James Stiff
James Stiff (1808-1897) of James Stiff and Sons
1808 Born at Rougham, Suffolk, the son of Robert Stiff (1778-1866), a farmer, and his wife Charlotte Crack (1781-1859)
1826 Left his job as a plasterer's assistant in Rougham; he went to London, beginning an apprenticeship at Coade Stone.
1830 Joined Doulton and Watts
1831 December 15th. Married at Lambeth to Sarah Faulkner Philpot
c1838 Left Doulton's and set up his own business
1842 Commenced working as a potter at his own premises in Ferry Street, Lambeth (previously the premises of T. Higgins). Directories of the time record him making water filters.
1861 Living at 7 Stockwell Road?, Lambeth: James Stiff (age 52 born Rougham), Potter, 72 men, 40 boys. With his wife Sarah T. Stiff (age 58 born Holborn) and their three children; William Stiff (age 23 born Lambeth); Ebenezer Stiff (age 20 born Lambeth); and Mary A. Stiff (age 18 born Lambeth). Two servants.[1]
1871 Living at 197 Clapham Road, Lambeth: James Stiff (age 62 born Rougham), Potter and (?) owner, member of the London School Board. With his wife Sarah Stiff (age 68 born London). Two servants.[2]
1897 May 18th. Died. Of Suffolk House, 197 Clapham Road, earthenware manufacturer who died at Swanage. Probate to William Stiff and Ebenezer Stiff, earthenware manufacturers.