Henry Jenkins & Sons: History

The Company

According to an 1884/85[1] Birmingham commercial list which included the year a company was established, and in advertisements like the one from 1867[2] shown here, the firm known as Henry Jenkins & Sons was established in 1830. It seems much more likely however, that the founder officially began to work as a die sinker that year, especially since he was only 20 years old at the time. Henry Jenkins was first listed in city trade directories in 1833[3] as a die sinker on Brook Street near St. Paul’s. By 1839[4] he had moved to Mott Street and within ten years, in 1849[5], had settled at 11 Spencer Street where the firm remained for 17 years. Sometime between 1854[6] and 1858[7] three of Mr. Jenkins sons, James, Frederick and Samuel, joined him in the business and it became known as Henry Jenkins and Sons. In 1858[8] the firm was listed in the city directory as shown here and by 1861[9] employed 5 men, 16 boys and 1 girl. During their last five years at Spencer Street, from 1861-1865, the company registered 42[10] designs. Most of these were for metal items including baskets, cruet frames, brooches or articles of jewelry and electro plated wares. Although in these records they were most often listed as Henry Jenkins & Sons or H. Jenkins & Sons, there were two exceptions. On one design registration in 1862[11] they were referred to as H J F & S Jenkins, which were the initials of the four Jenkins men associated with the firm. Also, in a patent registration in 1864[12] they were listed as follows: “To Henry Jenkins, James Jenkins, Frederick Jenkins and Samuel Jenkins, trading under the style or firm of Henry Jenkins and Sons, General Stampers and Piercers, of Birmingham, in the county of Warwick, for the invention of “certain improvements in metallic clips for permanently or temporarily binding or holding together manuscripts, papers, pamphlets, or for other like purposes”.”[13]

The business had a great deal of success for many years. In January 1866 they placed a “Notice of Removal” in the Birmingham Post Newspaper indicating “Messrs. Henry Jenkins and Sons, formerly of Spencer Street, Birmingham, have much pleasure in informing their Friends that, to meet the demands of their increasing connection, they have removed to suitable Premises in Vittoria Street, near Graham Street. They embrace this opportunity to tender their thankful acknowledgments for past favours, and to express their determination, by unrelaxed efforts on their part, to sustain the very high estimation which for many years has been awarded to them, in all branches of Die-Sinking, Toolmaking, Stamping, Piercing, &c., &c., and in all of which branches it will still be their ambition to be excelled by none.”[14] Their new factory was a large building called Unity Works, which at the time was located at Vittoria Street in the center of the Jewellery Quarter. The sign seen here was placed near the main entrance. An 1873[15] city directory listed the company five times, once for the business and once for each of the four owners showing their home addresses marked with the letter “h” before the address: Henry Jenkins & Sons die sinkers, stampers, piercers and toolmakers, 61-63 Vittoria Street; Henry Jenkins (Hy & Sons) h Brougham Street, Aston; James Jenkins (Hy & Sons) h Ipsley Villa, Brougham Street, Aston; Fredk Jenkins (Hy & Sons) h Trinity Road, Birchfield; and Samuel Jenkins (Hy & Sons) h The Laurels, Claremont Road, Soho Park. In 1881[16] the firm employed 14 men,14 boys and 22 girls or women.

From 1866 through 1882 the company registered approximately 106[17] more designs. Most of these designs were for metal items with baskets, cruet frames and broches or articles of jewelry being most popular, however a few were for drops, dress holders, pot handles for tea pots, buckles, clasps and needle cases. A cruet frame[18] was a metal container that held several glass bottles for oil, vinegar, salt, pepper and mustard, popular condiments for the lunch or dinner table. Jenkins registered and manufactured two Avery style needle cases, the Butterfly Filigree (pictured here) and the Bird on a Box which came with or without gemstones on the wings and tail feathers. The firm also produced medals for the British government’s military forces such as the Kabul to Kandahar Star[19] (seen on the right) awarded to those who participated in the 320-mile march in Afghanistan in 1880 or the Khedive Star recognizing military service during the 1882 Anglo-Egyptian War.

After Henry Jenkins died in 1885 his two surviving sons and a grandson carried on the business until 1897[20] when they decided to sell it. As a result, a new company was formed to take over the well-known business of Henry Jenkins & Sons. A lengthy public notice of incorporation with a prospectus was placed in the Birmingham newspaper[21] and the new company became known as Henry Jenkins & Sons Ltd. At the time the value of the company’s assets less any liabilities was £39,869 (£3.118 million today[22]). The purchase price for the company was £40,000 and the takeover was effective July 31, 1897[23]. Henry Payton became the chairman whereas Frederick and Samuel Jenkins joined the board of the company and Mr. Frederick Henry Jenkins, the eldest son of Frederick Jenkins who had been employed by the business for about twenty years, agreed to act as the managing director for a term of at least five years at a moderate salary. Part of the prospectus in the newspaper reads as follows:

“The Company has been formed to acquire and extend the old and successful business of Medallists, Die Sinkers, Tool Makers, Stampers, Pierces, and Dealers in Fancy Metals and Wires, which was established in 1830 by the late Mr. Henry Jenkins, and which has been carried on under the style of “ Henry Jenkins and Sons,’ at the Unity Works, Vittoria Street, Birmingham, for upwards of 25 years by Messrs. Frederick and Samuel Jenkins, who have decided, for family reasons, to convert the business into a public company.

The firm have always maintained a leading position in the trade, and for many years past have been Government Contractors for Army and Navy medals and decorations for The Royal Mint, The War Office, The Colonial Office, and The India Office. Among their contracts for war and service medals and badges were The Sir Frederick Roberts Star (Cable to Kandahar), The Khedive Stars, The Ashanti Stars, and the Volunteers Long Service Medals.

The firm have at present time contracts for Metropolitan Police Medals, City of London Police Medals, St. John’s Ambulance Medals, Volunteer Long Service and other Medals.

The firm also has a large business in Badges and Ornaments of various kinds, and in parts for Electro-plated Wares and Stampings for Jewellers, Silversmiths, and kindred trades.

The Works are freehold, and the Property sold to the Company comprises also five front Dwelling-houses adjoining the works, with two blocks of two-story Shopping in the rear. It is proposed to utilize part of this area at once for the extension of the works.” [24]

Although the Jenkins business continued to operate at Unity Works until at least 1971, they went through some difficult times in the early 20^th century. At the firm’s annual meeting in 1905[25], they reported a loss on trading for the prior year. “The directors regretted that the trading of the past year had been so unsatisfactory. There had been a further falling off in the sales, and the keen competition has brought about cutting in prices . . . The Chairman Mr. Henry Payton expressed his deep regret at its unsatisfactory character. Fashion played a large part in the success of such a business as theirs, and whereas seven years ago, when they took over the concern, there was a great demand for their wares, the industry seemed now to be diminishing . . . he hoped . . . if not next year, in the year after, to be able to report a better state of things.”[26] By 1921[27] after Frederick Jenkins death in 1900, Henry Payton’s death in 1913[28], Samuel Jenkins death in 1917 and Frederick Henry Jenkins possible retirement, John Shufflebotham, the son-in-law of Frederick Jenkins, became the company’s chairman. The firm continued producing products, advertising for workers in local newspapers and having a younger generation of Jenkins family members involved including Gerald Frederick Jenkins, an assistant co-director, who died in 1954[29]. As late as 1968[30] the firm advertised for a book-keeper and in 1971[31] produced a product price guide including drawings of some of their most popular items all made of nickel silver: a tea and coffee set (pictured here); a condiment set with a mustard, pepper and salt cellar; an attractively designed leaf dish and a shell shaped butter tray. Unfortunately, additional information could not be found regarding the company’s business at Unity Works after 1971. Although today there is a company in the Birmingham area named Henry Jenkins & Sons Limited, all evidence uncovered to date indicates it was incorporated in 1985[32], is located on Green Lane, Small Health, Birmingham, is a subsidiary of Heritage Silverware Limited a UK company, and has not traded since at least 1995. It is unclear if or how it is related to the Jenkins firm which is the focus of this narrative.

The company’s Unity Works factory still exists today at 36-46 Vittoria Street and was in fact first listed as a British Heritage building in 1982[33] where it was described as follows. “C1865 built as a toolmakers works and originally a symmetrical 12 bay front with narrower 3 bay shallow end breaks, extended in similar style with 5 slightly broader bays in 1898; architect J P Osborne for the same firm Henry Jenkins and Son. Three tall storeys red brick with effectively painted plain stone dressings. Impressively scaled functional design with plinth and sill bands linking close set sills with consoles. Projecting dentil eaves cornice. The south end break contains wagon archway on ground floor with keystone whilst the north break has 3 close set round headed windows with keys and lintel impost blocks. Ground floor openings otherwise arcaded down to plinth with linked impost blocks and keystones; apron panels below window sills. First floor windows segmental arched and plain frieze carried across heads of second floor windows; consistent use of iron frame small pane windows.”[34] The exterior photographs[35] of the building seen on the previous page and the sign at the factory’s main entrance, and in the images section of this chapter were taken during visits to the area in 2017 and 2018. The interior photographs[36], taken in 2018, were found on the internet.

The Owners

Henry Jenkins, the son of William Jenkins and Ann Whenlock, was born c1810 in Birmingham. During his youth, he may have been the Henry Jenkins listed in an 1824[37] Birmingham newspaper as possibly having hydrophobia, which at the time meant he was bitten by an animal with rabies[38]. The newspaper article also included a reference to a possible cure for rabies which was described as follows:

“At a time when not only the alarm, but the actual existence of Hydrophobia prevails, it behoves those who are acquainted with the nature of this shocking malady, to offer to the public that advice which, if strictly followed, may almost to a certainty prevent those who may have had the misfortune to be bitten, as also those who may hereafter be so, from falling a sacrifice to a disease which no medicine on the records, from the earliest periods, has been known even to alleviate, putting recovery out of the question. It is by no means the wish of the writer, that a further inquiry shall not be prosecuted, for the purpose of ascertaining any mode by which the disease may be prevented, or cured, when it has made its appearance, but the experience of many centuries offers not any medical or mechanical mean of curing the malady, when once formed. It has been ascertained by the actual experience of the writer, that many lives have been saved by having the wounded parts cut out, not one ever having had a single symptom of the disease who submitted to this (generally trifling) operation. And it is an ascertained fact, that although it is advisable and prudent, to remove the wounded parts as soon as possible, yet even up to the end of the fifth week it will give a very good chance of escape.”[39]

When Henry was around 19 years old, he married Mary Ann Lee in 1829 at St. Philips cathedral in the city center. By 1841 the family was living on Mott Street where Henry was working as a die sinker. Henry and Mary Ann had 13 children from 1829 until 1852: Thomas Henry, James, Frederick, Henry (who died at age 3), Mary Ann, Samuel, Frances, Dorcas, Miriam, George Lee, Hannah Amanda, Henry Edwards and Arthur William. By 1861 Henry had expanded his business and was now listed as a stamper and piercer who employed 22 people. Shortly thereafter, the family moved to Aston Manor in Erdington, a suburb on the north side of Birmingham, where his wife Mary Ann passed away in 1872 at age 61. She was buried at the Key Hill Cemetery in the Jewellry Quarter. During Henry and Mary Ann’s life together the family’s business and homes were the subject of at least four robberies and one family member was involved in a homicide. These incidents were recorded in local newspapers at the time they occurred and provide evidence regarding the difference between how the poor and how the wealthy were treated.

