BENSON
OF AUGHTON NEAR ORMSKIRK, LANCASHIRE
AND BIRKENHEAD, CHESHIRE

I am grateful to Sue Weighell for the the following family tree of the Benson family of Aughton. I have made additions for the family of Richard Benson and Elizabeth Sherman in generation 3 and in particular to the family of Henry Benson who married Eliza Stott in generation 4. A number of additions and corrections have also been made from information supplied by Kay Gifford of Perth, Western Australia. Of particular importance is the conclusion that Richard Benson in generation 3 married Elizabeth Sherman not Shannon or Sharmon as first interpreted from the records. In addition Kay had much more information on those in generation 2. In addition I have received charts with additional dates and places from the research of Jean Tucker in St. Albans, who is descended from Edward James Benson and Ann Jane Clarke.

• 1.  Edward Benson.  Known to be a weaver in 1837. Illegitimate son of Eliz. Benson, baptised 20 May 1753 at St. Michael's Burtonwood, near Warrington, Lancashire. He was buried on 24 June 1837 at Ormskirk aged 82.
  +  Ellen Fazakerly, on 2 Feb 1788 at St. Cuthbert’s, Halsall, Lancashire in the presence of George Fazakerley and Richard Cave.  She was the daughter of Henry Fazakerly, and was bapt. on 20 May 1764. There is an earlier baptism record for an Ellen daughter of Henry on 18 Feb 1759 at the same church and further checks are needed to see if this child died. She was buried 24 November 1840 at Ormskirk, said to be aged 69, putting her birth about 1761.
  • 2.  Alice Benson, bapt. 5 Nov 1790, at St. Cuthbert's, Halsall, Lancashire, daughter of Edward Benson of Halsall, weaver. Alice's death is recorded as Allice Lewellin in the first quarter of 1844 in the Registration District of Preston, Vol. 21 Page 469 but the certificate has not been obtained.
  • + Thomas Llewellin, a farmer of Melling, on 20 October 1817 at St. Thomas, Melling in the presence of Richard Benson and Bezaleel Barnes. She was described as of this parish and both signed with a cross. This couple had six children.
  • 2.  Richard Benson, bapt. 25 May 1794 at St. Peter and St. Paul's Ormskirk, Lancashire, the son of Edward Benson and Ellen of Lathom. He was buried on 19 October, 1828 at Ormskirk.
  • + Alice Bickerstaff on 29 May 1814 at Upholland, Lancashire.
  • 2.  Henry Benson, bapt. 7 May 1797, at St. Peter and St. Paul, Ormskirk, son of Edward Benson and Ellen, of Bickerstaffe. He died 27 May 1878 aged 81, at Aughton, Lancashire, grandson William Benson in attendance. He was buried on 30 May 1878 at St. Michael's, Aughton.   He was a weaver at the time of his son Richard’s marriage in 1860.
  • +  Ellen Hogarth, on 25 November 1821 at St. Michael’s, Aughton in the presence of Richard Benson and Peter Barton.  She was born about 1801 in Ormskirk and died 14 September 1867 in Lancashire.
    
    • 3.  Ann Benson, born about 1822, Aughton, died before 1891.  Was at Belle View, Aughton in 1881.
    • 3.  Edward Benson, born abt. 1827, Aughton, died 25 August 1856.  In 1853 Edward was an attorney’s clerk.
    • +  Martha Fairclough on 12 April 1853, the daughter of William Fairclough and Elizabeth.  She was bapt. 27 March 1830 at Aughton.
      
      • 4.  William Benson, bapt. 6 August 1854, St. Michael’s, Aughton.  Stonemason in 1881, residing with his aunt Ann Benson.  At Aughton in 1901.
      • +  Elizabeth Cave, in 1882 (GRO ref. 1st q. 1882, Ormskirk 8b 920).  She was born abt. 1853 in Ormskirk.
        • 5.  Mary Benson, born abt. 1885, Aughton.
          
      • 4.  Agnes Benson, born abt. 1856
        
    • 3.  Ellen Benson, born abt. 1829 Aughton, died 1884 (Ormskirk 8b 501).  Was a laundress at Belle View, Aughton in 1881
    • 3.  Richard Benson, born abt. 1832, Aughton, died aged 70, 15 February 1902, Aughton where there is an MI.  In 1891 lived at Bold Lane, Aughton and in 1901 was a greengrocer.  At the time of the marriage Richard was a gardener of full age from Halsall.
    • +  Elizabeth Sherman on 6 February 1860 at the chapel of Melling in the parish of Halsall in the presence of John Benson and Alice Sherman.  She was a spinster, whose step-father was William Kirkby.  She was born abt. 1834 at Scarisbrick, Lancashire and died 6 July 1910 in Aughton aged 76 (MI).  The children in generation 4 below are listed in the census of 1881 when the family were at Bold Lane Aughton.  The children were all born in Aughton (See footnote 2 below)
      
      • 4.  Mary Benson, bapt. 8 April 1860
      • +  Tom Preston abt. 1890  (GRO ref. 3rd q. 1890, Ormskirk, 8b 1195).  He was born Downham, Lancashire abt. 1865.  Baker and provision dealer in 1891.
        
        • 5.  Walter Benson Preston, bapt. 4 September 1881, Aughton and died in infancy (GRO record for death, 4th q. 1881, Ormskirk, 8b 549)
          
