Thomas NOLAN was born in Mar 1863 in Salford, Lancs. He married Catherine PHOENIX in Jun 1883 in Salford Register Office.
Catherine PHOENIX [Parents] was born in Sep 1863 in Holyhead. She married Thomas NOLAN in Jun 1883 in Salford Register Office.
Dwelling: 13 Ernest St
Census Place: Pendleton In Salford, Lancashire, England
Source: FHL Film 1341942 PRO Ref RG11 Piece 3946 Folio 58 Page 17
Marr Age Sex Birthplace
William JONES M 26 M Manchester, Lancashire, England
Rel: Head
Occ: Coal Miner
Martha JONES M 26 F Buckley, Flint, Wales
Rel: Wife
Occ: Cotton Weaver
Kate PHOENIX U 17 F Buckley, Flint, Wales
Rel: Boarder
Occ: Cotton Weaver
They had the following children:
John Richard CROOKS [Parents] was born in Dec 1847 in Staithes, Yorks. He died on 13 Oct 1938 in Hinderwell, Yorks. He was buried on 17 Oct 1938 in St Hilda's, Hinderwell, Yks. He married Hannah GRAY on 18 Jan 1871 in Hinderwell, Yorks. John was baptized on 7 Nov 1847 in Hinderwell, Yorks. He was employed as Master Mariner.
He first went to sea with his father in the brig "John Brown". He then was apprenticed to Mr. J.Cole, getting a job with Young and Co. He sailed traditional sail boats and then progressed to steam. On retirement he became active as a councilor. He was the oldest man in Hinderwell, just prior to his death.
An extract from the index of wills.
CROOKS John Richard Of Cleveland House, Station Road, Hinderwell, Yorkshire. Died 17th. October 1938 Probate granted York 9th. December to Hannah Crooks widow, Charles Young Crooks, spinster and Reginald Frankland White solicitor.
Effects £6252 19s 5d
Who is Charles Young Crooks? should read Charlotte Young Crooks, his daughter.
Extract from John Richard's will.
To Charlotte Young Crooks, my daughter, my house in Station Road, Hinderwell.
To Mary Ann Thompson, my daughter, my house known as Cleveland House, Hinderwell, providing she pays into the estate the sum of £600.
To John Richard Crooks, my son, my house in Staithes.
To Dorothy Elizabeth Crooks, my granddaughter, my house in West Terrace, Hinderwell. Also an annuity of £36 8s. so long as she remains unmarried.
When these bequests have been made the estate is to be divided into 7 equal shares.
The following clause shows John R. had a strong feeling for fairness.:
I direct that if at the time when the share is payable under this my will, if my son John Richard shall still be indebted to my daughter Mary Ann Thompson, my trustees shall discharge the debt from my said son's share.
Will dated 30th September 1937
Excerpts from an exercise book written by John Richard (about 1936). The pages were sent by his great grandson William Crooks of Hull. William is the grandson of John Richard's son William.
John Richard Crooks born at Staithes November the 7th 1847. Married to Hannah Gray at Hinderwell by the Rev H. M. Sims on January 18th 1871.
I went to sea at 10 and 11 years old in the fishing boats during the herring season, at 12 1/2 years old I went with my father in the brig John Brown of Exeter but in the winter months I went to school at Staithes attending both day and night classes. In 1863 I was bound apprentice unto Captn John B. Cole and served 4 years in the brig John and Alice Brown and the brig Hewdan of Whitby. I was Master in sail of the brig Berdinkha in the Baltic trade also the brig Susanna Dixon in Baltic and Archangel for two years afterwards.
I was master of the iron barque Charlotte Young of West Hartlepool belonging to William Young Esq. of Hefsis Steel Young of London, for 6 years. Afterwards I was master in their various steamers for 31 years but in the 31 years I was two years Chief Officer in the S/S Ranmoor 1883 to 1885.
Signed John R Crooks, Station Rd., Hinderwell, Yorks.
P.S. I retired from sea May the 19th 1914.
