Canadine - Redditch

The Canadines in Redditch are the descendants of Abraham Canadine (1766-1856) and Martha Phillips (1770-1844).  One of their sons Richard moved to Belbroughton, Worcestershire and his eldest son Richard was born in Crabb's Cross.

 Richard Canadine c.1795

 Abraham and Martha had seven children including Richard.

Richard Canadine (1794-1867). The son of Abraham and Martha. He was born in Shrewsbury. He married twice; first to Mary Weston in Kidderminster on the 16th April 1814[1] and then to Sarah Morris[2] on the 29th December 1842 in Belbroughton.[3]

Richard is described on his marriage certificate in 1842 as a Charcoal burner and in 1847 as a Wood Collier which is another name for a Charcoal burner. At the 1851 Census he was aged 58 and was living at Crabb's Cross, Redditch. [4]

1851 Census

Richard Canadine, Head, married, aged 58, Wood Collier, Born Shrewsbury

Sarah Canadine Wife of Richard, aged 36, Needlemaker, Born Feckenham

Ellen Canadine, daughter of Richard & Sarah, unmarried, aged 7, scholar, Born Crabbs Cross

Richard Canadine, son of Richard & Sarah, unmarried, aged 5, scholar, Born Crabbs Cross

Reuben Canadine, son of Richard & Sarah, unmarried, aged 3, scholar, Born Crabbs Cross

Rowland Canadine, son of Richard & Sarah, unmarried, 11 months, Born Crabbs Cross

Caroline Lewis, Lodger, aged 15, Nailmaker,  Born Coughton

In 1853 Richard was described as a Wood Collier in the Feckenham Parish registers but about this time he appeared on a sale notice of an Inn in Feckenham and was an Innkeeper in later life.[5]

Richard is mentioned in the will of his father Abraham of 27th November 1848.[6]

As to one other of the said sixth parts or shares unto my son Richard Canadine for his absolute use and benefit to whom I give and bequeath the same accordingly.

The will was proved on the 19th July 1856.

Richard died aged 74 and was buried at Crabb's Cross on the 28th September 1867.[7] [8] [9]

Mary Weston was born in Kidderminster on the 3rd February 1791. They had six children. Mary may have died shortly after the birth of her youngest daughter Julia in 1826 who was brought up by her grandparents. We think that Mary's parents were Thomas Weston and Mary.[10]

Sarah Morris was born in about 1815 and was a Needle Maker. They had five children. Her father was William Morris a carpenter living in Belbroughton. She only made a mark on her marriage certificate. The other witnesses were, James Morris and Maria Knight.[11

Children of Richard c.1815

Richard and Mary had six children and Richard and Sarah had five children

 Children of Richard and Mary

Sarah Canadine (b.1816). The daughter of Richard and Mary. She was christened in Kidderminster on the 13th December 1816. [12]  She may be the Sarah Canadine who was married in 1837; registered at Bromgrove in the September quarter.[13] If so she married Benjamin Male a tailor.

At the 1881 census they were living at Park Row, Cradley

Benjamin Male,  Head, age 67 born Hagley, Tailor    

Sarah Male, Wife, age 64,born Kidderminster

John Male, Son, age 19, unmarried, Labourer Iron Works 

Maria Canadine (b.1818). The daughter of Richard and Mary. She was christened on the 2nd December 1818 in Kidderminster.[14]

Marian Canadine (b.1819). The daughter of Richard and Mary. She was christened in Kidderminster on the 27th December 1819.[15]

Emma Canadine (b.1821). The daughter of Richard and Mary. She was christened in Kidderminster on the 5th November 1821.[16]

Thomas Canadine (b.1823). The son of Richard and Mary. He was christened on the 27th June 1823 in Kidderminster.[17]

Julia Canadine (b.1826). The daughter of Richard and Mary. She was living with her grandparents Abraham and Martha at Belbroughton in 1841. She married Thomas Tayler on the 4th January 1845 at Cradley Heath.[18]

Children of Richard and Sarah

Ellen Canadine (b.1843). Also possibly known as Helen. The daughter of Richard and Sarah. She was christened in Feckenham on the 29th October 1843.[19] She was described as a Scholar on the 1851 census when she was 7. She married John Shrimpton in 1870; registered at Bromsgrove in the June quarter.[20] [21] At the 1881 census they were living at 47 Evesham Street, Redditch

