INTRODUCTION.

The descendants of Frederick and Anne Shorthouse are dispersed widely in the British Isles and include families in Australia, Botswana, Canada and France. To the best of our knowledge, this branch of the “Shorthouse” family name has not been carried forward into today’s generations. There is however a possibility that their grandson Arthur Shorthouse may have had children that we have been unable to trace.

For a large part of their lives, the family lived in Trimdon Colliery and Deaf Hill. Frederick and Anne are buried in a common grave in St Paul’s churchyard; two of their sons are listed among the dead on the World War I memorial tablet.

To provide the extended family with a picture of this family, we have combined our recollections, surviving documents, research, newspaper articles and photographs into this book. Similar stories have been written for the Kell and Robinson branches of the family.

Researching family history is an interesting challenge, using many resources. Prior to the Census (before 1841) most information is in parish records. From 1837 onwards the government kept official records of births, marriages and deaths (BMD).

The BMD indexes were used to find people and in some cases get copies of their BMD certificates. Visits were made to other areas of the country and archives checked for family members. Contact was also made with other people researching this family name and information exchanged.

This story started with great grandson Billy Robinson obtaining the Shorthouse family photograph album and an old tea tin containing the 1914/18 World War (WWI) era documents from the estate of his great aunt, Annie Shorthouse, when she died in 1977.

Billy an amateur historian started to look into the family history but did not get around to document his research before he died. He had visited Grampound, to research Anne’s birthplace, and was able to contribute some family photographs to Grampound’s documented history “The Book of Grampound with Creed” by Bane and Oliver.

In parallel to Billy’s research, his brother Jim started to list all known family members on a spreadsheet and with a little verbal help from Billy compiled the basic information to start a family tree. Jim also started to make a record of family photographs by scanning them into a computer, including the Shorthouse album.

Another brother, John in Canada, converted Jim’s spreadsheet into a database and started to develop a family tree. John together with his younger brother Paul in Durham started a more extensive search of the archives expanding and documenting the family history.

On a trip to England in 2003, John was shown the old tea tin containing the WWI documents by Billy’s widow Peggy. These mostly handwritten documents were scanned, transposed into text by John and are reproduced here in this document.

While we are still researching various branches of our family, we thought that the information gathered about Frederick and Anne Shorthouse was more or less complete and interesting enough to publish.

THE DEAF HILL SHORTHOUSE FAMILY

The “Durham Website Online” states that few modern-day residents can claim deep roots in the Northeast region. Most are descendants of newcomers who arrived from elsewhere in the British Isles. The Shorthouse family is typically one of these.

While we do not have any specific evidence why families migrated, we can reasonably assume that the collapse of the mining industry in the Southwest of England between 1860 and 1890 resulted in a mass exodus to the developing regions such as Durham, where coal mines and industry were expanding at a rapid rate.

Frederick Shorthouse was born in Bedminster Somerset. His father John worked as an excavation labourer on railway construction. John married Sarah Oatway in Bristol.

Anne Osborn was born in Grampound Cornwall. Her father Joseph was a master carpenter with his own yard. Joseph married to a local girl Jenifer (Jane) Harris.

Their Marriage Certificate shows that Frederick was married on the 11 March 1873, in Sardis Chapel, Pontypridd (Father: John) to Anne Osborne (Father: Joseph) residence Tenyr Llantrisant. Witnesses: Thomas Osborne and Elizabeth Nicholls (Anne’s sister).

Census information and BMD records show they had twelve children. The year, places of birth and death illustrate how this family migrated over their lifetime.

Frederick Shorthouse b. 1846 Bedminster Somerset Bayntons Buildings

d. 1925 7 Pringle St, Trimdon Colliery, Durham, England

Anne Osborn b. 1854 Grampound Cornwall England

d. 1939 36 Station Road, Deaf Hill Trimdon Station, Co Durham, England

1 Sarah A Shorthouse b. 1875 Mountain Ash Wales

d. 1891 54 Lumley Street, Middlesbrough Yorks. UK

2 Edith Shorthouse b. 1878 Wigan

d. 1879 Wigan

3 Mary Shorthouse b. 1878 Wigan Lancashire

d. 1881 Burnley Lancs.

4 William Thomas (Tom) Shorthouse b. 1880 Wigan Lancashire

d. 1967 Newcastle General Hospital

5 Ellen (Nellie) Shorthouse b. 1882 Easington Lane Hetton Le Hole. d. 1966 5 Marton Moor Road Nunthorpe, Cleveland

6 Jane (Jennie) Shorthouse b. 1884 Easington Lane Hetton Le Hole. d. 1970 Bulli, NSW Australia

7 Arthur Shorthouse b. 1887 Easington Lane Hetton Le Hole

d. 1956 Chatswood, NSW Australia

8 Frederick (Fred) Shorthouse b. 1889 Easington Lane Hetton Le Hole. d. 1916 The Somme, France

9 Minnie Shorthouse b. 1891 Easington Lane Hetton Le Hole

d. 1955 Hartlepool, Co Durham

10 John Shorthouse b. 1893 Trimdon Colliery Co Durham

d. 1893 Trimdon Colliery Co Durham Age 6 Weeks

11 Joseph (Joe) Shorthouse b. 1895 Trimdon Colliery Co Durham

d. 1916 Avesnes-Le-Comte, Pas De Calais, France

12 Annie Shorthouse (unmarried) b. 1896 Trimdon Colliery Co Durham. d. 1977 Highfield Hospital, Chester Le Street Co Durham

SHORTHOUSE FAMILY ANCESTRY

Frederick’s father John was born in 1811 at Barton under Needwood, in Staffordshire. He married Sarah Oatway in 1840 at the parish church of Mary le Port in Bristol. Her father Jeremiah, a labourer, lived in Long Ashton Somerset. John’s parents were Robert Shorthouse and Mary Henson. Robert was a gardener living in Barton.

The Henson family were from Burton on Trent and the Shorthouse family were from South Derbyshire (Eggington, Hartshorne and Sutton on the Hill). These communities are in fairly close proximity to one another.

John and Sarah were living with Jeremiah Oatway in Long Ashton at the time of the 1841 census. The 1851 census shows them at Llansamlet, Cadoxton, Glamorgan with children Frederick age 5, William Henry age 4 and George age 1. They had two children that were born in Bedminster that died as infants, John (1841 – 1841) and John (May 1842 – March 1843). Robert was the last child they had, born 1851 in Swansea, died 1928 in Bedwelty. Robert was a coal miner hewer who married Jane Webb in 1872 and had a large family.

The records show that John was a railway labourer working on excavation. The 1840’s heralded the biggest decade of railway growth in British Isles and we presume he left the rural setting of Barton looking for work. In 1840 he was in Somerset, 1849 in Gloucester and 1851 Glamorgan. The 1861 Census, Kenfig Hill, Pyle, Bridgend, shows John at 44, widower, platelayer. Frederick 14, William 13, George 11 and Robert 7 at home with housekeeper, Elizabeth Williams.

We have not found any record of John in the 1871 or the 1881 censuses, nor of John’s death in the BMD indexes. Sarah’s death certificate shows that she died at Swansea in 1853, at the age of 32 from chronic bronchitis, many years’ childbirth and congestion of lungs (six days collapse).

We do not know how the family lived after Sarah’s death in 1853; John had four young children to look after. Frederick would be about 7, William 6, George 3 and Robert about 18 months. We have to presume that they went to school as least up to the age of ten. The Mines Act of 1842 tried to prohibit employment of children under the age of 10 from working underground. Pit ponies were introduced to replace some of the work done by children, but reports suggest that mines in Wales generally ignored the Act.

For whatever reason, we have not been able to find any references to John’s children in 1871 Census, except that Robert was lodging with a family in Ebbw Vale in 1871.

What we did find out was that George, Robert and Frederick led a violent life and each spent time in prison. We have reproduced several newspaper articles written about these incidents. Drunkenness and pub brawls have always existed in the mining communities; it seemed to be the way of life for some people.

Cardiff & Merthyr Guardian. Friday May 17th 1867.

GLAMORGANSHIRE.

SCHEDULE of FINES and FORFEITURES paid or payable to the Treasurer of the County of Glamorgan, from Epiphany to Easter Quarter Sessions, 1867.

Names.

Sum

Paid

Sums

Payable but not

paid

Remarks

£ s. d.

£ s. d.

Fredk. Shorthouse

0 5 0

Committed

James Bassett

4 7½

Not yet paid.

Cardiff Times February 19th 1870

Wages Case. George Shorthouse summoned Samuel Priestley for 18s. 9d. for five days work done at the Golligron colliery. The defendant admitted that this money was due, but said complainant had forfeited his claim by leaving his work without giving notice. To this the complaint said that he left because there was no timber to use. Mr. Priestley jun., was then sworn, and gave evidence which proved that the supply of timber was always at hand. John Leyshon was called by the complainant and said that worked at Mr. Priestley's pit. Knew that the complainant left for want of timber. Heard him ask Mr. Priestley for timber, when he was told that the proprietor had written for timber, which would be there in a few days. He (witness) and complainant left without giving notice, because there was no timber. Defendant asked for an adjournment for a fortnight, in order that he might produce evidence of the presence of timber on the day in question. Granted..

South Wales Daily News Friday July 5th 1872.

WOUNDING AT LLANTRISANT.

George Shorthouse (22), Frederick Shorthouse (26), John Smith (24), colliers, and John Phillips (21), miner, were charged with unlawfully and maliciously doing bodily injury to John Jones at Lantrisant, on 9th April last (1872). There was a similar charge against the two prisoners Shorthouse for injury inflicted upon PC Lewis. Mr. Coleridge prosecuted, prisoners being undefended.

The prosecutor: John Jones, from the medical testimony, had received a number of contused wounds on the head. They were caused by a brass candlestick, which had been taken from the Boar's Head Inn, where the row between the parties originated. Prisoner George Shorthouse was sentenced to nine months' imprisonment, Frederick Shorthouse to six months, and John Smith to four months. The prisoner John Phillips was acquitted. No evidence was tendered against the prisoners in the second charge of assaulting the police constable, therefore that count was not proceeded with.”

Cardiff & Merthyr Guardian, Saturday July 6th 1872.

SECOND COURT.

(Before Mr.J.C. Fowler and Mr. G. Phillips.)

WOUNDING AT LLANTRISANT.

George Shorthouse, Frederick Shorthouse, John Smith, and John Phillips, were charged with maliciously and unlawfully doing bodily injury to John Jones, at Llantrisant, on the 9th of April last year. There was a similar charge against George and Frederick Shorthouse for inflicting injury upon Police – constable Lewis. George Shorthouse was sent to prison for nine months, Frederick Shorthouse for six months, John Smith was sentenced to four months’ hard labour, and Phillips was acquitted.

South Wales Daily News Saturday June 21st 1873.

PETTY SESSIONS.

AN INEBRIATE - George Shorthouse, charged with being riotous at the Boar’s Head, Pontypridd, was sent to goal for 14 days.

Western Mail Thursday December 17th 1874.

MUREROUS ASSAULT AT GILFACHGOCH.

On Wednesday, at the Pontypridd Petty sessions, George Shorthouse, Robert Shorthouse and Pat McCarthy, all of Gilfachgoch, were charged with cutting and wounding David Webber, near Gilfach Inn, Gilfachgoch, on the night of Monday last. It was said that the injuries the prosecutor had sustained were so serious a nature, and he was confined to his bed, and that the medical man who had attended to him had said he would not be able to leave it before Monday next.

Only sufficient evidence to enable the bench to remand the prisoners was taken.

Seth Phillips said that on the night in question he was in the Gilfach Inn with the prisoners, and David Webber. They quarrelled with Webber, and M’Carthy challenge him to a fight, and the four left the house together. He (witness) followed, and outside saw Webber on the ground and the three prisoners kicking him. He went to Webber's assistance and raised him up, when M’Carthy struck him (witness) on the head with a stone. (One of the prisoners here fell fainting in the dock, and was assisted to a seat.) He was then compelled to drop Webber and make his escape.

Webber was eventually rescued, but bleeding very much from the five cuts on the head, and he was also very much injured about the body. The prisoners were apprehended by Police-constable David Jones, who brought them to Pontypridd lockup.

The prisoners were remanded for a week to enable the prosecutor to attend to give evidence.

Western Mail Mountain Ash. Friday May 22nd 1874

A BRUTAL ASSAULT UPON A WOMAN. Frederick Shorthouse, Penrhiwfer, was charged with assaulting Elizabeth Cooke his brother’s housekeeper. It seemed that the two brothers quarreled, and that the assailant was prisoner’s brother. Prisoner appeared to have got the best of it, when the complaint stepped between them, and was struck on the side of the head. The blow caused her to fall and whilst she was on the ground the prisoner kicked her severely. He was fined £5 and costs. In default of payment to be imprisoned with hard Labour for two months.

Western Mail Cardiff, Thursday, December 24th 1874

THE MURDEROUS ASSAULT AT GILFACHGOCH

DISGRACEFUL DISCLOSURES.

On Wednesday, at the Pontypridd petty sessions (before Mr. M. Williams, Dyffryn Firwd; Mr. Wm. Prichard, Crofts; and Mr. Ebenezer Lewis, Brocastle), Pat M’Carthy, Robert Shorthouse, and George Shorthouse, Gilfachgoch, were charged with cutting and wounding David Webber and Seth Applegate, at Gilfachgoch, on the 14th last.

David Webber said he lived at Gilfachgoch, and was a coker. On the 14th inst., about 7:30 p.m., he was in the Gilfach Inn having a glass of beer with a friend, when George Shorthouse came in and quarreled with an old man named Jarret. He (prosecutor) told him to be quiet, when he replied by challenging him to “come outside.” He (prosecutor) went out,” not liking his insinuations.” While outside talking to George, Robert came and struck him a fearful blow, and all the prisoners then closed upon him, and one of them (M’Carthy) struck him on the head with the stone he had in his hand. He managed to take hold of his hand, and took the stone from it. He (prosecutor) was on the ground at this time. Robert then pushed his finger into his eye, and attempted to gouge the eye out (the inside of the eye was very much inflamed, and there was a small wound at the bottom). M’Carthy said “Finish the beggar off”.

By the bench: Robert struck me with the stone several times, and I fully believe that they would have killed me had assistance not come.

Prosecutor continued: I was on the ground ten minutes, and was kicked several times in both sides. Had four to the head. There had been a large lump on the right side is larger than egg, and bruises on the other side. Most of the wounds were inflicted by Robert with the stone. Was kicked by George, but succeeded in getting to his feet, and escaped into a large gutter under the railway, and passed out at the other end, where Robert attempted to catch him, but fortunately he eluded his grasp. Reached home, and Dr. Jones was sent for, who came and attended to his wounds, and ordered him to bed, where he was for three days, and was unable to leave the house for a week. Suffered very much from his side's now, and the wounds in his head had “gathered” in several places. His eye was dim, and light appeared misty through it. He's clothes worn at the time were produced in court, and were covered with blood.

By George Shorthouse: I ran a race with a collier about half past three on the day in question, and I lost it. I never said I did not get fair play. I did not drink with you in the public, and challenge any collier chap to run. I did not say “If I lost the race by running, I will not lose by fighting.” I did not say a word about fighting.

By Robert Shorthouse: Was by the side of the road near the railway gate when you struck me.

By M’Carthy: I was on my back when you struck me with the stone.

By the Bench: I am sure that M’Carthy struck me with a stone, as well as Robert.

Seth Applegate said that he saw the attack upon the prosecutor on the night in question. He followed them out from the Gilfach Inn in a couple of minutes. Saw Webber on the ground, and the three prisoners beating and kicking him. Went to his assistance, and try to raise him. He called out, “Beth, I am strangling,” and could hardly speak. M’Carthy struck witness on the head with a stone he held in his right hand. McCarthy stood at that time on a little elevation by the side of the road. He held the stone firmly in his hand. Robert struck him on the head with a “tommy box” (a food box used by colliers to take their food underground). He (witness) could not state which blow cut his head open. Robert jumped upon him and he fell to the ground, and then attempted to strangle him by twisting his handkerchief with his fingers. Had marks of fingers in his throat the following day. He (Robert) also kicked him on his right side. Succeeded tumbling him over, and got up making his escape under the railway in the same way as Webber afterwards came. Webber was in the ground when he (witness) made his escape. He was too much afraid of the prisoners to return to his assistance. Saw them kicking Webber in the sides whilst he was on the ground.

By the Bench: Had not known the prisoners before that night. Webber was not quite sober, but he was not drunk. Went away chiefly because of a cry heard by him of “Finish the beggar off.” There were about thirty people in the public house close by whilst this was going on.

Webber, recalled by the bench, said his object in going out was to fight George, and the others followed.

Mr. Ebenezer Lewis: And you got more than you bargained for? – Prosceutor: Yes, indeed sir.

By George Shorthouse: We did not fight for a-quarter of an hour before anyone came. I did not pull you out.

Applegate’s shirt was produced in court with blood on the top part of it.

Richard Pugh, labourer, Gilfachgoch, said that he was in the Gilfach Inn on the night in question. Saw George Shorthouse there challenging Webber to a fight, and both left the house together. Went out some minutes afterwards, and saw Webber on the ground about 30 yards from the public. The three prisoners were beating and kicking him, and he (witness) heard Webber crying out, “Oh, he is strangling me!” He also saw Seth assisting Webber to get up, when he saw McCarthy striking Seth on the head with a stone he held in his hand, saying, as he did so, “Finish the beggar off!” he (witness) ran to the public and cried for help, as a man was being murdered outside. There were many men in the house, but none would go out and render assistance. Went out again, and found that Webber and Seth were gone and the prisoner on the railway.

By George Shorthouse: I did not tell you” If Webber cannot ‘leather’ him I will.” I did not say a word to you; you are mistaken.

Wm. Bowden said that Webber told George in the public house “Not to impose on an old man” ( Jarret), George then challenged Webber to a fight, and Weber got up and went out. Went after them, when he heard Webber calling out, “Oh, he is strangling me!” He (witness) run into the house for assistance, but all refused to go. Went out again, and saw George holding Webber by the hair, kicking him.

Mr. Pritchard: What did you say when you called for help in the public house”

Witness: A man is being killed outside.

Mr. Pritchard: Did anyone go out?

Witness: No sir.

Mr. Ebenezer Lewis: Killing a man does not appear to be much of a thing in Gilffachgoch.

Witness: Stared at the Bench, and shook his head. He then corroborated the above evidence, and he said he saw Webber and Applegate escaping.

Dr. Jones, Dinas, said he saw Webber on the 15th, the day after the assault was committed. Found a cut on his forehead about an inch and a half long - a lacerated wound, exposing the bone: two on the left side of the head, and another at the back. Both eyes were bruised; the left eye was bloodshot. Examined his body, and found a bruise on the chest and bruises on the legs. Ordered the sufferer to be kept in bed as a precaution against erysipelas, and not because he feared imminent danger to life.

By the bench: Some of the injuries to the head might have been caused by falling on stones in the road. They must have been caused by some blunt instrument.

Police Constable David James, stationed at Gilfachgoch, said he apprehended George Shorthouse and McCarthy on Monday night at Gilfach Inn.

Little before this he had met Applegate, covered with blood. Charged them with cutting and wounding Applegate. Both said that they were innocent, that they were not near the row, and that he was taking innocent parties, and they would be ------- if they would come. George said this. Left both prisoners in charge of Boobyer and went out and met Robert. The two prisoners were taken in custody to the station, when McCarthy said, “I shall have six months again for this Mr. Miskin, I suppose.” (Laughter.)

By the bench: Has he been to prison? Has he had six months?

M’Cartney: No, sir. I never in my life had more than 21 days in goal.

Witness continued: M’Carthy and Shorthouse said, “We shall spend our Christmas in goal, no doubt.” He (witness) then went in search of Robert, and found he had gone in the direction of Tonyrefail. Found that Webber had gone across the valley in the direction of Abercendin Farm, from which place he was being led home by a girl, he being blind from the injuries received. Robert was apprehended on the day following at Tonyrefail by Police Constable Boobyer.

For the defense was called David John, landlord of the Gilfach Inn, who said he saw the parties going out. Webber and George went out first, followed by Applegate and one or two others. Heard McCartney telling Seth Applegate in the house, pointing to George Shorthouse,”This is the man to fight you.” He (witness) turned out McCarthy, but he came in again.

By George: I told you to be quiet; don't be a foolish man. I am not certain that you said, “I won't be quiet.”

By the superintendent: I did not see either Webber or Applegate do anything to either of the prisoners. I am sure that they did not do anything to them in the house. Heard George saying to Applegate, “I don't care for you.”

A witness, named Evans, said that Applegate was singing in the house, when McCarthy called out, “Shut up, you beggar.” Applegate got up and asked, “What did you say?” McCarthy said,”Sit down.” Applegate said, “You are not enough of a man to make me sit down.” McCarthy replied, “If I am not enough of a man, I’ll soon find a man.“ He (witness) then went to another room, and McCarthy followed, and asked George if he would come out to handle him. He refused then, but said he would do it so presently. Saw them going out, and the first thing he saw was George striking Webber, who fell. Applegate then went out to lift George who had fallen upon Webber, when Robert rushed forward and struck Applegate on the head with a tin box. The prisoners and Applegate and Webber then rolled down the bank. He (witness) told the men in the house that a man was being abused outside, but no one went to his assistance. Heard someone cry, “go for a policeman - they are killing a man.” He (witness) went and lifted Robert and George from Webber. They were both on top of him. McCarthy, upon this, struck Webber with a stone, but could not say where. He (witness) continued to hold George, and Webber got up and moved away, but fell down again, and Robert went in and kicked him. Webber got up and escaped into the gutter under the railway.

There was no further conviction proved against Robert Shorthouse, but against the other prisoners several former convictions for assaults were proved, and the three prisoners were committed for trial at the quarter sessions.

Western Mail Saturday January 9th 1875.

EPIPHANY SESSIONS.

GLAMORGANSHIRE FIRST COURT. FRIDAY.

(Before: Mr. R. O. Jones, chairman, Mr. C. W. David, Mr. E. S. Hill, and Mr. H. J. Evans.) The Court sat at 11 o’clock.

VIOLENT ASSAULT - HEAVY SENTENCE.

George Shorthouse, aged 25, collier, Robert Shorthouse, aged 22, a collier, and Patrick McCarthy, aged 21, a haulier, were indicted for maliciously wounding a man named David Webber, at Llantrisant, on the 14th of December. Mr. Henry Allen prosecuted.

On the evening of the attack the prosecutor and the prisoners were in a public house, and there George Shorthouse offered to fight the prosecutor. The four men went out, and the three prisoners knocked the prosecutor down, kicked him, and George Shorthouse hit him on the head with the stone.

The jury found all the prisoners guilty, and they were sentenced - George Shorthouse to two years, Robert Shorthouse to twelve months, and McCarthy to 18 months imprisonment, with hard labour.

Western Daily Press Glamorgan January 9th 1875.

GLAMORGAN QUARTER SESSIONS, FRIDAY.

Before Mr.H.O. Jones and Mr. C.W.Davies.

MALICIOUS WOUNDING AT LLANTRISANT.

George Shorthouse, 25, Robert Shorthouse, 23, colliers, and Patrick McCarthy, haulier, wer indicted for unlawfully and maliciously wounding David Webber, a collier, at Llantrisant, on the 14th of December. The case was a very serious one, the complainant being beaten and kicked, and by one of them an attempt was made to gouge out his left eye. George Shorthouse was sentenced to two years, Robert Shorthouse to 12 months, and Patrick McCarthy to 18 months hard labour.

Cardiff Times January 9th. 1875.

GLAMORGANSHIRE FRIDAY.

(Before Mr. R.O.Jones and Mr. C.W.David.)

MALICIOUS WOUNDING AT LLANTRISANT.

George Shorthouse (25), Robert Shorthouse (22), and Patrick McCarthy haulier were indicted for unlawfully and maliciously wounding one David Webber, at Llantrisant on the 14th of December. Mr. H Allen prosecuted. There had it appeared, been a race between Webber and another man in the day, and in the evening they met at a public house, where George Shorthouse had a quarrel with an old man, a friend of Webber. Webber told him to be quiet, as his friend was a much older man than Shorthouse was. George Shorthouse then said, “Wait you b---, till I get outside, and then I’ll do you.” Afterwards they left, and when Webber left he found prisoners outside. George Shorthouse struck him a violent blow which knocked him down, and then Robert Shorthouse came up and kicked him several times on the head and about the body. He also struck him violently with a stone on the head which he held in his hand. Robert Shorthouse while on the ground knelt on him, and with his finger attempted to gouge out his left eye. McCarthy came up during the struggle and said, “Now let's finish the bu---.” He kicked complainant very severely on the head and about the body, and the wounds on the head were all of them inflicted by McCarthy. George Shorthouse also beat him very much and kicked. They held him down on the ground for eight to ten minutes, when he succeeded in getting up and ran away, followed by Robert Shorthouse, but complainant escaped by getting through a culvert under the railway, and there Robert would not follow him. He was attended on the following day by Mr. Jones, surgeon, and for a week was unable to leave the house, and was still suffering seriously from injuries he then received. The surgeon described the injuries inflicted as of a very serious nature, and those given by McCarthy were more serious than the others. The jury found them guilty, and they were sentenced - George Shorthouse who had been previously convicted to 2 years hard labour, Robert Shorthouse to one year’s hard labour, and McCarthy to eighteen months’ hard labour.

South Wales Daily News Saturday January 9th 1875.

PONTYPRIDD.

BRUTAL ASSAULT AT GILFACHGOCH. The petty sessions were held on Wednesday, before Messrs; W. Williams, W. Pritchard, and E. Lewis. George Shorthouse, Robert Shorthouse, and Patrick McCarthy, were summoned for brutally assaulting David Webber and Seth Applegate. All the parties live at Gilfachgoch. The complainant Webber, a coker, whose head was plastered, said that on Monday, the 16th inst. about half past seven in the evening, he was in the Gilfach Inn, when the prisoner George came in and began quarrelling with a man named Garrett. Complainant begged prisoner to desist, as Garrett was about 60 years of age. The Prisoner said, “You------, I'll have you outside,” and asked him to go out. He went out, and while talking to prisoner, Robert came up and hit him on the side of his head with his fist. The blow knocked him down. George then caught hold of him by the throat, and McCarthy seized him by his hair while he was on the ground. Robert put his finger in complainants eye and attempted to gouge it out, while with the other he struck him on the head with a stone several times. Heard McCarthy say, “Finish him off, finish him off.” Was kept on the ground for about ten minutes, and kicked on both sides when down. Received four cuts on the head. Was kicked about the legs by George. He at last made his escape, followed by Robert, who did not catch him. Dr. Jones saw him the following morning, and ordered him to go to bed, where he remained for three days, and was unable to leave the house for a week. The blood-stained garments worn by the prosecutor when assaulted were produced by P. C. James. Cross-examined: Was not aware that he struck any of the prisoners, but might have done so when on the ground endeavouring to get away. Had a race with a collier about half past three the same afternoon and lost it. Did not dispute the decision. Never said, “If I lost a race by running, James got it by fighting.” Seth Applegate, the other complainant, said he saw Webber on the ground and the three prisoners beating and kicking him. Went to his assistance, and while he was raising Webber, heard him say,” Seth I am strangling.” He could hardly speak. Then McCartney struck him with a stone and with a “Tommy-box.” He fell down. While on the ground Robert try to strangle him, and he also kicked him. Complainant then made his escape, leaving Webber on the ground. His head was cut. Did not challenge anyone to fight. Webber, recalled, said when he went out with George it was with the intention of fighting. Charles J. Jones, surgeon, Tonypanily, said he was called to see Webber. Those wounds on the head were only dangerous in the event of erysipelas supervening. Suppuration of the wounds had taken place. Webber might be able to go to work next week. P.C. Jones apprehended the prisoner. M’Carthy and George Shorthouse had been committed to goal previously. All prisoners were committed to trial.

Cardiff Times – Saturday 09 January 1875.

EPIPHANY QUARTER SESSIONS

GLAMORGANSHIRE

FRIDAY.

(Before Mr. R. O. Jones and Mr. C. W. DAVID.)

MALICIOUS WOUNDING AT LLANTRISANT.

George Shorthouse (25), and Robert Shorthouse (22), and Patrick McCarthy, haulier, were indicted for unlawfully and maliciously wounding one David Webber, at Llanstrisant on 14th December (1874). Mr H Allen prosecuting.

There had, it appeared, been a race between Webber and another man in the day and in the evening they met at a public house where George Shorthouse had a quarrel with an old man, a friend of Webber. Webber told him to be quiet and his friend was a much older man than Shorthouse was. George Shorthouse then said "Wait, you b--, till I get outside, and then I’ll do you." Afterwards they left, and when Webber left he found prisoners outside. George Shorthouse struck him a violent blow which knocked him down, and then Robert Shorthouse came up and kicked him several times on the head. and about the body. He also struck him violently with a stone on the head, which he held in his hand. RS while on the ground knelt on him, and with his finger attempted to gouge out his left eye. McCarthy came up during the struggle and said "Now let's finish the b---," He kicked complainant very severely on the head and about the body, and the wounds on the head were all of them inflicted by McCarthy. GS also beat him very much and kicked. They held him down on the ground for 8 to 10 minutes, when he succeeded in getting up and ran away, followed by Robert Shorthouse, but complainant escaped by getting through a culvert under the railway, and there Robert would not follow him. He was attended on the following day by Mr Jones, surgeon, and for a week was unable to leave the house, and was still suffering seriously from injuries he then received. The surgeon described the injuries inflicted as of a very serious nature, and those given by McCarthy were more serious than the others.

The Jury found them guilty, and they were sentenced - George Shorthouse, who had been previously convicted (1872), to two years' hard labour, Robert Shorthouse to one year's hard labour and McCarthy to eighteen months' hard labour.”

Western Mail Ebbw Vale. Friday July 27th 1888.

A COLLIERY FLOODED NEAR EBBW VALE.

ONE MAN DROWNED.

NARROW ESCAPE OF THE SURVIVOR.

