Wills for Lancashire South of the Ribble went to Chester for probate. There are printed volumes entitled Lancashire Wills Proved at Chester at Lancashire County Record Office and Manchester Central Library. Volumes covering the period 1730 to 1837 have been consulted and the entries for 1838 to 1857 are available on card index at Lancashire County Record Office. For those shown in bold the wills have been consulted at Lancashire County Record Office and the key genealogical information is shown.
(i) John Thornber of Worston, yeoman, died 3 October 1758 (Communicated to me by Merle Thornber. Possibly same as (iii) below
(ii) Grace Thornber of Church (Whalley) spinster, 1733, infra
No obvious genealogical information can be gleaned from this will.
(iii) John Thornber of Worston, yeoman, probate, 25 Jan 1772
Copyhold and leasehold lands are mentioned and the procedure for handling these is mentioned as "according to the custom of the Manor of Chatburn, Worston and Pendleton". The will mentions John's wife Jennet, and his daughter Lettice and also Thomas Dugdale. Thomas Hayes was mentioned as a son in law and also George Horner as a son in law; he was the husband of John's daughter Jane. Witnesses were Richard Badger and Robert Slator. Thomas Hayes and Lettice Thornber were executors. See also the will of Lettice, number 7 below, who died a spinster. From this it appears that John Thornber of Worston had three daughters, but only Lettice and Jane are mentioned by name.
(iv) Richard Thornber of Blackburn, weaver, Administration, 25 June 1778.
Administration was granted to Ellen Thornber his wife, Anthony Thornber of Blackburn a weaver and John Dawson of Chatburn.
(v) William Thornber of Clark Hill, Whalley, 1774. W.I. (note 2)
This will shows that William Thornber married Ellen and had four sons, John, William, Thomas and Joseph. John had children William, Elling, Pegay and Betty. Thomas had one son William.
It is possible to identify this family as that of William Thornber, born about 1701, who married Ellen Thakara in Clitheroe in February 1726/7. They had the following children baptised in Clitheroe: Thomas (1727), John (1730) William (1733) and Joseph (1739). They had a daughter Mary in 1728, who presumably died in infancy and another Mary in 1729 who must not have survived long enough to be included in the will.
(vi) Thomas Thornber of Chatburn, husbandman, infra, first sworn on 17 May, probate issued on 27 May 1784.
Administration was granted to Richard Thornber and William Stanley. Thomas Thornber's will names his wife as Jane. No children were mentioned in the will but there was a niece called Grace Thornber, then an infant, living in Barnoldswick. If Grace died without issue the beneficiaries were two nephews, John and William Jolip (?). William Stanley of Gisburn, gardener and Richard Thornber of Horton Green in the Parish of Gisburn and County of York, farmer, were joint executors. The will was dated 18 March 1784. As Grace lived in Barnoldswick she does not appear to be the daughter of the executor Richard Thornber, who lived in Gisburn.
(vii) Michael Thornber of Wheatley Lane, weaver, sworn 27 April, passed 20 May 1784
Bequest to "Michael Thornber, my reputed son by Betty Dugdale, then a single woman but late my wife, deceased, whom I acknowledge for my rightful child." The will was made on 14 April 1784 and witnesses were Jonas Moore, John Haworth and Jas. Haworth.
Michael Thornber married Elizabeth Dugdale, both of this chapelry, 6 June 1763, itpo Wm Hartley and Roger Folds at Newchurch in Pendle.
(viii) Lettice Thornber, of Worston, spinster, proved 5 September 1796.
Lettice had freehold and copyhold lands which went to Thomas Hayes the son of Thomas Hayes of Worston, to Jenny the widow of John Barton late of Chatburn, yeoman, and also to two of Jenny's daughters, Ann and Jennet. Joseph son of Thomas Hayes is also mentioned. The will was made on 5 March 1796 and the witnesses were John Holden and Abraham Hoult. A separate document shows that Thomas Hayes the elder, husbandman, and Richard Garthwaite, town clerk of Clitheroe had to swear before the Consistory Court of Chester on 1 September 1796 that various alterations to the will were made before it was signed. Thomas Hayes the elder was the sole executor.
This will is easier to understand in the light of the will of John Thornber of Worston, who was Lettice's father (number 2 above). From John's will we learned of three daughters but only Lettice and Jane were mentioned by name. Jenny might be the Jane Horner mentioned in 1772, in which case she must have outlived two husbands, George Horner and then John Barton. Thus Lettice might have been the aunt of Thomas Hayes junior, Ann and Jennet Barton.
(ix) Hannah of Oswaldtwistle. Administration granted on 11 February 1815.
George Thornber of Blackburn, a labourer and formerly the husband of Hannah, James Parkinson and Edmund Southworth, both weavers of Blackburn, were sworn to administer the estate. George and Hannah Thornber (nee Ward) had several children baptised at Darwen Lower Chapel as shown in my table of Lancashire baptisms.
(x) James Thornbarrow of Prestwich Road, Contractor, 24 July 1832. Robert Thornbarrow of Witherslack in the Parish of Beetham, Westmorland, yeoman and John Barrow Thornbarrow of the same place bound in the sum of £1600 to administer the estate. Robert was father of James Thornbarrow a bachelor who died intestate.
(xi) Henry Thornber of Burnley, wheelwright, Administration, 17 July 1837 .
Martha Thornber of Burnley, widow of Henry Thornber, James Winterbottom and William Winterbottom, both corn dealers of Habergham Eaves, in the Chapelry of Burnley, were sworn to administer the estate of Henry Thornber and bound in the sum of £1200. Martha swore that the estate was under £600. This could be the Henry Thornber of Yorkshire St. Burnley, aged 42, buried on 21 March 1835 at St. Peter's Burnley. It may be that the executors were bound in such a large sum for failure to take more urgent action. (An agricultural labourer earned about 15 shillings (75 p) a week at this time.)
Henry Thornber, of this chapelry, a wheelwright and widower married Martha Kay of this chapelry, spinster by licence on 30 June 1831 at Burnley St. Peter on 30 June 1831 in the presence of James Hartley, James Winterbottom and Martha Kay.
(xii) Vincent Thornber of Bolton le Moors, Grocer, Will, 3 Sept. 1835.
The will mentions business premises in King Street and Spring Gardens in Great Bolton. Among the legatees were Vincent's wife Hannah; Hannah Whittleston of Lofthouse in Yorkshire; Vincent's sister, Ann Beacher of Wakefield; Maria Flocton of Lofthouse in Yorkshire; Sarah Thornber the widow of Vincent's brother William; Robert Harwood of Little Bolton and Thomas Mulliner of Little Bolton. The will was made on 31 August 1832 when witnesses were Edward Bowen, James Haselden and James Haselden junior. Vincent died on 21 March 1835. The estate was said to be under £800 when probate was issued on 3 September 1835.
