The Company
The
firm known as Coggins & Baxter was founded around 1873[1]
as that is the first time it appeared in city directories. James Coggins (aka Jabez Coggins) was working
as a die sinker in 1872[2]
around the time he formed a partnership with George Baxter who was listed as a
die sinker apprentice in 1871[3]. At the time the partnership was formed, James
Coggins was 34 years old and George Baxter was
23. Once established, Coggins &
Baxter commenced operations at 21 Caroline Street in the Jewellery
Quarter and was known as die sinkers, stampers and pierces and press tool
makers[4]. By 1878[5]
they had moved a few blocks north to 132 Barr Street where they were listed as
“manufacturers of gilt & plated jewellery &
fancy metal boxes”[6]. Later in 1878[7],
the firm went through some difficult times and in August that year they filed a
petition for liquidation. Their petition
was approved, and the firm was officially declared bankrupt in 1879[8]
as show in this clipping from the London Gazette and they were no longer listed
in city directories[9].
Although
Coggins & Baxter was only in business six years, during that time one of
their main focuses was the production of needle cases. Of the 27 designs[10]
they registered during those years, 25 were for needle cases, one was for a
crochet hook and one was for a dog harness. Of the 25 needle cases, 18 were provisional
designs and 7 were registered as ornamental designs. All 7 of the ornamental designs were Avery
style needle cases. During the Victoria
Period, designers often registered their idea for a product as a provisional design
in order to protect the concept from others until a
decision was made whether to produce it or not.
Once a decision was made to make it, they registered the design a second
time as an ornamental or non-ornamental design.
As a result, many provisional designs were never actually
manufactured. Coggins & Baxter’s
first ornamental design, registered 
in 1873, was for the
Windmill needle case 
pictured above. Their last ornamental design, registered in
1877, was one of the most intricate Avery style needle cases ever produced,
known as the Hygrometer Weather House, seen here. In fact, they registered five additional
provisional designs in 1878[11]
which were also named the Hygrometer Weather House needle case, (detailed
drawings and a photograph of these are pictured here) which implied their
intention was to produce different variations of this design. However, probably because of the firm’s financial
situation or a change in the 
popularity of needle
cases, only the Hygrometer Weather House pictured on provisional design 
#1501 (seen on the left)
was actually produced. Perhaps they registered it again as a
provisional 
design because the needle
case they manufactured was quite different from the ornamental design drawing
they registered four months earlier in 1877.
It
is interesting to note that of the 7 needle cases Coggins & Baxter[12]
registered as ornamental designs, 3 are always found with the W. Avery &
Son name (Windmill-1873, Dog in Kennel-1875 and Lap Desk-Floral in 1876). Additionally, one has been found with either
the W. Avery & Son name or no name (Park Chair-1876), another one has no name
(Looking Glass-1877), and one either has no name or has the A. Morral, Studley
name on it (Hygrometer Weather House-1877).
Lastly, to date no example of the Bird Cage-1875 has been found. It seems most likely that William Avery had
an arrangement with Coggins & Baxter to produce needle cases for them. They may have even been one of the Birmingham
companies that made the 14 needle case designs Avery himself registered in
1873, because Avery did not have the equipment, nor the skilled workers needed
to produce them. Perhaps sometime around
1876 Coggins & Baxter discovered that producing needle cases without a
company name was more profitable because they could sell them to a variety of
needle manufacturers who would in turn place their needle packets inside and
resell them.
The
Owners: Coggins
John
and Elizabeth Coggins were the parents of Jabez Coggins. John was a cordwainer[13],
otherwise known as a shoemaker, who was born c1806 outside the county of
Warwickshire. In 1833 he married
Elizabeth Osborne, who was born in Bidford on Avon c1811, in Alcester and by
1839 the Coggins family was living in Stratford on Avon. Bidford on Avon is located approximately six
miles south of Alcester and seven miles southwest of Stratford on Avon. This Coggins family was the only one with this
surname living in the Stratford on Avon area from as early as 1841 through 1851[14]. John and Elizabeth had at least five
children: Anna Emma, Elizabeth, Jabez, Jane and Mary Maria. John died in 1846 in Stratford on Avon at age
41 and Elizabeth became a schoolmistress who appears to have raised the
children on her own after his death. She
may have died at a rather young age as well although her death record has not
been found. Not much is known about
Jabez’s sisters other than that his oldest sister Anne Emma married Thomas
Wenlock Coombs, a tailor, in Birmingham in 1862 and they lived in that area for
the rest of their lives.
Jabez
Coggins was born in 1839 in Stratford on Avon.
His birth may have been a difficult one for his mother which could be
the reason he was named Jabez. And why
is that? According to the biblical Book
of Chronicles, a man was named Jabez because his mother had a painful birth,
Jabez being the Hebrew word meaning “he caused pain”[15].
If Jabez’s parents were religious, they
probably knew this biblical story which could be the reason they named him as
they did. Jabez spent his early years in
Stratford on Avon, however by 1861 he was living in Birmingham with his
maternal uncle, presumably because both of his parents had passed away. That
year he was working as a tool maker and may have learned about die sinking from
a friend with whom he lived. John
Durant, an 18-year-old die sinker also born in Stratford on Avon, was living
with Jabez’s uncle as well. Jabez
married Caroline Griffiths in Handsworth in 1863 and they had five
children: Alfred Francis (1864), Annie
Louisa Jane (1867), William Henry (1870), Florence (1873) and Rose (1876).
Jabez
was first listed in city directories in 1868[16]
as a jeweler’s tool maker at 103 Park Road in Hockley. In 1871 he stopped using
the name Jabez and became known as James Coggins. He may have dropped the name because it was
Hebrew and he, as a Christian, did not want to be confused for Jewish. Perhaps there were some antisemitic feelings
in the Birmingham area at that time, although anti-Semitism was less common in
the UK. Another possibility is that he
simply did not like the name and preferred the nickname
James. Starting in 1871[17]
James Coggins was listed in both the city directory and in the census as a
baker at 85 New Town Row which was his residence. It is interesting to note that in the 1871
census John Durant, the die sinker mentioned above, was also living with the
Coggins’ family as was his younger brother, Thomas Durant, a press tool
maker. It seems most likely that these
three men were working together. Then in
1872[18]
James was listed in city directories with two professions, as a die sinker at
61½ Constitution Hill and as a baker at 85 New Town Row. Evidently James worked for a number of years in both trades, as a die sinker and tool
maker in the Jewellery Quarter where Constitution
Hill is located and also as a baker at his residence in the Newtown section of
Birmingham, just east of the Jewellery Quarter.