      • 4.  Henry Benson, born 1 February 1862 at Town Green in the sub-district of Aughton, Ormskirk, bapt. 23 February 1862 at St. Michael's, Aughton, son of Richard and Elizabeth Benson.   Gardener in 1881.  Died 6 November 1917. (See Footnote 1)
      • + Eliza Stott on 8 May 1889 at Bidston on the Wirral in Cheshire. She was born 29 April 1865 in Birkenhead and died there in November 1961. Birth dates for the children are mainly taken from the census returns.
        • 5. John Henry Benson, baptised 3 Nov 1889 at St. Michael's, Aughton, child of Henry Benson, gardener and Eliza Benson of Birkenhead. Baptised by C. W. Markham, rector. Burial on 4 Feb 1891 at St. Michaels, Aughton, by J. C. Rae, Curate. John Henry was said to be 7 months old but if it is the same person as the baptism record he would have been 14 months old. (Abstracted by Kay Gifford from LDS Film 1657566, Burials 1857-1896, Page 180, entry 1436)
        • 5.  Harold Benson, born 1890 , married Annie Young
          • 6. Eddie Benson
        • 5.  Herbert Edward Benson, b. 7 Sept 1892, died August 1961.  Married twice.
        • +1st wife Florence Prince
          • 6.  Edward Herbert, (Teddy) Benson
          • 6.  Lovell Benson
        • +2nd wife, Margaret Joyce
          • 6.  Marie Benson.
        • 5.  Louise Benson, born c. 1895, married William Griffiths.
          • 6.  Joan Griffiths
          • 6.  Norman Griffiths
        • 5.  Ada Benson, born c. 1897, married Arthur Preston.
          • 6.  Audrey Preston
          • 6.  Barbara Preston
        • 5.  Harry (Henry) Benson, born c. 1899 married Annie Bowen
          • 6.  Heather Benson
          • 6.  Patricia Benson
          • 6.  Betty Benson
          • 6.  Nancy Benson
        • 5.  Norman Benson, born 1900, married Elsie Schreiber, born 14 Feb 1905. 
          • 6.  Valerie Benson.
        • 5.  William Benson born c. 1904, married Betty ?
          • 6.  Haydn Benson
        • 5.  Ethel Benson, born 28 Apr 1906, died 12 July 1988 married Sydney Swift, born 1899 died 1981
          • 6.  Ann Swift
      • 4.  John Benson, bapt. 3 July 1864. St. Michael's Aughton son of Richard Benson, labourer, and Elizabeth (Sherman) of Aughton. Information from Kay Gifford from LDS Film 1657556.
      • +  Elizabeth Ann Jones (GRO ref. 2nd q. 1897, Ormskirk, 8b 1212), she was born abt. 1868 in Llansilin, Denbigh, Wales.  In 1901 at 2 Neston Road, Lower Bebington.
        • 5.  Wallace Benson, 1898
        • 5.  Gerald Benson, bapt. 9 March 1899, Aughton, died abt. 1919.
        • 5.  Ernest Benson, born 1903.
      • 4.  Richard William Benson, bapt. 3 October 1869.  Grocer and provision dealer in 1900.
      • +  Catherine Ann Helsby in 1899, (GRO ref. 3rd q. 1899, West Derby 8b 756). She was daughter of William Helsby and Catherine Harries and born 1872 in Garston, Lancashire. (GRO ref. 4th q. 1872, West Derby, 8b 571)  In 1881 at 2 Mersey View, Garston.
        • 5.  Catherine Benson, born 24 May 1900.
      • 4.  Edward James Benson, born 1 February 1872, Ormskirk, bapt. 25 February 1872 died 25 February 1956 in Dartington, Devon..  In Birkenhead in 1901.
      • +  Ann Jane Clarke abt. 1896 (GRO Ref. 2nd q. 1896, Ormskirk, 8b 1242).  She was born 20 November 1872 at Upton by Birkenhead, Cheshire and died 30 May 1961 in Torquay (Jean Tucker)
        • 5.  Charles Edward Benson, born 13 February 1900, Oxton, Birkenhead, Cheshire.  He was a gardener.
          + Kathleen Webber born 2 March 1901, died 4 September 1986.
        • 5.  Annie (Nancy) Benson, born 5 March 1903, Oxton, Wirral, died 23 June 1884, Southborough, Kent (Jean Tucker)
      • 4.  Elizabeth Benson, bapt. 13 December 1874.  In 1891 she was at Bold Lane, Aughton and in 1901 a manager of a greengrocers at Aughton.
      • 4.  Louisa Benson, bapt. 2 February 1876.
    • 3.  Henry Benson, born abt. 1834, Aughton, died November 1910 at Aughton.  He was a gardener in 1860 and at Belle View Aughton in 1881.
      +  Esther Kirby, the daughter of Henry Kirby, on 8 October 1860 at Aughton.  She was born abt. 1832 in Aughton and died there in 1894 (GRO ref. 3rd q. Ormskirk 8b 491).  In 1891 she was at Lilake Cottage, Town Green. Footnote 3
      • 4.  Agnes Benson, born 15 December 1860, Aughton, baptised 16 December 1860, died March 1926, Aughton.  In 1901 she was a servant/general domestic at home with her parents and sons.
        • 5.  Albert Benson, bapt. 19 June 1881, Aughton. Census in 1891 at Lilake cottage, Town Green. In 1901 grandson and labourer. In 1911, living with his mother Agnes and Uncle at Lilac Cottage, Town Green.
        • 5.  Richard Henry Benson, born 13 July 1882 at Aughton and baptised 10 September 1882, Aughton. He died on 25 Sept 1915. Census: At Lilake cottage, Town Green in 1891 and a labourer in 1901.
        • 5.  John Henry Benson, born 22 Nov 1897 and baptised 24 Dec 1897 at Aughton.
        • 5.  Thomas Benson, born 28 May 1901, Aughton, (GRO ref. 3rd q. 1901, Ormskirk 8b 805), died 9 January 1970, Eccles, Lancashire.
        • +  Ada Ion, January 1922.  She was born on 16 Sep 1900 at Blackwell Wood, baptised St. Cuthbert's Without, Carlisle, Cumberland. (This parish includes the village of Blackwell. In the 1911 Census, Ada was resident in 54 South John Street Carlisle and said to be born in Dalston, Cumberland with her father Ben aged 45 a carter, his wife, Martha Ann, aged 44. Ben had a total of eight daughters, all born in Carlisle. Source Citation: Class: RG14; Piece: 31313
      • 4.  Edward Benson, born 1862, Aughton (GRO ref. 3rd q. 1862, Ormskirk, 8b 567), bapt. 7 September 1862, Aughton.  At 41 Mill Street, Ormskirk in 1891 and a railway labourer in 1901..
