William Tallis DRAFT 1 : March 23, 2002

Chapter 4 William Tallis DRAFT 1 : March 23, 2002

William Tallis—Patriarch

Our branch of the family looks at William Tal- Is it one ‘s’ or two? lis as the recent patriarch and from where the • On William’s birth certificate, Canadian Tallis history begins. It is always Edward, his father spelled the difficult to succinctly tell the story of a family. Tallis name with one ‘s’. However, the history of the Tallis family must • In documents, including many include a reference to William Tallis. He en- from Cadbury’s, we have seen joyed and was very engaged with his close the name with both two ‘s’ and association with the original Cadbury brothers one ‘s’. at the Bournville Works in England. Much has • A number of the family members been written of William Tallis in various jour- still retain the two ‘s’ spelling. nals and magazines, particularly those pub- • William’s descendants eventually lished by Cadburys. dropped the double ’s’ spelling William Tallis born on the 30th of August in when they moved to Canada. 1840 in Warwick to Edward and Eliza Tallis. If the name appeared in articles or [see the previous chapter] William’s birth was documents, we will use the spelling th as so indicated. Normally, we will registered the 28 of September. use the Tallis spelling unless other- wise indicated. It is easy to be con- The registration spelled William’s father, Ed- fused over the one or two ‘s’ nomen- ward as Tallis (with one ‘s’), however, nor- clature.] mally we have seen Edward spelled in the two ‘s’ version. On documents we have seen Wil- William Tallis 1840—1903 liam’s names spelled with both the one and two ‘s’ versions. William was the father of nine sons and four daughters. These children formed the nucleus of the immigration to the Canadian prairies of the Tallis family, a story to be told later. Wil- liam was one of 8 brothers and sisters, whose descendants now live in England, Canada, UnitedWilliam States, was theSouth father Africa, of nine Mexico, sons andand fourNew Zealand.daughters. These children formed the nucleus of the immigration to the Canadian prairies of William,the Tallis son family, of Edward a story and to beEliza, told although later. Wil- fatherlessliam was atone ten, of grew 8 brothers up with and several sisters, bothers, whose George,descendants two years now liveyounger in England, and Charles, Australia four yearsand Newyounger Zealand. and a large family near him of aunts and uncles. We do know George followed William to Cadburys where he had a long career as a foreman.

Page 24 William Tallis

Schooling William attended Bablake School in Warwick. It was a charity school paid by Mrs. Grevilles Charity. Around 1850, the Head Master was Samuel Gazey. This seems to be the extent of the formal education William had, but it did not deter him from becoming a much sought- after advisor to the Cadbury brothers.

Bablake School taught the 3 R's- Reading, Writing, and Arith- Life in Birmingham in the late 1800’s. metic, whilst the girls did reading, writing, and Funded by local charities, the wills of Mrs. sewing. The boys in the school started work at Sarah Greville in 1719, Earl Brooke in 1721 6 a.m. during the summer and 7 in winter. and Fulke Weale in 1729. Some charities sup- They worked until 5 p.m. with substantial ported children from St Mary’s Parish (the breaks from 9 to 10 o’clock for breakfast and Saltisford was in the parish). The Vicar and from 12 to 2 o’clock for lunch. Churchwardens of the parishes chose the children to be educated and the board of trustees As might have been expected having two dif- appointed the schoolmaster. The master taught ferent schools situated close together, there the boys, and his wife the girls, living accomo- was great rivalry between the boys of Warwick dation was provided for the couple and their Grammar School and those of the Bablake “As their family, on the upper floor of St Peter’s Chapel School. The boys of the Charity School were costume was Eastgate. School was kept in rooms over East- often nicknamed "Bobdogs" and they had a gate Archway. One room was for boys taught reputation for being extremely tough. Mr. Bo- old-fashioned, by the master and his apprentice. The other wen, writing reminiscences in a school maga- so were their was used as a dwelling room and classroom for zine years later wrote, girls who were taught by the master's wife manners” assisted by his eldest daughter. "The costume of the boys attending the school (Bablake) consisted of a coat similar to that Most pupils were funded from Sarah Greville’s worn by the Beefeaters, with knee-breeches Charity as 12 boys and 12 girls from each par- and stockings. As their costume was old- ish were educated and given all clothing, ex- fashioned, so were their manners. The few cept shoes and stockings. The boys wore blue college boys who had to pass the Bobdogs coats, blue stockings, yellow breeches, and School door daily on their way had an experi- yellow waistbands according to Thomas Bar- ence that must have hardened them for the rett. The charity Foundation stipulated that rough and tumble of daily life." once chosen by the trustees, this clothing was to remain unchanged for all time. The boys The School closed in 1875. The Charity who were funded by Oken’s Charity were sup- School held in St Peter's Chapel had served the plied with a coat and a pair of stockings annu- town well for over 150 years. ally. The coats were similar in design to those worn by the Beefeaters. During the Nineteenth Century, the Bablake Charity School went from strength to strength. In 1819, the number of pupils was still the customary 75, but by 1833, there were 111 and by 1851, 130 scholars. The teaching appeared to be of a very high standard and private pupils were allowed to swell the ranks. The boys and girls were taught separately and each followed a compli- Eastgate where Bablack School was located cated timetable. In general the boys were Chapter 4 Page 25

