Tag: Western Times

Western Times: Friday 14th February 1868

Newton: Board of Guardians: Wednesday:  The Rev. R. R. Wolfe presided, and among those present were Revs. F. J. Taylor, and J. M. Hawker, Dr. Barham, Messrs. E. Ford, E. S. Bearne, J. Creed, W. Law, J. Harvey, H. T. Marshall, T. H. Bullock, W. Salter. A. Pike, J. Weymouth, W. Sowten, T. F. Graham, W. Rendell, W. Bond, C. H. Mattock, G. Rowel], W. B. Haydon, J. Langmead, G. Pinsent, J. W. F. Bickford, T. Drake, J. Ayshford Wise (ex-officio), H. Creagh, S. N. Neck, H. Norsworthy, G. Stooke, W. Addams, F. B. Cornthwaite, Mortimer, E. Beazley, T. Flamank, etc.: The following letter from the Chaplain, giving a reason why he had not visited the house during the week from Jan. 26 to Feb. 2, was read: Highweek, Feb. 11. 1833. My dear Sir, ln reply to Mr. Alsop’s note, I beg to inform the Board that the week before last I was in the North of Devon, where I went to see a sister who had been dangerously ill, and I am not aware that by so doing any of clerical duties were or would be neglected, as I never leave home without deputing someone to act for me in case of emergency. In looking over my report book, I find that during the year 1867 I paid three hundred and seventy-nine visits to the house and received sixty pounds for services. I do not think, therefore, that any Guardian, when he is brought acquainted with the facts, will venture to assert that my duties as Chaplain have been negligently performed. I am, my dear sir, yours truly, W. P. Good. The Chairman remarked that the letter did not contain the information asked for: Mr. Hawker asked who the deputy was, that he might be applied to in case of emergency? If the Visiting Committee were made acquainted with that, they would be satisfied. Mr. Creed said he believed Mr. Templer was the deputy, and considering the circumstances, and the number of years the Chaplain had performed the duties of the house, he moved that the Board pass to the order of the day, which was seconded by Mr. Bickford, and carried. The number of paupers in the house was reported to be 287, being a decrease of 10 on the previous week. The medical returns were satisfactory. There were no returns from Dr. Cann. The Clerk read the following from Dr. Macgill:  Ashburton, Feb. 12, 1868: Sir – ln reply to your letter asking when I attended for vaccination at Widdicombe during the last year, I forward you the following particulars: April 31st two cases vaccinated: May 7th., five; June 26th. one; July 1st, three; July 8th, three; Aug. 18th, two; Sept. 1st, three; Sept. 18th, one. Thus, it will be seen I made eight attendances and twenty vaccinations. So far as I am aware, there is only one lately born child unvaccinated in Widdicombe, and I know there is not one unvaccinated in either of the parishes of Buckland or Bickington. When I came to this district I think it was in the worst state of any in England as regards vaccination; now will bear comparison with any. I may mention in support of this that I have, since I came to the district (34 years ago) vaccinated 229 children above one year old, 97 children under four years of age and above. At the present time I do not think there are twelve children unvaccinated in the four parishes, including the town of Ashburton. I am happy to state there are further cases of smallpox in the district under care. —Yours truly, A. Macgill, M.D., M.R. P.S. The statement was considered highly satisfactory. Mr. Creed asked if any reply had been received from the Earl of Devon or Mr. Torr respecting the nuisance at Moretonhampstead. The Clerk said he had received a letter from Mr. Drew, steward to the Earl of Devon, stating that no arrangements had been made with Mr. Torr with reference to the drain at Moretonhampstead, nor has any such been contemplated since the case was dismissed by the magistrates. It is not fact that the place remains in its former state, at the suggestion of the magistrates a catchpit was filled up and the drain paved for some distance, which has had the effect of abating the evil complained of. And I do not apprehend there will be any nuisance to make it injurious, at least I have not discovered any since the alteration has been made — I am, dear sir, yours truly, John Drew.” The Clerk instructed, after the Surveyor had given his opinion that it was still a nuisance, to write to Mr. Drew in reference to it. Mr. John Harvey, in the absence of Mr. J. T. Harvey, who had given notice, moved the appointment of a committee to consider the relieving officers’ districts, with a view to the appointment of an additional relieving officer, so that more time should be devoted to the parish of Tormoham. Mr. Wills seconded the proposition. The Chairman observed that it was only twelve months ago the districts of the relieving officers were fully ventilated and settled upon. There was no complaint from the relieving officer himself that he was overworked, or had not sufficient time to attend to his duties at Torquay; on the contrary, it was not long ago that, having time upon his hands, he was allowed to take the office of registrar of births and deaths, which would not have been allowed if it was considered that he had not time to attend to the both. Mr. Law, Mr. Ford, Mr. Taylor, Mr. Creagh, and others spoke on the matter, after which Mr. Harvey replied, and being put to the meeting, the motion was agreed to. 

