Soham Chronicle
1890-1899
7th November 1890
On Saturday afternoon Mr. Joseph Francis Fletcher, a farmer living in Soham Fen was at work in his yard and his little son, Arthur, aged 1 year and 10 months. After a time he missed the child and searching found him in an open drain with his head downwards in the water. When pulled out he was found to be quite dead. Mr. C.W. Palmer, county coroner, held an inquest and a verdict of “Accidental death” was returned.
23rd January 1891 Population 4,138
Mr G. Mainprice has issued handbills suggesting that the parish officers convene a public meeting at once to invite and receiver subscriptions to provide warmth and food for the suffering poor during this long severe winter weather.
3rd March 1891
Samuel Challis was charged with deserting his 3 children on May 24th 1889, leaving them chargeable to the Union. Defendant had been previously convicted and was sent to prison for 6 weeks with hard labour.
16th July 1891
The County Coroner (Mr. C.W. Palmer) held an inquest at the “Bushel & Strike” on Monday regarding the death of John Badcock aged 60, who committed suicide by hanging himself by a piece of cord to a bedpost. Sarah Ann Badcock the widow said deceased had been very strange in his manner lately. Eliza Howe, a widow gave evidence that she had found him suspended by a cord from a bed post. Mr. G. Willis, a medical man gave similar evidence remarking that the cord was extremely tight round the neck. Verdict “suicide whilst of unsound mind”.
8th April 1892
On Monday evening last between 6 and 7 o’clock a hay stack at the premises of Mr. W.J. Brown, the “Jolly Gardener” in Pratt Street was found to be on fire. The fire engine with most of the fire brigade was soon on the spot and the fire was confined to the stack, it was prevented from spreading to house and buildings. The stack which contained something like 10 tons of hay was insured.
10th June 1892
On Friday last a fire at the premises of Mr. John Fen, farmer broke out at about 1pm. The fire engine was soon on the spot, quickly followed by Fordham and their engine, but the buildings being thatched and very dry with a strong west wind blowing were soon destroyed. Neighbours had to remove their household goods out of danger. The property was insured, the origin of the fire was children playing with matches. On the following Tuesday morning about 5 o’clock or 6o’clock am a fire at Mr. R. Fyson, millwright and engineer at Paddock Street, broke out. Prompt assistance rendered by workmen and others prevented a serious conflagration to the large amount of buildings, machinery, timber and other stock in trade, the flames were confined to a stable and shed containing oils, paints etc., where it seems to have originated. The Soham Fire Brigade were soon at work.
22nd July 1892
Horticultural Show The fifth annual show of fruit, flowers etc., took place on Wednesday in the grounds of Mr. J. Taylor. Cottagers exhibits exceeded those of last year being very good throughout. Gate money was £48 14s 9d.
5th August 1892
On Monday the County Coroner (Mr. C.W. Palmer) held an inquest at the Station Hotel on Bertram Fison, aged 10 son of Sidney Fison, plumber and shop-keeper, Soham. Charles Wm. Murfitt, son of the Station Master and another boy named Hurst were playing together on Saturday afternoon. Hurst said “Shall we go and push trucks”. Deceased pulled a clog away and the truck moved. Deceased tried to push the buffer and witness was no more of him till he was on the ground. Hurst ran away and witness fetched Gamble the signalman, who stated he went to the cattle dock and found the boy lying against the buffer stamp quite dead. Mr. George Willis of Soham gave evidence that there was a depressed facture of the right temple and base of the skull. Death must have been instantaneous and a verdict of “Accidental death” was returned.
2nd September 1892
On Tuesday evening last Mr. Jas. Hook of the “White Hart” had an occasion to go to Mr. Bishops’ on Mereside to look at foal or two there, when one of them kicked him in the lower part of the body. Although improving Mr. Hook is still in a precarious state. He died on Saturday morning after 3 days of great suffering. At an inquest held on Monday by Mr. A.J. Lyon, deputy coroner, when the principal evidence was given by the Doctor who stated that cause of death was rupture of the liver caused by the kick. Verdict was “Accidental Death”. He leaves a widow and 7 children. The deceased was a member of the Fire Brigade and the Odd Fellows Lodge. Forty members headed the cortege followed by Capt. A.W. Cockerton and the Soham Fire Brigade and Capt. J. Townsend and members of the Fordham Fire Brigade. The service conducted by the vicar.
