DONE: William Webb Dyke and Blanche Evans

Possibly William and Blanche Webb
(image submitted by Peter Robinson)

When William Webb Dyke was born on August 16, 1872 in Crewe, Cheshire, England, his father, Edwin Henry Dyke (1845-1923), was 27 and his mother, Selina Charlotte (nee Webb) (1848-1937), was 24. Like a number of his ancestors (including his father), William worked on the railroad like his father. He had five brothers and four sisters.

William married Blanche Evans on June 6, 1896 at Christ Church in Crewe, Cheshire, England.

When Blanche Evans was born on June 4, 1875 in Liverpool, Lancashire, England, her father, Thomas Evans (1838-1888) was 37, and her mother, Elizabeth (nee Avery) (1836-1929), was 39.

The couple had four children over 14 years:

• Frank Arthur Dyke (1896-1932) married Eva Gallimore (1899-1933)
• Blanche Elizabeth Dyke (1900-1920) married Harry Hesketh (?-?)
• Horace William Dyke (1901-1970) married Mary Elizabeth Anne Titley (1899-1977)
• Bessie Avery Dyke (1909-1994) married Laurence Paul Tracy (1902-1980)

Frank Arthur Dyke is baptized on November 1, 1896 at St. Michael's Church in Coppenhall, Cheshire (images of the record are not available).

Blanche Elizabeth Dyke is born on April 10th and baptized on May 1, 1900 at Christ Church in Crewe. The family is living at 28 Brook Street, likely where they'd been living since at least 1888 when Blanche's father died (the probate record lists Elizabeth Evans at this address). William's occupation is "Fitter," like his father.  A railway engine fitter is someone who would maintain and overhaul engines, as well as prepare, assemble and fit together various engine parts.

Baptismal Record (image via FamilySearch.org)

28 Brook Street, Crewe (image via GoogleMaps)

Horace William Dyke was born on February 22, 1901 and baptized on March 19th at Christ Church. By this time, the family is living at 31 Stewart Street, which is also where we find the family on the 1901 Census.

Baptismal Record (image via FamilySearch.org)

1901 England Census (image via Ancestry.com)

31 Steward Street, Crewe (image via GoogleMaps)

Bessie Avery Dyke is born on August 17, 1909 and baptized on September 3rd at St. Paul Church in Crewe. Copies of the original record are not available digitally.

In 1939, William and Blanche are still living on Stewart Street, but now at 39. William had retired and he died later that year at the age of 67.

1939 Register (image via FindMyPast.com)

39 Stewart Street, Crewe (image via GoogleMaps)

Blanche survived seven more years, and died in June 1946 in Hull, Yorkshire, England, at the age of 71.

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