At 9 and 10 years I went with old Tommy Verrill (Tommy Winner) and George Longster in their great Coble herring fishing at 2/6d per week and all the mackerel caught on Friday night was my payment, which I used to sell on Saturday afternoons. When the herring season for the Cobles was finished I went back to school which I usually attended both day and night at 11 years old. I was with Daniel Cole in the Yawl Venus at 2/6d per week and Jackie Storr was the other boy at the same wage and at the end of the off ground fishing we were caught in a strong gale in which our coble washed overboard before we reached Hartlepool, were we got another one and in which we towed the Venus on a fine Sunday morning from Hartlepool to Rosedale Harbour, where I left and went back to school until the week after Whit Monday 1859. I went to West Hartlepool and went with my father in the brig John Brown of Exeter and went to Cronstadt and back to Hull and from there to Shields and loaded for Cronstadt again and back to London, then to the Tyne again and left her at Jarrow buoys and went back home to school. I left mother and father on board the ship. My eldest sister and I keeping house, but just as I got home my sister got her foot badly scolded. Then Ann Lane came as housekeeper.1851 Census
2374 Folio 758
Staithes, Hinderwell, Yorks
Mary Marshall Head 55 Char Woman Staithes, Yks.
Mary J. Dau 14 Scholar Staithes, Yks
John R. Crooks Visit 4 Staithes, Yks
John Richard Crooks Is The Grandson Of Mary Marshall And The Son Of John And Mary Ann1881 Census
Dwelling: Hinderwell Village
Census Place: Hinderwell, York, England
Source: FHL Film 1342165 PRO Ref RG11 Piece 4837 Folio 105 Page 14
Marr Age Sex Birthplace
John R. CROOKS M 33 M Staithes, York, England
Rel: Head
Occ: Master Mariner
Hannah CROOKS M 30 F Hinderwell, York, England
Rel: Wife
Hannah CROOKS 9 F Hinderwell, York, England
Rel: Daur
Occ: Scholar
Mary A. CROOKS 7 F Hinderwell, York, England
Rel: Daur
Occ: Scholar
John R. CROOKS 5 M Hinderwell, York, England
Rel: Son
Occ: Scholar
Margaret L. CROOKS 1 F Hinderwell, York, England
Rel: Daur
William GRAY W 73 M Whitby, York, England
Rel: Father In Law
Occ: General Labourer
Hannah GRAY [Parents] was born in Jun 1850 in Hinderwell, Yorks. She died in Mar 1939 in Hinderwell, Yorks. She was buried in Hinderwell, Yorks. She married John Richard CROOKS on 18 Jan 1871 in Hinderwell, Yorks. Hannah was baptized on 2 Jun 1850 in Hinderwell, Yorks.
On the death of her husband John Richard, she became the oldest inhabitant of Hinderwell.
Dwelling: Hinderwell Village
Census Place: Hinderwell, York, England
Source: FHL Film 1342165 PRO Ref RG11 Piece 4837 Folio 105 Page 14
Marr Age Sex Birthplace
John R. CROOKS M 33 M Staithes, York, England
Rel: Head
Occ: Master Mariner
Hannah CROOKS M 30 F Hinderwell, York, England
Rel: Wife
Hannah CROOKS 9 F Hinderwell, York, England
Rel: Daur
Occ: Scholar
Mary A. CROOKS 7 F Hinderwell, York, England
Rel: Daur
Occ: Scholar
John R. CROOKS 5 M Hinderwell, York, England
Rel: Son
Occ: Scholar
Margaret L. CROOKS 1 F Hinderwell, York, England
Rel: Daur
William GRAY W 73 M Whitby, York, England
Rel: Father In Law
Occ: General Labourer1901 Census
name age born admin living occupation
Hannah Crooks 50 Yorks Hinderwell Yorkshire Hinderwell
John Crooks 25 Yorks Hinderwell Yorkshire Hinderwell Marine Engineer
Margaret Crooks 21 Yorks Hinderwell Yorkshire Hinderwell
Charlotte Crooks 14 Yorks Hinderwell Yorkshire Hinderwell School Girl
Winifred Crooks 6 Durham West Hartlepool Yorkshire Hinderwell School Girl
Alice Crooks 26 Durham West Hartlepool Yorkshire Hinderwell
They had the following children:
F i Hannah CROOKS was born in Dec 1871. She died in Mar 1939. F ii Mary Ann CROOKS was born in Dec 1873. M iii John R. CROOKS was born in Dec 1875 in Hinderwell, Yorks. F iv Margaret Lilly CROOKS was born in Mar 1880. M v William Gray CROOKS was born in Mar 1882. F vi Florence May CROOKS was born on 10 May 1884. F vii Charlotte Young CROOKS was born in Sep 1887 in Hinderwell, Yorks.
