T259 – Money lent to brother George

T 259

Colombo 2nd April 1829

I Lieut. Colonel Bird of the 16th Regt. Desire to be done as follows.

I have advanced to my brother George Bird at several times the sum of £3000 and odd sterling as may be seen by existing documents which advances were made on condition of my holding an equal share in his grant of land and in all his other property, purchases or otherwise and in all profits and benefits arising there from at Gampolar Kandy.

The whole of which with the profits and advantages derived there from I bequeath to my wife Mrs Frances Maria Bird in trust for our children and all my other property whatsoever described and monies likewise in trust for the same after just debts have been paid and further for the payment after debts in this country I devote the sum of ten thousand rupees assured on my life in the Oriental Life Insurance office in Calcutta for such part of this sum as may be required for the purpose.

I request Cpt. Samuel Braybrook and assistant surgeon Charles Tomlin Whitfield to be my executors in Ceylon and Mrs Frances Maria Bird my wife to be my sole executor in England.

I declare this to be my last will and testament

(Signed)

Henry Bird

Lieut. Col. 16th Regt.

Elm Tree Cottage

Elm Tree – 211 on the 1841 Tithe Map.
(There are two Elm Trees in the parish, this is the one near the entrance to the Wharf.)

Renting  Elm Tree in 1821 was David Williams.

The 1841 tithe and census says the owner is Francis Davies and the occupier is Henry Edwards. Henry is aged 60, and a woodcutter, his wife Jane is 50. Living with them is their 20 year old son, also called Henry.

The census of 1851 gives Henry’s age as 67, he is now a widower, living with him is his daughter Mary, 27 and son-in-law John Walby, 29.

In 1855 a church record updated the occupier to Charles Williams, Henry Edwards having died.

I’m not able to say who lived there in 1861, by 1871 Elm Tree is called Half Way Cottage on the census and is occupied by John Herbert, he is a plasterer and tiler, he is a widower from Tregare and living on his own.

The 1881 census is difficult to decipher it looks like Joshua Attwell, but I may well be wrong, he is aged 56, an ag lab (agricultural  labourer) born in Llanvair, his wife  Charlotte is from Chirk, in Shropshire.

Elm Tree is sold in 1899, the occupier at that time is Evan Morgan, he is paying £6 6s a year rent.

In 1901 Evan is aged 45, a gardener born in Radnor, his wife Eliza is 38 and born in Bryngwyn, with them on census night is 9 year old William Savery who was born in Bryngwyn.

The following advert appeared in the personal section of Free Press on June 5th 1903:

Take notice, that anyone slandering me in any way whatsoever, after this date will be prosecuted

Signed: Eliza Morgan, Elm Tree Cottage, Goytre.

May 21st 1903

A new family had arrived by 1904, the Harry’s. Their son Richard Harry started school at Llanover in 1904.

At this time the electoral register shows the owner is William Crump, the gross value of Elm Tree is £5 14s and the rateable value is £5.

The 1910 census gives more information, James John is aged 50, a general labour born in Wenvoe, Hannah his wife is 48, born in Glamorgan. Living with them are their children, David 22, an under keeper, Richard 11 and Llewellyn 9, a scholar, all born in Goytre. James and Hannah had been married 28 years and had 12 children, 4 of which had died. Elm Tree Cottage at this time had 6 rooms.

The poor rate of 1914 says the owner is now Albert Price and Edwin Evans is the occupier.

The 1921 census says the Lewis family is in occupation, William J is 48, a pickler in the steel sheet works at Baldwins Panteg, his wife Ada is also 48, living with them are sons Philip 14, a gardener , David 10 and Walter 9, their daughter Elizabeth is 17, they were all born in Goytre.

The electoral register of 1930 gives the occupants as John James, Henrietta James, Irene and Arthur James.

The Free Press of 1931 reported the death of George Pardoe of Elm Tree, he was 68, his sister Henrietta James died in 1949 whilst living at Elm Tree, both were buried at St Mathews churchyard, Monkswood.

Pantypudding

Pantypudding – 1009 on the 1841 Tithe Map.

Pantypudding was originally in the parish of Goytre, owned by the Duke of Beaufort but now it is in the parish of Monkswood.

In 1851 Joseph Neil was the occupier, the gross value is £19 7s 6d, on the Rev Thomas Evans tithe list of 1864 a Jenkins is mentioned.

The census of 1861, or the part that covers the lower part of Goytre is missing, the following year the occupier is a Richard Morgan.

The census of both 1871 and 1881 do not list Pantypudding.

The electoral register, 1883-1889 shows Isaac Jenkins occupying a dwelling house and land as tenant.

Roger and Elizabeth Williams were living at Pantypudding in 1895, their daughter Elizabeth was baptised at St Mathews in that year.

In 1897 Roger Williams holds a farm sale at Pantypudding.

The occupier in 1899 was Henry Morgan. By 1910 Henry Knipe was the tenant, the owner still the Marquis of Bute, gross value £23, rateable value £3, containing 30 acres.

The 1914 poor rate says the owner is D F Pritchard and the occupier is Sidney Morgan.

