I'm trying to find out some information about Joseph and Sarah, b in 1858 and 1856 respectively. Joseph in France (British Subject) and Sarah unknown.
They had 6 children, William Henry 1879, John Thomas 1882, Harriet Ann 1885, James 1889, Mary 1892 and Charley 1896 (my grandfather).
On the 1881 census they lived at Owlett Hall, Wakefield Rd, Drighlington, York (Dewsbury district I believe), and then on the 1901 census they lived at 18 Annie Place, Morley, Yorks.
Can anyone tell me why possibly Joseph was born in France...what were his parents doing there?
If anyone recognises this family could they please get in touch.
Thanks.

IThis family is on my family tree. I descend from Midgley Ayre an uncle of Joseph who was the son of William born in Colne.
It is likely that Joseph Ayre was in France to advise and work within textile industry .
There was considerable interchange of this kind in the 19th century when skills were passed on to French manufacturers.

Maeve Hawkins
(nee Catherine Maeve Ayre

Do you have any connection with the midgleys of manchester who were involved in the textile industry in the 1880s