Samuel Fisher (aka Samuel Fisher & Son and S. Fisher Limited): History

 

The Company[1]

 Samuel Fisher established his business as a dressing case maker and cutler at 188 Strand in 1838[2] at age 25.  He was listed for the first time in an 1839[3] London city directory.  Dressing cases were originally made for the upper-class because they liked to travel and needed a way to easily transport clothing and other essential items when they were away from home.  With the introduction of the middle class during the late Industrial Revolution, dressing cases became more popular as more people traveled but the ones produced for the middle class were not as fancy.  At first Samuel Fisher and his family lived at the same address as his business but by 1851[4] their residence moved to another place in London.  The 1851[5] drawing seen here on the right, with the Fisher business on the right side, shows what it looked like at that time.  Samuel spent his entire life working in his dressing case business which over time became quite successful.  By age 21 Thomas Stennett joined the Fisher business as a worker and in 1841[6] was listed as a shopman and later a shopman manager or foreman.  Mr. Stennett worked and lived at the 188 Strand building with his family for over 40 years.  By 1856[7] the Fisher business was also making portmanteaus, “a large trunk or suitcase, typically made of stiff leather and opening into two equal parts”[8].   In an 1865[9] city directory the firm was listed as a “dressing case, cutlery & dispatch box manfr, bag and portmanteau maker & ivory turner”.  Whereas in city directories the business was consistently listed as Samuel Fisher at 188 Strand until the 1880’s[10], all of the firm’s advertisements were simply listed during that time as S. Fisher[11] as seen in the one pictured [12] here in the left.   From 1856 through 1875 the company was occasionally listed in directories with additional shops at 211 Strand[13] and 284 Regent Street[14].  In 1867[15] the firm’s shopman, Thomas Stennett, registered a patent for an improvement to dressing cases. 

 

Several other family members also worked in the Fisher family business.  Samuel Fisher’s eldest son, Robert Edward Fisher, joined his father as an assistant around 1861and became a manager by 1871.  Then the name of the business changed, and it was listed as Samuel Fisher & Son in city directories from at least 1880[16] until at least 1890[17] indicating the firm was owned by the father and son.  After his father’s death in 1890, Robert became the company’s leader and by 1895[18] changed its name back to Samuel Fisher, apparently because that was the name most of its customers recognized.  In 1901 Robert was the managing director and a couple years later, when the firm became a limited liability company around 1904[19], he became the director, a position he held until at least 1911.  The founder’s other two sons, Charles Alfred Fisher and Henry Massey Fisher, worked for the firm during the last quarter of the 19th century.  At first Charles was a shopman who later became a clerical clerk until his death in 1893.  Then his eldest son, Charles Theodore Fisher, took over his father’s position as clerk.  Henry also worked as a clerk or assistant for a few years until he left the London area sometime presumably in the 1890’s.  In addition to the Fishers, Thomas Stennett’s son started working for the company as a clerk when he was 14 years old in 1871.  He continued to work there for at least 40 years and became a manager after his father’s death in 1895.  Unfortunately, the business went through some difficult times during the early 20th century and it was liquidated in 1912[20].

 

To date the only Avery style needle case stamped with the Fisher name is the Horseshoe which was registered by the Birmingham company Buncher & Haseler in 1874.  Additional photos of it can be found in the Images section of this chapter.

 

The Fisher Owners[21]

Samuel Fisher was born c1813 in Highgate, a suburb of north London about 4 miles from the city center.  Not much is known about his early life because the Fisher surname is quite common in the UK and little evidence has been found proving who his parents or siblings were.  In 1837 Samuel married Mary Smith at St. John Hampstead, a church near his home.  By 1838 they were living at 188 Strand where Samuel had a shop and worked as a cutler.  As was common for workers who lived in that area of London, Samuel’s workshop was most likely on the ground floor and the family’s residence was on the upper stories.  Samuel and Mary had 5 children while living there from 1838 to 1845: Mary Elizabeth who died at age 4, Robert Edward, Henry Tennyson, Ethel Ann and Frederick William.  All of these children were baptized at St. Clement Danes in Westminster, the church next to their home.  Although the family residence changed over the years, Samuel continued to have his workshop at 188 Strand for the remained of his life and worked there as a dressing case maker.  Sometime between 1845 and 1846 the family moved to Beckenham, Kent, a town in the Bromley section of south London, approximately 11 miles south of the city center.  They stayed in Beckenham for only a few years and 2 additional children were born there: Charles Alfred and Mary Louisa. 

 

By 1850 the Fisher’s moved their residence to Willesden, an area 5 miles northwest of central London where 6 more their children were born between 1850 and 1860: Edwin John, Amy Elizabeth, Harold James who died at age 14, Marion Harriet, Herbert Massey and Francis Walter.  Samuel’s dressing case business became very successful as he was listed as a gentleman in 1857 and 1860 on two of the children’s baptismal records.  Around 1862 they moved again, this time to Upper Hamilton Terrace about 3 miles north of the city center where their last child was born: Constance Julia.   In 1871 the Fisher family was living in Penge in the Croydon section of south London, 8 miles south of the city center where they remained for at least 10 years.  Sometime before 1885 Samuel and Mary moved to neighboring Anerley Park.  Mary died there in 1885 at age 69 followed 5 years later by Samuel who died in 1890 at age 77.  He was buried at the Camden Cemetery and left an estate of £3,107 (£254,927[22] today) that was proved by his sons Robert Edward and Charles Alfred who both worked in the family business.  Of Samuel and Mary’s seven surviving sons, four pursed careers in other areas.  The second and third sons, Henry Tennyson and Frederick William, became ironmongers, the fifth son, Edward John, became a manager at a printing works and the youngest son, Francis Walter, became a clergyman. 

