Fragments (18^th/19^th Century)

By John D Ellis

It’s nice when you can tell the whole story but sometimes it isn’t possible and all you have is a fragment, insignificant in its own right but, combined with other fragments, they can contribute in a small way to a bigger picture.

Fragments are frustrating but can sometimes trigger further research and develop into something more significant.

Bob (a runaway, Glasgow, 1766)

Bob. ADVERTISEMENTS, STRAY’D. A NORTH AMERICAN INDIAN BOY, four feet
high, and looking to be about fourteen years of age, of a very tawney complexion, stout made, broad fat face, black eyed, with brissly (bristly) black hair in his head, having the hair of one of his eye-lids white, his ears bored, and a mixture of white hairs in his head, freckled like an adder in his neck, knees, and other parts of his body, dressed in a hat, a red vest, red under vest, black stocking breeches, bare-footed, who speaks English very imperfectly. He strayed from his Master’s house in Glasgow early on Monday morning, the 11th August current. He answers to the name of BOB. Whoever can secure and give account of him to Claude Marshall, Writer in Glasgow, will be paid all charges, and thankfully rewarded.^[1]Source: The Caledonian Mercury, 13 August 1766. findmypast.co.uk

Who was Henrietta Penelope Needham Lane?

The spa town of Bath in Somerset was very much second home to the fashionable ‘great and good’ of Georgian England. In July 1770, well-heeled readers of the Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette consulting the ‘Died’ (deaths) column would have been informed of the passing of such luminaries as Sir Thomas Hankey, a Banker in the city of London. Also, of Alexander Commyns esq., at his house in Leicester Fields and Jonathon Bradley esq., in Harley Street, Cavendish Square. Finally,

“Miss Henrietta Penelope Needham Lane, an African Lady, said to have died worth 50,000l. at Islington”.^[2]Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 12^th July 1770. findmypast.co.uk

The Gentleman’s Magazine, whose news and commentary was aimed at educated members of the public, also included a reference to the death on the 5^th of July 1870 of

“Miss Penelope Lane, an African Lady, at Islington, worth 50,000l.”^[3]Urban, S.(ed). The Gentleman’s Magazine and Historical Chronicle, Volume XL, for the year MDCCLXX. (London, 1770).

The sum of £50,000 was considerable even in 1770, equating to the purchasing power of approximately £11.6 million in 2023.^[4] It would appear that Henrietta Lane was a woman of substance, whose name was deserving of being written alongside (albeit after) Sir Thomas Hankey and Messrs Commyns and Bradley et al. Searches of both ancestry.co.uk and findmypast.co.uk, including the newspaper archives of the latter, provide three more references to Henrietta Penelope Needham Lane: One is a second newspaper report about her death (similar to the original).^[4]Derby Mercury, 13^th July 1770. findmypast.co.uk The second is a burial entry dated 10^th July 1770 for Henrietta Penelope Needham Lane, aged 20 years, at St Mary’s Church, Islington.^[5]London, England, Church of England Baptisms, Marriages and Burials, 1538-1812. London Metropolitan Archives (LMA). ancestry.co.uk There was no reference to ethnicity in the burial record, but this in-itself is not unusual and is indicative of the difficulties faced when attempting to trace the lives of ‘people of colour’ in the past. The third reference is her last will and testament, drawn up in June 1770 and naming John and Elizabeth Ball of Ludgate Hill, London as her main beneficiaries:

“I Henrietta Penelope Lane of Aldersgate Street, London, Spinster, so make my last will and testament as follows: I give to Gastroight Frederick of the Temple, London, Esquire two hundred pounds (and) three per cent Consolidated bank annuities. I give all my linen and wearing apparel to Mrs Elizabeth Ball, wife of Mr John Ball of Ludgate Hill, London and deliver all the rest and residue of my efforts of what nature or ________ after the payment of my debts and funeral expenses. I give to the said Mr John Hall for his own use and do appoint the said Mr Ball sole executor of this my will and hereby revoking all other will be me at any time……this to be my last will and testament. I witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this sixth day of June in the year of Our Lords One Thousand Seven hundred and seventy”.^[6]Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills Index 1750-1800. December 1771. findmypast.co.uk Society of Genealogists, copyright Society of Genealogists. www.ancestry.co.uk

The will was witnessed by Joseph Well and John Emery, and subsequently ‘proved’ at London in December 1771. There was no reference to ethnicity in the Will, and certainly none to £50,000, the highest amount mentioned being £200 – approximately £46,600 in 2023. The reference to £50,000 may well have been a mistake that was simply repeated.

None of this helps us answer the question, who exactly was Henrietta Penelope Needham Lane?

George Goodluck

George Goodluck was born at Cape Coast Castle, Africa c.1756. Nothing is known of his origins, but Cape Coast Castle (Ghana) was a major centre for the trade in enslaved people. He enlisted in the 98^th Foot in England in May 1805, shortly after it was formed. The regiment served in Canada and the Caribbean. George Goodluck was with the regiment until July 1815 when he transferred to the 6^th Royal Veterans. He was discharged on a pension as a private in March 1816 due to debility. On discharge he was 60 years of age, 5 feet 11 and ½” tall with black hair, black eyes and a black complexion. A labourer by occupation, he marked, rather than signed, his records.

A George Goodluck aged 72 years of Shoe Lane Workhouse died at Holborn and was buried at St Andrew’s Church in April 1828.^[7]Sources: The National Archives (TNA) WO 119. findmypast.co.uk Church of England Deaths and Burials, 1813-2003. London Archives. ancestry.co.uk

Three Black Deserters from the 29^th (Worcestershire) Regiment of Foot at Deal Barracks, Kent in September 1807.

From the Kentish Weekly Post or Canterbury Journal, dated 29^th September 1807:

DESERTED,

From his Majesty’s 29 Regiment of Foot, quartered in Deal Barracks, the following

THREE BLACK DRUMMERS, viz.

WILLIAM HALL, about 22 years of age, 5 feet 9 ½ inches high, slender made, long head, long face, nose rather flat, long neck, square shoulders; a native of America; has marks of punishment; talks fast and stutters a little. – 2^nd September, 1807.
JOHN PETERS, about 21 years of age, 5 feet 5 inches high, slender made, long head, long face, flat nose, large mouth, round shoulders, a little marked with small pox, and marks of punishment; a native of the Cape of Good Hope. – 19^th September, 1807.
STEPHEN SIMMS, about 23 years of age, 5 feet 9 ½ inches high, stout made, round face, flat nose, large mouth, short neck, broad shoulders, stutters a little when speaking fast; a native of America; supposed to have on blue pantaloons. – 22^nd September, 1807.

