Kirkby, William Cape 1a

Birth Name Kirkby, William Cape
Gramps ID I0006
Gender male
Age at Death 43 years, 6 months, 28 days

Narrative

Born at High Cragg, Underbarrow, Westmorland, England in 1876 to John Kirkby and Elizabeth (Cape).
He was the 2nd of 5 children (Nancy F (1873), George F (1877), Ida E(1881), Mary A(1883)).
By 1891 at age 15 he was at St Anne’s school, Redhill in London.
In 1900 aged 23 he was working as a “clerk” living in Underbarrow (probably not at High Cragg as it had been sold in 1881).
That year he joined the 2nd Manchester Regiment (possibly National Service).
He was described in his sign-up papers as “height: 5ft 6 inches. weight: 119 lbs. fair complexion, blue eyes, blonde hair”.
William spent 1 year and 110 days fighting the Boers in the South Africa campaign.
He returned at the end of 1901, unwounded, and received the Queen South Africa medal.
In 1909, aged 33, he married Matilda Rose Ellen Cooper, also aged 33, at St Mary's in Liscard, Chester, Chesire.
At their marriage their residence was listed as 54 High Street, Warrington, Cheshire.
On 24 Oct 1910 their first daughter, Maud Elizabeth, was born, their address was 92 Bewsey Road, Warrington.
They soon moved into a terraced house at 109 Tring Road, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, England.
William put on his 1911 census that he was a bookkeeping clerk working in engineering.
In the last 3 months of 1911 they had a son George, then a daughter Elda Mary in 1913.
At some point after 1914 he was called up to World War 1 (not found his papers yet).
He survived the war itself but died aged 43 on 29th July 1919 at 8 Fonthill Road, Finsbury, London (presumably from wounds, though possibly the flu).
His effects at the time of his death amounted to 158 pounds sterling.
The family story is that his son George died age 6 or 9 and his wife Matilda later died of flu.
So far there is no confirmation of events after William's death other than a record of Matilda dying in Islington in 1925 aged 49.
Their daughters Maud Elizabeth (aged 14) and Elda Mary Kirkby (aged 12) were orphaned in 1925 and likely went to live with "Aunts" at Tullythwaite House, Underbarrow, Westmorland.

Narrative

It seems any Kirkby inheritance was gone after Williams parents, John & Elizabeth, sold High Cragg and its 103 acres in 1881 and retired to live on whatever was left. Reasons for them doing that are unclear, though the canal built in Kendal area and finished in 1850s is said to have negatively impacted local workers, especially farming. Additional detail is in William's father John’s notes.

Narrative

It's unclear whether 8 Fonthill Road, Finsbury is somewhere William & Matilda stayed after WW1, somewhere he was recovering, or somewhere they had moved to from Aylesbury. His death probate says "William Cape of 8 Fonthill Road..." suggesting they lived there. Matilda's death in 1925 is only recorded as "Islington" (which Finsbury is close to).
(1921 Census is not yet free to view, but should provide details of that address).

Narrative

Events of cited AngloBoer war in South Africa. William Kirkby was awarded The Queens South Africa medal for his service in 2nd Manchester Regiment (see service records for posting dates). Below info is taken from https://www.angloboerwar.com/unit-information/imperial-units/572-manchester-regiment.

"2nd Battalion

The 2nd Battalion sailed on the Bavarian on 16th March 1900, and arrived at the Cape on 6th April. Along with the 1st Worcestershire, 1st South Staffordshire, and 2nd Royal West Kent, they formed the 17th Brigade under Major General Boyes, and part of the Vl11th Division under Lieutenant General Sir Leslie Rundle. The work of the division has been briefly sketched under the 2nd Grenadier Guards. The battalion was not in any big battle, but did consistently good work.

There follows an extract of the war services of the 2nd Battalion Manchester Regiment. This bears out what is said under the other battalions of the VIIIth Division as to the work done and the hardships suffered by Rundle's people:—

20th to 24th April 1900. Engaged in operations for the relief of Wepener; thereafter marched north. May. Operating between Thabanchu and Senekal. 4tth June. Occupied Ficksburg; held it till 20th. Frequently shelled.

20th June to 29th July, Holding Hammonia and part of line, Ficksburg westwards, to keep in Prinsloo's Boers.

