John Sketchley Williams, Lozells Road Aston

[jane k]

I`m hoping to find out more about John Sketchley Williams who lived in Lozells Road between 1841 and his death in March 1871. In 1851 & 61 he is listed as a Bankers clerk but by the time his mother Elizabeth died in 1868 he is calling himself a `Gentleman`.
According to the Probate Calendar he left `effects under £9000` - which seems a lot for a banker`s clerk. I wondered if he may appear in any Directories & if this might cast some light on where his money came from (perhaps he was a dodgy banker !)

Many thanks Jane

 

[mikejee]

Jane
When I saw your query I assumed you had got the information from the1851 and 61 censuses. But had some trouble finding him in the 1861 census, but suceeded in the end.
John might only be a bank clerk, but he lived with his widowed mother in an area filled with prosperous manufacturers and well-to-do people. In the 1851 census , of the four entries on the page, one is a Japan manufacturer ( a decorative ornamental laquer varnished product), and another a retired chemical manufacturer. John’s brother is a button manufacturer employing 19 boys & 1 girl. In the 1861 census Neighbours are a master nail work manufacturer (employing 20men), a surtgeon (described in the 1862 directory as a gentleman) and a soda water manufacturer.
He lived in a very prosperous area and undoubtably inherited from his mother . I think his assets when he died, including his house, were inherited , and not due to evil goings –on – Sorry to disappoint you
mike

 

[jane k]

Hello Mike
I must admit I hadn`t realised Lozells Road was such a prosperous area - I think John was the last member of the family to be living in that house so I guess it is likely that his assets included the value of the house.
Thanks for your help

Jane

 

[Mike Fisher]

Was the will proved in Birmingham, if so you can see it for free in Birmingham Central Library

 

[jane k]

Thanks very much for that Mike - there are several wills I would like to see so that is really useful information. I haven`t been to the library before - is it easy to find the wills?
Jane