After James partnered with George Baxter
in 1873, he continued to work in both industries although he moved his
residence several times, spending a few years on Norton Street between Hockley
and Soho, then settling on Summer Lane in Handsworth for a while before moving
on to New John Street West in Handsworth.
In 1880, within a year of the bankruptcy of Coggins & Baxter, James
Coggins was listed in a city directory only as a baker at his residence,
however in the 1881 census he was listed as a tool maker. Further proof that he did in fact work in
both industries for a number of years was confirmed
later in 1881 when the business at his home on Summer Lane, where he was listed
as baker and confectioner and journeyman toolmaker, was also liquidated. Historically a journeyman[19]
was a trained worker employed by someone else, which means James was most
likely working for another person or company as a toolmaker. His wife Caroline died in 1889 at age 48
followed by James a few months later in 1890.
James was listed as Jabez Coggins, a 50-year-old press tool maker
journeyman on his death certificate and was buried at the Warstone
Lane Cemetery on the west side of the Jewellery
Quarter.
Although
it is unclear exactly what happened to all of Jabez
Coggins’ children, bits and pieces are known.
His eldest son Alfred Francis was born in 1864 and died before reaching
his first birthday. His eldest daughter
Annie Louise Jane, who was born 1867, married William Evans a chandelier maker
in Birmingham in 1888 and they lived in Birmingham where they had 5
children. Unfortunately, because the
Evans surname is quite common, her death record has not been found. Coggins’ second son William Henry was born in
1870. After his parent’s
deaths William lived with his paternal aunt Annie Coombs and her family for a
few years. William worked as a
watchmaker and married Elizabeth Ann Dale in 1893 in Birmingham. Shortly after their marriage, they moved to
Bridgwater in Somerset where all four of their children were born between 1894
and 1901. At some point between 1902 and
1911 they returned to the Birmingham area.
William died there in 1946 at age 76.
Jabez’s daughter Florence was born in 1873 and died at age 8 in
1881. The youngest Coggins child, Rose, was
born in 1876. Like her brother she lived
with her paternal aunt’s family in 1891 after her parents died, but by 1901 was
living with her older sister, Annie Evans. Rose married Arthur Gould who was a baker in 1901 and they had two
children. She died eight years later in
1910 at age 32.
The
Owners: Baxter
The
parents of George Baxter, Coggins’ business partner, were William and Elizabeth
Baxter. William Baxter was born c1816 in
the Birmingham area and he married Elizabeth Baker, who was born in 1817, at
St. Peter and St. Paul in Aston in 1840.
It seems most likely that the Baxter family was neighbors with
Elizabeth’s family as they were living next door to each other in 1841. During their early years William worked as a
clock pinon maker, an occupation his father had as well. A clock pinion maker[20]
worked with the gears inside clocks to ensure they worked properly so the hands
on the clock’s exterior displayed the correct time. Elizabeth’s family worked in the brass works
industry. By 1849 William became
involved with the Horse & Jockey[21]
pub which must have been part of their house as its address was the same as the
family’s residence. Perhaps the pub was
the lower level of the house and the residence was the
upper floors. During the 1850s and 1860s
William was also listed at times as a publican, retail brewer and licensed
victualer. A publican[22]
was someone who owned a pub and a victualer[23]
was a person licensed to sell alcohol.
Sometime around 1861 the family moved to another area in Birmingham and
William became a pork butcher. William
died in 1881 at age 67 and left a six page will identifying many income sources
valued at approximately £8,000, or £529,478[24]
today. Elizabeth lived an additional
fourteen years and worked with several of her sons and a daughter as pork
butchers. She died in 1895 at age 78.
A
quick look at George Baxter’s siblings will provide a better understanding of
his success or failure in business. His
eldest sister Mary, born in 1840, married Joseph Day in 1868 and they had 9
children. The Day family lived in
Birmingham where Joseph worked as a pork butcher until his death in 1894. Joseph left an estate valued at £2,261 (£185,513[25]
today) to his wife Mary and a son.
Thirty years later when Mary died at age 85 in 1925, her estate was valued
at £2,593
(£106,466[26]
today). George’s eldest brother William
was born in 1842 and married Caroline Evans in 1883. William and Caroline had
no children, and he spent his entire life in Birmingham working as a pork
butcher until his death in 1907 at age 65.
The brother John Baxter was born in 1852, never married and worked his
whole life as a pork butcher until in death in 1893 at age 40. Another brother
Charles, who was born in 1854, married Julia Hannah Wilson in 1875 and they had
7 children. Charles also spent his life
working as a pork butcher and when he died in 1943 at age 89, he left an estate
valued at £31,474
(£1.119[27] million
today). George’s
youngest brother was born Arthur Robert Baxter in 1856. Arthur married Mary Anne Brook in 1882 and
they had 5 children. Although he lived
in the Birmingham area where he worked as a bacon curer employer, he died in
1920 at age 64 presumably while on vacation in Devonshire. In his obituary he was listed as the director
of Messrs. Marah and Baxter, Ltd and according to his probate record, his
estate was valued at £247,857
(£7.202[28] million
today). George’s youngest
sister Annie Elizabeth was born in 1859 and never married. She lived with her parents until her death in
1892 at age 32. Based on the
information uncovered to date about this family, the youngest son Arthur was
the most successful.
Back
to George Baxter. George was born in
Birmingham in 1850, the second son of William and Elizabeth Baxter. He lived with his parents until he was at
least 23 years old. In 1871 he was
working as a die sinker apprentice and two years later partnered with James Coggins
to form Coggins and Baxter. It is
unclear why he pursued this occupation especially
since his father had some degree of wealth based on his will. Perhaps because he was the second son, he
felt an obligation to establish himself in another field. George married Fanny Elizabeth Smith in
Birmingham in 1873 and they had two children: Archie George William (1874) and
Arthur Harold Young (1879). Fanny was
born in the London area so perhaps there was some type of agreement between
George’s father and her father because arranged marriages were common during
this time period.
