George Sperryn's ScrapbookMost of the newspaper cuttings in his scrapbook surround the debate over free trade vs trade tariffs, so somethings never change. Judging from the articles, George is in favour of tariffs to protect British manufacturing against cheap, mainly German, imports. Though judging from the number of business visits George made to Germany, it appears to be a country that Sperryn & Co did a lot of trade with before 1914. However, family matters are recorded - two weddings. One of his son William John Goldsworthy to Elsie Cutler (15.Sept.1908) and the other of William Bowater to Irene Elizabeth Beech (1908). 
The marriage of William to Irene (1908) William Bowater's father (William Henry) was both a councillor and JP (Irene's father was also a JP) and judging from the tone and size of the article they were more prominent in Birmingham society than George Sperryn. In fact, William Henry was to become the mayor of Birmingham, received the freedom of the city and became Sir William. Could there be a touch of status envy in George underlining all the salt cellars listed in the article that have been given as presents? The family connection with the Bowaters is that Elsie Cutler, who married William John Goldsworthy Sperryn had a brother Albert Edward Cutler who married Fanny Beatrice D. Bowater (William Bowater's sister) in 1907.  Just as an aside, while researching the family tree, Huw & Fiona listed Albert and Fanny's wedding, but only much later did they realise that the nice elderly couple, uncle Bert and auntie Dora, who they'd visited as young children, were in fact, one and the same (Albert = Bert, D. = Dora). Two photos from Bert & Dora's wedding. A photo of Bert & Dora in about 1939. Bert and Dora Cutler gave the newly weds a present, as did four other Cutlers (2 sons & parents?) None gave them salt cellars. 
 Full article The marriage of William John Goldsworthy to Elsie Cutler (15.Sept.1908) More information on William John Goldsworthy's page (in preparation). Full article George Sperryn - Councillor He was a councillor for the St Stephens ward on Birmingham City Council for 11 years. Articles - page 1 Articles - page 2 Other pages in the scrapbook Most are articles and letters on the free trade/tariff debate, but one is on the care of pot plants. Return to home page |
