James Wilks Kennish (1835 - 1902)

Ancestors Descendants

Biography

James was born about 1835. He was baptised at Ramsey 7 September 1835 the son of John Kinnish (sic) and Ann Atkinson his wife.^[1]

He moved frequently in Ramsey, Isle of Man 1841 Folieu
1851 Douglas Lane
1861 Barack Yard,
1861 Church St
1863 South Shore
1864 Barack Yard
1865 Water St
1870 Claubane Rd, Claughbane Cottage
1874-78 Water St
1881 32 College St, <br 1891 Cannels Lane
1901 Waterloo Road
1902 Taubman St

On 3 August 1861 James married Jane Kneal the daughter of a farmer/miner in the adjacent parish of Lezayre.

He worked for the Ramsey Courier for many years. In 1881 he was a printers manager.

He belonged to the Oddfellows masonic lodge in Ramsey. The Ramsey Courier in 1897 reported

. . while the vice chair was amply filled by Mr J W Kennish, the senior member of staff. At the conclusion of the feast, the President proposed "The Queen". This toast was received with tremendous enthusiasm and the National anthem was sung by those assembled brimming glasses in hand . .

In 1880 he was a witness in a libel case, lengthly reported in local papers. ^[2][3]

1881 he was award a second prize in Ramsey flower show for his Calceolaris (Ladies purse).

In 1896 he played Colonel Flutter in Amateur Dramatics reported by the IOM Times, and may have played an instrument in the orchestra.

In 1883 he was appointed a postal auxiliary.

He passed away 27 February 1902 and was buried 10 March 1902 at Maughold. The headstone reads

In affectionate memory of James Wilks Kennish who died Feb 27 1862 Aged 66 years 'Peac, Perfect Peace'

His will was approved by the High Court, Ramsey

Before Deemster Moore Wm John Kinnish and others v, the next of kin of James Wilks Kinnish. This was a petition for administration. Wm John Kinnissh said that the deceases James Wilks Kinnish was his fathr and died at Taubman Street Ramsey on February 27 last, He left no will and his widow is still living. He left the following sons James Wilks Kinnish of Liverpool. Alf Peter Kinnish of Barrow, Charles Hemry Kinnish of Chester and witness.There were also two daughters - Lydia who lived in Ramsey and Margaret wife of H thornton of Douglas. Six other children died in infancy. The personal estate was valued at about £80. W J Kinnish was sworn administrator

Research notes

Kennish is spelled Kinnish on baptism. Wiks is sometimes spelled Wilkes but baptism and gravestone are Wilks.

Sources

1. ↑ Ramsey baptism records
2. ↑ Manx Sun 29 May 1880 page 12
3. ↑ Mona's Herald 2 June 1880 page 3

• Maughold parish baptism record