I've found listed in trade directories of Staffordshire, Worcestershire & Warwickshire my x3 Great Grandfather:
1851 White's Directory Staffordshire: gun-ram rod and breech pin maker (Blackheath).
1865 Jones's Mercantile Directory of The Iron District of South Staffordshire and East Worcestershire: breech pin manufactorer (Gorsty Hill).
1872 Post Office Directory Worcestershire: Smiths, Blacksmiths & Farriers: William Hadley, Gorsty Hill.
1884 Kelly's Directory, Worcestershire: William Hadley, Smith, Gorsty Hill.
Interstingly I also found this:
1884 Kelly's Directory, Worcestershire William Hadley George & Dragon 55 Halesowen Road
On the 1891 census William's son George Hadley is the Landlord of the George & Dragon pub at 55 Halesowen Road. is the William listed above his father ?
I've always assumed that William was a factory workers making theses breech pins but given the above information does this prove he was self employed and how could I find out anymore information on who he did business with etc. I think he must have worked by himself because on the census returns he's not listed as a employer so I'm thinking he maybe he had his workshop at home.
Would the person have to pay to be included in the directories ?
Any ideas would be smashing.
Kind regards
Adrian
