Those Working in Ireland From the Mid 19th and 20th Century

[dognose]

THOMAS McCLURE

4, Ann Street, Belfast

Noted as having £100 worth of jewellery stolen in May 1893. The culprit was arrested after attempting to pawn a gold watch chain, which was part of the proceeds of the robbery, and charged with the theft.




The 1901 Irish Census records Thomas McClure as a 46 year old, Co. Down born Watchmaker. He is married to 45 year, Belfast born Mary. The couple reside at 11, Knockbreda Park, Belfast, and have one live-in servant. Their religion was recorded as Presbyterian.

The 1911 Irish Census records the the couple had been married for 36 years and have no children.

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AUGUST LANGEMANN

Gresham Street, Belfast

Noted as being charged with receiving stolen property in November 1892.

The 1911 Irish Census records T.W. August Langemann as a 60 year old Watchmaker Optician, born at Brunswick in Germany. He is married to 58 year old, Co. Tyrone born Jane. They have two children, Frederick 21, and Margeretta 18 years of age. The census notes that they had three children, only two of whom were living. The family's religion was recorded as Presbyterian and they reside at 113, Woodstock Road, Belfast.

August Langemann appears to have been not at home when the 1901 was held. The family's address was recorded as 207, Woodstock Road, Belfast.


He was probably the same August Langemann who was one of the founder masons of City Lodge, Ballymacarrett, Belfast in 1889.

"Warrant No. 686 to Ballymacarrett, Co. Down as “City Lodge” 29 June, 1889 - James Page (314); Joseph Armstrong (51) and August Langemann (665) registered along with eight others from various lodges, 29 June, 1889."

Source: Grand Lodge Registers - Series three - Volume 10.

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BENJAMIN CHAPMAN

Belfast

Noted as working in Belfast as a Watchmaker and Jeweller from c.1848 until c.1864. His father was noted as a Watchmaker in Dublin as from 1814.

In 1864 Benjamin Chapman emigrated to Canada. For details of his career in Toronto see: The Canadian Trade, Information, Advertisements, Etc.

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MEAVE O'BYRNE DOGGETT

Noted as a member of The Arts and Crafts Society of Ireland and an exhibitor at the fifth Exhibition of Irish Arts and Crafts held at Dublin during July and August 1917 before being transferred to Belfast and then to Cork.




The 1901 Irish Census records Meave E.M. O'Byrne as an 18 year old, Co.Dublin born Art Student. She is the daughter of 56 year old, Co. Dublin born William B.D. O'Byrne and 44 year old Mary, who was born in the United States. Meave also shares the house at 17, Monkstown Hill, Dublin with her four sisters and one brother. The family's religion was recorded as Roman Catholic. An interesting visitor to the house at the time of the census, was one Francis H. Doggett, a 20 year old, Indian born Mechanical Engineer, who is perhaps to become Meave's husband.

The 1911 Irish Census reveals no trace of either Meave or Francis.



Whilst attending the Metropolitan School of Art at Dublin, the following was noted:

Meave O'Byrne was awarded a Bronze Medal for Design in Outline in an Historic Style (Subject 22b).

In consideration of the progress made during the past session, the Department have extended for another session the Teacherships-in training held by Mr. Ernest Corr, Miss Meave O'Byrne, and Miss Ethel Symes.

Source: Report of the Acting Head-Master for the Session 1905-6



An Exhibition was noted in Boston, Massachusetts in 1915:

Society of Arts and Crafts - April 10 to May 1–Enamels by Mrs. Meave O'Byrne Doggett of London.

Source: American Art Annual - Volume 13

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J. LEUFER & SONS

Bishop Street and The Square, Tuam, Co. Galway

The 1911 Irish Census records Joseph Leufer as a 55 year old Watchmaker born in Germany. He is married to 53 year old, Galway born Bridget. They live with their children, Josephine 21, Aron 20, and Bertha 12 years of age. All the children were born at Tuam, Andrew is also described as a Watchmaker. Joseph and Bridget are recorded as being married for 32 years, they have had six children of whom five are living. The family resides at 5, Bishop Street, Tuam and their religion recorded as Roman Catholic.

