Henry Milward & Sons (aka H. Milward & Sons): History

The Company[1]

According to several articles published in the late 19^thand early 20^th centuries, Henry Milward & Sons was not only one of the oldest but also one of the largest and best-known needle manufacturers in Great Britain. From its inception until the early 20^th century, this firm was owned and directed by six generations of the Milward family[2] who had needle mills or factories at two locations in the Redditch area. This seems most appropriate since the Milward surname means “keeper of the mill”. For purposes of clarity, the first three generations of family members with the forename Henry will be listed as Henry I, Henry II and Henry III.

The firm was established in 1730[3] by Symon Milward who was 40 years old when he registered the business in his son Henry I’s name during the first year of the son’s birth. Very little is known about the company during its early years other than it was passed down from generation to generation. When Symon died at age 80 in 1770, the business was taken over by his son Henry I who was 40-years-old that year, which meant Symon was in charge of the firm for about 40 years. Then when Henry I died in 1798 at age 68 it passed to his son, also named Henry II, who was 28-years-old, meaning Henry I managed the firm for approximately 28 years. Henry II died at age 58 in 1828 and the company passed to his son, again also named Henry III, who was 26 years old, indicating Henry II managed the company for around 30 years. Henry III was the head of the firm for almost 50 years and his sons, John Frederic Milward and Victor Milward, joined him in the business and took it over when their father retired in 1877[4]. John and Victor became full partners in the business after the death of their father, Henry III, in 1878 and in turn passed it to their eldest sons, Charles Fredric Milward and Henry Tomson Milward, in 1901 and 1916 respectively. Although it is unclear exactly what the status of the Milward family was in the early years, Henry III and his descendants not only reached the status of Esquire but several were listed as members of the British aristocracy which certainly helped their business efforts.

Prior to 1840 the Milward company had two factories, one known as Washford Mills in Studley and another in Redditch simply referred to as the “Works at Redditch”. An article written about the company in 1888[5] included two drawings like the seen here[6] which were listed as “at the Queen’s Accession” indicating they were drawn sometime around 1837. The factory pictured on the bottom, entitled “Mills at Washford”,[7] was originally a corn mill located in Studley on the River Arrow which provided water power for use in grinding. Historical records indicate a corn mill was built at this site as early as the 12^th century. Around 1730 the corn mill was converted so it could be used to manufacture needles. It was conveyed to Charles Milward in 1839[8] who was succeeded by Henry Milward and his sons John and Victor. Exact details regarding the original Milward factory in Redditch are unclear. While H. Milward & Sons was consistently listed in trade and city directories[9] as a needle manufacturer in Redditch from 1820 on, it wasn’t until 1850 that the company was listed in these directories with an address or factory name: in 1850[10] it was Fountain; in 1855[11] Breedon; in 1861[12] Washford Mills; and in 1865[13] Ipsley Street. Meanwhile, the Milward company was never listed in directories related to Studley. Some say Henry Milward purchased the Fountain Inn in Redditch in 1800[14] located at Breedon, being the old name given to the area between Ispley Street and Beoley Road. Henry then built his original Redditch factory, pictured at the top on the previous page entitled “Works at Redditch”, on this land and added steam power later in 1854. In 1862 John Frederic Milward returned to the Redditch area, after living in New York, U.S.A. for seven years where he pursued opportunities to expand the business. Some believe upon his return John set in motion a plan to erect a new factory on Ipsley Street in Redditch that used steam power and was named Washford Mills[15]. As a result, the old factory in Studley was basically used for scouring needles. In all likelihood, John was probably responsible for making major changes to the original factory his father Henry III built in Redditch. The new Washford Mills was a large impressive three-story building with a fenced entranceway and large lawn facing Ipsley Street on the south. Additional buildings and a huge smoke chimney were constructed behind it on the north. It was altered somewhat over the years as there are numerous drawings of the factory[16], including the one shown here from 1887[17], which refers to it as Washford and Forge Mills.

In 1871[18] the firm employed 456 hands. Part of the company’s success was due to their ability to increase needle production which was accomplished by the invention of machinery that allowed their workers to produce more needles. In 1853 Milward registered patent number 2947 for “machinery for the manufacture of needles and fish hooks”[19]. Between 1867 and 1876[20] they registered five more patents, one for the fan needle case seen on the next page, two for needle wrappers and two for machinery for polishing needles. Also, in 1872[21] they registered three additional needle case designs. These inventions not only increased production but also improved quality. By the 1880’s the number of employees grew to 700-800 who made between eight and nine million needles and two million fish hooks each week[22].

As was common during the Victoria Period, H. Milward & Sons was the plaintiff in several lawsuits involving the fraudulent use of the company’s name. One case in 1880[23] involved a man named William Morton Stanley of London Works in Redditch who claimed to have a needle manufacturing trade named J. Millward & Co. Mr. Stanley was using David Williams and Frederick Newton of London as his agents who in turn were selling Mr. Stanley’s needles “in such a manner as to make it appear that they were the needles of Henry Milward & Sons”. These were the same agents who were involved with a rather lengthy case of fraud related to Joseph Holyoake & Son and S. Thomas & Sons, two other Redditch area needle manufacturers (see chapters 11 and 19 for more details). A judgement was given on the matter in Milward’s favor and Stanley, Williams and Newton were required to pay the costs involved with the lawsuit. The case was described as follows in another 1880 article: “Attention has recently been called to the firm of Henry Milward & Sons by two of those so-called trade-name Chancery suits, which they were obliged to fight to preserve their rights and their reputation. Spurious goods, bearing a reputed maker’s brand, find their way into the market to the detriment of the public and the injury of the house falsely represented by a disreputable imitation, which is nothing else save a forgery. The public should see that they secure the genuine article by the exercise of due care, and that precaution which, in these times, it behoves all to exercise.”[24] Approximately a year after this case was resolved, H. Milward and Sons purchased the small needle business of Mr. Stanley in order to prevent further incidents that could confuse their patrons. They sent the following notice to their customers: “Henry Milward & Sons beg to thank Merchants, Drapers, and Dealers for the liberal support received for so many years and to inform them that they have recently adopted modern machinery, of their own invention, in various branches of their manufacture, so as to meet the increased requirements of their trade; and they are now able to execute punctually all orders entrusted to them. They also beg to inform their patrons that they have recently purchased a small business formerly carried on by the late James Millward, of Warwick Place, Redditch, and recently by Mr. William Morton Stanley, under the style of “J. Millward” and “J. Millward & Co.,” at the London Works, Redditch. Purchasers may now rely on all goods bearing the name “Milward” being those of the manufacture of the celebrated firm of the Henry Milward & Sons.”[25]

Another reason for the company’s success was not only the quality of their needles but also the fact that they sold their products to a global market. Not only did Milward have an office in Paris at the Boulevard de Sebastpol[26], and agents on Gresham Street in London[27], on Jointer Street in Manchester[28] and at Fourth Avenue in New York[29], but according to one article they shipped packets of needles to “Australia, New York, Paris, Berlin, Moscow, New Zealand, and indeed all parts of the world.”[30] Their global market is further confirmed by their participation in international exhibitions where they received no less than 30 first class awards since 1853[31]. These included: New York 1853[32]; Paris 1855[33], 1867[34], 1875[35], 1878[36], 1889[37], 1900[38]; London 1862[39], 1883[40]; Lyon 1872[41]; Vienna 1873[42]; Philadelphia 1876[43]; Sydney 1880[44]; Melbourne 1881[45]; Calcutta 1884[46]; Chicago 1893[47]; Brussels 1897[48], 1910[49]; Turin 1911[50] and Rio, Brazil in 1922[51]. The five awards they received at the Melbourne exhibition are listed in the 1881[52] company announcement shown above. At the Paris Exhibition in 1900[53] Milward partnered with W. Bartleet & Sons, John James & Sons and Kirby, Beard & Co. to create a collective exhibit of needles and fish hooks like the one seen here. It was named the “Redditch Joint Exhibit” and won two gold medals that year. Of all the needle manufacturers in the Redditch area, H. Milward & Sons appears to have participated in not only the most exhibitions but they distributed their needles and fish hooks to at least five of the world’s seven continents.

During the last decade of the 19^th century the needle industry in Redditch began to decline and small and medium sized businesses were no longer as viable as they once were. As a result, in the first two decades of the 20th century the needle industry in Redditch went through a dramatic change. Many of the individual needle manufacturers merged in order to form larger organizations who could better compete with foreign companies. Milward became one of two major needle manufacturers in the area, the other being W. Hall & Co. from Studley. Around 1901, W. Avery & Son was sold to John English & Son who in turn sold their business to Milward a few years later[54]. Many other local needle makers merged with either Milward or Hall. Then in 1930 Milward joined Hall to form Amalgamated Needles and Fish Hooks which in 1932 became a separate manufacturing organization named ENTACO (English Needle and Fishing Tackle Co. Ltd.)[55]. In 1946 it was renamed Needle Industries and was purchased by Coats Patons Ltd. in 1973.

Today, the areas in Redditch where Washford Mills and the Milward residences, The Poplars, Southmead and The Holloways, were once located have been redeveloped and replaced with a large shopping complex[56]. A Halfords auto parts store is found on the site where Washford Mills formerly stood, an Aldi supermarket where the Poplars and Southmead once were and a car park where The Holloways was originally located. In spite of this, the significance of the Milward name in the Redditch area will always be remembered for at least two new reasons. The first is a new construction project that began on the southwest corner of the intersection of Clive Road and Prospect Hill between 2017-2019. This recently developed apartment complex, with one and two bedroom apartments for retirement living, is named Milward Place. The second is the old Washford Mill in Studley which still exists, although it has been significantly remodeled over the years, especially in 2017. It is now the Miller and Carter Washford Mill restaurant with a Victorian Era style water wheel, protected by a glass enclosure, in the center of the restaurant. Here one can sit at a table next to the revolving wheel while enjoying a delicious meal, and ponder the history of the Milward family!