It would appear that this daughter is named after one of John Richard's boats. Aparently called Cis.F viii Winifred CROOKS was born in 1888.
William GRAY was born in 1807 in Whitby, Yorks. He married Hannah LEWIS on 21 Jul 1838 in Hinderwell, Yorks.
Hannah LEWIS was born in 1807 in Hinderwell, Yorks. She married William GRAY on 21 Jul 1838 in Hinderwell, Yorks.
They had the following children:
F i Dorothy GRAY was born in 1838. M ii John GRAY was born in 1841 in Hinderwell, Yorks. John was baptized on 22 Aug 1841 in Hinderwell, Yorks.
He is a witness at Hannah's wedding to John Richard CrooksF iii Margaret A. GRAY was born in 1843 in Hinderwell, Yorks. F iv Hannah GRAY was born in Jun 1850. She died in Mar 1939.
William CROOKS [Parents] was born on 6 Nov 1849 in Staithes, Yorks. He died in Jan 1948 in Staithes, Yorks. He was buried in Hinderwell, Yorks. He married Hannah ADAMSON on 5 Nov 1874 in Hinderwell, Yorks. William was baptized on 25 Nov 1849 in Hinderwell, Yorks.
Other marriages:(CROOKS),
Went to sea with his father. He was shipwrecked at Archangel Russia and vowed never to go to sea again. He was a miner for the rest of his life. He found a new occupation at the age of 92 years, that of making rope mats. When he died aged 98 years he was the eldest man in Staithes.
STAITHES
Mr. William Crooks, who, at 96 years of age has the distinction of being the oldest man in the village, has found a new occupation. At Christmas he began to make rope mats again, using an 80 year old needle, and since then he has finished sixty of them for his friends. He was born and bred in Staithes, and proudly showed an oil painting of a graceful sailing-ship, with the inscription beneath "Susanna Dickson, of Whitby. Commander, John Crooks."
He followed in his father's footsteps and served four years in sailing vessels, before turning to the mines at Boulby Cliff. His most graphic memory is of a shipwreck during a voyage to Archangel, and the subsequent escape of the crew and two child passengers over the ice to Lapland.
Mr. Crooks swears that the reason why he is still hale and hearty at 96 is because he never drinks alcohol, and gave up smoking long ago - since when, he declares, he has felt a much fitter man.
Evening Gazette (Yorkshire) 30th May 1946Bill was to live in Staithes all his life, and on the death of his wife, Hannah, he employed a housekeeper. This lady always addressed him as Mr. Crooks, and years later, after they had married, she still called him Mr. Crooks!
1861 Census
3650 Folio 82
77, Tinker Hill, Staithes, Yorks.