Prosser, Mr H I – 1962

November 9th 1962

The funeral took place at Saron Baptist Church of Mr Horace Prosser aged 59 of Tynewydd Goytre.

Services at the house and church were conducted by the Rev. C A Rees, minister and the Rev. A L Davies, rector of St Peter’s, Goytre. Mrs E Rees was the organist.

Mr Prosser was very active in local affairs, having been a parish councillor, a prominent member of the Village Produce Association and Goytre Village Hall Committee. He is survived by his sister Eunice.

Mourners:
Loving sister Eunice; Florrie, Annie, Ethel, Lily, Winnie, Shirley, Blodwyn, Gwyneth, Irene, Mable, Jim, Harry, Arthur, Dai, George, Gwynne, Lyndon, Desmond, Vivian, cousins; Mr & Mrs S Chard, Mrs E Vimpany, Mr & Mrs D J Evans.

Bearers:
Messrs D J Evans, W Powell, W Morgan, H W Vimpany, Archie James and Arthur James.

Others present:
Messrs A E & Fred Messenger, Bill Owen, Ivor Dobbs, O J Lewis, (clerk to the parish council), W I Morgan, S Morgan, H Morgan, R J Rosser, H Ball, Roy Ball, G Boyce, R Shorthouse, Jim Jones, Ivor Jones, John Rees (Goytre VPA), B Bishop (Village Hall), Joe Lambert, Idris Jones, Ron Morgan, Bryn Davies, S Walton, G Walton, Frank Williams, Mr & Mrs E Dobbs, Cliff James, J Lewis, Percy Jones, Mrs C Price, Mrs A Boyce, Mrs W Logan, Mrs E Draper, Mrs H Jones, Mrs James and Mary, Mr A Bradley, Mr W James, Mr D W Philips (late School House).

Flowers:
Loving sister Eunice; Florrie and Winnie; Annie Jim and Ethel; The Williams family, (Newport); Harry Mabel and Arthur; Irene and Cliff; Cousin Winnie and family; Shirley, Desmond and Nigel; Mrs T W Rees (Goytre Hall), Rose Buck and family; Mr & Mrs D J Evans; Mr & Mrs R J Rosser; Mr & Mrs Boyce and Brenda; Mr & Mrs Messenger and Betty; Mr & Mrs F Messenger and family; Walton and Miles; Mrs Court and Louie; Mr & Mrs Jenkins, The Knoll; Harold, Elsie and Gordon; Mr Litten and Joyce; Annie and Raymond; Mr & Mrs W Owen and Graham; Bill, Linda and David; All at the Gelli; The Gwynedd; Mrs Jenkins and Stanley; Mr & Mrs J E Lambert; Mr Idris Jones and Marion; Percy and Doris Jones (Griffithstown); All from the Croft; Mr & Mrs H W Gwatkin; Rector, Wardens and members of St Peter’s Church, Goytre; Goytre Parish Councillors; Goytre Village Produce; Goytre Village Hall Committee.

Funeral arrangements by James and Powell, Goytre.

Hickman, Mrs A – 1962

December 21st

The funeral of Mrs Margaret Ann Hickman, 70, of Ivy Cottage, Goytre, took place at St Peter’s Church.

Mourners:
Frank, husband; Les and Frank, sons; Nellie, daughter-in-law; George Bath, brother-in-law; John, grandson.

Others Present:
P Carpenter, T Shelton, D Shelton, J Jones, Bill Brooks, V Hall, Gwen and Joyce.

Flowers:
Loving husband Frank; Les, Nell, Frank and Kay; John, Betty, George and girls; Mr & Mrs Evans and family (Goytre); Mr & Mrs Evans and family, (New Inn); Mr & Mrs Hayes and family; Valerie and Philip Price; Hilda, John and the boys; Mr & Mrs Ward, (Monmouth); Mr & Mrs Kenny, (Goytre Arms); Friends and customers, Goytre Arms.

1962 Free Press

January 19th

New village hall at Goytre may be started this year

Goytre village hall held their annual general meeting on Monday, Mrs R Rees presiding.

It was reported the funds for a new village hall, to replace the one which was destroyed by fire nearly three years ago now stood at £3,214.

The retiring chairman, Mr O Morgan, said the Ministry of Education had promised a grant of £3000 and it was hoped to make a start on the new building this year.

The total cost of the new hall would be in the region of £9000 a further £3,000 would still have to be raised.

The position would be much better if the National Council of Social Services would return about £1,000 of the insurance money it received after the fire.

Mr Morgan pointed out that the total insurance paid out had been £2,500 but the committee had only received £900. This meant that the National Council had claimed £1,600.

“In view of the fact that they were prepared to sell us the hall for £500 before it was destroyed we feel we should have received a far larger share of the insurance money,” he said.

Officers elected were: Mr O Morgan, chairman; Mr F Robinson, vice-chairman; Mr D Simmonds, treasurer; and Mr B Bishop, secretary.