ONE GUINEA over and above what is allowed by Act of Parliament, will be paid for the apprehending each of the deserters.^[8]Kentish Weekly Post or Canterbury Journal, 29^th September 1807. findmypast.co.uk

The 29^th (Worcestershire) Regiment of Foot employed Black men as enlisted drummers between the 1750s and 1840s.^[9]The 29th Foot are an antecedent regiment of The Mercian Regiment (Cheshires, Worcesters and Foresters and Staffords). Ellis, JD. “Drummers for the Devil? The Black Soldiers of the 29th … Continue reading (The Crown regiments of the British Army do not appear to have made any distinction between those of African or Asian origin, simply describing them as “Black” or “of colour”). Numbering up to as many as ten at any one time, they were deployed both at company level and as part of a ‘Corp of Drums’. The majority of men came from Africa and the African Diaspora, with a few from India. Two were born in Ireland, and at least one was born in England – Hugh Bacchus, who later achieved the rank of Drum Major Sergeant in the 97^th (Queen’s Own Germans) Foot (re-numbered as the 96^th Foot in 1816).

Whilst being ‘absent without leave’ (AWOL) was considered temporary, desertion was considered as permanent. Hence, the range of serious punishments for the latter – being flogged (or lashed), transported for life or executed. Only three Black drummers are known to have deserted from the 29^th Foot: However, all three absconded, albeit separately, from the same place (Deal Barracks, Kent) in the same month (September 1807).

The average height of a male at the time was between 5 foot 4 and ½ and 5 foot 6, and therefore William Hall and Steven Simms, who both stood at 5 foot 9 and ½, would have been imposing figures. Two of the three men stuttered, although that would not have impeded them as drummers. Interestingly, two bore “marks of punishment” – which are almost certainly a reference to wounds on the back caused by flogging, although whether that was done to them whilst they were in the 29^th or prior to service (perhaps if they had previously been enslaved), is unknown. Whilst one came from the Cape of Good Hope, the other two were described as being “native of America”, which usually meant the USA, but could also mean Canada, or on occasion, the Caribbean.

The regiment had recently returned from Nova Scotia in Canada (1802-1807), although the enlistment of two of the three deserters (William Hall and John Peters) predated this time: Drummer Willliam Hall enlisted in the 29^th Foot on the 30^th of November 1799, when the regiment had just arrived at Dover Castle after marching through London. Drummer John Peters enlisted in the 29^th Foot on the 12^th of February 1801, when the regiment were quartered in Hampshire. However, four Black Nova-Scotians did enlist in the 29^th whilst it was serving in Canada: James Freeling, James Kearney, James Patison and George Wise.^[10]For William Hall and John Peters see TNA WO 25/957. findmypast.co.uk For the locations of the 29th Foot see: Everard, Maj. H. “History of Thomas Farrington’s Regiment, subsequently designated the … Continue reading

Why they chose to desert remains unknown, but with Deal being a coastal town there were probably plenty of ships willing to turn a ‘blind eye’ to the origins of volunteers. However, in the case of John Peters and Stephen Simms, their desertions would have been after news had arrived in the regiment of the murder of Drummer John Sampson, (of Barbados), who was on recruiting duty in Aberdeen.^[11]For John Sampson see: TNA WO 12/4503 and WO 25/957. Also see: Ellis, JD. “Drummers for the Devil? The Black Soldiers of the 29th (Worcestershire) Regiment of Foot, 1759-1843,” Journal of the … Continue reading

None of the three appear to have been recaptured, and their fate remains unknown.

Drum Major Hugh Bacchus – A Black Sergeant from Dover, c.1773-1843

Hugh Bacchus was born at St Mary’s, Dover, Kent c.1773. His father is likely to have been John Bacchus, a Jamaican drummer in the 29^th (Worcestershire) Regiment of Foot who were quartered at Dover Castle from November 1773. An inspection of the regiment, at Dover in April 1774, noted that “Ten Drummers are negroes”. The complexion of Hugh Bacchus was later described as “Black” rather than an alternate description that might suggest he was of ‘mixed heritage, and so it is possible that both of his parents were Black (the Crown regiments of the British Army do not appear to have made any distinction between those of African or Asian origin, simply describing them as “Black” or “of colour”). Initially enlisting in the 29^th as a ‘Boy soldier’ in May 1786, he served as a drummer in the regiment until June 1807. In early 1801, the 29^th, quartered in Winchester, were deployed to South-West England to deal with civil unrest. During this time Hugh Bacchus met Mary Gowman and subsequently married her on the 20^th of April 1801 at the parish church in Bideford. The groom signed the marriage certificate, indicating that he was literate, whilst the bride marked it.

In Nova Scotia in June 1807, he was transferred to the 97^th (Queen’s Own Germans) Foot (re-numbered as the 96^th Foot in 1816). He was immediately promoted from the rank of drummer to that of Drum Major Sergeant (‘Drum Major’ being his appointment and ‘Sergeant’ his rank). It was comparatively rare for Black soldiers to become senior non-commissioned officers, and his promotion must have reflected his experience and his ability, not to mention his literacy (a requirement for a senior non-commissioned officer). As the Drum Major, Hugh Bacchus was responsible for:

a)Defending the drummers and bandsmen (they provided communications in battle).

b)Standards of dress and deportment and the military discipline of all drummers and bandsmen. (This could range from between 20-40 individuals depending on the size of the regiment).

c)Administration of the Corps of Drums.

d)Maintaining the standard of drill of the Corps of Drums.

e)Administering military justice (invariably this meant lashing miscreant soldiers).