during the 1861 (April 7) census where his Seeing the light occupation was listed a butcher. Also in the One night in 1861 the eldest son, William vis- house in the Saltisford was Eliza, widow 45 ited a Quaker meeting in a little building a years and a laundress, Harriet, daughter aged block away from the Warwick castle wall and 20 unmarried, Eliza,, unmarried daughter of 22 "saw the light." This could be interpreted sev- years, George an unmarried son of 18 years as eral ways. He could have really been moved a bricklayer, Charles an unmarried 16 year old by the experience as was indicated in his dedi- laborer, and Edwin (14) and Hannah (10) both cation in later years to the Stirchley Sunday scholars all born in Warwick. (This agrees school and many years of dedicated involve- with some other information in that William ment with the Friends. On the other hand, joined Cadburys in 1862, however conflicts Quakers organized many companies such as with an earlier statement that says that William Quaker house where William Tallis first Cadburys, and to have an opportunity to work came to Birmingham in 1855. (He would have became acquainted with the Friends of the only been 15 years old but at the age most Society. This is located very near the West at the firms, the employees must have been of Gate. Photographs by Terry Tallis the similar persuasion. "Seeing the light" may started work– however, moving to Birmingham have been a ticket out of town. Other than the could have been the start of his apprentice- worsted industry in the mid-1800's there was ship). In the Bournville Works Magazine - "he little work in Warwick. We have to believe [William] became Works Foreman at Bridge that William “did see the light.” Religion Street in 1867, five years after entering the played a key part of his life, as you will read in Firm's service" which puts his joining Cad- the testaments of those around him. This was burys in 1862.) Starting at the bottom of the also very much like the William Tallis as we ladder he steadily worked upwards, and in have become to know him through what he 1867 he became Works Foreman. accomplished and how he lived his life. William married Harriet Freestone on Septem- We don’t know if William was an apprentice ber 23, 1861 in Birmingham, herself an or- or not. Orphan and poor children were often phan. This gives rise that William had been in placed as apprentices by parish charities. This the Birmingham area prior to joining Cad- could explain why William moved after attain- burys. We expect that he did travel back and ing 21 years of age, which was the end of ap- forth between Birmingham and Warwick prenticeship. 1861 was his 21st year. There is where his mother was. Harriet was born on The Society of Friends some evidence that he was in Birmingham May 30, 1844 in Oadby in Leicester and lived The origins of the Society of prior to his 21st birthday, in that he knew 68 years until December 12, 1912. She worked Friends (Quakers) are found in Harriett from there. as a housekeeper for the Cadburys. As pictures the seventeenth century in Eng- show, Harriet was a very tiny lady. land, a time when many were questioning the established William, aged 20, was counted in Warwick beliefs of the age. The founder, George Fox (1625-1691) could not find answers to his questions in any of the churches of his day, primarily the Church of England. Out of his searching came the spiritual message which swept a large part of England and which resulted in the formation of the Religious Society of Friends. This was a Christian religion quite distinct from the churches of the time. As a result they were persecuted both by Cromwell's Puritan government and by the restored government of Charles II. During their formation, the leaders spend many a night in gaol, including many in Warwick.

Pursuing Peter's teaching, Fox called for a radical, egalitarian, spirit-filled Christianity. He maintained that the message of the early church had been lost when the church became institutionalized and believed that he, and others with him, could stand in exactly the same state as Apostles, with the same power to teach, to heal, and to prophesy that the Apostles had. George Fox also challenged the belief of the Roman Catholic and Episcopal churches in the necessity for, and the authority of, a hierarchical structure of Priests and Bishops.

George Fox preached that all were children of God and that all had inherited powers from God. Each is given a measure of this power or light and in accordance with how we used it, so more would be given to us. Thus, “seeing the light” often was used a term to indicate the revelation or “openings” that would occur in the mind.

