J(ohn) T(homas) Hayes is listed in Post Office Directories
as an Undertaker at 19 Ben Jonson Road from 1875 to 1878. He had previously
(1873-4) been at 44 Stepney Causeway.
Ben Jonson Road itself only existed from 1872 being created out of a renumber
of other roads including the west part of Rhodeswell Road. There were 96
Undertakers listed in 1876 East London (down to 30 in 1976) so Mr Hayes
may have needed to supplement his income. His card reads “ Carpenter, Furnishing
Undertaker and House Agent. Rents & Debts Collected, Electric Bells Repaired
and Fitted, House Repairs in all its branches”! By 1879 number 19 had been
taken over by the owner of number 17 Frederick Hughes, Furniture Dealer.