Oliver

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Land Introduction
Walker

Oliver

Oliver, a first name used by both the Sykes and Walkers, was an unusual given name in the Birstall and Batley parish records. There were very few children named Oliver in the parish records.

Robert Walker and Elizabeth Siddle named a son Oliver in 1839. Oliver Walker died at age 5. George Sykes and Sarah Walker (the daughter of Robert Walker and Elizabeth Siddle) named their first son, Oliver in 1847. While it is not impossible, it seems strange that George and Sarah would have named their first son for Sarah's brother who died at such a young age. It seems more likely that there was a more significant reason for using the name.

There are no Olivers (surnames) listed in the indexes of marriages or baptisms from 1724 to the mid 1800s, for either Birstall or Batley parishes (the parishes connected with Robert Walker) with the exception of the marriage of Nancy Oliver to William Walker in Birstall parish in 1781.

The IGI lists tons of Ann/Nancy Olivers born in Yorkhsire in the appropriate time frame.

Since it is quite possible that Oliver was a surname used as a given name I am trying to track other Olivers that are connected to Walkers.

There are two possible Walker connections to the name Oliver:

  1. Nancy Oliver married William Walker, both of Adwalton, in Birstall Parish in 1781.
  2. Thomas Walker, Drighlington mason, named a son Oliver in 1809.

If there is a connection to other of my related Walkers who used the name Oliver it has to be at least at or before Robert Walker was born c. 1805.

I pursued other Oliver/Walker connections which led nowhere. However, I am including the research in the event that someone else might be interested in it.


Nancy Oliver and William Walker, Adwalton mason, Son of James Walker Adwalton Mason

The most intriguing Oliver/Walker connection is the marriage of Nancy Oliver to William Walker. They names sons both James and Robert and they lived in Adwalton.

Birth of William Walker: William Walker was the son of James Walker Adwalton, mason:

  1. William of James Walker of Adwalton, mason, June 28, 1762

    Marriage: Nancy Oliver married William Walker in Birstall parish on July 23, 1781. There was no occupation listed for William Walker. Both William and Nancy were listed as being from Adwalton.

    Children of William Walker Adwalton mason:

    1. James of William Walker, mason of Adwalton, August 4, 1782
      Further Records: Not listed in the UK censuses
    2. Jonas of William Walker of Adwalton, mason, October 24, 1784
      Further Records: Not listed in the UK censuses
    3. William of William Walker of Adwalton, mason, October 19, 1789
      Further Records: Not listed in the UK censuses
    4. Benjamin of William Walker of Adwalton, no occupation listed, April 20, 1791
      Further Records: Not listed in the UK censuses
    5. Mark of William Walker of Adwalton, no occupation May 31, 1792
      Further Records: Not listed in the UK censuses
    6. Robert of William Walker of Adwalton, mason March 23, 1794
      Further Records: Not listed in the UK censuses
  2. Jonas of James Walker of Adwalton, mason, October 20, 1766.

Notes:

  • Given that Walker was such a common name in the area there were, of course, several William Walkers having children in Birstall parish in the 1780s.
    1. William Walker, cropper of Gomersall, who was sometimes listed with his wife, Ann, had children as early as 1777.
    2. William Walker of Birstall, Heckmondwike, weaver had two children baptized in 1785 and 1890.
    3. William Walker, no occupation, Crowtree had a daughter baptized in August 1782.
    4. William Walker, mason of Adwalton, started having children baptized in July of 1782.

  • I am assuming William Walker, mason of Adwalton was the spouse of Nancy Oliver.

  • If Robert Walker was related to William Walker and Nancy Oliver it was most likely through their first son, James, born in 1782. He is the only one who was potentially old enough to have had Robert in 1805. I have not looked at the records connected to James Walker.

Birth of Nancy Oliver: Unknown


Thomas Walker

Thomas Walker has a son Dan who's son Thomas named one of his sons Oliver in 1809.

