Stevens Family
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Joseph Stevens & Sarah Ann Preston
Joseph Stevens was born on 27 August 1853, one of ten children born to Joseph Stevens and Mary Ann Ames
Joseph Stevens and Mary Ann Ames had married on 16 December 1844 at St Peter's Wolverhampton. In 1851 they were living at Rockery Street, Wednesfield where 28-year-old Joseph was a "jobbing smith". Their eldest three children had been born, but not their son Joseph. By 1861 the family were at Mountfield Street, Wednesfield and their son Joseph, was a 7-year-old scholar. In 1871 Joseph and Mary Ann were living at 52, New Street, Wednesfield. Both Joseph, senior, now 50 and their 16-year-old son Joseph were "jobbing smiths". By 1881 Joseph and Mary Ann were living at Cross Street, Wednesfield and 59-year-old Joseph was a "press tool maker". Two of their children remained at home but their son Joseph was no longer living with them. Joseph Stevens senior is believed to have died on 17 February 1897. Mary Ann Stevens died in 1908
In 1874 Joseph Stevens junior became self-employed as an engineering blacksmith with premises in Cross Street trading under the title of "J Stevens & Co".
On 5 January 1874 Joseph had married Sarah Ann Preston at St Matthew's Church, Wolverhampton. They were to have 9 children.
- Lucy Stevens. Born 1875 in Wednesfield.
- Harry Stevens. Born 28 July 1876 in Wednesfield
- George Stevens. Born 24 September 1878 in Wednesfield
- Joseph Stevens. Born 24 September 1881 in Wednesfield
- Albert John ("Jack") Stevens. Born 6 July 1884 in Wednesfield.
- Lily Stevens. Born 30 September 1886 in Wednesfield
- Ethel May Stevens. Born 10 October 1888 in Wednesfield
- Daisy Ann Stevens. Born 22 September 1890 in Wednesfield.
- William ("Billie") Stevens. Born 3 July 1893 in Wednesfield
In 1881 the family were living at Hickman Street, Wednesfield where 27-year-old Joseph was a jobbing smith and press tool maker.
"Joe quickly established an enviable reputation as a highly skilled craftsman who would undertake to repair or
In 1891 the family were living at 36 St Mark Street where 36-year-old Joseph is still described as a press tool maker. His eldest son Harry, aged 14 years was also press tool maker, presumably working with his father, the remaining children were still at school.
"Harry, the eldest son eventually joined his father in the
"In 1894 the business moved to Tempest Street. Later Joe Stevens acquired a small American built "Mitchell" single cylinder four stroke petrol engine........................it aroused Harry's interest..................set about to produce his own version"".
And so it was that in 1901 Joseph and Sarah were living at 11 Tempest Street, Wednesfield. 46 year old Joseph, aged 46, is still a press tool maker. Their sons George, Joseph and Albert were living at home and were all described as machine fitters. Their son Harry was not listed. Their daughters Lilly Ethel and Daisy are listed. Lilly, although only aged 14 is a commercial clerk.
Sarah Ann Stevens died on 9 June 1907 in Wolverhampton, aged just 51 years old.
Joseph remarried in 1908. His second wife was Sarah Williams.
In 1911 Joseph and Sarah were living at 149 Penn Road, Wolverhampton where 57-year-old Joseph was a screw manufacturer. All his daughters remained at home although the eldest Lucy is married. Daughters Lily and Ethel were clerks for screw manufacturer (presumably their father's business). Daughter Daisy was a shop assistant for a bootmaker. Only his youngest son William remains at home, aged 17 he was an engineers assistant in a motorcycle business, guessing AJS!
Joe Stevens Snr is pictured below in 1915 in an A.J.S. 'Sociable'. This was an AJS (model 'D') motorcycle with a 2 seater sidecar. The occupants sat side by side and the person nearest the motorcycle steered the vehicle by means of a tiller. Only a few were made. Photograph from "Wolverhampton History and Heritage" website, for further information, click here
In 1921 Joseph and Sarah were still living at 149, Penn Road, Wolverhampton. Joseph, aged 67, was a screw manufacturer at Retreat Street, Wolverhampton. Sarah, aged 71 was on home duties. Alice Holland, a 24 year old servant was living with (and presumably working for) them.
