James Smith & Son (aka J. Smith & Son):  History

 

The Company[1]

During the Victorian Period, James Smith & Son (aka Jas. Smith & Son) claimed they were one of the oldest family owned needle manufacturers in the Redditch area.  The company’s advertisement from 1940[2] shown here indicates it was established in 1698 in Astwood Bank, a small village about four miles south of Redditch, a couple miles northeast of neighboring Feckenham and a few miles northwest of Alcester.  The firm first appeared in an 1823[3] city directory.  According to a company history written in 1893 the firm was founded by the Butler family and two of those family members, William and John Butler, had elaborate graves built in their honor at the Feckenham churchyard.  William Butler’s tomb contained the inscription “needle maker” since at the time the term needle manufacturer was not in use locally.  The business continued under the Butler name until Reverend James Smith of neighboring Alcester married the heiress to the firm, then the business operated as Smith and Butler for some time.  It later became known as Jas. and Jos. Smith, named after two of the reverend’s sons.  Further information about the company comes from an 1879 court case in which the son James Smith testified during a lawsuit filed in New York City, United States.  According to court documents James Smith indicated his father, the reverend, ran the business from approximately 1809 until his death in 1850.  The word “Son” was added to the name when James was about ten years old, around 1814.  James, the son, acted as a manager and superintendent of the firm from 1821 until he took over the business after his father’s death in 1850.  By 1851[4] the firm employed 130 workers.  The company trade mark was an ostrich with a horseshoe in its beak[5] which also was the crest of the Smith family of Worcestershire. 

 

James Smith & Son had an extensive trade in the USA which was established in 1828 or 1829. Around 1830 James Walton of Philadelphia became the company’s agent in the USA not long after he immigrated.  His son Henry Walton succeeded his father in 1851 and became the agent until 1862 when he gave it up and John Thornton of New York succeeded him.  A lawsuit was originally filed in 1856[6] in New York by Henry Walton followed by additional proceedings in 1866 and then again by John Thornton in 1879 against Robert Crowley who was illegally using the Smith name and trademarked labels to sell poor quality needles in the USA.  The Crowley family had immigrated to the USA from Alcester.  The judge in each case ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, Smith’s agents.  At the time of the lawsuits the James Smith & Son firm sold 20-25 million needles to the USA[7] annually through their agent and the business averaged £12,000 per annuum or roughly equal to £7.1[8]million today.  

 

James Smith & Son also traded in France starting in 1872 and in Italy in 1877.  The company participated in several world’s fairs including the Philadelphia International Exhibition in 1876[9] where they received two awards for the “sheer excellent of their product”, being the only British firm thus honored.  The Smith needle display shown here was originally presented at the Philadelphia exhibition and can be seen today at the Forge Mill Needle Museum in Redditch.  Smith also attended the Paris Universal Exhibition in 1878[10] and the Atlanta Cotton Exhibition in 1881[11] in the USA.  The company registered an Avery style needle case, design #263048, in 1872 which was produced in two different varieties, the Cotton Plant and the Roses with Buds.  In 1881 the business passed by gift to the three eldest sons of James Smith (Bryan, James and Samuel) and after the death of the eldest son, Bryan Hinton Smith in 1892, the second son, James Butler Smith, of Doe Bank House in Astwood Bank became the senior partner.  The company continued operations into the 20^th century until 1956[12].

 

The company’s factory, known as Double Century Works, was built on High Street and Chestnut Road in Astwood Bank.  Originally the Butler residence stood at this location, however Rev. Smith had it pulled down and he built a new family residence in its place named Factory House since it adjoined the manufacturing premise.  However, by 1841[13] later Smith generations moved to Doe Bank House several blocks southwest of the factory building which became the family’s main living space.  Both the Double Century Works factory and the Doe Bank House exist today.  In fact, Double Century Works is registered as a Heritage category[14] building because of its historical significance since it represents a typical form of 19^th century needle factory, although there have been some mid-20^th century additions and alterations.  The L-shaped structure on a corner plot was made of brick with slate and concrete tile roofs.  The earliest part of the building is the north end which dates to c1810-1820[15] and consists of two stories of round arched windows with two elliptical arched entrances and a cart entrance flanked by more arched windows.  A later section was added on the southern end which has a slightly different brick arrangement and square windows.  On Chestnut Road a courtyard separates the factory building from a three-story structure that may have been the original “Factory House”.

