His wife, Mary Dell, was christened in St Martin's Church, Birmingham on the 24 October 1780 to Isaac Dell, Plasterer and his wife Mary. It is noted that she was 2 months old when baptised.
Francis and Mary married, on the 5 January 1801 in St Martin's Church, Birmingham by licence, her father, Isaac Dell, giving his consent. The witnesses were Isaac Dell and Katharine Arnold.
Mary and Francis had twelve children.
Their first child, Isaac William Arnold, was christened in St Philip's Church, Birmingham on the 23 March 1802. (Note: Inherited Family Bible belonging to Grandfather, Isaac Dell).
Mary's mother, Mary survived long enough to see her first grandchild. She died on the 17 November 1803. Aris Gazette of 21 November 1803 remembers her thus: Thursday, aged 58, Mrs Mary Dell, wife of Mr Isaac Dell, Plasterer, of Little Charles, in this town. She was buried on 20 November 1803 at St Phillip's Church, Birmingham. The Monumental Inscriptions for St Phillip's Church stated:
Section B
55. Sacred to the memory of MARY, wife of ISAAC DELL, who died November 17, 1803, aged 58 years. A virtuous wife, a tender mother, a sincere Christian.
Mary's father, Isaac remarried quite quickly. His wife had been dead just 6 months when he married Ann Smith, on the 14 May 1804 in St Martin's Church, Birmingham. He had applied for a marriage licence on 10 May 1804 describing himself as a widow of 40 years and upwards and Ann Smith as a spinster of 30 years and upwards. The witnesses to the marriage were Elizabeth Dunn and John Ryland.
Mary and Francis next child, Frederick Arnold, was christened in St Philip's Church, Birmingham on the 19 April 1805.
Their next child was a girl. Mary Arnold was christened in St Philip's Church, Birmingham the 29 September 1807.
We do not know when Charles was born but he died about 1809.
Mary's father died on the 14 March 1810. Aris Gazette of 19 March 1810 remembers him thus: Wednesday, Same day, Mr Isaac Dell, Sen, plasterer, of this town. He was buried on 19 March 1810 at St Phillip's Church, Birmingham. The monumental inscription mentioned earlier goes on to state:
Also to the memory of ISAAC DELL, who died .................1810, aged 66 years.
Mary and Francis had another girl, this time, Catherine Arnold, who was christened in St Philip's Church, Birmingham on the 22 May 1810. She became a Mistress/Governess.
Then there was William Arnold who was born on 13 Jan 1812 in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England.
Next was Francis Arnold was born about 1813. He died in 1814 and was buried at St Phillip's Church on 7 November 1814. His age was listed as 1.5 years and the abode as The Workhouse.
Their next child was a little girl, Elizabeth Arnold, who was born on 28 February 1814. She was christened in St Philip's Church, Birmingham on the 23 March 1814 along with her elder brother, William, who by this time was just over 2 years old.
Before the year was out Mary's older brother, Isaac Dell, Junior, died on the 2 September 1814. Aris Gazette of 5 September 1814 remembers him thus: On Friday, Mr Isaac Dell, plasterer, of this town. Isaac William Dell was buried 7 September 1814. The details in the burial register state that he was of Little Charles Street and was 44 years of age. The monumental inscriptions for Isaac and Mary Dell state: Likewise .............................aged 44 which we assume was for Isaac William Dell.
Letters of Administration of the Goods and Personal Estate of Isaac Dell late of Birmingham in the County of Warwick and Diocese of Lichfield and Coventry Plaisterer [sic] deceased, who died intestate a Bachelor without [can't read the word] (as is alleged) to be granted to Mary Arnold wife of Francis Arnold the natural and lawful sister of the deceased ; We, therefore, Commit and Grant to you jointly, and severally, full Power and Authority, as well to administer the Oath under-written to the said Mary Arnold as to see the Bond here annexed Signed, Sealed and delivered by the said Francis Arnold, the husband and two sufficient Sureties
Mary and Francis' next child was another girl, Lucy Dell Arnold, was born on the 22 October 1815.
Their next child was a little girl, Elizabeth Arnold, who was born on 28 February 1814. She was christened in St Philip's Church, Birmingham on the 23 March 1814 along with her elder brother, William, who by this time was just over 2 years old.
Before the year was out Mary's older brother, Isaac Dell, Junior, died on the 2 September 1814. Aris Gazette of 5 September 1814 remembers him thus: On Friday, Mr Isaac Dell, plasterer, of this town. Isaac William Dell was buried 7 September 1814. The details in the burial register state that he was of Little Charles Street and was 44 years of age. The monumental inscriptions for Isaac and Mary Dell state: Likewise .............................aged 44 which we assume was for Isaac William Dell.
Letters of Administration of the Goods and Personal Estate of Isaac Dell late of Birmingham in the County of Warwick and Diocese of Lichfield and Coventry Plaisterer [sic] deceased, who died intestate a Bachelor without [can't read the word] (as is alleged) to be granted to Mary Arnold wife of Francis Arnold the natural and lawful sister of the deceased ; We, therefore, Commit and Grant to you jointly, and severally, full Power and Authority, as well to administer the Oath under-written to the said Mary Arnold as to see the Bond here annexed Signed, Sealed and delivered by the said Francis Arnold, the husband and two sufficient Sureties
Dated 8 March 1815
Mary and Francis' next child was another girl, Lucy Dell Arnold, was born on the 22 October 1815.
Ann Arnold was born in around September 1817. She died in March 1818 aged only 6.