Quaker practiced simple living, plain dress and plain speech. Friends emphasize the importance of combining the inward and outward journeys. One goes inward to wait upon and receive the word and support of God and then take this out to action in the world. It is the inward/outward process that has led Friends into pioneering social action such as reforms of prisons, schools and mental institutions, improving conditions of employment (such as Cadbury’s Bournville Village Trust), and supporting refugees and others in need, such as the Dukbours, neighbors of the Tallis families in Canada. Page 26 William Tallis

Cadburys

When William joined Cad- to the working class families of Birmingham, bury’s, the business was con- he would do so. The move to Bournville pro- ducted at the Bridge Street (off vides just such an opportunity. William Tallis, Broad Street) site in Birming- we have learned, played an important part in ham. The Cadbury brothers, this move and providing support to this village George and Richard, made a trust. He and his brother George were both move from downtown Birming- councillors for the Friends in the Bournville ham in 1879. They needed a area. William was also the Vice President of site with room for further ex- the Working Man’s Club. pansion and somewhere with a guaranteed supply of unpol- Energetic and plucky, five years after he was The Bridge Street Factory From an engraving by T.O. Barlow, R.A., luted water, to manufacture food products in a hired by the firm, William became the first after a drawing by Henry Newman— clean atmosphere, and still have good commu- holder of the post of Works Foreman. In 1900 From The Firm of Cadbury’s nications with the outside world. The area they when Tallis was taken ill his duties were di- chose, about 4 miles from Birmingham, was vided into two parts. One part, that which known as Bournbrook grew into the Men's after the stream that Wages Office, was flowed through the given to Franklyn fields near the new fac- Restall; and the other, tory site. They selected consisting of the du- the name Bournville, a ties more strictly con- departure from the cur- nected with the post rent fashion of naming of Works Foreman, to Bournville was a everything with French Alfred T. Fasham, bridgehead across a things, especially food. who continued this Other than the practical work until 1906, when new frontier and reasons, probably the he became one of the the call was for most important reason firm's travelers. for the move was related (Travelers were what men who could turn to the devout Quaker sales representatives their hand to any religion the two Cad- were called – they bury brothers centered traveled the world job. their life around. At an selling Cadbury cocoa early age, they had be- and chocolate prod- come involved with the ucts) issues of the poor and given the squalid inner-city living conditions they saw, they were deeply concerned with what they saw. Every Sunday morning for Bournville Works In 1896 From A Century of Progress 1831-1931 nearly 50 years, George taught Men’s Early Cadbury Bournville Morning School in one of the worse part of Birmingham. George Cad- bury was convinced that by giving working men and their families de- cent homes with gardens in the edge of the city where they worked would benefit in many ways, especially in their health. Cadbury had made up his mind that if it were ever in his power to provide such a living environment

Chapter 4 Page 27

Bournville in the early days was a bridgehead, developments so to speak, across a new frontier. The need were possible was not for specialists, but for men, who could there. A genial turn their hand to any job, gifted amateurs like able resource- Tallis. He could handle horses, and would ful and indis- take the pair-horse van to Station Lodge, pensable man loaded with the day's output, rush back to his respected by office and pay the wages, then go into the fac- all who knew tory to sort out an engineering problem, and in him.’ the evenings thankfully relax with the Stir- chley Street Gospel Temperance Society, of If Mr. Richard which he was chairman. He was a cricketer and Mr. George and footballer too, and helped to start the first wanted to know Works band. what was going on in the factory, Herbert Johnson, who as head of the General or where to find Bournville Lane We believe the Office for many years, knew Tallis well, and another Foreman, they would send for William Tallis house is at the far end on the saw much of his work wrote about Tallis that Tallis. The factory was his province, but his right. There were 16 cottages built he views on the wider world beyond were also in 1879 when the new factory was ‘was in his way rather a remarkable man. sought. built. The groundwork for the factory was started in January of that year He had not the advantage of a high-class and by September they were mov- education, but he had natural abilities As was his curiosity with the business and ing equipment from the Bridge which enabled implementing Street site. Many of the construction him to rise from many new ways of workers were from Cadbury’s itself. Photo from A Century of Progress the ranks and take doing business, we 1831-1931 Cadbury Bournville the responsible believe William position he held had endeavored to for so many years. seek the family His practical roots. We believe knowledge of the that William had various processes the family traced in the factory was back to the days of very great and his Thomas Tallis. energy was never There is no knowl- ending, and even edge of this record, in his later days, but perhaps it was when he was suf- in Edward fering intensely, James’ (Ted’s) William Tallis House The room at the bottom left front ap- his indomitable pears to be his office. From Bournville Works Magazine April home when it went spirit kept him to 1967 Vol. LXV No. 4 up in flames. Ted his post till he was regarded as a could no longer rather scholarly walk about. His kindness to those in trou- fellow and may have had it. ble and difficulties were well known, and indeed it was rare that anyone appealed to The men who laid the foundations of Cadburys him in vain.’ in the '80's knew as much of overseas markets as the first settlers in Botany Bay knew of the Of William, Barrow Cadbury recoded that interior of Australia. They had to go and find William out for themselves. Barrow Cadbury went to ‘was willing and able to tackle any job, look at Canada and the U.S. in 1882 and he whether it was engineering, factory prob- took the Works Foreman with him traveling on lems, or a visit to Paris, where in those the White Star Line "Republic". The ships days the firm had a depot, or later in 1882 typically traveled between Liverpool and New when I was sent with William Tallis to the York. United States and Canada to see what Page 28 William Tallis

