Matthew Boulton's family - for Elizabeth Borland
Dear Elizabeth,
I did not get a reply from you to my last e-mail so I am sending you some answers which I hope you will receive.
Matthew Robinson Boulton is not the "Father" of the Soho foundry.This was started up by Matthew Boulton's father and Matthew took over the business on the death of hisfather in 1759.The firm originally made silver articles, many of which are on view in The Goldsmith's Hall and various museums around the country.
Boulton and James Watt developed the steam engine.
Boulton's marriage to Ann Robinson was his second marriage, having previously been married to her sister who died.
Matthew Robinson Boulton was Ann's eldest son and in 1794 he and James Watt Junior entered their fathers' firm, which became Boulton, Watt & Sons.
The fathers retired in 1800 and their sons took over.
Matthew Robinson Boulton died in 1842 (his father having died in 1809).
Matthew Robinson Boulton had a son called Piers Watt Boulton
and he had a son called Ernest by his second marriage but I have no record of their ever having been in the business nor if Ernest had any descendants.
Matthew Boulton founded the Lunar Society, which was a club whose members met for discussion, for reporting their scientific experiments and exchanging information.It met at his home, Soho House, every full moon, hence the name.
Josiah Wedgwood, of pottery fame, was a member.
I do not know anything of Abraham Robinson as, being a Boulton by birth, I have not researched the Robinsons.
The Boultons had previously married into the Gentry (the Dyott family who date from the 1560s.)
I hope this information is of use to you.Your best source of further information is :-
Birmingham City Archives,
Central Library,
Chamberlain Square,
Birmingham B3 3HQ.
United Kingdom.
tel: 0121-235-4217
internet: http//birmingham.gov.uk/libraries/archives
Good luck!
Barbara Wright.
More Replies:
-
Re: Boulton. St Helens in Haiti - for Barbara Wright
Wiza Loutis 12/02/09
-
Re: Boulton. St Helens in Haiti - for Barbara Wright
Jon Bolton 12/18/09
-
Re: Boulton. St Helens in Haiti - for Barbara Wright