Book Bibliography

The following information was original researched in 2011 and was published in the book My Avery Needle Case Collection by Terry Meinke in April 2012. No changes have been made other than dividing the source data into more sections to make it easier to read. The sections are:
Brass Making
Needle Making
D. Leonardt & Co
Avery: 1841-1901 Census
Avery: 1911 Census
Avery: Other Sources
Addendum to the Bibliography

Brass Making

Aitken, W. C. The Early History of Brass and the Brass Manufactures of Birmingham, 1866. Available at books.google.com.

Becker, Bernard H. Brass Work at Birmingham, from an 1883/1884 edition of the UK monthly magazine entitled The English Illustrated Magazine.

Bevan, G. Philips. British Manufacturing Industries, 1876. Available at books.google.com.

Brass: How products are made at www.enotes.com/how-products-encyclopedia/brass-2

Brass – The Encyclopaedia Britannica – A Dictionary of the Arts, Sciences, and General Literature, Volume IV, 1888. Available at books.google.com.

Callcut, Vin - author of www.oldcopper.org. Email communication from June-August 2011.

Die-Sinkers and Engraver Career Descriptions – Available in July and August 2011 at www.career-descriptions.co.uk/die-sinker-and-engraver- career-description.htm

Die-Sinking. Chamber’s Encyclopaedia - A Dictionary of Universal Knowledge for the people, Vol. III, 1886. Available at books.google.com.

Electro-metallurgy. Chamber’s Encyclopaedia - A Dictionary of Universal Knowledge for the people, Vol. IV, 1897. Available at books.google.com.

Ellis, Martin - curator of the Birmingham Museums & Art Gallery, Birmingham, UK. Email communication in June 2011.

Fontaine, Hippolyte. Electrolysis: A Practical Treatise on Nickeling, Coppering, Gilding, Silvering, the Refining of Metals and Treatment of Ores, By Means of Electricity, 1885. Available at books.google.com.

Gloger, Jo-An - Keeper of Collections at the Forge Needle Museum in Redditch, UK. Email communication in June 2011.

Horowitz, Estelle and Mann, Ruth. Victorian Brass Needlecases, 1990.

How Products Are Made – Brass. Available as of February and March 2011 at www.madehow.com/Volume-6/Brass.html

Industry Development - A Brief Review of the Development of Copper, Zinc and Brass Industries in Great Britain from AD 1500 to 1900. Available as of February and March 2011 at www.oldcopper.org/industry_development.htm.

Meinke, Terry. Personal visits to three underground miles and one open pit mine at various times in the past 30 years. At the time I never expected that one day I’d be writing about mines, now I wish I had paid more attend to the tour guides.

Salzbergwerk Berchtesgaden - salt mine in Berchtesgaden, Germany,

Llechwedd Caverns – slate mine in Blaenau Ffestiniog, Wales – opened in 1846

Queen Mile – copper mine in Bisbee, Arizona -commenced operations in 1880.

Kennecott Copper Mine (aka Bingham Canyon Mine) – near Salt Lake City, Utah - worlds’ deepest open pit copper mine and the largest ever man-made excavation

Metal Stamping Dies as of July and August 2011 at www.metalstampingdies.com/die-design.

Nickel and Nickel-plating – Johnson’s Universal Cyclopaedia, Vol. VI, 1895. Available at books.google.com.

Post Office Directory of Birmingham, 1878 – Lists Coggins & Baxter on pages, 22, 285 and 520 as gilt and plated jewelry, fancy metal boxes, jewelers and needle case manufacturers. Lists Buncher & Haseler on pages 133, 277, 443, 453 and 470 as die sinkers, stampers, piercers, tool makers, also makers of fancy metal boxes, tea and toy bells. Available at books.google.com.

Post Office Directory of Birmingham, 1879 – Lists Coggins & Baxter on page 547 as needle case manufacturer. Available at books. google.com.

Shaw, George. A Manual of Electro-Metallurgy, 1844. Available at books.google.com.

Shakespeare’s House – Photograph of Shakespeare’s House before the 1864 restoration came from www.kellyroehrig.blogspot.com

The Brass Industry and Brass Workers in Birmingham as of February and March 2011 at www.search.revolutionaryplayers.org.uk/content/files /49/49/330.txt

The First Manufacturing Town: Industry in Birmingham in the Mid-19th Century as of February and March 2011 at www.search.revolutionaryplayers.org.uk/content/files/64/63/264.txt

The Modern Copper Industry – Available at www.unr.edu/sb204/geology/modern.html in July 2011.

Timmins, Samuel. The Resources, Products, and Industrial History of Birmingham and the Midland Hardware District, 1866. Available at books.google.com.

Watt, Alexander. Electro-Deposition - A Practical Treatise on the Electrolysis of Gold, Silver, Copper, Nickel, and other Metals, and Alloys, 1889. Available at books.google.com.

Wikipedia as of February through August 2011. Brass, Die Maker, Die Sinker, Electro-plating, Embossing, Engraving, Gilding, Nickel Electroplating, Nickel Silver, Punch Press, Screw Press, Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Stamping Press, Swansea and Zinc Smelting

Needle Making

Dickens, Charles. Household Words A Weekly Journal Vol. IV, 1852, pages 540-546. Available at books.google.com.

Forge Mill Needle Museum information. Available as of February and March 2011 at freepages.geneaology.rootsweb.ancestry.com/ ~billburgoyne/needle-making.htm

Henry Milward & Sons – Wikipedia as of March and April 2011.

Land, Neville. The History of Redditch and the Locality, 1984

Making Needles in the Nineteenth Century. In the July/August 2007 issue of Piece Work magazine. Available as of February and March 2011 at www.interweave.com/needle/projects/Needlemaking-Article.pdf

Morrall, Michael. History and Description of Needle Making, 1862. Available as of April 2011at www.archive.org/details/ historydescripti00morr

Needle Making An Art – The New York Times published August 21, 1898. Available as of February and March 2011 by doing a Google search on needle making an art + nyt

Redditch Industrial History – Needles – Henry Milward and the Needle Industry. Available as of February and March 2011 at redditchhistory.com/downloads/redditchhistoryneedlemanufacture.pdf

The Worshipful Company of Needlemakers. Available as of April 2011 at www.needlemakers.org.uk/about_us/short_history.htm

D. Leonardt & Co

Bennett’s Business Directory for Warwickshire, 1914. Available as of February and March 2011 at www.historicaldirectories.org under Warwickshire. Lists D. Leonardt & Co.’s on pages105, 134 and 165 as gold pen manufacturers, jewelers and pen manufacturers.

Business Directory of Birmingham, 1862. Available as of February and March 2011 at www.historicaldirectories.org under Warwickshire. Lists Leonardt & Catwinkel on pages 89 and 153 as merchants.

The Commercial Directory and Shipper’ Guide, 1872. Lists Leonardt & Catwinkel as merchants from Birmingham in the Birmingham section. Needle case manufactures are listed separately however, Leonardt is not one of them. Available at books.google.com.

The Commercial Directory and Shipper’ Guide, 1875. Lists D. Leonardt and Co. as merchants and steel pen manufacturers from Birmingham in the Birmingham section. Needle case manufactures are listed separately however, Leonardt is not one of them. Available at books.google.com.

The Commercial Directory and Shipper’ Guide, 1879. Lists D. Leonardt and Co. as pen holder and steel pen manufacturers from Birmingham in the Birmingham section. Needle case manufactures are listed separately however, Leonardt is not one of them. Available at books.google.com.

Corporation General and Trades Directory of Birmingham, 1861. Lists Leonardt & Catwinkle. as merchants on page 489. Available at books.google.com.

D. Leonardt & Co Ltd website. Available as of February and March 2011at www.leonardt.com. Company history indicates they have been producing pen parts: nibs, clips, pen holders and nib holders since 1856.

General & Commercial Directory of Birmingham, 1858. Available as of February and March 2011 at www.historicaldirectories.org under Warwickshire. Lists Leonardt & Catwinkel on pages 439, 545 and 549 as merchants.