By 1818 Francis appears in The Commercial Directory for 1818-19-20 which contained 'the names, trades and situations of the Merchants, Manufacturers, Tradesmen, &c.' for a number of towns including Birmingham. He is one of 26 listed under Die Sinkers
Arnold, Francis, Bath-Street
Mary and Francis' next known child was Sarah Dell Arnold, who was born the 14 June 1819.
Mary and Francis' last known child, another Ann, was born possibly on the 17 September 1821 and was buried, 3 days old, on 20 September. Mary herself died 24 September 1821 and we guess she must have died as a result of childbirth. The Monumental Inscriptions for St Phillip's Church stated:
Section B
54. Sacred to the memory of MARY ARNOLD, the wife of FRANCIS ARNOLD, and daughter of ISAAC and MARY DELL, who died 24 September 1821, aged 40 years.
Below is the plan for St Philip's Church, Birmingham showing the burial sections with the Dell and Arnold graves marked. Below that is a photograph taken at the corner of Section D where they were believed to have been buried. It is understood that the graves (and bodies?) were removed at some point?
Appeared Personally Francis Arnold of Birmingham in the County of Warwick Die Sinker the party applying for Letters of Administration of the Estate and Effects of the said Mary Arnold (wife of the said, Francis Arnold,) late of Birmingham in the County of Warwick Deceased, and made Oath, that the Estate and Effects of the said Deceased, for, or in respect of which, the said Letters of Administration are to be granted, exclusive of what the deceased may have been possessed of, or entitled to, as a Trustee for any other person or persons, and not beneficially, but including Leasehold Estate or Estates for Years of the deceased, if any, whether absolute or determinable on Lives, and without deducting anything on account of the Debts, due and owing from the said deceased, are under the value of three hundred Pounds, to the best of this Deponent's knowledge, information and belief.
She was shortly followed by her stepmom. Ann Dell, nee Smith, died the 2 January 1823. Aris Gazette of 13 January 1823 remembers her thus: On the 2nd, Mrs Ann Dell, a truly good woman. She was buried on 7 January 1823. According to the register she was of Paradise Street and aged 72 years of age.
Francis and Mary's daughter, Mary Arnold (born 1807) died and was buried on 27 July 1828, aged just 20. She was buried at St Phillip's Church, Birmingham. The monumental inscriptions mention earlier goes on: Likewise, MARY ARNOLD, who died July 27, 1828, aged 20 years.
Within a year her father, Francis Arnold, followed her when he died on the 17 March 1829 in Westminster, London, England. He was buried on 24 Mar 1829 in Westminster, London, England. (where is the evidence for this?)
[add newspaper notice here]
He must have already have put forward his name for The Directory of Warwickshire of 1830 by William West as in the Birmingham Section it shows:
Arnold, Francis, die sinker engraver and copperplate printer, 8 Bath Street, 304
It also lists
Arnold, J. A., die sinker, 9, Bath Street, 304
Lucy Dell Arnold along with her younger sister, Sarah Dell Arnold, and in the absence of their parents who were by now deceased, were christened in St Philip's Church, Birmingham on the 25 July 1831. She would have been 16 years old, her sister 12 years old. The abode given at the time of the baptism was Bath Street and the father's occupation as Die Sinker.
William Arnold (born 1812) married Hannah Gibbons on 12 May 1834 in Edgbaston, St Bartholomew, Warwickshire, England. Mary Gibbons and Richard Talbot were the witnesses.
Elizabeth Arnold (born 1814) married John Twiss, clerk, (son of John Twiss, deceased, plater), on the 11 November 1838 in Harborne Parish Church, after Banns were read. Witnesses were Henry Carrington [?] and Lucy Blake.
[Add newspaper details which says Mr Twiss of Islington (FMP)]
We think that Frederick Arnold (now aged c. 35) was living in York Street at the time of the 1841 census. The listing is as follows:
Frederick Arnold, 35, Gun Rifler
Priscilla Wilkins, 35 [unreadable]
Catherine Wilkins, 10
Alfred Wilkins, 1
We think that William Arnold (now aged c25) was living in Price Street at the time of 1841. The listing is as follows:
William Arnold, 25, Gun Barrel Rifler
Hannah, 25
Francis, 5
Samuel, 4
Walter, 2
Eleanor, 11m
William Arnold and Hannah Gibbons had the following 8 known children:
By 1818 Francis appears in The Commercial Directory for 1818-19-20 which contained 'the names, trades and situations of the Merchants, Manufacturers, Tradesmen, &c.' for a number of towns including Birmingham. He is one of 26 listed under Die Sinkers
Arnold, Francis, Bath-Street
Mary and Francis' next known child was Sarah Dell Arnold, who was born the 14 June 1819.
Mary and Francis' last known child, another Ann, was born possibly on the 17 September 1821 and was buried, 3 days old, on 20 September. Mary herself died 24 September 1821 and we guess she must have died as a result of childbirth. The Monumental Inscriptions for St Phillip's Church stated:
Section B
54. Sacred to the memory of MARY ARNOLD, the wife of FRANCIS ARNOLD, and daughter of ISAAC and MARY DELL, who died 24 September 1821, aged 40 years.
Below is the plan for St Philip's Church, Birmingham showing the burial sections with the Dell and Arnold graves marked. Below that is a photograph taken at the corner of Section D where they were believed to have been buried. It is understood that the graves (and bodies?) were removed at some point?
