February 16th – Thomas Watts v Thomas Jeremiah

This was an action brought to recover from the defendant, a contractor, living at Mamhilad, the sum of £2, being the value of some chains belonging to a timber carriage, purchased by the defendants off plaintiff’s mother.
The case was adjourned at the previous court, for the purpose of enabling defendant to call as a witness the man to whom the chains were delivered by plaintiff, who contended that he agreed to sell chains to defendant, who, on the other hand, contended that when he purchased the timber carriage, he purchased all belonging to it, and the chains were an appendage to the carriage.
Mr E B Edwards appeared for the defendant and called:
Mr Henry Crump, who said, I was in the employ of Mr Jeremiah, he sent me to Watts for some chains, I went and asked him for them, and they were delivered to me. There was nothing said about paying for them, I took them to Mr Jeremiah.
Plaintiff: I let the man have the chains on condition Mr Jeremiah and I agreed upon.
His Honour: It now rests with me the which of the two I shall believe, and unfortunately for you, you have been convicted of felony.
Plaintiff: There are many others besides myself.
His Honour: Yes, but it goes against a person when he comes into court, and in this case I cannot give you a verdict.
Plaintiff: Then I shall get nothing for the chains?
His Honour: No.
Plaintiff: Then I think it is not justice.
His Honour: You may think it is not. I do not say that I am right. You may have told the truth – and he an un-truth, perhaps it is so; but when two persons come into court and swear quite the reverse to each other, I prefer the statement of the man whose character is beyond reproach to that of a man who has been convicted of felony. I may be wrong. Possibly I am.

(Thomas Watts indicted for the manslaughter of Thomas Morris October 1846)

June 8th – Paying Dear for his Watercress

Charles Jenkins was charged with assaulting Charles Jenkins at Mamhilad on the 25^th ult.
The complainant, it appeared was greatly afflicted, and on the day named his sister saw the defendant coming over the hedge of their meadow, in which watercress were very plentiful.
They never objected to any person picking the watercress if they asked permission to do so. When complainant spoke to the defendant about breaking the hedge, the latter struck him and told him to go home.
The chairman told the defendant that he not only broke their hedges but that he defied them on their own land.
He would have to pay a fine of 20s.

June 29^th – Monmouthshire

To be sold by Auction
by Mr J Graham, jun
at the Golden Lion Inn Usk
on Friday July 6^th 1867 at two o’ clock
The Following Desirable Freehold Property
In two lots viz:

Lot 1.

Cottage and Garden and Three Pieces of Arable Land, situate in the parish of Goytrey and containing by estimation 3a 1r 31p
Now in the occupation of William Bevan as yearly tenant
This lot adjoins the road leading from Chain Bridge to Penpellenny
And the lands of John Logan esq.,

Waddington & Gustard, solicitors, Usk

August 3rd – Assault

Thomas Roberts was charged on remand with an assault on Lucy Mercy on the 13^th inst., at Goytrey.
Mr Alex Edwards appeared for the defendant.
Lucy Mercy was again examined; her evidence was given last week; she now stated that on Wednesday deft. came with a stick and swore he would kill her.
Cross-examined: did you not walk up to him first?
No, sir.
Did you not say anything to him before he came up to you?
Not a sentence, sir.
Did you not say, “I’ll spoil your face before you get married”
No sir, I did not.
Was anybody near at the time?
Martha Davies and my niece were five yards from me.
Did they see all that was passing?
Yes.
Are you quite certain?
Yes, sir.
Did you speak to Martha Davies before you went up the road?
Yes.
What did you say to her then?
Nothing, I only asked her if she knew her brother was in prison and she said no.
Did you tell her anything about your daughter?
No.
Not that she was to be married that morning?
No.
That you would have the clothes off her back?
No.
That you would stop it?
No.
Did you make any threats about her?
No, not on that day, or just before I went up the road.
Elizabeth Watkins, niece of the complainant was sworn. Her evidence was the same as given by her last examination. It will be remembered that she then stated she was close by them, and saw the commencement of the assault.