The people of Llandafal, a small village near CWM, Ebbw Vale, were on Thursday thrown into a state of great excitement on receipt of the intelligence that one of the pits have been flooded at three o’clock that morning. No news was forthcoming for some time, until a relief party descend the shaft to rescue the two men who were known to be in the pit. The then transpired that one man had been drowned, and that the other had a very narrow escape from a similar fate. The man who escaped gave the facts of the accident to our representative as follows: Jonah Dicks and himself (Robert Shorthouse) were at work together in the pit. Dick's was boring coal and Shorthouse was filling a tram.They knew they were going towards the water which had collected in an old pit nearby, but never anticipated that it was so very near. Their estimate was that there was a yard or so intervening, and no sign was shown of any imminent danger. Shorthouse remarked that he believed there getting near to the water, when suddenly Dicks shouted out, “My God!” the water is upon us. Immediately, without a moment's warning, the water rushed through with the sound of a cannon, and the two men were washed away. Shorthouse had the presence of mind to seize hold of his companion, but without avail, the water being too powerful. As Shorthouse was being carried along he fortunately managed to lay hold of the tram he was loading, and he held on until the water had all past him. His clothes were completely torn off his body. His companion was not so fortunate. He was so dashed about by the water that he lost his life. Shorthouse was after some delay, rescued, being severely shaken, but not otherwise injured. Mr. Sullivan, surgeon of Aberbeeg, with soon on the spot, but his services were of no avail, as up to the time of writing the body of Dicks had not been brought to the surface. It was most fortunate that the calamity took place at the time it did, otherwise the pit would have been full of men, and the loss of life would have been very serious indeed.

It is noted that Frederick served time in 1874, just over a year after he married Anne Osborn. We are not sure what brother William Henry was doing during this period but he does not appear to be implicated in these events.

George who worked as a coal miner all of his life died in Bridgend, Glamorgan 1918. He was lodging with brother Robert in 1891. To the best of our knowledge he never married.

Robert was also a coal miner throughout his life had married Jane Webb in 1972, at the time of sentencing in 1875; Jane was pregnant with their son Robert. They had already lost two children Charlotte Ann and Robert John in 1873 and 1874 respectively. During their life we believe they had 14 children. Robert died in Bedwelty in 1928 and Jane in 1921.

Having been born in the Trimdon mining community, it is easy for me to visualize the type of life these brothers had without the benefit of having a mother to keep them in check. They were all miners and obviously stuck together and looked after each other, even if it did get them into trouble.

Their father John is noticeably absent during this period and we do not have any indication of what he was doing other than he married in Elizabeth Walther 1865 in Tonyrefail, Llantrisant. Her death was recorded 7 Dec 1872, age 52, wife of John Shorthouse, general labourer, peritonitis, Tonyrefail, Llantrisant, by John Shorthouse.

At the time of this marriage, John’s children would be aged 13 to 19 and we do not know if they lived at home during this period. The only information we have is that the youngest Robert was lodging with another family in 1871.

THE OATWAY FAMILY.

The 1841 Census of Long Ashton, Somerset, shows three families living next door to each other. John Oatway (son of Jeremiah) age 30, his wife Lavinia age 20, and children, Emily 2 and Solomon 1 month. Next door the Rossitor family, James 45, Maria 45, and children. Next, Jeremiah Oatway age 60, daughter Mary Radford age 30, children Charlotte 10, Elizabeth 9 months. Mary’s husband John is not listed, he worked as a railway labourer and was most probably working away at Census time. Also in this household were John Shorthouse (railway labourer) age 25, and wife Sarah Shorthouse (daughter of Jeremiah) age 20. Jeremiah’s wife’s maiden name was Elizabeth Rossitor, married in 1807.

The Oatway family proved difficult to trace, we know that Jeremiah was born in Somerset, a labourer who lived in Long Ashton; he died in 1863 aged 86. His wife Elizabeth died in 1832 aged 53. His parents were Robert Oatway and wife Ann Rich. There could be a connection to Oatway families in Yarborough and Somerton, but were unable to find a link.

Jeremiah worked as a farm labourer on the same farm for all of his working life, possibly 50 plus years. He was living with his daughter Mary Radford in Long Ashton when he died.

We found a number of newspaper articles on the family covering stories about Jeremiah, his mother, siblings, children, grandchildren, nephews and nieces. These are in chronological order as follows:

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette- Saturday August 17, 1839.

At the "Jolly Sailor" public-house in Bedminster (so says a friend of ours who witnessed it a few days since) may be seen an old lady between nintey and a hundred years old, working her needle without the aid of spectacles, and she appears to be in excellent health. Her name is Anne Oatway.

The Bristol Mercury - Saturday June 13th 1840.

DIED. June 7, aged 93, Mrs. Ann Oatway, mother of Mrs. Whitnell, Jolly Sailor, Bedminster.

The Bristol Mercury - Saturday January 3rd 1841.

POLICE INTELLIGENCE. Wm. Hazell was charged with stealing a flannel shirt, the property of Elizabeth Oatway. The complainant stated that, having missed the shirt, she was induced to search the pawn-shops for it, and upon going into that of Mr. Tovey, in Redcliff-street, she there found the prisoner offering iy in pledge. Committed.

Bristol Times and Mirror - Saturday 21 August 1841.

BRISTOL POLICE - WEDNESDAY SESSION. A middle aged, rather forbidding-looking man, named Lacy, was charged with a criminal assault upon Sarah Oatway, a child under 12 years of age. The parties live in the same house in Limekiln Lane, and from the evidence of Mr. King, the surgeon, and the girl herself, little doubt remained but that the prisoner had perpetrated the capital offence. He was remanded until to-morrow for the child's mother to attend.

Preston Times Saturday November 29th 1845.

AGRICULTURAL MEETINGS. - BLACKWELL AGRICULTURAL ASSOCIATION. - The next premium was one of £1to be given to the agricultural labourer who had lived the greatest number of years in the service of a subscriber (or family) of the Association.

The CHAIRMAN having come to this premium, produced a letter which he had received from Mr.. Smith of Lower Court, Ashton, recommending a servant named Jeremiah Oatway, who he stated, had lived with him since the year 1800. He (the Chairman) had made enquiries about him, and considered him a person fully entitled to the premium.

A Mr. Sperrin said, he had recommended a person whose claim he should press.

The CHAIRMAN, in reply to this, stated, that before dinner he went down to Mr.. Sperrin and made enquiries of him on the subject, and he then told him there was no competitor for the premium, neither was that for the cheese. Of course the accounts were then closed. He, however, went down again, when Mr.. Sperrin told him that he had entered a servant, which, of course, he (the Chairman) considered quite out of the common order of things, and he said, that as long as he was connected with the association he would have had things plain and straightforward (hear). Since he had been sitting at that table, too, Mr.. Sperrin told him a cheese had been brought in; this kind of proceeding he disapproved of likewise, and if things were not carried on in a different kind of way, neither this or any other association of the kind would prosper.

A farmer, who was present, stated, that he brought the letter from Mr.. Smith, and it would have been delivered to the Committee long before only he got wet, and was obliged to return home and change his clothes.

Mr. Sperinn denied that he had intended anything underhand, and with respect to the cheese he did not know whose it was. After some further conversation, the matter was put to the vote, and Mr.. Smith's man obtained the prize.

Bristol Mercury Saturday 24th March 1849.

CASUALTIES RECEIVED AT THE GENERAL HOSPITAL. - Priscilla Oatway, extensive lacerations of the hand, and compound fracture of a finger (requiring immediate amputation) by a malt-mill.

The Bristol Mercury and Western Counties Advertiser, Saturday, December 20th 1851.

John Oatway was charged with stealing a piece of carpet from the house of Thomas West. The complainant did not press the charge, as the carpet was of but little value. The prisoner having borne a good character he was discharged with a caution.

Bristol Mercury Saturday July 16th 1853.

SHEEP STEALING – During Thursday night a fat ram-lamb, marked M.O., the property of Mr. Oatway, of the PLOUGH and Windmill tavern, was stolen from a field near the Starycall Colliery, Bedminster.

The Bristol Mercury And Western Counties Advertiser, Saturday, December 9TH 1854.

Wm. Oatway, charged with assaulting Caroline Pitman, was advised to retire and compensate the complainant. As he declined to do so, he was fined 10s. and costs, or fourteen days imprisonment.

Bristol Mercury Saturday January 27th 1855.

DIED – Jan. 24, aged 19, beloved by a large circle of friends, Catherine Maria, eldest daughter of Mr. Mark Oatway, Plough and Windmill, Bedminster.

Bristol Mercury Saturday June 30th 1855.

George Oatway, and John Blackburn, charged with travelling on the Midland railway, they had not taken tickets, were fined 10s., and costs, or seven days imprisonment.

Bristol Mercury Saturday July 7th 1855.

MARRIED – June 20th, at Temple Church, Mr. Thomas Oatway, of Bedminster, to Miss Mary Ann Lansdown, of Union-terrace, New-cut.

The Bristol Mercury And Western Counties Advertiser, Saturday, January 26th 1856.

William Oatway and Louisa Lodge, charged with having stolen three £5 notes and five sovereigns from the person of John Walker, were remanded.

The Bristol Mercury And Western Counties Advertiser, Saturday, August 14th 1858.

Thomas Oatway and John Collins were charged with being disorderly and fighting in Rosemary Street, at three o’clock that (Friday morning. P. C. 47 saw both prisoners come out of the Anchor public house and commence fighting, and he took Oatway into custody, and Collins went off. Etc.

The prisoners were cautioned and discharged.

Bristol Mercury Saturday October 30th 1858.

DEATH – October 20 after three years’ severe affliction, Frederick William, second son of Mr. Mark Oatway, of Bedminster.

The Bristol Mercury And Western Counties Advertiser, Saturday, August 28th 1863

LONG ASHTON PETTY SESSION FRIDAY - ANNUAL LICENSING DAY. - There were two applications for fresh licences, and both were from Bedminster etc. . . .The second application was made by a person named Oatway, landlord of a beerhouse on Bedminster Down, and this was also refused by the magistrates.

The Bristol Mercury And Western Counties Advertiser, Saturday, February 6th 1864.

Henry Swash, charged with being drunk and disorderly at the house of Aaron Oatway, Barton Street, and breaking a pane of glass, and also with threatening to stab him, was ordered to enter into his own recognisance in the sum of £10, and to find two respectable sureties in £5 each, to keep the peace for one month, or, in default, to be committed for that period.

Bristol Mercury Saturday March 26th 1864.

John Westlake was charged with assaulting Caroline Oatway, and damaging the property of Aaron Oatway. A certificate was read from Mr. Board, house-surgeon of the Infirmary, stating the former complainant could not attend, as she was at present an in-patient of that institution. Mr. Oatway stated the particulars of his charge, from which it transpired that the prisoner lodges in his house in Barton=street, and on returning home one night, he assaulted him, and then he struck his wife so seriously that she was taken to the Infirmary. The prisoner made a long statement about the wife falling down and injuring herself, but as she could not appear, the case was not gone into, it being adjourned for a week, the magistrates offering to accept bail for the appearance of the accused himself in £20 and two sureties in £10 each.

The Western Gazette, Friday July 7th 1865.

LONG ASHTON. - PETTY SESSIONS, Friday. – (Before the Rev. Henry Mirehouse, chairman: Col. Burrows: and Messrs. J. Mordaunt, J. H. Blagrave, and R. Castle.) Thomas Harrold and Frederick Oatway, of Long Ashton were summoned by Alfred Biss, a gamekeeper in the employ of Sir Grenville Smyth, for trespassing on land in the occupation of Richmond Harding, in pursuit of game, on the 22nd June. The same defendant was charged with assaulting Charles Biss, a son of the gamekeeper, on the same day. After hearing the evidence, the magistrates dismissed both cases.

Bristol Mercury Saturday November 3rd 1866

NORTH SOMERSET AGRICULTURAL ASSOCIATION. (Excerpts). - The ploughing match took place in a field on Failand farm. . . . .There were 50 entries, and 49 ploughs started. . . . .In the second class, the only ploughman who finished his work in time was Frederick Oatway, and consequently, he received the first prize.

The Bristol Mercury And Western Counties Advertiser, Saturday September 4th 1869

LONG ASHTON PETTY SESSIONS. - This was the annual licensing day for the renewal of licences and for hearing the applications for fresh licences for the sale of spirits. . . . . Mark Oatway, beerhouse-keeper, of Bedminster-down, applied for and obtained a spirit licence, his application being supported by Mr. Mossly.

The Western Daily Press. Saturday July 5th 1871.

BRISTOL POLICE COURT. - LONG ASHTON PETTY SESSIONS. - Solomom Oatway, of Long Ashton, for assault on Hannah Granger, was fined 6s. 6d. including costs.

The Bristol Mercury and Western Counties Advertiser, Saturday July 8th 1871.

LONG ASHTON PETTY SESSIONS. - Solomon Oatway was summoned for assaulting Hannah Granger, on the 23rd of June. The parties happened to meet in a public-house together, and came to high words, and eventually the defendant flung a cup of beer in the complainants face. The defendant alleged that the complainant aggravated him by making very improper statements about his mother and his sister. He was ordered to pay 6s. 6d., or in default seven days imprisonment.

The Bristol Mercury And Western Counties Advertiser, Saturday March 16th 1872.

Solomon Oatway, a sturdy-looking fellow, was charged by Alfred Biss with having threatened him, whereby he went in bodily fear. Biss a gamekeeper to Sir Wm. Miles, stated that on March 6th the defendant came to his placeand asked what had become of a little dog that belonged to him (defendant). Witness told him he did know, and he then became very abusive, and said the first dark night he could catch him under his nail he would do for him; that he should not have a chance of running for Shore or anyone else. Defendant denied the threats, and the magistrate did not think there was sufficient evidence to warrant binding their over the defendant. He was discharged with a caution.

The Western Daily Press. Saturday March 16th 1872

BRISTOL POLICE COURT. - LONG ASHTON PETTY SESSIONS. - Solomon Oatway, of Long Ashton, was charged with using threatening language towards Alfred Bliss, gamekeeper to Sir G. Smyth, Bart. But as the magistrate did not consider the case proved, it was dismissed with costs.

The Bristol Mercury And Western Counties Advertiser, Saturday January 18th 1873.

LONG ASHTON PETTY SESSIONS. - John Carter, a youth of 19, was charged with violently assaulting John Oatway, of Long Ashton. Two other men, not yet in custody, were alleged to have been the principal actors in a savage attack on the complainant, and Carter was remanded on his own recognisance.

The Taunton Courier Wednesday April 2nd 1873.

THE SPRING ASSIZES. - TRIALS OF PRISONERS. - THE POACHING OF RAY NEAR BRISTOL.

Steven Ball, Solomon Oatway, Joseph Poole and William Shaw, who surrendered on bail, were charged that they, being each armed with guns, did enter a certain close of land in the occupation of Sir William Miles, Bart., about the hour of ten o’clock, for the purpose of taking and destroying game, at Abbot’s Leigh, on the 24th of December, 1872.

Mr.. Saunders and Mr.. Horner (instructed by Mr. O'Donoghue) prosecuted, and Mr. Collins defended.

Henry Morse gamekeeper, identified the prisoners as having being in the wood on the night in question. In cross-examination he said he wouldn't swear to the gun; the wood was a young cover wood; there were young oaks and beeches; the underwood had been cut, but the young trees were allowed to grow; raining a little, and was not very dark; not two minutes from the time he had a knock on the head till they ran away he struggled with one man on the grass; Oatway struck him on the head with the barrel of the gun, and nearly stunned him; he had a gash on the cheek at the same time; the gun was also pointed at him; could see the bore of the gun; the men were there about two minutes; it wasn't moonlight.

Re-examined: About one and a half miles from the suspension bridge; iron works about one and a half miles off.

Wm. Pennell, lives at Abbot's Leigh; met Henry Moss; went to the wood first, and heard two guns, afterwards heard several birds shot; Morse caught one man, and witness caught Ball; was dragged through the brushes; called to Morse; when Morse came up the blood was running from his cheek.

Cross-examined: Couldn't see the other man as it was dark; they did not turn their faces towards him; it was raining a little; a little starlight.

Isaac Watts, one of the keepers, went out with Morse, after hearing the two shots, looked at his watch; it was quarter past nine; about half an hour afterwards heard a shot; knew where Poole’s father lived.

William Tilley, police constable, stationed at Wraxall, on the 26th of December went to Oatway’s house, which is near Poole’s shop, in Long Ashton; found a gun there (the one produced); the muzzle was dirty, and a little rust on the nipple (it transpired that the gun was loaded, and his lordship gave orders for it to be immediately unloaded); the gun had no ramrod; also found a stick which appeared to have been used for loading the gun; Shores face was much scratched.

Cross-examined: couldn't say his wife hadn't scratched his face.

Henry Ball, living at Long Ashton, brother of one of the prisoners, saw the prisoners on the day referred to, at the Angel Inn, Long Ashton; had on a fur cap similar to the one produced; Shore hadt a hat like the one produced, “a bowler,” they left the inn at eight o’clock; on the Christmas Day, Oatway asked him “what was up;” Oatway told him he was there; said they had had several shots, and that Morse came up, and “catched” hold of one of them; that Morse sang out for help, and a scuffle took place; the gun produced was Oatway’s gun: his gun had no ramrod.

Cross-examined: Had first told his evidence accidentally, and didn't expect to be pulled up here; told Morse of it about a month ago; Morse was in the road, didn't think it was any harm; Morse didn't say his brother would be let off easier if witness told what he knew, never went poaching himself.

Re-examined: Had since told Mr. O'Donoghue.

Mister Collins, in addressing the jury for the defense, complained that witnesses had been brought forward who had not previously been examined by the magistrates, and that he (Mr.. Collins) had had no copy of their depositions before coming into court; this he strongly denounced as being unfair, and looked as if there was one law for the rich and another for the poor (applause, upon which the Judge said he should immediately commit any person for contempt of court who made any attempt to interfere with the course of justice.)

The jury returned a verdict of guilty against each prisoner.

His lordship, in giving judgment, drew a distinction between Ball and Shore, who had not used any violence, and Oatway and Poole, who had assaulted the keeper. Shore, who has previously been imprisoned for a month for poaching, was committed to prison for 6 months with hard labour; Ball. Who had been convicted several times, to eight months hard labour, and each of the prisoners Oatway and Poole to twelve months hard labour.

On leaving the dock one of the prisoners accused the last witness of perjury in saying he had never been punished for poaching himself.

Bristol Mercury Saturday September 9th 1876

DEATH – September 1, at the Plough Inn, Bedminster, Mark Oatway, aged 79, deeply regretted. His and was peace.

Bristol Mercury Wednesday December 18th 1878.

INQUESTS-DEATH THROUGH BURNS – INFIRMARY. Also at the above institution, on the body of Theresa Oatway, aged six years, living with her parents in St Paul’s. On Saturday last the deceased was alone in a room, and her clothes caught fire and she was seriously burnt. She was taken to the Infirmary, but died on Sunday night. Elizabeth Bartlett said she was washing the doorstep, when she observed the little girl run out of the house enveloped in flames. She got a large coat, and, throwing it around the deceased, extinguished the flames. The jury returned a verdict of “Accidental death through burns.”

Bristol Mercury Saturday January 18th 1879.

OFFENCES AGAINST THE GAME LAWS. - Solomon Oatway, of Long Ashton, was summoned by Thomas Tarr, gamekeeper to Sir G. Smyth, Bart., for using an engine to kill game on the night of the 6th instant. The keeper deposed that he saw the defendant setting a wire to catch hares about eight o’clock at night, on land in the occupation of Mr. Richard Harding, at Long Ashton. There was a previous conviction for a similar offence. The defendant was sent to goal for six weeks and bound over in sureties not to offend again for one year.

The Bristol Mercury and Daily Post, Monday September 12th 1881.

LONG ASHTON – PETTY SESSIONS – FRIDAY. - Richard Hancock, of Long Ashton, was charged on remand with stealing, on the 29th August, a quantity of potatoes, the property of Solomon Oatway. The prisoner was further charged with stealing, on the 19th of August, at Long Ashton, a quantity of onions, growing in a garden etc. . . . . . The prisoner, who had several times been convicted of garden robberies, was sentenced to six month’s hard labour in Bristol goal.

The Bristol Mercury and Daily Post Friday November 30th 1883.

BRISTOL COUNTY COURT. - YESTERDAY. Oatway v. Rees and Wife. Mr. MacPherson, instructed by Messrs, Clifton and Carter, appeared for the plaintiff; Mr. Poole, instructed by Messrs. Stanley Wasbrough and Doggett, represented the defendants, Mr. MacPherson said the plaintiff was a plasterer, and the action was brought under the Employers Liability Act to recover the sum of £100 for injuries sustained through the alleged negligence of defendants. The claim, he said, arose out of an accident, which occurred on the 7th of September last, at a house called Myrtle Cottage, Horfield. Mrs. Rees was the owner in fee simple, subject to a mortgage, of the cottage in question, and in September she and her husband went to live there. Certain alterations required to be done, but instead of employing a contractor or builder defendants purchased the necessary materials and then engaged different labourers to do the work by piece. A journeyman mason named Peglar, and the carpenter named Thomas were employed to do their class of work, and defendant was engaged to do the plastering, all of them being paid by the hour for the time they were employed. Appurtenant to the cottage was a shed, and the injury which the plaintiff had sustained was caused by his falling through the roof of that shed, which the male defendant employed him to tile. The plaintiff complained that the roof was unsafe and defective, and that the carpenter who had been employed had pointed out to Mr. Rees that the roof as constructed was not secure, but he replied that he had no more timber.

His Honour said it was rather a startling proposition that everybody one employed to repair his house was his servant.

Mr. MacPherson argued that the plaintiff came within the definition of a “workman” which under the Act was very wide indeed. The plaintiff was employed by the defendants at 7d.per hour, and therefore, he submitted a workman in their employ under the ACT.

His Honour remarked that if a person brought a man on to his premises and left some unguarded trap into which he stumbled he might be liable quite outside the Employers Liability Act.

Mr. MacPherson said the operation of the Act was to render the employer liable for the negligence of any one of his servants. The wife owned the property to her separate use. She was the employer and the husband was entrusted with the management of the work, and therefore in a sense was her servant, and she must be held liable for any negligence of which he might be guilty.

Dr. Parrott, surgeon to the Ancient Order of Foresters, stated that he was called to see the plaintiff, and found him suffering from shock to the nervous system, contusions over the ribs and on the back, which appearances were consistent with his having a fall. Witness was still certifying to his inability to go to work. The shock had had a great effect on his constitution, and he was not now the man he was previously.

Charles Oatway, the plaintiff, a plaster and tiler, stated that upon getting on the roof to fix the tiles it collapsed and fell in, carrying him with it. Cross-examined - Rees did not complain of his putting all the tiles upon one side first.

Walter Thomas, a carpenter, who fixed the roof, said that he asked Mr. Rees if you should put a strut to the roof from the partition in the shed, and defendant and said if one was required he had better get it.

Mr.John Thorn, builder, said the last witness had described to him how the roof was constructed, and he did not consider it a safe roof.

Mr. John Shorland, builder, gave corroborative evidence.

This being the plaintiff's case.

Mr. Poole submitted at his learned friend must be non-suited on his own evidence, and said it would be a monstrous thing if, by an application to the Employers Liability Act, the defendant should be held liable. Even if it should be held to be a case under the Employers Liability Act, the plaintiff from his long experience should have seen that the roof was unsafe, and in venturing upon it he took the risk upon himself.

Mr. MacPherson having replied.

His Honour held that there was such contributory negligence on the part of the plaintiff as disentitled him to recover. Whilst he had every sympathy with him in his suffering it would be very hard on the defendants if they were held liable for the acts of a third party, vis., the carpenter who put up the roof in an improper manner. He gave judgment for defendant.

The Bristol Mercury Saturday February 19th 1887.

ALLEGED NEGLECT OF AN INFANT. - INQUEST AT BEDMINSTER. Yesterday morning, Mr..H.S. Wasbrough, city coroner, held an inquest at the Avon Packet, Coronation Road, touching the death of an infant named Alice Elizabeth Oatway, the illegitimate child of Tiney Oatway.

The Coroner said that the case was one of supposed neglect. Whether or not it was so they would find from the evidence, but the medical man who last saw the child did not feel justified in giving a certificate in consequence of the emancipated state of the child, which he attributed to neglect and bad feeding, and the fact of it being an illegitimate child necessitated that inquiry.

Tiney Otway, mother of the deceased, living at Long Ashton, a laundress, said the child was over eight months old, and was healthy when born. At first witness attended to it and suckled it for about six weeks. After that time witness gave the child in charge of her sister, a widow, for six weeks, and subsequently it was taking to a Mrs. Mitchell, living at Providence, Long Ashton. The child was perfectly healthy when taken to Mrs. Mitchell, and in good condition. Witness paid 4s. a week for the child's keep. Three weeks ago the child seemed very ill, and she therefore took it away and placed it with her sister again. On the morning she removed the child, her sister took it to Mr. Fuller, surgeon, who had on a previous occasion seen it. Mrs. Mitchell took the child to the doctor once, and on Saturday last Dr. Logan, went to see it. When the child was removed three weeks ago, it was in the same wretched, emancipated state in which it was when it died. The child was not kept clean, and witness found at its clothes were in a filthy state when she received them a week after the child was removed. The child died on Monday last. Witness was not aware that its life was insured. About a month after she took the child to Mrs. Mitchell, witness told her “she had a mind to insure the child.” Mrs. Mitchell replied she thought of doing that herself, so that if it died, witness could pay her so much you week back. Witness replied, “No; if anyone insures it, I shall do it myself.”

In answer to Mrs. Mitchell, the witness said that she did not have notice to remove the child, but did so because of its condition.

Dr. Joseph Fuller, practicing at Long Ashton, said that on October 5th, last year, the child was brought to him. It was suffering from whooping cough, and from the effects of injudicious feeding. He asked Mrs. Mitchell what the child have been fed on, and was told, “on bread and Bath biscuits.” He told her he did not think the child digested its food. He formed that opinion from its condition. Witness prescribed for the child, and ordered her to give it milk and water in the proportion of two parts of milk to one part water. He did not see the child again until three weeks ago, and it then appeared more emancipated than when he saw it on the previous occasion. There were abrasions on the back and leg, which should not have been there if the child had been properly washed, kept clean, and attended to. He came to the conclusion that the child is dying from consumption of the bowels. This might be produced by ill feeding or neglect, and might follow whooping cough. Anything that would depress the system would be likely to bring on general tuberculosis. Bad feeding would certainly depress the system.

By a Juryman - He did not consider, taking into consideration the child’s state when he saw it on the second occasion, it would have been improved, however carefully it was attended, during the last three weeks.

Dr. F. T. B. Logan, Southville, deposed that he saw the child for the first time on Saturday last, when he was fetched by the mother. The child was in a dying stage when he saw it. It was too ill to be much examined, and it was difficult to form an opinion what it was suffering from. The child at that time was very clean. He prescribed for it, and again saw the child on Monday morning, when it appeared to be just alive. He did not see it again, and he believed it died a few hours after he last saw it. He made a post-mortem examination on Thursday morning. The body was most emancipated, and there was not a particle of fat on any part of the body, either externally or on the internal organs. There was an abscess on its head, and two partially healed sores. Round the buttocks, and inside the thighs of the child was one mass of abrasions and sores, which might be produced either by some lowering cause or by dirt and neglect. The most frequent cause was children not being kept clean. He found the lungs one mass of tubercle. In the left lung the tubercle had broken down, and formed an abscess. The heart appeared healthy, except from it being somewhat enlarged. the liver it was also full of tubercle. The spleen was very much in enlarged, and was also full of tubercle; and the kidneys were similarly affected. The stomach and intestines were destitute of fat, and very transparent. There was milk food in both. The mesenteric glands were infiltrated with tubercle. General tuberculosis was the cause of death, and would fully account for the emancipated state of the body. Improper feeding and neglect would produce the state in which the body was, and the two were the most usual causes of tuberculosis in infants. It might be brought on by whooping cough, cold, or any disease which would lower the system generally.

By a Juryman - In the state the child was, it was impossible that any feeding could have produced an improvement in three weeks.

By the Coroner - The child only weighed 8 lb. The average ordinary weight of a female child of eight months would be about 14 lb. He should think, from its appearance, that the child was of ordinary size when born.

The inquiry was then adjourned until Monday at 4 at the Bedminster police station.

The Bristol Mercury Tuesday February 22nd 1887.

ALLEGED NEGLECT OF AN INFANT. - ADJOURNED INQUEST AT BEDMINSTER. Yesterday afternoon, Mr.. H.S. Wasbrough, city coroner, held and adjourned inquest at the Bedminster police court touching the death of Alice Elizabeth Oatway, aged eight months, the illegitimate daughter of Tiney Oatway, a laundress, living at Long Ashton. On the last occasion the mother of the deceased and Drs. Fuller and Logan gave evidence.

Lavinia Martin, widow, living at 24, Greenway Bush Lane, said she was the sister of Tiney Ordway, and took charge of the child for some time before Mrs. Mitchell had it. When the child was brought to her it appeared to be in good health, and was very hearty. She fed the child on milk and biscuits, giving it a quart of milk in a day and night, on which it appeared to thrive, and when Mrs. Mitchell first had the child witness considered that it was in good condition, and it had no sores about it. A month ago the child was again brought to witness, and it was then in a dreadful state, with numerous sores on different parts of its body. There was a quantity of dirt between the child's fingers, and when this was removed the parts were very sore. She did not consider the child improved at all before it's death, except that some of the sores healed a little. Its head was also very sore, and witness drew the doctor's attention to its condition. The child died on Monday last.

Dr.Logan, recalled, said that having heard Mrs. Martin's evidence he was of opinion that the state in which the child was, as described by her, would have a tendency, combined with other causes, to produce the state of body in which the child was. He considered that Mrs. Martins feeding of the child was most injudicious.

Acting Sergeant Furze, stationed at Long Ashton said that on January 29th the mother of the deceased called at his house with a bundle of the child's clothes for him to look at. He saw that the clothes were very dirty, and they smelt very disagreeably. They were mouldy.

Elizabeth Mitchell expressed a wish to give evidence, on being sworn, said she was the wife of George Thomas Mitchell, quarryman, of Providence, Long Ashton. She kept the child for about four months, and received 4s. a week for its keep. When the child was brought to her it was clean, but it was never a healthy, strong child. At first she fed the child on “tops and bottoms,” boiled and beat up in milk, but afterward she gave it Bath biscuits and new milk. She took the child to Dr. Fuller, who ordered her to give it milk and water, but subsequently the mother told her to continue with the same diet as at first, which he did. The mother came to the child regularly every week, and saw the child every time, except on two occasions. On January 23rd witness gave the mother notice to remove the child, as she had a bill from Dr. Fuller of £2 16s., and she wanted to go to work to pay for it. During the time witness had the child she used to go to work for four or five days a week. When the child was returned to its mother it was very clean, as witness washed it every morning. The child was always sore. Witness complained to Tiney Oatway of the infant's condition, and was told it was in consequence of the child not being washed properly from its birth. She denied that the child was dirty when it was removed, but admitted that the night clothes were dirty. When she went to work she left her house at eight in the morning, and returned between seven and eight, and before going witness took the child to her mother-in-law's house. The reason the clothes were not washed was that she had been to work several days that week. She did not insure the child's life. She was sure the child was well attended to by her mother-in-law, and she paid 3s.a week to her for taking care of the deceased and her own two children. The Coroner at this point said he was sorry he should be obliged to adjourn, and the further inquiry was accordingly deferred until Thursday next week at four o’clock.