 

The Owners

James Smith was born c1776 possibly near Pershore, Worcestershire.  Pershore is located about 16 miles southwest of Astwood Bank and Alcester.  James was a minister at the first church in Pershore before being invited to become the pastor at the Baptist church in Alcester in 1798[16].  In 1799 he married Elizabeth Butler in Alcester.  Elizabeth was the granddaughter of William Butler and the eldest daughter of Joseph Butler who had no sons, and therefore the heiress to the Butler needle business which was founded in 1698 in Astwood Bank[17].  Presumably James moved to Astwood Bank shortly after his marriage.  For approximately 15 years Rev. Smith regularly performed services at the Alcester church as well as at a place of worship in Astwood Bank, five miles northwest of Alcester[18].  In 1812 Mr. Smith resigned from the pastor-ship of Alcester finding the labors of both congregations too much for his health[19].  A friendly dismissal was given to him and with twenty-five members he formed a separate Baptist church in Astwood Bank in 1813[20].  James and Elizabeth had at least three children: Joseph, James and Sarah.  James became a needle manufacturer shortly after his father-in-law passed away around 1809[21] presumably inheriting the Butler family business.  Sometime between 1810-1820 he had the old Butler house, where some processes of the needle trade where carried on, torn down and in its place built a more modern factory with a house adjoining the manufacturing premise[22].  In addition to being a major needle manufacturer until his death in 1850, Rev. James Smith continued his role as a pastor and celebrated fifty years in the ministry in 1847[23].  In his will he was listed as James Smith the Elder of Astwood, a needle manufacturer.  Although his will was drafted in 1830, it was rewritten in 1850 shortly before his death and was validated in 1851.  His estate included the business and a substantial amount of land which was passed to his wife, two sons and daughter[24].   Unfortunately, his eldest son Joseph, who was a farmer in 1851, died later that year and the business passed to the second son, James.

 

James Smith (the younger) was born in 1804 in Astwood Bank.  He assisted his father in the needle business from the time he was about 16 or 17 years old until his father’s death when he carried on the business[25].  James devised the labels for the company’s needle packets in 1825 or 1826 and from 1828 until 1833 he was the general manager or supervisor of his father’s business[26].  In 1838 James married Mary Anne Bryan in Lower Slaughter, Gloucestershire.  Mary Ann was the daughter of John Bryan, Esquire.  By 1841 James and Mary Ann were living at Doe Bank House in Astwood Bank where they continued to live for the rest of their lives.  Between 1838 and 1858 they had ten children: Elizabeth, Ann, Bryan Hinton, Bertha, Sarah, James, Samuel, Maria, Mary and Edward.  Around 1858 Mary Ann died within a few years of the birth of their last child and James never remarried.  He was consistently listed as a needle manufacturer and by 1868 was referred to as James Smith, Esquire[27].  He became a Justice of the Peace for the Counties of Worcester and Warwick around 1862 and served in that role for about twenty-five years[28].  He retired from the needle business in 1881 and the trade passed to his three eldest sons: Bryan Hinton, James Butler and Samuel Peto[29].  James lived to be 80 years old and died in 1887 at his residence. Other prominent needle manufacturers from the Redditch area attending his funeral procession included John Fredric Milward and his brother Colonel Victor Milward and William Avery[30].  James was buried in the family vault at the Baptist Chapel at Astwood Bank.  His obituary[31]  reads:

 

“DEATH OF MR. JAMES SMITH, J. P., ASTWOOD BANK. - This week it has become our duty to record, with much regret, the death of Mr. James Smith, J.P., of Doe Bank House, whose decease took place at his residence on Friday evening, the 15^th inst.  The deceased gentleman had spent among us a long and useful life, extending over at least 80 years, and coming at last to a peaceful close enviable in itself as it took place amid the respect, esteem, and sorrow of the whole neighbourhood.”

 

“In his public career, the late Mr. Smith had held the Queen’s Commission as Justice of the Peace for the counties of Warwick and Worcester for a period of about twenty-five year, and had, in addition to other offices, been in later years chairman of the Alcester Petty Sessions. Apart from his public duties, he had for nearly half a century been a member, and until his retirement a few years ago, senior member  of the firm Jas. Smith & Son, whose business as needle manufacturers has continued in the same family for close to 200 years.  He was known also as a patron of every undertaking for the good of the neighbourhood, as a supporter of the loyal institutions of the country, as well as those of an educational and benevolent character, and was esteemed generally as the friend and benefactor of all around him.”

 

“In religious views, Mr. Smith was well known as a conscientious member and liberal supporter of the Baptist Church, though withal showing a most kindly feeling toward all Christian communions.  For forty years he held the office of treasurer to the Baptist Sunday Schools of Astwood Bank, which, dating from 100 years ago, are among some of the first established in the country; in these schools he was also a teacher, and his services are still remembered by many now advanced in years.  By his death there is a general feeling that all around have in common with the family suffered a loss which will long be felt.”

