The Narrative of Jemima Cox, 1871 Gerald Mander unearthed and edited a first-hand account of Charles Mander’s early nineteenth-century business and its ways. He writes: In the year 1871, the life of a devout and faithful servant of the firm was fast approaching its allotted span, and Jemima Cox [born in 1805], as she was named, set out to write a narrative of her fifty-four years’ association with it. Written in the plain, homely language of the times, it affords a privileged insight into the character of the pioneers of the business. The original manuscript, from which this is taken is ‘Dedicated to C.B. Mander, Esq., also S.S. Mander, Esq. Narrative of Events connected with their late beloved Father, C. Mander, Esq.’, to quote from its title page. In the year of our Lord 1817, one bright September noon I found myself in the presence of the late Charles Mander [1780-1853], who was asking many questions, and testing my abilities in reading and writing. I felt rather timid in answering, being in the twelfth year of my age. He had on a blue suit, and brown paper cap. This was his varnish-making dress (leaving the varnish a few minutes to see me). A more smiling countenance I thought I never saw–which gave me great encouragement in my answers, especially those of a religious character. He wrote the word "understanding," and desired me to copy it, which I did quickly, to his great satisfaction. Addressing the person who was to be my instructor: ‘Mary, I believe this child will be a blessing to us. This situation may be for your lifetime, but be sure to be ever truthful. When you are in fault, or forget some of your little duties, speak out and confess them, then they are done with, but a lie brings a curse and leads into much trouble and sin.’ Here I would remark this counsel sunk very deep in my heart and saved me many a sorrow which a lie would have caused me, and by the blessing of God, up to this day, have experienced the happy result of telling the truth and fearing a lie more than a fault. The warehouse was very beautiful in my sight, three windows filled with beautiful geraniums in full bloom, and flowers. No walls or order compartments to be seen, all was draped over with green baize, and the floor clean enough to count the grain in the boards. I thought, oh! how nice, I shall be very happy here, I’m sure I shall, and above all go to Chapel every Sabbath Day. Next morning I went to work at 7 o’clock. Alas! for anticipated pleasure in my new situation. My first duty was to assist in cleaning five lamps, and trimming them ready for lighting and hanging in their appointed places at night. No gas in Wolverhampton at that time, nor for many years after. How disappointed I felt; the lamp oil made me sick: what a contrast to going to school in a little pink lilac frock and apron, to the gingham apron I was obliged to don! The next thing was to descend into the fire-hole with a long-handled shovel, and carry fire up two and sometimes three pair steps, not only choking me, but smoking my face and hair, besides nearly blinding me, as I was very small in stature. Sweeping and dusting came next, not so disagreeable as the fire and lamp exercise. By 9 o'clock the Counting House, Warehouse and passages were in order, as I found them the day before. Thus my first quarter of the day was accomplished. I was not happy and while at breakfast felt sick at the thought of lamp oil odour. Mother, observing my sorrowful countenance, asked me if I thought I should like my place. ‘No, mother, no, I cannot and will not trim lamps,’ was my answer. ‘Making fires is bad enough, but the lamps. . .’; and I gave vent to a shower of tears. I then felt lighter hearted, and after a good wash, dressed in my school garments and resumed my second quarter of the day. I was again delighted with the appearance of the warehouse, and assisted in putting candlesticks into white paper, which I thought very pleasant. I found also my instructress a very good, cheerful young woman. I was taught by my mother that religion was a path of peace. I felt very happy till the thought of the first quarter duties rose in my mind. What rebellion there is even in the heart of a child, not then knowing it was my Heavenly Father’s will, it was the way He would have me walk in. The rest of the day passed very pleasant in the changes of duties. At night Mr. Mander asked me how I liked my place, remembering his admonition about the truth, I at once told him. ‘Very well, except the lamps and fire business’. He smiled and said, ‘You will not think so much about it when you forget you were a little Miss’; and helping mother to support me, he bid us goodnight. His residence then was Chapel Ash. Mary, that was my teacher’s name, asked me if I could sing, so after a few verses of the evening hymn, first and second treble, we parted very much pleased with each other.