The Bristol Mercury Saturday February 19th 1887.

ALLEGED NEGLECT OF AN INFANT. - INQUEST AT BEDMINSTER.

Yesterday morning, Mr. H. S. Wasbrough, city Coroner, held an inquest at the Avon Packet, Coronation Road, touching the death of an infant named Alice Elizabeth Oatway, the illegitimate child of Tiney Oatway.

The Coroner said that the case was one of supposed neglect. Whether or not it was so they would find from the evidence, but the medical man who last saw the child did not feel justified in giving a certificate in consequence of the emancipated state of the child, which he attributed to neglect and bad feeding, and the fact of it being an illegitimate child necessitated that inquiry.

Tiney Otway, mother of the deceased, living at Long Ashton, a laundress, said the child was over eight months old, and was healthy when born. At first witness attended to it and suckled it for about six weeks. After that time witness gave the child in charge of her sister, a widow, for six weeks, and subsequently it was taking to a Mrs. Mitchell, living at Providence, Long Ashton. The child was perfectly healthy when taken to Mrs. Mitchell, and in good condition. Witness paid 4s. a week for the child's keep. Three weeks ago the child seemed very ill, and she therefore took it away and placed it with her sister again. On the morning she removed the child, her sister took it to Mr. Fuller, surgeon, who had on a previous occasion seen it. Mrs. Mitchell took the child to the doctor once, and on Saturday last Dr. Logan, went to see it. When the child was removed three weeks ago, it was in the same wretched, emancipated state in which it was when it died. The child was not kept clean, and witness found at its clothes were in a filthy state when she received them a week after the child was removed. The child died on Monday last. Witness was not aware that its life was insured. About a month after she took the child to Mrs. Mitchell, witness told her “she had a mind to insure the child.” Mrs. Mitchell replied she thought of doing that herself, so that if it died, witness could pay her so much you week back. Witness replied, “No; if anyone insures it, I shall do it myself.”

In answer to Mrs.. Mitchell, the witness said that she did not have notice to remove the child, but did so because of its condition.

Dr. Joseph Fuller, practicing at Long Ashton, said that on October 5th, last year, the child was brought to him. It was suffering from whooping cough, and from the effects of injudicious feeding. He asked Mrs. Mitchell what the child have been fed on, and was told, “on bread and Bath biscuits.” He told her he did not think the child digested its food. He formed that opinion from its condition. Witness prescribed for the child, and ordered her to give it milk and water in the proportion of two parts of milk to one part water. He did not see the child again until three weeks ago, and it then appeared more emancipated than when he saw it on the previous occasion. There were abrasions on the back and leg, which should not have been there if the child had been properly washed, kept clean, and attended to. He came to the conclusion that the child is dying from consumption of the bowels. This might be produced by ill feeding or neglect, and might follow whooping cough. Anything that would depress the system would be likely to bring on general tuberculosis. Bad feeding would certainly depress the system.

By a Juryman - He did not consider, taking into consideration the child’s state when he saw it on the second occasion, it would have been improved, however carefully it was attended, during the last three weeks.

Dr. F. T. B. Logan, Southville, deposed that he saw the child for the first time on Saturday last, when he was fetched by the mother. The child was in a dying stage when he saw it. It was too ill to be much examined, and it was difficult to form an opinion what it was suffering from. The child at that time was very clean. He prescribed for it, and again saw the child on Monday morning, when it appeared to be just alive. He did not see it again, and he believed it died a few hours after he last saw it. He made a post-mortem examination on Thursday morning. The body was most emancipated, and there was not a particle of fat on any part of the body, either externally or on the internal organs. There was an abscess on its head, and two partially healed sores. Round the buttocks, and inside the thighs of the child was one mass of abrasions and sores, which might be produced either by some lowering cause or by dirt and neglect. The most frequent cause was children not being kept clean. He found the lungs one mass of tubercle. In the left lung the tubercle had broken down, and formed an abscess. The heart appeared healthy, except from it being somewhat enlarged. the liver it was also full of tubercle. The spleen was very much in enlarged, and was also full of tubercle; and the kidneys were similarly affected. The stomach and intestines were destitute of fat, and very transparent. There was milk food in both. The mesenteric glands were infiltrated with tubercle. General tuberculosis was the cause of death, and would fully account for the emancipated state of the body. Improper feeding and neglect would produce the state in which the body was, and the two were the most usual causes of tuberculosis in infants. It might be brought on by whooping cough, cold, or any disease which would lower the system generally.

By a Juryman - In the state the child was, it was impossible that any feeding could have produced an improvement in three weeks.

By the Coroner - The child only weighed 8 lb. The average ordinary weight of a female child of eight months would be about 14 lb. He should think, from its appearance, that the child was of ordinary size when born.

The inquiry was then adjourned until Monday at 4 at the Bedminster police station.

The Bristol Mercury Tuesday February 22nd 1887.

ALLEGED NEGLECT OF AN INFANT. - ADJOURNED INQUEST AT BEDMINSTER. Yesterday afternoon, Mr. H.S. Wasbrough, city coroner, held and adjourned inquest at the Bedminster police court touching the death of Alice Elizabeth Oatway, aged eight months, the illegitimate daughter of Tiney Oatway, a laundress, living at Long Ashton. On the last occasion the mother of the deceased and Drs. Fuller and Logan gave evidence.

Lavinia Martin, widow, living at 24, Greenway Bush Lane, said she was the sister of Tiney Ordway, and took charge of the child for some time before Mrs. Mitchell had it. When the child was brought to her it appeared to be in good health, and was very hearty. She fed the child on milk and biscuits, giving it a quart of milk in a day and night, on which it appeared to thrive, and when Mrs. Mitchell first had the child witness considered that it was in good condition, and it had no sores about it. A month ago the child was again brought to witness, and it was then in a dreadful state, with numerous sores on different parts of its body. There was a quantity of dirt between the child's fingers, and when this was removed the parts were very sore. She did not consider the child improved at all before it's death, except that some of the sores healed a little. Its head was also very sore, and witness drew the doctor's attention to its condition. The child died on Monday last.

Dr. Logan, recalled, said that having heard Mrs. Martin's evidence he was of opinion that the state in which the child was, as described by her, would have a tendency, combined with other causes, to produce the state of body in which the child was. He considered that Mrs. Martins feeding of the child was most injudicious.

Acting Sergeant Furze, stationed at Long Ashton said that on January 29th the mother of the deceased called at his house with a bundle of the child's clothes for him to look at. He saw that the clothes were very dirty, and they smelt very disagreeably. They were mouldy.

Elizabeth Mitchell expressed a wish to give evidence, on being sworn, said she was the wife of George Thomas Mitchell, quarryman, of Providence, Long Ashton. She kept the child for about four months, and received 4s. a week for its keep. When the child was brought to her it was clean, but it was never a healthy, strong child. At first she fed the child on “tops and bottoms,” boiled and beat up in milk, but afterward she gave it Bath biscuits and new milk. She took the child to Dr. Fuller, who ordered her to give it milk and water, but subsequently the mother told her to continue with the same diet as at first, which he did. The mother came to the child regularly every week, and saw the child every time, except on two occasions. On January 23rd witness gave the mother notice to remove the child, as she had a bill from Dr. Fuller of £2 16s., and she wanted to go to work to pay for it. During the time witness had the child she used to go to work for four or five days a week. When the child was returned to its mother it was very clean, as witness washed it every morning. The child was always sore. Witness complained to Tiney Oatway of the infant's condition, and was told it was in consequence of the child not being washed properly from its birth. She denied that the child was dirty when it was removed, but admitted that the night clothes were dirty. When she went to work she left her house at eight in the morning, and returned between seven and eight, and before going witness took the child to her mother-in-law's house. The reason the clothes were not washed was that she had been to work several days that week. She did not insure the child's life. She was sure the child was well attended to by her mother-in-law, and she paid 3s.a week to her for taking care of the deceased and her own two children. The Coroner at this point said he was sorry he should be obliged to adjourn, and the further inquiry was accordingly deferred until Thursday next week at four o’clock.

The Bristol Mercury Friday February 25th 1887.

THE ALLEGED NEGLECT OF AN INFANT. - CONCLUSION OF THE INQUEST. Mr.. H.S. Wasbrough, city coroner, yesterday afternoon resumed the inquiry at the Bedminster police station, into the death of Alice Elizabeth Oatway, aged 8 months, the illegitimate daughter of Tiney Oatway.

Annie Latham, wife of George Latham, living at Bath street, Ashton gate, said that in August last she lived next door to Mrs. Martin, who had that time the charge of the child. Witness saw it every day, and was of opinion that it was a healthy child. It was kept very clean and was not sore, and had for its food a Bath biscuit once a day, and a quantity of milk. She recollected that sometime in September last, the child was removed from Mrs. Martin's care and given into that of Mrs. Mitchell, but she never afterwards saw the child.

Harriet Smith, wife of John Smith, of Long Ashton, said she was a sister of the mother of deceased, but only saw the child on the day it was removed from Mrs. Mitchell's house on January 24th. She on that day took the child to Dr. Fuller, and she noticed that it was very dirty and covered with sores and abrasions. Its head was in a very bad state, being dirty and full of sores, and the deceased did not appear to have been washed for a long time.

Florence Ogborne, wife of Steven Ogborne, of Providence, Long Ashton, deposed that she saw the child about a week after Mrs. Mitchell had it first, and at that time it appeared to be healthy, and it has no sores on its head. Mrs. Mitchell used to go out to work, leaving home before eight o’clock in the morning. Witness frequently heard the child cry in the night, and sometimes when it was left by itself in the morning.

Elizabeth Mitchell then called.

Caroline Mitchell, wife of William Mitchell, Providence, who stated that she saw the child the first day it was taken to Elizabeth Mitchell's house. At that time she considered the deceased was far from healthy.

Jane Mitchell, of Providence, a single woman, daughter of the last witness, proved seeing the child on the day Elizabeth Mitchell received it. When she first saw it she remarked what a “thin, delicate, little thing” it was. At that time it was in “a dreadfully sore state.”

Selena Mitchell, of Long Ashton, and Mary Williams, of Failand, sister of Elizabeth Mitchell, were called to prove that the child was very delicate when Elizabeth Mitchell received it.

The mother of the deceased (recalled) said, in answer to the coroner, that Elizabeth Mitchell never spoke to her about the sores on the child's body, and witness never told her that the sores arose from the child not having being properly washed since its birth. There were no sores whatever on the child's body when Mrs. Mitchell first had it, and it was not particularly thin. She removed the child from Mrs. Mitchell's in consequence of the state in which it was. She had no notice given her to remove it.

The Coroner, in summing up, said the evidence was of a very contradictory and conflicting character, and he was afraid the jury would have some difficulty in coming to their conclusion, looking at the fact that the evidence of one witness was completely contradicted by that of another, each being equally positive as to their view of the facts. There seemed at first to have been an idea that the child was insured by Elizabeth Mitchell, but that evidently was not the case, and they might dismiss the suspicion from their minds. It was an important matter, because had the child been insured the case would have taken a more serious aspect, but under the circumstances it was to Mrs. Mitchell's advantage for the child to live. Another fact was that, so far as he could judge, the feeding of the deceased both by Mrs. Martin on by Mrs. Mitchell was injudicious on might have laid the germs of tuberculosis. But improper feeding was sometimes done out of kindness. There was no doubt the child died from tuberculosis, and it was equally certain that all the appearances, both externally and internally, might have been produced from some lowering cause, which depressed the whole system. That was one way of considering the case, but another theory was that the child was not only improperly fed, but that the state of body it was in was produced by gross neglect on the part of the person who took charge of it. If they considered that the second theory was the correct one, there verdict would amount to one of the manslaughter. He left the case for that careful consideration which he knew they would give it.

The jury deliberated in private for over three quarters of an hour, and then returned a verdict “That the child died from tuberculosis, probably following upon whooping cough and an injudicious treatment.”

The Coroner, addressing Elizabeth Mitchell, said that she might consider herself very fortunate that the jury had taken so a lenient view of the matter. Their general impression was that the child and had not had that care and attention that ought to have been bestowed upon it by one having charge of it. He hoped that if she ever again took charge of children, she would be a little more careful of them herself, and not leave it for others.

Bristol Mercury Saturday November 12th 1887.

ASSAULTING A PUBLICAN. Edward Bevan and Ann Bevan were charged with assaulting Thomas Robert Oatway at Bedminster Down on November 3,and they were also charged with assaulting Emma Parfitt. Mr. R. B. Vachell prosecuted, and said that Mr. Oatway kept the King’s Head inn, Bedminster Down, and Emma Parfitt was his barmaid. On the day in question, about half-past one, Mr. Oatway was in his house, and hearing some noise he went into the bar. Defendant and his wife were there, and were quarrelling. Mr. Oatway ordered them outside, but they refused to go, and the female defendant said she had “had her knife into him for a long time.” Mrs. Bevan ran at Parfitt, striking her a blow in the face, and Oatway then went toward the female defendant to put her out, but her husband struck him in the face, giving him a black eye. With a second blow he knocked him down, and then both the defendants assaulted him further. With the assistance of some other people, the defendants were got out of the house, and whilst Mr. Oatway was holding the door Edward Bevan kicked him on the hand. Before Bevan went out of the house he struck Parfitt a violent blow on the forehead, knocking her down insensible. Mr. Vachell called Thomas Robert Oatway and Emma Parfitt, who bore out his opening statements. Henry Merrick and Charles Stokes were also called, and gave evidence which fully corroborated that of the complainants. The defendants said that Mr. Oatway commenced the assault, and called Eliza. Rayner, who gave evidence on their behalf. The magistrates said the assaults appeared to have been most unprovoked and cowardly. Ann Bevan would be fined 10s. and costs for the assault on Parfitt. Edward Bevan would be fined £1 and costs in each case, or 14 days imprisonment in each, one to follow the other. The defendants would also have to pay the solicitor’s fee. They allowed the male defendant a fortnight for payment.

Bristol Mercury August 1st 1889.

ACCIDENT AT ASHTON VALE COLLIERY. – Solomon Oatway (48), living in Long Ashton, and Joseph Thompson (36), of 7, Church-steps, St. Phils., have been admitted to the General Hospital suffering from injuries to their backs, caused by a fall of part of the roof at Ashton Vale pit, at a place where both were working at the time.

The Bristol Mercury - Saturday September 7th 1895.

ASSAULTS AT BEDMINSTER. – James Garland, of Bedminster, was summoned by Wm. Filer for assaulting him at Bedminster. Mister Wansbrough appeared for the complainant, and save the complainant was with a woman who had lost a duck, and who was making inquiries at the defendant's house on August 8th. The defendant came out of his house and wanted to fight him, Complainant said he did not want to fight, but the defendant struck him two blows on the mouth, making it bleed. Isaac Evans said he saw the defendant if the complainant. A fine of 10s.and costs were imposed, with an alternate of 14 days.

Thomas Garland was summoned for assaulting P.C. Attwood at Bedminster. Mr. Wansbrough appeared for the complainant. He said Mrs. Ordway lost a duck- the one referred to in the previous case-and saw it amongst those of the defendant. She made the demand for it, but as he would not give it up she spoke to the police. P.C. Atwood went to the defendant's house, and the defendant was very abusive. He took the officer by the cape, and pushed him back. His two dogs flew out at the officer, who requested to see the licenses for the dogs. The defendant went indoors and came out with a hay fork, which he thrust at the policemen, who averted injury by jumping aside. His wife and eldest son caught hold of him, but he made another thrust at the officer. Complainant bore out this statement, and corroborative evidence was given by Mrs. Mary Jane Oatway. The defendant called his son, Thomas Garland, who denied the evidence of the complainant, and said nothing was said about a duck. His father never picked up a hay fork.

The bench said that they were previous convictions against this defendant, who would be sent to prison for three months of hard labour.

FREDERICK SHORTHOUSE

Other than the incarcerations for common assault in 1872and 1874, we have very little information about the life of Frederick. The only family members who were alive at the time he died in 1925 were infants at that time and have no recollections. We do however have some certificates, census information, photographs and details of his funeral expenses.

What we do know is that Frederick was living in the south of Wales from an early age. The main industry in this area was coal mining and he was working in this industry when he met and married Anne Osborn. He was a coal miner all of his working life until he retired in New Trimdon (Trimdon Colliery). His job as a stoneman was to open up passageways through the coal seams to allow access for coalface workers, equipment and the narrow gauge railway for the removal of coal. Typically they would blast the rock, remove the spoil and install roof arches to prevent rock fall.

His Death Certificate dated 9th November 1925 at Trimdon Colliery, shows his age as; 79, his occupation as; coalminer stoneman underground retired, cause of death as; old age, disordered action of heart in time and rhythm. Witnessed by George Craggs, son in law in attendance of Trimdon Colliery.

An obituary for Frederick’s wife Annie Shorthouse in 1939 states that they were both active in the Methodist Church with Frederick being a local preacher and Sunday School Superintendent for over thirty years.

At the time of death he was living in Pringle Street, Trimdon Colliery, he was buried in the graveyard of St Paul’s Church at Deaf Hill at double depth and marked by a headstone. The funeral expenses were as follows:

STATION TOWN CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY

November 26th 1925

Mrs Shorthouse, Trimdon Colliery

(Re. The late Frederick Shorthouse.)

DR TO STATION TOWN CO-OPERATIVE LTD.

1925, Nov 12th

To supply Elm Coffin

Hearse, Pastor, Bearers and Carrying

And Funeral Arrangements,      £12:10: 0

Extras for Double Depth

Grave, fees and board.            £ 1: 0: 0                                    £13:10: 0

Paid (written over stamp)

J W Brown Nov 28th 1925

OSBORN FAMILY ANCESTRY

Anne Osborn’s family are from an area midway between Truro and St Austell in Cornwall. Her father Joseph was born in Grampound and mother Jenifer (Jane) Harris in St Stephen in Brannel. Anne was the eighth child of Joseph and Jenifer. For generations, these families lived within a five-mile radius of these communities. Records show that Richard Osborn b. 1590 St Dennis and his wife Joan are the most probable earliest members found of the Osborn Family.

Her father Joseph was born in Grampound in 1814 to Joseph Osborn and his wife Mary Hore. Jenifer Harris born 1820 St Stephen in Brannel to George Harris and Mary Best. Both Joseph’s were master carpenters and joiners with their own yard in Grampound. Jenifer was farm servant (one of eight) working for William Truscott at Trencreeke farm Creed.

They were married in the Creed parish church 29 Oct 1842. Jane (Jenifer) died in Grampound October 1863 age 44, from scarlet fever after childbirth. Joseph re-married in 1870 in St Columb Cornwall. His second wife Mary Pennallegan was born 1832 Philleigh, Cornwall.

The 1871 census shows that Joseph and Mary were still living in Grampound with the three youngest children. In 1881 they were living at 24 Workhouse Lane, St Austell with son Joseph. They were running a boarding house as 11 other men are listed on the census at this address as boarders. Joseph and Mary are both listed at this address in 1891. Joseph died at this address aged 80, a carpenter and joiner, December 1895.

Probate of Will. (Under £100.) 20 June 1811

OSBORN, Benjamin of St Stephen in Brannel, yeoman. Bequests:

- to daughter Mary, wife of Alexander Cockins 20 shillings

- to son William Osborn 20 shillings

- to daughter Ann, wife of James Snell 20 shillings

- to son Thomas Osborn 20 shillings

- to son Joseph Osborn 20 shillings

- to son John Osborn the residue of the estate

Executors: John Osborn, son of deceased

Witnesses: signatures of George Pinch, Jane Cornish

Benjamin was the great grandfather of Anne Osborn.

ANNE SHORTHOUSE (nee OSBORN)

In Anne’s situation, in addition to the same information that we have for Frederick, we have some personal recollections by grandson Tommy Kell and great grandchildren Harry and Jim Robinson. There are also two letters written by her sister Elizabeth. We know that Anne and Elizabeth were very close and kept in touch with each other. This can be seen by the number of photographs received, and the content of the two letters.

Anne was born in Grampound Cornwall. We do not know when Anne’s grandfather Joseph started work in Grampound, we know he married Mary Hore in Creed in 1799. (Creed and Grampound are basically joined communities.) We know he was a carpenter and joiner by trade and had property with a yard and other land. This is shown on the 1831 street map of Grampound.

In Anne Shorthouse’s photograph album, there is a group photograph including the family of Joseph and Jenifer posing on a beach. Elizabeth and Anne as children are sitting at the centre and right hand end of the front row respectively. Judging by their ages, we would date this photograph to about 1863.

Grampound was an important ancient town in Cornwall and is mentioned in the Doomsday Book. It is located on the river Fal which had a number of mills driven by the water. The principal industries were, wool cloth fulling mills, leather and farming. Some adjacent communities also had tin and lead mines.

It seems that the family only lived in Grampound for about 75 to 80 years before they dispersed throughout the country. None were living there at the time of the 1881 census. The population of the two communities peaked 1841 to 1851 and was in decline by 1861. While Grampound was not dependant on the metal mining industry, this was the time when the mining industry collapsed in Cornwall due to the much lower price of imported metals. A mass exodus of Cornish miners happened as they left to find work in other parts of the country and indeed the world.

We do not have any record of Anne having a formal job. It is understood from family legend that Anne was a (pupil?) teacher at Better Miss School in Grampound. This could be true since her Aunt, Ann Osborn, was the schoolmistress in Grampound. However her marriage certificate was only signed with a mark.

There were chapels for the Wesleyan Methodists, Bible Christians and Independents in Grampound in addition to the traditional Anglican church in Creed. The chapel was always part of Anne’s life and we think this started in Grampound.

The 1871 Census shows Anne at 16 years old living with her sister Elizabeth Nicholls at Pontypridd in Glamorgan,Wales. This is where she met Frederick, a coal miner, their marriage certificate shows they were married 11 March 1873, In Sardis Chapel, Pontypridd, Frederick (Father John) to Annie Osborne (Father Joseph) Residence Tenyr Llantrisant. Witnesses Thomas Osborne and Elizabeth Nicholls. (Sister). Their first child Sarah Ann was born here in 1875.

Elizabeth’s husband Jacob Nicholls worked as a bolter in a coalmine, we do not know the circumstance or any other reason why both families moved from Wales. The mining industry in South Wales was booming at that time and there were lots of jobs available. It may have had something to do with Frederick having spent six months in prison or that his brothers were facing more serious criminal charges in 1874. We know they lived in Wigan 1876 to 1880, from the place of birth of their children. Then they moved to Burnley. The 1881 census shows both families living next door to each other in Habergham Eaves, Burnley, Lancashire. The Durham coalmines were expanding rapidly at this time and must have provided better job opportunities for the family. They moved to Hetton le Hole in 1881-1882, Jacob and Elizabeth stayed in Burnley.

Frederick and Anne moved and the Electoral Registers show that they were living in Trunk Row, George Street, and Easington Lane in Hetton le Hole, Co Durham from 1882 to 1891. Their final move was to New Trimdon (Trimdon Colliery), first to Bicknell Street, then to No. 7 Pringle Street where Frederick died in 1925. After Frederick died, Anne moved to 36 Station Road West, Deaf Hill with her unmarried daughter Annie. Annie was working in the accounts department at the Station Town Co-op store and they took in a boarder, a teacher from the local school.

Towards the end of her life Anne developed an ulcer on the left side of her face, which eventually spread, and she lost the sight in her left eye. She wore a fancy piece of cloth on her head to cover the eye when she was walking about. She became bedridden and granddaughter Minnie Craggs was working as her maid. Minnie had to live in and wear a formal maid's outfit at all times. Minnie did not like this job as she was always treated as a maid, not a family member.

Anne Shorthouse is remembered as a kind person, grandchildren (and also great grandchildren) visited each Sunday in their best clothes to received pocket money after attending the morning Chapel Sunday School. (Recalled by Tommy Kell and Jim Robinson). Everyone who visited had to be on their best behavior, children were not allowed to sit and had to stand up straight, no slouching. She was very Victorian in dress and a strong Chapel member, Tommy went to chapel three times each Sunday as he was in the choir, the Robinson children who were members of the Church of England, also had to go to the chapel Sunday school as well as their own in the afternoon. Attending chapel was necessary to receive the pocket money.

Harry and Jim Robinson walked from Trimdon every Saturday and chopped sticks for lighting the fire. The wood was from packing boxes brought from the Co-op where daughter Annie worked as a cashier in the accounts dept., sticks had to be correct length and no jagged edges and enough to last one week. Pocket money was important as their dad William Robinson was out of work for nine years during the depression.

Within the family it is obvious that Anne had a very strong character and made sure that Frederick kept on the rails and her children were involved in activities that kept them out of trouble. This is reflected in the letters and postcards she received which are documented later. There was obviously a strong chapel connection throughout her life; this was passed on to her children. The children were educated, polite and could write good letters. Since their parents were not from the Durham area, the children did not speak with the strong local dialect, this was also apparent in the grandchildren. The family must have had musical talent; they had an organ and several violins. Ellen Kell (Shorthouse) in the latter stage of her life could still sing the hymns she learnt as a child and play along with her fiddle.

It is interesting to note that most of Anne’s daughters, grand and great granddaughters inherited her genes and had strong personalities. This trait has also passed to later generations. Within the family, the Shorthouses' were always seen as good Christian people with a squeaky clean reputation, without any hint of Frederick’s previous transgressions.

My (John Robinson) recollection is of visiting my great grandmother Anne with my mother Eveline and seeing this old woman in bed with the left half of her face raw and bleeding. Even though I was only 4 or 5 years old at the time, after 80 years, the memory of this visit is still vivid.

Correspondence received by Anne and daughter Annie on the deaths of Joe and Fred in 1916 has survived including two letters from her sister Elizabeth. We have been unable to find any letters written by Anne. Contact was made with our Australian cousins but they did know of any existing documents. Similarly we have tried to find and contact Elizabeth’s descendants around the Burnley area without success.

Anne died 26th July 1939 at 36 Station Road, Deaf Hill, Trimdon Station, age 85, widow of Frederick Shorthouse, coalminer. Senile Degeneration of the heart, deep Rodent Ulcer of the left side of face. Henry Kell, grandson in attendance of 109 Thornlaw North, Thornley. She was buried in the same grave as Frederick in the graveyard of St Paul’s Church at Deaf Hill 29 July 1939. The funeral and expenses were as follows:

Hartlepool Northern Daily Mail. Friday July 28th 1939.

DEATHS.

SHORTHOUSE. – At 36 Station Road, Deaf Hill, Trimdon Station, on July 28, aged 85 years, Anne, beloved wife of the late Frederick Shorthouse. – Internment, Saturday at Deaf Hill Churchyard. Cortege to leave residence at 1-45 for service in Wesleyan Church, - Friends please accept this (the only) intimation.

Hartlepool Northern Daily Mail. Monday July 31st 1939.

DEAF HILL.

Late Mrs. A Shorthouse. - The funeral of Mrs. A. Shorthouse of Station Lane, Deaf Hill, who, at the age of 85, was one of the oldest women in the parish, took place at Deaf Hill Churchyard on Saturday. Mrs. Shorthouse took an active interest in Grange Road (Wesleyan) Methodist Church, where her late husband. Mr. Frederick Shorthouse, was a local preacher and Sunday School superintendent for over 30 years. A service in Grange Road Church was conducted by Rev. W. Grieve, Circuit Minister, Wingate. Family mourners included: Miss Shorthouse (Deaf Hill), Mrs. Kell (West Hartlepool), daughters, Mr. and Mrs. Craggs (Hartlepool), son-in-law and daughter.; Mr. and Mrs. Robinson (Trimdon Village), Mr. and Mrs. Kell (Thornley), Mr. and Mrs. Thornton Seaham Harbour, Mr. and Miss Craggs (Hartlepool) Mr. and Mrs. Anderson (Nunthorpe), grandchildren. Mrs. Nixon and Mrs. Nichols (Burnley), nieces;. Mrs. Pinkney (Derby), Mr. Miller (West Auckland).

STATION TOWN, SEAHAM & HORDEN CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY LTD.

31 July 1939

The Exors of the late

Anne Shorthouse

36 Station Road

Deaf Hill

Trimdon Station

Dr to Funeral Furnishing Department.

To:                         £      s      d

Coffin and attendance      11      0      0

Hearse                         1      7      6

2 – Coaches                   2      8      0

Adverts (Echo and Mail)             1      4      6

Subject to Dividend       £16       0      0

Paid: J. W. Brown      Aug 3 / 39

STATION TOWN, SEAHAM & HORDEN CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY LTD.

31 July 1939

The Exors of the late

Anne Shorthouse

36 Station Road

Deaf Hill

Trimdon Station

Dr to Funeral Furnishing Department.

To:                         £      s      d

Minister                        1      3      0 Nett

Burial Fees                              

Paid: J. W. Brown       Aug 3 / 39

A 03000      

STATION TOWN, SEAHAM & HORDEN CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY LTD.

J. W. Brown Secretary

M Shorthouse                        Share No. 1077

Date: Aug. 2 / 39

1      Wreath            14/6                  14      6

2      - do -            10/-            1       0      0      

3      - do -            7/6            1       2      6

1      Spray flowers      4/6                   4      6                                    ______________                                          £3       1      6

Paid

J. W. Brown      Aug 26 / 39

B 03000      

STATION TOWN, SEAHAM & HORDEN CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY LTD.

J. W. Brown Secretary

M Shorthouse                        Share No. 1077

Date: Aug. 2 / 39

2 Cut loaves       1/8            1 Brown 4½            2       0½

1 Malt Loaf            3            2 Pear Sp.3/-            3       3

1 Rasp. Sp            1/2            2 Gateau      3/-            4       2

1 Battenburg       1/-            1 Almond Fruit 1/-      2       0

1 Maderia            1/-            1 Walnut10½            1      10½

1 Orange Gateau 10            2 Coffee Gateau1/4       2       2

2 Str. Creams 1/-            1 Mince       9            1       9

1 Fruit            1/1            4 Btls Milk1/2            2       3

½ Tea            2/0            4lb Sugar1/5            3       5

1½lb Butter            2/4            Pickles      ½            3       6

2lb Tongue            3/0            5lb Ham      12/6            15       6

                              ______________

                              £2       1      11

      Rebate on 2lb Ham 5/-             5       0

                        ______________

£1      16      11                   

Paid: J. W. Brown      Aug 26 / 39

ELIZABETH OSBORN.

Elizabeth was born in Grampound in 1848 and was six years older than Anne. The 1861 Census shows that she was working (age 13) as a house servant at the home of a 64-year-old widow, Mary Hernage in Grampound, who was a proprietor of houses. She married Jacob Nicholls in 1869. Elizabeth already had a child, Mary Ann, when she married Jacob.