With the 97^th, Hugh Bacchus saw service in the Peninsula Campaign (between 1808 and 1811) and the ‘War of 1812’ (in 1814). There is a reference in 1817 to a Hugh Bacchus marrying a Frances May in the diocese of Cork and Ross, Ireland, however, it is not known if it was the same man or, if it was, what had happened to Mary Bacchus (nee’ Gowman). The regiment was disbanded in Ireland in December 1818. Drum Major Sergeant Hugh Bacchus was stationed in Clonmel, (County Tipperary) Ireland when the regiment was disbanded. He was provided with ‘marching money’ of 15s/6d to enable him to travel to Dublin to attend Kilmainham Hospital. He was discharged on a pension on 23^rd December 1818. On discharge he was forty-five years old, 5 feet 6″ tall (5 feet 5 and ½ was also noted), with black eyes, black hair and a black complexion. A labourer by occupation (hairdresser was also given, although he had been a soldier since childhood), his conduct was noted as being “exceeding good, and he is hereby recommended for the highest possible pension that can be granted.” He was awarded 2s/1 and 1/2d per day – over twice the daily pay of an agricultural labourer or infantry private. He signed his records.

There is a single newspaper reference to a Hugh Bacchus and Edmond Maybury, glove manufacturers and hosiers of Mealcheapen Street, Worcester being forced to sell their stock and furniture in the Worcester Journal of 15^th April 1824. However, it is not known if that is the same man.

The last reference in pension records is to the death of Hugh Bacchus in December 1843, however, no place of death is noted. As he cannot be identified in the British registers for deaths, and he does not appear on the list of pensioners residing in the ‘colonies’ it is most likely that he settled in Ireland and died there.

The story of Hugh Bacchus should end there, but at St Mary, Whitechapel on the 9^th of November 1845, an Anne Bacchus married a John King. Both were “of full age” and resided in High Street, Whitechapel. The groom, a bachelor, was a carpenter and named his father as George King (a farrier – on census returns he is listed as a blacksmith). The bride was a spinster and named her father as Hugh Bacchus (“in the Army”).

In 1851 John and Anne King were residing in Aspenden village, Hertfordshire. He was 33 years of age, a carpenter born at Layston, Hertfordshire. She was 33 years of age and born in Ireland. They had one child; Charles King, aged 5 months and born in Aspenden.

In 1853 the King family, now joined by a daughter (Bertha born c.1852), migrated to Australia, travelling on the John Fielden and arriving in New South Wales in June. Anne King’s place of birth was given as Tipperary, Ireland. John and Anne King had more children and settled in Australia. She died in New South Wales in 1883, and at her death it was recorded that her father had been named Hugh. It is not known whether the mother of Anne Bacchus was Mary Gowman of Bideford or France May of Ireland. However, given her place and year of birth, and the name of her father, it is fairly certain that the latter was Drum Major Sergeant Hugh Bacchus.^[12]Sources: John Bacchus was born in Jamaica c.1726. He was discharged as a drummer on a pension in July 1780 having served 28 years and being rheumatic. A John Bacchus was buried at St John the … Continue reading

John Anderson

John Anderson was born at New York, USA c.1798. A mariner by occupation he
was killed on the Stockton and Darlington Railway by an engine in December
1832. An inquest subsequently identified him as “a man of colour” and
declared his death accidental, with no blame whatsoever being attached to the
engine man (driver). Curiously the inquest imposed a deodand of £1 on the
engine that killed John Anderson.

John Anderson was buried at St Cuthbert’s Church, Darlington on the 8^th of
December 1832. A note in the burial register recorded that he was a “Native of
New York” and “a Mariner”.^[13]Sources: Durham Chronicle, 14 December 1832. findmypast.co.uk A deodand, or forfeit to God, was established in English common-law during the eleventh century. An object or instrument became forfeit … Continue reading

John Domingo c1777 to 1832

John Domingo was born at Kingston, Jamaica c.1777. Nothing is known of his origins prior to June 1797 when he enlisted in the 2^nd Dragoon Guards (Queen’s Bays), other than that he had previously served for one and a half years in both the 49^th Foot and the ‘Louth Volunteers’ respectively. Whilst the 2^nd Dragoon Guards were quartered at Exeter in December 1800, he married Mary Butle at the Church of St Mary Major.

He was discharged as a private in November 1801 and admitted to pension at Chelsea Hospital in January 1802 being ruptured and completely deaf. On discharge he was 25 years of age a labourer by occupation and described as “a negro”. He settled in Portsmouth as an out-pensioner, and in December 1830 he petitioned to become an in-pensioner of Chelsea Hospital, when it was noted that he was 53 years of age and receiving a pension of 1s per day. However, his petition was rejected, with no reason being given.

No further reference to John Domingo has been found in military records thus far, however, a John Domingo aged 70 years of York Street was buried at St Margaret’s Church, Westminster in March 1832.^[15]Sources: For John Domingo see: The National Archives (TNA) WO 23/136, WO 23/163, WO 116/11, WO 121/46 and WO 121/184. For the marriage and potential burial of John Domingo see findmypast.co.uk and … Continue reading

George Fancy (or Francis) 1789-1826

From The Morning Herald (London), 6^th February 1826:

“If the next of kin to George Fancy (or Francis), a man of colour, coach-painter, of No.99 Cromer Street, in the parish of St. Pancras, deceased, will apply to Mr Hogg or Mr Howston, at the Tippling Philosopher, Liquorpond Street, Gray’s-in-lane, they will hear something to their advantage. – Feb. 6, 1826.”

A George Fancy was baptised at St Stephen, Walbrook, London on the 13^th October 1789. His parents were Quashie Fancy and Julia. (‘Quashie’ was frequently used as a name for enslaved males).

George Fancy, aged 24 years and a resident of St Martin-in-the-fields, Westminster, was admitted to parish relief on the 21^st August 1793. Described as “a Black man”, it was noted that it was the first occasion he had been admitted. He was discharged on the 20^th September 1793.

George Fancy, aged 60 years of St Pancras, was buried at the Church of St Andrew, Holborn on the 29^thJanuary 1826.

The estate of George Fancy was substantial enough to be subject to inheritance tax – he had clearly come some way since being admitted to parish relief.^[16]Sources: The Morning Herald (London), 7th February 1826, findmypast.co.uk. For the baptism see: England, Select Births and Christenings, 1538-1975. FHL Number 845224, ancestry.co.uk. For Parish … Continue reading

Charles Dunbar of Exeter

From the Royal Cornwall Gazette, 21^st November 1829:

“Sunday morning, at No.4 Dix’s Field’s, the residence of his master, Charles Dunbar, a man of colour, aged 98 years, a faithful servant to Vice-Admiral Barton for thirty-six years, having attached himself to the Admiral by some conduct during an action in which they were engaged”.

Charles Dunbar, a man of colour, aged 98 years, a faithful servant to Vice-Admiral Barton for thirty-six years, having attached himself to the Admiral by some conduct during an action in which they were engaged.”

Charles Dunbar, aged 90 years of Dix’s Field, was buried at St Sidwell’s Church, Exeter, Devon on the 18^th of November 1829. The church was destroyed during the ‘Exeter Blitz’ of 1942.

Vice-Admiral Robert Barton (c.1752-1831) saw much service. In the mid-1790s he commanded HMS Lapwing in the Caribbean. That may have been the time that Charles Dunbar, “attached himself to the Admiral” with the inference being that Charles was a Royal Navy rating. Robert Barton and his family resided at Dix’s Field in Exeter and at Burrough House, Devon.^[17]Sources: Royal Cornwall Gazette, 21st November1829. findmypast.co.uk Also: morethannelson.com/officer/robert-barton/ For the burial see: Devon Burials, South West Heritage … Continue reading

Thomas Scott of Gainsborough, 1742-1835

From the Stamford Mercury, of the 13^th of November 1835:

At Gainsburgh (Gainsborough), on the 7^th inst., aged about 88, Thomas Scott, well known in that town and the neighbourhood as Black Tommy. He was for many years an itinerant vender of black ink and matches and was the most harmless man. He was a native of the Malabar coast, (now the state of Kerala, India) when he was brought when very young by an officer of the East India Company’s service and employed as his waiting boy: of his country or language he had no recollection.

Thomas Scott aged 93 years, was buried at All Saints Church, Gainsborough on the 10^th of March 1835. He had been a married man, and as such left behind a widow, as several newspapers reported. From the Stamford Mercury of the 29^th of April 1836:

SHORT COURTSHIP. – A few days ago, a disconsolate Benedict (a newly married man who had long been a bachelor), of Pilham, tired of single blessedness, waited upon the widow of a late well-known character, Black Tommy, at Gainsburgh, wishing to speak with her a few words. Of course, he was desired to walk in. After a short colloquy, the business of the gentleman was broached: he wanted a housekeeper and had been recommended to her. “Well,” replied the dame, “what family have you?” “Oh, only for myself.” “But what houseroom have you?” “Oh, as to that, I have a sitting-room and one bedroom.” “Ah, but where am I to sleep then?” “Why, I was thinking that we better be married first.” After a little consideration, a bargain was struck, and on Monday morning last the happy couple were joined in the holy bands of matrimony.

Sarah Scott married Ezra (Erza) Whitelam at All Saints Church, Gainsborough on the 25^th of April 1836. In 1841 Sarah Whitelam, aged 80 years was living alone in the village of Pilham, Lincolnshire. A “Pauper” she had been born in the county of Lincolnshire. Sarah Whitelam is believed to have died in 1845.^[18]Sources for Thomas Scott: Stamford Mercury, 13th November 1835. findmypast.co.uk England Deaths & Burials, 1538-1991. Lincolnshire Burials. Lincolnshire Archives. Index © IRI. Used by permission … Continue reading^[19]Sources for Sarah Scott: Stamford Mercury, 29th April 1836. findmypast.co.uk Also in: Bell’s Weekly Messenger, 1st and 2nd May 1836. Warwick and Warwickshire Advertiser, 7th May 1836. Leamington … Continue reading

Edward Bennaway of Sunbury on Thames, 1775-1842

Edward Bennaway (Benaway) was born on the French owned island of Martinique c.1775. Nothing is known of his origins, but he was described as “a man of colour” with a “dark” complexion, so it likely he was of ‘mixed heritage’. He enlisted in the 1^st Life Guards at Westminster on Christmas day 1802. (The 29^th of January 1803 was also given). After basic training, he is likely to have spent most of his service in the band of the regiment, undertaking ceremonial duties in London.

Private Edward Bennaway was awarded an out-pension of 1s per day on the 24th of August 1827, having completed his period of service. On discharge he was 52 years old, 6 feet 0″ tall with grey hair, black eyes and was described as “a man of colour”. He was a fisherman by occupation and his conduct had been “extremely good”.

In 1841 Edward Benaway (sic) was residing on Sunbury Common in Surrey. He was 67 years of age, an Army Pensioner and had been born in ‘Foreign Parts’. Living with him was Lucy Benaway, also aged 67 years and born in ‘Foreign Parts’. Edward Bennaway died of consumption on 13^th June 1842 and was buried at St Mary’s Church, Sunbury on Thames, his age was recorded as 70 years and his occupation was shown as ‘soldier’. Lucy had been present at his death, she was illiterate and marked the death certificate with a cross. She herself died in June 1847 and was buried at St Mary’s Church, Sunbury on Thames. (Her age was similarly recorded as 70 years).^[20]Sources: The National Archives (TNA) WO 25/871, WO 97/1, WO 117 and WO 120/20. 1841 England, Wales and Scotland Census. Sunbury. Middlesex. HO 107/718/15/29/13/2787. findmypast.co.uk Church of … Continue reading

William Heywood

From the Leeds Intelligencer, 7^th March 1780:

Saturday died at Liverpool, in the 79^th years of his age, Thomas Crowder, Esq; formerly a Jamaica merchant, where he acquired a large fortune; and on Tuesday last died, his faithful Black Servant, who had served him upwards of twenty years.

William Heywood “a black servant to Thomas Crowder, Esq. deceased, (of) Water Street” died on the 29^th of February and was buried at St Nicholas Church, Liverpool on the 2^nd of March 1790. (‘Our Lady and St Nicholas’ in the parish of Liverpool). The church is one in which a number of baptismal, marriage and burial records belonging to the Black population of Liverpool have been identified, including George Wise a Nova Scotian veteran of the Peninsula Campaign.

Thomas Crowder of Liverpool (1701-1780) was one of the founder members of the ‘African Company of Merchants’ in 1752. As such he was involved in the trade in enslaved people. He died on the 26^th of February and was buried at the Church of St Nicholas, Liverpool on the 1^st of March 1780.^[21]Sources: For William Heywood see: Leeds Intelligencer, 7th March 1780. findmypast.co.uk Bishop’s Transcripts. Dr/2/59. Liverpool, Lancashire. Lancashire Archives. ancestry.co.uk For Thomas … Continue reading

John Hodges, Army Out-Pensioner and Cooper of Lancaster, 1790-1837

John Hodges was born at “Prented Peter” (Pointe-a-Pitre) on the Island of Guadeloupe c.1790. Between 1809 and 1835 he served in the 3^rd Lancaster Militia (1809-1819), then the 1^st Royal Lancashire Militia (1819-1835). In the former unit he was “a drummer and musician in the band” and in the latter a drummer. He was discharged as a drummer on an out-pension from the Royal Hospital Chelsea in October 1835, due to a reduction of the militia staff. On discharge he was 5 feet 8 and ½” tall, 45 years old with black hair, black eyes and a black complexion (he was also described as “a man of colour”). A cooper by occupation, he signed his discharge papers, suggesting that he was signature literate (his discharge papers were witnessed by John Brockbank, Mayor of Lancaster).

After discharge at Lancaster, he lived locally and his death in July 1837 was reported by the Kendal Mercury:

Since our last, at Lancaster, John Hodges, drummer of the R.L. Militia, aged 45.

His death certificate states that he died of consumption, aged 47 years, on the 12^th of July 1837. The death was reported to the registrar the following day, by a Thomas Dodson, a Tailor of Mary Street, Lancaster. John Hodges was buried at the Priory Church of St Mary (now Lancaster Priory), on the 16^th of July 1837. It was noted that he was 45 years of age and a Roman Catholic.^[22]Sources: The National Archives (TNA) WO 97/1100/23 and WO 116/44. Kendal Mercury, 22nd July 1837. findmypast.co.uk Lancaster Burials, 1837. Lancashire Burials, 1832-1839. PR … Continue reading

George Edward Doney of Cassiobury House

From the Sun (London), 7^th September 1809:

On Monday, at Cashiobury-House (Cassiobury House, Watford), the seat of the Earl of Essex, George Donney, a black servant belonging to his Lordship, who had lived in the family upward of 4 years.

George Edward Doney was buried at St Mary’s Church, Watford on the 8^th of September 1809. He was described as a “Widower, Negro Servant to the Earl of Essex”. A search of both ancestry.co.uk and findmypast.co.uk has failed to find further reference to George Edward Doney or any relatives.

George Capel-Coningsbury (1757-1839) was the 5^th Earl of Essex (1799-1839). His first wife, Sarah Thompson (nee’ Bazett, 1759-1838), had been born on St Helena, which may provide some clue as to the origins of George Edward Doney but his gravestone tells a different story.

George Edward Doney c1758 – 1809 worked as a servant for 44 years at Cassiobury House. The inscription on his gravestone reveals that he was captured from Gambia as a child and sold into slavery

Poor Edward blest the pirate bark that bore His captive infancy from Gambia’s shore To where in willing servitude he won Those blest rewards for every duty done.

Kindness and praise, the wages of the heart, none else to him could joy or pride impart, And gave him, born a pagan and a slave, a freeman’s charter, and a Christian’s grave.

The Earl and his wife resided in the ancestral home of the Earls of Essex at Cassiobury House, Cassiobury Park.^[24]Sources: Sun (London), 7^th September 1809. findmypast.co.uk Family Transcriptions © Hertfordshire & Population History Society. Hertfordshire Burials. findmypast.co.uk

John White, Black Servant to the Duke of Wellington

From both the Morning Post and New Times (London) of 22^nd July 1825:

Yesterday morning, a Jury was assembled at the George Tavern, Vauxhall Bridge Road, before RICHARD CARTER Reg-Coroner for Surrey on the body of John White (not St John), a man of colour, late in the service of the DUKE OF WELLINGTON, who was unfortunately drowned.

George Penny being sworn, stated that he was the third coachman to the Duke of Wellington; he and the deceased had spent the evening of Tuesday last at Vauxhall Gardens. On leaving there, about four o’clock on Wednesday morning, they procured a boat from the stairs to the Westminster Bridge. On deceased getting into the boat, being a little elevated, he fell over, but was soon get in again by assistance of himself and the waterman: the deceased then proposed to bathe, when he and the waterman requested him not; he, however, began to pull off his clothes, and declared he would have a swim. Witness then said to the waterman if he will go into the water let him. The deceased was one of the best swimmers in the world and told the waterman he apprehended not the least danger. Witness, at the request of the deceased, then pulled off his neckerchief. On being stripped, he plunged out of the boat head foremost, and witness never saw him afterwards; indeed, he considered, from his activity in the water on former occasions, that he would have seen him rise again in the centre of the river. Witness could not believe he was drowned, and kept rowing about for a considerable time, endeavouring to find him, but ineffectually. The deceased was dragged for, and the body found about two hours after the occurrence happened. Witness had frequently seen the deceased swim, and play most wonderful antics in the water, that astonished all who had seen him, which induced him (witness) to consider he could not be drowned. The deceased was in liquor, and that he believed was the occasion of his death.

Joseph Groves, a waterman, deposed, that he was in the boat with the deceased and last witness; he did not know whose servants they were; the deceased was not dressed in livery; he was to row them to Westminster Bridge. They both stepped into the boat, when the deceased got up and pushed the boat from a pile, by which he fell overboard upto his knees in water; he then got in the boat again, and instantly began to undress himself to bathe, saying he would shew them (meaning several persons who were laughing at him on shore) what he could do under water, and then jumped head foremost into the river and kept under the water some time. Witness saw deceased swimming about a boat’s length off, but before he could reach him, he suddenly sank and did not rise again; the lapse of time could not have exceeded one minute. Witness for an hour and a half-kept rowing about or the body, which was discovered about six o’clock in the morning near the second half of Vauxhall Bridge and picked up in a fisherman’s net. Witness has no doubt his death was occasioned by accident, and in no other manner. The deceased was a little in liquor.

The Jury, after hearing the above evidence, unanimously returned a verdict of – “Accidentally Drowned.”

The Steward of his Grace the Duke of Wellington was in attendance making arrangements for the unfortunate deceased’s funeral. The situation which the deceased filled was assistant under the Duke’s butler.

The News (London) reported that when the body was retrieved “…a cut was discovered on the forehead, which was probably the cause of the accident”. So it is likely that he struck his head when plunging into the water “head foremost”, became incapacitated and drowned. Apparently, the year 1825 had a particularly warm summer during which many people took to the water to cool down. The Birmingham Journal of the 23^rd July 1825, which also reported the death of John White, revealed that “numerous fatal accidents from bathing have occurred during the last week, in all parts of the country”.

