Soham Chronicle
1879-1890
16th November 1879
Death of Mr. Robert Tebbitt. He expired suddenly before tea. He was well known in the parish and employed under the Committee in restoring the Church, now in progress.
29th November 1879
Inquest on Wednesday last before J. Neal York Esq., at the Bull Inn, Barway, the body of Jonathon Brown, who died on the 23rd inst. From wounds inflicted himself. Mr. George Willis, surgeon gave evidence that deceased had given way and the verdict accordingly was of unsound mind.
20th December 1879
Typhoid fever is reported to be very prevalent in Soham, no fewer than 20 cases on Qua Fen Common. Measles and low fever likewise prevalent. Every precaution being taken.
15th April 1880
A fire broke out at the premises of Mr. Cowell, builder, but fortunately not much damage was done and was soon got under. It seems to have occurred in the chimney of the carpenters shop where bacon is hung up to dry. The same day an alarm was given that a house was on fire on Speed Lane, it turned out to be a chimney and with plenty of help was soon extinguished.
Saturday April 16th 1881
A fatal accident occured on the Ely and Newmarket line of railway near to Soham Station. Mr. John Woodruff and (sic) old man of 80 left his home with yoke and pails to fetch some water and was crossing the line about 150 yards from the station when the passenger train from Ely due at Soham at 5pm came round the curve. Although the engine driver turned on his whistle, the old man was very deaf and kept on his way. He was caught by the engine and killed instantly. At the inquest at the Anchor Inn, before J.N. York Esq., the evidence of Farmer the engine driver, showed he used every effort to attract the mans attention but in vain. The inhabitants of the neighbourhood have to cross the line by Spencers’ Drove to get top the river for water. It was strongly recommended by the jury that efforts should be made for a supply of water without crossing the rails. Verdict “Accidentally killed”.
Inquest on Friday last week at the Anchor Inn before J.N. York Esq., on the body of a child named Robert Banyard, under 12 months. It appears an older sister about 19 years old had the child in charge between 7 and 8am. on Monday 18th. The child was sitting in front of the fire in a wicker chair when a piece of wood fell from the fire to his nightdress. He was burnt so severely before the flames could be extinguished he died the following Wednesday. Verdict “Death from accidental burning”.
A child about 2 years old belonging to John Kent on the Shade strayed into the garden adjoining the cottage in which they lived and fell into a small ditch and drowned.
8th April 1882
On Sunday morning between 10 and 11 o’clock a fire was discovered in a cottage on Qua Fen Common belonging to Mrs. Cater, it was soon put out by men of the neighbourhood. It seems to have been an overheated oven. It was insured.
14th April 1882
Inquest before J.N. York on the body of George Seymour, last seen by his father alive on the 12th between 8 and 9 in the morning. Mary Ann wife of John Saunders, stated she was going to Soham on the morning of the 12th when she saw a hat and gleave (sic) lying on the bank. She saw a foot and ear of the deceased protruding from the water. She gave the alarm and Mr. Gilby with some fellow workmen jumped into the river which was about 2 feet deep and pulled deceased out. George Willis, surgeon stated he had attended deceased for about 3 years for epileptic fits. He was of the opinion deceased had an attack Wednesday morning and fallen in the river. Verdict “Found Drowned”.
18th October 1882
Wedding By the Rev. J.C. Rust assisted by Rev. C.H. Brown (curate).
Arthur Willis to Kate Mary, youngest daughter of George Mainprice of “Soham Place”.
20th January 1883
The late Mr. W.H.R. King. We are glad to learn of a subscription has been started to raise a fund for erecting a suitable monument in the Cemetery for this gentlemen.
3rd March 1883
A young man named Howe, was engaged with others in removing a large thrashing drum in the Fen from Mr. Mainprices’ to Mr. Seabers’ when passing along a bad piece of road by the side of the bank, the machine fell over upon him, breaking several bones and injuring so much that fears are entertained for his recovery.
21st April 1883
On Friday night a small fire broke out in the homestead of Mr. Joseph Bull, in Soham Fen near Prickwillow, destroying several stacks but the building were (sic) saved. On Tuesday another fire occurred at the farm of Mr. James Collen, Great Fen Drove. Three or four stacks were destroyed as well as 100 combs of corn. We believe Mr. Collen is insured.
