Johnson, Hatchman & Co.: History

 

The Company

The firm known as Johnson, Hatchman & Co. at Little Love Lane in London was in business for less than ten years.  This company was established sometime between 1865[1] and 1868 by Frederick Johnson and William Hatchman who met in 1861[2] while working for another company.  It was first recorded with that name and address in several 1868[3] design registration documents and in a London newspaper[4] that year.  The business was only listed in a London city directory once, in 1870[5] after it moved to a new address as “Johnson, Hatchman & Co. agents, warehousemen & manufacturers of the patent desideratum folding umbrellas & patent perfumed corsets made upon models, 73-74 Wood street”.  Also, in that 1870[6] directory William Hatchman was listed separately in the commercial section with the words “See Johnson, Hatchman & Co.” after his name indicating he was a partner in the firm.  The business was best known for its umbrellas, which were described as follows in an 1869[7] newspaper article. 

 

“A NEW UMBRELLA. – As soon as a want is felt, it is supplied in this age of invention and progress.  The simple fact that the folded edges of umbrellas wear out before the rest of the slik has given rise to a new kind of woven silk for the purpose of covering these articles.  Messrs. Johnson & Hatchman, of Love Lane, Wood Street, Cheapside, have invented and patented an umbrella, the peculiarity of which consists in the silk at every fold being double.  This double strength is given by weaving with strong fine silk, and although by close inspection we can detect a slight difference on the wrong side of the silk, there is none perceptible on the right side, and this improvement is not visible from the outside when the umbrella is open or when folded.  By this arrangement the “wear and tear” comes in the parts that are doubly strong, and the umbrella wears double the usual time.  These new coverings are placed upon Fox’s frames, and are made at qualities varying from a plain umbrella up to the highly ornamental ivory-handled umbrella dear to the fair sex.  The price of Messrs. Johnson & Hatchman’s umbrellas is the same as that of the ordinary well-made umbrella, and is, therefore economical as well as durable. – Weekly Dispatch, Jan. 24, 1869”

 

The firm appears to have been quite successful during the late 1860’s and early 1870’s as they registered a number of designs and patents in the UK[8] and at least one in the USA[9] and they also participated in the 1873[10]  World’s Fair in London.  Unfortunately, the partnership between Frederick Johnson and William Hatchman was dissolved in 1874[11] and the firm was no longer listed in city directories in 1875[12].  Apparently, William Hatchman took over the business and in 1875[13] it was renamed William Hatchman & Co. “warehousemen & manufacturers of the patent “desideratum” and other umbrellas & the patent umbrella tents: corsets made upon models, 74 Wood street”.   By 1905[14] the firm moved again and was listed as “umbrella manufacturers, tent & marque & canopy makers & warehousemen, 112 & 113 Fore street” where it continued to be listed until at least 1925[15].

 

To date only one Avery style needle case stamped with the Johnson, Hatchman & Co. Little Love A picture containing coin

Description automatically generatedA picture containing text, light, case, picture frame

Description automatically generatedLane name has been found.  It is the Hermetical seen here with detailed views of the name and address[16].  Although the patent or design registration for this needle case has not been found, it is stamped on the back with the words “Patent Hermetical Needle Slide”.  This needle case must have been produced sometime around 1868/69 because the firm moved to Wood Street later in 1869 and one would assume it would have been stamped with the new address if it was made at a later date.  There is another Avery stylA picture containing coin

Description automatically generatede needle case named the Umbrella, pictured below, which might have been produced specifically for this company because it relates to the firm’s main product line.  Again, no patent or design registration has been found for the Umbrella needle case and it has only been found with no company name stamped on it.  Although some people might not think this looks much like a needle case from the outside, once it is opened, pictured on the right, it is obvious because there are four A leaf on a table

Description automatically generated with low confidenceslots numbered, 6, 7, 8 and 9 for packets of needles, which is what many other needle cases had.A picture containing yellow

Description automatically generated

 

 