 

Robert Edward Fisher, the eldest son of Samuel and Mary Fisher, was born in 1839 at 188 Strand and was baptized at St. Clement Danes in Westminster.  By 1861 he was working for his father as an assistant.  In 1869 he married Mary Ann White at St. Peter in Croydon and they lived at a house in Penge not far from his parents.  By 1871 he was listed as manager of a dressing case manufacturer most likely his father’s businesses.  Robert and Mary Ann had 2 children born there: Mary and Kate.  At age 32 Mary Ann died in 1878 in Steyning, a town 50 miles south of London near the coast, presumably while vacationing in that area or visiting friends.  After her death Robert and his two daughters lived with his parents for a few years then he married his second wife Rosa Louisa Friend in 1886 in Eastbourne, Sussex, who was 15 years younger than him.  The family continued to live in the London area, a few years in the southern sections of Streatham, Croydon and Wandsworth and a few years in the western section of Chiswick.  Robert and Rosa had 4 children between 1887 and 1892: Robert Harold, Elsie Rosa, Edward Cyril and Ernest Edward who died shortly after his birth.  It appears as though Robert worked in the Fisher family business all of his life.  In 1881 he was listed as a dressing case maker and in 1891 as a bag and case maker and shopkeeper.  By 1901 he was the managing director of a company and by 1911 the director of a limited company that produced leather bags & etc.  Apparently, he took over the family business after his father’s death in 1890 and remained in that position until the company was liquidated in 1912.  At some point prior to 1924 Samuel and Rosa moved to Tooting, Surrey in the Wandsworth section of south London where Rosa died that year at age 71.  After her death Robert moved to neighboring Balham, Surrey where he died five years later in 1928 at age 89.  His estate, valued at £399, was passed to his eldest son Harold Robert and his uncle Reverend Francis Walter Fisher.  The eldest son Robert Harold, who went by the name Harold Robert, became a motor engineer.  Information about Robert’s youngest surviving son Edward Cyril has not been found as there are many individuals in the London area with the name Edward Fisher and not enough information connecting them to this Fisher family.  

 

The fourth son of the founder of the Fisher dressing case business was Charles Alfred Fisher who was born in 1846 in Beckenham, Kent.  His parents Samuel and Mary Fisher returned to St. Clement Danes for his baptism shortly after his birth.  Evidently the family was living in both places, Beckenham, Kent for his birth and 188 Strand according to his baptism record.  Perhaps they were in the process of moving and were going back and forth.  In 1871 Charles was living with his parents but was listed with no occupation.  In 1874 he married Sarah Jane Williams in Abingdon, Berkshire, 57 miles west of London where Sarah was born.  After their marriage they returned to the London and by 1875 were living in the Edmonton area of north London where their first 2 children were born between 1875 and 1879: Charles Theodore and Sidney Northcourt who died in early 1881.  Later in 1881 they moved to Camberwell in south London where they remained for a number of years and where their last 3 children were born between 1881-1890: Arthur Douglas who died a few months after his birth, Percival Duncan and Dorothy Leila who died shortly after birth.  Charles worked in his father’s business and in 1881 was listed as a shopman in the leather trade as the business produced leather bags.  In 1891 he was listed as a clerical clerk in a retail fancy shop which matches with how he was listed in his father’s probate as a commercial clerk at 188 Strand.  Charles died three and a half years after his father in 1893 at Clapham Park, Surrey, another section of south London, at age 47 and left an estate of £1,526 to his wife Jane.  After his death Jane moved to neighboring Upper Tooting where she continued to live until her death there in 1921 at age 72.  Her estate of £1,443 went to her eldest son Charles Theodore Fisher a commercial clerk and Thomas Worden Lenton a jeweler.   The son Charles Theodore, who was born in 1875, most likely worked as a clerk in the Fisher family business for a few years as he was listed in 1901 as a clerk and bag maker worker and in 1911 as a ledger clerk for a dressing case manufacturer, most likely for his uncle Robert.  The only other surviving child of Charles and Sarah, Percival Duncan was working as a  mechanical engineer in 1901.  Percival married Bertha Sarah Saunders in 1907 in Worcester and they immigrated to New Zealand by 1911 where he worked as a motor mechanic.

 

The only other son of the founder of the Fisher dressing case business known to have worked in the family business was Herbert Massey Fisher.  He was born in 1858 in Willesden, the sixth son of Samuel and Mary Fisher.  It looks like Herbert traveled to New Zealand sometime in the early 1880’s which could explain why he was not found in the 1881 UK census.  By 1890 he was back in England where he married Delories Jeannie Valburge, who was five years older than him, at St. Clement Danes in Westminster.  Herbert was listed as a clerk living at Strand in his marriage record indicating he was working at his father’s business.  In 1891 Herbert and Delories were living in the Lewisham section of south London and he was working as a dressing bag maker’s assistant presumably for his brother Robert who became the business leader after their father’s death in 1890.  What happened to Herbert between 1892 and 1931 in unclear as he has not been found in the 1901 or 1911 censuses.  Evidently at some point he moved to Australia where he became a fruit grower.  Herbert returned to the UK sometime around 1932 as he married his second wife that year, Nora Margaretta Mary Newton who was 24 years his junior, at St. Peter in South Wimbledon.  Within weeks of their marriage, they returned to Australia for a few years.  By 1939 they were back in the UK and lived in the town of Paignton, Devon along the coast near Torquey, an area known as the English Riviera[23], 191 miles southwest of London.  In the 1939 Register Herbert was listed as a retired fruit farmer and his birthdate was recorded as November 28, 1857 which matches his birth certificate.   Herbert died there 7 years later in 1946 at age 88 leaving an estate of £634 to his wife and nephew Charles Theodore Fisher.  At some point Nora moved to Dry Drayton, a village near Cambridge.  She died in 1971 at age 89 at the hospital in neighboring Fulbourn and left an estate valued at £4,563.