Sarah Stevens died in 1933 in Wolverhampton, aged 82 years old.
Joseph Stevens of Strathearn, Trysull Road, Wolverhampton died on 16 August 1941 in Wolverhampton. Probate was granted to Jabez Lawley Wood and Joseph William Henry Simpson, company secretaries and Norman Fredrick Steward,
Lucy Hadley nee Stevens
Lucy Stevens married William Hadley on 15 April 1895 in Wolverhampton.
In 1901 they were living at Herlman Street, Wednesfield where 28 year old William was a "vermin trap maker".
In 1911 William and Lily were living with Lucy's father and step mother Joseph and Sarah Stevens at 149 Penn Road, Wolverhampton. William was still a trap maker (vermin). The couple had two daughters
- Daisy Nellie Hadley. Born 17 February 1898 in Wednesfield.
- Gladys Hadley. Born 13 August 1903 in Wednesfield.
When the census was taken on 19 June 1921 William Hadley was boarding at Inglewood, 26 Palace Terrace, Onchan, Isle of Man. He was 48 years old, an engineer in a machine works, employed by AJS of Wolverhampton. His wife Lucy, aged 46 and on home duties is at the same address, along with daughter
- Gladys Hadley, aged 17, single, Home duties.
It is not clear where daughter Daisy was at the time.
Also listed at the address (along with numerous others) were
- Harry Stevens, aged 43, married, Engineer, motor cycle works, employer
- Annie Stevens, aged 41, married, Home duties.
- George Stevens, aged 42, married, Engineer, employer.
- Florence Sarah Stevens, aged 39, married, Home duties.
- Albert John Stevens, aged 37, married, Engineer, motor cycle works, employer
- Harriett Stevens, aged 36, married, Home duties.
The 1921 Isle of Man Tourist Trophy Junior 350 cc race had taken place on (Tuesday) 14 June 1921 and the Senior 500 cc on (Thursday) 16 June 1921. In this year AJS had completed a hat trick, taking the first four places for a total of six of the top ten places in the Junior 350 cc race.
In 1939 William and Lucy were living at 150, Penn Road, Wolverhampton. William was a hand press and tool maker. Their daughter Gladys and her husband were living with them (see below). Ernest Jones, a 48 year old railway guard was living with them.
Lucy Hadley of 90 Penn Road, Wolverhampton, widow died on 26 May 1957 in Wolverhampton.
William and Lucy's daughter Daisy Nellie Hadley married William L Jones in 1929 in Wolverhampton. In 1939 William L Jones, a civil servant (executive) and Daisy N Jones, a screw warehouse clerk were living with William's parents at 28 Lea Road, Wolverhampton.
William and Lucy's daughter Gladys Hadley had married Thomas Godfrey Barrett in 1926 in Wolverhampton. In 1939 they were living with Gladys' parents at 149, Penn Road, Wolverhampton. Thomas was a "commercial lock & safe". Gladys was a screw manufacturers clerk, again presumably working for her father?
In 1948 Daisy (Jones) and Gladys (Barrett) were directors of The Stevens Screw Company along with other family members.
Daisy Nellie Hadley of 28 Lea Road, Hadley, Wolverhampton died on 29 May 1973.
Gladys Barrett of 4 Limehurst Avenue, Finchfield, Wolverhampton died on 25 November 1978. Thomas Godfrey Barrett of 4, Limehurst Avenue died on 27 January 1979.
Harry Stevens & Annie Game
Harry had been working with his father since he was 14. Having had his interest in petrol engines aroused
"Harry and his father were quick to recognise the huge potential.................
a new company was formed in during the summer of 1899 under the title "The Stevens Motor Manufacturing Company". In order to finance the venture.................it was agreed George, Joe Junior and Jack would take outside jobs. As things turned out the business got off to a good start and before long each brother in turn was recalled to the works".
In the same year, on 22 May 1899, at All Saints, Wolverhampton, Harry Stevens married Annie
"It was around that time Harry turned his attention to road going vehicles........after reading an article on powered bicycles he set about constructing a machine of his own".