Nothing is known of John White’s origins or whether he did indeed accompany the Duke of Wellington on campaign. Initially, several newspapers referred to him as ‘St John’ although whether that was in error or if that was his ‘in-service’ or previously enslaved name is unknown.

John White almost certainly worked at Apsley House, the lease for which Wellington purchased from his brother (the Marquess of Wellesley) in 1817. Apsley House remains the seat of the Dukes of Wellington, although since 1947 has also been a museum. The website for museum contains a page detailing domestic life at Apsley House during the nineteenth century.

John White was subsequently buried at St-Martin-In The-Fields Church, Trafalgar Square, Westminster.

The Duke of Wellington

Arthur Wellesley (Wesley, 1769-1852), later the 1^st Duke of Wellington is one of the most significant figures in British military history. His victories in India, the Peninsula Campaign and most famously at Waterloo facilitated Britain’s establishing an empire. As an aristocratic British Army officer it would have been unusual if he did not have a Black servant. Dr Michael Taylor describes Wellington as “…the most ardently pro-slavery politician of the 19^th century…” standing “four-square behind the West India interest.”^[25]Sources: Morning Post and New Times (London) both of 22nd July 1825. findmypast.co.uk For John White: Birmingham Journal, 23rd July 1825. Coventry Herald, 29th July 1825.  The News (London), 25th … Continue reading

William Stephenson of Jamaica and Alnwick

Deaths: At Alnwick, on the 31^st ult. (January), William Stephenson, better known under the name of “Billy the Black,” a native of Jamaica, and formerly belonging to the band of the Northumberland Local Militia.

William Stephenson, aged 60 years of Green Batt, was buried at St Michael’s Church, Alnwick on the 1^st of February 1832.^[26]Sources: Newcastle Chronicle, 4^th February 1832. findmypast.co.uk Northumberland Burials 1777-1890. Durham University Library. findmypast.co.uk

George Baker

Aged 15 years and convicted at Croydon Assizes on the 9^th August 1841 of stealing two silvers spoons. Sentenced to seven years imprisonment. The Gaoler’s Report described him as being of “bad” character and noted that he had been convicted before. He had been born at Kent Street, Southwark, Surrey. On arrival on the ‘Stirling Castle’ (a prison hulk moored at Devonport), he was described as having black hair, hazel eyes, dark eyebrows and lashes, a flat nose, broad mouth, a “coloured” complexion, a long visage, being slender made, single, 4 feet 10 and ¾” tall, not being able to read or write and was a labourer by occupation. He was also pock-marked and described as “a lad of colour”. His next of kin was given as his mother, of Kent Street, Southwark, Surrey. George Baker was one of 219 convicts transported on the Somersetshire, departing in November 1841 and arriving at Van Dieman’s Land (Tasmania) in May 1842.

His convict records are quite detailed: He was a Roman Catholic, born at Kent Street, Boro who could neither read nor write. A labourer by trade, he was 15 years old, 5 feet 1” tall, “mulatto in colour”, with black curly hair and black eyes. His period of incarceration was extended well beyond seven years, and he was not freed until February 1852, due to many instances of misbehaviour (mainly defiance towards authority) which resulted in him receiving approximately 66 “lashes on the back” and several periods of solitary confinement. His general conduct was judged to have been “bad – scampish”.^[27]Sources: Registers of the (prison) hulk ‘Stirling Castle 37-49’. TNA HO 110/134. Tasmania Convict Records, 1800-1893. CON 18/1/32. Page 14. Indent CON/14/1/13. Muster Roll CON 28/1/1. … Continue reading

William Johnson Davies

From the Leeds Mercury:

MARRIED. On Monday 22nd (June 1840), “…in Blackburn, William Johnson Davies, a man of colour travelling about the country in white Hindoo dress, to Mary Callaghan, of that place. Hundreds of persons were collected in the streets to catch a peep at the black and white pair”.

The couple married on Monday the 22^nd of June 1840 at the Church of St Mary the Virgin, Blackburn (now Blackburn Cathedral). The groom was William Johnston Davies, (a bachelor and a tract – religious leaflet – seller) and the bride was Mary Callahan (a spinster). Both the groom and bride were “of the parish”. The groom marked the wedding certificate, whilst the bride signed it.^[28]Sources: Leeds Mercury, 27th June 1840. Also, in Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser, 7th July 1840. findmypast.co.uk. Parish Registers, Marriages, Blackburn, St Mary the Virgin, … Continue reading

Matthias Wildherb

From the Lincolnshire Chronicle, 4^th February 1842:

A man, who stated he was a native of Jamaica, and named Matthias Wildherb, was brought up in charge of the police, for wandering about the streets begging alms of almost every person he met; he was committed to prison to hard labour for one month.

No date was given for Matthias Wildherb’s admission to Boston Gaol, but it appears that he died before the Lincolnshire Chronicle went to press on the 4^th February 1842.

From the Lincolnshire Chronicle, 11^th February 1842: Deaths. In Boston Gaol, on Thursday the 3d inst., aged 69, Mathias Wildherb.

Matthias Wildherb of Boston Prison was buried at St Botolph’s Church, Boston on the 4^th of February 1842. Nothing is known of his origins or how he came to be in Lincolnshire. There are no further references to him on either ancestry.co.uk or findmypast.co.uk^[29]Sources: His forename was also rendered as Mathias and his last name as Wildbert. Lincolnshire Chronicle, 4th February 1842. Lincolnshire Chronicle, 11th February 1842. findmypast.co.uk Lincolnshire … Continue reading

A Royal Navy sailor named ‘Bob’

During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries Black soldiers and ratings had either anglicised or comedic/ironic names, although the former were much more common than the latter. One Royal Navy rating born in Africa was simply named ‘Bob’. A diminutive of ‘Robert’ and a common name, it is not known whether it was given him to ironically (‘Bob’ was a name frequently given to enslaved males in the Caribbean) or if he selected it for himself. However he came to be named ‘Bob’ he retained the name, and thus every interaction he had with officialdom must have involved a conversation about his single name. He probably became somewhat of a bureaucratic nightmare in an institution in which conformity was the norm. This might of course, have been what ‘Bob’ intended.