21st April 1883
Inquest by Mr. J.N. York, deputy coroner, on Monday last at the Railway Hotel on William Hobbs, aged 28, a labourer. It appeared deceased had been to Fordham in the morning with some mangolds in a cart drawn by 2 horses and on returning home with some sand the horses bolted and he fell from the cart, the wheel passing over his head. On the arrival of Mr. Arthur Willis the poor fellow was pronounced dead, having received a fractured skull. Jury found verdict of “Accidental Death”.
23rd June 1883
The Feast this year was marred by a serious disturbance on Tuesday evening. *
19th December 1883
Wedding By Rev. J.C. Rust, Simon Crisp to Susan Raby both of Soham.
July 18th 1884
An inquest was held at Crown Inn before James Neal York touching the death of John Palmer, Labourer. *
21st July 1884
An inquest took place in to the cause of the death of John Howe, labourer, aged 59 years. Deceased went to bed after partaking of a hearty supper. When his wife followed half an hour later he began snoring in a dreadful manner. She sent for Dr. Willis who came immediately. *
15th August 1884
On Wednesday last a lad named Murfet met with an accident in Red Lion Square. It appears he was riding on the shaft of a harvest cart. In getting off he fell and a wheel passed over both legs, breaking one of his thighs in a serious manner. He was taken to Addenbrookes Hospital.
10th October 1884
Wedding At Little Shelford, Alfred William Cockerton, only son of Dr. Cockerton of Soham to Gertrude, second daughter of Arthur Austin, the Brewery, Little Shelford.
8th April 1885
Wedding At St. Georges, Bloomsbury, London Charles Morbey, the Moat, Soham to Annie Staples, youngest daughter of the late William Jugg, Soham.
10th April 1885
William Darnell, was feeding a chaff machine on his farm last Monday when his left hand was caught in the machine and was so badly lacerated, he was conveyed to Addenbrookes Hospital where the injured limb was amputated above the wrist.
29th May 1885
Queens Birthday Sunday last being her Majesty’s 66th birthday, the Church bells rang merrily before the morning service and the National Anthem was played on the organ in place of the usual voluntary.
27th November 1885
On Friday an inquest was held at the Red Lion Inn before Mr. J.N. York on the body of a child named Sidney Cross who died in Soham Fen. A post mortem examination by Mr. A. Willis showed that deceased who was 2½ years old died through convulsions. Verdict “death from natural causes”.
On Wednesday last another inquest on the body of Lucy Bull, aged 19, who lived with her grandmother, Mary Bull, in the Alms Row. It appeared she had a fit and fell on the fire, she was so badly burned she expired the same evening. Dr. Cockerton, who attended her, stated that death was due to shock through burning. Verdict in accordance.
10th January 1886
James Bye, died aged 78.
On Friday last a lad named Eagle slipped upon the icy road near the Brook Dam and broke one of his legs. Dr. Cockerton set the bone at once and the youth was removed to Addenbrookes Hospital.
10th February 1886
Wedding By Licence Anderson Eusden of Gainsborough to Etheldreda, daughter of the late Jonathon Brown of Barway.
10th February 1886
Wedding By the Rev. J.C. Rust, assisted by the Rev. G. Bayne, vicar of Bishops Stortford, John Slack, son of the late John Dobede Taylor, solicitor of Bishops Stortford to Louisa Sarah (Purkie) second daughter of the late Fyson W. Slack, solicitor and niece of Alfred Slack, Cross Green House, Soham.
The bridesmaids were the Misses. Slack (2) Miss Taylor, Miss Edwards relatives of the bride and Miss Ruse. The bride wore a rich cream satin dress and wreath of white blossoms and a bridal veil. A large number of guests assembled at Cross Green House for the wedding breakfast, a capital dinner was provided at the White Hart Hotel for the choir and the company of ringers dined at the Gardeners Inn. The bride and groom left during the afternoon for Brighton.
7th May 1886
On Monday morning last, a widow Susan Walton aged 66 who resided by herself in Red Row was found dead in her bed. At the inquest held by Mr. J.N. York, a verdict of “Death from Natural causes “ was returned.