Kelly’s Directory of Warwickshire, 1896. Available as of February and March 2011 at www.historicaldirectories.org under Warwickshire. D. Leonardt & Co.’s is not listed.

Kelly’s Directory of Warwickshire, 1912. Available as of February and March 2011 at www.historicaldirectories.org under Warwickshire. D. Leonardt & Co.’s is not listed.

Made in Birmingham – Birmingham’s Industrial History Website – The Birmingham Pen Industry – mentions D. Leonardt & Co. as being founded in 1856. Available as of February and March 2011 at http://madeinbirmingham.org/pen.htm.

Paris Universal Exhibition of 1878 Catalogue of the British Section Part I. Pages lvii, 41, 55, 72 and 385 lists D. Leonardt & Co. Universal Pen Works as steel pen maker and inventor from Birmingham. Available at books.google.com.

Paris Universal Exhibition of 1889 Official Catalogue of the British Section. Page 6 and 155 lists D. Leonardt & Co. Universal Pen Works from Birmingham – steel pens of all descriptions for all countries. Available at books.google.com.

Peck’s Trades Directory of Birmingham, 1896-97. Available as of February and March 2011 at www.historicaldirectories.org under Warwickshire. Lists D. Leonardt & Co.’s on pages 203 and 295 as pencil case and pen maker (Universal Pen Works).

Post Office Directory of Birmingham, 1867. vailable as of February and March 2011 at www.historicaldirectories.org under Warwickshire. Lists Leonardt & Catwinkel on pages 227, 355, 356 and 383 as general merchants, penholder maker, pencil case maker and steel pen maker.

Post Office Directory of Birmingham, 1878. Lists D. Leonardt & Co.’s on pages 345, 525 and 563 as pen holder and steel pen manufacturers (with a depot in Paris, France). Available at books.google.com.

Post Office Directory of Birmingham, 1879. Lists D. Leonardt & Co.’s on pages 552 and 592 as pen holder and steel pen manufacturers. Available at books.google.com.

Slater’s General & Classified Directory of Birmingham, 1852-53. Available as of February and March 2011 at www.historicaldirectories. org under Warwickshire. Leonardt is not listed.

Stockbridge, Nick, Chairman and Managing Director of Manuscript Pen Company in Shropshire, England. Mr. Stockbridge represents the D. Leonardt & Co Ltd which ceased trading as an independent company in 2007-2008 and now belongs to his company. Communication via email in June 2011. Mr. Stockbridge provided copies of a page from an old Leonardt sales catalogue and a menu from Air France containing photos of Leonardt pen nib boxes.

The Trades’ Guide for the Midland Counties and Universal Buyers’ Guide, 1879. Lists D. Leonardt & Co. as steel pen manufacturer on page 13 and 55. Available at books.google.com.

UK Archives in London - Design Register/Patent (researched by London researcher Alan Bowgens) - Searched from January 2, 1872 through August 6, 1872 for the Book needle case which was listed in Victorian Brass Needlecases as patented on April 17, 1872. No patent was found. However on this date there was a patent found for a needle case made by W. Avery & Son.

White & Co.’s Commercial & Trades Directory of Birmingham, Vol. 1, 1875. Available as of February and March 2011 at www. historicaldirectories.org under Warwickshire. Lists D. Leonardt (Leonard) & Co.’s Universal Pen Works on pages 1631, 1726, 1729 and 1779 as gold pen, patentees, pen holder, pencil case and steel pen manufacturers.

Wikipedia as of April and June 2011. D. Leonardt & Co and History of the Pen.

www.calligraphy.co.uk – Website of the Manuscript Pen, Ltd company, available as of June 2011.

Avery: 1841-1901 Census

Ancestry.com – UK Census

1841 Headless Cross, Parish Feckenham, Worcestershire, District 10, Page 7-10

There were 35 households in Headless Cross with 166 people, 98 men and 68 women. 84 were listed with an occupation, of those 38 were needle makers, 1 needle pointer, 3 fish hook makers and 1 fishing tackle maker for a total of 43 or 51% with occupations in the needle/hook trade. Of these 10 were female, 33 were male, 12 were head of households (estimated based on first listed in household) and 12 were children age 15 or less. Of the 15 children with occupations, 12 or 80% were in the needle/hook trade.

1841 Headless Cross, Parish Feckenham, Worcestershire, District 10, Page 10

John Avery, 33, Needle M. , Y born in same county
Catherine, 34, Y
William, 9, Y
Charles, 7, Y
Benjamin, 5, Y
Joseph, 2, Y
Joseph Johnson, 70, N

1841 Unknown Street, Parish Sherborn, Dorset, District 5, Page 9

William Dingly, 40, Draper, N born in same county
Grace, 40, N
William, 12, Y
Alfred, 10, Y
Maria, 8, Y
Emma, 6, Y

1851 Household 78, Bromsgrove Road, Parish Feckenham, Worcestershire, District 1c, Page 21

Chatherine Avery, Head, Married, 45, Needle Manufacturer Emp 6 person, Worcester Feckenham
Joseph Johnson, Father, Widow, 79, Formerly Farmer, Worcester Feckenham
William Avery, Son, Unmarried, 18, Needle Manufacturer, Worcester Feckenham
Joseph, Son, Unmarried, 12, Scholar, Worcester Feckenham
Catherine, Daughter, Unmarried, 8, Scholar, Worcester Feckenham
Mary Chambers, Niece, Unmarried, 28, Needlemaker, Warwick, Birmingham
Hannah Hughes, Niece, Unmarried, 14, Needlemaker, Warwick Birmingham

1851 Household 12, High Street, Parish Southampton All Saints, Southampton, Hampshire, District 2h, Page 4

John Avery, Visitor, Married, 42, Needle Manufacturer, Worcester Redditch
Charles, Visitor Son, Unmarried, 16, Worcester Redditch

1851 Household 40, Halfmoon Street, Parish Sherborne, Dorset, District 1d, Page 11

Edward Dingley, Head, Unmarried, 24, Mercer & Draper Employing 8 hands, Sherborne Dorset
Maria, Sister, Unmarried, 18, Sherborne Dorset
(note: a draper is a dealer of fabrics and sewing goods, a mercer is a merchant)

1851 Household 160, Parish Sherborne, Dorset, District 1e, Page 49-50

William Dingley, Head, Married, 53, Mercer & Draper, Cornwall Sinkenpson
Grace Dingley, Wife, Married, 54, Wife, Cornwall Launceston
Maryann Dingley, Daughter, Unmarried, 25, Daughter, Dorset Sherborne
Alfred Dingley, Son, Unmarried, 20, Son, Dorset Sherborne
John Lambert, Visitor, Married 55, Wesleyan Minister, Bristol
Maren Hudderof, Servant, Unmarried 17, House Servant, Dorset Sherborne

1861 census

There are 47 people named William Avery born around 1832, 5 were living in Worcestershire/Warwickshire, 1 from Alvechurch was a tailor, another from Alvechurch was a miller & farmer, 1 from Ladbrook was a brick layer, 1 from Birmingham was a pearl button turner and 1 from Feckenham was a needle manufacturer.

1861 Households 45-98, Headless Cross, Parish Feckenham, Worcestershire, District 1, Pages 7-18

There were 54 households in Headless Cross with 254 people, 132 men and 122 women. Total of 80 people with occupations in the needle trades: 32 needle makers (19 men, 13 women, 12 age 15 or less), 6 fish hook makers, 7 needle setters (all women) , 5 needle pointers (all men), 5 fishing tackle makers (4 all in same family), 4 needle manufacturers (William, his two brothers and father), 4 needle drillers (all women), 3 needle hardeners, 3 needle eyers (all women), 3 needle straighteners (all women), 3 needle finishers (all men), 2 needle paperers, 1 needle scourer, 1 fish hook bender and 1 needle stamper.

