Asser & Sherwin:  History

 

The Company[1]

The Asser and Sherwin families had established businesses in the London area by the mid 19th century.  Nathanial Asser (1798-1850) worked as a tailor and draper whereas Thomas Sherwin (1776-1863), the head of the Sherwin family, manufactured backgammon, chess and parcheesi boards which were sold to the growing middle class.  The two families were joined in 1824 by the marriage of Nathaniel to Sherwin’s daughter Mary Ann.  Their son James Asser (1836-1924) and his cousin Charles Sheppard Sherwin (1833-1872) founded the firm of Asser & Sherwin around 1860 at 81 Strand in London.  In the 1861 census both James and Charles were listed as cutlers.  Although a cutler was usually someone responsible for making, repairing or selling cutting instruments or implements used for preparing, serving and eating food, occasionally the term was used to describe a shopkeeper[2].  By 1864 James and Charles had married sisters further strengthening their relationship.

 

In the 1860’s and 70’s the Asser & Sherwin business was listed in trade directories as dressing case, travelling bag, bagatelle board and billiard table manufacturers as seen in the advertisements[3] pictured here.  At the time a dressing case[4] was a small piece of luggage used to carry brushes, bottles and other toiletries or personal care items needed by someone who traveled.  Originally dressing cases were designed for upper class men, as travel was considered inappropriate for women.  However, by the Victorian Era, with the emerging middle class, there was a greater need for such items as by then both men and woman enjoyed travel.  The firm became successful in part because that same middle class also acquired an interest in leisure activities which included playing games and engaging in sporting events.  Based on advertisements in local newspapers[5] and sporting journals, the company sold archery bows and arrows, targets and accoutrements of the finest quality as well as lawn tennis, cricket and croquet supplies.  Their dressing cases, traveling bags, ladies’ purses, writing cases and courier bags could be engraved and were often sold as wedding and birthday presents.  An additional source of income for the company most likely came from their wives’ inheritance when their father died in 1862[6].  Until 1882[7] all of the property and possessions of a married woman legally belonged to her husband and the sisters inherited a substantial amount from their father when he passed away.  The firm attended the 1862[8] International Exhibition in London and the 1867[9] Paris Universal Exhibition where they were noted for their bagatelle and miniature billiard tables.  In 1865 they opened a second shop in London at 69 Oxford Street.

 

The business expanded in the early 1870’s and within a few years was described as a very substantial and imposing structure with an excellent location.  By 1874 the firm increased the size of their main shop to include 80 & 81 Strand.  The drawing of the interior of this building (pictured here in 1875[10]) clearly shows a beautiful shop, elaborately decorated and filled with fancy merchandise and sporting goods.  However, Asser & Sherwin did not manufacture all of the items they sold in their shop.  Many were procured in other places such as Paris, where the company acquired “elegances” and “fancies” in order to cater to ladies and gentlemen with the resources to purchase such things.  A drawing of the exterior of the building, also from 1875[11], shows a handsome three-story building with a shop on the ground level and possible living space on the upper floors.  Unfortunately, Charles Sherwin died of tuberculosis in 1872 at age 39 and shortly thereafter around 1874 the company closed their Oxford Street shop.  Six years later in late 1880 the firm placed notices in local newspapers which read “Important Announcement! Asser & Sherwin Having resolved to retire from Retail Trade, are offering their Splendid Stock ...” as seen in the advertisement[12] pictured here.  As a result, in 1881 the Strand shop was closed and although the firm had a business at 23 Tavistock Street in Covent Garden for a short period of time, the Asser & Sherwin business apparently dissolved shortly thereafter.

 

Today the Shell Mex House[13] occupies 80 Strand.  This large building was opened in 1932 as the headquarters for the British Petroleum company.  It is best known for its southern façade which contains the largest clock face in the UK, known as “Big Benzene”, at the top facing the Victoria Embankment Garden next to the Thames River.  Approximately eight blocks east is the Royal Courts of Justice[14] building which opened in 1882.  In the middle of the Strand just south of the courts building is the Temple Bar Memorial[15] which was added in 1880 to commemorate the place where the Temple Bar was originally located.  A few blocks west of 80 Strand is the famous Trafalgar Square.

 

Avery Style Needle Cases with the Asser & Sherwin Name

Only three needle cases have been uncovered so far with the Asser & Sherwin name.  Two were Quadruple style needle cases originally patented by W. Avery & Son of Redditch, UK in 1868[16].  One was a Quadruple Golden Casket - Fleur de Lis with the firms name and 80 & 81 Strand London stamped near the bottom.  The Asser & Sherwin name was also placed on a customized Quadruple Casket with the façade of the company’s Strand building pressed into the brass (entire needle case pictured on the left and a close up of the building on the right[17]).  It is interesting to note that other Avery style needle cases were also licensed to at least four other companies who were dressing case manufacturers: Cormack BROs, Gay & Son, Mappin Bros. and Albert Sharpe, and to six who were cutlers: Alex Arkell, C. & J, Morton, Thomas Pellett, Stacy, J. W. Shutter and B. B. Wells, all from the London area, and one dressing case manufacturer from Glasgow, Scotland: J. & F. Forgie.  One can only assume there was some type of connection between a needle maker and a dressing case manufacturer.  Obviously, needles were used to sew travel bags or purses together, but why they would be distributed in a fancy brass needle case remains a mystery unless they were for the shops patrons.  Today one often finds a small sewing kit in certain travel accessories which allows a quick repair in the event of a clothing mishap while away from home.  Perhaps brass needle cases filled with Avery needles were something Victorian dressing case makers added to their travel bags.  This way the consumer received something that not only served a purpose but also reminded them of the company from which it came, and Avery was able to reach out to more people with his needles.

 

The only other Avery style needle cases with the Asser & Sherwin name are the Wheelbarrow with Roses, pictured on the left, which has the company’s Oxford Street[18] address stamped on the bottom, and the Picnic Basket, pictured on the right, with the 80-81 Strand address stamped on the bottom.  Both were registered by the Birmingham die-sinker and stamper Buncher & Haseler[19], one in 1874 and the other in 1875.  It seems likely that these beautifully decorated figural style needle cases fit with the Asser & Sherwin shop’s other “fancies”.  Someday we may discover that several other figural needle cases patented by Avery and other Birmingham companies ended up here as well because this shop certainly had the right clientele, middle class women, who would be interested in purchasing them.

 

 

 

 

 

The Asser Owners:

James Asser was born in 1836 in the Chelsea section of central London.  His parents, Nathaniel Asser (1798-1850) and Mary Ann Sherwin (1799-1879), were both born in the London area and married there in 1824.  Nathaniel and Mary Ann had nine children born between 1825 and 1841: Nathaniel Frederick, Thomas Augustus, Henry, Adelaide, William, Louis, James, Charles and Sydney. The Sherwin family lived at Burlington Arcade on Piccadilly for a few years before moving nearby to Church Street for a short period then settled in Brompton where they lived from at least 1830 until 1836.  By 1838 the family moved to Denmark Terrence in Islington, a northern district of Inner London.  Nathaniel worked as a tailor or linen draper until his death in 1850 from rheumatic fever at the rather young age of 52 when he was listed as a haberdasher.  At some point before or shortly after his death, six of his eight sons emigrated to Australia where they spent the remainder of their lives in the state of New South Wales.   In 1861 and 1871 Mary Ann was living with their son James and his family, first on the Strand in Central London and later in Islington where she was listed as a deaf widow.  At some point after 1871 she moved with her son and his family to the southeast London area known as Lewisham where she died in 1879 at age 80.