There is a record that Vincent Thornber married Hannah Wood at Bolton Le Moors, 7 April 1812. Vincent appears in the 1818 Bolton Directory as a grocer but in the 1816-1817 Directory as a muslin manufacturer of King Street.
(xiii) Mary Thornber of Over Darwen, wife of William, Admon. 20 December 1849. WCW. William Thornber of Over Darwen in the parish of Blackburn, husband of the late Mary Thornber, together with Jabez Pearson appointed to administer the estate which was under £200. She died 2 November 1846. William appears to be living in Manchester by 1849.
(xiv) Mary Thornber of Blackburn, widow, Admon. 2 October 1850. WCW. Levi Shorrock of Blackburn, confectioner, William Charnley of Blackburn, Sheriff's officer and Henry Holden of Blackburn were bound in the sum of £400 to administer the estate. Ann Shorrock, the wife of Levi was the natural and lawful daughter and next of kin of Mary Thornber of Blackburn deceased. Effects under £200.
(xv) John Thornber of Pendleton, farmer, A, March 1855.
This John Thornber, my ancestor, died in 1828, but his estate was not administered until 1855. Alice Thornber, his wife, Thomas, the youngest son, and James Bailey, solicitor of Clitheroe were bound in the sum of £200 to administer the estate on 6 March 1855. They did not administer it within the correct time and so a second administration was needed involving Alice, her son Richard and a son-in-law, Thomas Peel. This time they were bound in the sum of £600 to administer the estate. John Thornber, a stonemason, had died in a fall from a printworks at Clitheroe. He left a wife and large family with the youngest child only three.
It is my guess that nobody thought to properly dispose of John's property until only Thomas, the youngest son, was left living with his mother. She was a tenant farmer on the Starkie estate. At this stage, the older brothers and sisters must have thought that Thomas would inherit by default and acted to ensure their share of the estate. Initially Thomas was left to sort out the affairs but when he failed, Richard and his brother-in-law Thomas Peel, husband of Catherine Thornber, stepped in.
(xvi) John Thornber of Mellor, farmer, W. November 1857.
Wills from Lancashire north of the Ribble were proved at Richmond prior to 1858 and there are volumes covering 1748-1792; 1793-1812; 1813-1837 and 1838-1858 at Lancashire County Record Office.
William Thornber of Rossall Hall, Poulton, gentleman, WRW/A 1812. William Thornber died 29 June 1812. His will was made 15 November 1805 and proved 8 October 1812. He left all his estate at Greenbank to his son Giles Thornber for the duration of his life and afterwards to his grandson, William Thornber, who must have been under 21 at the time. Witnesses were Bold Fleetwood Hesketh, Francis Hesketh and Anna-Maria Hesketh. Effects under £450. See the family of Thornber at Poulton.
Henry Thornber of Over Kellet, Bolton by the Sands, husbn, WRW/K 1822. Henry Thornber died on 2 February 1822. Administration was granted on 6 April 1822 to his father John Thornber of Calton in the Parish of Kirkby Malham his father and next of kin. Also mentioned James Thornber of Flasby in the Parish of Gargrave, husbandman and Richard Willis of Lancaster, gentleman. Effects less than £200. The identity of this Henry has not yet been established.
Richard Thornber of Poulton, gent. WRW/A 1831. Richard died 15 August 1830, effects under £1500, his will was made 27 August 1829 and proved 21 April 1831. From it we learn only that his wife was called Ann. It is possible that he can be identified in the family shown in the section on the Fylde.
Giles Thornber of Digham, Bispham, gentleman, WRW/A. 1837. Giles died 6 January 1836. His will, comprising, five large sheets, was made 24 September 1835 and proved on 1 February 1837. It shows that his wife was Priscilla. He names his father John, a sister Ann, his brother Christopher and Christopher's two sons, Giles and John. Executors were Arthur Cort of Lowgill, Tatham and William Butcher of Little Bispham. Witnesses were D M Redmayne, Richd Willis and Rich Rossall Pye. See Thornber families of the Fylde.
John Thornber, 1778, page 12. John Thornber of Over Bentham, execution to William Thornber, nephew.John Thornburrow of Beckside, 1779, page 17. John Thornburrow of Beckside in Howgill, deceased, to Agnes Thornburrow, widow during minority of son John Thornburrow.
John Thornber, 25 January 1821, page 268. John Thornber late of Lower Bentham, yeoman to Ann Thornber the younger, spinster, one of the executrix, also Ann Thornber the elder, widow. Died 4 August 1820. Will made in 1814. From the will, John's wife was Ann. Their children were Ann, Hannah, Giles and Christopher. Christopher had sons called John and William. John died on 4 August 1820 and the will was proved on 25 January 1821. At this time Ann the younger was a spinster. There are baptism records for John and William sons of Christopher at Bentham in 1804 and 1810 respectively.
Elizabeth Thornber, 12 Feb. 1799, page 6. Elizabeth Thornber, late of Lower Bentham in the Parish of Bentham, committed to Isabella Sproat, the sole executrix. Mentions sister Ann Freckleton, nephew Stephen Robert Kendal. Also mentioned is a niece Elizabeth Sharlas. Note that a John Thornber married Elizabeth Sprote, botp. by licence, itpo William Thornton and Richard Cumberland on 27 November 1762 at Bentham. Elizabeth might be the widow of John or his daughter. Elizabeth Thornber was buried 14 Jan 1799, Bentham
Stephen Thornber, 1802, page 39. Stephen Thornber, late of Barbon in Kirkby Lonsdale, farmer. The will mentions two sons William and John Thornber, also a sister Fanny. Elizabeth Willan was presumably is daughter as he mentions a grand daughter Sarah Willan, daughter of John Willan. Two other daughters are mentioned as Agnes and Isabella Thornber.
Prior to 1858 wills of people living in Yorkshire were proved at York. An index of West Craven wills prepared by Brian Stott of the Upper Ribble Valley Branch of the Lancashire Family History and Heraldry Society is available at Clitheroe Library. Below are listed the Thornber entries, all of which have been examined. The genealogical information from them has been incorporated in the appropriate family trees accessible from the links.
Isabell Peele, Bracewell, January 1695, mentions family of Robert Thornber
Giles Thornber, Brookhouse Green, dated 26 March 1757, buried 22 May 1757.
Henry Thornber the elder of Greengates, Gisburn, dated 26 October 1761.
Anthony Thornber, Brookhouse Green, dated 17 April, 1756, buried 28 Sept. 1762.
Henry Thornber of Horton Hall, Gisburn, dated 20 Kept 1779,
Gyles Thornber, Slaidburn, Admon. dated 10 December 1789, proved 1790.
John Thornber of Woodhouse, Slaidburn, dated 6 March 1797.
William Thornber, Woodhouse,dated 28 February 1799, buried 2 April 1799 aged 29.