18th November 1892
A thief cut a hole in the perforated zinc window of Mr. J.T. Staples, butchers shop in Churchgate Street, on Monday night or Tuesday morning. He took all he could reach, half a shin of beef and three pieces of pork and got clear away without being disturbed.
25th November 1892
Mr. H. McCalmont of Chevely Park, forwarded to Mr. A. Slack of Cross Green House, 250 pheasants to be distributed to the deserving poor.
9th December 1892
An item of interest edited by Mr. Newnes (M.P. for the division) presents a remarkable picture of Mr. R. Horsley snr. (who recently attained his 100th year) his son, Mr. R. Horsley jnr., 76 years of age, his granddaughter, Mrs Emma Shinn. His great-granddaughter, Mrs Sexton and his great-great grandson, a boy of Mrs Sextons’ about 8 years, a direct line for 5 generations.
20th January 1893
Mr Robt. Carman of East Fen Common was feeding a chaffcutter driven by steam on Mr. Johas (sic) Leonards’ premises on Friday last his hand was unfortunately drawn into the machine and immediately cut off below the wrist. He was taken to Addenbrookes Hospital and is now progressing favourably.
10th February 1893
Mr. John Newman with his funny little boys gave an entertainment in the Conservative Hall on Tuesday to a crowded house.
Some evil disposed persons broke down 2 of the young trees recently planted in the Churchyard.
We regret to announce the death of Mr. William Markham, at the age of 76. Deceased was formerly in business as a miller and farmer and took an interest in parochial matters, being a member of the School Board first formed in 1871.
3rd March 1893
On Monday last as one of Mr. George Hooks’ carters named William Long was returning from Haddenham with a horse and cart, he slipped and broke his leg. Under Dr. Willis’s care he is progressing favourably.
14th April 1893
Whilst riding on a traction engine on Saturday on the Fordham Road, William Beckwith fell between the engine and drum, the wheel passed over his leg, inflicting two large wounds, he was unconscious for several hours but is now progressing.
6th July 1893
The Royal Marriage of The Duke of York to Princess May (Crowned in 1910 as King George V and Queen Mary).
4th August 1893
Funeral of Mr. Jonas Leonard took place on Saturday last at Soham Cemetery. The Rev. F.W. Dunster officiated and many friends of the deceased attended.
When Mr. Feather of Station Road was measuring some growing crops near to Half Acre farm he slipped on edge of drain and bending his leg put out one of the bones in his knee. He was attended by Dr. Mason of Wisbech and is progressing satisfactorily.
3rd November 1893
Death of Mr. John Taylor at “The Place” on Wednesday morning, 57 years old. Only on Wednesday of last week he was present at his youngest daughters’ wedding, but had for a year past been suffering from an incurable ailment so that his death, though sudden, came as no surprise. The deceased had employed more labour than anyone else in the parish and had been a successful farmer of upwards of a 1,000 acres of land. Mr. Taylor will therefore be greatly missed by the agricultural labourer, who found in him a good all round man and one ever ready to do the best for them. *
5th January 1894
On Friday morning last Mr. Charles Murfet the Station Master who has been promoted to George Lane Station was presented with a purse of gold containing £23-6s-6d subscribed by the inhabitants in acknowledgement of his courtesy. *
16th March 1894
The oldest woman in the Parish, Mrs. Murfitt, at the Cotes died last week aged 98. James Woodruff died on the 6th inst. aged 95 whilst John Ludbrook of Hall Street died at the age of 89. Robert Horsley at the age of 102 is still well and able to take his daily walk to the town, when the weather permits.