John Shrimpton, Head, age 38, born Ipsley, Needle Manufacturer    

Ellen Shrimpton, Wife, age 37,  born Feckenham   

Thomas Shrimpton, Son, age 8, born Redditch, Scholar    

Richard Shrimpton, Son, age 6,  born Redditch, Scholar    

John Shrimpton, Son, age 5, born Redditch, Scholar    

Robert Shrimpton, Son, age 3, Redditch

Richard Canadine (b.1846). The son of Richard and Sarah. He was born at Crabb's Cross in 1846. He is described as a scholar on the 1851 census when he was five.[22]

Richard married Ann Harris on the 10th December 1871 at the Independent Chapel in Redditch.[23] He was described as a batchelor aged 27 and Ann as a spinster aged 34. Richard was a needle stamper and Ann was a needle paperer and both were living in Redditch. Richard's father was described as an InnKeeper and Ann's father Edward Harris was a needle finisher. The witnesses were John Shrimpton, Ellen Shrimpton and William R? Hemming.[24]

John and Ellen Shrimpton were Richard's brother-in-law and sister.

Richard was listed on a notice that is now in the Woodland Cottage Public House, Mount Pleasant, Redditch as the licensee of the Crown Inn at Crabb's Cross in 1875 (spelt 'Cannadine'). He also appears as a beer retailer in Crabb's Cross in Kelly's directory for Worcestershire of 1878.

Redditch licences show Richard as the Landlord of the Crown Inn, Crabb's Cross from 1873 to 1875.[25]

From about 1876 to 1880 Richard and Reuben (his brother) were at the Rock Inn, Crabb's Cross.[26]

At the 1881 census they are back at the Crown Inn, Crabb's cross and Richard is the Landlord (see below for details).

Ann was born in Astwood bank in 1841. We think that they did not have any children.

Reuben Canadine (1847-1922). The son of Richard and Sarah. He was born on the 21st December 1847 at Crabb's Cros and was baptised on 26th December.[27]

Reuben was described as a 'scholar' on the 1851 census when he was three. We think that he was known in later life as 'Old George'.

He married Susanna Melen in about 1868 and was described as a Needle Filer when his son Richard was born in 1875.

From 1876 to 1880 Richard (his brother) and Reuben were at the Rock Inn, Crabb's Cross. His daughter Anne remembered that when she was a child they were also at the Bell Inn, Headless Cross, and the Seven Stars, Headless Cross; this was around 1880.

At the 1881 census Reuben and his family were living with his older brother Richard at the Crown Inn in Crabb's Cross. At this point he occupation is described as 'Assistant in Pub'.

Richard Canadine, Head, age 36, born Crabbs Cross, Publican     

Ann Canadine, Wife, age 40, born Astwood Bank

Reuben, Canadine, Brother, age 33, born Crabbs Cross, Assistant In Public House    

Susanah Canadine, Sister In Law. age 31, born  Redditch

Annie Canadine, Daughter,  age, 11, born Crabbs Cross, Scholar    

Thomas Rd. Canadine, son, age 8, born Redditch, Scholar     

Sarah Jane Canadine, Daughter, age 4, born Redditch

Reuben Canadine, Son, born Crabbs Cross

Nelly Eliza Canadine, Daughter, age 5 m, born Crabbs Cross

From 1884 to 1888 Reuben was the Landlord at the Royal Oak, Crabb's Cross.[28]

At the 1891 census Reuben and Susanna were living in Mount Pleasant (no house name or number given) Reuben, aged 44, was working as a Needle filer with Susanna aged 42. The children were listed as follows:-

Anne, daughter, single aged 21, wine reducer, born Crabb's Cross

Thomas, son, single, aged 17, grinding pins, born Redditch

Reuben, son, single, aged 11, baker, born Crabb's Cross

Nellie, daughter, single, aged 10, scholar, born Crabb's Cross

George, son, single, aged 6, scholar, born Crabb's Cross

Bertha, daughter, single, aged 5, scholar, born Redditch

John, son, single, aged 3, born Redditch

Reuben was in Headless Cross in about 1888 as his daughter Anne (about 18) used to tell a story of him having a night out in Stratford and having to rely on his horse to get him and the trap back to the 'Scale and Compass' where they then lived.

