Potter: Powell + Bristol
Charles Smith was born about 1844 in Barnet, Hertfordshire. He was the son of a draper, also called Charles Smith. Charles married Eliza Adkins at Wimbledon St. Mary on 14 January 1862. The couple moved to Coventry, Warwickshire, where son Sidney Adkins Smith was baptised at Holy Trinity on 1 June 1863. Charles was a grocer at this time. Sidney was followed by children Kate (1865), also born in Coventry, Percy Kempson (1867), Frank (1869), Edith Mary (20 Aug. 1871) and Harold (19 Jan. 1873) who were born at Foleshill. All the children appear to be baptised at Holy Trinity, Coventry and the family abode is given as Burgess.
In 1871 Charles and Eliza were at 3, Clifton Terrace, Foleshill, Warwickshire, where Charles was a Grocer & Wine Merchant.
By 1881 Charles was living in New Road, Old Sodbury, as a Master Brewer & Wine & Spirit Dealer employing 4 men. His son Sidney, then aged 17 was a brewer also.They operated the HILL HOUSE BREWERY, Old Sodbury.
From the front page of the Bristol Times and Mirror - Saturday 22 November 1884: "MESSRS. MOSES SMITH & SON are Instructed by Mr. Charles Smith. who is removing his business to Bristol. to SELL by AUCTION. upon the Premises. on FRIDAY. December 12th 1884, The Whole of his Very Valuable HORSES, CONVEYANCES. and Out-door EFFECTS. Also a Large Stock of Old BEER and Rare Old WINES."
From the Western Daily Press - Thursday 31 December 1885, page 3: "THEFT.—Charles Allen, an elderly man, was charged with stealing a bottle of wine, value three shillings, the property of Mr Charles Smith, wine merchant, Tucker Street. Frank Smith, a son of the prosecutor, stated that defendant had been employed by his father as a porter, but left their employ about six months ago. On Tuesday the man came into the office and asked witness how he was. He did not stay long, and when left the bottle of wine (produced) was missed. Information was then given to the police. P.O. 83 A proved finding the bottle of wine in the prisoner's house in Thomas Street, and taking the man into custody. The accused pleaded guilty, and was fined 20s and costs, or fourteen days' imprisonment. A good character was given him."
After the family left Bristol it appears that by April 1888 they had moved to 7 Albert Road, Southsea, Hampshire, where Charles continued as a Grocer and Wine Merchant. The business was likely formerly R. Soar, fruitier and seed dealer which was up for disposal. In 1891 Kate, Edith and Harold were still at home and Eliza's relative Annie F. Adkins was visiting. They were still at this address in 1901 and Frank, Edith and Percy were at home a this date. Edith and Frank continued to work in the business with their parents until at least 1911.
Charles died at 7 Albert Road, Southsea on 4 October 1920, his widow Eliza succeeded him.
| 1 Gallon Stoneware Flagon | |
| Impressed:
C. SMITH / Tucker Street / BRISTOL Potter: Powell + Bristol |