Appeared Personally Francis Arnold of Birmingham in the County of Warwick Die Sinker the party applying for Letters of Administration of the Estate and Effects of the said Mary Arnold (wife of the said, Francis Arnold,) late of Birmingham in the County of Warwick Deceased, and made Oath, that the Estate and Effects of the said Deceased, for, or in respect of which, the said Letters of Administration are to be granted, exclusive of what the deceased may have been possessed of, or entitled to, as a Trustee for any other person or persons, and not beneficially, but including Leasehold Estate or Estates for Years of the deceased, if any, whether absolute or determinable on Lives, and without deducting anything on account of the Debts, due and owing from the said deceased, are under the value of three hundred Pounds, to the best of this Deponent's knowledge, information and belief.
Francis Arnold
Sworn on the Seventieth
Day of June 1822
before me, J Garbett, Comm
She was shortly followed by her stepmom. Ann Dell, nee Smith, died the 2 January 1823. Aris Gazette of 13 January 1823 remembers her thus: On the 2nd, Mrs Ann Dell, a truly good woman. She was buried on 7 January 1823. According to the register she was of Paradise Street and aged 72 years of age.
Francis and Mary's daughter, Mary Arnold (born 1807) died and was buried on 27 July 1828, aged just 20. She was buried at St Phillip's Church, Birmingham. The monumental inscriptions mention earlier goes on: Likewise, MARY ARNOLD, who died July 27, 1828, aged 20 years.
Within a year her father, Francis Arnold, followed her when he died on the 17 March 1829 in Westminster, London, England. He was buried on 24 Mar 1829 in Westminster, London, England. (where is the evidence for this?)
[add newspaper notice here]
He must have already have put forward his name for The Directory of Warwickshire of 1830 by William West as in the Birmingham Section it shows:
Arnold, Francis, die sinker engraver and copperplate printer, 8 Bath Street, 304
It also lists
Arnold, J. A., die sinker, 9, Bath Street, 304
Lucy Dell Arnold along with her younger sister, Sarah Dell Arnold, and in the absence of their parents who were by now deceased, were christened in St Philip's Church, Birmingham on the 25 July 1831. She would have been 16 years old, her sister 12 years old. The abode given at the time of the baptism was Bath Street and the father's occupation as Die Sinker.
William Arnold (born 1812) married Hannah Gibbons on 12 May 1834 in Edgbaston, St Bartholomew, Warwickshire, England. Mary Gibbons and Richard Talbot were the witnesses.
Elizabeth Arnold (born 1814) married John Twiss, clerk, (son of John Twiss, deceased, plater), on the 11 November 1838 in Harborne Parish Church, after Banns were read. Witnesses were Henry Carrington [?] and Lucy Blake.
[Add newspaper details which says Mr Twiss of Islington (FMP)]
We think that Frederick Arnold (now aged c. 35) was living in York Street at the time of the 1841 census. The listing is as follows:
Frederick Arnold, 35, Gun Rifler
Priscilla Wilkins, 35 [unreadable]
Catherine Wilkins, 10
Alfred Wilkins, 1
We think that William Arnold (now aged c25) was living in Price Street at the time of 1841. The listing is as follows:
William Arnold, 25, Gun Barrel Rifler
Hannah, 25
Francis, 5
Samuel, 4
Walter, 2
Eleanor, 11m
William Arnold and Hannah Gibbons had the following 8 known children:
- Francis Arnold was born on 25 January 1836 in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England. He married Elizabeth Mallet on 25 February 1862 at St Mary's Handsworth. He is shown as a 27-year-old bachelor gun barrel rifler. His father is shown as William Arnold, gun barrel rifler. Elizabeth was a 23-year-old spinster and her father was Thomas Mallet, a gardener. The abode given for both was Handsworth. The witnesses were William Bartor and Marey Mallett. Thank you to the Anonymous comment which told me where to look for the marriage. I was able to view the actual marriage book, at Birmingham Archives, which Francis and Elizabeth would have signed on the day they married in 1862!
- Samuel Arnold was born on 8 March 1837 in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England. He married Clara Hatfield on 16 June 1862 in Birmingham, St Philip's Church, Warwickshire, England. The abode given was Hospital Street. The witnesses were Eleanor Arnold and the mark of John Hatfield. Samuel died in Oct 1910 in Birmingham, Warwickshire, United Kingdom (Age: 75).
- Walter Arnold was born on 19 January 1839 in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England. (GRO Reference: 1839 M Quarter in BIRMINGHAM Volume 16 Page 266).
- Eleanor (Ellen) Arnold was born on 3 June 1840 in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England. (GRO Reference: 1840 S Quarter in BIRMINGHAM Volume 16 Page 273). She married a James Hodgetts (a 29-year-old warehouseman) on 23 April 1871 in Warwickshire. They went on to have 7 known children: Henry born in 1864 in Birmingham; James born in 1872 in Aston; Thomas born in 1873 in Aston; Elenor born in 1875 in Aston; Amy born in 1878 in Birmingham; Kate born in 1879 in Aston; Elizabeth born in 1881 in Aston. She died in March 1921 in Aston, Warwickshire, England.
- Betsey Arnold was born on 8 March 1842. (GRO Reference: 1842 J Quarter in BIRMINGHAM Volume 16 Page 303). She died on 04 Sep 1842, aged 6 months.
- Lucy Arnold was born on 13 June 1843. (GRO Reference: 1843 J Quarter in BIRMINGHAM Volume 16 Page 313). She died on 20 Mar 1844, aged 9 months.
- Reuben Arnold was born on 14 March 1845 in Aston New Town, Warwickshire, England. (GRO Reference: 1845 M Quarter in ASTON UNION Volume 16 Page 239 – mother's maiden name listed as Gibbins).