Martha Davies said she kept house for her father in Goytrey. A fortnight that morning she was at the top of the cross-roads. She saw Lucy Mercy and Elizabeth Watkins, some conversation passed between them, and Lucy went up the road. Did not see commencement of the row. No one could have witnessed it. Elizabeth Watkins said to me “I bet sixpence there will be a row,” I heard Thomas Robert’s tongue, and Lucy screamed. I stood on the road, I did not see defendant before the assault began. I saw Thomas “scuffing” Lucy Mercy off the ground by the back, and then she went up the road, they were both down, I could barely tell in what position. I only saw the man and woman “scuffling” but not a blow struck.

Mr Alexander Edwards: Complainant went up on purpose to have a row. Defendant admits striking a blow but only in self-defence.

Elizabeth Watkins re-called by the bench: she has been to defendant’s house several times.

Mr Alexander Edwards: You are the niece, are you not, of the complainant?
Yes, sir.
The other witness is no relation?
No, sir.
James Morgan said that on the morning in question he was coming from Nantyderry and heard the women screaming. He spoke to two men about it, saying that defendant was going to be married, and had been beating his mother-in-law that morning. When defendant was told of it he said “D….. her eyes, I will break her neck”
A witness named Martha Roberts was called, but as she was present at the assault, her evidence was not taken.
Mr Alexander Edwards said that defendant had been insulted and badgered by complainant for a long time.
The Bench: we have no doubt complainant gave you some considerable provocation, not only at that time, but for those many months. You have no excuse on any occasion to strike a woman, or, in fact to strike anybody. We do not want to be very severe with you in this case, you will have to pay a fine of 10s at 14 days.
Defendant: I would rather take it to a further court.

December 14th – “Hisht, Thomas”

Thomas Watkins was summoned by Thomas Roberts for leaving work on 30^th November, before expiration of the contract into which he had entered.
Complainant is a timber haulier and beer-house keeper at Goytrey, and defendant was a simple looking countryman, who, it appears, was looking for a job of work, and met complainant who wanted “a smart young man” to look after his horses and cart.
Defendant has worked for complainant last year, it seemed, but appeared to have left, as complainant wished him to go out and help him to steal fodder for the horses.
This assertion would have dumbfounded most people, but Mr Roberts, with a smile of conscious innocence, looked towards the representatives of the press and said, “never mind about that Thomas; you don’t report these things here.”
The parties appeared to have come to an understanding, for the day after they met defendant complainant’s service at 5s a week, with board and lodging.
Defendant, while admitting the terms, said he only meant it for the day; to which complainant replied persuadably, “by the week, Thomas; by the week, it’s no use you saying that, why did you work a day at all Thomas? It’s no use Thomas being nasty.”
Defendant now said that when he worked for complainant before he was not properly paid: and that it couldn’t be expected that a wife and family could be supported on 5s a week: to which complainant replied “Well, Thomas, you supported your family before.”
Complainant seemed to think that he had been wronged, for on Thomas stating his grievances he said, “Well, it’s no use of you Thomas saying that: you left the carriages in one place, and the materials in another. Hisht Thomas!
The clerk: will you go back to work for a week?
Defendant: No, sir.
The clerk: then you will have to go to jail.
Defendant: no sir, I will not go with a man of that sort.
Complainant: it is very likely you would say that Thomas.
Defendant: I never had anything before my character before this.
Complainant: it’s no disgrace to you Thomas.
Defendant: I suppose you thought you would get somebody else to go with you?
Complainant: no Thomas.
The patronising way in which complainant “Thomas’d” defendant at every sentence caused some amusement in the court.
The Bench, considering that some arrangement had been entered into, ordered defendant to pay 6s.
Defendant: no I won’t.
The clerk: pay the 6s and have done with it.
Defendant: no, no.
The clerk: don’t be foolish.
Defendant: (obstinately) no I won’t, he wants me to do some thieving with him all the time.
Defendant seemed to think he would have to go back to work on paying the money, and evidently preferred going to prison to having anything more to do with complainant, and this idea seeming to please him, he consented to her paying the money for him, and left the dock remarking “very well, I can summon you up for a good lot.”

