JOHNSON, Anthony Bunn (1808-1858) — Birmingham
Engraver, wood-engraver, lithographer & printer. Engraved Plan of the Grand Junction Railway for “The Grand Junction and the Liverpool and Manchester Railway companion” for James Cornish, 1837; Cornish’s map of the London & Birmingham Railway for “Cornish’s guide and companion to the London and Birmingham Railway” 1839. Also produced games, etc.
Born 10 May 1808 and baptised 5 Jun 1808 at Sunderland, County Durham — the son of Joseph Johnson (1787?-1834), a metal-worker and toymaker, and his wife Mary Bunn (1787?-1846). Inter alia, his father was a maker of bits and stirrups, iron tinned spoons, enamelled wares, cutlery, surgical Instruments, buttons, warming-pans, swords, fancy dog-collars, and plated wares. Anthony Bunn Johnson married Ann Gething (b.1815) from Wolverhampton at St. Martin Birmingham 4 Jun 1836. Described as employing twenty-one workpeople in 1851, resident with his wife and six children. Died 17 Jun 1858. Probate was granted to his widow 16 Sep 1858, his effects stated at under £1,500. After his death, his sons Joseph Johnson (1842-1904) and Alfred Johnson (1845-1932), originally trading as “Johnson Brothers”, built up the firm which went on to become the famous “Chad Valley” toymaking business.
91 Lichfield Street, Birmingham — 1832-1835
6 Upper Priory, Birmingham — 1837-1843
27 Temple Row, Birmingham — 1845-1850
— Finch Street, Birmingham (home) — 1847-1850
5 Lichfield Street, Birmingham — 1855-1858
— 70 Great Hampton Street, Birmingham (home) — 1855
— Wheeler Street, Birmingham (home) — 1858
BBTI. Census 1841-1851. Information from Tom Worley.