Trying to do too many things, none of them related to Family History!
As soon as I get myself together, there'll be a proper post, I promise.
Sigh.
Monday, 8 December 2008
Friday, 21 November 2008
Book Festival
Sorry, got distracted by busy-ness at work (Book Festival!) and fan-fiction and other things when I wasn't working.
I'll be better soon - give me a week or so!
I'll be better soon - give me a week or so!
Friday, 24 October 2008
And then he stole six photographs
Really!
The author of the book I - erm - reviewed in the previous post. He stole six photos from an elderly relative.
You'll be relieved to hear the book no longer graces our shelves.
That'll teach him.
The author of the book I - erm - reviewed in the previous post. He stole six photos from an elderly relative.
You'll be relieved to hear the book no longer graces our shelves.
That'll teach him.
Thursday, 23 October 2008
Book review
I've just been reading a rather old (1988) self-published guide to tracing family history that I found on our library shelves. I was going to suggest that the librarian remove it, but thought I should give it a quick read in case it turned out to be local or have some other point of unique interest.
Well, firstly if you're not researching in Sunderland 20 years ago, I don't think it's particularly helpful. Some sections are misleading and one or two items are incorrect. (Plus he writes contractions as ca'nt and do'nt every single time). Then I got to the bits about BMDs and, while I'm all for saving money, if he's lucky enough to have found churches where they record DOB on baptism entries and that sort of thing, but...
He writes that he doesn't see the point in obtaining Death certs, as finding out what your ancestors died of is just too upsetting. And he calls himself a family historian, not a genealogist! What's more telling out of all the information we collect than what you get on a death cert?
Date of death leads to othre records - burial, cemeteries, newspaper obituaries and death / funeral notices, wills, death duty entries etc. Informant is often suggestive about family relationships and aoften a quick way to find out who a daughter married. Address (or informant) may well be that of a hospital, asylum or workhouse - again, this leads to more records. And cause of death - well, finding that your ancestor died of Phthisis may not be cheerful, but it often specifies length of illness as well - what a picture (unhappy or otherwise) you suddenly have of your ancestor's last years. And of course, if it turns out to be anything that requires a coroner's report, you've struck ancestral gold.
That book is not going back on the shelves now!! (I do have this sort of power, but I try to wield it for good and not evil).
I won't mention the name of the book as it was a self-published one from 20 years ago and said author may well have revised his view, or be the subject of a death certificate himself now, so it seems unkind.
Honestly, though.
Well, firstly if you're not researching in Sunderland 20 years ago, I don't think it's particularly helpful. Some sections are misleading and one or two items are incorrect. (Plus he writes contractions as ca'nt and do'nt every single time). Then I got to the bits about BMDs and, while I'm all for saving money, if he's lucky enough to have found churches where they record DOB on baptism entries and that sort of thing, but...
He writes that he doesn't see the point in obtaining Death certs, as finding out what your ancestors died of is just too upsetting. And he calls himself a family historian, not a genealogist! What's more telling out of all the information we collect than what you get on a death cert?
Date of death leads to othre records - burial, cemeteries, newspaper obituaries and death / funeral notices, wills, death duty entries etc. Informant is often suggestive about family relationships and aoften a quick way to find out who a daughter married. Address (or informant) may well be that of a hospital, asylum or workhouse - again, this leads to more records. And cause of death - well, finding that your ancestor died of Phthisis may not be cheerful, but it often specifies length of illness as well - what a picture (unhappy or otherwise) you suddenly have of your ancestor's last years. And of course, if it turns out to be anything that requires a coroner's report, you've struck ancestral gold.
That book is not going back on the shelves now!! (I do have this sort of power, but I try to wield it for good and not evil).
I won't mention the name of the book as it was a self-published one from 20 years ago and said author may well have revised his view, or be the subject of a death certificate himself now, so it seems unkind.
Honestly, though.
Sunday, 19 October 2008
Joseph Family
So, you ask, what did I actually find out back in August? (Yes, it has taken me nearly 2 months to write it up. I know. I'm sorry.)
Well, basically the Josephs of Glais had a miserable 19th C. I'm sure they must have had some happy moments, but I'm beginning to wonder.
Griffith Joseph married Ann Thomas in 1830 in Llansamlet, but they lived in the tiny village of Glais, further up the hill, where they had a farm. They rented property, moving from Cefn y Garth, Drumma(u) to Garth Fach and had several children - Rachel, Thomas, William, David, Ann and Sarah.
Well, basically the Josephs of Glais had a miserable 19th C. I'm sure they must have had some happy moments, but I'm beginning to wonder.
Griffith Joseph married Ann Thomas in 1830 in Llansamlet, but they lived in the tiny village of Glais, further up the hill, where they had a farm. They rented property, moving from Cefn y Garth, Drumma(u) to Garth Fach and had several children - Rachel, Thomas, William, David, Ann and Sarah.
(Garth Fach Farm)
Thomas, the eldest son, inherited the farm and lived there until his death in 1892. He never married. Rachel, I needed to investigate, also William, as both of them disappeared from censuses. David drowned, aged 7. Ann had an illegitmate son, Morgan Lewis Joseph (my great-great-grandfather) in 1863, leaving him at the farm with her parents while she continued working as a servant, eventually marrying a cattle drover Thomas Thomas in 1866 and having about 11 other children - no room for poor Morgan.
In the middle of all this, Griffith Joseph was suffering from Parkinsons - one reason they may have been forced to halve the size of their acreage and Sarah, the youngest, lost her husband, leaving her a widow with two young daughters.
I'd have thought that was enough trouble for one family, but no. During my research, I found a burial for William in 1850 and for Rachel in 1878. William died of Phthisis, aged 16, while Rachel, after all these unhappy events, hanged herself.
Plus, my relatives told me to look at the Cambrian online index and it looks as though Thomas attacked some woman at Glais. So now, not only do I have more misery for the Josephs, but I have two articles I should have been looking for in Swansea. I am desperate to know more about why poor Rachel committed suicide - it was a complete shock to find that on the death certificate.
On the positive side, I did discover Griffith's baptism in 1797 and that of his siblings (all girls). He was the son of a William Joseph.
However, this was where I discovered that a lot of Welsh parish registers don't bother to record the mother before the 19th C. In Wales. With all those common surnames where you need all the help you can get, they didn't think the mother's name was useful? Surely even then they would have found it helpful to differentiate between Thomas Thomas who was married to Ann, Thomas Thomas who was married to Mary etc etc. Sexist 18th C Welsh vicars!
I tried looking for Ann Thomas (I know her brother's name and age and that they were both supposed to be born in Cadoxton.). Maybe some examination of the proper registers and other parish material will give me clues, but at the moment it's a case of pick an ancestor! I have to be realistic and acknowledge that there's a possibility I might not get any further with any of my Thomas lines.
Of course, I really should have gone to the archives in Glamorgan and not the NLW, but I know that now.
Swansea Central Library
During my travels, I went here to have a look at newspapers and maybe even go to the Archives (they're both at Swansea Civic Centre).