Mary Marshall W 65 Head Staithes/Yks
William Crooks 11 G/Son Scholar Staithes/Yks
Mary Crooks 9 G/Dau Scholar Staithes/Yks
Ann Elizabeth Crooks 4 Gidau Scholar Staithes/Yks
Where Are John And Mary Ann? Are They At Sea?.1881 Census
Dwelling: Staithes Lane End
Census Place: Hinderwell, York, England
Source: FHL Film 1342165 PRO Ref RG11 Piece 4837 Folio 101 Page 5
Marr Age Sex Birthplace
William CROOKS M 30 M Staithes, York, England
Rel: Head
Occ: Ironstone Miner
Hannah CROOKS M 29 F Staithes, York, England
Rel: Wife
John W. CROOKS 5 M Staithes, York, England
Rel: Son
Occ: Scholar
George CROOKS 3 M Easington, York, England
Rel: Son
Adamson CROOKS 9 m M Easington, York, England
Rel: Son
Hannah ADAMSON W 71 F Easington, York, England
Rel: Mother In Law
Occ: No Occupation1891 Census
3996 Folio 64 Staithes, Lane End
William CROOKS H 40 Ironstone miner Staithes
Hannah W 39 Staithes
John W son 15 Tailors apprentice Staithes
George son 13 Scholar Staithes
Adamson son 10 Scholar Staithes
Alfred son 7 Scholar Staithes
Francis Mark? son 2 Staithes
Lilian dau 3mths Staithes1901 Census
name age born admin living occupation
William Crooks 51 Yorks Staithes Yorkshire Hinderwell Iron Stone Miner Deputy
Adamson Crooks 20 Yorks Staithes Yorkshire Hinderwell Iron Stone Miner
Alfred Crooks 17 Yorks Staithes Yorkshire Hinderwell Tailors Apprentice
Frank Crooks 12 Yorks Staithes Yorkshire Hinderwell
Hannah ADAMSON [Parents] was born in Dec 1851 in Staithes, Yorks. She died in Mar 1900 in Whitby, Yorks. She married William CROOKS on 5 Nov 1874 in Hinderwell, Yorks.
1881 Census
Dwelling: Staithes Lane End
Census Place: Hinderwell, York, England
Source: FHL Film 1342165 PRO Ref RG11 Piece 4837 Folio 101 Page 5
Marr Age Sex Birthplace
William CROOKS M 30 M Staithes, York, England
Rel: Head
Occ: Ironstone Miner
Hannah CROOKS M 29 F Staithes, York, England
Rel: Wife
John W. CROOKS 5 M Staithes, York, England
Rel: Son
Occ: Scholar
George CROOKS 3 M Easington, York, England
Rel: Son
Adamson CROOKS 9 m M Easington, York, England
Rel: Son
Hannah ADAMSON W 71 F Easington, York, England
Rel: Mother In Law
Occ: No Occupation1891 Census
3996 Folio 64 Staithes, Lane End
William CROOKS H 40 Ironstone miner Staithes
Hannah W 39 Staithes
John W son 15 Tailors apprentice Staithes
George son 13 Scholar Staithes
Adamson son 10 Scholar Staithes
Alfred son 7 Scholar Staithes
Francis Mark? son 2 Staithes
Lilian dau 3mths Staithes
They had the following children:
M i John William CROOKS was born in Sep 1875. M ii George CROOKS was born in Mar 1878 in Guisborough, York. M iii Adamson CROOKS was born in Sep 1880 in Guisbrough RD. M iv Alfred CROOKS was born in 1884 in Staithes, Yorks. M v Francis Mark? CROOKS was born in 1889 in Staithes, Yorks. F vi Lilian CROOKS was born in 1891 in Staithes, Yorks.
William CROOKS [Parents] was born on 6 Nov 1849 in Staithes, Yorks. He died in Jan 1948 in Staithes, Yorks. He was buried in Hinderwell, Yorks. He married (CROOKS). William was baptized on 25 Nov 1849 in Hinderwell, Yorks.
Other marriages:ADAMSON, Hannah
Went to sea with his father. He was shipwrecked at Archangel Russia and vowed never to go to sea again. He was a miner for the rest of his life. He found a new occupation at the age of 92 years, that of making rope mats. When he died aged 98 years he was the eldest man in Staithes.
STAITHES
Mr. William Crooks, who, at 96 years of age has the distinction of being the oldest man in the village, has found a new occupation. At Christmas he began to make rope mats again, using an 80 year old needle, and since then he has finished sixty of them for his friends. He was born and bred in Staithes, and proudly showed an oil painting of a graceful sailing-ship, with the inscription beneath "Susanna Dickson, of Whitby. Commander, John Crooks."
