Judy Woollams’ research into 19th century newspaper reports – births, marriages and deaths etc
Judy Woollams’ newspaper research
We were delighted to receive the material on this page from Judy Woollams, who lives in Auckland, New Zealand. Her first letter reads:
I was recently asked to do some research for a friend with ancestors in Elmswell and discovered the Elmswell History site. The information there is excellent and gave me much help.
The surname I was researching is KING, in particular, Dennis b.1841, son of James and Jemima. I had noted of course his siblings and tracked them and their families through the censuses. I thought the attached [image] might be of interest to other people searching the Elmswell site with an interest in the KING family. It is in regard to an inquest into the death of Esther KING (b.1887) aged 2 years, daughter of George KING, son of James & Jemima. Esther’s birth is not on any census as both her birth and death fell between the 1881 and 1891 Census.
The reference for this article is: The Ipswich Journal, Fri June 7, 1889, Issue No. 9186 – “MYSTERIOUS AFFAIR AT ELMSWELL”
Subsequently Judy delved more extensively into the local newspapers of the 19th century, looking for snippets of relevance to Elmswell, and found numerous references to deaths (natural, accidental or otherwise), some marriages, and just one birth. She also made some extracts from court records, and found some miscellaneous news items.
NEWSPAPER REPORTS WHICH MENTION ELMSWELL
Births, Marriages, Deaths and Obituaries, from 1811 to 1900
The Hull Packet and Original Weekly Commercial, Literary and General Advertiser. Tuesday, October 8, 1811; Issue 1291
Sept 25, at Elmswell, Suffolk, aged 77, Sir Harvey Smith, Bart., the last surviving officer present at the death of Gen. Wolfe at Quebec, and one of his Aides-de-camp.
Jackson’s Oxford Journal, Saturday, September 17, 1825; Issue 3777
The Rev. Edward Hannam, of St. John’s College, Cambridge, to Maria, third daughter of the Rev. J. T. Lawton, Rector of Elmswell, Suffolk.
The Examiner, Sunday, February 5, 1826; Issue 939
On the 1st Inst. At St Michael’s Wood street, R. Buston, Esq. to Patience, youngest daughter of the late Peter Bridges, of Elmswell, Suffolk.
Jackson’s Oxford Journal, Saturday, November 15, 1828; Issue 3942
Charles Harsant, Esq. of Wickham Market, to Eliza, second daughter of the Rev. J.T. Lawton, Rector of Elmswell.
Jackson’s Oxford Journal, Saturday, April 19, 1834; Issue 4225
At Elmswell, Suffolk, the Rev. G.H. Vachell, M.A. Chaplain on the Hon. East India Company’s Establishment in China, to Cecilia Catherine, eldest daughter of the Rev. J. T. Lawton, Rector of Elmswell.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, April 20, 1839; Issue 5221
14th Inst., after a long affliction, in her 49th year, Mary, the beloved wife of Mr William Goldsmith, of Elmswell, leaving a large family to deplore the loss of a kind and affectionate mother.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, January 9, 1841; Issue 5309
1st inst., at Elmswell, after a long affliction. In 78th year of her age, Mrs. Hunt, relict of the late Mr. John Hunt, of Woolpit.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, January 14, 1843 Issue: 5413
9th Inst., after a long affliction, Mary, eldest daughter of Mr Dennis Bridges of Elmswell.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, May 9, 1846; Issue 5586
2nd Inst., in his 43rd year, Mr John Robinson, carpenter and builder, of Elmswell.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, February 20, 1847; Issue 5624
10th inst., at Stowmarket, at an advanced age, Mrs. Bridges, wife of Mr. Wm. Bridges, farmer of the above place, and daughter of the late Mr. Pattle, of Elmswell-hall.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, May 8, 1847; Issue 5635
30th Ult., after a long affliction, aged 59, Matilda, wife of Mr John Rowe, of Elmswell.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, August 12, 1848; Issue 5701
8th Inst, at St. Matthew’s Church, Ipswich, Mr. Thos. P. Bilham, of St. Margaret’s, to Ellen, fourth daughter of the late Mr. Wm. Turner, farmer, of Elmswell. And on the same day, at St. Peter’s Church, Mr Benjamin Wright, Turret Place, to Mrs Collins, widow of Mr Robert Collins, grocer, Eye, and third daughter of the late Mr. Wm. Turner, farmer of Elmswell.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, July 14, 1849; Issue 5749
6th inst., at Elmswell Church, by the Rev. Edward Lawton, Mr David Wright, farmer, Elmswell, to Sophia Amelia, widow of Bethel Ward, of Combs Stowmarket.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, August 20, 1853; Issue 5936
14th inst., aged 47, Sophia, the beloved wife of Mr. Reuben Wright, brickmaker and farmer, Elmswell and third daughter of the late Mr. John Steel, of Icklingham.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, February 18, 1854; Issue 5989
15th inst., the Rev. Edward Claydon Lawton, eldest son of the Rev. J. Thos. Lawton, rector of Elmswell.
The Morning Chronicle, Monday, February 20, 1854; Issue 27194
On the 15th inst., at Elmswell Rectory, Suffolk the Rev. Edward Claydon Lawton, eldest son the Rev. T. Thomas Lawton, rector of that parish.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, April 15, 1854; Issue 5997
5th inst., in her 21st year, Laura Elizabeth, youngest daughter of Mr Thomas Catchpole of Elmswell.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, October 3, 1857; Issue 6178
26th ult., Anna Maria, sixth daughter of the late Mr. Henry Fisher, farmer and brickmaker of Elmswell
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, March 13, 1858; Issue 6201
5th inst., at Elmswell, in the 70th year of her age, Mary Ann, the wife of Mr. William Sayer.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, April 21, 1860; Issue 6311
WRIGHT- HART 20th inst., at St. Matthew’s church, by the Rev. C.H. Gaye, Mr. Thomas Wright, farmer, Elmswell, to Anne Maria Hazleton, youngest daughter of Mrs Hart, Bramford road, Ipswich.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, August 11, 1860; Issue 6327
HUNT, 7th Inst., in London, aged 64, Mr. William Hunt, formerly of Elmswell.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, December May 18, 1861; Issue 6367
BENNINGTON-10th inst., aged 33 years, after a long affliction, borne with Christian patience and resignation to the Divine Will, Mary Ann Frances, the beloved wife of Mr. Jabez Bennington of Elmswell.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, September 21, 1861; Issue 6385
BORLEY – 12th inst., aged 47, Mr. John Borley, jun., farmer, Elmswell
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, January 25, 1862; Issue 6403
HARSANT – 20th inst., at Elmswell Rectory, Eliza, the second daughter of the Rev. J. Thomas Lawton, and widow of Charles Harsant, Esq., of Wickham-market.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, March 8, 1862; Issue 6409
CATCHPOLE – 1st inst., at Elmswell, aged 87, Mr. Thos. Catchpole, having been a resident in the same house for upwards of 65 years.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, December 20, 1862; Issue 6451