29th July to 4th August. Marched to Harrismith, 115 miles in seven days. Thence by Reitz and Vrede

to Standerton. Arrived there on 30th.

"During these four months the division was on very short rations, their boots and clothing were worn out, many of the men wearing sacks. A hundred men of the battalion were sent back from Reitz to Harrismith as they had no boots. At Standerton the men received fresh boots and clothes, and after that time supplies were more regular".

Marched from Standerton, via Vrede and Bethlehem, to Senekal. Had fighting there, and near that town some waggons, a gun, and 17 prisoners taken. On 30th September reached Reitz again. On 14th October occupied Harrismith. Left on 3rd November as escort to convoy; had fighting daily,—Lieutenant Woodhouse being killed on the 8th.

And so on with these interminable treks and constant skirmishes, sometimes developing into quite fierce actions, as at Reitpan on 6th January 1901. At times the battalion got a spell of garrison work, as at Bethlehem between 30th January and 27th April, during which time no mails got in.

During May and June 1901 half the battalion went out with a column under Lieutenant Colonel Reay of the regiment. This column, working in the Brand water basin, had fighting every day.

During August to November the battalion was always on column work, pursuing Boers or taking out convoys. The enemy got numerous and daring in November, and the skirmishes were frequent and fierce. Captain Noble was killed, and another officer died on the 12th of that month.

From the end of November 1901 till the declaration of peace the battalion was constructing and occupying blockhouses on the line Harrismith-Van Reenens and Harrismith-Oliver's Hoek. That they held them well is proved by the largeness of the captures in the drives to that corner in February and March 1902.

Over three companies of the battalion were mountedx and did excellent work.

Four officers, I non-commissioned officer, and 1 private of the 2nd Battalion were mentioned during the war in despatches by Lord Kitchener.

Events

Event Date Place Description Sources
Birth 1876 Kendal, Westmorland, England, UK Birth year provided only 1876. 1881 census Age 5 he is living at High Cragg 2a
Census 1881 High Cragg, Underbarrow, Westmorland, England, UK 1881 Census. William Cape age 5 at High Cragg, Underbarrow 3a
Census 1891 Royal Asylum Of St Annes Schools, Redhill, Reigate, Surrey, England, UK 1891 Census. William Cape at school: Royal Asylum Of St Annes Schools, Redhill, Reigate, Surrey 4a
Education 1891 Royal Asylum Of St Annes Schools, Redhill, Reigate, Surrey, England, UK William Cape Kirkby aged 15 at the school in 1891 4a
Residence 1900 Underbarrow, Westmorland, England, UK Military service record of 1900 has his address as Underbarrow 5a
Military Service from 9 Feb 1900 to 29 May 1901 South Africa, Africa William Cape Military Service South Africa 1 yr & 110 days (Not wounded, medal: Queens S A.) 5a
Event Note

William Cape Kirkby military service records: Date 9th Feb 1900 he puts his address on page 1 as Underbarrow and his job as a Clerk, but he puts an unintelligible next of kin as “father Jnosty? Kirkby of 58 talbot road old trafford, manchester”. I suspect he said “John Henry” and whoever wrote it down could not make it out. 1891 Census has his father John Kirkby, retired farmer, head of family at that address 58 talbot road, old trafford, manchester (confirmed correct with 1891 census but he has moved by 1901 census).

Occupation 18 Oct 1909 54 High Street, Warrington, Cheshire, England, UK William Cape puts "Cashier" on marriage cert for his occupation in 1909 6a
Residence 11 Dec 1910 92 Bewsey Rd, Warrington, Cheshire, England, UK daughter Maud baptised while resident at 92 Bewsey Road, Warrington 7a
Census 1911 109 Tring Road, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, England, UK Census 1911. William Cape Kirkby & Matilda Rose Ellen living at 109 Tring Road, Aylesbury. 8a
Residence 1911 109 Tring Road, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, England, UK daughter Maud age 0 on 1911 census but birth place Warrington suggests they moved to Aylesbury by 1911 8a
Occupation 1911 109 Tring Road, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, England, UK 1911 Census. occupation: "Cashier and bookkeeper, engineering, worker" 8a
Death 29 Jul 1919 8 Fonthill Road, Finsbury Park, London, England, UK William Cape Kirkby dies 1919 at 8 Fonthill Rd, Finsbury 9a