May 18, 1844[40]

“BOROUGH SESSIONS. - Joseph Orme for stealing seventeen penny weights of silver, the property of his master, Mr. Henry Jenkins, was sentenced to nine months’ hard labour.”

May 19, 1855[41]

“ROBBING A MASTER. – Edward Parks, a lad residing in Water Street, was charged with stealing a quantity of gilding and dipping metal, from the premised of his master, Mr. Henry Jenkins, die sinker, Spencer Street. On Saturday afternoon the metal was found in the prisoner’s pocket by prosecutor’s son, a young man named James Jenkins. A scheme for his detection was laid, and the lad was caught. His reply to the charge was, that he was going to sell the metal, as he wanted something for himself. Police-officer Woolley, by direction of Mr. Jenkins, took him into custody. He was committed to the Sessions.”

May 9, 1863[42]

“TRAGICAL OCCURRENCE IN LITTLE CHARLES STREET. A BOY KILLED. A melancholy occurrence took place yesterday morning at the manufactory of Mr. George Taylor, machinist No. 2 Little Charles Street, whereby a little lad, fourteen years of age, named George Evans, residing at Hockley, and nephew of Mr. Taylor, met with instantaneous death from a blow given him by a young man, seventeen years of age, named George Jenkins, an apprentice in Mr. Taylor’s employment. The deceased boy was employed by Mr. Taylor as a clerk in his office. It was his custom of a morning to go to the workmen in the manufactory, and ascertain from them the time they came to work in the morning, so that it might be entered in the work-book, and their wages for the week calculated. Between eleven and twelve o’clock yesterday morning Evans went to Jenkins, who worked in a shop adjoining the office with a number of men and apprentices, for the purpose of asking him what time he came to work that morning. Jenkins at the time was at work at an anvil near to a door which leads from the workshop along a little passage into the office. Upon Evans’s asking Jenkins for his time he replied very angrily that he should not give it him until he thought proper, and told him to go away. The boy left the shop and went into the office. In a few minutes, however, he again returned into the workshop, and ask Jenkins to give him his time, Jenkins again said he should not give it him, and told him to leave the shop. This time the boy refused to do, and some angry words took place between them, and Jenkins, who is a tall, powerful youth, caught hold of the boy to turn him out of the workshop. Evans turned to go through the workshop door, and as he did so Jenkins caught him a heavy blow with his fist in the region of the heart, or on the abdomen, and the poor boy fell to the floors in the passage. Mr. Taylor, who was in the office talking to a gentleman at this moment, hearing the scuffling, opened his office door, and saw the lad on the ground. Thinking Jenkins, who was advancing, was about to strike the boy, Mr. Taylor got between them, and pushed Jenkins into the workshop. The poor boy, who lay quite still, was then picked up and taken to Mr. Taylor’s office. As he appeared insensible, Mr. Wilkinson, surgeon, of Newhall Street, was sent for, and was present in five minutes after the occurrence. Although restoratives were applied, the poor boy proved to be quite dead. Jenkins, who remained in the shop, and did not attempt to make his escape, was brought into the office where the boy lay. He appeared greatly affected, and cried very much. He was afterwards arrested by Detective-sergeant Robinson, and conveyed to Moor Street lock-up, where he was given into custody on a charge of manslaughter. Jenkins’s parents are highly respectable, his father being one of the partners in the firm of Messrs. Henry Jenkins and Sons., die sinkers, Nos. 10 and 11 Spencer Street. He will be brought before the magistrates at the Public Office, this (Saturday) morning.”

May 13, 1863[43]

“BIRMINGHAM POLICE OFFICE. YESTERAY (TUESDAY). THE FATAL QUARREL IN LITTLE CHARLES STREET. George Jenkins, machinist, residing in Spencer Street, on bail, was charged with causing the death of George Evans, of Hockley. Detective-sergeant Robinson stated that he was present at the inquest on the previous day, when the jury returned a verdict of “Homicide by misadventure” against the prisoner. There being no further evidence against him he was discharged.”

May 16, 1863[44]

THE FATAL QUARREL IN LITTLE CHARLES STREET. – On Monday evening Dr. Birt Davies, the Borough Coroner held an inquest at the Grand Turk Inn, Ludgate Hill on the body of George Evans, aged fourteen years, son of Mr. Evans licensed victualler, Hockley, whose death occurred from being struck by a lad named George Jenkins, with whom he worked at the premises of Mr. Charles Taylor, machinist, Gloucester Place. – The jury, after hearing the evidence, returned a verdict to the effect that the blow was casually given, and the Coroner congratulated Jenkins on having escaped an indictment of manslaughter.”

December 3, 1867[45]

“BURGLARY AT ASTON. – James Hill (32), shoemaker; Mary Ann Walker (24), French polisher; and Jane Richards (32), charwoman, were charged with burglariously entering the dwelling house of Henry Jenkins, of Aston, on the 9^th of September, and stealing therefrom one jacket and other articles, value £20[46]. Mr. Elers prosecuted. – Mrs. Jenkins, wife of the prosecutor, proved that on the night of the date given her family retired to rest, and the house was properly and securely fastened. Next morning it was found that some one had entered the house in the night-time, and a large quantity of things had been stolen. Information was given to the police, and Detective Mountford went to the Cup Yard, Charles Street, to a house kept by the prisoners Hill and Richards. In a box up-stairs he found a jacket and two night-dresses, which Mrs. Jenkins identified as part of the missing property. Walker, who also lived in the same house, said the night-dresses belonged to her. The Jury found the prisoners guilty of receiving the articles, knowing them to have been stolen. Hill, who had been previously convicted four times, was sentenced to ten years’ penal servitude; the other two prisoners to two calendar months each.”

April 14, 1870[47]

“ERDINGTON POLICE COURT. – At this Court, yesterday, before the Rev. E. K. R. Bedford and Mr. J. Smallwood, John Haynes, Tower Street, (on remand) was convicted of stealing twenty-five pigeons, the property of Henry Jenkins, dyer, Brougham Street, and was committed to prison for six weeks.”

Henry married his second wife Ellen Ison less than a month after his first wife died in 1872. Ellen was also a widow, 31 years younger than him. In 1881 they were living in Solihull with four children who all had the surname Jenkins: Harry (born 1868), Lydia (born 1871), Miriam (born 1872) and Kate (born 1873). Although it appears as if the three children named Harry, Lydia and Miriam, who were born before their marriage, were from Ellen’s first marriage, additional evidence suggests otherwise. It seems likely that these three were the illegitimate children of Mr. Jenkins which would also explain why he gave them his surname after his marriage to Ellen. And why is this possible? First of all a Frank Ison, who appears to be the husband of Ellen Ison, was convicted of theft in 1866 and was given a seven year sentence which meant he was in jail during the years these children were conceived and born. Secondly, when the children were born they were given the surname Hughes which was Ellen’s maiden name, and she was listed as Ellen Hughes formerly Ison on their birth certificates. There is no evidence to support Ellen marrying a man named Henry Hughes who was listed as the father and as a commercial traveler on the birth certificates. Perhaps Ellen, the informant on these records, listed the father’s forename as Henry because a man named Henry was their actual father and as a commercial traveler in case there was some question regarding where the father was at the time the children were born. Thirdly, the son was recorded as Harry Jenkyn Hughes when he was born, perhaps he was given the middle name Jenkyn because that was his real father’s surname. Later he reversed these names and became known as Harry Hughes Jenkins. Lastly, Miriam was born in August 1872 less than a month before Henry’s first wife died in September that year. It seems a bit odd that Henry would marry another woman who had a two-month-old child only 24 days after his first wife died unless he had a relationship with her prior to his wife’s death. Because Ellen was working as a milliner and press worker in 1871, perhaps she worked in the Jenkins factory and that is where he met her. Of course, Henry may have simply adopted Ellen’s children after their marriage. Henry and Ellen had one child together in 1873, Kate Constance Jenkins, whose mother was listed as Ellen Jenkins late Ison formerly Hughes on the birth certificate.

Sometime between 1881 and 1885 the Henry Jenkins family moved again, this time to Sparkbrook, another suburb on the southeast side of Birmingham where Henry died in 1885 at age 76. Henry was buried next to his first wife at the Key Hill Cemetery which now included their daughter Hannah Amanda who died in 1880 at age 32 and a family friend named Joseph Eburah, who died at age 35 in 1879. Henry’s will, written in 1881 and probated in 1885, reads as follows:

“This is the last will and testament of me Henry Jenkins of Blossom Field Shirley near Birmingham in the county of Warwick Gentleman. I do direct my executors hereinafter named in the first place to pay and discharge all my just debts and my funeral and testamentary expenses I do hereby give devise and bequeath unto my dear wife Ellen Jenkins and to my son Samuel Jenkins of Claremont Villa Soho Park Handsworth all and every my real and personal estate whatsoever and wheresoever upon trust to permit and allow my dear wife to retain possession of all my household furniture and personal effects she keeping the same in reasonable repair. And also to pay to allow my wife to receive all the income and annual income of the whole of my trust estate for her own personal use for her life in order to enable her to rear educate maintain cloth put out to business and otherwise attend to the bodily and spiritual welfare of our dear children during their infancy and incapacity to care for and maintain themselves. And after the decease of my dear wife Ellen Jenkins I do then direct my surviving executor to sell and convert into money all my real and personal estate and after paying thereout all the expenses of executing the trust of this my will then to divide the whole residue thereof unto and equally among my children by my dear wife Ellen Jenkins share and share alike the shares belonging to my daughters to be for their separate use and benefit free from the control of any husband they may have. And I do hereby nominate and appoint my dear wife Ellen Jenkins executor and my son Samuel Jenkins executor of this my will. In testimony thereof I have to this my last will and testament set my hand this twenty eight day of October one thousand eight hundred and eighty one.

