Although not known for its industry, the village of Coven was the site
of the only local manufacturer of traction engines and privately built
steam railway locomotives. In many ways the village was ideal for such
an undertaking as skilled labour in the form of local locksmiths was
available and transport was provided via a wharf on the nearby
Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal. Much of the village was occupied
by journeymen lock makers who worked for the locksmiths in nearby
Willenhall.
John Smith senior was a farmer and tenant of the Three Hammers Farm in
Coven. In 1827 he had a son, also called John, who is said to have spent
some time away from Coven with John Fowler of Leeds, who became one of
the leading manufacturers of traction engines and steam ploughing
machines of his day. John may also have worked for a time with Clayton and Shuttleworth of Lincoln. On his return to Coven he set himself up in
business and became one of the first people to purchase a set of
Fowler's steam ploughing equipment.
John Smith senior and Coven were mentioned in the ‘History, Gazetteer
and Directory of Staffordshire’, published by William White of
Sheffield in 1834. The following is part of the section on Coven:
COVEN is a large liberty, with a
considerable village, 2 miles S.E. of Brewood, and 5 miles N. of
Wolverhampton. Here is a small Methodist chapel, and a number of lock
makers.
LOCK MANFRS.
(PLATE & STOCK)
Smith John
MALTSTERS
Smith John
FARMERS
Smith John, Three Hammers
John Smith senior is listed as a farmer
and lock manufacturer and so like his son he must have had engineering
skills. He may also have been the Maltster that is listed in the
directory.
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