 

Other Fisher Company Workers[24]

Thomas Stennett was born c1817 and was baptized that year at Spitalfields Christ Church about a mile north of the Tower of London.  He was the son of a butcher named Joseph Stennett and Ann Stennett of Red Lion Court.  By the time Thomas was 21 years old in 1841, he was living at 188 Strand and working as a shopman at the Fisher family’s dressing case business.  Later that year he married Grace Keyworth at St. Mary Whitechapel in the Tower Hamlets section of northeast London.  After their marriage they lived at 188 Strand where they had 7 children between 1842 and 1858: Joseph, Emma, Thomas who died at age 1, Sarah, Ann, George and Louisa.  The Stennett family continued to live there until sometime between 1881 and 1888 when they moved to Hackney, a section of northeast London about 1 mile from 188 Strand.  During their 40 years living at the Strand, Thomas was consistently listed as a shopman, manager shopman to a dressing case maker or a foreman indicating he worked for the Fisher business there and his family lived on the upper floors.  His wife Grace died in Hackney in 1888 at age 72.  By 1891 Thomas was living with his daughter Sarah’s family in Hackney where her husband, Joseph P. Pedgrift, worked as a commercial clerk.  Thomas died there in 1895 at age 78 and left as estate valued at £1,574 to his son George Stennett a salesman.  Further evidence that Thomas worked for the Fisher family business can be seen below in the 1867 dressing bag invention he registered in 1867. 

 

Thomas’s youngest son, George Stennett who was born in 1856, must have learned the dressing case business from his father while the Stennett family lived at the Strand.  At age 14  in 1871 he was listed as a commercial clerk and by 1881 at age 24 a shopman.  During the 1880’s, after his parents moved to Hackney, George continued to live at 188 Strand and was listed as a dressing leather bag maker’s assistant in 1891, presumably taking over the position his father’s held earlier in the company.  In 1901 he was listed as a manager of a leather goods manufactory and in 1911 as a manager of a dressing bag maker indicating he remained with the Fisher business until the company was liquidated.

  

Samuel Fisher (aka Samuel Fisher & Son and S. Fisher Limited): Images

 

Horseshoe needle case open.

 

190 Strand from the east side of the building, 2023.

Horseshoe needle case bottom with the Fisher name (S=eBay).

 

   

190 Strand from the west side of the building, 2023.

 

 

395 and 397 Strand, 2023.

 

233 and 234 Strand, 2023.

 

417 Strand, 2023.

 

Samuel Fisher (aka Samuel Fisher & Son and S. Fisher Limited): Genealogy

 

Generation 1: Samuel Fisher (c1813-1890) and Mary Smith (c1816-1885)

·       Born: c1813, Highgate (S4) and c1813 (S5d).

·       Baptized: not found.

·       Marriage Allegation: February 16, 1837, St. John Hampstead, Middlesex (S=London and Surrey, England, Marriage Bands and Allegations, 1597-1921 available at ancestry.com).  Listed as Samuel Fisher a bachelor and Mary Smith a spinster.

·       1841 Census: Strand, St. Clement Danes, Westminster (S4).  Listed as Saml Fisher age 25 a dressing case maker born in the county with Mary age 21 born in the county and 3 children all born in the county: Mary, Robert and Henry, and 1 Thomas Stennett age 21 working in a shop born in the county.  (Note: the census index incorrectly only lists Saml Fisher).

·       1851 Census: 42, Willesden, Middlesex (S4).  Listed as Samuel Fisher age 38 a dressing case maker born in Highgate, Middlesex with wife Mary age 34 born in London and 7 children with the first 4 born in Strand, London, next 2 in Beckenham, Kent and the last one born in Willesden : Robert, Henry Ethel, Frederick. Alfred, Louisa and Edwin and 3 servants.

·       1861 Census:  20 Mapes Hill House, Willesden, Middlesex (S4).  Listed as Samuel Fisher age 48 a dressing case maker born in Highgate, Middlesex with wife Mary age 45 born in London and 8 children with the first 2 born in London, next 1 in Beckenham, Kent and the last 5 born in Willesden: Robert, Ethel, Louisa, Amy, Harold, Marion, Herbert and Francis, 1 visitor Edward Gilbert age 21 a medical student, 4 servants and a sister-in-law Ann Smith unmarried age 53  born in London..

·       1871 Census: 131 Ravenscroft Lodge, Penge, Croydon, Lewisham (S4).  Listed as Samuel Fisher age 58 a trader in London born in Highgate, Middlesex with wife Mary age 53 born in London and 10 children with the first 2 born in Westminster, next 2 in Beckenham, Kent and the next 5 born in Willesden and the last 1 born in St. John Wood, London: Ethel, Frederick, Charles, Louisa, John, Amy, Marion, Herbert, Francis and Constance and 4 servants.

·       1881 Census: 151 Ravenscroft Lodge, Green Lane, Penge, Croydon, Lewisham (S4).  Listed as Samuel Fisher age 68 a dressing case maker born in Highgate, Middlesex with wife Mary age 63 born in London and 3 children with the first 1 born in London, the next 1 in Beckenham, Kent and the last 1 born in Willesden: Robert, Louisa and Amy, and 2 grandchildren born in Penge: Mary and Kate and 3 servants.

·       Wife’s Death:  November 30, 1885 Croydon, Surrey (S8d).  Listed as Mary Fisher age 69 the wife of Samuel Fisher a dressing case manufacturer who died at Ravenscroft Lodge, Penge, Lewisham of morbics cordis pulmonary congestion with Saml. Fisher widower of the deceased present at her death..

·       Wife’s Burial:  not found.

·       Wife’s Probate: not found.

·       Death:  March 9, 1890 Croydon, Surrey (S8d).  Listed as Samuel Fisher age 77 a dressing case manufacturer who died at 10 Anerley Park, Penge, Lewisham of decay of nature and chronic prostatic with his son Francis W. Fisher in attendance.   March 9, 1890 10 Anerley Park. Anerley, Surrey (S6).

·       Burial:  March 11, 1890 Camden (S1burial).  Listed as Samuel Fisher.

·       Probate:  April 29, 1890 Principal Registry (S6).  Listed as Samuel Fisher late of 188 Strand, Middlesex, and of 10 Anerley Park, Anerley, Surrey a dressing case manufacturer with a personal estate of £3,107 proved by Robert Edward Fisher a dressing case manufacturer and Charles Alfred Fisher a commercial clerk both of 188 Strand sons and executors.

·       Children:

1.     Mary Elizabeth Fisher (c1838-1842). Baptized: February 1, 1838 St. Clement Danes, Westminster, London (S1c), listed as Mary Elizabeth with parents Samuel and Mary Fisher of 188 Strand with father’s occupation listed as cutler.  1841 Census: with parents S4).  Death: 1st QTR 1842 Strand Union (S=GRO Online Index), listed as Mary Elizabeth Fisher age 4.