Committee: Messrs J Rees, C Morris, Wm Morgan, B Wilding, S Hayes, E Draper and H Stinchcombe;

Mesdames E James, Wilson, Dibble, Simmonds and M Frewin.

January 19th – A Social Evening at Goytre

By kind invitation of the president Mrs Wynford-Rees, Goytre VPA held their social and supper at Goytre Hall. Mrs Rees presided, supported by officers and members of the committee.

Mrs Rees, welcoming the members praised the ladies and all who had helped to put on such a splendid meal. She was glad to see so many new members taking an interest in the life of the village.

Mr H Prosser thanked the president for the use of the room and her kind words. Mrs Wilson presented Mrs Rees with a bouquet.

Music was provided by Mrs Fisher and Mrs Draper, songs were sung by Mr Filer and Mr J Thomas recitations and stories by Mr H Prosser, they were thanked by the secretary.

Stewards were Messrs Wilson and A O Morris. Prizes were won by Mr R Dobbs, Mrs G E Jones, Mrs Ramsay, Mr H Prosser and Mr D J Evans.

January 19th – Mr E J Williams
(In obituaries)

May 4th – Mrs M Stinchcombe
(In obituaries)

June 15th – Jones (Goulding)

Cherished memories of my dear sister Annie of Llewn celyn Bungalow, who was taken from us June 12th 1954, Lovingly remembered by her sister Flor and brother-in-law Harold, – Too dearly loved to be forgotten.

Cherished memories of a dearly loved mother Annie Elizabeth of Goytre, who passed away June 12th 1954. – Always remembered by loving daughter Doreen and son-in-law Basil. – Too dearly loved to be forgotten.

June 15th – Landed in Australia with £5 now owns 6,500 acres

When Goytre born Mr Owen Jenkins arrived in Adelaide, Southern Australia, In January 1927 after a six week sea voyage via the Cape of Good Hope, he had £5 in his pocket.

Now, in addition to six and a half thousand acres of wheat and sheep property at Kalannie, Western Australia, he has a six acres estate at Armadale, a southern suburb of Perth, where he retired last autumn to fulfil a life-long ambition – that of breeding special horses for training as “trotters”.

An Old Westmonian and still a bachelor at 58, Mr Jenkins arrived back in Pontypool recently with his sister, Jocelyn, for 3 months well earned holiday.

He is staying with his brother Norman, whose garage business in Rockhill Road is well known in the district.

On Friday he told a Free Press reporter how, as a young man, he undertook contracting work in the Pontypool area in order to earn enough money for his fare to Australia, which, even in 1926 was quite considerable.

Land of Opportunity

Both my parents came from farming stock he explained and I wanted to follow suit, but farming was to expensive in this country, so I decided to go to Australia where there seemed to be plenty of opportunity.

Once in Adelaide Mr Jenkins found work on a farm within a week, and eventually saved enough money to buy a farm of his own at Kalannie. Until four years ago he owned 13,000 acres of that hot, dry country, 200 miles north-east of Perth, but then he decided to sell half of it to buy a smaller farm at Donnybrook in the dairy farming and apple growing district of the Preston Valley, where he raised cattle.

Mr Watkins now has very little to do with the running of the farm, although he often goes there at shearing time.

Asked how Pontypool appeared to him after almost 35 years of absence, he commentated that the town itself and the inhabitants in particular looked far more prosperous that when he left for Australia, which is hardly surprising when it is considered that 1926, the year of his departure, saw the Eastern Valley held fast in the grip of the General Strike.

From Summer to Summer

In October Mr Jenkins and his sister will return to the other side of the world on board the SS Strathmore. They hope to arrive just in time for the start of a new hay making season, and, as Jocelyn remarked, “we shall enjoy the best of both worlds; as the beautiful English summer comes to an end here we shall be arriving in time for a spell of hot Australian sun”.

July 6th – Sale of Mowing Grass

About 13 acres at Berllandowel, Goytre, the property of Messrs C G and M J Boyce, adjoining Pantypwdin Farm.

Rennie Taylor & Till will sell from the rostrum in Usk Market at 1.30 pm on Monday next, July 9th.

July 13th – Freehold Smallholding

For sale with possession, the freehold smallholding known as Berllandowel.

Comprising: Stone and slated dwelling house, containing 2 living rooms, with 3 bedrooms and box room over. Lean to wood and GI washhouse adjoining.

Stone and GI Roof beast house and loose boxes, together with 22.5 acres pasture and other land.

Access to the property is via a right of way through Pantypwdin Farm, Monkswood, on the main Usk-Pontypool road.

To be conducted by auction unless sold previously by

Rennie Taylor & Till at the Clarence Hotel on Tuesday July 31st at 6.45 pm

July 13th – Goytre

Goytre women’s institute were given an interesting demonstration by Mrs J G Cale of Porkskewett on the utilisation of secondary joints of meat.

Mrs Swinnerton presided and Mrs Cale was thanked by Mrs Young.

Mrs Bath won the competition for a thrift garment.

Tea hostesses were Mesdames D Jones, Knox and E Morris.