‘Yes, sir, I do, besides she writes so well, indeed near as good as my own. Give her 3s. because she is a scholar.’ Half crazy with joy, I carried the thirty-six old copper pennies, ornamented with fish scales, as the change was had from Bosworth’s, Dudley Street, and casting the money on mother’s ironing table at which she stood, I exclaimed, ‘All this and my Sunday, too, all my own, my Sunday, my Sunday.’ Dear reader, the Sabbath seemed to me more valuable than the money, the love of that Sabbath caused me to go through six days’ toil and lamp-trimming with ease. That Holy returning Sabbath has been my pole star, and has borne me through fifty-four years’ heart service of one situation, and fifty years in His sanctuary in sacred melody. Give God the praise, God is a God of providence as well as a God of grace.
Mr. Mander’s counsel and Mary’s consistent works had great influence over me, so that I did not care for the companionship of the girls in the establishment. Though prudent everyone in their several stations, they lived the Sabbath different to mine, opening it in their own pursuits. It is time for me to give a slight sketch of the St. John Street manufactory. The dwelling of Mr. Mander was in Front Street once, and was now occupied by C. Thorpe and family, the Black Varnish Maker. A range of stoves, quite new, covered with cherry trees on the right hand of a large square yard–the left hand upper and lower stoves in operation–two oil varnishers, one woman, two girls lower stoves, a colour grinder who filled up her time in picking gum, the gum-room being under the old counting-house. One long shop containing four or five men and several apprentices completed that department. A room under Japan Shop to keep iron blanks and retail varnishes. A long row of shopping at the top of the yard finished the square. A man, his wife, and several children, with two apprentices were the only operatives. The Varnish House filled a corner joining the new stoves; forgot to say several Varnish Stock Rooms were under the upper tin shops. The whole of ground floor of yard was laid with large white flags now covered over in many places with green moss. Two oval flower beds were in the centre, out of which several tall poplars reared their spiral branches toward the skies, nodding in windy weather in very many fantastic shapes, and many a time I have watched them. I forgot to say there were four black polishers, and a woman to polish bottle stands and round waiters and a lathe–three or four finish polishers I believe were the only operatives. A year or two passed away and the lovely yard still bore the appearance of the once beautiful back premises of a gentleman's house. At that time I spent many pleasant seasons at Mr. Mander’s house with his dear children [four sons and three daughters survived infancy] whom I dearly loved, and romped about the hayfields with great delight teaching and singing to them verses of Watts’ hymns. How sweet is the memory of those days even now, how delightful it will be to see again in Glory the lovely countenance of dear Mr. Mander! I have gazed upon it while he has given me good advice, which beamed with kindness and ennobled by grace in the heart. Mr. Mander was now more frequent in the Varnish House and Mrs. [Jemima] Mander was obliged to be amongst us often as the invoicing clerk. Dear, kind lady, I think I see her on a winter night with her muff on her arm waiting for master to go home with her, cheerful and uncomplaining. My dear master had a zeal for the cause of God. A large parlour in front of his house had been used for Divine Service previous to the opening of the old Baptist Chapel. Many a happy hour I have had in that old Meeting House while listening to the truth. Mrs. Mander's sweet voice started the hymn tunes. I suppose my master’s purse found a good share of the expenses for supplies; there was no regular minister at that time. Happy period of my life, the like I shall not see again.