Parents

Relation to main person Name Birth date Death date Relation within this family (if not by birth)
Father Kirkby, John Henry [I0009]18 Nov 18341910
Mother Kirkby, Elizabeth [I0010]4 Apr 1840
         Kirkby, William Cape 1876 29 Jul 1919
    Sister     Kirkby, Nancy Fayrer [I0033] 1873
    Brother     Kirkby, George F [I0034] 1877
    Sister     Kirkby, Ida E [I0035] 1881
    Sister     Kirkby, Mary A [I0036] 1883

Families

Family of Kirkby, William Cape and Cooper, Matilda Rose Ellen [F0002]
Married Wife Cooper, Matilda Rose Ellen [I0007] ( * 1878 + 1925 )
   
Event Date Place Description Sources
Marriage 18 Oct 1909 St Mary’s Church, Liscard, Chester, Liscard, Chester, Cheshire, England, UK William Cape Kirkby marries Matilda Rose Ellen Cooper 6a
Residence 18 Oct 1909 54 High Street, Warrington, Cheshire, England, UK William Cape Kirkby Residence at time of marriage writes age 33 6a
  Children
Name Birth Date Death Date
Kirkby, Maud Elizabeth [I0031]
Kirkby, George C(ape) [I0032]1911estimated before 1920
Kirkby, Elda Mary [I0004]14 Jan 19137 Mar 1985

Source References

  1. England and Wales Birth Registration Index, 1837-2008 [S0001]
      • Date: 1876
      • Page: William Cape Kirkby, 1876; from "England & Wales Births, 1837-2006,"
      • Citation:

        "England and Wales Birth Registration Index, 1837-2008," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:2XD4-JKJ : 1 October 2014), William Cape Kirkby, 1876; from "England & Wales Births, 1837-2006," database, findmypast (http://www.findmypast.com : 2012); citing Birth Registration, Kendal, Westmorland, England, citing General Register Office, Southport, England.

  2. England & Wales Births 1837-2006 [S0024]
      • Date: 1876
      • Page: Birth, Marriage, Death & Parish Records;Civil Births;William Cape Kirkby
      • Citation:

        https://www.findmypast.co.uk/transcript?id=BMD/B/1876/2/AZ/000336/157

      • General:

        William Cape Kirkby birth 1876 Kendal Westmorland. not much else informed.

  3. 1881 England, Wales & Scotland Census [S0025]
      • Date: 1881
      • Page: High Cragg, Underbarrow and Bradley Field, Kendal, Westmorland, England;John H Kirkby
      • 1881 census John Henry Kirkby High Cragg
      • Citation:

        https://www.findmypast.co.uk/transcript?id=GBC/1881/0024379252

      • General:

        First name(s) Last name Relationship Marital status Sex Age Birth year Occupation Birth place
        John H Kirkby Head Married Male 46 1835 Farmer of 103 acres Sheerness, Kent, England
        Elizabeth Kirkby Wife Married Female 41 1840 - Underbarrow, Westmorland, England
        Nanny F Kirkby Daughter Single Female 8 1873 Scholar Underbarrow, Westmorland, England
        William C Kirkby Son daughter Single Male 5 1876 - Underbarrow, Westmorland, England
        George F Kirkby Son Single Male 4 1877 - Underbarrow, Westmorland, England
        Ida E Kirkby Daughter Single Female 0 1881 - Underbarrow, Westmorland, England
        John H Buxton Visitor Married Male 40 1841 Newspaper manager (agent) Salford, Lancashire, England
        Isabella Buxton Visitor Married Female 41 1840 - Manchester, Lancashire, England
        Mary Milburn Servant Single Female 19 1862 Domestic servant Crosthwaite, Westmorland, England
        Dinah Ingall Servant Single Female 15 1866 Domestic servant Kendal, Westmorland, England

  4. 1891 England, Wales & Scotland Census [S0026]
      • Date: 1891
      • Page: Reigate, Surrey, England;Royal Asylum Of St Annes Schools;William Cape Kirkby
      • St Annes school pupils - stannes10;William Cape Kirkby
      • St Annes school engraving 1893 - stannes bldg engrvng; William Cape Kirkby
      • Citation:

        https://www.findmypast.co.uk/transcript?id=GBC/1891/0004811733

      • Citation:

        First name(s) William C
        Last name Kirkby
        Relationship Pupil
        Marital status -
        Sex Male
        Age 15
        Birth year 1876
        Birth town Kendal
        Birth town as transcribed KENDAL
        Birth county Westmorland
        Birth county as transcribed WESTMORLAND
        Birth place England
        Occupation School boy
        Institution name Royal Asylum Of St Annes Schools
        Institution location Redhill Reigate Surrey
        Full address Reigate, Surrey, England
        Street -
        Town Reigate
        Parish Reigate
        City Reigate
        County Surrey
        Country England
        Registration district Reigate
        Sub district Reigate
        Enumeration district 31
        Parliamentary borough or division South Eastern or Reigate the County of Surrey
        Municipal borough or ward Reigate Eastern
        Ecclesiastical parish or district St Matthew Redhill
        Archive reference RG12
        Piece number 580
        Folio 145
        Page 9
        Schedule 23
        Record set 1891 England, Wales & Scotland Census
        Category Census, land & surveys
        Subcategory Census
        Collections from Great Britain, England

  5. British Army Service Records [S0027]
      • Date: 9 Feb 1900
      • Page: The National Archives;Wo 97 - Chelsea Pensioners British Army Service Records 1760-1913;Archive reference WO 97;Attestation service number 7039;William Cape Kirkby
      • William Cape Kirkby 1900 service record pg1
      • William Cape Kirkby 1900 service record pg2
      • William Cape Kirkby 1900 service record pg3
      • William Cape Kirkby 1900 service record pg4
      • Queen's_South_Africa_Medal_with_5_clasps,_reverse
      • Queen's_South_Africa_Medal_with_5_clasps,_obverse
      • Citation:

        https://www.findmypast.co.uk/transcript?id=GBM%2FWO97%2F5293%2F923997

      • General:

        William Cape Kirkby Military service :

        Begins home: 9th Feb 1900 to 14th Feb 1900 for 9 days
        South Africa campaign: 15th Feb 1900 to 11th May 1901 for 1 yr and 69 days.
        Ends home: home 11th May 1901 to 29th May 1901 for 8 days.
        total: 1 year, 110 days.

        First name(s) William Cape
        Last name Kirkby
        Birth year 1877
        Birth parish Underbarrow
        Birth town Kendal
        Birth county Westmorland
        Birth country England
        Service number 7039
        Regiment -
        Year 1900
        Attestation date 09 Feb 1900
        Attestation age years 23
        Attestation age months 10
        Attestation service number 7039
        Attestation corps The Manchr Regt
        Document type Attestation
        Archive reference WO 97
        Series Wo 97 - Chelsea Pensioners British Army Service Records 1760-1913
        Box 5293
        Box record number 17
        Archive The National Archives
        Country England
        Record set British Army Service Records
        Category Military, armed forces & conflict
        Subcategory Regimental & Service Records
        Collections from Great Britain, England

         

         

         

         

      • Citation:

        https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen%27s_South_Africa_Medal

      • Citation:

        https://www.angloboerwar.com/unit-information/imperial-units/572-manchester-regiment

      • General:

        Events of cited AngloBoer war in South Africa. William Kirkby was awarded medal and served in 2nd Manchester Regiment (see service records for posting dates). taken from https://www.angloboerwar.com/unit-information/imperial-units/572-manchester-regiment a search field at the bottom provides details of his medal.

        "2nd Battalion

        The 2nd Battalion sailed on the Bavarian on 16th March 1900, and arrived at the Cape on 6th April. Along with the 1st Worcestershire, 1st South Staffordshire, and 2nd Royal West Kent, they formed the 17th Brigade under Major General Boyes, and part of the Vl11th Division under Lieutenant General Sir Leslie Rundle. The work of the division has been briefly sketched under the 2nd Grenadier Guards. The battalion was not in any big battle, but did consistently good work.

        There follows an extract of the war services of the 2nd Battalion Manchester Regiment. This bears out what is said under the other battalions of the VIIIth Division as to the work done and the hardships suffered by Rundle's people:—

        20th to 24th April 1900. Engaged in operations for the relief of Wepener; thereafter marched north. May. Operating between Thabanchu and Senekal. 4tth June. Occupied Ficksburg; held it till 20th. Frequently shelled.

