This is the start of what I hope will be a 'living' family tree of the Brown family. Much of the information in this first section on the Imperial Spade & Shovel Works is hearsay passed on from my late father and uncle.

If, by any chance somebody should access this site who knows the whereabouts or a relative of any ex-employees, please contact me. Also if

anyone has more information on the Imperial Spade and Shovel Works please let me know. All information will be gratefully received!

In the middle of the nineteenth century a skilled shovel - worker named John Brown left his job at Nash's in Stourbridge and went to work for Joseph Sidaway & Sons in Halesowen

Sidaways were at that time world famous for their 'Victor' patent spade which had a Swedish-steel cutting edge. At that time it is believed that Sidaway's operated one of the oldest Forges in the Black Country

John had eight children - four sons and four daughters. His sons, John, Jim, Ben and Tom also worked at Sidaway's.

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John ( Younger ) & Rose Brown (circa 1930)