Alfred Booker & Co. (aka A. Booker & Co.):  History

 

The Company

According to the advertisement from 1873[1] pictured below, the Booker company was established in 1830, however, the firm did not appear in city or trade directories as needle and fish hook manufacturers until 1861.  It was not uncommon during the Victorian Period for a company to claim in advertisements that it was established at an earlier date.  In 1861[2] the company was listed as Alfred Booker and Sons, needle manufacturers on Unicorn Hill in Redditch whereas a J. Booker & Sons was listed as a fishing tackle maker that year also on Unicorn Hill.  Then in 1865[3] the company was listed simply as Booker & Son on Unicorn Hill, however five years later, in 1870[4] the business was now known as Alfred Booker & Co. (late J. Booker & Son).  By 1873[5] it was listed as at Midland Needle & Fish Hook Works and by 1876[6]  on Hewell Road. 

 

Since there appears to be only one Booker family in the Redditch area that was listed as needle manufacturers, one assumes this is the family that founded the company.  It seems most likely that Alfred Booker’s father, Joseph Booker, started working in the needle and fish hook trade and was  known as J. Booker & Son probably around the time his eldest son, John, became a needle manufacturer around 1844.  Perhaps at first this was a small operation and they made needles in their home, which could explain why they did not appear in city and trade directories until much later.  By 1846 Joseph’s second son, Alfred, became a needle manufacturer as well, whereas by 1861 the older son, John, changed occupations and became a commercial traveler.  Presumably, the sons worked for their father at some point and possibly expanded the business.  This could be the reason why the company was sometimes listed as “Booker & Son” and at other times as “Booker & Sons” in the 1860’s.  Another explanation for the difference in the company’s name could be that the city and trade directories contained some errors.  Perhaps there was a bit of confusion by the trade directory editors between the father Joseph and the son Alfred.  It just does not make sense that Alfred would name his company Alfred Booker & Sons in 1861 if he had no sons.  Or perhaps the confusion occurred because Joseph was starting to step back from the business and Alfred was in the process of becoming the firm’s main owner.  In fact, Alfred did take over the family business known as J. Booker & Son sometime between 1861 and 1870 and he renamed it Alfred Booker & Co[7].  Alfred then moved the operation from Unicorn Hill to Hewell Road and expanded the business by building the Midland Needle factory.  It looks as if Alfred’s brother-in-law Henry Duggins, a needle finisher, was possibly working for Alfred at Midland Works while the older brother, John Booker, may have been working as a commercial traveler at another firm[8]. 

 

The business continued to be listed in area trade directories in 1892[9], 1900[10] and 1912[11].  According to the company letterhead shown here, it was still in business in 1946[12]as a needle and fishing tackle manufacturer named Midland Works.   However, an advertisement from 1982[13] shows them as only being a tackle manufacturer.  The Midland Works factory, which was originally located on east side of Hewell Road near Melen Street[14], no longer exists.  Today, in its place, is a row of houses roughly across the street from the Railway Inn Pub.

 

The Owners

Alfred Booker’s father was Joseph Booker who was born c1798 to Joseph and Sarah Booker in Beoley, a small village just northeast of Redditch.  By 1841 Joseph was living on Mount Pleasant in Ipsley Parish a few miles to the southwest of Beoley.  During the first half of the 19th century, Mount Pleasant was often included in Ipsley Parish, whereas in later years, it was considered part of Headless Cross or Redditch.   Although Joseph was recorded as a needle manufacturer in the 1841 census, an 1842[15] trade directory listed him as a grocer and dealer of sundries on Mount Pleasant in Redditch.  Joseph and his wife Mary had five children: John, Alfred, Sarah, Joseph and Eliza.  Between 1841 and 1861 the Booker family lived on Mt. Pleasant in Ipsley/Redditch where Joseph was listed as a needle manufacturer or fishing tackle maker, although in 1851 he was temporarily lodging with another family in Liverpool, presumably on a business trip.  In 1861 and 1871 his grandson, Edward, was living with the family.  Joseph was consistently listed in census records as born in Redditch or Beoley.  His wife, Mary, died in 1872 and Joseph passed away six years later in 1878.  On his death certificate he was listed as an 80-year-old needle manufacturer who died at Hewell Road in Redditch where the family lived from at least 1871 until 1878.  His grandson, Edward who also resided at the Hewell Road residence, was present at his death.

