkby Malzeard. Nephew of William & Catherine Richmond.
WILLIAM WALKER. Born 19 Dec.1865. An Ostler. Unmarried living in Whitehorse hotel Ripon in 1939.
WILLIAM MICHAEL WALKER. Born 1868 Grewelthorpe. Possibly died 1951. Son of Thomas & Mary Bell. He was a train/tram driver. Married in 1889 to Margaret Hannah Close. of Winksley. In 1911 living Huddersfield. they had had 7 children, 2 had died.
In 1921 he was a labourer for Huddersfield Corporation.
William Walker tram driver.


WILLIAM WALKER. Born March 1871. Married in 1897 to Isabel Ann Spetch. [born 1873]. A retired railway clerk living Ripon 1939.
WILLIAM HENRY WALKER. Born 1891 Grewelthorpe, see under Harry.
WILLIAM WALKER. Born C1899 Masham. Son of James & Elizabeth. In 1911 living Harrogate.
WILLIAM WALKER. Born 4 Jan 1915. Married to Ina [born 1916]. Scrap metal dealer living Ripon in 1939.


The Walker family.
Thanks to Jo Jolliffe for picture.The family of Thomas & Mary Bell.– Back Row, Annie (14), Second Row, Eleanor (10), Thomas (38), Mary [Bell] (44), Mary (12), Third Row, Rachel (6), William (2), Front Row, Jane (8), Emma (4). Location Harmby Moor about 1870.