December 23rd – Stealing Lead

James Morgan, who described himself as a labourer, was charged with stealing 45lbs of lead, the property of James James, Mamhilad on the 17^th inst.
Pc Burden proved finding the lead at Smith’s marine store on Wednesday morning.
Sarah Smith, of the marine store, proved buying the lead from prisoner on Tuesday afternoon for 5s 6d.
Prisoner said he lived at Goytrey and gave the name William Thomas for entry in her book. The entry was made at the time of purchase.
Prisoner denied giving witness a false name.
Alfred Compton said he met prisoner at the Three Horseshoes on the Abergavenny road, on Tuesday morning. After some conversation witness agreed to take some lead in a cart to Pontypool.
Prisoner got over into a field and brought the lead from the “Old Oak” by a farm on the left hand side going to Abergavenny. When they got to George Street prisoner left him, taking the lead with him.
James James, the prosecutor said that he missed the lead last Tuesday from his back premises where it had been used as a shelter for some beehives, and where he had seen it on the previous Monday.
Prisoner asked this witness a few questions as to his sobriety on the day the lead was taken: whether he could swear to the lead &c, and finished by saying that he had stabbed his daughter with a knife.
It appeared however, that the prisoner had been in jail for stabbing a man, or by hitting him with a pike. He had at first denied taking the lead, but now pleaded guilty to save going to the sessions, and was sentenced to two months hard labour.

Friday May 12^th 1905

Fern bedding for sale 10s gambo load delivered – apply L. Morgan, Pentre Farm, Goytrey, near Pontypool.

Vestry – At St Peter’s vestry meeting the rector [Rev Joshua Davies] presided. The accounts were adopted and showed a balance in hand of over £35. It was stated that the communicants on Easter day numbered 101. The rector nominated Mr E. M. Bird the Pentre as his warden, and the parishioners elected Mr E.W. Gwatkin, Goytrey Wharf.

Friday July 7^th 1905

Modern, attractive Villa Residence for sale, Heathfield, Nantyderry:

Good supply of water, garden, orchard, lawn, near river Usk, post, telegraph office and church – apply by letter to Edwin Richards, Nantyderry, near Abergavenny.

Monmouthshire, parishes of Goytrey and Trostrey, Marfell & Poole offer for sale Saturday July 15^th 1905:

Lot 1: All that desirable freehold farm known as the “Yew Tree” situate in the parish of Goytrey, containing 14a 0r 14p of pasture land with convenient house and buildings in good state of repair, now in the occupation of Mr Merrick Jenkins, as yearly tenant at a rental of £24 per annum.

Friday November 3^rd 1905

Name Not Painted

William Lewis, farmer, Nantyderry was fined 5s for using a wagon on the highway without name and address painted theron, at Panteg and Pontypool on Oct. 20^th – PC Bevan said the name was written in chalk on the waggon.

Without Lights

Henry Knipe, farmer was fined 5s for driving a horse and trap without lights at Mamhilad on the 19^th October. PC Nunley said at 11.30 pm on the Usk Road he saw defendant driving with only 1 light – The Clerk: I suppose the Goytre Farmers’ Dinner lasted a little longer than you expected Mr Knipe?

Friday November 10^th 1905

Goytrey – To Let: Six roomed house with usual offices; convenient and cheap:

Apply

1. Jenkins, Yew Tree, Goytrey.

Friday November 17^th 1905

Black Beech Farm Goytrey,

4 miles from Usk and Pontypool, 1 mile from Nantyderry Station.

Marfell & Poole have been favoured with instruction from Mr T(homas) H Rees (who is relinquishing farming pursuits) to sell by auction on the premises as above on Thursday November 30^th 1905, the whole of his Live and dead farming stock comprising:

18 cross bred and Hereford cattle viz: 3 dairy cows to calve in good season, 1 barren, 10 yearling steers and heifers, 4 calves:

21 stock ewes, 1 ram lamb, 2 oxford down, ditto:

9 cart and nag horses and colts, including cart mare 5 years, nag mare 6 years, cart horse aged ditto, yearling colt, 3 year old cob, 3 years old cart filly, ditto colt, sucker:

35 Turkeys, 70 Fowls:

Produce: Rick of hay about 10 tons, a quantity of sweedes and mangolds, 1 ton potatoes:

Implements include nearly new binder by Harrison and McGregor, wheel plough by Hornsby, bouting plough, 3 sets of iron harrows, scufflers, horse hoe, shearing machine, chaff machine and horse works, pulper, Bambury new cart, milk trap, market trap, phaeton, mowing machine, manual reaper, rick cloth, horse rake, corn drill, knife grinder and stand, wheel barrow, casks and tubs, long go and trap harness, sundry tools & c.