Birth:

Marriage:

Children:

  1. Birth: Dan the son of Thomas Walker, January 11, 1758 (index)

    Marriage: Dan Walker married Ann Kirshae, Gomersal, by banns, 23 November, 1772.

    Children:

    1. Joshua of Dan Walker of Great Gomersall, September 11, 1774
      8 year break in the records
    2. Thomas, the son of Daniel Walker, Drighlington, mason, baptized July 14, 1782.
      Marriage: Thomas Walker married Alice Harrison on June 4, 1804 in Birstall parish (Birstall).
      Children:
      1. Rachael, of Thomas Walker Drighlington mason, December 30, 1804 Birstall (Birstall)
      2. John, of Thomas Walker Drighlington mason, October 26, 1806 (Birstall)
        1851: John Walker, stone mason, born Drighlington was living in Wortley with a wife and large family, none named Oliver. The page is very light and hard to read.
      3. Oliver, of Thomas Walker Drighlington mason, January 15, 1809, (Birstall) Further Records: Not listed in the censuses
      1851 Census: Wasp Nests Drighlington, Thomas, head, age 68 stone mason, wife, Martha, age 67, born Drighlington son William age 37, wool comber, born Darton.
    3. William Walker of Daniel Walker, Drighlington, mason, October 5, 1783
    4. Benjamin Walker of Daniel Walker, Dringlington mason, January 1, 1785/6
    5. Mary Walker of Daniel Walker, Drighlington, no occupation, February 3, 1787/88
      Death: She must have died as another Mary was baptized in 1793
    6. Matty of Dan Walker, October 18, 1789 (index) Missing from the records.
    7. Elizabeth Walker, of Dan Walker, Drighlington, no occupation, September 11, 1791
    8. Mary Walker, of Daniel Walker, Drighlington, mason, May 23, 1793
    9. Meriah Walker, of Daniel Walker, Drighlington mason, February 1, 1795
    10. William Walker of Daniel and Meriah, Littletown cropper, May 20, 1798


Anthony, George, Matthew, and Richard Walkers And Their Connections To The Name Oliver

Two Birstall tombstone inscriptions connect Anthony, George, Matthew, and Richard Walker to the name Oliver. In this case, Elizabeth Walker baptized in 1826, the daughter of Richard Walker, corn miller marred an Oliver. Although I did not find the marriage record, this family is not closely connected to Robert Walker born Mirley 1805.


WALKER

Here lies the remains of ELEANOR the wife of ANTHONY WALKER of Brownhill in Batley
Who departed this life the 1st day of March 1764 in the 49th year of her age
THE LORD SHALL DELIVER THEE ALSO INTO THE HANDS OF DEATH
YET A LITTLE WHILE AND THOU SHALT BE WITH ME
Here likewise was interred the above named ANTHONY WALKER
Who died March 20 1796 in the 85th year of his age
Also of SARAH ANN WALKER the daughter of RICHARD and EMMA WALKER of Birstall Church
Who died April 14 1864 age 43 years
Also ELIZABETH OLIVER the daughter of RICHARD and EMMA WALKER
Who died August 20 1898 age 69 years
Also ELIZA WALKER the daughter of RICHARD and EMMA WALKER
Who died October 3 1898 age 80 years

Note: Anthony and Eleanor do not appear to have had children. There is a gap of 68 years between the death of Anthony Walker and the death of Sarah Ann, the daughter of Richard and Emma Walker. Sarah Ann, Elizabeth Oliver and Eliza were the great grand daughters of Anthony's brother, George.