At the 1901 census Reuben and Susannah were living at 4 Parson's Row (now Parson's Road) in those days a cul-de-sac off Mount Pleasant. Reuben, aged 53, was a worker at the Carter Cycle factory. Susannah was aged 52. The children were listed as follows:-

Annie G, daughter, single, age 30, cycle chain maker, born Crabb's Cross

Sarah J, daughter, single, age 23, needle sticker, born Redditch

Reuben, son, single, age 21, metal polisher, born Redditch

Nellie, daughter, single, age 20, needle sticker, born Redditch

George, son, single, age 16, cycle chain maker, born Crabb's Cross

John, son, single, age 12, born Redditch

Leonard, son of Annie, age 9, born Redditch

Victor, son of Annie, age 7, born Redditch

Leonard and Victor were the sons of Alfred Rushgrove and Annie Canadine.

Victor (Joe Canadine) remembered living in 93 Mount Pleasant when he was a boy so Reuben and Susannah probably moved there in about 1904.

In 1909 and 1910 Reuben was the Landlord of the Bell Inn, Headless Cross.[29]

From about 1891 Reuben was also working in the Needle Industry, possibly part time, or alternating between that and being a publican? There was a Needle workshop built at the back of 93 Mount Pleasant (a Melen workshop?) and he may have worked there.

Reuben died, aged 74, at 93 Mount Pleasant in the January quarter 1922.[30]

Susanna Jane Melen was born on the 8th June 1849 at Ipsley. She is variously described on certificates as Susan, Susanna, or Susannah. She was christened on the 5th August 1849 at St Stephen's church, Redditch. Her name is spelt as both 'Malin' and 'Melen' on her children's birth certificates. We think that her father is John Malin (b.1821) who married Jane Prescott at Ipsley on the 31st May 1841.

John Malin/Melen is described as a Needle manufacturer on Susanna's birth certificate in 1848. Several Melens were needle manufacturers (on a small scale) in Redditch. For example, a Charles Melen made Netting needles for lace work in 1841 in Beoley Road; a W. Melen made Netting needle winds in Redditch in 1850; a W Melen is mentioned as a needle maker at the Windsor Works in 1864 and it is possibly the same William Melen who had a fishing tackle and swivel factory in Windsor Street in 1878. A Walter Melen had a fishing swivel factory at 224 Mount Pleasant in 1912. Anne, Susanna’s daughter, used to tell at tale that as a very young girl she cut the ribbon to open Melen Street in Redditch which may have been built by the Melens for their factory workers (of the Windsor works?).. There were also several Melens in Studley which was also an important needle manufacturing area.

We do not know when Susanna died but certainly before 1920 since we know that Reuben was a widower and looked after by his grandson Joe and his wife.

Rowland Canadine (1850-1858). The son of Richard and Sarah. He was baptised on the 24th April 1850 at Feckenham and he died aged eight and was buried at Crabb's Cross on the 10th November 1858.[31]

Martha Canadine (b.1853). Martha Cordelia. The daughter of Richard and Sarah. She was baptised on the 25th September 1853 at Feckenham.[32] She married in the June quarter 1876 registered at Bromsgrove. Her husband was either Henry Richmond or Arthur Smith.[33]

Children of Reuben  and Susanna c.1870

Reuben and Susannah had ten children

Anne Canadine (1869-1949). Annie Gertrude. She was called Annie as a young girl but was known as Nancy in later life. The daughter of Reuben and Susanna. She was born in Redditch in the September quarter 1869; registered at Alcester.[34]

She is described as a 'scholar' on the 1881 census when she was eleven.

Annie probably met Fred Rushgrove her husband when he moved from Birmingham to Hunt End, Redditch with what was eventually to become the Royal Enfield factory in about 1890. They were famous British manufacturers of Motor cycles and Bicycles and also made munitions.

At the 1891 census, age 21, she was living at home and working as a 'Wine reducer' a process used in making needles.

They had two sons, Alfred Leonard born in 1892 and Victor Clarence born in 1894.

Annie remembered meeting Queen Victoria in Scotland in about 1897 possibly when she was at a trade exhibition with Alfred and they travelled around the UK a great deal in connection with Alfred's job as a salesman for Royal Enfield and she was a very keen racegoer.