 

Alfred’s older brother, John Booker, was born c1823 in Ipsley/Redditch and baptized at the Wesleyan Methodist Chapel in Redditch.  He was living temporarily at Water Street in Birmingham when he married Eliza Richards in 1844, who was also born in Redditch.  Perhaps the two ran off to Birmingham to get married because by 1851 the family had returned to Redditch.  Although John was listed as a needle manufacturer on his marriage bands and in 1851, he became a commercial traveler after 1851, a position he held for the remainder of his life.  His wife died between 1861 and 1871 and since they never had children, John spent the rest of his life living with a servant and housekeeper.  He died in 1895 at his home on William Street in Redditch where he had lived for at least 30 years.  His estate was divided between Harold Stock Bartleet, another needle manufacturer from Redditch, and John Capner a bank manager.  John was buried at the Plymouth Road cemetery in Redditch[16].

 

Alfred Booker was the second son of Joseph Booker.  Alfred was born c1825 in Redditch and was also baptized at the Wesleyan Methodist Chapel in Redditch.  He married Sarah Powell in 1846 and by 1851 the family was living on Beoley Lane in Redditch where Alfred was listed as a needle maker and grocer[17].  Thirteen years after their marriage Sarah died suddenly in 1859 and Alfred married his second wife Mary Adams a few months later. Alfred and Mary had three children:  Mary, Nellie and Alice.  From 1861 on Alfred was consistently listed as a needle manufacturer.  The family resided on Unicorn Hill for a few years before moving permanently to Hewell Road by 1871 where their home was close to Alfred’s father and also to his sister, Sarah Duggins, who both lived on Hewell Road.  Although Alfred was in Wales, presumably on business in 1871, Mary was recorded that year as the head of household living on Hewell Road, a needle manufacturer employing 22 hands.  Alfred and Mary remained at their residence on Hewell Road, known as Bank House, from 1871 until their deaths.  In 1879[18] Alfred registered patent No. 343331, an earthenware needle wrapper which listed him as Alfred Booker, trading as A. Booker & Co, Midland Works, Redditch.  Mary died in 1895 and Alfred died a year later in 1896 at his residence after a lengthy and painful illness.  Mr. William Avery attended his funeral in the third coach.[19]  Alfred’s estate of £2,797 was divided between his eldest daughter and Walter Jarvis, a manufacturer’s manager, possibly the manager of Midland Works.  Alfred was buried at the Plymouth Road cemetery in Redditch on April 30, 1896[20].  His obituary [21] reads:

 

“THE LATE MR. ALFRED BOOKER. – It is with profound regret that we have to record the death of Mr. Alfred Booker, which took place at his residence, Bank House, Hewell Road, after a lengthy and painful illness, on Sunday evening last.  He has gone to his grave respected and lamented, not only by the members of his own family, but by all who knew him.  Mr. Booker took an active part in the philanthropic work of the town, and was ever ready to give his support to any object that had for its aim the alleviation of the lot of his poorer neighbors with whom his sympathies always were, and to which he contributed largely though unobtrusively from his private means.  In conjunction with the late Mr. James Wright he for many years took an active part in the administration of what is known as the poor fund, and which during the inclemency of winter has brought comfort and warmth to many poor and aged persons by whom his kindly help  and cheering words will be greatly missed .  As a public man, too, he has done good service to the community in which it was his greatest pleasure to reside.   For a long period he was a member of the Redditch Local Board, but retired from that position some years ago.  He was for something like twenty years a member of the Bromsgrove Board of Guardians, and for the last year or so was vice-chairman of that body, and in fact only resigned that position a fortnight ago in consequence of his illness which unfortunately proved to be fatal.  The deceased gentleman, who was head of the firm Messrs. A. Booker and Co., needle and fishing-tackle manufacturers, Midland Works, was 70 years of age.  He was a member of the Wesleyan body, and a consistent Conservative in politics”. 

 

Alfred’s sister, Sarah, was born c1831 in Redditch/Ipsley.  She married Henry Breden Duggins in 1851.  Sarah and Henry had one child: Francis and they lived on Hewell Road, near her parents and brother Alfred, from before 1871 until after 1881 where her husband was a needle finisher, perhaps working at her brother, Alfred’s, Midland Works factory.  By 1891 the Duggins family was living near her other brother, John Booker, on William Street in Redditch.  Sarah died in 1895 and her husband Henry died two years later in 1897.  Their estate passed to their son, Francis, after their deaths.