September 14th – Goytre woman’s application for an off-licence fails

An application by a Goytre grocer for an off-licence to sell intoxicants was turned down by Pontypool magistrates on Friday.

Mrs Iris Doreen James, of Fairfield estate, Goytre, said there was a demand for an off-licence in the area by people who did not like going into a public house.

She said many of her customers had asked her to sell intoxicants and she produced a petition of this effect signed by many Goytre residents.

Mrs James said she operated a grocery delivery service as far as Croesyceiliog and intended to deliver intoxicants by the same method.

Col. H M Everett, objecting on behalf of Pontypool and District Licensed Victualler’s Association and the licensee of the Goytre Arms, Mr William Albert Kenny, said if the license was granted Mrs James would be able to deliver intoxicants in the Croesyceiliog and Cwmbran area where there were many off-license houses.

She would be operating, he said, what was virtually a mobile off-license service.

Mr Kenny said his premises were only 150 yards away from Mrs James’s shop. He was working at the ROF, Glascoed, because the income from the public house was not very substantial and he was of the opinion there was no great local demand for an off-licence.

October 19th – Man accused of offences against step-daughter

A former Goytre man, now of no fixed abode, was alleged at a special Pontypool magistrates court on Monday to have been mis-behaving sexually with his 16 years old step-daughter since she was ten years old.

In September of this year, seven months after the man and his wife had separated, the court was told, the stepdaughter gave birth to a child.

The man, a 28 year old scrap-worker, was committed for trial at the next Monmouthshire Assizes, accused of having unlawful sexual intercourse with the girl when she was aged ten; and of committing two similar offences when the girl was 13 and 16.

The girl’s mother said she married the defendant in 1955 and after living in London until 1957 they moved to Little Mill. After that there were six further changes of address within a few miles of each other.

“Just after the marriage I noticed my husband was trying to pull my daughter his way and turn her against me,” said the mother.

Girl’s Evidence
The girl, a factory worker, said her stepfather first behaved improperly towards her shortly after the marriage when they were living in London.

She described incidents which took place in the front room of a house in which they lived and told the magistrates that her stepfather was first intimate with her when she was aged 10.

Shortly afterwards she said, they moved to Little Mill and she told how further acts of intercourse took place when she went out with her stepfather to get sticks.

She said similar incidents occurred at various addresses each time they went out for sticks. “He would not go out without me,“ she said.

The girl also claimed her stepfather was intimate with her on occasions when her mother was not at home and in a caravan where they later lived. “He would not let me go out and made me stay there (in the caravan) with him,” she told the magistrates.

Parents Separated
In February this year, she said she started work in a factory and her parents separated. Before this happened her stepfather spent long periods away from the caravan.

Her stepfather then went to stay with a friend on a farm and she was sent each week to collect the house keeping money for her mother.

“On most of these visits intercourse took place in fields or some other secluded place until some time later, then my stepfather went to live in Sebastopol,” said the girl.

She said she also collected the housekeeping money from him when he was at Sebastopol and on one occasion he took her into a lane when another incident occurred.

“Another time he told me my cousin wanted to see me and took me across some fields, which he said was a short cut. There he got me down in some ferns. I told him to stop and I struggled, but he insisted on having intercourse with me,” she said.

A few weeks after, added the girl, she felt sick and realised she was pregnant.

“One day I met my stepfather and told him of my condition. He said not to say it was him and to say I did not know who was responsible,” she told the magistrates.

Questioning the girl in court, the man said he had not had intercourse with her as early as she claimed.

Alleged Statement
PC Robert Morgan said the stepfather told him it all started when the girl was 12 or 13. “We were always together and I think a lot of her,” he told the officer.

In a statement the man said:

“We were always about together and we were very close to each other and it just happened. After this it occurred very often but not each week.”

Referring to the time when his stepdaughter told him she was expecting a child, he said in the statement: “I asked her if anyone else had intercourse with her because if they had I would take the blame.”

“I only had intercourse with her twice after I left my wife.”

He then told the police officer: “I know I am not the only one, but I am not telling you his name; I shall take the blame myself.”

Asked if he had anything to say in court the man, who was not represented, replied: “Nothing at all.”

He was allowed bail.

October 19th – For Sale

Between Abergavenny and Pontypool, 4 miles from Usk, sale by auction with possession, charming freehold detached residence known as Glanbaiden, built of stone, brick and slated roof construction. Situated in the village of Penperlleni.

Containing: 2 reception rooms, breakfast room, kitchen, pantry, 4 bedrooms and bathroom.

Mains electricity, water and drainage.

The property is in excellent decorative and structural state.

Together with, as a separate lot of nearly an acre, a valuable parcel of building land with road frontage and adjoining the foregoing, to be conducted by

Rennie Taylor & Till on Friday November 9th at The Three Salmons Hotel Usk at 6.30pm

November 9th – Mr H I Prosser, Goytre
(In Obituaries)

November 16th – Parking Offences

A Goytre man, Gethin John Alexander (21) a machine operator, of Nantyderry road was fined £1 at Pontypool for parking his car in Crane Street during prohibited hours.