Signed published and declared by the testator Henry Jenkins as and for his last will and testament.

Proved at Birmingham on the 7^th day of December 1885 by the oath of Ellen Jenkins widow the relect one of the executors towhom administration was present.

Power being reserved to Samuel Jenkins the son the other executor.

The Testator Henry Jenkins was formerly of Blossom Field Shirley near Birmingham in the county of Warwick but late of 39 Dolobran Road Sparkbrook Birmingham aforesaid gentleman and died on the 17^th day of November at 39 Dolobran Road aforesaid.

Gross value of personal estate £2,152

On the 5 day of June 1902 probate of this will was granted at Birmingham to Samuel Jenkins the other executor.” [48]

Seven years after Henry’s death, his second wife Ellen married Charles Philip Stock in 1892. She died nine years later in 1901 in Handsworth at age 56 and was buried at the Key Hill Cemetery next to Henry Jenkins. The burial record listed her last residence as the Handsworth Police Station. This residence seemed a bit odd as did the fact that she was buried in the gravesite of an earlier husband, considering she was married to Mr. Stock at the time. In an attempted to understand why she was buried next to Mr. Jenkins, further research was undertaken and additional information came to light. According to her death record, Ellen died “in a closet at back of Chantry Road Handsworth” with the cause of death listed as “syncope during act of defecation accelerated by alcoholism”[49]. Syncope[50] is defined as a temporary loss of consciousness most commonly known as fainting or passing out. An inquest was held to determine how she died which resulted in the following newspaper article.

May 12, 1901[51]

“A HANDSWORTH WOMAN’S SAD END

A woman named Ellen Stock (55), living in apartments at the house of Gregory Poncia, 68, Chantry Road, Handsworth, was discovered dead in an outhouse at the rear of the house last night. Deceased, who was possessed of some means of her own, had been living apart from her husband for the past two years. She is stated to have developed intemperate habits of late, and when she returned home yesterday afternoon, after being out all the morning, it was noticed that she had been drinking. She expressed her intention of going to the theatre in the evening to enjoy herself. She dressed herself about six o’clock, and half an hour later was discovered as described.”

Because the Jenkins surname was quite common in Birmingham at the time, little is known about most of the children of Henry Jenkins except the three sons who partnered with him to form Henry Jenkins & Sons: James, Frederick and Samuel. Later his grandson Frederick Henry Jenkins would also play a role in the family business as did a grandson-in-law John Shufflebotham.

The second son of Henry Jenkins and Mary Ann Lee was James Jenkins who was born in 1831. James followed in his father’s footsteps and married when he was 20 years of age and also worked as a die sinker. He married Mary Ann Wright in 1851 who was seven years older than him. James and Mary Ann had five children: Henry James, Phoebe F. Francis, Dorcas H. S., Marian and Mary E. Most likely it was around 1854 when James joined his father in the Jenkins business. The family lived on Brougham Street in Aston, Erdington near his father for a number of years. Unfortunately, James died there at the rather young age of 40 in 1872, a month before his mother passed away. He was buried at the Key Hill Cemetery and his mother was buried not far from him. Four years later his son Henry James Jenkins died in 1876 at age 20 and was buried at the same gravesite as his father. After her husband’s death, Mary Ann raised the children by herself as she never remarried. She continued to live on Brougham Street and in 1891 her daughter Mary E. Davis and her son-in-law Henry Davis lived with her. By 1901, although living in the same house as before, the son-in-law was now listed as the head of the household. Sometime before her death in 1907 she moved to King’s Norton. Mary Ann was buried in the same gravesite as her husband who died 35 years earlier. Back in 1872 James must have known he was about to die because his will was written the day before his death. It reads as follows:

“This is the last will and testament of me James Jenkins of Brougham St. Aston Manor. I give and bequeath all my real and personal estate unto my wife Mary Ann Jenkins for her sole use and benefit and that of my children share and share alike. I hereby appoint my brothers Frederick and Samuel Jenkins executors and trustees of this my will as witness my hand the second day of August 1872.

James Jenkins – signed in our presence

John Bassett surgeon Hockley Hill

Arthur Harrop Caroline Street

Proved at Birmingham on the 13^th day of December 1872 by the oaths of Frederick Jenkins and Samuel Jenkins the brothers the executors whom administration was granted.

The testator James Jenkins was late of Brougham Street Aston Manor Birmingham in the county of Warwick die sinker and died on the 3^rd day of August 1872 at Brougham Street aforesaid.

Under £3,000” [52]

Frederick Jenkins was the third son of Henry Jenkins and Mary Ann Lee. Frederick was born in 1834 and by the age of 17 was in the employ of his father. Sometime between 1854 and 1858 he joined his father and elder brother in the family’s business. Frederick married Emma Fellows in Aston in 1857 and they had nine children together: Mary Ann Jane, Emma Amelia, Flora, Frederick Henry, George E., Albert E., Nora Ellen, Howard James and Norman L. The family lived in Aston and Handsworth for a few years before moving to Solihull, a suburb located on the southeast side of Birmingham. Sometime around 1872[53] Frederick and his younger brother Samuel took over the leadership role in the family firm most likely because their father decided to retire at that time. Frederick’s wife Emma died in 1882 at age 43. Roughly a year later in 1883 he married his second wife Maria Elizabeth Page, who was 11 years his junior, as he had four children under the age of 16 at the time who needed someone to care for them while he worked. Frederick died in Solihull in 1900 at age 68 and was buried in the Key Hill Cemetery not far from his father and older brother James. Two of his daughters Flora Jenkins (died 1928), Mary Ann Jane Fry (died 1933) and a son Howard James Jenkins (died 1937) were in later years buried at the same gravesite as their father. Frederick wrote a four page will in 1890, ten years before his death, listing his wife, children and grandchildren. When his estate was probated in 1900 it was valued at £16,276 (£1.272[54] million today). The first paragraph of his 1890 will reads as follows:

“I Frederick Jenkins of Bickenhill House Olton in the county of Warwick die sinker hereby revoke all former wills codicils and testamentary instruments made by me and declare this to be my last will. I appoint my wife Maria Elizabeth Jenkins my son in law John Shufflebotham and my son Frederick Henry Jenkins (hereinafter referred to as my trustees) executors and trustees of this my will …” [55]

The fourth son of Henry Jenkins and Mary Ann Lee was Samuel who was born in 1839. Actually, Samuel was the fifth son because his older brother Henry Jr. died at age 3 in 1838 the year before he was born. Samuel also became a die sinker by the time he was 21 in 1861, presumably around the time he joined his father and brothers in the family’s business. He married Eleanor Burton a year later in 1862 and they had ten children together: Samuel H., Eleanor Burton, Philip B., Alexandre C., Winfred, Richard B., William B., Anne B., Eva Mary and Elsie Rebecca. At first the family lived in Handsworth and around 1872 Samuel joined his brother Frederick in managing the Henry Jenkins & Sons business. Eleanor died in Handsworth at age 40 in 1881of nephritis[56], a kidney infection she suffered with for three years. Four days later their youngest daughter Elsie Rebecca died at age 7 months of marasmus[57], severe malnutrition. Then nine days after that their oldest daughter Eleanor Burton died at age 16 of phthisis[58], pulmonary tuberculosis. Samuel was present when each one died. The loss of three members of the family within two weeks must have had a profound impact on Samuel and the rest of his family. This is perhaps the reason the beautiful gravestone, pictured[59] here, was created for them and was erected at the Key Hill Cemetery near his mother who died in 1872 and his brother James who died in 1876. Six years later Samuel married his second wife Emma Matilda Barnett in 1887 who was 23 years younger, and they had two children together: Frederick and Ida Maria. Sometime after their marriage the Jenkins family moved to Aston, Erdington for a few years before moving to Solihull, presumably to be closer to other family members. Eight years after their marriage Emma died there in 1895 at age 33 of phthisis as did his daughter Eva Mary at age 18 two weeks earlier. Both were buried at the same gravesite in Key Hill Cemetery as his first wife and daughters, however only one inscription was added to the base of the earlier gravestone and that was in memory of Eva Mary. Another son Samuel H. who died in 1893 was also buried there. Ten years later in 1905 Samuel married his third wife Ada Eliza Bateman who was also 22 years younger than him. There must have been some problems during their marriage because in 1911 they separated. Samuel died in 1917 and was buried at the Key Hill Cemetery in the gravesite of his former wives and four of his children. He left a two page will specifying how his estate valued at £11,792 (£695,636[60] today) was to be handled. His will written in 1915, part of which is listed below, mentioned his wife, his sons Alexander Campbell Jenkins, Winfrid Jenkins and Frederick Jenkins and a daughter Ida Maria Jenkins.

