Author Archives: Viv Rosser

1957 Free Press

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January 4th – Secretary’s Bombshell for Goytre OAP

A dismayed silence followed the speech of secretary Mr Horace Prosser when Goytre Old Age Pensioners held their new year party at Goytre Memorial Hall on Saturday.

It was broken by 77 year old Mr T Langley, founder of the club and until last year, its chairman as well. Said Mr Langley looking down at the table, “that’s the worst speech we have heard this evening.” For Mr Prosser had just announced his own impending resignation.

He began by saying that he had now been secretary for 5 years though when he first took the job on he meant it to be for only a temporary basis. But said Mr Prosser it didn’t take long for me to find out there was nothing much temporary about it. Yet Mr Prosser had enjoyed the job “I’ve learn’t a lot about human nature,” he said, both the good and bad side.

But now he was forced to resign, one reason, for Mr Prosser is a farmer, was that he had more stock now to look after

January 13th – Mr Henry Williams ( in obituaries)

Goytre Motorcyclist Given Benefit of Doubt

As they felt that there was a great deal of doubt, Pontypool magistrates dismissed charges alleging careless and inconsiderable driving against a builder’s labourer. Malcolm Evan Dobbs, of New Houses, Goytre, pleaded not guilty and was defended by Mr. D P Tomlin  (Everett & Tomlin.)

A pedestrian, Brian Jones of Ynysddu described how he saw Dobbs’ motorcycle collide with a motor-cycle combination, the rider of which had given a signal that he was going to turn right.

The rider of the motor-cycle combination, Cyril Bull of Brynmawr said he looked into his mirror to see if there was any traffic following him. He gave a signal that he was going to turn right and the next he knew was that the motor-cycle crashed into him.

PC David Edwards said when he arrived on the scene Dobbs had been removed to Pontypool Hospital. Twenty two year old Dobbs told the magistrates he had ridden a motor-cycle for almost every day during the past four years. The machine he was riding on the day was practically new; he had had it 14 days: it had done only 480 miles and he was running the machine in, his speed was not excessive.

He followed the motor-cycle combination for some distance and when it pulled into the left and slowed down near the BNS factory he thought it was going to stop so he decided to pass it. As he did so the motor-cycle combination pulled across to the right and the collision occurred.

His machine was undamaged but he fractured his collar-bone.

Failed to Report Accident

A Penperlleni research worker alleged that though he travelled at 45 mph he failed to catch a car that had collided with his vehicle.

At Usk magistrates Court, learner driver Dennis William Blanche of Newbridge was fined a total of £5 for careless driving, failing to stop after an accident and failing to conform with a halt sign. He was also ordered to pay 11/6 costs.

Stanley William Hayes of Rose Cottage Penperlleni, said that his car was bumped and scraped as Blanche overtook near Monmouthshire Institute of Agriculture. He chased the car and though he travelled at 50-60 mph he failed to catch Blanche, who ignored the halt sign at the junction with Usk bridge.

Eighteen year old Blanche said he heard a rubbing sound as he overtook. His passengers looked back to see if anything was wrong and as the other car was still following, he thought nothing had happened.

September – Goytre Man For Trial On House Breaking Charge

A Goytre man arrested on charges of breaking and entering and theft was alleged to have told a police officer: “All right. It was all because of my brother, I did it. He got me turned out of the home”. 

Eric John Frewin aged 30 of no fixed address was accused at Pontypool Magistrates Court of breaking and entering a house at Goytre on the night of July 13 and stealing 12/- belonging to Frederick Bishop. Other charges were that he stole a raincoat valued at 12 guineas, and four books valued at £4 and from his brother, William Francis George Frewin.

Frewin was committed for trial at Quarter Sessions and allowed bail on his own and another recognisance of £10.

Frederick Henry Thomas Bishop, cleaner, of Lynwood, Newtown, Goytre said that on the night of 13th July he was sleeping in a chair in his front room. About midnight he woke up and heard a knock at the front door.

He went upstairs to look through a bedroom window at whoever was there. While he was up there he heard a bump on the back door.

After hearing the curtains being torn he saw a light coming from the downstairs room.

Going downstairs he heard someone run out of the house through the back door. Later he found that a ten shilling note and about 2/- was missing from the dresser.

William Frewin, of Fernlea, Newtown, Goytre said that until July 13 his brother (the accused) had lived with him and their mother.