- Thomas Arnold was born on 21 February 1847 in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England. (GRO Reference: 1847 M Quarter in ASTON UNION Volume 16 Page 232). He married Betsy Talbot (the daughter of Richard Talbot, gun iron malster [?]) on 24 March 1874 in Aston, St Peter and St Paul, Warwickshire, England. The witnesses were James and Ellen Hodgetts.
Back in 1841 Francis and Mary's girls, Catherine (now aged c36 or 30?), Lucy (now aged c25) and Sarah (now aged c20) were all living at Unett Street. Catherine was listed as School Mistress. I assume she would have taken on looking after her siblings when her mother and, then, father died.
Lucy Dell Arnold married Henry Mitchell, on the 12 May 1842 in Harborne Parish Church (Henry had been born on the 21 November 1817 in St Philip's Church, Birmingham, son of Robert Mitchell and Elizabeth). (Aris's Birmingham Gazette 23 May 1842). Please see their separate story for more information.
Isaac William Arnold (born 1802) possibly died in October 1842 in Warwickshire, England.
Frederick Arnold and Priscilla Wilkins appear to have had Francis Arnold who was born in 1844. (GRO Reference: 1844 M Quarter in BIRMINGHAM Volume 16 Page 270).
William Arnold (born 1812) possibly died in July 1847 in Aston, Warwickshire, England (Age: 35).
It was not until 30 August 1847 that Frederick Arnold, Gun Maker, married Priscilla Wilkins (born in born about 1843, daughter of Christopher Wilkins, deceased, spade maker) in St Stephen's Church, Birmingham. Their abode was given as New Town Row. It would appear that they had been living together since the 1841 census at least and had possibly had quite a few children, other than Francis, already.
Frederick Arnold and Priscilla Wilkins appear to have had:
By 1851 Catherine (now aged 39) and Sarah D Arnold (now aged ??) are both listed as Governesses at 54 Upper Tower Street with one pupil boarder – Elizabeth H Smallwood aged 5.
It would seem that by the time of the 1851 census William Arnold must have died as his widow, Hannah was living at Lench Street, 10 Court, Birmingham.
The listing is as follows:
Hannah Arnold, Head, W, 37, F, Gun Barrel Rifler, Wednesbury-Stf
Francis Arnold, Son, 15, M, Gun Barrel Rifler, Birmingham-War
Paul Arnold, Son, 14, M, Birmingham-War
Walter Arnold, Son, 12, M, Errand Boy, Birmingham-War
Ellen Arnold, Daur, 10, F, Scholar, Birmingham-War
Reuben Arnold, Son, 6, M, Scholar, Birmingham-War
Thomas Arnold, Son, 11m[?], Birmingham-War
Francis Arnold (son of Frederick Arnold and Priscilla Wilkins) Gun Maker of Bath Street was just 19 when he married Emma Wilkins also 19 on the 17 December 1861 in St Stephen's Church, Birmingham. She was the daughter of Christopher Wilkins, Waterman and the abode given was Fleet Street. They went on to have the following children:
Two years later, by the time of the 1861 census, Alfred and Sarah Dell were living at Alfred's home – 23 Great Hampton Row. Alfred was now a 46 years old Brass founder employing 6 men and 2 women. Sarah was 41; Alfred Smallwood, a 16-year-old brass founder; Elizabeth Smallwood aged 15; Frank Smallwood as under 1 month. There were two servants – Hannah Cocksey, 14 from Cheshire and Hannah Barnes, a 62-year-old nurse from Stafford.
By the time of the 1861 census Frederick (57-year-old gunmaker), Priscilla (also 57) and Francis (now a 17-year-old gunmaker) were living on the Old Chester Road, Sutton Coldfield, Boldmere.
Hannah (47 – formerly gun barrel riflers wife) and her 4 children (Francis, 25, gun barrel rifler; Samuel, 24, carter; Eleanor, 20, housekeeper and Reuben, a 16-year-old with an unreadable occupation – something filer? were living back of 435, No 7 – possibly New John Street West!
Elizabeth Twiss nee Arnold born 1814 died before 1866. There is an Elizabeth Twiss, aged 51, who died in 1864 (GRO Reference: 1864 S Quarter in BIRMINGHAM Volume 06D Page 161).
Frederick Arnold born 1805 died after 1866. There is a Frederick Arnold, aged 65, who died in 1870. (GRO Reference: 1870 M Quarter in BIRMINGHAM Volume 06D Page 100)
There is a newspaper article in the Birmingham Daily Post for Wednesday, 19 October 1870 (issue 3823) (search newspapers on Find My Past) which states
Lucy Dell Arnold married Henry Mitchell, on the 12 May 1842 in Harborne Parish Church (Henry had been born on the 21 November 1817 in St Philip's Church, Birmingham, son of Robert Mitchell and Elizabeth). (Aris's Birmingham Gazette 23 May 1842). Please see their separate story for more information.
Isaac William Arnold (born 1802) possibly died in October 1842 in Warwickshire, England.
Frederick Arnold and Priscilla Wilkins appear to have had Francis Arnold who was born in 1844. (GRO Reference: 1844 M Quarter in BIRMINGHAM Volume 16 Page 270).
William Arnold (born 1812) possibly died in July 1847 in Aston, Warwickshire, England (Age: 35).
It was not until 30 August 1847 that Frederick Arnold, Gun Maker, married Priscilla Wilkins (born in born about 1843, daughter of Christopher Wilkins, deceased, spade maker) in St Stephen's Church, Birmingham. Their abode was given as New Town Row. It would appear that they had been living together since the 1841 census at least and had possibly had quite a few children, other than Francis, already.