He followed in his father's footsteps and served four years in sailing vessels, before turning to the mines at Boulby Cliff. His most graphic memory is of a shipwreck during a voyage to Archangel, and the subsequent escape of the crew and two child passengers over the ice to Lapland.
Mr. Crooks swears that the reason why he is still hale and hearty at 96 is because he never drinks alcohol, and gave up smoking long ago - since when, he declares, he has felt a much fitter man.
Evening Gazette (Yorkshire) 30th May 1946Bill was to live in Staithes all his life, and on the death of his wife, Hannah, he employed a housekeeper. This lady always addressed him as Mr. Crooks, and years later, after they had married, she still called him Mr. Crooks!
1861 Census
3650 Folio 82
77, Tinker Hill, Staithes, Yorks.
Mary Marshall W 65 Head Staithes/Yks
William Crooks 11 G/Son Scholar Staithes/Yks
Mary Crooks 9 G/Dau Scholar Staithes/Yks
Ann Elizabeth Crooks 4 Gidau Scholar Staithes/Yks
Where Are John And Mary Ann? Are They At Sea?.1881 Census
Dwelling: Staithes Lane End
Census Place: Hinderwell, York, England
Source: FHL Film 1342165 PRO Ref RG11 Piece 4837 Folio 101 Page 5
Marr Age Sex Birthplace
William CROOKS M 30 M Staithes, York, England
Rel: Head
Occ: Ironstone Miner
Hannah CROOKS M 29 F Staithes, York, England
Rel: Wife
John W. CROOKS 5 M Staithes, York, England
Rel: Son
Occ: Scholar
George CROOKS 3 M Easington, York, England
Rel: Son
Adamson CROOKS 9 m M Easington, York, England
Rel: Son
Hannah ADAMSON W 71 F Easington, York, England
Rel: Mother In Law
Occ: No Occupation1891 Census
3996 Folio 64 Staithes, Lane End
William CROOKS H 40 Ironstone miner Staithes
Hannah W 39 Staithes
John W son 15 Tailors apprentice Staithes
George son 13 Scholar Staithes
Adamson son 10 Scholar Staithes
Alfred son 7 Scholar Staithes
Francis Mark? son 2 Staithes
Lilian dau 3mths Staithes1901 Census
name age born admin living occupation
William Crooks 51 Yorks Staithes Yorkshire Hinderwell Iron Stone Miner Deputy
Adamson Crooks 20 Yorks Staithes Yorkshire Hinderwell Iron Stone Miner
Alfred Crooks 17 Yorks Staithes Yorkshire Hinderwell Tailors Apprentice
Frank Crooks 12 Yorks Staithes Yorkshire Hinderwell
(CROOKS). married William CROOKS.
This lady, name unknown, came as Bill's housekeeper. She always called him Mr. Crooks. She eventually married him, but continued to call him Mr. Crooks.
They had the following children:
M i T. CROOKS.
William ADAMSON was born in 1806 in Hinderwell, Yorks. He married Hannah (ADAMSON). William was employed as Schoolmaster.
Hannah (ADAMSON) was born in 1809 in Staithes, Yorks. She married William ADAMSON.
They had the following children:
M i William ADAMSON was born in 1839 in Staithes, Yorks. M ii George F. ADAMSON was born in 1843 in Staithes, Yorks. F iii Mary A. ADAMSON was born in 1846 in Staithes, Yorks. F iv Hannah ADAMSON was born in Dec 1851. She died in Mar 1900.
Benjamin BUXTON was born in 1848 in Billingford NORFOLK. He married Mary CROOKS in Mar 1873 in Guisboro area.
Mary CROOKS [Parents] was born on 4 Oct 1851 in Staithes, Yorks. She died in Sep 1934 in Thirsk reg dist, Yorks.. She married Benjamin BUXTON in Mar 1873 in Guisboro area. Mary was baptized on 26 Oct 1851 in Hinderwell, Yorks.
