Author Archives: Viv Rosser

Nantyderry School Log 1869 – 1874

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1869 Goytrey National Mixed Boys and Girls  
Jan-26 Opened school with 26 children – Wm Franklin – weather very wet during the week  
Feb-01 Admitted 14 children  
Feb-02 Admitted 3 children – weather still very unfavourable  
Feb-08 Admitted 2 children – much rain and wind, many children absent in consequence  
Feb-15 Admitted 3 children – weather much improved  
Mar-01 Admitted 5 children  
Mar-02 Admitted 1 child  
Mar-03 Expelled Mary, Ellen, Annie and John Williams for insolent messages from their parents, also Sarah and Matilda Watkins for the same reason  
Mar-08 Miss E Mathews entered upon her duties as sewing mistress  
Mar-15 Days paid for sewing, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday  
Mar-17 Commenced drawing in the school  
Mar-18 Sewing class very well conducted  
Mar-19 Very wet, attendance only 33, weekly examination postponed in consequence  
Mar-22 Nothing of importance occurred today  
Mar-23 Drawing as usual  
Mar-24 Miss Mathews applied for permission to stay away on the following day  
Mar-25 Broke up school for the Easter holidays  
Apr-05 Recommenced school; attendance thin, probably from “potato setting”  
Apr-06 Nothing of importance took place today  
Apr-07 Sewing as usual  
Apr-08 Sewing as usual  
Apr-09 Examined children in scripture, found them rather deficient in their knowledge of the geography of Palestine  
Apr-11 Attendance still very thin  
Apr-12 Nothing of importance happened today  
Apr-13 Sewing mistress unwell stayed at home in consequence  
Apr-14 All as usual today  
Apr-15 All as usual today  
Apr-18 Attendance better today  
Apr-19 Nothing of importance took place  
Apr-20 Same as usual  
Apr-21 Same as usual  
Apr-22 Gave half holiday to have school cleaned  
Apr-26 Admitted no children  
Apr-27 Nothing of importance happened today  
Apr-28 Nothing of importance happened today  
Apr-29 Taught the children a new song  
Apr-30 Prepared for drawing examination which is to take place on May 5th  
May-03 Admitted 1 child  
May-04 Prepared for drawing examination  
May-05 Drawing examination. Rev Thomas Evans, rector of Goytrey and the Rev E Evans of Crickhowell attended as committee. 14 children presented  
May-06 Nothing of importance took place today  
May-07 Examined children in reading, writing, arithmetic and scripture  
May-10 Sewing mistress away through ill health. Attendance very fair  
May-11 Several children unwell  
May-12 Nothing of importance took place today  
May-13 Same as usual  
May-14 Examined the school  
May-17 Whit Monday, gave a holiday  
May-18 Admitted 3 children – attendance thin  
May-19 Nothing of importance took place today  
May-20 Weather very wet, prevented children attending  
May-21 Nothing of importance took place today  
May-24 Attendance slightly better, sewing as usual  
May-25 Recommenced drawing  
May-26 Sewing as usual  
May-27 Nothing of importance took place today  
May-28 Sewing as usual  
May-31 Sewing mistress away through illness  
Jun-01 Nothing of importance occurred today  
Jun-02 Missionary meeting took place in the schoolroom at 7pm  
Jun-03 Sewing as usual  
Jun-04 Nothing of importance as usual  
Jun-07 Admitted child, attendance very thin  
Jun-08 Drawing as usual  
Jun-09 Nothing of importance took place today  
Jun-10 Nothing of importance took place today  
Jun-11 Examined the children in reading, writing and arithmetic  
Jun-14 Admitted 7 children  
Jun-15 Several children kept at home working  
Jun-16 Last row of desks, obliged to break the desks open  
Jun-17 Nothing of importance took place today  
Jun-18 Examined the children as usual  
Jun-21 Admitted no children  
Jun-22 No children ill at home  
Jun-23 Nothing of importance took place today  
Jun-24 Nothing of importance took place today  
Jun-25 Examined the children as usual  
Jun-28 Sewing mistress applied for leave during next week  
Jun-29 Nothing of importance happened today  
Jun-30 Nothing of importance happened today  
Jul-01 Children at home haymaking  
Jul-02 Examination put off until next week  
Jul-05 Sewing mistress came as usual as her visit to friends put off till next week  
Jul-06 Nothing of importance took place today  
Jul-07 Nothing of importance took place today  
Jul-08 Nothing of importance took place today  
Jul-09 Examined the children  
Jul-12 Attendance on the first day thin, one girl with inflammation of the lungs, sewing mistress still in attendance, visit put off another week  
Jul-13 Nothing of importance took place today  
Jul-14 Nothing of importance took place today  
Jul-15 Nothing of importance took place today  
Jul-16 Examined the pupils today by myself  
Jul-19 School treat announced for Friday, sewing mistress still at school  
Jul-20 Nothing of importance took place today  
Jul-21 Full school this week  
Jul-22 Nothing of importance took place today  
Jul-23 School treat took place on the lawn of the rectory, numbers present including Sunday school scholars, 86  
Jul-26 Sewing mistress away for the week  
Jul-27 Nothing of importance took place today  
Jul-28 Nothing of importance took place today  
Jul-29 Examined the children  
Jul-30 Attendance low on account of the treat of the British school taking place today. Breaking up for the summer vacation, 4 weeks  
Jul-31 School thin  
Sep-01 Sewing as usual  
Sep-02 Nothing of importance, no sewing  
Sep-03 Nothing of importance today  
Sep-06 Attendance still thin, sewing mistress absent through ill-health, school visited in afternoon by Mrs Bernard and her sister  
Sep-07 Sewing mistress attended instead of the previous day  
Sep-08 Sewing as usual  
Sep-09 Five boys late through going into the wood to gather nuts, cautioned them not to go as far again at dinner time  
Sep-10 Examined the children, arithmetic not good altogether In the second class  
Sep-13 Weather extremely wet and boisterous, very thin attendance and no sewing in consequence, window blown in Friday evening  
Sep-14 Weather slightly improved, sewing as usual  
Sep-16 Sewing as usual  
Sep-17 Examined the children, arithmetic not up to the mark, scripture deficient  
Sep-20 Better attendance owing to improved state of the weather, a few away picking nuts, admitted no boys, sewing as usual  
Sep-21 Nothing of importance today  
Sep-22 Sewing as usual, children rather noisy during sewing  
Sep-23 Sewing mistress absent  
Sep-24 Examined the children, slight improvement in the subjects mentioned on the 17th  
Sep-27 Several children present for the first time since the harvest vacation, sewing as usual  
Sep-28 Children rather noisy in school  
Sep-29 No sewing  
Sep-30 No sewing  
Oct-01 Examined the school, scripture much improved, arithmetic defective among the girls  
Oct-04 Sewing as usual, mistress being unwell last week  
Oct-05 Taught a new song to the children  
Oct-06 Sewing as usual, school very dirty for some time past on account of a small stream of water in the playground  
Oct-07 Sewing as usual, girls rather noisy  
Oct-08 No sewing, the sewing mistress away on business  
Oct-11 Nothing of importance took place today  
Oct-13 Sewing girls noisy  
Oct-14 Girls quieter during sewing as I kept out the noisiest  
Oct-15 Examined the children, progress in arithmetic since last Friday, not sound in the second class, the first class did well in that subject  
Oct-18 Sewing as usual, placed children in standards 1, 2 and 3  
Oct-19 Save geography lesson to the first class, not able to give a good idea of the world surface as there is only a map of Europe  
Oct-20 Sewing as usual, requested they must prepare for the examination  
Oct-21 Sewing as usual  
Oct-22 Examined the children in standards 1,2 & 3, not up to the mark  
Oct-25 Sewing as usual, prepared children for examination  
Oct-26 Nothing of importance happened today  
Oct-27 Sewing as usual  
Oct-28 Sewing as usual  
Oct-29 Examined the school in standards 1 & 2  
Nov-01 The inspection deferred until the time originally specified; viz June 1870, no sewing as usual the mistress suffering from severe cold  
Nov-02 Nothing of importance happened today  
Nov-03 No sewing the mistress still being too ill to attend  
Nov-04 The master suffering from sore throat unable to attend to his duties properly  
Nov-05 Tithes collected in the school house; the master still suffering from cold  
Nov-08 No sewing  
Nov-09 Mistress came today  
Nov-10 Sewing as usual, master still suffering from severe cold  
Nov-11 Sewing as usual  
Nov-12 Resigned charge of the school – Wm Franklin  
Nov-15 Mon: opened school today with 41 children: George Thomas Bright: Admitted Charles Rosser Pengroesoped  
Nov-16 Attendance this morning 44, girls sewing this afternoon as usual from 2.30-4  
Nov-17 Small attendance owing to the treat at Llanover  
Nov-18 Attendance 44; examined the first two classes in ready, writing, catechism and geography  
Nov-19 Attendance 45 this afternoon, taught the first class reduction  
Nov-22 Tues: Annie Bevan wrote very badly this morning at the commencement of her copybook  
Nov-23 Attendance 46 this morning, girls very noisy for which they were reproved before the whole school  
Nov-24 Examined the first two classes in scripture from the creation to the flood  
Nov-25 Examined the children in scripture, ready, writing, arithmetic, dictation and catechism today, the life of Abraham principal topic  
Nov-26 No sewing, the mistress having gone to Crumlin, attendance 44  
Nov-29 Sewing mistress came to day  
Nov-30 Mrs Evans visited the school this afternoon  
Dec-01 The attendance today rather low owing probably to the slippery weather  
Dec-02 attendance small, examined the children in arithmetic, taking the whole together the 2nd class results were better than the first class, in the first class the girls were better than the boys  
Dec-03 sewing as usual, attendance 42 in the afternoon  
Dec-06 Expelled Annie Bevan for her determined disobedience and insolent language to the master  
Dec-07 Having seen Mrs Bevan, I received Annie on certain conditions with her respect to her behaviour  
Dec-08 Sewing as usual, attendance same as the 6th  
Dec-09 Examined the boys and girls of the upper classes, dictation and arithmetic in the first class very much better than the 2nd class, required considerable improvement in both subjects, catechism is but fair in the first class, reading slightly improved  
Dec-10 Sewing mistress absent today and weather being exceedingly rough attendance rather thin  
Dec-13 Nothing particular to record today  
Dec-14 Sewing as usual  
Dec-15 Sewing mistress absent today, weather exceedingly boisterous, attendance rather thin  
Dec-16 Sewing mistress came today instead of yesterday which interfered with our usual Friday examination, the 1st class on the whole was pretty fair, arithmetic in both classes require improvement, especially the 2nd class girls  
Dec-17 Sewing as usual  
Dec-20 Nothing particular to record today  
Dec-21 Sewing as usual  
Dec-22 Closed the school today for Christmas holiday, Christmas holiday 1 week  
Dec-23    
     