 

In 1851 when James Asser was living with his parents at age 14 he was working as a solicitors writing clerk.  Eight years later in 1859 at age 23 he married Frances Thirtle age 21, the second daughter of William Thirtle a London area cow keeper and dairyman, in Islington.  At the time of their marriage James was working as a clerk.  When their first child was born a year later, they were living at 81 Strand, the same location as the Asser & Sherwin company and James was working as a cutler.  James and Frances had five children between 1860 and 1869: James, Harry, Ernest, George and Frederick, although two died within a few months of their births: Harry and Frederick.  Sometime between 1861 and 1863 the family moved to Islington where they remained until at least 1871 and James continued working as a cutler.   In 1881 they were living on the southeast side of London in Lewisham where James was listed as a warehouseman. They moved  to Croydon, a large town in South London but also lived in Herne Bay in Kent, a seaside town for several years, before moving to Brentford, a suburb of West London just north of Kew Gardens on the other side of the Thames River.  After James reached the age of 54, from 1891 onward, he was consistently listed as living on his owns means which indicated he had achieved a high degree of business success at an earlier age, presumable while part of the Asser & Sherwin business.  The photograph of James Asser shown here[20] was taken during his years in Herne Bay when he was in his mid to late sixties.  Frances died in Brentford in 1912 at age 74 of chronic cardiac disease and left her estate of £244 to her husband.  James eventually moved to Cowley, a suburb of West London and died of bronchitis at a hospital in neighboring Uxbridge in 1924 at age 87.  His estate valued at £6,638 (equal to £272,549 today[21]) was passed to his two sons Ernest and George.

 

Of the three surviving sons of James and Frances Asser, one died at age 41 and the other two reached different degrees of success.  The eldest son James Jr., born in 1860, married Cecilia Emma Tiffin in 1883 in Lewisham and they had two children: Ralph and Sydney.  After his marriage James Jr. worked as a fish salesman for a period of time then became a farmer in Burstow, a village near Gatwick Airport, until his death there of peritonitis at age 41 in 1902.  The second son, Ernest was born in 1863 and became a hosier by 1891.  While working as a salesman in 1893 he met John Arthur Turnbull and together they formed the hosiery business which became known as Turnbull and Asser in 1895[22].  This clothing and sportswear firm still exists to this day with shops in London and New York.  Ernest married Annie Baker in 1898 in Brentford and they had at least three children: Phyllis, Mabel Violet and Muriel.  The family lived in the Brentford area for a number of years before settling in Fulham, a section of London directly west of Chelsea, where Ernest died of heart disease and diabetes at age 67 in 1931.  He left an estate valued at £10,112.  The youngest surviving son was George who was born in 1864.  At first George also worked as a fish salesman, possibly with his older brother James Jr.  He married Florence Amelia Mills in 1894 in the Hackney section of London and they had two children: Blanche D. and Leslie Ernest. After their marriage, George became a licensed victualler, perhaps learning the trade from his father-in-law who had the same occupation.  At the time a licensed victualler was “a formal name for the landlord of a public house or similar licensed establishment”[23].  At one point the family lived at St. Leonard on the Sea, a popular seaside resort near Hastings, East Sussex before returning to the London area where they lived in the Fulham area of west London.  George died there at age 79 of heart disease in 1943 and left an estate valued at £2,888.

 

The Sherwin Owners

Charles Sheppard Sherwin’s parents were James Sherwin (1808-1900) and Elizabeth Sheppard (c1800-1873).  His father, James, was the son of Thomas Sherwin (1776-1863) and Eleanor Sherwin and the younger brother of Charles’s business partner’s mother, Mary Ann Asser nee Sherwin (1799-1879).  James was born 1808 in Shoreditch a section of London a few miles north of the Tower of London.  In 1831 he married Elizabeth Sheppard in Camden, just north of Regent’s Park, and they had one child: Charles Sheppard.  At first the family lived on Wilson Street, not far from where their son was born, and James worked as a cabinet maker, presumably for his father who was a manufacturer of backgammon, chess and parchesi boards at that time.  By 1841 the family moved to Leadenhall Street in central London, a place where they lived until at least 1851 and where James worked as a cutler and shopman.  They moved to Islington by 1861where James continues working as a shopkeeper’s cutler for a few years before the family move to Bexley in Kent, a village in southeast London.  Elizabeth died there in 1873 at age 73 and James moved to Croydon in neighboring Lewisham where he died of sarcoma and influenza in 1900 at age 91.  He left his estate valued at £273 to Elizabeth Russell, a single woman almost 40 years younger than him, who he adopted and with whom he was living in 1890’s.

 

Charles Sheppard Sherwin was born in central London in 1833, the only child of James and Elizabeth Sherwin.  While living with his parents Charles began working as a shopman in 1851 at age 17 and by 1861 became a shopkeeper’s cutler.  Three years later in 1864, while living in Islington, he married the widow Jane Mellish who was a daughter of the London cow keeper William Thirtle.  Their marriage united the Asser and Sherwin families even more because Jane was the sister of James Asser’s wife Frances.  Jane had one child, Frank Mellish, with her first husband who became Charles’s step-son after their marriage.  Charles and Jane had three children together: Florence, Percy and Herbert.  By 1871 Charles, Jane and their children were living next door to his cousin and business partner James Asser, his wife Frances, their children and Charles’s aunt, Mary Ann Asser.  Unfortunately, a year later in 1872 Charles died in Dartford at age 39 of phthisis pulmonalis, more popularly known as tuberculosis, and left an estate valued at under £4,000 (equal to £250,436 today[24]) to his wife.  From the time of his marriage until 1871 he was consistently listed as a cutler, however on his death certificate his occupation was listed as dressing case manufacturer.  Roughly two and a half years after his death his wife Jane married Edwin John White, a widower who worked as a surveyor in 1875.   Her third marriage was most likely necessary as she had four young children to support.  Jane White died fourteen years later of bronchitis at age 49 in 1889 in Barnet, a suburb of north London.

 

Although the children of Charles Sheppard Sherwin initially remained in the London area, they later moved to other areas of the UK.   Florence who was born in 1865 in Islington married Stanley Edward Bennett who was five years younger than her, when she was 31 years old in 1903. The Bennett’s moved to Norwich where they had one child they named Sherwin Edward Bennett.   While living in Norwich, Stanley was recorded as living on private means at the age of 32 indicating he came from a successful family and possible inherited money from his father.  The family moved to or was visiting the seaside resort of Herne Bay in Kent when Stanley died in 1932 leaving an estate of £58 to his wife Florence.  The eldest son of Charles and Elizabeth was Percy who was born in 1866 in Islington.  Nine years after his father’s death, in 1881 Percy was living in the Brentford area of London attending boarding school with his younger brother. By 1891 he was living in Croydon with his young brother and older half-brother.  Percy married Violet Hillier a year later in 1892 and they had one child: Constance Irene.  By 1901 Percy and Violet were living in Woking, Surrey just west of the London area, where Percy worked as a poultry farmer.  They moved to the coastal resort town of Bournemouth on the southern coast of England by 1911 where Percy worked as a boarding housekeeper.  Percy died in 1937 in Hastings at age 70 of coronary thrombosis.  Herbert was the youngest child of Charles Sheppard and Elizabeth Sherwin.  He was born in 1868 in Islington.  After attending boarding school in the 1880’s with his older brother, Herbert became a hosier by 1891.  He married Alice Martha Russell in 1893 and they had four children: Bert, Maud, Stanley and Percy.  Herbert and Alice lived in Bexhill-on-Sea near Hasting where he opened a confection shop until 1910[25].   By 1911 Herbert became a metal polish manufacturer.  Sometime prior to 1928 Herbert moved to Herne Bay, Kent where they lived with his sister[26].  Herbert died there in 1928 at age 60 of cerebral hemorrhage and left part of his estate of £7,453 to his sister Florence.