After Coggins and Baxter went bankrupt in 1879, George followed his
father’s and brother’s lead and became a butcher but later also worked as a
pawnbroker. A pawnbroker was “an individual
or business that offers secured loans to people with items of personal property
used as collateral” [29]. When his father died in 1881, George
inherited at least £600 (£39,710[30]
today) which may have helped him establish a business as a pawnbroker. Sometime after 1911 the family moved to
Tresillian Mylor near Falmouth, Cornwall[31]
where they spent the rest of their lives.
George died in 1918 at age 68 in the
asylum in Bodmin, Cornwall and left as estate valued at £176 (£5,114[32] today). Nineteen years later, in 1937, his wife Fanny
died there as well at age 89 and left an estate valued at £11,112 (£562,963[33] today). Due to the value of their estates, it appears
his wife was the wealthy one.
The
two sons of George and Fanny Baxter pursued careers in other areas. Archie George William Baxter was born in 1874
in Aston and became an engineer at Falmouth, Cornwall in 1915. By 1939 he was a retired accessories
manufacturer living with his wife Lilian in Kerrier, Cornwall. Lilian must have died shortly thereafter
because he married Isabella M. I. Nixon in Kerrier in 1941 and died there
eighteen years later in 1959 at age 84.
Archie’s estate was valued at £13,666 (£537,708[34]
today) after his death. The younger son
Arthur Harold Young Baxter was born in Aston in 1879. In 1930 he married Doris Hollingworth in
Falmouth where he worked as a school master.
After he retired, he became a reverend and served as a clerk in Holy
Orders until his death in Falmouth in 1966 at age 92. Arthur left and estate valued at £17,128 (£301,763[35] today) to
his wife Doris.
Coggins &
Baxter: Genealogy
Generation 1: John Coggins (c1806-1846?) and Elizabeth Osborne
(c1811-??)
· Born: c1806 (S4).
·
Baptized: not found.
· Marriage: December
26, 1833 Alcester (S3), listed as John Coggins and
Elizabeth Osborn. (Note: the marriage index incorrectly lists the surname as Cogins). Elizabeth Osborne was baptized on February 3, 1811 in Bidford-on-Avon with parents John and Elizabeth
Osborne (S1c). (Note: Bidford-on-Avon
is located 6 miles south of Alcester and 7 miles southwest of Stratford.
· 1841 Census: Coll
Lane, Old Stratford, Stratford on Avon, Warwickshire (S4). Listed as Jno Cogins
age 35, a cordwainer not born in the county, with Elizth, age 30 born in the
county, and 3 children: Anne, Elizabeth and
Jabes. Also, an
Elizabeth Osborne age 65 not born in the county living with the family.
(Note: This is the only Cogins/Coggins family in
Stratford upon Avon in the 1841 census.
Also, according to Wikipedia a cordwainer is a shoemaker).
· Death: November
25, 1846 Old Stratford, Stratford on Avon (S8d),
listed as John Coggins age 41 a shoemaker.
·
Probate: not found.
· 1851 Census: 68
Gt. Wm Street, Old Stratford, Stratford on Avon, Warwickshire (S4). Listed as Elizabeth Coggins a widow age 40 working as a schoolmistress born in Bidford with 3
children: Jebez,
Jane and Maria. (Note: This is the only Coggins family in Stratford upon Avon
in the 1851 census).
· Wife’s Death: not found.
· Children:
1.
Anne
Emma Coggins (c1835-??). 1841 Census with parents (S4), listed as Anne Cogins age 6 not born in the county. Marriage: January 19, 1862
St, Mark, Birmingham (S3). Listed as
Anne Emma Coggins age 26 whose father was John Coggins a shoe
maker and Thomas Wenlock Coombs a tailor.
2.
Elizabeth
Coggins (c1837-??). 1841 Census with
parents (S4), listed as Elizabeth Cogins age 4 born
in the county (S4).
3.
Jabez
(aka James) Coggins (1839-1890) - see Generation 2.
4.
Jane
Coggins (1845-??) Born in Stratford (S4).
Born: 2nd QTR 1845 Stratford on Avon (S5b). Per GRO website search her mother’s maiden
name was Osborne.
5.
Mary
Maria Coggins (1847-??) Born: 3rd QTR 1847 Stratford on Avon
(S5b). Per GRO website search her
mother’s maiden name was Osborne.
Generation 2: Jabez (aka James) Coggins (1839-1890) and
Caroline Griffiths (c1841-1889)
(Note: There
were two men named Jabez Coggins living in the Birmingham area during the
second half of the 19th century, however the other one was born in
Warmington in 1842, worked as an agricultural laborer and a grocer and baker
who died in 1886. Many researchers on
Ancestor.com have confused these two individuals).
· Born: September
23, 1839 Old Stratford, Stratford on Avon (S8b).
Listed as Jabez Cogins with parents John Cogins, a shoemaker, and Elizabeth Cogins
formerly Osborne. (Note: This is the
only Jabez, Jabes, Jebaz, or James Cogins/Coggins born in Stratford between 1835 and 1845).
· 1841 Census: with
parents (S4). Listed as Jabes Cogins age 1 born in the county.
· 1851 Census: with
mother and sisters (S4). Listed as Jebez Coggins age 10 a scholar born in Stratford.
· 1861 Census: 85
Buckingham Street, Birmingham (S4).
Listed as Jabez Coggins age 21 a tool maker born in Strafford, living as
the nephew in the Osborne family. John
Osborne age 55 and Mary Osborne age 41 family.
An 18-year-old die sinker named John Durant, born in Stratford, is also
living with the family as a boarder. (Note: According to this census, John
Osborn was born in Broom 1806, a village less than two miles from
Bidford-on-Avon. John Osborne was
baptized on February 23, 1806 in Bidford-on-Avon with
parents John and Elizabeth Osborne (S1c) which makes him Jabex Coggins’
maternal uncle. Also, the Durant surname
is incorrectly listed as Duevant in the census
index). John Durant was born 4th QTR 1842 Stratford on Avon (S5b),
per GRO website search his mother’s maiden name was King.
· Marriage: December
19, 1863 Handsworth, West Bromwich (S8m). Listed as Jabez Coggins age 24 a tool maker
living in Handsworth whose father was John Coggins, a shoemaker, and Caroline
Griffiths age 23.
· 1868 Kelly’s
Directory of Birmingham, page 90 lists Jabez Coggins at 103 Park Road,
jewelers’ tool maker (S=Ancestry.com).
