BINNS, Jonathan George (1816-1866) — Lancaster, Birmingham & London
Surveyor, lithographer, iron master and mining agent. Produced A. Thompson, Map of the Borough & Parish of Tamworth 1845; John Watson, Map of the North Western Railway shewing its connection with other railways: as sanctioned by parliament in the session of 1846.
Born at Leach House, Ellel, Lancashire, 23 Sep 1816 into the Quaker family of Jonathan Binns (1785-1871) and his wife Rachel Stickney (1789-1817), who had married in 1809 — his father at that time a farmer, but later to become a land surveyor and the author of “The miseries and beauties of Ireland” 1837 and “Notes on the agriculture of Lancashire, with suggestions for its improvement” 1851. He presumably trained under his father, who was combining printing, lithography, surveying and land agency, from premises in Brock Street, Lancaster, in 1824-1841. The younger Binns married Fanny Harber (1809-1903) at St. Silas, Liverpool, 1 Sep 1846. After some years in Birmingham and London, he moved to Staffordshire and became increasingly involved in mining, owning a mine at one time. He was involved in various legal discussions over road maintenance and the necessity of new railway connections across Staffordshire. A partnership with Thomas D. Clare as the “Churnet Iron Ore Company” was dissolved 1 Jun 1864. He died at Froghall, near Cheadle, 8 Jan 1866, and was buried at St. Werburgh, Kingsley, 12 Jan 1866. Letters of administration governing his effects of something under £5,000 were granted to his brother, Charles Binns, as his three living children were all still minors. Binns appears to have been separated from his wife at the time of his death. A number of his letters are now published as “Coal mine exploration. Letters of a Victorian investor in Derbyshire 1863-1865” and “Coton Park Colliery, Derbyshire. The letters of Jonathan George Binns” 2012, both edited by Chris Cremin.
Brock Street, Lancaster —1824-1841
32½ Union Street, Birmingham — 1844-1845
14 Soho Square, London — 1845-1850
Belmont Hall, Ipstones, Staffordshire —1861-1864
Froghall, near Cheadle — 1866
BBTI. BNA. Census 1841-1861. LG. LHD. Twyman.