MULLEY – FARTHING – 15th inst., at Elmswell Church, by the Rev. H.S. Marriott, Mr. David Mulley to Jemima Farthing, only daughter of Mr John Farthing.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, October 21, 1865; Issue 6599
GOLDING – FISHER – 12th ins., at Woolpit, by the Rev. H.S. Marriott, Mrs Arthur Golding, of the New Bells Farm, Haughley, to Elizabeth Harriett, eldest daughtyer of Mr. Frederick Fisher, of the Crossway Farm, Elmswell. No cards.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, January 4, 1868; Issue 6714
WRIGHT – NEWSON – 31st ult., by licence, at the Wesleyan Meeting house, Museum Street, Ipswich, by the Rev. Robert Keyworth, Mr. David Wright, miller, of Elmswell, to Miss Sabina Newson, of the same place.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, February 20, 1869; Issue 6773
CLARKE – BURRELL – 11th inst., at Elmswell, Samuel, third son of Mr F. Clarke of Rowland, Lincolnshire, to Susan, second surviving daughter of Mr James Burrell, farmer, Elmswell.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, October 2, 1869; Issue 6795
HANNAM – 26th ult., at East Grinstead, Sussex, Maria, widow of the Rev. Edward P. Hannam, vicar of Borden, Kent, and daughter of the late Rev. J.T. Lawton, rector of Elmswell
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, June 25, 1870; Issue 6827
BORLEY – 14th ins., at Elmswell aged 79, Mr. Wm. Borley, formerly of Thorpe Morieux, and brother of the late Mr. John Borley, of Elmswell.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, March 8, 1873; Issue 7092
PARKER – SEGGERS – 6th inst., at Ixworth, Mr George Parker of Ipswich, to Miss Eliz. Ann Seggers, youngest daughter of Mr. Robert Seggers of Green Farm Bardwell and Fish Pond Farm, Elmswell
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, August 23, 1873; Issue 7139
FENTON 16th inst., aged 82 years, Maria Fenton, wife of Z Fenton, sen., market gardener, nurseryman, and seedsman, Elmswell.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, November 29, 1873; Issue 7166
PELLS – 20th inst., at his residence, No. 11 Nau…(?) Street, Ipswich, after a long affliction, aged 53. John Pells, late of Elmswell, Suffolk.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, October 28, 1876; Issue 7470
BIRKETT – EDWARDS – 18th inst., at St. John’s Church, Elmswell, by the Rev. W.H.C. Luke, rector, John Bescoby Birkett, station master at the above place, and son of Mr. T.B. Birkett, station master at Ingham, to Caroline Elizabeth, second daughter of Mr. A. Edwards, grocer and draper, Post office, Elmswell.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, October 27, 1877; Issue 7574
MURTON – 21st inst., at Elmswell, Sarah, widow of Robert Murton, aged 72
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, August 24, 1878; Issue 7660
MATHEWS – 11th inst., aged 16, Thomas Frederick, second son of C. F. Mathews, Elmswell
The Ipswich Journal, Tuesday, August 12, 1879; Issue 7761
GOLDSMITH – 3rde inst., much respected aged 66 years, John Goldsmith, Elmswell.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, June 5, 1880; Issue 7850
BENCE – 18th ult., at Elmswell, aged 27, Mr. George Bence.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, August 7, 1880; Issue 7868
SALMON- 25th ult. At Elmswell, Sophia, wife of Henry Salmon.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, August 20, 1881; Issue 7976
ROSE- 7TH inst., at Elmswell, aged 74 years, Mr. Charles Rose.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, January 7, 1882; Issue 8016
SARGENT – 20th ult., at Elmswell, aged 42, Emma, wife of Mr R.J. Sargent, stationmaster, Elmswell, and third daughter of the late Mr. Thomas Clark, of Sudbury.
The Ipswich Journal, Tuesday, June 20, 1882; Issue 8040
FISHER – 13th inst., at Woolpit, Charlotte Fisher, relict of Frederick Fisher, of the Crossways Farm, Elmswell, aged 67 years.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, June 16, 1883; Issue 8091
ELMER – WATERMAN – 7th inst., at Bury St. Edmund’s Jesse Elmer, of Elmswell, to Sarah Waterman of Bur St. Edmunds.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, August 1, 1883; Issue 8100
LORD – 7th inst., Louisa, wife of William Lord of Elmswell, aged 66.
The Ipswich Journal, Thursday, November 19, 1885; Issue 8311
WARREN – 10th inst., at Fornham St., Martin, James Warren aged 55, youngest son of Mr. Nathan Warren, late of East Wood farm, Elmswell.
Daily News, Friday, May 21, 1886; Issue 12515
BOOTH – On May 19th, at New Hall, Elmswell, near Bury St. Edmunds, the wife of Benjamin B. Booth, of Cazenoves, Upper Clapton, of a son.
The Ipswich Journal, Friday, May 18, 1888; Issue 9077
SEADON 14th inst., at 6 King Street, St. James’s square, London, Baker Seadon, born at Elmswell, 21st January, 1807
The Ipswich Journal, Friday, December 21, 1888; Issue 9162
SAYER – 8th August, at Unley, South Australia, Richard Sayer, late of Elmswell, in this county, aged 88 years.
The Ipswich Journal, Friday, February 22, 1889; Issue 9171
MULLEY- 12th inst., at Elmswell, from cancer of the lip, David Mulley aged 85 years.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, December 28, 1889; Issue 9216
POTTER- 20th inst., at Elmswell, Hannah, relict of Nathaniel Potter, formerly backer, of Woolpit in her 89th year.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, January 4, 1890; Issue 9217
BAKER -27th ult., at Elmswell, Sarah, the beloved wife of Jacob Baker, aged 72 years.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, November 29, 1890; Issue 9264
BAKER 18th November, at Elmswell, Mary Jane Baker, aged 16 years.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, October 21, 1893; Issue 9415
MOLE – 18th October, at Elmswell, very suddenly, Charles Mole, signalman, Elmswell Station, G.E.R., aged 32, leaving a widow and four young children.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, April 11, 1896; Issue 9544
WARREN – 3rd April, after a long and severe affliction, Henry James of the Lower Farm, Wetherden, third son of Mr. Nathan Warren, Elmswell, aged 37.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, July 11, 1896; Issue 9557
ELMER – 2nd July, at Sunnyside, Elmswell, Henry Arthur, eldest son of the late Henry William Elmer, of the Mills, Great Ashfield, aged 35 years.
The Ipswich Journal, Friday, April 15, 1898; Issue 9649
FENTON – 4th April, Sarah Fenton, wife of Zachariah Fenton, Elmswell, aged 67.
The Ipswich Journal, Friday, June 3, 1898; Issue 9656
BLOOM – May 30th, at Elmswell, Robert Henry Bloom, aged 45 years.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, May 19, 1900; Issue 9758
POLLARD – 13th May, at Elmswell, William Pollard, in his 80th year.
These items relating to Deaths and Marriages were in the General News sections of the papers, 1802 to 1896
The Ipswich Journal, December 11, 1802; Issue 3642
Wednesday’s Post:
Died:: Lately of a fever in the West Indies, Mr Wm. Pattle, son of Mr Daniel Pattle, of Elmswell hall.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, August 30, 1806; Issue 3824
Lately died at Elmswell, Mrs Clarke, in the 79th year of her age, wife of Mr. John Clarke, late of Woolpit in this county.