White Star Line Republic William Cadbury (father of Mr. John and Mr. Bran- don), who exacted the highest standards both of him and of others, had a very high regard for Wil- liam Tallis who accompanied him on business visits to Holland (1897) and to Germany (1889). He val- ued both his judgment and his companionship. For The White Star Line dates back to 1869 William Cadbury, the Works Foreman when the Oceanic Steam Navigation was "the kindest friend. A man who Company Limited was founded in Liverpool by Thomas Ismay. This never worked with hands alone, but with steamship company was an offshoot of the best impulse of a willing heart." the original White Star fleet of sailing clippers and the white star on red When he returned from the momentous pennant flown on these early clippers journeys, one of the few Bournville became the house flag of the new workers in those days who had seen any company. country but their own, there would Immediately Ismay and his partner doubtless be a family welcome for him arranged a deal with Harrland and Wolff at home. The Tallis house, named War- to construct the four new steamships for William Tallis at the spring office the Oceanic Steam Navigation wick House, was not only solid but of outing at Coleshull, 1885 (second Company, Ltd. - White Star's official generous proportions. Tallis needed a from left in front row—the fellow at name with the first being launched on big house given their large family. From the far right front row, is Edward August 27, 1870. The Oceanic was a 1883, an orchestra of six members met James Tallis) record breaker and innovator in in the house for practice. Also a room steamship design. The other ships was reserved in it for the use by John named Atlantic, Baltic and Republic (launched 1872) completed the set. Cadbury who by then was in his 90’s Soon more ships were added to the fleet frequently visited the factory. When Plaque on side of building where including the larger Celtic and Adriatic. first the Youth’s Club was formed it the Tallis house once stood Photos by Terry Tallis Notice the names all end in "ic". This occupied the house which had been that would be a theme that would play out of William Tallis. throughout the company's history including the famed TITANIC. Board Minute 713 By the end of the century, the White Star Line was the most powerful British of March 13, 1900 shipping company in existence, their records the Firm's ships trading not only to the American "regret that the continent but to Australia and South time has come to Africa as well. sever our business connection with our dear friend William Tallis, “The Tallis house who had rendered faithful service to named Warwick members of the house…” family for three generations." At the time he was quite ill with diabetes. Chapter 4 Page 29

Copy of the Illuminated Address given to William Tallis upon his retirement from Cadburys. We only wish it could be presented in the beautiful colors the original was hand lettered in.

Cadbury Brothers Limited Copy of Minute 713 March 13, 1900

We regret that the time has come to sever our business connection with our dear friend

William Tallis

Who is retiring after 30 years of active service for the firm.

He has followed us through adversity and prosperity, and has always striven in the responsible post which he has held for many years as works manager to further the best interests of the business. He has enjoyed the fullest confi- dence of our chairman, George Cadbury and his late brother Richard Cadbury and has been a faithful friend to members of the family for three generations.

We desire that he may be spared to enjoy many years of well earned rest and use- full service in the various branches of Christian and social work in which he has always been greatly inter- ested and blessed in the past.

George Cadbury Chairman of Directors Barrow Cadbury William A. Cadbury Edward Cadbury George Cadbury Jnr. Page 30 William Tallis

