John Birks 1802-1876

Pottery Crate Maker

Born in Woolwich, Kent- from 2 censuses- no baptism on FS, FMP/Ancestry - but is in Stoke by 1822

Birks seemed to be primarily a Yorkshire name at this time

1822. John Birks marries Mary Poulson on 7/4/1822 in St Peter ad Vincula, Stoke- FMP - proof that this her surname below .

.Thomas Birks was baptised in St John, Longton on 7/12/1823 to John & Mary, his father a potter. Ann Jellicoe Birks seemingly baptised to same couple, father a potter, same place in 1826 - she seems to have left home/died by 1841C: where does Jellicoe come from??. Also, as Phillis Birks was baptised to John Birks & Mary Poulston in 1826- could Ann Jellicoe Banks have the same parents ??- not unheard of to baptise a child sometime after its actual birth

It seems John & Mary left the Anglican Church in 1826 and joined the Methodist church- but just possible that there were 2 John & Mary couples in Longton around this time

An Ancestry tree has her as Mary Poulson/Poulston- and, supporting this,

Phillis Birks was baptised 5/11/1826 to John Birks & Mary Poulston at Methodist New Connection, Longton Circuit, Stoke- FS. Jacob Birks baptised to same couple, same place in 1832. Ditto William in 1835 . & Phillis Birks was a witness at the 1846 marriage of son Thomas- proof enough for me

1841C. John Birks, 35, potter, Market Place, Stoke . Birthplace likely wrong- not born in Staffs If this he, & definitely the same family in 1851, & now satisfied of this, then his wife is Mary Poulson/Poulston

1846. Son Thomas Birks marries, father John Birks, Phillis Birks a witness

1851C. John Birks, 49, crate maker,b. Woolich, Blind/deaf/dumb, is living Daisy Bank, Stoke . Children born 1823 - 1846

1861C. John Birks, 59, cratemaker, b. Woolwich, is living Lansdown Terrace, Stoke. Trentham in Staffs!

1871C. John Birks, 69, cratemaker, birthplace likely wrong!, is living Heathcote Road Stoke

Index