The Owners[57]

Not much personal information has been found regarding the first three Milward generations other than their birth years, marriage dates and death years. Symon Milward was born in 1690, married Mary Moore sometime between 1716 and 1721, had a least one child Henry I, and died in 1770. Symon and Mary’s son, Henry I, was born in 1730 in Tardebigge. Henry I married Sarah Brandish in 1764 at St. Bartholomew in Tardebigge, had at least one child Henry II, and then he died in 1828 in Tardebigge. Henry II was born in 1770 in Tardebigge and married Sarah Smith in 1800 in Tardebigge. Henry II and Sarah had at least two children both born in Redditch: Henry III and Charles. The younger son, Charles, who was born c1804, was most likely the Charles Milward who took over the Washford Mills factory in Studley in 1839 which was later passed to his older brother Henry III. At some point Charles moved out of the Redditch area and settled in Leamington Priors, a village in Warwickshire about 25 miles west of Redditch which later became known as Leamington Spa. Charles died there in 1877 and his estate, valued at of £25,000 which is equal to approximately £1.7 million[58] in today’s pounds, was proved by his brother Henry III.

Henry Milward III, the eldest son of Henry Milward II and Sarah Smith, was born in 1802 in Redditch. In 1831 he married Catharine Gosling in Richmond, Surrey. Since Richmond is located near London, approximately 113 miles southeast of Redditch, it seems most likely that the Milward family had to be part of the upper class in order to travel such a distance for a spouse. Or possibly Henry met Catharine because he often traveled to the London area on business and he may have had some type of business relationship with her father and/or brothers or someone who knew both families. Since Henry III’s father died three years before this marriage and he was the eldest son, Henry III most likely inherited the bulk of his father’s estate, which would have included the needle business and factory his father built in Redditch. Henry III and Catharine lived on Beoley Lane for a number of years before moving to neighboring Ipsley Street where they lived at The Poplars[59] across the street from their Redditch needle factory. They had six children who were all born in Redditch: Henry Charles, Catharine Sarah, John Frederic, Mary Jane, Robert Harding and Victor. The second son John Frederic and the youngest son Victor joined their father in the needle business whereas the other sons followed different career paths. By 1861 Henry III attained the status of Esquire and also served as Justice of the Peace[60]. Catharine died in 1867 at age 66 and Henry continued working as a needle manufacturer employer until he retired in 1877[61]. Henry III died a year later in 1878 at age 76 and was buried at the Plymouth Road Cemetery in Redditch. His will was proved in 1878 by his eldest son and his estate was valued at £40,000, approximately equal to £2.6 million[62] today. Because both Henry III and his younger brother Charles had fairly large estates at the time of their deaths, this is further proof that their Milward ancestors were probably considered members of the upper class and were successful businessmen as well. Now some might say how wealthy were they? What was £40,000 in 1878 really worth? “In 1880 you could buy one of the following with £40,000: 1,454 horses, 4,127 cows, 74,074 stones of wool, 31,250 quarters of wheat or 121,215 days of skilled tradesmen wages.”[63] Henry II’s obituary[64] says:

“DEATH OF HENRY MILWARD, ESQ., J. P. – On Thursday evening passed away the spirit of a good man who will be mourned by the poor of Redditch, and his memory revered by all classes, and that far beyond the town and its environs. Mr. Milward’s time – his time of work, and he was an energetic worker – dates back to the very young days of Redditch, he might claim to be one of the layers of its foundations; and he lived to see it increase about four-fold. And most earnestly did he, from the first, endeavour to make it grow better as it grew larger; throwing himself with ardour into religious, moral, and social movements, and labouring constantly in public and in private for the good of the people.”

“He was the senior manufacturer, and the senior magistrate of the town, and held commissions in both Worcestershire and Warwickshire, (his residence, strange to say, being in both counties.) In the National and Sunday schools Mr. Milward took strong interest; and, the Literary Institute, at its foundation, and its later career, found in him an important friend; as a staunch supporter of the Church Missionary Society Mr. Milward showed himself also a staunch churchman; but on the border platform of the British and Foreign Bible Society he worked cordially with ministers of other religious persuasions. His strong religious feeling led him to form classes in very humble localities; and while thus ministering to the religious wants of the poor he became acquainted with their troubles; and many of them had double cause to honour and love – and now to mourn – their benefactor.”

“Next week, we presume, will see consigned to earth the remains of this gentleman, so worthy of reverent remembrance; and we hope to be enabled to give a further notice.”

“We many say here, we are informed that Mr. Milward was in his usual health on Thursday – took a drive in the country and a walk in the garden - and that the mournful event was consequently rather sudden.”

Henry Charles Milward[65], the eldest son of Henry III, was born c1832 in Redditch. He received his education at King Edward’s School in Birmingham before going to Cambridge where he received a B.A. in 1855 and later an M.A. Henry was ordained in 1856 and that same year married Margaret Wilkerson of London in Scarborough, Yorkshire. The young couple spent the next four years in India where Henry was a missionary at St. Paul’s Cathedral in Calcutta. The family returned to the UK in 1860 where Henry continued to work as a clergyman and the family lived in a variety of places including Paddington in Middlesex, Edgbaston and Aston in the Birmingham area, Shrewsbury, Redditch and Lyonshall in Herefordshire. Henry and Margaret had at least five children: Henry Arthur, Margaret Emma, Charles Amherst, Francis Lea and Victor Graham. Margaret died in 1894 in Lyonshall and Henry died there two years later in 1896. Henry left a rather small estate of only £5,739 when compared to his father, uncle and brothers. He was interred in the Lyonshall churchyard in a grave beside his late wife[66].

John Frederic Milward, Henry III’s second son, was born in Redditch in 1834. John went to New York, USA around 1854 in order to increase the sale of Milward products in America. In 1859 he returned to the UK temporarily and married Frances Mary Edge in Edgbaston, a wealthy suburb of Birmingham. The young couple returned to New York where they remained until 1862. Then they returned to Redditch where they lived on Prospect Hill for a few years before moving into The Poplars after his father’s death. By 1891 John and Frances moved a bit further south, but still across the street from their needle factory in Redditch, to a place called Southmead where they remained for the rest of their lives. John and Frances had at least eight children: Charles Frederic, Frances Eva, Lillian, Lawrence Sidney, Clara, Reginald, Philip Henry and Hilda Mary. John was listed as one of the landed gentry in 1898[67]. He died 18 years later in 1916 at age 81 and was buried at the Plymouth Road Cemetery in Redditch. His estate was valued at £52,656 (£3.1 million today)[68]. Frances died four years later in 1920 and their eldest son Charles Frederic Milward followed in his father’s footsteps in the needle manufacturing business. Both John, his parents, his wife and two of their children, Philip and Hilde, are all listed on the Milward grave in the cemetery. His obituary[69] reads:

“DEATH OF MR. J. F. MILWARD.- The death took place at his residence Southmead, Redditch, on Monday, of Mr. John Frederic Milward, eldest surviving principle of the needle and fishing tackle manufacturing firm of Henry Milward and Sons (Limited), Washford Mills, Redditch. He was born in 1836, and was brother to the late Colonel Victor Milward, M. P. for South-West Warwickshire. He was one of the few surviving links uniting the Redditch of the present with the Redditch of early and mid-Victorian times, and no one living has played so conspicuous and useful a part in the town’s industrial and educational development. He was educated at Brighton. At the age of 18 or 19 he was sent to Belgium and Germany for business extension purposes and for the enlargement of his knowledge of Continental people and business methods. On his return in 1854 he was sent to America on a mission for his firm. In the period from 1854 to 1862 he extended and more solidly established the firm’s already large business in the United States. In 1859 he married. Mr. and Mrs. Milward returned to the United States shortly after the marriage, and resided at Brooklyn, Long Island, where their eldest son, Col. C. F. Milward, was born in 1860.”

“Mr. J. F. Milward and his wife were in the midst of the exciting events which marked the outbreak of the Civil War. In 1871 he and his youngest brother, the late Col. Victor Milward, were admitted to partnership with their father in the firm’s business. In the decade 1870-1880 Mr. J. F. Milward was a member of the Redditch Local Board of Health, and from time to time he filled many offices of public usefulness in the district. He was appointed a Justice of the Peace for Warwickshire in 1880 and for Worcestershire in 1881. He succeeded the late Mr. E. W. Heywood as Chairman of the Redditch Bench of Magistrates, and held the position for several years. He was a Freemason, having been admitted to the Order during his residence in America. In politics he was a Conservative. He leaves a widow and six children”

Victor Milward, the youngest son of Henry III, was born in 1840 in Redditch. In 1851 at the age of ten Victor was living in Hove, Sussex with his brother Robert who was twelve years old that year. Both were pupils at a local school operated by Henri Janson whose wife was the boys’ aunt, their mother’s sister[70]. The school was located on Adelaide Crescent[71] a street that by 1861 had become a prestigious address popular with wealthy people, most of whom had several servants. And why were they in Hove, a town some 165 miles from Redditch? Hove was a suburb of Brighton, a seaside resort which became a very popular destination for the wealthy during the Victorian Period. Many affluent people choose to send their children here to be educated, further evidence that the Milward family was very prosperous. After completing his education, Victor returned to Redditch where he married Eliza Tomson in 1867 and became involved with his father’s needle business and other commercial enterprises. At one-point Victor became the director of the Metropolitan Life Assurance Society and the Birmingham Gazette newspaper as well as held numerous positions within the county of Worcestershire including Justice of the Peace and Deputy Lieutenant[72]. Victor and Eliza had eight children all born in the Redditch area: Henry Tomson, Frederic Victor, Robert Cecil, George Herbert, Catherine, Frances F, Clement A and Alice Mary. The family lived in several places in the Ipsley section of Redditch before settling at The Holloway which was in close proximity to the Milward needle factory. Sometime around 1899 Victor and the family moved to Wellesbourne, a small village about six miles east of Stratford-on-Avon where Victor served as the Parliamentary representative for that area of Warwickshire for a number of years[73]. Victor was also very active in the 2^nd Volunteer Battalion of the Worcestershire Regiment where he held a commission from 1860 until 1894. At age 30 in 1871 he was listed as a Captain, ten years later in 1881 a Major and by 1887 was a Lieutenant Colonel commanding the battalion until his retirement in 1894.  Sometime in May 1901[74] Victor, his wife Eliza and a relative, Ethel Milward, decided to travel to the continent for a holiday. Shortly thereafter Victor died at age 60 unexpectedly of heart failure at the Hotel de Bretagne in Dinan, Brittany, France. His body was returned to the UK and he was buried at the churchyard in Wellesbourne[75]. A special service was held for him at the parish church in Stratford-on-Avon[76]. At the time of his death his estate was valued at £71,170 (£5.6 million today)[77]. His eldest son Henry Tomson Milward carried on the needle manufacturing business after his death. Shortly thereafter, Victor’s wife and youngest daughter Alice moved to Oxford before returning to Redditch where Eliza died in 1923 at age 81. Additional information about Victor’s life appeared in the following paragraphs which were parts of three newspaper obituaries:

“DEATH OF COL. V. MILWARD, M. P.[78] - Colonel Victor Milward, M. P. for South-West Warwickshire, of Wellesbourne Hall, near Warwick, died at the Hotel de Bretagne, Dinan, in Brittany at nine o’clock on Friday morning, the cause of death being heart failure….He was a man of strong will and keen power of discernment. Trained to business methods from his youthhood, he brought into all affairs of life an acute and well-balanced judgement. Perhaps the most prominent characteristics of the lamented gentleman, and those which commanded the respect of all who were privileged to know him, were his earnestness, sincerity, and consistency, the latter quality, however, free from any trace of obstinate prejudice. He possessed rare intellectual gifts, strengthened and ripened by wide reading and careful observation. But these were merely the polish to the stone, the setting of the jewel. What endeared him most to all who knew him was the breadth of his sympathies, his simple yet comprehensive Christianity, his kindly interest in all that concerned those around him, his love of right and truth, and his hatred of all that was selfish, mean, and evil, his kindness, his willingness always to help in good work, his impartiality, his deep and broad humanity. In Redditch his good work will be long remembered, and will live and have a good influence long after the stone, on which his virtues and good work may be recorded, has crumbled to dust….”

“OBITUARY COLONEL VICTOR MILWARD M.P.[79] – ….He was a needle manufacturer at Redditch, Director of Milward and Sons (Limited) . . . Colonel Milward was a Magistrate and Deputy Lieutenant for Worcestershire, for which county he served the office of High Sheriff in 1896 and was a Magistrate for Warwickshire. He also took great interest in county business, had represented East Redditch upon the Worcester County Council, was Chairman of the Finance Committee of Quarter Sessions from 1883-1886, and first Chairman of the Finance Committee of the County Council, which office he resigned in 1894, when he received the thanks of the Council. A staunch Churchman, he was a member of the standing Committee of the Worcester Diocesan Conference, and had also been a representative upon the Central Council of Diocesan Conferences….”

“THE DEATH OF COLONEL MILWARD, M.P.[80] - ….He paid says ‘The Birmingham Post,’ the closest attention to his Parliamentary duties, and was one of the most regular attendants at the House, and there is no doubt that the strain of a long and hard session tried him somewhat, but he was a man of fine physique and generally enjoyed splendid health and there was not the least suspicion that he had any organic disorder . . . The ‘Daily News’ says Colonel Milward was a typical soldier member of the House of Commons, though his title was derived from Volunteer service alone. Very straight in bearing, simple and direct, in speech, he was always an honest voice in debate. He will be chiefly remembered as the originator of the beacon-firing at the Diamond Jubilee in 1897’ . . . Colonel Milward’s active association with the great Volunteer movement date from its earliest days, and covered a period of 34 years. He was all along connected with the 2^nd V. B. Worcestershire Regiment, and in earlier days his energies were directed in quite an exceptional degree to the interests of the Redditch Company. He joined the subaltern ranks in 1860, and afterwards became captain of the company, and in this capacity showed his peculiar ability in the training of the men, About 1881 he was promoted to the field officer’s rank of major, and upon the retirement from the corps of Sir Harry Foley Vernon, he took over the command, and continued the commanding officer for some seven or eight years, eventually seeking relief from the rather large Volunteering demand upon his time in 1894. Though ceasing his active connection with the Volunteers, his close personal interest in them remained till the last. In matters that touched their welfare he was ever ready to lend his voice as an advocate on the platform or in Parliament, and the Government scheme of army reform, and its bearing on the Volunteers, had quite recently received his most earnest consideration, His speech at Stratford-on-Avon, only a fortnight ago, impressed his hearers with the singular grasp he had obtained of the subject, and also with the very practical light in which one point at least had struck him. As we stated on Friday, Colonel Milward, at the outbreak of the war, volunteered his services, but he was warned that he would not pass the medical examination….”

Charles Frederic Milward, the eldest son of John Frederic Milward, was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1860. He spent his first two years with his parents in New York as his father was living there temporarily in order to increase business for the Milward company in the USA. In 1862[81] the family returned to Redditch where Charles lived for a few years with his parents. Then he was sent to Hove, Sussex to be educated, probably at the suggestion of his uncle Victor who went there 20 years earlier. In 1871 Charles was living with his great-aunt’s family[82] in Hove where he was a student. By 1881 he had returned to Redditch and was living at The Poplars with his parents. Charles married Emily Constantia Ellis in 1889 in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. Emily was born in Cape Colony, South Africa where her father Henry Disney Ellis[83] served as a Colonel in the 9^th Regiment. Shortly after their marriage they moved to Bromsgrove, about 7 miles west of Redditch. Charles and Emily had at least five children all born in Bromsgrove: Charles Disney, Esther Mary, Norah, Agatha and John Frederic. Sometime between 1901 and 1911 they returned to the Redditch area and settled in the countryside at an estate about 5 miles north of Redditch named The Leys in Alvechurch. Here they would remain for the rest of their lives. Charles spent most of his life working for the Milward firm and was listed as a manager and director by 1901. When the company amalgamated with others in the early 20^th century, he served as chairman of the board of the holding company[84]. Charles often traveled overseas, most likely on business but also probably because both he and his wife were born outside of the UK and they had a strong desire to see other parts of the world. He sailed to New York in 1898, 1904, 1913, 1921, 1924, 1938 and to Bombay India in 1929. Emily accompanied him on two of these voyages in 1898 and again in 1913. Charles was also involved with a local militia and served as a Lieutenant Colonel for a number of years. Unfortunately, Emily died in 1917 at the rather young age of 50. Charles never remarried and died 30 years later at age 86 in 1947. His estate was valued at £76,273 (£2.7 million in today’s pounds)[85] and was passed to his sons: Charles Disney who became a director at the Milward needle factory and John Frederick who was a barrister-at-law. His obituary[86] reads as follows:

“DEATH OF COL. C. F. MILWARD - FORMER COUNTY COUNCIL CHAIRMAN. – Lieut.-Colonel Charles Frederic Milward, D. L., of The Leys, Alvechurch, formerly chairman of Worcestershire County Council, died at his home on Friday in his eighty-seventh year.

“Colonel Milward was first elected to Worcestershire County Council in 1907, was subsequently appointed chairman of the Highways Committee and made an alderman. In 1927 he advanced to the vice-chairmanship of the Council, and three years later became chairman, a position he continued to occupy until 1942. He was appointed a magistrate for the county in 1909, and later became chairman of Redditch Petty Sessional Division. He served as High Sheriff of Worcestershire in 1920.”

“Colonel Milward was a keen and active sportsman. For many years he hunted with the Worcestershire Hounds, the Albrighton Woodland, the Devon and Somerset Stag Hounds and Mr. Humphreys’ North Worcestershire Beagles. Barnt Green Fishing Club, of which he had a been a member for fifty years, esteemed him as its president and also as chairman of Barnt Green Waters Ltd. He was a member for many years of the Severn Catchment Board and of the Severn Commission.”

“In 1889 Colonel Milward married Emily Constantia, daughter of Colonel H. D. Ellis of Cheltenham. She died in 1917. They had three sons and three daughters.”

Although John Frederic Milward’s youngest son was not involved in the family’s needle business, he deserves a place in this Milward history because he made the supreme sacrifice during WWI. Philip Henry Milward[87] was born in 1873 and served in the Boar War in South Africa from 1899 to 1902 where he received the Queen’s medal with three clasps. After the war he resigned his commission and by 1914 was engaged in business in Colombo in Ceylon, a colony of the British Empire that was renamed Sir Lanka in 1948. After the outbreak of WWI in November 1914 he campaigned to raise troops in Ceylon and then reenlisted in December 1914, was made a captain and immediately was sent to France. Philip was involved in heavy fighting at the Hooge, a small village about 3 miles east of Ypres, Belgium and was wounded, but recovered by the end of July and was able to rejoin his unit. During additional fighting at Poperinghe in the Belgium Province of West Flanders he was wounded again and died on December 7^th. Philip was buried at the Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery in the Ypres Salient on the Western Front, the second largest cemetery for Commonwealth forces in Belgium. After his death, his family added his name to the family grave at the Plymouth Road Cemetery in Redditch. His obituary[88] reads:

“CAPTAIN PHILIP HENRY MILWARD KILLED. - Official news has been received by his relatives at Redditch of the death, on the 7^th inst. from wounds received in action in France of Captain Philip Henry Milward, 7^th Battalion Rifle Brigade. The deceased officer, who was 43 years of age, was the fourth and youngest son of Mr. J. F. Milward, Redditch, and the brother of Colonel C. F. Milward, The Leys, Alvechurch. His earliest military service was with the “H” (Redditch) Company 2^nd Volunteer Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment, in which he held a commission as lieutenant. In the South African war Captain Milward, then in Natal, joined the Durban Light Infantry, and served through the greater part of the campaign. On the outbreak of the present war Captain Milward was in the service of the Eastern Produce Company, at Colombo, and towards the end of last year he was instrumental in bringing over a strong contingent of recruits from Ceylon for enlistment here. Enlisting in the Rifle Brigade, he was immediately granted a commission as Captain, and he accompanied the 7^th Battalion to France in May. It was heavily engaged on July 29 and 30 in the action at Hooge and lost half its effectives. Captain Milward was wounded, but made a rapid recovery, and soon rejoined his battalion. In 1901 Captain Milward married Miss Rose Margaret Edge, second daughter of the late Mr. Charles A. Edge, and there are two children. Since May Mrs. Milward has been engaged in the French Military nursing service at Fort Mahon”

Fort Mahon was located in the Somme region of France. Phillip Milward should always be remembered whenever one hears the following poem written in 1915 by John McCrae.