· 1871 Census: 85
Newtown Row, Birmingham (S4). Listed as James Coggins age 30
a baker born in Stratford with wife Caroline age 29 born in Birmingham and 2
children born in Birmingham: Annie and
William. Thomas Durant, a 24-year-old press tool maker born in Stratford, and
John Durant, a 28-year-old die sinker born in Stratford, are living with the
family as lodgers. (Note: James’s age is
incorrectly listed as 50 in the census index). Thomas Durant was born 1st
QTR 1847 Stratford on Avon, per GRO website search his mother’s maiden name was
King.
· 1873 White’s
Directory of Birmingham, page 341 lists James Coggins (C. & Baxter) h.
85 New Town Row, also lists Coggins and Baxter, die sinkers, stampers, pierces and press tool makers at 211/2 Caroline
Street and also James Coggins, baker & confectioner, h. 85 New Town rw. (S=Ancestry.com).
· 1876 Letters
Patent: The Commissioners of Patents Journal, page 2104 dated September
1, 1876, patent #927 dated March 4, 1876 lists James
Coggins and George Baxter trading in co-partnership as Stampers and Pierces of
Birmingham. (S=books.google.com).
· 1878 Petition for
Liquidation: Birmingham Daily Post newspaper dated August 19, 1878, page 6,
column 4, section entitled Birmingham County Court. Lists James Coggins of 37 Norton Street, Birmingham and George Baxter, residing at Warwick Road,
Greet, near Birmingham, carrying on business in co-partnership at 132 Barr
Street Birmingham under the style of Coggins & Baxter filed their petition
for liquidation (S=britishnewspaperarchive. co.uk).
· 1879 Bankruptcy
April 10, 1879. The London Gazette April 18, 1879
page 2916 lists the bankruptcy of James Coggins of 37 Norton Street, Birmingham
and George Baxter, residing at Warwick Road, Greet, near Birmingham, carrying
on business in co-partnership under the name Coggins & Baxter at 132 Barr
Street Birmingham (S=Google Books)
· 1880 Kelly’s
Directory of Birmingham, page 315 lists James Coggins as a confectioner at
124 Summer Lane (S=Ancestry.com).
· 1881 Petition for
Liquidation: Birmingham Mail newspaper dated July 5, 1881, page 3, column 6,
section entitled Local Failure. Lists
James Coggins of 124 Summer Lane, baker and confectioner, and journeyman
toolmaker filed his petition for liquidation with liabilities of £150 and assets not yet ascertained.
· 1881 Census: 124
Summer Lane, Birmingham (S4). Listed as
James Coggins age 41 a tool maker born in Birmingham with wife Caroline age 40
born in Birmingham and 4 children born in Birmingham: William, Annie, Florance and
Rose. (The birthplace of James appears
to be in error in the census).
· Wife’s Death: 4th QTR 1889 West Bromwich (S5d). Listed as Caroline A. Coggins age 48.
·
Wife’s Probate: not found.
· Death: March 1, 1890 St.
George, Birmingham (S8d). Listed as
Jabez Coggins age 50 a press tool maker (journeyman) who died at 3 Windsor
Place, New John Street West, Birmingham of bronchitis and exhaustion for three
weeks with W. H. Coggins son present at death.
· Burial: Warstone Lane Cemetery Grave No: 4479-4 90, Section E March
5, 1890 Jabez Coggins age 50 of New John Street West
(S=email correspondence with Midland Ancestors who provided a copy of the
burial record).
· Gravesite: Warstone Lane Cemetery.
There were five people buried at the Jabez Coggins; grave site: Edith
Matilda Hilliar 1880, Caroline A. Coggins 1889, Jabez Coggins 1890, Thomas
Winkles 1908 and Mary A. Winkles 1926.
(S=email correspondence with Midland Ancestors who provided this
information).
·
Probate: not found.
· Children:
1.
Alfred
Francis Coggins (1864-1864) Baptized August 30, 1864
All Saints, Birmingham (S1c) with parents listed as Jabez and Caroline Coggin,
his father was listed as a press tool maker living on Norton Street. (Note:
surname is incorrectly listed as Coggin in the baptism index). Death: 3rd QTR
1864 Birmingham (S5b), listed as age 0 per GRO website search.
2.
Annie
Louisa Jane Coggins (1867-??) Born and baptized: March 1, 1867
and March 24, 1867 at St. George, Birmingham (S1c) whose parents were listed as
James and Caroline Coggins and the father was a tool maker living on Wheeler
Str. Per GRO website search her mother’s
maiden name was Griffiths. Marriage: June 11, 1888 St.
Mark’s, Birmingham (S3), listed as Annie Louisa Coggins age 21 whose father was
James Coggins a tool maker and William Evans a chandelier maker. 1901 Census: Bk 40 Mansfield Road, Aston
Manor (S4), listed as Annie Louisa Evans age 34 born in Aston with husband
William Evans age 33 a chandelier maker with 5 children. 1911 Census:
83 Aston Lane, Handsworth (S4), listed as Annie Louisa Evans age 44 born
in Aston with husband William Evans age 43 a chandelier maker and 5 children
born in Aston.
3.
William
Henry Coggins (1870-1946) - see Generation 3.
4.
Florence
Coggins (1873-1881) Born: 2nd QTR 1873 Birmingham (S5b). Per GRO
website search her mother’s maiden name was Griffiths. Death: 3rd
QTR 1881 Birmingham (S5d) at age 8.
5.
Rose
Coggins (1876-??) Born: 1st QTR 1876 Birmingham (S5b). Per GRO
website search her mother’s maiden name was Griffiths. 1881 Census: with parents, 1891 Census: with
paternal aunt Annie Coombs and 1901 Census: with sister Annie Evans (S4). Marriage: 3rd QTR 1901 West
Bromwich (S5m), listed as Rose Coggins and Arthur Gould. Death: 4th QTR 1910 West Bromwich,
listed as Rose Coggins age 32. WWI
Service Records: October 25, 1915 lists Arthur Gould
with wife Rose Coggins who he married July 7, 1901 in Handsworth who is
deceased with 2 children: Marjorie born July 1, 1902 and May Humphry born June
2, 1906 (S=UK, British Army World War I Service Records, 1914-1920. Note: the surname Coggins is listed
incorrectly as is the marriage date in the WWI index). 1911 Census: 146 Putney Road, Handsworth
(S4), listed as Arthur Gould age 32 a boarder and widower and bread baker
worker born in Smethwick, Staffordshire with 2 children: Marjorie age 8 and May
Winifred age 4.
