| Relationship to me:- |
| 2nd Great-Grandfather Tom Kenyon 1857-1911 |
| Great-grandfather, Benjamin Kenyon 1888-1958 |
| Son of Benjamin Kenyon, Arthur Benjamin Kenyon 1912-1998 |
| Daughter of Arthur Benjamin Kenyon, Wendy Truslove (Kenyon) 1941- |
| I am the son of Wendy Truslove (Kenyon), Geoffrey Allan Merritt |
In my exploration of family history, I’ve stumbled upon a wealth of captivating details about my 2nd Great-Grandfather, Tom Kenyon. His life, woven through the fabric of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, paints a vivid picture of a Journeyman-Joiner whose journey mirrors the societal shifts and industrial revolutions of his time.
The Journeyman
Tom’s title as a Journeyman-Joiner in the 1880s held more significance than I initially realized. It wasn’t just a job; it was a testament to his skill and dedication. The term “Journeyman” often conjured images of travelers, but in Tom’s case, it meant he was a respected craftsman who had completed an official apprenticeship qualification. As a carpenter during this era, Tom earned a respectable wage of 25 shillings a week and an annual salary of £65. This income was not just a means of survival; it provided stability for his growing family.
Early Days in Ardsley
Tom’s journey began in 1857 in Ardsley, South Yorkshire, a village steeped in the coal mining industry. Coal was not just a commodity in Ardsley; it was the lifeblood of the community. Families like Tom’s were deeply connected to the rhythms of mining activities, with the village’s economy and daily life shaped by the coal pits. The hazards of the mines were ever-present, but so were the opportunities for livelihoods.
Growing up in Ardsley meant Tom witnessed the toil and resilience of the mining families. Schools, churches, and community life revolved around the mines, creating a tightly knit society. However, as industrialization swept through Yorkshire, Tom, like many seeking better prospects, left his hometown in search of new opportunities.
Toxteth Park: A New Beginning
By 1891, Tom had made his way to Toxteth Park in Liverpool, a district humming with industry and commerce. Toxteth Park was more than just a location; it was a melting pot of diversity, with a mix of wealthy merchants, middle-class professionals, and working-class families. It was here that Tom married Eva Whitehead on April 11, 1881, at St. Michael’s Church, a pivotal moment in his life.
Tom and Eva’s union marked the start of a new chapter. Together, they built a life in Toxteth Park, raising three children: Alfred, Eva, and Ben. Their marriage coincided with the rise of the middle class, a burgeoning social class experiencing the benefits of industrialization. As a Journeyman-Joiner, Tom played a crucial role in providing for his family, contributing to their improved quality of life. The emerging middle class enjoyed better working conditions and more time for family, aspects that were reflected in Tom’s life.
Manchester: The Final Chapter
Life took another turn for Tom as he moved to Manchester in 1901, another industrial hub teeming with opportunities. Manchester offered a vibrant setting for Tom and his family, with its bustling industries and growing urban landscape. Tom’s skills as a Journeyman-Joiner continued to provide for his family, ensuring they had a comfortable life amidst the industrial boom.
However, in 1911, Tom’s journey came to an end as he passed away at the age of 54. His passing was not considered old by the standards of the time, as the average male life expectancy in 1911 was 51.5 years. The shadow of high infant mortality rates loomed over these statistics, a stark reminder of the challenges of the era.
Tom’s son, Ben, my Great Grandfather, was 23 years old at the time of his father’s passing. Ben was stepping into adulthood, a pivotal moment in his life. Shortly after Tom’s death, Ben married, a common practice for young adults in those times.
Reflecting on Tom’s Legacy
Tom Kenyon’s life was a testament to resilience, adaptability, and hard work. From his humble beginnings in the coal mining village of Ardsley to his role as a skilled Journeyman-Joiner in Liverpool and Manchester, Tom navigated the changing tides of the Industrial Revolution. His story is not just a tale of one man; it’s a glimpse into the broader shifts of society, from rural communities to urban landscapes, from coal mines to carpentry shops.
As I uncover more about Tom Kenyon and his family, I am reminded of the impact each generation has on the next. Tom’s legacy lives on through his descendants, including myself. His journey, marked by hard work and determination, paved the way for future generations to thrive.
Connecting with Relatives
If you are related to Tom Kenyon, I would love to hear from you. Whether you have stories, photos, or simply want to connect, please feel free to leave a comment below. Let’s continue to unravel the tapestry of our family history together.
Conclusion
Tom Kenyon’s life was a journey of resilience and adaptation, from the coal mines of Ardsley to the bustling cities of Liverpool and Manchester. As a Journeyman-Joiner, he played a vital role in shaping his family’s future and navigating the challenges of his time. His story is not just a chapter in history; it’s a legacy of hard work, determination, and the enduring spirit of family.
As I delve deeper into my family history, I am inspired by Tom’s journey and the stories yet to be uncovered. Through his life, we glimpse the broader changes of the Industrial Revolution and the emergence of the middle class. Tom’s legacy lives on through his descendants, reminding us of the strength found in our roots.
Let’s continue this journey together, connecting with relatives and weaving together the threads of our shared history. If you have any information or stories to share about Tom Kenyon, please leave a comment below. Together, we can piece together the puzzle of our family’s past.