William and his wife, Harriet, had eight What is unique in William Tallis grave site. sons and two daughters, and on an April this family is to Lodge Hill Cemetery, morning in 1904 the sons walked down have someone of Solihull Photographs by Bournville Lane to the station with their whom much was Terry Tallis 1999 wives and families and baggage, the written. Most of party numbers 29 according to the the following arti- Bournville Magazine, and a few days cles appeared in later had sailed for Canada. The depar- the Bournville ture of the members of the Tallis family, Works Magazine. to Canada has been aptly described as a Many of us have family cavalcade along Bournville Lane. seen original cop- All of the sons of William Tallis except ies of these publi- Albert and Charles remained in Canada cations, and when after landing in 1904. The latter two we were kindly sons chose to return to England. given access to the archives at The two daughters, Marie married Schweppes- Ernest Quinton, a baker and Annie; mar- Cadburys, we ried Albert Hack, Export Warehouse were able to re- Foreman at Cadbury's, stayed at home in view all the Com- England with their mother. pany documents By that time William Talliss; was dead for information (on June 8th, 1903 at his house at Bourn- about William Tallis. It is very evident in From the Birmingham News, December ville). He was a sick man long before he these transcripts that William Tallis and 28, 1912. retired, but sustained by his indomitable others of his family were greatly appreci- spirit his great energy scarcely flagged ated, admired and respected for the contri- Obit. -- Late Mrs. Wm Talliss, took until the last day of his working life. He bution they made to the business. place at Lodge Hill Cemetery. Ser- had diabetes melllihis for some four vice was a simple one of the Soci- years, and then succumbed due to a ten- ety of Friends was opened by a day tschio rectal abscess when he lapsed reading of Scripture from the last into a coma for his last three days of life book of Proverbs by Mr. George according to Fancis Hollinshead, M.D. Cadbury after which Mr. Barrow E.A. Tallis was present at the time of his Cadbury and G. T. Tuckey offered death at Warwick House, Bournville prayers. Bearers included D.W. Lane, Kings Norton. He is buried in Close, Percy Hack, George Talliss, Lodge Hill Cemetery in Birmingham; Junr. & Leonard Smith. - Mourners the headstone stands quietly under a Mr & Mrs Albert Hack, Mr & Mrs stately hardwood tree. At the probate of Charles Talliss, Mr & Mrs Ernest his will, he left effects of £4,935, 17s, Quinton, Miss Alice Tallis, Mr 8d. to Edward James Tallis, merchants George Talliss Senr. (brother in clerk and George Tallis, works foreman. law), Mrs. H. Hopkins (sister in law), It was resworn in October 1904 to the Mrs Charles Talliss Senr, Miss value of £5,648, 10s, 2d. The value of A Garden Home in Bournville Louie Talliss the house was £800. This was quite a tidy sum. Some interesting names in the list of mourners. Also notice the double 's' - Harriett passed away December 13, 1913 Alice had dropped the double 's'. in Bournville where she had been living with her son-in-law, Albert Hack. The funeral took place at the Lodge Hill Cemetery on the 23rd and was attended by many friends and relatives including George and Barrow Cadbury. Numerous flora tributes were sent by members and friends of the family including one “from old friends at Bridge Street.” Chapter 4 Page 31

William Tallis Timeline 1830 ▲ ▲ John Cadbury establishes 1st factory 1850 Factory Act and in- in Crooked Lane dustrial growth Edward Tallis marries Factory legislation had first Eliza Mills ▲ ▲ ■ ■ Queen Victoria passed parliament in 1819 - limiting those aged nine and above to a twelve hour day. William Tallis born ▲ ▲ 1840 In 1850, the Factory Act re- stricted all women and young Harriet born ▲ ▲ people to no more than ten- and-a-half hours work a day. ▲ ▲ Cadbury’s moves to Bridge Street From the 1850s, Britain was ■ 1850 ■ Factory Act the leading industrial power Edward Tallis dies ▲ ▲ in the world.

1851 The Great Exhibition Conceived by Prince Albert, William marries Harriet in this celebration of British im- 1860 Birmingham ▲ ▲ perial and industrial might ▲ ▲ William joins Cadbury’s was held in Hyde Park in London in the specially con- Edward James born ▲ ▲ structed Crystal Palace. Over ▲ ▲ William becomes Works Forman 13,000 exhibits were viewed George born ▲ ▲ by over 6,200,000 visitors to William Henry born ▲ ▲■ ■ Education Act 1870 the exhibition. Annie Elizabeth born ▲ ▲ Charles Francis born ▲ ▲ 1867 Reform Act Bertha born/died ▲ ▲ Harriet Marie born ▲ ▲ The 1867 Reform Act at- tempted to redistribute parlia- John Richard born ▲ ▲▲ ▲ Bournville created 1880 mentary seats in a more eq- Edgar Albert born ▲ ▲▲ ▲ William visits US uitable manner. There was an increased visibility of Alice Bertha born ▲ ▲ women in society; and there Victor Kirk born ▲ ▲ was a growth in both leisure time and leisure activities - 1890 seaside holidays, football, Eliza Tallis (William’s rugby, cricket and golf all mother) dies ▲ ▲ boomed ▲ ▲ Bournville model village started 1870 Education Act This act provided for genuine ▲ William retires from Cadbury’s ▲ 1900 mass education on a scale ■ ■ Edward VII not seen before. Elected William Tallis dies ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ Tallis family leaves for Canada school boards were permit- ted to levy money for fees and given powers to enforce attendance of most children ■ 1910 ■ George V below the age of thirteen. By Harriet Tallis dies ▲ ▲ 1874, over 5,000 new schools had been founded.