Very little has been found out about Mary. She marries a Benjamin Buxton, in 1873 in Loftus.
From the 1881 census I found that Benjamin was born in Billingford, Norfolk and was a plate layer on the railways. They have three children, Mary Ann born 1874 in Loftus and Thomas born 1875 also, in Loftus. The third child, Jane was born 1878 at Sowerby in Thirsk. Mary is mentioned in a newspaper cutting as dying aged 88 years.1861 Census
3650 Folio 82
77, Tinker Hill, Staithes, Yorks.
Mary Marshall W 65 Head Staithes/Yks
William Crooks 11 G/Son Scholar Staithes/Yks
Mary Crooks 9 G/Dau Scholar Staithes/Yks
Ann Elizabeth Crooks 4 Gidau Scholar Staithes/Yks
Where Are John And Mary Ann? Are They At Sea?1881 Census
Dwelling: Green Lane Cottages
Census Place: Sowerby In Thirsk, York, England
Source: FHL Film 1342163 PRO Ref RG11 Piece 4820 Folio 124 Page 19
Marr Age Sex Birthplace
Benjamin BUXTON M 33 M Billingford, Norfolk, England
Rel: Head
Occ: Plate Layer
Mary BUXTON M 29 F Staithes, York, England
Rel: Wife
Occ: Plate Layer Wife
Mary Ann BUXTON 6 F Loftus, York, England
Rel: Daur
Occ: Scholar
Thomas BUXTON 5 M Loftus, York, England
Rel: Son
Occ: Scholar
Jane BUXTON 2 F Sowerby, York, England
Rel: Daur
They had the following children:
F i Mary Ann BUXTON was born in Mar 1874 in Loftus, Yorks. M ii Thomas BUXTON was born on 30 Mar 1876. F iii Jane BUXTON was born in Sep 1878 in Thirsk, Yorks. M iv Benjamin BUXTON was born in 1887 in Sowerby. M v Walter BUXTON was born in 1893 in Sowerby. F vi Elsie BUXTON was born in 1894 in Sowerby.
Stephen THEAKER [Parents] was born in Mar 1849 in Staithes, Yorks. He married Ann Elizabeth CROOKS on 24 Feb 1879 in Hinderwell, Yorks. Stephen was baptized on 25 Feb 1849 in Hinderwell, Yorks. He was employed as Fisherman.
Ann Elizabeth CROOKS [Parents] was born in Jun 1857 in Staithes, Yorks. She died in Jan 1950 in Staithes, Yorks. Whitby RD. She married Stephen THEAKER on 24 Feb 1879 in Hinderwell, Yorks. Ann was baptized on 5 Jul 1857 in Hinderwell, Yorks.
Like Mary, very little is known about Ann Elizabeth (called Annie), one reason is when women get married they change their names.
Ann Elizabeth married fisherman Stephen Theaker on 24th February 1879 at Hinderwell Parish Church. He was the 29 year old son of fisherman Rodger Theaker and his wife Agnes. Within one year of their marriage they had a daughter, Hannah, and are living with his aunt, next door to his father.
Ann is mentioned in a newspaper as being 93 years old when she died.1861 Census
3650 Folio 82
77, Tinker Hill, Staithes, Yorks.
Mary Marshall W 65 Head Staithes/Yks
William Crooks 11 G/Son Scholar Staithes/Yks
Mary Crooks 9 G/Dau Scholar Staithes/Yks
Ann Elizabeth Crooks 4 Gidau Scholar Staithes/Yks
Where Are John And Mary Ann? Are They At Sea?
They had the following children:
F i Hannah THEAKER was born in Jun 1879 in Staithes, Yorks.
1901 Census
name age born admin living occupation
Hannah Theaker 21 Yorks Staithes Yorkshire Hinderwell General Servant DomesticM ii Thomas THEAKER was born in 1876 in Staithes, Yorks. F iii Agnes THEAKER was born in 1889 in Staithes, Yorks. M iv John THEAKER was born in 1890 in Staithes, Yorks. M v William THEAKER was born in 1892 in Staithes, Yorks. F vi Annie THEAKER was born in 1897. F vii Mary THEAKER was born in 1900.