The Johnson Owners

Frederick Johnson was born c1831 in Appleby, Lincolnshire, a town 159 miles north of London.  His parents were Joseph, a farmer, and Elizabeth Johnson.  Frederick appears to have had 6 siblings, including a sister named Esther who was born c1838.  By the time Frederick was 19 years old in 1851, he was working as an apprentice in a drapery shop in neighboring Brigg, Lincolnshire.  Sometime between 1851 and 1861 he moved to the London area and was working there as a warehouseman in a large Manchester warehouse with at least 90 other young men including William Hatchman.  In 1865 Frederick married Ann Jepson McCabe at St. John’s in Hampstead and they had 2 children between 1867 and 1871: Annie Blanche and Frederick James Clark.  In 1871 the Johnson family lived at Maida Hill in Paddington where Frederick worked as an umbrella and carpet manufacturer but by 1881 the family was living in or visiting Hastings in Sussex and Frederick was listed as a secretary to a supply association.  The Johnson family returned to London and by 1891 was living at St. George Hanover Square where Frederick worked as an accountant with his sister Esther living with his family.  Frederick died a year later in 1892 at age 60 and left as estate of £9 to his son Frederick James Clark Johnson.  At some point after his death his wife moved to North Cave, Yorkshire, 180 miles north of London where she spent the remainder of her life.  When she died at age 76 in 1919 she left £1,633 to her daughter Annie Blanche Hall who in 1895 married Arthur Hall.

 

The Hatchman Owners

William Hatchman was born in 1840 in Dulwich, in the Camberwell section of London, the son of Benjamin and Elizabeth Hatchman.  His father was listed as a gardener and a steward at different times.  By the time William was 21 years old he was living at a Manchester warehouse in London with at least 90 others including Frederick Johnson.  William married Ann Maria Cave in 1868 at St. Luke’s in the Chelsea section of London and they had 3 children between 1869 and 1877: Ellen Ann, Edith Alice and Kathie Cave.  By 1871 they were living in Clapham in the Wandsworth section of London and William was working as an umbrella and parasol maker.  Although his business partnership with Frederick Johnson ended in 1874, William spent the rest of his life in this occupation which included making tents in later years.  The Hatchman family moved to neighboring Battersea sometime between 1881 and 1891 where they remained for the rest of their lives although they visited or had another residence in Bexhill, a town 62 miles southeast of London along the southern coast near Hastings.  William died in Bexhill in 1920 at age 79 and was buried at the Bexhill Cemetery.  His estate, valued at £6,191, passed to his wife and his two youngest daughters.   His wife, Anna, lived another 15 years and died in 1935 at age 92 passing on her estate of £5,106 to her daughters. 


 

Johnson, Hatchman & Co.: Images

 

A picture containing text, box, container

Description automatically generated

Detail of the back of the Hermetical Needle Slide (S=Clarice Birch).

 

A sign on a wall

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Wood Street sign, 2023.

 

A street with buildings and people walking on it

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Love Lane at the intersection with Wood Street, 2023.

 

A picture containing accessory

Description automatically generated

Detail of the bottom closed of the Umbrella needle case.

 

A street with buildings and trees

Description automatically generated

Wood Street at the intersection with Love Lane, 2023.

 

A sign on a wall

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Love Lane Street sign, 2023.

 

 


Johnson, Hatchman & Co.: Genealogy

 

Frederick Johnson (c1831-1892) and Ann Jepson McCabe (c1843-1919)

·       Born: c1831 Appleby, Lincolnshire (S4).

·       Baptized: not found.

·       1841 Census: Appleby, Lincolnshire (S4).  Listed as Frederic Johnson age 10 born in the county living with Joseph Johnson age 40 a farmer born in the county and Elizabeth Johnson age 35 not born in the county and 6 others with the Johnson surname all born in the county: Charles, Arthur, Lucy, Mary, Esther age 4 and Ellen.  (Note: the census index incorrectly lists his forename as Frederica).

·       1851 Census: 27 Market Place, Brigg, Lincolnshire (S4). Listed as Fredric Johnson age 19 unmarried a drapers apprentice born in Appleby, Lincoln living with Francis Elles a widow age 54 draper with 2 other assistants, 1 other apprentice and 3 servants.

·       1861 Census: 43 Knowles Court, St. Mary Magdalene Old Fish Street, London, Middlesex (S4).  Listed as Frederick Johnson age 29 a warehouseman to Manchester warehouse born in Appleby, Lincoln living with over 90 others with the same occupation.  (Note: William Hatchman was also living here).

·       Marriage: October 5, 1865 St. John, Hampstead, Camden (S8m).  Listed as Frederick Johnson a bachelor and merchant who resided at St. James Westm whose father was Joseph Johnson with no occupation and Ann Jepson McCabe a spinster.

·       1871 Census: 27 Maida Hill West, Paddington, Marylebone, Kensington, London (S4).  Listed as Frederick Johnson age 40 an umbrella & carpet manufacturer born in Appleby, Westmoreland with wife Anne J. age 27 born in London and 1 child: Anne B. and 3 servants.