8th July 1894
Death of Mr. William Shaw, Farmer and Hay merchant at the early age of 32, on Friday of last week, he was seized with a fit and died on the Monday leaving a widow and one child. The funeral took place last Thursday at Soham Cemetery in the presence of a large number of friends and relatives.
31st July 1894
Tuesday was the 103rd birthday of Robt. Horsley. (He died in January 1895).
22nd March 1895
An inquest was held in Soham fen on Wednesday last on Sarah Ann Wake, aged 3 years, daughter of labourer who was drowned in the Drain. Verdict “Accidentally Drowned”.
The County Coroner (Mr. A.J. Lyon) held an inquest at the Railway Hotel on Friday evening on the body of Alfred Nicholas, aged 40 years, a market gardener, who was killed by a fall from his cart that morning. Robert Murfitt, coal merchant said he was on the Fordham Road, when the deceased passed in a horse and cart, deceased said the horse was rather fresh so he would let him have a trot. The horse became unmanageable, there was a smash and when witness reached the spot, deceased was lying on his face with the front part of the cart upon him. Mr. Richard Cockerton, surgeon, deposed to seeing the accident. The cart, he said turned over and fell on the deceased whose brains were dashed out. Verdict “Accidentally thrown from cart and killed”.
25th May 1895
At the Moat Norah Kathleen Morbey died aged 21 months. An Inquest was held by the County Coroner Mr. A.J. Lyon at the house of Mr. Morbey. Mr. Morbey identified the deceased as his daughter. He left her with Nurse Stigwood whilst he and his family went to Elsworth. Margaret Stigwood of Newmarket, occasional nurse at Mr. Morbeys said she was in charge of the deceased on Sunday last and left her on the steps of the breakfast room door. Mrs. Collins was near and witness went upstairs and on returning Mrs. Collins inquired where the child was. They hunted everywhere and at last met Bailey with her in his arms. She was wet and Dr. Cockerton was sent for. Thomas Bailey, labourer said about 4.45 he found deceased in a moat and got her out at once, he did not know how she got there. Mr. Richard Cockerton said on Sunday about 5.10 he was called to the deceased and found her dead from drowning. Verdict “Accidentally Drowned”.
16th August 1895
Fire On Friday last a fire broke out on Mr. Townsends’ ground at Green Hills, in a stover stack and rapidly spread to two other stacks near. *
27th September 1895
Clarence A. Rust was a successful candidate in the examination for Technical Scholarship held under the auspices of the Cambs County Council last July. He has chosen to continue his education at the Perse Grammar School. The scholarship includes a railway pass to Cambridge.
14th May 1896
Robert Leonard, blacksmith, aged 73, died and an inquest was held at the “Jolly Gardeners” by the County Coroner. *
10th July 1896
On the 2nd inst. a fire broke out in a stack of hay in a ground near the Shade, occupied by Mr. C. Fordham, 2 stacks were destroyed. *
14th August 1896
On Saturday David Saunders aged 24 was driving a horse and cart in the harvest field when the horse bolted. He sprang from the cart and broke a small bone in his foot. He was taken to Addenbrookes Hospital.
On the night of 23rd September a serious fire occurred in Brook Street on the premises of Messrs. Pollard & Malton when 2 stacks were destroyed. A barn and outbuildings etc., were also burnt out and had it not been for the number of willing workers with the use of Soham and Fordham engines, some half a dozed thatched cottages must have been destroyed.
At a meeting of Parish Council on 25th September it was determined that a new fire engine be purchased from Messrs. Merryweather of London at a cost £248 less £15 to be allowed for the old one. This includes all necessary appliances and new uniforms for the brigade.
13th November 1896
Inquest at the Station Hotel on Wednesday last before Mr. A. J. Lyon on Mr Alfred Rising aged 54 years, landlord of the above inn, who received such an injury from a fall off his trap at Ely on the 5th inst. that he died at Soham on the 10th. It appeared that deceased drove into the yard at the Crown Inn, Ely. Shortly before 6pm with Mr. Rickard of Soham, who got out and left deceased sitting in his trap. A lad took hold of the pony’s head and when Mr. Rising was about to alight he fell out and entangled in the reins. He was carried inside and Dr. Beckett sent for who found him seriously hurt. He was taken home the same evening in a fly and attended by Dr. Willis who found that he had received concussion of the spine, which caused his death. A verdict was returned with this evidence.