November 23rd – Fatal Tractor Accident

A foreman employed by Monmouthshire County Council, Mr Evan Dobbs (59) of New House Goytre, died after an accident involving a tractor at Llanover on Tuesday.

It is understood that Mr Dobbs fell under one of the wheels and sustained a fractured skull.

He was taken to Abergavenny’s Victoria Cottage Hospital, but died the same day.

November 30th
Inquest of Mr E Dobbs (In Inquests)

Funeral of Mr E Dobbs (In obituaries)

December 7th – Sale to-morrow

Saturday December 8th 1962 – Goytre, Tynewydd within half a mile of the Goytre Arms

J Straker, Chadwick and Sons have received instruction from Miss Prosser to conduct her unreserved dispersal sale, including;

8 Channel Island Cattle
Agricultural Implements4 ton baled hay
1959 Austin A.35 van
12 bore shotgun and 80 bullets
Sale at 1.30

December 21st – Goytre Women’s Institute

Mrs Swinnerton presided at the annual meeting, when she was re-elected president; Mrs Wilson, secretary; and Mrs E James, treasurer.

Committee members elected were Mesdames A L Morgan, D Draper, E James, B James, P Higginson, D Morris and W Bath.

Tellers were Mrs Lisle and Mrs Hawkins.

Mrs Rainforth, VCO gave an interesting talk on “what to grow for decoration.”

Competition cup for the year was won by Mrs Draper.

Highest marks at this meeting were gained by Mrs E James for her display of winter foliage.

Tea hostesses; Mesdames Harper, Palfreyman and Price.

December 28th – Mrs M Hickman, Goytre
(In obituaries)

Dobbs, Mr E – Goytre – 1962

November 30th 1962 – Mr E Dobbs, Goytre

The cremation of Mr E Dobbs of Goytre took place at the Gwent Cremororium, the Rev D W Jones officiating.
Mr Dobbs met an untimely end while following his employment as foreman roadman and is survived by his wife, Maud and family of Malcolm, Joyce and Carol.

Mourners:
Maud, wife; Malcolm, son; Joyce and Carol, daughters; Alf, brother; D Clark, son-in-law; Mr & Mrs R Dobbs, brother-in-law and cousins; Mrs L Davies, sister-in-law; Mr Ed Gwillum, brother-in-law; Mr & Mrs I Dobbs, Mr & Mrs L Fry, Mrs W Jones, Mrs A Jones, cousins; Messrs Lyn Jones, T Dobbs, G Dobbs and Wyn Jones.

Bearers:
Messrs D James, Bert James, Ron Morgan and C Jones.

Others present:
Messrs A S Wilcox (Divisional Superintendant), R Dowdeswell, S Williams (National Union of General and Municipal Workers, and Mon CC road foremen), A Jacob, E Gwilliam, S Walton, C James, D James, J Lewis, D Jones, J Williams, Alf Morgan, H Jones, Ivor Jones, Ivor Evans, W Jones, D Roberts, Ivor Hopkins, R James, Archie James (senior and junior), David Owen, Tom Davies, J James, Arthur James, T Wheeler, D Roberts, C Poulsom, G Walton, J Ellaway, C Jones, A Howells, W J Williams, C James, C Griffiths, C Werrett, J Evans, W Jones, A Lewis, F Read, E Harper, E Legge and others.

Flowers:
Wife Maud; Malcolm and Carol; Joyce, Deborah and Dave; Alfred, Ivor and Sarah; Reg and Edith; Dorothy and Lyn; Jack, Marion and boys; Becky, David and boys; Ivor, Len and family; Beat and family; Maisie and Wyndham; Amy and family; Sidney Walton and George; George and Pam; Misses C & K Nicholas; Mr & Mrs M Rees and Miss Evans; Clive and Gillo; Joan, Ben and family; Foremen Mon CC.

Funeral arrangements by James and Powell, Goytre.

Dobbs, Mr Evan – 1962

November 30th 1962

Tractor accident ended fatally for Goytre foreman

A Monmouthshire County Council foreman who fell under the wheels of a tractor at Llanover and fractured his skull, died from shock following the accident.

A verdict of “Accidental death” was returned by a Pontypool inquest of Evan Richard Dobbs (59), of New Houses, Goytre, who died at Abergavenny Cottage Hospital on November 20th.

Christopher William Henry Griffiths, of Plough Road Goytre, a member of the road gang supervised by Dobbs, told the jury that a lorry was being used to tow the tractor, which was difficult to start.

Dobbs was walking between the two vehicles with his hand on the tailboard of the lorry. He seemed to be to close to the tractor and the men shouted warnings to him, said Griffiths. “He looked over his shoulder and appeared to slip underneath the tractor.”

The tractor driver, William John Williams, of Llanover, said he called to Dobbs to look out. Lying in the road after the accident Dobbs said: “Why did I want to bother with the things.”

Another roadman, Francis Arthur Howells, of Plough Road, Goytre, told the jury that Dobbs seemed to slip on some wet leaves as he was trying to jump towards the grass verge.

