 Driffield Times 1891 - 1900 |
DRIFFIELD AND WOLDS GENEALOGY |
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Trade Directories Parish Registers Driffield Parish Church Baptisms 1836-1850 (incomplete) A - L Driffield Parish Church Baptisms 1836-1850 (incomplete) M - Z Flamborough Marriages by Banns 1754-1779 North Burton (Burton Fleming) Parish Registers Wesleyan Baptisms 1837-1867 A-H only Monumental Inscriptions North Frodingham & North Dalton Cemetery MIs BMD Announcements &c from the Driffield Times Religion List of Priors etc of Monastic Establishments on the Yorkshire Wolds Driffield Congregational Church Religious Meeting Houses Licenced 1708-1808 The Blockhouses of Kingston Upon Hull (the persecution of local Catholics) WW1 Soldiers who died in WW1 with a connection to Driffield WW2 Social History History of the Driffield Post Office Trevor Malkin on the Driffield Railway Biographies &c They left Nafferton in 1863 - Where are they now? Some Old Driffield Schoolmasters Thomas Saulsbury Wright- one of yours? Celebrities of the Yorkshire Wolds Miscellaneous Useful links & Online family trees
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All the following are from the Driffield Times newspaper, unless stated otherwise. Publication dates are as given. If you have any in your files which are not included in these pages, please pass them on with the relevant sources, to be included and shared among the genealogy community. Thank you. Jan 3, 1891There was a meeting of the Rural Sanitation Authority on Thursday, which discussed an outbreak of typhoid fever at Watton vicarage. A servant had gone home and died and a gentleman and his wife who were staying at the house had been ill in bed. Dr WOOD found that the persons attacked had been in the habit of drinking un-boiled milk supplied from a cottage in the village. At the cottage, two persons had suffered the symptoms of typhoid fever and the water supply was obtained from a shallow dip well in the garden, near to where the excreta of the persons who were ill, was buried. The dairy and the utensils were not clean, nor was the dairy registered. It was requested the owners take care and not let affected people come near the milk. Jan 3, 1891Elizabeth JEFFREY, a young girl of weak intellect, whose father was a shepherd at Haisthorpe, was charged with being a disorderly prostitute. An officer of the law had seen her in the street with a large crowd around her, using bad language. She had only been out of gaol a few days and now said in an excited manner, that if they sent her back, ‘she would blow the place up with gunpowder’, and on being committed for 1 month, said ‘I isn’t going; I will tear all my clothes up and then you will have to put me in a bag’. Jan 17, 1891Tom WHITFIELD, a married man, was employed at Mr WALKER’s farm, Sledmere on the top of a thrashing machine. For some cause or another, one of his feet got into the aperture through which the sheaves are passed into the machine and his leg at once came into contact with the rapidly revolving drum and was frightfully mangled before the engine could be stopped. The poor fellow’s leg was amputated on Wednesday night. Feb 21, 1891Elizabeth HARTLEY of Speeton, was a servant of Mrs BRAMBLES, farmer of North Mount Farm. On the premises is a disused well, 70 yards deep, which had been covered over for a number of years. As Elizabeth was crossing it, the top gave way and she fell to the bottom. It was a long time before she could be reached and it was not until a cliff climber named HODGSON arrived from Buckton with his tackle that she could be raised to the surface. She was then quite dead, having sustained fearful injuries in the fall. March 14, 1891On Monday, an inquest was held touching the death of Mr John Henry LAMPLOUGH, retired farmer of Kilham. Mr ASHBY gave evidence to the effect that deceased, who had for some years been failing in health, owing to epileptic fits, was with him in the barn on Friday last, looking at some calves and apparently in his usual health. Suddenly, he had a fit and vomited. Mr ASHBY attended to him and expected that he would, as was usual, be restored in the course of a few minutes, but noticing a change for the worse he called for assistance and Mr James WILSON, who was at hand, immediately came to his help and at once went for Dr SUTCLIFFE, who on arrival found him dead. After Mr WILSON had given evidence confirmatory of Mr ASHBY’s account, Dr SUTCLIFFE was called and said he had no doubt as to the cause of death which was epilepsy and the jury returned a verdict accordingly. March 14, 1891Keziah WALKER, domestic servant, sued Jonathon MILNER , farmer, Helperthorpe, for £1 9s 9d, of which 18s 11d was for wages and 10s 10d for damages in lieu of months notice. During the time plaintiff was in defendant’s employ she fell ill and had to go to home at Wearverthorpe and when she returned to her situation, she again became unwell, whereupon her master sent for her father and told him he had better take her away, at the same time refusing to pay her any wages. Verdict of 16s and costs for one witness. March 14, 1891STRIKES A discussion took place at the Young Men’s Club, Driffield, on Monday evening on this subject. Mr A LONGBOTTOM introduced the subject in a lengthy paper, arguing that strikes were legal and useful and that although there had been an outcry by traders and others against strikes, facts proved that our wealth had increased out of all proportion to our population. Messrs J.W. WATSON and T. STOCKDALE spoke in the same strain while Mr J.A. STEVENS opened the opposition by stating that although trades unions were valuable and legitimate organisations, the labourer had no right to participate in the capital of his master so long as he obtained a fair days pay for a fair days work. He advocated boards of arbitration and conciliation in place of strikes. Mr ALLMAN and Mr J. SHEPHERDSON followed on the same side and at the close of the arguments against strikes, Mr LONGBOTTOM replied. March 28, 1891On Thursday morning, an inquest was held on the body of Mary ADDY, aged 70 years, a woman who evidently had done a lot of tramping about the country. It appeared that the police had found the poor woman sitting on a doorstep about 2 o’clock on Wednesday morning and took her to the police station. During the day she had teas and brandy and on being brought up before Mr HOLT, was discharged and taken to the Workhouse in the bus, but expired immediately on her arrival there. The jury returned a verdict of death from natural causes. April 4, 1891The foolhardy practice by farm servants of attempting to mount their horses whilst in motion, led to the death of George William CLARK of Langtoft. A fine looking fellow, he was a Waggoner with Mr John LAMPLOUGH, farmer of the same place. At about 8.30, near Long Lane in Driffield, he was seen walking by the left side of the three horses, which pulled a wagon of corn. He did not stop the horses, but tried to get on as they were walking. When he got on the front of the wagon, his foot slipped under the trace and he fell backwards over. The horses began to gallop and he was dragged for 3 yards with his head on the ground. When he got free of the trace, the front wheel passed over the left side of his body and the left side of his head. An inquest decided the injuries to his head were not enough to kill him, but the wheels must have crushed his heart. April 11, 1891An inquest was held at the Railway Tavern as to the cause of death of Ellen WILLIAMSON, aged 71 years, wife of Joseph WILLIAMSON, formerly keeper of the Malton railway gates. Joseph stated that his wife had been ailing for some time, but became worse on Friday last. He wanted her to have a doctor but she refused. On the morning of her death, she had a drink of water about 2 o’clock, after which she laid down, but about 4 o’clock, she became worse and he sent for Dr BURGESS, who went at once, but was too late. Dr BELL deposed to having known the deceased for some years and in his opinion death was due to chronic heart disease accelerated by bronchitis and a verdict was returned accordingly. April 11, 1891 Alice FORBES summoned her husband John Henry FORBES, a labourer at Hutton Cranswick, for an assault at the railway station. She was a young woman with a baby in her arms and said she was married to defendant last August at Morley and the child was born on the 25 September about which time they came to reside at Cranswick, and previous to which she had nothing to complain of as to her husband’s conduct. He shortly afterwards commenced to ill-use her and on one occasion when he took a loaf of bread for her she asked him if he expected her to live on dry bread, when he said it was “good enough for her,” and seized her by the throat; threw her down and put his knee on her chest, stripped her pocket of its’ contents and left her unconscious. On the 19th March, she saw him a the Hutton Cranswick railway station (he having left her on the previous Monday) about 6.30pm, and asked him