Ralph Thornber of Sandy Syke, Gisburn Forest, made 1790. Died in 1795, proved Jul. 1800
Giles Thornber of Sandy Syke, Gisburn Forest, made 4 Feb. 1805. Buried 3 Mar 1805, proved May 1805
Thomas Thornber of Sandy Syke. Admon of May 1805
William Thornber of Middle Brayshaw, 11 May 1823. Proved Kept 1823
William Thornber, of Stoney Bank, dated 28 April 1826, died 15 Feb. 1828. Proved May 1829
James Thornber, Champion Height, 9 February 1837, buried, Slaidburn, 6 May 1840. Proved June 1840
Thomas Thornber of Vivary Bridge, P. Whalley, W. P. Proved Dec. 1841
John Thornber, tea dealer of Barnoldswick, January 1846. Proved June 1846
Thomas Thornber of Vivary Bridge, W. P. Proved May 1848
Mary Thornber of Barnoldswick, A. Proved 25 Apr. 1848 (died 28 May 1841)
Adam Proctor Thornber cordwainer of Blackburn, A. P. Proved Oct. 1851. Administratrix was his wife Mary
Ann Thornber, Colne, Widow, W.P. Proved 1857
The will of John Mitchell of Rimington Bridge End, granted 1689, mentions goods being at James Thornber's but the location is not named.
A James Thornber was a witness to the will of William Oddie of Rimington, granted May 1769
An Ellen Thornber was a witness to the will of Henry Speak of Heskett in Bracewell dated 9 July 1799.
A John Thornber of Colne, shopkeeper, was nephew-in-law to William Stanley of Gisburn. He was joint executor of William's will dated 13 October 1784, granted March 1785.
The will of Matthew Ainsworth of Bolton by Bowland, dated 4 August 1806, granted September 1806 names Betty the wife of Robert Seed the younger of Holden, one of the daughters of William Thornber, deceased. Also, John, Catherine, Jane and Ellen Thornber. These are known from other research on the Thornbers of Pendleton
The will of Joshua Hague of Dudland in Sawley Demesne, yeoman, dated 19 November 1773, granted 24 January 1775 mentions cottages and dwelling houses at Wheatley Lane, forest of Pendle, in which one of the occupiers is Michael Thornber.
The admon to the will of Henry Helm of Mitton, husbandman, dated 2 January 1726/7 was made by William Thornber, yeoman of Mitton Parish. It is possibly the same William who made the inventory.
A James Thornber witnessed the will of John Hague of Holme End, Parish of Gisburn, 18 May 1829.
A James Thornber was tenant of property bequeathed by Robert Blezard the elder, of Highfield in the Parish of Slaidburn to his wife in his will granted November 1810.
A James Thornber, now of Rimington, was to receive £20 according to the will of William Tipping, dated May 1772.
A John Thornber witnessed the will of George Hayhurst of Rimington on 11 Jue 1814.
The will of William Brennand of Slaidburn, yeoman, names among others his sister, Jane Thornber and her children, James Thornber, Hannah Parker, Anthony Thornber, Thomas Thornber, John Thornber, Phoebe Parker and Ann Todd. Will made 19 October 1823
The will of Joseph Jackson of Lane Ends, Parish of Mitton, yeoman, dated 26 May 1781 mentions his granddaughter, Mary, the wife of William Thornber of Baygate. A Giles Thornber was a witness.
A will of Ralph Jackson of Atkinsons, Bolton by Bowland, yeoman, dated 26 May 1781, granted 26 May 1726, names Giles Thornber, son-in-law.
A Ralph Thornber witnessed the will of John Jackson of Sandy Sike, Forest and Parish of Gisburn, husbandman, on 21 December 1754.
The index of wills at this court was examined by my correspondent, Merle Thornber of New South Wales. Copies of the wills have been obtained from the Borthwick Institute. Genealogical details have been incorporated into the family trees and are summarised here for identification purposes. I am very grateful to Chris Spencer for extracts from some very early wills obtained from York.
24 Feb 1573/4, Rauf Thorneber , mistakenly indexed under Horneber. To be buried at Waddington. The will mentions his wife Alice. He leaves "to every brother I have, 40s, to Isabell my sister 40s, to Richard my brother all my iron gear in the smethie whiche I worke. Two brothers are named as Robert and Thomas and he leaves his "clooke" to his father. It may be a clock. There is no mention of children but he includes Roger Crosdaile's children and Jennet the daughter of Edward Crosedale and also Isabell and Grace Crosdale. Also included are Henry, Maud, Anne and Jennet Witter, children of Ann Witter. Thomas Thornber his brother and George Hayarst are executors. Supervisors are named as Giles Thornber, his father, and Edward Crosdale his brother-in-law.
It is not clear whether the sister, Isabell, is unmarried or the wife of Edward Crosdale. No Waddington Parish Records survive before 1599. It is interesting that the names Ralph and Giles crop up as they are a regular feature of some branches of the Thornbers in this locality.
27 July 1576. Gyles Thornber of Mytton in Craven. Requested that he be buried at Myyton. The registers do not survive prior to 1610. He mentions his wife Margaret and after he decease his son Thomas is to have his tenement and farming equipment and a loom that he currently works. A second son John receives a loom and some reeds (part of a loom). The rest of his goods goes to to his son Richard. Margaret his wife and Thomas his son were executors. Witnesses were Robert Clyfe, George Haydyl, Richard Core and Lyonel Broughton. A second date on the document is probably the date of death, 29 November 1576
6 May 1584, Elizabeth Thornber of West Bradford, parish of Mitton, widow, died 30 May 1582. She asks to be burried in the chapel yard at Waddington. Mentions Nycholas Thornebar the eldest son and Isabell the daughter and Robert the son of my sonne in law Anthonie Thornber (sic). However, she also mentions "my said son Anthonie" which makes rather more sense.her son. Anthonie's wife is Ann. Anthonie is to be the executor, supervisors are Giles Parker of Bradforth (the hamlet of Bradford near Waddington) and Thomas Walmes of the same place. Witnesses were Raufe Davison and John Fletcher both of Bradforth.
5 Oct 1587, Nicholas Thornebar of Newfield Edge in Deanery of Craven. This is an administration granted to Emote (sic) Thornebar his widow.
30 Jan 1591, the will of John Thornbare of Paythnall Green requested he be buried at Gisburn. His wife was Isabell who received one third of his goods. He mentions that he has children but only one is named, Anthony, who was to be executor with his wife. Witnesses were Thomas Lawkland, Henry Wilkinson, Alexander Thornber, Christopher Lawkland.
The will indicates a date of 12 Jan 1592. Gisburn records show a burial for Johes Thornber de Horton on 28 Jan 1591. The new Gregorian Calendar was introduced in October 1582. The old Julian Calendar ran from 25 March each year. England did not introduce the new calendar until 1751 leading to some confusion. Dates beween 1 January and 24 March were say 1600 on the Gregorian Calendar they were still 1599 on the Julian Calendar. So it is plausible that the will was made 12 January 1592 on the Gregorian Calendar, he was buried on 28 January of the same year. I have found no other reference to an Alexander Thornber so far.