The deputy Monmouthshire coroner, Mr D J Treasure, said no one was to blame for the accident.

Dobbs, he said, probably slipped as he was turning sharply and was caught by the wheel of the tractor.

Stinchcombe, Mrs M. – 1962

Mrs M. Stinchcombe, May 4th 1962 – Goytre.

The funeral of Mrs Mabel Stinchcombe, 73, caretaker of Chapel Ed, Goytre took place at Panteg Cemetery.

Services at Chapel Ed and the graveside were conducted by the Rev D W Jones, assisted by the Rev David Davies.

Mourners:
Sorrowing husband; Mabel and Emily, daughters; Joe, son-in-law; Edwin, Shirley, Janet, Marion, George and Marion, grandchildren; Leoni, sister-in-law; Fred, brother-in-law; Bert, Will and Leon, nephews; Blanche, niece; Denis, Ciss, Rene, Bryan, Doreen.

Others present:
Messrs E Dobbs, A Davies, E Morgan, P Price, E Tippins, P Holmes, C Titcombe, Mesdames F Wilks, Conway, Thomas, Holmes, Evans, S Price, Powell, M Jones, A Titcombe and neighbours.

Flowers:
Sorrowing husband Will; Mabel, Emily and Joe; Edwin and Marion; Shirley and George; Janet and Tony; Marion and Denis; Michael and Caroline; Will, Bob, Fred, Cath and family; Relatives, Australia; Members of Chapel Ed, Goytre; John Davies and Rev and Mrs David Davies; Doreen, Stewart and Tracey; Mr & Mrs Jones; Mrs Watts, Ciss and Bob; Rene, Bryn and boys; Mr & Mrs Williams and family; Dot, John and Judith; Mr Stinchcombe and Pat; Mr & Mrs Messenger, Betty and family; Mr & Mrs E Dobbs and family; Mr & Mrs E M Jones; Mr & Mrs I Perkins; Mr & Mrs Ford and family; Mr & Mrs E J Tippins.

1888 Free Press

January 20th 

The Manager of the American Cycling Team, A notable Goytrey Boy.
The following sketch of the career of Mr W.J., the son of Mr W. Morgan, The Wern Farm, Goytre, who has earned distinction both in this country and America, will be read by many friends in this district.

William J. Morgan, long distance Champion of America, and Manager of the American team, was born in Goytrey, Monmouthshire in 1863. After a British school education, and an apprenticeship of four years, when thirteen years old, to the grocery business in Dudley, Staffordshire, he returned to Wales and put in two years more behind the counter in Newport, Monmouthshire.

Here he learned to ride a bicycle and became a member of the flourishing Newport bicycle club.

In 1880 he sailed for Canada and settled in Toronto, Ontario. Bicycling was just beginning to attract public attention in the dominion, and Morgan was the first man to introduce bicycle riding into Canada, having brought a racer from England with him.

Forming the St Catherine bicycle club Mr Morgan was soon known as a celebrity on the road and path. In 1882 he crossed the line into the States and raced against John S. Price, Rollinson, Harrison brother, and others with varying success, being particularly fortunate in long distance riding.

In Chicago in 1883, out of a field of seven in the championship 12 hours per day (72 hour) race, he rode second to Prince, defeating Higham, Woodside, Shuck and others.

In 1885 he defeated Prince and a large field in the 48-hour Memphis, Tenn., six-day contest, winning by over 20 miles. In 1886 Morgan defeated Prince, who was then champion of America, ten races out of an actual twelve on the circuit, winning an 8-hour per day race a month later, and establishing professional tandem records for the world from 1 to 250 miles inclusive.

A month later he defeated a field of seven in Minneapolis in the eight hour per day international championship race, making the world record of 780 miles in 48 hours, riding the first five days without dismounting. Three weeks later he was matched for 144 hours, six-day (night and day) contest for $1000, against Albert Schock whom he defeated three weeks previous in the 48-hour race.

In this race Morgan astonished cycling America by riding 235 miles (world’s record) without stopping or making one dismount. Leading until Friday, the fifth day, with a score of 1098 miles, he was attacked with sickness, which compelled him to leave the track for six hours, which lost him the race.

Mr Morgan is not only a busy rider, but also a writer of cycling renown and his letters to all the cycling and sporting press of America on sporting matters under the Nome-du-plume of “Spokes” and “Coventry” have earned for the Anglo American distinction.

Mr Morgan was for some time connected with the Chicago Daily Inter-Ocean and Sporting Journal as a writer on sporting matters; and in turn he not only manages the affairs of his team and takes part in contests, but is also the special correspondent for the Chicago Journal, Lynn Item, and the Bicycling World and will also write for a number of other American papers on “what he sees on his travels”.

Mr Morgan stands 5 feet 7 inches high and weighs 145 lbs.

Mr Morgan’s performances in England have been somewhat limited, as his managerial duties have curtailed his practises to such an extent that he cannot find time to practise for any event that he is booked for.

His running a dead heat for second place in the Easter Handicap at Leicester in 2 mins, 36. 1-5 secs., from the 80 yards; and his win of the mile at Bridlington Quay in 2mins., 37 secs., from the 90 yards is the best work he has accomplished in Great Britain.