The Ipswich Journal, October 14, 1809; Issue 3981
Wednesday’s Post:
Yesterday se’nnight the Rev. Jos. Hodgkin, rector of Elmswell, Suffolk
The Ipswich Journal, October 5, 1811; Issue 4073
Wednesday se’nnight died at Elmswell, after a long and severe illness, Sir Harvey Smith Bart. Aged 77, the last surviving officer present at the death of Gen. Wolfe at Quebec, and one of his Aids de Camp.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, February 15, 1812; Issue 4092
Lately died at Elmswell, Mr. John Mullender, formerly of Stow upland.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, October 20, 1821; Issue 4356
On the 29th ult. Mrs. Sarah Woollard, widow of the late Mr. Thomas Woollard, of Elmswell.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, September 10, 1825, Issue 4561
Thursday last was married, by the Rev. Edward Lawton, the Rev. Edward Pett Hannam, A.B. of St. John’s College, Cambridge, son of P. Hannam, Esq. of Northbourne Court, Kent to Maria, third daughter of the Rev. J.T. Lawton, rector of Elmswell in this county.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, February 4, 1826; Issue 4586
On the 1st inst. was married, at St. Michael’s, Wood Street, R. Buston, Esq. to Patience, youngest daughter of the late Peter Bridges, Esq. Elmswell, in the county of Suffolk.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, November 8, 1828; Issue 4729
On the 6th inst. was married at Elmswell, Charles Harsant, Esq. of Wickham market, to Eliza, second daughter of the Rev. J. Lawton, rector of Elmswell.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, May 15, 1830; Issue 4808
Tuesday last was married, at Elmswell, by the Rev. Thomas Lawton, Wm. Cole Ambrose, Esq., of Quy, Cambridgeshire, to Maria, youngest daughter of the late Mr. John Hunt, Woolpit.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, April 12, 1834; Issue 5012
On the 10th inst. was married, at Elmswell, the Rev. George Harvey Vachell, A.M., chaplain on the Hon. East India Company’s Establishment in China, to Cecilia Catherine, eldest daughter of the Rev. J.T. Lawton, rector of Elmswell
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, November 1, 1834; Issue 5041
24th ult., died in her 16th year, Mary, the beloved daughter of Mr Pattle of Ashfield, late of Elmswell Hall.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, June 23, 1849; Issue 5746
Inquisitions: Before Harry Wayman, Gen., Coroner for the Liberty and
Borough of Bury Saint Edmund’s.
On he 18th inst., at Elmswell, on the body of a child named Thomas Steele Wright, 5 years old, who had met his death by falling out of a tumbrel, which was loaded with bricks, and the wheel passing over his chest. He survived the accident but a few minutes.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, March 23, 1850; Issue 5785
Inquisitions: Before Harry Wayman, Esq., Coroner for the Liberty and Borough of Bury Saint Edmund’s
On the 14th inst., at Elmswell, on the body of Elizabeth Finch, aged 77 years, who died very suddenly on Wednesday. The deceased had been ailing some time.
Verdict: “Died by the visitation of God.”
The Era. Sunday, October 4, 1857; Issue 993
Suicide by drowning: An inquest was held on Tuesday on the body of Emily Claverley, a married woman, whose body was found in the Thames on Sunday last, with a piece of lead between eight or nine pounds in weight, tied around the neck. The deceased had forwarded a box to her sister at Elmswell, at the same time writing to her to say that she “Was going to end her troubles.” Her sister came up immediately, and stated at the inquest that her sister was not in want, but had been grieved about her domestic affairs. Mr Claverley, her husband, said that she had an internal complaint, and he believed her ill health had affected her mind.
Verdict: “Temporary insanity.”
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, March 15, 1862; Issue 6410
On Tuesday, an inquest was held before G.A. Partridge, Esq., coroner, at Elmswell, on the body of Charles Henry Moyse, aged 7 weeks. From the evidence of Mr. Leech, surgeon, Woolpit, it appeared the deceased was lying on its back, when it brought up a small quantity of milk, some little of which got into the windpipe and suffocated it.
Verdict: Death from accidental suffocation.
Daily News, Thursday, December 18, 1862; Issue 5183
A LONG ENGAGEMENT: Elmswell was thrown into no small excitement on Monday by the marriage of Mr. David Mulley to Miss Jemima Farthing, both very honest and industrious people, but rather eccentric characters. The bridegroom is the well-known Elmswell Poet; the father of the bride is a hale, upright man, in the eighty-eighth year of his age. The courtship has been carried on for no less than twenty-six years, but the ardent suitor confessed at the last that he so counted of the time of their union, that every minute seemed to him as ten! On the arrival of the parties at the church they were agreeably surprised to find the gateway decorated with evergreens- apt emblem of the jubilee time of life at which they were, not out of but into bonds – and the pathway through the churchyard as appropriately strewed with the best flowers that the season would afford. The service was performed with due solemnity by the Rev. H.S. Marriott, and the happy bridegroom returned home, doubtless rejoicing that he had been at length enabled to change his Farthing into a great treasure. (Bury and Norwich Post).
Jackson’s Oxford Journal, Saturday, March 28, 1863; Issue 5735
Clergyman deceased:
March 19, at the Rectory, Elmswell Suffolk, in the 80th year of his age, the Rev. Joseph Thomas Lawton for 54 years the Rector of that parish.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, March 13, 1869; Issue 6766
At Elmswell:
FATAL ACCIDENT: on the Railway.
On Monday morning a dreadful accident happened to a lad, named Henry Lambert, son of he gatekeeper at the Railway station. By some means he got in the way of the goods train while at that station, and was knocked down by the engine and run over; one of his legs was crushed off, and the wheels also passed over the lower part of the other foot. He was taken to the Suffolk general Hospital, Bury St. Edmunds, but when he arrived there, at about a quarter past one, he was pulseless, and although every attention was paid him, he never rallied, and died at a quarter past nine from the shock to the system.
The Ipswich Journal, Tuesday, August 12, 1879; Issue 7761
Elmswell:
SUDDEN DEATH OF AN OLD INHABITANT. – The inhabitants of this village have recently received a painful reminder of the uncertainty of human life by the death of Mr. Goldsmith, farmer, one of the oldest and most respective parishioners. Although the deceased has been suffering from heart disease for some time, yet his end was sudden. During his lifetime Mr. Goldsmith had served in every office in the parish; upwards of 20 years he had been churchwarden, overseer, surveyor, guardian, etc., which offices he filled with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his brother parishioners. On Thursday the remains were borne to their last resting place and were followed by a large number of the members of the Hand of Charity Lodge, M.U.O.O.F., of which the deceased had been a member for many years. A large number of the inhabitants attended the funeral as a last tribute of respect for the deceased, who was always kind, courteous, and benevolent to every one; the loss will be felt by many.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, September 12, 1885; Issue 8282
Eye:
FUNERAL OF THE LATE MR. ALDERMAN GEORGE WARNER LAWTON.
The funeral of Alderman G.W. Lawton will take place this day (Saturday) at two o’clock at Elmswell Church of which the deceased gentleman’s father was for many years patron and rector, and where members of the family have been buried for a long tie past. At a meeting of the members of Eye Town Council, called at the request of the Mayor on Thursday evening to ‘determine what arrangements should be made for paying respect to the memory of the late Mr Alderman Lawton’ it was decided that the Corporation should be represented at the funeral by the Mayor (H. Barnes Esq.), the Town Clerk (F. Woolnough Esq.) and the Sergeant at Mace (Mr T. Skuffham sen.) the distance and other circumstance precluding the possibility of the Corporation attending in a body as they would have done had the internment taken place nearer home. The corpse, which will be conveyed by road, will leave the house at eleven o’clock.
The Ipswich Journal, Thursday, October 22, 1885; Issue 8299
Wetherden:
THE FATAL ACCIDENT WITH A THRESHING MACHINE
At the inquest held at the Suffolk General Hospital, Bury St. Edmunds, on Monday, before Mr C. J.E. Sparke, borough coroner, on the body of Henry James King aged 13, Elmswell, who died on Sunday, from injuries received he previous day while working with a steam threshing machine, particulars of which were given in our Tuesday’s edition, the jury returned a verdict of ‘Accidental death’.
The Belfast News Letter, Monday, November 22, 1886; Issue 22280
SUICIDE
Yesterday afternoon Reuben Manning a labourer of Elmswell, Suffolk, deliberately laid his head on the rail in front of an approaching train on the Great Eastern Railway, and his head was completely severed from his body.
The Ipswich Journal, Monday, November 22, 1886; Issue 8548
SUICIDE ON THE RAILWAY NEAR ELMSWELL
An elderly man named Reuben Manning committed suicide on the Great Eastern Railway near Elmswell Station on Saturday afternoon. The driver of the 2.40 express from Haughley when within a mile and a half of Elmswell saw a man crawl from the embankment and deliberately place his head on the line. The driver could not stop the train in time to prevent running over the man who was killed instantly, his head being fearfully crushed. His body was taken to the Fox Inn, near Elmswell Station, to await the inquest, which will be held this (Monday) afternoon at 2.45 o’clock.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, March 5, 1887; Issue 8652
DEATHS
REDNALL – 25th ult., at Elmswell, Ephraim Rednall, builder, aged 65 years.
The Ipswich Journal, Friday, July 8, 1887; Issue 8770
Woolpit
DROWNED WHILE BATHING – Walter Mills of Elmswell was drowned whilst bathing in a clay pit on Messrs. Wright’s farm in this parish on Sunday afternoon.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, August 23, 1890; Issue 9250
DROWNED AT ELMSWELL
On Tuesday evening Mr Woolnough Gross(?) held an inquest at Elmswell as to the death of William James Salmon, two years and 10 months old, son of Thomas Salmon, labourer. The evidence showed that deceased was that morning found drowned in a pond at the back of a house at Elmswell, into which no doubt he had accidentally fallen, and the jury returned a verdict accordingly.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, October 12, 1895; Issue 9518
AN ELMSWELL MYSTERY
SHOCKING DISCOVERY
On Friday morning Edgar Marshlain, about 60 years old, was found dead in his bedroom at Elmswell in a large pool of blood,. Deceased had for some months been in the employ of Mrs. Buckle. Information was given to Police Sergeant Hayward, of Woolpit. Death is supposed to be due to the rupture of a blood vessel. The deceased formerly lived at Offton.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, July 11, 1896; Issue 9557
Elmswell
The late Mr H.A. Elmer – The remains of the late Mr H.A. Elmer, for some time the representative of Beyton district on the West Suffolk County Council were interred by the side of those of his father in Great Ashford Church yard, on Tuesday. Many sympathising friends were present, and a number of floral tributes were placed upon the coffin.
COURT SESSIONS
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, July 11, 1846; Issue 5592
SUFFOLK TRINITY SESSIONS
Bury St. Edmund’s, Tuesday, 7 July
Prisoner: William Rice, 20, convicted of having at Elmswell, unlawfully and forcibly rescued John Wilson from the custody of W. Carlow, he being charged with felony: 9 calendar months
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, August 1, 1846; Issue 5595
SUFFOLK ASSIZES.
Crown Court, Friday, 31 July
Stealing Monies at Elmswell
Zacharia Sutton, 23 was charged with having stolen about £3, the property of David Mulley, of Elmswell. On the 23rd July the prosecutor was intoxicated at a public house at Elmswell. In this state he retired to a place at the back of the premises, and fell asleep on the floor. When he awoke he found the prisoner lying by his side; upon examining his pockets, when sober, he found they had been rifled of their contents.
Prisoner: Had you not been lying about there drunk all the afternoon?
Prosecutor (hesitating): Not to my recollection.
The Judge: The truth is, you know very little about the matter – that is, of course; if you don’t say so, we shall believe it. (Laughter)
The other evidence against the prisoner was, that he changed two sovereigns on the night of the robbery at a public house where he lodged, and that he had also in his possession a knife, which the prosecutor said he had in his pocket before he fell asleep, together with a crown piece which the prosecutor also identified.
The prisoner, in defence, said the prosecutor was lying about drunk all the afternoon, and that it was just as likely he lost his money out of his pocket, as that he was robbed.
The jury found the prisoner Guilty.
The Judge: Temptation was laid in your way by the man’s getting drunk. That is to be taken into consideration. But you suffered yourself to fall under that temptation, and you must be severely punished: Six months hard labour.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, October 27, 1849; Issue 5764
SUFFOLK MICHAELMAS SESSIONS
Bury St. Edmund’s, Tuesday, Oct 23
Patience Armstrong, 15, Hannah Alexander, 46 and James Alexander, 10 were charged with having stolen 8 ½ lbs of flour, the property of Walter Lord, of Elmswell, farmer. Armstrong and Hannah Alexander were convicted of the charge; the latter sentenced to one year’s imprisonment, and the former to 14 days. James Alexander
was acquitted.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, October 29, 1853; Issue 5973
SUFFOLK MICHAELMAS SESSIONS
Bury St Edmund’s,
George Lofts, convicted of obtaining 1s. From Fredk. Fisher, at Elmswell, under false pretences: 14 days.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, March 25, 1854; Issue 5994
SUFFOLK LENT SESSIONS
Bury St. Edmund’s Monday March 20
Joseph Ashton, 70, convicted of stealing a copper, at Elmswell, the property of Thomas Catchpole: three months hard labour.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, December 31, 1859; Issue 6195
STOWMARKET PETTY SESSIONS
Henry Baker and William Farrow, two lads from Elmswell, were charged by J. Lawton, Esq., with having damaged a gate in the parish of Wetherden, by cutting the back nearly through with a hatchet. They both pleaded guilty and were fined 1s., damages 1s. and costs. 14 days was allowed them to pay.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, August 6, 1870; issue 6839
ACTION FOR DAMAGES FOR ASSAULT
Green v. Robinson – This was an action brought to recover damages for an assault and battery by the defendant on the plaintiff.
Mr O’Malley, Q.C. and Mr E.L. O’Malley appeared for the plaintiff; Mr Metcalfe for the defendant.
Mr E.L. O’Malley opened the pleadings. The defendant had pleaded in the first place not guilty, and in the second place that he was obliged to strike the plaintiff in self defence.
The plaintiff, Thomas John Green, is a dealer, living at Elmswell. On the 21st of April last he visited the Lion Inn, where he had a glass of ale and sat down to read the newspaper. An hour or so after that, about five o’clock, the defendant and two other men named Faiers and Cullum came in. Nothing unpleasant occurred in that house, and about half past six o’clock he left and went into the Fox, another public house, when the defendant and the same two men came in there. Soon after that the defendant and two men commenced tossing, and in the course of the tossing defendant dropped a half crown, which plaintiff picked up at the signs of the other men. The defendant looked for it and could not find it, and the plaintiff ultimately threw it upon the table. This caused the defendant to say that plaintiff wanted the half crown more than he did, and asked him to keep it. Plaintiff, however, would not do so, and the defendant picked up the money, and as plaintiff thought, walked out. He, however, soon afterwards knocked him down and when down struck him in the face, breaking his nose and causing him to bleed profusely. He was rendered insensible for a few minutes. The defendant then left and plaintiff went out after him to speak to him and met him in the road, where the defendant again attacked him, and he was pulled off by a man named Corner, son of the land lady of the Fox. After that he got up and walked away to the Fox, where he cleaned himself. The plaintiff stated his injuries were of a serious kind and he sometimes felt them at the present time. The blood destroyed a suit of clothes, the value of which plaintiff could not remember, and he had been obliged to have a doctor, who charged £1-11s 6p
In cross examination the plaintiff admitted being bound over to keep the peace towards his landlord, whom he had threatened to throw into a horse pond; but he denied being drunk, or that he was an abusive man, or that he offered to fight it out with the defendant. Mr Birkett, station master, at Elmswell, spoke to seeing the defendant on the night of the 21st of April. Defendant was drunk and said to him, “I have given the champion of Elmswell a good licking, the old chap told me to do so.” The defendant appears to have sworn at Mr Birkett. Mr. Henry Payne Leech, surgeon, Woolpit, deposed to the injuries the plaintiff had received. He found the plaintiff had been a good deal knocked about, and had a wound at the back of his head and two blackened eyes. His nose was also broken.
Mr Metcalfe for the defence did not call any witnesses. He said the case was of a very trumpery nature and ought to have been settled in the County Court, instead of troubling them with trying so paltry a question as which of these two men struck the first blow. He contended that one was quite as bad as the other. The plaintiff was a great village bully, and got what he richly deserved. It was proved by all the witnesses that he was a very quarrelsome man.
His Lordship in summing up said there could not be any doubt that the defendant struck the first blow and the only question they would have to consider was the amount of damages. In assessing the amount of damages they must take the plaintiff’s acts into consideration.
The Jury after some little consultation found a verdict for the plaintiff, damages £5.
The Ipswich Journal, Tuesday, June 27, 1871; Issue 6915
PETTY SESSIONS REPORT
STOWMARKET
Seth Bull, labourer, Elmswell, pleaded guilty to allowing his pony to stray on the highway at Wetherden, on the 9th of June, and as he had been previously convicted of a similar offence, was now fined 5s. And 5s costs, which he paid.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, September 2, 1876; Issue 7454
PETTY SESSIONS REPORTS
UNPLEASANT NEIGHBOURS – George Mulley, labourer, of Elmswell, was summoned for assaulting Alfred Coopery, of Elmswell wine merchant, on the 11th of August.
Defendant pleaded not guilty.
Complainant deposed: I am a wine and spirit merchant at Elmswell. A few minutes before ten o’clock on the evening in question I was going after my pony, which had been out, when I met defendant and a man named Hood. They made some remarks, but I did not reply. When I was returning Mulley again spoke to me, caught hold of my coat, and abused me, using filthy language. He also struck me on the head; and I told him I should make him pay if he did not release his hold. On the following day he again used abusive language, but did not strike me. I had given defendant no provocation. I never had anything to do with him; only knew him by seeing him go to work since he had resided in the village.
Defendant denied that he struck complainant, and said that all complainant had stated was false. He called a witness.
John Hood, shoemaker, of Elmswell, who stated that he was with defendant on the night in question, when defendant met complainant on the road near Mr Dunnett’s shop, at Elmswell. Complainant went up to Mulley and used abusive language to both of them. Witness did not see defendant strike complainant. Defendant could not have done so without witness seeing it He heard complainant threaten to warm his (defendant’s) hide on the following morning. When Cooper seized Mulley the latter merely pushed him away, and if any blow was struck it must have been done then.
In answer to the complainant, witness still denied that defendant struck him.
Complainant told the Bench he and his wife could not move in Elmswell without being subjected to nuisances from such parties as the defendant.
The Bench convicted defendant and fined him 6s. And costs 7s 6d, which sums were paid.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, October 28, 1876; Issue 7470
PETTY SESSIONS REPORTS
George Mulley, labourer, of Elmswell, summoned for being drunk and riotous on the highway at Elmswell, on Tuesday, the 3rd inst. did not appear, and the policeman G. Pearson having proved the personal service of the summons, and afterwards stated that on the day in question he saw the defendant in Elmswell, when he used blackguardly language towards him.
The Bench sent him to prison for one calendar month.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, March 30, 1878; Issue 7618
SUFFOLK QUARTER SESSIONS
TRIAL OF PRISONERS
EMBEZZLEMENT AT ELMSWELL
Edgar Barnes, 18, Labourer, pleaded guilty to embezzling 4s. 3d. the property of his master, Arthur Barker, At Elmswell, on the 26th January, and was sentenced to three months imprisonment.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, September 14, 1878; Issue 7666
PETTY SESSIONS REPORTS
STRAPPING A WIFE –
Alfred Cater, of Elmswell, was charged on remand with having at diverse times assaulted and beaten his wife Selina, and having further threatened to do her some bodily injury, whereby she was in fear of her life.
Selina Carter deposed that her husband was a labourer, and that on Saturday, the 24th ult., she was upon the bed with her baby when a difference of opinion took place about the wages given to her, she not considering the amount give (15s) sufficient for her wants for housekeeping. He then struck her with a belt, and the buckle drew blood and made a severe wound four inches long. She said she should summon him, for she could bear it no longer. On Sunday night defendant brought several men home after she was in bed, and riotous conduct took place. He went upstairs and attempted to fasten upon her arm, but she begged him not to hurt the child. She went in bodily fear, and dare not live with him. On Tuesday he took the poker up and threatened to kill her, but she ran away and got a warrant to have him apprehended.
Cross examined: She did not threaten to stab him, after the assault she did put a piece of a strap into his pudding for his dinner, but it was not off the strap he flogged her with.
Policeman Robert Cooper, Elmswell, deposed that on Saturday morning he went to Cater’s house by request. He saw a severe wound upon her shoulder, about 4 inches long. He also saw her on Tuesday, when she made further complaints. He advised her to go a Magistrate. On Wednesday he received a warrant to apprehend Cater. Defendant then said, “This is all through drink”.
The Bench ordered defendant to be committed to gaol for one month after which a judicial separation would be granted and defendant would have to make an allowance of 5s. per week to his wife.
STRAYING CATTLE
Seth Bull, an old offender, residing at Elmswell, was again charged with allowing his pony and donkey to do damage to certain growing grass and other vegetation in a field in the occupation of Ireland William Graham, on the 24th August.
Defendant pleaded guilty and was fined 3s 6d., costs 5. 6d. and damage 1s.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, August 23, 1879; Issue 7764
STOWMARKET COUNTY COURT
Friday August 22
DISPUTE ABOUT A GUN
William Burt, gardener, Norton, v. Gregory Sparke, a gentleman living at Elmswell.
Action – to recover 15s for a gun supplied to the defendant.
Plaintiff stated that in July, 1878, he was a work for Mr Sparke, when the latter wanted to buy his gun, and agreed with him to buy it for 15s. He sent for the gun, and the defendant’s men were shooting with it for six weeks when they burst it, and Mr Sparke refused to pay for it. The men told him that they thought the paper used for the charge was not properly rammed home, and that was the cause of the bursting of the gun.
Defendant utterly denied the statement of the plaintiff. He said he never agreed to buy the gun and did not know how it came upon his premises. He did not know it was there at all until after it had burst, and he was totally ignorant of the whole transaction. Defendant called a man named George Stiff, who stated that he was in the garden on the occasion in question, and he heard the plaintiff’s ask defendant to buy a gun, but the latter declined to do so, stating that he had one already. The gun was burst by a man employed by the defendant, named Sparham, who was not present, who took it from the plaintiff’s.
His Honour said this was a most extraordinary case, and he should adjourn the case until the next Court, in order that Sparham might be produced.
CLAIM FOR WAGES
Simon Kemp, groom, Elmswell v. Gregory Sparke,
The defendant in the last case
Action to recover 10s amount of wages alleged to be due.
Plaintiff stated that he was engaged by the defendant as groom in October 1878, at wages of 2s. 6d. a week, and his board and lodging. He was engaged weekly, but he was paid every 12 weeks, and not feeling comfortable in his place he left at a day’s notice. There was then 32s. 6d. due to him, but Mr Sparke only paid him 22s. 6d., which left 10s. due to him.
Plaintiff admitted that he had a month’s notice to leave given him in April, which he accepted, although Mr Sparke afterwards kept him on. He also signed his wages book to a statement that he forfeited a month’s wages in lieu of notice. He did not know what he put his name to. He could not read it, and the housekeeper did not read it to him.
His Honour thought the plaintiff had been paid all he was entitled to, and he gave judgement for the defendant.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday , April 10, 1880; Issue 7834
PETTY SESSIONS REPORTS
Monday 5th
STEALING GATE IRONS
Seth Bull, of Elmswell, an old offender residing at Elmswell, was charged with stealing part of a gate with irons attached, value 3s. 6d., at Norton on or about the 10th March, the property of James Sparke, Esq., of Bury St Edmund’s.
Mr W. Gross prosecuted.
Policeman Robert Cooper, stationed at Elmswell, said: On the 11th of March I went to defendant, in consequence of information received, and asked him if he wished to account for the irons he had sold to Mr Bloom, of Elmswell, cautioning him to be careful how he answered, because irons were lost. Defendant said, “I bought them off Marriott, of Tostock.” I then went to see my informant, Stiff, bailiff to Mr J. Addison, the tenant at New Hall, Elmswell. When I went to defendant’s house I saw part of a gate and asked him whether it was part of the gate the irons came off. The hinges which had been taken off the gate, I found at Mr Bloom’s. I showed part of the gate and iron to Stiff, and he identified them as belonging to Mr Addison. I received the irons off Mr Bloom.
George Stiff, of Norton, farm bailiff to Mr John Addison, said: In consequence of what Policeman Cooper said I went to his house, and there saw the irons now produced. They belonged to a low gate, and were evidently taken off. Part of the back of the gate, which has been sawn in two (now produced), belongs to the same gate.
Cross examined by defendant; I swear to the parts of the gate.
Robert Marriott, of Tostock, a blacksmith, said he had never bought or sold any irons to defendant. All he knew was that he came to him a few days ago and begged of him to tell the policeman who was coming that he had sold irons to him.
By defendant: I have never sold any iron or irons to you.
Robert Henry Bloom, in innkeeper living At Elmswell, said that during the latter part of February or the beginning of March be bought a gate without irons, and a few days afterwards, when trying to buy some irons that would suit, defendant came up and said “I have some irons that will suit that gate.” Witness went afterwards to defendant’s premises and bought the irons produced for 1s. Since then he had seen defendant and told him he must be a rascal to steal gate irons and sell them. Defendant said, “I had them off Marriott, of Tostock.” When he bought the gate irons the piece of wood were attached.
David Bull, of Elmswell, uncle of defendant, said he was a tailor. One day Bloom came to the house and told him he wanted the irons he had bought off defendant. He went to the defendant to tell him. The irons were then produced and given to Bloom.
The Bench convicted, and fined defendant 50s. or one month’s imprisonment, with hard labour.
Defendant was committed.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, July 10, 1880; Issue 7860
SUFFOLK QUARTER SESSIONS
AN UNFORTUNATE GENTLEMAN
We have another press report which no doubt precedes the one Judy located…
Singular Escapade
A singular escapade occurred here on Monday week. A respectable-looking, and apparently well-educated man, who refused to give his name, drove into Wetherden in the morning, and leaving his horse and cart there, he walked on to Elmswell, where he entered the Fox Inn, and had some refreshment. As he was leaving, a person connected with the establishment noticed that he had something under his arm, and, running into the room he had been occupying, missed a small but valuable picture that had been hanging in the room. She immediately called in aid from the Railway-station, close by, and gave chase. When the “gentleman” saw he was pursued, he threw the picture, for such it was, over the hedge. He was ultimately captured, and handed over to the police-constable, who took him to Ixworth, where he was, on Tuesday, brought before the Bench, and gave his name as George Heaton, a retired barrister. He was committed for trial at the Sessions, bail being allowed, but no evidence was offered, on the ground that he was not accountable for his actions.
Mr George Heaton, a retired barrister, was charged with having stolen an oil painting, the property of Mrs. Jemima Corner, at Elmswell, on the 28th June.
Mr Bunbury, who was instructed to prosecute, said he had to come to the conclusion, after consulting with Mr Blofeld, who appeared for the defendant, and hearing the medical evidence which was proposed to bring forward, that it was his duty to withdraw the prosecution and offer no evidence, and thus leave the July to return a verdict of not guilty He had consulted with Dr Short upon the matter, and with Dr Chevallier, and he found from the evidence they were prepared to give that it would be impossible to find the defendant guilty. He, therefore, proposed to withdraw the prosecution.
Mr Blofeld said in order that the Court should sanction this course, it would be necessary for him to show some reasons that this was the proper course to adopt. The defendant was a man of great education and considerable talent, and an accomplished linguist. He had suffered from sunstroke, from blows upon the head on many occasions, and wounds in various parts of the body in conflicts with savages, and was, in fact, a much battered man. He had been very odd for a considerable time, and last October, his relatives took steps to have him confined in a lunatic asylum.. By the entreaty of his wife, however, this course was not adopted, but since that time he had had a fall from a dog cart, and having fallen upon his head, he suffered from concussion of the brain. Dr Short saw the defendant on the day that he was committed for trial, and he would be prepared to state that he was irresponsible for his actions, although he exhibited considerable shrewdness in the questions he put, for that was a quite consistent with insanity. Dr. Chevallier and Dr. Short were both prepared to prove that the defendant was a lunatic, and a decided lunatic. This occurrence would, of course, lead to proper medical treatment, but he (Mr. Blofeld) thought the defendant would be enabled to leave the Court without a stain upon his character, or anything to annoy or pain his friends. His wife was present, and she was willing to undertake that he should be placed under proper medical superintendence until he had recovered from the aberration of mind from which he was then suffering. As to the facts of the case, Mr Blofeld said it was not necessary to go into them then, or he should have something to say upon them.
The Chairman said that no evidence being offered against the defendant to the Jury, and having heard what had been said by Mr Blofeld, it would be their duty to say that he was not guilty.
The Jury accordingly returned a verdict of not guilty, and the prisoner was discharged under the care of his friends.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, December 4, 1880; Issue 7902
PETTY SESSIONS REPORTS
SCHOOL BOARD PROSECUTIONS-
The following persons were summoned for not complying with the requirements of the Elementary Education Act in sending their children to school:
Albert Ashford, Wattisfield, three children: James Jarman of the same place, a grandchild; and George Farrow, Elmswell; in all of which cases adjournments were made to see whether in a month’s time the children attended regularly, and an order was made of Wm. Armstrong to send his boy to school.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, April 15, 1882; Issue 8030
SUFFOLK QUARTER SESSIONS
THE TRIAL OF PRISONERS
ATTEMPTED SUICIDE
Reuben Manning, 60, labourer, pleaded guilty of having attempted to commit suicide, at Elmswell, on the 12th February last.
A son of the prisoner, a guard on the South Western Railway, attended, and in answer to questions put by the Court, said he believed his father was sane now, and that at the time he attempted to kill himself was under the influence of drink.
Mr Malden handed in a letter which had been written by the schoolmaster in the prison, at the prisoner’s request, to the effect that he (the prisoner) was the worse for drink at the time.
The son said he was willing, with the permission of the Court to take charge of his father.
The Court allowed the prisoner to leave with his son, on the understanding that he should appear to receive judgement at any future time if he offended again.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, July 8, 1882; Issue 8042
PETTY SESSIONS REPORTS
The Education Act:
Grimsey Hines, of Elmswell, labourer, and Arthur Ward of Hadleigh, hawker, were respectively fined 6d and 2s., costs for disobeying an order to send their children regularly to school
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, July 29, 1882; Issue 8045
PETTY SESSIONS REPORTS
Serious Charge of Assault:
Ephraim Barnes of Elmswell was charged with assaulting Robert Mothersole and Ivan Pleasance of Norton, at Elmswell on the 2nd July.
Defendant did not appear.
Robert Mothersole of Norton, shoemaker, said that on the 2nd July he and Pleasance, were walking together from Ashfield to Norton, about 10.30 at night, when they met defendant. He asked for a match, and before they could answer, he charged them with attempting to rob him. “They had not seen him before. He then used very bad language and ran in front and got into a field. They waited and could hear something rattle behind. Witness and his companion turned round and saw defendant, who struck them across the head with the whippletree now produced. A second blow cut Barnes head open, and caused a great flow of blood. He managed to get to a cottage near by, and there obtained assistance to stop the bleeding. He went afterwards, and found the whippletree, with blood upon it. He had suffered greatly from the defendant’s violence, and had been prevented from following his employment.
The Bench sentenced he defendant to one month’s imprisonment with hard labour in each case.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, September 9, 1882; Issue n/a
PETTY SESSIONS REPORTS
Stealing Fowls:
Frederick Rice, of Elmswell, was charged with stealing four domestic fowls, the property of Henry W. Elmer of the same place, on the 2nd inst.
Policeman Robert Cooper said that on Saturday the 2nd inst., he was on duty at Elmswell, near Mr. Elmer’s farm, about eleven o’clock at night. He heard the sound of fowls making a noise in the premises. He went there, and against a building he saw the prisoner in the act of taking the fowls off a tree which stood there. Witness got hold of the prisoner’s legs and threw him down. He had then four fowls in his hand. Prisoner fell on the opposite side of a wall to him. Witness got over and took him into custody. Prisoner dropped the fowls, but witness succeeded in picking up one fowl which was injured, and so could not get away with the three others.
Mr John Meadows of Elmswell, a bailiff in the employ of Mr Elmer, said that on Saturday night, about eleven o’clock he was called up by Policeman Cooper. He went down and found Cooper and the prisoner, the fowls produced belonged to prosecutor. When he first went down he saw three other fowls running about. The value of the four was eight shillings.
Prisoner pleaded guilty. As he had been formerly convicted, the Bench committed him for two months imprisonment, with hard labour.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, November 18, 1882; Issue 8061
PETTY SESSIONS REPORTS
Assaulting a Neighbour:
James Smith and Sarah, his wife, of Elmswell, were charged with assaulting Mary Coe, their next neighbour, on the 4th inst.
Mary Coe of Elmswell said the defendants lived next door to her. On the 4th inst., about dusk, the defendant, Sarah Smith ran after her, swearing great oaths, and her husband, James Smith, ran round to meet her, and so prevent her getting away. Sarah Smith then struck her three times.
Cross examined: The defendant, James Smith, was threatening also to take her life, and a man named Barnes stopped him.
Ephraim Barnes of Elmswell, said that on the 4th inst., he was going home from work, when he saw defendant, James Smith, run after the prosecutrix, swearing he would kill her. Witness prevented him from striking her. He saw Sarah Smith strike prosecutrix.
Policeman Robert Cooper said he knew nothing against the character of defendants. He thought they lived unhappily as neighbours.
The parties were bound over to keep the peace, in £5 each, for six months; the costs 15s. 6d., to be paid in a month.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, March 3, 1883; Issue 8076
PETTY SESSIONS REPORTS
Elementary Education Act:
The following were cases of neglecting to send their children to school. Henry Stiff, Norton 5s., there being 2 cases; William Finch, Elmswell, 2s. 6d.,; George Baker, Elmswell, 2s. 6d..
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, June 23, 1883; Issue 8092
PETTY SESSIONS REPORT
Drunkenness
George Munsey of Elmswell, pleaded guilty to a like offence at Elmswell, on 20th of May, but as it was the first offence, and defendant expressed regret, the Bench inflicted a penalty of 2s. 6d., and costs 7s. 6d., which he paid.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, February 16, 1884; Issue 8126
SUFFOLK WINTER ASSIZES
Maliciously wounding at Elmswell:
Incautious Use of Firearms:
Hector George Robinson (14) labourer, was indicted for assaulting Samuel Palmer, by firing a gun at Elmswell, on the 12th October, 1883
Prisoner pleaded not guilty.
Mr Mayo prosecuted.
From the evidence it appeared that the prosecutor went to a cupboard in a granary. Prisoner stood near by and asked him if he would like an apple. Prosecutor replied, “I don’t mind”, and took the apple. While prosecutor was standing by the prisoner said, “I’ll shoot you Sam.” At that moment he heard a gun go off, and he was hit on the side of the face.
The learned Judge remarked that the facts of the case were very simple. The presenting of a gun alone was an assault. The reason he was not indicted for a more serious offence was that there was no evidence to show that prisoner knew the gun was loaded.
The jury found the prisoner guilty, and the learned Judge remarked that if he knew the gun was loaded he would have given the most severe punishment he could for the offence, but still he must give him a substantial punishment. He would be sentenced to two months imprisonment with hard labour.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, April 12, 1884; Issue 8134
PETTY SESSIONS REPORTS
A Trivial Case:
Robert Bloom, Elmswell, was charged with stealing a bottle, value 2d. on March 10th, the property of William Bridges, Elmswell. – The prosecutor sold to the defendant some old bottles, but subsequently missed one which he had retained, and which he himself found on defendant’s premises, but declined to take away.
The Magistrates dismissed the case, and disallowed all costs.
The Ipswich Journal, Thursday, September 24, 1885; Issue 8287
PETTY SESSIONS REPORTS
Ixworth
Drunk and Disorderly
George Munsey, of Elmswell, pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly on the highway at Elmswell on the 5th inst., and was fined 1s. and 7s. costs.
The Ipswich Journal, Tuesday, September 28, 1886; Issue 8493
BURY ST EDMUND’S
TRAVELLING WITHOUT A RAILWAY TICKET.
At the Police Court on Monday morning, before the Mayor (G.J. Oliver, Esq.) and G. Thompson, Esq.,
William Laughlin, brick maker of Elmswell, was charged with travelling on the Great Eastern Railway from Ipswich to Bury on Saturday, the 25th inst., without having a ticket, and with intent to defraud the Company. George Bonner, guard of the last train from Ipswich, said when the train arrived at Thurston they tried to get a ticket from him, but could make nothing of him. He didn’t say whether he had a ticket or not. He was the worse for drink. His intention was to travel from Ipswich to Elmswell, but had gone on to Bury. Defendant, who is a man of respectable appearance, said he hardly knew whether to plead guilty or not guilty. He believed he went into a public house at Ipswich and had two glasses of beer and he also remembered getting into a train and going to the Railway Station, but he recollected nothing else until he found himself in the police cell at six o’clock on Sunday morning. He had been working for Messrs. Brown and Jolly at Felixstowe,, and thought he would come home and spend Sunday with his father at Elmswell. The Magistrates fined him 5s. and 5s. 6d. costs and ordered him to pay 2s. 2 ½ d. the full fare. Defendant had plenty of money upon him and paid up.
The Ipswich Journal, Tuesday, January 4, 1887; Issue 8590
IXWORTH PETTY SESSIONS
Peter Barnes, labourer, Elmswell, was charged with being drunk and disorderly on the highway at Elmswell on the 12th ult. P.C. Cooper proved the charge, and he was fined 2s. 6d. and 5s. 6d. costs; in default, a week’s imprisonment.
The Ipswich Journal, Tuesday, February 1, 1887; Issue 8619
IXWORTH PETTY SESSIONS
The Rev. Dunn, of Elmswell, appeared before the Magistrates in reference to a conviction made against him about a month ago for keeping a dog without a license. An officer of the Excise, from Stowmarket, said that Mr Dunn was fined £25, but on a representation made to the Excise Authorities they had decided to reduce it to £1, including costs, if the Magistrates agreed to that course. Mr Dunn said that on the day the case was decided he had gone to Stowmarket to see the Excise officer, and he regretted that this prevented him answering the charge, and made it appear as though he was acting in contempt of court.
Allowed by the Magistrates.
The Ipswich Journal, Tuesday, February 15, 1887
IXWORTH PETTY SESSIONS
George Manning, labourer, was charged with doing damage to the extent of 3s. 6d. to a stile, the property of Mr Baker, farmer, Elmswell. Mr H.O.C. Walpole appeared for the complainant and Mr Golding for the defence. The case, it appeared, involved a question of right of way. Henry Baker, the complainant, said he occupied a farm at Elmswell, the property of Mr Stebbing, of Bury St. Edmund’s. The land included some 22 acres of arable, leading from Elmswell Station to Ashfield. Along the north side of this land was a footpath. When he hired the farm this was divided from the road by an ordinary stile, but of a very temporary character. At the other end of he path there was a gate leading into a paddock on Mr Ballam’s farm. When witness took the farm at Michaelmas he blocked up the stile, because he did not consider it was public, having, he understood, only been made for the convenience of Mr Laughton, whose farm adjoined. Presuming that the part was a public one, and that there was a way out through Mr. Laughton’s farm, a person using it could not gain more than 50 yards. On the 1st of February he found the new fence knocked down. It was made right again next day, but was knocked down the same day. He had had a bell sent in for £1 for repairing the stile, although he had only laid the damage at 3s. 6d.
