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Philemon Steatham

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	Featured Steathams Philemon Steatham (1842-1913) Philemon was a son of Robert Steatham's second eldest surviving son Joseph Steatham I have been contacted by Yvonne Jones who is a Great Great Grand Daughter of Philemon. I am grateful to Yvonne for the information she has provided on Philemon, this has enabled me to create this page. Philemon, married, Ann Williams born 1843.
Philemon Steatham's (1842-1913) baptism.	Philemon Steatham (1842-1913) Born 1842, he was baptised Wednesday the 17th of April 1842, at St Lawrence, Darlaston.
Philemon Steatham's marriage.	Philemon, then aged eighteen, married Ann Williams, aged nineteen, daughter of James Williams, occupation stated as Roller, on Monday the 5th December 1859, at All Saints Church, West Bromwich. Mary, Ann’s sister is down as a witness. Note — the handwriting is all written by the same person (hand). They have fourteen children. Note - as children are born their lives will be covered in their entirety, before moving on with Philemon's story.
	#1) Sarah Ann Steatham (1860-1927). Sarah Ann was born at Bilston, stated as aged ten in the 1871 Census, she never marries, and dies on Tuesday the 15th of January 1927, and was buried at James Bridge Cemetery on Wednesday the 20th of January 1927 in grave N2 419. It is touching to note that Sarah Ann was buried with her brother Robert and his wife Mary. Sarah Ann appears in the "Probate Death Index". STEATHAM Sarah Ann of 6 Pear Tree-terrace High-street Darlaston Staffordshire spinster died 15 January 1927 Administration Lichfield 5 February to Robert Steatham stamper. Effects £397 5s. 8d. Note - the word “effects” is equivalent to “property,” or “worldly substance". £397 5s. 8d. in 1927, in todays money would be the equal to £27,720.63 - Calculated using this Link. Note - the date of death do not match up for Sarah Ann's gravestone and probate report. I believe it's most likely that the Memorial Inscription (gravestone) was put up much later and has most likely has the wrong date (year). In 1871 census, Sarah Ann Steatham, aged 10, is found living with her maternal grand parents, James and Mary Williams. In 1891 census, Sarah Ann Steatham, aged 31, domestic servant, is again found still living with her maternal grand parents, James and Mary Williams. In 1901 census, Sarah Ann Steatham, aged 32, single, born 1864, Wednesbury, Grocer at 9 hill Street Wednesbury, living with brother George Steatham, aged 15, born 1886, Wednesbury, Machinist Nut & Bolt. The age to me looks like it is 32, but has been transcribed as 37, but it still does not match the birth year from the other information we have. Note - Job and Nancy Steatham and family living next door. We can only work with the information we have so we have to leave it where it is.

Robert Steatham's (1862-1928) grave.	#2) Robert Steatham (1862-1928). Robert born 1862, down as Stathan in civil records. He was a Stamper in the Lock Trade, and married in 1884, in Wolverhampton, Mary Parker born 1860, in Darlaston, aged 29 in the 1891 census. They had five children. Robert died on Thursday the 31st May 1928, and was buried at James Bridge Cemetery, on Wednesday the 6th of June 1928, in grave N2 419. The grave was originally purchased by Robert in 1927, for his unmarried sister Sarah Ann (1860-1927), (see #1) above) who died on Friday the 15th of January 1927, and was buried at James Bridge Cemetery on Wednesday the 20th of January 1927 in grave N2 419. Robert appears in the "Probate Death Index". STEATHAM Robert of 64 Pinfold-street Darlaston Staffordshire spinster died 31 May 1928 Administration Lichfield 29 September to Mary Steatham widow. Effects £216. Note - the word “effects” is equivalent to “property,” or “worldly substance". £216 in 1928, in todays money would be the equal to £15,082.26 - Calculated using this Link. Mary died on Sunday 18th of August 1937, and was buried on Monday the 23rd of August 1937, in grave N2 419. Click the following link the view the cemetery in Steatham Research Cemeteries James Bridge, Darlaston.