Frederick Arnold and Priscilla Wilkins appear to have had:
- Frederick Arnold (mother's maiden name Wilkins) born in December quarter 1837(GRO Reference: 1837 D Quarter in BIRMINGHAM Volume 16 Page 243). There is a Frederick dying in March Quarter 1840 (GRO Reference: 1840 M Quarter in BIRMINGHAM Volume 16 Page 219).
- Alfred Arnold (mother's maiden name Wilkins) born in March quarter 184) ( GRO Reference: 1840 M Quarter in BIRMINGHAM Volume 16 Page 318). There are several possible deaths of babies with this name in Birmingham in 1840 and a 4-year-old in 1844.
- Isaac William Arnold (mother's maiden name Wilkins) born in December quarter 1841 (GRO Reference: 1841 D Quarter in BIRMINGHAM Volume 16 Page 284). There is a death for an Isaac William Arnold, aged 1, in December quarter 1842 (GRO Reference: 1842 D Quarter in BIRMINGHAM Volume 16 Page 163). Given that Frederick's brother was called Isaac William it is likely this child was theirs.
- Sarah Arnold (mother's maiden name Wilkins) born in July Quarter 1847 (GRO Reference: 1847 J Quarter in BIRMINGHAM Volume 16 Page 252). There is a death of a Sarah Arnold, aged 0 in March Quarter of 1848 (GRO Reference: 1848 M Quarter in BIRMINGHAM Volume 16 Page 264).
By 1851 Catherine (now aged 39) and Sarah D Arnold (now aged ??) are both listed as Governesses at 54 Upper Tower Street with one pupil boarder – Elizabeth H Smallwood aged 5.
It would seem that by the time of the 1851 census William Arnold must have died as his widow, Hannah was living at Lench Street, 10 Court, Birmingham.
The listing is as follows:
Hannah Arnold, Head, W, 37, F, Gun Barrel Rifler, Wednesbury-Stf
Francis Arnold, Son, 15, M, Gun Barrel Rifler, Birmingham-War
Paul Arnold, Son, 14, M, Birmingham-War
Walter Arnold, Son, 12, M, Errand Boy, Birmingham-War
Ellen Arnold, Daur, 10, F, Scholar, Birmingham-War
Reuben Arnold, Son, 6, M, Scholar, Birmingham-War
Thomas Arnold, Son, 11m[?], Birmingham-War
Francis Arnold (son of Frederick Arnold and Priscilla Wilkins) Gun Maker of Bath Street was just 19 when he married Emma Wilkins also 19 on the 17 December 1861 in St Stephen's Church, Birmingham. She was the daughter of Christopher Wilkins, Waterman and the abode given was Fleet Street. They went on to have the following children:
- Francis Arnold born in 1868 – There is a Francis Christopher Arnold born June Quarter 1868 (GRO Reference: 1867 J Quarter in BIRMINGHAM Volume 06D Page 131) which is likely candidate given that Emma's father was called Christopher
- Reuben Arnold born in 1870 – There is a Reuben James Arnold born in September quarter 1870 (GRO Reference: 1870 S Quarter in BIRMINGHAM Volume 06D Page 137)
- Eliza Arnold born in 1869 (GRO Reference: 1869 J Quarter in BIRMINGHAM Volume 06D Page 135) but also one that died the same month (GRO Reference: 1869 S Quarter in BIRMINGHAM Volume 06D Page 89)
- William Charles Arnold born December Quarter 1873 (GRO Reference: 1873 D Quarter in BIRMINGHAM Volume 06D Page 186) – mother's maiden name Wilkins who may be part of the family.
- Eliza Arnold born in 1875 – There is an Eliza Georgina born in September Quarter 1875 (GRO Reference: 1875 S Quarter in BIRMINGHAM Volume 06D Page 197)
- There is a Joseph Arnold born in June 1878 (GRO Reference: 1878 J Quarter in BIRMINGHAM Volume 06D Page 174). There is also a death in the same quarter - GRO Reference: 1878 J Quarter in BIRMINGHAM Volume 06D Page 98. – mother's maiden name Wilkins who may also be part of the family.
- There is also an Emily Arnold born September Quarter 1879 (GRO Reference: 1879 S Quarter in ASTON Volume 06D Page 397)
- Emma Arnold born in March Quarter in 1881. (GRO Reference: 1881 M Quarter in ASTON Volume 06D Page 445)
Two years later, by the time of the 1861 census, Alfred and Sarah Dell were living at Alfred's home – 23 Great Hampton Row. Alfred was now a 46 years old Brass founder employing 6 men and 2 women. Sarah was 41; Alfred Smallwood, a 16-year-old brass founder; Elizabeth Smallwood aged 15; Frank Smallwood as under 1 month. There were two servants – Hannah Cocksey, 14 from Cheshire and Hannah Barnes, a 62-year-old nurse from Stafford.
By the time of the 1861 census Frederick (57-year-old gunmaker), Priscilla (also 57) and Francis (now a 17-year-old gunmaker) were living on the Old Chester Road, Sutton Coldfield, Boldmere.
Hannah (47 – formerly gun barrel riflers wife) and her 4 children (Francis, 25, gun barrel rifler; Samuel, 24, carter; Eleanor, 20, housekeeper and Reuben, a 16-year-old with an unreadable occupation – something filer? were living back of 435, No 7 – possibly New John Street West!
Elizabeth Twiss nee Arnold born 1814 died before 1866. There is an Elizabeth Twiss, aged 51, who died in 1864 (GRO Reference: 1864 S Quarter in BIRMINGHAM Volume 06D Page 161).