In Edinburgh, last October, in company with Batenby, Dabois, and Lumaden, he succeeded in beating the best 50 mile record, doing the distance in 2 hours and 41 mins.

Mr Morgan is responsible for the Edinburgh, London and Newcastle six day races, where at each place the public were turned away owing to the crowds who sought admission. The public evidently appreciated the good entertainment the Anglo-American manager provides for them.

February 10th – Rachel Anthony deceased

Notice is hereby given that all creditors and persons having any Claims or Demands against the Estate of Rachel Anthony, late of Bwrgwm in the parish of Goytre, county of Monmouth, and of 16 High Street Blaenavon, same county spinster, deceased.

Who died on or about the 26th December 1886 and whose will was proved by David Lewis of Ivor House, Blaenavon, aforesaid, one of the executors there-in named on the 22nd March 1887 in the District Registry of the Probate of her Majesty in the Court of Justices, Landaff.

Henry Jeffery Jones
Lion Street Abergavenny
Solicitor for the executor
1st day of February 1888

March 16th – Bicycles, Tricycles & Safeties

Having acquired agencies for Rudge, Sanspariel, and other well known cycles we can supply machines from £4 10s.

June 1st – Rate Case

Wm Rees, farmer of Goytrey was summoned for non-payment of £3 10s 3d poor rates due to the overseers of Goytrey.

Mr Gwatkin, assistant overseer gave evidence as to the claim and in the result defendant was ordered to pay the amount, less 6s 2d, an incorrect charge made by the auditor some time since.

June 1st – Application for Ejectment Order

Wm. Lewis was summoned to show why a warrant of ejectment order should not be issued against him in respect of premises at Goytrey in which he was in possession.

It will be remembered that the matter was before the court a fortnight ago, at the instance of the landlord, Col. Byrde, who then agreed to accept a nominal rent of £1 a year from Lewis, who however, would not agree to the arrangement but asked for a fortnight to consider the suggestion. – he did not now appear.

Col. Byrde went into the witness box and deposed that in March 1861, a widow named Lewis whose husband had recently died asked him if he would re-new a lease from the Earl of Abergavenny, that her family had held some years before, as some other persons had made application for it that she thought would not do very well by her.

He therefore made application to the Marquis of Abergavenny and obtained the lease in 1861. He then allowed the widow to occupy the house until 1884 when she died.

He might say that part of the house had been burnt down, and at present consisted of a little kitchen below and a little room upstairs with a ladder assent to it, she occupied it until her death. Her sons came to her occasionally during that time and her son William went into occupation, and applicant allowed him to remain in occupation for a couple of years, when fearing that he might think he was entitled to remain in occupation for the remainder of his life applicant sent to him a demand note for rent.

Then it was that he set up a claim, and said he would not turn out and that involved the necessity for the present application.

Had Lewis acknowledged the applicant’s right he would have probably allowed him to remain there sometime longer, as he [Col. Byrde] had always paid the rent and taxes:

By Mr Parkes; Witness took the lease at the request of Lewis’s mother in order to allow her to remain in possession and always paid all demands.

Mr Phillips: Then so far as the son is concerned it is really a case of taking advantage of your kindness to his mother?

Col Byrde: I suppose so.

Mr Gwatkin the assistant overseer, having proved that the rates relating to the property were always paid by Col. Byrde, and not by the past or present tenants, the application was granted.

July 6th – Application for a Horse Slaughterer’s License

Mr T.M. Phillips applied, on behalf of Minnie Court, Tilbach Farm, Mamhilad for a license to enable her to carry on the business of horse slaughterer. The license had been held by the husband, who was now bankrupt, and the wife was desirous of having the license in her own name.

The Chairman: Has the necessary notice been given?

Mr Phillips: Not in the name of the wife.

The Chairman: Then I am afraid we cannot grant the license.

Mr Phillips: Then I ask that the license be renewed to the husband.

The Chairman: Can we grant a license to a bankrupt?

Mr G.H. Llewellyn the official receiver of Newport, was present in court, and was asked if he had any objection to the license being granted.

On replying in the negative, the license was granted.

October 16th – Parish of Goytrey – Desirable Freehold Property For Sale

Messrs Straker and Son

Will sell by auction

At the Swan Hotel Abergavenny on Tuesday 16th day of October 1888

3 o’clock in the afternoon

All that dwelling house called Bwlgwrn

Situate near Pengroesoped, in the Parish of Goytrey in the County of Monmouth

With the Barn, Stables, Piggery and productive Garden well stocked with productive fruit trees And Two Pieces of Excellent Meadow Land

Adjoining the whole and covering 2a 0r 6p or thereabouts and now or late in the occupation of Mrs Rachel Jones the owner

The property is in a good state of repair and adjoins Col. Byrde’s estate and is situate about 1 mile from the village of Llanover; about 5 miles from the market towns of Pontypool and Abergavenny; 4 miles from the town of Blaenavon and about 11/2 miles from Nantyderry Station [GWR]

For further particulars apply to auctioneer

November 16th – Unsustained Charge of Assault

Henry Neate, a signalman, was charged with assaulting Mary Gregory at Nantyderry on the 21st ult.,
Mr T Watkins appeared for the defendant and pleaded not guilty.