      • +  Valentine Howard (GRO ref. 4th q. 1886, Liverpool 8b 134).  She was born abt. 1864 in Ireland.  The family was at 20 Mill Street, Ormskirk in 1901.
        • 5.  Esther E. Benson, born abt. 1888, Ormskirk
        • 5.  Agnes Benson, born abt. 1889, Ormskirk
        • 5.  Elizabeth Benson, born abt 1890, Ormskirk
        • 5.  William Benson, born abt. 1892, Ormskirk
        • 5.  Edward Benson, born abt. 1895, Ormskirk
      • 4.  John Benson, bapt. 24 January 1864, Aughton.
      • 4.  Henry Benson, bapt. 9 October 1865, died abt. 1868.
      • 4.  Henry Benson, bapt. 12 July 1868.  In 1891 at Railway Cottages, Town Green.  Railway platelayer in 1901.
      • +  Mary Billing, after 1891.  She was born abt. 1867 in Southampton.  In 1901 at Middlewood Road.
        • 5.  Edward Benson, born Aughton(GRO ref. 1st q. 1895, Ormskirk 8b 901)  Policeman in St. Helens.
        • 5.  Eveline Benson, born abt. 1897, Aughton.  At Middlewood Road in 1901.
        • 5.  Edwin Henry Benson, born Aughton (GRO ref. 1st q. 1903 Ormskirk 8b 853) bapt. at St. Michael’s Aughton 15 Jan 1903.
        • 5.  Benjamin Benson, born Ormskirk area (GRO ref. 4th q. 1905 Ormskirk 8b 819) bapt. 12 October 1905 at St. Michael’s Aughton.
      • 4.  Ellen Benson born Aughton bapt. 25 September 1870.  Teacher at Christ Church School.  Died 11 August 1910.
      • +  Stephen James Lunham (GRO ref. 3rd q. 1894, Ormskirk 8b 1175).  He was the son of James and Mary Lunham, born 8 April 1869 in Liverpool, bapt.  30 August 1869 at Saint Peter’s, Liverpool, and died 25 February 1907.
        • 5.  Esther Lunham, born abt. 1895, Aughton
        • 5.  Stephen Lunham, born abt. 1896, Aughton
        • 5.  Joseph Lunham, born abt. 1897, Aughton
        • 5.  James Lunham, born abt. 1898, Aughton
        • 5.  Henry Lunham, born abt. 1900, Aughton
        • 5.  Margaret Lunham, born abt. 1902, Aughton
        • 5.  John Roger (Jack) Lunham born abt. 1904, Aughton.
        • 5.  Mary Lunham, born abt. 1905, Aughton.
      • 4.  William Benson, bapt. 16 November 1873, died 3 November 1934, Aughton.   In 1901 at 24 Court Aughton Street in Ormskirk and was a pavior’s labourer on the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway.
      • +  Louisa Beesley, daughter of Ellen Beesley on 1 August 1896 in Ormskirk church. (GRO ref. 3rd q. 1896 Ormskirk 8b 1316).  Louisa was born 4 January 1868 in Kirkham, Lancashire (GRO ref. 1st q. 1868, Fylde 8e 593) and died 3 August1951 in Ormskirk hospital.
        • 5.  William Benson, born 23 September 1899, Ormskirk (GRO ref. 4th q. 1899, Ormskirk 8b 859), died 1 December 1967, Aughton.  In 1901 at 24 Court Aughton Street.
        • +  Myrtle Benedicta Trafford, on 29 November 1924 at Aughton.  She was born 28 September 1900, Aughton and died February 1988, at Ormskirk hospital.  Soft furnisher, 11 Brookfield Lane, Aughton.
        • 5.  Jack Benson, born 21 January 1902, Ormskirk, died 31 July 1972 at Ormskirk hospital.
        • +  Gladys Peace Light on 28 April 1931 at St. Michael’s, Aughton.  She was born 31 May 1902, (GRO ref. 3rd q. 1902, Ormskirk 8b 953) and she died 29 January 1977.
        • 5.  Louisa Ellen Beasley (Nellie) Benson, born 24 May 1907, at Aughton View Cottages, Aughton, Ormskirk, (GRO ref. 2nd q. 1907, Ormskirk 8b 925) died 7 March 1980.
        • + Robert Swift at Christ Church, Aughton.  He was born 22 October 1910 at Halsall, Lancashire and died 23 July 1973.
      • 4.  Alice Benson, bapt. 2 July 1876, Aughton.  At Lilake Cottage, Town Green in 1896.
      • + Henry Kiggans in 1896, (GRO ref. 3rd q. 1896, Ormskirk 8b 1271).  He was son of James and Elizabeth Kiggans and born in Ormskirk.  In 1891 farm labourer, 24 Hants Lane, Ormskirk.  In 1901 spelt Kiggings.
        • 5.  Henry Kiggans, born 1897, Aughton
        • 5.  James Kiggans, born 1900, Aughton
    • 3.  John Benson, born 1837, Aughton, (GRO ref. 4th q. 1837, Ormskirk 21 413) died 7 January 1909.  In 1891 at Railway Cottages, Aughton and a labourer in 1901. 
    • +  Alice Sherman (GRO ref. 1st q. 1871, Ormskirk 8b 809).  She was born abt. 1841 in Scarisbrick and died 8 April 1901.  The following children are mentioned in the census of 1891.
      • 4.  Henry Charles Benson, bapt. 5 November 1871, Aughton.  Labourer at water works in 1901.
      • 4.  Ellen Benson, bapt. 1 November 1874.  Charwoman in Aughton in 1901
      • 4.  William Benson, bapt. 1 June 1873, Aughton.  Gardener, not domestic, 1901.
      • 4.  Margaret Benson, bapt. 12 December 1875.
      • 4.  Frederick Benson, bapt. 15 September 1878.  Gardener in 1901.
      • 4.  Arthur Benson, bapt. 27 June 1880.  Cab driver in 1901.
  • 2.  Sarah Benson, bapt. 15 Dec 1799, at St. Peter and St. Paul, Ormskirk, daughter of Edward Benson and Ellen of Bickerstaffe. At her marriage she was described as a spinster of full age the daughter of Edward Benson a weaver. Sarah was buried on 2 Dec 1849 at Christ Church, Aughton
  • +  Henry Fazakerly, 23 Dec 1837 at St. Michael’s, Aughton.  He was described as a farmer of full age and a widower, the son of William Fazakerley a farmer. Witnesses were Henry Benson and William Hogarth. Henry was born abt 1787 and died 23 January 1839 at Aughton, Lancashire. No evidence of children for this couple.
  • 2.  Ellen Benson, born 1 August and bapt. 29 August 1802 at St. Peter and St. Paul's, Ormskirk, the daughter of Edward Benson and Ellen of Aughton.
  • 2.  Agnes Benson, baptised 13 June 1805 at St. Peter and St. Paul's, Ormskirk, daughter of Edward Benson and Ellen of Aughton. She was buried 17 September 1836 at Ormskirk.