1870 Resumed school duties, attendance only 18, sewing as usual in the afternoon  
Jan-03 Gave the 1st and 2nd class a few general questions in geography this afternoon, attendance in morning 24  
Jan-04 Sewing as usual attendance 25  
Jan-05 Corrected some of the 2nd class boys and girls for playing on the road and consequently were late  
Jan-06 Examined the children in scripture and elementary subjects  
Jan-07 Sewing as usual attendance 28  
Jan-10 Gave 1st and 2nd class exercise in dictation and spelling words pronounced alike but spelt differently, introduced a letter writing form  
Jan-11 Attendance 27, sewing as usual taught 1st class the rule of practise  
Jan-12 Examined the children as usual on Friday, dictation and reading pretty fair on the whole, arithmetic in the 1st and 2nd class needs improvement  
Jan-14 Sewing as usual, admitted 2 children  
Jan-17 Attendance 34 today, cautioned about late coming  
Jan-18 Sewing as usual from 2.30 – 4  
Jan-19 The Rev T Evans, rector of Goytrey and Mrs Evans visited the school this morning. Rev T Evans examined the children in writing and arithmetic, recommended the cip learning books  
Jan-20 Examined the children as usual, the dictation much more careful done in the 2nd class, arithmetic still falls very short of the mark  
Jan-21 Admitted 3 children today, cip learning books in 1st and 2nd class  
Jan-24 The 1st class, CIP learning books from 10.15 to 11 then from 11.15 – 12 second class  
Jan-25 Attendance 36  
Jan-26 Sewing as usual  
Jan-27 The regular examination was not carried out as the weather was very cold and also gave notice to the children about the school free from Monday January 31st  
Jan-28 Children admitted free today  
Jan-31 Fri: 6 boys stayed away from school without leave viz: Joseph + Oliver Charles: John Morgan: John Harris: James Jones: Charles Rosser  
Feb-18 Admitted 6 children today: reproved John Morgan, James Jones + Charles Rosser for staying away last Friday: The remaining 3 mentioned did not come today  
Feb-21 Admitted 2 today: attendance 53: Catherine Meade and her 2 sisters left, the distance being so far as they lived in Monkswood parish  
Feb-22 Joseph + Oliver Charles cautioned today about truant playing the 2nd time  
Feb-24 Admitted Frank and Reece Prosser  
Mar-28 Admitted Emily + John Deakin  
Mar-29 Admitted Sarah, Annie + Emily Watkins  
Apr-04 Admitted John + Mary Morris  
May-09 Mathew and John Heath played truant today  
May-10 John and Mathew Heath played truant 2nd time  
Jun-29 Anne Morgans mother used insulting language because the girl was confined yesterday for bad behaviour and used several threats  
Jul-14 Rebecca Phillips who was reprimanded for having told many falsehoods absented herself this afternoon and went home  
Jul-21 Rebecca Phillips was sent by her parents to school this morning  
Jul-26 attendance 22: sewing mistress absent it being very wet: admitted Annie Griffin  
Sep-05 Margaret Rosser, James Jones and John Evans not in school today  
Sep-08 admitted Wm Evans in 3rd class  
Oct-04 Fri: att. 14: two boys, John + Wm Morris came at 10.35 after the register was marked: Rev Thos Evans visited  
Oct-14 Admitted Ruth Phillips  
Oct-17 Eliza Evans, Ruth Phillips and Matilda Mathews reproved for loud laughing during masters absence for 2 minutes  
Nov-17 Reproved the boys and girls for their disorderly conduct yesterday evening and especially Elizabeth Bevan for not telling  
     
1871    
Jan-25 nothing particular to record today  
Feb-04 attendance low all the week, sewing attended as usual  
Feb-08 attendance a little larger  
Feb-11 School visited by Mrs Evans and two others  
Feb-18 Ladies one afternoon this week, Mrs E heard the children spell and work as well  
Feb-22 Sewing mistress absent and about to resign her duties on about it being inconvenient to attended to the sewing  
Oct-01 Revision of back work  
Oct-06 Two girls admitted this morning  
Oct-09 Several children absent on account of potato gathering  
Oct-10 Gave a grammar lesson  
Oct-12 Gave another grammar lesson, a specimen of easy parsing  
Oct-15 Spelling lessons arranged alphabetically with meaning attached  
Oct-16 Attendance 19 today  
Oct-17 Examination in the elementary subjects  
Nov-03 Rev T Evans visited the school  
Nov-10 Revision of the book work in arithmetic  
Nov-17 Same as usual  
Nov-24 Attendance low throughout the week  
Dec-01 General examination in each subject  
Dec-08 Sewing as usual three times in the week  
Dec-15 Break up for Christmas vacation  
Dec-21 School commenced this week  
     