Soon after this my instructress married Mr. Wiley, one of the japanners, and was engaged as a foreman. It was impossible to do without her as the business increased so much. This alteration entirely freed Mrs. Mander from business. Another daughter was added to the family circle, so we seldom saw Mrs. Mander, except on Wednesday evenings when she called to invite us to chapel. Bright examples of genuine Christianity were Mr. and Mrs. Mander carrying out their profession in all their walk and ways, hearts and hands to sympathise and help in time of need to the utmost of their power, truly serving the living faithful God of Israel. Their characters and conduct shone bright in deed and truth in those dark days of erroneous teaching. They are now reaping their reward through the merits of Jesus. I know by dear master’s earnest prayers he had great difficulties to cope with, for after a portion of Scripture read at breakfast time, prayers for blessings on the day followed, and for years a portion of Scripture was read in every shop on the premises, in failure of which there was a fine to pay. The whirl of business soon swept away this duty, but these rules and practices left a good impression on many. New shops soon filled up our once pleasant yard. ‘Bricks and mortar again’ soon became a proverb, leaving only room enough for a barrow to pass. A dreadful fire broke out on the works of Mander, Weaver and Co., and several lives were lost. Great danger was apprehended from the heat–the houses opposite had some of their panes melted–to our stock rooms joining the burning walls which were left bare. Machinery, iron, wood floors and roofs were destroyed. Great terror and confusion in the whole town; soldiers were placed top and bottom of the street to prevent intruders. With great difficulty I got permission to pass through the ranks, and one of the soldiers threatened me with a bayonet if I persisted. I told him I belonged to the place and wanted to assist. I found our people all in haste moving books to a place of safety. A wonderful scene presented itself in the street, houses and chimneys and all the pavements covered with red, black, blue, white, green, while many other coloured minerals were scattered about by the wind. The poor people could not keep the diversified colour out of their dwellings with all their efforts. Here was a remarkable instance of God’s great protection, nothing belonging to Mr. Mander was injured except in the hurry of removing goods, which was trifling. We were very thankful our dear master was spared all anguish of witnessing such a scene of danger and confusion, being absent till we were in order again. Mr. Wilks’ men, Warners’ shopmen, with many others on the Market Place, assisted lustily in carrying water from the surrounding pumps. The street was crowded with spectators of ruins; a solemn sight to see two dead men extricated at four in the noon from the burning rubbish. With heavy but thankful hearts Mr. Wiley and family, with assistants, sat down to tea at five in the evening, the first refreshment tasted that day. The first rest we had from four in the morning, we could not help smiling at each other’s appearance, like a meeting of Oddfellows; one had a patch of blue, another black, some all colours. We were too tired to pay any attention to a tea-party dress. Mr. Wiley returned thanks to God for His special care and mercy towards us. From this time increasing duties were laid upon me, as the health of Mrs. Wiley began to decline, owing to the untimely birth of her first born caused by fright she received at the fire. In her absence I had to give out materials for tin men and japanners, look after polishers and very often had to pay the people. I think I have had a little of everything to do, except polish and sand stones. Many a time I have sat entering orders opposite my master, and trembling lest I should make an error; in short, the entire management of the warehouse was on my hands at the age of seventeen. At this period I had to encounter many trials, the polishers especially did not like a ‘young thin’ like me to find fault, threats and enticements to pass bad work. I stood like a flint to see my master done right by, so deeply sunk in my heart was the first counsel of my master–’Be truthful, and you will have nothing to fear.’ A tender conscience was the blessed result. I have shed many tears and had many restless nights through their want of principle, yet, thank God, a clear conscience bore me up, and no weapon formed against me ever prospered.
A year or two quickly passed, bringing more business. Mr. Wiley became chief manager and invoicing clerk, his poor wife, my teacher, got weaker, and after giving birth to a second son she was very little in the warehouse with me now. I was much grieved about her, feeling sure that I should miss her valuable society. When I was very young, I often thought her rebukes rather severe, but proved all was for my good. An assistant was found me, a very disagreeable one too, unwilling to learn and subtle as Satan, one of those eye-service men-pleasers. This caused me new trouble; so artful was she, everything appeared to be right when all was wrong. My dear master, hearing a man paying addresses to me, was not very well pleased, and I frequently smarted under his somewhat hasty reproofs. My unprincipled rival still grew in favour by her duplicity. I felt Mr. Mander would find her out I ere long. I could not convince him of her deceit and hypocrisy. Thus grieved at my dear master's seeming carelessness, whether I stayed or left, I was the more easily persuaded to marry. When my dear instructress lay on her death bed, she sent for me and wished me to postpone my marriage, and stay where I was till she was out of the way. I would willingly have done so for it