First known reference is the IGI record of his baptism, 2nd March 1828 at Hodsock/Blyth, North Nottinghamshire.

Marriage to Ann Woodcock on the 25th December 1854 at Darfield Parish Church, near (North) Sheffield, Yorkshire. Copy of Certificate held. Both Father, Christopher and William identified as  Farmers. On his son William Christopher Greatorex's birth certificate, William's occupation is shown as "Farm Bailiff" of Hoad Lane, Eckington.
Reference to William Greatorex in Kellys Trade Directory of 1865, described as a Cowkeeper of 27 Forge Lane.  (general area of Chester Street.)
1861 UK Census lists William and his wife Ann along with sons George and William at 27 Forge Lane,
Sheffield. William described as a Cowkeeper.
Reference in (unident) Trade Directory of 1868 listing William Greatorex (beerhouse and cowkeeper) resident at 55 Chester Street. Supplied by Sheffield Senior Archivist in letter of Feb 1994.
Noted in 1871 Census as resident at 55 (later 55-57 Chester Street, Sheffield). Originally believed to be no more than an Off Licence (Colloqually "Beer Off"). Eventually became known as the Grey Horse Public House. First known reference at this address was in the 1868 Sheffield Trade Directory, identified as a Beer Retailer and Cowkeeper. The latter probably a description for somebody who kept cows, so as to sell off their milk, a long time before door step deliveries or even supermarkets! The "cowkeeper" reference appears to have been dropt in later records.

William died on the 10 Sept 1891, probate for his Will was granted to his wife, Ann being the sole
executrix. Will valued at £424.5s.11p. Will dated 1st October 1880.

Children of William and Ann Greatorex

George Greatorex born abt 1856 in Ridgeway by Eckington. Baptism held on the 19th Feb 1856 in Ridgeway by Eckington (near Sheffield), DBY. Batch nr C058361 Source 0498119. Died October 24th 1910 in Highland Falls, Orange Co, NY State, USA. Large family, am in contact with some of present day descendents in the USA. These children married into the following families from the Highland Falls  and Marlborough City, Ulster County area's. Conklin/Baxter/Volkringer/Stickler/Mulvahill/Regan. However one child, George William Greatorex (born Sept 30th 1879 in Sheffield, died March 4th 1926, Sheffield) remained in Sheffield being brought up by his paternal Grandparents William and Ann Greatorex. He carried on business as a General Dealer in Button Lane, Sheffield. After his death the business continued under his wife Mary Elizabeth Greatorex nee Stocks. One child known from this marriage, Constance Ann Greatorex born 2nd Qtr 1907. She is believed to have married a Herbert Green in the 3rd Qtr 1937 in Sheffield. One possible child from this union, Constance Thelma Green born July 17, 1936. possible death GRO ref in Sept Qtr 193, age 0 Constance T Green.

Taken from www.castlegarden,org, record of immigrants landing at NY City. date of arrival in NY - 12 March 1884
ELLEN GREATEAUX occupation: wife age 27
Joe Greateaux son age 9 months
Livinia Greatteaux dau age 6
Ship SS Gallia
Arrived from Liverpool and Queenstown (Ireland) destination code 7238 (?) No indication of when George Greatorex himself entered the USA but it seems clear that he went first then sent for the family.

William Christopher Greatorex, Birth registered at Chesterfield, DBY in the October Qtr of 1858 Ref 7B480/450. Baptism Record at St Marys Church 26 April 1865,  PR 56/2 Page 330 Nr 2638. Died September 28th 1912 in Sheffield, Yorkshire. Believed collapsed and died in street. (my Great Grandfather)

John Henry Greatorex,born 1st Qtr 1862 probably at 27 Forge Lane, Sheffield. Died November 13th 1929 at 49 Ashland Road, Sheffield, Yorkshire. Descendents still living in Sheffield and also Great Grandchildren by his first wife Jane Pashley,  living in Alabama, USA. 2nd Marriage to Alice Emily Astwood 16th Nov 1908 at Sheffield Registry Office. Children of John Henry Greatorex and Jane Pashley (1st marriage)

Florence, born 1st Qtr 1888 in Sheffield. Lillian, born Feb 16th 1889. Jane, born 1891 John Henry born July 9th 1892. NB: Lillian married a Philip Beard in 1908 in Sheffield then Guy Macomber in Montgomery, Alabama, USA at unknown date then a 3rd husband, Tom Phillips who she subsequently divorced in 1940, location Miami, Florida, USA. Nothing further known about Lillian after 1940. John Henry Greatorex married Nobie Phelps June 18th 1927 in Greenville, Butler Co, AL, USA. Served in US Army during World War One in Europe. Died 4th May 1936 in Montgomery AL.

Children of John Henry Greatorex by his 2nd wife, Alice Emily Astwood.

Joseph Haydn Greatorex, born 18th Jan 1910, Dorice, born 4th Qtr 1911, Graham, born unknown date, and Colin born abt 1914.

Joseph Walter Greatorex, born 18th April 1864 at 27 Forge Lane, Sheffield and died 12th December 1869 at 55 Chester Street, Sheffield.

Lavinia Rebecca Greatorex, born 3rd December 1866 at 27 Forge Lane, Sheffield and died 26th June 1868 at 55 Chester Street, Sheffield. Buried at St Marys Church, Bramall Lane, Sheffield.

Herbert Woodcock Greatorex, DoB reference 9C348 2nd Qtr (April) 1868. Copy of Certificate obtained, though actual day of birth is unreadable. DoD 4th Qtr 1869 Ref 9C 224

Florence Ann Greatorex, born 4th Qtr 1869, died 15th November 1893. Married, Ecclesall, Sheffield Bet. July - September 1890, GRO ref 9C 425 to Philip Eggleshaw.
Buried in Ecclesall Parish Church, Sheffield in same grave as her Father and Mother.
Inscription reads "...Also his daughter Florence Ann beloved wife of Philip Eggleshaw who died Nov 15th 1893 age 24. (recorded 20th Feb 2000) Confirmed GRO ref 9C 281 or 261