Transcribed in whole or part from scanned originals: Presented with or without modified text and punctuation. For absolute accuracy refer to the original newspapers. Source: The British Newspaper Archive.

Referenced

GRO0369 Hennock: Gilbert Pinsent: 1840 – 1918

Western Times: Friday 7th February 1868

Town Council and “The Extortion of Bough”: William Strong v John Elliott: This was a peculiar case. The claimant sought to obtain judgment for £1 13s, for damages sustained in the consequence of an illegal distraint. Mr. Floud appeared for the plaintiff, Mr. Merlin Fryer, instructed by Mr. W.D. Moore, Town Clerk, defended. Mr. Floud, in explaining the case, said there were two points in it for consideration: its merits, and the law which it involved. Mr. Strong rented from the Town Council certain premises in the Commercial Road under a lease. The Council demanded a year’s rent, which Mr. Strong agreed to pay;  he, however, resisted a claim for £1 13s for alleged expenses of illegal distraint. This claim was monstrous, and the plaintiff was fully justified in resisting it. The first content was the Elliott, who was a bailiff in the employ of the Council, had no legal authority to make the distraint, the second, that if even he had that authority, he had no right to demand the expenses until the goods were impounded – which they never were; and that the plaintiff offered rent, which was refused, ultimately paying it and also the expenses  – the latter under protest …  Willey said he had a warrant, and pulled it out of his pocket voluntarily, but he was not asked to produce it. He gave it to me to look at. As I was looking at it Strong made a grab at it and put it in his pocket. – Mr. Pinsent was also called. He saw Strong tender the rent to the bailiff, and heard him after that order the bailiff off the premises … (warrant was not sealed … question of legality) … 

Transcribed in whole or part from scanned originals: Presented with or without modified text and punctuation. For absolute accuracy refer to the original newspapers. Source: The British Newspaper Archive.

Referenced

GROxxxx xxxxx

Western Times: Tuesday 10th December 1867

Newton: Funeral of the Rev. F. S. Wall: This solemn event took place on Saturday morning and was very largely attended. The mournful procession marched from Bradley House about half past eleven in the following order … Fly and pair containing Rev. G. S Harris, Dr. Good, Dr. H. Gaye, and Mr. P. S. Michelmore, undertaker; Mr. Chudleigh, Mr. Parker, Mr. Buckler, Mr. Bearne, Mr. Liskey, Mr. Bracewill: Bearers: Hearse plumed and four horses: Coach and four horses containing Rev. Mr. Bromley, Mr. Bromley, junr., Miss Wall, and Rev, Mr. Sadler: Coach and pair containing Mr. and Mrs. Luscombe, Mr. and Mrs. Miller, maid servants: Coach and pair containing J. Vicary, Esq., J. Vicary, junr, Esq., R. Vicary, Esq. and Rev. J. M. Hawker (Ideford): The late Mr. Wall’s private carriage: J. Ingle, Esq’s, private carriage: Rev. J. Templer, his private carriage: J. Creed, and W. Cread, Esq’s private carriage: In the long procession that followed we noticed R. Francis, Esq., R. H. M. Baker, Esq., C. Gaye, Esq., S. Babb, Esq., J. J. Macbean, Esq., J. Pinsent, Esq., Messrs. J. Alsop, Clerk to the Board of Guardians, Mr. Moxey, Governor of the Union, E. Beazlay, and W. Law, Guardians, F. Buckland, J. Rendell, C. Westbrook, Capt. Todd, Dr. Bond, Dr. Haydon, W. Rowell, J. Shilston, J. F. B. Law, G. Stockman … … 

Transcribed in whole or part from scanned originals: Presented with or without modified text and punctuation. For absolute accuracy refer to the original newspapers. Source: The British Newspaper Archive.

