Robert Moorby

  Notes:

Found him by looking at all Moorby births on familysearch. Is clearly listed as son of Thomas Moorby and Ann Stephenson, so definately a sibling to Francis.

On 1841 census from quick look I can't find him at all.

On the 1851 census there is only 1 possible, although of course he might have died;
Robert Moorby, living as head at the hamlet of Townsend Fold, Lancs. Age 45, Cotton Garder, born Giggleswick. Widower with 5 children, eldest 2 born in Gigg, youngest 3 in Whalley, Lancs. Also in house is a widow Elizabeth Peacock, 50, Housekeeper, born Giggleswick and her 2 children, both born in Settle. Possibly Elizabeth is Robert's sister and has moved in with him after his wife (and her husband) died?
The parish is "Coupe, Lench, Newhall Hey, and Hall Carr", presum. this is somewhere near Whalley ?

Possibly this is the same Robert Moorby of Rough Lee, Colne, carder, who is 1848 was a Chartist land company subscriber?

From John Byrom;
1861 Census. Has not remarried but is now living at Twiston Mill, Lancashire. Occupation recorded as principal of the firm R. Moorby & Sons, Cotton manufacturers and farmers of 15 acres. Employing 49 operatives.

1871 Census. Has remarried and living with wife Hannah 55 at Barley, Goldshaw Booth, Lancashire. Has retired from business.

National Probate Calendar (index of wills) reads ' MOORBY Robert 22 May. The Will of Robert Moorby late of Barley in Barley with Whatley-Booth in the County of Lancaster Yeoman who died 4 February 1875 at Barley was proved at Lancaster by James Moorby of Accrington in the said County Manufacturer the Son and William Briggs of Twiston near Clitheroe in the said County Carder the Executors. Effects under £1,500.

Robert married Hannah Hargreaves 1/10/1863 Sy Mary's, Bury.

See web re several enteries for Twiston and Narrowgate Mills, eg.
http://www.downhamvillage.org.uk/Documents/TWISTON_MILL.pdf
"In 1855 the mill was leased to Robert Moorby, who also worked Narrowgates Mill at Barley. The partnership of Moorby and Sons lasted until 1874 (Liverpool Mercury, British Library Online Newspapers). William Bailey succeeded Moorby and Sons as manager. At that time the machinery comprised 1400 spindles and 62 looms, driven by a water-wheel and steam engine (Rothwell, 1990)."

Robert married.