Generation 3: William Henry Coggins (1870-1946) and
Elizabeth Ann Dale (c1871-1939)
· Born: 1st QTR 1870 Birmingham (S5b), listed as
William Henry Coggins. Per GRO website
search his mother’s maiden name was Griffiths.
· Baptized: January 23, 1870 St.
Stephens, Birmingham (S1c). Listed as
William Henry Coggins with parents Jabez and Caroline Coggins, the father is
listed as a toolmaker from 84 New Town Row.
· 1871 Census: with
parents (S4). Listed as William Coggins
age 1 born in Birmingham.
· 1881 Census: with parents (S4). Listed as William Coggins age 11 a scholar
born in Birmingham.
· 1891 Census: 99
Villa Road, Handsworth (S4). Listed as William
H. Coggins age 21 a watchmaker born in Birmingham, a nephew living in the
Thomas age 53 and Annie Coombs age 37 household along with Rose Coggins, age 15
who is listed as a niece and a warehouse girl all born in Birmingham. (Note:
William and Rose appear to be living with their paternal aunt Annie Coombs,
however Annie’s age appears to be listed incorrectly, the age 37 could be 54 as
it is difficult to read, especially since her daughter Clara age 28 is also
listed in this census with her mother Annie Coombs).
· Marriage: 2nd
QTR 1893 Birmingham (S5m), May 23, 1893 (S3).
Listed as William Henry Coggins a 23-year-old watchmaker living at 100
Ellen Street whose father was listed as Jabez Coggins, a tool maker and
Elizabeth Ann Dale.
· 1901 Census: 5
Camden Road, Bridgwater, Somerset (S4).
Listed as Wm Henry Coggins age 31 a watchmaker worker born in Birmingham
with wife Elizabeth age 30 born in Birmingham and 4 children born in Bridwater, Somerset: Dorothy, Lily, Ruby
and Wm. T.
· 1911 Census: 115
South Road, Handsworth (S4). Listed as
William Henry Coggins age 41, watch repairer worker born in Birmingham with
wife Elizabeth Ann age 40 born in Birmingham and 4 children born in Bridgwater:
Dorothy Elizabeth, Lilian Hilda, Ruby May and William
Thomas. Indicates they were married 18
years and had 4 children who were all still living.
· Wife’s Death: December
14, 1939 Birmingham (S6).
· Wife’s Probate:
Birmingham April 1, 1940 (S6). Listed as
Elisabeth Ann Coggins of 21 Grosvenor Road, Handsworth (wife of William Henry
Coggins). Effects: £374 to said William Henry Coggins, retired watchmaker.
· Death: registered March 1946 Bromsgrove (S5d),
listed as William H. Coggins age 76.
January 16, 1946 at 12a Birmingham Road,
Bromsgrove, Worcestershire (S6).
· Probate:
Birmingham July 31, 1946 (S6). Listed as
William Henry Coggins of Pinewood Sweetpool-lane West
Hagley, Hagley, Worcestershire. Effects:
£363 to William Thomas Coggins, manufacturer.
· Children:
1.
Dorothy
Elizabeth Coggins (c1894-??) Born in Bridgwater, Somerset (S4).
2.
Lilian
Hilda Coggins (c1896-??) Born in Bridgwater, Somerset (S4).
3.
Ruby
May Coggins (c1898-??) Born in Bridgwater, Somerset (S4).
4.
William
Thomas Coggins (c1900-??) Born in Bridgwater, Somerset (S4).
Generation 1: William Baxter (c1816-1881) and Elizabeth
Baker (1817-??)
· Born: c.1816 Birmingham (S4), c1814 (S5d).
·
Baptized: not found.
· Marriage: February
2, 1840 St. Peter and St. Paul, Aston (S3), listed as William
Baxter a clock pinion maker who lived at New Town Row, Birmingham whose father
was John Baxter a clock pinion maker and Elizabeth Baker. (Note: according to Google watch pinions are “smaller gears that mesh together with
other larger gear wheels to perform significant tasks such as the motion of the
visible watch hands”).
Elizabeth Baker was born August 4, 1817 and
baptized September 1, 1817 at St. Phillip, Birmingham (S1c) with parents listed
as Joseph and Sara Baker.
· 1841 Census: Pritchet St., Birmingham (S4). Listed as William Baxter age 25, a clock work
born in the county with Elizh age 20 born in the
county and 1 child born in the county, Mary age 7 months. (Note: the surname is
incorrectly listed as Barter in the census index. Also this Baxter
family was living next door to the Joseph Baker family: Joseph Baker age 55 brass works, Sarah age
50, George age 20, Charles age 15, Samuel age 10 and Henry age 10, all born in
the county. Baptism records for these 4
children prove they were the sons of Joseph and Sarah Barker, and therefore the
brothers of the Elizabeth Baker who married William Baxter. Born and Baptized at
St. Philips, Birmingham (S1c): George
Baker June 10, 1820 and April 23, 1821; Charles Baker December 10, 1822 and
September 1, 1823; Samuel Baker September 17, 1826 and March 3, 1828; Henry
Baker May 10, 1831 and February 13, 1832).
· 1849: History
and General Directory of the Borough of Birmingham, by Francis White and
Co, 1849. Page 293 lists the Horse &
Jockey, Abraham Ems, 13 Hill St. (S=books.google.
com).
· 1851 Census: 13
Hill Street, Birmingham (S4). Listed as
William Baxter age 35 a publican, born in Birmingham with wife Elizabeth age 32
born in Birmingham and 3 children born in Birmingham: Mary, William
and George.
· 1861: Corporation
General and Trades Directory of Birmingham, by William Cornish, 1861. Page 61 lists Wm Baxter, retail brewer, 13
Hill St. S=books.google.com).
· 1861 Census: 53
Dale End, Birmingham (S4). Listed as
William Baxter age 45 a pork butcher employing 1 man born in Birmingham with
wife Elizabeth age 43 born in Birmingham and 4 children born in Birmingham:
William, Charles, Arthur R. and Annie E.