Initial tests were to prove most promising ......... The four brothers set about tidying the machine prior to having their photo taken with it at Jones Bros. the ....picture was taken in 1900"
It is therefore somewhat surprising that in 1901 Harry and Annie were living at 29 Ruby Street and 24 year old Harry still describes himself as employed as a metal screw and rivet maker
"Before long news of the Stevens machine came to the notice of William Clarke, chairman of the Wearwell Motor Carriage Co Ltd..............in due course a suitable contract was drawn up.........the first Wearwell-Stevens motor bicycle was to appear during the spring of 1901"
"During the early part of 1903 the brothers constructed their first complete motorcycle made entirely of their own products and proudly bearing the Stevens name. The machine, designed by Harry Stevens, had a modern appearance.............the main frame was unusual in that it was of open design and ideal suited to the long skirts worn by female riders of the day"
Although this first machine never made it into production
"Demand for Stevens products rapidly grew to such an extent, that a move to a larger premises in Pelham Street was necessary during February 1904".
"Towards the end of 1904 it was decided to form a Limited Company to encompass the interest of "The Stevens Motor Manufacturing Company" and "J Stevens & Co".........................a maximum share capital of £5,000 was made available of which £2,000 was issued. The subscribers being Joe Stevens Senior, W Barnett ( a partner with Joe Stevens in J Stevens & Co) , H Stevens, W H Haden (gentleman), G Stevens, T E Lowe (accountant) and F R W Hayward (solicitor). W h Haden, Joe Stevens senior and W Barnett were Company Directors"
"During the summer of 1905 the company experienced financial difficulties...........This did nothing to deter the brothers from continuing to develop new engines..........."
"Later ...........they were to gain a useful contract to produce motorcycle engines for..........Clyno" "Just as things began to improve the business arrangement between William Clarke and the Stevens family came to a sudden end..........the sudden closure of Wearwell".
"In view of these difficult circumstances the Stevens Brothers decided they should produce their own machines"
"it fell to Harry Stevens to design the first two A J S Motorcycles......"
"The first machines were completed by August 1910........."
And so by 1911, Harry now living at 40 Mander Street, Wolverhampton gives his occupation as a petrol motor manufacturer (motorcycle) and confirms that he was an employer. Harry and Annie had a daughter Edna Mary Stevens who had been born in 1904 and was seven years old at the time the census was taken. Tragically Edna died on 25 February 1913 aged just eight years old.
When the census was taken on 19 June 1921 Harry and Annie were boarding at Inglewood, 26 Palace Terrace, Onchan, Isle of Man with other family members (see above). Harry was 43 years old, an engineer, motor cycle works, an employer, His wife Annie, aged 41 was on home duties. The 1921 Isle of Man Tourist Trophy Junior 350 cc race had taken place on (Tuesday) 14 June 1921 and the Senior 500 cc on (Thursday) 16 June 1921.
In 1939 Harry and Annie were living at 180 Windsor Avenue, Wolverhampton and Harry was a "works engineer".
Harry Stevens, of 180 Windsor Avenue, Penn died on 19 January 1954. This obituary is from the Birmingham Gazette dated 21 January 1954.
George Stevens & Florence Sarah Capper
In 1901 George was living with his parents at Tempest Street and the 22 year old was a fitters mechanic.
In 1904 George married Florence Sarah Capper
In 1911 George and Florence were living at 14 Rayleigh Road, Wolverhampton. George, aged 32, giving his occupation as a mechanical engineer now acting as general manager for a motor cycle manufacturer. George and Florence had three children
- Florence Esme Stevens. Born 21 May 1904 in Wolverhampton
- Joseph Hanford Stevens. Born 20 January 1906 in Wolverhampton
- Madeline Millicent Stevens. Born 16 March 1907 in Wolverhampton
Visiting at the time was Samuel Bertie Elliott, a 31 year old Gas engineer (street lighting). It is not clear what his connection with the family was. The family had one live in servant, 16 year old Lucy Evelyn May Williams.
When the census was taken on 19 June 1921 George and Florence were visiting Inglewood, 26 Palace Terrace, Onchan, Isle of Man, along with other family members. George was 42 years old and an engineer, an employer. Florence was 39 years old and on home duties. The 1921 Isle of Man Tourist Trophy Junior 350 cc race had taken place on (Tuesday) 14 June 1921 and the Senior 500 cc on (Thursday) 16 June 1921.