·       1881 Census: No. 8 East Parade, Hastings, Sussex (S4).  Listed as Frederick Johnson age 49 a secretary to Supply Association born in Appleby, Lincolnshire with wife Ann J. age 37 born in London, Middlesex and 1 child: Frederick and 1 servant and 5 lodgers.

·       1891 Census: 72 New Bond Street, St. George Hanover Square, London (S4).  Listed as Frederick Johnson age 57 an accountant employed born in Appleby Lincolnshire with wife Amy J. age 47 a private hotel proprietress employer born in Southwark, London with 1 child: Frederick J. C., 1 sister Esther H. Johnson age 53 single born in Appleby, Lincolnshire and 2 boarders and 2 servants.

·       Death: April 10, 1892 St. George Hanover Square, London (S8d), listed as Frederick Johnson age 60 an accountant who died of pneumonia at 72 New Bond Street with his daughter Blanche Johnson present at his death.  April 10, 1892 (S6).

·       Burial: not found.

·       Probate: April 14, 1897 London (S6).  Listed as Frederick Johnson of 72 New Bond Street, Middlesex administration with effects £9 to Frederick James Clark Johnson traveller.

·       1901 Wife’s Census: not found.

·       1911 Wife’s Census: not found.

·       Wife’s Death: March 27, 1919 Howden, Yorkshire (S8d), listed as Ann Jepson Johnson age 76 the widow of Frederick Johnson of independent means who died of bronchitis and cardiac failure at North Cave, Wallingfen with her son-in-law Arthur Barton Hall present at her death.  March 27, 1919 (S6).

·       Wife’s Burial: not found.

·       Wife’s Probate: May 2, 1919 London (S6).  Listed as Ann Jepson Johnson of Nordham, North Cave, Yorkshire a widow with effects £1,633 to Annie Blanche Hall (wife of Arthur Hall).

·       Children:

1.     Annie Blanche Johnson (1867-??).  Born: 2nd QTR 1867 Kensington (S=GRO Online Index), listed as Annie Blanche Johnson with mother’s maiden name McCabe. 1871 Census: with parents (S4).  Marriage: June 5, 1895 St. George, Hanover Square, Westminster, London (S8m). listed as Annie Blanche Johnson age 28 a spinster who resided at 72 New Bond St. whose father was Frederick Johnson deceased a gentleman and Arthur Barton Hall age 30 a bachelor and manufacturer. 

2.     Frederick James Clark Johnson (1871 -??).  3rd QTR 1871 Kensington (S=GRO Online Index), listed as Frederick James Clark Johnson with mother’s maiden name McCabe.  1881 and 1891 Census: with parents (S4), listed in 1891 as Frederick J. C. Johnson a warehouseman soft goods worker born in Maida Hill, London.

 

William Hatchman (1840-1920) and Ann Maria Cave (c1843-1935)

·       Born: October 4, 1840 Camberwell, London, Surrey (S8b).  Listed as William the son of Benjamin Hatchman and Elizabeth Hatchment formerly Hoult who was born at Wellington Place, Dulwich with his father’s occupation listed a gardener. 

·       Baptized: November 8, 1840 Dulwich College, Dulwich London (S1c).  Listed as William Hatchman with parents Benjamin and Elizabeth Hatchman.

·       1841 Census: Half Moon Lane, Brixton, Dulwich, Camberwell, Surrey (S4).  Listed as Wm Hatchman age 8 months born in the county living with Ben Hatchman age 35 a gardener not born in the county and Elizth age 35 not born in the county and 1 other person with the Hatchman surname: Elizth 

·       1851 Census: not found.

·       1861 Census: 43 Knowles Court, St. Mary Magdalene Old Fish Street, London, Middlesex (S4).  Listed as William Hatchman age 21 a warehouseman to Manchester warehouse born in Dulwich, Surrey living with over 90 others with the same occupation.  (Note: Frederick Johnson was also living here).

·       Marriage: September 15, 1868 St. Luke, Chelsea, Kensington (S8m).  Listed as William Hatchman age 27 a bachelor and warehouseman who resided at 72 Fulham Road whose father was Benjamin Hatchman deceased a steward and Ann Maria Cave age 25 a spinster.

