JAMES AND ANN BLADON

James was one of  7 sons born to Thomas and Ann nee Yates.  Two of his brothers were Edward, father of Thomas Edward Bladon and William father of  Mary Ann Bladon, this makes Thomas and Ann my great x 4 grandparents.

James was born in 1823 at Traps Green, Tanworth in Arden Warwickshire.  When he was about 7years old the family moved from the countryside to Bath row court 1 in Birmingham Warwickshire.  Despite living in cramped conditions (he was one of 13) the siblings all prospered.

James married in 1843 to Ann Patton and for the next 10 years the family stayed in the Bath row area until moving to prosperous Harbourne.  James was a glass and chandelier maker at F and C Oslers of Broad stret Birmingham Warwickshire. 

He and Ann had 10 children, 8 surviving to adulthood.  One son and daughter emigrated to Conneticut USA, one daughter to Canada. 

Ann died in 1909 and James in 1910 they were 85 and 87 years old and had been married for 66 years! hence my inclusion of this couple in Notable Bladon's.

After Ann's death there was a report in the 'Harbourne News'  and tributes included were from Mary Ann and Thomas Edward Bladon.  Ann was born on the same day as Queen Victoria.  Both James and Ann are buried in Harbourne church yard. 

None of their children lived as long as them.  George died the same year as his mother,  Ellen Maria 3 days after her father, and William the following year 1911 and more daughters during the first world war.

I think this a remarkable achievement by this couple.