5 Oct 1603, Robert Thornber of Waddington in Deanery of Craven. An administration granted to Anne Thornber his relict.
20 Nov 1655. Richard Thornebarr of Waddington Eaves. Asks to be buried at Waddington. Mentions Anne his wife. Thomas Parkinson was his brother-in-law and Elizabeth his wife my sister. Their sons were Thomas, John and Gyles Parkinson. Thomas Parkinson had a son, Richard. Also mentioned is Issabell Brindle his mother who must have remarried. Witnesses were William Calverley and John Thornbarr on 20 November 1655. A Richard Thornber was buried at Waddington on 6 July 1661
16 November 1611. Giles Thornebarre of Bashall, husbandman. He asks to be buried in the parish church of Mitton near to his father. He mentions his wife, Alice and children Richard, Thomas, Isabell and John. Executors were to be James Cliffe his step-father and Edward Walmesley and the witnesses were Robert Broadbelte, Richard Thornebarre and Richard Porter.
There is a burial record for Giles Thornber at Mitton in November 1611 but the day was not legible.
29 December 1772. The will of Mary Thornber of Gisburn, widow, was made on 8 October 1771. It mentions her sons John, Henry and James; daughter Mary, the wife of James Titterington; daughter Margaret the wife of Francis Ayrton, daughter Elizabeth, the wife of Roger Wellack; and daughter Ann who was executrix. This clearly identifies Mary as the Maria Clarke who married Henry Thornber. Henry's will, made in 1761 and shown in the section above, also mentioned these children.
1 July 1782. The will of John Thornber of Hill Top in the Parish of Barnoldswick mentions wife Elizabeth, sons William and Richard and his late son Henry. Also mentions his brother-in-law William Stanley, his father Henry, his sister Elizabeth the wife or Roger Wellack. In addition he mentions two daughters as Mary, the wife of William Sutcliffe, and Martha Thornber. (John Thornber of Hill Top, buried on 10 July 1782 at Gisburn)
29 March 1783. The will of Henry Thornber of Cotes in the parish of Barnoldswick, made 29 March 1783. He mentions his wife, Ellen, his sons John, James and Thomas, and three daughters, Mary Bracewell, Ellin Dewhurst, and Ann Thornber who was under the age of 21. Ann's baptisms has not been found. There was also a granddaughter named as Grace Thornber but her mother was said to be Mary Bracewell. Two possibilities arise; one is that Grace was born before her mother married. The second possibility is based on the record of a marriage of Mary Thornber, widow, to William Bracewell at Barnoldswick on 11 April 1782. If Mary was a widow she must have been Henry's daughter in law and the widow of his son Henry who is not mentioned in this will. The executors were sworn on 22 April 1783 and the will passed on 5 May 1783. This Henry can be identified as the one who was son of the Henry and Mary in the paragraph above and who married Ellen Bulcock. No mention is made of son Henry or his daughter Margaret, who died in 1769.
8 February 1786. The will of Anthony Thornber of Wicongill in the parish of Bolton (by Bowland) names his wife Ellin, who is great with child, a daughter Hannah and sons James and John. He died before March 1786. One of the executors was John Thornber of Brookhouse Green the other Thomas Walker of Wicongill. The will was witnessed by Stephen Carr and Thomas Brigg. On 2nd March 1786, Thomas Walker, one of the executors was duly sworn to execute the will by Thos: Armitstead the bishop's surrogate. It was passed on 21 March 1786 as under worth under £40.
2 August 1788. Admon of for William Thornber, bachelor and butcher of Barnoldswick. Administratrix was his mother, Elizabeth, a widow, described as next of kin. Also named in the administration were Richard Thornber of Gisburn, farmer and Thomas Carr, of Bracewell, a farmer. (This William may be the son of John Thornber who married Elizabeth Brown on 17 April 1735 at Gisburn. John was the son of Henry Thornber and Maria Clarke)
25 August 1810. Admon for James Thornber, late of Runley Bridge, cotton spinner. Alice Thornber of Runley Bridge in the parish of Giggleswick and diocese of York, widow, was administratrix together with Thomas Ellison of Settle, farmer and Thomas Dewhurst of Pighill in the township of Thornton, cotton manufacturer. James Thornber forms part of the Gisburn family tree. Thomas Ellison is probably his wife's brother whereas Thomas Dewhurst is his sister's husband)
These have been abstracted from the Probate Index, 1858-1867 at Lancashire County Record Office and for 1868-1880 inclusive at Manchester Central Library. I am grateful to Beth Merryweather in New Zealand for providing me with a full listing from 1876 to 1882 and 1889 to 1891 and to Sharron Fry of New Zealand for the details of wills from 1883 to 1888. Copies of these wills are now obtained from York Probate Sub-Registry, Duncombe Place, York, YO1 7EA, with a cheque for £5 made payable to 'H.M.Paymaster General'
11 January 1859. Anthony Thornber, late of Stoney Bank, township of Easington in the Parish of Slaidburn, farmer, died 20 November 1858 at Stoney Bank was proved at Wakefield by oaths of John Parker of Higher Stoney Bank in the said township, farmer and William Parker of Lower Stoney Bank in the same township, farmer, nephews and executors. Anthony had no issue but mentioned numerous brothers, sisters, nephews and nieces, bringing together a very large family in the Slaidburn area.
8 November 1859. John Thornber late of Silsden in the Parish of Kildwick in the County of York, farmer, died 23 August 1859 at Silsden was proved at Wakefield by the oaths of William Thornber of Silsden, farmer and Samuel Thornber of Skipton in the said county, currier, the sons and executors. Details obtained show he had a wife, sons William and Samuel and an illegitimate daughter Elizabeth Glover. The will was made on 7 January 1858, William and Samuel were executors and witnesses were John Netherwood and John Cryer. Proved at the District Registry in Wakefield
1860. Giles Thornber late of Poulton in the County of Lancaster Esq. deceased, who died 21 April 1860 at Poulton proved at Lancaster by the oaths of Mary Thornber of Poulton, spinster the daughter and Paul Harrison Thornber of the same place, gentleman, son, the executors on 11 July 1860.
15 April 1862. William Thornber of Cheetham Street in Rochdale in Lancashire, builder, deceased who died 16 January 1862 at Cheetham Street was proved at Manchester by the oath of John Wrigley of 91 Yorkshire Street in the same Borough, tailor and draper, the sole executor.
1863. John Thornber. Admon. John Thornber of Mellor in Lancashire, farmer, died 22 January 1856 at Mellor left unadministered by Alice Thornber, widow and one of the executors, was granted at Chester to Thomas Thornber of Preston, flour dealer, the son and interested party in the residue of the personal estate. Former grant Nov 1857.
