THE FYNES FAMILIES OF

THE FYNES FAMILIES OF

NORTHUMBERLAND & DURHAM

FROM ABOUT 1830 to THE PRESENT DAY

John Fynes

Born 1832

This document recounts the history of the Fynes families of Northumberland and Durham from the early 1800s to the present day. The records show that these families descend directly from Thomas Fines, an immigrant labourer who came from Ireland in the early 1800s. Although there is evidence of one or two other Fynes families living within the area in the early 1800s, virtually all of the available records show that, from about 1840 onwards, there were no Fynes families living in Northumberland other than those directly descended from Thomas Fines of Dublin.

Inspiration for this research came initially from Kate Fynes, whose simple homework exercise of drawing a brief family tree resulted in a fascinating rediscovery of a long-forgotten family history. Along the way, I have made many friends, some called Fynes others not, who have been particularly encouraging and helpful in my research. Particular thanks should be expressed to Enid Fynes Williams, who introduced me to the illustrious pedigree of the noble Fynes households. It is the hope that one day I may identify the missing link into Enid's line. A long time correspondent who has been most helpful is Raymond Fynes, from Mississauga, Canada, who like me, has searched in vain for his eighteenth century Irish ancestors. Mark Mudge from Liberty, Missouri has provided a great deal of information on the American connections, and has brought a new dimension to the family history researches. As a result of Mark's information I made contact with Kay Hill Ikirt in Lisbon, Ohio, who has provided me with a great deal of information about Isaac Fynes and his family in the USA. More recently, Julie Mack Liebendorfer from East Palestine, Ohio has unearthed further information about Isaac Fynes and his family and shed more light on their life and times in America. And last but by no means least, I must thank Joyce Wakenshaw, who re-awakened my interest in the research when I was becoming frustrated with the lack of progress with the Irish connection. Our collaboration to establish definitively the true origins of Richard Fynes is particularly challenging, and hopefully in the not too distant future will culminate in the erection of a permanent memorial to Richard in Blyth. However, my most special thanks go to Tommy, Mary and Walter Fynes, who have recounted the old stories and supplied me with many of the photographs reproduced throughout the document. Without them, none of this would have been possible.

I have recorded the history of the family so that it may remind those still living of their humble origins and to provide a tantalising glimpse into what may have once been a noble background. Most importantly, however, it will also be available as a record for future generations of the Northumbrian Fynes family yet to come. Hopefully Kate & Christopher and future generations will appreciate the result when they are asked one day about the origins of the family name.

Contents

The Origin of the Name Fynes

Early References to Fynes in Northumberland

The Earliest References to the Northumbrian Line in Dotwick Street, North Shields

The Children of Thomas and Isabella Fines

The Mining Communities of Victorian Northumberland

The Late Nineteenth Century in Northumberland

The American Connections

Life in Wallsend and the Surrounding Area

The Present Day and the New Line in Gloucestershire

The Gloucestershire Fynes

APPENDICES