Agnes Steatham baptism.	#3) Agnes Steatham (1864-). Agnes was born on Tuesday the 14th June 1864, baptised on Thursday the 24th November 1864, at St Lawrence, Darlaston, and married Joseph Foster, in Wolverhampton in 1886. They had two sons, Thomas born 1887, and Joseph born 1893. Agnes also had a son Thomas born 1884. Living at 70 Pinfold Street in 1901 census.
Elizabeth Steatham marriage.	#4)Elizabeth Steatham (1865-). Elizabeth was born at Wednesbury in 1864, aged six in the 1871 census, and married William Parker on Sunday the 9th of October 1887, at St Lawrence, Darlaston, and was then lost to us. Just a thought - I wonder if William Parker above is any relation to Mary Parker, Robert's wife? #5) Alfred Steatham (1868-1868). Alfred was baptised at Slater Street, Primitive Methodist, Darlaston on Monday the 26th of the February 1868, he died in 1898, civil registration in second quarter, April-May-June. May well have been buried with his twin brother Samuel. A twin with Samuel. #6) Samuel Steatham (1868-1868). Samuel was baptised at Slater Street, Primitive Methodist, Darlaston on Monday the 26th of February 1868, he died the same year and was buried at St Bartholomew Wednesbury (Infant) on Tuesday the 7th April 1868. A twin with Alfred.

Mary Jane Steatham's marriage.	#7) Mary Jane Steatham (1869-1929). Mary was born Q1 1869, married Thomas Kerry, born 1867, bolt forger, son of Charles Kerry, blacksmith, on Tuesday the 23rd August 1892, at Walsall Registrar Office. Philemon’s occupation is down as ‘lock filer’ (GLF). Mary Jane Steatham was down as aged twelve in the 1881 census, and occupation in 1891 census given as “bolt screwer”. They had seven children, @1) Christopher Charles Kerry (1893-), born Thursday the 9th February 1893, baptised Wednesday the 1st March 1893, died Sunday the 16th July 1972. @2) Wilson Alfred Kerry (1895-), born 1895, baptised Wednesday the 2nd January 1895, died Q1 1962. @3) Florence Ellen Kerry (1896-1899), born 1896. @4) Albert Edward Kerry (1898-1954), born 1898, was born on Monday the 21st November 1898, at 73 Cambridge Road, Smethwick, the birth being registered on Tuesday the 3rd January the next year!

Albert Edward Kerry's marriage.	On Saturday the 6th of October 1928, Albert Edward Kerry, aged twenty eight, Silk Weaver, married Clara Bidder, aged twenty three, at Christ Church, Burton on Trent,

Albert Edward Kerry's wedding.

Albert Edward Kerry.	Albert was in the first World War, and it is believed he signed up when he was just only sixteen. He was a private in the Notts. & Derby regiment no 91394. He was a prisoner of war escort in the Sherwood Forester Regiment no 303717. He is wearing spurs in the photo, so he must have had something to do with horses. @5) Rose Hannah Kerry (1901-1945), born 1901. @6) Emma Jane Kerry (1903), born Friday the 24th of July 1903, died Q4 1988, cremated Thursday the 15th of December 1988. @7) Leonard Kerry (1905-), born Saturday the 11th of November 1905, died Q3 1978. Mary Jane (Nee Steatham) died 1929, and Thomas Kerry died in 1937.
	Continuing on with Philemon's children. #8) Thomas Arthur Steatham (1871-1939). Thomas Arthur was born on Saturday the 2nd January 1871, occupation apprentice lock maker in 1891 census. Married Minnie Florence Giles in 1897, Thomas Arthur died in 1939. Minnie died in 1956. They had two children.