The family do not appear to be recorded in the 1901 Irish Census.

Joseph Leufer is thought to have been a native of Treiburg, Germany. He arrived in Ireland with two other watchmakers, one of the Fallons (see earlier posts on the Fallon brothers), and another named be Burgo.

Joseph Leufer's business continues to this day, and is still located in Bishop Street and at The Square, Tuam.






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ROBERT HENRY LAING

Bridge Street, Westport, Co. Mayo



R.H. Laing - Westport, Co. Mayo - 1903

The 1901 Irish Census reveals Robert H. Laing as a 19 year old, Co. Mayo born Watchmaker and Jeweller. He lives with his widowed mother, 45 year old, Co. Mayo born Kate. Robert is unmarried and resides at 5, Newport, Westport. His religion was recorded as Church of Ireland.

The 1911 Irish Census reveals little further information with the exception of a relocation to 6, Altamont Street, Westport.

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MARGARET O'KEEFE aka Daisy O'Keefe

Noted as a member of The Arts and Crafts Society of Ireland and an exhibitor at the fifth Exhibition of Irish Arts and Crafts held at Dublin during July and August 1917 before being transferred to Belfast and then to Cork.




Margaret O'Keefe was noted as receiving Art Teachership in Training for the session 1913-14, and renewed for 1914-15 at the Metropolitan School of Art in Dublin where she studied enamelling under Oswald Reeves. She exhibied at the Arts & Crafts Society of Ireland Sixth Exhibition held at The Metropolitan School of Art, Dublin, 30th September until 29th October 1921. In 1923-24 she joined the Cluna Studio, which was run by Gertrude M. Grew at 39 Harcourt Street, Dublin. At the Cluna Studio, Daisy made hand-made jewellery and enamelled metalwork. She exhibited at the Aonach Tailteann Exhibition of Irish Art held at the Art Industries Hall, Ball’s Bridge, Dublin, from the 5th until the 18th August 1924, and by 1925 she was a member of the Guild of Irish Art Workers



The logo of the Cluna Studio.

Daisy was next noted as an exhibitor at the Arts & Crafts Society of Ireland (and Guild of Irish Art Workers) Seventh Exhibition held at The Metropolitan School of Art, Dublin, on the 1st October until 31st October 1925, this exhibition also visited Belfast in November of that year and Cork in January 1926. It is likely she also displayed her wares at the Tailteann Exhibition in 1932.

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INEZ M. HOLLOWAY

Noted as a member of The Arts and Crafts Society of Ireland and an exhibitor at the fifth Exhibition of Irish Arts and Crafts held at Dublin during July and August 1917 before being transferred to Belfast and then to Cork.



Inez M. Holloway - 1917

There appears to be no record of Inez M. Holloway contained within the 1911 Irish Census, this may be because Holloway is perhaps her married name.

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JOHN J. COOKE & Co.Ltd.

14, Fownes Street Upper, Temple Bar, Dublin

Established in 1952, the business was converted into a limited liability company on the 25th September 1968, styled John J. Cooke & Co.Ltd.

The business is now in the hands of Alan and Mary Cooke.

Link to a video showing the work and premises of John J. Cooke & Co.Ltd.: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5KwhiM5Zts

John J. Cooke & Co.Ltd. entered their mark 'J.J.C' contained within an oblong punch with clipped corners, with the Dublin Assay Office.

Example of the work and marks of John J. Cooke & Co.Ltd.:






J.J.C - Dublin - 1972



J.J.C

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ALICE SARAH KINKEAD

Although predominately a professional portrait and landscape painter (she painted W.B. Yeats in 1901, and the last portrait of Joseph Conrad in 1924), the Irish artist Alice Kinkead also was a maker of jewellery, having exhibited her jewellery at the Walker Gallery in Liverpool 1904-1908, and at The Women’s International Exhibition at the Grafton Gallery in London in 1920.