Witness possessed  a fawn raincoat and four engineering books all of which had his name inside. He last saw the raincoat hanging in a wardrobe in his home on June 26 but could not recall when he last saw the books.

Visit to Pub

Aubry Jones, cinema projectionist, of 9 Lewis Terrace, Pontnewynydd, gave evidence that Eric Frewin told him he had some engineering books if witness would like to read them. Jones did not read any of the books.

Police constable L. Clewer said that Frewin when arrested at Hereford made a statement that after he left a public house he went home but his mother would not let him in. He went to Bishop’s home, entered and took the 12/- later sleeping in a shed.

Next day he went home but his mother would not let him in so he went down to the canal bank and roamed around the fields. The following day he got a lift to Hereford where he was arrested after coming out of a public house.

Police constable David Edwards said that Frewin, when questioned about the missing raincoat and books said he sold the coat for 10/- but only lent the books. The raincoat had been recovered but the books had not yet been traced.

Harris , Franklyn James – 1925

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Feb 8 1925

Franklyn James Harris 64 years of Glanbaiden, Goytre,  the elder s/o Samuel Franklyn Harris of Gwenffrwd was buried at St Peter’s church.

Bearers: W Lewis; T Jenkins;  Nicholas R Evans; W Davies and  E Spencer.

Mourners: Mr W J Harris,  Coventry brother;  Mr S G Harris Abergavenny, nephew; Rev D Davies, Llanvapley, brother-in-law;  Mr J Jeremiah Goytre, brother -in-law;  Godfrey W James Abersychan, cousin;  Mr B Jeremiah Barry, cousin;  Mr A Jeremiah Nantyderry, cousin;  Mr W Jeremiah, Barry cousin;  Mr T Harris;  Mr T Walker;  Mr Leaky; Mr R Parker.

 

Williams , Henry – 1957

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The funeral took place at Goytre Churchyard of Mr Henry Williams of the “Hollies,” Goytre. Services were conducted by the Rev. Alernon L Davies.

Mourners: Harry, Sid, Stan and Bill, sons; Aubrey, brother; Trevor, Alf, George, Olly Tom and Ted, sons-in-law; George, brother-in-law; 

At the house: Lil, Mary, Elsie, Elizabeth, Annie and Eve, daughters; Gwen, Ann Ett and Elsie, sisters; Dorothy and Lin, daughters-in-law; Mrs L Humphries, Mr & Mrs Hall.

Flowers: Harry Lil and family; Mary & Trevor; Sid and Dorothy; Stan & Olive; Elsie & Alf; Elizabeth, George and family; Annie, Olly and girls; Gwen & Aubry; Bill, Lin & family; Ede, Ted and baby; Ann & George; Eat & Elsie; Mrs L Humphries; Tom, Mrs Parry; Neighbours and friends, Newtown; Darts team, Goytre Arms; Beryl, Bill & family; Mrs Williams & family; Nana and Jacky; Women’s dart team, Horseshoe; Pontypool, Men’s darts team, Horseshoe; Mrs Evans, Pontypool.

Esther and her son William Lee 1791

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Drouin Collection microfilm at Windsor Public Library (2012)

Notaires de Detroit 1790-1796, Volume 4, pages 74-76, Microfilm Number 3316

L’Assomption D. Hesse 29th of June 1791

Detroit August 14th 1784

I, Henry Bird, do declare that the wench Esther became my property in consequence of an article of Capitulation of Martin Fort whereby the inhabitants and defenders agreed to deliver up their blacks, arms and moveables to the Indians as their property on condition that their persons should be safely conducted to Detroit – which article was punctually complied with and fulfilled by the Captors the said Esther became my property by consent and permission of the Indian Chiefs

(signed)

H. Bird Captain Present and witness (signed)

  1. McKee D. A. I. Affairs I do hereby make over and give away my right and property in the said wench and her male child to William Lee in consideration of his having cleared for me sixteen acres of Land.

(signed)

H. Bird Captain I certify that the above is a true copy of the original paper recorded by me at

L’assomption in the D. of Hesse the twenty ninth day of June one thousand and seven hundred and ninety one.

T. Smith C. Peace and Recorder

The Nightingale

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Taken from the Western Mail and South Wales News June 1985.

The Nightingale: When fields were crowded with listeners.

Sir, With reference to the statement that the nightingale has never been heard in South Wales, may I prove the following evidence obtained from my mother, who, at 70 years of age distinctly remembers the occasion when she heard the bird.

