THE WILKINSONS (3)

[Stanley]

THE WILKINSONS (3)
I have ascertained, on the authority of the late Bishop Wilkinson, that the name "Wilkinson” is of Danish origin, and means literally "Viking's Son."
It is an historical fact that after the Danish invasion of the North of England many of the invaders did not return to the Continent, and some of the settlers remained on the hill country stretching from Earby to Haggate, near Burnley. There are several place names in the Burnley district, which have survived more than a thousand years.

WILLIAM WILKINSON, the first minister of the Earby Baptist Church, is entitled to worthy recognition. He was a native of the village, and by occupation was a handloom weaver. At the time when twelve members left the Baptist Church at Barnoldswick, early in 1819, to form a similar community at Earby, there were five Wilkinsons among the number, and William Wilkinson, junior, was appointed pastor at a salary of £10 per year.

He laboured unsparingly for the good of the villagers, as well as the religious community to which he belonged, and for a long time he used the vestry at the old Baptist Chapel as a day school, and taught in the evenings as well. To raise funds for the chapel, which was built in 1821, he travelled to London on foot, preaching at all the Baptist Chapels on the way which were open to him, and on arriving in London he was prevailed upon to preach in the famous Bloomsbury Chapel, and a handsome collection was generously devoted to him in recognition of his services and unselfish labours. He was held in venerable esteem by all who knew him, and was regarded as a real saint. It is impossible to estimate the influence for good which he exerted during those difficult years, when riot and disorder swept the countryside upon the introduction of the "power loom" and during the "hungry forties."
Another branch of the Wilkinson family tree was generally known as
" THE NICKIES," presumably after a familiar name which was applied to the head of the family. They were associated in our recollection with the Mill Brow district, and many older residents will remember the kindly figure of Hartley Wilkinson, who was generally known as Hartley o' Nickie's. His son, William Wilkinson, is one of the most worthy native residents in Earby to-day.
Almost all his life-time he has followed the occupation of stonemason and builder, and in recent years he has established a successful contractor's business. He has also rendered distinguished public service in several offices. For thirty years he has been an overseer of the poor, and has only just retired. He was a member of the old Parish Council from its beginning, and has had a longer period of service on the Urban District Council than any other Earby councillor. He was the first Earby man to be appointed Chairman of the Council, and his services to the Council have been of the highest order, by reason of his business ability and practical experience. He has had a life-long association with the Baptist Church, and was a leading supporter of the old Mechanics' Institute.

John and Thomas Wilkinson were two brothers, whose father was known as "Calic,"
JOHN WILKINSON was a tackier at Bracewell's Old Shed, and of course, was well known on that account. He was better known, however, as one of the prominent workers at the Wesleyan Chapel and School. He was a manager of the Wesleyan Day School for many years, and remained a teacher at the Sunday School until he was a veteran. His principal forte at one time was that of chapel organist, and his wife (formerly Mary Ann Harrison, of Kelbrook) was the leading singer. Oratorio music was then becoming popular at "Charity Sermons," and this worthy couple were known all over the country side for their musical abilities and enthusiasm, for they could both take solo parts with deserving credit. When they passed away they left a legacy to the trustees of the Wesleyan Chapel, which is the only endowment the local church possesses.

THOMAS WILKINSON
A man of different type to his brother. By occupation he was a farmer, at Higher Varges. He, too, was connected with the old Methodist Sunday School in Stoneybank Lane, and became a superintendent in early manhood. He is especially remembered for the originality and humour of his addresses. He re-moved to Gisburn, and was a farmer there for about forty years, but at Christmas time he was always a welcome visitor to the Wesleyan Tea Party, and the "star" speaker at the entertainment.

And what stories he told, and in such a comical style! Who that was there can ever forget how he completely convulsed a crowded school with the tale of a farmer who had a poorly cow, and sent for a friend to "pray over the cow," in the hope of its restoration. His friend came, and he "prayed" in these terms: ''If tha' lives, tha' lives; an' if tha' dees, tha' dees ! " The cow got better, and some time later the farmer's friend was very ill with the "Quinsies," and his life was almost despaired of. So the farmer thought "One good turn deserves another," and he went to see his friend, who was unable to speak. Taking his stand at the bed-side, he said: "Well! if tha' lives, tha' lives ; an' if tha' dees, tha' dees." This caused the poorly man to break out into a fit of laughter, which burst the swelling in the throat and saved his life.

The head of another family of Wilkinsons was known as "Striker." One of the sons was called Tom, and this was converted to "Tit." He was the village humorist, whether in the mill, on the cricket field, or walking out with his mates. But it was unconscious effort on his part, which made it the more amusing. He was always making "bulls-" One story that lingers is associated with a day trip to Morecambe. "Tit," with some of his friends, turned up at the station as the train was starting on its return journey. "We s'ould all ha' bin left," he said, "if t' guard van hedn't put 'is heead out o' t' window."
Perhaps the best joke is that associated with a notice posted on the rails at the Manor House, Thornton, which was then unoccupied. A very prominent notice was displayed on a board: ON SALE.

Walking out one Saturday afternoon, after they had passed through Thornton, "Tit" asked his mates if they had seen the notice—"No Sale." They laughed until they were split with laughing nearly, and the more they laughed the more he "stuck out" that it was "No Sale." So a bet was made, and the party trudged back more than a mile "to prove it." "Tit" was fairly done this time, and he never heard the last of it.

WILKINSONS AT "THE MOUNT."
"The Mount" is an imposing residence on the hillside above Earby, facing the village of Thornton, overlooking Thornton Wood, but always considered to belong to Earby. It formed part of the Fence End estate of Thornton-in-Craven, and was formerly used by the Wilkinson family as a summer residence, especially during the shooting season. Some members of that family are held in grateful remembrance. John Wilkinson Wasney, whom we remember as the squire of Thornton-in-Craven, was accustomed once a year to traverse on horseback all the roads and bridle paths of the extensive parish to ensure that the public rights were maintained. A plain stone marks the resting-place of Mr. Wasney in Thornton Churchyard, and also that of his sister, of whom it is recorded "that no poor man was ever turned away from their door." Their characteristic generosity was continued by their successor, the late Mrs. Smith, and many are the families in Earby, as well as Thornton, who retain thankful remembrance of her kindness- J. H.

Transcribed from the Craven Herald, written by John Hartley.
From a collection of newspaper cuttings made by J. Hartley kindly loaned by Mrs. E. Wilkinson.

April 17, 2005
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