It was terrible weather, so at least it was a dry place to drag my friend off to. However, despite not going to the archives and not discovering anything useful in the papers, I had fun. I read local history books and turned bright green at the beautiful, beautiful public library.
I am a librarian, don't forget. It had been recently opened, using space in the Civic Centre and all in accordance with Embervision (I don't think I can even begin to explain that to those of you who aren't librarians). Just let's say it was about as perfect as a public library gets. With a view from huge windows, out over Swansea Bay.
Admittedly, it was a dreadful day, but you could still see what a gorgeous view it was.
I am still green over it and if I'd had my camera, I'd have been taking photos to show back to colleagues in my authority.
It was terrible weather, so at least it was a dry place to drag my friend off to. However, despite not going to the archives and not discovering anything useful in the papers, I had fun. I read local history books and turned bright green at the beautiful, beautiful public library.
I am a librarian, don't forget. It had been recently opened, using space in the Civic Centre and all in accordance with Embervision (I don't think I can even begin to explain that to those of you who aren't librarians). Just let's say it was about as perfect as a public library gets. With a view from huge windows, out over Swansea Bay.
Admittedly, it was a dreadful day, but you could still see what a gorgeous view it was.
I am still green over it and if I'd had my camera, I'd have been taking photos to show back to colleagues in my authority.
Saturday, 4 October 2008
Random Findings
I'm still sitting on my Welsh research, but then it does keep on growing here and there, so bear with me.
However, I went to the National Library of Wales with my friend Gillian, who may just be a bigger bookworm than me (it's a close run thing) and when I'd done what I could with my tree, I found her still waiting for books she'd ordered.
So, naturally, I had to order some, too.
I ordered a book on the history of Customs and Excise, as I was curious as to how useful it might be for adding details to the life of my ancestor William Childs Forster (for his misadventures, see an earlier post).
It was useful and a book I'll have to get through Inter Library Loans, but for the meantime, I learnt one important piece of information - at the time when William joined the Excise service it was heading for its peak, with several Customs duties having been swapped over to Excise. There was a waiting list of around 300 people wanting to become Excise officers, so they only let in people who were relatives of current officers.
Interesting, eh? For one thing, it strengthens the likelihood of Henry Forster being William's brother (or other relative) and for another, it means that someone, presumably of a previous generation, got William his post. But who, that's the question? I don't know whether I can find out or not, but it may be the only way I'll get backwards on this difficult line. I shall be keeping my eyes peeled when I finally get the chance to go back to TNA.
Oh, and then I ordered up the 'wrong' Book of Barnstaple and flicked through it, only to find a picture of my Grandad, Albert Jewitt, with his colleagues in the print room of the North Devon Journal-Herald. I squeaked. Quietly, of course...
And that was only the accidental research.
However, I went to the National Library of Wales with my friend Gillian, who may just be a bigger bookworm than me (it's a close run thing) and when I'd done what I could with my tree, I found her still waiting for books she'd ordered.
So, naturally, I had to order some, too.
I ordered a book on the history of Customs and Excise, as I was curious as to how useful it might be for adding details to the life of my ancestor William Childs Forster (for his misadventures, see an earlier post).
It was useful and a book I'll have to get through Inter Library Loans, but for the meantime, I learnt one important piece of information - at the time when William joined the Excise service it was heading for its peak, with several Customs duties having been swapped over to Excise. There was a waiting list of around 300 people wanting to become Excise officers, so they only let in people who were relatives of current officers.
Interesting, eh? For one thing, it strengthens the likelihood of Henry Forster being William's brother (or other relative) and for another, it means that someone, presumably of a previous generation, got William his post. But who, that's the question? I don't know whether I can find out or not, but it may be the only way I'll get backwards on this difficult line. I shall be keeping my eyes peeled when I finally get the chance to go back to TNA.
Oh, and then I ordered up the 'wrong' Book of Barnstaple and flicked through it, only to find a picture of my Grandad, Albert Jewitt, with his colleagues in the print room of the North Devon Journal-Herald. I squeaked. Quietly, of course...
And that was only the accidental research.
Saturday, 27 September 2008
Time Flies
Where does the time go?
I've got loads to get on and post on here, but the weeks seem to be speeding by. On the excuses front, I am in the middle of getting my front room decorated. I know having the sofas in the kitchen (and yes, that is as awkward as it sounds) isn't much of a reason not to write about family history, but there you go...
I've got loads to get on and post on here, but the weeks seem to be speeding by. On the excuses front, I am in the middle of getting my front room decorated. I know having the sofas in the kitchen (and yes, that is as awkward as it sounds) isn't much of a reason not to write about family history, but there you go...
Wednesday, 17 September 2008
Cake
I have typed up some of my info; I will share it with the world. I promise. I just had to cook a cake first... (Chocolate cake - here, have a virtual slice.)
Maybe tomorrow or Friday?
Maybe tomorrow or Friday?
Saturday, 13 September 2008
I'm Back
Apologies for the delay in updating this. I have no real excuse. However, I am now getting myself together (in between trying to get the front room plastered - this is now going to involve pulling the ceiling down...) and will post an account of my adventures (with pretty photos) very soon.
Here's one to give you an idea:
Tuesday, 19 August 2008
Welsh Ancestors
I'm going to visit a friend in Swansea at the weekend and then am going on to Aberystwyth, where I went to university. As you can imagine, I'm looking forward to it, although hoping that the weather will improve!
I'm also a little excited as I might finally get to do some real digging into my Welsh ancestors. Names make this far trickier than nearly all of my English lines, so I don't know if I'll manage to get any further, but at least I can try.
I'm not going to drag my poor friend around cemeteries again (at least, I'm not planning to!) but I will visit the new Swansea central library and archive and try looking things up in the newspaper archives there.
I might get to have another look around the cemetery in Glais and Pontardawe before I travel on to Aber on the Weds or maybe meet my long-lost relatives (living ones). If it's not tipping it down like today.
When in Aber, I'm going to the National Library of Wales. I haven't been since 2000 and this is the first time for family history. I've registered online and looking forward to it. But this will finally give me a chance to explore parish records and some other sources for the Welsh side. I don't know whether or not I'll get any answers, though.
Another friend is meeting me there (she wants to go to the library, too, so that's all right) and I also hope to see another sunset from Consti to see me through my exile. Maybe we'll drive down the coast to Aberaeron? As long as we include some bookshop hunting and go to St Mikes, we'll both be happy anyway.
I might finally have some actual pretty pictures to post here.
I'm also a little excited as I might finally get to do some real digging into my Welsh ancestors. Names make this far trickier than nearly all of my English lines, so I don't know if I'll manage to get any further, but at least I can try.
I'm not going to drag my poor friend around cemeteries again (at least, I'm not planning to!) but I will visit the new Swansea central library and archive and try looking things up in the newspaper archives there.
I might get to have another look around the cemetery in Glais and Pontardawe before I travel on to Aber on the Weds or maybe meet my long-lost relatives (living ones). If it's not tipping it down like today.
