James Potts and Son, Cradley.

[olni]

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.

[charlotteCH]

Hullo and welcome to rootschat

In which county is Chadley please?

charlotte

[olni]

Hi Charlotte, Cradley is in the county of Staffordshire, regards Olni.

[linell]

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.

[olni]

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.

[linell]

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.

[olni]

Hi Linell, many thanks for your reply. Regards Olni.

[linell]

Am going to the Library tomorrow Olni, will get back to you.

Linell.

[linell]

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.