“ . . . out of the income arising from such investments to pay my wife Ada Eliza Jenkins if she should survive me out of the income thirty shillings per week as long as she lives in accordance with the terms of a certain deed of Separation made between us and bearing date November ___ one thousand nine hundred and eleven and shall pay the surplus of such income during the life of my wife equally between my said son Frederick and my daughter Ida Marie Williams and after the death of my wife my said son Frederick and my daughter Ida Marie Williams shall come into the possession of the whole of my residuary estate in equal shares as tenants in common PROVIDED ALWAYS that if any child of mine mentioned in this will shall die leaving a child or children or being a son or sons or a daughter or daughters and shall attain the age of twenty one years or marry under that age then and in every such case the last mentioned child or children shall take and if more than one equally between them the share whis his or her or their parent or their respective parent would have taken . . . I direct that after my death that my body be buried in my family grave in Kaye Hill Cemetery in a plain oak coffin without unnecessary expense or as decency will permit I witness whereof I the said Samuel Jenkins have hereto set my hand this twenty third day of January one thousand and nine hundred and fifteen.” [61]

At least two family members related to Henry Jenkins, the founder of Henry Jenkins & Sons, Frederick Henry Jenkins the grandson and John Shufflebotham the grandson-in-law, carried on the family business for some years. Frederick Henry Jenkins was born in 1864, the son of Frederick Jenkins and Emma Fellows. Frederick married Ada Drury in Solihull in 1890 and they had at least four children: Percy Fred, Clifford Geo., Bernard Drury and Stanley Howard. The family lived in Edgbaston and Frederick joined the family business around 1877[62]. He became the managing director of Henry Jenkins & Sons from at least 1897[63] until sometime prior to 1921[64]. In 1907 Frederick sailed from Liverpool to Philadelphia, USA presumably for business in Montreal, Canada. Prior to 1921 he apparently returned to the UK and died sometime between 1907 and 1954. John Shufflebotham married Emma Amelia Jenkins, the daughter of Frederick Jenkins and the sister of Frederick Henry Jenkins. Emma Amelia was born in 1860 and her husband was five years older. Although Mr. Shufflebotham was listed as a gentleman in the marriage bands, he became a grocer and shopkeeper employer by 1901. John and Emma Amelia had four children: Dorothy, Beatrice, Hilda and John Clive. John Shufflebotham became the chairman of Henry Jenkins & Sons sometime before 1921[65] and served in that role until he retired later in the 1920’s. By 1928 he had retired and in March of that year he returned to the UK with Emma after a First-Class trip to Las Palmas in Spain, presumably on a vacation together. John died in 1937 and left as estate valued at £107,813 or £5.462[66] million today to his wife and two others. Emma died 5 years later in 1942 and left an estate of £7,739.

Henry Jenkins & Sons: Images

The Vittoria Street sign in the Jewellry Quarter, 2017.

Interior view of one of the rooms in Unity Works with press tools, 2018.

Interior courtyard, 2018.

The Jenkins factory known as Unity Works looking toward the south, 2018.

Another work room in the Unity Works factory, 2018.

View of a work room in Unity Works, 2018.

Design No. 229393 for a metallic basket was registered by Henry Jenkins & Sons on May 13, 1869 (S=The National Archives, Kew).

Design No. 270620 for a metallic needle case registered by Henry Jenkins & Sons on February 21, 1873 (S=The National Archives, Kew).

Detail of the gravestone at Key Hill Cemetery for the wife and daughters of Samuel Jenkins (1839-1917) (S=find a grave at ancestry.com).

The Bird on a Box Avery style needle case has gemstone eyes and sits on a box with four slots for needle packets.

The second version of the Bird on a Box needle case has additional gemstones on the back, the wings, and the tail feathers.

Henry Jenkins & Sons: Genealogy

Generation 1: Henry Jenkins (c1810-1885) and Mary Ann Lee (c1812-1872) and Ellen (c1842-1901)

· Baptism: January 8, 1810 St. Martin, Birmingham (S1a). Parents are listed as William and Ann Jenkins. His parents may have married on April 17, 1799 St. Peter and Paul, Aston (S3), listed as William Jenkins and Ann Whenlock. (Note: This is the only marriage of a William Jenkins to an Ann between 1789-1821 listed on ancestry.com).

· Marriage #1: Mary Ann Lee August 24, 1829 St. Philip Birmingham (S3). Listed as Henry Jenkins.

· 1841 Census: Mott Street, Birmingham (S4). Listed as Hy Jenkins age 30 a die sinker born in the county with wife Ann age 29 born in the county and 6 children: Thos, Jas, Fredrick, Mary Ann, Saml and Frances.

· 1851 Census: Walmer Place, 96 Brougham Street, Aston Manor, Erdington (S4). Listed as Henry Jenkins age 42 a die sinker & stamper born in Birmingham with wife Mary Ann age 39 born in Birmingham and 9 children: Thomas, Fredk, Mary Ann, Samuel, Francis, Dovias, George, Amanda and Henry.

· 1861 Census: 121 Paystone House, Birmingham (S4). Listed as Henry Jenkins age 51 a stamper & piercer employing 5 men, 16 boys and 1 girl born in Birmingham with wife Mary Ann age 49 born in Birmingham and 8 children: Samuel, Frances, Dorcas, Miriam, Amanda, George, Henry E. and Arthur W.

· 1871 Census: 93 Brougham Street, Aston Manor, Erdington (S4). Listed as a Henry Jenkins age 62 a die engraver born in Birmingham with wife Mary A. age 59 born in Birmingham and 3 children: Hannah, Henry and Arthur.

· Wife #1 Death: 3^rd QTR 1872 Aston at age 60 (S5d). Listed as Mary Ann Jenkins. September 15, 1872 death of Mary Ann Jenkins in her 61^st year, the beloved wife of Henry Jenkins of Brougham Street, Aston Manor (S=Birmingham Daily Post newspaper dated September 17, 1872 available at britishnewspaperarchive.com).

· Wife #1’s Grave: Key Hill Cemetery (see husband’s grave for more information).

· Marriage #2: October 9, 1872 Birmingham (S8m), listed as Henry Jenkins age 63 a widow and die sinker residing at Broughton Street in Aston whose father was William Jenkins deceased who was a book binder and Ellen Ison age 29 a widow who resided at George Street West whose father was William Hughes a porter.

· Additional Information about Henry Jenkin’s second wife Ellen Ison:

· 1861 Census: 85 Smallbrook Str, Birmingham (S4). Listed as Ellen Hughes age 18 a servant born in Shipston, Northhampshire.

· First Marriage: March 28, 1865 Birmingham (S8m), listed as Ellen Hughes age 21 of Ladywood whose father was William Hughes a labourer and Frank Ison age 22 a milkman who resided at Resevoir Road.

· Article entitled “Robbery By Servant at West Bromwich” which found Frank Ison age 23 guilty of stealing which resulted in him being sentenced to penal servitude for seven years. Birmingham Daily Gazette newspaper dated January 2, 1866 (S=britishnewspaper archive.co.uk).

· 1871 Census: Back of 34 Clement Str, Ladywood, Birmingham (S4). Listed as Ellen Ison married age 28 a milliner and press worker born in Shenstone Worcester with father William Hughes a widower age 68 and porter born in Shenstone, Worcester. (Note: Their birth places appear to be a census taker error as it sounds very much like Shipston).

· Marriage of Ellen Ison to a man with the name Henry Hughes: According to ancestry.com marriage records, although there were many men named Henry Hughes in the Birmingham area, there is no record of a Henry Hughes marrying an Ellen Ison. No records have been found regarding the status of Ellen Ison’s husband, Frank Ison, after he entered prison in 1866.

· Children: Harry Jenkyn Hughes (1868), Lydia Hughes (1871) and Miriam Hughes (1872). No birth records have been found for a Harry, Lydia and Miriam with the surname Jenkins or Ison/Izon, only ones with the surname Hughes which list their father as Henry Hughes a commercial traveler and their mother as Ellen Hughes formerly Ison. This appears to indicate these three children of Ellen’s were given her maiden surname at birth because they were the illegitimate children and only later assumed the Jenkins surname after Henry Jenkins married Ellen Ison whose maiden name was Hughes. The fact that the son Harry had the middle name Jenkyn implies that Henry Jenkins may have been his father. Also Henry Hughes a commercial traveler was listed on Lydia and Miriam’s birth certificates as well indicating all three children had the same father. Because the mother was the informant on the birth certificates, and her husband Frank Ison was in jail for seven years at the time (starting in 1866-1872), it is likely that she claimed the father of the children was Henry (perhaps named after Henry Jenkins) Hughes, her maiden name and listed him as a commercial traveler to explain why he was not around at the time of their births. (See Henry Jenkins 14th-17th children for more details).

· 1881 Census: 1 Blossomfield, Solihull, Birmingham (S4). Listed as Henry Jenkins age 70 a die engraver born in Birmingham with wife Ellen age 39 born in Shipston-on-Stour and 4 children: Harry, Lydia, Miriam and Kate.

· Death: November 17, 1885 Deritend, Aston 75 (S8d). Listed as Henry Jenkins who died at 39 Dolobran Road, Aston at age 75 a die sinker with his son Harry Jenkins present at his death. November 17, 1885 Sparkbrook, Birmingham (S6). (Note: at the time the street named Dolobran was located in a ward named Sparkbrook, which was in a sub-district named Deritend which was in the district called Aston on the southeast side of Birmingham, not to be confused with the section on the northeast side of Birmingham also named Aston).

· Burial: Key Hill Cemetery November 21, 1885, Running No.32195, Grave: 65 H unopened, listed as Henry Jenkins, last residence 39 Dolobran Road, Sparkbrook, age 76 years (S=copy of burial record obtained via email from the Midland Ancestors).

· Grave: Key Hill Cemetery, Birmingham: Section H, Plot 65 is a private plot with five internments: Mary Ann Jenkins d. 1872, Joseph Eburah d. 1879, Hannah Amanda Jenkins d. 1880, Henry Jenkins d. 1885 and Ellen Stock d. 1901 and included the inscription “In loving memory of Joseph Eburah born April 19, 1843 died April 2, 1879”. Currently the gravestone was not found. (S=email correspondence with the Friends of Key Hill Cemetery & Warstone Lane Cemetery in Birmingham Jewellry Quarter). Note: information about Joseph Eburah can be found at the end of this section.

· Will: Henry Jenkins of Blossom Field, Shirley near Birmingham, a gentleman dated October 28, 1881 (S=#659-1885 available at the Birmingham Library).

· Probate: Birmingham December 7, 1885 (S6). Listed as Henry Jenkins a gentleman formerly of Blossom Field Shirley near Birmingham but late of 39 Dolobran Road Sparkbrook, Birmingham. Proved by Ellen Jenkins widow. Personal Estate: £2,152.

· 1891 Census: 55 Victoria Road, Aston, (S4), listed as Ellen Jenkins a widow age 46 living on own means born in Shipston with 2 children born in Birmingham: Lydia and Miriam.

· Wife #2’s Second Marriage: May 19, 1892 Aston (S8m), listed as Ellen Jenkins age 47 a widow residing at 55 Victoria Road in Aston Manor whose father was William Hughes deceased a farmer and Charles Phillip Stock age 57 a widower and confectioner.

· 1901 Census: 68 Chantry Road, Handsworth (S4). Listed as Ellen Stock age 50 a lodger living on her own means who was born in Burton on Trent residing in a home headed by Gregory Poncia (Note: Ellen’s age is very difficult to read and could be 58 rather than 50. Also her birthplace is wrong possibly because it was given to the census taker by a person other than herself who confused the town of Burton-upon-Trent with Shipston-on-Stour).