 

Alfred’s youngest brother Joseph was born c1833 in Redditch/Ipsley and was baptized at the Wesleyan Methodist Chapel in Redditch in 1834.   He was living temporarily on Snow Hill in Birmingham when he married Rebecca Hands in 1856 who was also born in Redditch.  Perhaps the two ran off to Birmingham to get married like his older brother, John, did because by 1861 Rebecca was living in Redditch, although it is unclear where Joseph was that year.  Joseph and Rebecca had two children: Rebecca and Mary.  Because Joseph’s occupation was most often listed as a commercial traveler or manufacturer’s agent, the family moved around a bit, living in Cheetham near Manchester in 1871 and 1881 and in Salford, another suburb of Manchester, in 1891.  By 1901 the family returned to Redditch and Joseph retired there.  Rebecca died in 1902 and Joseph passed away six years later in 1908.  Joseph left his estate of £1,103 to John Booker Riches, another commercial traveler and George Riches, a butcher, presumably his cousins or other relatives.  Joseph was buried at the Plymouth Road cemetery in Redditch[22].

 

Edward Booker, Alfred’s nephew, was born in 1857 and lived with his grandparents until he was at least 15 years old.  It is unknown who his parents were.  After attending the Redditch Grammar School, Edward became an assistant teacher for a while in Walcot, near the town of Bath.  In 1887 at the age of 30, he completed a non-collegiate matric at Oxford University and returned to Redditch in 1891 where he lived with his aunt, Sarah Duggins, and worked as a school master.  By 1901 however, he was living at the same address where his uncle, Henry Duggins, lived prior to his death, but Edward was now a commercial traveler of bicycles and needles.  Edward married Fanny Lund Baxter in 1901 and by 1911 they had three children of which only two were still living: Edward, and John.  Edward continued to live in Redditch and worked as a commercial traveler.  Fanny died in 1920 and Edward died in 1943.

 

Alfred Booker & Co. (aka A. Booker & Co.):  Images

The southeast intersection of Melen Street and Hewell Road in Redditch, 2018.

 

East side of Hewell Road south of Melen Street where Midland Works was located, 2018.

 

The Railway Inn Pub on the west side of Hewell Road near Melen Street, 2018.

 

The house on the southeast corner of Melen Street at the intersection with Hewell Road, 2018.

 

View of the east side of Hewell Road south of the intersection with Melen Street, 2018.

 

Another view of the Railway Inn Pub on the west side of Hewell Road, 2018.

 

Top of the pasteboard needle case named “The Alexandra Needle Case” closed.

 

Partially open view of “The Alexandra Needle Case” with the center square cap on.

 

Interior view of “The Alexandra Needle Case with the A. Booker & Co.” name.

 

Fully open view of “The Alexandra Needle Case” with the center square cup removed.

 

 

Alfred Booker & Co. (aka A. Booker & Co.):  Genealogy

 

NOTE:  Although his age in the censuses doesn’t match exactly with his baptism record, according to census index records at Ancestry.com there was only one Alfred Booker living in the Redditch area from 1841-1911 who was a needle manufacturer also born in the area.  The census index also indicates there was only one Joseph Booker in the area the appropriate age to be Alfred’s father.  Additionally, both Alfred’s and Joseph’s families were living near each other on Hewell Road in 1871.  The second generation and third generation brothers, sister and nephew of Alfred Booker also appear to be the only ones with those names and ages in the UK who were born in the Redditch area.  The Redditch area includes Beoley, Bromsgrove, Headless Cross, Ipsley and Tardebigg.

 

Generation 1:  Joseph Booker (c1798-1878) and Mary ? (c1798-1872)

·       Born c1798-1801 Redditch/Beoley (S4).

·       Baptized:  Jan. 22, 1798 Beoley, Worcester (S1c).  Parents are listed as Joseph and Sarah Booker.

·       Marriage: not found

·       1841 Census:  Mount Pleasant, Ipsley, Studley (S4).  Listed as Joseph Booker age 40, a needle manufacturer born in the county, with wife Mary, age 40 not born in the county and 5 children:  John, Alfred, Sarah, Joseph and Eliza.

·       1851 Census: 13 Cases Street, Islington, Liverpool (S4).  Listed as Joseph Booker a married lodger age 53, a needle manufacturer born in Redditch living in the Bennet Jones household who was a licensed victualer.