25th February 1897
Mr. A. Lyon held an inquest on Friday at the Red Lion on Frederick Horsley aged 78 a blacksmith. His son deposed that the deceased had been ailing since Christmas. Thomas Palmer said the deceased lived in the same house as he did and he last saw him alive on Wednesday night about 6.30. Next morning about 9.30 he went to see him and found him dead. Mr. A. Willis, surgeon deposed he had made a Post Mortem and was of the opinion that death was due to failure of the heart. The verdict was “Death from natural causes”.
5th March 1897
Grammar School An examination for 2 vacant places was held on Saturday, the successful candidates to have tuition free until the age of 15 and enjoy many privileges. 1 Lewis Reeve elected, 2 Albert Markwell.
9th April 1897
About 5 o’clock on Monday afternoon a fire was discovered at the residence of Mrs. Fyson in Sand Street. It was smouldering under the floor of one of the bedrooms and the new fire engine under the command of Captain Townsend was quickly on the spot and all danger averted.
23rd April 1897
On Easter Monday the marriage took place between Charles John Tyrel Sudbury to Elizabeth Mary youngest daughter of Mr. Will Hart of Soham. The vicar Rev. J.C. Rust officiated and Mr. Percy Sudbury was best man. Both the parties being well known, many friends assembled to witness the ceremony. The Church was beautifully decorated with Easter flowers.
A handsome brass lectern was presented to the Church by Mr. J.A. Warren of Sourabaya, Java, in memory of his child who died during his recent visit to England.
15th September 1897
Death of George Willis M.R.C.S.L.S.A. aged 81.
The interment took place in the Soham Cemetary. All shops were closed and blinds drawn along the route of the procession and every mark of respect and esteem shown to the memory of the deceased by both rich and poor throughout the whole neighbourhood, among whom he had been spared to practice more than half a century. If any demonstration of the late Doctors popularity was wanted it was not necessary to go far to find it in Soham on Monday.
15th September 1897
At St. Andrew’s Church, Ashley Gardens, London was solemnised the marriage of Mr. Robert Clifton Bell, son of the late Mr. Daniel Bell of Eastbourne with Miss Florence E. Johnson, 3rd daughter of Mr. & Mrs. F.A. Johnson of Wicken Hall and The Hall, Soham, a grand-daughter of Mr. Thos. Hustwick J.P. for many years a resident of Soham.
The bride whose gentle and gracious manners had made her a welcome visitor at many a cottage home belongs to a family who have held the same position of honour and respectability in the same neighbourhood for several generations and some friends from Soham attended the ceremony. The honeymoon was spent in Scotland.
20th October 1897
By the Rev. J.C. Rust, William Ernest only child of William Mann of Croft House and Mere Farms to Mary Agneta only daughter of James Daniel Dimmock of Haney Farm.
31st December 1897
On Tuesday morning last about 7.30 as Mr.R. Aspland senr. Was crossing the line in Mill Drove with a load of manure, a passing luggage train caught the back of his tumbril and turned it over knocking him down and breaking his leg. The cart was broken but the horse was not much hurt. A narrow escape for man and horse.
29th April 1898
Mr. Johnathon Leonard has just received a cheque for the handsome sum of £10. 10s from Mr. McCalmont, M.P. as a donation in aid of the funds for the renovation of the Baptist Chapel.
Mr. McCalmont has also given instructions that all labourers employed on his farms are to have their wages raised by one shilling per week.
20th May 1898
Death of Mr. William Ewart Gladstone On receipt of the news on Wednesday, Cambridge flags were half-masted at the Guildhall and at the Conservative and Liberal Clubs and thus all sections share in the grief of the stricken partner for so many years. Parliament met yesterday, but to adjourn. He was born on 29th December 1809 at Liverpool and educated at Eton and Christ Church, Oxford. He married in 1839 Miss Catherine Glynne, daughter of Sir Stephen Glynne of Hawarden Castle, Flintshire. He made his entry into public life at Newark, shortly after the passing of the first Reform Bill in 1832. He delivered his maiden speech on the question of Slavery on May 17th 1833.