· Wife #2 Death: May 10, 1901 Handsworth, West Bromwich (S8d). Listed as Ellen Stock who died in a closet at back of Chantry Road of syncope during act of defoecation accelerated by alcoholism, age 56, the wife of Charles Philip Stock formerly a confectioner, certified by the coroner for Staffordshire. May 10, 1901 (S6).

· Wife #2 Burial: Key Hill Cemetery May 16, 1901, Running No. 43519 Grave 65 H listed as Ellen Stock last residence Handsworth Police Station age 56.

· Wife #2 Grave: Key Hill Cemetery. Buried in same plot as her husband Henry Jenkins (see Henry Jenkins grave above).

· Wife # 2 Probate: August 21, 1901 Lichfield (S6), listed as Ellen Stock of Handsworth widow, Effects: £91 to Ellen Martin wife of William Martin and to William Martin a green grocer.

· Children:

1. Thomas Henry Jenkins (1829-??). Born: September 6, 1829 (S1c). Baptized: December 28, 1829 St. Philip, Birmingham (S1c), listed as Thomas Henry Jenkins with parents Henry and Mary Ann Jenkins.

2. James Jenkins (1831-1872) - see Generation 2.

3. Frederick Jenkins (1834-1900) - see Generation 2.

4. Henry Jenkins (1835-1838). Born December 11, 1835, baptism: August 22, 1836 St. Philip, Birmingham (S1c). Listed as Henry Jenkins with parents Henry and Mary Ann Jenkins, the father was a die sinker from Mott Street. Death: 3^rd QTR 1838 Birmingham (S5). This is probably Henry’s death since he doesn’t appear in the 1841 census with his parents.

5. Mary Ann Jenkins (c1838-??). Born: Birmingham (S4). Birth record not found.

6. Samuel Jenkins (1839-1917) - see Generation 2.

7. Frances Jenkins (1841-??). Born: 1^st QTR 1841 Birmingham (S5b), listed as Frances Jenkins, according to the GRO website her mother’s maiden name was Lee.

8. Dorcas Jenkins (1843-??). Born: 2^nd QTR 1843 Birmingham (S5b), listed as Dorcas Jenkins, according to the GRO website her mother’s maiden name was Lee. Married: June 10, 1861 Dorcas Jenkins, third daughter of Henry Jenkins, married William White Harvey at the Mount Zion Chapel (S=Birmingham Journal newspaper dated June 15, 1861 available at britishnewspaperarchive.com).

9. Miriam Jenkins (c1845-??). Born: Birmingham (S4). Birth record not found. Marriage: March 20, 1864 Birmingham (S8m), listed as Miriam Jenkins age 19 whose father was Henry Jenkins die sinker and Thomas Hick a black ornament maker.

10. George Lee Jenkins (1847-??). Born: 1^st QTR 1847 Birmingham (S5b), listed as George Lee Jenkins, according to the GRO website his mother’s maiden name was Lee. 1851 and 1861 Censuses: with parents (S4). Marriage: December 7, 1868 Kirkstall, Yorkshire (S8m), listed as George Lee Jenkins age 22 a mechanic living in New Wortley whose father was Henry Jenkins and Elizabeth Wood. 1871 Census: #4 Lafton Court, Nether Haliam, Sheffield (S4), listed as George L. Jenkins age 24 a machinist in Elo Plate Factory born in Birmingham with wife Elizabeth age 23 born in Kirtstall and 2 children born in Birmingham: Netter E. and George C. L. (note the census index incorrectly lists the surname as Linkins). 1881 Census: 25 The Avenue Cooksey Rd, Aston (S4), listed as Geo. L. Jenkins age 34 a stationery engine fitter born in Birmingham with wife Elizabeth age 34 born in Birmingham and 5 children all born in Birmingham: Nellie C., Geo. C., Samuel, Annie and Minnie. Death: not found. Probate: not found.

11. Hannah Amanda Jenkins (1849-1880). Born: 2^nd QTR 1849, Birmingham (S5b), listed as Hannah Amanda Jenkins, according to the GRO website her mother’s maiden name was Lee. Death: 3^rd QTR 1880 Birmingham (S5d), listed as Hannah Amanda Jenkins age 32. She was buried in the Key Hill Cemetery (see father’s grave information).

12. Henry Edward Jenkins (1851-??). Born: 1^st QTR 1851 Aston (S5b), listed as Henry Edward Jenkins, according to the GRO website his mother’s maiden name was Lee.

13. Arthur William Jenkins (1852-??). Born: 4^th QTR 1852 Aston (S5b), listed as Arthur William Jenkins, according to the GRO website his mother’s maiden name was Lee.

14. Harry Hughes Jenkins (1868-??). Born: December 9, 1868 Birmingham (S8b). Listed a Harry Jenkyn Hughes who was born on Soho Street with father listed as Henry Hughes a commercial traveler and mother Ellen Hughes formerly Izon with the informant listed as Ellen Hughes mother. 1871 Census for Harry Jenkyn Hughes: not found. 1881 Census: with parents (S4). Marriage: 4^th QTR 1893 Solihull (S5m), listed as Harry Hughes Jenkins and Martha Matilda Carpenter. 1911 Census for son Harry Hughes Jenkins: 108 Finch Road, Handsworth (S4). Listed as Harry Hughes Jenkins age 42 a chauffeur gardener worker born in Handsworth with wife Martha Matilda Jenkins age 40 born in Kings Norton and 4 children: Ellen Matilda, Thomas Henry, Florence Amelia and Godfrey Hughes. They had been married 17 years and had 5 children of which 4 were still living. 1939 Census for son Harry Hughes Jenkins: 1 Pritchett Street, Birmingham (S9). Listed as Harry Hughes Jenkins who was born December 9, 1868 an old age pensioner with wife Martha and 2 children: Reginald and Donald.

15. Lydia Hughes Jenkins (1871-??). Born: August 15, 1871 Birmingham (S8b). Listed as Lydia Hughes who was born on Villiers Street with father listed as Henry Hughes a commercial traveler and mother Ellen Hughes formerly Ison with the informant listed as Ellen Hughes mother. Marriage: April 29, 1901 Aston (S8m), listed as Lydia Hughes Jenkins age 29 a spinster whose father was Henry Jenkins deceased a stamper and piercer and Mark Underhill age 42 a widower and railway signalman who were married in the presence of Ellen Stock.

16. Miriam Jenkins (1872-??). Born: August 12, 1872 Birmingham (S8b). Listed as Miriam Hughes who was born on George Street West with father listed as Henry Hughes a commercial traveler and mother Ellen Hughes formerly Ison with the informant listed as Ellen Hughes mother.

17. Kate Constance Jenkins (1873-??). Born: November 21, 1873 Birmingham (S8b), listed as Kate Constance Jenkins whose father was Henry Jenkins a die sinker who was living on Peel Street and Ellen Jenkins late Ison formerly Hughes.

Generation 2: James Jenkins (1831-1872) and Mary Ann Wright (c1824-1907)

· Born: December 26, 1831 (S1c).

· Baptism: August 22, 1836 St. Philip, Birmingham (S1c). Parents are listed as Henry and Mary Ann Jenkins, father was a die sinker from Mott Street.

· 1841 Census: with parents (S4). Listed as Jas Jenkins age 9 born in the county.

· Marriage: March 5, 1851 Birmingham (S8m). Listed as James Jenkins age 20 a die sinker residing at 11 Spencer Street with father listed as Henry Jenkins a die sinker and Mary Ann Wright a widow age 27.

· 1851 Census: 11 Spencer Street, Birmingham (S4). Listed as James Jenkins age 20 a die sinker born in Birmingham with wife Mary A. age 27 born in Yardley. Wife was listed as seven years older than James.

· 1861 Census: 46 Brougham Street, Aston, Erdington (S4). Listed as James Jenkins age 29 a tool maker born in Birmingham with wife Mary A. age 37 born in Yardley and three children: Henry J., Phoebe F. and Dorcas H. S.

· 1871 Census: 128 Brougham Street, Aston, Erdington (S4). Listed as James Jenkins age 39 a die sinker born in Birmingham with wife Mary age 45 born in Yardley and 5 children: Henry, Francis, Dorca, Marian, Mary E.

· Death: August 3, 1872 Erdington, Aston (S8d). Listed as James Jenkins who died at Brougham Street, Aston Manor at age 40, a die sinker with F. Jenkins present at his death. August 3, 1872 (S6).

· Burial: Key Hill Cemetery August 8, 1872 Running No. 21951 Grave: 74 H. Listed as James Jenkins of Brougham Street age 40 with Mary Ann Jenkins listed as the Relative (S=copy of burial record obtained via email from the Midland Ancestors).

· Grave: Key Hill Cemetery, Birmingham: Grave: 74 H is a gravesite with 3 internments: James Jenkins died 1872, Henry James Jenkins died 1876 and Mary Ann Jenkins died 1907. Mary Ann appears to be the wife of James Jenkins and Henry James is their son (S=email correspondence from the Midland Ancestors who listed all persons buried in this grave site).

· Will: James Jenkins of Brougham St., Aston Manor dated August 2, 1872 (S=#1346-1872 available at the Birmingham Library).

· Probate: December 13, 1872 Birmingham (S6). Listed as James Jenkins late of Brougham Street, Aston Manor. Effects: under £3,000 proved by Frederick Jenkins of Trinity Road Birchfields, Handsworth, die sinker and Samuel Jenkins of Claremont Road, Soho Park, die sinker, the brothers.

· 1881 Census: 44 Brougham Street, Aston, Erdington (S4). Mary Ann Jenkins listed as a widow, age 59, annuitant, born in Yardley with 2 children: Marian and Mary.

· 1891 Census: 44 Brougham Street, Aston Manor, Aston (S4). Mary A. Jenkins listed as a widow, age 67, living on own means, born in Yardley with daughter Mary E. Davis and son-in-law, Henry Davis and grandson, Edward N.

· 1901 Census: 42 Brougham Street, Aston Manor, Aston, Erdington (S4). Mary A. Jenkins listed as a widow and mother-in-law, age 77 born in Yardley, living on own means with the Henry and Mary E. (age 37) Davis family. Mary E. Davis is the correct age to be her daughter.

· Wife’s Death: 1^st QTR 1907 King’s Norton, Worcestershire (S5d), listed as Mary Ann Jenkins age 84. This is the only Mary Ann Jenkins who died in the Birmingham area in 1907.