1872    
Jan-12 Little improvement in attendance
Jan-19 Examination in each subject  
Jan-26 Sewing on Monday, Wednesday and Friday  
Feb-02 Revision of the book work in arithmetic  
Feb-09 Attendance very low  
Mar-01 Resigned my office today – George Thomas Bright  
Mar-22 School re-opened today with 33 children – Richard Henry Darlington  
Apr-08 Found the school in a very backward state and discipline almost unknown. Announced to the children that I shall call on each of their parents in the course of the week.  
  I find that little can be done this week, owing to the want of books, etc.  
Apr-09 Miss Bowen takes the children in sewing in the afternoons. Gave a lesson on the climate to the boys in the first class.  
Apr-10 About the same attendance. Caution the children about coming late, Miss Bowen takes sewing  
Apr-11 Examine the writing in copy books of the first class, the average for this week has been very good  
Apr-12 Admitted three children this morning, Miss Bowen takes sewing in the afternoon  
Apr-15 Attendance still continues very fair  
Apr-16 Ditto  
Apr-17 Francis Prosser ran home after being kept behind the other boys  
Apr-19 Very wet, attendance consequently low, made example of Francis Prosser for running home on Friday  
Apr-22 Same unfavourable weather and attendance is rather low  
Apr-24 Gave a half holiday, Mr Bright the previous master having come back to assist to put the registers straight and only being able to stay one day  
Apr-26 Admitted 5 children  
Apr-29 Admitted one child  
May-06 Engaged the children actively in the preparation of home lessons this week  
May-10 The school is steadily increasing and the average is very good  
May-16 Looked over the home lesson books and find that they are improving very much. I offer to buy the most creditably worked books when finished  
May-23 Half-holiday, the Rector having paid for the children to attend a tea-party in the neighbourhood  
May-30 Receive notice of the inspectors visit  
May-31 Admitted one child  
Jun-03 Gave a holiday, the school having wanted by a person who collects the land tithes  
Jun-04 Admitted two fresh boys  
Jun-10 Fresh desk for master and boys arrived, the average is remarkably fair – home lesson work proceeds nicely and several of the books are worked so carefully that I keep them by me as patterns for more careless children  
Jun-13 Examination – gave a holiday  
Jun-19 School not so full, hay harvest commencing  
Jun-24 Average for the week – 46, very fair considering the season  
Jun-28 Admitted 5 children  
Jul-01 School has been very low during the week owing to the hay harvest  
Jul-05 School still continues rather low – raining  
Jul-11 Admitted one child  
Jul-15 Broke up for five weeks  
Jul-19 Re-opened school – attendance very low on account of the harvest not being finished  
Aug-26 Attendance rather better than in the preceding week, admitted five children  
Sep-02 Called at the houses of several of the children, many have been absent on account of the weather, received the following report from H.M. Inspector of school  
Sep-06 “There is no special instruction in Form and Colour or on objects for the Infants: but a little gallery has been erected for them. Under the standards only eight children had attended the full number of times. Discipline is satisfactory, needlework creditable. Excellent new desks have been put up, new hat pegs supplied and a ventilator. In the wall to separate the approach to the offices, the opening should be closed by a door to be kept locked. No approved copy of a time-table was hanging up in the room.” More maps and Apparatus must be provided without delay.  
  Attendance continues rather low, admitted one child  
Sep-09 School very full this morning  
Sep-16 The average has been over 50 for this week  
Sep-20 Histories arrived for the boys and objects for the infants  
Sep-23 Very rough day – attendance consequently low  
Sep-27 A new school opens in an adjoining parish on 2nd October and several of the children leave this school on account of the distance  
Sep-30 Rather low school today, commence taking history as one of the special subjects  
Oct-07 Commence taking geography as another extra subject  
Oct-14 Speak to the Rector concerning the maps. The Rector orders a map of europe and another of the British Isles  
Oct-18 The average has not been very high for this week. I find that the 4th 5th and 6th standards especially are progressing fairly  
Oct-26 Weather still continues very unfavourably  
Oct-29 Admitted 4 children  
Nov-04 Commence finding copybooks, pen/pencil etc., for the children  
Nov-07 Admitted 4 children – one of the girls leaves the school on account of the distance, she being lame  
Nov-11 Admitted 7 children  
Nov-17 Very wet day – only 32 children present. Send a note after Jane Jones who has been absent for some time  
Nov-25 The average for the week rather low owing to the weather  
Nov-29 Francis Prosser and William Scammels were punished severely for stealing 6d off a little boy. I then refused to receive them into the school again until they brought 3d each. I gave half-holiday in the evening, the school being occupied by the tithes collector  
Dec-03 Francis Prosser came without the 3d and I therefore sent him home again.  
Dec-04 Francis Prosser again comes to school without bringing the 3d with him and is again sent home. William Scammel is admitted into school again after paying his share of the plunder.  
Dec-10 Rev Evans calls and examines the first class in history  
Dec-16 Rev Evans again calls and takes the first class in the geography of North America  
Dec-17 Brake up for the Christmas holidays  
Dec-20 School opens, attendance rather low  
     