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie,

In Flanders fields.

    Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

   The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

 We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

 In Flanders fields.

Henry Tomson Milward, the eldest son of Victor Milward, was born in the Ipsley area of Redditch in 1868. He received an education much closer to home than his father, uncle and cousin, attending the Arden House School in Henley-in-Arden, 9 miles east of Redditch. By 1891 he was listed as a needle manufacturer having joined the family business. Henry married Elsie Townsend Newton in Redditch in 1900 and they settle at The Holloway residence, where they remained for the rest of their lives, probably because his parents had moved to Wellesbourne by then. Henry and Elsie had at least four children all born in Redditch: Henry Gerard, Francis John, Anthony Horace and Diana Lucy. Henry spent his entire life working for the Milward firm and was joint managing director with his uncle John Frederic Milward in 1914[89]. When the business was amalgamated with others in the Redditch area, he became a member of the board of directors with his cousin, Charles Frederic Milward[90]. Elsie died in 1931 at age 59 and Charles eighteen years later in 1949. Charles’s estate was valued at £76,272 (£2.4 in today’s pounds)[91] and was passed to his eldest son Henry Gerard who was also listed as a company director, presumably with the Milward firm, and youngest daughter Diana Lucy.

Henry Milward & Sons (aka H. Milward & Sons): Images

1871 drawing of the Washford Mills factory in Redditch ground floor (S=Reference #CR3097-119 at the Warwickshire County Record Office, Warwick).

1884 map of Redditch showing the location of the Washford Mills factory in relation to the Milward residences, The Poplars, Southmead and The Holloway (S=www.old-maps.co.uk).

19^th century drawing of the Milward factory on Ipsley Street in Redditch (S=Forge Mill Needle Museum archives).

Early-mid 20^th century post card of Washford Mills in Redditch (S=Chris Jackson, Redditch area stamp collector).

View of the Halfords store where the Milward factory was originally located from the Redditch Ringway on the west, 2019.

View of the newly constucted Milward Place apartment complex on the southwest corner of Clive Road and Prospect Hill in Redditch, 2019.

The Miller and Carter Washford Mill restaurant in Studley, 2018.

The Halfords store from Ispley Street, 2017.

Old building on the south side of Ipsley Street near where the Milward resisdences The Poplars and Southmead were originally located, 2017.

View of the water stream under the Miller and Carter Washford Mill restaurant, Studley, 2018.

Front of the Fan needle case patented by Milward in 1872 with chromolithographic pasteboard panels.

Front of the Victoria with Belt Buckle needle case with the Milward name.

Front of the Hector needle case which has the Milward name in the interior.

Back of the Fan needle case with the Milward name on the pasteboard panels.

Interior of the Victoria with Belt Buckle needle case showing where the needle packets were placed.

Milward trading card which has an 1881 calendar on the back.

Henry Milward & Sons (H. Milward & Sons): Genealogy

(surname means the keeper of the mill)

Generation 1: Symon Milward (1690-1770) and Mary Moore (??-??)

· Born: 1690 (S2) and (S=The Needle Industry in Redditch Study Pack Forge Mill Museum, Milward Family Tree available at the Redditch Library).

· Married: October 18, 1716 or April 10, 1721 (S2).

· Died: February 11, 1770 (S2).

· Children:

1. Henry Milward - 1730-1798 (S2) - see Generation 2.

Generation 2: Henry Milward I (1730-1798) and Sarah Brandish (??-??)

· Born: 1730 Tardebigge, Worcestershire (S2). 1730 (S=The Needle Industry in Redditch Study Pack Forge Mill Museum, Milward Family Tree available at the Redditch Library).

· Married: March 1, 1764 St. Bartholomew, Tardebigge, Worcestershire (S1m). Listed as Henry Millward and Sarah Brandish.

· Died: September 29, 1798 Tardebigge (S2). 1798 (S=The Needle Industry in Redditch Study Pack Forge Mill Museum, Milward Family Tree available at the Redditch Library).

· Children:

1. Henry Milward II (1770-1828) born in Tardebigge, Worcestershire (S2) - see Generation 3.

Generation 3: Henry Milward II (1770-1828) and Sarah Smith (??-??)

· Born: June 17, 1770 Tardebigge, Worcestershire (S2). 1770 (S=A Genealogical and Heraldic History of the Landed Gentry of Great Britain & Ireland, 1898, page 1036 available at books.google.com) and (S=The Needle Industry in Redditch Study Pack Forge Mill Museum, Milward Family Tree available at the Redditch Library).

· Married: Sarah Smith March 25, 1800 Tardebigge, Worcestershire (S2).

· Death: December 18, 1828 Worcestershire (S2). 1828 (S=A Genealogical and Heraldic History of the Landed Gentry of Great Britain & Ireland, 1898, page 1036 available at books.google.com) and (S=The Needle Industry in Redditch Study Pack Forge Mill Museum, Milward Family Tree available at the Redditch Library).

· Children:

1. Henry Milward III (1802-1878) born in Redditch - see Generation 4.

2. Charles Milward (c1804-1877). Baptized January 15, 1804 Redditch (S1c). Listed as Charles Millward with parents listed as Henry and Sarah Millward. Probate: September 26, 1877 Birmingham (S6). Listed as Charles Milward Esquire late of Portland Villa Leamington Priors, Warwick who died September 12, 1877. Proved by Henry Milward Esquire of Redditch the brother and sole executor. Effects: under £25,000.

Generation 4: Henry Milward III Esq. (1802-1878) and Catharine Gosling (c1799-1867)

· Born: March 15, 1802 Redditch (S2). 1802 (S=His grave at the Plymouth Cemetery in Redditch indicates he was 76 when he died.

· Baptized: May 16, 1802 Redditch (S1c). Listed as Henry Millward with parents listed as Henry and Sarah Millward.

· Married: March 17, 1831 Richmond, Surrey (S1m) and (S3). Listed as Henry Milward and Catherine Gosling. Marriage band lists Henry as a bachelor from Tardebigge, Worcestershire and was witnessed by the father, brothers and sisters of Catherine: John Gosling, John Hunt Gosling, Sarah Gosling, Jane Gosling and Mary Jane Gosling. Catharine Gosling was baptized July 21, 1799 in Richmond, Surrey with parents listed as John and Jenny Gosling (S1c).

· 1841 Census: not found

· 1851 Census: 84 Beoley Lane, Redditch (S4). Listed as Henry Milward age 49 a merchant magistrate born in Redditch with wife Catharine age 48 born in Richmond, Surrey and 2 children: Catharine Sarah and John Frederic.

· 1861 Census: 151 Ipsley Str, Redditch (S4). Listed as Henry Milward age 58 a Justice of Peace and needle manufacturer employing 150 men born in Redditch with wife Cath age 59 born in Richmond, London and 1 child: Victor.

· Wife’s Death: 1^st QTR 1867 Bromsgrove at age 66 (S5d). March 18, 1867 (S=husband’s gravestone at the Plymouth Road Cemetery in Redditch).

· 1871 Census: 211 Ipsley Str., Redditch (S4). Listed as Henry Milward a widow age 68 a J.P. and manufacturer employing 456 hands born in Redditch.

· Death: 3^rd QTR 1878 Alcester age 76 (S5d). August 1, 1878 Redditch (S6) and (S=gravestone at the Plymouth Road Cemetery in Redditch).

· Obituary: Redditch Indicator newspaper dated August 3, 1878 (S=on microfilm at the Redditch Library).

· Buried: Plymouth Road Cemetery Redditch (S=personal visit to cemetery). Listed as Henry Milward Esq. who died August 1, 1878 at age 76.

· Probate: August 24, 1878 Birmingham (S6). Listed as Henry Milward Esquire late of Redditch counties of Worcester and Warwick. Personal estate under £40,000 proved by Reverend Henry Charles Milward of Nechells Vicarage Birmingham the son and Reverend Thomas Chataway of Peckleton Rectory.

· Children: Henry and Catharine Milward are listed as the parents of all of these children in their baptism records (S1c) and also in A Genealogical and Heraldic History of the Landed Gentry of Great Britain & Ireland, 1898, page 1036 (S=books.google.com).

1. Henry Charles Milward (c1832-1896) born in Redditch - see Generation 5.

2. Catharine Sarah Milward (c1833-1905) baptized in July 29, 1833 Redditch (S1c), death date (S2)

3. John Frederic Milward (1834-1916) born in Redditch - see Generation 5.

4. Mary Jane Milward (c1836-1917) baptized in July 21, 1836 Redditch (S1c), death date (S2).

5. Robert Harding Milward (c1839-1903) baptized in February 15, 1839 Redditch (S1c), death date (S2). 1871 Census: 206 Hagley Road, Edgbaston (S4), listed as Robert H. Milward age 32 born in Redditch solicitor and notary public.

6. Victor Milward (1840-1901) born in Redditch - see Generation 5.

Generation 5: Henry Charles Milward (c1832-1896) and Margaret Wilkinson (c1834-1894)

· Born: c1832 (S4). December 18, 1831 Redditch (S2).

· Baptized: February 14, 1832 Redditch (S1c). Listed as Henry Charles Milward with parents listed as Henry and Catharine Milward.

· 1841 Census: not found.

· 1851 Census: Birmingham (S4). Listed as Henry C. Milward age 19 a scholar born in Redditch.

· Married: 2^nd QTR 1856 Scarborough, Yorkshire (S5m) and June 4, 1856 York, England (S1m). Listed as Henry Charles Milward and Margaret Aston Wilkinson. Margaret was born c1834 Middlesex, London/Stoke Newington (S4)

· 1861 Census: 3 Hagly Grove, Edgbaston, Birmingham (S4). Listed as Henry Chas Milward age 29 a clergyman circuit of Christ church born in Redditch with wife Margaret A. age 27 born in London and 3 children: Henry A, Margaret E. and Charles A.