· Wife’s Grave: A Mary Ann Jenkins was buried in 1907 in the same Key Hill Cemetery gravesite as her husband (S=see husband’s grave for more information).

· Children:

1. Henry James Jenkins (c1856-1876). Born: Birmingham (S4). Death: 3^rd QTR 1876 Birmingham (S5d), listed as Henry Jenkins age 20. This is the only Henry Jenkins this age who died in the Birmingham area in 1876. Buried in 1876 at the same Key Hill Cemetery gravesite as his father (S=see father’s grave for more information).

2. Phoebe F. Francis Jenkins (c1858-??). Born: Birmingham (S4).

3. Dorcas H. S Jenkins (c1860-??). Born: Aston Manor (S4).

4. Marian Jenkins (c1862-??). Born: Aston Manor (S4).

5. Mary E. Jenkins (c1864-??). Born: Aston Manor (S4).

Generation 2: Frederick Jenkins (1834-1900) and Emma Fellows (c1839-1882) and Maria Elizabeth Page (c1845-??)

· Born: April 4, 1834 (S1c).

· Baptism: August 22, 1836 St. Philip, Birmingham (S1c). Parents are listed as Henry and Mary Ann Jenkins, father was a die sinker from Mott Street.

· 1841 Census: with parents (S4). Listed as Frederick Jenkins age 7 born in the county.

· 1851 Census: with parents (S4). Listed as Frederick Jenkins age 17 employed by the father born in Birmingham.

· Marriage #1: April 18, 1857 St. Peter and St. Paul, Aston (S3). Frederick Jenkins listed as a toolmaker residing at Aston Manor and his father is listed as Henry Jenkins, die sinker and Emma Fellows. April 18, 1857 Henry Jenkins, third son of Henry Jenkins married Emma Fellows at Aston Church (S=Birmingham Journal newspaper dated April 25, 1857 available at britishnewspaperarcjvoe.com).

· 1861 census: 31 Escolma? Road, Aston, Erdington (S4). Listed as Frederick Jenkins age 28 a toolmaker born in Birmingham with wife Emma age 26 born in Birmingham and 2 children: Mary Ann Jane and Emma Amelia.

· 1871 Census: 136 Trinity Road, Handsworth, West Bromwich (S4). List as Frederick Jenkins age 38 a die sinker born in Birmingham with wife Emma age 34 born in Birmingham and 7 children: Mary A. J., Emma A, Flora, Frederick H., George E., Albert E and Nora E.

· 1881 Census: 44 Old Road Bickenhill House, Solihull (S4). Listed as Frederick Jenkins age 46 a die sinker employing 14 men, 14 boys and 22 women born in Birmingham with wife Emma age 43 born in Birmingham and 9 children: Mary A. J., Emma A, Flora, Frederick H., George E., Albert E., Nora Ellen, Howard J. and Norman L.

· 1st Wife’s Death: Emma Jenkins: 3^rd QTR 1882 Solihull (S5d) at age 45. This is the only Emma Jenkins listed as having died in the Birmingham area between 1881 and 1891.

· 2^nd Marriage: September 25, 1883 (S8m). Listed as Frederick Jenkins a widower and die sinker whose father was Henry Jenkins a die sinker and Maria Elizabeth Page who resided at Leamington Prior.

· 1891 Census: 95 Bickenhill House Solihull (S4). Listed as Frederick Jenkins age 58 a die sinker, stamper and piercer born in Birmingham with wife Maria E. age 46 born in Banbury, Oxfordshire, and 5 children: George E., Albert E., Nora E., Howard I. and Norman L.

· Death: July 29, 1900 Solihull (S8d). Listed as Frederick Jenkins who died at Bickenhill House, Olton, age 68 a die sinker and tool maker master with his daughter Nora E. Jenkins present at his death. July 29, 1900 (S6).

· Burial: Key Hill Cemetery August 2, 1900. Running No: 43000, Grave 89 H. Listed as Frederick Jenkins of Bickenhill House, Olton, age 68 (S=copy of burial record obtained via email from the Midland Ancestors).

· Grave: Key Hill Cemetery, Birmingham: Grave 89 H is a gravesite with 4 internments Frederick Jenkins died 1900, Flora Jenkins died 1928, Mary Anne Jane Fry died 1933 and Howard James Jenkins died 1937. Flora, Mary Anne Jane and Howard James appear to be the children of Frederick Jenkins (S=email correspondence from the Midland Ancestors who listed all persons buried in this grave site).

· Will: Frederick Jenkins of Bickenhill House, Olton dated June 1890 which listed son Frederick Henry Jenkins and son-in-law John Shufflebotham (S=#383-1900 available at the Birmingham Library).

· Probate: October 31, 1900 Birmingham (S6). Listed as Frederick Jenkins a die sinker from Bickenhill House, Olton. Effects £16,276 to Maria Elizabeth Jenkins, widow, John Shuttlebotham, grocer and Frederick Henry Jenkins, die sinker.

· 1901 Census: 127 Warwick Road, Bickenhill, Solihull (S4). Maria E. Jenkins listed as a widow, age 57 born in Banbury living on own means with daughter, Nora age 27.

· 1911 Census: Bickenhill House, Olton, Solihull (S4). Maria Elizabeth Jenkins listed as a widow, age 67 born in Banbury, living on private means. Listed as having been married 20 years with no children.

· 2nd Wife’s Death: not found.

· Children:

1. Mary Ann Jane Jenkins (c1859-1933). Born: Birmingham (S4). 1911 Census: The Firs, Moor Green, Moseley, Birmingham (S4), listed as Mary A. J. Fry age 52 a widow born in Aston listed as a sister-in-law in the John and Emma Amelia Shufflebotham family. Death: 1^st QTR 1933 Birmingham (S5d), listed as Mary A. J. Fry age 74, this is the only Mary Ann Jane Fry who died in 1933 in the Birmingham area, February 2, 1933 (S6). Buried in 1933 at the same Key Hill Cemetery gravesite as her father (S=see father’s grave for more information). Probate: March 29, 1933 Birmingham (S6) listed as Mary Ann Jane Fry of 52 Summerfield-crescent Edgbaston, widow with Effects: £1,322 to Howard James Jenkins clerk to manufacturers.

2. Emma Amelia Jenkins (1860-1942). Born: 2^nd QTR 1860 Aston (S5b), listed as Emma Amelia Jenkins, according to the GRO website her mother’s maiden name was Fellows. Marriage: March 1, 1887 Bickenhill, Warwickshire (S3), listed as Emma Amelia Jenkins age 26 of Bickenhull whose father was Frederick Jenkins a manufacturer and John Shufflebotham age 31 a widow and gentleman. 1901 Census: Highland, 54 Chantry Road, Moseley (S4), listed as John Shufflebatham age 45 a grocery and shopkeeper employer born in Newcastle with wife Emma Shufflebotham age 40 born in Aston with 4 children all born in Birmingham: Dorothy, Beatrice, Hilda N and John Clive. 1911 Census: The Firs, Moor Green, Moseley, Birmingham (S4), listed as John Shufflebotham age 55 a grocer and dealer employer born in Newcastle on Lyme with wife Emma Amelia Shufflebotham age 50 born in Aston and 3 children and a sister-in-law Mary A. J. Fry age 52 a widow born in Aston, indicates the Shufflebotham’s were married 24 years and had 4 children all still living. 1928 Passenger List Arrival in London March 27, 1928 from Las Palmas (S=UK and Ireland Incoming Passenger Lists, 1878-1960 at ancestry.com), listed as John Shufflebotham age 70 retired and Emma Shufflebotham age 60 of The Firs Moseley, Birmingham. Husband’s Probate: July 6, 1937 Birmingham (S6), listed as John Shufflebotham of The Firs 10 Moor Green-Land Moseley who died April 11, 1937 with Effects: £107,813 to Emma Amelia Shufflebotham widow and two others. Death: 4^th QTR 1942 Birmingham (S5d), listed as Emma A Shufflebotham age 82, November 14, 1942 (S6). Probate: May 12, 1943 Birmingham (S6), listed as Emma Amelia Shufflebotham of The Firs Moor Green Lane Moseley a widow with Effects £7,739 to a bank and an accountant.

3. Flora Jenkins (c1862/63-1928). Born: Birmingham (S4). Death: 4^th QTR 1928 Birmingham North (S5d), listed as Flora Jenkins age 66, this is the only Flora Jenkins who died in the Birmingham area in 1928. Buried in 1928 at the same Key Hill Cemetery gravesite as her father (S=see father’s grave for more information).

4. Frederick Henry Jenkins (1864-after 1907 and before 1954). Born: 1^st QTR 1864 Aston (S5b), listed as Frederick Henry Jenkins, according to the GRO website his mother’s maiden name was Fellows. 1871 and 1881 Censuses: with parents (S4). Marriage: August 6, 1890 Solihull (S8m), listed as Frederick Henry Jenkins age 26 a toolmaker whose father was Frederick Jenkins a manufacturer and Ada Drury age 22. 1891 Census: 2 Highfield Rd, Harbone, Staffordshire (S4), listed as Frederick H. Jenkins age 27 a tool maker employer born in Bristol, Warnley with wife Ada age 23 born in Aston (note: the birth places of Frederick and his wife Ada seems to be reversed, a possible census taker error). 1901 Census: 38 Reservoir Road, Edgbaston (S4), listed as Fred H. Jenkins age 37 a medalist managing director employer born in Birmingham with wife Ada age 28 born in Bristol Gloucester and 3 children born in Birmingham: Percy, Clifford and Barnard. Departed Liverpool on May 1, 1907 and arrive in Philadelphia on May 13, 1907, listed as Mr. Frederick H. Jenkins age 42 born in Birmingham an overseer metal work, destination Montreal, Canada (S=Pennsylvania Passenger and Crew Lists, 1800-1962). 1911 Census: 38 Reservoir Rd, Edgbaston (S4), listed as Ada Jenkins age 40 head married 20 years with four children all still living occupation apartments born in Bristol, Gloucestershire with 4 children born in Harbone, Kings Norton and Edgbaston: Percy Fred, Clifford Geo., Bernard Drury and Stanley Howard. Death: not found. Probate: not found. Wife’s Death: November 8, 1954 Raddlebarn, Birmingham (S8d), listed as Ada Jenkins who died at Selly Oak Hospital at age 87. The widow of Frederick Henry Jenkins die sinker with son G. C. Jenkins the informant.