Frederick Arnold born 1805 died after 1866. There is a Frederick Arnold, aged 65, who died in 1870. (GRO Reference: 1870 M Quarter in BIRMINGHAM Volume 06D Page 100)
There is a newspaper article in the Birmingham Daily Post for Wednesday, 19 October 1870 (issue 3823) (search newspapers on Find My Past) which states
A TRIPLE BIRTH – THE QUEEN'S LIBERALITY – Mr. Thomas Gilbert Charlewood begs to inform the editor of the Daily Post that he has this day received (by command of her Majesty) a Post Office order for £3, as a donation to the wife of Francis Arnold of Colmore Place, Summer Lane, who was confined on the 6th of this month with three children at one birth.
The triple birth was just in time to make the 1871 census.
Summer Lane
Francis Arnold, 35, Gun Barrel Rifler
Elizabeth, 31
Amelia, 8
William, 5
Hannah, 6
John, 6 m
Eleanor, 6 m
Betsy, 6 m
Eleanor Arnold, sister, 28, no employment.
At the same time, Alfred and Sarah Smallwood were still at 23 Great Hampton Row. By now Alfred was a 56-year-old Brassfounder employing 8 men, 1 boy and 2 girls, Sarah D 51, Elizabeth B 25, Frank 10 and Emily A who was 7. The nurse had moved on but Hannah Cocksey was still the domestic servant.
Francis, Emma and their two children Francis C and Reuben were living at 131 Lower Tower Street, 31 Ct 8 house. Francis was 27-year-old gun rifler; Emma a 28-year-old French Polisher, Francis C was 3 and Reuben was 8 months.
Sarah Dell Smallwood nee Arnold born 1819 died in Sep 1877 in Warwickshire, England. (GRO Reference: 1877 S Quarter in ASTON Volume 06D Page 227).
By 1881 Alfred Smallwood was now living at 29 Westminster, Handsworth. He is shown as a 66-year-old Brassfounder. With him are Frank - 20-year-old brass founder; Emily A – 17 years old; Sarah May – 27-year-old Housekeeper; and F Pendleton – 12-year-old general servant. We think the address should read – 39 Birchfield Road, Birchfield.
Hannah must have remained after the death of William. She is shown on the 1881 census at 4 court 13 Tower Road, Aston as follows:
Joseph Round, 30-year-old Mill Labourer
Ann Round, 40-year-old Charwoman
William Round, 3
Agnes Round, 5
Walter Arnold, 21-year-old gun finisher
Reuben Arnold, 15-year-old in the brass foundering trade (maybe with the Smallwoods?)
Emily Arnold, 11
Hannah's other son, Francis was living at 23 court 6 house Tower Street and were listed as follows:
Francis Arnold, 45, Gun Barrel Rifler
Elizabeth, 42
Amelia, 18 – warehouse girl
William, 15 - unemployed
Hannah, 13 – warehouse girl
Helen, 10
Betsy, 10
Francis, 4
Mary Ann, 2
The triple birth was just in time to make the 1871 census.
Summer Lane
Francis Arnold, 35, Gun Barrel Rifler
Elizabeth, 31
Amelia, 8
William, 5
Hannah, 6
John, 6 m
Eleanor, 6 m
Betsy, 6 m
Eleanor Arnold, sister, 28, no employment.
At the same time, Alfred and Sarah Smallwood were still at 23 Great Hampton Row. By now Alfred was a 56-year-old Brassfounder employing 8 men, 1 boy and 2 girls, Sarah D 51, Elizabeth B 25, Frank 10 and Emily A who was 7. The nurse had moved on but Hannah Cocksey was still the domestic servant.
Francis, Emma and their two children Francis C and Reuben were living at 131 Lower Tower Street, 31 Ct 8 house. Francis was 27-year-old gun rifler; Emma a 28-year-old French Polisher, Francis C was 3 and Reuben was 8 months.
Sarah Dell Smallwood nee Arnold born 1819 died in Sep 1877 in Warwickshire, England. (GRO Reference: 1877 S Quarter in ASTON Volume 06D Page 227).
By 1881 Alfred Smallwood was now living at 29 Westminster, Handsworth. He is shown as a 66-year-old Brassfounder. With him are Frank - 20-year-old brass founder; Emily A – 17 years old; Sarah May – 27-year-old Housekeeper; and F Pendleton – 12-year-old general servant. We think the address should read – 39 Birchfield Road, Birchfield.
Hannah must have remained after the death of William. She is shown on the 1881 census at 4 court 13 Tower Road, Aston as follows:
Joseph Round, 30-year-old Mill Labourer
Ann Round, 40-year-old Charwoman
William Round, 3
Agnes Round, 5
Walter Arnold, 21-year-old gun finisher
Reuben Arnold, 15-year-old in the brass foundering trade (maybe with the Smallwoods?)
Emily Arnold, 11
Hannah's other son, Francis was living at 23 court 6 house Tower Street and were listed as follows:
Francis Arnold, 45, Gun Barrel Rifler
Elizabeth, 42
Amelia, 18 – warehouse girl
William, 15 - unemployed
Hannah, 13 – warehouse girl
Helen, 10
Betsy, 10
Francis, 4
Mary Ann, 2
Their son, John from the triplet birth, must have died as the girls, Helen and Betsy, are listed as twin daughters.
The other Francis (son of Frederick and Priscilla) had now moved to No. 2 Court 11 Park Road, Aston and was listed as follows:
Francis a 36-year-old gun barrel rifler
Emma, 38 years old
Reuben, 10
Eliza 6
Emma only 2 months.