The Western Morning News Plymouth Thursday October 7th 1869.

MARRIAGES

NICHOLLS – OSBORNE – At Probus, October 2, Mr. Jacob Nicholls, to Miss E. Osborne.

Including Mary Ann, there were twelve children in the family. This number includes a Mary Ann Searl who is included in the 1991 Census as an adopted daughter age 15. Tragically, three of their children died, Annie Ellen in 1881,age 3 years 7 months, twins Emma and Sarah in 1879, age two and three months. I have not been able to find any information on this tragic event. Sydney, Fred and Ernest served in WW1 in France. Sydney was killed 2 Sep 1918.

Jacob died in the spring of 1899; Elizabeth re-married to William Want, a brick maker labourer in the Autumn of 1901. At some time during this period Elizabeth opened a shop in the front room of her house to supplement her income. There was a very close lifelong relationship between Elizabeth and Anne, and their children; Anne had many photographs of the Nicholls family in her album, including one of the shop.

Elizabeth was one of the founding members of the “Temperance” movement, the following articles show some of this:

The Burnley Express, Saturday August 29th 1891.

The Bridge Inn Gannow (extract from hearing).

Thomas Hawthorn of the Bridge Inn, Gannow, applied for a wine and spirit on or off licence …… etc.

……… Mr Hodgson explained that this was a beer house, licensed before May, 1869, and in respect to which the Magistrates had only a limited control. If the spirit license were granted they would have full control over it.- Mr. Waddington opposed the application on the ground that there was no need for it. Last year they were treated to a learned discourse from Mr. Hudson on the duties of a license victualler, and he asked the Magistrates to consider that now. With regard to the noise made about the signature of the vicar of the parish, he pointed out that they had a general memorial signed by the Rector. – Mr. Hodgson raised an objection to this, and Mr. Waddington put in a memorial signed by the ratepayers of Lowerhouse Ward against the application. - Elizabeth Nichols said she had procured the signatures to the memorial. – Mr. Hodgson; You are a teetotaler? - Yes. In your opinion there is no room for a single licensed house in this town? - I don't think we are so prejudiced as that. Are you in favor one? - No. Are you in favor of a single license house in the country? No; I have suffered too much through drink. (Hear, hear, and laughter). - George Smith said he was the chairman of the meeting held in Gannow Lane at which the resolution asking the Magistrates to refuse the application, was passed unanimously. - Mr Hodgson; Was this meeting at temperance meeting? No; It was a ratepayers meeting. Who called the meeting? - I, as the representative of the Blue Ribbon Union, connected with the Smurthwaite Mission Room. (Laughter). And you call that a ratepayers meeting? - The ratepayers were a present…… .

Letter from Elizabeth to Annie and Frederick Shorthouse, 1914

The following letter was received from Elizabeth around Christmas time 1914; it is reproduced exactly as it was written without any corrections. A second letter written in 1916 after the death of her nephew Joseph Shorthouse is shown further on in this text.

37 Sunderland Street

Rose Grove (Burnley Lancs.)

My Dear Sister and Brother

I was glad to receive your letter and I should have rote to you one if I had not got yours because I always like to tell you all at the end of the old year as it is almost gone never to return again and I was wondring how we have all

spent this year have we done wat we could in every way to make this world better then it was last year when we look back we can see many things paraps wich and where we might have done more but we have miess our oppertunaties and they are gone never to return again God give us Grace and strength in the coming year if we are spared to see it to do more this year I do thank God he as spared my life so long sorry to tell you Will is vey bad he as being in bed a month he is a lot worse then he was I trust you are both keeping middling and that Fred is better then he was and it must be hard for you to loose the boys as you have like me you have never had much good from your children but we must make the best of things under the curconestances I was surprised to see about Tom and Lizey in the paper we did not know one word until we saw it in the papers how is he gone on and how is Little Hilda and anie and how is Nellie I should like to hear from her My Dear how are you gone on with these times arnt they dreadful now of our lads as gone to the war but there factory as being stoped 10 weaks things are awful hear our Janes son Welford is out in Egypt he as being away ever since the war started he was in the Teretorls before the war started so he was called up at the beging and aunt Philippa as her two sons gone and 3 of her daughters husbands and she is left by her self as all the girls are married so you can see you are not by yourself in our family Lizey in Wales got her youngest son gone so you can see we are all getting a share now my Dear we are all middling in health but low in pocket I have kept my bit of shop goin if I hadn't that I don't know wat we should have done but God as being good to me and I do thank him so long his power as kept me shure it will leed me on all the children are well and Joe and Jensey thay often come down now I don't know of much more only wish you a much happer new year 1915 than wat 1914 has being and that the war will soon be over and that our dear ones will be spared to come home safe to us all at the end O that we could tell when that will be so now I will say good night with kind love to all and don't leave me long without righting and thank you for your card love to little Hilda for I love the child from your loving sister. L Want X X X X

The following note was scribbled at the top of the page:

I should tease about wonder at my not righting oftener when you see my bad righting Mary and Ernie get on well together and send there love to you all

The Burnley News Wednesday November 2nd 1921.

LOSS TO TEMPERANCE CAUSE. The Burnley United Temperance Society has lost one of its oldest and most faithful workers by the death of Miss Elizabeth Want (formerly Mrs. Nichols), which occurred at her home, 19 Godley-street, last Monday. She was one of the first to sign the pledge in the Great Blue Ribbon Mission some forty years ago, and since then she has been a devoted adherent to the cause, and an inspiration to others. The late Mrs. Want was the oldest member of the mothers’ meeting, and was also a member of the N. B. W. T. A. Committee. A thoughtful reader and the capable speaker, she was in much demand and her cheering words won for her a wide circle of friends, as was evidenced by the large number who attended the funeral on Friday last. The services were conducted by Mister Sugden Lund who on Sunday afternoon preached and memorial sermon at the Temperance Hall Rooms, in the course of which he paid a high tribute to Mrs. Want’s work in the cause of temperance. Mr. Clarkson and Mr. Charles Bray also eulogized her services.

When Elizabeth died in 1921, a memorial silk (like a bookmark) was made and sent to family and friends. The information on this silk was as follows:

In Loving Memory

of

Elizabeth Want,

WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE

OCTOBER 25TH, 1921,

Aged 73 Years;

And was interred at

the Burnley Cemetery

Oct. 28th.

What she suffered heaven knows,

Now she’s free from all he woes;

She’s passed through Jordan’s swelling flood,

And landed safe with Christ her God.

The Burnley Express and Advertiser October 28th 1922.

MEMORIAM

WANT – In loving memory of our dear mother,

Elizabeth Want, who died October 24th. 1921.

A loving mother, kind and true.

From her loving Daughters Minnie and Janey,

16 and 70 Gannow Lane.

News articles relating to the Nicholls family.

Burnley Express and Advertiser January 16th 1909.

DISPUTE ABOUT A PIANO.

SINGULAR COUNTY COURT ACTION.

The first case coming before his Honour Judge Graham, K. C. at the Burnley County court on Thursday was one with you arose out of a dispute between a man and wife. Arthur Wm. Cocks, railway porter, of 5 Hulme-street, and Sydney Nicholls, weaver, 9 Adiand-street, for the recovery of a piano and £5 damages for detention, or £35 damages for conversion. Mr. Mossop appeared for Cocks and Mr. Waddington for Nicholls.

Mr. Mossop stated the piano was sold by plaintiff’s wife to the defendant without any authority. The piano was purchased on the biro system. On Oct. 27th last plaintiff after bother with his wife, left home but returned on November 5th. On the following day he missed the piano, and on his questioning his wife left the house. Plaintiff subsequently ascertained the piano was brought by defendant for £15.

Cox denied that the piano was paid for out of the joint earnings - Mrs. Cocks took in lodgers - and that when he left the house he told his wife to sell up.

In answer to his Honour, plaintiff stated the bother with his wife arose through his refusing to take her to drinking places.

His Honour held that the piano was bought by Mrs. Cocks and the children, and therefore he non-suited the plaintiff, he was mulcted in costs.

The Burnley Express and Advertiser September 28th 1918.

GANNOW WEAVER'S INSTANT DEATH.

The death in action on September 2nd is reported of Pte. Sydney Nicholls, of the Lancashire Fusiliers, whose wife lives at 28 Keith Street, Gannow, and his mother at 19 Godley-street. Deceased, according to a letter received by his wife, was killed instantly by a bullet in the head and the letter adds that he died like a soldier fighting for the freedom of his country. Deceased, who was 37 years of age, joined up two years since last July, and had been out about 18 months. He was formerly employed at Blakey's Gannow Shed as a weaver, and attended Rose Grove Wesleyan Church, where his name is on the roll of honour. There are two brothers serving, one of them, Pte. Fred Nicholls, gained the M.M. a short time ago.

Burnley News Saturday October 5th 1918.

ROLL OF HONOUR.

Young Burnley Musician Killed.

GANNOW HERO'S FATE.

Weaver and Collier Casualties.

The many times in which the Lancashires have been mentioned as playing a noble part in the fierce fighting in France and Flanders carries with it an inevitably heavy casualty list. This week it is again I was sad duty to record a number of local losses.

GANNOW MEDALISTS FATE.

Mrs. Nicholls, 28, Keith Street, Gannow, Burnley, has been informed that her husband, Private Sydney Nicholls, Lancashire Fusiliers, met his death on September 2nd, being shot in the head. The deceased soldier, who was formerly a weaver employed by Messrs. Blakey at their Gannow Shed, joined up in July 1916, and had been in France for a year and a half. He was a member of Rosegrove Wesleyan Church. Private Fred Nicholls, one of two other brothers serving, was awarded the military medal some little time ago.

Burnley Express and Advertiser, September 3rd 1919.

IN MEMORIAM.

NICHOLLS – In loving memory of Sydney Nicholls,

Killed in action Sept. 2nd. 1918.

May his reward be as great as his sacrifice.

From Sisiter-in-law and Brother-in-law,

213 Accrington-road.

Burnley Express and Advertiser January 23rd 1915.

SCENE ON A TRAM.

REMARKABLE INCIDENT AT BURNLEY.

The alleged offensive conduct of a man named Ernest Nicholls, of 37, Sunderland-street, Burnley, on a Burnley tramcar on the journey to Rosegrove on Boxing Day, led to a lively scene, a window on the top deck being smashed. The car was delayed for some considerable time at Cog-lane, and when the facts of the case became fully known to the tramway authorities, proceedings were taken against Nicholls, who appeared before the magistrates on Wednesday.

Asked to plead, defendant, said that he was “not altogether guilty”, and a plea of not guilty was accordingly entered.

Prosecuting. Mr. R. H. Tee said Nicholls was under the influence of drink at the time he boarded the car. He went on top, where there was a man named Greenwood and his wife. Nicholls began to behave offensively, and eventually went up to Mrs. Greenwood and put his arms on her neck. Greenwood thereupon gave the man what in his (Mr. Tee's) opinion he rightly deserved, and bang his head through the window. Undoubtedly he had great provocation in doing what he did, and the authorities came to the conclusion that Nicholls was the man to be prosecuted. Greenwood was not in court as he was a soldier, and although a summons had been issued for him to appear as a witness, it was not known where he was, and it had not being served.

Defendant, who is 27 years of age, and the weaver, said that he recollected nothing of the whole occurrence beyond the fact that Greenwood caused the disturbance by referring to a past disagreement which existed between the two of them.

Mr. Tee. Don't you remember your head going through the window?

Defendant; No, it was Greenwood’s hand. (Laughter).

The mayor said the public must be protected against such actions as the defendant had committed. Nicholls would be fined 10s. and costs or 14 days. Time to pay was allowed.

Burnley Express and Advertiser, July 6th 1918.

AN OVERTURNED LIMBER.

Burnley Driver's Heroism Under Heavy Fire.

High distinctions have been conferred upon Driver Fred Nicholls (33), L474, R.F.A., of 5, Adland-street, Burnley. He has won the Military Medal for extreme gallantry and devotion to duty at ----- farm and ----- on April 9th. When the guns were withdrawn under rifle and shell fire from ----- farm, and there were only five teams of six guns, his team brought away two guns on one limber across country and the very difficult circumstances. When his limber overturned, and the team got tied up in the harness, he took charge and righted the limber and team - all under rifle and shell fire. Lieut. – Col. V. A. Batchelor, R.F.A., adds; I most strongly recommend this driver for the D.C.M. Lieut. - General de Lisle, commanding the XV. Corps, writes; “A report of your good and valuable service and devotion to duty has been forwarded to me, and I send you here with my heartfelt congratulations.” Driver Nicholls enlisted in the Howitzers three years ago. Before then he was a weaver at Keithley's. He had attended Claremont School and was a footballer in his younger days. Two brothers are serving.

Burnley Express and Advertiser December 4th 1918.

DRIVER F. NICHOLLS.

Driver Fred Nicholls, No. L474, “C” Battery. 64th Army Brigade, R.F.A. Extreme gallantry and devotion to duty at Barlette Farm and Bac-St.-Maur on April 9th. When the guns were withdrawn under rifle and shell fire from Barlette Farm, and they were only five teams for six guns, his team brought away two guns and one limber across country under very difficult circumstances. When his limber overturned and that team got tied up in the harness, he took charge and righted the limber and team - all under rifle and shell fire. Driver Nicholls home is in Adland-street.

Burnley Express and Advertiser December 4th 1918

PRESENTATION AT PALACE OF THREE MEDALS.

At the Palace Theater, on Monday evening, a very interesting ceremony was performed, and the proceedings roused the large audience to enthusiasm. Three Burnley lads, Sergt. John Ratcliffe, Lce. Corpl. Harold Horne, and Driver Fred Nicholls - at the hands of the Mayor (Alderman R. Hargreaves) received Military Medals in recognition of their brave deeds and gallant devotion to duty. Accompanying his Worship on the stage where Aldermen McGregor, Sinclair (ex-mayor) and E. Whitehead, - Councillor Lawne and Mr. Wrigley (Deputy Town Clerk).

Manchester Courier Friday May 17th 1907.

Arthur Nichol, aged twenty-five, fireman at the Hill-top Mill, Burnley, died yesterday at the Victoria Hospital. On Monday while Nichol was in the engine house the cap of a steam economiser blew off, and he was severely scalded.

Burnley Express and Advertiser, May 18th 1907.

FIREMAN FATALLY SCALDED.

TERRIBLE SCENE AT A BURNLEY MILL.

INQUEST YESTERDAY.

A shocking accident occurred on the premises of the Hill Top Mill Co., Burnley, on Monday. Arthur Nicholls (25) a firebeater, of Adland-street, went, so it is surmised - for no one saw the occurrence - to the economizers to tighten a cap bolt. This seems to have broken as he was in the act of tightening it, the cap flew off, and Nicholls was deluged with boiling water. Screaming with pain, he ran out of the Boiler House, and was met by a fellow workman, who rendered him all the assistance he could. The unfortunate young man was removed to the Victoria Hospital, where he died on Thursday.

Yesterday afternoon, at the Hospital, the Coroner held an inquiry relative to the death of Nicholls. Mr. Fullalove, represented the Hill Top Mill Company, and Mr. Taylor, the factory inspector, was also present

Mr. Fullalove, on behalf of the company, expressed their sincere sympathy at the untimely death of Nicholls. He understood he was a very good servant, and one who's loss the company regretted.

John Thomas Nicholls, a blowing-room hand, and a brother of the deceased, gave evidence of identification. He saw him at the Hospital on Tuesday night, when he was conscious, but he did not tell him as to how he got hurt.

After having given evidence, the last witness asked the Coroner if he could have the inquiry adjourned until the family could be legally represented. The Widow could not attend, inasmuch as she was very ill.

The Coroner: I am representing you, I think.

Andrew Varley, under-carder in the employ of Hill Top Manufacturing Company, spoke to hearing Nicholls shouting and screaming. He ran to see what was the matter, and on asking him, he stated that he was scalded. Witness took him down to the watch-house and took off his clothes and rendered what assistance he could. A cab was fetched, and he was conveyed to the Hospital. Ongoing back to the place where he found Nichols there is a good deal of hot water and steam flying about in the neighborhood of the economisers.

James Whalley, the engine tester at the mill, stated that Nicholls worked under him. He did not know anything about the accident until he saw Nicholls being led away by the previous witness from the economisers. Witness had heard him shouting. When asked how the accident happened, he said a joint connecting with one of the economisers broke, and he was scalded in consequence. As soon as possible he stopped the engine and got rid of the steam in the economisers, when he found the cap of one of them had been blown off, and had caused the steam to escape. The cap was fastened by means of two bolts. One bolt apparently broke, and the pressure of the steam wrenched of the other. There was no leakage that witness was aware of. He was on the economisers earlier in the morning, but then saw nothing wrong. There might have been some slight leakage later in connection with that particular cap. It might be that something had been the matter, and that deceased had been touching one of the bolts with a screw-key. A spanner was found close by, and the cap, which had been blown off was also near at hand. It was deceased’s duty to acquaint him if anything was wrong.

Mr. Fullalove: He had no duty towards the economisers? - Witness: No. I have never seen him attempt to touch them before.

The Coroner: It was a very simple matter to tighten the cap? - Yes.

In answer to one of the jurymen, the engineer stated that the spanner was over two feet in length. The bolt should not have been tightened with the steam up.

The Factory Inspector here examined the broken bolt, and observed that he did not see anything wrong with it. It might have been “going” at one corner.

The Engineer: It is not an old bolt.

Dr. Taggart, the house surgeon at the Hospital, said that Nicholls was scalded about the arms, legs, side of the face, and the lower better part of the body. He died the previous day from shock.

The Coroner, in summing up the evidence, said Nicholls appeared to have been an active, steady Workman, and because of a breakdown earlier on Monday morning he and the engineer was rendered very busy. There was very little doubt that the man in trying to assist the engineer, knowing that he was busy, thought he could tighten the bolt himself.

A verdict of “Accidental death caused by the bolt breaking whilst deceased was tightening it,” was returned.

Burnley Express in Advertiser, July 20th 1907.

BURNLEY COMPENSATION AWARDS.

Two applications under the Workmen’s Compensation Act were made before his Honour Judge Bompas, at the Burnley County Court yesterday afternoon.

The second application was for the allocation of the compensation awarded Lily Nichols, of 78, Church-street, Burnley, for the death of her husband Arthur Nicholls, who was a stoker at the Hill Top Mill, and who was scalded to death last May. Mr. Fullalove appeared for all parties, and stated that the compensation paid into Court was £182. Of this £20 had been paid to the widow, leaving a balance of £162. Mrs. Nicholls was living with her mother, and the child had aged 16 months.

His Honour allocated £42 to the widow and the rest of the child. He allowed the widow £22, and ordered the other £20 to be invested for the widow’s future use. The £120 was also to be invested, and 4s.weekly to be payed to the mother for the child’s support till the money was exhausted. “I always,” added his Honour, “like to make the money last till the child reaches 13 or 14 years of age, when she will be presumably be able to support herself.”

Burnley Express and Advertiser Oct. 16th 1907.

FATAL EXPLOSION IN BURNLEY MILL.

BOARD OF TRADE ENQUIRY.

OFFICIAL REPORT.

We have been supplied by the Board of Trade with an official copy of the proceedings of the enquiry into the explosion (which was attended with fatal results) of an economiser at the Hill Top Mill, Burnley. This occurred about 9 a.m. on May 13, and the firemen, John Nicholls, died from injuries received. The following is report of Mr. Albert F. Laslett, of the Surveyor's Office, Liverpool.

Nature of economiser; The economiser is off Messrs. Green's type, about 29 ft six inches long, five feet five inches wide, and ten feet two inches in height, measured over the boxes connecting the tubes at their upper and lower ends. It consists of 24 rows of tubes, having eight tubes in each row and connected by a top junction pipe, carried above the back tubes in each row. Access to the seven front tubes in each row is obtained through hand holes in the upper side of the square boxes into which the tube ends are inserted. The back tube in each row is cleaned through apertures in the top junction pipe, which are closed by small oval covers secured by two bolts 1 inch in diameter. These apertures are 2 3/4 inches in diameter. Three boilers’ in connection with which this economiser works, are intended for a working pressure of 90 lbs. per square inch, the economiser itself being intended for working pressure up to 120 lbs. per square inch. The economiser was made by Messrs. E. Green and Son, of Wakefield, in the year 1890. Various repairs of an unimportant character have been found necessary, at different times, consisting chiefly of renewals of access lids and parts of the cleaning gear. The economiser is regularly examined by the inspectors of the Vulcan Boiler and General Insurance Company, Limited, King-street, Manchester, the last inspection having been made on March 30th last.

The Explosion: - One of the oval access caps, on the cross junction pipe over the back tubes, was blown from its seat, and hot water and steam at considerable pressure were discharged through the opening. The explosion was caused by the breakage of the front bolt, securing the cap, the bolt being broken apparently in an attempt by the deceased man, Nicholls, to tighten up a leaking joint while the economiser was under pressure, the boilers at the time being worked at 87 lbs. per square inch.

General Remarks: - The machinery and boilers at the Hill Top Mill are in charge of an engineer. Mr. James Whalley. On the morning of May 13th last, some repairs to the mill gearing were found necessary, and while the engineer was engaged in this work, about nine a.m., the fireman, Nicholls, was met coming from the economiser house very severely scalded. Nicholls was able to say that a joint on the economiser had blown out, but collapsed before he could explain his condition more fully, and died without being able to make any further statement. Mr. Whalley shut off all connections between the economiser and the pumps and boilers, and then found jhat one of the caps on the cleaning holes was lying on top of the economiser, having apparently been forced from its place by the pressure of the feed water, after the front bald have been broken. A spanner, 21 inches long, was lying near with part of the broken bolt. It would therefore, appear that Nicholls, who was the boiler attendant on duty, had noticed one of the caps leaking, and seeing that the engineer was engaged in repairs to the machinery in the mill, had attempted to tighten the joint, applying such a pressure to the spanner, in the operation, that the bolt end was twisted off, the nut being set fast by rust. The manager of the mill and the engineer state in evidence that the deceased man Nicholls, who had been employed at the boilers for a few months only prior to his death, had been instructed that when he observed any defects in the steam fittings are other apparatus in the works, he should report such to the engineer, and should not attempt to make good defects himself, as he was not considered competent to do so. The spanner used by him had been in use during the machinery repairs that morning, and had been taken away by Nicholls unknown to the engineer.

In the observations of the Engineer Surveyor-in-Chief it is noted that the top was held by only two bolts, one on each side. The failure of the bolt resulted in the cap being blown off, and the attendant was so injured by the escape of steam and hot water that he died. He adds; “As this is not the first death that is resulted from precisely the same cause, and as similar casualties are likely to occur in the future unless steps are taken to prevent them, the makers of such apparatus would do well to amend the design so as to avoid the dangers which at present arise from one of the bolts breaking while the apparatus is in use; and the owners of those now in use should, I submit, have printed notices hung in conspicuous places warning attendants not to tighten up the bolts of the caps while the apparatus is under pressure, as the failure of a bolt may lead to fatal results.

THE SHORTHOUSE CHILDREN.

I always had the impression that the family of Frederick and Annie were strictly religious, strong Methodists, and actively participated in the Temperance Movement. There is some truth in this as far as Annie and Frederick are concerned. Their children, mostly followed this trend. The children were educated and all loved music.

Frederick and Annie had twelve children, three died at a young age (twins Edith and Mary at 1 and 3 years respectively), Sarah their first born at 16 years, and John some years later at 6 weeks. They also lost Joseph and Fred in France during World War 1. Frederick and two of his brothers’ served prison time arising from drunkenness. Annie, a strong willed person, after leaving Wales must have kept Frederick on “the straight and narrow.”

Of the children that lived, Tom however, had a colourful life, a barman, foundry job, working in the music halls, abandoning his second wife and Hilda, and a history not making maintenance payments, served prison time. Ellen duped into a bigamous marriage after her husband died and later had three illegitimate children. Minnie married George Craggs and moved to Hartlepool. Jane and husband Charlie emigrated to Australia and prospered. Similarly, Arthur emigrated to Australia, did not do well financially, but married a good wife and successfully raised a family. Annie, the youngest, never married, stayed at home and died in Trimdon.

Sarah Ann Shorthouse.

Sarah Ann was born at Mountain Ash, Pontyprydd, Wales. She died at the age of 16 in Middlesbrough. Her death certificate has the following information:

Sarah Ann Shorthouse, Daughter Of Frederick, 4th April 1891, Age 16, At 54 Lumley Street, Middlesbrough, Mother Annie In Attendance Same Address, Rheumatic Fever And Heart Disease.

We are not sure why Sarah Ann was in Middlesbrough, the family were living in Easington Lane, Hetton le Hole at that time. We speculate that she was working at this location and was too sick to return home. Her mother Anne (with baby Minnie) were with her when she died. The 1891 census was taken the day after she died showing Anne and Minnie in Middlesbrough.

While living in Easington Lane, Sarah at the age of ten, had a traumatic experience of being raped by a seventeen year old pitman. The following newspaper articles recorded this event.

Hartlepool Northern Daily Mail Thursday July 30th 1885.

HORRIBLE CHARGE. – At Houghton-le-Spring Police-court yesterday, a youth names James Williams was committed for trial on a charge of committing a criminal assault upon Sarah Ann Shorthouse, a girl aged 10, daughter of a miner at Easington Lane, on July 25th.

Hartlepool Northern Daily Mail Thursday November 5th 1885.

INDECENT ASSAULT AT HETTON.- Yesterday, at Durham Assizes, John Williams (17), a pitman, was found guilty of indecently assaulting Sarah Ann Shorthouse, a girl of the age of 10 years, at Hetton-le-Hole, on July 25th, and sentenced to four months’ imprisonment with hard labour.

Twins Edith and Mary Shorthouse.

Edith and Mary were born in Wigan in the spring of 1878, Edith died in the summer of 1879 in Wigan and Mary at the end of 1881 in Burnley. We have no information about these children.

Observation by John Robinson.

The similarities between the families of Elizabeth and Annie are remarkable. They lived in Burnley and Trimdon respectively, separated by about 100 miles. Each family had twelve children, each had twin girls who died at an early age. They each lost another girl in childhood. Elizabeth had 6 girls and 6 boys, Annie had 7 girls and 5 boys. Three boys from each family went to war, Annie lost two in France, and Elizabeth one. However Elizabeth also lost one boy in an industrial accident at that time.

William Thomas (Tom) Shorthouse

Tom was born in Wigan in the autumn of 1880 and according to the parish records he was not baptised until 24 February 1887 at Lyons Par. Church (Hetton le Hole) Son of Frederick and Annie, Miner.

The 1901 census shows Tom at age 20, working as a hotel barman in Throston (Hartlepool). The Holy Trinity Throston, Hartlepool parish records 10 July 1902, show that Thomas Shorthouse 22 married Charlotte Russell 20, Publican both of Arch Street, Fathers Frederick Shorthouse and Samuel Russel, Witnesses to the wedding were Harry Odell and Jennie Shorthouse. Samuel Russel was a boilermaker by trade; both he and his wife Charlotte (Steele) were from Ireland.

Tom and Charlotte had one child, Hilda born 28 June 1905 in Arch Street Throston. Charlotte died in the summer, 10th. Jun. 1907, aged 25, in Hartlepool.

The following notice is from The Hartlepool Northern Daily Mail, June 11th. 1907:

SHORTHOUSE – At the Sun Hotel, Hartlepool,

On the 10th. Inst. Charlotte, the beloved wife of

Thomas Shorthouse. – Interment at Hartlepool

Cemetery on Thursday, 13th. Cortege leaving at

3 p.m. All friends please accept this (the only)

intimation.

Tom married Elizabeth (Lizzie) Ann Wilson in Burnley the winter of 1910, in 1912 they had a son George who unfortunately died in 1913 before his first birthday. They were living in Burnley at the time of WW1, he is listed on the “Burnley in the Great War” website as being a survivor of the war as a private in the Durham Light Infantry Reg. # 39131. Towards the end of the war (mid 1917), he was transferred to the Labour Corps Reg. # 59979. The Corps was manned by officers and other ranks who had been medically rated below the "A1" condition needed for front line service.

Tom was 38 years old and had served 9 months with the D.L.I, the last three months were served in the trenches in France. He was diagnosed with “Trench Fever” on the 5th. June 1917 and after treatment (shown as 2 days), he was transferred to the casualty clearing station (#17 CCS) at Remy Siding.

Trench fever was a major medical problem during the war and after research by both British and American medical experts, they determined it was caused by new bacterium spread by body lice. The only solution the army could find was to control the lice population and they instigated fumigation of clothes and baths weekly. The fever could be treated but they found that the bacteria remained in the body and the victim could relapse particularly if re-infected by the lice.

Tom was awarded both the Victory and British medals at the end of the war.

Their residence is shown as 1 Bulcock St Burnley. Lizzie wrote a letter from this address to the Shorthouse family when Joe died in France in 1916.

His aunt Elizabeth Want (formerly Nicholls, nee Osborn) wrote in one of her letters to her sister Anne Shorthouse: "I was surprised to see about Tom and Lizey in the paper we did not know one word until we saw it in the papers how is he gone on".

The troubles Elizabeth referred to were that Tom decided to quit his job as an iron moulder in 1913 and try his luck on stage in the Music Halls. He abandoned Lizzie and daughter Hilda in February 1913 and made no effort to provided support for either. In July, Lizzie took Hilda to live with her grandmother Annie Shorthouse, who brought her up. Lizzie went to court to legally force Tom to make maintenance payments. The following articles from local newspapers tell the story.

Burnley News Sat. Nov.1, 1914.

A summons for wife neglect was heard against William Thos. Shorthouse, a former moulder, who subsequently embarked on a career as head of a company of entertainers. Mr. W. Mossop appeared for the complainant, Elizabeth Ann Shorthouse.

Mr. Mossop asked for a separation order on the ground of the husband’s wilful neglect. Defendant now styled himself “Comita, great Egyptian illusionist.” The parties were married in 1910 and up to 1913 they lived together in Burnley. Defendant was them a moulder and was earning on an average from 32/- 38/- a week. He was giving his wife 5/- a week for the maintenance of a child of his by a former marriage. Defendant went away in February, 1913 and in July she took his child to his mother. From Christmas 1913 up to now, defendant has never sent his wife a single penny. Complainant had been able to work a little, and had, on the average obtained 4/5 a week, during the last eight weeks but, fortunately; an uncle and aunt had supported her. Defendant had said he had a troupe in Newcastle, and was getting good money.

The bench found the case proved and made an order for maintenance of 8/- per week, and the costs.

Burnley News sat. May 20, 1916.

BURNLEY MUSIC HALL ARTISTE

ARREAS UNDER MAINTENANCE ORDER.