 

William Thirtle Father-in Law of James Asser and Charles Sheppard Sherwin

William Thirtle was born in c1803 in Great Witchingham, Norfolk a town approximately 122 miles northwest of London.  By the time he researched the age of twenty-four he was living in the London area where he married Jane Friday in 1827.  By 1831 he was working as a milkman but later was known as a cow keeper and dairyman, a position he held throughout his life.  William and Jane had at least four children born while the family lived on Clarges Street, just north of Buckingham Palace from 1831 around 1843: Henry John, Emily, Frances and Jane.  Their fifth child, George, was born in Brentford in 1843 and the Thirtle family moved to Islington shortly thereafter.   Jane died there at age 42 in 1847 of inflammation of the lungs and a year later in 1848 William married his second wife Ann Protor.  By 1851 the family was living in Islington where his daughters met the Asser/Sherwin cousins who at that time also lived in the Islington area.  His daughter Frances married James Asser in 1859 and his youngest daughter Jane married Charles Sheppard Sherwin in 1864.  William’s son Henry John died at the young age of 25 in 1856.   William died at age 59 of apoplexy in 1862 and left an estate valued at £16,000 (equal to £946,067 today[27]) and his second wife Ann died five years later of bronchitis in 1869 at age 63.  The following newspaper article from May 24, 1840[28] gives an idea of what life was like for William Thirtle at that time.

 

“Central Criminal Court.

MONDAY – THE DISEASE OF CATTLE – (Before the Common Sergeant) – A person of respectable appearance, named William Thirtle, surrendered to take his trial upon an indictment for misdemeanour, preferred against him by the corporation of the city of London.  Messrs. Ryland, Bullock and Gurney, appeared for the city authorities; Messrs. Clarkson and Phillips conducted the defence. – There were several counts in the indictment.  The first imputed to the defendant that, being possessed of two cows that were afflicted with an infectious, contagious, and dangerous disorder, he unlawfully drove them to a certain public market where other cows were, which might have caught the disease, to the great danger &c, of her Majesty’s subjects.  The second count imputed to the defendant that he drove these cows to a public market, intending to sell them for human food. – Mr. Ryland addressed the jury, and said that the corporation of the city of London, for whom he had the honour to appear, had felt it to be their duty, for the preservation of the health of the citizens, and of the public generally, to institute the present proceeding. – Witnesses were then called, from whose evidence it appears that, on the 6^th of April, the defendant, who carries on an extensive dairy business, went with two cows to Smithfield market.  One of these cows, according to the evidence for the prosecution, was in a most dreadful state, being covered with small sores and ulcers, and apparently suffering under all the aggravated symptoms of the epidemic that has been so fatal to cattle during the last few months. The other cow was also in a very miserable condition, the hip-bone being broken, and the carcass in a most emaciated state, but it did not appear that this was the effect of disease.  The animals were ultimately taken to a slaughter-house, where they were killed.  The appearance of the cows, it seemed, had occasioned great excitement and alarm in the market, and it was by direction of one of the city magistrates that they were taken away to be killed. – Mr. Clarkson addressed the jury for the defence, and said that he should be able to satisfy them that, at the time in question, one of the animals was not in any way dangerous, and that, in point of fact, it had recovered from the illness, and the object of the defendant in bringing it to market was not to sell it, but to place it in the hands of a grazier, for the purpose of getting it fattened.    He called the following witnesses: - Mr. Charles Richards proved that he knew the defendant, who was a dairyman, and kept sixty cows.  He knew the cows in question.  The black cow (which, it was alleged, laboured under the contagious disease) stood in the same stall with a cow belonging to witness. She was suffering from the prevailing epidemic but it was recovering in the month of March.  Witness’s cow never experienced any injury from standing with the defendant’s cow.  He saw the cow in question on the day before she was sent to market, and he considered she was only suffering from debility and that she had no disease about her.  The cow had hurt her hip in laying down.  He imagine it was the intention of the defendant to have sent the cows to Smithfield’s to sell them to a grazier to get them up in condition. A third cow was sent with the black cow and another to market, and was constantly with her, and that cow was now quite well.  There was nothing about the cow to lead the defendant to believe that she was affected with a contagious disease.  Other witnesses were called, who expressed their opinion that the cow in question had recovered from the disease, and it also appeared that the defendant had kept her with his other cows, and that none of them had suffered in consequence. – Mr. Staveley, a veterinary surgeon, proved that he examined the nostrils and other parts of the cow that had been referred to, and they were perfectly healthy and presented no appearance of any infectious disorder. – Mr. Ryland replied. – The common sergeant summed up the evidence, and the jury, after deliberating a few minutes, returned a verdict of Not Guilty.”

 

Asser & Sherwin: Images

Quad Golden Casket - Fleur de Lis needle case.

 

The Shell Mex House building at 80 Strand from the Thames River walk, 2015.

 

Quad Golden Casket - Fleur de Lis needle case stamped with the Asser & Sherwin name (s=eBay).

 

The Royal Courts of Justice on the Strand several blocks east of 80 Strand, 2015.

 

395 and 397 Strand, buildings on the north side of the Strand across the street from 80 Strand, 2023.

 

The Temple Bar Memorial in the middle of the Strand on the south side of the Royal Courts of Justice building, 2015.

 

80 Strand where the Asser & Sherwin business was originally located, 2023.

 

Front view of the building at 80 Strand, 2023.

 

The building in the center is 61 Oxford Street, at the southwest corner of Oxford Street and Soho Street is near where one of the Asser & Sherwin businesses was originally located, 2023.

 

Asser & Sherwin: Genealogy

Asser Generation 1:  Nathaniel Asser (1798-1850) and Mary Ann Sherwin (1799-1879)

·       Born:  1798 (S5d) (S7), London (S2).

·       Wife’s Baptism: Born: July 3, 1799 and baptized July 28, 1799 St. Bride, Fleet Street, London (S1c).  Listed as Mary Ann D. of Thomas and Eleanor Sherwin of 11 Poppins Court.

·       Marriage: March 28, 1824 St. James, Piccadilly, Westminster, London (S1m and S3).  Listed as Nathaniel Asser a bachelor and Mary Ann Sherwin a spinster married in the presence of Tho. Sherwin and Louis Asser.

·       1841 Census: Surrey Street, Croydon (S4).   Listed as Nathaniel Hasell age 40 a draper not born in the county with wife Mary age 40 also not born in the county and 6 children: Henry, Adelaide, William, Louis, James and Charles, with Adelaide, William and Louis listed as born in Scotland (Note: although the surname is different, it is obviously a census taker error because it sounds similar to Asser and the wife and children all match with other records as do their ages).

·       Death: March 25, 1850 Islington West, Islington, Middlesex (S8d).  Listed as Nathaniel Asser age 52 a haberdasher who died of rheumatic fever at 5 Denmark Terrance in Islington. 

·       Burial: March 31, 1850 St. Mary, Islington, London (S7).  Listed as Nathaniel Asser of Denmark Terrance age 52.

·       Probate: not found.

·       1851 Census: No. 6 Denmark Terrace, Islington (S4).  Listed as Mary Ann Asser a deaf widow age 51 a milliner born in undecipherable with 4 children: William a backgammon table maker, Louis an apprentice, James and Sydney, with William and Louis listed as born in Scotland. (Note: because part of this census page was very hard to read, I could not find it on ancestry.com by searching various spellings of the Asser surname.  Instead, I was able to obtain a copy of the census page from another researcher, Richard Sherwin, and I was able to find it at ancestry.com by searching for another person on this census page named Richard Davis born 1827 living in Islington).

·       1861 Census: 81 Strand, St. Martin in the Fields, Westminster (S4).  Listed as Mary Ann Aper mother age 61 a widow born in St. Andrews, Holton, Middlesex living with her son James Aper and his family (Note: the surname is a census taker error or a transcription error possible due to the way the census taker represented “ss”).

·       1871 Census Wife: Islington (S4).  Listed as Mary A. Asser, mother, a deaf widow age 70 who was born in Holborn living with her son James Asser.

·       Wife’s Death:  December 30, 1879 Lydenham, Lewisham, Kent (S8d).  Listed as Mary Ann Asser age 80 the widow of Nathaniel Asser a tailor who died of syncope from natural decay at 1 Harmer Villas Stanstead Road with her son Jas Asser who lived at the same address present at her death.