        20th June to 29th July, Holding Hammonia and part of line, Ficksburg westwards, to keep in Prinsloo's Boers.

        29th July to 4th August. Marched to Harrismith, 115 miles in seven days. Thence by Reitz and Vrede

        to Standerton. Arrived there on 30th.

        "During these four months the division was on very short rations, their boots and clothing were worn out, many of the men wearing sacks. A hundred men of the battalion were sent back from Reitz to Harrismith as they had no boots. At Standerton the men received fresh boots and clothes, and after that time supplies were more regular".

        Marched from Standerton, via Vrede and Bethlehem, to Senekal. Had fighting there, and near that town some waggons, a gun, and 17 prisoners taken. On 30th September reached Reitz again. On 14th October occupied Harrismith. Left on 3rd November as escort to convoy; had fighting daily,—Lieutenant Woodhouse being killed on the 8th.

        And so on with these interminable treks and constant skirmishes, sometimes developing into quite fierce actions, as at Reitpan on 6th January 1901. At times the battalion got a spell of garrison work, as at Bethlehem between 30th January and 27th April, during which time no mails got in.

        During May and June 1901 half the battalion went out with a column under Lieutenant Colonel Reay of the regiment. This column, working in the Brand water basin, had fighting every day.

        During August to November the battalion was always on column work, pursuing Boers or taking out convoys. The enemy got numerous and daring in November, and the skirmishes were frequent and fierce. Captain Noble was killed, and another officer died on the 12th of that month.

        From the end of November 1901 till the declaration of peace the battalion was constructing and occupying blockhouses on the line Harrismith-Van Reenens and Harrismith-Oliver's Hoek. That they held them well is proved by the largeness of the captures in the drives to that corner in February and March 1902.

        Over three companies of the battalion were mountedx and did excellent work.

        Four officers, I non-commissioned officer, and 1 private of the 2nd Battalion were mentioned during the war in despatches by Lord Kitchener.

  6. Cheshire Diocese Of Chester Parish Marriages 1538-1910 [S0002]
      • Date: 18 Oct 1909
      • Page: Birth, Marriage, Death & Parish Records;Parish Marriages;item 10 p 203;William Cape Kirkby & Matilda Rose Ellen Cooper
      • 1909 record of marriage Will Cape Kirkby to Matilda Rose Ellen Cooper
      • Citation:

        https://www.findmypast.co.uk/transcript?id=GBPRS/M/770260437/1

      • Citation:

        https://search.findmypast.co.uk/record?id=GBPRS%2FCHS%2F4019100%2F00944&parentid=GBPRS%2FM%2F770260437%2F1

      • Citation:

        Marriage of William Cape Kirkby & Matilda Rose Ellen Cooper in Liscard in 18 Oct 1909. Brides father named.

  7. Cheshire Diocese Of Chester Parish Baptisms 1538-1911 [S0034]
      • Date: 11 Dec 1910
      • Page: Birth, Marriage, Death & Parish Records;Parish Baptisms;Maud Elizabeth Kirkby
      • Maud Elizabeth Kirkby Baptism
      • Citation:

        https://www.findmypast.co.uk/transcript?id=GBPRS%2FCHE%2FBAP%2F012519

      • Citation:

        Maud Elizabeth Kirkby baptism father & mother mentioned. birth 24 Oct 1910 & baptism 11 Dec 1910. Residence: 92 Bewsey RD, Warrington

         

  8. 1911 Census For England & Wales [S0028]
      • Date: 1911
      • Page: 109 Tring Road Aylesbury, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, England;William Cape Kirkby
      • 109 Tring Road Aylesbury
      • Census 1911 William Cape Kirkby
      • Citation:

        https://www.findmypast.co.uk/transcript?id=GBC%2F1911%2FRG14%2F07932%2F0271%2F1

      • Citation:

        William Cape Kirkby living at 109 Tring Road, Aylesbury. Census 1911.

  9. England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1858-2019 [S0014]
      • Date: 29 Jul 1919
      • Page: Birth, Marriage, Death & Parish Records;Civil Deaths & Burials;William Cape Kirkby
      • 1919 William Cape death
      • Citation:

        https://www.findmypast.co.uk/transcript?id=GBOR%2FGOVPROBATE%2FC%2F1919-1919%2F00050631