Tuesday, October 27, 2009

The Holdsworth Family Story

So, here's the story. My maternal grandfather's last name is Holdsworth. He would be K.J. Holdsworth.

So, my mother's maiden name is Holdsworth.

And, this is basically what we know:

My grandfather's father's name was William Jonas Holdsworth.
His father was Jonas Holdsworth.

Jonas immigrated to the United States in 1821 after joining the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He immigrated straight to Utah. We know that basically, any Utahn with the last name of Holdsworth (or a close relation) we are somehow related to.

Jonas's parents were:

Thomas Holdsworth and Nancy Bibby.

Thomas was a wool-maker is Leeds, Yorkshire England. We know that he basically grew up in a "slum". He and Nancy were married in Lancashire.

They had 7-8 children, as follows:

Martha--1814
James--1816 (immigrated to Michigan)
Hannah--1819
Jonas--1821 (immigrated to Utah)
Thomas--1828--stayed in England--we have contact with a relative from England from his line, P. Holdsworth!

Mary--1831
Nancy--1835 (immigrated--possibly to or through New York?)
and probably 1 other daughter who likely immigrated

We know that there are Holdsworths in: Illinois, Idaho, Michigan, Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, and Utah. I have 2 uncles with that surname who also live in Wyoming and CA.

The problem is, we get lost in the generations by at least 2 generations back past Thomas and Nancy. We know that at least 2 generations back from Thomas and Nancy that a man named Thomas sold the family land (he may have been a brother-in-law), and that what happened to the rest of the family after that is questionable (we don't know--but want to!)

We also know that there was a Thomas Holdsworth generations back from our Thomas and Nancy who was an assistant vicar--there is no evidence that this Thomas ever married.

We also know that there was a William Holdsworth from Astley, Yorkshire--who was heir to the land (may have been the one who sold the property?). We have evidence that he was married--but can't find any children.

So, any help would be greatly appreciated!!! If you are a Holdsworth, or are related to one, and have more information, we'd love to find out more!