Sacred to the memory of GEORGE WALKER of Moit Mill
Who departed this live June 19, 1785 age 78 years.
Also SARAH his wife who died May 6 1776 age 63

THY MEMORY OF THE JUST IS BLESSED

Also of MATTHEW WALKER the son late of Moit Mill who died June 14, 1819 age 73 years
Also of SARAH wife of the above said MATTHEW WALKER and the daughter of the late JOHN WOOD of Nova,
Who died May 18, 1825 age 69 years

LET ME DIE THE DEATH OF THE RIGHTEOUS AND LET MY LAST END BE LIKE HIS

Also of ELIZABETH the daughter of RICHARD WALKER of Carlinghow Mill and Granddaughter of the above said MATTHEW and SARAH WALKER who died April 14, 1829 age 3 years and 8 months
Also JOHN WOOD WALKER the son of RICHARD and EMMA WALKER who died in his infancy
Also RICHARD WALKER, the eldest son of the above MATTHEW and SARA WALKER who died May 5, 1858, age 68
Also EMMA relict of RICHARD WALKER who departed this life the 25TH of October 1860 age 68 years.

Note:

These are Birstall parish tombstone inscriptions, yet Eleanor was listed as the wife of Anthony Walker of Brown Hill in Batley A combination of the YAS parish records and the tombstones indicates that:

George and Anthony (listed on the two tombstones) were the sons of Richard Walker.

Marriage of Richard Walker: There are two marriages listed for Richard Walker in Birstall parish on the IGI:

  1. Richard Walker married Phebe Wilkensen on February 12, 1699/1700 (No place or occupation listed)
  2. Richard Walker married Alice Mortimer on September 10, 1701. (No place or occupation listed)

Children of Richard Walker in Birstall parish from YAS:

  1. Sarah of Richard Walker of Birstall Smythes August 18, 1700
  2. Mary of Richard Walker of Birstall October 25 1702
  3. Thomas of Richard Walker of Birstall July 1, 1705
  4. Martha of Richard Walker of Birstall September 8, 1706
    Note: The baptism of of Martha and George are very close together. They may have been twins with Martha a sickly child at birth and consequently baptized before her brother. Or there may have been two Richard Walkers in Birstall as suggested by the two marriages.
  5. George**, the son of Richard Walker of Birstall, December 15, 1706.
    Marriage: George Walker married Sarah Morton** (born circa 1713) on September 19, 1736.
    Children:
    1. David of George Walker of Popeley Hill, March 27, 1737
      Children:
      1. Susanna daughter of David Walker punitive father and Elizabeth Mortimer Birstall, 25 November 1764
      2. Ann, bastard of David Walker of Birstall, punitive father, and Elizabeth Mortimer, April, 26, 1767.
      Marriage: David Walker of Gomersal and Elizabeth Mortimer of Birstall, 4 February 1768
      Children:
      1. George, of David Walker of Church March 26, 1769.
    2. John of George Walker of Birstall, November 6, 1739
    3. Obadiah of George Walker of Birstall, September 13, 1741
      Children:
      1. Hannah, the daughter of Obadiah Walker, punitive father, and Elizabeth Peele, April 8, 1766.
      Marriage: Obadiah Walker married "Elenore Field" Birstall, 2 February 1766
      Children:
      1. Elizabeth, daughter of Obediah Walker, (no mother listed) July 27, 1766, Birstall.
      Another Bastard
      1. John, son of Obediah Walker, punitive father, Birstall, and Elizabeth (no surname), December 27, 1766, Birstall
    4. Alice July 1 1744 (index)
    5. Mathew** baptized in Birstall parish April 6, 1746.
      Marriage: Matthew Walker married Sarah Wood** on May 21, 1781 (Index). According to the tombstone, Matthew married Sara, the daughter of John Wood of Nova, born circa 1756.
      Children:
      1. Margaret, daughter of Matthew Walker, Birstall worsterman, baptized on April 22, 1782.
      2. Sarah, daughter of Matthew Walker, Sykes Lane, can't read occupation, May 9, 1784.
      3. Mary, daughter of Matthew Walker, Glass house, clothier, September 17, 1786.
        Death: Mary, daughter of Matthew Walker, of Glass House, age 4, buried 12, March 1791 (real)
      4. Richard** the son of Matthew Walker, Sykes Lane, no occupation, baptized on August 20, 1789.
        Note: This is Richard "the eldest" son of the above MATTHEW and SARA WALKER who died May 5, 1858, age 68 as listed on the tombstone.
        Marriage: There is no marriage listed in Birstall Parish or on the IGI for Richard and Emma Walker.
        Children: The tombstone, the IGI, and the parish records indicate the Richard and Emma had the following children:
        1. Eliza* circa 1818. Note: Her name was ELIZA (not short for Elizabeth). Born Birstall according to the censuses. Her baptism was not listed in either the Birstall Parish or Batley Parish Indexes. * Buried with her great grand uncle, Anthony Walker, the son of Richard, born 1711.
          1851 Census: Age 33; Unmarried; Listed with her parents
          1861 Census: Church, Gomersal; Eliza Walker, head, unmarried age 43, schoolmistress, born Birstall, Elizabeth Oliver, daughter, age 31, married school mistress, born Batley, Thomas Walker, son, unmarried, age 27, clerk bookkeeper corn mill, born Batley, Alfred D Oliver, nephew age 9, can't read birth place, Charlotte Smith, age 11 boarder, scholar, and Charles ---- head, lodger, age 31, unamrried, inland revenue officer,
          1871 Census: Kirkgate Gomersal: Thomas Walker, head, age 37, corn dealer, employs 1 man, Eliza Walker, sister, age 53, gentlewoman, Elizabeth Oliver, sister, married age 41, schoolmistress
          1891 Census: Kirkgate Gomersal: Eliza Walker, head, age 73, living on own means, Elizabeth Oliver, sister, widowed, age 61, living on own means Thomas Walker, brother, widowed, age 57, corn miller
          Death: Age 80 1898
        2. Sarah Ann* circa 1821. Not listed in either the Birstall Parish or Batley Parish Indexes. *Buried with her great grand uncle, Anthony Walker, the son of Richard, born 1711.
        3. Elizabeth**, the daughter of Richard and Emma Walker, Batley farmer and cornmiller, baptized August 29, 1826 (Batley parish records).
          Death: ** As indicated by the second tombstone inscription, Elizabeth died April 14, 1829.
        4. George, the son of Richard and Emma Walker, Batley farmer and cornmiller, baptized September 16, 1829, age 2 (Batley parish records)
        5. Elizabeth (Elizabeth Oliver)*, the daughter of Richard and Emma Walker, Batley farmer and cornmiller, baptized September 16, 1829 (Batley parish records). Note: This is Elizabeth designated as Elizabeth Oliver in the first Tombstone inscription.
          Marriage: _____ Oliver No listing on the IG or Free BMD as of Jan 2006 Censuses: Not listed 185. Listed with her sister Eliza and brother Thomas 1861, 1871 and 1891, See Eliza.
          Death: 1898 age 69, per tombstone * Buried with her great grand uncle, Anthony Walker, the son of Richard, born 1711. There is no marriage on the IGI for Elizabeth Walker.
        6. Joseph, the son of Richard Walker and Emma, Batley farmer and cornmiller baptized October 31, 1832 (Batley Parish records)
        7. Thomas, the son of Richard Walker and Emma, farmer and cornmiller, 13 March 1834
        8. John Wood Walker**, the son of Richard and Emma Walker, the son of Richard Walker and Emma, Batley Carlinghow born June 20, baptized on September 24, 1835 (Batley parish records).
          Death: **The tombstone inscription indicates that John Wood Walker "died in his infancy".
        1851 Censues: Field Hill Gomersall, Richard Walker, head, age 61, surveyor, Emma wife, age 58, born Lancaster (?), Eliza, daughter age 33, and Thomas son age 17, clother can't read crossed out.
      5. Hannah, Birstall, daughter of Matthew Walker no occupation, baptized on April 9, 1792.
      6. John, son of Matthew Walker of Sykes Lane, clothier, baptized July 18, 1797.
      Death of Matthew Walker: Matthew Wallker died at age 73 in 1819.
    6. Grace of George Walker November 17, 1751 (Batley Index)
  6. Anthony* of Richard Walker of Birstall Smithes, December 16, 1711.
    Marriage: Anthony Walker married Eleanore Hare, 7 February 1754 in Batley Parish (Index)
    Children: They do not appear to have had children. There were no baptisms listed in either Birstall or Batley parishes.
    * Listed on the tombstone with his wife, Eleanor, and the daughters of , Richard (Sarah Ann, Elizabeth and Eliza).
  7. James of Richard Walker of Birstall, April 22, 1716
  8. Hannah of Richard Walker of Birstall, May 10, 1719

