The following query was sent to Rotherham FHS - can anyone help John Jessop please:-

I am wondering if you can help me. By way of brief background, I have been researching my family history and I am fairly sure that my third great grandfather, James Jessop, is the same James Jessop who is recorded in parish records as having been born in Ravenfield to Thomas and Mary (or Margaret) Jessop in 1774. Records show that a Thomas Jessop and Mary/Margaret Stewart were married in Ravenfield on 4 Sept 1771. I suspect that their first son is William Jessop, founder in Sheffield of William Jessop and Sons and he in turn was the father of Thomas Jessop - later master cutler and mayor of Sheffield during the great flood.

I have found a web site that gives an overview of the history of Ravenfield. The site creator is a man called John Doxey. He invites communication with regard to family history research. Unfortunately the connection to his email address no longer seems to be current - the web site does seem to be quite a number of years old now so he may no longer be associated with it. Are you able to put me in touch with John Doxey or alternatively anyone else whose interests lie in the history of Ravenfield and who may be willing to correspond with me?

My grandparents emigrated from Sheffield to my home here in New Zealand in 1920. I am planning to visit South Yorkshire in 2015 to broaden my knowledge of my forbears home and circumstances so want to be as well prepared as I can. I would appreciate any assistance that you can give me.

Regards,
John Jessop