1861 Household 45, Headless Cross, Parish Feckenham, Worcestershire, District 1, Page 7

John Avery, Head, Married, 53, Needle Manufacturer, Worcestershire Redditch
Catherine Avery, Wife, Married 55, Worcestershire Headless Cross
Charles Avery, Son, Unmarried, 26, Needle Manufacturer, Worcestershire Headless Cross
Joseph Avery, Son, Unmarried, 22, Needle Manufacturer, Worcestershire Headless Cross
Catherine Avery, Daughter, Unmarried, 18, Worcestershire Feckenham
Harriet Gale, Servant, Unmarried, 17, House Servant, Worcestershire, Bevley

1861 Household 50, Sherborne Cottage, Parish Feckenham, Worcestershire, District 1, Page 8

William Avery, Head, Married, 28, Needle Manufacturer, Worcestershire Feckenham
Maria Procter Avery, Wife, Married 28, Dorset, Sherborne
William John Avery, Son, 1, Worcestershire Feckenham
Edw. F. Hardrick, Visitor, 28, Unmarried, Wesleyan Minster, Yorkshire, Leeds
Ann M. Shakespeare, Servant, Unmarried, 21, House Servant, Warwickshire, Often upon Arden
Susanna Webb, Servant, Unmarried, 17, House Servant, Worcestershire Feckenham

1871 Household 108, Parish Feckenham, Warwickshire, District 1, Page 20

William Avery, Head, Married, 38, Needle Manufacturer, Worcester Feckenham
Maria P., Wife, Married, 38, Dorset Sherborne
Benjamin R., Son, 8, Scholar, Worcester Feckenham
Harold, Son, 3, Worcester Feckenham
Susan Webb, Servant, Unmarried, 27, Domestic Servant, Worcester Feckenham

1871 Household 150, Parish Feckenham, Warwickshire, District 1, Page 28

Charles Avery, Head, Married, 36, Needle Manufacturer, Worcester Feckenham
Elizabeth, Wife, Married, 36, Worcester Redditch
Fanny Boote, Niece, 6, Scholar, North Wales
Rhoda Hancox, Servant, Unmarried, 21, Servant Domestic, Worcester Worms Ash

1871 Household 151, Parish Feckenham, Warwickshire, District 1, Page 28

Catherine Avery, Head, Widow, 65, Worcester Feckenham
Joseph, Son, Unmarried, 32, Needle Manufacturer, Worcester Feckenham
Emma Huxley, Servant, Unmarried, 21, Servant/Domestic, Warwick Alcester

1871 Household 167, High Street, Evesham - St. Lawrence Parish, Worcestershire, District 9, Page 31-32

Edmund O. Hancock, Head, Married, 30, Flour mill employing 9, Stratford on Avon Warwick
Catherine Hancock, Wife, Married, 28, Headless Cross, Worcestershire
Mary Hancock, Daughter, 2, Great Alne Warwick
Helen Hancock, Daughter, 1, Great Alne Warwick
Charles Owen Hancock, Son, 2 mon., Evesham, Worcestershire
Frank Watson, Apprentice, Unmarried, 19, Miller, Whitacre Warwick
Mary Ann Read, Servant, Unmarried, 22, General Servant Domestic, Broughtor Hackett Worcestershire
Alice Godwin, Servant, Unmarried, 14, General Servant Domestic, Great Alne Warwick

1881 Household 130, Parish Feckenham, Worcestershire, District 1, Page 26

Charles Avery, Head, Married, 46, Needle Manufacturer, Worcestershire Feckenham
Elizabeth, Wife, Married, 46, Worcestershire Redditch
Emma Honeybourn, Servant, Unmarried, 20, General Servant Domestic, Worcestershire Bradly

1881 Household 131, Parish Feckenham, Worcestershire, District 1, Page 26

Catherine Avery, Head, Widow, 75, Retired Needle Manufacturer, Worcestershire Feckenham
Joseph, Son, Unmarried, 41, Factory General, Worcestershire Feckenham
Mary A. Woodfield, Visitor, Unmarried, 23, Ladies Maid, Worcestershire Redditch
Ann Farley, Servant, Unmarried, 22, General Servant, Worcestershire Abbott Morton

1881 Household 136, Bromsgrove Road, Sherborne Manor, Parish Feckenham, Worcestershire, District 1, Page 27

William Avery, Head, Married, 48, Manufacturer of Needles, Worcestershire Feckenham
Maria P., Wife, Married, 48, Dorsetshire, Sherborne
Ricardo, Son, Unmarried, 18, Worcestershire Feckenham
Susan Webb, Servant, Unmarried, 38, General Servant, Worcestershire Feckenham
Loveday Coad, Servant, Unmarried, 19, General Servant, Cornwall So Ives Cross

1881 Compton Place Road New College, Parish Eastbourne, Eastbourne, Sussex, District 4, Page 4

Charles H. Avery, 13, Scholar, Worcestershire Redditch

1881 Household 48, 38 Mill Street, Evesham – All Saints Parish, Worcestershire, District 6, Page 11

Edwin O. Hancock, Head, Married, 40, Corn miller 2 clerks and 15 men, Warwick, Stratford
Ann Hancock, Wife, Married, 32, Worcester, Evesham
Mary Hancock, Daughter, 12, Scholar, Warwick, Great Alne
Helen Hancock, Daughter, 11, Scholar, Warwick, Great Alne
John J. Hancock, Son, 8, Scholar, Worcester, Evesham
William H. Hancox, Son, 2, Worcester, Evesham
Edmund O. Hancox, Son, 8 months, Worcester, Evesham
Agra S. M. Leyo, Servant, Unmarried, 19, Governess Private, Aberdeen, Aborlum
Elizabeth Campbell, Servant, Unmarried, 14, General Servant, Warwick, Peterhall
Elizabeth Lroughton, Servant, Unmarried, 16, General Servant, Glouster, Snowhall

1891 Households 99-231, Parish Feckenham, Worcestershire, District 1, Page 16-37.

There were 132 households in District 1 of Headless Cross with 599 people.

1891 Household 124, Feckenham Road, Headless Cross, Parish Feckenham, Worcestershire, District 1, Page 20

Charles Avery, Head, Married, 56, Needle Manufacturer, Worcestershire Feckenham
Elizabeth, Wife, 56, Worcestershire Redditch
Ellen Davis, Servant, 20, General Servant Domestic, Worcestershire Catskill

1891 Household 128, Birchfield Road, Headless Cross, Parish Feckenham, Worcestershire, District 1, Page 21

William Avery, Head, Married, 58, Needle Manufacturer, Worcestershire Feckenham
Benjamin R., Son, Single, 28, Needle Manufacturer Assistant, Worcestershire Feckenham
Charles H., Son, Single, 23, Needle Manufacturer Assistant, Worcestershire Feckenham
Emily Hocking, Servant, Single, 22, General Servant Domestic, Cornwall Launceston
Jane Yoxall, Servant, Single, 21, General Servant Domestic, Worcestershire Feckenham

1891 Household 177, Parish West Looe, Cornwall, District 8, Page 26

Maria Proctor Avery, Visitor, Married, 58, Dorset Sherborne

1891 Household 140, Evesham Road, Headless Cross, Parish Ipsley, Warwickshire, District 6, Page 24

Joseph Avery, Boarder, Single, 52, Living on his own means, Headless Cross Worcestershire

1891 Household 140, Mill Head, Evesham, All Saints Parish, Worcestershire, District 6, Page 24

Edmund O. Hancock, Head, Married, 50, Managing director of flour mill, Stratford-on Avon, Warwickshire
Ann Hancock, Wife, Married, 41, Worcestershire, Evesham
John J. Hancock, Son, 18, Miller, Worcestershire, Evesham
Edmund O. Hancox, Son, 10, Worcestershire, Evesham
Charles A. Hancox, Son, 8, Worcestershire, Evesham
Ernest A. Hancox, Son, 6, Worcestershire, Evesham
Catherine N. Hancox, Daughter, 2, Worcestershire, Evesham
Nancy E. Hancox, Daughter, 3 months, Worcestershire, Evesham
Winifred Gould, Servant, Single, 23, General Servant Domestic, Worcestershire, Honeybourne
Julia Rogers, Servant, Single, 14, Worcestershire, Badsey

1901 Household 19, #8 Tower Street, Parish Bootham, York, Yorkshire, District 20, Page 3

Charles Avery, Boarder, Married, 66, Retired Needle Factory Owner, Worcester Redditch
Elizabeth, Wife, 69, Worcester Redditch

1901 Household 56, 119 Birchfield Road, Headless Cross, Parish Feckenham, Warwickshire, District 13, Page 8

Joseph Avery, Head, Single, 62, Retired Needle Factory Manager, Worcester Headless Cross

1901 Household 18, Machise Road, Parish Hammersmith, South Hammersmith, London, District 24, Page 2

Chas. H. Avery, Boarder, Married, 33, Author, Headless Cross Worcester
Winifred, Boarder, Married 31, Bangor Wales
Ricardo, Boarder, Single, 38, Living on own means, Headless Crox Worchester

1901 Household 237, Avon Hill House, Evesham, All Saints Parish, Worcestershire, District 7, Page 35

John J. Hancox, Head, Single, 28, Mill Manager (Flour) employer, Worcester, Evesham
Ernest A. Hancox, Brother, Single, 16, Market Gardeners Apprentice, worker, Worcester, Evesham
Edward Fairfax, Boarder, Married, 25, Groom Gardener, worker, Worcester, Cleeve Prior
Sarah J. Fairfax, Boarder, Married, 26, Housekeeper, worker, Worcester, Cleeve Prior
Uda S. Fairfax, Boarder, 8 months, Worcester, Evesham

Avery: 1911 Census

1911census.co.uk

1911 There are 4 people in England named Benjamin Avery born 1863 +-5 years

There are 27 people in England named Charles Avery born 1867 +-5 years
There are 34 people in England with the surname Avery born in Redditch, 1 Benjamin Ricardo Avery, 1 Charles Harold Avery and 1 Joseph Avery

1911 59 Pevensey Road, District Eastbourne, Sussex, schedule 4

Benjamin Ricardo Avery, Boarder, 45, Single, Retired tea planter, own account, born Worcestershire, Redditch
Charles Harold Avery, Boarder, 43, Married, 3 years, author, own account, born Worcestershire, Redditch

1911 Headless Cross, Redditch, District Alcester, Warwickshire, schedule 178

Joseph Avery, Head, 72, Single, Estate Agent – Sir Johials Mason Orphanage worker, born Worcestershire, Headless Cross, Redditch

1911 Dunheved Road, Launceston, Cornwall, schedule 204

Margaret Mary Allen, Head, 40, Single, Private School Teacher, own account, Gloucestershire, Eastington
Olive Allen, Sister, 31 Single, Artist Painter, own account, Lancashire, Ornisdkirk
Winifred Avery, Sister, 42, Married, 12 years, total children 1, children still living 1, Carnarvon, Bangor
William Harold Avery, 3, Worcestershire, Malvern
Francis Birkbeck Allen, Brother, 37, Single, Marine Engineer, worker, Gloucestershire, Gloucester
Sarah Jane Maunder, Servant, 23, Single, Domestic Servant General, Devon, Lifton

1911 Arden Cottage, Great Alne, Alcester, Warwickshire, schedule 99

John James Hancox, Head, 38, Married, Flour Mill, Employer, Worcestershire, Evesham
Kate Hancox, Wife, 41, Married 7 years, total children 1, children still living 1, Gloucestershire, Winchcomb
Avery Stallard Hancox, Son, Male, 6, Warwickshire, Great Alne
Elsie Eliza Berry, Servant, 30, Single, General Servant (Domestic), Worcestershire, Moor

Avery: Other Sources

Ancestry.com – England & Wales Free BMD Index 1837-1915 and Death Index 1916-2005.

Births:

Benjamin Ricardo Avery in Alcester, Warwickshire - April-June 1862 (son).
Catherine Avery in Alcester, Warwickshire – April-June 1842 (sister).
Joseph Avery in Alcester, Warwickshire - Jan-Mar 1839 (brother).
Avery Stallard Hancox in Alcester, Warwickshire/Worcestershire Apr-June 1915?.
Charles Owen Hancox in Evesham, Worcestershire – Jan-Mar 1871.
John James Hancox in Evesham, Worcestershire – Oct-Dec 1872.

Deaths:

Benjamin Martin Avery age unknown in Alcester, Warwickshire – April-June 1846 (brother).
Avery Stallard Hancox age 89 Sept. 1993 in Bristol, Gloucestershire (indicates born Aug 15, 1904).
Catherine Hancox age 33 in Evesham, Worcestershire – July-Sept 1875.
Charles Owen Hancox age 9 in Evesham, Worcestershire - Oct-Dec 1880.

Marriages:

Catherine Avery in Alcester, Warwickshire – July-Sept 1867 (sister).
Edmund Owen Hancox in Alcester, Warwickshire – July-Sept 1867 (brother-in-law).

Misc.:

1837-1915 England and Wales Free BDM Birth Index. There are only 3 birth records for a William Harold Avery born between 1902-1912, only 2 born in 1907-1908, one in 1908 from Coventry and one in 1907 from Malvern. The one from Malvern is the son of Charles Harold Avery.

1916-2005 England and Wales Free BDM Death Index. There is only 1 William Harold Avery death record and 11 death records for a William H. Avery born between 1902-1912. Only 2 of these were born in 1907-08, William Harold Avery born in 1907 and died in 1971 in Torbay and William H. Avery born in 1908 and died in 1965 in Coventry. This seems to indicate that the one that died in 1971 in Torbay is the son of Charles Harold Avery.

A History of the Shakespeare Memorial Stratford-on-Avon Second Edition 1882. Page 34 lists W. Avery, Esq., Redditch as a contributor. Available at books.google.com.

Accounts and Papers: Nineteen Volumes (14) Trade: Corn: Post Office; Postage - Session 26 January – 22 June 1841 Vol. XXVI. Under section entitled Needles and Fish-Hooks – Ordered, by The House of Commons to be Printed 3, March 1841 regarding the proposed increase of duties upon importation into France. Page 2 lists John Avery, James Avery & Co. and Henry Avery along with other needle manufactures from Redditch. This John Avery appears to be William Avery’s (1832-1899) father as there is only one John Avery, needle maker or needle manufacturer in Redditch at this time according to the 1841 census. Available at books.google.com.

Annual Report of the Commissioner of Patents for the Year 1870, Volume II (US Patent Office). Page 35 lists Needle-case patent #98,904 issued January 18, 1870 and page 331 lists patent #102,471 issued May 3, 1870 to William Avery and Albert Fenton of Redditch, England assignors to William Avery. Available at books.google.com.

The Auxiliary Forces List: Being a List of the Officers of the Militia, Yeomanry, and Volunteers, the Present Number Containing – Staffordshire - Warwickshire – Worcestershire. Pages 71 and 75 lists William Avery of Sherborne House, Headless Cross, Redditch as a Lieutenant with the 17th Headquarters, Redditch. He was an Ensign on July 23, 1865 and a lieutenant on June 13, 1867. Available at books.google.com.

Avery, William. Old Redditch Being an Early History of the Town from 1800-1850, 1887. Reprinted and edited by Anne Bradford in 1999.

Billing’s Directory & Gazetteer of Worcestershire, 1855. Available as of February and March 2011 at www.historicaldirectories.org under Worcestershire. Lists William Avery & Son as a fish hook and needle manufacturer in Headless Cross on pages 363 and 375.

The Bookseller a Newspaper of British and Foreign Literature. January 3, 1873. Pages 58 and 184 includes an advertisement for a Novelty for St. Valentine’s Day, the Valentine Golden Needle-Case invented by W. Avery & Son, Redditch patentees of the Butterfly, Bee, Quadruple, Helen and other Golden Needle-Cases. Available at books.google.com.

City of London Livery Companies’ Commission Report and Appendix Vol. III 1884. Needlemakers’ Company pages 600-612. Page 611 mentions William Avery. Available at books.google.com.