Annie (Hannah) Maria Steatham's baptism.	#9) Hannah Maria Steatham (1874-1900), born 1874, was aged eight in 1881 census, aged seventeen in 1891 census. She was baptised as Annie Maria, on the 31st March 1883, at All Saints, Darlaston. She died aged twenty seven in 1900. Note she was baptised many years after she was born, Philemon was known do this for many of his children, in this case they seem to have forgotten what they registered their child as, also her middle name of Maria was dropped after her initial civil registration. Also note The P to the left of the baptism entry, this means I think an adult or late baptism. We find a Joseph Steatham being born illegitimate in 1893 being baptised on Wednesday the 15th February to a Hannah Steatham, her address is given as 36 Walsall Road, which of course is the Prince of Wales public house. Our Hannah Maria / Annie Steatham is the only one found so far that fits date wise. #10) Florence Steatham (1876-1947), born 1876, in West Bromwich, married Samuel Harper in 1901, in Dudley. Died in 1947 aged seventy one. They had two children. #11) Rose Amy Steatham (1880-), on her wedding down as Rosemary born 27th Decemeber 1879, aged twelve in 1891 census. Occupation was iron bolt turner in 1901 census, she married Sunday the 26th May 1901, William Lambeth and they had one child. #12) Frances Steatham (1883-), born 4th March 1883 (1939 Reg), aged eight in 1891 census. Married James Woodward, born in 1881, and four children, Olive May (1903), Hannah Gertrude (1906), James (1908), Horace (1911).
George Steatham A World War I hero...	#13) George Steatham (1885-1917). He is the only Steatham to have died as a result of his World War I service. He also is the only Steatham to have is name mis-spelt (Streatham) on his gravestone! George Steatham is a Featured person, click Here to read more about him.
	We now continue on with Philemon's story, as a time line utilising the census data we have, interspersed with newspaper reports mentioning him. Philemon is now mentioned in newspapers. We have mentioned. ^[BNA] Wellington Journal - Saturday 14 March 1868. Birmingham Journal - Saturday 14 March 1868. The most complete record is in the, Wolverhampton Chronicle and Staffordshire Advertiser -Wednesday 18 March 1868. STABBING IN A PUBLIC-HOUSE AT DARLASTON. John Muckley, on bail was indictedfor feloniously cutting and wounding Philemon Steatham,, on the 10th of November, at Darlaston, with intent to do him grievous bodily harm. Mr YOUNG conducted the prosecution. Steatham is a gunlock filer, living at King's Hill, and on the named he was drinking with prisoner and several other men at John Guest's, the Queen's Head Darlaston, for several hours. In the evening the prisoner toasting a piece of bread, which he had begged from the landlord, at the fire, when, as the prosecutor and another man said, the former blew some froth off a jug of ale which had just been brought in towards the prisoner’s toast. The prisoner in a rage drew the knife out of the bread and threw it with considerable force at the prosecutor. It entered his back, and one of the witnesses said he bled "pretty much like a pig which had been struck." Mr. Handy, surgeon, Darlaston, said the wound was three-quarters of an inch long and deep, but he did not consider it dangerous. The prisoner call a witness who stated that the prosecutor took some ale into his mouth and spurted on to the prisoner’s bread; then the prisoner told him not to do it again, but that the prosecutor filled his mouth a second time and repeated the act, upon which the prisoner threw the knife as previously described, and the prosecutor then gave him a "good hiding." The jury convicted the prisoner of unlawful wounding, acquitting him on any intent to do grievous bodily harm, and recommended him to mercy on the grounds of provocation he received. His Lordship, addressing the prisoner, said no doubt he did receive some provocation, although quite inadequate to justify the course he unfortunately adopted. He should give effect to the recommendation of the Jury by sentencing him to month's imprisonment only. What a interesting story this is. Where was the Pub? We read it was John Guest’s public house / Queens Head Inn, Darlaston. There was a Queens Head Inn at 38 Queens Street Wednesbury, Darlaston and