1873    
Jan-06 Average for the week about 41  
Jan-11 Very wet day attendance very fair notwithstanding  
Jan-13 Admitted one boy, attendance very low  
Jan-20 Obliged to give a holiday owing to the school being decked for a concert  
Jan-23 Gave notice of my intention to leave  
Jan-24 Attendance very low owing to the weather, snow having fallen  
Jan-30 Heavy fall of snow – the attendance has not been so low for the past 10 months  
Feb-03 Ditto  
Feb-07 Sewing mistress absent  
Feb-10 School full this day – the weather fine  
Feb-17 Average for the week, very fair  
Feb-21 Little work done this week owing to the school being very low  
Feb-28 Started the 4th standard in short division (weights and measures) sent word that if William Morris did not attend more regularly I should strike his name off the register  
Mar-03 Examined the 4th standard in long division and found them rather deficient  
Mar-10 Average attendance. The infants between 6-7 years of age have been taught simple addition  
Mar-14 Attendance not taken today owing to the small number present  
Mar-17 Weather still unfavourable and attendance low  
Mar-24 Kept about 20 children in for being late – gave them to understand that I should use corporal punishment if they were late next day  
Mar-26 Examined 1st and 2nd classes in mental arithmetic, result not satisfactory, I find that the children are beginning to stay at home with various excuses which are considered satisfactory at this time of the year such as setting potatoes. I have of late given up extra subjects the rector would prefer the ordinary subjects being attended to as this was against my wish as they are all well grounded in those subjects and have ample time for extra ones  
Apr-02 Gave notice of a holiday on the morrow, also Easter Monday  
Apr-10 Sent after 4 boys (brothers) to ask the reason of their absence. Each was engaged in farm work  
Apr-15 Admitted Elizabeth Heath, several of the children absent last week are present today  
Apr-21 Resigned charge of the school – Richard Henry Darlington  
Apr-24 Commenced my duties as master of this school today with only so few few in attendance at the commencement. I suppose my having taken charge at the end of the week has had some effect upon this, there were but 20 children in school at prayers, 9 girls, 11 boys. Alfred Fabian  
Apr-25 Monday commenced with rather better attendance this morning, 15 boys in the standards and 16 infants. I hope that these numbers will be increased very shortly, 36 were present in the afternoon. Received notice that the examinations would not take place until November.  
Apr 28th I think the examination having been put off until November will have but little effect upon the school either way. I find boys and girls are inclined to be disobedient and they do not seem to understand any other system of order than that produced by means of the rod and to this I shall be compelled to resort! I never had so much trouble in making children understand that when I say I will have no talking or playing that I actually mean this.  
Apr-29 To speak to the Rector concerning giving away quarterly prizes to those who excel in the home lessons as I think it may be an inducement for home lessons. Mrs Evans called in the afternoon with Mrs Barnard from Bristol. She expressed herself as particularly pleased with the order of the school  
Apr-30 Beautiful day but a very small attendance, many children are required by their parents for home work. In no place is the compulsory attendance act more needed than in this neighbourhood. But a very few girls in the afternoon. Children more than ever troublesome today  
May-01 Several girls absent  
May-02 A very wet day, as a consequence a very few children in attendance, only 11 were present, no sewing as the mistress did not come, gardening is still in full operation and this no doubt causes the slack numbers to a great extent.  
May-05 A rather better attendance today again especially in the lower classes. See April 2nd where it appears the late master Mr Darlington has made an entirely erroneous statement. The Rector gave no intimation whatsoever that extra subjects should be discontinued, it has always been his wish that the boys should be brought forward in these subjects, in short Mr Darlington’s statement is untrue, Thomas Evans, Rector.  
May-07 No better attendance today  
May-08 A very poor attendance today, several children having put in an appearance who have been absent for the three or four weeks. Admitted Clara and John Pritchard aged 9 and 7  
May-12 No schooling in the afternoon as the room required preparation for a concert which was given by the church choir. The attendance still keeps very irregular, caused, I presume by the parents requiring assistance of their children in garden at this time of the year  
May-15 Their knowledge of geography is barely superficial  
May-16 Admitted Maretta Griffiths aged 10 years and re-admitted John Deakin after considerable time absent, many children came late. There were 20 children in the lower classes this morning, this is the highest attendance for a Monday morning  
May-19 Admitted Rose Pritchard aged 13, this is the first time she has attended school and she is deplorably ignorant  
May-20 Children attended the Nantyderry picnic party today having been kindly treated to the same through the liberty of the Rector and his Lady  
May-22 Re-admitted Wm Williams to the 2nd class after a lengthened absence and admitted Sydney Hammonds to the infants class  
May-26 A showery day and reduced attendance as a consequence. The weather is unusually severe for the time of year  
May-27 First and second class wrote some songs in their exercise books for learning at home prior to singing the same at the school. John Waite punished for sticking pins into Joseph Hook. Mrs Price called concerning conduct of same John Waite  
May-28 Whit Monday, no holiday as the school will be required on Wednesday by the person who collects the tithes. Sent some specimens of the boys drawings to the Rector for mrs Evans to decide which was the best as I promised one who did the best work that I would give him a prize  
Jun-02 Admitted Thomas and Josiah Lewis to the 3rd class, neither of the lads know their age. A very wet morning, raining in torrents, only 28 present  
Jun-03 No schooling in the afternoon,  
Jun-05 This weeks attendance has been the most irregular that has occurred since I took charge of the school. Spoke to the Rector concerning the bad conduct of the Waites  
Jun-06 Admitted Lewis Lewis and John Havard  
Jun-09 Several children away but satisfactory reasons  
Jun-10 The Rector called and examined the children, there were only 30 present  
Jun-12 Monday, several children again absent, some are engaged in farm work  
Jun-16 The Rector called again the in morning  
Jun-18 Very wet day and a low attendance, only 17 in the morning  
Jun-19 Admitted Annie Rosser aged 8 & 9 and Rachel Rosser aged 6 years. The first class nearly empty, only two present in the morning. Joseph Charles and George Jones are absent, engaged in farm work  
Jun-23 Charles Rosser returned this morning after being absent about three or four weeks, engaged in garden work, Joseph Charles also returned. Wet morning only 11 at prayers  
Jun-24 Complaints have been made that the boys have been robbing the Railway station master of his strawberries from his garden. I warned the boys of the same and I only hope the station master will take the law into his own hands  
Jun-25 This weeks average is in excess of last weeks. Haymaking has now commenced  
Jun-27 Commenced with a fair attendance there being 33 present in the morning  
Jun-30 Examination on paper as usual this morning, I have noticed a marked improvement for some weeks past, Joseph Charles especially doing his work in a most creditable manner.  
Jul-01 Commenced this week with an attendance of 12, no scholar present in the first class and only 4 in the second. I presume this fine day has caused the parents to keep their eldest children at home gathering in the hay  
Jul-07 Attendance improving in fast in 1st and 2nd, there were 15 in those classes today as compared with 4 last Monday, one girl Anne Williams has left having to go to the school of the parish she is living in, her parents living at Bettws  
Jul-14 All the 1st class boys are again absent taking advantage, I presume of the few fine days helping their parents carry their hay crops, only 22 attendance today  
Jul-17 Commenced harvest holidays. This weeks attendance has been very low, from 24th July to Sept 1st harvest holidays  
Jul-24 Commenced school after 5 weeks holiday with an attendance of only 12. The harvest is not half over as the weather has been so unfavourable for the same  
Sep-01 Better attendance today, 30 present, many however still away and harvest far from finished owing to the wet and unfavourable state of the weather  
Sep-08 Mrs Evans has now fixed the annual school treat for Thursday next, Sept 11th. Admitted Arthur James aged 8.9, probably drawn hither by report of school treat  
Sep-09 Annual school treat at Nantyderry, 50 children present  
Sep-11 A few children returned from harvest work, many however still absent  
Sep-15 We have again commenced sewing with the girls during this week, the first time since the holidays as so many have been absent  
Sep-19 Admitted two children, Fanny Lawrence aged 8 and Edward Lawrence aged 5.3  
Sep-22 Abergavenny pleasure fair taking place today causes many absentees  
Sep-25 This week’s attendance better than that of last week  
Sep-26 James Rosser returned today after being absent 9 weeks, Francis Prosser also returned  
Sep-29 Slight improvement in attendance, suffering from a bad face and eye and as a consequence unable to properly attend to the school works  
Oct-06 Yesterday and today being wet attendance very thin, there were only 7 in the lower class out of an average of 22  
Oct-10 Charles Jones, Wm Price, Josiah Lewis & Thomas Lewis returned today after an absence of 9 or 10 weeks. Admitted George James aged 6 years and 4 months  
Oct-13 Attendance slowly improving as one or two old scholars return.  
Oct-20 John Jones, after an absence of 3 months returned to school again today  
Oct-27 Severe frosts having occurred during the past week I presume have caused the attendance to be much lower during the same  
28/10/29 Many children absent today, very wet. John Jones again gone to work. Spoke to children about their irregular attendance, sent notes to most of parents of same  
Oct-30 Expelled Susan and William Scammel for bringing a very insolent message from their mother. These children receive perhaps more kindness than any other of the school children and this the result  
Nov-04 Very bad attendance again today  
Nov-06 Admitted Thomas John and John Thomas Reed aged 6.8 and 5.4 respectively from the British School. Finding the children to be most backward in their arithmetic  
Nov-10 Weekly average a little better. Children still away apple picking, four of one family and three of another so employed  
Nov-15 No school today, the person who collects the tithes requires the school room  
Nov-19 Admitted John Lewis aged 10 years and Thomas Pardoe aged 8 years  
Nov-24 John Pardoe was admitted this morning. Received notice from the parents of Josiah and Thomas Lewis that the children will be unable to attend the school during the winter months as they have to come from the mountain side, a distance of quite 3 miles. Nothing preventing they will attend again in the spring. The parents of Rachel Prosser made a complaint against John Jones of pushing the former child down on their way from school on Friday evening last  
Dec-01 School inspected today by Mr Waddington Esq., and his assistant Mr Meggs, number present 51, presented for examination, 37, the children seem to pass a very fair examination  
Dec-02 I gave notice yesterday that the “Act regulating the attendance of children in agricultural districts will come into force next month and it will be strictly enforced.”  
Dec-05 Susan Scammel returned to school after being expelled from the same  
Dec-08 A very cold day and many children absent. Commenced teaching geography again as an extra subject  
Dec-18 The attendance still keep very fair  
Dec-15 Commenced holidays for Christmas on Friday last  
Dec-22 Commenced school after Christmas holidays with very poor attendance, sickness being very general amongst the children of the parish, not any attendance marked as a consequence  
     