When in Aber, I'm going to the National Library of Wales. I haven't been since 2000 and this is the first time for family history. I've registered online and looking forward to it. But this will finally give me a chance to explore parish records and some other sources for the Welsh side. I don't know whether or not I'll get any answers, though.
Another friend is meeting me there (she wants to go to the library, too, so that's all right) and I also hope to see another sunset from Consti to see me through my exile. Maybe we'll drive down the coast to Aberaeron? As long as we include some bookshop hunting and go to St Mikes, we'll both be happy anyway.
I might finally have some actual pretty pictures to post here.
Tuesday, 12 August 2008
Little Family Reunion
I've just read my last entry and laughed. Yes, well, I did disappear elsewhere and waffle about other things. Whaddyaknow?
However, I've also had a little family reunion (and not just because my parents came to visit) as my Dad and I managed to meet up with his cousin. They hadn't seen each other for over 20 years.
Anyway, it was fun; we had a lovely time and Dad might even see them again in the West Country next year.
And it mostly came about because his cousin and I discovered we were both doing the family tree and got in touch that way. So family history has its uses!
However, I've also had a little family reunion (and not just because my parents came to visit) as my Dad and I managed to meet up with his cousin. They hadn't seen each other for over 20 years.
Anyway, it was fun; we had a lovely time and Dad might even see them again in the West Country next year.
And it mostly came about because his cousin and I discovered we were both doing the family tree and got in touch that way. So family history has its uses!
Sunday, 20 July 2008
Travels
I've been up and down to London yet again, so a quiet week here. On the family history front, a brief play with the Times online - have you seen it yet? Well worth a look, especially as it's currently free.
http://archive.timesonline.co.uk/tol/archive/
(You will need to register).
And on the fiction front, I've got one all but done, but I'm sitting on it nervously. Not for long - stories have to be let out into the wild...
http://archive.timesonline.co.uk/tol/archive/
(You will need to register).
And on the fiction front, I've got one all but done, but I'm sitting on it nervously. Not for long - stories have to be let out into the wild...
Friday, 4 July 2008
Sunday, 29 June 2008
What I should Have Done First...
This blog sometimes seems back to front as I'm well into the 19th or 18th C with most of my researches. So, explanations:
I started this family history lark for a school project when I was 15 and got hooked. Back in those days I had no idea what you did or where you went to get information, but Mum and I asked for family documents, wandered around graveyards looking for relatives and got as far as sending for some certificates from the local register office.
I wrote to my great-aunt in Wales. I'm thankful about this for many reasons, as without her information finding the right Evans, Thomas and Joseph families would have been a battle.
So I'd collected quite a bit of information and I added whatever I could from Bridgwater Library, but I stopped while I was university and when I started work here in the North East, as I was too far away from any ancestral homes.
Then, in 2001, I received, out of the blue, a mass of copies of certificates and notes from my Dad's cousin Carol, making me look at my own information again - and progressing the Jewitt line no end.
And, of course, next came the 1901 Census online. I was vaguely aware it was coming, as I worked in a library, but was yet to discover what access to a census meant. (I'd only got as far as gravestones, birth certificates and directories.) So, luckily for me, I only tried well after the initial fiasco was over.
Taking the information I had, I found so much and I was launched into the modern world of family history. As a librarian, I've got even more access than most to free books, so I read pretty much every how-to book we had in all 13 libraries.
I returned to certificates, discovering that the GRO existed and how to get certs out of them. (You can see I started all backwards in many ways), the online 1881 index and finally, several visits to the FRC.
I studied history at university and was missing it badly and family history gave me a way of still studying it, sharing it and discovering my own family's part in the history I'd learnt.
It's addictive and fascinating and I love it.
I started this family history lark for a school project when I was 15 and got hooked. Back in those days I had no idea what you did or where you went to get information, but Mum and I asked for family documents, wandered around graveyards looking for relatives and got as far as sending for some certificates from the local register office.
I wrote to my great-aunt in Wales. I'm thankful about this for many reasons, as without her information finding the right Evans, Thomas and Joseph families would have been a battle.
So I'd collected quite a bit of information and I added whatever I could from Bridgwater Library, but I stopped while I was university and when I started work here in the North East, as I was too far away from any ancestral homes.
Then, in 2001, I received, out of the blue, a mass of copies of certificates and notes from my Dad's cousin Carol, making me look at my own information again - and progressing the Jewitt line no end.
And, of course, next came the 1901 Census online. I was vaguely aware it was coming, as I worked in a library, but was yet to discover what access to a census meant. (I'd only got as far as gravestones, birth certificates and directories.) So, luckily for me, I only tried well after the initial fiasco was over.
Taking the information I had, I found so much and I was launched into the modern world of family history. As a librarian, I've got even more access than most to free books, so I read pretty much every how-to book we had in all 13 libraries.
I returned to certificates, discovering that the GRO existed and how to get certs out of them. (You can see I started all backwards in many ways), the online 1881 index and finally, several visits to the FRC.
I studied history at university and was missing it badly and family history gave me a way of still studying it, sharing it and discovering my own family's part in the history I'd learnt.
It's addictive and fascinating and I love it.
Thursday, 26 June 2008
Home Again
Once more back from London...
I shouldn't have to go again for two and a half weeks, anyway. Don't know what's happening to my life.
Once I've recovered, I'll have a look at what I can share on the family history front. I don't think I talked about all my certificates. (They always raise more questions, don't they?)
I shouldn't have to go again for two and a half weeks, anyway. Don't know what's happening to my life.
Once I've recovered, I'll have a look at what I can share on the family history front. I don't think I talked about all my certificates. (They always raise more questions, don't they?)
Sunday, 22 June 2008
London Ramblings
Returned (temporarily at least) from London. I didn't visit any archives this time (sometimes you have to pay some attention to living relatives) but I did spend Friday with my sister wandering the streets of London. Seven Dials to be precise. If I can work out how to get the photos off my phone, I'll share my pretty pics of where the Jewitts used to live in the first half of the 19th century.
And yes, that is Seven Dials, as in London's most infamous slum in years gone by. But they look pretty now...
And yes, that is Seven Dials, as in London's most infamous slum in years gone by. But they look pretty now...
Friday, 13 June 2008
Caroline Louisa Jewitt
Three of my other certificates arrived yesterday. Two of them (the Nelmes births) are as yet unrelated, but I'm sure will be tied in one day. Still, I know that they're not what I was after now...
However, the third proved that indeed Caroline Louisa Jewitt was a missing sibling of my great-grandad, Will Jewitt. My Grandad had an auntie who died of croup aged 7 months.
For some reason, I'm always particulary pleased when I've restored a long-lost infant to the family tree. They may not have descendents of their own, so someone has to remember that they existed.
However, the third proved that indeed Caroline Louisa Jewitt was a missing sibling of my great-grandad, Will Jewitt. My Grandad had an auntie who died of croup aged 7 months.