Alice Kinkead was born in 1871 in Tuam, County Galway, the daughter of Dr. Richard John Kinkead, a general practitioner, and his first wife, Alice Langley. Following her education in Galway she arrived at London in about 1898. She was recorded in the 1901 census as residing at Egerton Place Studios, Brompton Road, London, her occupation described as Artist sculptor. Later she lived at Paris, before dividing her time between London and Ireland.

Known as 'Kinkie' to her friends, she died prematurely on the 1st November 1926, aged 55, of a cerebral haemorrhage. Her funeral was held on the 5th November and the burial at Kensington Cemetery, Ealing, London.

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CONRAD CROMER

Limerick

CHARGE AGAINST A HORSE TRAINER
A horse trainer named Michael Carmody has been arrested in Limerick on a charge of obtaining from Mr. C. Cromer, jeweller, a silver watch and chain on false pretences. Accused brought a letter purporting to be written by Mr. James O'G Delmege, DL. asking that a watch and chain be given to bearer. On inquiries it was found that Mr. Delmege had written no such letter. Accused was remanded.

Source: The Freeman's Journal and Daily Commercial Advertiser - 15th February 1897


The 1901 Irish Census reveals Conrad Cromer as a 78 year old Watchmaker, born in Germany. He lives with his wife, 71 year old, Limerick born, Jane. They have five children living at home, Isabel 45, Lily 39, George 38, William 30, and Albert John 26, all these children are unmarried. Like their father, George and William are also Watchmakers. The family reside at 13, George Street, Limerick, and their religion recorded as Church of Ireland. The family have one live-in servant.

The 1911 Irish Census records that Jane is now a widow. The presumed family business appears to be continuing, with George and William recorded as Watchmakers, and Albert as a Jewellery Salesman. The census reveals that Conrad and Jane were married for 51 years, had nine children, of whom all are alive. The family are now recorded at 18, George Street, Limerick From the above details it would appear likely that Conrad arrived in Ireland from Germany before 1860. This is confirmed by an internet source that quotes the marriage details of Conrad and Jane: In Cork on 27 Jun 1854, Jane O'Shaughnessy, daughter of Robert, married Conrad Cromer, son of Joseph. That gem of a piece of information links the Limerick silversmith Robert O'Shaughnessy to Conrad Cromer, for O'Shaughnessy's last noted address was 18, George Street (see: http://www.925-1000.com/IrishProvincial_07.html#M). It appears certain that Conrad Cromer inherited his father-in-law's business.

Conrad Cromer died in February 1903.

William Cromer died in June 1928:




Source: Limerick Chronicle - 12th June 1928 (George Street was later renamed O'Connell Street)


The business entered a mark, 'C. CROMER' above 'LIMERICK' contained within an oblong punch, with the Dublin Assay Office in 1907. Jackson has note of this mark (p.651) seen upon an item assayed 1914-15. Other marks noted by this firm include 'C.C' contained within an oblong punch, and 'C. CROMER' above 'LIMERICK' incuse, both in use during the 1920's and 30's, so despite the fact that Conrad had passed away, the business appears to have retained his name.




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ROBERT CROMER

13, Lower Castle Street, Tralee

Robert Cromer was no doubt the son of Conrad Cromer (see above post). He was recorded in Guy’s Directory for 1886, and Kellys Directory for 1905.

The 1901 Irish census records Robert as a 41 year old, Limerick born Watchmaker. He lives with his wife, 35 year old, Limerick born Isabel, the couple have one son living at home, 13 year old George. Also living with Robert is his 31 year old unmarried brother, Joseph, who is also described as a Watchmaker, and very likely works in the business. The family have one live-in servant, and reside at 3, Cloonalour, Tralee. Their religion was recorded as Methodist.

The 1911 Irish Census reveals little further detail, with the exception that Robert is described as a Jeweller and Tobacconist, and son, George is now a Watchmaker. Joseph Cromer is still in residence and still unmarried. The census records that Robert and Isabel have been married for 25 years, and only had the one child.