· 1871 Census: 22 Parsonage, Aston, Birmingham (S4). Listed as H. C. Milward age 39 a vicar of St. Clement born in Redditch with wife Margaret age 37 born in Marylebone, Middlesex and 5 children: Henry Arthur, Margaret Emma, Charles Amherst, Francis Lea and Victor Graham. (Note: the census index incorrectly lists his first name as M. and one child’s age and another child’s middle name are listed incorrect).

· 1878 Father’s Probate (S6) - listed as a son and a reverend of Nechells Vicarage, Birmingham.

· 1881 Census: 32 Berwick Vicarage, Shrewsbury, Shropshire (S4). Listed as Henry Charles Millward age 49 a clergyman Champlain of Berwick born in Redditch with wife Margaret Aston age 47 born in Stoke Newington Middlesex and 3 children: Margaret Emma, Francis Lea and Victor Graham and a nephew Edward Bickerton.

· 1891 Census: 200 Bromsgrove The Vicarage, Redditch (S4). Listed as Henry C. Milward age 59 a clerk in holy orders vicarage/clergy Redditch born in Redditch with wife Margaret age 57 born in Middlesex, London and 1 child: Henry A.

· Wife’s Death: 1^st QTR 1894 Kingston, Herefordshire at age 60 (S5d), listed as Margaret Aston Milward. January 12, 1894 Herefordshire (S2).

· Death: 4^th QTR 1896 age 64 Kington, Herefordshire (S5d). Died November 6, 1896 Herefordshire (S6). Listed as Henry Charles Milward.

· Probate: March 9, 1897 London (S6). Listed as Reverend Henry Charles Milward of Lyonshall-vicarage Herefordshire clerk. Effects: £5,739 to George Ayscough Wilkinson surveyor, Victor Graham Milward solicitor and Reverend Francis Lea Milward clerk.

· Obituary: The Sheffield Daily Telegraph newspaper dated November 9, 1896, Leamington Spa Courier newspaper dated November 14, 1896, The Alcester Chronical newspaper dated November 14, 1896 and The Leominster News dated November 13, 1896 (S=britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk).

· Children:

1. Henry Arthur Milward (c1858-1920) born in Calcutta/Bengal, East India (S4), death date (S2).

2. Margaret Emma Milward (c1859-?) born in Calcutta, East India (S4).

3. Charles Amherst Milward (c1860-1928) born in Paddington, Middlesex (S4), death date (S2).

4. Francis Lea Milward (c1862-1940) born in Edgbaston, Warwickshire (S4), death date (S2).

5. Victor Graham Milward (c1865-1923) born in Birmingham (S4). Probate in Birmingham November 28, 1923 (S6) where he is listed as Victor Graham Milward of 27 George Road, Edgbaston, a barrister-at-law who died October 30, 1923. Effects: £11,752.

Generation 5: John Frederic Milward (1834-1916) and Frances Mary Edge (c1836-1920)

· Born: October 21, 1834 (S=grave at the Plymouth Cemetery Redditch). (Note: John Frederic Milward’s birth year is incorrectly listed as 1824 on the Milward family tree in The Needle Industry in Redditch Study Pack available at the Redditch Library).

· Baptized. May 14, 1835 Redditch (S1c). Listed as John Frederick Milward with parents are listed as Henry and Catharine Milward.

· 1841 Census: not found.

· 1851 Census: 84 Beoley Lane, Redditch with parents (S4). Listed as John Frederic Milward age 16 born in Redditch.

· Married: July 7, 1859 Edgbaston, Warwickshire (S3). Listed as John Frederic Milward and Frances Mary Edge. Marriage band lists John as a gentleman whose residence at the time of marriage was New York and whose father was Henry Milward, gentleman. Frances was born c1836 Birmingham (S4)

· 1860 Census possibly: Ward 22 District 2, family 1706, New York City, NY, USA (S=1860 US census available at ancestry.com). Listed as John Milward age 25, born in England, occupation express, with Mary Milward age 20 born in Wales and child George Milward born NY age undecipherable but less than 10 (Mary and George appear to be the wife and son). This is the only John Milward/Millward in the U.S. 1860 Census in New York who was born between 1829 and 1839 in England. (Note: This may be another unrelated Milward family especially since the wife’s name, age and birthplace don’t match with other information known about her, however this could be a census error. A search for the birth record for George was unsuccessful).

· 1871 Census: 13 Prospect Hill, Redditch (S4). Listed as John F. Millward age 36 a needle manufacturer firm Millward & Sons born in Redditch with wife Frances M. age 34 born in Birmingham and 5 children: Frances E, Lilian, Lawrence L, Clara and Reginald J.

· 1881 Census: Poplars, Ipsley, Redditch (S4). Listed as John Fredk. Millward age 46 a needle manufacturer employing 574 hands born in Redditch with wife Frances M. age 44 born in Birmingham and 4 children: Charles F., Frances Eva, Clara and Philip H.

· 1891 Census: 109 Southmead, Wellesbourne Road, Ipsley, Redditch (S4). Listed as John F. Milward age 56 a needle manufacturer employer born in Redditch with 2 children: Lilian and Philip H.

· 1891 Census: 65 Hove Villas, Hove, Sussex (S4). Listed as Frances M. Milward married cousin age 54 living on own means born in Birmingham with Clara Milward age 23 born in Redditch living in the household of Victoria Janson.

· 1898 Book: A Genealogical and Heraldic History of the Landed Gentry of Great Britain & Ireland, 1898, page 1036 (S=books.google.com) which lists John Frederick Milward and lineage back to Henry Milward (1770-1828).

· 1901 Census: 109 Southmead Millsbrook Road, Ipsley, Redditch (S4). Listed as John Fredk. Milward age 66 director of limited needle company employer and J.P. born in Redditch with wife Frances M. age 63 born in Birmingham and 1 child: Lilian.

· 1911 Census: not found.

· Death: March 1916 Alcester age 81 (S5d). Listed as John F. Milward. March 20, 1916 Worcestershire (S6) (S=gravestone at the Plymouth Road Cemetery in Redditch).

· Obituary: Redditch Indicator newspaper dated April 1, 1916 (S=on microfilm at the Redditch Library) and The Standard newspaper dated March 25, 1916 (S=britishnewspaperarchives.co.uk).

· Buried: Plymouth Road Cemetery, Redditch (S=personal visit to cemetery).

· Probate: May 22, 1916 Worcester (S6). Listed as John Frederic Milward a needle manufacturer of Southmean, Redditch. Effects £51,638, Resworn £52,656 to widow Frances Mary Milward, Charles Frederic Milward needle manufacturer and Lawrence Sidney Milward gentleman.

· Wife’s Death: September 1920 Alcester (S5d) at age 84 and September 27, 1920 (S6).

· Wife’s Probate: Worcester January 29, 1921 (S6) indicates she was from Southmead, Redditch widow. Effects £6,469 to Charles Frederic Milward J.P. and Lawrence Sydney Milward schoolmaster.

· Children:

1. Possibly: George Milward (c1859/60-?) New York (S=1860 US Census available at ancestry.com).

2. Charles Frederic Milward (c1860/61-1947) born in Brooklyn, NY - see Generation 6.

3. Frances Eva Milward (1862-1945) born in Edgbaston (S4), born August 8, 1862 and baptized September 3, 1862 Nechells, St. Clement, Birmingham (S1c) by H. C. Milward with parents listed as John Frederic Milward manufacturer and Frances Mary Milward and death date (S2).

4. Lillian Milward (1864-1942) born 3rd QTR 1864 Bromsgrove (S5b), baptized September 1, 1864 Redditch (S1c) with parents listed as John Frederic Milward and Frances Mary Milward and death date (S2).

5. Lawrence Sidney Milward (c1866-1961) born in Redditch (S4) death date (S2).

6. Clara Milward (c1868-1961) born in Redditch (S4) death date (S2).

7. Reginald J. Milward (c1870 -1940) born in Redditch (S4) death date (S2).

8. Philip Henry Milward (1873-December 7, 1915) born in Redditch (S4), born February 12, 1873 (S=Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery by Paul Chapman, 2016, page with Redditch deaths). Death info from his father’s grave and Lijssenthoek cemetery grave (S=personal visit to John Frederic Milward’s grave at the Plymouth Road Cemetery in Redditch and records regarding the cemetery in Flanders). Probate: London February 15, 1916 (S6) which lists him of Southmead, Redditch and San Sebastian Mills Colombo, Ceylon. £7,192 estate to Charles Frederic Milward a fishing tackle manufacturer and reverend Henry Reginald Hall clerk. Philip was killed in WWI and was buried at Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery in Belgium (S= cemetery website at http://www.lijssenthoek.be/nl/adres/2951/-philip-henry-milward.html and photograph of the grave at https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/10775791). Additional information from his obituary in The Standard newspaper dated December 11, 1915 (S=britishnewspaperarchive.com).

9. Hilda Mary Milward (c1877-1879) (S= personal visit to cemetery). She is listed on her father’s grave as having died January 18, 1879 at age 2 and 5 months.

Generation 5: Victor Milward (1840-1901) and Eliza Tomson (c1842-1923)

· Born: August 10,1840 Redditch (S2 and S=Debrett’s Illustrated Heraldic and Biographical House of Commons and the Judicial Bench, 1896, page 111, available at books.googe.com). Listed as Col. Victor Milward.

· Baptized: September 29, 1840 Redditch (S1c). Listed as Victor Milward with parents listed as Henry and Catharine Milward.

· 1841 Census: not found.

· 1851 Census: 9 Adelaide Crescent, Hove, Sussex (S4). Listed as Victor Milward age 10 a pupil born in Redditch next to Robert H. Milward age 12 a pupil born in Redditch who were living with Henri Janson a school master and his wife Sarah, 2 children and 11 pupils.

· 1861 Census: 151 Ipsley Str., Redditch (S4) with parents. Listed as Victor Milward age 20 born in Redditch.

· Married: June 26, 1867 Bromsgrove (S8m). Listed as Victor Milward age 26 a manufacturer from Redditch whose father was listed as Henry Milward a manufacturer and Eliza Tomson age 25 from Barnt Green. Eliza was born c1842 Alvechurch/ Bromsgrove (S4).