if he would not procure her some food and fuel as she had been without for two days. The train was approaching and he threw her down, not caring whether she got under the wheels or not. He also refused to get her any food; he had two baskets of meat with him and said he was going to leave her altogether. When she got up she took hold of his coat and went with him to the carriage door, when he tried to choke her off. On the following Saturday he returned home and along with his sister, took away the bedstead and also some ornaments and ripped the bed up with his knife. She again asked him for food and he offered her 4s a week, which she refused unless he paid the rent as well. He had been employed on the railway at £1 a week with extra pay for Sundays. Mr GILL, the station master at Cranswick, said several passengers on the train remarked it was a brutal affair and further stated defendant said to complainant “I’ve done with thee lass.” Fined 10s and costs. An order was made for defendant to pay 7s per week towards his wife and child. April 11, 1891 Henry TOLTON, labourer, was charged with indecently assaulting Elizabeth SMITH at Bainton on the 25th March last. Elizabeth and another girl were gathering violets and the prisoner, who was lying on the ground a short distance away, called to them. They ran away and he followed them and overtook Elizabeth whom he indecently assaulted and struck several times. TOLTON was apprehended by Mr HUDSON the postmaster at Bainton, who acted with great promptitude in the matter. The jury found him guilty and he was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment. APRIL 18, 1891On Tuesday evening, an inquest was held at The Rockery Farm, Nafferton, touching the death of Mr J. JEFFERSON, this well known farmer and breeder of shorthorn cattle, who formerly resided at Harpham. Mr JEFFERSON was 60 years of age. On Wednesday he caught a severe cold, which developed into an acute attack of influenza and the deceased kept to his bed. He was worse on Friday morning but he said he would wait until after dinner before sending for Dr SAVILE, the resident medical man. About 11.30, his wife sent for Mrs CARTER, a nurse, who at once saw that Mr JEFFERSON was dying and he expired five minutes after her arrival. Dr SAVILE was of the opinion that the deceased had taken the influenza, which was epidemic in Nafferton and that in all probability, the lungs became congested and this, coupled with a weak and feeble heart, was the cause of death. April 25, 1891WANSFORD – A FATAL ACCIDENT TO A FARM SERVANT On Monday a sad fatal accident happened to a young man named Edward GRUNDY, who was employed by Mr George THOMPSON, farmer, Thornam, as Wagoner. Deceased was engaged in a field leading “wicks” with a horse and cart, when he took the blinders off the horse’s head, intending to put a halter on instead, which caused the horse to bolt and the unfortunate man being knocked down, the cart wheel passed over his body and he was killed on the spot. April 25, 1891ASSAULT WITH A FIRE POKER George SADLER, who said he was a cutler and came from Whitby, was brought up in custody charged with committing an assault upon Henry HODGSON, Driffield, on the 10th inst. HODGSON deposed that on the day in question, SADLER was abusing his wife at the north end of the town and when he finished with her, he went up to where complainant and two other men were standing, asking them if they “could fight,” and pulling his jacket off to them. A lad was near with a stick, which HODGSON took hold of and then defendant ran into the lodging house. On emerging there from, he was possessed of the fire poker, with which he struck HODGSON twice over the arm, and the next time over the head, causing blood to flow. This statement was borne out by George TRAIN and two lads named ROBSON and ADAMS. Defendant pleaded that he was in drink at the time and wished the Bench to deal leniently with him, but they remarked that it was a very serious offence and also the third one of a similar character, inflicting a fine of £1 and costs, in all, £2 10s 6d May 9, 1891Mrs Emma NICHOLSON, wife of the landlord of the Tiger Inn in Beeford met with an untimely death, Thursday evening last. After having been out together for the day, Mr NICHOLSON drove their trap in to the yard and got out. His wife stood up, preparing to follow him, when the pony gave a sudden start. She was then thrown to the ground upon her head, and died. May 9, 1891Stephen STEELE of Nafferton, champion singer and drover, passed away aged 63. He will be much missed among the farmers and cattle dealers, he being a trustworthy drover, and at Christmas time used to travel the country for miles around with his concertina, singing hymns and soliciting Christmas boxes. June 6, 1891Edward ELLIOTT, baker, Driffield, was summoned for doing wilful damage to a haystack belonging to Messrs C.H. TAYLOR & SONS, ironmongers. PC MITCHELL stated that in consequence of certain complaints, on the 28th May he went into the field belonging to the complainant, where he found defendant covered with a lot of hay, which he had pulled out from the stack. He could give no reason for being there, and in reply to a question by the officer, he pulled out some coppers. He had previously cautioned him. Mr TAYLOR, jnr., said the fields were used more as a public recreation grounds than private property and all they wanted was the nuisance stopping. He valued the damage at 3s. Ordered to pay the damage and a fine of 10s and costs. July 4, 1891A SAD CASE At the meeting of the Board of Guardians on Thursday, among the applications for relief was an old lady named Mary PUCKERING, aged 78, of Hutton Cranswick. Up to a short time ago, she was possessed of £700, which was invested with Mr DAWBER, the defaulting Hull solicitor as sole executor, upon the interest of which, she lived very comfortably. She is now penniless. The board grated her 3s 6d per week out-relief. July 4, 1891John HOTHAM, fined a total of 12s 6d, for being drunk on show day on 17th. Jas WARD refused to quit the Red Lion and assaulted the landlord, fined £1 and costs July 4, 1891Mr Matthias NORNABELL of Bridlington, founder of the extensive flour milling establishment at the Station Mills, Nafferton died suddenly at Harrogate on Saturday. The funeral took place at Bridlington. The employees of the Stations Mills will be present at the Parish Church on Sunday as a mark of respect to the memory of their late master who was 69 years of age. Aug 1, 1891James ROBSON, traction engine driver with Mr CLARK of Tibthorpe, brought an action to recover £5 from John JACKSON, labourer, of Tibthorpe, for injuries sustained in consequence of an assault by defendant on March 12th. The evidence of witness called was to the effect that ROBSON had found fault with JACKSON on the day previous to the assault for coming late to his work. On the 12th March, before the engine was started, JACKSON refused to fetch a wedge to ‘chock’ the engine wheel during thrashing operations. JACKSON was leaning on a fork, which ROBSON clutched from him and threw to the ground. JACKSON picked up the fork and ROBSON, in a passion, swore and said he would “wait on him” when the engine was started, meaning he would fight. The defendant got so exacerbated, that he struck ROBSON twice with a hayfork, his hand being injured and also his left hip, into which one of the prongs entered three quarters of an inch. The defendant admitted striking plaintiff and attributed his act to the threats of plaintiff and a witness from the farm spoke to the violence of ROBSON’s temper. His Honour said he could not possibly mitigate the damages and the verdict must be for the full claim with the costs. Aug 20, 1891Annie HILL, 24, of Etton, daughter of George HILL, master joiner of the village, was taken very ill a week ago and subsequently died. She told her father she had been sucking Lucifer matches and had also taken a quantity of Beecham’s pills. She had been in the habit of sucking matches when a girl and could not resist the habit, although he had hopes she had broken it off. She had no trouble; on the contrary, she was engaged to be married and was on the best possible terms with her intended husband. The poor girl told the doctor who was called in that she was unable to resist; an old habit made her suck the phosphorous. The jury said that he cause of death was poison incautiously taken and without any intention of taking her life. Sep 19, 1891Isabella MOSEY was arrested for concealing a birth. The remains of a child were found in a dustbin at 43 Spencer Street, Hull. She lived in Driffield but was visiting the occupants of the house in Spencer Street. The child was said to be premature and had not lived a separate existence. Sep 19, 1891The three-year old son of Robert CLARK, coal merchant of Driffield, was playing in the field adjoining his father’s house on Friday night, when a horse kicked him in the head. The child suffered a compound fracture of the skull and died a few hours later without gaining consciousness. Sep 19, 1891The death of a child named Gertrude BRYAN, aged 14 weeks, brought about the condemnation of baby farming practices at Watton. The child was illegitimate and had been placed with Mary Ann LAMB, a widow, 8 weeks earlier, for 4s a week, by its’ mother who resided at Elmswell. Mrs LAMB had placed advertisements in the local press for nurse children and had two others – one aged 6 months and the other aged 6 weeks. All three children slept in the same bed as herself. When waking on Wednesday morning, the child in question was dead, but had shown no signs of illness. The mother gave birth in the house of a woman named GREWER at Driffield. Whilst there, a carrier named CHANDLER told her of Mrs LAMB. She took the child there, but never saw it alive again, though Mrs LAMB wrote to say it was going to be a ‘very fine little girl’. The child never had breast milk and had been fed on condensed milk. The child’s skin was red raw with eczema, though no medical attention had been sought. It was decided that the child had died of convulsions due to its insufficient diet. The mother was not condemned for leaving her child with Mrs LAMB, as ‘she was merely following the practice of those in higher ranks’. Mrs LAMB gave up the other children and was fined 1s and costs. In all, £1 4s 6d. Oct 3, 1891Last Tuesday week, Ralph KEDDY of Lund, was adjusting a strap on his steam-thrashing machine in Mr E. FARNABY’s stackyard, at Lockington. His little finger of his left hand was caught and the end taken off by the 3rd joint. Less than 12 months ago, Mr KEDDY lost the ends of his 1st and 3rd fingers of the same hand. Some years previously, having had the same hand badly crushed and the same arm twice broken. Oct 24, 1891A man named Thomas GILLERY, a shepherd living at Ganton, was found in a pit full of water and it was supposed he threw himself in to commit suicide, as he had been suspected of attempting to poison himself with some sheep dipping composition a few months ago. He was certified by Drs COLBY and McKAY to be a lunatic and was ordered to be sent to an asylum. Oct 31, 1891Peter MOORE of Norwood, groom, attempted to take his life on Wednesday by cutting his throat and afterwards hanging himself. He was alive when found and is under the care of Dr CALVERT. Nov 7, 1891Hannah HODGSON of Kilham, summoned George SCOTT, farm servant for an assault on Sunday October 25. complainant stated that she was going down the street when she was set upon by defendant, who, in addition to knocking her down, took her by the throat and almost choked her. The defence was called, who stated that defendant only pushed her and that she fell down on purpose. She also struck SCOTT in the face and threatened to “rip him up.” Case dismissed, each party to pay their own costs Nov 21, 1891Robert MARSON of Garton, farm servant, was summoned by George WILES of Sewerby, another farm servant, for an assault. WILES stated that on the Driffield hirings day, he came to Driffield in search of a place and on going up the street, met defendant, who asked if he remembered him, to which he replied that he did. Defendant said that if he would go out of the town he would give him something for himself, but as he refused to comply, defendant struck him four times on the head and face, causing him to bleed profusely. Complainant appeared in court with plaster on his face and produced a handkerchief covered with bloodstains. Defendant said that when he was a lad, complainant abused him and he was only paying him off. The Bench characterised the assault as a most unprovoked and savage one and ordered MARSON to pay a fine of 10s and the costs, £1 13s 6d in all. Nov 21, 1891Fras HEADSON of Beverley, was ordered to pay 5s and costs for leaving a donkey and cart without anyone in charge of it at Watton on Thursday June 11th Nov 28, 1891On Wednesday afternoon were consigned to their last resting place in the Cemetery, the remains of Mrs Mary Ann WILSON, wife of Mr J.S. WILSON, who for a period of 40 years, filled the position of matron of the Union Workhouse. In April last, Mr and Mrs WILSON resigned their office owing to failing health and applied to the Guardians for a pension to help them spend their declining years in comfort, which was however, refused. Since leaving the Workhouse, they have resided in Albion Street where Mrs WILSON died on Sunday morning last, at the advanced age of 82 years. Among those who stood around the grave on Wednesday were a number of the inmates of the Workhouse, who attended to pay a last token of respect to one who, as far as the regulations of the Poor Law would allow to, soothe the sorrows of the more unfortunate of our fellow creatures who were place under her charge. Dec 5, 1891William SMITH (Messrs SMITH & Son, timber merchants, Driffield and Malton), summoned James FEATHERSTON, groom, Driffield, for an assault under the following circumstances. On 20th November, defendant went to the timber yard with a hand cart and asked for some sawdust and on being told that it had all been burnt, he used some filthy language towards complainant. He then struck him over the face with his flat hand. Complainant told him to keep his hands off, but he took him by the throat, chipped him over some wood and then struck him in the eye twice and once in the mouth. The statement was born out by two witnesses named HARPER and HARDWICK. The bench characterised it as one of the most disgraceful affairs that had come before them for some time and ordered defendant to pay a fine of £2 and the costs, in all £3 2s 6d Dec 19, 1891James SMITH, a Wold Ranger, better known as “Blue Cap” was ordered to pay £1 13s 6d or one months imprisonment, for being unlawfully in possession of a hare and some poaching tackle at Sledmere on the 1st June last, since which time he had been missing Dec 19, 1891 At the Thursday meeting of the Board of Guardians, a boy named JACKSON, aged 12, was reported to have taken refuge in the Workhouse from his mother, because she had threatened him with a rope and whip. The boy’s back had been examined and found to be covered with bruises. Underneath a truss he wears, there was a long blue mark as if caused by a whip. The mother is to be summoned. Jan 16, 1892Robert DIBBLE, a lad of 16, living at Kilham, was ordered to pay £2 compensation together with costs for failing to enter the service of James WILSON of Sledmere Jan 30, 1892J. VICKERMAN, Driffield v FARTHING, Ruston Parva Claim 5s for tools sold to defendant said he had agreed to pay 2s 6d, and that when he could. He had behaved like a son to plaintiff; he had gone and washed him and cut his hair, when he had no one to look after him, and now he came on in this manner. Verdict for the full amount Jan 30, 1892Lily KITSON, a young girl of 14 years of age, was brought up on remand on a charge of stealing 18s, a piece of pork, a chemise and other articles, the property of Mrs Jane BOOTH of Moothill, Driffield, between the hours of 10 o’clock on Thursday night and 7 o’clock on Friday morning. The evidence showed the prisoner had by some means got into the house and secreted herself under the bed in the front room and after Jane had retired to bed, the prisoner came downstairs and ransacked a drawer, in which the above amount of money had been put for the purpose of paying the rates, and took it, together with some other articles. She also took a piece of pork and a chemise. The prisoner was arrested by Sgt HORNBY, and she produced 5s 9d, also the chemise; the other articles she had burnt. The pork had been taken away prior to the officer going by Mrs BOOTH, who had gone to the girl’s father for some money for rent. The father was put into the box and stated that the girl was not in when he went home to tea and he afterwards tried to find her but failed; she had run away from him before and taken things. The girl weeping, in response to the Clerk, said she would rather go to prison than go home again and the magistrates, taking advantage of the new Act of Parliament, released her on her own recognisances. Feb 13, 1892Robert CAWKELL, labourer, was brought up in custody on a charge of doing wilful damage to two windows belonging to P. BURGESS MD, on the night of 20th January. Fewster Smith GARNER, a lad of 10 years, stated that he saw defendant come along Eastgate singing “Over Jordan,” and when near Dr BURGESS’ house he said “Here goes,” and threw a stone through the window of the house in New Road. Dr BURGESS stated that he did not see defendant but heard the smash. He understood he was subject to outbursts of temper and when he saw him in the police station he was very violent and threatened if liberated, to not only smash all the windows in the house but to see all Driffield on fire. The only reason he could give for defendants’ conduct towards him was that he had that day received a bill for medical attendance which appeared to have exacerbated him. In reply to the Bench, defendant said he was not sorry as he considered he was suffering an injustice in the sight of heaven; the doctor had charged him 6s for giving him mustard and water. Defendant’s parents attended and explained that he was very violent at times and also that they had paid for the damage done to the windows. Ordered to pay 1s and the costs, accompanied with an injunction that the parents must look better after him in the future. (Previous to giving evidence in the above stated case, Dr BURGESS protested against kissing the book on taking the oath and said he preferred to be sworn with uplifted hand, claiming this in virtue of the “Oaths Act, 1888”) Feb 13, 1892LOCKINGTON At the East Riding police court, on Saturday, Henry COOK, Lockington, was charged with attempting to take his own life, by swallowing poison. Defendant said he was very sorry for what had occurred and had promised not to repeat the offence. He had been induced to commit the act on account of a quarrel with a young woman. He was discharged on his own recognisances. March 19, 1892On Thursday evening there was an Inquest at the Bell Hotel, Driffield, touching the death of a newly born male child, found in a garden belonging to Mr Charles BRUCE, nurseryman and seedsman, York Road, Driffield, the previous day. Mr BRUCE had found the body on a manure heap in his garden, which adjoins Spellowgate. It had been about a fortnight since he last had been near this manure heap. The body had no clothing on whatsoever; there was a small clot near it. The body appeared to have been thrown over the hedge and covered up by the snow. PC OLROYD took charge of the body and removed it to the police station. He noticed a small clot of blood like a piece of dark skin about the size of a man’s hand. Dr BRAND found it was a healthy new born male child, well nourished and weighed about 9lbs. The right cheek had a hole in it, as though it had been gnawed by some animal. The right arm was laid across the body; it had some skin torn off from the elbow to the hand; the little finger was off also. There was no appearance of violence and the scalp was covered with fair hair. He could not say whether the child had been thrown onto the heap alive or not. His opinion was that death was due to syncope and the jury returned a verdict to that effect. Inquiries have been made as to how the child arrived there, but nothing has yet been found. March 26, 1892On Wednesday morning, there died at Eastgate, Driffield, Mrs Dinah LEAKE, who had attained the age of 102 years. Deceased was born at Thwing and had been a widow about 46 years. She had been married twice and leaves 3 sons and 3 daughters. She had been confined to her bed for the last five weeks previous to which she enjoyed excellent health and was in full possession of her faculties. (There appears to have been some disagreement as to the correct age of Mrs LEAK; we have made some inquiries and ascertained that her baptismal certificate is dated for the year 1800) April 2, 1892LEVEN – A SAD BURNING ACCIDENT A beastman in the employ of Mr William ENGLAND of Hall Garth Farm, met with a singular but serious accident last week. He was returning home after having spent some time at a public house and whilst lighting his pipe, his clothes by some means became ignited and he was enveloped in flames. His screams brought assistance and the fire was put out but not before the poor fellow was very badly burnt. April 9, 1892Fanny RINGROSE, a woman whose only fixed address could be stated to be Her Majesty’s prisons, she having been lodged therein almost 100 times on various charges, was brought up in custody on a charge of begging at Driffield on Wednesday. Mr F. PURDON, auctioneer, deposed that the woman went into his shop in Exchange Street the previous day and asked for money, but as she was under the influence of drink, he refused to give her anything, whereupon she turned very abusive and used bad language. The police were sent for and she was given into custody. She was now imprisoned for a term of 14 days. April 23, 1892The agricultural labourers of Rudston have for the last 70 years enjoyed the privilege of leaving work on Saturdays two hours earlier than on other working days, namely at 4 o’clock. This privilege has now been stopped and the labourers’ have ‘struck’ against it. These plucky ‘Rudstonians’ as they have been termed by their neighbours, have much sympathy in other villages and hope is expressed that none of the other labourers in the district will enter into competition with them in their efforts to retain their time-honoured privilege, and in obtaining shorter hours as are compatible with their calling. May 7, 1892SLEDMEREThe ‘Otago Daily News’ (Dunedin, NZ), of March 22, says – Many of the early settlers will regret to hear of the death of Mr Mark DALE, formerly inspector of stock, which occurred at Milburn. The deceased gentleman, who was 75 years of age, was a native of Yorkshire and resided for some time at Sledmere, where, we understand, he was a tenant to Sir Tatton SYKES. He came out to Victoria about 35 years ago and arrived in Otago early in the 60’s. He was employed as a drover for the firm of Messrs. Wright, Stephenson & Co., when travelling was no easy task. He subsequently became sub-inspector of sheep, with control of the Waitahuna district. On his retirement from that office he purchased a farm at Milburn and he has remained in that district ever since. Being an excellent judge of sheep, he was frequently chosen to act in that capacity at shows in both Otago and Canterbury. Of late years, his health has been failing and he died after a few days illness at the residence of his son-in-law, Mr John SUTHERLAND, at Milburn. May 14, 1892BEEFORD On Wednesday morning, shortly after 5 o’clock, George HAMMOND, horse breaker, as was his wont, got up and about 6.30, his daughter (a girl of 12 years) on going into the outhouse adjoining was horrified to find her father therein with his throat cut and blood oozing there from. She at once raised an alarm, when help was obtained and the poor fellow was removed into his house. Dr MORRISON was at once sent for and on his arrival it was found that the man had cut his throat from ear to ear. He lingered about an hour. Deceased had been depressed for about a fortnight but no reason could be given for this rash act. HAMMOND was about 40 years of age and leaves a wife and five children. An inquest decided ‘deceased cut his throat with a razor while in an unsound state of mind’ June 4, 1892As Mr George BIELBY of Driffield was returning home on his tricycle from Southburn, shortly after 9 o’clock on Monday evening he happened a rather serious accident when between Eastburn and Kelleythorpe. By some means the steering apparatus became disarranged, causing the machine to run on to the side of the road, where it came to grief and throwing Mr BIELBY out, he sustained a compound fracture to his left arm. Mr T. HOLTBY, jnr, was riding alongside Mr BIELBY and at once rode back to Eastburn and procured a cart, in which the unfortunate man was placed and conveyed to his home June 4, 1892James HEWLAND, a young man from Hull, was charged with ill-treating a sheep at Driffield. Alfred SPENCER stated that on the 25th May (cattle market day), defendant was driving some sheep down Exchange Street, when one of them ran into the cattle market entry, whereupon he followed and hit it such a blow on the head with a stick that it fell to the ground. Witness asked him his name and he answered Smith, which was proved to be wrong. Defendant admitted striking the sheep, but said it was a “stoddy” sheep and was liable to fall anywhere. He also put in some characters from people in Hull and these being taken into consideration, a fine of 2s and 8s costs was imposed. June 18, 1892KILHAM MAN DIES IN CANADA Mr James R. WATTS, a native of Kilham, went out to Canada some 7 or 8 years ago. On 20th May at Hurlbert and Merryfields saw mill at Monkton, Ontario, a young James was running a small saw and was in the act of getting up on the table, when a board on which he stepped gave way under his left foot, throwing him on the saw and cutting the leg through the knee bone. It was almost severed from his body and it was some time before the assistance of a doctor could be procured and the unfortunate man expired after a painful lingering of nearly five hours. He was a member of the Independent Order of Foresters, who took charge of his remains, which were interred in the Elma Centre Cemetery. The deceased was a young Englishman and was very highly respected in the community and his frightful death has cast a gloom over the entire neighbourhood. He has only been in the country for a few years but had made many warm friends. July 7, 1892Thomas JOHNSON, farm foreman with Mr MITCHELL of Enthorpe, was summoned for committing an assault upon Matthew T. LOFT. Complainant stated that on the 14th June, he was in the stable with the horses when defendant came in and told him not to shout so, upon which he replied that he was not shouting. Defendant told him to give him no sauce and struck him down. He got up when he was again knocked down and his head battered on the floor; defendant also knelt on his back with his knees. He had been attended by Dr APPLETON since the assault. The defence was that the youth was saucy and although struck at, the alleged injuries had been caused by complainant falling off a bicycle. The Bench fined him £2 including costs July 23, 1892Mr DAVY (Topilow), farm baliff to the Earl of LONSBOROUGH, has two sons; Harold, aged 13 years and a younger brother, who have been in the habit of riding on a pony to Cranswick to attend the Board school. On Thursday night, when they were a short distance from home, some birds, flying out of the hedge, startled the pony, which started off, and over which the boy lost control. The younger boy, either was thrown or succeeded in getting off safely, but the elder boy (Harold) was unable to extricate himself of the stirrup and in this position was dragged along the road; the pony kicking him about the head and injuring him so much that death resulted before medical aid could be obtained. August 13, 1892 On Monday evening an inquest was held at the Bell Hotel, touching the death of Archey Waines COOPER, aged 13 months. From the evidence of the mother and sister, it appeared that the child, which had always been ailing had a fit on Sunday afternoon about 5.30 and before the arrival of a medical man, it died. Dr BELL attributed the death to natural causes, the child being in a weakly state through diarrhoea and teething August 13, 1892 On Thursday night, an inquest was held at the Railway Tavern, to inquire into the death of Harry WOODGER, aged 6 weeks, son of Henry WOODGER, labourer, who resides at “Hoppers Cottages” on the Sunderlandwick road. The evidence of the mother showed that about 6.30 on Thursday morning the child was seized with a fit of convulsions and it died about three hours afterwards. Dr BELL stated that he received one message to call during the day and about nine, he received another; that he went, but the child was dead when he arrived. The child had been fed with breast and biscuit, but the latter was improper food for a child so young. His opinion was that the child died in a fit of convulsions August 13, 1892 William CAMPBELL, an army pensioner, was brought up in custody on remand, charged with stealing from Bridget BINNY, two pillowcases, two antimacassars and a tablecloth value 7s. Bridget, a widow, lives in Brooke Street, next door to prisoner and carried on the business of hawker. She had been away at Bridlington Quay for the summer and on 4th August came home and found it had been entered. Frances BINNY, daughter, stated she was the last person in the house and the articles were still there at that time. Elizabeth Ann BROWN, wife of John BROWN, landlord of he Langley Arms Inn, said prisoner came to their house and offered to sell her a pawn ticket for 2s or 2s 6d. About a fortnight ago he went again and sold her the articles identified. Prisoner said he was guilty of having things in his possession but how they came there he could not tell. He had been drinking heavily for about a month and he begged the Bench to deal leniently with him and he promised them he would take the pledge. It was his first offence; he had left the army with an exemplary good character. He had been in receipt of a conditional pension and through the aid of his late commanding officer, the matter had been brought before the Secretary of State for War with the view of having it renewed. The last time he received pension money was about 7 years ago. He had made two applications to have it renewed and if the Bench sent him to prison he would lose the chance of getting it. The Bench said they cold not treat him different to other people and he would have to go to prison for 6 weeks. Aug 20, 1892 CRANSWICK Several accidents are reported in the vicinity of Cranswick during the past few days. Josh GILBERT, in the employ of Mr REYNARD, at Sunderlandwick, fell from a load of manure and so injured his side as to incapacitate him from work. The Wagoner at Mr REYNARD’s East Field Farm, Cranswick, who was with a horse and cart, had his foot trodden on by the horse, was thrown down and the wheel passed over his leg, necessitating his being taken to the hospital. A girl of David CONSITT’s, unknown to her father, was getting into a cart when in motion; her leg got into the wheel and she had to be taken to a bonesetter. A little boy named Charlie BRADSHAW fell from a gate and injured his collarbone and had to undergo surgical treatment. Aug 27, 1892 George COLE, Herbert MONKMAN and Herbert DUFFILL, all farm servants from Cowlam, were summoned for being drunk and disorderly at Sledmere on the 20th inst. PC ALDEN stated that about 10.15pm, the defendants turned out of the public house and commenced making a disturbance and used very bad language. They were persuaded to go away, but when they got to the end of the village, they commenced their row again. Ordered to pay 5s and the costs Sep 10, 1892 At the Keys Hotel, an inquest was held on the body of Mrs LANCE, wife of Mr J.J. LANCE, draper, Driffield. Laura WILSON was living as servant with Mr LANCE and about 7.30 on Thursday night, Mrs LANCE gave her some work to do and then went upstairs to put the young child Daisy to bed. As she was away for some time, witness began to be anxious and went upstairs. On getting to the bedroom door she found it fastened and heard someone groaning in the room. She at once ran for Mr LANCE and Mr COLLEY. John COLLEY, assistant with Mr LANCE, said the last witness came to the shop about 8 o’clock and asked to see Mr LANCE, as Mrs LANCE was upstairs with the door locked. He went along with Mr LANCE and on going upstairs, burst open the door when they found Mrs LANCE laid on the floor in a pool of blood. A razor lay on the floor and a table knife on the bed. He had known her 3 years; she had been in a depressed state at times and had been from home on that account. Dr BRAND said he arrived and found her throat cut; her clothing saturated with blood and she was in a semi conscious state. The wound was about 3 inches long and directly across the throat; the flesh was partly cut through and some of the smaller blood vessels severed. Her breath smelt peculiar, as of liniment. On searching, a bottle, which was labelled “Not to be taken. Poison,” was found. It had been given to Mrs LANCE for lumbago. The poison contained aconite, belladonna and opium. She had been in an unsound state of mind and he had told her friends to look well after her whilst in a state of mental derangement.Sep 24, 1892An inquest was held at the Pack Horse Inn, Cranswick, relating to the death of Martha BROADLEY, aged three and a half years, twin daughter of Thomas BROADLEY. The child suffered from whooping cough and it was the opinion of the doctor that she succumbed to syncope Oct 1, 1892A DESIRE GRATIFIED Peter NOLAN, labourer, was brought up in custody on a charge of stealing a fustian waistcoat, belonging to Jacob WILSON, tailor and draper, Mill Street, Driffield, value 9s 6d. The article having been identified by the owner, John Wm OAKES said that on 20th September he saw prisoner take the waistcoat down from Mr WILSON’s window frame and go with it into the adjoining public house; he at once sent word into Mr WILSON’s shop. Sgt JACKSON deposed as to apprehending the prisoner, who on being charged, said, “Yes, I did steal it. I wanted locking up.” Prisoner now pleaded guilty, expressed contrition for the offence and asked for another chance, as he was drunk at the time he committed the theft. Committed to prison for 2 months hard labour. Oct 8, 1892On Wednesday morning, an inquest was held touching the sad death of Arthur Edwin SISSONS, aged 10 years, son of Christopher SISSIONS, Cranswick. The boy’s father said he was in the house when a traction engine passed and the boy ran out. He heard nothing until a few minutes afterwards, when the boy was brought home. This was about 7.30 and the Doctor was sent for and arrived soon after at 9 o’clock, when he said the boy could not live. He died the following morning and was quite sensible and able to talk. He said he was trying to get on the engine when the accident occurred. His last words were, “Fayther, give us a kiss, and look sharp,” which he uttered just before he died. John HOLMES, the engine driver and owner of the engine and thrashing machine, said he did not see the boy. He stopped the engine as soon as the boy had been run over. He saw the boy being carried home and then returned to his engine. He was driving at the proper pace and had lights and a man in front. William HOLMES, son of the above, aged 12, said he was on the engine with his father when the boy attempted to climb up the engine steps. SISSONS, who had been with witness to Beswick with a horse and cart during the day, asked if he was coming back from Hutton Cranswick that night and he said he was. SISSONS said he would go and return with him. He then tried to get onto the engine and witness told him to get down. He looked back again and saw the front wheel of the thrashing machine pass over the boy. He was heard to cry, “Oh, mother.” Several of the jury spoke of the difficulty experienced in keeping children off the machinery when passing through villages and of Mr HOLMES’ carefulness in driving. October 22, 1892Catherine BLOOM preferred a charge of assault against her husband, John BLOOM. On Sunday 9th, she was reading a magazine and refused to go to bed when he wanted her. He then dragged her upstairs, pulled off her clothes and knocked her senseless (see Jan 14, 1899) October 29, 1892SHOCKING DEATH OF A DRIFFIELD MAN A horrible discovery was made on Tuesday at Coniston-in-Holderness, a township about six miles from Hull. Charles Taylor, gardener, left home for work at daybreak. He waited some time to catch the Hull carrier and then entered the fold yard. Here he must have fallen in an insensible condition, as he did not reappear. Pigs are allowed the run of the yard and about noon someone going into the place discovered Taylor dead and only the remains of what he had been in life. The pigs were round him feeding off his body. The police were fetched and what was left of him removed for decent burial after inquest. The sickening occurrence has horrified the entire district. INQUEST On Wednesday morning Mr H Birks, the district coroner, held an inquest at the Blacksmith’s Arms, Coniston, on the body. Annie Taylor, Coniston, said that deceased was her father. He was 45 years of age and was foreman at Messrs Dixon’s gardens, at Coniston. She last saw him alive on Tuesday morning, between 7 and 8 o’clock. He left the house saying he was going to his work, but he would fasten the dog up in the bar first. About noon, one of the workmen came to the house and informed witness’ mother that the deceased had been found dead; he seemed well when he left home and had made no complaint. He had not been well recently having complained frequently of a good deal of pain in his back. On Sunday he felt better and went to work on Monday. Richard Henry Waller, of Coniston, groom and gardener for Mr Dixon, deposed that he last saw the deceased alive about half past seven o’clock on Tuesday morning. He was in the barn and seemed quite well. Witness next saw him at five minutes to 12. He was in the barn and seemed quite well. Witness next saw him at five minutes to 12. He was lying in the fowl-yard dead. There were six black pigs about him, three of which were devouring his head and the rest his body. Witness got the assistance of James Gardner, another workman and they set the pigs off and fastened them up. Gardner went to the house, which was close to and informed Taylor’s wife of his death. Deceased’s clothing was down to his legging tops. The police-constable came and removed the body to the house. Witness was going to feed his horses when he found the body. Dr Charles Solomon said that deceased suffered in life from fatty degeneration of the heart and in his opinion, it was sufficient to cause death. The left side of his face was totally eaten away and the right part of the lower abdominal region was in a similar condition. In his opinion the injuries inflicted by the pigs were caused after death. A verdict of death from disease of the heart was then returned. Deceased was a native of Driffield, being a son of the late Mr Jesse Taylor. He was well known in the town, and the news of his sad death cased quite a sensation. His remains will be interred in the Driffield Cemetery this (Friday) afternoon. Dec 3, 1892John JEFFERSON was charged with causing an obstruction on the footpath at Nafferton on the 17th November, causing several females to have to turn off the path. When he saw a policeman he ran away and when overtaken, gave his name as Thomas RAWSON, a bricklayer at Kilham. Fined 16s 6d including costs Dec 24, 1892The Market Weighton and Driffield Railway A coal train from the West Riding, the driver of which is alleged to have mistaken the signal, dashed through two pairs of heavy gates at the Kellythorpe level crossing. Three of the gates were carried away and smashed to pieces, though the train was undamaged. Jan 7, 1893Fras. CARTER, landlord of the White Horse Inn, Nafferton, was ordered to pay £1 and 6s 6d costs for selling one pint of gin to Supt FARRAH, which was adulterated with seven and a half percent of water. Jan 14, 1893John Thompson HOPE, labourer, Middleton, charged PC PARKER with assault. HOPE stated that on 21st December, he left the Robin Hood Inn about 10 o’clock and was stood on a street corner, when the policeman asked him what he was doing there. He replied he was waiting to see someone and when he declined to state his business, the officer struck him on the right ear with his left hand and also struck him with his right hand and attempted to kick him. Hope then went to Mrs SOANES’ and showed his ear to John SOANES; blood was running from it. On returning, PARKER followed him across the street and hitting him on the back of the head with a stick, knocked him down and threatened to kill him. He again kicked him and jumped on his left side with both feet. Complainant then called out ‘Murder’, and defendant let him get up. He went again to SOANES’ and defendant followed him, where he ordered him out of the yard. Mr SOANES said he heard the cry of murder and saw HOPE covered with blood and mud. He heard PARKER say ‘I’ll kill you if you continue to watch me’. A witness said the policeman only pushed him, but he fell over and defendant was at least 40 yards away when HOPE called out murder. The second charge was that PARKER pulled him out of the Rose and Crown Inn, Middleton, tearing his coat to pieces, knocking him down and kicking him on the forehead. A witness said the two fell down together whilst PC PARKER was trying to eject HOPE. Without retiring, the Bench said they were unanimous that both cases must be dismissed. The officer could leave court with no reflection on his character. HOPE was ordered to pay the costs in both cases; £2 in all. Feb 25, 1893Edward RAWLINSON, labourer and beer-house keeper, Langtoft, sued John ELVIDGE of that place, for £25 damages, committed on 24 October. At 6 o’clock on that evening, ELVIDGE and a man named Summers COUSINS, went to the George and Dragon Inn. About 10 o’clock, the landlord told them it was leaving time and COUSINS and his brother, Arthur, went out. ELVIDGE stood up and came at RAWLINSON with his head and knocked him down, rendering him insensible. The COUSINS’ heard a noise as of someone falling against the longsettle and returned. They found RAWLINSON on the floor, with one hand on the longsettle and ELVIDGE striking him with his fist. They helped him home, ELVIDGE following, saying ‘Come out of the road; let’s have another go at him’, and saying RAWLINSON would never know who had done it. Dr BURGESS was called, who found extreme bruises of both eyes, and some scalp wounds. He was very stiff and feverish and was delirious for 4 or 5 nights. Dr BURGESS had to make issues to let out the infused blood from his eyes. The sight of the left eye had been destroyed. ELVIDGE had also gone to the house after the assault, and when Betsy, the daughter, asked him to leave, he said he would not – not for her or 20 policemen. On summing up, the witnesses were praised for coming forward, and ELVIDGE was fined £12 10s with costs on the £20 scale, to be paid £5 down and the balance at £1 a month. March 18, 1893Joshua STEAD, horse dealer, George Street, Driffield, died of an overdose after taking Laudanum for a severe toothache. He was 26 years old. Apr 15, 1893Samuel LOFT, a native of North Dalton, took a short cut to the opposite platform at Beverley station. He should have used the footbridge, but took no notice of the warning signs, and went over the tracks instead. It was a foggy day, and he did not see the oncoming train. It hit him with full force, cutting him clean in half, and severing a leg. The remains were gathered up and conveyed to the Telegraph Inn. May 6, 1893An inquest was held at the Bell Hotel on Monday relating to the death of William BROWN, aged 71, labourer, residing at Moot Hill, Driffield. From the evidence of Mark RUSSEL, bootmaker, it appeared that on the 20th ult, he was driving a cart down Church Street lane when, in order to avoid a drunken woman, he pulled the horse on one side. It shied and the cart caught against a post, causing him to fall over into the body of the cart. He, however, drove him apparently all right, although he said he had broken his leg. Dr BRAND said he found the shinbone broken about 5” above the ankle; the man said his foot got crushed against the wall. In addition to the broken leg, he was suffering from disease of the kidneys and bladder. He considered the deceased’s death was accelerated by these diseases and a verdict to that effect was returned. May 6, 1893Ellen BRUMBY, married woman, was charged at Bridlington Police court with assaulting a little girl, aged 6 years, named Clara TOWSE, at Thwing, on the 19th. It was alleged that the defendant seized the child by the hair and struck her severely in the face. Defendant admitted striking the child but denied the more serious part of the assault and stated that it was in consequence of her having struck at one of her children. Defendant was fined 1s and 4 s costs May 6, 1893On Wednesday morning at an early hour, a man engaged at work on the Mount Pleasant Farm at Bishop Burton, saw a pair of feet disappearing down a well on the farm. He immediately gave an alarm and assistance was obtained, when it was ascertained that it was the tenant, Mr Charles THOMPSON, whose disappearance had been witnessed. By means of the chain and bucket, he was hoisted to the surface and was found to be not much worse, although he was bruised in places and had been immersed in the water. The well, it is said, is 70 feet deep. How he got in is a mystery. May 20, 1893On Saturday afternoon, as Edward COLLINGWOOD, a young man in the employ of Mr Charles LONGBOTTOM, of Nafferton, was coming to Driffield with a rully-load of poultry houses, he was met near the Cottage Hospital by a traction engine owned by Mr S. WARD, of Nafferton, conveying bricks. The ‘advance man’ took the head of the horse and led it up to the engine, but when along-side he released the animal’s head; it at once swerved from the engine, throwing COLLINGWOOD, who was riding upon the shafts, to the ground. The horse then trod upon the poor fellow’s head, slitting the left ear down, and the rully passed over the right side of his head, tearing off the hair and skin. Dr BURGESS was at once summoned and bandaged up the man’s injuries, then had him conveyed home where he was placed under the care of Dr SAVILE, of Nafferton. He now lies in a precarious state. May 20, 1893William RISPIN, of Kilham, was summoned by Henry HAGGITT, one of the surveyors for the parish of Kilham, for having his horse not under control whilst grazing. The complainant said the lanes were let subject to each horse having an attendant and in this instance, it was between 400 and 500 yards away from anyone. Defendant admitted the offence, but said the case had been brought out of spite. Ordered to pay 1s and costs. June 3, 1893Edward BAYES, Weaverthorpe, was charged with leaving his horse and cart in front of a public house at Langtoft for 20 minutes. The Defendant, who admitted the offence, said he was inside ‘bargaining for two little pigs.’ To pay a fine of 5s and 8s costs July 1, 1893An inquest was held at The Blue Bell, Driffield, relative to the death of Sophia THORNTON. Deceased was the widow of W. THORNTON, French polisher, and was about 78 years of age. She had been living alone and had an allowance of 3s a week, out of which she paid 2s in rent. She was in the habit of leaving her door open so that neighbours might look in on her. Elizabeth REFFOLD was one such neighbour, who called in on her with regularity. On Tuesday morning, she called as usual, but on gaining no answer, she went upstairs. She found her suspended by the neck with a thin cord, which had been fastened to a nail in the wall. The chair had not been kicked over, but she was on her knees. She had never complained, but had dreaded the coming of winter. July 1, 1893HARPHAM – a young man named William JOHNSON (whose parents reside in Driffeld), was found in a dumb well or cesspool on the premises of Mr OWSTON, St Quintin Arms Inn. The young man was subject to fits and it was supposed that it was during one of these that he came to be there. Aug 12, 1893An inquest was held at the Bosville Arms Inn at Rudston, relating to the death of George TINDALL, retired shepherd. The evidence of deceased’s widow, showed that for some years he had suffered from violent pains in the head. On Sunday, he was out walking in the garden with his wife and some other members of his family, when he complained that the pains were coming on again, and returning to the house proceeded upstairs. About ten minutes afterwards his wife followed him, but on going into the room she was horrified to find him suspended by the neck from the curtain rail of the bed. She screamed out and others of the family coming in, deceased was cut down and means used to restore animation, but to no avail. A verdict of ‘Suicide while in a state of temporary insanity’ was returned. Sep 9, 1893On Friday morning, an inquiry was held at the Driffield Union Workhouse, relative to the death of William POSTILL, aged 52 years, who had been taken there about 11 o’clock on Thursday morning in a carriers cart from Weaverthorpe. From the evidence, it appeared he was very ill when he arrived and Dr KEITH (Dr BRAND’s assistant), being in the house at the time, was called to him. On being examined, it was found that his left lung was diseased and his heart in a precarious condition. He ordered that the man be put into a warm bath and prescribed necessary diet. He also ordered his removal to the infirmary. The Doctor’s orders were carried out but the poor fellow succumbed. The Doctor’s opinion was that a fatal syncope was the cause of death. Oct 7, 1893 Charles LONGBOTTOM of Nafferton summoned Robert DODGSON, a workman late in his employ, for assault. Complainant stated that on September 22, he went into his yard and there saw Defendant throwing some boards about and when spoken to by complainant, he used bad language. He afterwards struck him and knocked him down and when on the ground, he again hit him, giving him a black eye and knocking out half a tooth. Defendant said the reason he grumbled about the wood was because he was half his time in looking for material, he also said he was a good for nothing, and was employed out of charity. DODGSON to pay 5s and costs Oct 7, 1893RUNAWAYS – An unusual commotion was caused in Driffield on Thursday noon by a couple or horses yoked to a carrier’s wagon, careering wildly up the street. But for the bravery of Mr SKELTON, a Frodingham carrier, who rushed to the horses’ heads and hung on, there might have been a big smash. Oct 21, 1893Thomas CATTLIN, John CROSBY, Frank LANGTON and Herbert LITTLE, all Driffield lads, were summoned for throwing fireworks in the public streets on 3rd and 6th October. Col. BROOKSBANK told the lads they had been guilty of a very improper action; letting crackers off in public streets was a dangerous practice and one that might endanger the life or limb of people in the streets. In this case the lads would be let off in paying 3s costs but if any more cases come before them, they would not be let off so lightly. Oct 21, 1893Mark STAMP, landlord of he King’s Head Inn, Nafferton, was summoned for being drunk on his own premises on 10th October. He did not appear but had sent a letter to the Bench expressing regret. Ordered to pay 10s and the costs. Oct 21, 1893William PHILLIPS and George TRAIN were summoned by PC OLROYD for committing a breach of the peace by fighting on Cross Hill on Sunday the 8th October. Both defendants admitted the charge and were bound over in a bond of £5 to keep the peace towards all Her Majesty’s subjects for the space of 6 months as well as pay 5s 6d each costs Oct 28, 1893John SEDMAN, a native of Flamborough, who resides at Kilham, has sustained serious injury through his gun going off accidentally, the contents of the barrel having entered his thigh. Medical aid was procured and it was found necessary to amputate the limb, which was successfully done at the hospital. He now lies in a critical state. Dec 16, 1893For some time past, Jabez JOHNSON, a man employed as a shepherd by Mr WOOD of Kendale, has exhibited signs of mental depression and has acted somewhat strangely. On Friday night, after finishing his daily toil, he left the farm with his dog, heading for home, at Moot Hill, Driffield. When he did not turn up at his usual hour, his wife began to get anxious about his whereabouts and after obtaining a lantern she set off in search of him in the direction of the waterworks, to a field near which he had been, while his associates proceeded in the direction of Kendale, but no clue could be obtained of the man. Information was then taken to the police station and the officers in the villages were apprised of the fact that a man was missing and instructed to follow up any clue. The various farms between Driffield and Langtoft were visited and inquiries made by the police during Saturday, but it was not until Sunday noon that anxiety was put at rest, when between 12 o’clock and 1 o’clock, JOHNSON was brought home in a light cart in charge of a policeman and a farm servant. From what had been gleaned, it appears that JOHNSON had wandered with his dog some miles along the old coach road to Scarborough, tramping all through the night of Friday and until near evening on Saturday, when he was found in a wood at Ganton, in an exhausted state. He was taken and lodged for the night. In answer to inquiries, he gave his name and address and beyond these his answers were incoherent. When he arrived at home it was found that his feet were bruised as well as his legs, the skin being knocked off in places. He is a steady man and came with Mr WOOD when he became tenant at Kendale. Jan 12, 1895Yesterday (Thursday) morning, an unfortunate accident happened to Mrs LONGBOTTOM of the Potteries, Nafferton. She was engaged in the pursuit of her household work, which necessitated her leaving the house, when she slipped on the pathway and fractured her leg. Mrs LONGBOTTOM was conveyed to Hull, where the injured limb received prompt attention. Upon enquiry at the house this (Friday) morning, we learn that notwithstanding a restless night, the patient is making satisfactory progress. January 12, 1895 BABY FARMING AT DRIFFIELD A WOMAN SEVERELY CENSURED The adjourned inquest on the body of Sydney Barmby, aged four months, the illegitimate child of Mary Barmby, a single woman employed by Mr R. Kirby, farmer, Cranswick Common, near Driffield, was resumed at the White Swan Inn, Hunmanby, on Friday, before Mr J.M. Jennings. Inspector Nye watched the proceedings for the NSPCC. The evidence given a week ago showed that the deceased child had been under the care of Mrs Scaife, of Forden, near Hunmanby, since December 1st, and that it died a week after she received it from Mrs Stagg in October and the mother saw it twice previous to its removal to Mrs Scaife’s house. It was not thriving then and she told Mrs Stagg to send for a doctor if it did not improve. Dr Heard, of Hunmanby, had made a post mortem examination. The child weighed 5 ½lbs, whereas it should have weighed from 16lbs to 18lbs. Dr J.R. Keith, of Driffield, was the first witness called on Friday. He said he saw the deceased child on December 13th at Mrs Scaife’s house and it was in a very emaciated condition. There was no disease, but it was not being properly fed. On the following day he was told the deceased had been vomiting and he gave Mrs Scaife some medicine and a day later, she told him it was better. A child four months old should weigh 14lb or 15lb. He considered the emaciation was due to the child’s treatment previous to Mrs Scaife having him. He had attended another nurse child at Mrs Stagg’s. The Coroner asked Dr Keith to talk the case over with Dr Heard, and the jury would be glad to hear any results they arrive at. Later in the day, Dr Keith said he agreed with Dr Heard’s deductions from the post mortem examination. Mary Stagg, wife of Uriah Stagg, Middle street North, Driffield, said she received the deceased on October 2nd though a Mrs Turner. She (Mrs Stagg) had advertised for a nurse child in March. When she received the deceased he was suffering from thrush, was in a raw state and vomited constantly. The Coroner: Did you send for a doctor? – No sir, I didn’t. Why not? – I hadn’t the authority, sir, and I had had children of my own worse and had brought them out. Witness in reply to further questions said she gave the child some powders and kept it dry and clean, and by the end of the month the thrush seemed nearly better. She did not write and tell the mother the child was ill, as she knew. The Coroner: The mother told us the child was quite healthy and well when you got it. Did you write and tell the mother the child was ill? – Yes, sir, but not during the first month, I don’t think. Why not? – Because I did not see any danger. You said the child was raw and that it vomited everything? – Yes, sir, it did. It’s mother knew. Did the child get worse. Did it waste away? – Yes, sir, it did not get any flesh. Did it lose flesh? – Yes, sir, about the six weeks’ end. What did you do then? – I wrote and told his mother he was ailing and I saw her at the hirings. What did you do then? – I asked her to send a doctor to him. She promised to come up again, and I have never seen her since. Witness went on to say that she got port wine and cod liver oil for the child, and gave them to him up to the time when she handed him over to Mrs Scaife. The Coroner: How did you come to give the child to Mrs Scaife? – I only arranged to take him till Martinmas. But what made you give him to Mrs Scaife? Because she had offered to take him. And I had another reason. Tell us it? – I had another child that was not my own and I found I had done wrong to take two. Have not you known that for a long time? – No, sir. Have not you found out before this that you have done wrong? You have been advertising for years and you did not know? – No, sir, I didn’t. I am sorry to say I cannot believe you. What had the mother to do with the child being sent to Mrs Scaife? – She asked me to find a place for the child. Did you tell the mother what condition the child was in? - She saw it the night she went away. My daughter went to see her. Why did your daughter go to see her? – I sent her for the money that was due. It was quite right. It was earned. Did the mother make any complaint to you as to the child’s condition? – Never, sir. How much money did you receive for this child? – Four shillings a week. What was Mrs Scaife to have? – The same as I had. Who agreed to give her that? – She was to see the mother, and I was to pay her until then. The Coroner next put several letters to the witness, written for her by her daughter. In one she said, “Sydney is getting on all right. His eye does not mend very quickly.” There was another applying for the money four weeks in advance, this being dated November 28th and saying, “He is going on all right.” The Coroner asked if it was all true, and witness replied: Not all of it. A juror asked why the witness did not call in a doctor, when the child was so ill. Witness replied that she did not know. She thought the mother ought to give the doctor orders to attend. The Coroner: Yes, you thought his mother ought but you are writing and telling his mother a pack of lies about it. The juror: Mrs Scaife got a doctor directly she got the child and you ought to have done the same, in my opinion. The Coroner: I most certainly agree with you. Witness: I have brought my own children up without a doctor and I could not get one without paying ready money. Replying to another juror, witness said she fed the child on milk and cornflour. She was in bed when the mother called and could not say whether there was flour and water in the bottle. She was sure she had never done anything wrong to the child in any shape or form. The Coroner: One answer Mrs Stagg has given I thoroughly believe. That she had great difficulty in getting a doctor to attend. (To witness): You owe money to all of the doctors, don’t you? – No, sir. You do to most of them I should think? – We have had a great many doctors at our house. You have a child with you now. Give me the name and address of its mother? – Mrs Robinson, 79 Holles street, Grimsby. What does she pay you? – Eighteen shillings a month. How old is the child? – Four months. What state is that child in? – He is rather thin, but he is improving now. The last few days he has improved very much. Since the inquest? – No, sir. The last few days he has seemed to get better. How many nurse children have you had in your life? – Three, sir, altogether. Do you mean to say that during your life you have only had three nurse children? – Only three. A juror: You have really had no great experience? – No, sir: but I have had quite sufficient. The Coroner, in summing up the evidence said he thought none of the jury would regret the extra trouble they had been put to in investigating this matter thoroughly. The verdict as to the cause of death could only, of course, be on the evidence, which was beyond dispute, and that was the evidence of Dr Heard. He had examined the body and told them the other day that the child died from want of proper food. The evidence of the medical men tended to show that this poor little child had been done to death. Anything more disgraceful and discreditable than the evidence of Mrs Stagg, and the way she had sworn to the facts were absolutely contradicted by her letters, he had seldom heard. If this was not a case of baby farming then he never had one. Unfortunately the criminal law he was afraid, would not reach that woman. He wished it would. The deceased child had been grossly neglected, but it was difficult, in the face of the facts and the want of any real evidence, for them to say more. In returning their verdict the jury were perfectly at liberty to express any opinion, and his remarks were not meant to be more than to guide them. He had expressed his opinion and he thought the evidence was most disgraceful and discreditable to Mrs Stagg, but unfortunately it did not go far enough to justify her committal for trial. The jury having considered their verdict. The Coroner said they found that the child died from want of proper food and that its’ inability to keep food arose when it was with Mrs Stagg. They considered Mrs Stagg’s conduct had been disgraceful in the extreme, and only just escaped the criminal law. She left the room utterly and absolutely disgraced and as far as the jury were concerned, they considered that she was morally responsible for the death of this child. (To the jury): I think that is your verdict, gentlemen. |