2.     Robert Edward Fisher (1839-1928).  See Generation 2. 

3.     Henry Tennyson Fisher (c1841-??).  Baptized: June 10, 1841 St. Clement Danes, Westminster, London (S1c), listed as Henry Tennyson with parents Samuel and Mary Fisher of 188 Strand with father’s occupation listed as cutler.  1841 and 1851 Censuses: with parents S4).  1871 Census: 6 Park Villas, Lower Norwood, Lambeth (S4), listed as Henry T. Fisher age 29 an ironmonger with 7 men and 3 boys born in Beckenham, Kent with wife Mary E. age 28 born in Bendley, Worcestershire and 2 children: Harold T. and Mary L. and 2 servants.  Freedom of City Admission:  December 31, 1877 (S=London, England, Freedom of the City Admission Papers, 1681-1930), listed as Henry Tennison Fisher, son of Samuel Fisher of 188 Strand a dressing case maker, carrying on business of an ironmonger.

4.     Ethel Ann Fisher (c1843-??). Baptized: March 16, 1843 St. Clement Danes, Westminster, London (S1c), listed as Ethel Ann with parents Samuel and Mary Fisher of 188 Strand with father’s occupation listed as cutler.  1851, 1861 and 1871 Censuses: with parents S4).

5.     Frederick William Fisher (1845-??).  Born: 1st QTR 1845 Strand Union (S=GRO Online Index), listed as Frederick William Fisher with mother’s maiden name Smith.  Baptized: January 9, 1845 St. Clement Danes, Westminster, London (S1c), listed as Frederick William with parents Samuel and Mary Fisher of 188 Strand with father’s occupation listed as cutler. 1851 and 1871 Censuses: with parents S4).  1891 Census:  87 Lavsanne Rd, Hornsby, Middlesex (S4), listed as Frederick W. Fisher age 46 ironmonger born in Clement Danes, London with wife Lucy L. age 42 born in Alford, Lincolnshire and 2 children: Frederick F. and Noel L and 1 servant.

6.     Charles Alfred Fisher (1846-1893). See Generation 2.

7.     Mary Louisa Fisher (1848-??).  Born: April 29, 1848 and baptized June 3, 1848 Beckenham, Kent (S1c), listed as Mary Louisa with parents Samuel and Mary Fisher.  1851, 1861, 1871 and 1881 Censuses: with parents S4).

8.     Edwin John Fisher (1850-??).  Born: February 24, 1850 and baptized April 10, 1850 St. Mary, Willesden, Middlesex (S1c), listed as Edwin John with parents Samuel and Mary Fisher of Willesden with father’s occupation listed as dressing case maker.  1851 and 1871 Censuses: with parents S4).  1881 Census: 19 Wellington Building, St. George Hanover, Westminster (S4), listed as Edwin J. Fisher unmarried age 31 a manager printing works born in Willesden living with 2 visitors.

9.     Amy Elizabeth Fisher (1851-??).  Born: June 16, 1851 and baptized July 15, 1851 St. Mary, Willesden, Middlesex (S1c), listed as Amy Elizabeth with parents Samuel and Mary Fisher of Willesden Green with father’s occupation listed as dressing case maker.  1861, 1871 and 1881 Censuses: with parents S4).

10.  Harold James Fisher (1854-1868).  Born: 1st QTR 1854 Hendon (S=GRO Online Index), listed as Harold James Fisher with mother’s maiden name Smith.  Baptized: January 17, 1854 St. Mary, Willesden, Middlesex (S1c), listed as Harold James with parents Samuel and Mary Fisher of Willesden Green with father’s occupation listed as dressing case maker. 1861 Census: with parents S4).  Death: July 26,1868 Cuckfield Union, Sussex (S8d), listed as Harold James Fisher age 14 the son of Samuel Fisher a dressing case maker who died at Perf. Labor Lodge, Hursoperpont of inflammation of the bowels and ulceration with Mary Fisher of Penge, Surrey present at his death.

11.  Marion Harriet Fisher (1855-??).  Born: 1st QTR 1855 Hendon (S=GRO Online Index), listed as Marion Harriett Fisher with mother’s maiden name Smith.  1861 and 1871 Censuses: with parents S4).

12.  Herbert Massey Fisher (1857-1946).  See Generation 2

13.  Francis Walter Fisher (1860-??).  Born: February 19, 1860 and baptized March 21, 1860 St. Mary, Willesden (S1c), listed as Francis Walter with parents Samuel and Mary Fisher of Willesden with father’s occupation listed as gentleman.  1861 and 1871 Censuses: with parents S4).  1891 5 Stansfield Rd., Stockwell, Lambeth (S4), listed as Francis W. Fisher age 31 a missionary clergyman of the mission Stockwell born in Willesden, Middlesex living with the vicar of St. Andrews, Stockwell Charles E. Escreet age 39 and his family.

14.  Constance Julia Fisher (c1862-??).  Baptized: June 25, 1862 St. John Wood, Westminster (S1c), listed as Constance Julia with parents Samuel and Mary Fisher of Upper Hamilton Terrace with father’s occupation listed as a dressing case maker.  1871 with parents (S4).  1881 Census: with brother Charles Fisher (S4).

 

Generation 2: Robert Edward Fisher (1839-1928) and Mary Ann White (c1846-1878) and Rosa Louisa Friend (c1853-1924) 

·       Born: 3rd QTR 1839 Strand Union (S=GRO Online Index).  Listed as Robert Edward Fisher with mother’s maiden name Smith.

·       Baptized: August 15, 1839 St. Clement Danes, Westminster, London (S1c).  Listed as Robert Edward with parents Samuel and Mary Fisher of 188 Strand with father’s occupation listed as cutler.

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

·       1851 Census: with parents (S4):  Listed as Robert Fisher age 11 a scholar born in Strand, London.

·       1861 Census: with parents (S4):  Listed as Robert Fisher age 21 an assistant born in London.