29th April 1898
Miss Mary Fyson of Addison House, Sand Street died on April 13th aged 93. She was the eldest parishioner in Soham.
At the sale of antique furniture, silver and old china belonging to the late Miss Fyson by Messrs. Tebbitt & Cockerton on Friday last, high prices were realized. A large company from all parts attended.
10th June 1898
On Monday afternoon last, a cart belonging to Mr. Heffer of Fordham, containing bread, was standing in Churchgate Street, when a passing load of straw caught the cart and turned it and the horse over, scattering the Contents in the street. With help it was soon set up again and re-loaded and Mr. Heffer was able to proceed on his journey, no damage was done, the horse being a quiet one.
18th November 1898
A rummage sale with a variety entertainment was held in the Conservative Hall in aid of Foreign Missions of the Church of England. The performers being Mrs. Ram, Mrs. Cockerton, Misses Cockerton, Mould and Stertham, Rev. Ivatt, Messrs. C. Mould and M. & C. Wilson.
An Exhibition of Conjuring and ventrioquism was given by a London artiste. Much praise is due to the ladies and other helpers.
30th December 1898
Mr. William Laws, carter, slipped and fell heavily whilst picking up an oil-cake, which had fallen from a cart. He was taken to Addenbrookes Hospital as an inpatient, having fractured his left wrist.
13th January 1899
Railway Accident By prompt action on the part of a driver and the prescence (sic) of mind of a signalman, a collision was averted. It appears the 9.15 am passenger from Ely, duly arrived at Soham at 9.30 am when the driver saw a goods train approaching on the same line and at once reversed the engine and stopped. When 30 yards off each other the goods train became partly de-railed. A Signalman seeing that a collision seemed imminent opened the points of a siding and by this prompt action prevented a more serious disaster.
A break down gang from Cambridge repaired the permanent way by 1pm. The passengers were a bit shaken up but nobody injured.
5th May 1899
Mr. Will. Rankin died April 27th aged 67 was interred in the Soham Cemetery, a large number of friends and neighbours, being present. He was well known and respected having been a clerk at Barway for 32 years. He walked there on Sunday, the 9th fell ill on the 13th died on the 27th. As an inhabitant of Soham he had won the esteem of all classes and much sympathy is felt for his widow and family. The Vicar conducted the service and in the evening a dumb peal was rung.
18th August 1899
James William Woodroffe aged 11 died from kicks received from a horse. The County Coroner (Mr. A.J. Lyon) held an inquest and the father stated that his son was engaged on Monday the 14th inst. minding horses in a field abutting the Wash. Witness heard he had been kicked and went in the direction of the field, encounting the boy being conveyed home in a cart. John Parry Philips of London, locum tenens for Dr. Willis said he was called to see the boy. He was suffering from a severe scalp wound, the brain being exposed. It was such a wound as might have been caused by a kick. Johnson Gooch a 6 year old boy said he saw the animal kick the deceased. The horse was drinking and Woodroffe went up to it with a whip presumably to drive it away when it kicked him in the head. Elizabeth Gooch said she was called to the deceased by her son. He was lying beside the Wash, Mr. Ambroses’ horse was feeding close by, she had never known the animal to kick before. Her foal had been taken from her the previous Thursday and this may have unsettled her. A verdict of “Accidental Death” was returned.
1st September 1899
Mr. John King a well known and respected tradesman died suddenly in Gardeners Lane whilst out on business. He was seen to fall to the ground was carried home in a cart but was quite dead. We understand he had been under medical care but have not heard if an inquest will be necessary.
29th December 1899
The Annual Gifts of the Church Dorcas Society were distributed by Miss. Bullman on St. Thomas Day. They consisted of 71 flannel under-garments.
* More information in the booklet. Email me for details.