The picture below from the "Lost Wolverhampton" Facebook page dated 24 July 1930 shows George Stevens, explaining to Miss Josephine Trix, then appearing at the Hippodrome Theatre, and Arnold Heckle secretary of the Wolverhampton Industrial Development Association. the finer points of the new A.J.S. 'Nine"
By 1939 AJS was no longer owned by the Stevens family. George and Florence were living at 3 Richmond Avenue, Wolverhampton where George was a mechanical engineer (M.I.A.E), manager of aircraft general engineers.
George Stevens of 3 Richmond Avenue, Wolverhampton died on 11 September 1952 at New Cross Hospital, Heath Town, Wolverhampton. Probate was granted to his widow Florence.
Florence Sarah Stevens of 2 Richmond Avenue, Wolverhampton, widow, died on 23 April 1955 at Ashwood House. Kingswinford. Probate was granted to her sister, Madeline Millicent Noble (wife of James Dunman Noble).
in 1921 George and Florence's daughter Florence Esme Stevens, ("Esme" in the census) was 17 years old and a pupil at Penrhos College, Colwyn Bay, North Wales. She married Hugh Picton in 1928. They had a son Michael Hubert Picton born on 19 November 1929, but by 1939, the couple had divorced and Florence was living with her son in Castlecroft Street, Wolverhampton. Florence Picton died in 1958. Her son Michael had predeceased her.
In 1921 George and Florence's son Joseph "Hanford" Stevens is listed as a pupil at Wolverhampton Grammar School. He as 15 years old. By the mid 1920's Hanford was employed by AJS. He is pictured here in 1924 in the AJS factory (centre left with his foot on the box}. His uncle Joe next to him. The picture is taken from an article in the "Oldbike Australasia", the full article can be found by clicking here.
Also from that article is this picture of him and other family members outside the AJS workshops in 1926.
Like his uncle "Jack" (see below) he was a good motorcycle racer and won several major continental races including the Belgian Grand Prix. The picture below is from the same source
In 1924, Hanford set the first official 100 mph average for a 350-cc machine, on Pendine Sands in Wales. He only entered one TT, the 1926 Junior where he finished 19th. Hanford followed in his father's footsteps, making pioneering trips overseas for AJS looking for new business. In 1931 Hanford was dispatched to USA, Japan and Australia. He returned later in the year with a full order book, but he was too late. This is confirmed by a biography from "Australian Biographers" which also goes on to detail Hanford's later life:
"Joseph Hanford Stevens (1906-1976), businessman, was born on 20 January 1906 at Wolverhampton, England, son of George Stevens, motor-works manager, and his wife Florence Sarah, née Capper. George and his three brothers produced the famous A.J.S. marque motorcycles, as well as four-wheel vehicles and radios. Educated at Wolverhampton Grammar School, Hanford joined the family firm and gained experience in all its sections. He rode A.J.S. motorcycles in Isle of Man Tourist-Trophy races, won the Belgian Grand Prix in 1925, and was said to be the first person to exceed 100 miles (161 km) per hour on a motorcycle on sand. In 1929 he obtained a flying licence.
By 1931 Stevens was the company's export sales manager. He met Kathleen Winifred Griffin, an 18-year-old stenographer, at Toronto, Canada, and married her a week later at Yonkers, New York, on 11 September 1931. On his return to England, he found that A.J.S. had gone into voluntary liquidation. A small screw-manufacturing business operated by the Stevens family survived and he worked there until 1937 when he joined the Bristol Aeroplane Co.
In September 1939 that firm sent him to Australia to assist with the local production of Beaufort bombers. About six hundred sub-contractors in several States manufactured parts for the aircraft; these components were transported to Fishermen's Bend, Melbourne, and Mascot, Sydney, for final assembly. Stevens held a succession of managerial posts in Melbourne and played a key role in the success of a project which delivered seven hundred Beauforts to the Royal Australian Air Force between August 1941 and August 1944.
Appointed to the Commonwealth Public Service on 6 May 1948, Stevens served at Canberra House, London, until 1953 as senior representative in Britain of the Department of Supply and the Department of Defence Production. He negotiated with the English Electric Co. Ltd to build the Canberra bomber in Australia. Back in Melbourne, he was assistant-secretary, aircraft production, Department of Defence Production. In 1954 he travelled abroad as a member of the R.A.A.F.'s re-equipment mission.