Yesterday, at Burnley Police Court, Wm. Thomas Shorthouse (35), of Burnley, who described himself as a music hall artiste, was brought up for arrears of payment under an order under the Married Women’s Maintenance Act.

Mr. Mossop, who represented Elizabeth Ann Shorthouse, the defendant’s wife, the total amount due under the order, which was made on November 4th, 1914, for 8s. per week, was £33 17s. 6d. Shorthouse had paid no money under this order.

Mr. Mossop asked the bench to issue distress warrants, which would not be executed if the man would agree to a fair amount weekly to reduce the amount. Shorthouse described himself as an Egyptian illusionist, and was formally a moulder employed ar Messrs. Butterworth and Dickinson’s works.

Mrs. Shorthouse, living at 1 Bulcock street, Burnley, gave evidence as to the order.

Mr. Mellor (to the defendant): What are your means? How much do you make?-Just a living.

How much did you make last week? – I was not working.

Then the week before? - £9, to be divided between nine of us.

It was explained that the defendant had certain furniture besides stage properties, and as he made no offer of payment the magistrate granted distree warrants.

Express Advertiser May 20, 1916

Artiste and His Wife.

William Thomas Shorthouse (35), a music hall artiste, describing himself as “Comita, the great Egyptian illusionist,” was charged with being in arrears under a married woman’s maintenance order, the amounts owing being given as £5 4s, and £28 14s 6d. Mr. Mossop who appeared for the complainant, said the application was to enforce payment of certain arrears which had become due under an order made in that Court on the 4th of November, 1914. The man had wilfully neglected to maintain his wife, and an order for 8s per week was made and certain costs amounting to £1 15s. 6d.Not a single penny had been paid, either on the order or towards the costs. Upon being served with the order the accused wrote to his wife complaining about her having to obtain and order against him, but since then she had not had a line from him. He was formally a moulder at Messrs. Butterworth & Dickinson’s, earning, with overtime, about 38s. per week. He left this work in January, 1913, evidently thinking he could do better on the music-hall stage. He had been on the stage ever since. Defendant said he would pay when he was able. His earnings were uncertain. He earned nothing last week, bur £9 the week before. Elizabeth Ann Shorthouse now living at 1Bulcock st., gave evidence as to the order having been made, and said her husband had paid nothing. The magistrates ordered the arrears to be paid, in default a distress warrant.

Express Advertiser May 27, 1916

Artiste and His Wife.

William Thomas Shorthouse (35), a music hall artiste, describing himself as “Comita, the great Egyptian illusionist,” was charged with being in arrears under a married woman’s maintenance order, the amounts owing being given as £5 4s, and £28 14s 6d. Mr. Mossop who appeared for the complainant, said a portion of the money had been recovered through the sale of furniture under a distress warrant. Defendant had agreed to pay 10s. per week and asked the magistrates to make a committal order to be suspended so long as the 10s. a week was paid. The magistrate made a committal order for 31 days, to be suspended as suggested.

Burnley Express and Advertiser. July 30th. 1924.

HEAVY MAINTENANCE ARREARS

MUSIC HALL ARTISTE SUMMONED

AT BURNLEY.

PAY £20 OR THREE MONTHS.

There was only one case for consideration by the Burnley magistrates (Alderman Emmett in the chair) on Monday, when William Thomas Shorthouse (44), who belongs to Wigan, and who stated that he was a music hall artiste, and was now in charge of a pierot troupe at Hastings, was brought upon a warrant in respect to maintenance arrears amounting to £100-8s- 6d. due to his wife, Elizabeth A. Shorthouse, living at 23 Queen Victoria Road, Burnley.

Replying to the magistrates Clerk, defendant said during the last two months he had only earned 23s. or 24s. per week. Before that he was working for a week and was out for three or four weeks at a stretch. Asked what he did on the music hall stage, defendant said he was a conjuror.

Mr. Waddington, junr. Who appeared for the wife, stated that the parties were married in December, 1910, and an order was made at that Court on the 4th. November, 1914.The ground of that order was that defendant had not provided reasonable maintenance for his wife, and that she had on that account had to leave him. Under the order defendant had to pay his wife 8s. a week, but he was brought up before the Court for arrears in 1916 and a committal order was made to be suspended as long as he paid 10s. a week. Shortly afterward defendant joined the Army, and whilst with the colours his wife received a separation allowance. Since defendant came out of the Army in 1918, for five-and-a-half years he has paid nothing under the order, and it was not until a month ago that his wife found his whereabouts, and he was then with another man in charge of a pierot troupe in Hastings. There were no children, said Mr. Waddington.

Formally a Foundry Worker.

The wife giving evidence ststed that she was at present unemployed, and that she had not been working since the holidays. Defendant had not kept up his payments under the original order, or under the order in respect of the arreas in 1916.

By the Clerk: And he is now in arrears to the extent of over £100?

Witness: Yes.

And you have not known where he has been? – No.

That is the reason why the arrears are as heavy? – Yes.

With regard with what he says as to his earnings, do you understand that has been anything like what he did earn? – I have no idea what he did earn.

When were you married? – I December 1910.

Answering further questions, witness said defendant was working in a foundry at that time. He took up his occupation on the music hall stage before he left her in 1913. She did not know how much her husband earned as a music hall artiste. They had not lived together since the order was made.

The Clerk (to defendant).Have you anything to say to show cause why you shouldn’t be committed to prison?

Defendant: No I will pay her 10s. per week.

The Clerk suggested to defendant that he might have done something like that before so preventing the arrears from accumulating.

Supt. Fairclough said defendant had nothing on him when arrested, and it had cost £5 to bring him from Hastings.

The Ckerk (to defendant): Are you prepared, if you have another chance, to find some of this money.

Defendant said he could not promise anything.

Alderman Emmett: You will be committed to prison for three months. If you can pay £20 down you will be released, but if you don’t pay that you will have to go to prison.

The Clerk: If you pay this money or get someone else to pay it whilst you are in prison you will be released.

Lizzie died 1932 in Burnley and later that year Tom married Florence Callcot in Newcastle upon Tyne. He died in 1967. Death Cert. 4 July 1967, Newcastle General Hospital, 86yrs, Residence 2 Ponds Cottages, Greenside. Informant F.Shorthouse, Widow. Florence died in Newcastle in 1993.

SHORTHOUSE (2 Ponds Cottages Greenside)

In loving memory of my dear husband Tom, died July 4, 1967.

One year ago today. God came and stood beside your bed.

We never said goodbye love, God willed it not to be.

For I could never have said goodbye to the one so dear to me.

Your memory is a ray of light that brightens up my darkest nights.

As I journey through the years, I will remember you love with heartaches and tears. Loved and longed for by his loving wife Florence.

Recollections of W T Kell nephew.

“Did not see uncle Tom many times, usually short visits lasting about half an hour. He would come into the kitchen and stand with his back to the open fire rocking back and forth on his heels with hands in pocket while he talked usually about his wife. He always wore country style clothes, sports jacket with plus fours and a flat cloth cap. He was an accomplished musician and occasionally would play jigs and reels on the fiddle with sister Nellie. He started as a barman in Hartlepool, was a music hall artist, soldier and finished his career as a hotel bar manager in Newcastle upon Tyne.”

Tom’s daughter Hilda was Married 1 June 1929 To Stanley Thornton (Colliery Blacksmith) Of No 1 Block, Northside, Trimdon Grange, Father Richard Deafty Thornton. Residence 36 Station Road, Deaf Hill, Trimdon Station. Witnesses George Craggs And Nicholas Thornton.

Hartlepool Northern Daily Mail June 3rd. 1929.

TRIMDON

Wedding. – The marriage of Miss Hilda Shorthouse, granddaughter of Mrs. Shorthouse, Station Lane, Deaf Hill, and Mr. S .Thornton, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. R. Thornton, of Trimdon Grange, was solemnized in the Wesleyan Church, Trimdon Station, on Saturday, the Rev. J.C. Whiting, of Wingate, officiating. The bride, who was dressed in ivory silk, with crinoline hat to match and silver shoes, was given away by her uncle, Mr. G, Craggs, West Hartlepool, and was attended by Miss L. Coulthard, of Westgate-in-Weardale, who wore a dress of shell pink celanese satin, with crinoline hat to match and silver shoes. The duties of best man were carried out by Mr. N. Thornton, brother of the bridegroom. The bride carried a bouquet of carnations, while the bridesmaid had one of sweet peas. The couple left for Harrogate later in the day, the bride’s going-away dress being of pale blue silk, with fawn coat, hat and shoes.

Hilda was a quiet person and had a lifetime close relationship with her aunt Annie Shorthouse. She and Stan emigrated to Australia in the 1950’s where Stan had work in the mines at Bulli. They left Southampton on the “S.S. Australia” which traveled the 13000 miles via Port Said, Suez Canal, Aden, Colombo, Freemantle, Melbourne and final destination was Sydney.

The following recollections are by her cousin Marion Walmsley.

“Marion was very close to Hilda (who preferred to be called Pat) when she was in Australia. Hilda lived for some time with Jennie (Richardson) with whom she didn’t always see eye to eye! Hilda told Marion that she would love Annie (Shorthouse) if and when they met (which she did) in contrast to Jennie who was somewhat ‘sharp tongued’. Mum told me that Hilda was lady in waiting for Sir William Slim's wife (the Governor General of Australia 1953-1959) and moved with them between Kiriibili House in Sydney (where she enjoyed swimming during time off) and Government House Canberra. Mum described Stan Thornton as 'that awful creature' who apparently left Hilda for a women with 4 children.”

Recollections by Ellen Scott.

”Hilda Shorthouse: I once went to Seaham by bus with my Great Aunty Annie to see Hilda and Stan. Hilda caller her ‘Nancy’ and they were great friends. Hilda and Stan had white fighting dogs, which were fierce. Hilda was preparing to go to Australia with Stan. She gave me 2 books from her leather bound collection and inscribed them for me. ‘Pepys Diary’. I passed them on to my son, Colin. It sounded a great adventure. Hilda had her portrait painted in oils to commemorate this special occasion. This portrait eventually came to me but after a few years I gave it to a charity shop. It was not a good painting. When Hilda came back to the UK I saw her and chatted to her many times. She was very lucky to have been welcomed back and housed and looked after by the government but she still yearned for the sun and Australia. She believed she was a clairvoyant. She dyed her hair black and it showed.” Hilda with Charlie and Jane Richardson, 1954.

After Stan left her, Hilda returned to England and lived with Annie Shorthouse in Trimdon Village where she died in March 1981. Stan died in Bulli in 1973.

Ellen (Nellie) Shorthouse.

Ellen Was Born, 25 August 1882, Father Frederick (Coal Miner), Mother Annie (Nee Osborne) At Easington Lane Co. Durham. She was baptised 24 Feb 1887 at Lyons Parish Church Hetton le Hole, Co. Durham. This was a joint baptism with her siblings Tom, Jane and Arthur.

At the age of 19, she was married on the 19 March 1901 At St Paul’s Church, Deaf Hill Cum Langdale (Father Frederick, Stoneman) To Henry Kell (27), Miner (Quarryman) (Father Henry) Both Resident In Langdale (Trimdon Colliery/ Deaf Hill). Witnesses William Thomas Shorthouse And Jannie Shorthouse.

Their first home was in Fairfield terrace where their first child Eveline was born. In 1903 they moved to Commercial Street, this was a small two roomed terrace house attached to (and owned by) Harry Baldwin’s newspaper shop. This one up one down house was to become the family home for the next thirty plus years. The bedroom was divided with a curtain and the downstairs room served as the kitchen, laundry and living area. To get to the toilet (nettie) in the back yard, there was an inside door at the bottom of the stairs that opened into a short closed passageway that led to the backyard.

Henry and Ellen had three children:

Eveline Kell - Bap. 21 Sept. 1902, Primitive Methodist Wingate Circuit Born 27 August 1902 of Fairfield Terrace, Trimdon Colliery, father Henry Kell, limestone Quarryman, mother Ellen nee Shorthouse

Jennie Kell Born 21 February 1906 Trimdon Colliery, Died 1990 Nunthorpe, Yorks.

Henry Kell Born 15 August 1907 Trimdon Colliery, died in Burma WWII 29 March 1944

Ellen’s husband Henry Kell died on the 12 May 1908 at Trimdon Colliery of Influenza and Heart failure.

We are not sure of the circumstance that Ellen was left in following the death of husband Henry in 1908, we know she had 3 small children, normally under this circumstance she would have to rely on Charity for income, Parish Relief. At some time between 1903 and 1909, Ellen started selling homemade baked goods from her downstairs room to supplement her income, she also took in washing.

On the 2nd October 1909 at the age of 27, she married Henry Mortimer at the Register Office, Sedgefield (Father Frederick Shorthouse, Coalminer) to Harry Mortimer (25), Coalminer (Father Deceased, Iron Moulder At Foundry) both Resident Front Street Trimdon Colliery. Witnesses Arthur Shorthouse and Jennie Richardson.

We had very little information about Henry Mortimer, in 1914 he joined the army and served in France. Joe Shorthouse writing from a hospital in Egypt in December of 1915, to his parents, was asking about his welfare. In 1916, Ellen found out that Mortimer was a bigamist and his real name was Henry Coghill. However two children Olive 1912, and Joseph Osborne (Ozzie) 1916, were born in this period and given the name Mortimer. It was rumored that one of the children’s father was Mr. Turnbull manager of Station Town Co-op. (When Olive married she used the Kell surname, Ozzie kept the Mortimer surname.)

When Ellen found out that Mortimer was a bigamist with two other wives, Ellen reverted back to her first married name Kell. Two other children were born in this period, Fred (Kell) Craggs in 1919 and William Thomas Kell in 1925. Fred Kell was given to sister Minnie Craggs and raised as her son. Fred was not aware of this arrangement until he was an adult and found a copy of his birth certificate in a tobacco tin. Fathers of both children were not identified, however, there was a strong rumour in the family that Tommy’s father was a police sergeant.

The details of the bigamist relationship has been documented from various newspaper reports from that time and are included below.

Rochdale Observer March 21st. 1917.

WOUNDED SOLDIER CHARGED.

ALLEGED BIGAMY. HOSPITAL VISITOR DECIEVED.

At the Rochdale borough police court on Monday Harry Mortimer (35), a sergeant in the Army, who has two medals, was charged with marrying Charlotte Tattersall of Back Joystreet, Syke, at Greenbank Chapel, Rochdale, on November 4th. 1916, his former wife being then alive. The magistrates on the bench were the Mayor (Councillor Robert Turner), in the chair, Councillor Schofield, Councillor Dr. Kerr and Mr. J. Asquith.

The Chief Constable said the prisoner, who was arrested on a warrant at Chatham on Saturday, was a patient at the Castleton House auxiliary hospital in August, 1918, and whilst he was there many persons interested themselves in providing amusements for the soldiers. Miss Tattersall was among those who were providing these entertainments, and she met the prisoner and they kept company until November, when he obtained a special licence and went through a form of marriage with her. During their courtship she asked him if he was married and he said he was not. After going through the form of marriage he stayed with Miss Tattersall for a week, and then rejoined his regiment. He then went away for a month and returned to her for another week. As certain information came to her knowledge she wrote to him. In a letter which he sent to her he said he would always respect her, and that he would volunteer for the front and he did not think he would come back. He expressed regret for having gone through a form of marriage with her, admitting that he was a married man.

Evidence having been given by Miss Tattersall, the Chief Constable applied for a remand until Friday, as evidence of prisoner’s previous marriage would have to be produced.

Prisoner was accordingly remanded until Friday.

North East Daily Gazette March 23rd. 1917.

A HOSPITAL ROMANCE.

TRIMDON MINER’S ALLEGED SERIOUS OFFENCE.

At Rochdale today, Harry Mortimer, a miner, of Front-street, Trimdon Colliery, Durham, was charged with feloniously marrying Elizabeth Tattersall, of Rochdale, his wife being then alive.

The evidence showed that Mortimer, who was arrested at Oldham, where he was a sergant in the Royal Engineers, was stationed in a hospital as a wounded soldier, and whilst there he met and courted Mrs. Tattersall, who was one of a party of entertainers at the hospital. They were married and lived together.

The Chief Constable said there was no evidence of a third marriage, and if that were proved it would alter the situation, if the first wife was still alive. He therefore asked for a remand.

Sergant Suttun produced certificates of two previous marriages, and sad Mortimer, who real name is Henry Goghill, was a native of Hunslet. His first marriage was contracted at Hunslet in October, 1903, with Ada Mary Elizabeth Poulter. The second marriage was with Ellen Kell at Sedgefield Registry Office County Durham. He had not yet ascertained whether the first wife was alive.

The Chief Constable asked for a remand for further inquiries.

Mortimer had nothing to sayagainst the proposal, and was remanded in custody unti Wednesday.

Northern Daily Mail Hartlepool March 28th. 1917.

A SERGEANTS THREE MARRIAGES.

At Rochdale, on Wednesday, Harry Mortimer, a sergant in the Royal Engineers of Durham, was committed for trial at the Assizes on two charges of bigamy. The Chief Constable said the man had contracted three marriages. While a wounded soldier in a military hospital at Rochdale. Mortimer formed an acquaintance with a Miss Charlotte Tattersall, whom he married in November last by special licence.

Ada Elizabeth Coghill, a domestic servant at Leeds said she married the prisoner, whose real name is Henry Coghill, at Hunslet in 1903, and after living together for a short while, he deserted her. Three years later he induced her to go to Barrow, where he said he had a home. They stayed in lodgings, and the next morning he went away, taking £10, the whole of her savings.

Ellen Kell said she married the accused in the name of Harry Mortimer at Sedgefield Registry Office, Durham in 1909. She last saw him in November last, three days before he married Miss Tattersall.

Charlotte Tattersall said she went through a form of marriage with the prisoner at Greenbank Chapel, Rochdale, on November 14th. Last. Mortimer described himself as a bachelor.

Mortimer said he admitted the whole of the three marriages, but denied that he took £10, as alleged by his first wife.

Yorkshire Evening Post March 28th 1917.

WOUNDED SOLDIER AND THE GIRL ENTERTAINER.

A CHARGE OF BIGAMY.

At Rochdale, today, Harry Mortimer (35), a miner, of Trimdon Colliery, Durham, was brought up on two counts of committing bigamy.

THE Chief Constable said Mortimer was a wounded soldier’ and while in an auxiliary hospital at Rochdale he formed an acquaintance with a young woman named Charlotte Tattersall, who was one of a party of entertainers at the hospital. After keeping company, they were married and stayed together on two occasions for the period of a week. When Tattersall applied for a separation allowance, it transpired that the allowance was already being drawn by another “wife.” When taxed with the offence, Mortimer expressed regret and said he would always respect her. The three “wives” were all present in court and gave evidence.

Mortimer, whose real name is Harry Coghill, is a native of Hunslet, and was married there in October, 1903, to Ada Mary Elizabeth Poulter. His second marriage was contracted at the Registrar’s Office, Sedgefield, Durham, with Ellen Kell, who is still alive, and the third with Charlotte Tattersall, at Greenbank Wesleyan Chapel, Rochdale, in November last.

Ada Coghill, the first wife said she was married to the prisoner at Hunslet. They lived together at Hunslet and Wakefield a short time and he the deserted her. She was now a domestic servant at Leeds. About three years later he visited her at Bradford and induced her to go to Barrow, where he said he had a home. She stayed with him one night and the next morning he again deserted her, taking with him £10, the whole of her savings.

Other evidence was given, and the prisoner was committed on the two charges.

Rochdale Observer March 31st 1917.

THREE “WIVES.”

A SERGEANT CHARGED WIH BIGAMY

PATIENT AT CASTLETON MILITARY HOSPITAL

COMMITED TO LEEDS ASSIZES

At the Rochdale borough police court on Wednesday, Harry Mortimer (35), a sergeant in the Royal Engineers, was charged with marrying Charlotte Tattersall of Back Joy-street, Syke, his former wife, Ada Mary Elizabeth, being alive. He was further charged with marrying Ellen Kell, his former wife being alive. The magistrates on the bench were Alderman Cuncliffe (in the chair), Councillor Booth, Mr. W.H. Schofield, and Mr. Richard Heape.

Ada Mary Elizabeth Coghill, a servant, of Grove Lodge, Harehills Lane, Roundergrove, Leeds,who was told that she was not obliged to give evidence, but stated that she was willing to do so, said she married the prisoner on October 3rd, 1903 at the church of St. Silas, Leeds. He then gave his name as Coghill. After he was married she lived with him about three months at Hunslet and Micklefield, where he deserted her leaving her destitute. About three years later he visited her at the place where she was staying at Bradford, and persuaded her to go to Barrow, stating that he had a home for her there. He, however, took her to lodgings there and she stayed there with him for one night only, as in the morning he went away with her savings £10 and again deserted her. Afew years later she saw him outside a public house in Boar Lane, Leeds, and he spoke to her. She was afraid of him and did not answer but got in a tramcar and went home. Since they parted prisoner had not supported her in any way. Replying to prisoner, witness emphatically declared that he took £10 from her at Barrow and also that she was alone and did not speak to him when she saw him in Boar Lane, Leeds.

Frederick Poulter of Willeden, near Bradford, brother of Mrs. Coghill, proved having been a witness to her marriage to prisoner. On July 6th, 1904 prisoner came to work at where witness was employed a farm where witness was employed and remained a fortnight. Since the 20th of that month witness had not seen prisoner until that morning.

Ellen Kell of Sedgefield, Durham, deposed to having gone through the form of marriage with the prisoner at the registrar’s office, Sedgefield, Durham, on October 2nd, 1909. She was a widow when she “married” prisoner. He was known as Harry Mortimer and described himself as a bachelor. Witness lived with him at Trimdon Colliery, County Durham, up to August 31st 1914, when he joined the army. He came home on furlough in the New Year of 1915, and in the following May was sent to France. She saw him on August Bank Holiday 1916 at Castleton House military hospital and again on November 1st, three days before his third “marriage” when he went with her and her mother to see relatives in Burnley. In consequence of something she heard she wrote to prisoner at Chatham on December 18th and received a letter (handed to the bench and not publicly read) from him.

Prisoner (to witness): What happened between 1915 and August 1916? – Witness: That has nothing to do with this case.

The Magistrates’ Clerk (to prisoner): What do you mean?

Prisoner: Ask the lady; she will tell you.

Witness: I refuse to answer.

The Magistrates’ Clerk told the prisoner that he should put some definite questions to the witness and then said, “I will wash it out, sir.”

In giving evidence of the third “marriage,” Charlotte Tattersall she met prisoner in August 1916 at Castleton auxiliary military hospital. She commenced to keep company with him, and on November 4th 1916, he obtained a special licence and went through the form of marriage with her at Greenbank Wesleyan Church. He described himself as a bachelor and gave his name as Harry Mortimer. While keeping company with him she asked him if he was married and he said he was not. After staying with her a week he left, stating that he was going to see his sister Nellie at Durham. Subsequently he went to Chatham, and a month later he returned and stayed with her another week. In consequence of information she received she wrote to him on December 20th 1916, and received a letter from him (which was handed to the magistrates but not read publicly). After that she wrote him that he must not come near her again, and she reported the matter to the police and took out a warrant on January 24th.

Martha Tyrell, wife of John Tyrell of Greenbank Road, a witness to the “marriage” with Miss Tattersall, also gave evidence.

Detective Sergeant Sutton, who received prisoner into custody from the police at Chatham) where he was serving as a sergeant in the Royal Engineers) and charged him with bigamy, said he made no reply. Witness had since charged him again in view of the discovery of his first marriage, and he replied “I have nothing to say”.

This concluded the case for the prosecution, and the prisoner said he had nothing to say in regard to the “marriages”. He admitted them, but he denied his wife’s allegation that he had £10 or any money from her at Barrow. He also said that while he was in France from May 15th to July 18th 1916, Mrs. Kell had a child.

The Magistates’ Clerk: What has that to do with this case?

Prisoner: Nothing, I suppose.

He was committed to trial at the Assizes at Manchester in May.

Prisoner applied for bail, and the Chief Constable said he should not object to it being granted if it was fixed at a substantial sum.

The Magistrates, however, refused to grant bail.

Rochdale Observer May 9th 1917.

“SAVED FROM PENAL SERVITUDE”

AN OFFICER’S LETTER. A ROCHDALE BIGAMY CASE.

At the Manchester Assizes yesterday before Mr, Justice M’Cardie, Henry Coghill (alias Harry Mortimer), 35, a sergeant in the Royal Engineers, who had been twice wounded at the front, was charged with having committed bigamy at Sedgefield in 1909, and again at Rochdale on November 4th last.

It was explained that the prisoner deserted his wife a few months after marriage in 1903. He did the same to the woman he subsequently married. Having rejoined the colours on the outbreak of war he was sent out to France and was severely wounded. During his treatment for a second wound in a hospital at Rochdale he met a woman named Tattersall, and went through the form of marriage with her by special licence.

The prisoner pleaded guilty, and in sentencing him to 18 months’ imprisonment the Judge said the letter from his commanding officer giving him a good character in the army had saved him from penal servitude. It was time to stop the practice which seemed to have grown up regarding bigamy as a light offence.

Rochdale Observer April 13th 1918.

ROCHALE DIVORCE CASE.

In the Divorce Court yesterday, before Mr. Justice Horridge, Mrs. Ada Mary Elizabeth Coghill petitioned for a divorce from her husband on the ground of his bigamous marriage with Miss Charlotte Tattersall at Rochdale. There was no defence.

The petitioner said she married respondent in October 1903 at Hunslet and they lived in Leeds. She was present in May 1917 at the Manchester Assizes when Mr. Justice McCardie sentenced her husband to eighteen months hard labour for bigamy. Miss Charlotte Tattersall said that in November 1916 she went through a form of marriage with Henry Coghill, who called himself Hy. Mortimer, at the Wesleyan Church, Greenbank Road, Rochdale. She afterwards lived with him.

His Lordship granted the decree nisi with costs.

---oo0oo---

When Charlotte Tattersall applied to the army for a separation allowance, she found that it was already being paid to another wife, hence the charges of bigamy. This allowance must have been paid to Ellen Mortimer (Kell) and would have provided her with some income between 1914 and 1918 when Mortimer was sentenced. Left on her own again, without means, and small children support, she fell back on her home business.

Ellen’s income came from the front room bakery and sweet shop on Commercial Street, she also scrubbed floors and took in laundry to make ends meet. It was also said that she had a liaison with Harry Baldwin and never paid rent. Harry was a bachelor and it was rumored that he was at one time going to marry Ellen but he called it off. When Harry Baldwin died in 1936 and Ellen was put out of the house, she moved with Ozzie and Tommy to live with daughter Jennie in Hartlepool.

The following articles include a reference to the shop:

Excerpt from History of Trimdon Colliery. Shops.

“Trimdon Colliery had quite a variety of shops. Some colliery housewives sold sweets and homemade ginger beer from their homes. Next to the Temperance Hall and the Primitive Chapel was Station Town Co-op, which could supply all needs from butchering, groceries, drapery, floor coverings etc. Past the station, down the bank, was Paul's, the grocer and post office. The telephone number was just simply the number 1. A little further up the street was Sawyer’s, the printers. The actual printing was done in a shed in the back garden! Across the road was the bakers and sweet shop owned by the two Miss Robsons. Commercial travelers could stop here for a cup of tea and a snack behind the curtain, which divided the shop. At the end of the block was Temple the tailors. The next opening had Swan's sweet shop and further up was Innes the grocer.

Traveling back to the colliery area, past Alex Purvis, we had Harry Baldwin's the newsagent who later kept a supply of library books for hire for a few coppers a fortnight. Next was a kitchen sweet shop run by Nellie Kell, who also had a tea and sweet shop on Hart Sands. After that was Maughan's the milliners. Next to the opening was Elliot's the drapers run by mother and daughter, Olive, who was a dressmaker. Etc.”

Excerpt from Peterlee Scene July 27th, 1984." When Crimdon was Hart". John Etherington

"As if by some prearranged signal each separate group settles down for a picnic. A queue forms at Ma Kell's little green hut and steaming hot jugs of strong tea are passed out, a deposit of three pence being made."

Kelly’s directory 1921, 1925, 1929

Mrs. Ellen Kell shopkeeper Trimdon Colliery.

A specialty of the shop were homemade Cornish Pasties, these were baked in a coal fireplace oven, several sheets at a time. They were timed to come out of the oven to coincide with the end of shifts at the mine.

Hartlepool Northern Daily Mail June 24th 1930.

BOOTY BURIED IN SAND BANKS.

William Woolnough (14) and Robert William Reay (15), two campers at Hart, who are recently bound over by Castle Eden Magistrates for a similar offence about the same time, were summoned at West Hartlepool County Sessions this morning for stealing sweets, biscuits, sugar, and mineral waters from a shop at Hart. These boys, and Robert Woolnough (18) admitted breaking into the shop, which was I wooden erection on Hart sands owned by Ellen Kell, of Front Street, Trimdon. They used a knife and a stick to pry some boards from the rear of the cabin, and filled five biscuit tins with the contents of the shop. These they buried in the sand banks at Hart. When P.C. Hill was questioning the boys in regard to another robbery, they showed him the hiding place and told him that they saw some other boys bury the things there. They were placed on probation for two years.

The shop in Trimdon that she opened around about 1905, closed in 1936. The Hart teashop also closed about 1936; they were forced to move from beach area to the headland when the local Council changed to Easington District, it was a bad location, not profitable. The 1936, move from Trimdon to 11 South Road Hartlepool to live with daughter Jennie(a nurse) did not last long. Jennie married, moved to Nunthorpe and Ellen moved across the street to 14 South Rd with Ozzie and Tommy. Here she kept boarders until retirement age. Also had an arrangement with local bakers to make and decorate wedding cakes etc. (Very artistic designs with delicate lace work and roses).

Nephew Harry Robinson lodged with Grandma Kell during his early apprenticeship years, (very few buses from Trimdon during the war years). Nellie as she was called by the family had lots of family visitors and could entertain by playing jigs on her fiddle. She was an ardent card player and went often to Villiers Hall down the street for whist drives.

She lived in South Road for the rest of her life; her children and grandchildren would drop in to see her when in town. She looked after herself and lived in the kitchen area of the house, she got some assistance from her children. Shortly before her death, she moved to Nunthorpe to live with daughter Jennie. She died 5 November 1966 age 84 at Jennie’s house 5 Marton Moor Road Nunthorpe.

Recollections by son Tommy Kell.