· 1867: Post
Office Directory of Birmingham with Its Suburbs, 1867, by E. R. Kelly, page
168. Lists William Baxter, pork butcher, 59 Dale End (S=books.google.com).
· 1871 Census: 53
Dale End, Birmingham (S4). Listed as
William Baxter age 54 a pork butcher born in Birmingham with wife Elizabeth age
51 born in Birmingham and 6 children born in Birmingham: William, George, John,
Charles, Arthur Ro. and Annie E.
· Death: 1st QTR 1881 Birmingham at age 67 (S5d),
listed as William Baxter. February 26, 1881 Warwickshire (S6).
· Burial: Warstone Lane Cemetery Grave No: 1936, Section I March 3, 1881 William Baxter age 67 of Dale End. (S=email correspondence with Midland
Ancestors who provided a copy of the burial record).
· Gravesite: Warstone Lane Cemetery with gravestone inscription recorded
in 1950 as “William Baxter died Feb 26, 1881.
Also Guinevere Mary child of A. R. & M. A.
Baxter died Sept 1888 aged 14 years”.
There were a total of five Baxter family
members buried in this grave site: William 1881, Guinevere Mary 1888, Annie E.
1892, John 1893 and Elizabeth 1895 (S=email correspondence with Midland
Ancestors who provided this information).
· 1881 Will: Seven page will dated
September 24, 1880. Listed as William
Baxter of Dale End, Birmingham, pork butcher.
Lists sons: William, John, Charles, Arthur Robert, and George; daughters
Anne Elizabeth and Mary Day who married Joseph Day; wife Elizabeth; brother
John; and sisters Mary, Ann and Emma. His pork
business was passed to his three sons John, Charles
and Arthur Robert to continue as Baxter Brothers. In addition to assets to be divided between
the siblings, the son George was given £600 and 50 shares in the Union Bank and 25
shares in the Miller Fire Insurance.
· Probate: March 29,
1881 Birmingham (S6).
Listed as William Baxter late of Dale End, Birmingham, pork butcher.
Personal estate under £8,000 proved by William Baxter of
Stafford Street Birmingham, John Baxter of 53 Dale End and Arthur Robert Baxter
of 53 Dale End, pork butchers and sons.
· 1881 Census: 52½
53 Dale End, Birmingham (S4). Listed as
Elizabeth Baxter age 64 widow a pork butcher born in Birmingham with 3 children
born in Birmingham: John, Arthur R. and Annie E. The two sons were also listed a pork butchers.
· 1891 Census: 52½
53 54 Dale End, Birmingham (S4). Listed as Elizabeth Baxter age 73 mother and
widow born in Birmingham living with John Baxter age 38 a pork butcher and his
sister Annie Eliz age 31 both born in Birmingham.
· Wife’s Death: 4th QTR 1895 Birmingham (S5d),
listed as Elizabeth Baxter age 78. December 27, 1895 (S6).
· Wife’s Probate:
April 10, 1896 Birmingham (S6). Listed as Elizabeth Baxter of 53 Dale End,
Birmingham widow. Effects £146 to Arthur Robert Baxter a pork butcher.
· Children:
1.
Mary
Baxter (1840-1925) Born: November 10, 1840 (S1c). Baptized: March 29, 1842
St. Phillip, Birmingham (S1c), listed as Mary Baxter with parents William
Baxter a clock pinion maker and Elizabeth Baxter who lived on Prichett
Street. Per GRO website search her
mother’s maiden name was Baker. 1841 and
1851 Censuses: with parents (S4). Marriage:
June 16, 1868 Church of the Saviour, Birmingham (S3),
listed as Mary Baker age 17 whose father was William Baxter a licensed victualler and Joseph Day.
1891 Census: 81 Pershore Road, Edgbaston (S4), listed as Mary Day age 50
born in Birmingham with husband Joseph age 60 a pork butcher employer born in
Birmingham and 5 children and 2 grandchildren born in
Birmingham. Husband’s Death: August 1,
1894 (S6). Husband’s Probate: September
13, 1894 Birmingham (S6), listed as Joseph Day of 81 Pershore Road a pork
butcher with Effects £2,261 to his wife Mary Day and a
son. 1911 Census: 81 Pershore Road,
Edgbaston (S4), listed as Mary Day age 70 a widow who had 9 children of which 6
were still living employed as a butcher employer born in Birmingham with 3
children born in Birmingham. Death: February 27, 1925 (S6). Probate: June 10, 1925
Birmingham (S6), listed as Mary Day of 81 Pershore-road, Edgbaston widow. Effects £2,593 to John Day retired pork butcher and
George Frederik Day manager.
2.
William
Baxter (1842-1907) Born: December 2, 1842 (S1c). Baptized: April 8, 1844
St. Phillip, Birmingham (S1c), listed as William Baxter with parents William
Baxter a clock pinion maker and Elizabeth Baxter who lived on Great Hampton
Row. Per GRO website search his mother’s maiden name was Baker. 1851, 1861 and
1871 Censuses: with parents (S4). 1881
Census: 40 Stafford St, Birmingham (S8), listed as William Baxter age 38 a pork
butcher born in Birmingham. Marriage:
December 25, 1883 Bishop Ryder, Birmingham (S3),
listed as William Baxter age 41 a pork butcher living at 40 Stafford St whose
father was William Baxter a pork butcher and Caroline Evans. 1901 Census: 196 Park
Road, Aston Manor (S4), listed as William Baxter age 59 a pork butcher worker
born in Birmingham with wife Caroline age 56 born in Birmingham. Death: June 26, 1907
Aston Manor, Aston (S8d), listed as William Baxter age 65 a pork butcher with
brother-in-law W. Evans present at his death.
Buried: July 1, 1907 Aston Juxta, Birmingham
(S7), listed as William Baxter of 329 Vittoria Rd age 65. Probate: not found.
3.
George
Baxter (1850-1918) - see Generation 2.
4.
John
Baxter (1852-1893) Born: November 23, 1852 (S1c). Baptized November 5, 1856
St. Jude, Birmingham (S1c), listed as John Baxter with parents William and
Elizabeth Baxter of Hill Street, and father’s occupation was listed as victualler. Per GRO website search his mother’s maiden name
was Baker. 1871, 1881 and 1891 Censuses:
with parents (S4), listed in 1881 and 1891 as a pork butcher. Death: 3rd
QTR 1893 Birmingham (S5d), listed as John Baxter age 40.
5.
