ROBERT SAVAGE 1848 – 1925
MARY SAVAGE 1847 -1917
Robert Savage was born about 1848 in Newry, Ireland, he was the son of Moses Savage and Rebecca Brown. His younger brother John Brown Savage also came to Wrexham and became a master cooper. Some of his other brothers went to Canada.
On 2 June 1873 Robert married Mary Evans at Hope Parish Church.
The marriage was announced in the Wrexham Advertiser; Mary was the eldest daughter of Thomas Evans Esq, timber merchant, Caergwrle.
Mary Evans was born about 1847 in Caergwrle, her parents were Thomas Evans and Mary Ann, her father had a timber business in the village for many years.
In 1874 Robert rented rooms that were part of the Kings Head in Bridge Street, and in 1877 was advertising for an apprentice in the “coopering trade”
The business did well and in July 1878 he announced that he was moving to larger premises in Mount Street, he was expanding the business and would be selling ready made dairy goods and also making items to order.
By 1881 they had 5 children and were living in 12 Mount Street; Robert was working as a master cooper, supplying the many breweries in the town. His home was known as “The Cooperage “and he was doing well enough to employ a servant named Mary Dodd.
In September 1881 the Denbigh & Flint Agricultural Show was held in Wrexham, and among the stands on the ground were those of Mr R. Savage, cooper, Mount-street, and Mr J. Savage, cooper, Bridge-street, Wrexham – so the brothers were both doing well.
Ten years on and they are still in the same house, but now have another 4 children, their eldest son Robert is 15 and an apprentice cooper. In all censuses until 1911 they are still there, the census tells that the house had 7 rooms including the kitchen, but not counting the scullery, bathroom or closet. It was quite a good size and they must have been happy with living there. There had been 10 children born alive but 6 had died by 1911.
Robert is still a master cooper, but now he is an employer, and also a dealer in wort.
This is a liquid extract that was the result of mashing malt and is an important ingredient in beer making. Only their son Robert is still at home, he is still single.
There was an announcement in the Llangollen Advertiser 4th May 1917 “Mr. Thomas Savage, son of Mr. Robert Savage, Mount-street, Wrexham, has gained a seat on the Blue Mountain Shire Council of Australia” The family must have been very proud.
Mary died at 12 Mount Street on 28 February 1917 aged 70. Robert died on 3 March 1925 aged 77 at 108 Bradley Road. He left effects of £2930 11s 3d.
Researched by Annette Edwards. November 2018. Gravestone photograph by Graham Lloyd.
Grave Ref: Wrexham Cemetery M-03540
