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William John "jack" Elliott, Metal Spinner -

Aidan

Aidan

master brummie
The Titanic Story - William John Elliott was born in Gibraltar in 1876 and was a Metal Spinner all his life I believe in Birmingham until 1955. There is a family story, that he made the Cherubs (I assume the lamps they are holding) at the bottom of the Titanic Staircases (main pictured c1911). I know family stories have a life of their own and it sounds improbable - but am wondering if he appears on any of the directories and if they give any clues - can anyone help please?

He was married in 1910 & 1912 in St Chad's and the 1911C has him as at 44 Henley Street, Bordesley, Birmingham, B11 occupation: BRASS TRADE - COPPER & BRASS METAL SPINNER. in 1916 he is at 68 Watery Lane, Bordesley, Birmingham, England, B9
 
Aidan
Sorry, but it looks as if this may be just one of those family stories. nothing in the 1912 kellys, but for 68 watery lane in 1915 gives the entry below
Mike

kellys_68_watery_lane_1915~0.JPG
 
Mike - Maybe not as exciting as a Titanic reference (tho still not given that up completely) but v.helpful to me, thank you so much.

I had ignored a story I had received from one of my Cousins that he owned a Grocery shop for a time. Dairyman seems to fit that bill. I have two other later addresses for the possible business, but no dates apart from those I am now guessing:

c1920s - 270 Wheeler St, Lozells

c1925s - Ellen Street, Hockley - poss next to a Pawn-Brokers (poss No.37 & poss into the 1930s)

Is it possible there is a reference to a W.J Elliot and/or grocer at those locations in a later directory? Sorry to ask a supplementary question.


By the way I recently found out that the derivation of Grocer comes from "Dealer in Groats" - not the monetary kind but - hulled grains of various cereals, such as oats, wheat, barley. I don't win many pub quizzes....
 
Don’t worry Aidan, if you don’t ask questions you’ll never find out.
You’re in luck, because directories 1922-31 are as rare as politician’s honesty boxes (and I don’t have any), but in 1921 William John Elliot emerges at 270 Wheeler St as a greengrocer. For the second address ( for reasons above) , I cannot be as helpful, but can find no mention of him in the 1932, 33, 36-39 kellys. The electoral roll shows William John Elliott at 270 Wheeler St in 1925, and a William John Elliott at 37 Ellen St in 1930 and 1935 (there is another at 241 Perry common road). No 37 Ellen St is not listed as anything in the 1930s, so was probably a private address.
Mike
 
Thanks Mike :) and thanks indeed for the great info, so helpful and it seems my luck's in.

Does anyone happen to have a picture of: the Grocer on Wheeler Street or the Pawn Broker on Ellen St by any chance please?
 
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