Page 32 William Tallis

William Talliss Tributes

From the Bournville Works Magazine (No. 9 tation of some beautiful gifts to him and Vol. I) in July 1903 is an article that listed his to Mrs. Talliss, the result of a spontane- death. Note this article mentions that William ous movement throughout the works. had come to Birmingham when he was 15 years old. As questioned before, did he enter The family of William Talliss will have in into an apprenticeship there? Obviously, he their heavy sorrow the sincere sympathy had the opportunity to meet Harriet while he of all who knew him.” was there. However, William was counted in the 1861 census of Warwick. Note in this article, the two ‘s’ were used in his name. Some Personal Tributes by W.A. Cadbury published in the July 1903 issue of the Bourn- "We greatly regret to chronicle the ville Works Magazine. I think this article hon- death of William Talliss, which occurred ors William’s altruistic spirit and respectful on June 8th, at his house at Bournville. curiosity. William was sixty when he retired He was born on August 30th, 1840, at from Cadburys having been the Works Fore- Warwick, and received his education at man for 23 years. Bablick's School, a foundation somewhat resembling our Blue Coat School. The illuminated minute presented He was left fatherless at the age of by the firm to William Tallis on his re- nine, and his childhood was a check- tirement is a true and simple statement ered one in consequence. in which we all unite, by my special recollection of him will always be his He came to Birmingham in 1855, at kindness of heart and his never failing “Starting at the the age of 15, and entered the employ- pluck. ment of Cadbury Bros. in 1862. The bottom of the William Tallis in his office. From Bournville Works business was then conducted in Bridge Magazine April 1967 Vol. LXV No. 4 ladder he Street. Starting at the bot- steadily worked tom of the ladder he steadily worked upwards, upwards…” and in 1867 he became works foreman.

When the business was transferred to Bourn- ville he continued to hold this position until three years ago, when his failing health compelled his retirement. On this occasion the firm presented him with an illuminated address, couched in terms which would receive the hearty endorsement of all who knew him, and we are glad to be able to repro- duce this address in our present issue. The es- teem in which William Tal- liss was held by the work- people was shown on his retirement by the presen- Chapter 4 Page 33

I worked side by side with him for face, for he spoke no Dutch. Sixteen houses similar to that oc- several years in the offices now occu- cupied by William Tallis were built about 1879. The Tallis house is at pied by the engineer, and in addition to Examples will occur to all of his top left.. From Bournville Works this took two journeys in his company great energy and pluck, and from ear- Magazine April 1967 Vol. LXV No. 4 on the Continent. He was the most liest days he determined to take every The picture was taken in 1912 pleasant companion on these occa- opportunity of making up for the scant sions, because he always found inter- educational advantages which were est in the smallest things: I remember his when a boy. best of all two long days in the north of Holland, one on a market boat along Only when his health was breaking the winding canals, and the other on did he give way, and it was often quite the ox of a carrier's cart, in broken con- pitiful to see his distress when he real- versation (much in dumb show) with ized he could no longer a day's work the old driver for the long hours of a in a day. summer afternoon. As we neared the Zuider Xee, we passed a little farm with He will always be remembered its black and white cattle and spotlessly among us as the kindest friend, a man clean milk cans by the painted gate- who never worked with hands alone, post, and over the little doorway the but with the best impulse of a willing motto "Mijn Genegen" (My Sufficiency). heart. That evening William Talliss repeated Etching of Bournville Factory at over and over again, "Mijn Genegen - the turn of the century enough for me," with the deep-rooted longing for a country life, which so many possess, who, nevertheless, throughout their lives are called to the stress of a business career.

Another day I had left him in the shade of the trees in the village square, and when I returned found him sur- rounded with a group of happy children, one standing by his knee, who must have been attracted by his kindly Page 34 William Tallis