Stevens left the public service in 1956, having accepted an invitation from (Sir) Charles Hayward, chairman of Firth Cleveland Ltd in Britain, to become managing director of a subsidiary, Simmonds Aero-Accessories (Aerocessories) Pty Ltd, located at Ballarat, Victoria. Established in a former munitions factory, the business produced fasteners for the aviation and automotive industries. Stevens expanded operations, built a new factory and increased the number of employees to more than four hundred. He retired in 1973.
In the mid-1960s the Victorian government had appointed Stevens to the Decentralization Advisory Committee, which recommended various rural centres for accelerated development. He was active in the Victorian Chamber of Manufactures and in community work. Convivial and a good mixer, he was liked and respected by his colleagues and employees. He died of cancer on 25 September 1976 at Ballarat and was cremated with Anglican rites; his wife, and their daughter and son survived him. The naming of the J. Hanford Stevens library at Sebastapol Secondary College acknowledged his term (1963-76) as president of the council of the former technical school".
In 1921 George and Florence's daughter Madeline Millicent "Millie" Stevens was a 14 years old scholar and was listed with her uncle and aunt at 54, Lea Road, Wolverhampton , presumably staying with them while her parents were away. Her uncle Edward Fellows, aged 35 was a press tool maker for Messrs Hayward and Sons, side car manufacturers. His employer Charles William Hayward, aged 28, an engineer, and Hilda Hayward, 29, a clerk for Haywards were staying at the same place as Madeline's parents in the Isle of Man. AJS had purchased sidecars from C W Hayward's. To read more click here. Madeline married Tommy Spann at St Peters Collegiate Church , Wolverhampton in 26 April 1930. The marriage was reported in the Sunday Mercury and News on Sunday 27 April 1930 under heading "TT Rider married".
"The bride who was given away by her father George Stevens was attended by four adult bridesmaids and two children, while one of the two pageboys was none other than Master Murray Walker". Tommy Spann is pictured below in an article from the Motorcycle on 12 July 1928.
Tommy and Millie had a daughter Susan Millicent Spann born on 12 December 1932. The marriage did not last and Millie remarried in 1949. Her second husband was James Dunman Noble. Thomas Spann died on 22 June 1957 in Cheadle, Cheshire. James Dunman Noble of Rose Cottage, Sandy Lane, Codsall died, aged 53, on 1 September 1968. Madeline Noble died in 2001 aged 94 years old in Gateshead.
Joseph Stevens "Joe Jnr" & Lucy Annie Hubball
In 1901 "Joe Jnr" was living with his parents at Tempest Street and the 19 year old was a fitters mechanic.
"By taking outside jobs to supplement their income the brothers struggled on until the revival of the motorcycle trade in 1908. They began to produce motor cycle frames as well as engines for their old customer Wearwell. To fully test the machines Joe Junior and Jack began to ride "Wolf" machines in reliability trials..............Many gold and silver medals were gained between May 1909 and August 1910".
In 1910 Joe married Lucy Annie Hubball in Stafford.
In 1911 they were living at 10 Alexandra Road, Penn, Wolverhampton. The census indicates they had been married less than one year and 29 year old Joe was a Works Manager at a motor cycle maker.
Joe and Lucy had three children:
- Joan Mary Stevens. Born 19 June 1911
- Geoffrey Henry Stevens. Born 4 April 1913.
- Alec John Stevens, born 6 November 1921.
In 1939 Joe and Lucy were living at 22, Birchwood Road, Wolverhampton. Joe was a jig and tool fitter - aircraft. Daughter Joan remained at home and was a clerk/shorthand typist for the Inland Revenue and later in the nursing auxiliary service.
Joseph Stevens of 22 Birchwood Road, Wolverhampton died on 9 October 1957. He was 77 years old. Probate was granted to his widow Lucy Ann. His obituary appeared in the Birmingham Post and the Birmingham Gazette on 14 October 1957.
Lucy Ann Stevens, widow, of 22 Birchwood Road, Wolverhampton, died on 20 March 1961 at New Cross Hospital. She was 79 years old. Probate was granted to Joan Mary Stevens, spinster and Geoffrey Henry Stevens, engineer.
Both were buried at St Phillips Graveyard, Penn Fields, Wolverhampton
Joe and Lucy's son Geoff married Hetty Riley on 5 August 1939 in St Michael's Church, Tettenhall. They had one son, Peter. Geoff was to become the first president of the AJS 9 Car Club.