The Nightingale was heard in this district in June for several successive years about 30 years ago. Many local inhabitants heard it in the Pengroesoped wood, which was re-named the Nightingale Wood.

My mother and brother heard it also in the Abergwellan Wood 31 years ago. The birds presence created great interest far and near and listeners tramped over the mountain from the Avon Llwyd valley via the Goose and Cuckoo and Star Inns to hear the song of the Nightingale.

Many people came out in brakes or four-wheeled trolleys, others came by train to Nantyderry station, some travelled on push-bikes and picked along the star-lit country roads and lanes.

Visitors would collect very quietly in these woods; whichever the birds were frequenting. So many people were attracted on occasions that the neighbouring fields were filled.

At Walnut Tree my mother also heard the bird in question in a wood near Walnut Tree.

(Unfortunately I don’t know who wrote this letter to the paper)

Lynwood

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The first mention of Lynwood is on the 1911 census when Alfred Thomas a 66 year old widower from Llangattock, son Edgar 34, a blacksmith born in Lanvair Kilgedin along with his daughter Edith 29 who had married George Sexton 29 from Hereford and grandchildren Annie 2 and Edith 3 both were born in Kemys Commander.

The 1914 poor rate says the owner is Edgar Thomas.

Lynwood was sold to L R Bowen of Oak Cottage in 1920 for the sum of £260.

The property is not mentioned on the census of 1921 but in 1923 Sidney and Laura Jenkins are in residence.

The 1939 electoral register says George and Nellie Ricketts are at Lynwood, George was born in 1896 he is employed as an underground labourer, Nellie was born in 1904, children Fred and Donald are both attending school while Ellis and Edmund are under school age there is also one closed account. Ellis died in 1945 in Pontypool. The photograph is George and Nellie Ricketts.

I remember the James family at Lynwood in the 1950’s/60’s they kept a small shop on the premises.

 

Nantyderry Railway Cottages No.4

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Number 4 Nantyderry Cottages was not occupied on the census of 1891.

On the 1901 census 26 year old William Powell a signalman from Hereford with his wife Harriet 24 also from Hereford were in residence, staying with them is their 9 year old relative from Ebbw Vale, Sophie Hart.

In 1911 Sarah Taylor a 72 year old widow, her son Jesse Taylor and his wife were in residence, Jesse was 34, born in Rhyd-y-meirch Llanover the son of George, a carpenter, he gave his occupation as a butler, Sarah his wife was born in Bristol.

In 1921 gardener Eli Henry Jenkins with his family have moved into number 4.

Eli came from Ledbury he was 33, his wife Viola, 33 from Swansea, as was a visitor, Annie Solomon aged 55. Eli and Viola’s children are Joan Viola 2 and 2 month old Eric Henry.

The electoral register of 1939 says Ernest Rouse, a gardener and chauffeur born in 1913 and his wife Mary Ellen born 1913 and their son Anthony who is under school age are in residence. Ernest Rouse died in Cheltenham in 1994.

Nantyderry Railway Cottages No.3

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Nantyderry No. 3

The census of 1891 says Henry Neate aged 25, a railway signalman born in Hereford is residing at number 3 with his family, wife Clara, 23 from Llanvihangle Crucorney and their son Albert Henry 2, born in Goytre, Living with them is Clara’s sister Sonia Harrison aged 17.

Henry Neate married Susannah Mills and had three children, Harry, Edwin and Hannah, he was moved to Cheltenham with his occupation as a signalman, he died in Cheltenham in 1930 leaving probate of £1278 0s 5d to Alfred Roberts assistant post superintendent.

By  1901 the new occupier of number 3 was Charles Southam also a signalman, Charles was 25 from Hereford, his wife Sarah 23 was from Abergavenny, they have a one year old son Charles who was born in Llanvihangel Crucorney.

By 1911 Tracy Leeworthy 30 a GWR signalman and his wife Maud, daughter Mollie Gwendoline along with their niece Madeline Florence Sweet and boarder Albert Price were in residence.

They remained at  Nantyderry until about 1918 as the new family who took residence was Charles Wagher and his wife Annie, followed shortly in 1921 by Emma Collet a widow, her husband John having died in 1918, Emma and John’s children were John 25, a gardener working for D Knight, Nantyderry, Blanche Maria 14, and a boarder Sandford George 34 from Gloucester. They moved back to Worcestershire at some point.

By 1935  Percy, Doris and George Jones lived at number 3.