5. George E. Jenkins (c1865/66-??). Born: Birmingham/Aston (S4).

6. Albert E. Jenkins (c1867/68-??). Born: Birmingham/Birchfield (S4).

7. Nora Ellen Jenkins (c1871/72/74-??). Born: Birmingham/Birchfield (S4).

8. Howard James Jenkins (c1873-1937). Born: Birmingham/Birchfield (S4). Death: 4^th QTR 1937 Birmingham (S5d), listed as Howard J. Jenkins age 64, this is the only Howard Jenkins who died in the Birmingham area in 1937. Buried in 1937 at the same Key Hill Cemetery gravesite as his father (S=see father’s grave for more information).

9. Norman L. Jenkins (c1879-??). Born: Birmingham/Allon? (S4).

Generation 2: Samuel Jenkins (1839-1917) and Eleanor Burton (c1841-1881) and Emma Matilda Barnett (c1862-1895) and Ada Eliza ?? (c1861-19??)

· Born: 2^nd QTR 1839 Birmingham (S5b), listed as Samuel Jenkins, according to the GRO website his mother’s maiden name was Lee.

· Baptism: not found.

· 1841 Census: with parents (S4). Listed as Samuel Jenkins age 2 born in the county.

· 1851 Census: with parents (S4). Listed as Samuel Jenkins age 11 a day scholar born in Birmingham.

· 1861 Census: with parents (S4). Listed as Samuel Jenkins age 21 a die sinker born in Birmingham.

· Marriage #1: Eleanor Burton 4^th QTR 1862 Birmingham (S5m). Listed as Samuel Jenkins. December 1, 1862 Samuel Jenkins, fourth son of Henry Jenkins, married Eleanor Burton at the Wycliffe Chapel (S=Birmingham Journal newspaper dated December 6, 1862 available at britishnewspaperarchive.com).

· 1871 Census: 108 Soho Park, The Laurels, Handsworth, West Bromwich (S4). Listed as Samuel Jenkins age 31 a die sinker born in Birmingham with wife Eleanor age 30 born in Eddington and 5 children: Samuel H., Eleanor B., Phillip B., Alexander C. and Winifred.

· 1881 Census: 19 Claremont Road, Handsworth, West Bromwich (S4). Listed as Samuel Jenkins age 41 a die sinker, stamper, piercer master employing 14 men, 14 boys and 22 girls born in Birmingham with wife Eleanor age 40 born in Essington and 10 children: Samuel H., Eleanor B., Philip B., Alexander C., Winifred, Richard B., William B., Annie B., Eva Mary and Elsie R.

· Death 1^st Wife: April 13, 1881 Handsworth, West Bromwich (S8d), listed as Eleanor Jenkins who died of chronic depgimmative nephritis 3 years at Claremont Villa Claremont Road at age 40, the wife of Samuel Jenkins die sinker who was present at her death. Died April 13, 1881 at age 40 per gravestone. This is the only Eleanor Jenkins this age listed who died in the Birmingham area in 1881.

· Wife #1’s Grave. An Eleanor Jenkins was buried in 1881 in the same Key Hill Cemetery gravesite as her husband (S=see husband’s grave for more information). The gravestone on this site mentions Eleanor the wife of Samuel Jenkins and three of his daughters: Elsie Rebecca, Eleanor Burton and Eva Mary (S=gravestone of Elsie Rebecca Jenkins on ancestry.com).

· Marriage #2: July 23, 1887 Aston (S8m). Listed as Samuel Jenkins age 49 a widower and stamper residing at 30 Wachwood Heath, Latitey whose father was Henry Jenkins deceased a die sinker and Emma Matilda Barnett.

· 1891 Census: 94 Church Road, Saltley, Aston, Erdington (S4). Listed as Samuel Jenkins age 51 a die sinker, stamper and piercer born in Birmingham with wife Emma age 30 born in Malvern and 3 children: Alexander E., Winfred and Frederick.

· Death 2^nd Wife: June 18, 1895 Solihull (S8d), listed as Emma Matilda Jenkin, the wife of Samuel Jenkins die sinker, age 33 who died of phthisis syncope at Station Road with Emma Picker present at the death.

· Wife #2 Grave. An Emma Matilda Jenkins was buried in 1895 in the same Key Hill Cemetery gravesite as her husband (S=see husband’s grave for more information).

· 1901 Census: 214 Hygea House, Solihull, Yardley, Worcestershire (S4). Listed as Samuel Jenkins age 61 a widow and die sinker employer born in Birmingham with 2 children: Frederick and Ida M.

· Marriage #3: May 23, 1905 Solihull (S8m). Listed as Samuel Jenkins age 66 a widower of independent means at Station Road in Stechford whose father was Henry Jenkins deceased a died sinker master and Ada Elizabeth Whitehouse formerly Bateman age 51 with Marion and John Parnell Izon present at the marriage.

· 1911 Census: Greenfield Station Road, Stechford, Solihull, Yardley, Warwickshire (S4). Listed as Samuel Jenkins age 71 a retired die sinker born in Warwickshire with wife Ada Eliza age 50 born in Warwickshire and 2 children: Frederick and Ida Maria. Indicates they were married 6 years and that Ada had 2 children who were still living.

· Death: February 4, 1917 Acocks Green, Aston (S8d), listed as Samuel Jenkins who died at Greenfield Station, Stechford, age 77 a retired die sinkers manager with son Frederick Jenkins present at his death. February 4, 1917 (S6).

· Burial: Key Hill Cemetery February 8, 1917. Running No: 50636 Grave: 73 H. Listed as Samuel Jenkins of Greenfield Station, Stechford age 77 (S=copy of burial record obtained via email from the Midland Ancestors).

· Grave: Key Hill Cemetery, Birmingham: Section H, Plot 73 which is a gravesite with 6 internments, Samuel Jenkins died 1917, Eleanor Jenkins died 1881, Elsie Rebecca Jenkins died 1881, Eleanor Burton Jenkins died 1881, Samuel Jenkins died 1893, Eva Mary Jenkins died 1895 and Emma Matilda Jenkins died 1895 (S=a personal visit to this gravesite in 2022 and email correspondence from the Midland Ancestors who listed all persons buried in this grave site). The gravestone on this site mentions Eleanor the wife of Samuel Jenkins and three of his daughters: Elsie Rebecca, Eleanor Burton and Eva Mary (S=gravestone of Elsie Rebecca Jenkins on ancestry.com).

· Will: Samuel Jenkins of Greenfield Station Road, Stechford, Worcestershire dated January 23, 1915 (S=#348-1817 (S= available at the Birmingham Library).

· Probate: March 16, 1917 Birmingham (S6). Listed as Samuel Jenkins of Greenfield Station Road, Stechford. Effects £11,792 to Francis Henry Pepper solicitor, Charles Michael Nolan bank manager and Frederick Jenkins, bank clerk.

· 3^rd Wife’s Death: not found.

· Children:

1. Samuel H. Jenkins (c1864-1893). Born: Birmingham (S4). Death: not found. Buried in 1893 at the same Key Hill Cemetery gravesite as his father (S=see father’s grave for more information

2. Eleanor Burton Jenkins (c1865-1881). Born: Birmingham (S4). Death: April 26, 1881 Handsworth, West Bromwich (S8d), listed as Eleanor Burton Jenkins who died of phthisis at Claremont Road age 16, the daughter of Samuel Jenkins die sinker who was present at her death. Died April 26, 1881 at age 16 per gravestone. Buried in 1881 at the same Key Hill Cemetery gravesite as her father (S=see father’s grave for more information). The gravestone on this site mentions Eleanor the wife of Samuel Jenkins and three of his daughters: Elsie Rebecca, Eleanor Burton and Eva Mary (S=gravestone of Elsie Rebecca Jenkins on ancestry.com).

3. Phillip B. Jenkins (c1867-??). Born: Birmingham (S4).

4. Alexander C. Jenkins (c1869-??). Born: Handsworth (S4).

5. Winifred Jenkins (c1870-??). Born: Handsworth (S4).

6. Richard B. Jenkins (c1872-??). Born: Handsworth (S4).

7. William B. Jenkins (c1874-??). Born: Handsworth (S4).

8. Annie B. Jenkins (c1875-??). Born: Handsworth (S4).

9. Eva Mary Jenkins (c1877-1895). Born: Handsworth (S4). Death: June 6, 1895 Solihull (S8d), listed as Eva Mary Jenkins age 18 who died at Station Road of phthisis the daughter of Samuel Jenkins die sinker with Emma Picken present at her death. Died June 8, 1895 at age 18 per gravestone. Buried in 1895 at the same Key Hill Cemetery gravesite as her father (S=see father’s grave for more information). The gravestone on this site mentions Eleanor the wife of Samuel Jenkins and three of his daughters: Elsie Rebecca, Eleanor Burton and Eva Mary (S=gravestone of Elsie Rebecca Jenkins on ancestry.com).

10. Elsie Rebecca Jenkins (c1881-1881). Born: Handsworth (S4). Death: April 17, 1881 Handsworth, West Bromwich (S5d), listed as Elsie Rebecca Jenkins age 7 months who died at Claremont Villa Claremont Road of marasmus, the daughter of Samuel Jenkins die sinker who was present at her death. Died April 17, 1881 at age 7 months per gravestone. Buried in 1881 at the same Key Hill Cemetery gravesite as her father (S=see father’s grave for more information). The gravestone on this site mentions Eleanor the wife of Samuel Jenkins and three of his daughters: Elsie Rebecca, Eleanor Burton and Eva Mary (S=gravestone of Elsie Rebecca Jenkins on ancestry.com).

11. Frederick Jenkins (c1890-??). Born: Saltley/Aston (S4).

12. Ida Maria Jenkins (c1892-??). Born: Aston (S4).

Joseph Eburah (c1843-1879)

· Born: c1843 (S4) and burial.

· Married: July 11, 1872 Sparkbrook, Aston (S5m), listed as Joseph Eburah a clerk whose father was Joseph Eburah a book manufacturer and Kate Dudley whose father was Joseph Dudley a clerk.

· Death: April 2, 1879 Deritend, Aston (S8d), listed as Joseph Eburah who died at 8 Kendall Road age 35 a leather factor with a cousin F. Marborough of Coventry Road, Aston in attendance. April 2, 1879 (S6).

· Burial: Key Hill Cemetery April 5, 1879 Running No: 26504 Grave 65 H, listed as Joseph Eburah of 8 Kendal Road, Sparkbrook age 35 (S=copy of burial record obtained via email from the Midland Ancestors).