 

“The following extract from Walford’s “County Families of the United Kingdom,” gives particulars relating to the deceased gentleman: - Smith, James, Esq., of Astwood Bank, Worcestershire. Son of the late Rev. James Smith, b 1806, m 1838, Mary Ann, dau. of John Bryan, Esq,; and has, with other issue, Bryan Hinton, b 1842, m 1868, Mary Sophie Pemberton, dau. of Edward Johnson, Esq. Mr. Smith is J. P. for Cos. Warwick and Worcester.  Astwood Bank, Bromsgrove.”

 

At least two of the younger James Smith’s daughters married into other major needle industry families[32].  In 1876 Maria Louisa Smith married Arthur Greame Bartleet, the grandson of William Bartlett who established the William Bartleet & Sons needle company in Redditch.  Sarah Jane Smith married Arthur Henry Gutch in 1880.  Gutch was the grandson of the founder of the John English & Co needle business from Feckenham.   

 

Bryan Hinton Smith was born in 1842 in Astwood Bank.  In 1868 he married Mary Sophia Pemberton Johnson, the daughter of Joseph Johnson, Esquire, of The Laurels in Edgbaston, Birmingham[33].  Since the marriage took place in Birmingham, the celebration in Astwood Bank was delayed until the couple returned to the area after their honeymoon so they could combine the celebration[34] with the introduction of the bride to her new residence.  Nearly 100 people enjoyed a dinner of roast beef and plum pudding in front of Astwood House where Bryan lived.  Many people toasted to the health of the bride and groom included Mr. John Thornton who was visiting from the United States.  The party went on until early in the morning because everyone was delighted with the gala event, the music and entertainment. “Many decorative festoons, arches, &c., were made …At the entrance to the Drive leading to Astwood House a triumphal arch profusely decorated with evergreens, flowers, and paper ornaments of various devices, had been erected, as a labor of love, and to testify their respect for the bride and bridegroom, by the work people, chiefly the ladies.  It bore the motto “Welcome Home”, the letters of which were composed of leaves of variegated holly.”[35]  Bryan and Mary Ann had three children: Mary, Bertha and Frank before Mary Ann passed away in the 1870’s.  Bryan married his second wife Mary Ann Smith in Stow on Wold, Gloucestershire in 1877 and they had at least four children together: Bryan, Emily, James and Rachel.  Bryan worked in the needle industry all of his life becoming the senior partner of his father’s needle factory in 1881 when his father retired[36].  In 1892 he had a sever attack of pleurisy and died at age 51 leaving a wife and five daughters and four sons[37].  After his death, his brother James Butler Smith became the senior partner in the needle business[38].  Bryan was buried at the St. John the Baptist Church cemetery in Feckenham.  He left his estate to his wife.  His obituary reads: [39]

 

“DEATH OF B. H. SMITH. –  On Sunday evening last, between six and seven o’clock, Mr. B. H. Smith, senior member of the firm Messrs. J. Smith and Son, Astwood Bank, passed away at Doe Bank House.  The deceased gentleman had been unwell for some time, but was able to fulfil his customary duties at the manufactory on Thursday in last week.  On Friday a sever attack of pleurisy set in, and in spite of all efforts to cope with the disease, it terminated fatally.  Mr. Smith was in his fifty-first year, and leaves a widow and family of five daughters and four sons to mourn his loss.  Great sympathy is expressed throughout the neighbourhoood for the bereaved family and relatives.”

 

“The funeral . . .”

 

“Those who had the privilege of knowing Mr. Smith could not fail to be struck by his marked characteristics.  Endowed with sterling common sense, his remarks upon any subject whether of conversation or business, were always concise and to the purpose.  His administrative powers were very striking, and like “the Duke” he took note of small things as well as great.  His punctuality in all things was exactness itself, and he thus wasted neither his own time or that of others.  In home life he was hospitable without ostentation, a genial companion and a kind and constant friend, as many have reason to know and none more so than the writer of these remarks.  When upon holiday occasions he met with his work people, none parted from him dissatisfied or neglected and many now lament his loss as that of one of the best masters they ever worked for for they knew that as long as they did their duty, he would be sure to do his.”

 

“As senior partner in a firm which in six years will have been in business two centuries, his death, apart from his life and virtues deserves to be commemorated, and he now lies in Feckenham churchyard near to the remains, not only of one dear to him in life, but amongst the early founders of a business which had been for generations a daily benefit to hundreds, and which we trust will continue to flourish for many generations to come.  Though he himself has gone from among us, his memory will long survive, and in future time many looking back to this year, will speak of it with regret as that in which they lost one whose character they admired, and whose kindness they could not forget.  The deceased gentleman was a keen sportsman, and was very popular in the hunting field.  He was out with the Worcestershire hounds on Monday in last week.  He was also a prominent and respected member of the Astwood cricket club, and by his death the club have lost a useful member.”

 

James Butler Smith was born in 1852 in Astwood Bank.   He became a partner in the family’s needle business when his father retired in 1881 and became the senior partner in 1892[40] when his older brother passed away.  For most of his life he lived in Doe Bank House at first with his father, since his mother passed away a few years after his birth, then after his father’s death he lived there frequently with his youngest brother Edward and several sisters.  James married Jennie Heath late in life at age 54 in 1906 and they had no children.  James died five years later in 1911[41].  He also left his estate to his wife.  His obituary reads: [42] 

 

“ASTWOOD BANK. DEATH OF MR. J. B. Smith. – After a few days’ illness, resulting from a paralytic seizure, on Thursday in last week, Mr. James Butler Smith, senior director of the firm of James Smith and Son, Limited, needle manufacturers, died at his residence, Evesham Road, on Tuesday afternoon.  The deceased gentleman was sixty years of age well known throughout the district, and highly esteemed by a large circle of friends.  Although he did not take any active part in public affairs, he associated himself with, and supported, many institutions for the benefit of the people amongst who he resided.  He was a keen sportsman, and for many years a regular follower of the Worcestershire Hounds. In politics he was a Unionist.  He leaves a widow but no children.”

 

Samuel Peto Smith was born in 1853 in Astwood Bank.  He married the widow Sarah Ann Nash in 1883 and they had two children: Laura and Peto.  In 1901 his step-daughter, Sarah Nash age 23, who was born in the USA, lived with the Smith family.  Although Samuel worked as a needle manufacturer employer, the family moved out of the Astwood Bank area sometime between 1901 and 1911 and settled in Kings Heath near Birmingham where they remained.  Kings Heath is located about 15 miles north of Astwood Bank.   Samuel died there in 1936.

 

 

James Smith & Son (aka J. Smith & Son):  Images

The Chestnut Road sign in Astwood Bank across the street from Double Century Works, 2018.

 

The west side of the Double Century Works factory from the southwest, 2018.

 

The one-story building at the north end of Double Century Works, 2018.

 

Double Century Works on the corner of High Street and Chestnut Road, Astwood Bank, 2018.

 

The west side of the Double Century Works factory from northwest, 2018.

 

Close up of the round arched windows and two elliptical arched entrances, 2018.

 

South end of Double Century Works with the courtyard fence on the right side, 2018.

 

Three story master’s house on the east side of the courtyard, possible the building formerly known as the “Factory House”, 2018.

 

The courtyard between the factory and the master’s house, 2018.

 

Another view of the master’s house, 2018

 

Doebank House from the south, 2018.

.

Doebank House sign, 2018.

 

St. John the Baptist Church and Cemetery in Feckenham, 2019.

 

View of the cemetery at the St. John the Baptist Church in Feckenham, 2019.

 

 

Bryan Hinton Smith grave at the St. John the Baptist Church Cemetery, 2019.

 

Detail of the Bryan Hinton Smith grave, 2019.

Front exterior view of the Roses with Buds Avery style needle case patented by Smith.

 

Back view of the Roses with Buds needle case.

 

The Roses with Buds needle case partially open.

 

The Roses with Buds needle case fully open.

 

Exterior of the Cotton Plant Avery style needle case patented by Smith.

 

Interior detail of the Cotton Plant needle case with the Jas Smith & Son Astwood Bank name.

 

 

James Smith & Son (aka J. Smith & Son):  Genealogy

 

Generation 1:  James Smith (c1776-1850) and Elizabeth Butler (c1776-after 1851)

·       Born:   c1776 (S4).

·       Baptized:  not found

·       Marriage: February 11, 1799 Alcester (S2).  Elizabeth Butler, granddaughter of William Butler and oldest daughter of Joseph Butler married James Smith.

·       Occupation: Baptist Minister.  Mr. James Smith having completed fifty years of his ministry, aka started in 1797 (S=The Baptist Reporter and Missionary Intelligencer by Joseph Foulkes Wines, 1847, page 82, available at Google Books).   Rev. James Smith came from the church in Pershore in 1798 to Alcester where he was until 1812, then he became a minister at Astwood Bank from 1813 on (S=The Baptist Magazine for 1818, 1819, page 294, available at Google Books).  James Smith was the pastor at Pershore 1791, Alcester 1798 and Astwood Bank 1813-1850 (S=A Baptist Bibliography by William Thomas Whitley, 1984, page 242, available at Google Books).  Lists Rev. James Smith as a pastor at Astwood Bank and the father of James Smith J. P. (S=Rambles and Researches among Worcestershire Churches with Historical Notes Relating to the Several Parishes by Geo. K Stanton, 1886, page 201, available at Google Books).

·       1830 Draft Will: October 15, 1830.  Listed as Mr. James Smith, needle manufacturer to wife Elizabeth Smith, sons Joseph Butler Smith and James Smith and daughter Sarah Butler Smith (S=original draft will is at the Warwick County Record Office #CR1596/Box 89/42).

·       1841 census: Astwood, Feckenham (S4).  Listed as James Smith age 65 Baptist minister not born in the county with Elizabeth Smith age 65 born in county and Joseph Smith age 35 needle m not born in county and Sarah Smith age 25 born in county.

·       Death:  c1850 (S=Court of Appeals on Appeal from Superior Court of the City pf New York, John Thornton, Henry Houghton and John Thornton Jr. against Robert Crowley, Case on Appeal from Judgement, 1879.  Available at Google Books.  Pages 43 contains the deposition of James Smith, who says his father died in 1850).

·       Probate: July 14, 1851 London (S=The National Archives, Kew #11/2136/1359). Written March 1, 1850 by James Smith the Elder of Astwood in the parish of Feckenham, needle manufacturer to wife Elizabeth Smith, sons Joseph Butler Smith and James Smith and daughter Sarah Butler Peart.

·       1851 census: wife not found

·       Wife’s death: not found

·       Children:

1.     Joseph Butler Smith (c1802-1851).  Born May 18, 1802 Alcester (S1b) with parents listed as James and Eliza Smith, Baptists.  1803/06 not born in Worcestershire (S4). Died 1851 (S2).  In 1851 census listed in Astwood Bank as Joseph B. Smith age 48, farmer 240 acres employing 10 laborers born in Alcester with wife Ann age 38 born in Inkberrow.

2.     James Smith (c1804-1888). Born in Alcester/Feckenham (S4) - see generation 2.

3.     Sarah Butler Smith (c1812-1878). Born October 1, 1812 Astwood (S1b).  Parents listed as James and Eliza Smith, Baptists.  Born 1816 in Worcestershire (S4).  Probate: May 15, 1878 Worcester (S6).  Listed as Sarah Butler Peart of Astwood Lane, widow who died February 12, 1878 at Astwood Lane, estate value under £600, proved by Alfred Peart of Astwood Lane, carpenter, the son.  Alfred Peart was listed as part of the funeral procession of Sarah’s brother James Smith.

 

Generation 2:  James Smith (c1804-1887) and Mary Ann Bryan (c1816-c1858)

·       Born:  November 24, 1804 Astwood/Feckenham and Alcester (S1b).  Listed as James Smith with parents James and Eliza Smith, Baptists. c1804 Feckenham/Alcester (S4).

·       Baptized:  not found

·       Marriage: June 12, 1838 Lower Slaughter, Gloucestershire (S3m).  List James Smith a needle maker from Feckenham and Mary Anne Bryan. (Note: the marriage band was signed by James Smith Jr and the witnesses were Sarah Butler Smith and Joseph Hinton Bryan.  No father was listed).

·       1841 census:  Astwood Doe Bank, Feckenham (S4).  Listed as James Smith age 35 needle manufacturer not born in the county with wife Mary age 25 not born in county and 2 children: Elizabeth not born in county and Ann born in county. (Note: this family was listed only 5 households from his parents).

·       1851 census: 6 Doe Bank, Astwood Bank, Feckenham (S4).  Listed as James Smith age 46 needle manufacturer employing 130 hands born in Alcester with wife Mary Ann age 37 born in Lower Sl, Gloucestershire and 6 children: Elizabeth Bryan, Ann Batler, Bryan Hinton, Bertha, Sarah Jane and Mary Ann.

·       Wife’s death: Between 1857 and1861.

·       1861 census: 45 Doe Bank, Astwood, Feckenham (S4).  Listed as James Smith widow age 56 needle manufacturer and farmer of 324 acres employing 9 laborers and 2 boys born in Alcester with 10 children all born in Feckenham: Elizabeth Bryan, Ann Butler, Bryan Hinton, Berthar, Sarah Jane, James Butler, Samuel Bet, Maria Louisa, Mary Ann and Edward.

·       1871 Gentry - Listed as James Smith Esquire of Astwood Bank the son of the late Rev. James Smith b. 1806, m. 1838 Mary Ann Bryan of Lower Slaughter, and has, with other issue, Bryan Hinton b. 1842.  Also listed as a magistrate for the counties of Warwick and Worcester.  (S= The Country Families of the United Kingdom, 1871 by Edward Walford.  Page 894 for James Smith Esq.  Available at Google Books).

·       1871 census: 150 Astwood, Feckenham (S4).  Listed as James Smith J. P. widow age 66 needle manufacturer born in Alcester with 3 children all born in Astwood Bank: Sarah Jane, James B. and Samuel P.

·       1881 census:  284 Doe Bank House, Astwood Bank (S4).  Listed as James Smith widow age 75 magistrate for Warwick and Worcester, retired manufacturer born in Alcester with 3 children all born in Astwood Bank: Bertha Hill, James B. and Edward.

·       Death:  3rd QTR 1887 at age 80 Alcester (S5d) and July 15, 1887 Doe Bank House Astwood Bank (S6).

·       Probate: March 17, 1888 Worcester (S6).  Listed as James Smith Esq. late of Doe Bank House Astwood Bank proved by Bryan Hinton Smith of Astwood House, Astwood Bank, James Butler Smith of Doe Bank House Astwood Bank and Samuel Peto Smith of Elmsdale House near Astwood Bank needle manufacturers the sons.  Personal estate: £1,170.

·       Obituary: July 23, 1887 Redditch Indicator newspaper (S=Microfilm at the Redditch Library).

·       Children:

1.     Elizabeth Bryan Smith (1839-??). Born in Alcester (S4).

2.     Ann Butler Smith (1840/41/42-??). Born in Feckenham(S4).

3.     Bryan Hinton Smith (1842/43-1892). Born in Astwood Bank/Feckenham (S4) - see generation 3.

4.     Bertha Smith (1844/45-??). Born in Astwood Bank/Feckenham (S4).  Married Thomas William Hill (S4 and S= The Country Families of the United Kingdom, 1871 by Edward Walford.  Page 499 under Thomas Rowley Hill.  Available at Google Books).

5.     Sarah Jane Smith (1846-??). Born in Astwood Bank/Feckenham (S4). Married Arthur Henry Gutch June 30, 1880 Feckenham (S=England Select Marriages, 1538-1973).  Gutch was part of the J. English & Co needle manufacturer from Feckenham and A. H. Gutch was listed as part of the funeral procession of both his father-in-law James Smith and his brother-in-law Bryan Smith.

6.     James Butler Smith (1852-1911). Born in Astwood Bank/Feckenham (S4) - see generation 3.

7.     Samuel Peto Smith (1853-1936). Born in Feckenham (S4) - see generation 3.

8.     Maria Louisa Smith (1855-??). Born in Feckenham (S4).  Married Arthur Greame Bartleet 2nd QTR 1876 Alcester (S5m).  Bartleet was the son of the needle manufacturer Thomas Moore Bartleet and the grandson of William Bartleet who established the W. Bartleet & Son needle company.  A. G. Bartleet was listed as part of the funeral procession of both his father-in-law James Smith and his brother-in-law Bryan Smith.

9.     Mary Ann Smith (1850/56-??). Born in Feckenham (S4).

10.  Edward Smith (1857/58-after 1892). Born in Astwood Bank/Feckenham (S4).  Death date is based on being listed in his brother Bryan’s obituary as attending the funeral.

 

Generation 3: Bryan Hinton Smith (1842-1892) and Mary Sophia Pemberton Johnson (c1847-1871/77) and Mary Ann Smith (c1856-??)

·       Born: February 24, 1842 (S=gravestone at the St. John the Baptist Church in Feckenham), c1842/43 in Astwood Bank (S4), 1842 (S=The Country Families of the United Kingdom, 1871 by Edward Walford.  Page 894 for James Smith Esq.  Available at Google Books).

·       Baptized: not found

·       1851 census: with parents (S4).  Listed as Bryan Hinton Smith age 9 born in Feckenham.

·       1861 census: with parents (S4). Listed as Bryan Hinton Smith age 19 born in Feckenham.

·       Marriage #1: 186- Mary Sophia Johnson of Birmingham (S= The Country Families of the United Kingdom, 1871 by Edward Walford.  Page 894 for James Smith Esq.  Available at Google Books).  Marriage announcement June 27, 1868 in the Redditch Indicator newspaper S=Microfilm at the Redditch Library).

·       1871 census: 145 the Hole Farm, Astwood Bank, Feckenham (S4).  Listed as Bryan Hinton Smith age 28 a needle maker born in Feckenham with wife Mary Sophia Pemberton Smith age 24 born in Birmingham and 2 children: Mary Bryan Grace and Bertha Maud.

·       Wife # 1 Death: not found

·       Marriage #2: 1^st QTR 1877 Stow on Wold, Gloucestershire (S5m) January 18, 1877 Stow on Wold (S3m).  Listed as Bryan Hinton Smith and Mary Ann Smith.  Bryan is listed as a widower needle manufacturer from Feckenham whose father was James Smith a needle manufacturer.

·       1881 census: 281 Astwood House Private, Astwood Bank, Feckenham (S4).  Listed as Bryan H. Smith age 39 a needle maker born in Astwood Bank with wife Mary Ann age 25 born in Concreate, Gloucestershire and 3 children: Mary B. G., Bertha M. and Frank H. B.

·       1891 census: 279 Astwood House, Astwood Bank, Feckenham (S4).  Listed as Bryan Hinton Smith age 49 a needle manufacturer born in Astwood Bank with wife Mary Ann age 35 born in Condered, Gloucestershire and 7 children: Bryan Grace, Bertha Maud, Frank H. B., Bryan Ernest, Emily Winifred, James Clement and Rachel. (Note:  Bryan, the father, is incorrectly listed as Bogan in the census index).

·       Death:  February 28, 1892 Doe Bank House, Astwood Bank (S6).

·       Burial: Died February 28, 1892 (S=gravestone at the St. John the Baptist Church in Feckenham).

·       Probate: November 10, 1892 Worcester (S6).  Listed as Bryan Hinton Smith of Astwood House, Astwood Bank, Feckenham needle manufacturer to Mary Anna Smith widow.  Effect: £1,876.

·       Obituary:  March 5, 1892 Redditch Indicator newspaper (S=Microfilm at the Redditch Library).

·       Wife #2 Death: not found

·       Children:

1.     Mary Bryan Grace Smith (1870-??). Born in Feckenham/Astwood Bank (S4).

2.     Bertha Maud Smith (1871-??). Born in Astwood Bank/Feckenham (S4).

3.     Frank H. B. Smith (1872-after 1892). Born in Astwood Bank (S4). Death date is based on being listed in his father Bryan’s obituary as attending the funeral.

4.     Bryan Ernest Smith (1879-??). Born in Astwood Bank (S4).

5.     Emily Winifred Smith (1882-??). Born in Astwood Bank (S4).

6.     James Clement Smith (1883-??). Born in Astwood Bank (S4).

7.     Rachel Smith (1884-??). Born in Astwood Bank (S4).

8.     Edward Smith (18??-after 1892).  Death date is based on being listed in his father Bryan’s obituary as attending the funeral.

 

Generation 3: James Butler Smith (c1852-1911) and Jennie Heath (c1871-??)

·       Born:  2^nd QTR 1852 Alcester (S5b).  Listed as James Butler Smith.

·       Baptized: not found 

·       1861 census: with parents (S4). Listed as James Butler Hinton Smith age 9 born in Feckenham.

·       1871 census: with parents (S4). Listed as James B. Smith age 19 needle manufacturer born in Astwood Bank.

·       1881 census: with parents (S4). Listed as James B. Smith age 29 needle manufacturer born in Astwood Bank.

·       1891 census: 282 Doe Bank House, Astwood Bank, Feckenham (S4).  Listed as James Butler Smith single age 39 needle manufacturer born in Astwood bank with sister Bertha Hill age 41 and brother Edward Smith age 33, farmer. (Note: Butler is incorrectly listed as Bush and Bertha is listed as Bartha in the index).

·       1901 census: 122 Doe Bank House, Astwood Bank, Feckenham (S4).  Listed as J. B. Smith single age 49 needle manufacturer employer born in Feckenham with brother Edward age 43 farmer, sisters Ann Butler Tarleton age 59 and Bertha Hill age 56.  The J. B. Smith family was living only a couple houses from his brother Samuel Peto Smith.  (Note: J. B. Smith is incorrectly listed as I. B. Smith in the census index).

·       Marriage: June 7, 1906 Alcester (S8m).  Listed as James Butler Smith age 54 a bachelor and gentleman from Kings Heath whose father was listed as James Smith (deceased) a needle manufacturer and Jennie Heath age 35 a spinster from Ashwood Bank whose father was listed as Felix Webb Heath (deceased).

·       1911 census:  Astwood Bank, Feckenham (S4).  Listed as James Butler Smith age 59 director of needle manufacturing company born in Astwood with wife Jennie age 40 born in Astwood Bank married 4 years with no children. (Note: James is incorrectly listed as James Butters Smith and Jennie is incorrectly listed in the census index as Jemie).

·       Death:  July 4, 1911 Astwood Bank (S6).

·       Probate: July 19, 1911 Worcester (S6). Listed as James Butler Smith of Astwood Bank director of a limited company to Jennie Smith widow.  Effects: £491.

·       Obituary:  July 8, 1911 Redditch Indicator newspaper (S=Microfilm at the Redditch Library).

·       Wife’s Remarriage: May 5, 1913 Alcester (S8m).  Listed as Jennie Smith age 42 a widow from Astwood Bank whose father was listed as Felix Webb (deceased) a needle pointer and William Henry James age 57 a widower and licensed victualler from Astwood Bank whose father was listed as William Henry James (deceased) a fish hook maker.

·       Wife’s death: and died August 7, 1857 (S6).

·       Wife’s Probate:  October 28, 1957 Birmingham (S6). Listed as Jennie James widow of 142 Evesham Road, Astwood Bank to Edith Court married woman.  Effects: £1,744.

·       Children: None

 

Generation 3: Samuel Peto Smith (c1853-1936) and Sarah Ann Nash (c1855-??)

·       Born:  c1853 in Astwood Bank (S4).

·       Baptized:  not found

·       1861 census: with parents (S4).  Listed as Samuel Berth Smith age 8 born in Feckenham.

·       1871 census: with parents (S4).  Listed as Samuel P. Smith age 18 needle manufacturer born in Astwood Bank.

·       1881 census: not found

·       Marriage: June 26, 1883 Hampton, Evesham (S8m).  Listed as Samuel Peto Smith age 30 a bachelor and needle manufacturer from Feckenham whose father was listed as James Smith a needle manufacturer and Sarah Ann Nash age 29 a widow from Hampton.

·       1891 census: 51 the Ridgeway, Inkberrow, Feckenham (S4).  Listed as Samuel Pete Smith age 38 needle manufacturer born in Feckenham with wife Sarah A. age 36 born in Hanbury and 2 children: Laura A. and Peta C. B.

·       1901 census: 119 Avenue Road, Astwood Bank, Feckenham (S4). Listed as Samuel Peto Smith age 48 needle manufacturer born in Feckenham with Mary Diana Nosh step daughter born in the USA and son Peto Cyril D. Smith born in Feckenham.  The Samuel Peto Smith family was living only a couple houses from his brother James Butler Smith. (Note: Peto Cyril D. Smith is incorrectly listed in the census index as Pete Cyril D. Nosh).

·       1911 census: 17 Springfield Road, Kings Heath, near Birmingham (S4).  Listed as Samuel Pilo Smith age 58 needle manufacturer employer born in Feckenham with wife Sarah Ann age 56 born in Hanbury and 1 child:  Cyril. Indicates Samuel and Sarah has been married for 27 years and had 2 children who were still living.

·       Death:  Jan. 3, 1936 Birmingham (S6).

·       Probate: April 24, 1936 London (S6).  Listed as Samuel Peto Smith of 49 Gaddseby Road, Kings Heath, Birmingham to Bernard Mathews commercial traveler.  Effects: £71.

·       Wife’s death: not found

·       Children:

1.     Laura A. Smith (1885-??). Born in Feckenham (S4).

2.     Peto Cyril B. Smith (1889-??). Born in Feckenham (S4).

 

 

Needle Related Patents and/or Design Registration made by James Smith

·       Provisional Patent: 1867-1462 dated May 17, 1867 for sewing-machines, driving, speed, regulating. (S=patent journals online).

·       1872 Design Registration: #263048 for a metal hinged box dated May 31, 1872 (S=The National Archives, Kew).  Also known at the Cotton Plant and the Roses with Buds needle cases.

·       Provisional Patent: 1875-4062 dated November 23, 1875 for sewing-machine folding attachments. (S=patent journals online).

·       Patent: 1876-1997 dated May 12, 1876 for sewing-machine folding attachments  (S=patent journals online).

·       1880 Provisional Design Registration: #1735 for the “Medallion” needle envelope dated March 22, 1880 (S=The National Archives, Kew).  

·       1880 Design Registration: #359344 for the “Medallion” needle envelope dated December 8, 1880 (S=The National Archives, Kew).  

 

Avery style needle cases patented/registered by Smith or with the Smith name: Cotton Plant and Roses with Buds.