Updated February 2006

John Son of George Billingham

John Billingham the start of the Trenton New Jersey USA Line. Extracts below are from an old Genealogy Book from Mercer County 1905.

Phillip Billingham, a member of the Billingham Iron Foundry Company, Trenton, New Jersey, is a native of Cradley Heath, South Staffordshire, England, the son of John and Sarah (Parks) Billingham, also natives of Cradley Heath,England.Emmanual Billingham (Great Grandfather) was born in Cradley Heath and obtained, his education in the pay schools of of his native place. Early in his life he was apprenticed to learn the trade of Chainmaker and after his term of service expired, went into business for himself. He married and had a large family one of whom was George.

George Billingham, eldest son of Emmanual Billingham, and grandfather of Phillip Billingham,received only mearger education, and followed the same vocation that his father had adopted and in 1885 discovered the process of making bright steel chains. He went into business with his father subsequently becoming his partner.

He married, and had eight children.Five died between the ages of 20 and 30 years of age.Caroline lived to 66 years, John who is now 83 years (note this was printed in 1905) and still active in the business.

John Billingham Phillips father and son of George acquired his literary training in a payschool in his native place ( Cradley Heath) and then following the footsteps of his father and grandfather, learned the trade of chainmaking. He was a capable workman and a good business man and thinking that there were better results to be found in America set sail in1872 landing in New York. Then on to Trenton, New Jersey where he obtained work with a company called Kendrick and Runkle.

After spending a year with this firm he sent to England for his two sons Phillip and Arthur, and in 1873 they to set sail for America.They also took work with the same company as their father.

They were employed here till 1876 when because of a depression in the busines they became unemployed.In 1876 they entered business on their own account engaged in the manufacture of chains conducting their business under the name of John Billingham and Sons. In 1884 they added a machine shop to their factory and in 1895 added the foundry.

The wife of John Billingham (Sarah Parks) a native of Cradley Heath were she lived and died bore him eight children , two died in infancy Those who have grown to maturity are: Phillip, Maria, Ezra married Annie Smith and have two children Lizzie and Russell. Arthur Married Clara they have four children Bertha, Annie, Flora and Arthur. Lizzie married Arthur Cummings and they have four children.

John was married but had no children.

Phillip Billingham son of John Billingham and Sarah Parks obtained a good education in his native place(Cradley Heath). He remained in England after the death of his mother Sarah, then set sail to his father in America as detailed above.In1895 with the company of Alexander O.Wittmeyer and Walter Emmons they formed the Billingham Iron Foundry Company. They have thirty men working for them and have patented several machines that has brought them a large income.

Photograph of Phillip Billingham

Politically Phillip Billingham is an Independent Republican and follows the methodist faith.

Ken. H Billingham is a direct descendant of this line. If You wish to contact him his postal address is Kenneth H Billingham 137 Westbrook Rd. Feasterville PA 19053.

Ken, Colin and Adrian Billingham all share the same Gr,Gr, Gr Grandfather Emmanual born 1751.

Update 2008 Information on the above sent in by Thelma Benton

Ezra Billingham 1853-1919.