Rushden Research Group: Amos Cave & family

Amos Cave & family

of Rushden Villa

Amos & Sarah Cave of Rushden Villa outside The Shrubbery

Amos Cave was born in 1852, son of John Cave, shoe manufacturer, built a villa residence in preparation for his forthcoming marriage. He was married in February 1882 at Higham Ferrers Church to Miss Sarah Spong, daughter of James Spong, farmer. The honeymoon was spent at Bournemouth with an overnight stop in London.

Amos and Sarah brought up their two sons and three daughters at Rushden Villa. John born 1883, Ellen born 1886, Reginald P born 1889, Muriel E born 1891, Marianne W born 1893, and Winfred M.

John, Nell, Reg, Muriel, Marianne c1895

Jack .
Reg, me, Muriel, Nell, Pat?

The Wearproof Leather Co. was started in the 1880s by Amos Cave, son of John Cave, in what had been the family's coachhouse. The stables were the workshop, the hayloft the leather store and the saddle room was the office.

The Rushden Echo, 31st December 1909, transcribed by Kay Collins

The Staple Trade

Mr Amos Cave, of Rushden, is commencing business on his own account early in January. He has taken the premises lately vacated by Messrs. Hobbs and Co. (from Irthlingborough) in Sartoris-road, Rushden. Mr Cave will make principally Box calf and glace footwear.

Rushden Echo, 19^th September 1924, transcribed by Kay Collins

173 High Street, Rushden
Valuable Household Furniture and Effects

To be sold by Auction by
John S Mason

On Thursday 25^th September, by order of the Executors of the late Mr Amos Cave, including:-

Walnut extending Dining Table with loose leaf, 8 oak Dining Chairs in plush, walnut frame Suite of Settee, 2 Easy and 4 small Chairs in plush, ebonized and gilt French China Cabinet with Ormolu mounts, walnut Sutherland Table, large Oil Painting of Lady in gilt frame, 4 Charcoal Etchings in dark oak frames (by W Meredith), 2 Easy Chairs in tapestry, 2 wicker Arm Chairs, walnut Octagon Table, walnut frame Easy Chair in bead and wool work, satin walnut Bedroom Suite of Wardrobe, Dressing Chest with swing mirror, marble top washstand, ditto of 4ft. Wardrobe, Chest of 5 drawers, marble top Washstand, Dressing Table with swing mirror and 7 small drawers, Pedestal Cupboard, Towel Airer and 2 cane-seat chairs, brass Arabian Bedstead and wire spring mattress 6ft by 4ft 0in, brass bedstead and box spring mattress 6ft x 4ft 6in, 2 feather beds, bolsters and pillows, carpeting, mahogany commode, walnut washstand with tiled top and back, marble mahogany washstand, chair bedstead and cushions, 5-string banjo in case, rush chair, gas heating stove, dinner service, sundry tea and glass ware, iron curb, fire implements and dogs, carpet sweeper, culinary requisites, and other effects.

Sale to commence 12.30 prompt.

Auctioneer’s Offices: 30 High-street, Rushden.

In about 1910 the family left Rushden Villa. Amos died in 1923.

Notes:
Amos probably built the fine pair of houses next door to his home, having bought 4 plots of ground from his father, and rented Fern Dale to Walter Firman in 1898.

In about 1910 the family left Rushden Villa, and Fred Corby moved here from his home - "Cliftonville" in Park Road. He renamed it "The Beeches."

In 1939 The Beeches was taken over (with permission of Fred Corby's Executors) by Rushden District Council as a home for evacuees.