An internet search shows that Robert's brother, Joseph, died in December 1930.

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HENRY COLEBORN

Dunlavin, Co. Wicklow, later, Naas, Co. Kildare


Sad incident of the Rebellion - Child Killed-another wounded - (From our Reporter)

A sad episode of the rebellion in Dublin was related to our representative by Mr. Coleborn, jeweller, Naas. Mrs. Sainsbury, a sister-in-law of Mr. Coleburn’s resided with her husband and family at Dolphin’s Barn. Her husband has only just become convalescent after a serious illness extending over the past twelve months. In view of the great disturbance in the Metropolis and the consequent scarcity of food Mr. and Mrs. Coleborn were anxious that Mrs. Sainsbury and her family should come to Naas to reside until the trouble had subsided. With this object Mr. Coleburn and a friend motored to the city on Tuesday last, having found it impossible to get there sooner. On arriving at his sister-in-law’s house he found the family in a terrible state of grief and ascertained to his horror that their little son, Percy, aged 11½ years, had been shot dead on the pervious Thursday at about 3 o’clock, whilst another son named Merville, aged 15 years had had his left arm broken with a bullet. It appeared that on Thursday the boys were in a front bedroom on an upper floor looking through the window. An English regiment were halted on the opposite side of the road. The soldiers were fired upon from a house in the Terrace and the military at once responded with a vigorous fusillade which caused considerable damage to the houses in the vicinity, shattering windows, etc. On rushing upstairs to the room where the two boys were it was discovered that a bullet had passed through the window and right through the younger boy’s body just over the heart, killing him instantly. The elder boy, Merville, lay bleeding on the floor with his left arm shattered with a bullet. The horror of the grief-stricken parents may better be imagined than described. Owing to the state of the city it was not until late that night that it was found possible to remove the wounded boy to the Meath Hospital where he is at present progressing as favourably as can be expected. On Tuesday when Mr. Coleborn arrived at the house the remains of the poor little victim of what was an unavoidable accident were still awaiting interment. Whole-hearted sympathy will go out to Mrs. And Mr. Coleburn, and especially to the grief stricken parents who have suffered such a terrible and unexpected bereavement. The incident will serve to show the awful conditions under which residents of the Metropolis have been living during the past fortnight which it is hard for those of us not actually on the spot to realise.

Source: The Leinster Leader 6th May 1916


The 1901 Irish Census records Henry Coleborn as a 40 year old Jeweller, born in Hampshire, England. He is married to 40 year old, Co. Wicklow born Sarah, the couple have four children, Maud 18, Walter 14, Mabel 6, and Henry J. 1 year of age. The family reside at 7, Dunlavin Town, and their religion recorded as Irish Church. The children were all born in Co.Wicklow with the exception of Maud, who was born in Hampshire, an indication perhaps that Henry had worked there prior to moving to Ireland.

The 1911 Irish Census does not add much further detail with the exception that Henry's son, Walter, has left the family home, but has been replaced by his elder brother, John, aged 25, and who is described as a Jeweller. The family's address is now recorded as 20, Dunlavin Town. The census records that Henry and Sarah had been married for 30 years, had 6 children, of whom 5 were living.

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ALEXANDER THOMAS

Youghal, Caher, and Cork

EXCITING CHASE AFTER AN ALLEGED WATCH STEALER AT YOUGHAL - On Saturday night a private of the Enniakillen Fusiliers, named Geo. Campbell, Entered Mr Thomas's, jeweller, North Main Street, and asked to be shown a silver watch which was hanging in the window. Having looked at the watch and expressed approval, he handed it back to Mr Alexander Thomas, requesting him to wind and regulate it. Mr Thomas did so and gave him the watch again. He put it to his ear, said "it will do all right." and, it is alleged, decamped with it up the Main street, with Mr Thomas after him. While running up William street Mr Thomas overtook him, but the soldier cleverly threw him over his shoulder, and ran down the Main Street again. Here several young men joined the chase, but Campbell eluded them and ran up Church street, where he was caught after a tough struggle. He was then brought back to Mr Thomas, and Constable Leahy arrived on the scene, searched him and found the watch. In the morning he was brought before a magistrate and remanded in custody to Youghal Petty Sessions.