·       1851 Census: 12 Mount Pleasant, Ipsley/Headless Cross, Studley (S4).  Listed as Mary Booker age 50, head of household, a married house keeper born in Ipsley with 3 children: Sarah Ann, Joseph and Eliza.

·       1861 Census: 18 Mount Pleasant, Ipsley/Redditch, Studley (S4).  Listed as Joseph Booker age 63, a fishing tackle maker born in Beoley, Warwickshire with wife Mary age 61, born in Redditch and 1 child: Eliza and a grandson Edward age 4.

·       1871 Census: 16 Hewell Road, Redditch (S4).  Listed as Joseph Booker age 73, a retired needle master born in Redditch with wife Mary age 70, born in Redditch and 2 children: Eliza and Edward age 14.  (Note: Edward appears to be listed incorrectly as a son when he is a grandson).

·       Wife’s Death: January 5, 1872 Bromsgrove at age 71 (S8d).  Listed as Mary Booker who died on Hewell Road in Redditch with her husband listed as Joseph Booker a fish hook manufacturer.

·       Joseph Booker’s Death:  Aug. 31, 1878 Tardebigg (S8d).   Listed as Joseph Booker age 80, a needle manufacturer who died at Hewell Road, Redditch with Edward Booker, grandson, in attendance who also resided at Hewell Road.

·       Death Notice: September 7, 1878 Redditch Indicator newspaper (S=Microfilm at the Redditch Library)

·       Probate: not found

·       Children:

1.     John Booker (c1823-1895) - see generation 2.

2.     Alfred Booker (c1825-1896) - see generation 2.

3.     Sarah Booker (c1831/32-1895) - see generation 2.

4.     Joseph Booker (c1833-1908) - see generation 2.

5.     Eliza Booker (c1840/41/44-after 1871) born in Ipsley/Redditch (S4).  Born 4^th QTR 1840 Alcester (S5b).  Listed with her parents in 1841-1871 (S4).

·       Grandson:

1.     Edward Booker (c1857-1943) - see generation 3

 

Generation 2:  John Booker (c1823-1895) and Eliza Richards (c1821- ??)

·       Born:  c1822/23/24 Redditch/Ipsley (S4).

·       Baptized: February 5, 1823 Wesleyan Methodist, Redditch (S1c).  Parents are listed as Joseph and Mary Booker.

·       1841 Census:  Listed with parents as age 15 born in the county (S4).

·       Marriage: April 17, 1844 St. Philip, Birmingham (S3).  Listed as John Booker, a needle manufacturer living on Water Street in Birmingham, and Eliza Richards.  John’s father is listed as Joseph Booker also a needle manufacturer. 2nd QTR 1844 Birmingham (S5m).

·       1851 Census: 44 Beoley Lane, Redditch (S4).  Listed as John Booker age 28, a needle manufacturer/commercial traveler, born in Redditch with wife Eliza age 30, born in Redditch and a servant who was born in Birmingham.

·       1861 Census: 65 Alcester Street, Redditch (S4).  Listed as John Booker age 37, a commercial traveler born in Ipsley with wife Ellen age 39, born in Tardebigg.

·       Wife’s Death - Eliza Booker: not found.

·       1871 Census: 55 William Street, Redditch (S4).  Listed as John Booker a widowed head of household age 48, a commercial clerk born in Ipsley with a servant named Elizabeth Sayers age 20.

·       1881 Census: 16 William Street, Redditch (S4).  Listed as John Booker age 59, a widow and commercial traveler born in Redditch with a housekeeper named Elizabeth Sayers age 30.

·       1891 Census: 16 William Street, Redditch (S4).  Listed as John Booker age 67, widow and commercial traveler born in Ipsley with domestic servant/housekeeper named Elizabeth Sayers age 41.

·       John Booker’s Death:  September 14, 1895 Redditch (S6).

·       Probate: November 22, 1895 Worcester (S6).  Listed as John Booker of 16 William Street, Redditch, a commercial traveler.  Effects: £8,649 to Harold Stock Bartleet, manufacturer and John William Capner, bank manager.

·       Buried: Plymouth Road Cemetery, Redditch (S=Raymond McLaren).

·       Children: none

 

Generation 2: Alfred Booker (c1825-1896) and Sarah Powell (c1825-1859) and Mary Adams (1831-1895).

·       Born:  c1826/27/28 Redditch (S4)

·       Baptized: Aug. 14, 1825 Wesleyan, Redditch (S1c).  Father is listed as Joseph Booker, a Redditch/Tardebigg needle maker.