Referenced

GROxxxx xxxxx

Western Times: Friday 22nd November 1867

County Sessions: Wednesday: Before Earl Devon (chairman) and Biggs Andrews, Esq., Q.C.: The Court was opened at ten o’clock: The Rioting at Crediton: “Starving Alive”: Henry James, 18, shoemaker (imp.), and Barnett Elston (on bail), were charged with having, at Crediton, on Nov. 5th, with divers other persons, riotously and tumultuously assembled together to the disturbance of the public peace. Mr. Carter prosecuted; Mr. Clarke defended. The prosecuting counsel opened the case pointing out the technical differences between misdemeanour — the charge against the prisoners — and felony and having narrated circumstances of the riot stated he should prove by abundant testimony that the prisoners were not mere spectators, but that they took an active part in the riotous proceedings. The following is an outline of the evidence: Mr. John Cleave, baker, of East Street, anticipating the disturbance on Gunpowder Plot night, put his shutters at six o’clock. The rioters visited the shop with a shower of stones, doing damage to the amount of £5 or £6. Did not see the prisoners in the crowd: Mr. F. Elston was walking from West town to East Town about ten o’clock. Saw a large number of rioters — thirty or forty — recognised amongst them Barnett Elston: Knew him well, as they were natives of Crediton, and cousins. Heard him say several times “Down with the bakers; starving alive.” Others hollered at the same time. Saw both prisoners throw stones at Mr. Cleave’s windows. Several persons kicked the shutters. The prisoners followed the mob to the shop of Mr. Pinsent, baker. Cross-examined by Mr. Clarke — I helped roll the tar barrel; I did, not collect the money for it, but contributed towards the bonfire. The tar barrel and the bonfire were not one and the same thing — (a laugh). Did not speak to Barnett — not a word. Barnett was in the middle of the crowd, with whom the witness was running; did not recognise anyone else besides the prisoners — not even those who kicked the shutters. Barnett had been in the employ of witness’s father; he had worked for him since Nov. 5th. There was a constable nearby, and therefore the witness could not point out the prisoners to the police: Knew almost all the people in Crediton. Mr. George Stone, shoemaker, a Kirton man, gave similar testimony. Saw the prisoners in the crowd; heard Barnett cry out “Starving alive.” He kept bawling out with the others. This was near eleven, in West Town, near Mr. Lee’s shop. By Mr. Clarke — Did not see the witness, Fred. Elston, during the night: Witness had his hand bandaged, and was examined as follows by Mr. Clarke: You have met with an accident I see. How did it occur? I was cleaning a revolver for some gentleman. That was a dangerous thing to do; did you not know that the revolver was loaded? Mr. Carter interposed — Pray what connection had the revolver with this case? The court allowed the examination to proceed, and Mr. Clarke repeated the question. Witness — Yes, I knew it was loaded; but that has nothing to do with this case. Did it go off? Yes. What were you doing with the revolver; are you a gunsmith? — Why do you wish to tell lies? I have told you that l am a shoemaker. What were you doing with the revolver? — I am a shoemaker; but what has all this to do with the case? I was cleaning it for a gentleman. What gentleman? come out with his name. — Witness hesitated, and then asked the court whether he was bound to answer the question. The noble chairman answered in the affirmative. Witness still refused to give an answer, but when cautioned by the chairman he went out with it” — for a cousin of mine. His name is Stone. What day was it? — Last Friday fortnight. Were you not making preparations for Nov. 5th when the accident occurred? — No. If you want to get at it quickly, I will tell you all. My cousin is in the habit of going into the country and of being prepared. I was repairing his pistol for him, and while trying on the caps it exploded. Mr. Carter appealed to the chairman whether this questioning about the pistol was not a waste of time. The Chairman — cannot say that; Mr. Clarke may have some definite object. Mr. Clarke — Did you not go to Albert Elston’s for a soldier’s jacket? — Witness — No suggestion was made about it, but I did not borrow it. Did you not send for that jacket for the purpose of disguising yourself on Nov. 5th? Witness (hesitating) — No. Come now, did you not send for it? — No. Then why did you hesitate? — Because you began about the pistol, and it was all for nothing — (laughter). Did you deny before the magistrates that you asked for the jacket? Yes. Have you ever been charged with a little offence called burglary. Mr. Carter — A little “offence!” Mr. Clarke — A burglary at John Elston’s house? — Witness (emphatically) —Me, Sir; no, never. Mr. Edwin Lee, saddler, saw a crowd of about 150 or 200 in front of Mr. Lee’s shop; stones had been thrown at the windows. Recognised Barnett Elston about eleven o’clock: Knew him well by sight. P.C. Allen heard Elston when in the police cell say to James “believe that it is, that Fred Elston that has informed against us.” James replied, “believe it is so.” Elston then said “I’m …. if I care; if I was there, I can get plenty of witnesses to come forward and prove that I was someplace else.” This concluded the case for the prosecution. Mr. Clarke spoke on behalf of his clients. Riots of a most disgraceful character had taken place in the county, and he hoped they would not be repeated. The ringleaders should be punished; but had it been proved that the prisoners were amongst them? The evidence was unsatisfactory. Throwing a stone was a momentary act, but pulling down shutters was not; the former was spoken to by Fred. Elston, and yet he could not give any information as to the latter. He should show that Barnett Elston was standing amongst the crowd, and yet committed no act of violence whatsoever. Let the jury judge as to whether the witnesses had come forward in the cause of justice or to screen themselves. Evidence was called for the defence. Emma Chamberlain saw a mob break Mr. Cleave’s windows. Saw Barnett Elston standing nearby; but he was neither doing nor saying anything; he went quietly away. By Mr. Carter: — Was positive that Barnett did not damage Mr. Cleaves premises. Did not swear before the magistrates that she could not say Elston was not among the crowd when some stones were thrown. [The deposition of a witness before the magistrates was read; it showed that she had made that statement]. Mrs. Ann Woollacott was at her father’s house opposite Mr. Cleaves. Saw Elston, and said to him ” Barnett, don’t you have anything to do with this.” He replied that he should not, he knew who would be best off to-morrow. He took no part in the riot. Mrs. Charlotte Payne, wife of a shoemaker, heard a noise near her house in Deane Street. Went towards Mr. Cleaves shop: Saw Barnett Elston and Mrs. Woollaoott, and heard the conversation just spoken to by the latter. Henry Manning, mason, of Deane-street, saw Barnett Elston stand at his father’s door — neither saying nor doing anything to anyone, and this was while the mob were breaking into Mr. Cleaves’ shop. R. Ferris also saw Elston standing with his hands in his pockets “doing nothing” during the riot, near Mr. Cleaves. Mr. Clarke summed up for the defence, and Mr. Carter replied, arguing that the testimony of those who did not witness the prisoner’s rioting went for nothing. An Irishman, when caught with his hands in a man’s pocket, said he could bring hundreds to prove that they did not see it — (laughter). The noble Chairman having directed the jury on the case, the prisoners were found guilty on the fourth count in the indictment – riotous assembly. The rioters were later part of the day called up for sentence. His Lordship said — You have been convicted on very clear evidence of the offence charged against you in the indictment — that you connected yourselves with a riotous mob in Creditor the night referred to — that you went about the different parts of the town, breaking into the shops and plundering them of their contents. You seem to have gone considerably beyond that licence which is sometimes permitted on the 5th November, proceeding to appropriate to yourselves the property of others. You were sadly mistaken if you thought that you would bring down the price of bread permanently by such a course; but it is not for the Court to point out how foolish that conduct was. Whilst abstaining from expressing any opinion on the preliminary proceedings of the night — Gunpowder Plot – it is the duty of the Court to mark their sense of your offence by severe punishment — showing you and all others engage in acts of disorder that the law is strong enough to suppress. You are each sentenced to two months’ imprisonment. 