Charles
Baxter (1854-1943) Born: October 23, 1854 (S1c). Baptized November 5, 1856
St. Jude, Birmingham (S1c), listed as Charles Baxter with parents William and
Elizabeth Baxter of Hill Street and father’s occupation was listed as victualler. Per GRO website search his mother’s maiden name
was Baker. 1871 Census: with parents (S4).
Marriage: April 4, 1875 Birmingham (S8m),
listed as Charles Baxter, age 21 a butcher living at Dale End whose father was
William Baxter a butcher, and India Hannah Illson age
21. 1911 Census: 107 Pershore Road,
Edgbaston (S4), listed as Charles Baxter age 56 a pork butcher employer born in
Birmingham and wife India Hanna age 54 and 3 children (Winifred Annie, Leslie John and Carl Bertram) all born in Birmingham, also
indicates they had been married 36 years and had 7 children of which 4 were
still living. Death: December 14, 1843
(S6). Probate: April 7, 1944 Birmingham (S6), listed as Charles Baxter of Arden
Croft Birmingham Road Henley-in-Arden who died at 9 Church-road Edgbaston. Effects £31,474 to Midland Bank Executor and
Trustee Company Limited and Leslie John Baxter and Carl Bertram Baxter both of
no occupation. Grave: Brandwood End
Cemetery, Birmingham (S7).
6.
Arthur
Robert Baxter (1856-1920) Born: October 8, 1856 (S1c). Baptized: November 5, 1856
St. Jude, Birmingham (S1c), listed as Arthur Robert Baxter with parents William
and Elizabeth Baxter of Hill Street and father’s occupation was listed as victualler. Per GRO website search his mother’s maiden name
was Baker. 1861, 1871 and 1881 Censuses: with parents (S4). Marriage: June 7, 1882
Bromsgrove (S8m), listed as Arthur Robert Baxter, age 25 a butcher living at
Dale Road whose father was William Baxter deceased also a butcher, and Mary
Anne Brooke age 21. Daughter Guinevere Mary Baxter’s Baptism: June 22, 1887 Holy Trinity, Bordesley, Warwickshire (S1c) with
parents listed as Arthur Robert Baxter and Mary Ann Baxter. 1911 Census: Highland Lodge, Wellington Road,
Edgbaston (S4), listed as Arthur Robert Baxter age 53 a bacon curer employer
born in Birmingham with wife Mary Anne age 49 born in Birmingham and 3 children
(Donald J. W., Arthur Bernard and Norman Brooke) born
in Birmingham, also indicated they were married 28 years and had 5 children of
which 4 were still living. Death:
September 5, 1920 (S6). Probate:
December 21, 1920 Birmingham (S6), listed as Arthur
Robert Baxter of Highland Lodge Wellington-road, Birmingham gentleman who died
in Lynmouth Devonshire. Effects: £247,857 to Donald John William Baxter and
Norman Brooke Baxter gentlemen. Grave:
Brandwood End Cemetery, Birmingham (S7). Obituary: Dudley Chronicle newspaper
dated September 11, 1920, page 7, column 1, listed as Mr. Arthur Robert Baxter
a director Messrs. Marah and Baxter, Ltd.
7.
Annie
Elizabeth Baxter (1859-1892) Born: November 9, 1859 (S1c). Baptized: April 24, 1860
St. Jude, Birmingham (S1c4), listed as Annie Elizabeth Baxter with parents
William and Elizabeth Baxter of Hill Street and father’s occupation Horse &
Jockey Inn. Per GRO website search her mother’s maiden name was Baker. 1861, 1871, 1881 and 1891 Censuses (S4). Death: 2nd QTR 1892 Kings Norton,
listed as Annie Elizabeth Baxter age 32.
Generation 2: George Baxter (1850-1918) and Fanny Elizabeth
Smith (c1848-1937)
· Born: May 23, 1850
Birmingham (S8b), listed as George Baxter born at 13 Hill Street with parents
William Baxter, a clock pinion maker, and Elizabeth Baxter formerly Baker.
· Baptized: November 5, 1856 St.
Jude, Birmingham (S1c). Listed as George
Baxter with parents William and Elizabeth Baxter of Hill Street. Father’s occupation was listed as victualler.
· 1851 Census: with
parents (S4). Listed as George Baxter
age 11 months born in Birmingham
· 1861 Census: not
found.
· 1871 Census: with
parents (S4). Listed as George Baxter
age 20 a die sinker apprentice born in Birmingham (S4).
· Marriage: November 4, 1873
Birmingham (S8m), listed as George Baxter, age 23 a die sinker living at 53
Dale End whose father was William Baxter a butcher, and Fanny Elizabeth Smith
age 22.
· 1873 White’s
Directory of Birmingham, page 299 lists George Baxter die sinker (Coggins
& B), h. 53 Dale End.
· 1878 Post
Office Directory Birmingham by E. R. Kelly, page 263 lists George Baxter,
jeweler, see Coggins & Baxter (S=books.gooble.com).
· 1881 Census: 168
Gt Lister Str., Aston (S4). Listed as
George Baxter age 30 a butcher born in Birmingham with
wife Fanny age 30 born in London, and 2 children born in Birmingham: Archie G.
and Harold Y.
· 1891 Census:
174-176 Bordesley Park, Aston (S4). Listed as George Baxter age 40 a pawnbroker
born in Birmingham with wife Fannie E, age 37 born in London, and 2 children born
in Birmingham: Archie and Arthur.
· 1901 Census: 252 Alcester Rd, Moseley, Kings Norton
(S4). Listed as George Baxter age 50 a
pawnbroker born in Birmingham with wife Fanny, age 49 born in London, and 2
children born in Birmingham: Archie and
Harold.
· 1911 Census: 252
Alcester Road, Moseley, Kings Norton (S4).
Listed as George Baxter age 60 a butcher worker born in Birmingham with
wife Fanny age 59 born in London who was listed as a pawnbroker employer and 2
children born in Birmingham: Archie and
Harold. Indicates they had been married
37 years and had 2 children born alive and 2 children still living.
· Death: October 27,
1918 Bodmin, Cornwall (S8d), listed as George Baxter
who died at the lunatic asylum in Bodmin, age 68 a gentleman from Tresillian Mylor who died of cancer of the colon.
· Probate: December 23, 1918
London (S6). Listed as George Baxter of
Tresillian Mylor near Falmouth, Cornwall who died at
the county asylum Bodmin. Effects £176 to Fanny Elizabeth Baxter, widow.