1864. Thomas Thornber, late of Silsden, Parish of Kildwick, Yorkshire, farmer and tanner, died 26 May 1864, at Silsden was proved at Wakefield by the oath of William Thornber of Silsden, farmer and tanner the son and sole executor.
1865. Joshua Thornber of Accrington, quarryman, deceased 27 January 1865 at Accrington was proved at the Principal Registry. Executor was James Cunliffe of Accrington, stone mason.
1866. Henry Thornber of 9 Fish Lane Blackburn, printer and book binder died 28 December 1865 at Blackburn, proved at Lancaster by the oath of John Skirrow of Blackburn, coach builder, one of the executors.
1866. William Thornber of Lower Darwen in Lancashire, stone mason and builder, died 10 January 1866 at Lower Darwen proved at Lancaster by the oaths of George Thornber of Lower Darwen, stone mason and William Thornber of Lower Darwen, stone mason, the executors.
1868. Alice Thornber, 10 October, The Will with a codicil of Alice Thornber, late of Whymond Houses, in the Township of Pendleton in the County of Lancaster, widow, deceased, who died 16 April 1868 at Whymond Houses, was proved at Lancaster by the oaths of Thomas Thornber, of Whymond Houses, farmer, the son, Thomas Peel of Wilkin Heys in Pendleton, farmer, and James Lambert of Low Moor near Clitheroe in the County aforesaid, manager of a cotton mill, the executors. (This is my ancestor, the wife of John Thornber, as shown on this site.
1871. Luke Thornber of 8 Lomas Street Burnley, cotton manufacturer, died on 4 September 1866 at 8 Lomas Street Burnley. Administration of his effects granted at Lancaster to Alice Thornber, widow and relict. (Part of the Burnley family)
1872. Elizabeth Thornber of Massey Street, Burnley, died on 20 April 1872. Administration granted at Lancaster to Laban Thornber of Massey Street, stripper and grinder, son and the next of kin.
1876. Giles Thornber formerly of Digham House, in the Parish of Bispham but late of Southport, Gentleman who died 25 July 1876 at Southport was proved at Liverpool by Rachel Ann Thornber, of Mayfield, Birkdale, Southport, widow, the relict and sole executrix, on 7 September 1876. Effects under £2000.
1876 Louisa Thornber of Durham. Administration of the effects of Louisa Thornber of Blackhill in the County of Durham, Spinster, who died 1 June 1876 at Kendal in the County of Westmorland was granted at Durham to Joseph Thornber of Lancaster in the County of Lancashire, Railway Inspector, the father and next of kin, on 24 June 1876. Effects under £100. (See second grant in 1882)
1876. George Walter Thornbury. Administration of the effects of George Walter Thornbury, late of 44 South-Hill Park, Hampstead Heath in the County of Middlesex, author and journalist who died 11 June 1876 at Camberwell House, Camberwell in the County of Surrey, was granted at the Principal Registry to Harriett Thornbury of 44 South-Hill Park, widow the relict on 26 June 1876. Effects under £200.
1877. John Barker Thornber. Administration of the effects of John Barker Thornber late of 103, St. Domingo Vale , Everton, Liverpool, in the County of Lancaster, who died 1 March 1876 at 103, St. Domingo Vale was granted at the Principal Registry to Clara Thornber of Brook House Luddenden in the County of York, spinster, the niece and one of the next of kin on 5 May 1877. Effects under £200.
1877. Ralph Thornber. The will of Ralph Thornber formerly of West Bradford in the County of York, farmer, and yeoman, but lately of Cononley in the Parish of Kildwick in the said county, who died 6 December 1876 at Cononley was proved at Wakefield by William Smith, Bank Manager and John Edward Hargreaves, Grocer, both of Clitheroe in the County of Lancaster, the executors on 16 April 1877. Effects under £1,000.
1877. Thomas Frederick Thornber Administration of the effects of Thomas Frederick Thornber, late of Sowerby Bridge in the Parish of Halifax in the County of York, Engineer, a bachelor, who died 12 August 1877 at Sowerby Bridge, was granted at the Principal Registry to Caroline Thornber of Sowerby Bridge, widow the mother and only next of kin.
1877. Gregory Beddome Thornbery. Administration of the effects of Gregory Beddoine Thornbery, late of 3 Wellington Road, Peckham in the County of Surrey, bachelor, who died 31 July 1877 at Penzance in the County of Cornwall, was granted at the Principal Registry to Joseph Hartley Thornbery of 3 Wellington Road, Hop Merchant, the father and next of kin on 15 August 1877. Effects under £300.
1877. John Thornburrow. The will of John Thornburrow, late of Brampton Croft Ends in the Parish of Longmarten in the County of Westmorland, yeoman, who died 1 November 1877 at Brampton Croft Ends, was proved at Carlisle by Hannah Thornborrow of Brampton Croft Ends, widow, the relict and sole executor on 24 November 1877. Effects under £600.
1877. Anna Thornburgh. The will with a codicil of Anna Thornborough, (wife of the Reverend Francis Thornburgh, Clerk) late of 2 Blandford Square, Regent's Park in the County of Middlesex, who died 28 July 1877 at 2 Blandford Square, was proved at the Principal Registry by the said Revd. Francis Thornburgh of 2 Blandford Square and John Price of Long Ashton of the County of Somerset, Schoolmaster, the executors on 25 Augusts 1877. Probate granted under certain limitations. Effects under £5,000. Administration of the rest of the effects of Anna Thornburgh was granted at the Principal Registry under certain conditions to William Thornburgh of 3 St. James Square, Pall Mall, Middlesex, Gentleman, the sole executor of the will of the Revd. Francis Thornber on 12 November 1877. (Francis had died September, see below)
1877. The Reverend Francis Thornburgh. The will of the Reverend Francis Thornburgh, late of 2 Blandford Square in the County of Middlesex, who died 30 September 1877 at Heathbourne Lodge, Bushey Heath, in the County of Hertford, was proved at the Principal Registry by William Thornburgh of 3 St. James Square, Pall Mall, Middlesex, Gentleman, the brother and sole executor on 13 October 1877. Effects under £5,000: resworn under £6,000 on 13 October.
1878. John Thornber. The will of John Thornber, late of 5 Victoria Street West, Halifax in the County of York, verger, who died 26 March 1878 at Halifax was proved at the Principal Registry by Rachel Thornber of 5 Victoria Street West, Halifax, widow, the relict and executrix, on 16 April 1878. Personal Estate under £200.
1878. John Thornber. The will of John Thornber, late of Barrowford in the Forest of Pendle in the County of Lancaster, Clogger, who died 3 October 1877 at Barrowford, was proved at Lancaster by Robert Aktinson of Barrowford, Tackler, the surviving executor, on 26 September 1878. Personal estate under £100.
1878. Thomas John Thornberry. The will of Thomas John Thornberry, late of 50 High Street, St. Giles in the Fields in the County of Middlesex, who died 23 June 1878 at the Infirmary, Cleveland Street, Fitzroy Square in the said County was proved at the Principal Registry Office by Susanna Elizabeth Thornberry of 50 High Street, widow, the relict and sole executrix on 10 July 1878. Personal Estate under £200.
1878. John Thornborrow. Administration of the personal estate of John Thornborrow, late of Sandown Road, Wavertree, near Liverpool in the County of Lancaster, cow keeper, who died 16 February 1877 at Dufton near Appleby in the County of Westmorland, was granted at Liverpool to Mary Richardson (wife of William Richardson), formerly Thornborrow, widow, of 2 Sanddown Lane, the relict on 6 March 1878. Under £100.
1879. Thomas Shepherd Thornber. Administration of the personal estate of John Shepherd Thornber, late of 67 Varna Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham in the County of Warwick, gentleman, who died 12 November 1879 at 67 Varna Road, was granted at Birmingham to Charlotte Thornber of 67 Varna Road, widow the relict on 15 December 1879. Effects under £300.
1879. Henry Thornborrow. The will of Henry Thornborrow, late of Witherslack in the County of Westmorland, yeoman, who died 9 December 1879 at Witherslack, was proved at Carlisle by John Fletcher of Kirkdale Corn Mills, Liverpool in the County of Lancaster, Corn Miller, Joseph Fletcher of Witherslack, and John Lewthwaite of Beck Head, Witherslack, farmers, the executors on 19 December 1879. Effects said to be under £12,000. Resworn February 1880 when effects said to be under £14,000.
1979. John Thornby. The will of John Thornby, late of Barnstaple in the County of Devon, confectioner, who died 23 June 1873 at Barnstaple was proved at Exeter by Susan Thornby of Barnstaple, widow, the relict and sole executrix, on 10 April 1879. Effects under £450.
1880. Joseph Thornber. The will with two codicils of Joseph Thornber, formerly of Hay Close Cottages, near Kendal in the County of Westmorland, inspector of the Permanent Way of the London and Northwestern Railway Company, but late of Lancaster in the County of Lancaster, railway detective, who died 8 June 1880 at Lancaster, was proved at Lancaster by Richard Thornber of Orton (Horton) in Craven near Skipton in the County of York, retired farmer, the brother and surviving executor on 3 August 1880. Personal Estate under £800. (See also Louisa Thornber in 1882)
1880. Mary Ann Croft formerly Thornber. Administration of the Personal Estate of Mary Ann Croft (the wife of James Grundy Croft) formerly Mary Ann Thornber, late of Colne in the County of Lancaster, who died 25 April 1876 at Colne was granted at Lancaster to the said James Grundy Croft of Colne, painter on 13 December 1880. Personal estate under £200.
1880. William Thornber. The will with a codicil of William Thornber formerly of Lowerhouse, Burnley, but lately of Burnley in the County of Lancashire, stonemason, who died 7 October 1879 at Burnley was proved at Lancaster by William Thornber, of Mill Street, Lowerhouse, weaver, the son and one of the executors on 2 October 1880. Personal estate under £500.
1880. James Thornborrow. Administration of the personal estate of James Thornborrow, late of Kirkby Lonsdale in the County of Westmorland, labourer, a bachelor, who died 28 February 1880, at Mill Meece neare Stone in the County of Stafford, was granted at Carlisle to Thomas Thornborrow fo Kirkby Lonsdale, gardener, the father and next of kin on 22 April 1880. Personal estate under £200.
1880. Robert Thornborrow. The will of Robert Thornborrow, late of Walk Mill in the Parish of Warcop in the County of Westmorland, farmer, who died 25 June 1880 at Walk Mill, was proved at Carlisle by Ann Richardson, wife of Thomas Richardson, of Warcop, the sister and sole executrix on 26 July 1880. Personal effects under £1,500.
1880. Mary Grafton Thornby. Administration of the personal estate of Mary Grafton Thornber formerly of the parish of Brabourne but late of Ashford, both in the County of Kent, widow, died 17 September 1879 at Ashford, was granted a the principal registry to Thomas Thornby of the Parish of Bilsington in the said county, farmer, the son and next of kin, on 12 February 1880. Personal estate less than £300.
1881. John Thornber. The will of John Thornber late of Haven, Mythomroyd in the parish of Halifax, in the County of York, farmer, who died 22 September, 1881 at Haven was proved at Wakefield, by James Thornber of Lower Scholes Keighley in the said county, farmer, the brother, and Robert Thornber of Haven, labourer, the son, the executors, on 21 October, 1881. Personal estate of £762.
1881. Anthony Thornborrow. Administration of the personal estate of Anthony Thornborrow, late of High Mill, Strickland Roger, in the County of Westmorland, farmer, who died 25 May 1881 at High Mill, was granted at Carlisle to Mary Thornborrow of High Mill, widow, the relict on 4 August 1881. Personal Estate of £139.
1881. Mary Ann Thornbury. Administration of the personal estate of Mary Ann Thornbury, late of Brotton in Cleveland in the County of York, widow, who died 4 July 1881 at Brotton, was granted at York to John William Thornbury of Skelton in Cleveland, schoolmaster, the son and only next of kin on 30 July 1881. Personal estate of £77.
1882. Louisa Thornber. Administration of the personal estate of Louisa Thornber, late of Blackbill in the County of Durham, spinster, who died 1 June 1876 at Kendal in the County of Westmorland, left unadministered by Joseph Thornber, the father and next of kin, was granted at Durham to Richard Thornber of Horton in Craven in the West Riding of Yorkshire, retired farmer, the surviving executor of the will of the said Joseph Thornber on 14 December, 1882. Former grant at Durham in June 1876.
1882. William Thornber. Administration of the personal Estate of William Thornber of Rathmell near Settle in the County of York, widower who died 21 December 1881 at Rathmell was granted at Wakefield to John Thornber of Quernmore near Lancaster in the County of Lancaster, Schoolmaster the son and one of the next of kin on 6 January 1882. Personal estate of £155. (William was buried at Dale Head, near Slaidburn and was said to be aged 76 and of Rathmell.
11 June 1883. Benjamin Thornber Will and Codicil Benjamin Thornber the Younger of 6 Bond Street Burnley in the county of Lancaster, Cotton Manufacturer who died 5 Oct. 1882 at 6 Bond Street, was proved at the Principal Registry by Thomas Thornber Cotton Spinner the brother, Sarah Ann Thornber, Widow, Relict and Thomas Smith, Tin Plate worker all of Burnley executors.