·       Wife’s Burial: December 17, 1879 Camden, London (S7).  Listed as Mary Ann Asser.

·       Wife’s Probate: not found.

·       Children:

1.     Nathaniel Frederick Asser (1825-1909).  Born January 16, 1825 and baptized February 9, 1825 at St. James, Piccadilly, Westminster, London (S1c), listed as Nathaniel Frederick with parents Nathaniel and Mary Ann Asser of Burlington Arcade, a taylor.  Death: May 2, 1909 Scone, New South Wales (NSW), Australia (S2), 1909 Scone, NSW, Australia (S=Australia Death Index 1787-1985 at ancestry.com), listed as Nathaniel F. Aseer whose parents were Nathaniel and Mary A.

2.     Thomas Augustus Asser (1826-??).  Born December 22, 1826 and baptized January 14, 1827 at St. James, Piccadilly, Westminster, London (S1c), listed as Thomas Augustus with parents Nathaniel and Mary Ann Asser of Burlington Arcade, a tailor.  Death: not found.

3.     Henry Asser (1828-1909). Born August 5, 1828 and baptized August 28, 1828 at Christ Church, St. Marylebone, Westminster (S1c), listed as Henry with parents Nathaniel and Mary Asser of 10 Church Street, a tailor.  Passenger List Arrival: October 17, 1857 London to Melbourne on the ship Blackwell (S=Victoria, Australia, Assisted and Unassisted Passenger Lists 1839-1923 at ancestry.com), listed as Henry Asser age 28.   Death: April 16, 1909 NSW, Australia (S2), 1909 Petersham, NSW, Australia (S=Australia Death Index 1787-1985 at ancestry.com), listed as Henry Aseer whose parents were Nathaniel and Kary A.

4.     Adelaide Asser (1830-??).  Born October 11, 1830 and baptized October 2, 1836 at St. Luke, Chelsea, London (S1c), listed as Adelaide with parents Nathaniel and Mary Ann Asser of Brompton, a tailor. Death: not found.

5.     William Asser (1832-1922).  Born September 29, 1832 and baptized October 2, 1836 at St. Luke, Chelsea, London (S1c), listed as William with parents Nathaniel and Mary Ann Asser of Brompton, a tailor.  Death: April 17, 1922 Granville, NSW, Australia (S2), 1922 Granville, NSW, Australia (S=Australia Death Index 1787-1985 at ancestry.com), listed as William Aseer whose father was Nathaniel.

6.     Louis Asser (1834-1910).  Born December 25, 1834 and baptized October 2, 1836 at St. Luke, Chelsea, London (S1c), listed as Louis with parents Nathaniel and Mary Ann Asser of Brompton, a tailor.  Passenger List Arrival: October 17, 1857 London to Melbourne on the ship Blackwell (S=Victoria, Australia, Assisted and Unassisted Passenger Lists 1839-1923 at ancestry.com), listed as Henry Asser age 22.  Death: May 20, 1910 Petersham, NSW, Australia (S2).

7.     James Asser (1836-1924).   See Generation 2.

8.     Charles Asser (1838-1857). Born: 4^th QTR 1838, Croydon (GRO online index), listed as Charles Asser with mother’s maiden name Sherwin.  Born September 10, 1838 and baptized June 15, 1851 at St. John, Bethnal Green, Middlesex (S1c), listed as Charles with parents Nathaniel and Mary Ann Asser of 6 Denmark Terrace, Park Round, Islington, a linen draper.  Death: August 1857, Scone, NSW, Australia (S2), 1857 Scone, NSW Australia, (S=Australia Death Index 1787-1985 at ancestry.com), listed as Charles Aseer whose parents were Nathaniel and Mary A.

9.     Sydney Asser (1841-1927). Born: 4^th QTR 1841 Croydon (GRO Online Index), listed as Sidney Asser with mother's maiden name Sherwin.  Born December 15, 1851and baptized June 15, 1851 at St. John, Bethnal Green, Middlesex (S1c), listed as Sydney with parents Nathaniel and Mary Ann Asser of 6 Denmark Terrace, Park Round, Islington, a linen draper.  (NOTE: his birth year is incorrectly listed in the baptism record as 1851 when it should have been 1841 according to his birth certificate).  Death: 1927 Chatswood, NSW, Australia (S=Australia Death Index 1787-1985 at ancestry.com), listed as Sydney Aseer whose parents were Nathaniel and Mary.

 

Asser Generation 2: James Asser (1836-1924) and Frances Thirtle (1838-1912)

·       Born:  September 11, 1836 (S1c), Chelsea (S4).

·       Baptized:  October 2, 1836 St. Luke, Chelsea, London (S1c).  Listed as James with parents Nathaniel and Mary Ann Asser of Brompton where his father was a tailor.

·       Wife’s Baptism: Born March 22, 1838 and baptized April 18, 1838 St. George, Hanover Square, London (S1c).  Listed as Frances with parents William and Jane Thirtle of Clarges Str where her father was a cow keeper.

·       1841 Census:  with parents (S4).  Listed as James Hasell age 4 not born in the county.

·       1851 Census: with mother (S4).  Listed as James Asser age 14 a solicitors writing clerk born in Chelsea.

·       Marriage: 3^rd QTR 1859, Islington (S5m), listed as James Asser and Frances Thirtle.  September 12, 1859 St. Mary, Islington (S3), listed as James Asser a bachelor and clerk whose father was Nathaniel Asser a tailor and Fanny Thirtle a spinster whose father was William Thirtle a cow keeper and in the presence of Wm Thirth and Adelaide Asser.  Marriage Allegation: August 31, 1859 St. Mary, Islington (S=London and Surrey, England Marriages Bonds and Allegations), listed as James Asser age 21 and Fanny Thirtle age 21.  

·       1861 Census: 81 Strand, St. Martin in the Fields, Westminster (S4).  Listed as James Aper age 24 a cutler born in Brompton with wife Frances age 22 born in St. George Hanover Square , 1 child: James age 6 months born in St Martin in Fields,and 1 mother Mary Ann Aper age 61 a widow born in St. Andrews, Holton, Middlesex (Note: the surname is a census taker error or a transcription error possible due to the way the census taker represented “ss”).

·       1871 Census:  40 Colebrook Road, Islington, London (S4).  Listed as James Asser age 34 a cutler born in Brompton, Middlesex with wife Frances age 33 born in Westminster, 3 sons: James age 10, Ernest age 7 and George age 6, 1 mother Mary A. Asser a deaf widow age 70 born in Holborn, 1 boarder and 2 servants.  This Asser family was living next to the Charles Sherwin family.

·       1881 Census: 1 Harmer Villa, Stanshead Road, Lewisham, London (S4).  Listed as James Asser age 44 a warehouseman born in Chelsea with wife Frances age 43 born in St. James, 2 sons: James age 20 and George age 16, 2 nephews: Frank Mellish age 19 and Edwin Henry White age 20, 2 visitors and drapers assistants: Cecilia Emma Tiffin age 19 and Caroline Ellen Tiffin age 17, and 2 servants:

·       1891 Census: 154 Selhurst Rd, Croydon, South Norwood (S4).  Listed as James Asser age 54 living on means born in Chelsea with wife Frances age 53 born in St. James and 2 sons: Ernest age 27 and George age 25 and 1 visitor: Jessie Tiffin age 22, and 2 servants

·       1901 Census: 100 Birdhurst, Duneraig, Herne Bay, Kent (S4).  Listed as James Asser age 64 living on own means born in Chelsea with wife Frances age 63 born in St. James, and 1 grandson: Sidney age 14 born in Clapham, 1 visitor and 2 servants.