The Commercial Directory and Shipper’ Guide, 1872. Lists William Avery and Son of Headless Cross as fish hook and needle manufacturers in the Black County section. Several needle case manufactures are also listed. Available at books.google.com.

The Commercial Directory and Shipper’ Guide, 1875. Lists William Avery and Son of Headless Cross as fish hook and needle manufacturers in the Redditch section. Several needle case manufactures are also listed. Available at books.google.com.

The Commercial Directory and Shipper’ Guide, 1879. Lists William Avery and Son of Headless Cross as needle, pin, fishing tackle and patented metal needle case manufacturers in the Redditch section. Also listed as W. Avery & Co. as a pin manufacturer at 192 Great Hampton Row in the Birmingham section. Several needle case manufactures are also listed. Available at books.google.com.

Corporation General and Trades Directory of Birmingham, 1861. Lists William Avery and Son of Headless Cross as fish hook and needle manufacturers on pages 866 and 868. Available at books.google.com.

The English Illustrated Magazine 1889-1890. Between pages 298 and 299 is an unnumbered section that lists William Avery, Esq, Headless Cross, Redditch indicating his son had a stammer and how Mr. Beasley provided treatment. Available at books.google.com.

The English Mechanic and Mirror of Science, 1870. List 1473 Wm Avery Redditch as an inventor for improvements in cases or receptacles for needles, pins, matches, pens, cards, stamps, photographs, cotton, and other similar articles on page 264.

General Register Office, UK – www.gro.gov.uk/gro/content/certificates/default.asp

Births:

Charles Harold Avery - Birth certificate dated April 30, 1867 from GRO. Year: 1867, District: Alcester, Qtr: J, Vol.6d, page 561. Born in Headless Cross/Feckenham. Parents were William Avery needle manufacturer and Maria Proctor Avery formerly Dingley of Headless Cross/Feckenham.

William Harold Avery - Birth certificate dated October 10, 1907 from GRO. Year: 1907, District: Upton On Severn, Qtr: D, Vol.6c, page 272. Born in Wyndcliffe, Malvern. Parents were Charles Harold Avery author and Winifred Avery formerly Allen from North Malvern.

Marriages:

Charles Harold Avery & Winifred Allen - Marriage certificate dated April 26, 1898 from GRO. Year: 1898, District: Launceston, Qtr: J, Vol. 5c, page 34. Charles Harold Avery, 30, Bachelor, Author, Resident before marriage - Launceston, Father William Avery - Needle Manufacturer. Winifred Allen, Age 29, Spinster, Launceston, Father George Lupton Allen - Wesleyan Minster. William Avery was a witness to the marriage.

William Avery & Maria Proctor Dingley - Marriage certificate dated September 18, 1855 from GRO. Year: 1855, District: Sherborne, Qtr: S, Vol.05a, page 679. William Avery, 23, Bachelor, Needle Manufacturer, Headless Cross Feckenham. Father: John Avery, Needle Manufacturer. Maria Proctor Dingley, 22, Spinster, Sherborne. Father: William Dingley, silk mercer (note: a silk mercer is a silk merchant). Married in the Wesleyan Chapel according to the rites and ceremonies of the Wesleyan Methodists.

Deaths:

Benjamin Ricardo Avery - Death certificate dated February 4, 1947 from GRO. Year: 1947, District: Evesham, Qtr: M, Vol.09d, page 141. Evesham, Male, Age 84, No occupation, Myocardial failure, hypertension and arterial sclerosis, chronic bronchitis, Informant W. H. Avery nephew at same residence as Benjamin.

Catharine Avery - Death certificate dated June 16, 1888 from GRO. Year: 1888, District: Alcester, Qtr: J, Vol.6d, page 363. Headless Cross/Feckenham, Female, Age 83, Widow of John Avery needle manufacturer, Senile decay, Informant son William Avery present at death.

Charles Avery - Death certificate dated February 7, 1911 from GRO. Year: 1911, District: Alcester, Qtr: M, Vol.06d, page 433. Headless Cross, Male, 76, Retired Needle Manufacturer, Congestion of lungs and exhaustion 11 days, Informant Joseph Avery brother.

John Avery - Death certificate dated June 25, 1865 from GRO. Year: 1865, District: Alcester, Qtr: J, Vol.6d, page 321. Headless Cross/Feckenham, Male, Age 58, Needle Manufacturer, Natural decay, Informant Charles Avery present at death.

Joseph Avery - Death certificate dated June 29, 1915 from GRO. Year: 1915, District: Alcester, Qtr: S, Vol.06d, page 780. Webheath, Male, 76, Retired Needle Manufacturer, Heart failure, Informant Jane Tilley cousin from Redditch.

Maria Proctor Avery - Death certificate dated June 14, 1895 from GRO. Year: 1895, District: Alcester, Qtr: J, Vol.6d, page 388. Headless Cross, Female, Age 63, Wife of William Avery needle manufacturer, Carcinoma uterus, Informant William Avery in attendance.

William Avery - Death certificate dated July 31, 1899 from GRO. Year: 1899, District: Alcester, Qtr: S, Vol.06d, page 490. Headless Cross, Male, 67, Needle Manufacturer, Morbus cordis (refl,.valv with) Elcarinutio virium 10 days, Informant Charles Avery brother in attendance (note: mobus cordis is heart disease).

William Harold Avery - Death certificate dated December 11, 1971 from GRO. Year: 1971, District: Torbay, Qtr: D, Vol.7a, page 2331. Torquay, Male, Retired Bank Manager, born 1907, Cerebral vascular accident (stroke), Usual address Windycliffe, 6 Spring Hill Road, Totnes, Informant: cousin Edna Dorothea Leeson

Winifred Avery - Death certificate dated December 19, 1938 from GRO. Year: 1938, District: Stratford-Upon-Avon, Qtr: D, Vol.6d, page 901. Stratford, Female, Age 69, Wife of Charles Harold Avery author, Cerebral thrombosis, Informant son W. H. Avery same address.

Joseph Johnson - Death certificate dated June 2, 1851 from GRO. Year: 1851, District: Alcester, Qtr: J, Vol.16, page 125. Headless Cross/Feckenham, Male, Age 79, Farmer, Dropsy, Informant Mary Chambers present at death.

The Handbook to the Manufacturers & Exporters of Great Britain, 1870. Lists W. Avery & Son Redditch as fish hook and needle manufacturers on pages 198 and 342. Available at books.google.com.

Herald Express – local newspaper from Torquay, UK. Monday December 13 through Sunday December 18, 1971. Obituary for William Harold Avery. Researched by Mark Pool, Senior Assistant Librarian, Torquay Reference Library. Correspondence via email in July 2011.

Jones’s Mercantile Directory of S. Staffordshire and E. Worcestershire, 1865. Available as of February and March 2011 at www. historicaldirectories.org under Worcestershire. Lists William Avery and Chas. Avery as needle maker/manufacturers in Headless Cross on pages 135 and 415.

Jonnes, Jill. Eiffel’s Tower and the World’s Fair where Buffalo Bill Beguiled Paris, the Artists Quarreled, and Thomas Edison became a Count, 2009.

The Journal of the Society of Arts and of the Institutions in Union, Volume XV, 1867. Page 584 lists W. Avery with needle case patent 2007. Available at books.google.com.

The Journal of the Society of Arts and of the Institutions in Union, Volume XVI, 1868. Page 222 lists W. Avery with needle case patent 58. Available at books.google.com.

The Jurist Vol. XIII-Part II containing original articles on legal subjects, all important statutes, the rules and orders of the various courts, the gazettes, causes lists, and miscellaneous legal information for the year 1849, 1850. Page 456-457 Nov. 6, 1849 insolvent debtors lists Wm Avery, Redditch, Worcestershire, clerk to a needle manufacturer, Nov. 27 at 9, County Court of Worcestershire, at Redditch. This appears to be the William Avery born in 1800 who was a needle maker in 1841 and who became a warehouse man in 1851. William Avery, the son of John and Catherine Avery, was only 17 years old at this time and therefore appears unlikely to be the insolvent debtor. Available at books.google.com.