“...no good Another tribute by H.E. Johnson ever applied to him for assistance in vain. I have sometimes thought he was cause, or I should like to be allowed to generous to an extreme, but that is a person in write a few words in connection fault so rare in the world that it can well with the death of our friend, William be excused, and there are many who distress, ever Talliss. My connection with him will cherish his memory all their life for applied to him extends over a period of more than kind actions done quietly and without twenty years, and during a large parade. for assistance portion of that time my knowledge in vain” of him was somewhat intimate. In his early days William Talliss was Although, during the many years he very fond of cricket and other sports, was at Bournville, his duties were and when in later life he used to watch more particularly connected with the various matches on the Recreation The last of the Tallis house as it the management of the Works, he Ground, it reminded him very forcibly of was being torn down in 1967. “ “The latest phase of Bournville's always took a great interest in the the rough pitches on which he and other redevelopment has meant a office staff. He almost invariably old hands had to play in the years gone smashing year for the sledge- accompanied the staff on the occa- by, and he never tired of relating various hammer industry. Both the old sion of the annual outing, as was incidents which happened in the old Lodges have gone, and now the Tallis House - a Bournville land- very much grieved if anything oc- Bridge Street days in connection with mark before any of us were born - curred to prevent him going. Even the Works' Club. His interest in the has vanished. The builders made a month ago, when really too un- Bournville Athletic Club continued up to a human miscalculation when they well to venture, he persisted in tak- the last, and it was only when his illness put it up. They thought they were building not for an age - but for all ing the journey to Weston on Su- absolutely prevented him attending that time. A solid job. It was built, as per-Mare, and was full of good hu- he was absent from the cricket and foot- we know from the plaque on the mour and anxious to do all he could ball matches. wall, for the first Works Foreman. to make the outing enjoyable. He His name was William Tallis, and when the history of Bournville is had a very generous spirit, and I It will be many years before his genial written in 1979 he will deserve a can testify to many occasions when presence ceases to be missed from the chapter to himself”. From Bourn- he was lavish in his gifts, and no field and among the members of the ville Works Magazine April 1967 good cause, or person in distress, Bournville Athletic Club.

I write more particularly on behalf of the office staff, but am quite sure that all the employees at Bournville will join in an expression of deep sympathy with Mrs. Talliss and her family in the great loss they have sustained, and we all trust that the memory of his life will be a source of cheer to them in this time of trouble.

A tribute by F. Restall. After William left Cad- burys, Franklyn Restall assumed the duties of the Men’s Wages Office.

Many of us who are still working at Bournville have lost a true friend in William Talliss, and it will be a very long time before he and his good works are forgotten.

One of his great points was generosity. His purse was always open to a case of need, and it was a safe thing to ask his help in any worthy cause. His example, Chapter 4 Page 35

particularly in this respect, is something to be remembered.

Another great point of his was punctuality. When duty called he was there, either early in the morning or late at night, whether in the works or at his much-loved Sunday classes.

In most of the institutions for the social and moral well-being of the works and dis- trict he took an active interest, and proved by actual example the success that could be obtained by perseverance and practice.

He had also a keen eye to anything that would serve the best interests of the firm or of their employees, and many improve- ments in this direction are directly attribut- able to him.

On the right is the Tallis house on Bournville Lane. Later in this story, compare this house with the shack the family came to in Saskatchewan only several years later.

Traveling document William Tallis used to travel on the Continent. He went to Holland in 1897 and Germany in 1889. I Page 36 William Tallis

Other William Tallis Tidbits This story appeared in the Warwick Adver- that Eliza was living with her niece. To com- tiser & Leamington Gazette - Saturday 1st plicate matters, Elizabeth Smith (Eliza’s sister) September 1860 as married in Knowle in 1847 to Richard Cat- tell, but she put her father as Samuel Smith, BOROUGH POLICE INTELLIGENCE blacksmith. Later she moved back to Warwick. Monday August 27 Edward Cattell who registered Eliza’s death before E.E. Mollady and E. Dodd Esqrs was definitely the son of Richard Cattell and Poaching- John Smith alias " William Tal- Elizabeth as we have found in baptism records. lis", and Charles Tallis were charged on John Smith, Elizabeth’s father, may have died the information of Mr Wmm Hay, with leaving no surviving sons. As William Tallis trespasing in pursuit of conies on land in was his oldest grandson, William may have the occupation of Mr Jones, Old Park on had some kind of inheritance from his grandfa- the 17th ultimo. The defendants were ther and that’s why he took his name. This sort seen about mid-day by the under-keeper, of thing was quite common then. In the news walking by the hedgeside in Mr Jones' story above, Charles was William’s (or John field. They had dogs with them and were "beating" the hedge-rows. A rabbit was Smith’s) younger brother. started out of the hedge and chased by The question lies… is this our William Tallis? one of the dogs. Eight rabbits were He was in Warwick at the time, maybe being found on the person of Charles Tallis an apprentice as he was 19 at the time. some alive and others dead but warm, they were also seen in the field of the late “John Smith alias Mr Nicks and in that of Mr Murrell.... “William Tallis” Charles Tallis said he had been in the habit of rabbiting for many years in the Old Park, Ladbrook had himself given him permission to kill rabbits, and also he had been employed by Mr Hay, the prin- cipal keeper... Mr Hay, on being appealed to, said defendant had been - employed on the Earl of Warwicks' estate but not to kill rabbits... Charles Tallis " Mr. Murrell gave me leave to kill rabbits on his land... Smith said he had not been previously offended in this respect and had been away from Warwick.... The bench fined the defendants 10s each and expenses, which amounted to 10s 6d each or in default of payment, one months imprisonment. Charles Tallis paid the amount and asked for one week to pay for his companion. This extension was allowed.