Luncheon at 11.30 – sale at 12.30 prompt

Auctioneers Office: The Willows, Usk.

Friday October 27^th 1905

Goytrey & District Farmers Association: Successful show at Pentwyn:

The twelfth annual meeting of the above association was held on Thursday October 19^th 1905 at the Pentwyn Farm, Mamhilad, kindly lent by Mr W. Jenkins.

The day was marked with cold fine weather, and a fair number of visitors were present at different portions of the day. The competitions in ploughing and hedging aroused not a little interest, and the standard reached by the competitors was as high as it was promising. The exhibits were also on a par with past shows and the horses, although not numerous were of the right quality. Pigs were few, but the few were all good ones, and would be difficult to beat. A nice display of poultry shewed that in this direction local farmers are paying special attention to catering for the public.

Though practically a young society, it has the right men at the head, and with improvements in certain directions there is no reason why the annual show should not become more popular in future years.

The chairman of the committee for the present year is Mr Henry Knipe, and the society still retains the valuable services of Mr W. Evans as secretary. (E.R. there was a William Evans at Thatch Cott Pengroesoped)

The judges were as follows:

Ploughing: Messrs D. Evans Tremynach Farm Raglan, and Allen James Treveddu Pandy:

Horses: Messrs T. Morgan Chatterton Blaenavon, and Evan Williams Victoria Hotel, Barry Dock.

Roots, Ricks and Clover: Messrs Peter Marfell, Cwm Clytha and W. Morgan David, Llansantfraid.

Hedging Messrs David Lewis, Gwehelog and T.(homas) Jones, Llwyncelyn, Goytre.

Pigs: Mr J. Davies, Pontypool.

Poultry: Messrs J. Knapp, Pontypool, and Mr J. Hobbs, Usk.

Cottagers Gardens: Mr J(ohn). Harding, Nantyderry.

Annual Dinner

In the evening the annual dinner took place at the Carpenters Arms Penpwllenny, when a good number were excellently provided for by Mr A.E. Price and the Misses Price.

Mr H. D. Jones [agent for the Llanover Estate] presided.

The chairman, having proposed the loyal toasts submitted that of “The Bishop and Clergy and Ministers of all denominations.”

Mr. G.W. Gwatkin as a churchwarden responded.

Mt T. Sykes gave the “Army, Navy and Reserve Forces.”

Mr W. H. Charles) proposed “Success to Agriculture and the Goytre Farmers Association.” He had been engaged in agriculture from his childhood he said, and the industry called for unceasing labour and skill. Shows such as theirs that day did much to encourage agriculturalists – tenant farmers, their sons and employees – in their work and to take a keen interest in it.

Mr Henry Knipe, the veteran chairman of the committee said he had been associated with such societies for a great many years. His brother and he started the meeting at Llantarnam over 60 years ago and he was connected with it until he came to Goytre. He was very pleased to say that the Goytre Association was increasing in membership and in usefulness. Its influence had been marked by the improvement which had taken place in all departments of agriculture since its formation. [Applause.]

Mr Lewis [The Hendre, Llanover] gave “The Donors of Special Prizes and the Subscribers” in a speech appreciative of their kindness; he regretted they had not, as their president that evening, one of the landed proprietors of the district. He proposed the toast of those who gave their help, getting no other benefit other than the satisfaction of knowing they were doing good. [Applause.]

Mr Aymes said it was a pleasure to him to be able to give, and he should continue to do so as long as he was able.

Mr D (avid H). Morgan [The Wern] proposed “The President.” Mr Jones, he said was actively connected with agriculture as the agent of one of the largest landed proprietors of the district, the Trustees of the Llanover Estate, and, after all, farmers had more to do with the agents than the landlords. They were pleased to have Mr Jones in the chair. [Applause.]

The Chairman briefly returned thanks, remarking that is was, as they knew, that he occupied the chair that evening. He regretted that Mr Isaac George had been unable to come and take the position.

Mr J. Parker gave the “Judges,” who he said, were all good men of experience whose awards they would all accept.

Mr Peter Marfell replying, said the root judges had seen a splendid lot, the mangolds being especially good. Competition had been keen. There would have been a difference if some of the competitors had put their drills a little closer.