For some reason, I'm always particulary pleased when I've restored a long-lost infant to the family tree. They may not have descendents of their own, so someone has to remember that they existed.
Monday, 9 June 2008
First Certificates Arrived
The death certificate arrived for Maria Washer and after so long of hmming and ah-ing as to whether or not to buy it, it turns out to be the right one - widow of William Washer and mother of Matilda Young, who registered the death. (Matilda seems to have registered the death of almost everyone in her family). Now if I could only decipher what it was she died of...
The marriage certificate was for Alfred Young and the witnesses were his brother John and wife Sarah Young, proving that the two East End Youngs are indeed my missing brothers from Bridgwater.
Not bad. In about a week, my more speculative certs will turn up. Can't wait!
The marriage certificate was for Alfred Young and the witnesses were his brother John and wife Sarah Young, proving that the two East End Youngs are indeed my missing brothers from Bridgwater.
Not bad. In about a week, my more speculative certs will turn up. Can't wait!
Saturday, 7 June 2008
Things I'd Like to Find
Some clue as to when Edward Jewitt died (b.1756; yes, him again).
I have more information on this ancestor than many others, but do I know when or where he died? No, I don't. And he could have been in Hull, Lincs, London or even America. Or anywhere else, frankly. I want to find him. If he made a will, that would be even better. Finally some real proof that he was or wasn't father of both John Rodgers Jewitt and Francis (Brown) Jewitt.
Ellen Hargrave's birth certificate.
The poor mite died in St Pancras workhouse in November 1848 and the workhouse master couldn't even bother to put her parents' names on the death cert. Luckily, the workhouse records still exist, so I could prove she was mine. But I want her birth certificate. In this period, I'd normally assume that she wasn't registered, but in this case all her siblings were. Why can't I find her?
John Jewitt's marriage to Amelia
Maybe the aforementioned death cert will give me some clue as to her previous name, but I can't find this and it seems a little late for one of those second marriages where neither partner bothered to actually marry. (1897-1901). But I can't find it.
What happened to Joseph Washer?
I suspect possibly a death on board ship or something. I cannot find his burial yet and really, I should have been able to.
As any family historian knows, our ancestors do this sort of thing to annoy us. It wouldn't be family history if it was all easy, would it?
I have more information on this ancestor than many others, but do I know when or where he died? No, I don't. And he could have been in Hull, Lincs, London or even America. Or anywhere else, frankly. I want to find him. If he made a will, that would be even better. Finally some real proof that he was or wasn't father of both John Rodgers Jewitt and Francis (Brown) Jewitt.
Ellen Hargrave's birth certificate.
The poor mite died in St Pancras workhouse in November 1848 and the workhouse master couldn't even bother to put her parents' names on the death cert. Luckily, the workhouse records still exist, so I could prove she was mine. But I want her birth certificate. In this period, I'd normally assume that she wasn't registered, but in this case all her siblings were. Why can't I find her?
John Jewitt's marriage to Amelia
Maybe the aforementioned death cert will give me some clue as to her previous name, but I can't find this and it seems a little late for one of those second marriages where neither partner bothered to actually marry. (1897-1901). But I can't find it.
What happened to Joseph Washer?
I suspect possibly a death on board ship or something. I cannot find his burial yet and really, I should have been able to.
As any family historian knows, our ancestors do this sort of thing to annoy us. It wouldn't be family history if it was all easy, would it?
Certificate Fever
I've been spending some ill-gotten gains (well, not really) on more certificates. As this money came via a family history source, I have to put it towards research, don't I?
So I've been buying those certificates I wonder about, rather than the certain ones.
I'm looking forward to finding out what happened to Mary Turner and Amelia Jewitt (who are reasonably safe bets) and Caroline Louisa Jewitt, who may be a missing daughter of John Francis and Martha Ann Jewitt. She fits neatly into the gap between the two eldest sisters and Martha had an elder sister called Caroline.
Plus, trying to make sense of the Nelmes family who elude me, despite their helpfully unusual surname. They lived in London, which complicates everything. However, two likely candidates for missing siblings who died young are James and Charles. (Even if not 'mine', there's a strong likelihood of their being connected somewhere down the line, so I feel it's a risk worth taking.)
Thinking along the same lines, it occurs to me that ordering a clutch of early Nelmes marriages from London might begin to show who's connected to who. I'm going to consider that one a little longer before I finish my reckless spending, though.
Trouble is, my other certs haven't come after 5 working days, so it looks as though the GRO is getting slow again. Ordering more at this point may not be good for me! I shall have to learn the lesson of patience, but it's hard work when certificates could arrive any day.
So I've been buying those certificates I wonder about, rather than the certain ones.
I'm looking forward to finding out what happened to Mary Turner and Amelia Jewitt (who are reasonably safe bets) and Caroline Louisa Jewitt, who may be a missing daughter of John Francis and Martha Ann Jewitt. She fits neatly into the gap between the two eldest sisters and Martha had an elder sister called Caroline.
Plus, trying to make sense of the Nelmes family who elude me, despite their helpfully unusual surname. They lived in London, which complicates everything. However, two likely candidates for missing siblings who died young are James and Charles. (Even if not 'mine', there's a strong likelihood of their being connected somewhere down the line, so I feel it's a risk worth taking.)
Thinking along the same lines, it occurs to me that ordering a clutch of early Nelmes marriages from London might begin to show who's connected to who. I'm going to consider that one a little longer before I finish my reckless spending, though.
Trouble is, my other certs haven't come after 5 working days, so it looks as though the GRO is getting slow again. Ordering more at this point may not be good for me! I shall have to learn the lesson of patience, but it's hard work when certificates could arrive any day.
Wednesday, 4 June 2008
Certificates...
Have used my birthday money to send off for some certificates and am now post-watching for the arrival of two certs. In particular, I'm keen to know if the death cert for Maria Washer is the right one, as the age isn't quite right. Fingers crossed...
Friday, 30 May 2008
Making 17th C Links
I'm just about to finally start making sense of my latest discoveries from the SRO but a word on my main achievement...
I'm a little bit dubious as yet, but hopeful. My doubt comes from the fact that Young is a very common surname, something I tend to forget, as my Young family are the only ones with that name born in Bridgwater prior to about 1850, so I'm used to being able to claim them as my own.
What has tantalised me for a while is the fact that I have traced my Young family back to a Thomas Young, son of Robert Young. Now Robert would have been born around 1743. What do I find in the 1740s but a Thomas and Anstice Young having children, including a Roger, born 1743. No sign of a Robert - or of Roger later in life.
This time I had a bright idea and used the Poor Rates. I'd noticed Thomas and his father Robert listed there and decided to take it back. After all, it might lead me to discover Robert's father (or what was very likely to be him.)
So I set to work and found, sooner than I expected, Robert and Thomas Young paying rates for the same building from 1775 backwards. I then checked the parish registers for Bridgwater, with particular note of burials. Roger Young is the only one of Thomas and Anstice's children not buried and Thomas was born in 1717, making him the right sort of age to be Robert's otherwise unexpectedly long-lived father.