·       1911 Census: 27 Creffield Road, Ealing W, Brentford (S4).  Listed as James Asser age 74 (who was married 51 years with 5 children of which only 2 were still living) retired born in London with wife Frances age 73 born in London, a daughter-in-law Cecilia Emma Asser a widow age 49 (who had 2 children still living) born in London, a visitor and 2 servants.

·       Wife’s Death: November 29, 1912 Brentford, Middlesex (S8d), listed as Frances Asser age 74 the wife of James Asser whose profession was listed as of independent means who died of chronic cardiac disease at 27 Creffield Road, Ealing with Jas Asser widower of the deceased present at her death.  November 29, 1912 Middlesex (S6).

·       Wife’s Burial: December 2, 1912 Camden, London (S7).  Listed as Frances Asser.

·       Wife’s Probate: February 13, 1913 London (S6).   Listed as Frances Asser of 27 Creffield-road, Ealing, Middlesex (wife of James Asser) with Effects of £244 to the said James Asser gentleman.

·       Death:  May 1, 1924 Uxbridge, Middlesex (S8d), listed as James Asser age 87 of The Firs Cowley Rd whose occupation was listed as of independent means who died of bronchitis at the Uxbridge Cottage Hospital in Hillingdon with his son Ernest Asser of The Firs Cowley present at his death.  May 1, 1924 Uxbridge, Middlesex (S6).

·       Burial:  May 5, 1924 Camden, London (S7).  Listed as James Asser.

·       Probate: June 24, 1924 London (S6).  Listed as James Asser of The Firs Cowley Middlesex who died at the Uxbridge Cottage Hospital Hillingdon, Middlesex with Effects £6,638 to Ernest Asser hosier and George Asser gentleman.

·       Children:

1.     James Asser (1860-1902).  Born: 4^th QTR 1860 St. Martin in the Fields (GRO Online Index), listed as James Asser with mother’s maiden name as Thirtle, October 9, 1860 (S1c).  Baptized: May 17, 1861 St. Michael, Burleigh Street, Middlesex (S1c), listed as James with parents James and Frances Asser of 81 Strand whose father was a cutler.  1871 Census: with parents (S4): listed as James Asser age 10 a scholar born in St. Martin in Fields. 1881 Census: with parents (S4): listed as James Asser age 20 an assistant born in St. Martins. Marriage: July 21, 1883 Christ Church, Forest Hill, Kent, Lewisham (S8m), listed as James Asser age 23 a bachelor and fish salesman who resided at 1 Harmer Villa, Hamstead Road whose father was James Asser a gentleman and Cecilia Emma Tiffin age 21 a spinster.  1891 Census: 6 Princess Rd, Croydon, South Norwood (S4); listed as James Asser age 30 a fish salesman employed born in London with wife Cecilia age 29 born in London, 2 sons: Ralph age 7 and Sydney age 5 and 1 servant.  1901 Census: not found. Death: August 29, 1902 Horley, Reigate, Surrey (S8d), listed as James Asser age 41 a farmer who died of acute peritonitis at East Hill, Burstow with his father James Asser who resided at the same address present at his death; August 29, 1901 Sussex (S6).  Probate: September 27, 1902 London (S6), listed as James Asser the younger of East-hill Copthorne, Crawley, Sussex with Effects £36 to Cecilia Emma Asser widow.  1911 Census: wife with his parents (S4): listed as daughter-in-law Cecilia Emma Asser a widow age 49 (who had 2 children still living) born in London.  Wife’s Death: January 7, 1931 at the Henley and District War Memorial Hospital, Henley-on-Thames (S6).  Wife’s Probate: March 4, 1931 London (S6), listed as Cecilia Emma Asser of the Little House Church-street, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire widow with Effects £82 to Thomas Henry Crute Dunn and Henwood Guy solicitors attorneys of Ralph Asser.

2.     Harry Asser (1861-1862).  Born: 1^st QTR 1862 St. Martin in the Fields (GRO Online Index), listed as Harry Asser with mother’s maiden name as Thirtle, December 14, 1861 (S1c).  Baptized: January 10, 1862 St. Michael, Burleigh Street, Westminster, London (S1c), listed as Harry with parents James and Frances Asser of 81 Strand whose father was a cutler.   Death: 3^rd QTR 1862 Islington (GRO Online Index), listed as Harry Asser age 0.

3.     Ernest Asser (1863-1931).  Born: 3^rd QTR 1863 Islington (GRO Online Index), listed as Ernest Asser with mother’s maiden name as Thirtle.  Baptized: September 2, 1863 St. George, Tufnell Park, Islington (S1c), listed as Ernest with parents James and Frances Asser of 4 Roseberry Villa, Tufnell Park with father listed as a cutler.  1871 Census: with parents (S4): listed as Ernest Asser age 7 a scholar born in Islington. 1881 Census: not found. 1891 Census: with parents (S4): listed as Ernest Asser single age 27 a hosier employed born in Islington.  Marriage: July 27, 1898 St. Mathews Church, Ealing, Brentford, Middlesex (S8m), listed as Ernest Asser age 35 a bachelor and hosier who resided at 109 The Grove, Ealing whose father was James Asser a gentleman and Annie Baker age 25 a spinster.  1901 Census: not found. 1911 Census:  45 Gordon Rd., Ealing, Brentford (S4), listed as Ernest Asser age 47 a hosier employer born in Tufnell Park, London with wife Annie age 38 who was married 12 years with 3 children all still living born in Action, London and 3 children: Phyllis age 11, Mabel Violet age 10 and Muriel age 3, and 2 servants/helpers.  Death:  June 20, 1931 Chelsea, London (S8d), listed as Ernest Asser age 67 a hosier company director who died of heart disease and diabetes at 12 Thurloe Court with his son-in-law Edgar H. Wilson in attendance, June 20, 1931 Middlesex (S6).  Probate: November 30, 1931, listed as Ernest Asser of 71 and 72 Jermyn-street, St. James, Westminster and of 12 Thurloe Court Pelham-crescent Fulham-road both in Middlesex who died at 12 Thurloe Court with effects £10,112 to William Thirtle director, Phyllis Wilson (wife of Edgar Henry Wilson) and Mable Violet Clough (wife of the reverend Percy William Gliddon Clough).

4.     George Asser (1864-1943).  Born: 4^th QTR 1864 Islington (GRO Online Index), listed as George Asser with mother’s maiden name as Thirtle.  1871 Census: with parents (S4): listed as George Asser age 6 a scholar born in Islington. 1881 Census: with parents (S4): listed as George Asser age 16 a scholar born in Islington. 1891 Census: with parents (S4): listed as George Asser single age 25 a fish salesman born in Islington.  Marriage: 2^nd QTR 1894 Hackney, London (S5m), listed as George Asser and Florence Amelia Mills, June 5, 1894 St. Matthew, Upper Clapton, Hackney, London (S3), listed as George Asser age 29 a bachelor and gentleman living at Selhurst Road, South Norwood whose father was James Asser a gentleman and Florence Amelia Mills age 22 a spinster whose father was Alfred Charles Mills a licensed victualler.  1901 Census: 84 Grove Hotel, Lordship Lane, Camberwell, London (S4), listed as George Asser age 36 a licensed pub victualler own account working at home born in do N. with wife Florence A. age 28 born in M. K., 2 children: a daughter Blanche age 5 born in Hastings and a son Leslie E. age 4 born in Lytteyn and 2 servants. 1911 Census: The Yorkshire Grey 2 London Road, St. Leonards, St Leonard on Sea (S4): listed as George Asser age 46 (who was married 16 years) a licensed victualler employer at his house born in Tufnell Par, Middlesex with wife Florence age 36 (who had 2 children both still living) who worked to assist in business born in London and 2 children: Blanche D. age 15 who worked to assist in business born in Hasting and Leslie Ernest age 14 who was in school born in Toolbrig, Surrey.  Wife’s Death: not found.  1939 Register: 4 Glyn Mansions, Fulham, London (S9), listed as George Asser a widow born November 29, 1864 retired living with a housekeeper.  Death: July 5, 1943 Fulham East, Fulham (S8d), listed as George Asser age 79 a retired hotel proprietor who died of  valvular disease of the heart and carcinoma of the intestine at 4 Glyn Mansions, July 5, 1943 London (S6).  Probate: August 14, 1943 Llandudno (S6), listed as George Asser of 4 Glyn-mansions, Addison Bridge Kensington, London with Effects £2,888 to Henwood Guy solicitor and Frederick Charles Crowe hosier.