1874    
Jan-12 A slightly better attendance but many still absent  
Jan-19 The children did drawing today  
Jan-26 The average for the week is much better but the amount of sickness is still large  
Jan-30 The Griffiths children returned to school again today having been absent since Christmas  
Feb-02 School was conducted by Mrs Fabian for two hours today  
Feb-03 A few other absentees returned today, Oliver Charles amongst them  
Feb-09 Children came in at 1.30 and left at 3.30 in order to prepare the room or a concert in the evening  
Feb-16 This weeks average much better  
Feb-20 Commenced with an attendance of 10 in the 1st class and in the second the highest numbers in these classes since Christmas. Many infants still absent owing to sickness  
Feb-23 Children came more regularly than usual  
Feb-27 The report of HMI came today this is a copy: Reading and spelling very fair except in the 1st standard. Arithmetic is imperfect throughout the school. The infants are fairly taught in the elements of reading, writing and numbers but scarcely of form and colours.  
Mar-03 Gave the children a small prize for drawing. C Jones and O Charles obtained it Finish full article
Mar-31 Commenced Easter holidays of 1 week today  
Apr-02 Paper examination as usual today in the upper class  
Apr-17 I had concern to speak to the children today concerning their pence  
Apr-20 Gave an extra half hour to examinate today as the attendance was better  
Apr-24 Drawing today I gave one who did the best a small prize. H Mathew gained it  
Apr-30 Attendance rather low again, especially in the lower classes  
May-04 The Rector and Mrs Evans called this morning, I gave them a list of absentees  
May-07 The Rector gave notice to parents of the children concerning irregular attendance, this was given out before sermon yesterday and the result was 8 absentees returned this morning  
May-11 Pence very badly brought by the scholars  
May-25 Holiday for the Whitsun week  
May-29 Highest attendance today for a long period  
Jun-01 The room was required by the tithes collector  
Jun-02 No attendance made as the children were treated to the annual picnic at Nantyderry Station  
Jun-04 Everything as usual as regards school but pence was badly brought  
Jun-08 Examination on paper today, arithmetic shows an improvement  
Jun-12 During this week the attendance has been more regular and notwithstanding the splendid weather we are having for the haymaking the attendance on the whole was very fair  
Jun-19 The Rector called yesterday and examined the writing of the children  
Jun-26 The attendance for this week was much lower than last as haymaking and much picking are engaging the children  
Jul-03 The Rector called this morning, there were very few in attendance today as quite half the children were engaged in fruit picking for tomorrow’s market  
Jul-10 The state of the weather which causes so many absentees and which will cause a very early corn harvest thus bringing the hat and corn harvest together, will, I think necessitate our having our harvest holidays earlier than last year and I think we shall be compelled to commence this week. I also have been compelled to give up singing for arithmetic  
Jul-13 Commenced school today after 6 weeks harvest holiday – very poor attendance. The school treat is fixed for Thursday week next, Sept 3rd 1874  
Aug-24 Rector called in the morning  
Aug-26 Rector called and examined copy books. Attendance still keeps small as the harvest is not yet over, Charles Jones returned today  
Sep-01 Today the children had the annual school treat at Nantyderry. It was a very wet day and only about 20 children came and a very few parents, so those that came had tea and were told to come again on Monday  
Sep-03 Today the children again met and though towards evening it rained slightly yet not sufficient to mar the sports which were concluded with friends  
Sep-07 Today we commenced with a better attendance for a Monday, than for a long time past  
Sep-11 The paper examination was a trifle better this morning  
Sep-18 I have given up drawing until after the examination as the children are so often engaged in garden work &c that it is more than I can manage to keep them up to the ordinary subjects of reading, writing and arithmetic  
Sep-25 Several absentees sent after today, the old tale returned, must help in garden  
Sep-28 Find a slight improvement in the 2nd standard especially in their taking down numbers. Reece Prosser in particular has much improved  
Oct-02 Only 6 brought as priced this morning  
Oct-05 I gave the children an extra half hour in music this afternoon as I have been compelled during this past week or two to depart slightly from the timetable in order to work up those who have been irregular in their attendance  
Oct-09 The usual school work during the past week. Fair attendance  
Oct-16 John Williams, an old scholar, has returned to the school after an absence of 10 months at Llanover school  
Oct-23 Paper examination was omitted today and the children had an extra half hour in singing in the afternoon  
Oct-30 Received notice of the intended visit of H M Inspector for Friday Nov 13th at 9.30  
Nov-02 Paper examination omitted today, also copy book writing  
Nov-06 The Rector called in the morning and informed the master that H M Inspector visit was altered from Friday Nov 13th to Thursday Nov 12th at 2.30. Attendance slightly better  
Nov-09 Today the school was inspected by H Waddington Esq., inspector of schools for the district and his assistant Mr Meggs: 33 were present, several were away owing to sickness  
Nov-12 The weekly average is improving but many are still attending very irregularly  
Nov-20 Wm Price went home from the playground this morning owing to some dispute with another boy. A more quarrelsome set of children it has never been my lot to have in any school than the children of this parish. The children bid fair to keep up the reputation of the parish in that respect – when the said Wm Price returns I shall certainly give him a slight remembrance of his return journey  
Nov-23 Wm Price returned and had his remembrance. Lewis Lewis returned after an absence of several weeks  
Nov-24 A heavy fall of snow having occurred in the night only 3 children came to school in the morning so I did not commence school until 10.15 as it was not worthwhile making the registers for so small numbers of children  
Nov-26 Commenced this morning with a number of children  
Dec-03 No examination on paper today  
Dec-06 The usual school work was done this week, the attendance, being for the time of the year very good  
Dec-11 Pence badly brought. The price being so low there should be no difficulty in the matter  
Dec-14 A heavy fall of snow having taken place during the night, covering the ground to the depth of 5 or 6 inches, there was no schooling as only 2 came  
Dec-16 Snow still deep and consequently broke up for Christmas holidays  
Dec-17 Commenced school today after three weeks holidays caused by very severe weather. A very few children were in attendance  
Jan-11 This week there was a better attendance, 21 having put in an appearance at prayer time
     
1875    
Jan-18 Rev T Evans called this morning and examined the children in reading and writing  
Jan-19 Paper examination this morning, very fairly done  
Jan-22 Yesterday was a very wet day, to that but a few came  
Jan-26 Only 7 children were present at prayers this morning, the worst attendance for a very long time and considering it was a very fine morning I thought to have mentioned that on this day last wee. The Rector received a communication from the committee of Council on Education  
Jan-28 Rector called this morning and examined the children in arithmetic complete letter
Feb-01 Wm Morris returned this morning after an absence of several weeks, many children are still away however and their parents seem to take no notice of the notes I sen requesting the attendance of the children. Spoke to the rector about leaving this school as the salary is not sufficient  
Feb-02 There was about the usual Monday attendance today, we did not have our annual paper examination on Friday as there was no foolscap paper at hand  
Feb-08 Attendance very irregular, cold weather again setting in, it has been the cause I propose. I shall this week depart a little from the time table as regards secular subjects  
Feb-10 Half holiday on account of a concert in the school room which requires cleaning. Attendance very slack again  
Feb-15 Mr Pape called concerning the re-admission of his son Henry who has been absent since I commenced my duties here having left with the late master. He is to come as a commercial class boy  
Feb-16 Snow again upon the ground and as a consequence a very slack attendance. Re-admitted Henry Pape after an absence of nearly two years  
Feb-22 Attendance today the lowest for some time as a fresh fall of snow took place early in the morning. There were only 10 present at prayers in the morning station masters son
Feb-24 Snowing still and every prospect of a continuance of same, so this weeks average will be very low  
Mar-01 Sent in my resignation as master of this school. Rector away and no paper for weekly examination at hand in so compelled to do without same  
Mar-03 Received a reply from the Rector accepting my resignation and also a communication from the Education department respecting the incorrect entries  
Mar-08 Attendance keeps both slack and irregular. Sickness is very prevelant out of the small number on the register about 12 or 15 are absent from that cause  
Mar-10 Weekly examination as usual, writing of late has much improved  
Mar-12 Fair attendance, every thing conducted as there were 28  
Mar-15 Attendance has again been most irregular as on no day since Monday has it come up to 29 although the total number in attendance is in excess of that  
Mar-19 John Reed returned after an absence of 4 weeks  
Mar-22 Susan Scammel returned after being absent three weeks, sickness still keeps many away from school although the weather is all that can be denied. The three Mathews are absent, three Rosser’s and many others  
Mar-23 Commenced holiday one week for Easter tide  
Mar-25 School commenced today after easter holidays with an with an attendance of 12  
Apr-05 Several absent at work in the garden 25 present today  
Apr-07 Weather very favourable, poor attendance  
Apr-09 The Rosser’s are away working in the garden and three of the Mathews are absent  
Apr-12 The three Morgan’s and the three Prichard’s are also away  
Apr-14 James Rosser again returned after a prolonged absence & deplorably ignorant  
Apr-19 Rector sent concerning delay in report  
Apr-20 Slight improvement in the attendance but great irregularity still prevails. In three families with a number of 8 of an age to attend only one is present and in other families it is as bad  
Apr-27 Admitted Rachel Williams aged 6 years to the infants class  
May-03 Very few children present (only 14) so gave them arithmetic best part of afternoon  
Mar-06 The report arrived but have not yet seen it  
Mar-11 Commercial holiday (Whitsun) for one week  
May-14 No schooling as tithes will be taken in the schoolroom.