“I may have an argument with Jim and Harry (Robinson) on the subject of who chopped the most sticks (for Anne Shorthouse). I used to go up every two weeks and got paid my pocket money, which enabled me to go to the Wingate picture house. We all had our share of taking the pasties round to the different houses, some on the Deaf Hill Estate

My mother (Ellen) was employed by the butchers to clean their house and do their washing. I remember how upset she was when she was turned out of her home after 30 years, because the owner’s son was getting married and they wanted her house to live in. Fortunately Jennie (Kell) got married to Alan (Anderson), which meant the house No 11 South Road was going to be unoccupied and mother took over the tenancy. I used to walk up and pay the rent at Baden Street every week. The reason, which was given to me on our move to Hartlepool, was it was easier for Ozzie to travel by train to Seaham Harbour where he worked until going to Abadan. You might like to mention that my mother walked from Trimdon to Hart (10 miles) carrying carrier bags full of goods for the shop, at the times when the buses for some reason or other, were not running.”

Recollections by Peggy Robinson (Grandson Billy’s wife)

Thank you for the document on the Kell family. I found it very interesting and informative. Billy loved grandma Kell, as I did, she had so many talents and I never heard her complain. When Anne was just over two years old she came to visit us at Bishop Auckland. I had a violin which belonged to my mother and she picked it up and played "The Irish Washer Women" really fast, tapping her foot. Anne was dancing to it in her own fashion, twirling and stamping her feet. We used to visit her in Hartlepool, her door was never locked, always open even though she was in bed most of the day, beside the fire downstairs. Her chapel friends would pop in and out, make her tea etc.  They would lock the door about 9pm in summer and of course your mother (Eveline) and Jennie did all the house work between them, her laundry and she was happy to be in her own home and bed, always had her radio on , interested in everything. She asked me to reach up in the cupboard beside the fireplace and pass the violin down to her. That was my last memory of her when she played some of her favourite tunes and a hymn to Billy and me. She was with Auntie Jennie after that.

Jane Shorthouse.

Jane (Jennie, Jeannie, Janney) Shorthouse was born in the winter of 1884 at Easington Lane Hetton Le Hole. She was baptised 24 Feb 1887 at Lyons Parish Church Hetton le Hole, Co. Durham. This was a joint baptism with her siblings Tom, Ellen and Arthur.

The Deaf Hill Parish records show that on the 30th December 1903, Charles Marriner Richardson, a miner, age 23 married Jennie Shorthouse age 19, both of Deaf Hill, fathers Robert Richardson (miner) and Frederick Shorthouse (miner), witnesses Jane Eliz. Preston and Benjamin Davison.

Charlie Richardson and Henry Kell (husband of sister Ellen Shorthouse) were cousins, their grandparents were Robert and Ann Richardson living in Trimdon Colliery.

Charlie and Jane immigrated to Australia in the autumn of 1912 on the S.S. Irishman. On reaching Capetown 9 October 1912, Jane sent a postcard to her parents.

Dear Mother and Father

Just a card to let you know you need not worry because we are having a splendid voyage the people on the ship say we could not have a better it is a great it is that smooth. Plenty to eat. Frying fish in the morning. Hope you are well. This is a letter card. Jensie Charlie XXXX

Their son Charles Roy Richardson was born in 1917 in Bulli, NSW. Unfortunately he only lived three days. They did not have any other children.

A photograph sent in 1926 had the following text on the back: “This photo was taken 26 Jan 1922. Charlie 12 stones weight, Jeanni 11½ stones”

Another photo of the same vintage shows a house being built with over 50 people standing outside. Caption reads: “This cottage was built in three days and all voluntary and Charlie and I one of them.”

.

The following are recollections of Marion Walmsley March 2006 of her aunt and uncle, Jane and Charlie Richardson.

“Joan and Charles - We knew them as aunty Jenny and uncle Charlie - lived at Bulli on New South Wales south coast - Charlie worked his way up in mine to under manager, sometimes he was acting manager - they had one baby who lived three days, named Roy. Our whole family were always welcome at aunty Jenny's and uncle Charlie's home - not far from sea, which we all loved - all good swimmers from an early age

Ruth and I spent many school holidays with them - they were always generous with pocket money and beautiful gifts at Christmas - I always remember them singing together in lounge room - aunty Jenny had a gift for harmonising - uncle Charlie had a huge but melodious voice, One of their favourites was 'Forever more, my heart will be true' and we would all join in

chorus with them during school holidays, I was 12/13 and aunty J would always arrange for a young neighbour to accompany me to shops and beach.

Uncle C had a model T Ford and would delight in taking us for rides down coast on Bulli Pass (a very steep and dangerous road in those days). They owned their home and always seemed to have money to spare - we all attended their 50th wedding anniversary.”

Charlie died in 1965 and Jane in 1970, both buried in Bulli, NSW.

Arthur Shorthouse

Arthur Shorthouse was born in the spring of 1887 at Easington Lane Hetton Le Hole. He was baptised 24 Feb 1887 at Lyons Parish Church Hetton le Hole, Co. Durham. This was a joint baptism with his siblings Tom, Ellen and Jane. The family moved to Trimdon around about 1891- 1892 so Arthur would have started school in Trimdon at the Trimdon Foundry Boys School,

at the time of the move.

Arthur would have attended school until he was 14 years old. Very few children went on for higher education, there was none provided locally in the community, it was fairly expensive and very few parents could afford this. Most boys had only one choice and that was to work at the local coal mine. Deaf Hill pit was the local mine which employed about 800 men of which 650 were underground. The pit opened in 1877 and closed in1967. The shaft was about 1000ft. deep and produced coal for making town gas, steam boilers and domestic fires. His father and older brothers worked in this mine at laboring type jobs. Only a handful of the workers were in skilled trades and getting an apprenticeship was very difficult. Arthur managed to get one of these positions as a blacksmith/fitter. In 1911 he was working as a brakesman on the Electric Hauler which pulled the coal tubs to and from the mine face. This would have included maintenance of the equipment and was a responsible job for someone who was only 24 years old.

He immigrated to Australia 1912 on the S.S. Rangatira. He married Lillias Pontifex 4 April 1914 St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia. They had two children, Enid Marion born 30 Sep 1918 and Ruth Eason Pontifex Shorthouse born 10 Aug 1915.

Ruth Married Charles Joseph Malden Allbon in 1945 and had one child Ailsa in 1946. Marion married Lewis Walmsley, a sheep farmer, in 1945 and had three children, Stephen Lewis, Faye Hazel, and Mark.

Arthur died in 1956 and Lillias in 1960, both at Chatswood, they are buried at Macquarie Park Cemetery, North Ryde, NSW

When Arthur emigrated he was probably unaware that he already had some distant relatives in New South Wales. His grandfather John’s older brother Abraham’s eldest son William and his wife Susannah (ages 25 and 22) arrived in Sydney in 1853 on the “ Beejapore”. They had nine children who lived in the Sydney area and some of their descendants are still in this region.

Marion and husband Lewis visited the Trimdon area and kept in contact with Billy Robinson and his wife Peggy in Trimdon Village. In 2006, Billy’s brother John in Canada made contact with Marion and was able to send a collection of old Shorthouse family photographs and copies of some of the historical documents contained in this book. Contact was made with son Mark and cousin Ailsa, unfortunately they were not able to provide any historical documents or photographs of Arthur and Lillias.

Letter to Marion from John Robinson.

January 27, 2006

Dear Marion.

When Peggy received your Christmas letter in Trimdon she sent me an update of the recent additions to you family. While Billy was alive, he collected various documents including photographs from the album of Annie Shorthouse. He also made a start on a family tree for his grandchildren. Since his death, my younger brother Paul (in Durham) and myself have continued this task.

On my recent visits to England I have copied most of these documents and photographs, including some photographs of your father Arthur, mother Lillias and, Charley and Jane. I am not too sure that your family have these or any photographs of the other members of the Shorthouse family.

Because we made our home in Canada in the 60’s, our four children, six grandchildren and two great grandchildren all live here. Like Arthur, Jane and Charley, we chose to emigrate for a better life. There are now a hundred or more descendants of Fred and Annie Shorthouse living in the Trimdon area.

We are trying to document our heritage for these and future generations, to give them some idea as to where their roots are. There is nothing too exciting in the family background, only miners, carpenters, farmers and labourers.

I am collecting as much information on the Shorthouse family as I can, there is a story to tell to future generations. Peggy tells me that you write good letters and I would love to know a little about the lives that your family had living in Australia especially your parents and of course Charlie and Jane Richardson. I remember visiting G Grandmother Annie as a child, grandmother Ellen, brother Tom (Hilda’s dad), sisters Minnie and Annie lived close and we knew them well. Only Arthur and Jane got away.

We also have had a similar experience to Arthur and Jane, emigrating to a new country and leaving the family behind. In our case we had three children with us. We were fortunate in being able to visit our families in England every few years and currently are in daily / weekly contact through voice over Internet. This morning I talked to my brother Jim and “Uncle” Tommy Kell for an hour, and exchanged Emails with Peggy.

Ironically, if Japan had not got active in the Pacific during WW2, I was just a few weeks away from being evacuated from Trimdon to live with your family in Australia when the program was cancelled.

I have enclosed a Compact Disk with a slide show. It contains some photographs of the Shorthouse family that you can play in a computer or TV/DVD player. The earliest photo is that of Annie Osborn as a child sitting on a beach in Cornwall (dark hair bottom right) with the rest of the Osborn’s about 1863. Her marriage picture 1873 (sitting left hand side, Fredrick in centre) and a family picture of Frederick and Annie with all of their children (Arthur left of Fred.) about 1898. I have tried to keep the photos in chronological order by guessing the dates.

We would love to hear from you or your family. If Stephen, Joshua, Claudia, Mark or Oscar has Email, they can reach me at: j.robinson@sasktel.net

We have done a lot of research on the family history and try to keep it up to date. We can send this information as a GED file by Email which can be imported into most Family Tree Programs.

Regards, John Robinson

Marion’s reply to John Robinson Letter March 2006.

Dear John,

Such a pleasant surprise to hear from you and know I have another relative in Canada. I also have a cousin on the maternal side of family in Canada - Carl and Dorothy Pontifex, Manitoba, Winnipeg. (Note: Carl died June 2015, age 95, in Winnipeg, Manitoba Hydro engineer and Pontifex family historian).

I have done the best I could in recalling my family's and aunty J's life in Australia. Mark offered to type up my notes and email them on to you, Stephen may also contact you sometime.

Best wishes to you and your family,

Sincerely from

Marion

The following are recollections of Marion Walmsley March 2006 of her parents, Aurthur and Lillias:

“Lillias and Arthur had a very happy marriage. Both keen sense of humour and musically active. Played violin - actually met whilst playing in large orchestra in Sydney. Arthur blacksmith by trade, now I believe called fitter and turner. Was never out of work but worked part time during the depression years, they found it difficult to keep up mortgage payments, consequently lost their house after 10 years- then moved to another residence in Greenwich (Sydney's north shore) renting always from then on until Marion's husband generously bought them a home in Willoughby where they lived very happily until their eventual deaths. They occasionally went to see a good film and always to celebrity concerts at Sydney Town Hall and they heard soprano Joan Sutherland when she won her first competition and came home elated from the experience.

Both sang nicely together, Arthur had good deep baritone voice - both interested in gardening - mother always, Dad grew to enjoy it under mother's directions.

Arthur had an easy going nature, could see no fault in anyone - everyone was a 'good chap'. When my mother needed assistance after suffering strokes, Dad was her right hand man, was a good shopper - after he died Ruth and I were often surprised by local shop keepers coming to say how much they missed him and his bright friendly chats.”

In 2006, John’s daughter Sarah met one of her former co-workers who was living in Canberra where her husband was working under contract in telecommunications. This co-worker Marian Sagansky also worked in Canberra with a social service agency, Marion was one of the elderly clients she visited regularly. Marion was able to learn a little about our Canadian family from Marian and she took the above photograph for me before she left Canberra and returned to Canada at the end of the contract.

We did not hear of Marion’s death until the end of 2012, Peggy had sent her annual Christmas message to Marion and the staff at her former residence forwarded it to her son Stephen, a District Court Judge in Sydney. Stephen wrote to Peggy and enclosed a copy of the Eulogy he had given at Marion’s funeral. This eulogy has been included as it gives another glimpse of Arthur and his family life in Australia. There is a reference by Stephen of another eulogy by his brother Mark, unfortunately we did not get a copy of this document.

Eulogy: Marion Walmsley (nee Shorthouse) given by son Stephen.

Marion Walmsley was born on 30/9/18, a little over a month before Armistice Day and she died last Tuesday, in her 93rd year, just 3 months after Germany had made the last reparations payment under the Versailles Treaty.

So it was a long life. No one could say she did not use her time well, or that she did not use it for the good of others.

Her parents burdened her with the first name of Enid, a name she disliked, and she always adopted her middle name of Marion, She was born in Sydney and grew up on the lower north shore. Her primary schooling was at Greenwich Primary, and her secondary schooling was at Chatswood Girls High. Her parents were of modest means. Her father was a blacksmith, or fitter and turner, and her mother never worked. They only once in their joint lives together owned one house, a house in Artarmon which they lost in the depression when they could not meet the mortgage payments. So the family, being tenants, moved quite a lot, but they mainly lived in Greenwich or Artarmon, Marion left school at l5 and worked at various occupations, initially dressmaking, later (though she did not stick to it) nursing, and finally in the clerical field. Her favourite job ever when she was young was a clerical job with radio 2CH, then owned by the church with which she has been so closely associated all her life. She would take friends, including my father, up the lift to the top of the AWA tower in Sydney, from which the radio station sent its broadcasts.

Her parents were violinists and she had the musical gene. She had piano and singing lessons when she was in her late teens. She had a fine soprano voice and later sang in the 2CH choir, which would at times sing live to air. At times too she would sing solos live to air. I have inherited several scratchy 78’s with some examples.

Marion met my father in Sydney during WW2. They were married in 1945. When he was discharged from the army, she left her parent’s home and went to live with him on the Yass River, at Milford, the property where my father and his sister and most of his six brothers had grown up. Over the next 25 years Marion lived at Milford and had me, then Faye, then Mark. She reminded my cousin Nola recently that when she was first introduced to one of Dad’s relatives in Yass, some expressed doubts about her ability to cope with country life. But one, who she was ever afterwards recalled with affection, said to her “There’s always the exception. She’s a very sensible girl.”

Like everything else she did in her life Marion took to life on the land in a thorough and organised way and saw only the good in it. Her father had never had a car and she had never driven. She quickly learned to drive a car and later, at times, she took the wheel of a 3 ton Bedford truck, or the Fordson tractor.

There were inconveniences she had to deal with on the farm. One of them was the brown snake. It was not uncommon for snakes to come into the garden. My father had taught her how to shoot. Usually she used a single action .22 rifle. She was a good shot and occasionally shot ducks. But on the day the brown snake came she used the 12 gauge shotgun. She demolished the snake and some of the concrete path. Her shoulder got quite a jolt. My father then bought her a .410, a much lighter gun, which I have always thought of as a ladies gun.

Marion took her passion for music to Yass and joined the musical society and participated in many musical productions in Yass, including the Mikado. I did not really appreciate this at the time and thought it a bit uncool to be seen at these things but she took us to the occasional operatic production such as Rigoletto, put on by professional groups, when they came to the Yass Memorial Hall. Marion was often asked to sing at weddings and other functions. She ensured us kids all learnt music too and in a moment Mark will say something about her musical life.

Marion played a role in church activities at the country church we went to each month, the Mundoonen Church, on the Yass River Road. Later, when she moved to Canberra, she took an active interest in the affairs of St Margarets, where she was an elder, and where she made many lifelong friends, all of whom have been particularly kind to her in recent years as she has been less independent.

Marion at one stage became active in branch level politics, advancing to secretary of the Yass branch of the Country Party. In that role she played a part in selection of candidates at state and federal levels. She was delighted on one occasion when a local councillor, a grazier and shearer who lived close to us, was defeated for election by one vote. She had always voted for him but this time she voted against him because he had opposed bituminising of the Yass River Road and had been quite ungracious to her when he failed to be selected for pre selection for the state seat of Burrinjuck.

Marion was always conservative in her political allegiances. She confessed to me recently that she quite liked Julia Gillard but hastened to say that of course she would never vote for her. She was always a canny investor, and even in the last couple of months was giving me advice about shares and real estate, and taking an interest in the fortunes of a company in which she still had shares when she died.

Marion was an active farmer’s wife. She would cook an excellent meal for a shearing shed full of workers. This activity would perhaps last several weeks at a time and she would keep it up for 3 meals a day. While her part in shearing was mostly in the kitchen, after lambing time she would sometimes help my father hold the lambs while they were being tailed and earmarked. I do not recall her killing a sheep, but it was common for her to take the heads off chickens and pluck and clean them. She was always a keen horse rider, having ridden as a young woman, but as a farmer’s wife she would also ride on the farm and had her own horse. She liked fishing and would fish for and often catch trout in the Yass River, although it has to be said she was sometimes guilty of putting in set lines and using live bait.

She was an artist. She had art lessons when she moved to Canberra. She had talent, and her works, oils and watercolours, are in the homes of various friends and relatives.

As a mother and friend she had great wisdom and a great deal of love. It will not have escaped the attention of those who knew her that she was a most assertive human being. But unlike many assertive people, she used her assertiveness with tact and charm. And so she was about the best negotiator I have seen in action. Although she had less education than many, she was highly literate. That, combined with her assertiveness, led to many letters to the editor about topics that interested or annoyed her. She once wrote to the Womens Weekly complaining about the stupidity of the way fashion models deported themselves when posing for photographs. She wrote articles about country living. Most of her letters to the editor and a number of her articles, were published.

She was a keen entertainer. My cousin Nola has reminded that she and other cousins enjoyed coming to visit, and she recalled her patience with and affection for children and her home cooking and her sense of humour, and love of a joke and a laugh.

In the early seventies Marion and my father moved to live in Canberra. She had a number of jobs in the Commonwealth Public Service, ending at the Dickson library. As you will have gathered if you had not known, her interests were eclectic. At one stage she went into business, buying a hairdressing salon in Watson. She ran it for several years and although her great generosity meant some friends got freebies, she was so popular that she built up the goodwill so was able to sell the salon at a substantial profit.

All of her life Marion fought for others… us as kids, and our father in his rural endeavours, people she befriended, lame ducks, and the not so lame, people who needed someone to speak up for them, including people she met quite recently at Goodwin House. She would have been a ruthless trade unionist. She always had a keen sense of rightness of equal rights for women. In the late seventies she spent some of the spare time she had to work as a volunteer at Canberra’s first womens’ refuge, located perhaps inappropriately, at Adam Place Watson. On one occasion she was so incensed on behalf of a female friend whose husband had given her friend an extension ladder for her birthday, that she said to the husband “Why didn’t you give her an axe?”

Marion was a special human being. She touched all who came in contact with her. When she was 61 she suffered the misfortune of losing a child, my sister Faye, and lived another 31 years, waking up with that memory every day. And yet she kept a sense of humour to the end. She was greatly loved and admired. I will miss her.

Eulogy: Marion Walmsley (nee Shorthouse) given by son Mark.

As Stephen said, I’d like to talk about mum’s musical life and the music genes that run so strongly through the family. When she was in Calvary Hospital recently, at times not quite herself, she wanted to know where her parents Arthur and Lilias were. They both played violin at a symphony rehearsal and met waiting for a North Shore ferry. My cousin Ailsa tells me that Arthur was an extroverted musician who would dance around the room playing a jig and could play any tune he heard on the wireless. Music changed his life… it helped him escape a life down the mines in the north of England. He saved all the money he earned teaching violin to village children to come to Australia as a young man. Lilias was a far better sight-reader and a more serious musician. One of her sisters was a concert pianist who took lessons from a teacher, who coincidentally lived at my exact address now. There was always music in that house and Arthur taught Mum to sing many of the popular songs of the 1920s, which she would sometimes perform standing on a chair in front of her classmates at age 5. The teachers would often have to stifle a laugh when she’d sing risqué songs of the era such as ‘Hold Your Hand Out Naughty Boy’.

Later, she was known to get up early to practise vocal scales before school, much to the irritation of a neighbour who would throw things at her window. Over her life she performed hundreds of solos at weddings and concerts and, as Stephen mentioned, made recordings. As child I was interested when she received calls to sing at country weddings, because some days later we would receive an invitation to attend. I would always win the competition at school for who had been to the most weddings.

Music, in fact, brought our parents together. Mum was involved in organising dances for service personnel during the War and it was at one of these that they met. She told me of her surprise at knowing, absolutely, during their first dance that she ‘could marry this one’.

As with everything else, Mum also had definite views about music. It was made perfectly clear that ‘Fur Elise’ was never to be heard in our house. I suspect that Mum even went so far as to instruct my piano teacher Sister Anne not to teach it to me. Yesterday I may have finally found out why… when Stephen told me it was the pinnacle of his piano repertoire and he continued to play it for years after he’d finished lessons with Miss Carpenter. As a child whenever we went to a concert I always tried to sit between Mum and my sister Faye in an attempt to stop them looking at each other in case a singer failed to meet Mum’s exacting standards. If a vocalist had a particularly fruity tone or a big vibrato, it only took one glance between them to set off fits of giggles.

Mum encouraged all of us to love music, as it had been such a happy part of her own life. She even made sure it would be part of her farewell today. When I opened her Bible during the week, I found a very clear outline of today’s Order of Service – she had selected all the hymns and the solo you are about to hear.

I would like to finish with the words of a song Mum taught me when I was 3 years old, sitting on the kitchen floor at Milford. I sang it to her last Sunday:

If I should plant a tiny seed of love in the garden of your heart

Would it grow to be a great big love some day or would it die and fade away?

Would you care for it and tend it every day till the time when we must part?

If I should plant a tiny seed of love in the garden of your heart.

Email from Mark Walmsley to John Robinson August 19th, 2017.

Hi John

I've attached my short eulogy to mum. The following links are for two websites that represent some of my musical endeavours.

http://demodoctor.com.au/

http://departmentoftunes.com/

I have been a professional musician since I left an Australian Public Service job in 1982. I am completely untrained except for a few years of piano lessons. I promised mum that I would take a year off when I left school before returning to study at A.N.U. (but never did!). At first I played keyboards in rock bands and music duos in all types of venues. Later, I began playing for society functions in Sydney and especially Jewish parties.

My ongoing interest in recording, technology and composing eventually led me to producing albums for other people. I have made over 100 albums (many for the Australian Broadcasting Commission). More recently I have composed music for numerous TV shows and theatre performances.

If you send me your postal address I will send you a copy of an album I made of personal songs that may be of some interest!

kind regards

Mark

Stephen’s Eulogy for his father Lewis Walmsley

Lewis Walmsley was born on 22 June 1918 at his aunt Ruth’s private hospital in North Yass. He was the youngest of 8. His father married twice, his first wife, Charlotte Armstrong, dying after three children were born and when the eldest was 3. His second wife, Lewis’ mother, was Catherine Eliot of Gundaroo. Therefore, Lewis had three half-brothers from his father’s first marriage and three brothers and a sister from his second. One of his brothers, Ted, was killed in the Second World War in New Guinea. The other members of the family lived between 76 and 90 years. Lewis was 84.

He was raised at “Milford”, on the Yass River. He attended local primary schools. The NSW Education Department provided a teacher to be shared with several of his local schools. Thus, he attended school for three days one week and two the next. He finished primary school but there was no secondary school available. So he enrolled in the correspondence school and was for a time supervised by the local primary school teacher. But that teacher was not paid for the supervision. The arrangement soon came to an end. So he left school and went to work on his father’s farm.

He farmed for 10 years, then joined the AIF, serving in WA and New Guinea. While on leave from New Guinea he met Marion. They corresponded while he was back in New Guinea. They married on 14 April 1945. They were married for 57 years. They had three children. I was born in 1946, Faye in 1949 and Mark in 1958. Sadly, Faye died far too young, of a long illness, in 1980, when she was 30.

Though Lewis had little formal education, he was keenly interested in history, geography and world affairs. Like so many of his generation he was a veracious reader of books about the second world war, especially biographic of those prominent in that war. Even in the last few months I have given him several such books which he read.

He was a most successful grazier, winning prizes for breeding of fine Merino wool and for farming techniques.

He was always a keen sportsman, playing cricket in his youth (he tried to interest me in this but that was a waste of time). He later played tennis at competition level for many years at the Yass Methodist tennis club. Then he turned to lawn bowls. He had a keen eye for ball sports. He was not to be trifled with at the table tennis table. We had a table tennis table in the home on the farm for many years, He was rarely beaten at that sport and it was always a matter for some celebration when someone did beat him.

Lewis and Marion moved from the farm to Canberra in 1870 when Mark was about to start High School. In 1972 he sold most of Milford and for the next 15 years worked in Canberra in his own business and for City Parks. Though he retired formally at 65 he still ran sheep till he was over 70.

The sale of the farm made possible overseas travel, which he and Marion greatly enjoyed. They travelled to Europe twice, and took several other trips to Asia.

In his latter years Lewis took up jewellery making and won many prizes at the Canberra Show and elsewhere, Some may see that as surprising after farming but I see a certain symmetry. After all, as a farmer he spent a lot of time at the blacksmith’s forge hammering together links for a chain he used to pull objects from behind a tractor. The jewellery he made included chains made of silver and gold and have exquisite charm and simplicity. The design is not so different from the chains forged for the tractor.

He was also interested in local history and joined the Canberra Historical Society. As I have noted, he lacked much formal education. Yet he wrote for publication in that society’s journal a most moving account of his brother Ted’s escape from the Middle East where he was wounded and then in a hospital tent which was bombed, then removed by ship at the dead of night when the moon was small and later sent to New guinea where ironically after such an escape, he was killed by the bullet of a Japanese sniper.

He was a shy and remote man and a perfectionist. The latter was a maddening one for him to have if you were his son. Mark has inherited that trait but not me I think. Notwithstanding those qualities he was a good teacher of farming skills. And taught me such skills as carpentry, mechanics, drainage and electrics (we had a home power plant in the early years and this skill was necessary then). He introduced me to making radios, which was a great interest of mine when I was young, and to photography, another of his interests. He taught me how to milk a cow and to crutch a sheep.

His perfectionist nature sometimes was overpowering by a fairly fiery temper. On one occasion when I was a child I came upon him wrestling with the Victa mower. I noticed the carburetter was broken I an unusual way and he later confessed that in a fit of temper he had attacked it with a hammer.

He was not able to persuade me or Mark to become graziers. Watching what he had to do had the opposite effect on us. We could see how hard physically he had to work. He had immense physical strength. When he was in his seventies I was asked to help him catch wethers. After up ending a few I was exhausted but he kept going till he’d upended and crutched the lot.

He was a great provider and ensured all of us had private school educations and paid for me to attend university. He had a view I think (and I tend to agree0 that the education was wasted on Mark, who later had, but gave up, a perfectly good and safe job in the public service to embark on the uncertain career of musician. Perhaps the uncertainty from farming was what attracted him.

Lewis was the last of the eight. In his last few months he lived at the Sir Leslie Morshead Home in Lyneham. Those months were a strain for him and for Marion. But he knew that he was better off there. He died on Sunday, early in the morning, peacefully, and in keeping with the way he had lived, quietly and without fanfare.

Mark’s Eulogy for his father Lewis Walmsley

My grandfather’s name was John, James, Hay, Norman, Theodoras Walmsley. By the time he had named 7 other children, he left it to his second wife, Kate who named Dad Lewis. Unfortunately, my grandfather…Norman for short (!) hated her choice and called Dad Bill, much to Mum’s confusion when she first met the family!

The hard times of the Great depression shaped Dad’s early life. As Stephen mentioned, he had to leave school early but continued reading widely. Norman couldn’t afford to pay Dad or his brother Ted, to whom he was close and they relied on trapping rabbits and foxes for any extras during that time.

One Saturday after a hard week, there was a dance in Yass which Dad and Ted badly wanted to attend. Trouble was… no money! Fortunately, Ted remembered a ripe smelly cow carcass lying in a creek some distance from the farmhouse. Once skinned, they rode into Yass on Ted’s Indian Motor Bike and the proceeds enabled them to get to the dance!

Dad, like Stephen but sadly not myself, had a phenomenal memory. Recently he gave me a very nice small bookcase, which he proudly told me had been his first ever item of furniture, He was able to tell me the date he bought it in the 1930’s, the name of the man who built some glass doors for it and how much he paid for it!

Dad often seemed preoccupied by his work but every now and then would surprise us by some generous and thoughtful act. He really had a great love for Stephen, Faye and I… later Joshua, Claudia and Oscar as well.

I was about 10 and making a very poor attempt at making a billy cart. After a while, Dad noticed and in no time had the electric welder out and I was soon flying down the hill behind the farmhouse. He later decided that a concrete floor on the verandah was unsuitable for dancing and several weeks of hard work later he’d installed a timber floor just in time for Stephen’s 21st birthday party.

Unlike me, Dad was also very particular about his possessions. He maintained things well, kept them tidy and very clean. As a 3 year old, I was ‘helping’ him at the back paddocks of the farm. After being left in the cabin of the ute for what seemed a VERY long time, I decided to see what he was up to. Unable to master the door handle, I picked up a ball pane hammer and smashed the driver’s side window to get out. I couldn’t understand why Dad seemed so upset!

Mum and Dad always seemed to be a very strong team. Every day started with an early cup of tea and a discussion of the day’s events. Dad was always a strong supporter of Mum’s many activities whether they be singing, putting on a musical, helping with various charities and especially her eldership in this church.

Even though he kept asking me for ten years when I was going to get a REAL job, he nonetheless supported me in many ways in my unconventional career choice.

Dad made a great job and a life’s work from farming, something he never intended or particularly wanted to do. Anything he pursued had to turn a profit and be done well. As recently as last year, he had a successful stall of his jewellery work at the Canberra show. He took delight in explaining his work at length to Oscar, Joshua or anyone who would listen in his elaborate workshop.

I know Dad would have been happy with the good ’turnout’ as he would have called it, and I want to thank you all very much for sharing this sad and special day with us.

Email 14 Feb. 2013 from Stephen Walmsley to Peggy Robinson.

I was delighted to hear from you.

I found your email very interesting. I did visit Trimdon in 1974. With my then wife, (the mother of my two children) I called on Aunt Annie and Hilda. Our children were tiny. My son was only a few months old.

Aunt Annie and Hilda were both living in a small flat at the time. They introduced us to peas porridge, which I had only heard about in nursery rhymes before. They were very kind to us. That was the only time I met Aunt Annie. I remember her brother, my grandfather, Arthur Shorthouse, very well. He died when I was 10 but I saw quite a lot of him as a child. He would come to stay on the farm sometimes and help my father with the harvesting. My mother would take us kids to Sydney to stay with him and my grandmother and he would take me fishing at Balmoral, one of Sydney's most beautiful harbour beaches.( I had lunch at a Balmoral Beach restaurant recently and pointed out to my wife and other fellow guests where grandfather Shorthouse had taken me fishing.)

I remember Hilda quite well. I recall when she and her former husband Stan arrived in Sydney, and then in Bulli, where they stayed for a time with Aunt Jenny and Uncle Charlie Richardson. I recall as a child looking at their luggage which had come with them by sea, and which looked very different and very exotic.

Then there was the dreaded divorce, and many hushed whispers after they separated. I recall Aunty Jennie was incensed when she learned Stan had been seen out walking with another woman, who not only had a large number of children, but was also wearing a hearing aid. As a child I of course was told

nothing directly, but picked ups bits of information here and there by a bit of judicious listening.

Of course I remember Auntie Jennie and Uncle Charlie very well. My mother was very fond of Auntie Jenny and we saw a lot of them when we were young.

It is lovely to be in touch with the Shorthouse family again. I often get asked for my mother's maiden name for security purposes and often use the name as part of a password for various accounts, so it is especially nice to have the name come back to life.

Please ask the family members to keep in touch. I have sent on your email to my brother Mark, and I will send on a copy to my cousin Ailsa, whose mother was Ruth, my mother's sister.

With warm regards Stephen Walmsley

His Honour Judge Stephen Walmsley SC

Stephen Walmsley SC was sworn in as a judge of the District Court of New South Wales in August 2001. His Honour was born in Sydney and educated in the public school system in Yass. He later attended Canberra Grammar School and the Australian National University. His Honour practised as a solicitor at Messrs. Allen Allen & Hemsley and then as a partner in Macphillamy Cummins & Gibson, solicitors in Canberra. He also tutored and lectured in the Law Faculty and legal Workshop of the ANU. His Honour was called to the Bar in Canberra in 198l and practised there until returning to Sydney in 1988.

His Honour played a large part in the life of the Canberra legal profession as a solicitor and barrister, becoming a member of the Bar Council and one of two directors of the chambers in the Territory. As well as being a highly respected and fearless advocate, His Honour gave generously of his time and skills to assist the Bar Association and the junior Bar. He served on the Supreme Court Common Law Users Committee and was the Bar's representative on the working party on medical negligence established by the Minister for Health. He also assisted ex-officio in the work of the Common Law Committee as well as serving on the Professional Conduct and Education Committees and assisting the advocacy training programme, including training aspiring advocates at the fledgling bars of Bangladesh and Tonga.

After some gratuitous references to His Honour's taste in jackets and ties, Katzmann SC, speaking on behalf of the Bar, recalled two of his Honour's more interesting cases in the following terms:

Some of your Honour's cases have been as colourful as your Honour's Jackets. The most obvious example is Fasold v Roberts, the so-called Noah's Ark case, where your Honour appeared for the applicants seeking various remedies for allegedly misleading and deceptive conduct and for breach of copyright arising out of some public statements about the supposed site of the remnants of Noah's Ark. My favourite, however, is a recent appeal case in which your Honour appeared for a man who felt that his work injury, which caused him to fracture his hip, was a punishment from God. for his peculiar sexual practices involving as they did a menage a trois with his wife and the family dog.

Article from Justinian –Australia’s Law Journal.

Stephen Walmsley SC, former judge and author of The Trials of Justice Murphy is on Justinian's couch ... A vexed chapter in the High Court's history ... The man from Yass rakes through the historical ashes ... The Paul Flannery connection ... Issues with refrigeration 

Stephen Walmsley was born in 1946. He attended Yass Primary Schoool and later Canberra Grammar. His LLB came from the ANU in 1968 and he did articles at Allen, Allen & Hemsley. For a time he was a solicitor at the mighty law shop. He returned to Canberra in 1971 and joined Macphillamy, Cummins & Gibson, followed by nearly 20 years at the Canberra and Sydney bars. He took silk in 1997 and four years later was appointed to the NSW District Court. 

He has been an acting judge of the NSW and ACT Supreme Courts. 

He retired in 2013. Apart from The Trials of Justice Murphy he is the joint author of Professional Liability in Australia (Thomson Reuters, 2016, 3rd. ed). 

There was a top-drawer launch at barristers’ chambers on the 60th floor of a Harry Seidler tower for Stephen Walmsley’s book The Trials of Justice Murphy. 

Walmsley is a former judge and the son-in-law of another former judge, Paul Flannery, whose allegations against Murphy were one of the reasons the High Court judge was charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice. 

The charges related to Murphy allegedly seeking to improperly influence Flannery and then chief magistrate Clarrie Briese in criminal proceedings against his little mate, solicitor Morgan Ryan. The High Court judge went through two senate inquiries, a trial, a conviction, an appeal, a trip to the High Court, another trial, an acquittal and a parliamentary commission of inquiry, which ceased business after Murphy became terminally ill. 

Among the launch crowd were Ian Barker, QC, Murphy’s barrister at his second trial, Justice Anna Katzmann of the Federal Court, journalist Kate McClymont, former DPPs Nicholas Cowdery and Ian Temby – who had brought the charges – author Anna Funder, various Flanneries, and assorted members of the bar ’n’ grill. 

Journalist and biographer David Marr sent the book down the slipway of sales success with a speech that left everyone slack-jawed. According to Marr, Murphy’s problem was that he took Sydney’s ways to Canberra. 

“Sydney is a place where one judge asks another judge to meet at City Tatts to deliver a message that the premier wants a favour for a mate who is facing trial. That is still the city we live in.” 

Hushed silence, which only got darker as Marr wrapped up by saying: “Stephen, congratulations. In the 30 years since these unhappy trials, we’ve made up our minds about Lionel. He was a crook. And the truth your book points to in the most subtle way is that juries acquit, but history doesn’t.” 

Ouch.

Frederick (Fred) Shorthouse

Frederick was born 10 January 1889 Hetton Le Hole District (Easington Lane).

He married Mary (Polly) Cook 1913 in Hartlepool.

Their son Arthur Shorthouse was born 4 April 1914, Baptised 12 March 1914, son of Fred and Mary Shorthouse of 5 Lawson Street, Trimdon Colliery, miner. (Wingate Primitive Methodist Circuit Records)

Fred enlisted in the Durham Light Infantry during WWI and was killed in action in the Somme in 1916. In 1915 after joining the army, he wrote a letter to his parents:

Workmen’s Institute

Netherton Coll.

Tuesday

My Dear Mother and Father

I write these few lines hoping to find you all well as it leaves me extra. Well mother I spent the best weekend that I have ever had since I joined the Army. I was out to tea and Supper on Saturday and I was at a concert at the Chapel and I was out to Dinner, Tea and Supper on Sunday and I was at chaple 3 times and I was there last night again at a lecture so you see mother I am not wasting my time and I have a missionary meeting to go too tonight and the Wesely Guild tomorrow night and the Christian endever on Thursday so you see I am having a good time here and I am booked for Dinner Tea and Supper next Sunday so you see I have some good friends here as well mother all this Battellion will is going foreign in a week or two but we are going to get four days leave before we go, but it is not to fight we are for garrison duty abroad it is to guard German Prisoners or to go to some other Places but we have not to fight so you see every thing works together for good. The only thing that will trouble me will be leaving the old homestead and the faces I love because you have been a good mother to me and I will never forget you but we will just have to hope for better days to come. I am pleased that Polly and you are friends because you don't know how much I was cut up that weekend I was home I shed many a trear that nobody new about also the other night in Chaple they sang when theirs love at home leave you to guess what I was like but never mind mother you can always say that you have one son that you can tell your troubles too and who always sympthises with you well mother cheer up and don't get downhearted I will not belong before I see you again I think I will now close

from your loving son Fred X X X X

Fred together with four of his companions was killed in action on the 8th. November, 1916 while attacking the Gird Line and Butte de Warlencourt, in the Somme. The following itinerary of the 5th. Battalion illustrates the activities at the “Front” that Fred participated in before his death.

5th Battalion DLI

BATTALION ITINERARY 1916

11 August: Arrived at Doullens 7 pm and marched to Autheux arriving at 1 am.

15 August: Three days of marching to Villers Bocage. Then to Molliens-au-Bois and Millencourt arriving 17 August.

9 September: To Albert and Becourt Wood.

14 September: Moved through Contalmaison and past Mametz Wood to OG1 and OG2 14 trenches just south of Bazentin-le-Grand.

15 September: Battle of Flers-Courcelette began. Attack on Martinpuich.

16-7 September: In attacks on Starfish and Prue Trenches.

19 September: Relieved.

20 September: Reorganising near Bazentin-le-Grand for next three days.

23-24 September: back to Prue and Starfish Trenches.

25-26 September: A few hours rest in Clark’s and Hook Trenches.

26-27 September: Attack on Flers Line.

28 September: Relieved by the 8th Battalion and spent night near Bazentin-le-Grand.

29 September: To Mametz Wood.

1 October: To Bazentin-le-Grand in reserve in OG1 and OG2 trenches.

2 October: To Mametz Wood.

4 October: Marched to Albert.

5 October: To Millencourt, Henencourt and Baizieux Wood. Remained there for three weeks.

23 October: Back to Millencourt and Bazentin-le-Grand.

24 October: In reserve at Bazentin-le-Grand.

28 October: To forward trenches in Le Sars sector.

1/2 November: In reserve in the Flers Line and Prue Trench.

3 November: To Mametz Wood.

6 November: To forward trenches at Butte de Warlencourt and Gird Line.

9 November: In support trenches in Flers Line and Flers Switch.

11 November: To Bazentin-le-Grand.

16 November: 50th Division relieved and 5th Battalion went to Becourt, where it remained until 30 November.

The following information is from “The Commonwealth War Graves Commission” which includes details of his death and of the battle for the Somme in which he died.

Casualty Details

Name: SHORTHOUSE, FRED

Initials: F

Nationality: United Kingdom

Rank: Private

Regiment/Service: Durham Light Infantry

Unit Text: 1st/5th Bn.

Age: 27

Date of Death: 08/11/1916

Service No: 2960

Additional information: Husband of Mary Shorthouse of Trimdon, Colliery; also son of Frederick and Annie Shorthouse,

7 Pringle Street, Trimdon Colliery, Co. Durham.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: Pier and Face 14 A and 15 C.

Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL

The Thiepval Memorial will be found on the D73, next to the village of Thiepval, off the main Bapaume to Albert road (D929). Each year a major ceremony is held at the memorial on 1 July.

On 1 July 1916, supported by a French attack to the south, thirteen divisions of Commonwealth forces launched an offensive on a line from north of Gommecourt to Maricourt. Despite a preliminary bombardment lasting seven days, the German defences were barely touched and the attack met unexpectedly fierce resistance. Losses were catastrophic and with only minimal advances on the southern flank, the initial attack was a failure. In the following weeks, huge resources of manpower and equipment were deployed in an attempt to exploit the modest successes of the first day. However, the German Army resisted tenaciously and repeated attacks and counter attacks meant a major battle for every village, copse and farmhouse gained. At the end of September, Thiepval was finally captured. The village had been an original objective of 1 July. Attacks north and east continued throughout October and into November in increasingly difficult weather conditions. The Battle of the Somme finally ended on 18 November with the onset of winter. In the spring of 1917, the German forces fell back to their newly prepared defences, the Hindenburg Line, and there were no further significant engagements in the Somme sector until the Germans mounted their major offensive in March 1918. The Thiepval Memorial, the Memorial to the Missing of the Somme, bears the names of more than 72,000 officers and men of the United Kingdom and South African forces who died in the Somme sector before 20 March 1918 and have no known grave. Over 90% of those commemorated died between July and November 1916. The memorial also serves as an Anglo-French Battle Memorial in recognition of the joint nature of the 1916 offensive and a small cemetery containing equal numbers of Commonwealth and French graves lies at the foot of the memorial. The memorial, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, was built between 1928 and 1932 and unveiled by the Prince of Wales, in the presence of the President of France, on 1 August 1932 (originally it had been scheduled for 16 May, but due to the sudden death of French President Doumer, as a mark of respect, the ceremony was postponed until August). The dead of other Commonwealth countries, who died on the Somme and have no known graves, are commemorated on national memorials elsewhere.

Fred’s brother Joe also died in France in May of 1916 and after Fred’s death a joint memorial card was printed by their parents with a photograph of each of their sons.The caption was:

“ In loving memory of Corporal Joseph Shorthouse, Died in France, May 29, 1916. Aged 21 years.

Also

Private Fred Shorthouse, Killed in France November 8, 1916, Aged 27 years.

7 Pringle Street, Trimdon Colliery.”

A letter of condolence from J.A.Hunter Nov. 1916

Corp. J. A. Hunter

Mrs. Jameson's Hospital

Rye

Sussex

Nov 24, 1916

Mr. & Mrs. Shorthouse & Family

My dear friends,

According to the news I receive from Trimdon I hear that you have to bear another sad loss, that of your dear son Fred. It is very hard to bear the loss of one but when it comes to two sons in one family we begin to feel it the more keenly.

One is reminded of the Prophet Job who amid the experience of trial he had to go through was able to say, Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him. I sincerely trust that the faith of this prophet of old may be yours and that amid this period of sorrow the wonderful consolation of Christ may be you help and comfort. I was very glad a short time ago to hear that your dear son had taken that happy step and yielded himself to Christ and no doubt that this will be a great blessing to you knowing that the parting is only for a time and that the family circle will be again formed on that bright and happy shore where there will be no more sorrow and all tears will be dried. I often wonder what the people who do not trust Christ think when they have to face such a loss as yours, no hope, but Blessed be God we have some-one who has promised and His promises have never been known to fail who said " My peace I leave with you etc." Let not your heart be troubled, yes amid the trials of life, these words come to us, Hope thou in God. Please accept my feelings of deep sympathy, praying that the God of all comfort shall be your stay.

With the prayers of one who is with you in sorrow,

I remain

Yours very sincerely

J. A. Hunter

A Remembrance Card from Mary Shorthouse, Fred’s wife:

“In Loving Remembrance Of

Private. F. Shorthouse,

Beloved husband of Mary Shorthouse,

of Trimdon Colliery.

Who fell in Action, November 8th, 1916

AGED 27 YEARS

Deeply mourned by his loving wife and child

Gone, but not forgotten.

I hope some day my eyes shall see,

The face I loved so well,

I hope some day my hands shall clasp,

And never say farewell.”

While we have not made positive confirmation, it is believed that Mary remarried in 1918 to Joseph Husband, Chester le Street, and had a daughter Sarah. Mary’s son Arthur Shorthouse is believed to have served in the Royal Artillery from 1941 until 1946 (discharged 10th. Dec.). He married Mary A. L. Jefferson in 1941 and may have produced three children: Ann J. 1943, Pamela 1946 and Christopher in 1952.These facts have yet to be confirmed.

House of Commons, Westminster 26 June 2014

Speech given by Phil Wilson (Opposition Assistant Whip (Commons); Sedgefield, Labour).

I congratulate Robert Jenrick on his maiden speech, which I thought was excellent. I, too, welcome him to the House.

The first world war affected virtually every town and village in Britain. In every community there stands a memorial to those who lost their lives fighting for their country. In my constituency of Sedgefield, it is no different. From Hurworth on the river Tees in the south to the former colliery village of Thornley in the north, those who served and died are honoured and remembered.

At least 1,500 men from the constituency were killed in the war to end all wars. In the town of Ferryhill, more than 130 gave their lives; in the village of Chilton, more than 100; in the village of Thornley, 134; in Wingate, 147; and in Wheatley Hill, 96. All those communities had something in common, which was that they were all colliery villages, and many men volunteered for the armed forces rather than go down the pit. In the Army, they were sure to be fed and clothed, and they would be able to stand up straight. They of course believed that the war would be over in a few weeks.

I want to mention at this point two specific members of the armed forces from my constituency who fought in that war. The first is 2nd Lieutenant Jack Youll, a miner from Thornley who won the VC on June 15 1918 but was killed on 27 October at the battle of Vittorio Veneto in Italy. He did not survive the war. Thomas Kenny, a private in the 13th battalion of the Durham Light Infantry from Wheatley Hill received his VC from the King and went on to survive the war, spending the rest of his life working down the pits of Wheatley hill and Wingate.

I believe that the number of soldiers around the constituency commemorated on memorials to be an underestimate in many cases. The war dead of the Trimdons prove the case. In 1914 over 2,000 miners worked down the local pits, and the memorial on the wall of St Albans church in Trimdon Grange tells us that 450 from the Trimdons served in the war. The memorial also lists the names of 94 who did not return. There is also a memorial in Trimdon colliery that shares some of the same names.

Research by Adam Luke, an Oxford university student from Trimdon village, has revealed that 199 men from the Trimdons were killed, the equivalent of 45% of all those who served. This is a staggeringly tragic statistic. The research details the regiment in which the men served and when they were killed. During the war years, there were just under 1,000 households in the Trimdons. Every household would have been affected in some way by the catastrophe of the European battlefield.

At the battle of the Somme, 11 sons from the Trimdons were killed on that first day of July. By the end of the Somme campaign, 39 families had lost a son, husband, brother or father, half of them with no known graves. For example, on 1 July, Private Martin Durkin served with the 26th Tyneside Irish Battalion, the Northumberland Fusiliers. His battalion set off across no man's land, marching, according to a war diary:

“as if on parade under heavy machine gun and shell fire”.

Private Durkin did not return to Trimdon Grange, has no known grave and was one of his battalion's 489 casualties that day. Private Barnes, of the 1st Battalion, the Border Regiment, was from Lower Hogg street, Trimdon Grange. Private Barnes was one of the many, as the regiment's war diary records, who was:

“wiped out by machine gun fire in our own wires.”

The battalion suffered 619 casualties, and Private Barnes rests at Mailly Wood cemetery in France. On the same day, Private Frederick Hunter of the Royal Fusiliers was one of his battalion's 227 casualties who were involved in fierce hand to hand combat. Mr and Mrs Hunter of Trimdon lost a son that day.

The horror of the Somme went on until mid-November. Private Fred Shorthouse was killed at the Somme on 8 November 1916, just days before the end of the campaign. Fred was the second son of Mr and Mrs Shorthouse of 7 Pringle street in Trimdon Colliery to be killed in the space of six months. His brother had been wounded at Gallipoli and died earlier that year on 29 May.

Private Fred Shorthouse was also married. He lived with his wife Mary at Lawson street, Trimdon Colliery. Their son Arthur, was born on 4 April, 1914. Fred joined the 1st Battalion DLI in 1915. Shortly after, he wrote home to his mam and dad. He wrote:

“I was out to tea and supper on Saturday and was at a concert at the Chapel...and last night again at a lecture so you see mother I am not wasting my time... the battalion is going foreign in a week or two...but it is not to fight we are for garrison duty abroad...we have not to fight so you see everything works together for good...The only thing that will trouble me will be leaving the old homestead and the faces I love because you have been a good mother to me. I will never forget you but we just have to hope for better days to come”.

Private Fred Shorthouse has no known grave.

Many of the streets and terraces of the first world war Trimdons are no longer there, but it can still be recorded that Front street, Trimdon Grange, lost four men to the war. Railway row, Deaf Hill lost three. Cross street, Trimdon Foundry, lost three. Kelloe Winning lost four. Coffee Pot row, Trimdon Colliery, lost four. The Plantations, Trimdon Grange, lost five. The list goes on.

The research undertaken by Adam Luke will be placed in a roll of honour and will detail not just those from Trimdon who were killed during the First World War, but those killed in all the wars since. The Trimdons have given up 269 of their own in conflicts since 1914. I want to commend the work Adam has done to ensure that all those who have lost their lives from the Trimdons will be remembered.

At 10.30pm on Monday 4 August, in St Mary Magdalene's Church in Trimdon Village—like in many other places of worship up and down the land—a candlelit vigil will take place to remember the 199 Trimdon men killed during the war to end all wars. The Trimdons’ loss was not unique, but it serves as a sobering reminder of the suffering our communities embraced between 1914 and 1918.

The horizons of the men from the Trimdons during those years were limited to going down the pit or going to war. All that lay on the horizon for the women of the Trimdons during those years was inevitably to live in a pit village and marry a pitman. In 2014, all the pits have closed and there is no world war. The horizon for the young people of Trimdon is broad and, for many, is lit with optimism.

Adam Luke is the grandson of a bus driver and is now at Oxford university, something that could never have been dreamed of during Fred Shorthouse’s short life. The aspirations of our young people in the second decade of the 21st century are many and varied. It is down to us to ensure those aspirations are fulfilled in a world where neither death by coalfield disasters or world wars will ever happen again.

I want to end my speech by returning to Private Fred Shorthouse and some words by his wife Mary. She could not afford a sturdy memorial to sustain his memory over the decades. Mary had instead a Remembrance card printed. It read:

“In loving memory of Private F Shorthouse,

Beloved husband of Mary Shorthouse of Trimdon Colliery, Who fell in action, November 8th, 1916 aged 27 years.

Deeply mourned by his loving wife and child.

Gone, but not forgotten.

I hope someday my eyes shall see,

The face I loved so well,

I hope someday my hands shall clasp.

And never say farewell.”

We must ensure that our nation never says farewell to those who served and died for their country. We must never forget. That is why this debate and the commemorations to come are so important.

Stephen Walmsley a great nephew and district court judge in Sydney, N.S.W. Australia wrote about this speech:

Dear John

Thank you very much for sending me that moving speech. I had known grandfather (Arthur) had brothers but although he spoke of them I don't remember him speaking of their deaths. I am so pleased the memory of his brothers still lives.

Kind regards

Stephen

A Service of Remembrance

And Reflection to

Commemorate the Centenary

Of the Battle of the Somme

Trimdon Churches Together

St. Mary Magdalene Church, Trimdon

Friday 15th. July 2016

10am

Welcome to the ancient church of St Mary Magdalene which has been witness to the Christian faith for over eight centuries of life in Trimdon. It remains a special place of comfort and peace as well as a focal point for local people in times of happiness and sadness alike.

Today, like on the anniversary of the outbreak of war two years
ago, the whole Trimdon community comes together for an
ecumenical service to remember the 40 young men from our own community who died in the Battle of the Somme a century ago.

It is an opportunity to reflect on the tragic events of summer 1916 and to pray for peace in our world. We bring our own sorrows, confusion and longings together today as we reflect on the horror and destruction of the Somme. We call to mind all those who suffered on all sides of the conflict. The bereaved, lost, wounded, families that were shattered, those who held in silence unspeakable memories of warfare. We also remember those who waited anxiously at home in this community.

Note: Just before the end of the service, the following reflection was read to the congregation by John Burton MBE. Hon.. Deputy Lieutenant of County Durham.

“With winter beginning to close in on the already atrocious conditions, the battle was brought to a close on 19th November and further hostilities in the area resolved to recommence in February. Over 141 horrific days approximately one million men from all sides had lost their lives, countless others had been maimed and injured, whole communities devastated and the Somme region physically destroyed. It had been the bloodiest battle in human history and the allies had advanced just seven miles.

Private Fred Shorthouse 2960 1stl5th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry was one of the last Trimdon men lost in the campaign bringing the total to 40 in just five months. He was lost in action on 8th November, just ten days before battle's end. The son of Frederick and Annie Shorthouse of 7 Pringle Street, Trimdon Colliery, Fred left behind his wife Polly and newly born son Arthur who never met his father. A volunteer in Kitchener's New Army, Fred had enlisted for war service with his brother Joe, landing in Boulogne in April 1915. Both brothers lost their lives. Fred has no known grave.

We have reflected today on the inconceivable scale of loss and destruction a century ago. We have honoured the service and sacrifice of people from all walks of life who were caught up in the devastation. But above all, we come together in hope. Hope that we might learn from the mistakes of the past and that all your people might know the Light of Christ and work together in a spirt of peace and tolerance for a better future.”

Minnie Shorthouse

Minnie was born 1891 Easington Lane, Hetton Le Hole District, Co. Durham. She married George Craggs, miner, (both 19 yrs and of Langdale Parish) on the 19 March 1910, fathers Francis Craggs and Frederick Shorthouse. Both miners, at St Paul’s Deaf Hill. Minnie died in Hartlepool winter of 1955.

The Craggs family lived in Old Hartlepool in a house behind the sea wall facing the harbour channel between St Hildas Church and the Middleton ferry. They occupied the lowest floor apartment, which was 3 or 4 steps down from street level. As children our mother Eveline Robinson took us for outings to the Fish Sands beach, about 100 yards from the Craggs apartment, she would always visit Aunty Minnie for a chat over a cup of tea. Believe that George (senior), when living in Hartlepool, worked in the shipyards and went through some hard times. Minnie was very close with other family members. They had seven children, Arthur, George, Joseph, Fred, Minnie, Frank and Edwin. Arthur was born and died in 1912.

Fred Craggs (Kell) is the son of Minnie’s sister Ellen Kell. Born, 22 July 1919, Baptised, 31 July 1919, mother Ellen of Commercial Street Trimdon Colliery (Wingate primitive Methodist Circuit Records). He died in the summer of 1990 in Lambeth, London. Fred was given to Nellie's sister Minnie Craggs and brought up as Fred Craggs. He did not find out who his real mother was until he was an adult (1954-54) and found a copy of his birth certificate in a St. Bruno tobacco tin.

In the mid 1960's he was a vagrant of no fixed abode, a "down and out" in London. Anton Wallich - Clifford, founder of the Simon Community, featured him in the Book “No Fixed Abode”.

Son George was quite tall and loved to walk, he would walk to and from Hartlepool to Trimdon (10 miles each way) to visit his cousin Eveline Robinson. He was in the merchant navy from 1939 to 1946 during WWII and was reportedly torpedoed twice in the Atlantic. After the war he worked as labourer in the shipyard. He had an excellent voice and sang many of the popular classical pieces. He mainly sang as an entertainer in pubs around Hartlepool.

Hartlepool Northen Dail Mail, September 13th 1943.

MARRIAGES

Craggs-Bovill, - On Sept. 9, at the Northgate Mission, Hartlepool. George (M.N.), eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Craggs, Hartlepool, to Margaret (Peggy), eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bovill, of Hull, late of Hartlepool. – By licence.

Hartlepool Northen Dail Mail, September 9th 1943.

CONGRATULATIONS

CRAGGS: - Congratulations to Peg and George for your wedding. Best wishes from Mr. and Mrs. Snowdon and Mr. and Mrs. Dear.

Hartlepool Northern Daily Mail Monday January 5 1942.

ABSENT WITHOUT LEAVE.

Ship's Fireman Fined at North-East Court.

Magistrates at a North-East court today fined George Craggs (28), the ship's fireman, £3 and ordered him also to pay one guinea costs, for absenting himself without leave from his ship.

Mr. R.C. Clements for the Ministry of Transport, told the Bench that the man was engaged as a member of the crew in July last. On December 18th, when the ship was in port, several of the crew, including the defendant, declared they would not go to sea unless a cash advance was made to them. This was done, and they went to show to post money home. All returned with the exception of the defendant, who stated when the advance was given to him that he was returning home. He knew perfectly well the ship was going to sail, and his failure to return cause delay.

Mr. Clements produced the log-book, in which the circumstances were detailed by the master.

“Before I went ashore”, declared the defendant, “I told the captain I could not possibly return home and be back in time for the ship sailing. I told him to get another man to take my place.”

“But you can’t do that,” said the Magistrate's Clerk. “You have no right to dictate to the captain as to what he shall do.”

“I maintain I was at liberty to leave the ship,” persisted the defendant. I had already worked seven days’ notice on the ship.”

The Magistrate's Clerk: But if you didn't get leave you are committing an offence.

Defendant said he signed for six months from the beginning of July last. Everybody had leave to go ashore. He was on board from nine o’clock in the morning waiting for the captain. If the money had been forthcoming then, he would have been back on the ship.

The chairman: Whether the captain said that was there or not, you had no right to leave without Authority.

Defendant said they had been in port for seven days and had not been paid any money. He went aboard for the sole reason of getting his money. If the captain had been there at the right time he would have been able to return. When a ship was in port they expected their money.

The defendant, who was allowed 14 days in which to pay the fine, said that there was still some money due to him from the ship.

Merchant Navy Record from Kew Records Office.

GEORGE CRAGGS. BT372/240/71

Discharge No. R204888

Born: Trimdon Colliery, 17/7/1913. Engaged as a Fireman.

Summary of Service

Engaged Discharge

Port Melbourne (132046) 7-11-39 (Cardiff) 11-6-40 (Victoria Docks)

SS Marquesa (140586) 5-7-40 4-11-40

Empire Bay ) 21-11-40

Empire Bay (160786) 17-2-41

GH. 10-4-41

Linwood 17-4-41 5-5-41

Empire Brook (160793) 15-5-41

Received ribbon for 1939-43 Star medal also this man is a ‘V’ (Victory)

British Seamans Identity Card copied badly because it was green. Contains Photo, personal details, various official numbers and home address of Coal Exchange Flats , Hartlepool. Wife shown as Margaret Craggs.

Final Discharge on 28-1-46 , services no longer required

Footnote: The Empire Bay and Empire Brook were built by Sir William Gray and engines by Central Marine Engine Works at Hartlepool. Both steam ships of 2824 tons, ordered by Ministry of Shipping, launched 20 August 1941 and 10 April 1942.

Hartlepool Northern Daily Mail Monday August 16th 1943.

MARRIAGES.

PEERS-CRAGGS. On August 11 at Wesleyan Mission, Northgate. William (R.N.), eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Peers of Warrington, Lancashire, to Minnie (W.A.A.F), only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Craggs, of Hartlepool. By licence.

John Shorthouse

John the tenth child of Frederick born July/ August 1893, no record of baptism, burial record Deaf Hill Cum Langdale, 6 September 1893 age 6 weeks, resident Langdale.

Joseph (Joe) Shorthouse

Joe was born 1st January 1895 in Trimdon Colliery, he died in France 29 May 1916 during WWI.

Joe worked at the Station Town Co-op store in Trimdon Station as a cart man. These jobs were difficult to obtain as most young people in the community had to work in the mines. He enlisted at West Hartlepool 21 November 1914 in the 4th Reserve Cavalry, based at Tidworth. He was 19 yrs, 244 days old and signed on for three years, or, the duration of the war. He was in the "Hussars of the Line" No. 17571. On the 3 June 1915, he transferred to the 3rd Dorset, No. 13673.

The following letters and documents give us a good insight into his character, the closeness of his family, friends and their values. The letters and documents have been transcribed from the originals without making any grammatical or other corrections. They start during training at Assaye Barracks Tidworth, casualty of the Serbian Campaign, recovery in Bootle hospital, death in France and letters of condolence.

The first is a picture postcard of Assaye Barracks Tidworth from Joe for sister Annie – 1914. Message written on the back of the postcard.

for Annie.

Where the brass is

Where I used to stop

Where Purvis and Orton is

My bunk is just about the other X

The space is the Brk. Square (Drill ground) for recruits foot drill.

Joe

A Christmas postcard to Joe from his sister Jane and husband Charles Richardson living in Australia 1914

Christmas Greetings

Another Christmas Day

Times flight has brought

May it be happy beyond hope or thought.

Message on back of card.

to our Dear Brother Joseph

from Jennie and Charlie wishing you our best wishes and a speedy return and a glorious Victory

Letter 1914 Joe Shorthouse to Parents

3rd Dorset Regt.

S Company, Wyhe Regis Camp

Weymouth, Dorset.

Dear Mother, Father & all.

I received your letter from Sidworth today and I hope you are all keeping well. I am pleased that Tom as been at home again, hoping he does well again. Well mother everything works together for good. We have fallen on our feet as we are in the prettiest place I ever saw, and we get a pass into the town every night, but must be in prompt 8:45 pm or else the consequence. I think Annie mis-understood me about the shirkers. Did I not say it was the shirkers who were doing this. Not us I don’t mean you see I am referring to those who haven’t joined yet, they want a ride and to get into the cavalry, but I am not afraid to soldier with anybody now and we will try and do our bit against the Turks in about 3 weeks. I got a letter from Kitty today. She was asking after you all. I may write to her, but I am going to enjoy my little self while I have got the chance because we are a long time today.

Mr Williams goes to the front on Monday. I got a letter from him yesterday and he hopes I return safely with the V.C. and nearly cried when I come away he didn’t see me off but sent me 10/- but he did not owe me this as he paid me for my teeth before I come. I hope father is well. The sea is calm here now, just a stones throw and Portland Prison in the distance. When you send me my photo’s send about 2 of us together Annie and 4 of myself.

Trusting you all keeping well

I remain

Your loving son, Joe.

13673 Private J Shorthouse

A card from the Trimdons Local Relief Fund

Greetings to Corpl. J. Shorthouse.

From your friends at the Trimdons,

per the Local Relief Fund, Trimdon Grange,

with Best wishes, and hopes for your

speedy and safe return.

J. G. Fenny, President

J. Taylor, Treasurer

T. W. Wilkinson, Secretary.

This worn and folded handwritten Hymn and Testament by Joe in 1914, was returned with his possessions.

Soldiers Room, Sandside, Scarborough

FIGHT the good fight with all thy might

CHRIST is thy Strength and CHRIST thy Right

Lay hold on life and it shall be

Thy joy and crown eternally

Run the straight race through GODS good grace

Lift up thine eyes and seek his face

Life with its way before us lies

CHRIST is the path and CHRIST the prize

Cast care aside lean on thy Guide

His boundless mercy will provide

Trust and thy trusting soul shall prove

Christ is the life and CHRIST its love

Faint not nor fear His Arms are near

He changeth not and thou art dear

Only believe and thou shalt see

That CHRIST is all in all to thee.

The following Testament and notes were written on the back of the hymn sheet:

I wandered far away from

God I did not love the fold

I did not hear my masters voice

I would not be controlled

I can say from my heart

I have got the fold now

God save the King

Joseph Shorthouse.

Glory to God in the highest.

When I get away write. Private J Shorthouse

I fell in with a Shorthouse from Staffordshire

Hospital Ship Casualty Report.

September 30, 1915

White Star Line      Britanic       Hospital Ship

Ward:       Z            Cot 6

Name:      Shorthouse J

Regiment:      3rd Dorset Co. E

Disease:      Scalp Wound and Trench Foot

Date and Place of Origin of Disease:      Serbia

Treatment:      Wool Dressing for Head

      Iodine & Olive Oil with wool dressing for feet

J Holmes

2nd Lieut. R.A.M.C.

Letter from Hospital in Egypt December 1915

No. 2 Camp

P.H.D.       Hospital

Giza

Cairo

Egypt

Dec 11th

Dear Mother and Father

Just a line or two to let you know I got to Hospital. At the time of writing I am a lot better and don’t think I will be in here very long. There as been a big battle with the British in Serbia. How are you all going on. It would cheer me up if I had a letter from you, as you know I have never had a line from home yet, and it is close on 3 month since I left home. Well Egypt is a lovely country, and I came right through Alexandria, and Cairo.

The people in the Hospital ship were very good, and I have found it so in the 3 hospitals I have been in, especially the Canadian one, the people are excellent.

I wonder how many of my letters you have got. Is Annie alright, I should like a letter from her now. I have just had one letter from England, and it got to Wyke the day I left, it was from Kitty, but it was’nt any cop, I never write her now. The weather is simply glorious here, the sun shining strong. Well mother, how are you keeping, and father, in fact how are all of you. Won’t we have a good time when the war is over, and I get home again.

By you get this letter, I may be fighting again or I may not, but I am quite willing when I am alright again, but the weather in the Balkans is fierce, and there are something like 6,000 frost bites. I sent you a photo of the Hospital ship, went it was a passenger steamer. How is Harry Mortimer in France, is he still alright, I hope Fred has’nt gone abroad yet.

Give my best respects to all brothers and sisters, hoping the children are all well. I may be longer in getting a letter with shifting. Well I must close with best Respects to everybody.

I Remain

Your Loving Son

Joe

13673 Corpl. J Shorthouse.

Christmas card from Joe to family 1915

Front page caption;

HEALTH       WEALTH      HAPPINESS

LOVING GREETING

LONG LIFE

Inside page;

To Greet You for a very happy Christmas

From: Joe to mother, father & Annie X

ALL GOOD WISHES AT CHRISTMAS TIME

A happy Chritmas to you

As joyous as can be

Each moment filled with glad delight

What more could I wish Thee ?

To this Joe added the question mark and “A Happy New Year”

Christmas card from Family to Joe 1915

In Fond Rememberance.

Loving Greetings.

To Wish You a Happy Christmas.

There’s only one I think of, that’s my boy;

There’s only one I long for, that’s my boy;

And each hour the whole day through

My love is always true,

And wish and pray for you, that’s my boy.

From: Mother & Father

Annie & Hilda.

Pages 3 and 4 of a letter written on British Red Cross and Order of St John Stationary, Christmas Day 1915. (First two pages missing.)

…. that is something else I have to be thankful for. It is now about 3:30 and I am waiting to see what Xmas tea brings. I never slept a wink last night. I was thinking about Annie hanging her stockings up and the carol singers, things would be quite different I supose after nearly 1 ½ years of war.

Give my respects to everybody, trusting you had a good Christmas and this New Year will be better than the last year. I am wondering now were I will spend my 21st birthday perhaps here in this hospital, but they don’t keep us here long. Hope Annie had a happy birthday (New Years Eve). Give my best respects to Mr & Mrs Eva, hoping Horace is well and my best love to all.

I remain your loving son Joe.

13673 Corporal J Shorthous

or the Store cartman.

Letter from Nurse E Ashton 1916

408 Stanley Road N.

Bootle, L.pool

April 13th, 1916

Dear Corporal

Thank you so much for your welcome letter which I received this morning, it came as a very pleasant surprise, I did not know that you were now stationed at Weymouth, and remembered to you and don’t forget to let us know whenever you make a change for we are always interested in our brave boys. Hoping whenever you come to Bootle you will give us a call. Will close with best of luck and all good wishes.

From yours sincererly

E Ashton

Postcard from Joe to mother about May 1916. (Fabrication Francaise)

Front Side is embossed and embroidered with the caption;

“To my dear mother”

Back Side – handwritten.

From your loving son Joe

“Somewhere in France”

Wishing you many happy

returns of your Birthday

XXXXXXX

XXXXXXX

Excerpt from a letter written by Joe Shorthouse in France (only remaining page).

… of trenches, and then the order had to come from Headquarters for to send reinforcements up, but they were too late we lost 45000 men and then had to retire. The boys at the Dardsnells got up to the top of ashi Baba which commands the narrows, but had to retire for the want of help and we had ½ a million of men 4 hrs sail off Lemnas. I have nothing to thank Britain for no wonder we have 100’s of men what have been taken prisoners fighting for Germany, and how we have been asleep at Ypres for 12 months they have taken that. We want Generals and a Government and then we are alright. Well I hope I have not disheartened you about the war, but we havent won yet, we will do but it will …

Letter from hospital France 1916

37 Casualty Cleaning Station

B.I.F.

Dear Mr. Shorthouse.

I am writing to let you know that your son Cpl. Shorthouse was admitted to this hospital last evening suffering from a bad attack of appendicitis. His condition was so serious that the Dr. had to operate last night.

I am sorry to say he is still very ill but is having everything done for him, the best of attention and care. The rest we must leave in God’s hands, trusting he will spare him to you. Hoping to have better news for you in a few days.

Yours truly

L. A. Howe

Sister in Charge

23 May 1916

Army Form B. 104-82.

No. 24421

(If replying, please quote above No.)

Infantry Record Office

Exeter Station

6 JUN 1916

Sir,

It is my painful duty to inform you that a report has this day been received from the War Office notifying the death of

(No.)             13673                  (Rank)       Cpl.

(Name)       Joseph Shorthouse      (Regiment)       6 Bn. Dorset rgt.

Which occurred at with the B.E.F. France on the 29th of May 1916, and I am to express to you the Sympathy and regret of the Army Council at your loss. The cause of death was Appendicitis

If any articles of private property left by the deceased are found, they will be forwarded to this Office, but some time will probably elapse before their receipt, and when received they cannot be disposed of until authority is received from the War Office.

Application regarding the disposal of any such personal effects, or of any amount that may eventually be found to be due to the late soldier’s estate, should be addressed to “The Secretary, War Office, London, S.W.,” and marked outside “Effects.”

I am,

SIR,

Your obedient Servant,

H.S. Scholes Colonel

Letter from Lizzie Shorthouse, wife of Tom

1 Bulcock Street

Burnley, Lancs

2 June 1916

Dear Mother and Father

You have my deepest sympathy in your great trouble. I am shocked to think it could have happened so soon. I had a letter from him only two weeks ago and I wrote to him only on Monday night, but he may never have got it.

Dear Mother it seems almost to much to bere but the thought that he lived good and did right will be some consolation, and I was just as proud to be his sister when I went to see him in Liverpool as he could have been of me. So write again when you feel more able and believe me to be

Yours in heartfelt sorrow

Lizzie

Letter From Elizabeth Want (Osborn/Nicholls) To Her Sister Annie Shorthouse (Osborn) On The Death Of Joseph Shorthouse In France 1916.

37 Sunderland Street

Rose Grove

Burnley

My Dear Sister and Brother

Just a line to say I received Nellies letter containing the sad news of Dear Joes death it is a most dredful thing to think we have to loose our Dear ones in such a way O this war is a terable war but thank God he was not blown to pieces with shot and shell but buried as a true solder in a honerable grave and we know where his Dear body is laid although we may never see the place but we feel in our hearts he is not left on the field for beasts or birds to devour like thousands of our dear ones as being but my Dear Sister it is sad one so young and he used to be such a good cheerful lad he in his young days was my faviourate and to think he should be the first to fall Dear boy I was only saying last weak that we have being all so forgtnight (fortunate) not to have aney of our Dear ones that we never had fallen but my Dear it as begun we never know who will be the next our Fred has been in france 6 months he was well up to yesterday thank God and our Wiford was in London hospitel 5 months from the Dardnells but he is out again on home service and they have passed him fit again a shame after they have gone through wat they have in the dardnells well my Dear I trust you will all try and and bare up under your sad Breavment you will have my gratist symbithy it is onely them that has being through the fire that knows and I have passed through it and it is a thing that a mother can never forget because a child is part of her but may God bless and keep you that hear we suffer grief and pain and hear we meet to part again in heven we shall part no more I ham glad you saw ----- so necessity to have a word with him Dear boy I would like to have seeing him when he was in Liverpool and I asked Joe to tell me when he was gone but he never let me know the reson but he had being and back before I knew but never mind dear boy I will meet him in heaven where all mysteries will be solved now my Dear as to myself I have being very porley and Will is still the same no better but we live and and strugel on through these times altho they are hard I have had more then was promised to me thy bred shall be given the and thy watter shure but I have had more than we ought to be trouble under these times our Louie as listed but he as not gone out yet nall the others are just the same as ushel (Usual) and I ham pleased to tell you that Philipa his hear with me for a weak or to and we both wept together when the sad news came and we wished we where near you in your grait sorrow and I give you a very harty welcome to come if you could it would help to take away a little of your troubel being with frish faces may God sustain and help you all and if you would like to come try and let me know it would be nice for us to be together once again so good by for the time and love to Fred and all of them and I will rite Nelie again God Blessings

Your ever loving sister

L Wants

Rite soon XXXXXXX

Letter from Nurse Morton 1916

Marnock House

Ballioa Road

Bootle

June 2nd, 1916

Dear Miss Shorthouse.

I was deeply grieved to receive the sad news this morning of your brothers death, as I had such a bright letter from him the end of last week in which he said he was quite well and hoped to be back in England shortly, as he thought it would be over soon. He was such a fine fellow and a great favourtite with us all, we were all so sorry to hear when he was sent to France so soon again. I used to look forward so much to receiving his letters.

Please accept my deepest sympathy in your great sorrow and also convey same to your mother. I will let matron and the other nurses know and I am sure they will be very sorry to hear the sad news.

My sister who also nurses at the hospital joins with me in deepest sympathy.

Yours sincerely

Margaret. S. Morton

Letter from the Methodist Sunday School 1916

Deaf Hill Terrace

Trimdon Colliery

June 4, 1916

Dear Bro. & Sis. Shorthouse

As a Sunday School we have learned of the loss of one of your sons, the sorrow for which we have to extend the deepest sympathy of all the Teachers and Officials of the School. The present national crisis through we are passing as brought grief into thousands of homes, yours has not been passed by.

It may and will seem hard, the clouds may seem very dark, but we must remember through all this the words of the blessed Saviour “so I will be with you always.” The same God who is too wise to err will support you through this terrible trial if you will but trust in him and I am quite confident that this will be so.

Many of us connected with the School have pleasant memories of Joe. He possessed a good knowledge of the standard things of life, he was a splendid scholar in the class and a keen listener. His character in public and the home life was of the choicest.

In the future when the war is finished, the brave men who are privileged to return, will talk of deed performed, sights seen, the hearing of which will fill out inmost souls, but there will be that one of your own blood whose lips are silent, whose tongue is still, and you will be unable to know all the experiences he passed through for King and Country.

The greatest heros are not always known to the public. Who knows but what some life has been helped and blessed by the instrumentality of Joe. He has completed his task on Earth, this was surely a short life, but he answered the call of King and Country and his name is now written on that immortal Roll of Honour.

As far as human sympathy will reach, we extend it to you in this your time of distress and sorrow. What we are unable to do, we commit to God who is the great succour. I have also on behalf of the members of the Lodge to extend to you their deepest sympathy at this perhaps the greatest trial of your life. Therefore I will close asking you to:

Have faith in God the sun will shine

Though dark the clouds may be today

His hand has planned your path and mine

Have faith in God. Have faith always.

Wm. Green

MEMORANDUM from the: Station Town Co-operative Society Limited Wingate Durham

Mr & Mrs F Shorthouse            June 5, 1916

Dear Sir and Madam.

I am instructed by the committee to tend to you their deepest sympathy in the sad bereavment you have suffered in the loss of your gallant son.

He was I believe the first of our employees to enlist in the fight for Liberty and Honour and he is also the first to lay down his life in this cause. We trust that God in his great mercy will help you to bear the bitter loss and we are sure that you will be consoled by the thought that Joe died doing his Duty.

With deepest sympathy

Yours faithfully

Tom Armes Esq.

Letter Amy Peacock 1916

2 South Terr.

Horden

7 Jun 1916

Dear Annie

I recieved your letter safely and the news was a great shock to us all. I was talking to Lizzie Twitty on Saturday night and she had heard about it but couldn’t believe it but when your letter came and confirmed it. I and mother send our deepest simpathy to your dear mother and father in there sad bereavment. It is a very heavy blow and hard to bear but God nows best but your dear brother is out pain and suffering and dear friend try and keep a brave heart. I no it will be very hard but look to him who cares for us all and he will help you.

I Remain

Your Sincere Friend

Amy Peacock.

Robert Ellwood Letter 1916

Robert Ellwood

12 Seaside Lane

Easington Colliery.

Dear Friends we received your letter informing us of your sad bereavement at the death of poor Joe which took place under such sad conditions and we send you our deepest sympathy and we pray the great redeemer and human friend will send comfort and solace to your aching hearts and help you to bear up under this terrible blow. We are all born to trouble more or less and we don’t know what we will be called on to face before this terrible war is ended which we hope may come soon.

We have sent your letter to Farrar’s trusting you will accept this poor attempt at sympathising.

Letter from J Chippenham 1916

29 Townley Terrace

High Spin

Rowlands Gill

June 11, 1916

Dear Friends

Your letter to hand, we are very sorry indeed to hear of Joe’s death, I am sure my heart goes out towards you in your sad trouble, try and bear up he died in his country cause.

I Remain

Yours sincerley

Mrs. J. Chippenham

Womens Total Abstinence Union Trimdon Colliery

To. Mr & Mrs Shorthouse

Dear Friends

With great grief we received the sad news of the great loss you have sustained, our hearts ache for you, and your loved ones, our prayers are for you and we pray that God of all comfort will sustain you in this trying hour, and we know that some day we will trace the tenderness and wisdom of what now dark appears, then we shall reap in the joy the golden harvest which now we sow in tears.

Yes in sympathy

F. Berriman sic.

Letter from Nurse Miller 1916

9 Pembroke Road

Bootle, L.pool

June 14, 1916

Dear Miss Shorthouse.

Will you and your family accept my sincere sympathy in the loss of your brother who was a patient in our Breeze Hill Hospital. I had the pleasure of attending to him and the other patients in Jan. and the best part of Feb. as night nurse-in-charge and he often spoke of his home folk. If your brother spoke much of us and mentioned us by name mine would be “Mother” or “Ye Olde Night Nurse” as I called them all children.

A wee bundle of cigs, a parcel containing a shirt, pr. of socks and a few cigs. I think would arrive too late for your brother in France. My brother says the above would be handed over to someone who would need them and not be returned to the sender. The letter has not been returned to me but perhaps you will have received it.

This is a dreadful war and I like others, wish it were over. My brother has been on Home and Active Service and is a time-expired man, also has had a spell of hospital life in France. He will have to go again and close down his business, which is very hard after having served before.

Kindest wishes to you all in your trouble

From

S Miller

“Ye olde nighte nurse.”

Letter of condolence, James Williams 1916

18 Balfour Street

Houghton le Spring

June 14, 1916

Dear Mr & Mrs Shorthouse.

We did not know till yesterday, I called at Bradley Terrace and Mary Jane had an account out of a paper of your dear sons death in France, on behalf of all of us, we would extend our deep sympathy to you all. I was travelling in the train to Sunderland on Friday morning last, when I happened to see his photograph in the Illustrated Chronicle, I knew his face quite well. You will feel if you could have only done something to help him in his last days your hearts would not have been so sad, but while we mourn with you, we know the lads in France have cared for, helped and comforted each other, where it was possible at all to give help to each other, as you picture him in your minds, how many must have been the gallant deeds. The noble purposes which helped his king and country, he has given his life for others, may God of all comfort sustain you and keep you trusting still.

Mary Jane is keeping fairly well, we realize a big change in a short time, these partings are sad, Ernest is at Shoreham near Kent, we are pleased he is alright, and his letters are very bright, I think he will take no harm, he has not passed for foreign service. Fred is still off work, after he went home to North Shields, he was ordered to bed for 14 days, then his bed clothes were taken away and his room stoved out, so it must have been scarlet fever, he is out again now, and improving.

We have had a busy time since we came home, Jenny was at fathers a long time and she is now preparing for spring cleaning. I have got off the Army until August 1st but we all hope by then peace will be near.

Accept these few lines, hoping Mr Shorthouse is better again, we felt compelled to write you, it was so kind of you to remember us in our recent trouble.

Kind regards

Yours truly,

James Williams

Letter from J. T. Hunter 1916

Mill Lane

Richmond, Yorks

July 12th, 1916

Dear Friends

We are very sorry indeed to see in the newspaper an account of your son Joe’s death whilst on active service. It would appear as if he had been ill and in hospital. At any rate, I felt that I would like to send you a line to say that we sympathised with you in your great loss.

The war is bringing sorrow to many a home and I am afraid that many will receive bad news before it is finished.

It is a blessed consolation that under the painful circumstances we are not left without the presence of the Comforter, who comes very near to us in these dark days of our life, and grace to bear your cross.

I expect that my youngest brother John Arthur will now be in France. He was to go last night.

With kindest regards, and deep sympathy,

I remain

Yours sincerely

J. T. Hunter

Letter from John A Hunter 1916

Pte John A Hunter                                                            

C Company 21 D.L.I.

Halgarths

Hornsea

Yorks.

Saturday, June 3

Dear Mr, Mrs Shorthouse & Annie

My dear friend

I cannot console myself with the news I have just received from Trimdon regarding the great trouble in which you are now placed. It seems that if we had some trials and sorrows which it takes one sometime to understand. I have thought and asked about Joseph and now the word comes to me that he has gone to his last resting place where we all whether young or old have to enter. I trust that you like myself be willing to bear up in the great trial and that the blessing of the Almighty may rest upon you.

I took great interest in him when I had the liberty, I tried to encourage him to consecrate his life to higher service and I hope that some word or action may have had the desired effect upon his life and that this may have been a blessing in the midst of his late companions. No doubt you wonder why you should have this sorrow, personally I often think in this manner myself but one has to leave all to His will and take things as they are sent to us as something to work out His Eternal purpose.

I wish to convey to you my heartfelt sympathy. It is now Saturday we are working amongst the tents putting boards in them. We have a large number of new recruits amongst us only came this week. I find the army life agreeing with me, my health and spirits are quite alright. Mother Horace.

Hartlepool Northern Daily Mail Monday June 26th 1916.

THE TRIMDONS.

Last night a memorial service was held in the Wesleyan Methodist Church, Trimdon Colliery, for Corporal Joseph Shorthouse and Private William Roberts, who have lost their lives in the war. Both young men had as boys, been scholars in the Wesleyan Sunday School, and later Corporal Shorthouse, who was the possessor of a fine tenor voice, was a member of the choir. A very impressive service was held. Mister Botcherby being the preacher. A solo was sung by Miss Sadie Preston. There was a very large congregation.

Letter from Record Office to Mrs A Shorthouse.

Record Office

Exeter

24 June 1923

Madam

I am directed to transmit to you the accompanying

British War Medal, Victory Medal

which would have been conferred upon No.13673

Cpl. J. Shorthouse Dorset Regt.

had he lived, in memory of his services with the

British Forces during the Great War.

In forwarding the Decoration I am commanded

by the King to assure you of His Majesty’s high

appreciation of the services rendered.

I am to request that you will be so good as to

acknowledge the receipt of the Decoration on the

attached form.

I am

Your obedient Servant

File information, Records Office Kew, London

JOSEPH SHORTHOUSE DIED – 29- 5 – 1916

ENLISTED AT WEST HARTLEPOOL INTO 4TH RESERVE CAVALRY 21-11-1914 BASED AT TIDWORTH.

19 yrs 244 days old, signed for three yrs or duration of war,

occupation, cartman

formerly in Hussars of the Line No. 17571

Transferred to 3rd Dorset 3-6-1915, No. 13673

Private 3-6-1915

L/cpl 12-6-1915

Cpl 28-9-15

Served France and Flanders

Casualty record

Frostbite 18-12-1915, transferred to England 26-12-1915

Appendicitus died 29-5-1915

--1916 embarked at Folkestone for 6th Dorset

5-5-1916 proceeded to join 5th entrenchment batallion in field

--1916 joined

--1916 sent to hospital

--1916 appendicitus in field

29-5-1916 died of appendicitis

Personal effects letter received 14-11-1916 by Annie Shorthouse at 7 Pringle Street

Pay separation 8s/1d, allotment pay 3s/6d to Annie Shorthouse up to 11-7-1916.

Letter about medals 16-6-1916 received by Annie Shorthouse

Service records for Joe Shorthouse from various sources.

Enlisted 2nd. September 1914.

21st. November 1914 transfer to 4th. Reserve Cavalry Regt. Tidmouth.

3rd. June 1915 transfer to 3rd. Dorset Regt. Tidmouth.

Appointed to Lance Rank 12th. June 1915.

Promoted to Corporal Rank 28th. September 1915.

10th. Dec. 1915 admitted PHD Hospital Giza (Egypt), frostbite.

26th. Dec. 1915 AAG to England on HS Assage.

British Armed Forces – Admission and Discharge Book – H.M.H.S. Assaye.

3rd. Dorset Att. 6 R.M.F. #13673 Shorthouse J., rheumatism.

Transfer 26th Dec 1915 to sick convoy 31st. Dec. 1915, H.S. Britannic.

After his stay in Bootle Aux. Hospital, he rejoined his regiment in England and was shipped to France for the 6th. Dorset rotation.

Embarked Folkstone 21st. April 1916

22nd April 1916, Joined, Etaply, Roll of Reinforcements, 3rd. Echelon M.E.P.

5th. May 1916, proceeded to join 5th. Entrenchment.

12th May 1916, 5th. Entrenchment battery joined.

Admission and Discharge Book 14th. Field Ambulance Hospital

13673 Cpl. Shorthouse J age 21 one year 8 months service, 1 month field, admitted 22nd May 1916. Transferred 22nd. May 1916 t0 37 CCS (Casualty Clearing Station).

Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

The following information is from “The Commonweath War Graves Commission” which includes details of his death and of the area in which he died.

Casualty Details

Name: SHORTHOUSE

Initials:      J

Nationality: United Kingdom

Rank:      Corporal

Regiment/Service: Dorsetshire Regiment

Unit Text: 6th Bn.

Age: 21

Date of Death: 29/05/1916

Service No: 13673

Additional information:      Son of Fred and Annie Shorthouse,

of 7, Pringle St., Trimdon Colliery, Co. Durham.

Casualty Type:      Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: II. A. 1.

Cemetery: AVESNES-LE-COMTE COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION

Avesnes-le-Comte is a large village in the Department of the Pas-de-Calais, approximately 20 Kms west of Arras and 18 Kms south-east of St. Pol. The Communal Cemetery lies on the CD8 between the road to Manin and a side road called "Petit Chemin de Manin" on the north-west side of the village and the extension is on the western side of it.

The village of Avesnes-le-Comte was for some time the VI Corps headquarters. The 37th and 30th Casualty Clearing Stations were there from April 1916, the 42nd in June 1916, and the 41st in January 1917. The communal cemetery contains 2 Commonwealth burials of the First World War, both made in April 1916. Thereafter, burials were made in the extension, which contains 333 graves, 4 of which are unidentified. Most of these were from the 37th CCS which stayed in the village until July 1917. The Extension also contains 4 Second World War burials. The Extension was designed by Charles Holden.

Annie Shorthouse.

Annie is the youngest child of Frederick and Anne. She was born 31 Dec 1896 in Trimdon Colliery and died 28 August 1977 at the Highfield Hospital, Chester le Street, Co. Durham. Her residence at that time was 8 Tremeduna Grange, Trimdon Village.

The Shorthouse family was very close throughout their lives even though Arthur and Jane had immigrated to Australia. In age, Annie was closer to and associated with, her nieces Hilda Thornton, Eveline and Jennie Kell, and nephew Harry Kell, more than her own siblings. This relationship lasted throughout their lives.

Annie worked all of her life until retirement at the Station Town Cooperative store in Deaf Hill. She looked after the bookkeeping and accounts in a small office in the middle of the store. She never married but it was rumoured that she carried on an affair with Mr. Brown, who was married, the manager and secretary of the Society. She had several photographs of him in her album from the First World War. She loved visiting Scarborough and spent most of her holidays there.

She lived with her mother Anne in Deaf Hill, after retiring, moved to Trimdon Village to a flat above the Co-op store. Annie kept her mothers furniture and the family organ; it was a "portable" organ with peddle bellows operation. It was quite large and needed several people to move it. She played it occasionally. The organ was passed to Billy Robinson on her death who maintained it until his death, playing it occasionally. Disposal became a problem for Billy's wife Peggy until she found a local organ enthusiast in Hurworth Burn and gave it away.

An interesting sequence to the organ happened on last Tuesday (Peggy, March 31, 2009) at our craft and chat group when a lady from the old Water Board house at Hurworth Burn decided to join our group. Previous owners of house, musical friend Debbie and husband who were given the organ, decided to go home to Canada and a new family (also musical), a couple with 3 children and grandmother bought the house. Asked by Debbie if they would like the organ they were delighted. Molly Anderson (grandmother) told me her 8 yr. old grandson also played it when he got in from school most days. 

This week at the class I gave her some books of music that Billy had. He would be pleased to know that even if no members of the family wanted the organ it should have ended up this way. He also knew that house very well and the people who lived there when he was a boy.

Annie gave the impression of being that of a prim and proper person, always well dressed and expected to be waited on if visiting. She had her own circle of friends and was not a person you could just drop in to see.

When Annie died, age 80 years, a service was held in Trimdon Village Methodist Church on Thursday 1st September 1977 at 2:30 pm. Hymns "O for a closer walk with God" and The Lord's my Shepherd" were sung. Billy Robinson, great nephew, made all arrangements.

Footnote by John Robinson.

I was born in 1932 in Walkers Buildings “Coffee Pot” Trimdon Colliery in a condemned apartment type building. In 1933 the family were relocated to new council houses in Trimdon Village (Cleveland Ave). Lots were drawn to determine which family got which house. These were the depression years, my father William, a colliery cartman, did not work from 1926 until 1935. He eventually got a job as a stoneman at Fishburn where he worked until retirement.

Having seen the hardships of the times, our mother Eveline was determined that none of her five boys would work in the pits. She basically achieved this goal except for Jim who worked as a mechanic at Fishburn, Trimdon Grange and finally Easington Collieries, from which he retired. Four boys obtained engineering degrees from Durham University. There were also two girls in the family one qualified as a nurse and the other as a schoolteacher.

Looking at the Trimdons today, it is hard to imagine the hive of activity in these communities when the mines were working. Both Trimdon Colliery and Trimdon Grange had a good variety of shops. Collectively the Trimdons were self-sufficient and it was not necessary to leave the community to obtain the necessities of life. Holidays were a rarity, cars almost non-existent, a treat was a trip the beaches of Hart, Hartlepool or Seaton Carew by bus or train.

Most of the descendants of this Shorthouse family are still to be found in the County Durham area. There are families in Yorkshire, Worcestershire, Cheshire, Cumberland and Surrey. Overseas; Australia, Botswana, Canada and France.

From the families of the labourers, servants, carpenters and miners, we now have a plethora of professions; teachers, doctors, chemists, engineers, nurses, retail store managers, musicians, a judge, a managing director, researchers, etc.