Kelly’s Directory of Worcestershire, 1892. Available as of February and March 2011 at www.historicaldirectories.org under Worcestershire. Lists William Avery as a resident of Sherborne cottage in Headless Cross on pages 108 and 266. Also lists Charles Avery and Joseph Avery as residents in Headless Cross on page 108 and 266. Lists William Avery & Son as a fish hook and needle manufacturer in Headless Cross on page 108, 338 and 361.

Kelly’s Directory of Worcestershire, 1896. Available as of February and March 2011 at www.historicaldirectories.org under Worcestershire. Lists William Avery as a resident of Sherborne cottage in Headless Cross on pages 121 and 323. Also lists Charles Avery and Joseph Avery as residents in Headless Cross on page 121 and 323. Lists William Avery & Son as a fish hook and needle manufacturer in Headless Cross on page 121, 407 and 431.

Kelly’s Directory of Worcestershire, 1900. Available as of February and March 2011 at www.historicaldirectories.org under Worcestershire. Lists Charles Avery and Joseph Avery as residents in Headless Cross on page 126. Lists William Avery & Son as a fish hook and needle manufacturer in Headless Cross on page 126, 414 and 440.

Kelly’s Directory of Worcestershire, 1912. Available as of February and March 2011 at www.historicaldirectories.org under Worcestershire. Lists a William Avery as a private resident of Headless Cross on page 140 and 352.

The Law Advertiser for the Year 1831 Vol. IX, No. 31 Thursday, August 4, 1831. Page 279 dated March 11 lists a Partnership Dissolution for William Avery and Son – viz William Avery and John Avery, late of Studley, Warwick, but now of Redditch, Worcestershire, needle and fish-hook manufacturers. This may have been William Avery’s (1832-1899) father and grandfather. Available at books.google.com.

London International Exhibition of 1873 Official Catalogue. Page 140 lists W. Avery & Son, Redditch –Needles in metal cases. Available at books.google.com.

Marlborough Express 5 October, 1899, page 2 Brief Mention. Marlborough, New Zealand newspaper. Lists death of William Avery of Redditch and indicates he started the Penny Reading Movement in 1858 as well as led the choir at the Wesleyan Chapel in Headless Cross at age 4. Available as of February and March 2011 by doing a Google search on paperspast + 1899 + William Avery + brief mention.

The Musical Standard Vol. V July 1 to December 31, 1866, No. III - Vol. V. London, Saturday, September 15, 1866. Page 161 lists the performance of Mr. W. Avery at the pianoforte at the Feckenham Church during the Worcester Festival. Available at books.google.com.

National Archives UK – www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline

Will of Joseph Johnson, Gentleman of Feckenham, Worcestershire written August 18, 1847 and proven September 20, 1851 Records of Prerogative Court of Canterbury.
- Lists Joseph Johnson as a gentleman
- To son George Johnson of Headless Cross- 1 tenement or dwelling place located in Headless Cross occupied by Jonas Doggies(?)
- To son William Johnson of Headless Cross – 1 tenement or dwelling place located in Headless Cross occupied by William Johnson
- To relative Michael Chambers blacksmith of Headless Cross – 1 tenement or dwelling place located in Headless Cross occupied by John Hyler (?)
- To daughter Catherine Avery, wife of John Avery, needle maker from Headless Cross – 3 tenements or dwelling places located in Headless Cross occupied by John Avery and Joseph Johnson
- To son-in-law John Avery of Headless Cross - 4 acres located in Headless Cross occupied by John Avery
- After payment of funeral and debts give 50 pounds sterling to son William Johnson, 10 pounds sterling to son George Johnson and 50 pounds sterling to Michael Chambers
- To John Avery and Michael Chambers of Headless Cross – 1 tenement or dwelling place occupied by William Robbins to be disposed of and put in trust for the children of deceased daughter Ann Hughes, late wife of Edward Hughes of Birmingham to be divided in equal shares amongst all children when they reach the age of 21
- John Avery and Michael Chambers appointed executors of will

Noake’s Guide to Worchestershire, 1868. Page 307 lists Mr. W. Avery as a Lieutenant with the Redditch best Rifle Corps. Available at books.google.com.

Paris Universal Exhibition of 1878 Catalogue of the British Section Part I. Pages xxix, 13 and 143 and 348 lists William Avery & Son as needle and pin manufacturers, inventors from Headless Cross, Redditch and 192 Great Hampton Row, Birmingham - Needles, Needle Cases, and Pins. Page lvii, 41, 55, 72 and 385 lists. Also listed are 11 other needle, pin and fish hook manufacturers from the UK. Available at books.google.com.

Paris Universal Exhibition of 1889 Official Catalogue of the British Section. Pages 50 and 140 lists William Avery & Son from Headless Cross, Redditch – Various kinds of needles, pins, fancy pin and needle cases. Machinery for sticking pins in paper. Also listed are 6 other needle, pin and fish hook manufacturers from the UK. Available at books.google.com.

Parish of Sherborne Methodist Baptisms 1785-1799 & 1819-1837. Available as of February and March 2011 at www.opcdorset.org/Sherborne Files/SherborneMethBaptism.html. Lists birth/baptism of Maria Proctor Dingley, child of William and Grace Dingley, wife’s parents John & Ann Pearse of Sherborne. Born 10-24-1832.

Peck’s Trades Directory of Birmingham, 1896-97. Available as of February and March 2011 at www.historicaldirectories.org under Warwickshire. Lists W. Avery & Son of Headless Cross Redditch on pages 109, 111, 195, 207 and 316 as fish hook, fishing tackle, needle and pin manufacturers.

The Pictorial Record of the Royal Jubilee Exhibition Manchester 1887. Page 93 describes the machine in the stall of W. Avery that sticks pins in rows upon paper. Available at books.google.com.

Pigot & Co.’s Directory of Ches, Cumb… Part 2, 1828-1829. Available as of February and March 2011 at www.historicaldirectories.org under Worcestershire. Lists William Avery & Son as a fish hook and needle manufacturer in Redditch on page 872.

Pigot & Co.’s Directory of Derbys, Herefs…, 1835. Available as of February and March 2011 at www.historicaldirectories.org under Worcestershire. Lists William Avery & Son as a fish hook and needle manufacturer in Redditch on page 651.

Pigot & Co.’s Directory of Derbys, Dorset…, 1842. Available as of February and March 2011 at www.historicaldirectories.org under Worcestershire. Lists W. Avery & Son as a fish hook and needle manufacturer in Headless Cross on page 20 in the Feckenham neigbourhood in Worcestershire.

The Poll of the Freeholders of Warwickshire at the Election at Warwick on the 31st October, and the 1st, 2d, 3d, 4th, 6th, and 7th November 1820. Page 15 lists a John Avery in Studley. This may have been William Avery’s (1832-1899) father. Available at books.google.com.

Post Office Directory of Birmingham, Staffordshire & Worcestershire, 1850. Available as of February and March 2011 at www. historicaldirectories.org under Worcestershire. Lists W. Avery & Son as a needle manufacturer in Headless Cross on pages 437 and 634.

Post Office Directory of Birmingham, 1878. Lists W. Avery & Co. pin manufacturer and Avery Bros pearl button manufactures both at 192 Great Hampton Row, Birmingham on pages 68, 259, 527. Also lists other needle case manufacturers. Available at books.google.com.

Post Office Directory of Birmingham, 1879. Lists W. Avery & Co. pin manufacturer at 192 Great Hampton Row, Birmingham on pages 69, 273, 554. Available at books.google.com.

Post Office Directory of Worcestershire, 1876. Available as of February and March 2011 at www.historicaldirectories.org under Worcestershire. Lists William Avery as a resident of Sherborne cottage in Headless Cross on pages 987. Also lists Mrs. John Avery, Charles Avery and Joseph Avery as residents in Headless Cross on page 987. Lists William Avery & Son as a fish hook and needle manufacturer in Headless Cross on page 986, 987, 1160 and 1176.