Copy of HMI report for year ending October 31st 1874:
The infants did fairly in reading and writing, but were imperfect in knowledge of number, objects and form and colour, under the standards and spelling in the fist and second standards. Arithmetic is a failure, only one scholar passing in it.
The discipline was fair, some object cards are needed. The singing was bad

 Report 93
May-24 Commenced with an attendance of 14, admitted Wm Edgar aged 7 years  
May-25 A heavy thunderstorm having occurred about the time most of the children would start to school prevented them from coming, there were but 4 present in the morning  
May-28 Slight improvement in the attendance, James Rosser again at school, this is how things have been going on, one set of scholars are here one week then another set comes the following week and so it is a continuous scrabble to keep the children from falling back, there’s no chance to work them up. The Morgan family are here on average about 1 day in the week and the same with many others  
May-31 There was such a poor attendance in the 1st & 2nd classes that I did not give them a paper examination today  
Jun-04 A wet morning and small attendance as a consequence  
Jun 07 Charles Jones returned to school today after an absence of 15 weeks during which time he has been engaged at farm work. The 3 Morgan’s, 3 Mathews and 2 of the Reeds are away agin this week  
Jun-08 A whole holiday as I met Mr Evans in Abergavenny to settle a/c’s between us, not a very friendly meeting, but on the contrary a stormy one  
Jun-09 Only 3 children present this morning, a very wet and miserable day  
Jun-14 Received a letter from the Rector of Goytrey enclosing copy of one rec’d by him from “My Lords” and in which I e my sentence for my share in the affair of the registers  
Jun-18 The annual picnic at the Refreshment rooms Nantyderry, many away at the same. Nothing has been said about the children going to same this year so I suppose the Rector does not treating them there  
Jun-21 A very irregular attendance this week. Hay making in full operation  
Jun-25 A wet morning and a few children in attendance, only one girl present in the afternoon  
Jun-28 Sent to the Rector asking to his plan with regards to the school after I leave so I may know something as to the share of grant falling to me. His reply was that he proposed keeping the school on and that my portion of the grant when made should be duly forwarded to me.  
Jun-29 Resigned charge today – A Fabian  
Jun-30    

Indian Grant 1784 & 1805

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Aug 25 1784

We the proprietors of an Indian grant made in the month of June 1784 by the several Indian Nations in and about Detroit in favour of Mr Mcfee, Wm Caldwick, Mathew Elliot and Henry Bird esq., Mr Anthony St Martin Mr Chas McCormack, Mr Robin Surphleet, Mr Thos Mcfee and Mr Simon Girty, do herby consent and agree that the tract of land directly opposite the island of Bois Blane be divided into four parts and that the upper or north division be allotted to the above mentioned Henry Bird as his share and that the said fourth part allotted to the said Henry Bird shall run back as far as the small river or creek which empties itself into the lake, seven miles more or less, coating from the lower end of Bois Blane, or, as much more on the other side of the land as the majority of the proprietors make consent to, or allow to as much as a mark of our consent we hereunto set our hands this twenty fifth day of August in the year of our lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty dour in presence of each other.

A Mcfee; Mathew Elliot; Anthony St Martin

 

Sept 11th 1805

Made copy for Major Bird

One side bookhouses

Second Doc as first then continues:

Be it known to all whom it may concern that Henry Bird late Capt in the Kings Regiment of Foot do give unto Agnes Hazel of Detroit and unto Judith Hicks, sisters the southernmost of my two houses and the lot of land situate between the two runs or creeks on the east side of the river of Detroit opposite the isle of Bois Blane which they may cultivate of themselves or their assigns. I do give the said house and land aforesaid Agnes Hazel and Judith Hicks until such land and house be reclaimed and demanded by me the said Henry Bird, or my heirs executors or assigns on which claim or demand the aforesaid house and land is to Be delivered and given up as property appertaining to Henry Bird or his heirs – and it is to be delivered, that is the house and lot given for a term as above premised and mentioned) is to be redelivered free from all charges for buildings, labour or costs of any kind that may have been erected or furnished by the aforesaid Agnes Hazel or Judith Hicks or their assigns, but they may remove any such buildings at the delivery of the lot that may have been erected after the date of this deed. And if they or their assigns should have a crop of the land when it is redeemable and claimed they are to have the advantage of such crops further the said house and lot is not to be suddenly abandoned or left without proper persons to take care that the house be not damaged or destroyed.

In witness that this is my free will and deed I thereunto set my hand and seal in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty four and on the 31st day of August in presence of

Barnaby M Eudding – X

Henry Bird

We Agnes Hazel and Judith Hicks do consent to receive the house and lot mentioned and described in the premises on the conditions therein proposed and do mean God willing ti conform to the above spirit and meaning of this deed.

Signed:

Agnes Hazel; Judith Hicks

Witness:

Alex McCormick

 

I Edward Hazel do agree that my wife Agnes Hazel shall receive her part of the house and lot on the conditions proposed in the deed contained in this paper: signed Edward Hicks

Witness:

Barnaby Mc Edding

W Powlett

Letter from Alex Macomb, New York 1788

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T???

New York October 27 1788               

sent to Cpt. H Bird Goytre Nr Pontypool

Dear Sir

The pleasing period being at length arrived when u were to touch the fortune left you. I have taken the liberty of sending your bond and account carried to my friends Mrs Phelps Ellias of no. 27 Mark Lane London for payment and request you will pay to them and their discharge shall be an acquittance from Alex Macomb, the amount of our demand 1st May back is £1135 2s 11d New York currency to which interest until payment will be added.

We need not urge the cheerfulness with which we advanced this money nor the patience with which we have waited your convenience as motives to prompt you to repay us. We are perfectly assured of your honourable intentions and do not ? and doubt of your inclination to discharge our demand if you probably can we shall say no more on this matter.

The politics of this country have for some times been very fluctuating while the state were undecided on the subject of the new constitution in the place while peace and longevity appear throughout the union during the important deliberation at present things have every appearance of making that peace and tranquillity permanent from the above general concurrence of the states towards the new states of government which is to be organised in this city the first Wednesday in March next.

We promise ourselves much from its consolidation and energetic principals and we hope it will make the country respected as a nation and perhaps may be the means of inducing many respectable families from Europe coming to reside among us, in the number perhaps Capt. Bird.

I visited Detroit last summer and left in August last year – things are very much changed- indeed since your departure – half the houses in the main street empty and three fourths of the merchant banks and supply – your farms at Fredericksburg being very little advanced from what they were when you saw them tho Mr Hazel still lives there he has not enough clearing. The new settlements made by government on the Lawrence have increased astonishingly further sugar loaf increased in Lake Eve to Toronto. In lake Ontario is closely inhabited and from sixty miles west most of Cadgruguy?. Cedars is equally so and all thriving.

At Detroit farms on the same principal are laid out as far as point Pelee but few of them yet in occupation.

I shall be happy to hear from you & make my compliments to Mrs Bird and family,

I am, Dr Sir, yr obed servt

 Alex Macomb

Letter from Henry Ransden Detroit – 27th Sept 1796

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T???

27 Sept 1796       Fort Maldon mouth of the river Detroit

Sir, I had the misfortune to lose my dear wife on the 14th May last, leaving me with three small children, one boy and two girls.

The land you was pleased to leave in the possession of Mr Hazel and my deceased wife is taken possession of by the government and now a governor is erecting thereon and I understand that Mr Hazel has disposed of the southernmost house for some consideration towards payment. But for fear that I might enquire you in getting the value of your lands from government I have put the upper most house in possession of Douton Nasby who has undertook to take care of the instruction which you left, I never saw until about a month before the death of my dear companion who had entirely forgot her signing of the deed and after I was married and wanted to live in the upper house Mr Hazel asked me fifty bushells of wheat per year to live in it what I would not given and consequently hoped and have the please to inform that my children are all very well as I.

Sincerely hope you and yours are, please send my love to Mrs Bird and the children and,

I am Sir, with great regards your most humble servant

Henry Ransden

Letter from Mr Edward Hazel to Henry Bird – Detroit 1790

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T???

May 14th 1790 – Capt. Bird.    Mouth of the River Detroit.

Sir,

I have been informed by D Harffy of your kind intention of sending me a few goods to assist me in the support of my family.

I did not accept of your kind offer after last summer as I had some hopes of having the pleasure of you being in this country. At present I shall be much obliged to you to complete the Miland order that Mr Macombe has been good as to write for me and who has during your absence paid me and my family great attention. You will please to him the goods packed in small bales mkd with your own name HB and consigned to Robert Ellis HD merchnts Detroit who will take the trouble of paying the inland navigation and delivering the goods to me and then I can see them. I will deliver the package to Mr Macomb on your order. (I have not been able to clear more than about 30 acres of land on the 2 farms as you will know without money or assistance little can be done in this country. If you send me the above goods I shall be able to make some improvements on the land situated on the back creek.)

I have wrote you several letters and am happy to hear that yourself and family enjoy good health.

I have 3 children, Beth, Sally and Richard and if I have good luck this summer will produce a fourth.

My wife joins with me in your grand wishes to yourself, Mrs Bird and family

I remain Sir and with R

Your obedient servt

 Edward Hazel

T170 – Will of Henry Bird 1829 Colombo

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T170

Will of Henry Bird 2nd April 1829 Colombo

I Lieutenant Colonel Henry Bird of the 16th Regiment desire to be done as follows:

I have advanced to my brother Mr 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 in all his other property purchased or otherwise and in all profits and benefits arising thereof at Gampola near Kandy the whole of which share with the profits and advantages dependant thereof I bequeath to my wife Mrs Frances Maria Bird in trust for the benefit of our children.

I also bequeath to my said wife, Mrs Frances Maria Bird all my other property whatsoever description and monies likewise in trust for the same after my just debts have been paid and further for the payment of my debts in this country I devote the sum of ten thousand Sicca Rupees assured on my life in the Oriental Life Insurance office in Calcutta or such part of this sum as may be required for the purpose.

I request Captain Samuel Braybrook and assistant Surgeon Charles Tomlin Whitfield to be my executors in Ceylon and Mrs Frances Maria Bird to be my sole executrix in England.

I declare this to be my last will and testament.

Henry Bird

Lt. Col. 16th Reg.t

Witnessess:

J Chapman

Cpt. Riley

John Fred.k Conderlag

J Schroter

Pet.r Adloos

Anne Evans letters

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Correspondence between

Anne Evans (wife of Thomas Evans Clerk, Rector of Goytrey)

And the trustees of her uncle John (Fielden’s) will

Concerning the purchase of several estates

Re: Pentwyn Farm and Goytre Hall In1874

Letter 1 – Wickham, Hants, 6th May 1874

My Dear William
Re: Fielden
Can you, referring to these papers tell me what was paid on the admission of Gittens and myself with copy-holds which are subject to Sterlings mortgage as I am now making out a Wh. & D account from the time of Mr Fieldens deals.
Yours Sincerely
C. Smith
Wm Houghton Esq.

Letter 2 – Nantyderry, Abergavenny, 17th Dec 1874

Dear Mr Houghton
It is very handsome of you to say that on our growing absence that we will sign the deed. You will yourself undulate to send me my due while I thank you. I consider and I am, (?) you also do that Messrs Smith and Gittens have no right to withhold from me my due. It is not honest in them to do it, for much an act on their part you know I can rue them.
It is plain they have no desire to do by me as they have done by others entitled under my uncle’s will.
My consent, as I have told you, to dispose of my uncle’s estate was given to Mr Strickland on the distinct understanding that the property was temporarily placed in the funds in (Naler?) to re-invest. My portion is bankway Pref., or bank stock so that I might have proper value of.
Several years ago I had this matter before Mr Thomas White of Bedford, now who having examined the will, stated that it could be done: and he also said last spring that it could still be easily invested in lands.
I am not particular as to which invested.
I am not tied to any other source therefore the matter could be carried out in your office – I see no reason why I should lose £100 a year through a low rate of interest whilst the respective positions of Messrs Smith & Gittens are made the just of – and especially since by the terms of the will it is evident my uncle intended that I should have equal advantage with them in the event of becoming a wife or mother.
With my Rector’s and my now kind regards to you, wishing you all every happiness at this season,
I am dear Mr Houghton,
Yours very sincerely,
Mr W. Houghton Esq. Anne Evans

Letter 3 Wickham, Hants 6th May 1874
And at 166 Queen Street, Portsea & Jewry Street, Winchester

My Dear William,
Sterlings Mortgage
Please reply to Mr Evans as you propose.
Yours truly
C. Smith
Wm. Houghton Esq.

Letter 4 Nantyderry, Abergavenny, 13th March 1875

Dear Mr Houghton
Since I last wrote to you about the £200, Sir Geo Chetwynd has decided upon selling all his estates in this county.
There are three of his farms in this locality, one of 170 acres adjoining Nantyderry and another within a quarter of a mile and all in this parish.
It has occurred to me that there would be some dipping into it laying out in Railway Pref: shares. About 2 years ago the buildings on these farms were put in excellent order; the one adjoining us is in a high state of cultivation.
Should this place be calculated and the trustees require to further date’s faction that a view of the plans and particulars of the sale when they come out Mr Evans would save your expense of coming down to see the property.
This is an opportunity of benefiting my children in the way of position that can never rise again, properties about being sincerely curtailed, therefore I shall feel it my duty to leave no matter untried to attain so desirable an object, 1st by appealing to the trustees – and in case of refusal, to the court, which I have long ago been advised by Messrs White and Son, can be done and would on a full representation of the case be allowed by the court.
I shall be obliged to you if you will do your best with the trustees to obtain their consent to this reasonable plan as they accede to one plan for peace sake; I hope they will also accede notwithstanding their opposition.
We could easily purchase the farms in other ways but not without making sacrifice as we took up 636 of the last South Metropolitan Gas Shares on which £7 10s each, we now priced out our savings with my own and the Rectors.
With my own and the Rector’s kind regards
I am, dear Mr Houghton
Yours very sincerely
Mr Houghton Esq. Anne Evans

 

Letter 5 Portsmouth, 25th March 1875

My Dear Charles
I wish to be entirely (?) by Mr Houghton in the matter which I must desire is to purchase from Mrs Evans for his interest in the Sterlings property and if state that by admonishing £200 with the (?) monies on mortgage I think it would be wise to do so.
I return Mrs Evans letter
With kind love and regards to all yours,
W. Feildens

 

Letter 6 Nantyderry, Abergavenny, 31st March 1875

Dear Mr Houghton
If you and Susanna knew all you would feel as I do. Nothing will induce me to consent to Mr Goldsmith or any other party connected with Messer’s Smith & Gittens to be valuer so near me.
1st because I will have nothing to do with them
2nd because it would not be common fairness that they should be pledges in this matter – any more valuer in this or adjoining county suggested by them would do this, thought to be deemed reasonable and sufficient – the sale will be by public auction in the course of the summer and the valuer ought to be instructed not to give a notion to anybody as to who the purchaser is likely to be, for that would at once raise the interest most sincerely, the property being obviously worth more to us that they can be to any other person by reason of the contingency of the finest farm.
I have nothing but contentious feelings towards Mr C Smith for his own and his present sakes but on the ground will carefully look over my uncle John’s will.
You will see that their power is after all, very circumscribed and my own very considerable.
I am, dear Mr Houghton with our kind regards
Yours very sincerely
W Houghton Esq. Anne Evans

Letter 7 7 Mostyn Cresent, Llandudno, 18th June 1875

My Dear Mr Houghton
The enclosed telegram which I do not wished returned will shew you that we have purchased the farms.
We employed Mr Williams the solicitor and county treasurer from Monmouth, as our own solicitor firm Abergavenny would have been suspected as bidding for us.
I also enclose your plans of the property purchase to be completed on or before 25th December next. We have paid the deposit. We should prefer paying £5 per cent interest for 10 days and taking our Railway dividends if it can be managed.
We return home next Saturday.
With our kind regards
Yours very sincerely,
Mr W Houghton Esq. Anne Evans

Letter 8 Summerhill House, Tunbridge Wells, 20th July 1875

Mr Dear Mr Houghton,
Your letter has been forwarded onto me here. The splendid property and lands in the names of “Harriet Turner”, widow and Anne Evans.
Mr. Evans to Anne has been added by me since my baptism. The funds are being high now and you promised to buy preference stock.
The funds may go down by January and we may have to sell out at sacrifice, therefore if you can get preference stock on which the dividends will fall due about Christmas it would and will do so. It could stand in our joint names. – Anne Evans – CB.
Smith & Gittens – we are here with our friends Mr. & Mrs W C Bernard till after post next Monday, we then move to Brighton all together.
With all our kind regards
Yours very sincerely
Mr W Houghton Esq. Anne Evans

Letter 9 Nantyderry, Abergavenny, 17th July 1877

My Dear Mr Houghton
We are fairly tired that with the long delay over the conveyance. Had we foreseen it, we should have taken other steps as regards the payment, I am now anxious to prevent needless delay on my part.
Will you kindly say whether you are satisfied with the title and that the funded properties will be forthcoming as soon as the estates are duly conveyed?
It is a very complicated title but Mt Gabb thinks we shall be safe as there is no one to claim the property.
It is very provoking because the funds were so high months ago.
I am, dear Mr Houghton
Yours very sincerely
W. Houghton Esq. Anne Evans

P.S.How about my interest from the £200 which interest is my pocket money and must not be included in the capital amount. Will you kindly call on Messer’s Freer, Foster & co., as they have now approved conveyance.