5.     Frederick Asser (1869-1869).   Born: 3^rd QTR 1869 Islington (GRO Online Index), listed as Frederick Asser with mother’s maiden name as Thirtle.  Death: 3^rd QTR 1869 Islington (GRO Online Index), listed as Frederick Asser age 0.

 

Sherwin Generation 1:  James Sherwin (1808-1900) and Elizabeth Sheppard (c1800, 1803,1805-1873)

·       Born:  1808, Shoreditch (S2), (S4).

·       Baptized:  Born June 12, 1808 Thomas Street, Shoreditch and baptized June 30, 1808 St. Leonard’s, Shoreditch listed as James with parents Thomas and Eleanor Sherwin of Thomas Str. (S=original records obtained from Richard Sherwin of Birmingham, a descendant of this Sherwin family.  Richard Sherwin informed me that the surname was incorrectly listed as Sherwill in the original baptism records and was corrected on January 29, 1847.  Copies of the Police Court correction record was included in our November/December 2021 email correspondence).

·       James Sherwin’s Father Thomas Sherwin (1776-1863):

·       Born: 1776 (S4).

·       1851 Census: 67 Gt. Queen Street, St. Giles in the Fields, Middlesex (S4).  Listed as Thomas Sherwin age 74 a chess board manufacturer born in the city with wife Eleanor age 74 born in Scotland, a daughter Elizth Butler age 34 born in Shoreditch, a son-in-law Henry Butler age 33, a grandson Thos Hy Butler age 1 month and 1 lodger and 1 servant.

·       1861 Census: 526 Oxford Str., St. George Bloomsbury, Middlesex (S4).  Listed as Thomas Sherwin age 85 a widow and backgammon table maker born in London with a son Thomas also a backgammon table maker age 39 born in Edinburgh and 2 servants.

·       Death: February 8, 1863 St. George Bloomsbury, St. Giles, Middlesex (S8d).  Listed as Thomas Sherwin age 86 a backgammon table maker master who died of disease of the heart at 527 Oxford Street with Tho. Sherwin of the same address present at his death.

·       Wife’s Birth: c1800 (S8d), 1803 and 1805 (S4.)

·       Marriage:  December 4, 1831 St. Pancreas Parish Church, Camden, London (S3).  Listed as James Sherwin and Elizabeth Sheppard whose marriage took place in the presence of Elizabeth Sherwin. 

·       1841 Census:  Leadenhall Street, St. Peter Cornhill, London (S4).  Listed as Jas Sherwin age 32 a cutler born in the county with Elizh age 36 born in the county and Chas age 8 born in the county.

·       1851 Census:  House 4, Leadenhall St., St. Peter upon Cornhill, London (S4).  Listed as James Sherwin age 42 a shopman &  cutler born in London with wife Elizth age 46 born in Bath and 1 child: Charles age 17 a shopman born in London, and 1 servant.  (Note: because part of this census page was very hard to read, I could not find it on ancestry.com by searching various spellings of the Sherwin surname.  Instead, I was able to obtain a copy of the census page from another researcher, Richard Sherwin, and I was able to find it at ancestry.com by searching for another person on this census page named Geo. Matthews born 1829 living in St. Peter upon Cornhill, London).

·       1861 Census: 263 Halton St., Islington, Middlesex (S4).  Listed as James Sherwin age 52 a shopman cutlers born in London with wife Elizabeth age 58 born in Bath, Somerset and 1 son: Charles age 28 a shopkeeper cutlers born in London.

·       1871 Census: 140 Upton Cottage, Upton, Bexley, Dartford (S4).  Listed as James Sherwin age 62 income from houses and friends born in Shoreditch, Middlesex with wife Elizabeth age 68 born in Bath, Somerset.

·       Wife’s Death:  November 25, 1873 Bexley, Dartford, Kent (S8d).  Listed as Elizabeth Sherwin age 73 wife of James Sherwin a house proprietor who died of intestine obstruction at Upton Road, Bexley with her husband present at her death.

·       1881 Census:  7 & 8 Hamlet Ter, Lewisham (S=copies obtained from Richard Sherwin).  Listed as James Sherwin a widower and lodger age 72 a retired author born in Shoreditch, Middlesex.

·       1891 Census: 127 Anerley Road, Penge, Croydon, Lewisham (S4).  Listed as James Sherwin a widow age 82 living on own means born in Shoreditch living with an adopted person named Eliza Russell age 43 a housekeeper. (Note: the census index listed Shoreditch in Lincolnshire which appears to be a transcription error as Shoreditch is located in the London area).

·       Death:  January 24, 1900 Croydon, Surrey (S8d), listed as James Sherwin age 91 whose profession was of independent means who died of sarcoma and influenza at 127 Anerley Road, Penge, Lewisham with Eliza Russell of the same address present at his death.  January 24, 1900 (S6).

·       Burial: January 29, 1900 Crayford, Kent (S7).  Listed as James Sherwin of 127 Anerley Road age 91.

·       Probate: February 19, 1900 London (S6).  Listed as James Sherwin of 127 Anerley-road, Anerley, Surrey with Effects £273 to Elizabeth Russell spinster.

·       Children:

1.     Charles Sheppard Sherwin (1833-1872) – See Sherwin Generation 2

 

Sherwin Generation 2: Charles Sheppard Sherwin (1833-1872) and Jane Thirtle (1840-1889)

·       Born:  January 17, 1833 (S1c), Islington (S4).

·       Baptized:  March 24, 1833 St. Pancreas, Camden, London (S1c).  Listed as Charles Sheppard with parents James and Elizabeth Sherwin of Wilson Street, the father was listed as a cabinet maker. 

·       Wife’s Baptism: Born September 15, 1840 and baptized October 12, 1840 St. George, Hanover Square, London (S1c), listed as Jane with parents William and Jane Thirtle of Clarges Street whose father was a dairyman.  1851 census:  with father (S4), listed as Jane Thirtle age 10 born in Piccadilly, Clarges St. 

·       1841 Census:  with parents (S4).  Listed as Chas Sherwin age 8 born in the county.

·       1851 Census:  with parents (S4).  Listed as Charles Sherwin age 17 a shopman born in London.

·       Wife’s 1st Marriage: 4th QTR 1860 Islington, London (S5m), listed as Jane Thirtle and John Mellish.  The Army and Navy Gazette newspaper dated November 10, 1860, page 17, column 1 lists the marriage on November 1, 1860 at St. Mary’s Church, Islington of John Mellish, youngest son of Lieutenant Mellish of Winkfield, Berks, to Jane, youngest daughter of  William Thirtle Esq.  (S= www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk).

·       1861 Census: with parents (S4).  Listed as Charles Sherwin single age 28 a shopkeeper cutlers born in London.

·       Marriage: 2^nd QTR 1864 Islington (S5m), listed as Charles Sheppard and Jane Mellish (S5m).   June 8, 1864 St. John the Evangelist, Upper Holloway, Islington (S3), listed as Charles Sheppard Sherwin a bachelor and cutler who lived at 4 Roseberry Villa, Tufnell Park whose father was James Sherwin a gentleman and Jane Mellish a widow whose father was William Thirtle a cow keeper.

·       1871 Census:  39 Colebrook Road, Islington (S4).  Listed as Charles Sherwin age 38 a cutler born in Islington with wife Jane age 30 born in Wimbledon and 1 step-son Frank Mellish, 3 children: Florence, Percy and Herbert, and 2 servants.  (Note:  They were living next to the James Asser family).