Source: Freeman's Journal - 13th October 1896

The 1901 Irish Census records Alexander Thomas as a 25 year old Co. Kerry born Watchmaker. He is a boarder at a Public House at 20, Main Street, Caher, Co.Kerry. He is unmarried, and his religion recorded as Church of Ireland.

The 1911 Irish Census recordes much change. Alexander, still a Watchmaker, is now married, his wife is 33 year old, Yorkshire born Anny Grace. The couple have two children, Ethel Elizabeth 3, and William Henry aged 1 year. The family reside at 6, Long Quay, Cork and have one live-in servant. The family's religion was recorded as Church of Ireland. The census notes that they have been married for four years, and have two children of whom both are living. This census records Alexander's place of birth as Cork.

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NB CELTIC DESIGN Ltd.

Kuranda, Carrickbrack Road, Sutton, Dublin 13




NB Celtic Design Ltd. are manufacturers of jewellery. The business is the partnership of Noel O'Farrell and Bernadette O'Farrell, they were established in 2004.

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THOMAS O'CONNER & SONS Ltd.

133, Harold's Cross, Dublin

Established by 1960, and appears to continue until 1987 when the firm was restyled to James S. O'Conner (Jewellers) Ltd.

Thomas O'Conner & Sons Ltd. were registered with the Dublin Assay Office.

Their mark 'O'C' is contained within an oblong punch:



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JAMES S. O'CONNOR (Jewellers) Ltd.

133, Harold's Cross, Dublin

Established in 1987. This appears to be a continuation of the business of Thomas O'Connor & Son Ltd., (see above post) who were located at the same address.

The last noted partners were Bernadette O' Farrell, Colette O'Connor, and Noel O'Farrell. Bernadette O' Farrell and Noel O'Farrell went on to form NB Celtic Design Ltd. (see above post).

James O'Conner (Jewellers) Ltd. appear to have ceased business around 2010.

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IRISH RUBIES Ltd.

78, Marlborough Street, and Omac Business Centre, Old Nangor Road, Clondalkin, Dublin

Irish Rubies Ltd. was established in 1969 by Seamus Lynch & Patrick O’Brien. The pair had learnt their trade and worked at Thomas O’Connor & Sons Ltd. (See above post) for fifteen years and also spent time in London to improve their skills. The business converted into a limited liability company on the 30th October 1973.

Irish Rubies Ltd. ceased trading in August 2013.

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JMH Manufacturing Co.Ltd.

Unit 19 Western Parkway Business Centre, Ballymount Road, Dublin




Established in 1973 by Joe & Betty Harbourne.


JMH Manufacturing Co.Ltd. are also the registered owners of The Dublin City Cufflink Company.




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JOSEPH McBRIDE

Belfast

Plate Dealing on an Expired Licence. Joseph McBride, of Belfast, was recently charged with dealing in plate without a licence. The defendant pleaded guilty ; but said that he had previously had a licence, which expired on November 1st. The reason why he had not renewed the licence was because he had purchased a farm, and intended giving up the business, and had, in fact, given notice to his landlord to that effect. In the meantime, an officer of the Inland Revenue had called upon him with the intention of purchasing a chain, not having any in stock he sent to Mr. Nelson's for some, and sold one of them to the inspector for 8s., and then sent the remainder back to Mr. Nelson, so that he did not benefit by the sale. Subsequently he decided to carry on the business till May, and took out a licence (produced). The Chairman said as the defendant had pleaded guilty the Bench would fine him £50, and recommend that that sum be mitigated to £12 10s. Subsequently the fine was further reduced to £2.

Source: The Watchmaker, Jeweller and Silversmith - 1st March 1893

Perhaps Joseph McBride did give up the trade, there is no trace of him in the Irish censuses of 1901 and 1911.

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