By 1937 William Rouse and his family took residence, they remained in Nantyderry for many years moving into the station house by 1939 as on the 1939 electoral register for number 3 is Reg Gwatkin, a tiler and plasterer born in 1914, with his wife Winifred born in 1909.

Reg Gwatkin died in 1964

William Rouse died in 1960 aged 83 and Harriet in 1940 aged 76.

Nantyderry Railway Cottages no.1

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I am unable to ascertain who is at number one until the census of 1891 when Stephen Gregory 76 from Corsham and his 75 year old wife Mary from Ireland are in residence.

This had changed by 1891 to Maria Taylor 63, she occupied the grocer’s shop, living with her are her sons Benje 32, a tyler and plasterer, Jesse 24, a groom and 22 year old daughter Eliza, all the family were born in Llanover.

By 1901 David Hughes, 28 year old from Carmarthen employed as a cattleman on a farm was in residence along with his family, Ellen his wife was 30 from Conwy, children Alice 7, Winifred 4 and one year old Griffith, who were all born in Carmarthen.

In 1911 Martha Thomas a widow born in Goytre is in residence, she is 71 years old.

By 1921 the Allchurch family had taken up residence, Charles Tasker Allchurch married Beatrice Ellen Salter in 1909 at Badsey church Herefordshire.

Prior to coming to live in Nantyderry Charles had a military tribunal relating to his exemption from military service, the document dated 17th October 1916 says he is 34 and working at Mr Blakes market gardens of 9 acres and being the sole labourer on the establishment was granted temporary exemption until 1st January 1917.

On the census of 1921 Charles Tasker Allchurch is 39 from Bredforton Hereford, he is employed by D Knight’s market gardens in Nantyderry, Beatrice his wife is 30, their children are Hilda 11, Alfred 9, Margaret 5, Florence 4 and two year old Wilson, all the children were born in Badsey.

By 1926 the Allchurch family had moved to Little Mill where they were successful market gardeners.

Charles Tasker Allchurch died in November 1947, probate of £2694 1s 9d was left to Beatrice., he is buried in St Peter’s church.

For a very short while Alice Flowers lived at number 1 but had left by 1927.

On the 1939 electoral register says Thomas Edward Fay, a retired GWR platelayer born in 1874 and his wife Laura born in 1870.

Thomas Fay was born in Havant, he married Laura Reed in 1911 and lived with his father-in-law, a general haulier in Llangibby. Thomas and Laura had a daughter Caroline Maud who was 2 in 1911. They moved from Nantyderry to St Helen’s Lancashire about 1950 where Thomas died in 1956 followed by Laura in 1960.

 

 

Nantyderry Railway Cottages No.2

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Nantyderry Railway Cottages No.2

The Rev. Thomas Evans about 1869 built the cottages. Living at number two in 1881 was Edwin Poole, Edwin was born in1843 a few miles away in Kemys Commander, the son of Dennis an agricultural labourer and his wife Elizabeth.

He married Elizabeth James at St Woolos in 1875, on the census Elizabeth is 40 she was born in Llanelly.

On the census of 1871 Edwin was a servant at the Cross Inn, Lanvair.

Edwin and Elizabeth Poole remained at the cottage for many years, in 1891 he was a gardener, living with him on the census besides his wife Elizabeth was a boarder called William Beard who was a railway porter born in Westbury Gloucestershire.

Ten years later on the census of 1901 Edwin had become the second gardener, possibly at Nantyderry House.

Edwin was still a gardener in 1911, he is now 67, living with him and Elizabeth is Charles Ecott a coachman aged 35 from Hereford.

Elizabeth Poole died in January 1915, she was buried at St Peter’s Church. Edwin remains at his cottage although on the census of 1921 it says Edwin is living on his own at number 4. (I have had difficulty in establishing who lived in the cottages due to the enumerators having different ideas as to the way they were numbered, or in some cases, no numbers whatsoever).

Edwin died in August 1927 and was buried along with Elizabeth at St. Peter’s Church Nantyderry.

I have searched the electoral registers for the new residents of the cottages but once again the house numbers are missing which means I would have to guess who lived where.

In 1939 the electoral register says Archibald Rosser, his wife Anne and their 4 children were living at number 2.

16 May 1945 Western Mail – for sale,  3 cottages owned by Mr M O’Sullivan

There is an adult baptism at St Peter’s in July 1951 of Glyn Harvey Charles Arthur born in 1928, Glyn is living with his parents Henry and Frances at number 2. he is a British railway employee.