Cross examined; He had occupied a farm on the other side of the road previous to this one, and had known the path to be there. He had not known people to come that way to chapel.
Walter Ford, farmer, Elmswell, deposed to seeing defendant pulling down the fence. Mr Golding submitted that the case was one out of the jurisdiction of the court, being a bona fide question of right. He would call witnesses to prove his contention.
Phillip Buckle who said he was 74 years of age, and came to Elmswell when he was 12 years of age, deposed he had always known he path as a public one; people using it to go to the chapel and to shop,. He had never known anyone stopped. Cross examined; He had used the path at one time three or four times a day; that was when he was working for Mr Laughton. Wm Pegg, 70 years of age, said he had lived at Elmswell 50 years, and had used it for the purpose of going to and from his work. Mr Walpole submitted that the evidence showed no right of way, the witnesses having used the path through being employed on the land.
The Magistrates decided that they had no jurisdiction, and ordered Complainant to pay costs.
The Ipswich Journal, Friday, May 6, 1887; Issue 8711
STOWMARKET COUNTY COURT
THE ADVENTURES OF A PAIR OF BOOTS
Wm. Bridges, bootmaker, Elmswell, b. Fredk Farrow, Elmswell.
Claim for 4s – Mr S. Gooding, Ipswich (representing Mr H.K. Moseley) appeared for the plaintiff. On the 17th November defendant sold plaintiff a pair of boots for 4s. After plaintiff had had the boots some little while the village policeman told plaintiff he would either had to give them up or be taken into custody. Plaintiff accordingly parted with the boots, and now sued for the 4s.
His Honour: Was not he too soon?
Mr Gooding: I think I should have done the same thing,.
His Honour: A policeman comes and asks me for my watch, I should not give it up.
Mr Gooding: A felony had been committed. Your Honour thinks the felony ought to have been proved first?
His Honour: Certainly.
Mr Gooding: The facts of the case are that in the parish of Elmswell two men of the same name reside. Two parcels were sent to Elmswell Station, and a man named Harvey got the wrong parcel and sold the boots to defendant for 2. 6d. who in turn sold them to the plaintiff.
His Honour pointed out that he would require proof of the delivery of the parcel, and gave a non-suit without costs.
The Ipswich Journal, Tuesday, July 3, 1888; Issue 9122
DISTRICT INTELLIGENCE
IXWORTH PETTY SESSIONS
Before R.E. Lofft, Esq. (chairman) W.N. King, F. M.H. Turner, E.J. Paine, and S. Field Esqrs.
Seth Bull, Elmswell, an old man of about 55, and who had eleven previous convictions against him, was charged with stealing a quantity of meal, the property of Thos. Elliston, hay presser and thatcher, Elmswell, on the 24th ult. P.C. Cooper, Elmswell, stated that on Sunday he saw the prisoner coming up the street from the direction of the prosecutor’s premises. He was carrying a bag which on witness examining, was found to contain mixed meal. Prisoner, not being able to satisfactorily account for the possession of the meal, was taken into custody. Geo. Elliston, manager for Thos. Elliston, proved missing the meal, which amounted to about two stone. He valued it at 1s. 6d.
Prisoner was sentenced to two months imprisonment.
The Ipswich Journal, Friday, October 12, 1888
IXWORTH PETTY SESSIONS
Eleanor Baker, landlady of the Railway Tavern, Elmswell, was summoned to show cause why she should not contribute 5s. per week towards the cost of the maintenance of a grandchild, a lunatic, at Melton Asylum.. Defendant had sex weeks ago been ordered to contribute the amount, and Mr H.O.C. Walpole now asked the Bench to modify the order, stating that the income of his client was insufficient for her to comply with its requirements. Defendant, who is a widow, in her 70th year, stated that her husband had formerly been a birch broom maker, and also a innkeeper. As to the tavern, where she now resided, that property was mortgaged for £597, and she had to pay £26 per annum interest. Nineteen acres of land were also mortgaged for £750 , and she had to pay £12 per annum as interest. She had been left about £3000 by a relative, the late Mr. Dennis Goddard, but £2600 of that sum had been invested in 52 acres of land, and with the other she bought the Oak for £400. She had mortgaged the land and had to pay £42-15s. Hence she had nearly £100 to pay as interest on mortgages. In fact, under all circumstances, her income was very little more than she needed to live upon.
Mr Simmonds, master of the Stow Union Workhouse at Onehouse, sated that Mr R.E. Wilkes, clerk to the Guardians, had sustained a domestic bereavement, or he would have been present to reply to the application, which was ultimately allowed to stand over.
Reynolds’s Newspaper, Sunday, February 3, 1895; Issue 2321
IXWORTH PETTY SESSIONS
On Monday, Thomas Salmon, parish councillor for Elmswell, was ordered to pay a fine of 18s. and costs for a brutal assault on a half-witted man. The defendant teased the complainant until the latter threatened to strike him with a fork, when Salmon knocked him down and severely ill treated him.
MISC. NEWS ITEMS, ELMSWELL
Jackson’s Oxford Journal, Saturday, May 30, 1863; Issue 5744
University and Clerical Intelligence
Preferment’s and Appointments
Rev. J.T. Lawton, jun., to the Rectory of Elmswell, Suffolk.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, October 18, 1890; Issue 9258
EYE:
SAD ACCIDENT – On Thursday afternoon John Garwood, timber carter, in the employ of Mr. Robert Pye, of Elmswell, was about putting the trace attached to the horse on the timer conveyance, at Thorndon, when the animal kicked him in the loins. He was attended by Dr. F.C. Wright, who found the sufferer in almost a comatose condition, but he was a little better yesterday (Friday) morning.
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, May 5, 1883; Issue 8085
ELMSWELL
Testimonial to the New Station Master:
Recently Mr William Young, who has been appointed stationmaster here, after having been in that capacity for 20 years at North Elmham, was presented (by letter) with a cheque for £27. 1s., subscribed for by some old friends and neighbours who have used Elmham Station during the 20 years of Mr Young’s tenure of office. The cheque was forwarded by Mr. T. B. Fulcher, and the latter, in conveying the sentiments of the subscribers and his own, spoke in high terms of Mr Young’s unwearying civility and attention to his duties. Mr Young, in thanking the subscribers for their kind testimonial and expressions of friendliness, especially thanked Mr Chaplin and Mr. Fulcher for the trouble they had taken in the matter.
The Ipswich Journal, Friday, March 9, 1888; Issue 9009
NEW PATENTS
The following is a weekly list of new local patents specially compiled by Messrs. Hughes, Eli and Hughes, patent agents and engineers, 76 Chancery lane, W.C., and 52 Regent Street, W. London, authorised attorneys for he procuration of English and foreign patents, designs, and trade marks:
Nathan Warren, of Elmswell, for an invention of “a double feeding combined lamb and sheep trough.”
The Ipswich Journal, Saturday, September 19, 1891; Issue 9306
DISTRICT INTELLIGENCE
ELMSWELL
A LARGE EGG – A Brahma hen belonging to Edward Everett, carrier between Bury and Elmswell, laid an egg the other day weighing 6 ¼ oz., width round 7 5/8 inches, from end to end 9 ½ inches. The hen has laid every day since.