Rushden Research Group: Joseph Eagle

Joseph Eagle

Jodseph Eagle opened here at Commerce House about 1906 trading in china, earthenware, drapery, groceries, and fishing tackle. The large hamper on the pavement probably brought a consignment of china via the railway station. Note the post box at the far left.

The double fronted shop of Joseph Eagle, hardware dealer, is right of the steps from road to pavement, at 93 High Street South c1920

Joseph Eagle was born at Northampton in 1881, son of Joseph, and came to Rushden to work in the shoe trade. At first he lodged with Arthur Brown at 102 Park Road, who was also from Northampton.

He married widow Maria Dilley, daughter of Thomas Farey, at St Mary's Church in July 1906. First trading at 83 , he soon moved to 57. He now traded as a draper, grocer, china and earthenware dealer, and fishing tackle supplier, and also became a High Street South sub-postmaster. He had moved to another double fronted shop at 93 High Street South, by 1910.

Joseph's leisure time was mainly spent fishing, and he won several trophies. Maria died in 1931.

In 1932 Joseph remarried to Emma Hanwell, and they had two daughters, Josephine and Jillian.

Joseph Eagle died aged 71 in 1952, and Emma died in 1977 aged 82. They are buried in Rushden Cemetery grave F453.

Rushden Echo, 16th April 1909, transcribed by Kay Collins

Cycling Accident—Mr. J. Eagle, of High-street South, met with an accident on Monday morning when cycling from Northampton, and had the misfortune to break his collar-bone. Just as he got near to the old gas works at Wellingborough and was cycling at a good pace down the hill, with the wind behind him, he overtook a lad who was learning to ride a bicycle. Mr. Eagle rang his bell as a warning to the youth, who tried to turn and fell off his machine. To avoid a collision Mr. Eagle cycled on to the grass by the side of the road and his machine caught in a drain. Not only was Mr. Eagle injured but his machine was smashed.

Rushden Echo & Argus, 25th June 1920, transcribed by Kay Collins

Good Catch—The angling season opened this week. Mr. A. Stock and Mr J Eagle fishing in the waters at Felmersham on Monday landed half a cwt of fish, of which four bream turned the scale at 20lb.

Rushden Echo, 15th July 1927

Just arrived, another large selection of Ladies’ and Children’s Hats, Dresses and Overalls. Home-made Underwear a speciality.

J Eagle, High-street South, Rushden.

more about Joe's angling

Fish caught at Burghley 8^th August 1929
Joe with his prize catch - 46½lbs

Index of all Traders