·       1841 Census:  Listed with parents as age 15 born in the county (S4).

·       Marriage #1: 3rd QTR 1846 Bromsgrove (S5m).  Listed as Alfred Booker and Sarah Powell.

·       Marriage Notice: October 10, 1846 The Worcester Guardian newspaper.  Listed as September 28 at the Wesleyan Chapel, Redditch, Mr. Alfred Booker, son of Mr. Joseph Booker, needle manufacturer, of Redditch, to Sarah, youngest daughter of Mr. Joseph Powell, of the same place.  (S=www.lastchancetoread.com/docs/1846-10-10-the-worcester-guardian.aspx)

·       1851 Census: 80 Beoley Lane, Redditch (S4).  Listed as Alfred Booker age 24, a needle maker and grocer born in Redditch with wife Sarah Ann age 26, born in Redditch.

·       First Wife’s Death - Sarah Ann Booker:  1st QTR 1859 Bromsgrove (S5d).

·       Marriage #2: September 20, 1859 Redditch (S=The Worcestershire Chronical newspaper dated September 28, 1859 available at britishnespwperarchive.co.uk).  Listed as Alfred Booker and Mary Adams.  3rd QTR 1859 Bromsgrove (S5m).  Listed as Alfred Booker and Mary Adams.

·       1861 Census: 234 Unicorn Hill, Redditch (S4).  Listed as Alfred Booker age 34, a needle manufacturer born in Redditch with wife Mary age 30, born in Redditch, and 1 child: Mary E.

·       1871 Census: 15 Royal Street, Swansea, Wales (S4).  Listed as Alfred Booker a married boarder age 45, a commercial traveler born in Redditch.

·       1871 Census: 90 Hewell Road, Redditch (S4).  Listed as Mary Booker head of household married age 40, a needle manufacturer employing 22 hands born in Redditch and 3 children: Mary E., Nellie V. and Alice R. (Note: Mary is incorrectly listed in the census index as May, Nellie V. is incorrectly listed as Ellen and Alice R. is incorrectly listed as Alick).  This family was living not far from Alfred Booker’s father, Joseph Booker, and his sister, Sarah Duggins on Hewell Road.

·       1881 Census: 45 Bank House, Hewell Road, Redditch (S4).  Listed as Alfred Booker age 54, a needle manufacturer born in Redditch with wife May age 50, an assistant born in Redditch and 3 children: Mary E., Nelly V. and Alice R.  This family was living not far from Alfred Booker’s sister, Sarah Duggins, on Hewell Road.

·       1891 Census: 14 Hewell Road, Redditch (S4).  Listed as Alfred Booker age 63, a manufacturer employer born in Redditch with wife Mary age 59, born in Redditch and 3 children: Mary E., Nellie V. and Alice R.

·       Second Wife’s Death - Mary Booker: June 16, 1895 Redditch (S6).

·       Wife #2 Probate #1: July 26, 1895 London (S6).  Listed as Mary Booker of Redditch, the wife of Alfred Booker.  Effects: £86 to Mary Elizabeth Booker, spinster.

·       Wife #2 Probate #2:  August 8, 1895 Worcester (S6).  Listed as Mary Booker of Hewell Road, Redditch, the wife of Alfred Booker.  Effects: £109 to the said Alfred Booker needle manufacturer.  Revoked June 1896.

·       Alfred Booker’s Death:  April 26, 1896 Redditch (S6).

·       Obituary:  May 2, 1896 Redditch Indicator newspaper (S=Microfilm at the Redditch Library)

·       Probate: July 1, 1896 Worcester (S6).  Listed as Alfred Booker of Bank House, Hewell Road, Redditch, a needle fish-hook and fishing tackle manufacturer.  Effects: £2,797 to Mary Elizabeth Booker, spinster and Walter Jarvis, manufacturer’s manger.

·       Buried: Plymouth Road Cemetery, Redditch. Listed as Alfred Booker, age 70, a manufacturer, who died in Hewell Road and was buried April 30, 1896.  Interment number 6186, grave number 25R (S=Redditch Crematorium Records researched in August 2019 by Raymond McLaren).

·       Children:

1.     Mary E. Booker (c1860/61-??) born in Redditch (S4).

2.     Nellie/Nelly V. Booker (c1867-??) born in Redditch (S4).

3.     Alice R. Booker (c1868-??) born in Redditch (S4).

 

Generation 2: Sarah Ann Booker (c1831-1895) and Henry Brendon Duggins (c1831-1896)

·       Born:  c1831/32 Redditch/ Ipsley (S4).