·       Death: August 23, 1872 Bexley, Dartford, Kent (S8d), listed as Charles Sheppard Sherwin age 39 a bagatelle board maker who died of phthisis pulmonalis at Bexley Heath, Bexley.  August 23, 1872 (S6).

·       Burial: August 29, 1872 Crayford, Kent (S7).  Listed as Charles Sheppard Sherwin age 39 of Bexley Heath.

·       Probate:  October 17, 1872 Principal Registry (S6).  Listed as Charles Sheppard Sherwin late of 81 Strand in Middlesex and Acacia Lodge Bexley Heath in Kent a dressing case manufacturer proved by Jane Sherwin of Acacia Lodge widow the relict the sole executrix, Effects under £4,000.

·       Wife’s 3^rd Marriage: May 8, 1875 Christ Church of Highberry, Islington (S3).  Listed as Jane Sherwin widow of 12 Blackstock Road whose father was William Thirtle a cow keeper and Edwin John White a widower and surveyor.  The Pall Mall Gazette newspaper dated May 11, 1875 page 3, column 3 lists the May 8, 1875 marriage of Edwin J. White to Jane, daughter of the late William Thirtle of Islington (S= www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk).

·       Wife in 1881 Census:  80 Oakleight P, Friern Barnet, London (S=copies obtained from Richard Sherwin).  Listed as Edwin J. White age 45 an auctioneer born in St. Lukes with wife Jane age 40 born in Wimbleton and 2 children, 1 step-daughter Florence Sherwin and 2 servants.

·       Wife’s Death: December 30, 1889 Finchley, Barnet, Middlesex (S8d).  Listed as Jane White age 49 the wife of Edwin John White auctioneer who did of chronic bronchitis at Owmby House, Oakleight Park, Frien Barnet with her son Frank Mellish of the same address present at her death.

·       Children:

1.     Florence Sherwin (1865-??).  Born: 3^rd QTR 1865 Islington (GRO Online Index), listed as Florence Sherwin with mother’s maiden name as Thirtle, June 3, 1865 (S1c).  Baptized: June 27, 1865 St, George, Tufnell Park, Islington (S1c), listed as Florence with parents Charles and Jane Sherwin of Park Road whose father was a cutler.  1871 Census: with parents (S4), listed as Florence Sherwin age 5 born in Islington. 1881 Census: with mother and step-father, listed as Florence Sherwin age 15 a scholar born in Holloway. 1891 Census:  10 Wyndham Place, St. Marylebone, London (S= copies obtained from Richard Sherwin), listed as Florence single a visitor age 25 living on own means born in Holloway living with Sarah A. Briston a matron in a nursing home.  1901 Censuses: 42 Ingleside, Herne Bay, Kent (S= copies obtained from Richard Sherwin), listed as Florence Sherwin single age 30 living on independent means born in Holloway. Marriage: January 3, 1903 Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, Mutford, Suffolk (S8m), listed as Florence Sherwin age 31 a spinster who resided ay 5 Prairie, Lowescoft whose father was Charles Sherwin deceased a leather and fancy goods manufacturer and Stanley Edward Bennett age 26 a bachelor and manager of a boot shop.  1911 Census: Hill House, Tasburgh, Norwich (S4), listed as Stanley Edward Bennett age 32 living on private means who was born in Newcastle on Tyne with wife Florence age 38 who was married 8 years with 1 child still living who was born in Holloway, London, 1 son Sherwin Edward Bennett age 7 born in Norwich and 1 servant.  Husband’s Death: March 6, 1932 Isolation Hospital West End, Herne Bay, Kent (S6).  Husband’s Probate: November 8, 1932 London (S6), listed as Stanley Edward Bennett of 6 Carlton Gardens, Herne Bay, Kent with Effects £58 to Florence Bennett widow.   Death: not found.

2.     Percy Sherwin (1866-1937).  Born: 3^rd QTR 1866 Islington (GRO Online Index), listed as Percy Sherwin with mother’s maiden name as Thirtle, June 21, 1866 (S1c).  Baptized: July12, 1866 St, George, Tufnell Park, Islington (S1c), listed as Percy with parents Charles Sheppard and Jane Sherwin of 5 Park Road whose father was a cutler.   1871 Census: with parents (S4), listed as Percy Sherwin age 4 born in Islington.  1881 Census: Bradmore House Boarding School, Chiswick, Brentford, Middlesex (S4), listed as Percy Sherwin age 14 a scholar born in Holloway living with brother Herbert.  1891 Census: 12 Whitworth Road, Croydon, South Norwood, Surrey (S4), listed as Percy Sherwin age 24 single an assistant profession mert. employed born in Holloway living with brother Herbert and a half-brother Frank Mellish.  Marriage:  August 8, 1892 St. John, Hampstead, Camden (S3), listed as Percy Sherwin age 26 a bachelor and manager from 13 Payton Hampstead whose father was Charley Sherwin deceased and Violet Hillier age 24 a spinster.  1901 Census: 207 Barrack Path, Woking, Surrey (S4), listed as Percy Sherwin age 34 a poultry farmer on own account born in Holloway with wife Violet age 32 born in Newport, Monmouth and 1 daughter: Constance I. born in Holloway.  1911 Census: Birchrale, 14 Suffolk Road, Bournemouth (S4), listed as Percy Sherwin age 45 a boarding house keeper employer born in Holloway, London with wife Violet age 44 (married 18 years with 1 child who was still living) born in Newport, 1 child: Irene age 17 born in Holloway, London, 2 servants and 3 boarders.  Death: January 3, 1937 Hastings, Sussex (S8d), listed as Percy Sherwin age 70 a retire poultry framer who died of coronary thrombosis at 236 Old London Road with his daughter C. J. Wiseman present at his death.  Probate: not found.

3.     Herbert Sherwin (1868-1928).  Born: 1st QTR 1868 Islington (GRO Online Index), listed as Herbert Sherwin with mother’s maiden name as Thirtle; March 30, 1868 (S1c).  Baptized: October 14, 1868 St. Mary, Islington (S1c), listed as Herbert whose parents were Charles Sheppard and Jane Sherwin of Colebrook Row whose father was a cutler. 1871 Census: with parents (S4), listed as Herbert Sherwin age 3 born in Islington.  1881 Census: Bradmore House Boarding School, Chiswick, Brentford, Middlesex (S4), listed as Herbert Sherwin age 13 a scholar born in Islington living with brother Percy.  1891 Census: 12 Whitworth Road, Croydon, South Norwood, Surrey (S4), listed as Herbert Sherwin age 23 single a hosier employed born in Islington living with brother Percy and half-brother Frank Mellish.  Marriage: June 8, 1893 St. Mary, Islington (S3), listed as Herbert Sherwin age 25 a bachelor and hosier living at 120 Hight Street, Peckham whose father was Charles Shepherd Sherwin a billiard table maker and Alice Martha Russell age 21 a spinster.  1901 Census: 46 St. Leonard, Bexhill (S=copies obtained from Richard Sherwin), listed as Herbert Sherwin age 33 a confectioner baker on his own born in Islington with wife Alice age 29 born in Clapham, 3 children: Bertie, Maude, and Stanley and 1 servant.  1911 Census: 46 Parkhurst Road, Bexhill (S4), listed as Herbert Sherwin age 43 a metal polish manufacturer on own account born in Islington with wife Alice age 39 who was marriage 18 years and had 4 children all still living born in Islington, 4 children: Bert age 17, Maud age 14, Stanley age 12 and Percy age 18 months, and 1 servant.  Death: August 21, 1928, Herne, Blean, Kent (S8d), listed as Herbert Sherwin age 60 an antique dealer who lived at 6 Carlton Gardens, Herne Bay and who died of cerebral hemorrhage at St. George’s Drive, Herne Bays with his son S. Sherwin listed as the informant; August 21, 1928 (S6).  Probate: November 17, 1928 Lewes (S6), listed as Herbert Sherwin of 6 Carlton-gardens, Herne Bay, Kent with Effects £7,453 to William Gordon Harris sanitary engineer and Florence Bennett (wife of Stanley Edward Bennett).  