Catherine Arnold (born c1810), School Mistress/Governess, possibly died in 1882. There is a 72-year-old Catherine who died in 1882. (GRO Reference: 1882 S Quarter in BIRMINGHAM Volume 06D Page 45)
Lucy Dell Mitchell nee Arnold died 29 Oct 1882 at Nivenah Road, Handsworth, Staffordshire.
By the time of the 1891 census Francis (William and Hannah's son) was still living at court 23 house 6 Tower Street and was listed as follows:
Francis Arnold, 56 – no trade listed
Elizabeth, 52-year-old laundress
Ellen, 20-year-old purse maker
Betsy 20-year-old laundress
Francis, 14
Mary Ann, 12
By 1901 Francis had died. Elizabeth was not was No. 83 Tower Street (which had 3 rooms) and they were listed as follows:
Elizabeth Arnold, widow, 61-year-old goldbeater [?]
Francis, 24-year-old chain maker
Mary A, 22-year-old jeweller's finisher [?]
Florence E Jackson, boarder aged 22
Alfred Cathill [?] a widowed boarder aged 61. He was a railway clerk from Worcestershire.
Alfred Smallwood died the 20 September 1893. His will was proved on 4 November 1893.
This is the last will and testament of me Alfred Smallwood of Melvin Villa, Birchfield Road, Aston Manor in the county of Warwick, retired Brassfounder. I hereby revoke all former wills and testamentary dispositions made by me. I appoint William Jones of Islington Row in the city of Birmingham, wine merchant and Thomas Horton of Salisbury Road, Birchfield near Birmingham aforesaid Jeweller (hereinafter called my Trustees) to be the executors and trustees of this my will. I devise and bequeath all my real and personal estate unto my trustees upon trust that my trustees shall sell call in and convert into money the same or such part thereof as shall not consist of money and shall with and out of the moneys produced by such sale calling in and conversion and with and out of my ready money pay my funeral and testamentary expenses and debts and shall stand possessed of the residue of the said moneys upon trust for my three children namely Alfred Smallwood, Frank Smallwood and Emily Arnold Tomlinson (wife of William Tomlinson) in equal shares in witness whereof I have hereunder set my hand this first day of July One Thousand Eight Hundred and Ninety Three.
Signed and delivered by the said
Alfred Smallwood the Testator as
and for his last will and testament
in the presence of us present at the
same time who in his presence at
his request and in the presence of
each other have hereto subscribed
our names as witness
Alfred Bright Yeo
J N Wright
Clerks to [?] Alfred Pointon Solicitor Birmingham
Proved at Lichfield the Fourth Day of November 1893 by the oaths of William Jones and Thomas Horton the Executors to who Administration was granted.
The testator Alfred Smallwood was formerly of Melvin Villa Birchfield Road Aston Manor in the County of Warwick and late of Wilson Road, Birchfield in the Parish of Handsworth in the County of Stafford and died on the Twentieth Day of September 1893 at Wilson Road aforesaid.
Personal Estate
Gross £622. 8. 0
Net £320. 8. 9
Alfred Pointon Sol. Bham.
On the 1 November 1897 Ellen now aged 17 (daughter of Francis Arnold) married Francis Andrew Gardner (a 32-year-old Brassfounder, son of Francis Gardner a locksmith). The abode given was 28 Branston Street.
NotesThere is a book that lists those in the gun trade and I didn't make a note of the name of the book! But page 28 states:
ARNOLD, Francis (1821). 19 Bath-Street
ARNOLD, Frederick (1849-1861) GBM and rifler. Ct. 1 Bath-Street
ARNOLD, Hannah (1849-1858). GBM and rifler. 34 Lench St. 1849-1855: Price St. 1856-1858
ARNOLD, Thomas (1885). Ct. Loveday St.
ARNOLD, William (1840-1847). GBM. Princip St. Working as a barrel rifler since 1838.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Again this was a rush job and the act of writing it up shows all the things that need to be checked and researched. I'll add it to the to-do list!
9 August 2018 Updated with the details for Francis Arnold and Elizabeth Mallet's marriage following the amazingly helpful comment left by anonymous. Thank you!
I thought I would have had to have gone to Smethwick Library. I did a search for where St Mary's records were held - Birmingham Library. So I decided today since I had 55 minutes for lunch, I would see if I could look at the microfilms for this church. I asked the Librarian if I could look St Mary's marriages for 1862. Are they online was the response? No, I don't think so as the comment makes it clear they aren't. The Librarian checked - no not online. Because they weren't online he didn't think they would have been on microfilm - they weren't. I was let into the Archives to see what they could do. They were amazing. They went and got the marriage book out straight away. I made my way to the 1862 section and the second page I turned I saw the marriage record. It took minutes - all because a kind person had left a comment on the blog to tell me where to look. Here are the details.
Page 222
The parish church in the parish of Handsworth County of Stafford
No:443
February 25, 1862
Francis Arnold, 27, Bachelor, Gun Barrel Rifler, Handsworth, William Arnold, Gun Barrel Rifler
Elizabeth Mallet, 23, Spinster, Handsworth, Thomas Mallet, Gardener
After banns
Henry J Ramsden, Curate
Signed by both Francis Arnold and Elizabeth Mallett
Witnessed by William Bartor and Marey Mallett
Birmingham Archives Reference - DRO86/49 St Mary's Handsworth Marriages 1860-62
Thank you Anonymous for providing such wonderful information that I was able to see a copy of the actual marriage certificate from 1862 all within my lunch hour!
The other Francis (son of Frederick and Priscilla) had now moved to No. 2 Court 11 Park Road, Aston and was listed as follows:
Francis a 36-year-old gun barrel rifler
Emma, 38 years old
Reuben, 10
Eliza 6
Emma only 2 months.