Footnote 1

The Starting Point

The starting point for my own search was the information provided by Ethel Swift, neé Benson.  Her father was Henry Benson, the son of Richard Benson, a gardener of Town Green, Ormskirk.  He was married to Eliza Stott on 8 May 1889 at Bidston Church and died on 6 November 1917 aged 55.  This puts Henry's birth in 1861 or 1862.  Ethel's niece, Joan, reported that her mother, Louise, spent much of her childhood at Town Green with her grandparents, Richard and Elizabeth Benson.  Richard was a gardener and had a market stall and grocery business.

A search at the G.R.O. for the years 1861/2 produced evidence of only one Henry Benson in the Ormskirk region.  The following details on the birth certificate fit with the starting information.

Certificate of Birth:  Henry Benson, born 1 February 1862 at Town Green in the sub-district of Aughton, Ormskirk.  His father was Richard Benson, a gardener (domestic servant) and his mother was Elizabeth Benson, neé Shannon (but see footnote 2).  He was registered on 5 February by his mother, who made her mark. 

A search for the marriage of Richard Benson was made and only one entry was found in the whole period from 1849 to 1860 in the Ormskirk area.

Certificate of Marriage:  Richard Benson, of full age, a gardener from Halsall, the son of Henry Benson, a weaver, married on 6 February 1860, to Elizabeth Shannon (see footnote 2), a spinster.  Her step-father was William Kirby, a labourer.  Witnesses were John Benson and Alice Shannon. 

Details of the couple and their seven children are shown in the census record for 1881.  It may be assumed that in view of Elizabeth's age, the family was then complete.  The eldest daughter, Mary, must have been born in 1860. 

