The Canadian Birks
Richard Birks (1774-1860) was the father of five brothers who
emigrated to Canada. Richard was a civil engineer, surveyor and
land valuer born at Wombwell Hall, and later of the Manor House
at Ardsley where he was registered for poll tax in 1835.
The five emigrant brothers were:
- John Birks
- Edward Bramhall Birks
- Richard Birks
- Thomas Birks
- Samuel Birks
John Birks (1802-1869) was born at Wombwell and later lived at
Monk Bretton Priory. He was a chemist, and was the first to
emigrate, sailing from Hull in the spring of 1832. John had
married Anne Massey at Barnsley St Marys on 1 September 1825.
They had ten children:
- Ellen Birks (1826-1913) born at Barnsley
- Edward Noble Birks (1829-1832) born at Monk Bretton
Priory
- Bertha Birks (1832-1832) born and died at Barnsley
- Anne Birks (1836-1864)
- John Birks (1838-1918)
- Henry Birks (1840-1928) founder of the Canadian
jewellery stores
- Albert Birks (1844-1906)
- Frederick Birks (1844-1922)
- Arthur Birks (1847-1934)
- Stephen Birks (1848-1903) the latter seven all born in
Montreal.
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