·       1871 Census: 35 Union Grove, Clapham, Wandsworth. Surrey (S4).  Listed as William Hatchman age 30 an umbrella and parasol maker born in Dulwich, Surrey with wife Ann M. age 29 born in Chelsea, Middlesex and 2 children: Ellen A. and Edith A. and 1 nurse.

·       1881 Census: 35 Union Grove, Clapham, Wandsworth. Surrey (S4).  Listed as William Hatchman age 40 an umbrella and tent manufacturer born in Dulwich, Surrey with wife Ann M. age 38 born in Chelsea, Middlesex and 3 children: Ellen A., Edith A. and Katie C. H. and 1 servant.

·       1891 Census: 47 Norman Hurst, Balham Pk Rd, Battersea, Wandsworth, London (S4).  Listed as William Hatchman age 50 a manufacturer of umbrellas employer born in Dulwich, Surrey with wife Anne M. age 48 born in Chelsea, Middlesex and 2 children: Edith A. and Kate C. H. and 1 visitor.

·       1901 Census: 79 Balham Park Road, Battersea, Wandsworth, London (S4).  Listed as William Hatchman age 60 a bat and umbrellas maker employer born in Dulwich, Surrey with wife Ann M. age 58 born in Chelsea, Middlesex and 3 children: Ellen A. McBlain, Edith A. and Kate C. H. and 2 McBlain grand-daughters: Jessie A. and Dorothy E.

·       1911 Census: 79 Balham Park Road, Battersea, Wandsworth, London (S4).  Listed as William Hatchman age 70 a tent, canopy umbrella mfr employer born in Dulwich, Surrey with wife Ann Maria age 68 born in Chelsea, Middlesex and 2 children: Ellen Ann McBlain and Katie Cave Hatchman Heldman and 2 McBlain grand-daughters: Jessie Agnes and Dorothy Edith.  Indicated they were married 43 years and had 3 children all still living. (Note:  Katie’s forename is incorrectly listed in the census index as Ratie).

·       Death: August 3, 1920 Battle, Sussex (S8d), listed as William Hatchman age 79 manufacturer of tents &c retired who died of senile decay and cardiac failure at 17 St. James Road, Bexhill with his daughter Katie C. Hatchman present at his death.  August 3, 1920 at St. James Road, Bexhill, Sussex (S6).

·       Burial: August 6, 1920 St. Stephens, Bexhill, Sussex (S1burial).  Listed as William Hatchman of 17 St. James Road age 79.

·       Probate: October 11, 1920 London (S6).  Listed as William Hatchman of Normanhurst Balham Park Road, Surrey with effects £6,191 to Ann Maria Hatchman widow, Edith Alice Bryant (wife of George Henry Bryant ) and Katie Cave Hatchman spinster.

·       Wife’s Death: March 25, 1935 Battle, Sussex (S58), listed as Anne Maria Hatchman age 92 the widow of William Hatchman a tent manufacturer retired who die of cerebral embolus at Beaufort Cottage, St. James Road, Bexhill with her daughter Edith A. Bryant present at her death.   March 25, 1935 (S6).

·       Wife’s Burial: not found.

·       Wife’s Probate: July 2, 1935 London (S6).  Listed as Ann Maria Hatchman of Beaufort Cottage, St. James Road, Bexhill, Sussex widow with effects £5,106 to Edith Alice Bryant (wife of George Henry Bryant) and Katie Cave Hatchman spinster.

·       Children:

1.     Ellen Ann Hatchman (1869-??).  Born: 4th QTR 1869 Wandsworth (S=GRO Online Index), listed as Ellen Ann Hatchman with no mother’s maiden name listed.  1871, 1881, 1901 and 1911 Censuses with parents (S4).  Marriage: July 10, 1889 Holy Trinity, Upper Tooting, Wandsworth (S8m), listed as Ellen Ann Hatchman age 19 a spinster who resided at Battersea whose father was William Hatchman a gentleman and John McBlain age 27 a bachelor and banker’s clerk.

2.     Edith Alice Hatchman (1871-??). Born: 1st QTR 1871 Wandsworth (S=GRO Online Index), listed as Smith Rice Hatchman with mother’s maiden name Cave (Note: this was the only daughter with the surname Hatchman born in Wandsworth with a mother’s maiden name Cave born between 1870-1872).  1871, 1881, 1891 and 1901 Censuses with parents (S4),   Marriage: June 22, 1904 Holy Trinity, Upper Tooting, Wandsworth (S8m), listed as Edith Alice Hatchman age 33 a spinster who resided at 79 Balham Park Road whose father was William Hatchman a tent manufacturer and George Henry Bryant age 28 a bachelor and commission agent.