To read more about his life, click the link - Geoff Stevens
Joe and Lucy's son Alec made one of the last two motorcycles produced by the family
"There were however two motorcycles still left to be made. Close cousins Alec and Jim Stevens , both sixteen years of age at the time, quite naturally wanted motorcycles to ride. Their fathers, Joe Stevens Junior and "Billie" Stevens reckoned there would be enough bits and pieces left over at the works to complete two machines. These were the last Stevens motorcycles ever made"
The header photograph on this page shows Geoff and Alex pictured at the opening of BMI Marston Museum in 1998, along with their cousin, Jim
Albert John Stevens ("Jack") & Harriett Wood.
In 1901 Albert John Stevens ("Jack") was living with his parents at Tempest Street and the 16 year old was a fitters mechanic.
In 1907 Albert married Harriett Wood. Harriett was the daughter of Jabez Wood (1857-1910) and Ann Williams (1853 - ).
In 1908 Albert John Stevens appears in Kelly's directory of Staffordshire as a screw manufacturer at 22, Retreat Street, Wolverhampton. Stevens Motor Manufacturing Company Ltd is shown at Pelham Street, Wolverhampton.
In 1909 "To protect the existing name of their proprietary engines, it was thought necessary to introduce a new name for the motorcycles. After much deliberation, they chose to use initials only, as only one brother Jack had two Christian names (Albert John) the new Marque was christened A.J.S".
In due course the brothers formed a new partnership under the title of A J Stevens & Co Ltd on 14 November 1909. A share capital of £1,000 was issued with all shares held by the directors, H Stevens, G Stevens, J Stevens junior and A J Stevens".
In the 1911 census taken on 2 April, Albert John and Harriett were living at 47 Rayleigh Road, Wolverhampton. Albert, aged 26, describes himself as a motor cycle manufacturer. For his wife's name he writes "Mrs A J Stevens".
Albert and Harriett had a daughter Ruby Mercedes Annie Wood Stevens was born on 17 August 1908 at 3, Court Road, Wolverhampton, the daughter of Albert John Stevens, screw manufacturer and Harriett Stevens, formerly Wood. She was two years old when the census was taken.
Also at the address was Albert's mother in law, "Mrs J" Wood, a 58 year old widow and Harriett's siblings, Jabez Wood (aged 20 and a clerk at a motor factory), Arthur Wood (aged 18 and a mechanic in a motor factory) and Nellie Wood (aged 16). Harriett's brother Jabez Wood would later marry Albert's sister Lucy (see below).
Albert John "Jack" Stevens, was particularly keen to promote the business via motor sport and in 1911 he entered the Isle of Man TT Junior race. Following a tumble and wasting valuable time straightening the forks, he came in 16th on AJS's official entry, one place behind a private owner J.D. Corke on the same AJS motorcycle.
"In 1911 it was announced by the Auto Cycle Union, that the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy Races would be changed from the 15 mile 1430 yard short course...........to a new 37 ½ mile 'Mountain Circuit" .............The brothers realising the importance of the sport to their trade decided to enter two carefully prepared machines...............one would be ridden by Jack Stevens"
"They proved extremely reliable and finished the gruelling race in fifteenth and sixteenth place. But for a 'tumble' when lying sixth, Jack Stevens would have certainly finished higher than his sixteenth place"
A second daughter, Marjorie Nellie Stevens was born in 1912.
When the census was taken on 19 June 1921 "Jack" and Harriett visiting Inglewood, 26 Palace Terrace, Onchan, Isle of Man, along with other family members. George was 42 years old, an engineer, employer. Harriett, aged 36, was on home duties. The 1921 Isle of Man Tourist Trophy Junior 350 cc race had taken place on (Tuesday) 14 June 1921 and the Senior 500 cc on (Thursday) 16 June 1921.
In 1939 Albert and Harriett were living at Lane Cottage, Windmill Lane, Tettenhall. Albert is described as an engineer making jig tools.
Albert John Stevens died on 15 June 1956.
"Old age and illness gradually took their toll, until only Jack Stevens was left. Appropriately it was his initials that will remain as the family memorial. He died in 1956 ".
Brief obituaries appeared as far afield as The Charlotte Observer, North Carolina, USA and The Leader, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
Ruby and Marjorie are pictured below with what had been their father's AJS saloon.
Lily Wood nee Stevens.
In 1901 Lilly was living with her parents at Tempest Street and although only 14 is working as a commercial clerk.
In 1903 "Lily............was the first to ride the Stevens machine on the roads of Wolverhampton. In doing so she became the town's first woman motor cyclist, She was soon to be followed by her younger sisters Ethel and Daisy"
Around 1910 "Joe Stevens senior had secured premises in Regent Street for the Stevens Screw Co Ltd. The company........was run by Joe Senior and two of his daughters Lily and Daisy".
In 1911 Lilly was living with her parents at 149 Penn Road, Wolverhampton. She was 24 years old and a clerk at a screw manufacturers.
Lilly Stevens married Jabez Lawley Wood in 1914 in Wolverhampton. Jabez Lawley Wood was the son of Jabez Wood (1857-1910) and Ann Williams (1853 - ). In 1911 Jabez was living with his brother in law Albert John Stevens at 47 Rayleigh Road, Wolverhampton. Albert had married Jabez's sister in 1908. Also at the address was Jabez's widowed mother and his siblings Arthur Wood, aged 18, a mechanic at a motor factory and his sister, Nellie Wood, aged 16. Jabez, aged 20 was a clerk at a motor factory.
The photograph of the bridal party outside the motorcycle works in Retreat Street, is from "AJS of Wolverhampton", was taken just after the company went public
Jabez and Lilly had a son Douglas Lawley Stevens Wood born on 1 February 1918 at Wolverhampton.
In 1921 Jabez and Lilly were living at 71, Rayleigh Road, Wolverhampton. Jabez, aged 30, was secretary (public company) for AJ Stevens & Co (1914) Ltd. Lilly, aged 34 was on home duties. Son Douglas was 3 years old.
In 1939 Jabez and Lilly were living at 36, Riley Crescent, Wolverhampton with their son Douglas. Jabez was a secretary of a public company and Douglas was a cost clerk. Also at the address was Daisy Weir, Lilly's sister.
In 1948 Lilly Wood was a director of The Stevens Screw Company Ltd
Lilly died in 1968 and Jabez in 1972 in Hexham, Northumberland.
On 5 June 1939, their son Douglas Lawley Stevens Wood, a cost accountants assistant of Brentwood, Riley Crescent, Wolverhampton gained his pilots licence in a Moth Major at the Midland Aero Club, the same club where his cousin Joseph Hanford Stevens had gained his licence on 24 June 1929. Douglas died in 1987 in Hexham, Northumberland.
Ethel May Simpson nee Stevens
In 1903 "Whilst out riding the bike Ethel was stopped by a policeman in Darlington Street. Being only fourteen years of age at the time she pretend to be her elder sister and later produced Lily's licence at the police station".
In 1911 Ethel, aged 22 was living with her parents at 149 Penn Road, Wolverhampton and was employed as a clerk at her fathers screw works.
Ethel married Joseph William Henry Simpson on 25 December 1911. At the time of the 1911 census, Joseph, aged 25, a manufacturers clerk for a motor car manufacturer, was living with his widowed father, a self employed pianist at 109 Oak Street, Wolverhampton.
In 1915 Joseph and Ethel were living at 88A Bruford Road, Wolverhampton when Joseph, a managing clerk at a steel screw manufacturers, enlisted in the Royal Engineers.
In 1921 they were still at 88, Bruford Road, Wolverhampton. Joseph, aged 36 was a manager at Screw and Rivet Manufacturer, Stevens Screw Company, Retreat Street, Wolverhampton. Ethel, aged 32 was in home duties. They had one child, Patricia J Simpson born 4 March 1920.
In 1939 the family were living at The Hawthorns, Castlecroft Road, Tettenhall. Joseph was a bolt, nut and screw manufacturer's secretary. Their daughter Patricia was a hairdresser.
In 1948 "William" Simpson was a director of the Stevens Screw Company Ltd.
Joseph William Henry Simpson of 137 Yew Tree Lane, Wergs, Tettenhall died on 31 January 1960.
Ethel May Simpson died in 1978.