Rodger THEAKER [Parents] was born in 1813 in Staithes, Yorks. He married Agnes SCARR on 19 Feb 1839 in Hinderwell, Yorks. Rodger was baptized on 7 Sep 1813 in Hinderwell, Yorks. He was employed as Fisherman.
1881 Census
Dwelling: Church St
Census Place: Hinderwell, York, England
Source: FHL Film 1342165 PRO Ref RG11 Piece 4837 Folio 145 Page 14
Marr Age Sex Birthplace
Rodger THEAKER W 70 M Staithes, York, England
Rel: Head
Occ: Fisherman
David THEAKER U 54 M Staithes, York, England
Rel: Son
Occ: Ironstone Miner
Agnes SCARR was born in 1818 in Staithes, Yorks. She married Rodger THEAKER on 19 Feb 1839 in Hinderwell, Yorks.
They had the following children:
M i James THEAKER was born in 1840 in Staithes, Yorks. James was baptized on 28 Jan 1841 in Hinderwell, Yorks. F ii Mary A. THEAKER was born in 1843 in Staithes, Yorks. Mary was baptized on 7 Nov 1843 in Hinderwell, Yorks. M iii David THEAKER was born in 1845 in Staithes, Yorks. David was baptized on 13 Dec 1845 in Hinderwell, Yorks. M iv Stephen THEAKER was born in Mar 1849. F v Hannah Margaret THEAKER was born in 1851.
George CROOKS [Parents] was born in Mar 1860 in Staithes, Yorks. He died in Jun 1924 in Coventry. He married Elizabeth MENNELL. George was baptized on 3 Feb 1860 in Hinderwell, Yorks. He was employed as Blacksmith.
George showed no desire to follow in his father's and brother's footsteps and go to sea. Instead he decided to follow the trade of a blacksmith, first at the mine then as the railways expanded he worked on these.
On the 22 April 1889, George married Elizabeth (always known as Lizzie) Mennell, at St. Stephen's, Fylingdales, a village about 16 miles down the coast from Staithes. George now a fully qualified blacksmith, suggests to Tom about working with him, Tom at first declined.
Whilst working in Billericay, for a firm of civil engineers called "Holne and King," George sends a telegram, again asking brother Tom if he would come and be his 'striker.' This time Tom agrees and eventually meets and marries the girl from the Post Office.
1890, is to be a happy year, Tom marries Hannah Totman, and Jane, George and Lizzie's first child, is born. It also signals a bond between the two brothers that sees them travel all over the country in the next 18 years.
George and Lizzie have four children, each one born in a different place but when they are in Garston, Liverpool, they decide to settle down and stop the travelling. Tom and Hannah chose Oldham, but George and Lizzie decided on Coventry.
George did still carry on travelling locally and this still involved staying in "digs." He was to die of pneumonia in about 1915, brought on, he always maintained, by sleeping in a damp bed. Hannah went to nurse him, because she was such a strong, practical and capable woman.1901 Census
name age born admin living occupation
George Crooks 41 Yorks Staithes Yorks W R Rastrick Railway Contractors Blacksmith
Elizabeth Crooks 39 Yorks Thorpe Yorks W R Rastrick
Jennie Crooks 10 Middlesex London Yorks W R Rastrick
George Crooks 9 Leicester Wymondham Yorks W R Rastrick
Maggie Crooks 6 Lancs Chorles Yorks W R Rastrick
Elizabeth Crooks 3 Letterston South Wales Yorks W R Rastrick
Elizabeth MENNELL [Parents] was born in 1861. She died in 1937. She married George CROOKS.
They had the following children:
F i Jane CROOKS was born on 10 May 1890. She died in 1989. M ii George Mennell CROOKS was born on 5 Mar 1892. He died in 1977. F iii Margaret CROOKS was born on 29 Apr 1894. She died in 1995. F iv Elizabeth Victoria CROOKS was born on 18 Jun 1897. She died in 1988.