UPDATE of the Past News 24th November 1866

 

Catch up on the full story of last weeks NEWS........... 

 

*John Wilson Esq, physician and surgeon –

John was in this week’s news as he proudly announced the birth of a baby daughter on 22^nd November 1866. 

John’s full name was William John Wilson and he was born in Westmoreland, Cumbria in 1835/6. 

 

William John Wilson married Adeline Binns at St Bartholomew’s Church, Clay Cross on 13^th August 1863.  Adeline was the daughter of Charles Binns Esq, Granddaughter of Sir Joshua Walmsley of Wolverton Park, Hants.

In 1871 he is living with his family at Hill House, High Street, Clay Cross, Chesterfield.  His children are –

Elizabeth aged 6 years,

Mabel F aged 5 years,
Ethel M aged 4 years,
Charles aged 3 years

The household has many members of staff also living in at Hill House –

Mary Gilberthorpe aged 26 years, nurse

Charlotte Bower aged 28 years, cook
Emily Coup aged 21 years, housemaid
John Dakin aged 23 years, groom
William Wilson aged 13 years, errand boy

The amount of staff and occupations in which they were employed show's the social standing that  William John Wilson and his family must have enjoyed in the Clay Cross and Chesterfield community.

William died suddenly of heart disease on 19^th November 1880 at Brighton, Sussex.  He was buried five days later on 24^th November 1880 at St Bartholomew’s Church, Clay Cross.  He left a will which gained probate on 24^th December 1880.  The estate was valued at under £4000.

The Derbyshire Times described the Doctor as “a man of great mental gifts, much skill in his profession and kindly and genial in his disposition.  He was one of the most able chess players of the day and has frequently taken part in the Chess Tournament with Steinetz and other great players”

William had served in the Crimean War and had been employed previously as the surgeon for the convict prison at Dartmoor.  He was also honorary surgeon to the 17^th Company Second Battalion Derbyshire Volunteers at Clay Cross and was the medial officer to local friendly societies.  He ran a large private practice, tended at the local hospital which cared for local miners who had suffered injuries in the pits and was officer at the Chesterfield Union Workhouse. 

The funeral day came and the streets of Clay Cross were lined with mourners, young and old all followed the funeral procession.  Just after 3pm the funeral cortège left Dr Wilson’s residence and was followed by the 2^nd Derbyshire Volunteers and the band.  The coffin was made of polished oak and lined with zinc had a glass plate and a brass plate which was inscribed “William John Wilson, died 19^th November 1880 aged 46”.  On top of the coffin lay the surgeons hat, sword and sash.  After the coffin was lowered into the grave the ceremony was concluded by the firing party lead by Drill Instructor Neale, fired three volleys over the grave.

Adeline was buried just over one month later on 1^st January 1881 at St Bartholomew’s Church, Clay Cross.

Echoes of our past News...... 24th November 1866

 

Read all about it……. Echoes of our past NEWS

What was news in the local news this weekend in 1866?

MAIN NEWS –

*Strike or lock-out at Staveley –

There has been no reconciliation at Staveley and the miners have support of the Miners National Association in their strike action.  It was thought that within the oncoming weeks most of the Staveley Pits would be stood idle.  The Miners Association had gained land in order to erect wooden huts to house the ejected men who have no longer use of the cottage accommodation.  A meeting was held on Thursday 22^nd November at the Corn Exchange, Chesterfield.

Life as a miner at Staveley was tougher than usual at this time; there was intimidation at Staveley Works when an incident occurred at the Old Hollingwood Colliery.  It seems that on Wednesday 21^st November tensions were heightened after a stone was flung at a loader named Robert Jackson.  This man was working in place of one of the Unionist miners who was out on strike.  He was being conducted by William Crookes.  Instead of the stone reaching its intended target, Robert Jackson, it hit William Crookes on the elbow causing him to stop work.   The Staveley Company have issued a reward of £5 for the conviction of the offending stone thrower.

OTHER ITEMS –

*For sale –

An auction was to take place at the Cock and Magpie inn at Whittington, held by Mr Samuel Denham.  The sale was for a wheelwright’s shop, gardens and premises formerly owned by Mr John Naylor, deceased.

Land at Stonegravels, could be purchased in lots to suit at 1s per yard – apply to Mr Sanforth, Elm Lodge, Newbold.

Very handsome and fine retriever dog, aged 4 years old, a first class yard dog – apply Mr Elliott, Canal Wharf, Chesterfield.

*Situations Vacant –

Two apprentices to the coach building trade, one as a painter the other as a trimmer – apply Mrs Scott, Carriage Repository, Saltergate.

General Servant, must understand cooking and washing, no children.

Clever ACTIVE GIRL, accustomed to an Inn – apply Midland Hotel, Chesterfield.

*School anniversary –

The 23^rd anniversary of the British School on Hollis Lane was celebrated last week.  The celebration was attended by numerous scholars, family and friends.  An examination of the junior scholars took place in the afternoon and afterwards at 5pm tea was served in the Temperance Hall for 100 persons.  The senior scholars were then examined and all passed their examinations. 

BIRTHS –

*Wilson, a daughter born on Thursday 22^nd November at Hill House, Clay Cross to Mr John Wilson Esq, physician and surgeon.

MARRIAGES –

*Mr Edwin Staton, hook grinder to Mary Ann Plant on 20^th November at the Parish Church.  Both parties were from Eckington; Mr Staton was a hook grinder.

DEATHS –

*Robert Simpson - Baker on 9^th November at Beetwell Street aged 39 years old.

*Miss Lucy Needham aged 3 weeks old, daughter of Mr Thomas Needham a tanner of Lordsmill Street.

*Mr John Sharky a miner aged 23 years old at the Union Workhouse, Chesterfield.

*Master Thomas Garraty aged 5 years son of Mr Michael Garraty of Taylors Yard, Knifesmithsgate.

*Mary Morris on 8^th November at Brampton Moor, aged 67 years.

*Mrs Jane Madin, widow aged 71 years old on 9^th November at Cutthorpe.

HUNTING APPOINTMENTS –

The Rufford Hounds will meet at 11 am at –

27^th November Ossington
29^th November Newbound Mill
1^st December Badsworth Dale

AND FINALLY…

Get your winter boots and shoes from James Bower at the bottom of the Shambles, Chesterfield.   James was a “fashionable boot and shoe manufacturer” both wholesale and retail.  He boasts that “price cannot be excelled by any other house in the trade”.

Men's balmorals 7s – 13s

Ladies spring side boots 3s4d – 5s6d

 

James also sold children’s copper tipped boots, knickerbockers and overshoes and had a separate fitting room for ladies.