Wednesbury were used interchangeably, so that could be the one I suppose. Note — it happened on a Sunday evening! I would have thought that was a quiet night at a pub. Why did it take so long to come to court? The details seem vague, was he stabbing or was the knife just thrown at Philemon, and Philemon giving the guy a good beating is missing from some reports. Notably this is one of the few reports in print of a Steatham being a Gun Lock Filer! Philemon's story now continue in Census's. [1851 - March 30th] We see Philemon aged eight, living with his parents, Joseph Steatham aged forty three, and Sarah Dangerfield aged forty, born Wednesbury, and his younger siblings, Hannah aged three, and Joseph, aged one, at King Street, Darlaston. King Street went from the Bull Stake, past The White Lion Inn (the fold), to St Lawrence. [1861 - April 7th] We now have Philemon’s parents Joseph Steatham aged 53, Sarah aged 50, born Darlaston, and his younger brother Joseph aged 9, living opposite ‘Mr. Carter's Works’. ‘Carters works’ was in Walsall road a bit down to towards Walsall from the Prince of Wales public house. Also we find Philemon gun lock filer aged nineteen now married, with his wife Ann also aged nineteen, and his daughter Sarah Ann aged nine months, at Audley Street, living with his in-laws Joseph Williams and his wife Mary. [1871 - April 2nd] We now see Philemon’s father, Joseph Steatham, aged sixty three, Gun Lock Manufacturer, his wife Sarah aged sixty, their daughter Hannah aged twenty two, and Philemon’s younger brother, Joseph aged twenty, Gun Lock Filer, all at 78 Back Street, Kings Hill Field. Philemon Steatham is now aged twenty nine, Gun Lock Filer, his wife Ann now aged twenty nine, Robert aged ten, born Bilston, Agnes aged eight, Elizabeth aged six, and Mary Jane aged two, all at 74 Back Street, Kings Hill Field. So both Philemon and his father Joseph Steatham were living just doors away from each other. [1881 - April 3rd] Joseph Steatham now aged seventy three widower, Bolt Manufacturer, Sarah Fletcher aged forty six, servant, living now at 77 Birmingham Street. Next door we have his son Joseph Steatham now aged thirty two, Gun Lock Filer, wife Heziah? aged thirty three, Joseph W. aged eight, James Arthur aged six, Sarah aged five, Mary Jane aged four, Isaiah aged three, Samuel aged one, now at 76 Birmingham Street. Next, 75 is empty, then we have at 74... Philemon Steatham aged thirty eight, Gun Lock Filer, wife Ann aged thirty eight, Robert, Stamper ?, aged eighteen, Jane aged twelve, Thomas aged nine, Hannah aged eight, Florence (down as Flora) aged five, Rose Amy aged one, at 75 Birmingham Street. So Joseph Steatham and his two sons, Philemon and Joseph Steatham are all now living next door to each other. At 78, is Hannah Steatham and her family. James Plant aged thirty one, Colliery Clerk, his wife Hannah aged thirty, and their only child, Walter aged 4 Hannah is Philemon’s sister. In 1886, we now see Philemon being mentioned in lists of electors, 69 Birmingham Street, dwelling house (successive), back of 69 and 69 Birmingham Street. Where the word "successive" appears in the registers it means that the elector had occupied, during the 12 months qualifying period, more than one property within the particular constituency, each of which was of a sufficient rateable value to qualify its occupier to vote. We now see Philemon again being mentioned in newspapers, which was a assault on his daughter Hannah Steatham, aged twelve, born 1873, stated as aged seventeen in the 1891 census. The assault occurred on Monday 2nd August 1886. This was widely reported in the newspapers, in all a total of ten. We have mentioned. ^[BNA] Birmingham Mail - Tuesday 03 August 1886. Edinburgh Evening News - Tuesday 03 August 1886. Dundee Courier - Wednesday 04 August 1886. Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser - 04 August 1886. Dundee Weekly News - Saturday 07 August 1886. Coleshill Chronicle - Saturday 14 August 1886. Truth - Thursday 19 August 1886. Truth - Thursday 19 August 1886. Coleshill Chronicle - Saturday 14 August 1886. The Grantham Journal 21st August 1886. Reading through all the reports a synopsis is as follows - On Monday the 1st August 1886, Philemon, stated as an iron worker, went home drunk and his daughter Hannah displeased him, and he hit her around the head and then kicked her in the abdomen. A Dr. Featherstone was called and she was taken into his care. Hannah was described as being weak and uncared for, she was then unconscious for twelve hours. Philemon was remanded on Tuesday the 3rd August and charged with aggravated assault. On the afternoon of Tuesday 10th August at Wednesbury, he was sentenced to six weeks hard labour. In 1888, we now see Philemon again being mentioned in lists of electors, 69 Birmingham Street, dwelling house. In 1889, we now see Philemon's last mention in lists of electors, 80 Hill Street, Wednesbury, dwelling house (successive), Birmingham Street and 80 Hill Street. Where the word "successive" appears in the registers it means that the elector had occupied, during the 12 months qualifying period, more than one property within the particular constituency, each of which was of a sufficient rateable value to qualify its occupier to vote. [1891 - April 5th]
Philemon Steatham at the Workhouse 1891.	We now find Philemon Steatham listed in the Workhouse, Wednesbury, he is recorded down as Philip Statham, aged 53? Gun Lock Filer, born Wednesbury. His father Joseph Steatham died in 1889, so he is not found in this census, neither is his wife Ann, who had pre-deceased him in 1886. Ann had died aged forty four of inflammation of the stomach and was buried on Friday the 28th May 1886 at Wood Green cemetery, Wednesbury. Philemon's son Thomas Steatham now aged twenty, Apprentice Lock Maker, living at 24 Walsall Road, Darlaston, with his siblings, Hannah aged seventeen, Florence aged fourteen, Rose aged 12, Frances age eight, and lastly click George Steatham aged five. Philemon’s sister Hannah Plant [Nee Steatham] now aged forty two, husband James Plant, aged forty one, Clerk, born Coseley, Staffordshire, Walter Plant, aged fourteen, still Birmingham Road, but moved next door to 77 Darlaston. Joseph Steatham aged forty nine, widower, Publican, Samuel aged twenty seven, Blacksmith, Thomas aged twenty three, Brolley Riveter, Hannah aged eighteen, Minnie, aged nine, at 36 Walsall Road "Prince of Wales" Public House. Next door, at 34 Walsall Road is the last living issue of Robert and Hannah, and Philemon’s uncle, Moses Steatham now aged 78, Gun Lock Filer. Later this year, in October, he dies and is buried by his son Moses Steatham the sexton, at James Bridge Cemetery, joining his wife Elizabeth who had pre-deceased him, she being buried on Tuesday the 3rd June 1879. The “Prince of Wales” Public House, still exists, just, but is now closed and boarded up, and unfortunately the adjoining houses, have long since gone.
Ann's death certificate	Ann, Philemon’s wife aged forty four, now dies, on Monday the 18th May 1886, at Birmingham Street, Wednesbury, of inflammation of the abdomen — collapse, certified by J. Nolan, physician. Her daughter Agnes Steatham was present at the death. [1901 - March 31st]
Philemon Steatham at the Workhouse 1901.	Philemon Steatham is again found listed in the Workhouse, Wednesbury, he is down as Philemon Staitham aged sixty four, ten year’s older than his actual age, now stated as a general labourer. Philemon’s sister Hannah Plant [Nee Steatham] now aged fifty two, husband James Plant aged fifty, ? Clerk, born Coseley, Staffordshire, Walter Plant, aged twenty three, still at 77 Birmingham Road, Darlaston. We now have the son of Samuel Steatham’s (1815-1884) son, Job, Samuel Steatham aged thirty five, publican, Harriet, aged thirty eight, at 74 Walsall Road. At 64 Pinfold Street we have, have the son of Samuel Steatham (1815-1884) a William Steatham (1850-1913) aged fifty one, widower, ? in Bridge Yard, William, son aged 21, Mary Donaldson daughter aged 22, Joseph Donaldson aged twenty six, son in law, nut and bolt maker, Alice Steatham aged eight, daughter, William Donaldson aged one, grandson. We now have the son of Philemon, Robert Steatham aged 38, born Bilston, Gun Lock Stamper, his wife Mary aged thirty nine, Edward aged sixteen, Tap & ? maker, Gertrude aged fifteen, Mary A. aged thirteen, Nut ? ?, Sidney aged one, Frances Steatham, sister (?), aged 18, Bolt ? Iron Next door at 65, is Thomas Evans, aged 66, Licensed Victualler, 'own'.We now have Agnes Steatham, with husband Joseph Foster, and their two sons, Thomas aged fourteen, Joseph aged eight.