** Listed on the second tombstone above.


Walker Tombstone "Brownhill in Batley"

The following tombstone is also for a Walker from Brownhill, Batley Parish. Brownhill was the "address" of Anthony Waler who died in 1796. See first tombstone above.


WALKER

Here lies the body of ELIZABETH the wife of THOMAS WALKER of Birstall
Who died ye 5th day of April 1728 aged 90 years
Here lies the body of THOMAS WALKER of Brownhill in Batley
Son of ye above said THOMAS who died ye 9th day of September 1741, aged 60 years.
Here also was interred the body of RICHARD WALKER of Birstall (a mark I can't read) April ye 12th, 1756 in ye 85th year of his age
(The same mark I can't read) Yeoman


This records indicates that:
  • Elizabeth was born circa 1638
  • Thomas was born circa 1681
  • Richard was born circa 1671. This is most likely the Richard having children in the early 1700s.

Walker Tombstone Birstall Smithies

The following tombstone is for a Walker from Birstall Smithies. The potentially interesting thing about this tombstone are the names Matthew and Anthony names that were not generally popular in the parish but were used by the Walkers in the first two tombstones listed above.


1769
WALKER
In Memory of WILLIAM WALKER of Birstall Smithies
And MARY his wife
HE DIED the 23rd of April 1769 age 76 years
SHE DIED the 31 of October 1787 age 76
Also SIX of their SONS: MATTHEW, WILLIAM, ANTHONY
WILLIAM, JOSEPH and ABRAHAM who all died in their infancy
And of their DAUGHTERS: ANNE and SARAH the FORMER of
Whom died June 11, 1783 age 42, the LATER June 4 1806 age 40.

THE YAWNING GRAVE AND LETTERED TOMB
MEMORIALS OF A KINDRED DOOM
VAIN MORTALS VIEW WITH CARELESS EYE
AND SCARCELY THINK THEMSELVES MUST DIE


Birth of William Walker: William s Richard Walker of Birstall Smithies baptized 29 July 1694

Marriage:

Children:

  1. There were two females born to William Walker:
    1. Catherine baptized 24 January 1730/31 no other notation.
    2. Dinah born August 2, 1730 christened 21 November 1733 No other notation
    Note: There were other William Walkers in the parish
  2. Mercy of William Walker of Birstall Smithies 25 April 1733
  3. Matthew of William Walker of Birstall Smithies 20 July 1735
    Death: In his infancy according to tombstone
  4. Sarah of William Walker 12 February 1736/7
    Death: June 4, 1806 age 40 according to tombstone
  5. William of William Walker of Birstall Smithies March 18, 1738/9
    Death: In his infancy according to tombstone
  6. Anne of William Walker of Birstall Smithies 27 July 1740
    Death: June 11, 1783 age 42 according to tombstone
  7. John of William Walker of Birstall Smithies 21 August 1742
  8. Anthony of William Walker 18 July 1744 (index)
    Death: In his infancy according to tombstone
  9. William of William Walker 12 January 1745/6 (index)
    Death: In his infancy according to tombstone
  10. Joseph of William Walker 21 December 1747 (index)
    Death: In his infancy according to tombstone
  11. Abraham of William Walker 27 May 1750 (index)
    Death: In his infancy according to tombstone

Death of William Walker:

Death of Mary Walker:


Wood Connections to Oliver

There are two Wood Tombstones with connections to the name Oliver.