Bob was born in Africa c.1794-1796 and awarded an out-pension of £24 per annum by Greenwich Hospital in August 1815. His records described him as both “a Black” and “a Blackman” and reveal that he had lost a leg and half of the foot from his remaining leg. His last ship had been HMS Tenedos, which between 1812 and 1815 had seen action off the eastern coast of the USA during the ‘War of 1812’. In January 1815, the Tenedos had been part of the squadron that captured USS President outside of New York harbour, and it is likely that Bob received his wounds as the two ships exchanged broadsides shortly before the President struck their colours. His pension, which would have equated to approximately 1s/4d per day exceeded the average daily wage of a labourer (1s per day) and reflected the severity of his life changing wounds.

He was admitted as an in-pensioner of Greenwich Hospital in June 1838. At that time, he was married with one son and a labourer by occupation. No place of residence was identified.

In 1841 Bob was an in-pensioner of Greenwich Hospital and 45 years of age.

Bob died at Greenwich Hospital and was buried at Greenwich on the 25^th of October 1842. His age was given as 48 years and he was described as “a Black pensioner”.^[30]Sources: The National Archives (TNA) ADM 6/276 and 6/299. TNA 22/263, 22/276, ADM 22/289, ADM 22/302, ADM 22/368 and ADM 22/405. ADM 72/59. ADM 73/59 and ADM 73/68. TNA/RG/4/1675. 1841 England, Wales … Continue reading

Freeman Johnson, a Black Merchant Seaman, 1825-1848

From the South Eastern Gazette, 25^th April 1848:

CORONER’S INQUEST.- On Saturday last an inquest was held at the Lunatic Asylum, Barming-heath, before F.F. Dally, Esq., on the body of Freeman Johnson, a man of colour, aged 23, who had been an inmate of the Asylum since the 11th inst., having been sent from the Greenwich union house. It appeared that the deceased was in a very weak state, when admitted, and was found by Robert Jones, a keeper, at about nine o’clock on the evening on the 13 th , quite dead, with his face hanging over the side of the bedstead, and blood oozing from the mouth and nose. He was last seen alive by George Baker, a keeper, at about half-past six on the same evening, when he refused his supper, but said he was in no pain. Dr Huxley, who had made a post-mortem examination, deposed that the deceased was suffocated by the flow of blood arising from a rupture of one (of) the vessels of the lungs, which were much diseased. Verdict accordingly.

Freeman Johnson was born at Nassau in the Bahamas in 1825. He registered as a British Merchant Seaman either in 1845 or sometime shortly after.

Freeman Johnson was interred at All Saints Church, Maidstone on the 18^th of April 1848.^[31]Sources: TNA BT114/12. findmypast.co.uk South Eastern Gazette, 25^th April 1848. findmypast.co.uk Burial: Maidstone All Saints burials, 1838-1907. Kent Burials. findmypast.co.uk

Mr Thomas Fowler of Lindfield, 1790-1853

From the Brighton Gazette, 24^th February 1853:

Died, on Saturday last, after a long and protracted illness, Thomas Fowler, a man of colour aged 63. He was born in that inhuman trading quarter, the western part of Africa, near Sierra Leone, in the province of Guinea, where himself and about 160 natives were, by stratagem, feloniously kidnapped, and taken on board the “Slaughter”, home tender, confined in a filthy dungeon, huddled together like closely penned sheep, on starving rations, and then transferred to the slave market in the island of Jamaica. Here it appears, that the deceased, then aged 14, with many other youths from the same vessel, were ranged in a row and sold to different purchasers. Thomas fell into the hands of an honourable and humane gentleman, of the name of Thomas Fowler (hence the name of the negro boy), who was Captain of an English vessel laying in the harbour taking in her freightage, bound for London, on board which he was employed as a cabin boy, and he arrived in the Thames in the year 1804. In a visit to a grocer’s shop in Ratcliffe, on an errand for his master, he fortunately fell in with an enquiring friend, who entered into conversation with him respecting his bondage. This interview, to use Thomas’s own words, was the golden moment of his life; for he had not the remotest idea that the world could have produced such a great philanthropist as he found in the enquirer, the late William Allen, who lost no time in procuring his liberty, and having arranged with Captain Fowler, Thomas entered his service, where he continued until the decease of that Christian gentleman, in the year 1845, when by the will he was left a comfortable weekly allowance for the remainder of his life. He was married; but his wife and an only daughter have been dead some time.

The records held on findmypast.co.uk make identifying the Thomas Fowler and his family relatively easy: In 1841, Thomas Fowler, aged above 20 years and born in “Foreign Parts”, was living in Lindfield with his wife Mary, aged 48 years and born in the county of Sussex, and daughter Rebecca, aged 7 years and born in the county of Sussex.

The will of William Allen refers to Thomas Fowler as ‘an African’. The will instructs the executors “upon further trust to divide the residue of my wealth and personal estate and effects into shares of two pounds”. Thomas and his wife were awarded ‘one share’ of the kitty (about £200 in today’s money). Other servants received similar amounts. To put this into context, various nephews were awarded two shares.^[32]PROB 11/1991/16

Thomas Fowler was not the only person of African ancestry to reside in Lindfield: Towards the end of the eighteenth century, Richard Gordon, described as “a negro” was living in the village. During the 1820s, Thomas Smith a farmer of ‘mixed heritage’ and his family briefly lived in the village.

Mary (Ann) Fowler died in 1846 and Rebecca Fowler died in 1848. In 1851, Thomas Fowler, aged 68 years and a British Subject born in Africa, was living in the High Street, Lindfield and was a sweet seller by occupation. A Thomas Roe Fowler, aged 71 years, died in Lindfield in February 1853.

Neither the ship “Slaughter” nor Thomas Fowler, a ship’s captain, can be identified. William Allen (1770-1843) was a prominent Quaker chemist, educationalist, social reformer and abolitionist.^[33]Sources: For Thomas, Mary and Rebecca Fowler see<em> findmypast.co.uk </em>Also <em>Brighton Gazette</em>, … Continue reading

John Hilliar of Laverstock, 1791-1848

From the Salisbury and Winchester Journal, 22^nd January 1848:

Jan.18, at Laverstock, the well-known cook, Hilliar (a man of colour), who for many years was in the employ of the late Dr Finch, surviving his old master but a few days. He was very much attached to his master, and it is generally believed that the death of Dr Finch hastened his dissolution.