·       1st Marriage: September 28, 1869 St. Peter, Croydon, Surrey (S8m).  Listed as Robert Edward Fisher age 30 a bachelor and gentleman who resided at Penge Battersea whose father was Samuel Fisher a gentleman and Mary Ann White age 23 a spinster.

·       1871 Census: 7 Croydon Rd, Penge, Croydon, Lewisham (S4).  Listed as Robert Fisher age 31 a manager of a dressing case mfr. born in St. Clement Dans, Middlesex with wife Mary A. age 24 born in Hitchin, Herts. and 3 servants. (Note: the census index incorrectly lists Robert’s birth place as Thronbury, Middlesex).

·       1st Wife’s Death: August 3, 1878 Shoreham, Steyning, Sussex (S5d).  Listed as Mary Ann Fisher age 32 the wife of Robert Edward Fisher a dressing case maker master in London who died at 3 Clermont Terrace, Preston of cirrhosis of the liver with Robert E. Fisher widower of the deceased present at her death.

·       1st Wife’s Burial: not found.

·       1st Wife’s Probate: not found.

·       1881 Census: with parents (S4):  Listed as Robert Fisher a widow age 41 a dressing case maker born in London with 2 children: Mary and Kate.

·       2nd Marriage:  October 26, 1886 St. Anne, Eastbourne, Sussex (S8d).  Listed as Robert Edward Fisher age 47 a widower and dressing case maker who resided at Penge, Surrey and whose father was Samuel Fisher a dressing case maker and Rosa Louisa Friend age 32 a spinster.

·       1891 Census: 162 Revelstoke, Streatham, Wandsworth, London (S4).  Listed as Robert Edw. Fisher age 51 a bag a& case maker & shopkeeper born in Westminster, Middlesex with wife Rosa Louisa age 38 born in Brixton, Surrey and 4 children the 1st one born in Penge and the other 3 born in Streatham: Mary, Harold Robert, Elsie Rosa and Edw. Cyrill and 5 servants. (Note: the census index incorrectly lists the surname as Tersher).

·       1901 Census:  103 St. Augustine Ave, Revelside, Croydon, Surrey (S4).  Listed as Albert E.  Fisher age 61 managing director of company employer born in London with wife Rosa L. age 48 born in London and 2 children the 1st one born in Anerley and the other born in Streatham: Mary and Harold and 1 servant. (Note: the census taker appears to have incorrectly listed Robert’s forename as Albert).

·       1911 Census: 92 Barrowgate Road, Chiswick, Middlesex (S4).  Listed as Robert Edward Fisher age 71 director of limited company leather bags & c. born in London with wife Rosa Louisa age 58 born in Brixton, Surrey and 4 children the 1st one born in Anerley and the other 3 born in Streatham: Mary, Harold R., Elsie Rosa and Edward Cyril and 1 servant.  Indicated they were married 24 years and had 4 children, 3 that were still living.

·       2nd Wife’s Death: January 27, 1924 Balham, Wandsworth (S8d).  Listed as Rosa Louisa Fisher age 71 the wife of Robert Edward Fisher a retired leather bag maker master who died at 18 Holborn Estate, Garratt Lane of senile decay with her son H. R. Fisher present at her death.   January 26, 1924 (S6).

·       2nd Wife’s Burial: not found.

·       2nd Wife’s Probate: April 26, 1924 London (S6).  Listed as Rosa Louisa Fisher of 18 Holborn Estate, Garratt-Lane, Tooting, Surrey, wife of Robert Edward Fisher with effects £300 to said Robert Edward Fisher manufacturer.

·       Death:  November 7, 1928 South Croydon, Croydon, Surrey (S8d).  Listed as Robert Edward Fisher age 89 of 27 Lawn Crescent, Kew Gardens formerly a leather bag maker who died at Stafford House, Duppas Road of acute myocardial failure with his son H. R. Fisher as the informant.  November 7, 1928 at Arundel House, Duppas Hill, Croydon, Surrey (S6).

·       Burial: not found.

·       Probate: January 17, 1929 London (S6).  Listed as Robert Edward Fisher of 175 Bedford Hill, Balham, Surrey with effects £399 to Harold Robert Fisher engineer and the reverent Francis Walter Fisher clerk.

·       Children:

1.     Mary Fisher (1871-??).  Born: 4th QTR 1871 Croydon (S=GRO Online Index), listed as Mary Fisher with mother’s maiden name White. 1881 Census (S4) with grandfather and father (S4).  1891, 1901 and 1911 Censuses: with father (S4).

2.     Kate Fisher (1874-??).  Born: 1st QTR 1874 Croydon (S=GRO Online Index), listed as Kate Fisher with mother’s maiden name White.  1881 Census: with grandfather and father (S4).

3.     Robert Harold Fisher (1887-??).  3rd QTR 1887 Wandsworth (S=GRO Online Index), listed as Robert Harold Fisher with mother’s maiden name Friend.  1891, 1901 and 1911 Censuses: with parents (S4), listed as Harold, Harold R. or Harold Robert in these censuses, in 1911 he was listed as Harold R. Fisher age 23 a motor engineer born in Streatham.

4.     Elsie Rosa Fisher (1889-??).  3rd QTR 1889 Wandsworth (S=GRO Online Index), listed as Elsie Rosa Fisher with mother’s maiden name Friend.  1891 and 1911 Censuses: with parents (S4).

5.     Edward Cyril Fisher (1890-??).  4th QTR 1890 Wandsworth (S=GRO Online Index), listed as Edward Cyril Fisher with mother’s maiden name Friend.  1891 and 1911 Censuses: with parents (S4).   Additional information about this man could not be found as there were many people listed with this name listed with no middle name.

6.     Ernest Andrew Fisher (1892-1892).  4th QTR 1892 Wandsworth (S=GRO Online Index), listed as Ernest Andrew Fisher with mother’s maiden name Friend.  Death:  4th QTR 1892 Wandsworth (S=GRO Online Index), listed as Ernest Andrew Fisher age 0.

 

Generation 2: Charles Alfred Fisher (1846-1893) and Sarah Jane Williams (c1849-1921)

·       Born:  August 8, 1846 Bromley, Kent (S8b).  Listed as Charles Alfred born at Beckenham with parents Samuel Fisher and Mary Fisher formerly Smith with father’s occupation listed as cutler.