Transcribed in whole or part from scanned originals: Presented with or without modified text and punctuation. For absolute accuracy refer to the original newspapers. Source: The British Newspaper Archive.

Referenced

GROxxxx Crediton

Western Times: Friday 22nd November 1867

Newton: Messrs. Norrington’s Manure Audit: On Wednesday a large and influential gathering of yeoman took place at the Globe Hotel, to do honour to a capital spread, provided by Messrs. Norrington for their numerous customers in the Newton and Chagford district. Mr. C. H. S. Veale, the district manager, presided. About 120 sat down, among whom were T. Wills, Esq., and the deputation from the Devon and Cornwall Chamber of Agriculture, J. Carpenter-Garnier, Esq., J. W. Pratt, Esq., J. W. Coniton, Esq., Messrs. R. Thorn, J. S. Bartlett, T. Elliott, G. Pinsent, R. Palk, J. Moon, J. Rendell (Coffinswell) N. Stephens etc. … (includes) … J. Pinsent … H. Pinsent … 

Transcribed in whole or part from scanned originals: Presented with or without modified text and punctuation. For absolute accuracy refer to the original newspapers. Source: The British Newspaper Archive.

Referenced

GRO0369 Hennock: Gilbert Pinsent: 1840 – 1918
GRO0412 Hennock: Henry Pinsent: 1844 – 1894
GRO0449 Hennock: James Pinsent: 1842 – 1902 (?)

Western Times: Friday 8th November 1867

THE RIOTERS BEFORE THE MAGISTRATES: On Wednesday, before W. J. Watts, Esq., R. Vicary, Esq., Sir W. Rae, and Admiral Wise, Edward Daw was charged with being concerned in the riot. Mr. H. Michelmore, solicitor, stated that after the reading of the Riot Act was in the midst of a crowd outside Thomas’s shop in East Street, and saw the accused throw a missile of some sort into one of the top windows, which broke the glass. He caught hold of him and gave him into custody. Prisoner, in defence, said that he left Mr. Taverner’s house, where he worked, he went straight down the street; he denied that he threw any stone at all. He was committed for trial, and was refused. Martin Sweeney, a lurking looking youth with a bloodstained smock on, was similarly charged. Mr. Watts said that after the Riot Act was read he called on the mob to disperse, which, not being done, he ordered special constables to clear the street. They charged the mob, broke through them, re-formed on the further side, charged down again, and when opposite Mr. Mitchelmore, draper, the mob intercepted the special constables, himself being in front, and passed a little way into the crowd, the crowd being faced about on meeting the special constables. Witness turned round to do the same, when he saw prisoner Sweeney, who was on his right hand at a short distance, raise his hand and throw a missile as large, or larger, than a man’s fist at, or in the direction of the special constables. The Witness sprang forward and seized him by the collar and called for assistance, when P.C. Cuming came and took him in charge. P.C. Cuming proved receiving the prisoner into his custody from Watts. Prisoner pleaded not guilty and denied having resisted being taken to the lock-up. He had nothing else to say, only that it wasn’t right for the policeman to knock anybody about directly he got them inside the yard: Committed for trial without bail. The Chairman observed that in all cases that came before the Bench of a similar character no bail would be accepted.  Mr. Watts then addressed a few words of advice to those present, telling them that the prices of both meat and bread had been considerably reduced, so that could be no further excuse for their indulging in similar practices as that the previous night. It was painful for him to have to read the Riot Act, but he hoped now their end had been obtained no further physical force would be resorted to. A person in the crowd said, “Thank you sir,” and great deal of dissatisfaction seemed to be among the many present. Wednesday was all excitement and business at a discount.  It was confidently reported that the rabble was going to make an onslaught on the butchers’ shops in the night, and that body to a man was in a very excited state all day. Several special constables were sworn in that day, and in the evening 350 more, Courtenay-street and the Town Hall were literally besieged, and excitement was everywhere. The volunteers were all sworn in and kept in reserve during the night. Mr. Vicary ordered all his men, one hundred and more, to be sworn or leave his employ. Mr. Pinsent’s men and most of the employees at railway works were also sworn in and a large number supplied with staves. This precaution no doubt had a sensible effect on the roughs for they made themselves scarce from public view during the evening, and the night passed all serene without any disturbance whatsoever. 

Transcribed in whole or part from scanned originals: Presented with or without modified text and punctuation. For absolute accuracy refer to the original newspapers. Source: The British Newspaper Archive.

Referenced

GRO0518 Devonport: John Ball Pinsent: 1819 – 1901 (?)

