11 High Street, Dorchester?

[ridban]

I've just found Edward Steele on the 1861 census at the above address as a Tailor, Milliner, Linen & Woollen Draper employing 28 hands.

I just wondered if there's any trace left of this, as it seems to have been a quite substantial business, or whether anyone knows anything about Edward Steele or has any interest in the family.

Thanks so much

Linda

[spiderboy]

Hi Linda

I hope you find this of interest!

The Post Office Directory of Hampshire, Wiltshire & Dorset 1875 shows various entries for Edward Steele and Edward Steele & Co. They include Edward Steele living at Woolaston House, Dorchester and Edward Steele & Co. Linen & woollen drapers, silk mercers, shawl, mantle, hat & cap warehouse. High West Street, Dorchester.
There are also entries under Insurance Agents,
Liverpool & London & Globe. E. Steele High West Street.
National Provident Globe. E. Steele High West Street.

In Kelly’s Directory of Dorsetshire 1889, Steele Edward, Woolaston House is listed as a Borough Magistrate. An entry for Genge, Dixon & Jameson, linen & woollen drapers, silk mercers, mantle, millinary (sic) & costume warehouse. High West Street, Dorchester shows the establishment as “late Edward Steele & Co.”

I think I remember but am not sure that there was still a store in Dorchester in the mid 1950s under the name of Genge. No doubt someone with a better knowledge of Dorchester may be able to tell you what became of it or if it’s still in existence. I’ve also noticed that by the 1881 census Edward Steele was employing 26 females and 12 males, so no doubt the business had grown somewhat.

If you have access to the ancestry uk site and look up Edward Steele you will find that his 3 X great grandchild has added a comment therefore without a doubt someone is or has been researching the family.

Spiderboy.

[spiderboy]

I’ve just noticed that on this board under the erasmus genge thread nanny jan is saying that there is a shop front on the corner of High Street and Trinity Street with the name Genge carved in the stonework above it.

Spiderboy.

[ridban]

Oooh yes, Spiderboy......I find that very interesting!  Thanks so much. Edward Steele seems to have been a busy man, doesn't he. He must have been quite well off too, because at least one of his sons that I know of was listed as "living on own means" in subsequent censuses.

I have a few credits for ancestry left, but how do I access a message left by his 3x great grandchild? Where do I find it?

Thanks again for your very informative reply.

Linda

[spiderboy]

Hi Linda

Now comes the bad news I’m afraid! It looks as if the great grandchild didn’t want to be contacted so I think you can save your credits! Here’s the story:
By doing a search of the 1881 census for Edward Steele in ancestry you will find him shown as Edwd. Steele living in Dorchester. Alongside his name is an icon (if that’s the correct description?) that has a small + sign in it and by hovering over it “Other possible name Edward Steele; Edwd. See User Comment” is displayed. I then chose the “View Record” link and clicked on the link to bring up the Correction Detail page, which read as follows:
Given Name: Edward.  Surname: Steele.  Correction Type: Transcription Error.  Explanation: This is my 3 X G Grandfather.  Contributed By: psteele2711.  Contributed On: 04/01/2005 (searchable)
I clicked on the link but other than the name psteele2711, there were no other details for the person making the post!
However I did endeavour to take things a little further and managed to find something more out – I will have to send you a PM I think.

By the way I don’t know if you are aware but in 1851 Edward had two unmarried sisters Jane and Amelia with him assisting in the shop.

Spiderboy.

[LFS]

Genges was still there in the 70s - don;t know if it still is, though.
Linda

[rayharris185]

Genges was on the corner of High West Street and Trinity Street. It was taken over by the House of Fraser some years ago. Since then it has closed down and the building now houses Argos, Panasonic, William Hill and I think one other business.

Rayharris185

[spiderboy]

Hi ray,

Thanks for the information. Going off topic a bit – do you know anything about a "Goulds" shop, what sort of establishment was it and what became of it? I ask as I think there might have been a vague family connection some years ago. Many thanks.

Spiderboy.

[rayharris185]

Goulds is a large haberdashery shop that still exists in South Street, Dorchester. I don't know who runs it now but it was run some years ago by two Gould brothers, one of which was Richard.
The two brothers used to hold quite a strong position in the town council.

Hope this helps
Ray Harris