· 1871 Census: 44 Ipsley, Redditch (S4). Listed as Victor Millward age 30 a Capt. of R. volunteers born in Redditch with wife Eliza age 29 born in Alvechurch and 3 children: H. J., Fredk V. and R. C.

· 1881 Census: 80 Fair Vican, Ipsley, Redditch (S4). Listed as Victor Milward age 40 a Major of volunteers and manufacturer born in Redditch with wife Eliza age 39 born in Alvechurch and 6 children: Frederic Victor, Geo. Herbert, Catherine, Frances E, Clement A. and Alice Mary.

· 1891 Census: 127 The Holloway, Ipsley, Redditch (S4). Listed as Victor Milward age 50 a Col, J.P., D.L., C.C. and manufacturer employer born in Redditch with wife Eliza age 49 born in Alvechurch and 2 children: Clement A. and Alice M.

· 1896 Book: Debrett’s Illustrated Heraldic and Biographical House of Commons and the Judicial Bench, 1896, page 111, (S=available at books.googe.com). Listed as Col. Victor Milward.

· 1901 Census: 153 Wellesbourne, Mountford, Stratford-on-Avon (S4). Listed as Victor Milward age 60 a needle manufacturer, M.P., J.P., D.L. employer born in Redditch with wife Eliza age 59 born in Bromsgrove and 4 children: George H., Catharine, Frances E., and Alice M.

· Death: May 31, 1901 at Dinan, France (S6) (located in Cotes-d’Armor, Bretagne, France).

· Obituary: The Standard newspaper dated June 1, 1901, Leamington Spa Courier newspaper dated June 7, 1901, Leamington Spa Courier newspaper dated June 14,1901, The Midland Daily Telegraph newspaper dated June 1, 1901, The Birmingham Daily Gazette newspaper dated June 4, 1901 (S= britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) and the Redditch Indicator newspaper dated June 11, 1901 (S=on microfilm at the Redditch Library).

· Probate: August 20, 1901 Birmingham (S6). Listed as Victor Milward of Wellesbourne Hall, Stratford on Avon M.P. who died in Dinan, France. Effects: £71,170 to Eliza Milward widow, Henry Tomson Milward needle manufacturer and Frederic Victor Milward surgeon.

· 1911 Census: 92 Woodstock Rd, Oxford (S4). Listed as Eliza Milward age 69 widow living on private manes born in Alvechurch with daughter Alice Mary age 30 single born in Redditch.

· Wife’s Death: 1^st QTR 1923 age 81 Bromsgrove (S5d) and February 5, 1923 (S6).

· Wife’s Probate: May 17, 1923 Worcester (S6) Listed as Eliza Milward a widow from Foxlydiate, Redditch. Effects £17,336 to Henry Tomson Milward manufacturer and Alice Mary Milward spinster.

· Children:

1. Henry Tomson Milward (1868-1949) born in Ipsley - see Generation 6.

2. Frederic Victor Milward (c1870-1910) born in Ipsley (S4) death date (S2).

3. Robert Cecil Milward (c1871-1949) born in Ipsley (S4), baptized January 15, 1871 Redditch (S1c) with parents listed as Victor and Eliza Milward. Died: 1^st QTR 1950 Kent (S5d) listed as Robert C. Milward age 79 and December 30, 1949 (S6). Probate: Birmingham May 30, 1950 (S6), listed as Robert Cecil Milward who died in Kent effects £31,228 to Helen Milward widow.

4. George Herbert Milward (c1872-1959) born in Ipsley/Redditch (S4), death date (S2).

5. Catherine Milward (c1873-1939) born in Ipsley/Redditch (S4), death date (S2).

6. Frances E. Milward (c1875-1925) born in Ipsley/Redditch (S4) death date (S2).

7. Clement A. Milward (c1878-1951) born in Ipsley (S4), death date (S2).

8. Alice Mary Milward (c1880/81-?) born in Ipsley/Redditch (S4).

Generation 6: Charles Frederic Milward (c1860-1947) and Emily Constantia Ellis (c1868-1917)

· Born: September 27, 1860 Brooklyn, NY, USA (S2). Brooklyn, NY (S4).

· 1871 Census: 65 Aton Villas, Hove, Sussex (S4). Listed as Charles F. Milward age 10 a scholar born in NY, the nephew of Henri Janson, a French teacher born in France, with whom he was living. (Note: incorrectly listed in the census index with the middle initial T.).

· 1881 Census: 61 Poplars, Ipsley, Redditch (S4) with parents. Listed as Charles F. Milward age 20 born in Brooklyn, USA

· 1888 Kelly’s Directory of Worcestershire, page 168. Listed as Charles Frederic Milward with a private residence at South Mead.

· Married: 3^rd QTR 1889 Cheltenham, Gloucestershire (S5m). September 5, 1889 Cheltenham, Gloucestershire (S3). Listed as Charles Frederic Milward age 28 and Emily Constantia Ellis age 22. Listed on the marriage bands as a manufacturer from Southmead, Redditch whose father was John Frederic Milward manufacturer. Emily was born in Cape Colony, South Africa c1868 (S4).

· 1891 Census: 66 Beech Croft, Bromsgrove (S4). Listed as Charles F. Millward age 30 a needle and fish hook maker employer born in USA with wife Emily C. age 23 born in Cape Colony South Africa 1 child: Charles D.

· 1898: Sailed to UK (S=Passenger Lists at ancestry.com) from NY with wife Constantia age 30, departed NY and arrived in Liverpool October 15, 1898. Chas F. Milward was listed as a manufacturer, age 38 with wife Constantia age 30.

· 1901 Census: 201 Beech Croft, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire (S4). Listed as Chas Frederic Milward age 40 manager and director needle manufacturing company worker born in USA with wife Emily Constantin age 33 born in Cape Colony and 3 children: Chas Disney, Esther Mary and Norah.

· 1904: Sailed to USA (S=Passenger Lists at ancestry.com) departed Liverpool April 30, 1904 arrived in NY May 8, 1904. Charles Milward was listed as age 43 resident of Worcester born in NY traveling to visit Spool Cotton Co in New York. Sailed with Henry Milward age 36, a possible cousin.

· 1911 Census: The Leys, Alvechurch (S4). Listed as Charles Frederic Milward age 50 a director and managing director of manufacturing companies needles, fish hooks, printing cards, box making, fishing tackle, wire manufacturer employer born in Brooklyn, USA with wife Emily Constantia age 43 born in Cape Colony South Africa and 2 children: Agatha and John Frederic. Indicated they were married 21 years and had 5 children who were all still living.

· 1913: Sailed to USA (S=Passenger Lists at ancestry.com) departed Liverpool April 12, 1913 arrived NY April 18, 1913 sailed with wife Emily C. age 45. Charles F. Milward was listed as age 52 a manufacturer from the Leys, Alvechurch, Worcester.

· Wife’s Death: 2^nd QTR 1917 Bromsgrove at age 50 (S5d) listed as Emily C. Milward. June 14, 1917 (S6).

· Wife’s Probate: August 23, 1917 Worchester (S6). Listed as Emily Constantia Milward of the Leys Alvechurch (wife of Charles Frederic Milward). Effects £656 to Charles Frederic Milward, manufacturer.

· 1921: Sailed to USA (S=Passenger Lists at ancestry.com) departed Liverpool September 21, 1921 arrived September 30, 1921 sailed with son Charles D. Milward age 30, daughter-in-law Joan Isabel age 20 and daughter Esther Mary Milward age 26. Charles F. Milward was listed as age 60 a merchant from Alvechurch.

· 1924: Sailed to USA (S=Passenger Lists at ancestry.com) departed Southampton April 19, 1924 arrived NY April 28, 1924 sailed with two children: Norah Milward age 29 and Charles Disney Milward age 33. Charles Frederic Milward was listed as age 63 a merchant from Redditch.

· 1929: Sailed to France (S=Passenger Lists at ancestry.com) departed London August 2, 1929 bound for Bombay arrived Marseilles sailed with grandson Victor Ellis Milward age 15. Charles Frederic Milward was listed as age 69 a manufacturer from the Leys, Alvechurch.

· 1938: Sailed to UK (S=Passenger Lists at ancestry.com) departing NY and departed Cherbourg, France arriving at Southampton on September 6, 1938 sailed by himself. Charles Milward was listed as a Worcestershire merchant, age 77.

· Death: 2^nd QTR 1947 Bromsgrove age 86 (S5d). Listed as Charles F. Milward. April 25, 1947 Worcestershire (S6).

· Obituary: The Tewkesbury Register and Gazette newspaper dated May 3, 1947 (S=britishnewspaperarhvies.co.uk)

· Probate: October 23, 1947 Birmingham (S6). Listed as Charles Frederic Milward of the Leys, Alvechurch, Worcestershire. Effects £76,273 to Charles Disney Milward manufacturer and John Frederic Milward barrister-at-law.

· Children:

1. Charles Disney Milward (c1891-1953) born in Bromsgrove (S4), death date (S2).

2. Esther Mary Milward (c1894-1993) born in Bromsgrove (S4), death date (S2).

3. Norah Milward (c1895-1985) born in Bromsgrove (S4), death date (S2).

4. Agatha Milward (c1902-1979) born in Bromsgrove (S4), death date (S2.)

5. John Frederic Milward (c1909-1982) born in Bromsgrove (S4), death date (S2).

Generation 6: Henry Tomson Milward (1868-1949) and Elsie Townsend Newton (c1871-1931)

· Born: 2^nd QTR 1868 Alcester (S5b). April 6, 1868 Redditch (S2).

· Baptized: May 1, 1868 Redditch (S1c). Listed as Henry Tomson Milward with parents listed as Victor and Eliza Milward.

· 1871 Census: 44 Ipsley, Redditch (S4) with parents. Listed as H. J. age 2 born in Ipsley.

· 1881 Census: 102 Arden House School, Henley-in-Arden, Stratford-on-Avon (S4). Listed as H. Milward age 12 a scholar born in Redditch.

· 1891 Census: South Claines, Worcestershire (S4). Listed as Henry T. Milward age 23 a needle manufacturer employer and visitor born in Redditch. (Note: Henry’s middle initial is incorrectly listed as S in the census index).