WOOD

In memory of PRISCILLA the wife of BENJAMIN WOOD of Nova
Who departed this life June 7th 1814, age 38

AN INDUSTRIOUS WIFE, A FRIEND SINCERE
A TENDER MOTHER LIETH HERE

Also of the above named BENJAMIN WOOD
Who died August 5th 1855 age 81 years
Also DECKON son of the above who died March 9th 1821 age 18 years
Also PRISCILLA OLIVER their daughter who died May 5th 1828 age 22 years
Also of JUDITH daughter of the above named BENJAMIN and PRISCILLA WOOD and the wife of JOSEPH DRAKE of Farnley who died May 31st 1878 age 67 years.


The tombstone record and the IGI indicate:

Birth of Benjamin Wood: Benjamin Wood was born circa 1774 to John Wood.
Marriage: Benjamin Wood married Priscilla Charlesworth in Birstall parish on June 11, 1801.
Priscilla was the daughter of Bryan Charlesworth, August 10, 1775, Birstall (IGI)
Children:

  1. Charlesworth Wood, the son of Benjamin and Priscilla, November 15, 1801, Birstall (IGI)

    Charlesworth Wood Baptism 15 Nov 1801 Birstall, St Peter, Yorkshire, England Father: Benjamin Wood Mother: Priscilla Wood - no occupation

  2. Note: The tombstone inscription of Hannah, the wife of Charlesworth Wood, is listed below.

    Marriage: Hannah - died 1829

    Children:

      Charles Worth Wood Baptism Birth Date: 24 Sep 1826 Baptism Date: 21 Jan 1827 Baptism Place: Birstall, St Peter, Yorkshire, England, father Charlesworth, mason, mother Hannah Mary

      Death: Charlesworth Wood Age: 10 months Burial Date: 19 Aug 1827 Burial Place: Birstall, St Peter, Yorkshire, England Parish: Birstall, St Peter,father Charlesworth, mason

  3. Deckon was baptized December 5, 1802, Birstall (IGI) . Note: Deckon was the maiden name of the wife of a John Wood, and also a middle name used by the family of William Wood.
  4. Benjamin, July 8, 1804, Birstall (IGI)
  5. Priscilla, November 3, 1805 Birstall (IGI). Note: She was listed as Priscilla Oliver on the tombstone.
  6. Rachael, September 11, 1808, Birstall, (IGI)
  7. Judith, July 7, 1811
  8. Mary, December 27, 1812, Birstall (IGI)
  9. Ann, August 7, 1814, Birstall (IGI)
Note: It is possible that Priscilla's parents were Bryan Charlesworth and Priscilla Oliver.


WOOD

In loving memory of HANNAH the beloved wife of EDWIN WOOD of Birstall
Who died October 9, 1869, aged 24
Also of MARY ELIZABETH their daughter who died in her infancy
Also of HANNAH ELLEN their daughter Who died July 21, 1848 aged five months
Also of HAROLD their son who died August 2nd 1885 aged 3 years
Also of OLIVER STEAD their son who died November 8, 1869 aged 6 months
Also of HARVEY their son who died March 8th 1909 age 22 years
Also of the above EDWIN WOOD
Who died March 28, 1891 age 47 years
Also of SARAH WOOD widow of the above who died January 14, 1919 age 40 years
Also of ROWLAND ORLANDO WOOD the son of EDWIN and SARAH WOOD who died October 15th 1842 aged 1 year and 7 months.


The tombstone record and the IGI indicate:

  • Edwin Wood was born circa 1847

Miscellaneous Tombstone Inscriptions For Wood


WOOD

Sacred to the memory of HANNAH MARY the wife of CHARLESWORTH WOOD of Birstall
Who died on the 20th of September 1829 aged 23 years
Also of CHARLESWORTH WOOD her son who died on the 16th of August 1824, aged 10 months.


Note: These are the wife and son of Charlesworth Wood. Charlesworth was the son of Benjamin and Priscilla Wood.


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