Herein lies an interesting possibility. We had wondered who William Tallis’ mother, Eliza Tallis was living with. Eliza’s sister had a daughter, Emma, whose age on the 1891 census for Emscote, Warwick is identical to the Trowel presented to William Tallis at the laying of the corner stone of the Stirchley Sunday School age of Emma Coxwife of Albert. So it seems June 5, 1897 . The silver trowel has since been restored and polished and is in the possession of Terry Tallis Chapter 4 Page 37

Census records Census - June 16, 1841 Charles F. Talliss, son, age 7, scholar, born in Birmingham Harriet M, Talliss, daughter, age 4, born in Birmingham Warwick Commercial buildings, Saltisford: John R. Talliss, son, age 2, born in Birmingham Edward Tallis 40 Labourer Albert F. Talliss, son, age 2 months, born in Birmingham Eliza 45 Also living at the house was a domestic servant, May A. Harriet 4 Garrett age 16. Eliza 3 William 6 months (birth registration Census: 1891 All Saints Parish , Emscote Road, #440 at local registry office Warwick Lodgers: Thomas Smith 30 Labourer Albert Cox Head Coachman 34 Malvern, Worcester Eliza Smith 25 Emma wife 33 Emscote Warwick Ages not exact but to nearest 5 years. We think the Smiths were Ellen L daughter 12 related to Eliza Alice E daughter 10 John Rich son 9 Census—April 7, 1861 Edward son 8 Florence daughter 4 Saltisford, Warwick Minnie M daughter 3 Eliza Tallis, head, widow 45 years, laundress, born Warwick Ernest G son 2months Harriet Tallis, daughter, unmarried 24 years, born Warwick Elizabeth Cattell visitor Widow 71 Warwick Eliza Tallis, daughter, unmarried 22 years, born Warwick Edward Cattell visitor Bricklayer Warwick William Tallis, son, unmarried, 20 years, butcher, born Warwick Eliza Tallis visitor Widow 77 Warwick George Tallis, son, unmarried, 18 years, bricklayer, born War- (this is where William’s mother was living) wick Charles Tallis, son, unmarried, 16 years labourer, born Warwick Edwin Tallis, son, unmarried, 14 years scholar, born Warwick List of Members Society of Friends 1903 Hannah Tallis, daughter, 10 years, scholar, born Warwick From the "List of Members in the Monthly Meetings Com- St.Paul’s Street, Warwick prised in Warwick, Leicester and Stafford Quarterly Meeting Charles Talliss, head, married 40, plasterer, born Snitterfield of the Society of Friends 1903" we found the following Tallis' (Charles was Edward’s – married Eliza- brother) listed. Also note the double 's' spelling mostly dropped when Henrietta Talliss, second wife of Charles, 30, plasterer’s wife, the family moved to Canada. Also note the different addresses born Birmingham in Bournville. They all did not live in the one big house on Ann Talliss, daughter, unmarried, dressmaker, born Snitterfield Bournville Lane. Emma Talliss, daughter, unmarried, 8 scholar, born Bearley Henry Talliss, son, unmarried, 3 scholar, born Warwick Talliss, William 1 Bournville Charles Talliss, son, unmarried, 1 born Warwick Harriett John Richard Woodhouse Street, Warwick Albert Freestone George Talliss, lodger, unmarried 36 years, bricklayer, born Edgar Albert Snitterfield – George was Charles’s brother Thomas’s son. Alice Bertha Victor Kirk Census—1881 Talliss, Edward James Bournville Lane County Worcestershire. William Talliss, head, age 40, manager cocoa factory Talliss, William Henry, 24 Stirchley Street Harriet M. Talliss, wife, age 38, born in Oadby Edward J. Talliss, son, age 15, clerk cocoa factory, born in Bir- Talliss, George Junr St. Helier's Stirchley mingham Jane George Talliss, son, age 12, scholar, born in Birmingham Ethel Jane William Henry Talliss, son, age 10, scholar, born in Birming- Talliss, Charles Francis Warford Road, Kings Norton ham Annie Annie E. Talliss, daughter, age 8, scholar, born in Birmingham Talliss, Bertha Maesbury, Bournville Lane, Bournville