The Snuff Tobacco Reference

William Ross Hedges and the Hedges Concern

William Ross Hedges (1830–1922) was a Birmingham chemist based out of Dale End. Hedges served his apprenticeship beginning in 1852 to the chemist John Yeomans (d. 1854) who had established himself in 1844, the former acquiring the business of his master in 1854. Hedges was eventually joined by his son, also called William Ross Hedges (1868–1922), and together they traded as Hedges & Son; later the pair were joined by William Herbert Hedges (1893–1916), the only son of Hedges the younger. Their business was incorporated in 1912 as Hedges (Chemists) Limited, and was subsequently acquired in a series that is altogether complex. The Hedges company found success with its L260 snuff tobacco blend, which contrary to the common myth was launched circa 1932. See also Ownership History of Brands and Corporations Reference: Hedges.

References

  1. The Chemist and Druggist. Some Birmingham Pharmacies. Volume 131; Number 3,101; Issue 1939-07-15; Pages 60–61. 1939. Digitised version
  2. The Chemist and Druggist. Deaths: Hedges. Volume 96; Number 2,200; Issue 1922-03-25; Page 59. 1922. Digitised version
  3. The Chemist and Druggist. Limited Companies: Hedgs (Chemists), Ltd. Volume 81; Number 1,699; Issue 1912-08-17; Page 43. 1912. Digitised version
  4. The Chemist and Druggist. Deaths: Hedges. Volume 88; Number 1,910; Issue 1916-09-02; Page 39. 1916. Digitised version
  5. The Chemist and Druggist. Volume 117; Number 2,747; Issue 1932-10-01; Page 481. 1932. Digitised version