27 Feb. 1883. James Thornber. Administration of the estate of James Thornber of Bath Street Liverpool, Licensed Victualler who died 27 Jan 1883 at Bath Street. Probate granted to Ann Thornber of 34 Bath Street Widow, Relict.
15 June 1883. John Thornber formerly of West Bradford, late of Goosmere Height near Hellifield born in Yorks, yeoman, died 26 Apr. 1883 at Goosmere was proved at Wakefield by William Thornber of Lower House near Burnley (County of) Lancaster, Tackler and (Nephew) and Richard Thornber the younger of Wigglesworth near Settle in Yorkshire, farmer the Executors.
15 Oct. 1883. Paul Harrison Thornber late of Poulton le Fylde in Lancaster, Gentleman, who died 5 Kept 1883 at Poulton le Fylde was proved at Lancaster by Hugh Fraser Thornber of 28 Downshire Hill, Hampstead in Middlesex, Gent, and Rev. Richard Thornber of 37 Downshire Hill, Clerk, the nephews two of the Executors.
26 June 1884. Elizabeth Thornber. Admin. of the estate of Elizabeth Thornber, wife of Samuel Thornber, late of Higher Span Goldshaw Booth in Lancaster who died 11 June 1884 at Higher Span was granted in Lancaster to Samuel Thornber of Higher Span farmer
13 Dec. 1884. Thomas Thornber. Will of Thomas Thornber of Pendleton near Clitheroe in the county of Lancaster, Shopkeeper who died 31 Oct. 1884 at Pendleton was proved at Lancaster by Richard Tomlinson, farmer, and Richard Dawson, labourer, the nephews, both of Pendleton Executors. 5 May 1884. William Thornber of Lloyd Street Manchester and of Barncombe Lodge Sale in Chester, Merchant who died 11 Apr. 1884 at Barncombe Lodge was proved at Chester by Betty Thornber of Barncombe Lodge, Widow, Relict and Harry Thornber of Rookfield Ave. Broad Road Sale Merchant the Son and Executors.
8 Oct. 1885. Benjamin Thornber Late of 66 Devonshire Road Burnley in the County of Lancaster, Cotton Manufacturer who died 28 March 1885 at 66 Devonshire Road was proved at the Principal Registry by Caleb Thornber and Thomas Thornber of Burnley Cotton manufacturers and sons and Robert Murgatroyd of 70 George Street, Moss Side, Manchester in Lancashire, Cloth Salesman and Executors.
14 Oct. 1885. Rachel Ann Thornber. The Will of Rachel Ann Thornber late of Virginia Street Southport Lancaster Widow who died 2 Jan 1885 at Virginia Street was proved at Liverpool by Charlotte Elizabeth Thornber and Fanny Thornber both of 23 Virginia Street spinsters and daughters and Executors.
14 Oct. 1885. William Thornber. The Will of William Thornber late of Bottomly Barkisland in the parish of Halifax in the County of York who died 2 Feb. 1885 at Bottomly, proved at Wakefield by Joseph Thornber of Peter Hill Staniland near Halifax and Henry Thornber of Outlane Moor near Huddersfield in the said County Farmers and Sons the Executors.
26 Jan. 1886. John Henry Thornber. The Will of John Henry Thornber of Irwell Street, Mann Island, Liverpool in the county of Lancaster, Licensed Victualler who died 5 Jan 1886 at Irwell Street proved at Liverpool by Ellen Jane Paulina Thornber of 1 Irwell Street Widow the relict and Sole Executor.
20 July 1888. John Thornber. The Will of John Thornber formerly of the City of Liverpool but late of Bell Road Seacombe in the County of Chester who died 31 May 1888 at Bell Road was proved at Chester by Joseph Thornber of Peter Hill Farm Staniland Halifax in the County of York Farmer the Brother and Sarah Ann Thornber of 60 Bell Road spinster the daughter, the Executors.
1889. Betty Thornber. The will with a codicil of Betty Thornber, late of 67 Duckworth Street, Over Darwen in the County of Lancaster, widow, who died 4 February 1889 at Over Darwen, was proved at Lancaster by William Thornber of 65 Duckworth Street, stonemason and Samuel Bury of 29 Hacking Street, Over Darwen, Blackburn, the surviving executors on 25 March 1880. Personal estate £263.
1889. Elizabeth Thornber. Administation of the personal estate of Elizabeth Thornber (wife of Francis John Thornber) late of Bridge House, Kendal in the County of Westmorland, who died 5 August 1889 at Bridge House, was granted at Carlisle to the said Francis Richard Thornber of Kendal, chartered accountant, on 14 September 1889. Personal estate £92.
1889. Richard Thornber. The will of Richard Thornber, late of 31 Lowerhouse Lane, Lowerhouse, near Burnley in the County of Lancaster, stonemason, who died 26 May 1889, at 31 Lowerhouse Lane, was proved at the principal registry by John Hargreaves of 12 Moss Street, Burnley, weaver in a cotton mill, and John Thornber of 113 Lowerhouse Lane, spinner in a cotton mill, the brother, the executors, on 3 June 1889. Personal estate £641.
1889. Samuel Thornber. The will of Samuel Thornber late of Skipton in the County of York, currier and shoe dealer, who died 5 August 1888 at Skipton was proved at Wakefield by John Thornber of 18 Old Haymarket, Sheffield, in the said county, leather salesman, the son, and Eliza Thornber of Skipton, spinster, the daughter, the executors on 10 May 1889. Personal estate £593.
1889. John Thornborrow. The will of John Thornborrow, late of Dufton in the County of Westmorland, yeoman, who died 26 March 1889 at Dufton, was proved at Carlisle by Thomas Deighton of Dufton, schoolmaster, one of the executors on 27 April 1889. Personal estate £15.
1889. The Reverend Thomas Thornburgh. Administration of the personal estate of the Rev. Thomas Thornburgh of Westbury in the County of Wiltshire, clerk, vicar of Heywood in the parish of Westbury, who died 2 April 1889 at Whitwell, Ventnor, Isle of Wight, was granted at Salisbury to Mary Westby Thornburgh, of Westbury, widow, the relict on 19 July 1889. Personal estate £197.
1890. Cornelius Thornber. Administration of the personal estate of Cornelius Thornber, late of Eyes Barn, Hapton, near Burnley in the County of Lancaster, power loom overlooker, who died 23 February 1890 at Eyes Barn, was granted to Ellen Thornber of Eyes Barn, widow the relict on 27 March 1890. Personal estate of £230.
1890. Isabella Thornber. The will of Isabella Thornber, late of 9 White Bull Street, Burnley in the County of Lancaster, widow, who died 15 February 1890 at 9 White Bull Street, was proved at the principal registry by Mark Baxter of 36 Gannow Lane, Burnley, agent and William Jackson of Rake Bottom, Higham, in the said county, clogger, the executors on 20 March 1890. Personal estate £184.