·       Baptized: September 3, 1846 St. Clement Danes, Westminster, London (S1c).  Listed as Charles Alfred with parents Samuel and Mary Fisher of 188 Strand with father’s occupation listed as cutler.

·       1851 Census: with parents (S4):  Listed as Alfred Fisher age 4 born in Beckenham, Kent.

·       1861 Census:  not found.

·       1871 Census: with parents (S4):  Listed as Charles Fisher age 24 born in Beckenham, Kent.

·       Marriage: September 12, 1874 Abingdon, Berkshire (S8m), listed as Charles Alfred Fisher age 28 a bachelor and manufacturer of dressing cases who resided at Penge, Surry and whose father was Samuel Fisher a dressing case manufacturer sand Sarah Jane Williams age 24 a spinster. September 12, 1874 Abingdon (S=The Norwood News newspaper dated September 19,1874 page 1 column 1 on ancestry.com), listed as Charles Alfred Fisher the fourth son of Samuel Fisher of the Strand and Penge and Sarah Jane Williams of Abingdon, Berks.

·       1881 Census: 82 Grove Hill Rd, 8 Grove Terrace, Camberwell, Lambeth (S4).  Listed as Charles A. Fisher age 34 a shopman leather trade born in Beckenham, Kent with wife Sarah J. age 31 born in Abingdon, Berks with a child: Charles L. born in Tottenham, Middlesex and a sister Constance J. Fisher age 18 born in St. Johns Wood, Middlesex and 1 relation Edwin E. Williams age 26 an unmarried art student born in Torquay, Devon and 1 servant.

·       1891 Census: 12 Ellie Rd, Camberwell (S4).   Listed as Charles A. Fisher age 43 clerical clerk in a retail fancy shop employed born in Beckenham, Kent with wife Sarah J. age 41 born in Abingdon, Berks and 1 child: Percy D. born in Camberwell, Surrey and a sister-in-law Elizabeth Williams single age 48 living on own means born in Abingdon, Berks. and 1 servant.

·       Death: October 30, 1893 Chapham, Wandsworth (S8d), listed as Charles Alfred Fisher age 47 a portmanteau and cutlers assistant who died at 23 Caldervale Road of valvular disease of the heart and pneumonia with his son C. T. F. Fisher as the informant.  October 30, 1893 (S6).

·       Burial: not found.

·       Probate: January 1, 1894 London (S6).  Listed as Charles Alfred Fisher of 23 Caldervale Road, Clapham Park, Surrey a gentleman with effects £1,526 to Sarah Jane Fisher widow.

·       Wife’s 1901 Census: 35 Beechcroft Rd, Wandsworth, Surrey (S4).  Listed as Sarah J. Fisher a widow age 51 born in Northcourt, Berks with 2 children: Charles T. and Percy D.  (Note: the census index incorrectly lists Sarah Fisher as age 5 and does not list the children).

·       Wife’s 1911 Census:  35 Beechcroft Road, Upper Tooting S.W., Wandsworth (S4).  Listed as Sarah Jane Fisher age 61 a widow living on private means born in Northcourt, Berks and 1 servant.

·       Wife’s Death: March 3, 1921 Balham, Wandsworth (S8d), listed as Sarah Jane Fisher age 72 the widow of Charles Alfred Fisher a leather manufacturer who died at 23 Brenda Road of bronchitis and asthma with her son Charles T. Fisher as the informant.  March 3. 1921 (S6).

·       Wife’s Burial: not found.

·       Wife’s Probate: April 5, 1921 London (S6).  Listed as Sarah Jane Fisher of 23 Brenda Road, Upper Tooting, Surrey a widow with effects £1,443 to Charles Theodore Fisher a commercial clerk and Thomas Worden Lenton a jeweler.

·       Children:

1.     Charles Theodore Fisher (1875-??).  Born: 3rd QTR 1875 Edmonton (S=GRO Online Index), listed as Charles Theodore Fisher with mother’s maiden name Williams.  1881 Census: with parents (S4).   1901 Census: with mother (S4), listed as Charles T. Fisher age 25 a clerk & bag maker worker born in Wood Green, Middlesex.  1911 Census: 227 Queens Rd, Wimbledon, Surrey S4), listed as Charles Theodore Fisher age 35 a ledger clerk dressing bag maker employee born in Wood Green with wife Mabel Ellen age 35 born in Grousend and 1 child: Dorothy Mary and the wife’s mother Mary Jane Gutteridge age 74 a widow born in Reading; they were married 7 years and had 2 children, 1 still living.

2.     Sidney Northcourt Fisher (1879-1881).  Born: 3rd QTR 1879 Edmonton (S=GRO Online Index), listed as Sidney Northcourt Fisher with mother’s maiden name Williams.  Death: 1st QTR 1881 Edmonton (S=GRO Online Index), listed as Sidney Northcourt Fisher age 1.

3.     Arthur Douglas Fisher (1881-1882).  Born: 4th QTR 1881 Camberwell (S=GRO Online Index), listed as Arthur Douglas Fisher with mother’s maiden name Williams.  Death: 2nd QTR 1882 Camberwell S=GRO Online Index), listed as Arthur Douglas Fisher age 0.

4.     Percival Duncan Fisher (1883-??).  Born: 3rd QTR 1883 Camberwell (S=GRO Online Index), listed as Percival Duncan Fisher with mother’s maiden name Williams.  1891 Census with parents (S4).  1901 Census: with mother (S4), listed as Percy D. Fisher age 17 a mechanical engineer worker born in Denmark Hill, Surrey.  Marriage: 4th QTR 1907 Worcester (S5m), listed as Percival Duncan Fisher and Bertha Sarah Saunders.  1911 Waipawa, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand (S=New Zealand, Electoral Rolls, 1853-1981, page 7 available on ancestry.com), listed as Bertha Sarah Fisher and Percival Duncan Fisher care of R. Turnbull, Kerern, Hastings motor mechanic.  