Yes, all a little shaky still, but it's looking likelier. Just have to see if there's anything else I can do to prove (or disprove) this theory. (The bishop's transcripts don't exist for the 1740s, so no use checking that to see if Roger might have been corrected to Robert).
But my suspicion suddenly looks a whole lot more realistic.
I'm a little bit dubious as yet, but hopeful. My doubt comes from the fact that Young is a very common surname, something I tend to forget, as my Young family are the only ones with that name born in Bridgwater prior to about 1850, so I'm used to being able to claim them as my own.
What has tantalised me for a while is the fact that I have traced my Young family back to a Thomas Young, son of Robert Young. Now Robert would have been born around 1743. What do I find in the 1740s but a Thomas and Anstice Young having children, including a Roger, born 1743. No sign of a Robert - or of Roger later in life.
This time I had a bright idea and used the Poor Rates. I'd noticed Thomas and his father Robert listed there and decided to take it back. After all, it might lead me to discover Robert's father (or what was very likely to be him.)
So I set to work and found, sooner than I expected, Robert and Thomas Young paying rates for the same building from 1775 backwards. I then checked the parish registers for Bridgwater, with particular note of burials. Roger Young is the only one of Thomas and Anstice's children not buried and Thomas was born in 1717, making him the right sort of age to be Robert's otherwise unexpectedly long-lived father.
Yes, all a little shaky still, but it's looking likelier. Just have to see if there's anything else I can do to prove (or disprove) this theory. (The bishop's transcripts don't exist for the 1740s, so no use checking that to see if Roger might have been corrected to Robert).
But my suspicion suddenly looks a whole lot more realistic.
Monday, 12 May 2008
Somerset Curiosities
An interesting trip to the Record Office...
Just one or two oddities I found in the parish records:
I'm a little puzzled over 'Collick Puffin' buried 7th Jul 1704 in Bridgwater St Mary's. The writing was readable and this does seem to be what it says. But it can't be, can it?
And the death of John Tailor, buried on 2nd Dec 1716 with his two children must have been the talk of the town for some time, as the three of them were "blown up with gun powder."
And I've now made my first proper venture into 17th Century parish registers and so far, they've proved to be a lot more legible than most 18th C efforts. I had been wondering if it would be worth pursuing any further if I had to stare at yet more and more faded microfiche copies of terrible handwriting, but it seems I won't have to give up in order to save my eyesight and sanity yet.
Just one or two oddities I found in the parish records:
I'm a little puzzled over 'Collick Puffin' buried 7th Jul 1704 in Bridgwater St Mary's. The writing was readable and this does seem to be what it says. But it can't be, can it?
And the death of John Tailor, buried on 2nd Dec 1716 with his two children must have been the talk of the town for some time, as the three of them were "blown up with gun powder."
And I've now made my first proper venture into 17th Century parish registers and so far, they've proved to be a lot more legible than most 18th C efforts. I had been wondering if it would be worth pursuing any further if I had to stare at yet more and more faded microfiche copies of terrible handwriting, but it seems I won't have to give up in order to save my eyesight and sanity yet.
Friday, 2 May 2008
Off to Somerset
I'm heading back home, so my posts may get all irregular again. ('Home' will forever be Somerset no matter how long I've lived elsewhere). I shall get to see my family, best friend - oh, and have some visits planned to the Somerset Record Office...
Yes, more info that I might one day transcribe & let people see. (Oh, I promise to improve honestly).
Yes, more info that I might one day transcribe & let people see. (Oh, I promise to improve honestly).
Tuesday, 29 April 2008
Hargrave discovery
I realised that I haven't mentioned a small but significant discovery I made recently.
I thought I'd checked the Marriage indexes for Hargraves in the early 20th C, but playing around on Free BMD, what did I find but an entry for a Walter R. Hargrave in West Ham in 1915?
My great-granny, Lotty Elizabeth Hargrave had a younger brother called Walter Richard, who died at the end of WWI, out in India. However, it now turns out that he had married Lilian Sarah Bentley. The marriage certificate (how could I not order it?) was quite illuminating. Not only did it tell me that he shared my great-grandfather's occupation of book-binder, but it gave details of his first regiment, thus meaning that I would have a better chance of finding out more about his experience during the war.
And maybe there are some unknown relatives out there? Who knows?
This family history thing is full of surprises.
I thought I'd checked the Marriage indexes for Hargraves in the early 20th C, but playing around on Free BMD, what did I find but an entry for a Walter R. Hargrave in West Ham in 1915?
My great-granny, Lotty Elizabeth Hargrave had a younger brother called Walter Richard, who died at the end of WWI, out in India. However, it now turns out that he had married Lilian Sarah Bentley. The marriage certificate (how could I not order it?) was quite illuminating. Not only did it tell me that he shared my great-grandfather's occupation of book-binder, but it gave details of his first regiment, thus meaning that I would have a better chance of finding out more about his experience during the war.
And maybe there are some unknown relatives out there? Who knows?
This family history thing is full of surprises.
Friday, 4 April 2008
Edward Jewitt in trouble
I mentioned previously that I'd found record of Edward Jewitt (1756-?) having financial troubles while his son John Rodgers Jewitt was lost in (what would become) Canada. (1803-1804)
The articles lists the tools of his trade and indicate that John's claims in his Narrative that his father was (until this point!) a successful businessman were not an exaggeration.
So here's the transcripts. Although the bald notices indicate an unhappy story for my ancestor, I still can't help but be amused that the solicitor involved had his office at The Land Of Green Ginger. Hmm...
*
Hull Packet, 20 SEP 1803
Jewitt’s Assignment.
EDWARD JEWITT, of the Town of Kingston-upon-Hull, Whitesmith and Anchorsmith, having, by Indenture dated the seventeenth day of September instant assigned over all his Stock in Trade, Debts, and Effects, whatsoever, to Edward Raisbeck, of Drypool, Gentleman, and Jeremiah Smith of Kingston-upon-Hull, Manufacturer of Earthenware, IN TRUST, for such of his Creditors who shall execute the said Deed within Two Calendar Months from the Date thereof –
NOTICE is therefore given,
That the said Deed is left at Mr. Stovin’s Office, in the Land of Green Ginger, in Hull, for the perusal and execution of the said Creditors; and that such of them as do not execute the same within the said Term, will be excluded from all benefit of the Trust.
Hull, 17th Sept. 1803
This was reprinted in the Hull Packet 27 SEP 1803
*
Hull Packet, 4 OCT 1803:
To Smiths, Iron-Founders, &c, &c.
To be SOLD by AUCTION,
IN LOTS
By BELL and HENDRY
Upon the PREMISES, late of EDWARD JEWITT, Smith and Iron-Founder, at the end of Quay-street, on the South side of the legal Quay, on the Dock, in Kingston-upon-Hull.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, the 25th and 26th days of October, instant
(Unless Disposed Of in the mean time by Private Contract.)
ALL the STOCK in TRADE, late of the said Edward Jewitt and assigned by him for the benefit of his Creditors; consisting of Utensils calculated for carrying on the businesses of a Whitesmith and Anchorsmith on a very extensive scale; Models &c, for carrying on the Iron Foundery business on the newest and best construction; and Stove Grates, and other Ironmongery Articles.
Printed Catalogues may be had of the Auctioneers five days before the sale. The sale to begin each day at ten o’clock.
Also, to be SOLD by AUCTION,
On the PREMISES,
On Tuesday, the said 25th day of October instant, at twelve o’clock at noon precisely,
Unless Disposed Of in the mean time by Private Contract.
The LEASE (31 years of which are now unexpired) of a new-built IRON-FOUNDERYadjoining the Premises late of the said Edward Jewitt in Quay-street aforesaid.
Any person willing to purchase the above mentioned Stock in Trade and Foundery, will be trated with for a LEASE for 16 years of the large capital WHITESMITH’s and ANCHORSMITH’s shop, in Quay-street aforesaid, and in the occupation of the said Edward Jewitt and now in full business[?]; as likewise of the very convenient and neat DWELLING HOUSE adjoining the Shop.
The entire Premises are not only a most desirable situation for a Smith and Iron-Founder, but, from their contiguity to the Dock, are capable of being converted to a vaiety of purposes.
For further particulars apply to Mr Stovin, Attorney-at-Law, Land-of-Green-Ginger, Hull.
*
Hull Packet 8 NOV 1803
To be SOLD by AUCTION,
By BELL & HENDRY,
On the PREMISES of Mr. EDWARD JEWITT,
Whitesmith and Iron Founder, Quay-street, Hull,
On Thursday, November 17, 1803, at ten o’clock
THE most valuable and remaining part of the STOCK in TRADE, consisting of various Articles; 12 Anvils; 10 Pairs of Smith’s Bellows; 6 pairs of Vice; Great and Small Hammers; 3 Pairs of Stocks and Dices; Taps and Screw Plates; 4 Prop D[??]ils and Braces; 1 Large Laythe, with oak Stretching Frame and Patent Bushes; 4 Heads; a capital Foot Laythe, with Collar and Mandril, &c,; 1 small Ditto, with Collar and Mandril; a qunatity of Chizels, Braces and Bitts; 450 Dozen of Timber Staples; 6 Cwt. Of Spikes, sorted; a large quantity of Nails, of all sorts; 2 complete Register Stoves; 1 half ditto; 5 hand-mills, with Dressing Machines for Malt, Oats, and Beans; Range and Stove; Metal in Lots; 7 Double Sheet Iron Ovens; 9 Iron Pots; Metal Models for Pantheons; Bath Stoves, even Doors and Furnace Pans, 10 Cwt.; 3 Two-handed Ladies; 6 Tons of Cinders; 35 Weights, 3 cwt. 2 qrs 11 lbs. 27 Ditto, 3 cwt. 1 qrs. 0 lbs.; Smoak Jack; 3 Wind-up Jacks; 6 Cabin Stoves; 3 Oak Cranes; Joiner’s Bench; sundry Planes, and Joiners’ Tools; and many other Articles too numerous to insert.
And on the following day will be SOLD by AUCTION, all the neat HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, and other EFFECTS, in the Dwelling-House.
*
Hull Packet, Tues Dec 18th 1804
Jewitt’s Debtors and Creditors
Notice is hereby given
THAT the assignees of the Estate and Effects of EDWARD JEWITT, of Kingston-upon-Hull, Anchorsmith, intend to meet at the House of Mr. Robert Hawkins, the George Inn, in Whitefriargate, in Hull on Thursday the 20th day of December instant, at elecen o’clock in the forenoon, for the purpose of making a second and final dividend of the effects of the said Edward Jewitt, when and where all his creditors who have executed the Deed of Assignment, may receive their dividends; and such of them as do not then and there attend, may at any time afterwards receive their dividends at the Bank of Messrs. Moxon, in Hull.
By order
STOVIN & FITCHET, Solicitors.
Parliament-street, Hull, December 13, 1804.
The articles lists the tools of his trade and indicate that John's claims in his Narrative that his father was (until this point!) a successful businessman were not an exaggeration.
So here's the transcripts. Although the bald notices indicate an unhappy story for my ancestor, I still can't help but be amused that the solicitor involved had his office at The Land Of Green Ginger. Hmm...
*
Hull Packet, 20 SEP 1803
Jewitt’s Assignment.
EDWARD JEWITT, of the Town of Kingston-upon-Hull, Whitesmith and Anchorsmith, having, by Indenture dated the seventeenth day of September instant assigned over all his Stock in Trade, Debts, and Effects, whatsoever, to Edward Raisbeck, of Drypool, Gentleman, and Jeremiah Smith of Kingston-upon-Hull, Manufacturer of Earthenware, IN TRUST, for such of his Creditors who shall execute the said Deed within Two Calendar Months from the Date thereof –
NOTICE is therefore given,
That the said Deed is left at Mr. Stovin’s Office, in the Land of Green Ginger, in Hull, for the perusal and execution of the said Creditors; and that such of them as do not execute the same within the said Term, will be excluded from all benefit of the Trust.
Hull, 17th Sept. 1803
This was reprinted in the Hull Packet 27 SEP 1803
*
Hull Packet, 4 OCT 1803:
To Smiths, Iron-Founders, &c, &c.
To be SOLD by AUCTION,
IN LOTS
By BELL and HENDRY
Upon the PREMISES, late of EDWARD JEWITT, Smith and Iron-Founder, at the end of Quay-street, on the South side of the legal Quay, on the Dock, in Kingston-upon-Hull.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, the 25th and 26th days of October, instant
(Unless Disposed Of in the mean time by Private Contract.)
ALL the STOCK in TRADE, late of the said Edward Jewitt and assigned by him for the benefit of his Creditors; consisting of Utensils calculated for carrying on the businesses of a Whitesmith and Anchorsmith on a very extensive scale; Models &c, for carrying on the Iron Foundery business on the newest and best construction; and Stove Grates, and other Ironmongery Articles.
Printed Catalogues may be had of the Auctioneers five days before the sale. The sale to begin each day at ten o’clock.
Also, to be SOLD by AUCTION,
On the PREMISES,
On Tuesday, the said 25th day of October instant, at twelve o’clock at noon precisely,
Unless Disposed Of in the mean time by Private Contract.
The LEASE (31 years of which are now unexpired) of a new-built IRON-FOUNDERYadjoining the Premises late of the said Edward Jewitt in Quay-street aforesaid.
Any person willing to purchase the above mentioned Stock in Trade and Foundery, will be trated with for a LEASE for 16 years of the large capital WHITESMITH’s and ANCHORSMITH’s shop, in Quay-street aforesaid, and in the occupation of the said Edward Jewitt and now in full business[?]; as likewise of the very convenient and neat DWELLING HOUSE adjoining the Shop.
The entire Premises are not only a most desirable situation for a Smith and Iron-Founder, but, from their contiguity to the Dock, are capable of being converted to a vaiety of purposes.
For further particulars apply to Mr Stovin, Attorney-at-Law, Land-of-Green-Ginger, Hull.
*
Hull Packet 8 NOV 1803
To be SOLD by AUCTION,
By BELL & HENDRY,
On the PREMISES of Mr. EDWARD JEWITT,
Whitesmith and Iron Founder, Quay-street, Hull,
On Thursday, November 17, 1803, at ten o’clock
THE most valuable and remaining part of the STOCK in TRADE, consisting of various Articles; 12 Anvils; 10 Pairs of Smith’s Bellows; 6 pairs of Vice; Great and Small Hammers; 3 Pairs of Stocks and Dices; Taps and Screw Plates; 4 Prop D[??]ils and Braces; 1 Large Laythe, with oak Stretching Frame and Patent Bushes; 4 Heads; a capital Foot Laythe, with Collar and Mandril, &c,; 1 small Ditto, with Collar and Mandril; a qunatity of Chizels, Braces and Bitts; 450 Dozen of Timber Staples; 6 Cwt. Of Spikes, sorted; a large quantity of Nails, of all sorts; 2 complete Register Stoves; 1 half ditto; 5 hand-mills, with Dressing Machines for Malt, Oats, and Beans; Range and Stove; Metal in Lots; 7 Double Sheet Iron Ovens; 9 Iron Pots; Metal Models for Pantheons; Bath Stoves, even Doors and Furnace Pans, 10 Cwt.; 3 Two-handed Ladies; 6 Tons of Cinders; 35 Weights, 3 cwt. 2 qrs 11 lbs. 27 Ditto, 3 cwt. 1 qrs. 0 lbs.; Smoak Jack; 3 Wind-up Jacks; 6 Cabin Stoves; 3 Oak Cranes; Joiner’s Bench; sundry Planes, and Joiners’ Tools; and many other Articles too numerous to insert.
And on the following day will be SOLD by AUCTION, all the neat HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, and other EFFECTS, in the Dwelling-House.
*
Hull Packet, Tues Dec 18th 1804
Jewitt’s Debtors and Creditors
Notice is hereby given
THAT the assignees of the Estate and Effects of EDWARD JEWITT, of Kingston-upon-Hull, Anchorsmith, intend to meet at the House of Mr. Robert Hawkins, the George Inn, in Whitefriargate, in Hull on Thursday the 20th day of December instant, at elecen o’clock in the forenoon, for the purpose of making a second and final dividend of the effects of the said Edward Jewitt, when and where all his creditors who have executed the Deed of Assignment, may receive their dividends; and such of them as do not then and there attend, may at any time afterwards receive their dividends at the Bank of Messrs. Moxon, in Hull.
By order
STOVIN & FITCHET, Solicitors.
Parliament-street, Hull, December 13, 1804.
Thursday, 20 March 2008
Jewitt Tribal Pages Website
And now my research is finally online - on Tribal Pages. (At the moment, a visitor password is needed, as I realise suddenly how many odd entries might be included in uploading my entire Family Historian file! Once I'm a little happier with that, I hope to make it no password required.)
Between this blog with family stories, updates and details and all the info now on Tribal Pages, I feel a bit happier that I'm finally doing some constructive sharing of my research. About time!
Between this blog with family stories, updates and details and all the info now on Tribal Pages, I feel a bit happier that I'm finally doing some constructive sharing of my research. About time!
Tuesday, 18 March 2008
Unexpected Twist in the Jewitt tale...
Briefly having access to some 19th C newspapers revealed that Edward Jewitt (b.1756) went bankrupt when John Rodgers Jewitt was missing. All my research had led me to believe that there was only one Edward Jewitt, smith, who was father of both John and Francis Jewitt, but I've always been bothered by Edward's apparent prosperity against Francis's lack of it... If Edward went bankrupt, that explains a lot - particularly why Francis went to London in search of a better life instead of staying in Hull and minding his father's business...
I can't help wondering though if it was anything to do with John's adventure? Maybe he was too worried to put his mind to business as usual - or spent money trying to find news of his lost son?
Better stop romanticising...!
I can't help wondering though if it was anything to do with John's adventure? Maybe he was too worried to put his mind to business as usual - or spent money trying to find news of his lost son?
Better stop romanticising...!
Saturday, 16 February 2008
Visit to TNA
My aim for this visit was to see if I could track down anything about my 4x great-grandfather, William Childs Forster, who had been an Excise Officer living in Bermondsey, Surrey in the 1820s. He married Eliza Taylor in 1820 and had at least three children, but beyond that I knew nothing of him.
Below is a transcription of what I found. At least he wasn't being actively fraudulent like some of the officers minuted in the Customs Records at The National Archives.
Promoted: (CUST 47/503, 1816 p54)
Weds 25 SEP 1816:
“John Augustus JONES, Principal Officer in the 8th Division Brewery, being through Infirmities rendered incapable of performing the Duty of an Officer, Ordered that he relinquish: that Robert Wilkie SEWELL, Officer in the 17th Division, succeed him: that William Childs FORSTER, Assistant in the 19th Division, succeed SEWELL: and that Samuel Trelove SAGARY be Assistant in the Room of FORSTER on Wm MANLEY’s motion.”
(Ditto, p61):
Tues 1 OCT 1816:
“Thomas LYNN, Officer in the 25th Division, Brewery, having suffered the Hide Stamp No. 3806, which was delivered from this Office into his Possession on the 13th of August, to be fraudulently used, as appears by 36 Hides having been found and seized in the Possession of a Tanner on the 21st which had been marked therewith, although no such Hides were charged with Duty, as appeared on Examination before the Board. Ordered that he be discharged, that William Childs FORSTER, Assistant in the 19th Division, succeed him: and that Thomas YATES be Assistant in the Room of FORSTER on Wm MANLEY’s motion.”
(Ditto, pp66-67)
Sat 5 OCT 1816:
“William Childs FORSTER, Assistant the 19th Division Brewery, who by Minute of the 1st instant was appointed Officer in the 25th Division, having been previously appointed Officer in the 17th Division, Ordered that John GREENLY, Assistant in the 7th Division, be Officer in the 25th Division in his Stead, and that Thomas YATES, who by the same Minute was appointed to succeed FORSTER be Assistant in the 7th Division in the Room of GREENLY.”
Surveying Officer, 17th Division (OCT 1816-?); 113th Division (JUN 1819-1828) (Salary £25 per Quarter, JAN 1817-1828 (T44))
(CUST 47/516 pp58-59)
Weds 24 JUN 1819:
“William Brook LAURIE, Officer in the 13th Division Brewery, having shewn Surveys at a Common Brewer’s for Jun 11th at ep8 (?) and at another for such Trader’s for the 11th at ep9, which were evidently feigned, as appeared on Examination before the Board. Ordered that he be discharged and that William Childs FORSTER, late Officer in the 17th Division, who was discharged and is restored, succeed.”