John Hilliar was born sometime between 1783 and 1791, although it is not known where and whether he was of African or Asian origin. He is believed to have married Elizabeth Scammell at St Edmund’s Church, Salisbury in March 1818.

A groom by occupation, at the time of the marriage he was resident in Laverstock. In 1841, John and Elizabeth Hilliar were residing in Laverstock: John was 50 years of age, and a servant born in “Foreign Parts”. Elizabeth was 40 years and had been born in Wiltshire. They had eight children, all born in Wiltshire: Mary, aged 20 years. Elizabeth aged 20 years. Amelia aged 15 years. Jane aged 15 years. William aged 11 years. Henry aged 8 years. Frederick aged 5 years. George aged 2 years. In November 1842, another daughter was born, Ellen Louisa Scammell Hilliar. Unfortunately, Ellen Hilliar died in 1844.

Apart from the obituary, it has not been possible to identify any other reference to John Hilliar’s culinary skills. John Hilliar died in Laverstock on the 18^th of January 1848, being interred five days later. Dr William Finch (1777-1848) had indeed predeceased him; dying on the 7^th of January 1848 and being interred on nine days later. It is likely that both men were laid to rest in the grounds of the Church of St Andrew, Laverstock.^[34]Sources: For John Hilliar (also rendered as Hilliard, Hillier, Hillierd and Hillyard), see: Salisbury and Winchester Journal, 22nd January 1848. Wiltshire Independent, 27th January 1848. Devizes and … Continue reading

Miss Elizabeth Madden of Cheltenham, c.1754-1844

From the Sun (London), 2^nd February 1844, but quoting an earlier entry in the Cheltenham Examiner:

SUDDEN DEATH.- An inquest was held on Monday, before J. Barnett, Esq., Coroner, at the Bee Hive Inn, on the body of Elizabeth Mudden, a woman of colour, born in Africa. It appeared in evidence that she had been for the last 87 years a servant in the family of her late mistress, Mrs Arbuthnot, of No.15, Montpellier Villas, having entered the family when only five years old. Verdict, “Died by the visitation of God”.- Cheltenham Examiner.

The records held on findmypast.co.uk facilitate identifying Elizabeth Madden (as Mudden was rendered): In 1841, Elizabeth Madden, aged 80 years, not born in the county (of Gloucestershire) and a female servant, was living at an address on Pittville Parade, Cheltenham. Also residing at the address were: Ann Pheby (Phoebe) Kirtland, 40 years of age, of Independent Means and born in Ireland. Louisa Lindrego, 50 years of age, of Independent Means and born in Ireland. Hannah Owen, 25 years of age, a female servant by occupation and not born in the county.

An Elizabeth Madden aged 90 years (suggesting that she was born in 1754, a date closer to that suggested by the obituary) was interred at Holy Trinity Church, Cheltenham (now ‘Trinity Cheltenham’) on the 1^st of February 1844.

The “late Mrs Arbuthnot” referred to, whose family Elizabeth Madden had “entered…when only five years old” was probably Susanna Arbuthnot (nee’ Bingham, c.1778), the first wife of Alexander Arbuthnot (1768-1828), Bishop of Killaloe and Kilfenora in the Church of Ireland. Susanna Bingham was the daughter of a General Bingham, and niece to Charles Bingham, the 1^st Earl of Lucan. Susanna Arbuthnot must have died by 1819, because in that year Alexander Arbuthnot married for a second time: To Margaret Phoebe Bingham, the late Susanna’s cousin. The circumstances surrounding the ‘entry’ of Elizabeth into the Bingham family, and her status therein, remain unknown.^[35]Sources: Sun (London), 1st February 1844. Sun (London), 2nd February 1844. findmypast.co.uk1841 England and Wales Census. Class: HO107; Piece: 353; Book: 7; Civil Parish: Cheltenham; County: … Continue reading

John Thompson of Liverpool

From the Liverpool Albion, 11^th March 1833:

“On Sunday, the 3^rd instant, deeply regretted, John Thompson, for 37 years the faithful servant of John Thompson, Esq., Chatham Place, Edge Hill”.

Additionally:

“…aged 52, John Thompson, a man of colour, for many years a faithful servant of Mr Thompson, of Edge Hill, by whom he was highly respected”.

John Thompson, aged 51 years of Chatham Place, was buried at the Church of Saint Mary’s, Edge Hill (now known as ‘All Saints’) on the 7^th of March 1833.

Nothing is known of the origins of John Thompson, nor the circumstances of him becoming servant to John Thompson, Esq. of Chatham place or his legal status (vis-a-vis enslaved or free) within the household.

More is known of John Thompson, Esq. of Chatham Place, Edge Hill because he was identified by the ‘Centre for the Study of Legacies of British Slavery’ as being the owner of properties in Jamaica, including

“…the sugar estate called Eden in the parish of St George with the ‘negroes’ on it, which had been in co-partnership with Daniel Steele but which he then owned outright; a coffee estate called Lancaster in St George; and a building on Port Royal Street in Kingston…”

The ’Former British Colonial Dependencies, Slave Registers, 1813-1834’ record that in June 1823 the Lancaster Plantation in St George, owned by John Thompson, had over 120 enslaved people existing on it.

The same registers reveal that the Eden Estate in St George, owned by John Thompson, had over 240 enslaved people existing on it. Names and physical descriptions were provided for many and trade (both purchasing and selling) and premature death was openly referenced.

John Thompson was apparently in the habit of naming enslaved males after himself, or allowing it to be done on his behalf, including:

• Moses alias John Sale Thompson. Negro (mixed heritage individuals were described as ‘Mulattoes’). 51 years. African (meaning he was born in Africa). Purchased at public sale in Kingston in September 1822; and
• Ben alias John Thompson. Negro. 2 and ½ years. Creole (meaning he was born in the Caribbean). Born to Nelly alias Jennett Borrowdale. (There is a Borrowdale Valley in Cumbria).

In June 1823 the property in Port Royal owned by John Thompson had 17 enslaved people existing on it.

John Thompson, Esq., of Jamaica and Chatham Place died in 1834 aged 65 years.^[36]Sources: Liverpool Albion, 11th March 1833. findmypast.co.uk For the burial see: Lancashire Burials, 1813-1842. 283-EDG-4-1. Liverpool Record Office. findmypast.co.uk … Continue reading