Complainant, an infirm old woman, who gave her evidence in a rambling fashion, said on the night prior to the assault, said she was in the Nantyderry Station with the defendant, who formerly lodged with her.

Defendant went out to signal a train, and whilst he was away she looked under a paper he had spread out on a bench, and saw his supper. When he came in he said she had been eating some of his supper, which she denied.

He told her she had better go, and she did so. On the following night she saw the defendant and asked him if she had eaten his supper. He said she had and she denied it. He said he could not take his oath of it, and that, but for her being an old woman he would give her a good shaking.

She told him he had better not, and with that he caught hold of her, forced her against some railings, causing a wound on her arm, and hurting her dreadfully. She was attended by Dr Wood afterwards.

Defendant pushed her all the way from the end of the row to her own house, and when she was on the door, “bleeding in streams,” he got a bucket of water and threw it over her.

Cross-examined: – She was not in such a state on the Saturday night as to forget what time she was in the station.

Mr Watkins: You are rather jovial on Saturday nights?

The Chairman: She doesn’t know what jovial means.

Mr Phillips: That’s too classical an expression for her. Were you drunk on this Saturday night?

Witness: No Sir. All I had was with my family in my own house, and nobody can say more.

Cross-examined: She had not been to Pontypool on the Saturday. She did not turn round in the station and spit meat out of her mouth. She spoke to defendant first about the supper on Sunday night.

Mr Watkins: Didn’t you fetch a bucket of water and tumble over the bucket afterwards?

Witness: Oh! Oh! (Laughter)

Mr Watkins: Don’t faint, we can get some water here.

Witness denied having fetched a bucket of water. She was not drunk on the previous Friday, and had no fall on the previous day.

Mr E.T. Cook, assistant to Dr Woods, produced a certificate from that gentleman, who was unwell and unable to be present. The certificate stated that the writer had attended complainant for contusion of the left ribs and lacerations on the arms, she also complained of pains all over her body.

For the defence, Mr Watkins said the complainant went to the station in a state of drunkenness, which was not at all an unusual state for her. Whilst defendant was out of the station, she commenced to eat his supper, after which she left. On the following night she asked him if he accused her of eating his supper, to which he said he did.

She caught hold of his two hands and spat in his face two or three times. He led her to the house, after which she returned with a bucket of water, which she threw over him. In doing so she fell over the bucket and a step nearby. He could also prove, if necessary, she had had a fall on the previous Friday. – Thomas Cooke, a coachman of Gloucester, formerly of Nantyderry, said that on Sunday night he was standing by his door, with his wife and child, when the defendant passed.

The complainant asked him if she said he had eaten his supper, and he said he did. She denied it again, when the defendant repeated the accusation, and told her not to speak to him again. With that she called him an offensive name, jumped at him, pushed him against the railings, and kicked him twice in succession on the shins. With that defendant caught hold of her arms and led her towards the house, where she spat twice in his face in the most disgusting manner. He put her inside the house and shut the door, after which she came out and threw a bucket of water over him. In doing so she fell over the bucket and a step. Defendant retaliated by throwing the remainder of the contents of the bucket of water, a few drops going on her shoulder and in her face. After that, her poor old husband re-filled the bucket to poor over defendant again.

Complainant: Shame on you Cooke! (Laughter)

Complainant was requested to question the witness, but her cross-examination consisted of a series of her former statements, in the course of which she admitted she spat in defendants face.

The Chairman said they could not find that complainant’s statement was proved, especially after the evidence of an independent witness, whose word they had no reason to doubt.

Complainant must have misunderstood the thing altogether, the case would be dismissed.

Mr Watkins asked for the expenses of the witness, who had been subconded to attend from Gloucester.

The Chairman said the complainant was a poor old woman, they could not grant the application.

Complainant: I got nothing to pay anybody, (laughter).

Mr Watkins said he was only acting according to his instructions. He might say that they might have proceeded against complainant on a cross summons had they wished, so that she had been saved that expense.

November 23rd – Non-payment of Poor Rates

Louisa Waites was summoned by the overseers of the parish of Goytrey, for non-payment of 15s poor rates
Defendant pleaded poverty, and on that ground was excused from payment.

December 21st

The first concert for the season in connection with the Tonic Sol-fa class was given in the British Schoolroom on Thursday evening the 19th inst., the proceeds being in aid of the school funds.

Col. Byrde presided over a large and appreciative audience. The selection of songs was of a decidedly superior character, while the manner in which they were rendered reflected great credit upon the performers.

The comic songs, (in character) by Mr Rogers, elicited roars of laughter, while a humorous reading by Mr H. Byrde, and a dialogue by Mr Jeremiah and party caused a great deal of amusement.

Two cornet solos were given by Mr D. Bowen, who acquitted himself in a highly satisfactory manner.