The family story is that the children Leonard and Victor were mainly looked after by their grandparents Rueben and Susanna..

At the 1901 census Annie was living at home at 4 Parson's Row, Redditch, aged 30 and working as cycle chain maker. Her sons Leonard and Victor are living there as well but their father Alfred Rushgrove was living with (or visiting) his mother in Birmingham.

Annie and Fred were married in 1906; registered in the June quarter at Alcester. In later years they lived in a small cottage at the top of Parson's Road (formerly Parson's Row) in Redditch.

In her final years Annie moved into 93 Mount Pleasant and was looked after by her daughter-in-law Bessie. She died in 1949.

Alfred Rushgrove (1860-1933) - for  more details about Alfred see the documents on the Rushgroves.

Thomas Canadine (b.1873). Thomas Richard. The son of Reuben and Susanna. He was born at Redditch in 1873 registered at Bromgrove.[35] He appears on the 1881 census, aged 8, living at home in Crabb's Cross.

At the 1891 census he was living at home, age 17,  and working at grinding pins.

He is the Thomas Richard Canadine whose marriage was registered at Aston in the June quarter 1895.[36]  He married Ada Strain and they had three children.

He was known to Reuben's grandchildren as 'Great uncle Tom'.

At the 1901 census the family were living at Evesham Road, Feckenham.[37]

Thomas Canadine, age 28, Head, Cycle Maker, born Feckenham

Ada Canadine, age 29, Wife, born Spoley

Elsie Canadine, age 10, daughter, born Spoley

Bertha Canadine, age 4, daughter, born Spoley

Thomas Canadine, age 1, son, born Feckenham

George Strain, widow, age 80, Dairy farmer, born Feckenham.

George Strain may be Ada's father.

Richard Canadine (b.1875). The son of Reuben and Susanna. His birth was registered at Alcester in the September quarter 1875.[38] He may have died by 1881 as he does not appear at  home on the census.

Sarah Canadine (b.1877). Sarah Jane. Known as Ginny.The daughter of Reuben and Susanna. She was born at Redditch in 1877; registered at Alcester.[39] She was living at home at Crabb's Cross at the 1881 census, aged 4.

At the 1891 census, aged 14, she was working as a domestic servant and living at 33 Evesham Street, Redditch.[40]

Olive Sergeant, shopwoman, single, aged 26, shopwoman confectioner, born Coventry

Arthur William Carpenter, single, aged 22, Confectioner, born Cloebury Mortimer Shropshire

Jane Canadine, servant, single, aged 14, Domestic servant - nurse girl, born Redditch

Sarah was at home aged 23 at the 1901 census; working as a Needle sticker.

She married Edwin Street later in 1901; registered at Bromsgove in the December quarter. They had three children: Ernest, Charles, and Richard Street.[41] Ernest ran a garage in Birmingham road, Redditch and Charles and Richard were publicans.

In later years (1940's) 'Great Aunt Ginny' shared a house with her sister Martha in Mount Pleasant (lower down from 93 towards the town).

Reuben Canadine (1879-1967). The son of Reuben and Susanna. He was born at Crabb's Cross in 1879; registered at Alcester in the June quarter.[42]

At the 1881 he was at home in Crabb's Cross aged 2.

At the 1891 census aged 11 he was living at home in Mount Pleasant and working as a Baker (presumably as an assistant in a bakery or baker's shop).

At the 1901 census, aged 21, he was still at home in Paron's Row and working as a metal polisher.

He married Ruth Shaw (1884-1969) in 1907; registered at Dudley in the December quarter.[43] They were married at Holy Trinity church Old Hill on the 30th November 1907.

In a 1912 trade directory he was described as a beer retailer at 32 Evesham Street, Redditch (it is more likely to be him than his father Reuben who would have been about 67).

Reuben and Ruth had one son Geoffrey who was born in Redditch on the 11th April 1910.

Reuben was an active member of an international organization The Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes (known as the Buffs) and was awarded a medal for his services to RAOB on the 18th February 1925. This is a voluntary organisation based on local 'lodges' which run social and charity events.

Reuben was the licensee of various pubs in the in the Birmingham and Darlaston area carrying on his father's and uncle's tradition.

He was a licensee at the Royal Oak, Darlaston in 1932 and 1936.