·       Baptized: not found

·       1841 Census:  Listed with parents as age 10 born in the county (S4).

·       1851 Census:  Listed with mother as age 19, unmarried, a fishing tackle maker, born in Ipsley (S4).

·       Marriage: July 19, 1851 Bromsgrove (S8m).  Listed as Sarah Ann Booker and Henry Brendon Duggins.  Sarah’s father is listed as Joseph Booker needle manufacturer and her husband Henry was listed as a needle maker.

·       1861 Census: not found

·       1871 Census: 15 Hewell Road, Redditch (S4).  Listed as Sarah Ann Duggins age 39, born in Redditch, a fishing tackle maker living with her husband Henry Brendon Duggins, a 39-year-old needle finisher also born in Redditch and a son Francis Hy age 17.  The Duggins family was living next door to Sarah’s parents Joseph and Mary Booker and not far from Sarah’s brother Alfred Booker’s family on Hewell Road.

·       1881 Census: 55 Hewell Road, Redditch (S4).  Listed as Sarah A. Duggins age 49, a fly maker born in Redditch living with her husband Henry B. Duggins age 39, a needle finisher born in Redditch and a son Francis H. age 27, an undergraduate.  (Note: the census index incorrectly lists them at 57 Hewell Road).  The Duggins family was living not far from the Alfred Booker family on Hewell Road.

·       1891 Census:  23-25 William Street, Redditch (S4).   Listed as Sarah Anne Duggins age 60, an artificial fly maker toy, born in Ipsley with husband Henry B. Duggins age 59, a needle finisher born in Ipsley.  A nephew Edward Booker age 34, a school master born in Ipsley, was living with the Duggins family.

·       Sarah Duggins Death:  March 12, 1895 Redditch (S6)

·       Probate: February 3, 1896 London (S6).  Listed as Sarah Ann Duggins of 23 William Street, Redditch, wife of Henry Bredon Duggins.  Effects: £202 to Reverend Francis Henry Duggins, clerk

·       Husband’s Death - Henry Duggins: April 6, 1897 Redditch (S6)

·       Husband’s Probate:  October 2, 1897 Worcester (S6).   Listed as Henry Breedon Duggins of 11 Victoria Street, Redditch, a needle finisher. Effects: £60 to Reverend Francis Henry Duggins, clerk.

·       Children:

1.     Francis Henry Duggins (c1854-after 1896).  Born in Redditch (S4).

 

Generation 2:  Joseph Booker (c1833-1908) and Rebecca Hands (c1836-1902)

·       Born:  December 26, 1833 (S1c). 1834/35/36 Ipsley/Redditch (S4).

·       Baptized: February 9, 1834 Wesleyan Methodist, Redditch (S1c).  Parents are listed as Joseph and Mary Booker.

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

·       1851 Census: Listed with mother as age 17, a fishing tackle maker born in Ipsley (S4).

·       Marriage: December 29, 1856 St. Philip, Birmingham (S3).  Listed as Joseph Booker age 23, a traveler living on Snow Hill in Birmingham whose father was listed as Joseph Booker also a traveler and Rebecca Hands.  4^th QTR 1856 Birmingham (S5m).

·       1861 Census: Joseph Booker not found.

·       1861 Census: 46 Ipsley Street, Redditch (S4).  Listed as Rebecca Booker married age 25 born in Redditch with two children: Rebecca and Mary Jane.  

·       1871 Census: 272 Hampshire Street, Cheetham, Manchester, Lancashire (S4).  Listed as Joseph Booker age 36, an agent born in Redditch with wife Rebecca age 35 also born in Redditch, and 2 children:  Rebecca E and Mary J.  (Note: the census index incorrectly lists the surname as Bowker and Rebecca is incorrectly listed as Riheen.  However, the wife and children’s ages and birthplaces all match with earlier and later censuses).

·       1881 Census: 5 Johnson Street, Cheetham, Manchester, Lancashire (S4).  Listed as Joseph Booker age 45, a commercial traveler/needles, born in Redditch with wife Rebecca age 45 and a daughter Mary J. both born in Redditch.

·       1891 Census: 54 Devonshire Street, Salford, Lancashire (S4).  Listed as Joseph Booker age 56, a small ware agent, born in Redditch with wife Rebecca age 55 born in Redditch and daughter Mary J. also born in Redditch.

