John Binks was born in Dukinfield Manchester and moved to Bolton.
John Binks and Thomas Binks were brothers and both are listed living at Ralph Street Halliwell in 1876-1881.
John Binks had a watchmaker’s business located at number 3 Blackburn Road.
He was also listed at 60 Higher Bridge Street in 1876 by the Post Office Directory where he was described as a watch and Clock Maker.
John moved to Prestwich in Manchester, and his shop was listed in Slaters Guide in 1895.
John had a son Reuben Ward Binks who was born in Ralph Street Halliwell in 1880, Ruben became a famous painter of Dogs, He painted for many members of the Royal Family, including King Edward VII, Queen Alexandra, George V, Edward VIII and George VI and was frequently invited to attend the Royal Shoots at Sandringham in order to sketch the sporting dogs at work. In 1930 George V presented him with a gift of a signed Van Dyke portrait.
An 1840’s silver spoon marked as Binks Bolton, may have come from the family business.
