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England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => England => Staffordshire => Topic started by: olni on Friday 06 January 12 17:45 GMT (UK)
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Does anyone remember the company? they made spades and shovels. I think they were around until 1954.
The son was my fathers cousin. thanks Olni.
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Hullo and welcome to rootschat :)
In which county is Chadley please?
charlotte
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Hi Charlotte, Cradley is in the county of Staffordshire, regards Olni.
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Hi Olni, yes I knew the Potts family, Charles Potts, he was one of the brothers, the firm was actually in Cradley Heath Staffs, Cradley is over the River Stour in Worcs. Linell.
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Hi linell, the company i am looking for is James Potts and Son, Old Hill, Staffs. Managing directors in 1941 were M. Harthill and W. Norman Harthill.
The M. Harthill was Maggie nee Potts I think and her husband William Norman Harthill. Is this the same company? many thanks, olni.
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Hi Olni, the name Harthill doesn't ring any bells. I have Charles Potts, born about 1907, one brother was Cecil, their father was George born 1862, in 1911 they were in Beeches Road Blackheath. Maybe both families had two different companies, both making spades and shovels and both in Cradley Heath? I will have a look at the Trade Directories and get back to you. Best Wishes from Linell.
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Hi Linell, many thanks for your reply. Regards Olni.
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Am going to the Library tomorrow Olni, will get back to you.
Linell.
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Hi Olni, I think this is our Potts Family here:-
http://bcconnections.tribalpages.com/family-tree/bcconnections/141697/83716/John-Potts-Family
George born 1862 was the father of Charles who's family I knew very well. Your James could be the brother on this family tree.
I searched the Trade Directories today, the latest one was 1940. The only entry was for George Potts & Co. (Blackheath) Ltd. Spade and Shovel Manufacturers 10 Beeches Road Blackheath. This entry was the same in 1928, 1936 and 1940. Blackheath was part of Rowley Regis as was Cradley Heath, so these towns were no more than a mile or so apart. The address 10 Beeches Road is the same address for George and family on the 1911 Census. BUT I did find a Private Residence listed in 1940 for James Harry Potts living at Westfield Hayseech Old Hill, again this address was also part of Rowley Regis, this must be your James. Do you have James in 1911, was he James Harry? It is quite possible that James took over the business after the death of brother George, this all needs some further investigation, your James could be a nephew of George? I'm not sure how many James's there were in the family? Will wait to hear from you. Linell.
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Hi Linell, I have a letter from James Potts and Son dated 31.3.41. informing my father that J. Harry Potts (late Managing Director) passed away suddenly on May 24th last. They were established 1882, and their telephone number was 6259 &6250 Cradley. Does this help? I know they were in the phone book in the early 1950s. The letter was signed by W. Norman. Harthill.Director. I think you must be right about the family tree as my James's father was from Sheffield. Many thanks for your help, Regards Olni.
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Hi Olni, thankyou for the further information. I found this Marriage for Margaret Potts and Norman Harthill in 1935:-
POTTS Margaret HARTILL William N Dudley, St Edmund.
Also found a birth registration for Margaret J Potts 1919, mother's surname was Jefferies.
Can't understand why James Potts's business is not in the Trade Directories, maybe he worked with George, the business does say (& Co?) I will phone Charles Potts's Granddaughter this week and see if she knows anymore. Best Wishes from Linell.
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Hi Linell, more info on James Potts and Son. I have the 1911 census which has them living at, Lion Cottage, Wrights Lane,Old Hill.
James Potts head 60 Spade and Fork Manufacturer, Employer.
Mary Potts wife 57
James Harry Potts 25 Widower, partner in above business.
Maggie Potts Grand daughter 3 months,
Lily Stevens, servant 25, general servant domestic.
Many thanks for your interest and help, Olni.
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Thanks for that Olni, so James is definitely George's elder brother, born about 1851. The fact that his company was not in the Trade Directory threw me, maybe it depended on the size of a business? I don't know who was included and who wasn't, maybe someone else on here will know what criteria Kelly's used for their Directories? Will pass the information onto George's Gt Granddaughter. Best Wishes from Linell.
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Olni/ Linell- I have just read your posts. My name is Peter Hartill and I am the son of William Norman Hartill and Margaret Hartill( both deceased). My mother' s maiden name was Potts and her father was James Potts who I think founded James Potts and Son Ltd which made garden tools at premises in Wrights Lane , Old Hill , Cradley Heath. After my grandfather died the company was run by my father.
Matters are confused that my Mother had cousins Edward and Cecil Potts who also made garden tools from premises in nearby Halesowen - that company was called George Potts & Sons Limited but I am not sure whether it was a brother of my grandfather who set it up
Both companies stopped trading in the late 1960's as British manufacturing went into decline.
Hope this helps a bit
Peter
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Many thanks for the update and yes James born abt 1851 and George born about 1862 were brothers. Sons of John 1805 and Sarah 1807. Cecil George 1903 and Charles Edward 1906 were George's sons. I knew Charles Edwards family very well. His daughter Judith was a very close friend of my Mothers for 60 Years.
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That's v interesting thank you
I have in mind that Cecil and Edward did not get on- indeed ran the business without ever speaking - but maybe I am wrong.
I have a very very dim memory that I met Edward once and pictiture him as having quite dark skin- is his daughter still alive
Peter
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Judith sadly died 5 Years ago and my Mom died 12 Years ago, shame I would loved to have asked more. Yes there was a huge fall out over the Business, cannot remember any details, but I do remember Judith talking about it. I met Charles Edward a few times as a child. I remember him as having a florid complexion and silver hair, always very smartly turned out, very much a gentleman.
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Thank you for this- I have much enjoyed remembering the business which was very much part of my childhood and, given that I am an only child , this conversation is the first I have had about it for many years. My father died in 1971 and my mother in 2001
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My pleasure Peter. They were such an interesting family that spurred me on to find their history when Judith died. She was the eldest of 4 daughters. I believe the three younger sisters live in the Hayley Green Hagley area, if I find any other details I will let you know.