I put together some web pages to track the serial numbers of the Aubrey / Meriden guns. Also to share some basic info...
http://www.damascus-barrels.com/Aubrey.htmlThe following is not on the website, but will be shortly.
AJ Aubrey was born Feb 23, 1863 to John Aubrey and Mary McKenna.
John Aubrey was born Jan 1, 1826 in Birmingham, Warwickshire.
Mary McKenna was born May 13, 1828 Talywain, Monmouth.
In 1856 John made the crossing alone from Liverpool to New York on the ship Atlantic. He brought over his wife and 2 children the next year.
Altogether John and Mary had 4 childern.
Elizabeth Jane Aubrey b 1852, d 1931
Alfred J. Aubrey b 1854, d 1933
William Henry Aubrey b 1857, d 1922
Albert J. Aubrey b 1863, d 1947
Clara May Aubrey b 1868, d 1939
In 1880, John was working as a Silversmith in Meriden. This was most likely at the Britannica Silver works. Also in this year, Alfred is listed as a clergyman, while Albert is working in a factory.
Interesting side note. Also in 1880, another John Aubrey, born in France, was working as a wood chopper in Santa Clara, CA - more later.
Eventually, Clara married Arthur Proudman. By 1900 she had her father living with her growing family in Meriden, CT.
In 1895 Albert J had a daugther, Clara, who was born in Penn.
In 1896 Albert's mother Mary died in Meriden on Nov 20th.
In 1906 Albert is the VP for Sears.
In 1907 his father, John, died on Nov 14th.
In 1908 Albert is President.
By 1910 he is no longer working in Meriden.
According to the Sears archives, Meriden guns were no longer listed as of the fall 1918 catalog.
http://www.searsarchives.com/products/questions/firearms/meriden_shotgun.htmIn 1910, Albert is in Santa Clara, CA employed in Sporting Goods.
In 1920, he is shown as gunsmith. He is living with his wife Blanche Boomer Aubrey and their daughter Clara. Blanche had been born in Oswego, NY on Oct 22, 1871.
In 1942 Blanche died on Dec 26th in Santa Clara, Ca.
Albert died on Feb 3, 1947. He had out lived all his siblings.
This is the grave stone for John and Mary Aubrey. Most of Albert's relatives are buried at Walnut Grove Cemetery in Meriden, CT.
Sears 1914 catalog.
Pete