1890. Mary Thornber. Administration of the personal estate of Mary Thornber, late of Barrowford in the Forest of Pendle in the County of Lancaster, widow, who died 29 December 1889 at Barrowford, was granted at Lancaster to John Thornber of Barrowford, weaver, the son and one of the next of kin on 17 Januuary 1890. Personal estate £275.
1890. William Thornber. Administration of the personal estate of William Thornber, late of the Bottoms, Dilworth, in the County of Lancaster, widower, who died 19 January 1890 at the Bottoms, was granted at the Principal Registry of Kate Ellen Wilkinson (wife of James Wilkinson) of the Bottoms, the daughter and only next of kin on 3 February 1890. Personal estate £85.
1890. Harriott Thornborrow. The will of Harriott Thornborrow, late of 1 Foulis Terrace, Brompton in the County of Middlesex, spinster, who died 8 March 1890 at 1 Foulis Terrace, was proved at the Principal Registry by Ellen Rawson, of 49 Cadogan Street, Cadogan Square in the said County, widow and Susanna Cooper of 9 Maclise Road, West Kensington in the said County, spinster, the executrixes, on 7 May 1890. Personal estate of £504.
1890. Colin Attwood Thornbury otherwise Atwood. The will of Colin Attwood Thornbury otherwise Atwood late of Oxenton in the County of Gloucester, labourer, who died 12 May 1890 at Oxenton, was proved at Gloucester by Martin Attwood of Prestwich, near Manchester, in the County of Lancaster, asylum attendant, the son and sole executor on 13 May 1890. Personal estate £19.
1891. Charlotte Thornber. Administration of the personal estate of Charlotte Thornber, late of Walsh Street, Queen's Road, Halifax in the County of York, widow, who died 8 July 1869 (or 1889 ?) at Walsh Street was granted at Wakefield to Elizabeth Ann Welburn (wife of Alfred Welburn) of 89 Albert Road, Aston, Birmingham in the County of Warwick, the daughter and one of the next of kin on 25 July 1891. Personal estate of £87.
1891. Francis John Thornber. The will of Francis John Thornber late of Sunnyside, Kendal in the County of Westmorland, auctioneer, and chartered accountant, who died 23 November 1891 at 13 (or 18) Sunnyside, was proved at Carlisle by Joseph Severs, pharmaceutical chemist and Edward Gill, bookseller, and stationer, both of Kendal, the surviving executors on 16 December 1891. Personal estate £1040, resworn in December 1892 as £974.
1891. Henry Thornber. The will of Henry Thornber, late of 5 Gadsby Street, in the town of Bedford and the County of Bedford, gentleman, who died 17 March 1891 at 5 Gadsby Street, was proved at Northampton by Kitty Elizabeth Thornber, of 5 Gadsby Street, widow, the relict, and George Howlett fo Shefford in the said county, farmer, the executors, on 9 April 1891. Personal estate of £100.
1891. Isaac Thornber. The will of Isaac Thornber, late of 271 Oldham Road, Rochdale in the County of Lancaster, clog manufacturer, who died 13 May 1891 at 271 Oldham Road, was proved at Manchester by Mary Ann Thornber of 271 Oldham Road, widow, the relict, one of the executors, on 1 September 1891. Personal estate £105.
1891. Margaret Thornber. The will of Margaret Thornber, late of 66 Devonshire Road, Burnley in the County of Lancaster, widow, who died 8 May 1888, at 66 Devonshire Road, was proved at the Principal Registry by Thomas Thornber of Hollins near Burnley, cotton spinner the son, and Sharp Thornber of Burnley, cotton manufacturer, the grandson, the executors on 15 September 1891. Personal estate £1,155.
1891. William Albert Thornber. Administration of the personal estate of William Albert Thornber, late of 5 Meadow View, Whitehaven in the County of Cumberland, marine engineer (merchant service), a bachelor, who died 12 June 1890 at sea, was granted at Carlisle to Mark Thornber of 5 Meadow View, draper, the father and next of kin on 25 March 1891. Personal estate of £92.
1891. George Carlton Thornborough. The will of George Carlton Thornborough, late of 8 Linton Crescent, Hastings in the County of Sussex, gentleman, who died 22 January 1891, at 8 Linton Crescent, was proved at the Principal Registry by Evangeline Chalmers Hazel of 8 Linton Crescent, widow, the daughter, the sole executrix on 16 Feburary 1891. Personal estate £819.
Selected items from Probate Index 1891 to 1909
1900. John Thornber of 13 Spring Street, Great Harwood, Lancashire, weaver, died 17 February 1900. Probate at Lancaster on 20 March to Elizabeth Windle wife of John Windle and Jane Rushton, widow. Details obtained show sister Elizabeth Windle and sister-in-law Jane Rushton to be executors. There were four shares to sister Elizabeth, sister Mary Marsden, sister Alice Mitchell and sister-in-law Jane Rushton. John made his mark.
1905. John Thornber of Pendleton near Clitheroe, Lancashire, yeoman, who died 9 December 1904. Probate at Lancaster on 17 February to Richard Tomlinson, farmer. Effects of £334. Details indicate that his son William's address was at that time unknown. Daughter was Ann Tomlinson the wife of Richard Tomlinson. Daughter-in-law was Elizabeth, wife of his son John. Details in the will, compared with census returns identify this as John as the son of John Thornber and Alice Briggs. In the 1881 census John was aged 68 so he must have lived until he was 91.
Selected items from Probate Index 1922 to 1938
1929. Adam Thornber of 55 Whalley Road, Sabden, died 8 October, 1929. Probate granted at Lancaster to Mary Elizabeth. This is the younger son of Richard Thornber and Martha Stanworth. See family tree of John Thornber and Alice Briggs.
1936. Ruth Ellen Thornber of 24 Gibfield Road Colne, Lancashire, spinster who died 18 November 1935 at 21 Scarisbrick New Road, Southport. Probate at London on 4 February to James Ashworth, mill manager, Walter James Hartley, chain beamer and Frederick James Thornber, cloth salesman.
I am grateful to Merle Thornber in New South Wales for providing the following details of letters of administration:
Thornber, Thomas - 13 March 1860 - Effects under 100 pounds: Letters of Administration of the Personal Estate and effects of Thomas Thornber late of Trafalgar in Halifax in the County of York, Manufacturing Chemist, deceased who died 17 October 1859 at Trafalgar aforesaid were granted at Wakefield to Charlotte Thornber of Trafalgar aforesaid Widow the Relict of the said deceased she having first been sworn.
Thornber, William - 4 June 1860 - Effects under 450 pounds: Letters of Administration of the Personal estate of William Thornber late of Blackburn in the County of Lancaster Furniture Broker deceased who died 19 May 1860 at Blackburn aforesaid were granted at Lancaster to Ann Thornber of Blackburn aforesaid Widow the relict of the said Deceased she having first been sworn.
1.0 Strict 