Genealogy Forum UK

Hi,
My Willetts relatives lived on Pear Tree Lane forever! I was wondering f anyone would have photos of it in the late 1800's to early1900's. They resided between #22 and #25. Also I would love it if someone could describe it for me as I have no photos of it!

Thanks so much, Lisa

Hi Lisa, Pear Tree Lane was a Street of Terraced Back to Back Cottages which lead into Lawrence Lane, as I remember it was on a bit of a hill from the Blue Ball Inn which was on the Corner, near a Chain Manufactures. Here are some pictures of the Blue Ball:-

http://www.blackcountrygob.com/Photogal ... p?album=48

Linell.

The Chain Works were 'Burton and Delingpole' the workmen used to pile into the Blue Ball Pub, Lunchtimes and after work, it was always packed with Chain Workers. Linell.

Thanks Linell! Any bits of history and memories are greatly appreciated!

My Willetts were chain and nail makers in the 1800's and early 1900's on Pear Tree Lane! Is there a way to find out if they worked out of their homes or if they worked at a business?

I think they worked from home.

Hi Lisa, a lot of the Pear Tree Willetts are on the Black Country Connections tree, they were legendry! Dudley Archives could hold lists of Chain Manufacturers and their employees, would think that was later circa 1900, I doubt if there are many if any records from the early 1800's There again with the name Willetts, would you know if it was one of yours or not If they did work for a Chain Manufacturer it would have probably been Burton and Delingpole, which was just down the road. Some men did have their own Chain and Nail Shops, but there again some Men would go to work and leave their wives and children to run the family shop, they were all very industrious, working 14 hour days trying to make a living. Try buying some books on Old Hill, you will find out loads of interesting information. Hope this helps from Linell.

Thanks Sue and Linell!

They definitely have alot of interesting history and have been discussed by many! I met two cousins in England while researching them. Anna sent me several books a few years ago and I love them.

I have been tracing them back to the 1700's with alot of help from many kind souls in the Old Hill area! And I want to eventually put all the photos and information into book form. (Someday ) So I am trying to pinpoint as much exact info regarding them as I can.

So I really appreciate all of the help!

Hi Lisa, which Willetts are you descended from, will see if I have any information, I have copies of the Land Tax Records going back to 1771. Your book sounds a lovely idea, I have done the same, have the more recent descendants in an Album, the older information is on line. My Mom also did a family album. so we have two. Happy hunting from Linell.

Hi again Lisa, just realised that you must be Lisa descended from Elisha Willetts, I remember years ago looking him up for you on my old Staffs 1841 disc, lovely to hear from you after all these years, we have a link here to Elisha:-

http://bcconnections.tribalpages.com/fa ... tts-Family

Hope this helps from Lin.

Ah Lin - the days of the census on disc - you could always rely on the transcriptions

Yes indeed Maggie, shame the 1841 wasn't indexed, spent hours going through that looking for ancestors.

Linell.

linell wrote:Yes indeed Maggie, shame the 1841 wasn't indexed, spent hours going through that looking for ancestors.

Linell.

Oh what pleasures I've missed

Yes Sue, you lot don't know how lucky you are, no Ancestry or Find My Past in our day, we thought it was heaven when the Mormons put the 1881 Census on their site.

Linell.

You have an amazing memory Linell! That's me! I'm descended from Elisha Willetts!

Wow, you put yours in a book too! I hope I get to do it! I have alot of ideas but actually accomplishing it is another story!

I am a fan of modern technology when it comes to these records! If not I'd never have found half of the information I have from all over the world!

But I don't mind going through original records by hand either! I just love all the old history i find!

Always here to help Lisa, if you need anything looked up just ask.

Best wishes from Linell.