was a great grief to me to see her almost last wish unfulfilled. Mr. Mander also wished me to stay, but my arrangements were made, and I could not break my promise. Dear Mrs. Wiley died a Saint indeed in July, and the September following I married, and after an absence of two years, at the earnest wish of Mr. Mander, I accepted again my former post and position. My malicious rival was found to be worse than I represented, and was sent off the premises at a moment’s notice, Mr. Mander having found her and her mother house rent free. Very often the innocent suffer for the guilty, but God is His own interpreter, and He will make it plain. Our Blessed Redeemer suffered for doing good, let us be content to follow in His Steps. Soon after my return the premises were enlarged and a poor man was engaged to look after the Black Department. Mr. Wiley kindly taught him to write sufficient to keep a stock book. My time was taken up in collecting packages and looking after the finishers’ work and books. Mr. Mander was now entirely occupied in varnish making and journeys. The young gents returned from school. Master C.B. [Charles Benjamin Mander] soon set to work and became a first-rate artist. Master S.S. [Samuel Small Mander] could not endure his department, looking over polished black work. I have seen him writhing under the task, so disagreeable it was to him, and many times helped him out of difficulties, very much regretting his superior genius ought to be better employed. Soon after he was wanted in the counting house entirely, and gave up to a young woman who understood the business well–Sarah Minett. Mr. Mander now thought proper to take Mr. Wiley into partnership, and for a time all went on well. Tranquillity in this world–how short. Frequently when we think our best concerted plans are going on prosperously, there is a lurking storm beneath the surface of smooth waters. The disciples of Jesus passed a happy day with their beloved Master; at night the winds and waves threatened their destruction, but Jesus appeared for them and there was a great calm. I must pass over many painful incidents and relate how Jesus was with our beloved master in two heavy trials which closely followed each other. The first was the loss of his beloved wife [Jemima Mander] in the year 1834. This was a heavy billow over his soul. A very short illness took away the desire of his eyes and treasure of his heart. His sorrow was not as one without hope. She was a bright testimony of the power of the gospel and love of God the Father in Jesus. Miss Small [i.e., Jemima’s younger sister, Elizabeth] was now a valuable help in his bereavement, taking all care off his hands in domestic affairs. So the Lord is with them that put their trust in Him. Miss Small was a great economist and a real Christian, and ultimately became the second wife of Mr. M. The young gents [Charles Benjamin, Samuel Small, Joseph and Benjamin] increased in stature, knowledge and perseverance. Another clerk was added to assist, and the whole manufactory lighted with gas. This was a great pleasure to me after so many years endurance of smoke and lamp oil. I shouted for joy in the presence of my master, who laughed heartily at my exultation. The first evening the works looked cheerful in the silvery light. What a variety of changes in business, how uncertain of success, anxieties, disappointments, perplexities; all attend even the man who would gain the world though he lost his soul.
There were rumours of dissatisfaction, then there appeared a complete mutiny among the people, and it was difficult to get work done as it ought to be. Oh! the weary days and wakeful nights I spent; instead of harmony all was opposition. Covetousness and avarice caused all the mischief which followed the steps of the double-minded. Cole, the stove manager, took part with everyone who behaved wrongfully against my dear, kind-hearted master, whom I felt convinced was quite right. Dear reader, judge what I had to pass through, from a child I looked up to Mr. Wiley as an elder brother, receiving many good admonitions and spent many happy hours in his family circle–I had all this to read from heart, I found many a pang in so doing–I was able to stand firm to what I was sure was the right cause. Prayers, tears, yea, even fasting became familiar to me. I well remember one night crossing the old churchyard (then open to west), the evening star was sparkling and brilliant in the sky; oh how heartily I prayed and wrestled like Jacob of old that the Creator of the Universe would restore peace. Many months passed ere there was any peace. During those months painful contentions and explanations, worst of all, partners in trade and brethren in the Church. Meetings and discussions as to which was right and which was wrong; happily for me I was quite ignorant of the first cause of the unhappy convulsion, therefore could stand, though with heavy heart, with clean bands touching the miserable treachery which surrounded us. I must now introduce the name of one not before mentioned, the good brother of my master, Mr. Benjamin [Parton] Mander [1785-1835], who often comforted me with scripture quotations. ‘Stand fast in that which is right’, he would say; again, ‘Who shall harm you if ye be followers of that which is good’. ‘Fear not man whose breath is in his nostrils, the fear of man bringeth a snare, but who so putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe’. These and many others were the exhortations of the only spiritual friend I had to console me. Cole and his accomplices did all they could to annoy me–texts of scripture sent in secret judging me as a man pleaser with all sorts of accusations I was entirely ignorant of. All this brought me nearer a throne of grace and have good reasons to thank God for guiding me with