William WEAVER, born on 3rd May 1841. His mother, Dinah Furborough, died when he was just 4 years old, probably as a result of or during the birth of his sister Susannah in May 1845. It's possible that Susannah didn't survive either.
In 1856, William Weaver the younger was indentured as an Outdoor Apprentice to James Skidmore of Bromsgrove, Cabinet Maker and Joiner. His hours of work during October, November, December, January, February and March were from seven o'clock in the morning to seven o'clock at night, and during April, May, June, July, August and September from six o'clock in the morning until seven o'clock at night, being allowed half an hour at breakfast and one hour at dinner. The wage was one shilling per week during the first year, three shillings per week during the second year and an increase of one shilling per week during every succeeding year.
In November 1861, William was awarded a prize for Geometry from the Bromsgrove School of Art.
On the completion of his apprenticeship, William decided to go to London to seek his fortune, as many have done before and since. These were the days when a journeyman joiner in London wore a top hat and frock coat on a Sunday.
He obtained employment in the joinery works of Cubitts in Grays Inn Road. (Nigel Hammer informed W. J. Weaver a few years ago that his company had just returned to their old address after an absence of about 50 years). After a relatively short period he was promoted to foreman during the time that Cubitts were building the old Bank of England in Threadneedle Street and some of the hardwood counters and fittings passed through his hands.
At this time, Cubitts were also carrying out work at Madresfield Court, near Malvern, the joinery for which was being made in their joinery shop. (Earl Beauchamp informed W. J. Weaver that his (the Earl's) grandfather owned large areas of land in London in the early part of the nineteenth century, and Cubitts carried out an enormous amount of building in developing this land, and this no doubt accounted for Cubitts working at Madresfield Court).
In letters of 1863/4 it is clear that he was interested in a Mary MANSELL from The Mythe, Tewkesbury. However, later William met a young lady by the name of Sarah Ann SIVELL, who lived at Pendock, not far from Madresfield, and although he visited his home at Bromsgrove, and no doubt Pendock, regularly, he thought it would be so much better if he could be sent to Madresfield to fix the joinery he was making. However, he was told in no uncertain manner by his superiors, that any carpenter could do the fixing, but he was of more use to them as a joiner in their workshops.
William decided to leave Cubitts and return to Bromsgrove, and established his building firm in 1865 at the age of 24. His signed apprenticeship indentures are hung in the boardroom of the Weaver plc.
He married Sarah Ann SIVELL shortly afterward in 1866. Sarah Ann's sister Emily Mary SIVELL had married Jonathan BRAZIER, another builder in Bromsgrove, so the introduction of Sarah Ann may have been through the BRAZIERs who were to be family friends and business partners. It is evident that they were quite close as William was Bailiff of Bromsgrove in 1884, and Jonathan succeeded him in 1885. Also on one occasion when Jonathan was ill, William looked after his jobs for him.
Two of William's account books, dated 1865 - 1870, are still in the posession of the company. It appears most of the work carried out at that time was of a very minor nature, but over the years , the size and the volume of the work increased, although he adhered primarily to joinery and carpentry work.
In later years, William and his brother-in-law, Jonathan BRAZIER, joined forces on some larger works, BRAZIER doing the groundwork and brickwork, and WEAVER doing the carpentry and joinery. It was said that he was popular with his workmen, and in the course of a long career he took part in a number of important contracts, including: Rainbow Hill church, Worcester; St. Godwald's Church, Finstall; Catshill and All Saints' Vicarages; the Board Schools at Stourbridge Road, Catshill, Lickey End and Dodford; All Saints' Schoolroom; the Big School at Bromsgrove School; Bromsgrove Police Buildings; and the Institute.
William took an active part in public affairs for many years and was a member of the Board of Guardians, forerunners of the Bromsgrove District Council. He was a regular attendant at the meetings, and up to the time of his death was Chairman of the Lighting Committee of the Council. In the latter capacity he was engaged in the controversy which arose with regard to the lighting of the public lamps in Bromsgrove, and he also assisted to bring about the lighting of Sidemoor.
He was one of the overseers of the poor, and was Bailiff of the Bromsgrove Court Leet in 1884. He was an old Volunteer, and was a student of the School of Art in its early days, and a successful prize-winner. He was been a member of the Urban District Council since its formation, and was a sidesman for many years at All Saints' Church.
Sarah Ann SIVELL died in 1877, and William married the widowed Mary Ann DALTON on 1st September 1883, although she had been living with the family since at least 1881 as housekeeper. She was clearly important to William as early as 1881 as she was listed in the census return above his children. Mary Ann DALTON may have been related (by marriage) to Henry DALTON whom William's aunt, Mary Ann, had married in 1838.
William built Hollymount, where he hoped to retire, but Mary Ann died in June 1897 and William followed a few months later in December, before the property was completed. He died at his home in the Strand, after having been seriously ill for a long time, suffering from pernicious anaemia - a vitmain B12 deficiency. He was 56 years of age, and he was widely known and highly respected.
The papers of the day reported that he died "...at his residence, about half-past-three on Thursday morning. The deceased had been ailing for some time, but had been feeling much better prior to his death. ... He was a man who was much respected by all classes and shades of opinion."
William WEAVER's will dated 24th September 1897 shows that he had become a wealthy man. Apart from a bequest to his nephew Walter William WEAVER of Finstall, he left all his estate to his children. He left No. 18 and 19 The Strand with the workshops, stores, yard and cottages behind, together with stock, machinery, horses, carts and carriages to William Edward. He left thirteen other properties and several pieces of land to his other son John Sivell and his two daughters, and in addition he left a further eleven properties, yet more land, a life policy and shares to his children. At his death his effects were estimated at £1305 3s 5d.
Additional notes:
It has been written elsewhere that William WEAVER the builder was the son of 'Weaver the Milkman' of Townsend Farm. This is believed to be incorrect for the following reasons:
i) William WEAVER the builder was born 3 May 1841 to William and Dinah. Soures: Family Bible and Apprenticeship Indenture both with impeccable provenance.
ii) During William's life Townsend Farm was occupied by only two families. In 1841 William WALKER is in residence. From 1851 to 1901 the farm is in the possession of John WEAVER.
iii) Both William's father William WEAVER and John WEAVER of Townsend Farm were milkman and I believe this is where the confusion has arisen.
No familial connection between these milkman has been found to date.