Uncovering the Life of Tom Kenyon: A Journeyman’s Legacy

Tom married Eva Whitehead at the Church of England's St. Michael's Church in Toxteth Park.

Join me on a journey through time as we unravel the life of my 2nd Great-Grandfather, Tom Kenyon. Born in 1857 in the coal mining village of Ardsley, South Yorkshire, Tom’s story weaves through the changing landscapes of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

As a skilled Journeyman-Joiner in the 1880s, Tom’s craftsmanship and dedication earned him a respectable wage, providing stability for his family in the midst of industrialization. His move from Ardsley to the bustling cities of Toxteth Park in Liverpool and Manchester reflects the opportunities and challenges of the era.

Tom’s legacy lives on through his descendants, like myself, as we uncover the resilience and determination that defined his generation. Join me in exploring the life of Tom Kenyon, a Journeyman whose story illuminates the strength found in our family’s roots.

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Great-Grandfather Benjamin Kenyon

Great-Grandfather Benjamin Kenyon wedding at Greenheys St Clement Church

Born in the bustling streets of Toxteth Park, Liverpool, in April 1888, Benjamin Kenyon’s life echoed the dynamic spirit of late 19th-century England. Growing up amidst the blend of working-class and middle-class residents, his world was colored by the cultural richness of Irish immigrants and other migrant communities. At 22, he found himself working as a skilled Cabinet Maker in Old Trafford, Manchester, where he likely began his courtship with Emily, his future wife. Their union brought joy but also sorrow with the loss of their daughter, Beatrice, at a young age.

Amidst the turmoil of World War I, Benjamin joined the Royal Air Force in 1917, a decision reflective of his generation’s resilience and sense of duty. Returning to civilian life, he continued his craft as a cabinet maker, providing for his family amidst the changing landscapes of industrial England. In his passing in September 1958, Benjamin left behind a legacy of love, hard work, and quiet resilience, a testament to the values of his time.

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Who was my Grandfather?

Old Trafford Manchester Arthur Benjamin Kenyon Grandfather

Join me on a journey through the intriguing life of my maternal grandfather, Arthur Benjamin Kenyon. Born on September 20, 1912, in Manchester, Arthur’s story unfolds with his marriage to my nana Joan in June 1937. They settled into a modest home, filled with dreams, and purchased furniture for 40 pounds sterling.

World War II brought change. Arthur enlisted in the Royal Artillery, stationed at Balgray House, Lockerbie, Scotland. The echoes of soldiers training for battle filled the air. In 1944, amidst the war’s chaos, Arthur parted ways with nana Joan, starting a new life with another woman.

The post-war years revealed glimpses of Arthur’s life. A Senior Traffic Warden in Manchester, he remarried and had three children. However, stories hint at complexities and shadows surrounding Arthur.

As I uncover Arthur’s story, I am filled with curiosity. His journey from a young husband to a soldier in war, and later a figure shrouded in mystery, paints a complex portrait. Join me as we peel back the layers of time and discover the enigma of my maternal grandfather, Arthur Kenyon.

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