· Actual Probate
record dated December 24, 1918 London and Will dated
August 29, 1886 (S=original copies ordered through the UK Government website at
https://probatesearch. service.gov.uk). Listed as George Baxter of Tresillian Mylor near Falmouth, Cornwall formerly of 174 Bordesley
Park, Birmingham with Fanny Elizabeth Baxter the executor. No others are listed.
· Wife’s Death:
April 7, 1937 Truro, Cornwall (S8d), listed as Fanny
Elizabeth Baxter age 89 of Tresillian Mylor, the
widow of George Baxter a general merchant with A. G. W. Baxter the son of The
Crag, The Lizard as the informant. April
7, 1937 Cornwall (S6).
· Wife’s Probate:
August 6, 1937 London (S6). Listed as Fanny Elizabeth Baxter of
Tresillian Mylor near Falmouth, Cornwall, widow. Effects: £11,112, Resworn: £11,746 to Archie George William Baxter, retired
engineer and Arthur Harold Young Baxter, retired schoolmaster.
· Children:
1.
Archie
George William Baxter (1874-1959) Born: 3rd QTR 1874 Aston (S5b),
listed as Archie George W. Baxter. Per
GRO website search his mother’s maiden name was Smith. 1881, 1891, 1901 and
1911 Censuses: with parents (S4). 1915 Freemason: Lodge of the Three Grand Principles, July 28,
1915 lists Archie George William Baxter as an engineer
at Falmouth (S=England United Grand Lodge of England Freemason Membership
Registers, 1751-1921 available at ancestry.com). Marriage: 2nd QTR 1941 Kerrier,
Cornwall (S5m), listed as Archie G. W. Baxter and Isabella M. I. Nixon. 1939
Register: 71 The Brag, Kerrier, Cornwall (S9), listed as Archie G. W, Baxter
born July 31, 1874 a retired electrical accessories
manufacturer with wife Lilian G. born October 14, 1886. Death: 1st QTR 1959 Kerrier,
Cornwall (S5d), listed as Archie G. W. Baxter age 84, January 30, 1959
(S6). Probate: April 29, 1959 Bodmin (S6), listed as Archie George William Baxter of
the Crag Lizard Helston, Cornwall.
Effects £13,666 to Midland Bank Executor and
Trust Company Ltd.
2.
Arthur
Harold Young Baxter (1879-1965) Born: 1st QTR 1879 Aston (S5b),
listed as Arthur Harold Y. Baxter. Baptized
July 20, 1879 St. Matthias, Birmingham (S1c), listed
as Arthur Harold Young Baxter with parents George and Fanny Elizabeth Baxter
and father was a butcher living at 186 Albert Rd. Per GRO website search his mother’s maiden
name was Smith. 1881, 1891, 1901 and 1911 Censuses: with parents (S4). Marriage: 4th QTR 1930 Falmouth,
Cornwall (S5m), listed as Arthur H. Y. Baxter and Doris Hollingworth. 1939 Register: 219 Wolverden,
Trescobeas, Falmouth (S9), listed as Arthur H. G.
Baxter born January 8, 1879 a retired school master
and his wife Doris born August 21, 1896.
Death: December 22, 1965 Cornwall (S6).
Probate: February 10, 1966 London (S6), listed as
Reverend Arthur Harold Young Baxter of 45 Trecobeas
Rd, Falmouth, Cornwall clerk in Holy Orders.
Effects £17,128 to Doris Baxter widow.
Avery style needle cases patented and manufactured by
Coggins & Baxter:
1. Bird Cage - ornamental design #293201 dated August 3, 1975
2. Dog in Kennel - ornamental design #289777 dated March 5, 1875
3. Hygrometer Weather House - ornamental design #316708 dated November 28,
1877
4. Lap Desk-Floral - ornamental design #306139 dated December 19, 1876
5. Looking Glass - ornamental design #312186 dated July 25, 1877
6. Park Chair - ornamental design # 299476 dated March 29, 1876
7. Windmill - ornamental design # 277230 dated October 16, 1873
Patent history for Coggins & Baxter: Between 1873 and 1878 this
company register 27 designs, 19 were provisional and 8 were actual
designs. Of these 25 designs were for
needle cases, 18 provisional designs and 7 ornamental designs. Of the 18 provisional designs, 5 were later
registered as ornamental designs, 5 were for different versions of the
Hygrometer Weather House, and 8 were never registered as ornamental
designs. Of the 7 ornamental designs, 5
had earlier provisional designs and 2 did not.
From October 16, 1873 until July 25, 1877 their
address was listed 21 Caroline Street, then in October 13, 1877 it became 132
Barr Street. The last actual ornamental
design was the Hygrometer Weather House registered on November 28, 1877. All nine of the designs from 1878 were
provisional designs with the last one registered on March 28, 1878. Of the nine 1878 provisional designs, five
were for different versions of the Hygrometer Weather House (S=The National
Archives Kew website). The nine
provisional designs from 1878 are listed below.
1.
Provisional
design #1415 dated January 4, 1878 for the See Saw
& Clock needle case.
2.
Provisional
design #1416 dated January 4, 1878 for the Swing Boat
& Clock needle case.
3.
Provisional
design #1417 dated January 4, 1878 for the Over Boat
needle case.
4.
Provisional
design #1418 dated January 4, 1878 for a Horizontal
Bar needle case.
5.
Provisional
design #1437 dated February 5, 1878 for a Hygrometer
Weather House needle case.
6.
Provisional
design #1500 dated March 26, 1878 for a Hygrometer
Weather House needle case.
7.
Provisional
design #1501 dated March 26, 1878 for a Hygrometer
Weather House needle case (Note: this provisional design included a photograph
of the needle case that was actually manufactured).
8. Provisional design
#1502 dated March 26, 1878 for a Hygrometer Weather
House needle case.
9.
Provisional
design #1505 dated March 28, 1878 for a Hygrometer
Weather House needle case.
Patent history for James Coggins (aka Jabez Coggins)
of Birmingham: no designs were registered in his name.
Patent history of George Baxter of Birmingham. George Baxter of Alfred Road in
Handsworth registered two provisional designs for needle and pin cases.
1.
Provisional
design #1412 dated December 5, 1877 for the Punch
& Judy Show needle case.
2. Provisional design
#1413 dated December 5, 1877 for a Mangle needle case.