In the 1940's and 50's Reuben used to take his grandchildren to Redditch to see his sister Ginny (Sarah b.1877) and Joe Canadine his nephew both then living in Mount Pleasant.

Nellie Canadine (b.1880). Nellie, Nelly or Molly, Eliza. The daughter of Reuben and Susanna. She was born at Crabb's Cross in 1880; registered at Alcester.[44]

At the 1881 census she is at home in Crabb's Cross, aged 5 months.

At the 1891 census she is at home in Mount Pleasant, aged 10, and described as a scholar.

At the 1901 census she is at home in Parson's Row, aged 20, and working as a Needle sticker.

She married Thomas Baker in 1912; registered at Bromsgrove in the December quarter.[45] They had one son Leonard Baker who was a publican.

In 1922 Nellie and her family were living at 97 Mount Pleasant and there is a family story that Reuben her father was taken ill at 97 and carried to 93 by his grandson Joe where he died.

By 1935 Nellie had moved to a house at the bottom of Parson's Road which was then a cul-de-sac.

Martha Canadine (b.1882). Martha Lillie. Known as Patty. She was the daughter of Reuben and Susanna. Her birth was registered at Alcester in the September quarter 1882[46]

Oddly she does not appear at home in the 1891 or 1901 census.

Jill Canadine has Martha Lillie's Holy Communion book presented to her on her confirmation by the Rev. I Giffen in 1899. The inscription is St John ch. 6. v.53-54.

She married Captain Frank W Leech in 1914; registered at Dudley in the December quarter.[47]  Frank was killed in action in about 1917 in the First World War. Their daughter Jean also died (in the front bedroom of 93 Mount Pleasant) in an influenza epidemic around 1917 or pehaps a bit later.

After this Martha worked as a Governess for many years. She retired in the 1940's and shared a house in Mount Pleasant with her sister Ginny.

George Canadine (b.1884). George Frederick. The son of Reuben and Susanna. His birth was registered at Alcester in the December quarter 1884.[48]

At the 1891 census he was living at home, aged 6, at Mount Pleasant.

At the 1901 census he was living at home, age 16, at Parson's Row and working as a cycle chain maker.

He married Lily Martha Williams (1890-1949) and this may be the marriage registered in the September quarter 1903 at West Derby for a Frederick Canadine.[49] They had six children Marjorie (1909-1937), John Graham (1912-2002), Lily (1915-1916), Joan V (b.1917), Betty Pauline (1921-1923) and Sylvia Iris (b.1924).

They moved to Coventy and then Birmingham before settling in the Darlaston area. Marjorie and John were born in Coventry and Lily and Joan were born in Aston, Birmingham and Betty and Sylvia were born in Darlaston.

George was licencee of the Old Castle Darlastion until 1924 and then moved to the Nelson where he was licencee until 1940 when his wife Lilly took over the licence.

Bertha Canadine (b.1886). Bertha Beatrice S. The daughter of Reuben and Susanna. She was born in 1886; registered at Alcester in the March quarter.[50]

At the 1891 census she is at home in Mount Pleasant, aged 5, and described as a Scholar.

She died as a young girl in a bonfire accident (not on 'bonfire night') probably on the ground at the rear of 93 Mount Pleasant.

The death certificate was issued on 11th August 1896 at the Hosptial, Redditch. She was aged 10 years. The cause of death was given as: Shock from burns: Accidental death. The certificate was issued by the Deputy Coroner from the inquest held on the 12th August 1896.  The death was registered on the 14th August.

John Canadine (b.1888). John William. Known as Jack. The son of Reuben and Susanna. His birth was registered at Alcester in March 1888.[51]

At the 1901 census, aged 3, he was living at home at Mount Pleasant, Redditch.

John  married Emily Rotherham (1897-1960) in 1920; registered at Walsall in the June quarter.[52]

They had the following children. William Thomas (1920-1986), Charles (1922-1990), Emily (b.1926), Albert (1931-1999), Arthur (1935-1992).

They lived at Blakemore Lane, Darlaston.

GrandChildren of Reuben and Susanna c.1890 onwards

We have only included brief details about great grandchildren and beyond as this takes us into modern times.

Descendants of Annie Canadine and Fred Rushgrove c.1891

Alfred Canadine (1891-1946). Alfred Leonard. The son of Anne Canadine and Fred Rushgrove. He was born on the 12th December 1891 at Mount Pleasant Ipsley.[53] His mother was described as Annie Canadine Machine

Needle Reducer. No father is given on his birth certificate. The birth was registered on the 3rd January 1892.[54]

At the 1901 census he was living at home, aged 9, in Parson's Row.

He married Theresa Symonds (or Simons) in 1919; registered at Bromgrove in the September quarter.[55] He was in a Cavalry regiment in the war and was 'Mentioned in Dispatches' for jumping from his horse on to a runaway ammunition train which would otherwise have crashed into a company of soldiers. He was later a farrier, and stable groom, and part owner of a stables and worked with horses all his life.

Len and Theresa had three children Thelma (c.1920), Douglas (1925-1950), and Norman (1928-1966).

Thelma married Ronald Barker and they had two children Susan and Patrick Barker.

Douglas ran a small dance band in Redditch. He was killed in a road accident in The Holloway, Redditch in 1950.

Norman joined the army as his National Service in 1945 and made the army his life. He served with distinction all over the world including Cyprus and Aden. He became severely depressed after his retirement and committed suicide in 1966 whilst living with his sister Thelma in Coventry.

Victor Canadine (1894-1959). Victor Clarence. Known as Joseph or Joe. The son of Annie Canadine and Fred Rushgrove. He was born in Redditch in 1894; registered at Alcester in the March quarter.[56]

At the 1901 census he was living at home, aged 7, at Parson's Row.

Joe joined the Royal Flying Corps as an Engineer in the First World War. On Saturday 30th August 1913 Benfield Hucks and Gustav Hamel took part in the first air race over the district from Edgbaston to Coventry and back. The Beoley road playing fields were one of the staging posts where the fliers landed. Perhaps this was Joe's first sight of a plane and this is what encouraged him to join the Royal Flying Corps.

He married Bessie Curtis in 1920 in Redditch; registered at Alcester in the June quarter.[57] They lived at 93 Mount Pleasant and looked after grandfather Reuben until he died in 1922.

Joe was a very gifted amateur musician, a talent that he has not passed on to his grandchildren! although several Canadines were musical. His piano lid is now a cupboard top in Cornwall! Bessie and Mavis Bennett the famous opera singer from Reddith were good friends and we think that this is how Joe and Bessie met as he sometimes played the piano for Mavis Bennett in her early days

Joseph was a brazier at the Enfield bicycle factory.

He died as the result of a road accident outside his home in 1959.

Bessie Curtis (1900-1969) - see document on Curtis' in Redditch for details.

Bessie and Joe had two children; Betty (1920-1999) and Jill (b.1928).

Descendants of  Thomas Canadine and Ada c.1900

Elsie Canadine (b.1891).  The daughter of Thomas and Ada. She was born in Spoley in 1891. At the 1901 census, aged 10 she was living at home in Evesham Road.

Bertha Canadine (b.1897). The daughter of Thomas and Ada. She was born in 1897 and named Bertha Beatrice probably after her cousin who died in a bonfire accident the previous year. The birth is registered at Alcester in the June quarter.[58] At the 1901 census aged 4 she was at home in Evesham Road.

Thomas Canadine (1900-1949). Thomas Richard. The son of Thomas and Ada. He was born in 1900; registered at Alcester in the June quarter.[59] At the 1901 census, aged 1, he was at home in Evesham Road. He may have died in 1949.[60]

Descendants of Reuben Canadine and Ruth c.1910

Geoffrey Canadine (b.1910). The son of Reuben and Ruth. He was born on the 11th April 1910; registered in Alcester in the June quarter.[61]

Geoffrey married Sarah Butler (1910-1998) at St Lawrence's church Darlaston in June 1934.

Geoffrey and Sarah had two sons Stanley and Geoffrey.

Geoffrey (senior) disappeared in the late 1940's and his family has not heard from him since. It was thought that he had gone to Australia via South Africa and sometimes used the name Clark.[62]  His last known address was in Streatham London.

Descendants of George Canadine and Lilly c.1910

Marjorie Canadine (1909-1937). Marjorie Nellie. Also known as Madge. The daughter of George and Lilly. She was born in 1910; registered at Coventry in the September quarter.[63]

She married John Coles and they  had a daughter Gill Coles in 1936.

The family story is that Marjorie suffered from post-natal depression after the birth and she killed herself.[64]

A local newspaper article gives a slightly different version.

Death of Nellie Canadine (Coles) - Newspaper article

Walsall Woman's death mystery

Found Gassed in Kitchen by Husband

Stated to have been very happy and with nothing preying on her mind Marjory Nellie Coles (27) wife of a commercial traveller of Jesson Villa, 145 Walstead Road, Walsall was found dead on Tuesday night near the gas stove in the kitchen and a gas pipe was hanging from the wall.

At today's inquest, the husband, who made the discovery on returning from business said his wife had been subject to fainting turns for some time, he knew of nothing which was preying on her mind and she was quite happy.

Coroner's Officer Lee said the possibility of the woman fainting and dislodging the gas  pipe could not be excluded. He had made inquiries but had been unable to find out any reason why she should commit suicide.

Dr Hadi said death was due to Carbon Monoxide poisoning.

The Deputy Coroner (Mr J H S Addison) in returning a verdict of 'death from carbon monoxide poisoning' said the evidence was insufficient to say whether she commited suicide or that the gas was inhaled accidentally.

John Canadine (1912-2002). John Graham. The son of George and Lilly.

Lily Canadine (1915-1916). The daughter of George and Lilly.

Joan Canadine (b.1917). Joan V. The daughter of George and Lilly.

Betty Canadine (1921-1923). Betty Pauline. The daughter of George and Lilly.

Sylvia Canadine (b.1924). Sylvia Iris. The daughter of George and Lilly.

Descendants of John Canadine and Emily c.1910

William Canadine (1920-1990). William Thomas. The son of John and Emily.

Charles Canadine (1922-1990). The son of John and Emily.

Emily Canadine (b.1926). The daughter of John and Emily.

Albert Canadine (1931-1999). The son of John and Emily.

Arthur Canadine (1935-1992). The son of John and Emily.

The needle industry in Redditch

Adapted from: Victoria County History for Worcestershire

About the end of the first quarter of the nineteenth century most of the Birmingham needle makers migrated to Redditch. The cause of the removal was doubtless the presence of emery stones in the river Arrow. A Horse mill is said to have been established at Studley in about 1700.

From Redditch the industry spread to Bromsgrove, Feckenham and the neighbouring villages. By 1790 the two places were well known for their needles and fish-hooks. Ten years later 400 people were employed in the Industry at Redditch and about 2000 in the neighbourhood. The oldest firms are those H Milward and Sons, Holyoakes and Gould, George Webb and Son, Feckenham Mills, Hemming, and Bartleet while the Chillingworths had a large needle trade at the old forge mills near Redditch.

Richard Hemming learnt the art of needle-making at a horse mill at Sambourn, near Studley, close to Redditch, in the early part of the eighteenth century; John Mills had a water-mill, the first wholly occupied by needle making, at Washford Mill in or before 1780.

But it was not until quite recent times that Redditch became the most famous town for needles.

At first the trade was practised chiefly by the workpeople in their homes, and both women and children as well as men were employed. Machinery was not used for their manufacture in Redditch till about 1828. It is stated by one of his descendants that in 1814 Peter Shrimpton came from Crendon to Redditch, and made netting, sail, mattress, and packing needles. Other members of the same family, Emmanuel, Jacob, and Titus, followed, and set up works there between 1830 and 1860.

In 1830 there was a great strike at Redditch owing to the introduction of machinery for stamping the needles, and consequently much damage was done and eight men were imprisoned. Finally the strikers were persuaded to return and learn the new methods.

In the late thirties drilled-eye needles were successfully brought out by William Green of Astwood. Joseph Turner of Redditch in 1840 revived the practice of moistening needles with oil instead of water, which diminished the labour and did not corrode them so much. He encountered considerable opposition and in consequence removed to Stratford on Avon but finally returned to Redditch. In 1843 Samuel Thomas introduced pointing machines and the fan for drawing away the dust from the grinder's wheel, in his works at the British Needle Mills in Redditch.

As a result of these improvements the trade rapidly developed. Between 1841 and 1861 the population of Redditch doubled. In 1856 there were 100 manufacturers and 10,000 workers in and near Redditch.[65] [66]