 

Thirtle Generation 1: William Thirtle (c1803-1862) and Jane Friday (c1805-1847) and Ann Protor (c1806-1869)

·       Born: c1803 Great Witchington, Norfolk (S4).

·       Marriage 1: October 26, 1827 St. Andrew by the Wardrobe, London (S3).  Listed as William Thirtle and Jane Friday.

·       1841 Census: not found.

·       Wife #1’s Death:  April 4, 1847 Islington West, Islington, Middlesex (S8d).  Listed as Jane Thirtle age 42 the wife of William Thirtle a dairyman who die of inflammation of the lungs at 9 Boxworth Grove, Islington with Mary Clarke present at her death.

·       Marriage #2: December 7, 1848 St. Bride, Fleet Street, London (S3), listed as William Thirtle a widower and cow keeper living on Fleet Str. whose father was Henry Thirtle a labourer and Ann Porter a widow.

·       1851 Census: 8 King Edwd Terrance, Islington (S4).  Listed as William Thirst age 48 a cow keeper born in Witchingham, Norfolk with wife Ann age 44 born in Oxford and 5 children: Henry, Emily, Fanny, Jane and George, 1 visitor and 1 servant.

·       1861 Census: 8 King Edward Ter, Islington (S4).  Listed as William Thirtle age 58 a cow keeper born in Great Wittingham, Norfolk with wife Harriet age 55 born in Epley, Oxford, 1 visitor and 1 servant.  (Note: the wife’s forename appears to be a census taker error as this Thirtle family is living at the same address as in 1851, the wife is listed as born in Oxford in both censuses and her birth year is only 1 year earlier than in 1851 and she didn’t die until 1869.  Also, the visitor in this household in 1861 had the forename Harriet).

·       Death: July 5, 1862 Islington West, Islington, Middlesex (S8d), listed as William Thirtle age 59 a cow keeper who died of sanguineous apoplexy at 8 King Edward Terrace with J. Asser of 81 Strand present at his death.  July 5, 1862 at 8 King Edward-terrace, Islington (S6).

·       Burial: July 10, 1862 St. James, St. Pancras, Camden, London (S7).  Listed as William Thirtle of King Edward Terrance, Islington age 59.

·       Probate: August 12, 1862 Principle Registry (S6).  Listed as William Thirtle late of Rufford’s-buildings, Islington, Middlesex, cowkeeper was proved by the oaths of Joseph Harvey of Rufford’s-buildings aforesaid cowkeeper and Joseph Banister of Little-Windmill-street Golden-square in the said county cowkeeper the executors.  Effects. Under £16,000.

·       Will: Last Will and Testament of William Thirtle  dated February 6, 1861 and proved August 12, 1862, 3 pages (S=copy obtained from Richard Sherwin of Birmingham, UK). Two thirds of the way down page 2 says “. . . my said trustees shall divide the same trust monies among all my children namely the said George Thirtle Jane the wife of John Mellish Frances the wife of James Asser and Emily the wife of Robert Harvey in equal shares but subject to the trusts. . . ”   Richard Sherwin added that “he was given a family history of the Assers and their relations the Sherwins, Thirtles and Mills by RB Hobson in 1997, by Robert Thirtle.  In it Hobson states that William Thirtle left property valued at £25,000, and left his wife Ann an annuity of £130. He left his share in the dairy business valued at £2,563, and the half share in the freehold lands in Islington to his son George. The rest of his property valued at £19,500 was divided between George and his three sisters.  (The property presumably accounts for the difference between the £19,500 he quotes and the 'effects under £16,000' on the Probate document”). 

·       Wife’s Death:  November 17, 1869 Islington West, Islington, Middlesex (S8d).  Listed as Ann Thirtle age 63 the widow of William Thirtle a farmer who died of bronchitis at 106 Liverpool Road with Sophia Clarke who lived at the same address present at her death.

·       Children:

1.     Henry John Thirtle (1831-1856). Born January 4, 1831 and baptized January 22, 1831 St. George, Hanover Square, London (S1c), listed as Henry John with parents William and Jane Thirtle of Clarges St. where father was a milkman.  1851 census: with father (S4), listed as Henry Thirtle age 20 born in Piccadilly.  Probate: Principal Register August 27, 1859 (S6), listed as Henry John Thirtle who died July 15, 1856 Cheapside, a horse hair manufacturer with Effects under £100 to William Thirtle of 46 Rufford’s-buildings, Islington, father of the deceased.

2.     Emily Thirtle (c1836-??). 1851 census: with father (S4), listed as Emily Thirtle age 15 born in Piccadilly, Clarges St.  The Morning Advertiser newspaper dated April 15, 1857, page 7, column 6 lists the marriage on April 9,1857 of Robert Harvey Esq. of Duncan Str, Islington to Emily eldest daughter of William Thirtle Esq. of King Edward-terrace Liverpool-road, Islington (S= www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk).

3.     Frances Thirtle (1838-1912).  Born March 22, 1838 and baptized April 18, 1838 St. George, Hanover Square, London (S1c), listed as Frances with parents William and Jane Thirtle of Clarges St. where father was a cow keeper.  1851 census:  with father (S4), listed as Fanny Thirtle age 13 born in Piccadilly, Clarges, St.  Marriage: 3^rd QTR 1859, Islington (S5m), listed as James Asser and Frances Thirtle, September 12, 1859 St. Mary, Islington (S3), listed as James Asser a bachelor and clerk whose father was Nathaniel Asser a tailor and Fanny Thirtle a spinster whose father was William Thirtle a cow keeper and in the presence of Wm Thirth and Adelaide Asser.   See Asser Generation 2: James Asser for later years.

4.     Jane Thirtle (1840-1889).  Born September 15, 1840 and baptized October 12, 1840 St. George, Hanover Square, London (S1c), listed as Jane with parents William and Jane Thirtle of Clarges Street whose father was a dairyman.  1851 census: with father (S4), listed as Jane Thirtle age 10 born in Piccadilly, Clarges St.  1st Marriage: 4th QTR 1860 Islington, London (S5m), listed as Jane Thirtle and John Mellish.  2nd Marriage: 2^nd QTR 1864 Islington (S5m), listed as Charles Sheppard and Jane Mellish (S5m), June 8, 1864 St. John the Evangelist, Upper Holloway, Islington (S3), listed as Charles Sheppard Sherwin a bachelor and cutler who lived at 4 Roseberry Villa, Tufnell Park whose father was James Sherwin a gentleman and Jane Mellish a widow whose father was William Thirtle a cow keeper.  See Sherwin Generation 2: Charles Sheppard Sherwin for her later years.

5.     George Thirtle (c1843-??).  1851 census:  with father (S4), listed as George Thirtle age 8 born in Brentford, Middlesex

 

Avery style needle cases stamped with the “Asser & Sherwin Oxford Street London” or “Asser & Sherwin 80 & 81 Strand London” name and address:

1.     Picnic Basket: Ornamental design #290854 Registered April 23, 1875 by Buncher & Haseler, Birmingham, UK (S=TNA, Kew).

2.     Quad - Building: Mechanical patent #3517 registered November 19, 1868 by William Avery, needle manufacturer, and Albert Fenton, machinist, from Redditch (S=British Library, Business and Intellectual Property Centre, London).

3.     Quad Golden Casket - Fleur-de-Lis: Mechanical patent #3517 registered November 19, 1868 by William Avery, needle manufacturer, and Albert Fenton, machinist, from Redditch S=British Library, Business and Intellectual Property Centre, London).

4.     Wheelbarrow with Roses: Ornamental design #287090 registered November 18, 1874 by Buncher & Haseler, Birmingham, UK (S=TNA, Kew).

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