John Blackham who founded the PSA, Pleasant Afternoon Society is our GT GT GT Uncle. He has a brother called Joseph Blackham. We know Joseph married Hannah Maria Rolfe in 1854 and they had Eliza Jane Blackham b.1865, John Joseph Blackham, master baker b.1861 and Hannah Maria Blackham b.1858. Joseph and Maria lived in West Bromwich with their 3 children. Joseph died in 1913 in West B romwich. His 2 daughters each married a Postlethwaite brother whose violins we still have today in the family!
Hannah MAria Rolfe and Joseph Blackham shortly after their wedding in 1854 went out to the US as part of the Mormon movement but returned soon after the death of their first born back to West Bromwich. This is passed down from our Gt GT Aunt who still alive clearly recalls the family discussing it. We also know Joseph lenty a cousin a considerable sum of money to fund his Mormon trip to the US which was never repaid to him and left him struggling .
Eliza Jane was very proud of her Uncle John Blackham he owned a drapers shop at Hill Top wet bromwich and was a partner in Eld & Blackham printing. She recalled him as very distinguished looking and driving his family in their oen carriage.. John always gave the children a penny as he left. When given the choice between a penny and a gold sovereign they chose the penny
We'd love to know who John and Joseph Blackhams parents were if anyone out there knows. It's complicated following them as they marry a lot with the Postlethwaites in the same area!!