Mr Waters returned thanks and Mr Evans; another judge confessed that it was not as good as he had expected to see. A good week’s rain previously would have shewn better work. The open champion class was a very good one. The boys’ class was a very funny one to judge.

Mr E Parker submitted “The Vice-Chairman” and referred Mr E. Spencer’s work for the Association.

Mr Spencer, in response, said he had always been ready to do his duty in connection with the society. He strongly regretted the fact that, though five or six of the local landed proprietors had been asked to preside, not one could be found to accept the invitation. However Mr Jones had come to the rescue at the last moment, and he was a worthy man of whom they were proud.

“The successful competitors” was also proposed by Mr E. Parker, who read a letter of regret at being unable to be present from Mr R. St John Bessley of Usk, who also conveyed his best wishes for the success of the meeting.

“The Unsuccessful Competitors” was proposed by Mr Morgan and responded to by Mr Worgent and Mr Gwatkin.

Mr J. Parker gave “Mr & Mrs William Jenkins,” who had served them so well at Pentwyn Farm that day.

Mr Jenkins in reply, said that he had done his best for the Association and his sons had helped him, but he thought his wife had had the hardest work of all. [Hear hear!]

Other toasts were “The Press,” proposed by Mr A. R. Beynon and responded to on behalf of the “County Observer” and “The Host and his sisters,” given from the chair and acknowledged by Mr Price.

During the evening several songs were sung, Mr Jones of Pontypool giving a especial pleasure and amusement by his contributions. Among others who sang were Messrs Luffman, Franklyn Harris, G. Turner and – Lewis, Mr A.R. Beynon acted as accompanist.

The Awards

Ploughing:

Open Swing Class: Wm Whitney, Tycoch Farm

Wheel Plough – open to all comers: Amos Crump (Mr Hy Knipe]

District Champion Wheel Plough: 1. Edward Davies, Mamhilad; 2. George Mathews, [Mrs Turner Lanvair]

Farmers’ class or farmers’ sons; 1. Arthur Jenkins, Pentwyn; 3. – Nicholas, Mardy

Waggoners’ class: 1. – Harrison, [with Mr Geo Spencer,] 2. Mark Hinkerman [with Messrs Knipe Bros] 3. Dd Jones [with Llanover trustees]

Boys’ class, under 18 years; 1. Thomas Hardwicke, Wern, Goytre; 2.Ernest Bennett, Nantyderry; 3. Oswald Williams [with Mr Hopkins, Pentwyn:]

Best Digger; D Thomas, [with Mr A Jones]

Special Prize given by Mr H. Jenkins to the competitor who turned the farrows neatest – to be decided by the next meeting.

Horses and Turnout:

The neatest and cleanest turnout: 1. E. Nicholas, Mardy

Most valuable pair of horses: 1. W Beer, High Mead, Llanover; 2. [Prize given by Mr Amery, Pontypool] G. Spencer, Lanvair:

Cart Brood Mare: 1. + 2. W. Beer

Cart Sucker Colt or Filly: 1. E. Parker, Court Farm; 2. W. Beer; 3. E. Nicholas:

Nag Brood Mare: 1. W. Lewis, Lower Hendre; 2. J. Parker, Kemys;

Horse for Colliery Purposes: 1. [Prize given by Mr J. Parker], Wm Jenkins; 2. [Prize given by Mr H Knipe], Wm Jenkins;

Best Cob: 1. W. Lewis; 2. [Prize given by Mr Probyn, Pontypool], W. Pugh, Hendre; 3. [Prize given by Castle Brewery Co.], W. Pugh; 3. G. Spencer;

Two Year Old Cob: 1. W. Pugh; 2. A (lfred). Jones, Goytre House Farm; 3. C. Edwards, Lanvair:

Neatest trimmed tail on pair of horses: 1. E. Nicholas

Prize of £1 1s is given by Mr W. Lewis for the best foal insured by him: 1. E. Nicholas; 2. W. H. Charles, Park-y-brain.

Hedging

Champion prize: 1. Joseph Jones, Gwehelog; 2. Charles Jones, Llanbaddock; 3. James Meredith, Lanvair; and Wm. Howells, Gwehelog.

Ditching and hedging, [14 yards within 6 hours]: 1. Sidney Howells, Goverra Farm; 2. Geo Spencer, Lanvair; 3. J. Charles, Park-y-brain.