(From Oct 1828 receiving 10 years bonus £1 1s 1d)
From 3 NOV 1828 – reduced to Assistant Officer, due to drunkeness.
(CUST 47/570 PP58-59)
Monday 13 NOV 1828:
“William Childs FORSTER, Officer of the 113th Division, Town Establishment, not having between mp 8 on October the 3rd and the following morning, entered any Survey in the Book at two Chandlers’, nor the Weight of two Makings of Candles which had been in operations and weighed by him during that Interval; having left the Keys of the Locks, by which the Utensils were secured, on the Chandlers’ Preimses, and removed the Specimen, from the Place where it ought to have been kept, at one of the Traders, and being on October 4th in a State of Intoxication and incapable of performing his Duty, as appears by the Report of Golding BOID, General Surveyor, and the said FORSTER having been once reprimanded within three years last past, Ordered that he be reduced to be Assistant in the 47th District; that William JAQUES, Officer of the 223rd Division, succeed him, at his own Request; and that Thomas BURDELL, Assistant in the 47th District, succeed JACQUES.”
(Duties had to be exacted on: “Auctions, Beer, Bricks, Candles, Coffee, Cyder, Glafs, Hides, Hops, Licenses, Malt, Paper, Pepper, Printed Goods, Salt, Sopa, British Spirits, Foreign Spirits, Starch, Sweets, Tea, Tobacco, Vinegar, Wine.” T44/53 1826)
Below is a transcription of what I found. At least he wasn't being actively fraudulent like some of the officers minuted in the Customs Records at The National Archives.
Promoted: (CUST 47/503, 1816 p54)
Weds 25 SEP 1816:
“John Augustus JONES, Principal Officer in the 8th Division Brewery, being through Infirmities rendered incapable of performing the Duty of an Officer, Ordered that he relinquish: that Robert Wilkie SEWELL, Officer in the 17th Division, succeed him: that William Childs FORSTER, Assistant in the 19th Division, succeed SEWELL: and that Samuel Trelove SAGARY be Assistant in the Room of FORSTER on Wm MANLEY’s motion.”
(Ditto, p61):
Tues 1 OCT 1816:
“Thomas LYNN, Officer in the 25th Division, Brewery, having suffered the Hide Stamp No. 3806, which was delivered from this Office into his Possession on the 13th of August, to be fraudulently used, as appears by 36 Hides having been found and seized in the Possession of a Tanner on the 21st which had been marked therewith, although no such Hides were charged with Duty, as appeared on Examination before the Board. Ordered that he be discharged, that William Childs FORSTER, Assistant in the 19th Division, succeed him: and that Thomas YATES be Assistant in the Room of FORSTER on Wm MANLEY’s motion.”
(Ditto, pp66-67)
Sat 5 OCT 1816:
“William Childs FORSTER, Assistant the 19th Division Brewery, who by Minute of the 1st instant was appointed Officer in the 25th Division, having been previously appointed Officer in the 17th Division, Ordered that John GREENLY, Assistant in the 7th Division, be Officer in the 25th Division in his Stead, and that Thomas YATES, who by the same Minute was appointed to succeed FORSTER be Assistant in the 7th Division in the Room of GREENLY.”
Surveying Officer, 17th Division (OCT 1816-?); 113th Division (JUN 1819-1828) (Salary £25 per Quarter, JAN 1817-1828 (T44))
(CUST 47/516 pp58-59)
Weds 24 JUN 1819:
“William Brook LAURIE, Officer in the 13th Division Brewery, having shewn Surveys at a Common Brewer’s for Jun 11th at ep8 (?) and at another for such Trader’s for the 11th at ep9, which were evidently feigned, as appeared on Examination before the Board. Ordered that he be discharged and that William Childs FORSTER, late Officer in the 17th Division, who was discharged and is restored, succeed.”
(From Oct 1828 receiving 10 years bonus £1 1s 1d)
From 3 NOV 1828 – reduced to Assistant Officer, due to drunkeness.
(CUST 47/570 PP58-59)
Monday 13 NOV 1828:
“William Childs FORSTER, Officer of the 113th Division, Town Establishment, not having between mp 8 on October the 3rd and the following morning, entered any Survey in the Book at two Chandlers’, nor the Weight of two Makings of Candles which had been in operations and weighed by him during that Interval; having left the Keys of the Locks, by which the Utensils were secured, on the Chandlers’ Preimses, and removed the Specimen, from the Place where it ought to have been kept, at one of the Traders, and being on October 4th in a State of Intoxication and incapable of performing his Duty, as appears by the Report of Golding BOID, General Surveyor, and the said FORSTER having been once reprimanded within three years last past, Ordered that he be reduced to be Assistant in the 47th District; that William JAQUES, Officer of the 223rd Division, succeed him, at his own Request; and that Thomas BURDELL, Assistant in the 47th District, succeed JACQUES.”
(Duties had to be exacted on: “Auctions, Beer, Bricks, Candles, Coffee, Cyder, Glafs, Hides, Hops, Licenses, Malt, Paper, Pepper, Printed Goods, Salt, Sopa, British Spirits, Foreign Spirits, Starch, Sweets, Tea, Tobacco, Vinegar, Wine.” T44/53 1826)
It looks as though he may have drunk his bonus... Life in the Excise service seems to have been full of temptations.
But I'm hooked now - why was be 'discharged and restored'? Trouble is, I won't be back at TNA for a while!
Friday, 15 February 2008
Somerset Investigations
I had a chance to go to the Somerset Record Office while I was home for Christmas. Intending to chase my YOUNG and WASHER lines, I ended up making a breakthrough on my PADDON line.
Maria Paddon (b.c. 1814 in Bridgwater) was straightforward enough, but her father George had already tried complicating things even on a first, brief acquaintance. (Two George Paddon marriages in one year, both of them to a Sarah, when one of them should have been a Mary? But this is family history, so far, so much as usual.)
However, playing around with the settlement / bastardy indexes at the SRO led me to some old poor law documents that helped establish that my Paddon line were from Cannington, rather than Bridgwater and had been there since before the 17th C. New sources for me and a great lead for what had looked like being a difficult branch of the tree.
(More of this when I transcribe it... )
Maria Paddon (b.c. 1814 in Bridgwater) was straightforward enough, but her father George had already tried complicating things even on a first, brief acquaintance. (Two George Paddon marriages in one year, both of them to a Sarah, when one of them should have been a Mary? But this is family history, so far, so much as usual.)
However, playing around with the settlement / bastardy indexes at the SRO led me to some old poor law documents that helped establish that my Paddon line were from Cannington, rather than Bridgwater and had been there since before the 17th C. New sources for me and a great lead for what had looked like being a difficult branch of the tree.
(More of this when I transcribe it... )
First Post
I've been exploring Web 2 for work (that's the library rambling side) and thought it might be useful to have a blog to use to keep people up to date on family history discoveries. If I occasionally get carried away about children's books or Doctor Who, that may happen...
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