15th April 1877
Queens Jubilee A public meeting was held in the Court House on Easter Monday,. To consider how her Majestys’ Jubilee should be celebrated. The following gentlemen formed a committee to consider the subject and to call another public meeting for their report, the Vicar, Dr. Levett and Messrs. C. Ambrose, W. Barber, F. Butcher, A. Clark, J.D. Dimmock, Theophilus Everitt, F.A. Johnson, S.T. Lyon, G. Mainprice, F.A. Owers, Ezekiel Palmer, A. Slack and J. Taylor.
7th October 1887
On Tuesday evening last, as Mr. Shaw of Crow Hall was driving home through Churchgate Street, his conveyance came into contact with a cart belonging to Mr. Dimmock of Haney, which was standing against Mr. Mainprices shop door. Mr. Shaw was thrown out of his trap without being much hurt but his sociable was broken to pieces and Mr. Dimmocks cart had one of his wheels taken off.
23rd December 1887
The ladies of the Dorcas Society have just distributed about ninety undergarments for the winter to the poor in the parish, which have been thankfully received.
January 25th 1888
Wedding by the Rev. J.C. Rust, assisted by the Rev. J. Bell, Arthur Bland of Lark Hall Farm, Fordham to Miss Elizabeth Mary Taylor (eldest daughter of Mr. J. Taylor of Soham Place). The bride was attended by 4 bridesmaids, Miss Florence Taylor, Miss Constance Taylor (sisters of the bride) Miss Annie Taylor (cousin) and Miss Gifford. The brides dress was of white moire trimmed with handsome lace and the bridesmaids’ dresses were very pretty, two being of pink mauve shade and two of lemon moire. A ball was given in the evening. The presents were numerous.
30th March 1888
John Gilby, 28, Will Pleasance 24 and Johnathon Easy 28, were charged with stealing 3 fowls from the premises of Mr. John Taylor on the night of Friday 23rd March, committed for trial at Cambs Quarters Sessions.
29th June 1888
On Friday evening last Messrs. Westley & Son offered for sale by auction, at the Red Lion Inn, 41 acres of highland grass and afterfeed. Prices realized being in advance of what was anticipated.
On Friday evening last 1½ acres of pasture land in Tanners Lane, was knocked down to Mr E. Horsley acting for Mr. W. Bye for £180.
24th August 1888
Accident On Tuesday last Mr. C.W. Palmer, coroner, held an inquest at the “Carpenters Arms” on John Septimus Mason, 1 year 11 months, son of Alfred and Martha Mason. It appears the child was at home with his mother when she missed him, finding him in a pit which had been dug in the yard and which contained about 2ft of water. She called for assistance but before the surgeon could arrive the child expired. Verdict `Accidental Death’.
12th October 1888
On Monday last as Mr. Rouse and one of his sons were driving along Northfield in a pony trap, when the animal stumbled and fell, throwing both occupants out. One of Mr. Rouses shoulders was dislocated and his face cut, but his son was unhurt. Mr. Mason at Wisbech reset the bone.
11th January 1889
A serious outbreak of fire occurred on Tuesday morning at the Place, the residence of Mr. John Taylor, who was awakened by a sound like that of a hailstorm, but soon found out to be the crackling of fire. He woke the sleeping inmates, his wife, his son, his daughter, and a servant and they were obliged to effect their escape without waiting to dress. The fire brigade under Dr. Cockerton was quickly on the spot but were unable to subdue the flames, the house being old and built with lath and plaster inside the brick front. The whole place was quickly burned and became a complete wreck. P.C. Everitt and P.C.’s Wick and Dyson were early on the spot and gave every help. Water had to be brought to the fire in carts so the supply as limited. The fire originated from an overheated stove pipe. Damage was estimated at £2,000. It was insured. The Place was rebuilt in 1889.
8th February 1889
On Tuesday an inquest was held at the Fox Inn before Mr. C.S. Palmer, county coroner into the death of Ellen, daughter of Wm. Seymour. The child came downstairs in its night things about 7 o’clock on Monday morning and the mother left her sitting before the fire, for 5 minutes whilst she fed the poultry, on her return she found the child with her clothes burnt. A doctor was sent for but the shock and injury was so great the child died in about 3 hours. Verdict of `Accidental Death’ was returned.
15th February 1889
On Saturday last at the Bushel Inn before Mr. C.W. Palmer, county coroner, an inquest was held to enquire into the death of Elizabeth, aged 81 wife of Hugh Johnson, shoemaker. The husband was working in a room next to that where his wife was alone on the 1st inst. When by some means she caught fire. He ran into the room and immediately extinguished the flames and called his daughter who lived in the next house. The burns were dressed but she gradually got worse and died from exhaustion, caused by accidental burning. Verdict to that effect.