Census Record for Ormskirk in April 1881 at 1 Bold Lane. Source Citation: Class: RG11; Piece: 3744; Folio: 72; Page: 38; GSU roll: 1341896

Census Record for Ormskirk in April 1891 at Town Green, Aughton. Source Citation: Class: RG12; Piece: 3029; Folio: 65; Page: 35; GSU Roll: 6098139. By this stage, Henry and Mary the two eldest children have left home.

Gravestone at Town Green:

Richard Benson, died 15 February 1902, aged 70
Elizabeth Benson, died 6 July 1910, aged 76.

Henry Benson and his wife Eliza Stott

We catch up with Henry Benson and his wife Eliza formerly Stott in the census of 1891 as they married in 1889 (Source Citation: Class: RG12; Piece: 2893; Folio: 54; Page: 10; GSU Roll: 6098003.) They couple were living at 2 Roe Street in Birkenhead where Henry was 28, Eliza 25 and their first child, Harold was four months old. The census was taken on 5th April in 1891 putting Harold's birth in 1890.

Census Record for Birkenhead in 1901 at 2 Roe Street in Birkenhead, Cheshire. James Stott may be related to Eliza, whose maiden name was Stott.

Census Record for Birkenhead in 1911 at 35 Bray Street off Laird Street.

By 1911 the family was complete as Ethel is known to be the youngest child.

Footnote 2.

I am grateful to my correspondent Kay Gifford who has studied this couple. She has been over various records including births, marriages, deaths and Census and concluded that the wife is Elizabeth SHERMAN. Another variant is Sharmon. In the 1841 census, Elizabeth Sherman was only 7, she was living with stepfather, William Kirkby (not Kirby) and her mother Elizabeth Sherman. She was an illegitimate daughter. Her baptisms was at St. Cuthbert's, Halsall, Lancashire, on 5 Jan 1834 the daughter of Elizth. Shearman (sic) Single Woman of Scarisbrick. Register: Baptisms 1813 - 1837, page 157 entry 1255.

Elizabeth's marriage record and the banns state Sharmon. There is no Alice Sherman in the same family in the 1841 census so Alice, a witness to her marriage, is more likely to be a cousin.

The marriage of William Kirkby to Elizabeth Sherman, both from Halsall, took place at St. Thomas, Melling, Lancashire on 16 April 1838 when Elizabeth was 22. . Banns were read on the 1st, 8th and 15th April 1838 as noted in the Banns Register 1824-1861 page 87 entry 174. William Kirkby was of full age and said to be a labourer, the son of Richard Kirkby a labourer. Elizabeth Sherman signed with a cross. She was a spinster of full age, the daughter of William Sherman a labourer. Witnesses were John Sherman and Mary Kirkby. This is in the Marriage Register for 1837-1920, page 4 entry 8. This marriage was recorded in the Ormskirk Registration District in the second quarter of 1838.

An Elizabeth Sherman was born 14 Feb 1816 and baptised 25 Feb 1816 at St. Cuthbert's, Halsall in Lancashire, the daughter of William and Mary Shearman (sic) of Scarisbrick. William was a groom. The record is in the Baptism Register of 1813-1837 page 15 entry 113.

There is also a baptism on 24 Jan 1819 at St. Cuthbert's, Halsall of a John Sharman, son of William and Mary of Scarisbrick. He is said to be a groom so it looks like the same family. Baptism Register 1813-1837 page 30 entry 237.

Footnote 3

I have abstracted the full census records below to cast further light on this family.

The 1891 Census at Lilac Cottage, at Town Green, Aughton in the Parliamentary Borough of Ormskirk. Source Citation: Class: RG12; Piece: 3029; Folio: 36; Page: 22; GSU roll: 6098139

Census of 1901 at Lilac Cottage, Town Green, Aughton, Lancashire. Source Citation Class: RG13; Piece: 3530; Folio: 105; Page: 46

By the Census of 1911, John Benson was the head of household at Lilac Cottage as shown in the census of Town Green, Aughton. Source Citation Class: RG14; Piece: 22826. The cottage was said to have five rooms and John Benson signed his name at the foot of the entry.