3.     Katie Cave Hatchman (1877-??).  Born: 1st QTR 1877 Wandsworth (S=GRO Online Index), listed as Katie Cave Hatchman with mother’s maiden name Cave.  1881, 1891, 1901 and 1911 Censuses with parents (S4).

 

 

 

Avery Style Needle Case Stamped with the Johnson, Hatchman & Co. Name

1.     Hermetical - the patent or design registration for this needle case has not been found and it has only been found with the Johnson, Hatchman & Co., Little Love Lane name stamped on it.

 

Designs Registered by Johnson, Hatchman & Co.

1.     Lace: For Class 13 Lace: #217496 registered March 18, 1868 by Johnson, Hatchman & Co., Little Love Lane, London. (S=The National Archives, Kew).

2.     Lace: For Class 13 Lace: #217497 registered March 18, 1868 by Johnson, Hatchman & Co., Little Love Lane, London. (S=The National Archives, Kew).

3.     Lace: For Class 13 Lace: #217498 registered March 18, 1868 by Johnson, Hatchman & Co., Little Love Lane, London. (S=The National Archives, Kew).

4.     Lace: For Class 13 Lace: #217499 registered March 18, 1868 by Johnson, Hatchman & Co., Little Love Lane, London. (S=The National Archives, Kew).

5.     Woven Fabric: For Class 12 Other Fabric: #229886 registered June 4 1869 by Johnson, Hatchman & Co., 73 & 74 Wood Street, London. (S=The National Archives, Kew).

6.     Woven Fabric: For Class 12 Other Fabric: #234275 registered October 8, 1869 by Johnson, Hatchman & Co., 73 & 74 Wood Street, London. (S=The National Archives, Kew).

7.     Lace: For Class 13 Lace: #242086 registered May 20, 1870 by Johnson, Hatchman & Co., Wood Street, Cheapside, London. (S=The National Archives, Kew).

8.     USA Letters Patent No. 108151 registered October 11, 1870 by Frederick Johnson of Wood Street and William Hatchman of Little Love Lane, London, England assignors to Thomas O. Morton Paton of New York (S=https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/70/a6/a0/ 4a9d53e78565e0/US108151.pdf).

9.     Letters Patent of Fabrics for Umbrellas: No. 815 dated March 18, 1872 which lists Frederick Johns & William Hatchman both of 73 & 74 Wood St of an improvement in the manufacture of fabrics for umbrellas (S=books.google.com).


 



Endnotes

[1] 1865 London Directory, pages 494, 792, 1081, 1134 and 1135 (S=ancestry.com).  The firm was not listed in this directory.

[2] See the Genealogy section of this chapter for source details.

[3] See the listing of designs registered by Johnson, Hatchman & Co. at the end of this chapter for source details.

[4] Illustrated London News newspaper dated April 11, 1868, page 23, column 4 (S=http://www.britishnews paperarchive.co.uk).

[5] 1870 London Directory, page 984 (S=ancestry.com).

[6] 1870 London Directory, page 927 (S=ancestry.com).

[7] Elgin Courant, and Morayshire Advertiser newspaper dated October 1, 1869 page 1, column 2 (S=http://www. britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk).

[8] See the listing of designs registered by Johnson, Hatchman & Co at the end of this chapter for source details.

[9] See the listing of designs registered by Johnson, Hatchman & Co at the end of this chapter for source details.

[10] London International Exhibition of 1873. Official Catalogue, Section Edition, by J. M. Johnson & Sons, page LXXII (S=books.google.com).

[11] Record of Failures & Liquidation in the Financial, International, Wholesale, and Manufacturer Branches of Commerce in the United Kingdom From 1865-1884, both inclusive, by Richard Seyd, page 220 (S=books.google.com).  The partnership was listed as dissolved on April 10, 1874.

[12] 1875 London Directory, pages 422, 1041 and 1042 (S=ancestry.com).  Not listed in this directory in the commercial and street section.

[13] 1875 London Directory, page 979 (S=ancestry.com). 

[14] 1880 London Directory, page 955, 1885 London Directory, page 977 and 1905 London Directory, page 1239 (S=ancestry.com). 

[15] 1925 London Directory, pages 295 and 1601 (S=ancestroy.com).

[16] These photographs of the Hermetical needle slide needle case are courtesy of Clarice Birch.

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