Daisy Annie Weir nee Stevens
In 1911 Daisy was living with her parents at 149 Penn Road, Wolverhampton and aged 20 was a shop assistant at a boot makers, the only child not working in the family business at that time.
Daisy married Cadet Henry Mervyn Weir on 10 February 1917 at the Presbyterian Church, Wolverhampton. Henry had previously been an apprentice motor mechanic with Sunbeam Motors, but had enlisted with the Royal Garrison Artillery, and received the Military Medal by the time he got married (see Wolverhampton's War). The marriage was reported in the Birmingham Gazette.
Henry became a 2nd Lieutenant in that same year. He served in Mesopotamia and India, but was invalided home in 1919.
Daisy and Henry had a son Allan Lane Weir who was born on 3 June 1920 in Wolverhampton.
In 1921 they were living at Old Falhey Street, Wolverhampton. H Mervyn Weir, aged 28, was a motor engineer, a car tester for Sunbeam Motor Car Company Ltd, aero engine and motor car manufacturers at Moorfield Works, Wolverhampton. Daisy was 38 years old. Son Allan was 1 year old. They had a 17 year old general domestic servant, Sarah Ann Scriven was living with them.
In 1932 Henry was appointed Sales Manager for the Sunbeam Motor Car Company. In 1934 he moved to Singer & Co as assistant to their Sales Director.
In 1937 Henry joined Jensen Motors as 'Salesman & Traveller'. During 1939, one of Jensen Motors 'S' Type cars, 'S37' was registered at Wolverhampton licencing department In Henry's name as "CJW 456", presumably used by Weir personally and for business use.
World War II started on 1 September 1939 Two, and Henry was recalled to the army, and promoted to Lt. Colonel in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps. This may account for why, when the 1939 register was taken Daisy Weir was living with her sister Lily and her husband Jabez Lawley Wood at 36, Riley Crescent, Wolverhampton. It is not clear where Henry or son Allan were at that time.
At the end of the war, Henry Weir re-joined Jensen Motors as their Sales Manager. He is believed to have retired in 1957 at the age of 65. For further information and photographs see here.
Daisy Annie Weir of 8 Coppice Road, Wolverhampton (wife of Henry Mervyn Weir) died on 11 July 1956 at The General Hospital, Aberystwyth. Her obituary appeared in the Birmingham Post
Henry Mervyn Weir of 8 Coppice Road, Wolverhampton, died on 8 March 1973.
Their son Allan Lane Weir had married Ada Johnson in 1947. Allan Lane Weir of 8 Coppice Road, Wolverhampton died on 17 July 1995. His widow died on 5 June 2007.
William Stevens and Mary Nesta Jones.
In 1911 William was living with his parents at 149 Penn Road, Wolverhampton and aged 17 was an "assistant engineer in the motorcycle business".
During the first world war, the War Office appealed for volunteers to become despatch riders and "William, the fifth and youngest of the Stevens Brothers known to the others as "Young Billie" signed up.....................Billie later saw service in Salonika and the Dardanelles"
"Billie" had only played a minor role in the motorcycle business, usually working with his father Joe Senior and his sisters in the Stevens Screw Company"
Billie married Mary Nesta Jones in 1919 in Wolverhampton.
In 1921 they were living at Bodaethwy, Lonsdale Road, Wolverhampton. William was a Motor Engineer Department Manager for A J S Stevens & Co (1914) Ltd, motor cycle manufacturers at Graiseley Hill Works, Penn Road, Wolverhampton.
They went on to have two children
- Jim (Harry Lloyd) Stevens
- Dillys Wynne Stevens
In 1948 Billie was a director of The Stevens Screw Company
William Stevens of Bodaethwy, Lonsdale Road, Wolverhampton died, aged 59 years, on 18 May 1953 at Manor Hospital, Walsall. Probate was granted to Mary Nesta Stevens, widow.
Mary Nesta Stevens of Bodaethwy, Lonsdale Road, Wolverhampton died on 20 April 1954. Administration was granted to Harry Lloyd Stevens and Dilys Wynne Clem (wife of Roy Thomas Clem).
Their son Jim with his cousin Alec was responsible for the last two Stevens motorcycles ever to be produced.............................
Jim Stevens, our former club president is pictured below with his wife Joan outside the Black Country Museum in 1998.
Most of the "quotes" in this text are from "AJS of Wolverhampton" by S J Mills