· Grave: Key Hill Cemetery, Birmingham: Section H, Plot 65 is a private plot with 5 internments, 3 for Jenkins. 1 for Ellen Stock and Joseph Eburah d. 1879, including the inscription “In loving memory of Joseph Eburah born April 19, 1843 died April 2, 1879”. Currently the gravestone was not found. (see Henry Jenkins grave for more information).

· Probate: December 8, 1879 Birmingham (S6). Listed as Joseph Eburah of 5 Tuffleight-Villa Kendal-road Camp Hill Birmingham a leather factor proved by Benjamin Eburah of Leicester brother and Kate Eburah of 93 Main Street Sparkbrook Birmingham widow. Personal estate under £1,000.

Avery style needle cases patented and manufactured by Henry Jenkins & Sons:

1. Bird on a Box - ornamental design #270620 dated February 21, 1873

2. Butterfly Filigree - ornamental design #229393 dated May 13, 1869

Patent history for Henry Jenkins & Sons: registered 296 design registration numbers under the name Henry Jenkins & Sons between 1861-1894. Design 193412 dated December 14, 1865 listed their address as 11 Spencer and design 194837 dated January 31, 1866 listed their address as Vittoria Street. Registered 2 designs in 1866 under the name H. Jenkins & Son at Vittoria Street and 1 design in 1862 under the name H J F & S Jenkins at Spencer Street (S=The National Archives, Kew website at https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk).

---

Endnotes

[1] The Birmingham, Black Country and Sheffield and Rotherham Commercial List 1884-85 Twelfth and Thirteenth Years, by Seyd and Co., item 1310 as this list has no page numbers (S=books.google.com).

[2] The Post Office Directory of Birmingham, with Its Suburbs, 1867, by E. R. Kelly, page 462 (S=http://special colletions.le.ac.uk/digital/collection/p16445coll4).

[3] The Directory of Birmingham; Including An Alphabetical List of the Inhabitants of the Town…, 1833, by Wrightson and Webb, page 47 (S=available at the Birmingham Library).

[4] Robson’s Birmingham and Sheffield Directory, 1839, by William Robson & Co, page 246 (S=http://specialcolletions. le.ac.uk/digital/collection/p16445coll4).

[5] Birmingham. History and General Directory of the Borough of Birmigham,1849, by Francis White and Co, page 192 (S=http://specialcolletions.le.ac.uk/digital/collection/p16445coll4).

[6] Post Office Directory of Birmingham with Warwickshire, Worcestershire and Staffordshire, 1854, page 853 (S=available at the Birmingham Library).

[7] General and Commercial Directory of the Borough of Birmingham and Six Miles Round, 1858, by W. H. Dix and Compy., page 182 (S=http://specialcolletions.le.ac.uk/digital/collection/p16445coll4). The firm was listed as Henry Jenkins and Son in 1855 in the General and Commercial Directory and Topography of the Borough of Birmingham by Francis While and Co., page 182 (S=available at the Birmingham library) but was listed as Henry Jenkins without the Son in the 1856 Post Office Directory of Birmingham, with the Principal Towns, by Kelly and Co, page 179 (S=available at the Birmingham Library). However, from 1858 onwards it was always listed as Henry Jenkins & Sons.

[8] General and Commercial Directory of the Borough of Birmingham and Six Miles Round, 1858, by W. H. Dix and Compy., page 182 (S=http://specialcolletions.le.ac.uk/digital/collection/p16445coll4).

[9] Per the 1861 Census for Henry Jenkins (see the genealogy section for more details).

[10] 84 design registrations appeared between 1861-1865 in a search for Henry Jenkins & Sons Birmingham of which 2 were unrelated and the other 82 were most likely listed twice, once for the register and once for the design representation for a total of 41 (S=The National Archive Website at http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/) plus one patent from 1864 (S=The London Gazette Publication date 15, July 1864 Issue 22875 page 3579).

[11] Design #152174 dated June 4, 1862 (S=The National Archives, Kew).

[12] Patent #1600 dated July 15, 1864 (S=The London Gazette Publication date 15, July 1864 Issue 22875 page 3579).

[13] Patent #1600 dated July 15, 1864 (S=The London Gazette Publication date 15, July 1864 Issue 22875 page 3579).

[14] Birmingham Post newspaper dated January 22, 1866, page 2, column 4 (S=britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk).

[15] White’s Directory of Birmingham, 1873, page 436 (S=ancestry.com).

[16] Per the 1881 Census for Frederick Jenkins and Samuel Jenkin (see the Genealogy section for more details).

[17] 217 design registrations appeared between 1866-1882 in a search for Henry Jenkins & Sons of Birmingham of which 4 were unrelated and the other 213 were most likely listed twice, once for the register and once for the design representation for a total of 106 (S=The National Archive Website at http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/).

[18] This definition is from a google search.

[19] Photograph of this metal is from a google search and historical information about the medal from Wikipedia (S=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kabul_to_Kandahar_Star).

[20] From the Public Notice in The Birmingham Daily Post newspaper dated November 22, 1897, page 4, column 1 (S=britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk).

[21] From the Public Notice in The Birmingham Daily Post newspaper dated November 22, 1897, page 4, column 1 (S=britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk).

[22] Value of £39,869 in 1900 in 2017 (S=https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/currency-converter).

[23] Previous authors have listed the effective date of the new company as November 9, 1897 because that was the date the announcement was created and the contracts with the directors were signed, however according to the newspaper announcement “The Company will take over the business as from the 31^st July, 1897, and will have the benefit of the profits as from that date.”

[24] From the Public Notice in The Birmingham Daily Post newspaper dated November 22, 1897, page 4, column 1 (S=britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk).

[25] Birmingham Mail newspaper dated May 16, 1905 (S=britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) page 3, column 7.

[26] Birmingham Mail newspaper dated May 16, 1905 (S=britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) page 3, column 7.

[27] The Stock Exchange Yearbook of 1921, page 2154 (S=snippet view at books.google.com).

[28] Birmingham Daily Gazette newspaper dated November 12, 1913, page 2 column 4, in the section entitled “Eulogy at Funeral of Mr. Henry Payton (S=britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk).

[29] Birmingham Daily Post newspaper dated March 6, 1954 page 10, column 2 which announced the will of Mr. Gerald Frederick Jenkins assistant co-director of Henry Jenkins, Ltd. jewelry manufacturers (S=britishnewspaperarchive. co.uk).

[30] Birmingham Daily Post newspaper dated October 22, 1968 page 10, column 6 (S=britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk).

[31] Henry Jenkins & Sons Limited Price List 1st January 1971 Ex Works, Ex meaning extra heavy gauge nickel silver (S=Birmingham Library).

[32] From the Companies House website at S=https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk company /01958618.

[33] From the Historic England website at https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1076108.

[34] From the Historic England website at https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1076108.

[35] These photos were taken by Terry Meinke during her 2017 and 2018 visit to Birmingham.

[36] These photos were taken by someone who posted them on the internet at https://www.28dayslater.co.uk/threads/ unity-works-jewelry-quarter-birmingham-2018.111852/.

[37] General Advertiser Vol. II, page 263, the section entitled Hydrophobia, column 3, third paragraph which references a notice “To the editor of the Birmingham Chronical” newspaper dated August 11, 1824 which lists persons being bitten who applied to the hospital including a Henry Jenkins on April 15^th (S=britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk).

[38] The definition of hydrophobia is from Wikipedia.

[39] General Advertiser Vol. II, page 263, the section entitled Hydrophobia, column 3, fourth paragraph which references a notice “To the Sun of Tuesday Last. To the Editor’ of the Birmingham Chronical newspaper dated August 11, 1824 (S=britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk).

[40] Birmingham Journal newspaper dated May 18, 1844, page 2 column 7 (S=britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk).

[41] Birmingham Journal newspaper dated May 19, 1855, page 7, column 6 in the section entitled Birmingham Police (S=britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk).

[42] Aris’s Birmingham Gazette newspaper dated May 9, 1863, page 5 column 6 (S=britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk).

[43] Birmingham Daily newspaper dated May 13, 1863, page 2 column 4 (S=britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk).

[44] Aris’s Birmingham Gazette newspaper dated May 16, 1863, page 7 column 1 (S=britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk).

[45] Birmingham Daily Post newspaper dated December 3, 1867, page 3 column 5 (S=britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk).

[46] The value of £20 in 1870 is equivalent to £1,252 in 2017. (S=https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/currency-converter).

[47] Birmingham Daily Post newspaper dated April 14, 1870, page 5, column 4 (S=britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk).

[48] 1881 will of Henry Jenkins (S= #659-1885 available at the Birmingham Library).

[49] From her death certificate (see the Genealogy section for more details).

[50] This definition is from a google search.

[51] Birmingham Mail newspaper dated May 12, 1901, page 3, column 6 (S=britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk).

[52] 1872 will of James Jenkins (S= #1346-1872 available at the Birmingham Library).

[53] From the Public Notice in The Birmingham Daily Post Newspaper dated November 22, 1897, page 4, column 1 (S=britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk).

[54] Value of £16,276 in 1900 in 2017 (S=https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/currency-converter).

[55] 1890 will of Frederick Jenkins (S= #383-1900 available at the Birmingham Library).

[56] This definition is from a google search.

[57] This definition is from a google search.

[58] This definition is from a google search.

[59] Photograph taken during my 2022 visit to Birmingham.

[60] Value of £11,792 in 1915 in 2017 (S=https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/currency-converter).

[61] 1915 will of Samuel Jenkins (S= #348-1917 available at the Birmingham Library).

[62] From the Public Notice in The Birmingham Daily Post newspaper dated November 22, 1897, page 4, column 1 (S=britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk).

[63] From the Public Notice in The Birmingham Daily Post newspaper dated November 22, 1897, page 4, column 1 which indicated Frederick Henry had worked for the company for about 20 years (S=britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk).

[64] The Stock Exchange Yearbook of 1921, page 2154 which lists the chairman and directors of Henry Jenkins & Sons

that year which do not include Frederick H. Jenkins. (S=snippet view at books.google.com).

[65] The Stock Exchange Yearbook of 1921, page 2154 which lists J. Shufflebotham as the chairman of Henry Jenkins

& Sons that year (S=snippet view at books.google.com).

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