Letter 10 Nantyderry, Abergavenny, 18th July 1878

Dear Mr Houghton
I return the paper duly signed by me and my Rector. Mr Evans wrote last Saturday to apply for £200 at the stock. We shall not know until after the 27th whether the request is granted, though in all probability it will be. Can you therefore go quite at your convenience for the money and interest, our brokers are Messrs Bragg & Stockdale, 6 Throuronto St, London EC, we have always been well treated by them but we shall not require a broker if we get this stock, you will only have to pay the £200 direct to secretary of Gas Light & Coke Co., in the names of A Evans, CB Smith and G Gittens.
The advantage of this stock is that it is not redeemable, need we shall not be worried at a time when money is plentiful to fork out for any other security.
If this falls through there will be no difficulty in purchasing other preference stock.
I am, dear Mr Houghton
Yours very sincerely
W Houghton Esq. Anne Evans

P.S.
We have paid another call on our South Metropolitan shares, twice I offered them to you as security. Only £1 now remaining to be paid and we would have our shares still worth more than £16000.

Letter 11 Nantyderry, Abergavenny, 17th April 1878

Dear Mr Houghton,
In respect of your letter received this morning I wrote some little time ago to Messrs Grant & Co., and asked them to send me this time their cheque direct registered letter, such that I would send them my stamped receipt.
We cannot see our way to bank in the new West of England bank in Pontypool, although we much like the old manager still in charge. All the banks are anxious to see us but we have not decided we have undersigned warrants now in the house for over £700.
I am thoughtful to say that we have no shares now in West of England or any bank but plenty of poor people out of work to employ.
Under the circumstances please let me have cheque direct this time when we have a bank I will let Messrs Grant know.
Mr Walter Long married an old school fellow of mine and my Rector knows Mr Hills, his brother in law.
I am, dear Mr Houghton
Yours very sincerely
W Houghton Esq. Anne Evans

Phoenix Cottage

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Phoenix Cottage – No. 742 on the 1841 Tithe Map.

The owner of Phoenix Cottage and blacksmith’s shop was the Earl of Abergavenny. This is a very old cottage, possibly dating to the 14th century.

Phoenix Cottage is in the centre of the village of Pellenny, an ideal position for the blacksmith’s shop where all the main highways passed.

A Latin lease, dated 1673 states:

George Jenkin holds one messuage, 1 barn, one smithy/forge in Pellenny, lately Lewis Watkins and before that Mathew Thomas Llus (Llewellin?) and pays per year 1d.

In the year 1692 Roger Richard holds a cottage adjoining 4 acres of waste on Pellenny Common that his mother, Alice Roberts lives in. (This is passed to William James of Llanfrechfa in 1725.)

By 1705 the lease, held by John Mathews, smith, of Llanover, of a cottage and smith’s forge..

Earl of Abergavenny lease 1018, dated in 1736 is now held by Walter Griffiths, he is holding a house, and smiths shop, the same year a second lease number 1053 is again granted to Walter Griffiths, smith, of a cottage and smith’s shop.

By 1762 William James is now holding the lease for Phoenix Cottage, he is mentioned in the overseer of the poor records as a smith and again in 1767 when the records says that he has the lease, which is late Mr Griffiths.

William James remains at Phoenix Cottage and there is a mention of him in 1781 when the lease he holds states he is a blacksmith and holds a cottage, garden and 3 parcels of rough land and holds the lease handed to him by Richards in 1725.

William James died in 1805, and was buried at St Peter’s Church, Goytrey.

On lease number 125 in 1807 Joseph Griffiths, blacksmith, takes the lease from the Earl of Abergavenny, but only for part of a messuage or dwelling house, William Williams is holding a lease “for the other part of the dwelling house.”

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Joseph Griffiths, during the years 1826-1831 is sitting on the Court Leet jury.

In 1831 valuation of the parish was taken, Joseph Griffiths was in occupation of house, garden and smiths shop, which was valued at £6.0.0.

By the census of 1841 David Jenkins and his wife Elizabeth are living at Phoenix.

Divy Jinkins, smith, is mentioned in William Williams Wharf coal accounts, on the 11th July 1844 when he purchased 14s 0d worth of Redorth coal which was retailing at 9s per ton and again in August when he purchased 16s 2d worth of coal. In October the same year he purchased 13s 2d worth of Red Ash coal. The last entry of David Jinkins coal purchase is on May 28th 1845 when he paid 7s 2d for Red Ash coal.

This changed in 1845 when Isaac Wilks and his family moved from Goytrey House Farm to Phoenix Cottage where he lived for the remainder of his life as the blacksmith in the village. Isaac had married Elizabeth Jenkins in1841.

His first purchase for coal was the 8th January 1845 when he paid £1 0s 0d, he continued his purchase of coal for the smithy from William Williams, Goytrey Wharf.

The census of 1851 gives Isaac’s age, he is 32, a blacksmith, Elizabeth his wife is 28, their children are John 9, Elizabeth 6, William 4, and two year old Maria.

The census of 1861 for the lower part of the parish is missing.

There is an article in the Free Press dated 7th November 1866 where Joseph White was alleged to have stolen a gun, the property of Isaac Wilks, the case went to Pontypool court where Joseph White was found not guilty.

In May 1870 Isaac Wilks was accused of assaulting Mary Mathews in Mamhilad, I don’t know if this is the elder or the younger Isaac.

The census of 1871 says Isaac Wilks is now 51, still a blacksmith, Elizabeth is 48, their children, living with them are Mary 12, Isaac 10 and Rachel 7.

Elizabeth Wilks, daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth married William Farr of Aberbeeg at St Iltyd’s, Mamhilad, on 4th October 1875, the witnesses were William and Martha Wilks.

There is an entry in the school register in 1880 saying that Isaac Wilks is the guardian of Polly, born 1875 and John Jackson born 1876, the children of his daughter Maria who had married John Jackson in 1873.

On the 1881 census Phoenix is called Penperllenny Cottage number 1. Isaac is now 62, still a blacksmith and was born in Goitrey, Elizabeth is 58 and was born in Mamhilad., daughter Rachel is 17, a dressmaker, also living with them is their grand-daughter Mary Ann Jenkins who was born in Llantrissant.

The census of 1891 says the property has 4 rooms which are occupied by Isaac who is now 73 and Elizabeth 68, and daughter Rachel who is now 27.

Isaac Wilks died and was buried at St Peter’s church on 21st June 1892 .

The new blacksmith (but not in occupation of the cottage) was Frederick Hodgekiss, who ended up in court in November 1894 for obtaining, by false pretences 2s from William Wilks. To this charge Frederick pleaded guilty.

The census of 1901 at Penperllenny No. 3 is Elizabeth Wilks, a 78 year old widow and her daughter Rachel, a 37 year old dressmaker.

Elizabeth Wilks died and was buried at St Peter’s with Isaac on July 1st 1905.

On the 1911 census Rachel is on her own at Phoenix Cottage.

In 1920 the Earl of Abergavenny sold his properties in Goytre. The description given for Phoenix Cottage is a smith’s shop and cottage and part garden, held by Miss Wilks, sold to the tenant.

The 1921 census says Miss Wilks is 58, a sewing mistress for the trustees of Monmouthshire Reformatory Little Mill, she was born in Goytre.

In 1935, Rachel Wilks was mentioned in the inquest of her cousin, Mary Williams of Bedfont Cottages.

Rachel is registered at Phoenix Cottage on the 1939 register and remained at Phoenix cottage until her death in June 1952.