5.     Dorothy Leila Fisher (1890-1890).  Born: 3rd QTR 1890 Camberwell (S=GRO Online Index), listed as Dorothy Leila Fisher with mother’s maiden name Williams.   Death: 4th QTR 1890 Camberwell (S=GRO Online Index), listed as Dorothy Leyla Fisher age 0.

 

Herbert Massey Fisher (1857-1946) and Delories Jeanie Valburge (c1854-??) and   Nora Margaretta Mary Newton (c1882-1971)

·       Born: November 28, 1857 Willesden, Hendon, Middlesex (S8b).  Listed as Herbert Massey born at Mapes Hill House with parents Samuel Fisher and Mary Fisher formerly Smith with father’s occupation listed as dressing case maker master. 

·       Baptized: December 31, 1857 St. Mary, Willesden (S1c), listed as Herbert Massey with parents Samuel and Mary Fisher of Willesden with father’s occupation listed as gentleman

·       1861 Census: with parents (S4).  Listed as Herbert Fisher age 3 born in Willesden, Middlesex.

·       1871 Censuses: with parents S4).  Listed as Herbert Fisher age 13 born in Willesden, Middlesex.

·       1881 Census: not found.

·       1882-1884 Election Rolls, Auckland, New Zealand (S=New Zealand, Election Rolls, 1853-1981 available at ancestry.com).  Listed as Herbert Massey Fisher of Auckland, New Zealand.

·       1st Marriage: October 6, 1890 St. Clement Danes, Westminster, London (S8m), listed as Herbert Massey Fisher age 32 a bachelor who was a clerk who resided at Strand whose father was Samuel Fisher deceased a dressing case maker and Delories Jeanie Valburge age 37 a spinster. 

·       1891 Census:  11 Frida Villa, Trewsbury Rd., Lewisham (S4), listed as Herbert Massey Fisher age 33 a dressing bag maker assistant employee born in Willesden, Middlesex with wife Delories Jeannie age 37 born in Spain a British Subject and 1 visitor and 1 servant (Note: the census index incorrectly lists the surname as Fishel).

·       1901 Census: not found.

·       1911 Census: not found.

·       1st Wife’s Death: not found.

·       1st Wife’s Burial: not found.

·       1st Wife’s Probate: not found.

·       2nd Marriage: October 26, 1932 Holy Trinity and St. Peter, South Wimbledon (S8m).  Listed as Herbert Massey Fisher age 74 a widower and fruit grower who resided at 62 Cromwell Road whose father was Samuel Fisher deceased a portmanteau maker and Nora Margaretta Mary Newton age 50 a spinster. (Note:  the marriage index incorrectly lists Nora as Nara).

·       Marriage Announcement:  Tonbridge Free Press newspaper dated October 28, 1932, page 6 column 4 (S=http://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk).  Listed as Herbert M. Fisher who was 74 married Miss Nora Newton age 50 today at St. Peter’s Church, Wimbledon and both will return to Australia.

·       1932 Passenger List: Sailed on the ship named Bendigo that arrived at Fremantle, Western Australia on November 28, 1932 (S=Fremantle Western Australia, Passenger Lists, 1897-1963 available at ancestry.com).  Listed as Herbert Massey Fisher and Nora Fisher.

·       1939 Register: 72 Old Way Road, Paignton, Devon (S9).  Listed as Herbert M. Fisher born November 28, 1857 a retired fruit farmer with wife Nora born July 24, 1882.

·       Death: February 2, 1946 St. Thomas, Devon Central (S8d), listed as Herbert Massey Fisher age 88 of 30 Oldway Road, Paignton, Devon a retired fruit famer who died at Deepway, Exminster of acute cystitis and cardiac vascular degeneration.  February 2, 1846 Deepway Exminster, Devonshire (6).

·       Burial: not found.

·       Probate: September 27, 1946 London (S6).  Listed as Herbert Massey Fisher of 30 Old Way Road, Paignton with effects £634 to Nora Margaretta Mary Fisher widow and Charles Theodore Fisher retired commercial clerk.  Resealed Adelaide February 18, 1947.

·       2nd Wife’s Death: December 23, 1971 Cambridge (S8d), listed as Nora Margaretta Mary Fisher the widow of Henry Massey Fisher a retired fruit grower who was born  on July 24, 1882 in Croydon, Surrey and who died of streptococcal cellulitis and senile dementia on December 23, 1971 at the Fulbourn Hospital Fulbourn, Cambridgeshire.  December 23, 1971 (S6).

·       2nd Wife’s Burial: not found.

·       2nd Wife’s Probate: March 8, 1972 Ipswich (S6).  Listed as Nora Margaretta Mary Fisher of Derrymore House, Old Rectory Dv, Dry Drayton, Cambridgeshire with effects of £4,563.

·       Children: none.

 

Thomas Stennett (c1817-1895) and Grace Keyworth (c1816-1888)

·       Born: c1817 (S1c), Spitalfields (S4).

·       Baptized: April 27, 1817 Spitalfields Christ Church, Stepney, London (S1c).  Listed as Thomas with parents Joseph and Ann Stennett of Red Lion Court with father’s occupation listed as a butcher.

·       1841 Census: Strand, St. Clement Danes, Westminster (S4).  Listed Thomas Stennett age 21 working in a shop born in the county living with the Samuel Fisher family.

·       Marriage: June 20, 1841 St. Mary, Whitechapel, Tower Hamlets, Middlesex (S8M).  Listed as Thomas Stennett a bachelor and cutler who resided at Church Lane and whose father was Joseph Stennett a butcher and Grace Keyworth a spinster.

·       1851 Census: 188 Strand, Clement Danes, Westminster (S4).  Listed as Thomas Stennett age 32 a shopman born in Spitalfields, Middlesex with wife Grace age 32 born in Weston and 3 children the 1st two born in Clerkenwell and the last 1 born in Strand: Joseph, Emma and Sarah and 1 servant.

·       1861 Census: 188 Strand, St. Clement, Westminster (S4).  Listed as Thomas Stennett age 43 a shopman born in Spitalfields, Middlesex with wife Grace age 43 born in Sheffield and 6 children the first 2 born in Clerkenwell and the last 4 born in St. Clements: Joseph, Emma, Sarah, Ann, George and Louisa and 1 servant and 1 lodger.

·       1867 Provisional Patent:  No. 3007 registered on October 25, 1867 by Thomas Stennett in the employ of Samuel Fisher of 188 Strand for an improvement in dressing and other bags (S=books.google.com).

·       1871 Census: 188 Strand, St. Clement, Westminster (S4).  Listed as T. Stennett age 54 a manager shopman to a dressing case maker born in Spitalfields, Middlesex with wife Grace age 53 born in Sheffield, Yorkshire and 4 children all born in St. Clement Dane, Middlesex: Sarah, Ann, George and Louisa.

·       1881 Census: 188 Strand, St. Clement, Westminster (S4).  Listed as Thomas Stennett age 64 a foreman born in undecipherable with wife Grace age 64 born in undecipherable and 3 children all born in undecipherable:  Ann, George and Louisa.

·       Wife’s Death: December 6, 1888 Hackney, Middlesex (S8d).  Listed as Grace Stennett age 72 the wife of Thomas Stennett a dressing case makers manager who died at 43 Benthal Road of bronchial pneumonia with Thomas Stennett the widower of the deceased in attendance.

·       Wife’s Burial: not found.

·       Wife’s Probate: not found.

·       1891 Census: 43 Benthal Rd., Hackney, London (S4).  Listed as Thomas Stennett a widow age 74 age with no occupation born in Spitalfields living with his son-in-law and daughter’s family Joseph P. Pedgrift  age 43 a commercial clerk born in Bermondsey, Surrey and his wife Sarah age 41 born in Strand and 1 child: Joseph Stennett Pedgrift.  (Note:  the census index incorrectly lists Thomas’s surname as Skinnell).

·       Death: April 29,  1895 Hackney, London (S8d).  Listed as Thomas Stennett age 78 a retired dressing case makers manager who died at 43 Benthal Road of acute dengue asthma with his daughter S. Pedgrift present at his death.  April 30, 1895 (S6).

·       Burial: not found.

·       Probate: May 30, 1895 London (S6).  Listed as Thomas Stennett of 43 Benthal Road, Stoke Newington, Middlesex with effects £1,574 to George Stennett salesman.

·       Children:

1.     Joseph Stennett (1842-??).  Born: 2nd QTR 1842 Saint James Clerkenwell (S=GRO Online Index), listed as Joseph Stennett with mother’s maiden name Keyworth.  1851 and 1861 Census: with parents (S4).

2.     Emma Stennett (1844-1870).  Born: 4th QTR 1844 Saint James Clerkenwell (S=GRO Online Index), listed as Emma Stennett with mother’s maiden name Keyworth.  1851 and 1861 Census: with parents (S4).  Death: 3rd QTR 1870 Strand (S=GRO Online Index), listed as Emma Stennett age 25.

3.     Thomas Stennett (1847-1848).  Born: 1st QTR 1847 Westminster (S=GRO Online Index), listed as Thomas Stennett with mother’s maiden name Keyworth.  Death: 2nd QTR 1848 Strand (S=GRO Online Index), listed as Thomas Stennett age 1.

4.     Sarah Stennett (1850-??).  Born: 2nd QTR 1850 Strand (S=GRO Online Index), listed as Sarah Stennett with mother’s maiden name Keyworth.  1851, 1861 and 1871 Censuses: with parents (S4).  Marriage: May 16, 1875 Walworth Common, Southwark, Surrey (S8m), listed as Sarah Stennett age 25 a spinster who resided at 54 Marion St. whose father was Thomas Stennett a shopman and Joseph Powel Pedgrift age 26 a bachelor an insurance clerk.  1891 Census: 43 Benthal Rd., Hackney, London (S4).  Listed Joseph P. Pedgrift age 43 a commercial clerk born in Bermondey, Surrey wife Sarah age 41 born in Strand and 1 child: Joseph Stennett Pedgrift and a father-in-law Thomas Stennett age 74, (Note: the census index incorrectly lists Thomas’s surname as Skinnell).

5.     Ann Stennett (1852-??).  Born: 1st QTR 1852 Strand (S=GRO Online Index), listed as Ann Stennett with mother’s maiden name Keyworth.  1861, 1871 and 1881 Censuses: with parents (S4). 

6.     George Stennett (1856-??).  Born: 2nd QTR 1856 Strand (S=GRO Online Index), listed as George Stennett with mother’s maiden name Keyworth.  1861, 1871 and 1881 Censuses: with parents (S4). In 1871 listed as George Stennett age 14 a commercial clerk born in St Clement Danes, Middlesex, and in 1881 listed as George Stennett age 24 a shopman born in undecipherable.  1891 Census:  188 Strand, St. Clement Danes, Westminster (S4), listed as George Stennett age 34 a single lodger working as a dressing leather bag makers assistant employed born in St. Clement Danes, London living with Benjamin Reeves age 50 a porter and his family.  1901 Census: 51-6 Condover St, Marylebone, London (S4), listed as George Stennett age 44 a single manager of leather goods manufactory born in Clerkenwell.  1911 Census: Flat 3 and 24 Cathcart Hill, Upper Holloway N, Islington, London (S4), listed as George Stennett age 54 single a manager of dressing bag maker worker born in Westminster with 1 servant.

7.     Louisa Stennett (1858-??).  Born: 3rd QTR 1858 Strand (S=GRO Online Index), listed as Louisa Stennett with mother’s maiden name Keyworth.  1861, 1871 and 1881 Censuses: with parents (S4). 

 

 

Avery Style Needle Case with the “Fisher 188 Strand London” Name Stamper on It

1.      Horseshoe Needle Case: Ornamental Design # 283264 dated June 25, 1874 registered by Buncher & Haseler of Birmingham (S=The National Archives, Kew, UK).

 

 

Designs Registered by Samuel Fisher of 188 Strand (S=The National Archives, Kew)

1.      Ornamental Design #292198 registered June 21, 1875 for the Carlton bag plate

2.      Ornamental Design #293557 registered August 14, 1875 for the “United” bag plate

3.      Ornamental Design #298207 registered February 5, 1876 for a combined handle plate

 

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