Abraham Darby IV facts for kids

Abraham Darby IV (born March 30, 1804 – died November 28, 1878) was an important English ironmaker. He came from a very famous family of ironmakers, the Darby family, who were known for their work during the Industrial Revolution. He was the great-grandson of Abraham Darby II, another key figure in the family's history.

Early Life and Family Business

Abraham Darby IV was born in Dale House, located in Coalbrookdale, Shropshire. His father was Edmund Darby, and his mother was Lucy Burlingham Darby. The Darby family had a long history of making iron, which was a very important industry at the time.

In 1830, Abraham and his brother, Alfred Darby, took charge of the Horsehay foundry. A foundry is a factory where metal is melted and shaped. This was one of many businesses owned by their family. They worked hard to make the Coalbrookdale Company famous again. They did this by investing in new machines and ways to make wrought iron, which is a strong type of iron.

New Beginnings and Public Service

In 1844, Abraham Darby IV became a big investor in the Ebbw Vale ironworks in South Wales. This meant he owned a part of the company. After some disagreements within his family, he decided to leave his role at the Coalbrookdale Company in 1849.

In 1851, he bought a new home called Stoke Court in Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire, and moved there. He also rented a place in Treberfydd, Wales. Abraham Darby IV was a respected member of his community. He served as a Justice of the Peace in both counties, which meant he helped keep law and order. In 1853, he was chosen to be the High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire, a very important local role. He also joined the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, showing his interest in new technologies.

Faith and Community

Even though Abraham Darby IV was born into a well-known Quaker family, he later joined the Church of England. Quakers are a Christian group known for their simple lifestyle and peaceful beliefs.

Abraham Darby IV showed his new faith by paying for the building of Holy Trinity Church in Coalbrookdale. This church was built between 1850 and 1854. In 1851, a new church area was created, and Abraham Darby IV became its "patron." This meant he had the right to help choose the priest for the new church.

Later Life and Legacy

In 1839, Abraham Darby IV married his cousin, Matilda Frances. He passed away at Treberfydd on November 28, 1878, when he was 74 years old. He was buried at the Holy Trinity Church in Coalbrookdale, the very church he had helped build.

After his death, his wife, Matilda Frances, became the patron of the church until she passed away in 1902. The right to choose the priest then stayed with the owners of the Sunniside estate until 1959. After that, it was given to the Bishop of Hereford.