Western Times: Friday 1st November 1867

South Devon Agricultural Society: Annual Meeting: On Wednesday the annual meeting of the above important society was held at Modbury under very favourable auspices … (Judges) … For Malting Barley: Mr. J. Pinsent, Newton Abbot, Mr. J. West, Tamar Brewery, Devonport …  

[see also Exeter and Plymouth Gazette: Friday 1st November 1867] 

Transcribed in whole or part from scanned originals: Presented with or without modified text and punctuation. For absolute accuracy refer to the original newspapers. Source: The British Newspaper Archive.

Referenced

GRO0518 Devonport: John Ball Pinsent: 1819 – 1901

Western Times: Friday 25th October 1867

Agricultural Meetings: Newton: The Agricultural and Labourers’ Friend Society, which has its headquarters at Newton, held its twenty-ninth annual meeting yesterday in the prosperous locality … (description of event and prizes) … The dinner took place at the Globe Hotel about 3.30. The lofty dining-saloon, was well fitted for its object, but was not remarkably well filled – perhaps a little on the nether side of fourscore … The following were among the company present … (includes) … Pinsent … (toasts and speeches) …  

Transcribed in whole or part from scanned originals: Presented with or without modified text and punctuation. For absolute accuracy refer to the original newspapers. Source: The British Newspaper Archive.

Referenced

GROxxxx xxxxx

Western Times: Friday 27th September 1867

Newton Abbot: Board of Guardians: Wednesday: Present: The Rev. R. R. Wolfe (presiding) Revs. F. S. Wall, J. M. Hawker and T. Kitson, Dr. Barham, Messers. E. Ford etc. … (includes) … … G. Pinsent … Mr. Wade as one of the committee appointed to wait on Mr. Pinsent at Kingsteignton, in reference to the main sewage, which is stopped by order of the Lord Chancellor, an injunction having been obtained for that purpose, stated that a worse drain he never saw, for 150 yards it was neither cemented nor puddled, and consequently would not contain water, and must therefore prove a nuisance. From his conversation with Mr. Pinsent, he feared there was no chance of amicably setting the matter, as that gentleman stated that he must leave it in the hands of his lawyers. It was evidently a nuisance to Mr. Pinsent’s property. The board regretted the necessity for the steps Mr. Pinsent found himself called upon to take … 

Transcribed in whole or part from scanned originals: Presented with or without modified text and punctuation. For absolute accuracy refer to the original newspapers. Source: The British Newspaper Archive.

Referenced

GRO0369 Hennock: Gilbert Pinsent: 1840 – 1918
GRO1036 Devonport: Thomas Pinsent: 1782 – 1872 (?)

Western Times: Friday 6th September 1867 

NEWTON: Board of Guardians: Wednesday. The Rev. R. R. Wolfe presided. There was only a limited attendance of guardians. Respecting the Kingsteignton sewage, referred to last week, the following committee were today appointed to confer with Mr. Pinsent, who has obtained an injunction in Chancery to stay proceedings of the works in respect to the main sewage, it being contemplated to have the outlet on his premises near his house. Rev. J. M. Hawker, Messrs. C. Wade, J. Creed, Wills and Dr. Barham, the hope that an amicable arrangement might be come to in the matter, and thereby prevent any extraordinary amount of expenditure that must necessarily follow its being proceeded with. The works are at present stopped, by order of the Lord Chancellor. The visiting committee reported inmates clean and orderly, who made no complaint, and the provisions with which they were supplied were good. The Rev. J. M. Hawker asked the opinion of the Board relative to a girl who was living very respectably in a farmhouse, at Luton, Bishopsteignton. She had saved 17s and her father was continually pestering her for it, and wanted to take her away from her present service and place her to where he could have commanded her earnings. It was very hard on the girl, as she had no wish to leave her present situation. The officer was instructed to advise the girl to stay with her present master, and request the latter if he found her father there again, to summon him for trespassing. Mr. Rendell read the medical report; there were no returns from Messrs. Carter and Nosworthy; the others were satisfactory. The above reports, together with the sanitary and finance, were received and adopted. 

Transcribed in whole or part from scanned originals: Presented with or without modified text and punctuation. For absolute accuracy refer to the original newspapers. Source: The British Newspaper Archive.

Referenced

GRO1036 Devonport: Thomas Pinsent: 1782 – 1872 (?)