Catherine Arnold (born c1810), School Mistress/Governess, possibly died in 1882. There is a 72-year-old Catherine who died in 1882. (GRO Reference: 1882 S Quarter in BIRMINGHAM Volume 06D Page 45)
Lucy Dell Mitchell nee Arnold died 29 Oct 1882 at Nivenah Road, Handsworth, Staffordshire.
By the time of the 1891 census Francis (William and Hannah's son) was still living at court 23 house 6 Tower Street and was listed as follows:
Francis Arnold, 56 – no trade listed
Elizabeth, 52-year-old laundress
Ellen, 20-year-old purse maker
Betsy 20-year-old laundress
Francis, 14
Mary Ann, 12
By 1901 Francis had died. Elizabeth was not was No. 83 Tower Street (which had 3 rooms) and they were listed as follows:
Elizabeth Arnold, widow, 61-year-old goldbeater [?]
Francis, 24-year-old chain maker
Mary A, 22-year-old jeweller's finisher [?]
Florence E Jackson, boarder aged 22
Alfred Cathill [?] a widowed boarder aged 61. He was a railway clerk from Worcestershire.
Alfred Smallwood died the 20 September 1893. His will was proved on 4 November 1893.
This is the last will and testament of me Alfred Smallwood of Melvin Villa, Birchfield Road, Aston Manor in the county of Warwick, retired Brassfounder. I hereby revoke all former wills and testamentary dispositions made by me. I appoint William Jones of Islington Row in the city of Birmingham, wine merchant and Thomas Horton of Salisbury Road, Birchfield near Birmingham aforesaid Jeweller (hereinafter called my Trustees) to be the executors and trustees of this my will. I devise and bequeath all my real and personal estate unto my trustees upon trust that my trustees shall sell call in and convert into money the same or such part thereof as shall not consist of money and shall with and out of the moneys produced by such sale calling in and conversion and with and out of my ready money pay my funeral and testamentary expenses and debts and shall stand possessed of the residue of the said moneys upon trust for my three children namely Alfred Smallwood, Frank Smallwood and Emily Arnold Tomlinson (wife of William Tomlinson) in equal shares in witness whereof I have hereunder set my hand this first day of July One Thousand Eight Hundred and Ninety Three.
Signed and delivered by the said
Alfred Smallwood the Testator as
and for his last will and testament
in the presence of us present at the
same time who in his presence at
his request and in the presence of
each other have hereto subscribed
our names as witness
Alfred Bright Yeo
J N Wright
Clerks to [?] Alfred Pointon Solicitor Birmingham
Proved at Lichfield the Fourth Day of November 1893 by the oaths of William Jones and Thomas Horton the Executors to who Administration was granted.
The testator Alfred Smallwood was formerly of Melvin Villa Birchfield Road Aston Manor in the County of Warwick and late of Wilson Road, Birchfield in the Parish of Handsworth in the County of Stafford and died on the Twentieth Day of September 1893 at Wilson Road aforesaid.
Personal Estate
Gross £622. 8. 0
Net £320. 8. 9
Alfred Pointon Sol. Bham.
On the 1 November 1897 Ellen now aged 17 (daughter of Francis Arnold) married Francis Andrew Gardner (a 32-year-old Brassfounder, son of Francis Gardner a locksmith). The abode given was 28 Branston Street.
NotesThere is a book that lists those in the gun trade and I didn't make a note of the name of the book! But page 28 states:
ARNOLD, Francis (1821). 19 Bath-Street
ARNOLD, Frederick (1849-1861) GBM and rifler. Ct. 1 Bath-Street
ARNOLD, Hannah (1849-1858). GBM and rifler. 34 Lench St. 1849-1855: Price St. 1856-1858
ARNOLD, Thomas (1885). Ct. Loveday St.
ARNOLD, William (1840-1847). GBM. Princip St. Working as a barrel rifler since 1838.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Again this was a rush job and the act of writing it up shows all the things that need to be checked and researched. I'll add it to the to-do list!
9 August 2018 Updated with the details for Francis Arnold and Elizabeth Mallet's marriage following the amazingly helpful comment left by anonymous. Thank you!
I thought I would have had to have gone to Smethwick Library. I did a search for where St Mary's records were held - Birmingham Library. So I decided today since I had 55 minutes for lunch, I would see if I could look at the microfilms for this church. I asked the Librarian if I could look St Mary's marriages for 1862. Are they online was the response? No, I don't think so as the comment makes it clear they aren't. The Librarian checked - no not online. Because they weren't online he didn't think they would have been on microfilm - they weren't. I was let into the Archives to see what they could do. They were amazing. They went and got the marriage book out straight away. I made my way to the 1862 section and the second page I turned I saw the marriage record. It took minutes - all because a kind person had left a comment on the blog to tell me where to look. Here are the details.
Page 222
The parish church in the parish of Handsworth County of Stafford
No:443
February 25, 1862
Francis Arnold, 27, Bachelor, Gun Barrel Rifler, Handsworth, William Arnold, Gun Barrel Rifler
Elizabeth Mallet, 23, Spinster, Handsworth, Thomas Mallet, Gardener
After banns
Henry J Ramsden, Curate
Signed by both Francis Arnold and Elizabeth Mallett
Witnessed by William Bartor and Marey Mallett
Birmingham Archives Reference - DRO86/49 St Mary's Handsworth Marriages 1860-62
Thank you Anonymous for providing such wonderful information that I was able to see a copy of the actual marriage certificate from 1862 all within my lunch hour!