His counsel. All disputes ended in dissolving partnership. Wiley set up for himself and as many of the people who chose joined him. Hanshen, chief ornamentor, also left and became his partner. After all this there was little peace. Cole wanted to join Wiley, but Mr. Mander was determined he would serve his time (being hired). I was much surprised one day when my mother questioned me about my discourteous behaviour to Cole, who threw down his cap and declared he would not transact business with such a woman. He would rather serve in prison; but the Lord was on my side giving me utterance of speech and proving by facts that Cole was working against the interests of my master's business to get his dismissal and join Wiley. Soon after this another clerk was engaged, Mr. Parkes, though unacquainted with our work knew quite well how business ought to be conducted. Cole still persevered in his frustrations, causing delays and countermands. It soon became evident to the newcomer all was not right, as the people under Cole's management worked or played, just as it pleased, without any rebuke. ‘The wicked fall into the pit they had dug for others’ was soon manifest in the case of this man. Being left to the depravity of his own heart he never could invent a slander so black against a person so chaste in all his ways and conversation as Mr. Mander. Everyone was disgusted at the report, even his own accomplices trembled at the thought of being brought before him. Did my dear master faint under this addition of the craft and subtlety of the devil and man, which seemed to work against him? No, in the presence of proper witnesses the cowardly inventor confessed he had not the slightest reason for impeaching the character of so just a man, Judas like, and asked for forgiveness, signed a paper as to the intent of his conduct, saying it was only a joke. Had it not been for the sake of his wife and family he would have found it cost him more than all the jokes of his lifetime. Cole had to leave, no good seemed to be in him, hindrances were more frequent, and at last he became obnoxious to all and left to join the firm of Wiley and Hanshen. What he was to their firm I never knew. It was reported the co-workers were going to ruin the old John Street factory. The Lord in His Word declares ‘All false ways I utterly abhor’–the way of the wicked He turneth upside down–so it was with them; their counsel like David's enemies was turned into foolishness, they prospered not. Many of their followers wanted to come back, their firm broke up and they wanted bread. To this day I believe Cole to be at the foundation of all the mischief. I believe Wiley truly repented in his heart toward God, and became a Minister of the Gospel. As for the rest they tried hard to return. How they could turn against so kind a master I know not; an open hand, a sympathising heart, and he never turned a deaf ear to the wants of his people. I have known him lend money to shoe the people's families, and also to relieve them in every case of distress with kind admonition, and we can truly say of him as it was of job: ‘When the car hears him then it blessed him, He delivered the poor that cried and him that had none to help him’. New stamps and workers were engaged, the young gents were now in the varnish department. All the old hands did their best to cope with the influx of trade. Messrs. Parkes and Evans, tin foremen, did their best and held a strong rein. The management, our beloved master, worked very hard all my time. Quick in execution, persevering I should think from a youth. What was to be done today was not put off till tomorrow. This example of his has been beneficial to me. Avoiding procrastination, remorse, etc., presents many difficulties. Faithfully blessed in his life the three-fold golden girdle set forth by St. Paul: ‘Diligent in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord’. He never on any account neglected the service of God, public or private. Surely while we remain in the valley of tears he is now enjoying the sweet rest which remains for the people of God. To my great sorrow one day I was told the business had passed into other hands. [The japanning business was sold in 1840.] My master told me I need not fear, God would be with me. He has. Tin and Japan trade turned over to Shoolbred and Son. ‘My days are closing,’ my dear master said, ‘and I shall do well to set my "House in order".’ Rapid changes took place, all prospered well under new hands– outsiders were engaged, a new partner, Mr. H. Loveridge, added to the firm. It now became my chief business to attend to patterns. The manufactory became too straight for both parties, and the foundation stone was laid for Merridale Works entered upon in 1848 with all the busy bees of St. John Street. What manifold changes in life. Merridale Works prospered. How St. John Street prospered you well know. A great pleasure to an old servant to be able to say goodness and mercies have followed them all their days, and I am sure I may say with truth the Scripture has been fulfilled in your case–‘The generation of the faithful shall be blessed’. Upwards of thirty years my life was spent in your service and always in your family, you will not then be offended at the liberty I have taken in giving a retrospect. My days are fast closing, a service of fifty-four years altogether in John Street and the Merridale Works. May you, dear gentlemen, and your families live long in a crooked and perverse generation as lights, and when called to your Great Account hear the words of our Blessed Redeemer: ‘Come ye blessed of my Father inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world’. Matthew XXV., 24th verse. Yours faithfully in Jesus, JEMIMA COX, December, 1871.
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