Redditch Indicator obituaries (researched by genealogist Vanessa Morgan of Redditch).

Catherine Avery – about June 23, 1888
Charles Avery – February 11, 1911
John Avery – July 1, 1865
Joseph Avery – July 2, 1915
William Avery - August 5, 1899

The Reliquary Quarterly Archeological Journal and Review A Depository of Precious Relics Vol. XVI 1875-1876. Pages 53, 54 and 169 include information about W. Avery & Son fancy needle cases that were displayed at the Vienna and Paris exhibitions. Available at books.google.com.

Reports of the Vienna Universal Exhibition of 1873 Part I. Page 30 lists W. Avery & Sons, Redditch, Worcestershire as an industrial exhibitor. Available at books.google.com.

Research performed by Vanessa Morgan, genealogist from Redditch.

Photos were taken where William Avery's (1832-1899) grave was located. Unfortunately there was a lot of vandalism over there a few years ago and the council removed any unstable stones - the Avery's was obviously one of them. It is marked on the plan as being up against the path. Think it is the stone lying flat, but further down where the bare grass is.

The only marriage found for a William & Lucy Avery was in Tardebigge (the parish to which Redditch once belonged) on 11 September 1781 which is a long time before John's baptism in 1807. And there seemed to be only one other child - Sarah baptized in Redditch on 7 January 1782. Lucy's maiden name was Chatterley which is quite interesting as there has always been talk that the Chatterley family were among one of the original needle-making families brought over from France by the Throckmorton family of Alcester, Warwickshire, to teach their needle-making skills - but have never seen proof of this so whether it is just a romantic legend. (Note from Terry: it seems highly unlikely that the John Avery born in 1807 is the son of this couple as Lucy would have been 46 years old in 1807 when he was born)

Another William Avery baptized in Redditch on 16 June 1800 son of John & Mary Avery. This was found in the Bishop's Transcripts - duplicates of the parish register sent to the Bishop of Worcester annually. This is the only Avery baptized in Redditch in 1800. In 1841 and 1851 William and his wife Elizabeth were living along Beoley Lane, Redditch. In 1841 he was a needle maker - meaning according to Vanessa he was working in the needle industry rather than being a manufacturer. He had a son Edwin. In 1851 he was a warehouseman - meaning he worked in a warehouse, perhaps as a caretaker. He does not appear in the 1861 census despite Ancestry having him on their index at Tardebigge (this is an error, they have taken him as belonging to the neighbouring family called Avery, this William's surname is actually Lee but they seem to think it reads 'ditto').

Burials for William and Lucy in Redditch - William on 25 December 1840 aged 82 and Lucy on 25 January 1830, aged 69.

Only found one birth registered in the district for Charles Harold Avery between 1865 and 1869

Research performed by Vanessa Morgan, genealogist from Redditch. Here are summaries of searches she undertook with no success:

Found no obituary for Benjamin Ricardo Avery in the Evesham newspaper.

Found no obituary for Maria Proctor Avery in the Redditch newspaper.

The Redditch Indicator was first published in 1859. Searched the Worcester papers for an obituary for William Avery who died in 1840 (hoped one would confirm he was the grandfather of our William). There were three papers at the time - Chronicle, Herald and Journal - but it seems they weren't an influential enough family around the county as they didn't warrant a mention.

With regard to the insolvent William Avery, the case on 6 November 1849 was carried forward to 20 December 1849. But was unable to find details of the case at the Worcester Record Office, as they only keep the Quarter Sessions records.

Directories before 1828 are very sparse and mainly only cover cities and large towns. The 1820 Worcestershire Directory does list a William Avery in Redditch (no address) and says he is a 'smith'. (Note from Terry - This could refer to another William Avery as there were over 10 William Avery’s born in or prior to 1801 living in Worcestershire or Warwickshire at that time according to the 1841 census).

Unable to find a reference to W. Avery and Son prior to 1828-29 in the various publications at the Redditch library regarding needle makers

Per Vanessa, she has never seen a wedding announcement during the Victorian period in the Redditch newspaper and advised against a search for Charles Harold Avery’s wedding especially since he was married outside the area.

Robinson’s Birmingham & Sheffield Directory, 1839. Available as of February and March 2011 at www.historicaldirectories.org under Worcestershire. Lists W. Avery & Son as a fish hook and needle manufacturer in Redditch on pages 505 and 507.

St. Stephen’s Church of England in Redditch parish registers (researched by genealogist Vanessa Morgan of Redditch).
Baptisms:

John Avery, July 5, 1807, parents: Wm & Lucy Avery

William Avery, May 13, 1832, parents: John & Catherine Avery, abode: Feckenham and fathers occupation: needle manufacturer.

Stratford-Upon-Avon Herald – local newspaper from Stratford Upon Avon, UK. British Library Newspapers at newspaper@bl.uk researched the December 23 and 30, 1938 editions and only found a small obituary for Winifred Avery in the December 23 edition, page 12, column 6.

Sutherland, John. The Stanford Companion to Victorian Fiction. 1989, Stanford University Press. Page 35 contains a one paragraph biography of Charles Harold Avery (1867-1943). Available at books.google.com.

The Times – October 15, 1888 – Lists William Avery & Co. Redditch amongst the recipients of a gold medal at the Brussels Exhibition a few days earlier (researched by genealogist Vanessa Morgan of Redditch).

The Trades’ Guide for the Midland Counties and Universal Buyers’ Guide, 1879. Lists W. Avery & Co. at 192 Gt. Hampton Row, pin manufacturers on page 2 and 50. Lists W. Avery & Son Redditch needle manufacturers on 194 and 202. Available at books.google.com.

Third Session, Forty-First Congress Executive Documents Printed By Order of the House of Representatives 1870-1871, Annual Report of the Commissioner of Patents for the Year 1870, Volume I. Page 22 lists patent #98,904 issued Jan. 18, 1870 and patent #102,471 issued May 3, 1870 to William Avery and Albert Fenton of Redditch, England assignors to William Avery, Needle-case. Available at books.google.com.

Totnes Times – local newspaper from Totnes, UK. British Library Newspapers at newspaper@bl.uk researched the December 15, 22 and 29, 1971 editions and found no obituary for William Harold Avery.

UK Archives in London - Design Register/Patent (researched by London researcher Alan Bowgens)

#261971 dated April 17, 1872 by W. Avery & Son, Redditch – Bombe
#274361 dated July 11, 1873 by W. Avery & Son, Redditch – Circular Butterfly Pin Case
#274362 dated July 11, 1873 by W. Avery & Son, Redditch – Large Shakespeare’s House
#274363 dated July 11, 1873 by W. Avery & Son, Redditch – Swan
#274364 dated July 11, 1873 by W. Avery & Son, Redditch – Peacock
#274365 dated July 11, 1873 by W. Avery & Son, Redditch – Stag on Shield
#274366 dated July 11, 1873 by W. Avery & Son, Redditch – Case for Hairpins
#277230 dated October 16, 1873 by Coggins & Baxter, Birmingham – Windmill
#337524 dated July 26, 1879 by W. Avery & Son, Redditch – Leaning Tower of Pisa
#337525 dated July 26, 1879 by W. Avery & Son, Redditch – Hat Box
#68801 dated February 28, 1884 by W. Avery & Son, Redditch – Rolling Pin
#99201 dated May 2, 1888 by W. Avery & Son, Redditch – Eiffel Tower

Searched from January 18, 1887 through May 3, 1887 for the pin sticking machine described at the Royal Jubilee Exhibition in Manchester in 1887. Not found during this time period.

Searched for patent #58 and couldn’t find it. According to “Victorian Brass Needlecases” page 137 this patent was for the Golden Needlecase.

United States Patent Office at www.uspto.gov/patents/process/search, search the USPTO Patent Full-Text and Image Database (Pat FT)

#98,904 dated January 18, 1870 by William Avery and Albert Fenton, of Redditch, England, Assignors to William Avery – Improvement in Needle-Cases (although not named this patent was for the Quadruple Golden Casket needle case)

-#102,471 dated May 3, 1870 by William Avery and Albert Fenton, of Redditch, England, Assignors to William Avery – Improvement in Needle- Cases (although not named this appears to be the patent for the Demi Quad needle case)

The Universal Magazine of Knowledge and Pleasure Containing … and Other Arts and Sciences Vol. XCII, 1793. Page 317 lists the bankruptcy of William Avery of Redditch, needle-maker dated April 9, 1793. This may have been William Avery’s (1832-1899) grandfather. Available at books.google.com.

Warwickshire Record Office – CR3097/65 1892-1934. Documents related to John English & Sons included written memorandum dated October 2, 1902 from William Avery & Son regarding use of a trademark (researched by genealogist Vanessa Morgan of Redditch). The memorandum was written on company letter head which included a note “Silver Metal Paris 1900”.

White & Co’s Commercial & Trades Directory of Birmingham, Vol. II, 1875. Available as of February and March 2011 at www.historicaldirectories.org under Warwickshire. Lists Wm Avery & Son on page 1140 as needle and fish hook makers.

Wikipedia as of March 2011. Exposition Universelle (1889) and Harold Avery.

Worcester Family History Centre, Trinity Street, Worcester (researched by genealogist Vanessa Morgan of Redditch who obtained copies of the wills).

Will of William Avery of Headless Cross, Redditch, needle manufacturer to sons Benjamin Ricardo Avery and Charles Harold Avery, witness Joseph Avery, written July 30, 1896, proved September 29, 1899.

William was buried in the Plymouth Road Cemetery, Redditch on 2 August 1899. In the register he was described as a 'manufacturer', aged 67 of Headless Cross, Redditch. He was buried in grave number 14R, in un-consecrated ground (being non-conformist). The purchase ledger showed that it was a brick grave which he had bought for £2.2s on 17 June 1895 in order to bury his wife, Maria.

Will of John Avery of Headless Cross, Redditch written March 18, 1865, proved September 22, 1865. Indicates John died on June 25, 1865. John Avery was listed in the will as a yeoman which was a free man holding a small landed estate. His estate was distributed as follows:
- To wife Catherine Avery – all household furniture, goods and personal estate subject to the payment of debts and funeral
- To son William – 3 tenements or dwelling places located in Webheath on the Bromsgrove Alcester Turnpike Road towards Wackwood occupied by Edwin Wright, Alfred Farr and Richard Johnson
- To son William -1 tenement or dwelling place fronting the said road occupied by William Reyes(?)
- To son William – eastern part of field of freehold meadow land called Cox’s Meadow in Headless Cross fronting the Bromsgrove Alcester Road property of the late father-in-law Joseph Johnson next to land of the late Josiah Mason and bounded on the eastern side by the premise of son William and the premise of Thomas White, a total of 7,698 yards
- To son Charles after decease of wife – western part of field of freehold meadow land called Cox’s Meadow in Headless Cross fronting the Bromsgrove Alcester Road property of the late father-in-law Joseph Johnson next to George Johnson and to my own premise, a total of 7,698 yards, provided that Charles pay 160 pounds to son William
- To son Joseph after decease of wife – 8 adjoining freehold cottages or tenements located in Webheath on the Bromsgrove Alcester Turnpike Road occupied by Rebecca Woodbridge, Thomas Yoxall, John Hanson, widow Allcock, Charles Hurley, Joseph Johnson, Thomas Cashmere and William Wright.
- To son William Avery and Charles Avery to use and hold in trust for daughter Catherine Avery - 4 adjoining tenements located at Warwick Place in Redditch occupied by Richard Humphries, Joseph Booker, Charles Cross and the widow Millward
- After the decease of daughter Catherine Avery, if her heirs don’t reach the age of 21, then this property should be divided in equal shares between sons William, Charles and Joseph as tenants in common
- Wife Catherine Avery appointed executor
- His estate was valued at less than 450 pounds.
Will of Catherine Avery of Headless Cross, Redditch written February 18, 1879, proved July 24, 1888. Indicates Catherine died on June 16, 1888, Her estate was distributes as follows 1 fourth to son William Avery, 1 fourth to son Charles Avery, 1 fourth to son Joseph Avery and 1 fourth to the children of her deceased daughter Catherine (Mary Hancox, Helen Hancox, Charles Owen Hancox and John James Hancox). Her gross personal estate was valued at 263 pounds, 15, 0.

Worcestershire Record Office – 898.7314/10535/13/ix 1899. Documents related to Redditch Methodist Circuit Records (researched by genealogist Vanessa Morgan of Redditch who provided a copy of the 21 page pamphlet). In Memoriam William Avery, J. P. of Headless Cross, Redditch. Born 1832. Died 1899. 21 page pamphlet which includes much of the same information as his obituary with a few additional items plus funeral service details, etc. When about 15 years of age William Avery was sent to Wesleyan College (later known as Queen’s College) in Taunton for a year. His wife was a member of one of the best known Methodist families; her father and brother were local preachers.

Worcestershire Record Office – 705:414/8189/34/ii 1883-1913. Documents related to sale of Sherborne Cottage to J. English & Son Ltd and – 705:414/8779/11/iv/5-11 1861-1914. Deeds, covenants, copy correspondence and list of documents related to the purchase by J. English and Son Ltd. of Redditch of the business of needle, pin and fish hook manufacture and dealing in small wares of William Avery and Son of Headless Cross, Redditch (researched by genealogist Vanessa Morgan of Redditch).

Included June 1883 ground plan for the W. Avery & Son manufactory in Headless Cross (Vanessa Morgan obtained a copy of this document).

William Avery’s manor house known as Sherbourne Cottage are described in a circa 1911 sales catalogue (Vanessa Morgan obtained a copy of this document).

The property was eventually sold to J English around September 1900 by Benjamin Ricard Avery "now residing abroad" and Charles Harold Avery of Belmont Villa, Boscastle, Cornwall, "gentlemen".

The Abstract of Title began when Joseph Johnson died in June 1851 and gave in his will, dated 18 August 1847, a 'parcel' of land in Headless Cross to his son-in-law John Avery. This then was passed on the Catherine and then on her death to William. (Possibly also Charles as an Agreement seems to suggest that William bought Charles out in January 1885). John English went on to sell the property to Heath Springs in April 1913. In 1912 there is also an attachment referring to Elizabeth Avery of Tunbridge Wells, Kent as beneficiary and widow of Charles Avery who died 7 Feb 1911.

Another document dated 1 January 1863 was an 'Assignment of Goodwill of the Trade and Business of Needle and Fishhook Manufacturing' by Mrs. Elizabeth Avery, widow and admix of Edwin Avery Dec'd to William Avery. Edwin had died 19 September 1861 - "Deceased carried on in the trade under several styles or firms - E. Avery; E. Avery & Co; James Avery; James Avery & Son" (note from Terry – This appears to be a different Avery family).

York Probate Sub-Registry, Castle Chambers, Clifford Street, York Y01 9RG, England (researched by genealogist Vanessa Morgan of Redditch who obtained copies of the wills)

Benjamin Ricardo Avery – will dated June 3, 1943, proved in Birmingham on March 21, 1947 by William Harold Avery – Lists address as 87 Elm Road in Evesham – Charles Harold Avery and William Harold Avery were also listed at that same address. Charles Harold Avery author was a witness to the will – William Harold Avery was listed as a bank clerk.

Joseph Avery – will dated September 17, 1908, proved in London on September 24, 1915 by John James Hancox with effects of 2293 pounds and 10 shillings. John James Hancox of Great Alne was appointed trustee – Mentions nieces Mary Smith and Helen Davis, Augustus Avery Johnson and the daughters of the late Edmund Owen Hancox: Dorothy Hancox and Nancy Hancox.

Addendum to the Bibliography

Christie’s South Kensington Ltd. Costume and Textiles Including the Dr. and Mrs. F. Horowitz and Family Collection of Needlework Tools. Catalogue for auction dated Tuesday, 20 April, 1993 at 1:00 p.m.