·       1901 Census: 24 Oakley Road, Redditch (S4).  Listed as Joseph Booker age 66, a retired agent, born in Redditch with wife Rebecca age 65 also born in Redditch.

·       Wife’s Death - Rebecca Booker: August 7, 1902 Redditch (S6).

·       Wife’s Probate: September 12, 1902 London (S6).  Listed as Rebecca Booker of Redditch, the wife of Joseph Booker.    Effects: £163 to Joseph Booker, retired manufacturer’s agent.

·       Joseph Booker’s Death:  February 13, 1908 Redditch (S6).

·       Probate: March 11, 1908 London (S6).  Listed as Joseph Booker of the Woodland, Worcester Road, Redditch.  Effects: £1,103 to John Booker Riches, commercial traveler, and George Riches, butcher.

·       Buried: Plymouth Road Cemetery, Redditch (S=Raymond McLaren).

·       Children:

1.     Rebecca Booker (c1857-??) Born in Ipsley (S4).

2.     Mary Jane Booker (1861-??) Born in Redditch (S4).

 

Generation 3: Edward Booker (c1857-1943) and Fanny Lund Baxter (1872-1920)

·       Born:  1^st QTR 1857 Alcester (S5b).  Listed as Edward Field Booker. 1857 Ipsley/Redditch (S4).

·       Baptized:  not found

·       1861 Census: Listed with grandparents as age 4 born in Redditch (S4).

·       1871 Census: Listed with grandparents as age 14, a scholar, born in Redditch (S4.)

·       1881 Census: 33 Grosvenor, Walcot, Bath, Somerset (S4).  Listed as Edward Booker, unmarried age 24, an assistant teacher in school, born in Redditch.

·       England, Oxford Men and Their Colleges 1880-1892 - Listed as Edward Booker born at Redditch 1857, a non-collegiate matric., 28 May 1887, age 30, from Redditch gr. School.  (S= ancestry.com)

·       1891 Census: 23-25 William Street, Redditch (S4).  Listed with his aunt’s family Sarah and Henry B. Duggins as a nephew Edward Booker age 34, single, a school master born in Ipsley

·       1901 Census: 11 Victoria Street, Redditch (S4).  Listed as Edward Booker age 47, a single commercial traveler bicycles and needles, born in Redditch living as a boarder in the William Abbitt household.  Abbitt was listed as a bicycle plater.  (Note: Edward was living at the same address as his uncle, Henry Duggins, when the uncle died in 1897).

·       Marriage:  September 30, 1901 St. Stephen, Redditch (S1m).  Listed as Edward Booker, age 44, and Fanny Lund Baxter.

·       1911 Census:  24 Bredon Place, Redditch (S4).  Listed as Edward Booker age 54, a commercial traveler of needles and bicycles, born in Ipsley with wife Fanny Lema age 39, born in Redditch and 2 children: Edward Francis and John Jordon.  Indicates Edward and Fanny had been married 9 years and had three children of which two were still living.

·       Wife’s Death - Fanny Lund Booker: December 26, 1920 Redditch (S6). (Note: the probate index incorrectly lists the year as 1921)

·       Wife’s Probate: March 18, 1921 London (S6).  Listed as Fanny Lund Booker of 24 Beoley Road, Redditch, wife of Edward Booker.  Effects: £465 to Edward Booker, a commercial traveler.

·       1939:  Listed as Edward Booker who was born February 12, 1857, a widow and commercial traveler, living at 6 Plymouth Road in Redditch (S9).  (Note: the document index incorrectly lists the birth date as February 10, 1857).

·       Edward Booker’s Death: February 3, 1943, Bromsgrove at age 86 (S8d).  Listed as Edward Booker who died at The Birches on Birchfield Road in Redditch and was listed as a retired representative for an electrical equipment manufacturer with son J. J. Booker as the informant.

·       Probate:  not found

·       Children:

1.     unknown

2.     Edward Francis Booker (c1907-??).  Born in Ipsley (S4)

3.     John Jordan Booker (c1909-??). Born in Ipsley (S4)

 

Needle Related Patents and/or Design Registrations made by Booker

·       1879 Design Registration: #343331 for an earthenware needle wrapper dated November 24, 1879 (S=The National Archives, Kew).

 

Avery style needle case with the Booker name: Louise - Folding.