Introduction
The lives of Robert and his brother Alfred Charles were closely connected. After starting their working lives as twine spinners, both brothers trained as blacksmiths and moved to Bristol in search of employment. Unfortunately, Robert’s whereabouts have not been traced after April 1891.
Birth at Hardington
Robert was born at Hardington in 1867, the seventh of eleven children born to William and Elizabeth Slade. His father was a farmer and also served as the parish clerk of Hardington.
Twine spinner
By the age of thirteen, Robert was working as a twine spinner, probably at the West of England Twine Works at West Coker. His brother, Alfred Charles, was also employed as a twine spinner.
Apprenticeship
Robert probably began his apprenticeship as a blacksmith in 1883, at the same time as Alfred.
After learning his trade, Robert advertised in the Western Gazette in January 1887 for a situation as a shoeing or jobbing smith.[1]
Move to Bristol
In April 1891, Robert and Alfred were lodging at 3 Beaconsfield Street, Bristol, both working as blacksmiths.
Disappearance from records
After 1891, Robert’s trail disappears, leaving us with an unsolved mystery.
References
[1] Western Gazette, 28 January 1887, p.4.