1st March 1889
Death On Wednesday an inquest was held at the `Waggon and Horses’ before Mr. C.W. Palmer, county coroner, respecting the death of Edward Jarvis, aged 63, who died whilst at work on the road. His wife stated he did not go out to work that morning before 9 o’clock. He complained of a pain in his side and was found dead on his barrow an hour afterwards. A post mortem by Mr. G. Willis, surgeon stated he found the cause of death apoplexy. Verdict returned in accordance.
22nd March 1889
Fire broke out between 7 and 8 o’clock on Monday last at the premises of Mrs. Horsley, Churchgate Street, earthenware dealer. It originated in and was confined to a room over the shop from a paraffin lamp, which set fire to the ceiling. Had it not been for the prompt action of several neighbours an adjacent range of buildings would soon also have been flames.
27th September 1889
Station Master, Testimonial A number of tradesmen and other parishioners presented Mr. Robert Stewart with a purse of £17 12s in acknowledgement of the efficient manner in which he has performed his duties and the obliging way he treated all who have had business at the station. After being master here for 10 years he has been promoted to the new station at Southend. Mr. Charles Murfet was Station Master in 1892.
22nd November 1889
Burial Board For the post of Curator at the cemetery. To be vacant at the end of the year, through the resignation of R. Elsden. Out of the six applicants viz: - John Butcher, James Cater, J.D. Charles, George Gillson, George Hitch and John Peacock the voting at the Board Meeting on Monday last was for James Cater.
13th December 1889
On Tuesday at the Carpenters Arms, Brook Street an inquest was held by Mr. C.W. Palmer county coroner on the body of a child named William Titman aged 6 years, who had been drowned in the Brook Dam on the 7th inst. The mother and child left their house in Brook Street to go into town at 6 o’clock in the evening in question, and the little boy was very anxious to go on the ice near the path but the mother prevented him, When near the Brook Dam she lost sight of him and at the same time she heard something in the water cry. She alarmed a neighbour who came out and saw the child floating down the stream but could not get him. A man named Fuller procurred a boat, directed by Sergeant Everitt, and soon found the body 200 yards from where the child slipped in. It was quite dead. Verdict “Accidentally drowned”.
10th January 1890
An inquest was held at the Bushel Inn before Mr. C.W. Palmer on the body of Robert James Elsden, aged 6 months who was found dead in bed with his parents. G. Willis Esq., carried out a post mortem and found the cause of death fits of convulsion. Verdict accordingly.
14th February 1890
On Friday last as some workmen, employed on the “Place” estate were taking down an old building known as the “Ice House” a portion of the arch fell in for a distance of 10ft. Part of the debris struck Mr. George Johnson severely cutting his head and face and bruising. He is recovering.
9th May 1890
Accident As Mr. W. Elsden was driving up Station Road with Mr. W.J. Brown in his pony trap they were run into near the “Angel” by Mr. James Johnsons’cart. Mr. Brown was struck by the shaft of the cart and had his leg broken. Mr. Elsden was thrown out but fortunately not hurt. It was found necessary to obtain surgical assistance from Cambridge for Mr. Brown.
26th September 1890
On Tuesday evening last a fire broke out on one of Mr. C. Ambrose’s farms in the fen, which destroyed seven stacks of wheat, barley and oats. A message was sent to the town for the fire engine, but no horse could be found to take it down. Finally a horse was sent up from the farm but the loss is estimated at upwards of £200. No buildings were damaged.
31st October 1890
On Saturday, the country (sic) coroner, Mr. C.W. Palmer held an inquest on the body of Alice Collin, landlady of the Holmes beer house, whose death was announced last week. Selina Collin, daughter said her mother was 58 years old and had depressed of late because of the state of her business. On Thursday morning witness went out at twenty past nine, when she returned at 1 o’clock the front door was bolted, she entered by the back way. She went to the deceased’s own bedroom where she found her on her knees with her back to the bedpost and a piece of rope was around her neck. Witness at once called for assistance. Verdict “Suicide whilst of unsound mind” was returned.
The licence of the Holmes was temporarily transferred to Messrs. Cutlack and Treadway, brewers.