Philemon Steatham at the Workhouse 1911.	[1911 - April 2nd] We again see Philemon Steatham, spelling reverting to Philemon Staitham still aged sixty nine, back as a Gun Lock Filer, at the workhouse, which he has been at for at least twenty two years. For this census, YM - means Years married CBA - means Children Born Alive CSL - means Children Still Living CD - means Children died Joseph Steatham aged 60 [Widower], Gun Lock filer; his son Samuel Steatham aged thirty one, Stamper, Ironworks; Samuel's wife, Elizabeth Steatham aged thirty four; Elsie May Denning aged twelve [Niece], and Joseph Steatham's Grand daughter, Elizabeth Steatham aged one. At King's Hill. The Census indicates - Joseph Steatham YM 38, CBA 8, CSL -, CD 3. Samuel Steatham YM 6, CBA 2, CSL -, CD 1. Elizabeth Steatham YM 6, CBA 2, CSL 1, CD 1. We now find Philemon’s son Robert Steatham, at 64 Pinfold Street, we can see Robert Steatham aged forty eight, Stamper, Gun Works; Mary Steatham aged forty nine; Gertrude Steatham aged twenty five, Domestic Servant; Mary Ann Steatham aged twenty three, Turner bolts, Nut & Bolt Man; Sydney Steatham aged eleven. The Census indicates - Robert Steatham - YM ?, CBA 7, CSL 4, CD 3. A few doors down, opposite them, in the same street we can see Robert's son Edward, living with his wife, Edith. At 59 Pinfold Street. We can see a George Ensell aged 72, Old age pensioner (Axle Smith); Pamela Ensell aged 57; Arthur Ensell aged 26, Labourer (out of work); Edith Steatham aged twenty; Edward Steatham aged twenty six, Tool Maker, married one year. That is all the census data I have found so far.
Philemon Steatham's death certificate	Philemon now dies, aged seventy one, on Wednesday the 28th May 1913, of ‘Influenza 4 days’, at the Workhouse Infirmary, West Bromwich. Robert Steatham, his eldest son, of 64 Pinfold Lane, Wednesbury, was present at the death. Although the death certificate states Robert living at Pinfold Lane, I think this must be Pinfold Street, Darlaston, as in both 1901 and 1911 census’ Robert and his family are down as living at 64 Pinfold Street, Darlaston. [Summary] What a story this is. Firstly the name; now remember although his father Joseph Steatham was baptised in the CofE (the established church), he and his wife Ann become fervent Methodists, this is most probably why Philemon was named such, as it is deeply religious name. Philemon married very young, just nineteen and lived with his in-laws rather than his father’s family. The amount of children Ann had, thirteen, which is a record for a Steatham, was extraordinary, and it is not surprising that Ann passed at such a young age. Via newspaper reports, we see Philemon’s brushes with the law. The assault on his daughter I would imagine would have likely estranged him from his family, and that would explain why we find him in a workhouse, in the 1891 Census. This is just five years after the assault on Hannah. We have no way of determining the actual date he entered the West Bromwich workhouse, as the records were destroyed in WW2. We could surmise he was made homeless, possibly not long after his term of imprisonment. Philemon then spends at least twenty two years there, and dies in the Workhouse Infirmary aged seventy one, his correct age, and was most likely buried in a paupers' grave at Heath Lane Cemetery, in graves that held up to twenty bodies. It is touching to note that his eldest son Robert Steatham was with him when he died. Steatham.com All Rights Reserved.