· Married: 1^st QTR 1900 Bromsgrove (S5m). Listed as Henry Tomson Milward and Elsie Townsend Newton. Elsie was born in c1871 Yorkshire (S4).

· 1901 Census: 53 The Holloway private house, Ipsley Str., Upper Ipsley, Redditch (S4). Listed as Henry T. Milward age 32 a manufacturer of needles and hooks employer born in Redditch with wife Elsie T. age 29 born in Heworth, Yorkshire and 1 child: H. G. V.

· 1911 Census: The Holloway, Upper Ipsley, Redditch, Alcester (S4). Listed as Henry Tomson Milward age 42 a manufacturer of needles, fish hooks and tackle employer born in Redditch with wife Elsie Townsend age 40 born in Heworth, Yorkshire and 3 children: Francis John, Antony Horace and Diana Lucy. Indicates they were married 11 years and had 4 children who were all still living.

· Wife’s Death: 1st QTR 1931 Alcester (S5d) at age 59 listed as Elsie T. Milward. March 20, 1931 (S6).

· Wife’s Probate: London August 11, 1931 (S6). Listed as Elsie Townsend Milward of The Holloway Redditch (wife of Henry Tomson Milward). Effects £4,987 to Henry Gerard Victor Milward manufacturer and Francis John Milward surgeon,

· Death: March 1949 Bromsgrove age 80 (S5d). Listed as Henry T. Milward. March 11, 1949 (S6).

· Probate: June 1, 1949 London (S6). Listed as Henry Tomson Millward of Hazelwood 44, Holloway Lane, Redditch. Effects £76,272 to Henry Gerard Victor Milward company director and Diane Lucy Milward spinster.

· Children:

1. Henry Gerard Victor Milward (c1901-1991) born in Redditch (S4), listed in father’s probate, death date (S2).

2. Francis John Milward (c1904-1997) born in Redditch (S4), death date (S2).

3. Anthony Horace Milward (c1905-1981) born in Redditch (S4), death date (S2).

4. Diana Lucy Milward (c1910-1961) born in Redditch (S4), death date (S2).

Misc

· Historical records from the Warwickshire County Records Office in Warwick CR3097/2, CR3097/39, CR3097/40, CR3097/118, CR3097-119, CR3097/121, CR3097/136, CR3097/151, CR3097-164, CR3097-175, CR3097/177, CR3097/188, CR3907-196, CR3097-200, CR3097/201, CR3097-203, CR3097-276, CR3097-339, CR3097-361, CR3097/365, CR3097/366, CR3097/368

· The Needle Industry in Redditch A Study Pack Forge Needle Museum which contains a Milward family tree, however the birth year of John Frederick Milward is incorrectly listed as 1824 when it should be 1834 (S=Redditch Library).

· A Genealogical and Heraldic History of the Landed Gentry of Great Britain & Ireland, 1898, page 1036 (S=books.google.com) which lists John Frederick Milward and lineage back to Henry Milward (1770-1828).

· Milward family photographs from Karen Cording of Redditch, a local historian, specialist book seller and owner of the Nonnykettle book store.

Needle Related Patents and/or Design Registrations made by Milward

· Patent #2947. Registered by Henry Milward of Redditch dated December 19, 1853 for machinery for the manufacture of needles and fish hooks.

· Patent #8. Registered by H. Milward and T. Givry dated January 1, 1868 for a needle case later named the Fan and Bellows.

· Patent #1178. Registered by V. Milward April 22, 1870 for a needle case wrapper.

· Patent #3227. Registered by V. Milward October 31, 1872 for a machine for polishing needles.

· Patent #3727. Registered by V. Milward October 28, 1874 for a needle case wrapper.

· Patent #3725. Registered by V. Milward October 27, 1875 for a machine for polishing needles.

· Design Registration Ornamental Design #260633 and 260634 dated February 21, 1872 for metal needle cases later named the Double Palmette and Single Palmette (S=The National Archives, Kew).

· Design Registration Non-Ornamental Design #5344 dated April 12, 1872 for a metal needle case later named the Victoria with Belt Buckle (S=The National Archives, Kew).

Avery style needle cases patented/registered by Milward or with the Milward name: Athena Golden, Beatrice - 4 Sections, Beatrice - 6 Sections, Bellows, Butterfly, Butterfly Box - Oval Tub, Demi Quad Helen - Maltese Cross, Double Palmette, Fan Bee & Dog Head Cover, Fan with Cupid Cover Version 1, Fan with Cupid Cover Version 2, Fan with Lady with Fan Cover, Fan with Rose Cover, Fan with Swan Covers, Hector, Quad Eclectic - Bent Arm in Oval, Quad - Eclectic - Bent Arm on Shield, Scallop Shell, Single Palmette, Unique, Victoria with Belt Buckle.

---

Endnotes

[1] Most of the Milward history comes from the seven sources listed here unless otherwise footnoted. 1: The British Trade Journal. British Industries, dated October 1, 1880, page 497-499 with an article entitled “No. C1. - Messrs. Henry Milward & Son, Needle and Fish-Hook Manufactory, Redditch” (S=books.google.com). 2: Wyman’s Commercial Encyclopedia of Leading Manufacturers of Great Britain, 1888, pages 369-370 with article entitled “Henry Milward & Sons, Needle and Fish Hook Manufacturers, Washford Mills, Redditch” (S=books.google.com). 3: The Victorian History of the Counties of England. The History of Worcestershire Vol II, edited by William Page, pages 273-274 the section entitled “Needles” (S=books.google.com). 4: The Engineer Vol. LXXXV from January to June 1898, page 298-300 article entitled “The Manufacture of Needles” dated April 1, 1898 (S=books.google.com). 5: Redditch and District Illustrated Business Review, 1925, page 16 (S=copy of original obtained from Raymond McLaren). 6: an article entitled Needle and Fish Hook Making. Messrs. Milward & Sons, Washford Mills, Redditch, c1900, page 72-75 (S=available at the Forge Mill Needle Museum archives). 7: Henry Milward & Sons (S=Wikipedia)

[2] The family members and years are listed in The Needle Industry in Redditch A Study Pack Forge Mill Museum, page 24 (S=available at the Redditch Library) and are also based on the genealogical information uncovered and detailed in the genealogical section of this chapter. Additionally, many dates are confirmed in A Genealogical and Heraldic History of the Landed Gentry of Great Britain & Ireland, 1898, page 1036 (S=books.google.com) which lists John Frederick Milward and his lineage back to Henry II.

[3] The established in 1730 date is listed on most of the company’s advertisements and is included in many of the sources in footnote 1 above.

[4] Milward Lease and Agreement of Retirement - Reference #CR3097-119 and #CR3097-175 (S=Warwickshire County Record Office, Warwick, UK).

[5]Similar drawings of the factories seen here are found in Wyman’s Commercial Encyclopedia of Leading Manufacturers of Great Britain, 1888, pages 369 (see footnote 1 for more source information) and at the Forge Mill Needle Museum archives.

[6] Lithographs of the Milward Factories - Reference #CR3097-361 (S=Warwickshire County Record Office, Warwick, UK).

[7] Most of the information about the Washford Mills factory comes from A Survey of the Arrow Valley Needle Industry, by Paul Collins, 1994, page 23-30 (S=available at the Forge Mill Needle Museum archives) and Needlemakers in Alcester, Sambourne and Studley by Richard Churchley, 2014, pages 10 and 16 (S=copy purchased from Karen Cording, a local historian, a specialist book seller in Redditch and owner of the Nonnykettle book store).

[8] A Survey of the Arrow Valley Needle Industry, by Paul Collins, 1994, page 23 (S=available at the Forge Mill Needle Museum archives) and Deeds Related to the Milward Family - Reference #CR3097-118 (S=Warwickshire County Record Office, Warwick, UK).

[9] For more details on listings in trade and city directories see the Needle Manufacturers Trade and City Directory Chart in this book’s introduction.

[10] White’s History, Gazetteer and Director of Warwickshire, page 760.

[11] M. Billings Directory and Gazetteer of Worcester, page 377

[12] Corporation General Trades Directory of Birmingham, pages 864 and 868.

[13] Jones’s Mercantile Directory of the Iron District, pages 137 and 416.

[14] Information from fellow researcher Raymond McLaren based on his detailed research.

[15] A Survey of the Arrow Valley Needle Industry, by Paul Collins, 1994, page 23 (S=available at the Forge Mill Needle Museum archives).

[16]Drawings of the new factory in Redditch are found in the following six sources (see footnotes 1 and 2 for source information). 1: Wyman’s Commercial Encyclopedia of the Leading Manufacturers of Great Britain, 1888, pages 369-370, 2: The Engineer Vol. LXXXV from January to June 1898, pages 298-300, 3: article entitled Needle and Fish Hook Making. Messrs. Milward & Sons, Washford Mills, Redditch, c1900, page 72. 4: The British Trade Journal. British Industries, dated October 1, 1880, page 497. 5: The Needle Industry in Redditch A Study Pack Forge Mill Museum (S=available at the Redditch Library). 6: Drawing of the factory on Ipsley Street at the Forge Mill Needle Museum archives.

[17] From an old image on the Grace’s Guide website for Henry Milward & Sons (S=www.gracesguide.o.uk).

[18] 1871 UK census for Henry Milward (S4).

[19] English Patents Patent of Inventions, No. 2947 dated December 19, 1853 (S=books.google.com).

[20] Patents for Inventions. Abridgments of Specifications. Class 112, Sewing and Embroidering. Period – A.D. 1867-76, 1904 (S=books.google.com). Patents: 1868-8 page 32, 1870-1178 page 108, 1872-3227 page 221, 1874-3727 page 309 and 310, and 1875-3725 page 363.

[21] Design Registrations: Ornamental designs #260633 and #260634 and Non-ornamental design #5344 (S=The National Archives, Kew).

[22] The British Trade Journal. British Industries, dated October 1, 1880, page 498 and Wyman’s Commercial Encyclopedia of the Leading Manufacturers of Great Britain, 1888, page 369 (see footnote 1 for source information).

[23] The British Trade Journal dated August 1, 1880, page 5 (see footnote 1 for source information) and The Hosier and Glover dated May 20, 1880, page 10 (S= books.google.com).