Farmers’ sons or servants’ class: [under 23 years of age] 1. Cornelius Morgan, Glanusk; 2. William Phillips, Lanvair.

Rick Making and Thatching

Best and neatest made rick [thatched on a farm, including tidiest rick-yard] 1. George Spencer; 2. William Morgan, Glanusk:

Prize of 10s to the boy, not exceeding 18 years of age who shall have made and thatched a rick of produce in the best and most workmanlike manner. Second prize of a hacker and hedging gloves [given by Messrs Sandbrook & Dawe, Pontypool] 1. Arthur Jenkins, Pentwyn; 2. W. Jenkins, Pentwyn; 3. 5s, Isaac Charles, Park-y-brain:

Roots

Two acres Swedes [Chemical Manure Co’s prize] 1. John Hopkins, Pentwyn; 2. George Spencer, White House, Lanvair:

Two acres Swedes [Norrington, Hington & Co’s prize] 1. George Spencer; 2. Wm. Lewis, Llanover:

Two acres Swedes [prize given by Messrs E.B. Ford & Sons, Pontypool] £2 2s, Mrs Turner, Lanvair:

Three acres mixed clover [prize given by E.B. Ford & Sons, £1 1s] W. Beer, Highmead, Lanvair:

Three acres of Swedes [prize by Saunders & Co., Abergavenny £2 2s]   D. Thomas, Chain Bridge, near Usk:

Three acres of clover [prize by Saunders & Co., £1 5s] W. Beer:

Two acres Swedes [prize by Odams, per Mr Morgan Griffiths, Raglan] George Spencer:

Swedish turnips [prize by Dutfield & Frost £2] Wm. Morgan:

Two acres Swedes [prize by J. Turner £2 2s] W. Knipe, Pentwyn:

Two acres Swedes [prize by W. Gough, Hereford] Wm. Jenkins, Pentwyn:

Two acres clover [prize by W. Gough] Wm. Jenkins:

Association Prizes

Best and cleanest three acres of Swedes: 1. George Spencer; 2. Mrs Turner; 3. W. Beer:

Best and cleanest two acres of Swedes: 1. William Morgan; 2. Thomas Morgan, Kemys;

3. George Stinchcome, Goytre:

Best and cleanest acre of mangolds: 1. W. Beer; 2. John Hopkins; 3. W H Williams, Goverra Farm:

Best and cleanest half acre of mangolds: 1. & 2. George Spencer and George Thomas, Chain Bridge:

Poultry Produce etc.

Turkey: 1. Miss Charles, Park-y-brain; 2. Mrs A Jones, Goytre House Farm:

Goose: 1. Miss Evans, High House, Mamhilad; 2. Mrs A Jones:

Pair of Ducks: 1. Mrs R Jenkins, Velincoed; 2. Mrs A Jones:

Couple of Fowls: 1. Mrs R Jenkins; 2. Miss Evans:

Two lbs of butter: 1. Miss Parker, Kemys; 2. Mrs T Morgan, Kemys:

Three Cheeses: 1. Miss Parker; 2. Mrs Jenkins, Pentwyn:

Best Cottager’s Garden: 1. Harrison, [employed with George Spencer, Lanvair] 2. Edward Jenkins, Kemys; 3. George Jones, Goytre:

Pigs:

Fat Pigs: 1. &2. Wm Walker, Goytre: (E Reg Ty Hir)

Cottagers’ Class: 1. Mrs Morgan, Glan-y-nant:

Store Pigs: 1. & 2. William Walker:

Sow and pigs: [prize given by Mr John Davies, butcher, Pontypool] 1. John Parker, Kemys; 2. J Rees, Goytre Farm, Nantyderry:

Block Test

Nearest judging of the weight of a sheep: 1 & 2 divided between H. Stinchcombe, Monkswood and – Morgan, Govilion; both guessing the correct weight, 84lbs:

Farm Servants etc

Longest serving with a tenant farmer, member of the association; 1. Workman, [with Mr W Morgan, Glanusk] 6^1/2 years 2. David Thomas [with Mr A Jones, Goytre], 3 years:

Prize of 10s 6d to the female servant longest with the same employer 1. L Harris [with Mr Thomas, Chain Bridge] 7 years 5 months:

The prize of £5 for the best site for the ploughing matches was awarded to Mr W Jenkins, Pentwyn: