The Canadian Birks

Richard Birks (1774-1860) was the father of five brothers who emigrated to Canada. Richard was a civil engineer, surveyor and land valuer born at Wombwell Hall, and later of the Manor House at Ardsley where he was registered for poll tax in 1835.

The five emigrant brothers were:

• John Birks
• Edward Bramhall Birks
• Richard Birks
• Thomas Birks
• Samuel Birks

John Birks (1802-1869) was born at Wombwell and later lived at Monk Bretton Priory. He was a chemist, and was the first to emigrate, sailing from Hull in the spring of 1832. John had married Anne Massey at Barnsley St Marys on 1 September 1825. They had ten children:

• Ellen Birks (1826-1913) born at Barnsley
• Edward Noble Birks (1829-1832) born at Monk Bretton Priory
• Bertha Birks (1832-1832) born and died at Barnsley
• Anne Birks (1836-1864)
• John Birks (1838-1918)
• Henry Birks (1840-1928) founder of the Canadian jewellery stores
• Albert Birks (1844-1906)
• Frederick Birks (1844-1922)
• Arthur Birks (1847-1934)
• Stephen Birks (1848-1903) the latter seven all born in Montreal.

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