[24] The British Trade Journal. British Industries, dated October 1, 1880, page 498 (see footnote 1 for source information).

[25] Milward Scrap Book - Reference # CR3097-276 (S=Warwickshire County Record Office, Warwick, UK).

[26] Paris Universal Exhibition of 1878 Catalogue of the British Section Part I, page 150 (S=books.google.com).

[27] Listed on numerous 19^th century Milward advertisements.

[28] Listed in an 1886 Milward advertisement.

[29] Listed on a Milward needlebook sold on eBay in 2019 as George A. Clark & Brother.

[30] Listed in an article entitled Needle and Fish Hook Making. Messrs. Milward & Sons, Washford Mills, Redditch, c1900, page 75 (see footnote 1 for more source information).

[31] Listed in an 1899 Milward advertisement and in Redditch and District Illustrated Business Review, 1925, page 16 (see footnote 1 for more source information).

[32] Listed in numerous Milward advertisements.

[33] Paris Universal Exhibition 1855 Catalogue, pages 41 and 98, (S=books.google.com). The firm is listed as H. Millward & Sons, Redditch.

[34] Reports of the Paris Universal Exposition of 1867 Vol. V., 1868, page 95 (S=books.google.com).

[35] Listed in some Milward advertisements and Wyman’s Commercial Encyclopedia of the Leading Manufacturers of Great Britain, 1888, pages 369 (see footnote 1 for source details).

[36] Paris Universal Exhibition of 1878 Catalogue of the British Section Part I, page 150 (S=books.google.com).

[37] Paris Universal Exhibition 1889 – Official Catalogue of the British Section, 1889, page 53 and 157 (S=books.google.com).

[38] Reports from Commissioners, Inspectors, and Others; Twenty-Eight Volumes, Vol. XXX1, 1901, page 276 (S=books.google.com). Also mentioned in the Birmingham Daily Post newspaper dated September 17, 1900 in an article entitled “Local Awards at the Paris Exhibition” (S=britishnewspaperarchives.co.uk).

[39] The International Exhibition 1862 Official Catalogue, pages 27 and 98 (S=books.google.com).

[40] Listed in numerous Milward advertisements.

[41] Listed in numerous Milward advertisements.

[42] Reports on the Vienna Universal Exhibition, 1873, Part 1, page 39 and 58 (S=books.google.com).

[43] International Exhibition of 1876 Official Catalogue: Part I Main Building and Annexes - United States Centennial Commission.  Philadelphia, 1876, page 151 (S=books.google.com).

[44] Listed in Milward advertisements in 1884 and 1886 and in the British Trade Journal October 1, 1880 (see footnote 1 for source details).

[45] Melbourne International Exhibition 1880-1881 - Official Record Containing Introduction History of Exhibition Description and Exhibition and Exhibits Official Awards of Commissioners and Catalogue of Exhibits, 1882, pages 308, 320, 328 336 and 611 (S=books.google.com).

[46] Listed on Milward advertisement from 1891.

[47] World’s Columbian Exposition 1893 Official Catalogue Part VIII Manufacturers and Liberal Arts Building Leather and Shoe Building Department H. Manufacturers, 1893, page 121 (S=books.google.com).

[48] Listed in Milward advertisement from 1899.

[49] Redditch and District Illustrated Business Review, 1925, page 16 (see footnote 1 for source information).

[50] Redditch and District Illustrated Business Review, 1925, page 16 (see footnote 1 for source information).

[51] Redditch and District Illustrated Business Review, 1925, page 16 (see footnote 1 for source information).

[52] Milward Scrap Book, Reference # CR3097-276 (S=Warwickshire County Record Office, Warwick, UK).

[53] Mentioned in the Birmingham Daily Post newspaper dated September 17, 1900 in an article entitled “Local Awards at the Paris Exhibition” (S=britishnewspaperarchives.co.uk). The display seen here can be viewed at the Forge Mill Needle Museum in Redditch.

[54] W. Avery and J. English & Son documents - Reference # CR 2028 box 59-8 and CR3097-65 (S=Warwickshire County Record Office, Warwick, UK) and Reference #705:414/8189/34iib 1883-1913 and #705:414/8779/11/id/5-11 1861-1914 (S=Worcestershire Record Office at the Hive Archive in Worcester, UK).

[55] Historical information about the amalgamations come from the following four sources. 1: Needlemakers in Alcester, Sambourne and Studley by Richard Churchley, 2014, page 16 (S=copy purchased from Karen Cording, a local historian, a specialist book seller in Redditch and owner of the Nonnykettle book store). 2: Internet history of Henry Milward & Sons (S=Wikipedia). 3: Milward Papers, Deeds & Documents Reference #CR3097-151 and #CR3097-30 (S=Warwickshire County Record Office, Warwick, UK). 4: History and Heritage page at the ENTACO website (S=www.entacolimited.com/history.html).

[56] Based on a comparison of the 1884 Redditch area map (S=old-maps.uk.co) to a current map of Redditch (S=maps.google.com) and personal visits to Redditch between 2017 and 2020.

[57] The photographs of the Milward family members in this section come from two sources: 1: Oval shaped photographs (S=Karen Cording, a local historian, a specialist book seller in Redditch and owner of the Nonnykettle book store) and 2: Milward photographs Reference #CR3097-339 (S=Warwickshire County Record Office, Warwick, UK).

[58] Based on the currency converter at The National Archives website at http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/currency-converter/

[59] Corporation General and Trades Directory of Birmingham by William Cornish, 1861, page 864 (S=books.google.com). This is the first directory where Henry Milward is listed as living at the Poplars. Also, the 1884 map of Redditch shows the Poplars on Ipsley Street near Milward’s Washford Mills factory (S=old-maps.uk.co) which matches with the 1861 census that lists the family on Ipsley Street.

[60] Corporation General and Trades Directory of Birmingham by William Cornish, 1861, page 864 (S=books.google.com). This is the first directory where Henry Milward is listed as Esq. and as J.P.

[61] Milward Lease and Agreement of Retirement - Reference #CR3097-119 and #CR3097-175 (S=Warwickshire County Record Office, Warwick, UK).

[62] Based on the currency converter at The National Archives website at http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/currency-converter/.

[63] Based on the currency converter at The National Archives website at http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/currency-converter/.

[64] Obituary in the Redditch Indicator newspaper dated August 3, 1878 (S=on microfilm at the Redditch Library).

[65] Much of the information about Henry Charles Milward comes from his obituary in the Leamington Spa Courier newspaper dated November 14, 1896 (S=britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk).

[66] Obituary in the Alcester Chronical newspaper dated November 14, 1896 (S= britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk).

[67] A Genealogical and Heraldic History of the Landed Gentry of Great Britain & Ireland, 1898, page 1036 (S=books.google.com) which lists John Frederick Milward and his lineage back to Henry II.

[68] Based on the currency converter at The National Archives website at http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/currency-converter/.

[69] Obituary in The Standard newspaper dated March 25, 1916 (S=britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk).

[70] Henri Janson was age 49 a school teacher born in France and his wife Sarah Janson was age 46 who was born in Richmond, Surrey were listed with 11 students. Addition genealogical research was done and Sarah’s maiden name was Gosling. Sarah was baptized April 16, 1804 the daughter of John and Jenny Gosling of Richmond and she married

Henri Janson in Richmond July 11, 1840. Her sister was Catharine Gosling who married Henry Milward III.

[71] The history of Adelaide Crescent in Hove, Sussex includes information from the 1861 census which shows the type of people living on this street that year (S=Wikipedia).

[72] Obituary in the Standard newspaper dated June 1, 1901 (S= britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk).

[73] Obituary in Leamington Spa Courier newspaper dated June 14, 1901 (S= britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk).

[74] Obituary in the Redditch Indicator newspaper dated June 1, 1901 (S=on microfilm at the Redditch Library).

[75] Obituary in the Leamington Spa Courier newspaper dated June 7, 1901 (S= britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk).

[76] Obituary in the Birmingham Daily Gazette newspaper dated June 4, 1901 (S= britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk).

[77] Based on the currency converter at The National Archives website at http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/currency-converter/.

[78] Obituary in the Redditch Indicator newspaper dated June 1, 1901 (S=on microfilm at the Redditch Library).

[79] Obituary in The Standard newspaper dated June 1, 1901 (S=britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk).

[80] Obituary in the Midland Daily Telegraph newspaper dated June 1, 1901 (S= britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk).

[81] There is a slight conflict between sources regarding when Charles returned to the UK. According to A Survey of the Arrow Valley Needle Industry, by Paul Collins, 1994, page 23, Charles’s father returned to the UK in 1862, however, the Henry Milward & Sons Wikipedia article claims Charles was 5 years old when he returned to the UK, which would have been in 1865 since he was born in New York in 1860. Additional genealogical research was done and Charles’s sister Frances was born in Edgbaston, UK in 1862 meaning the family was definitely in the UK that year. As a result, the 1862 date is more accurate.

[82] Charles Frederic Milward age 10 in 1871 was listed as a nephew living in Hove with Henri Janson who was born in France and Sarah Janson age 66 who was born in Richmond, Surrey. Addition genealogical research was done and Sarah’s maiden name was Gosling. Sarah was baptized April 16, 1804 the daughter of John and Jenny Gosling of Richmond and she married Henri Janson in Richmond July 11, 1840. Her sister was Catharine Gosling who married Henry Milward III.

[83] Information regarding her father and his occupation comes from her marriage bands (S3).

[84] From Henry Milward & Sons (S=Wikipedia).

[85] Based on the currency converter at The National Archives website at http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/currency-converter/.

[86] Obituary in the Tewkesbury Register and Gazette newspaper dated May 3, 1947 (S=britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk).

[87] Much of the history of Philip Henry Milward comes from Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery by Paul Chapman, 2016, Redditch section (S=books.google.com).

[88] Obituary in The Standard newspaper dated December 11, 1915 (S=britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk).

[89] The Directory of Directors for…A List of the Directors…, 1914, page 737 (S=snippet view at books.google.com)

[90] From Henry Milward & Sons (S=Wikipedia).

[91] Based on the currency converter at The National Archives website at http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/currency-converter/.

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