John Cadbury facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Cadbury
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| Born | 12 August 1801 Birmingham, England
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| Died | 11 May 1889 (aged 87) Birmingham, England
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| Resting place | Witton Cemetery, Birmingham |
| Nationality | English |
| Occupation | Chocolatier, businessman, philanthropist |
| Known for | Founder of Cadbury |
| Spouse(s) | Priscilla Ann Dymond Cadbury (m. 1826) Candia Barrow Cadbury (m. 1831) |
| Children | 7, including George and Richard Cadbury |
| Parent(s) | Richard Tapper Cadbury, Elizabeth Head Cadbury |
John Cadbury (born August 12, 1801 – died May 11, 1889) was an English businessman. He was a member of the Quaker faith. John Cadbury is famous for starting the Cadbury chocolate company. This well-known business began in Birmingham, England.
Contents
John Cadbury's Early Life and Education
John Cadbury was born in Birmingham on August 12, 1801. His parents were Richard Tapper Cadbury and Elizabeth Head. His family was wealthy and belonged to the Quaker faith. They had moved to Birmingham from western England.
John went to school at Joseph Crosfields Quaker School. This school was located in Hartshill, Warwickshire. In the early 1800s, Quakers faced some challenges. They were not allowed to attend universities. This meant John could not become a doctor or a lawyer.
Starting a Business: From Grocer to Chocolatier
Quakers are known for being peaceful. Because of this, a military career was also not an option for John. Many Quakers at the time chose to start their own businesses. John decided to follow this path.
In 1818, he trained with a tea dealer in Leeds. Then, in 1824, he opened his own grocery shop. It was located at 93 Bull Street in Birmingham. John started by selling tea, coffee, and drinking chocolate.
He soon began making his own drinking chocolate. This led him to open a warehouse in Crooked Lane. By 1842, he was selling many different types of drinking chocolate and cocoa.
Growing the Cadbury Chocolate Company
In 1846, John teamed up with his brother Benjamin. They formed a company called Cadbury Brothers. The business grew quickly. In 1847, they moved to a new factory on Bridge Street.
By 1850, the brothers decided to focus only on making chocolate. They sold their retail shop to John's son, Richard Barrow Cadbury. The partnership between John and Benjamin ended in 1856.
John Cadbury retired in 1861 after his wife passed away. His sons, Richard and George, took over the chocolate manufacturing business.
A Family Legacy: Bournville and Social Values
John Cadbury was also a kind and caring person. He worked to stop cruelty to animals. He started the Animals Friend Society. This group later helped create the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
The Cadbury family believed in treating their workers well. They offered good jobs and fair working conditions. This was important during a time when many factories did not.
The Bournville Village
In 1879, John's sons, Richard and George, moved the factory. They chose an area near Northfield and King's Norton. This new location was home to Bournbrook Hall.
The brothers then developed a special garden village around the factory. They called it Bournville. Today, Bournville is a major suburb of Birmingham. It is known for its green spaces and community feel.
The Cadbury's factory in Bournville is still the main UK manufacturing site. For over 100 years, the area around the factory has been "dry." This means no alcohol is sold in pubs, bars, or shops there. Residents have worked hard to keep it this way.
John Cadbury's Family Life
John Cadbury was married twice. His first wife was Priscilla Ann Dymond. They married in 1826, but she sadly died two years later.
In 1832, he married his second wife, Candia Barrow. They had seven children together:
