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Lincolnshire Poor Law Bastardy Cases 1853

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From the Lincoln, Rutland & Stamford Mercury newspaper

Dates in Bold are newspaper edition dates.
Dates in Italic are the dates of the petty session hearings.

 

 7 January 1853

Lindsey Lincoln Petty Sessions 31 December
Jos. DENMAN, farmer, of Torksey, was ordered to pay 16s. 6d. arrears due under an order of illegitimacy for the maintenance of an illegitimate child of Betsy PEDGE, of Saxilby: the defendant refused to pay 4s. costs, and was therefore committed.

Robt. PETCH, of Knaith, was summoned to show cause why he should not contribute towards the maintenance of the illegitimate child of Ann HALL, of Sturton; but on account of the prevarication of one of the witnesses, the case was adjourned to the 14th inst.

Edw. CHAPPEL, of Nettleham, blacksmith, was ordered to pay 1s. 6d. weekly towards the support of the illegitimate child of Ann CAMMACK

14 January 1853

Louth Petty Sessions 5 January
Wm. MARSHALL, groom, was charged with disobeying an order made upon him on the 3d May, 1851, by the Magistrates at Market Rasen, for the maintenance of Mary Ann HAWLING's bastard child. Ordered to pay the amount claimed, with costs, or in default 3 months to hard labour.

Spittlegate Petty Sessions 7 January
Sarah BILTON, of Brant Broughton, applied for an order of affiliation upon Wm. GIBSON, farmer. After hearing the case at some length their Worships decided there was not sufficient corroborative evidence.

Lincoln City Petty Sessions 8 January
It was ordered that Jos. ARMSTRONG, of Bardney, should pay 2s. weekly towards the support of the illegitimate child of Mary KNOTT.

21 January 1853

Market Rasen Petty Sessions 17 January
Alfred AXE, of Manchester, joiner, was ordered to pay 1s. 6d. per week towards the maintenance of the illegitimate child of Ann GILBERT, of Market Rasen.

Spalding Petty Sessions 17 January
Eliza HARRISON, of West Pinchbeck, charged Geo. HOLDEN with being the father of her illegitimate child. The case was not substantiated, and no order made

Sarah LAXTON complained against Wm. BAXTER as being the father of her illegitimate child. Ordered to pay 1s. per week.

Lindsey (Lincoln) Petty Sessions 14 January
The case of Ann HALL, of Sturton, against Robt. PETCH, of Knaith, an application for an order in illegitimacy, was again brought forward, and was dismissed for want of sufficient evidence.

28 January 1853

Sleaford. - Attempted Suicide.
On Monday last, at the Justice's room, a girl named MILLS charged Rd. GOODISON, of Sleaford, with being the father of her illegitimate child. He was ordered to pay 1s. 6d. per week for its support. The foolish fellow went to a druggist's shop in the evening, and bought an ounce of laudanum, part of which he swallowed: he was taken ill at the Cross Keys inn, and Mr. BISSILL, surgeon, was sent for, who resorted to the usual remedies, and succeeded in ejecting the contents of the stomach. After a great deal of exertion he was restored to sensibility: he is now recovering.

Boston Petty Sessions 26 January
An order was made upon Rt. BLACKBOURN, of Sleaford, baker, for payment of 2s. 6d. a week and costs towards the maintenance of an illegitimate child belonging to Eliz. JOHNSON, singlewoman.

Spittlegate Petty Sessions 21 January
Amelia PECK, of Spittlegate, applied for an order in bastardy upon George BUTTRESS, farm servant with Mr. ROBINSON, of Casthorpe. Mr. KING appeared in support of the order, and proved several distinct payments towards the child's maintenance on defendant's account by his father. Order made for 1s. 6d. per week from that date.

Grimsby Petty Sessions 13 January
Robt. DAWSON, of Waltham, farmer, was summoned by Ann WRIGHT, singlewoman, she alleging that he was the father of her bastard child. Adjourned.  

4 February 1853

Boston Petty Sessions 2 February
The application of Phoebe SHARPE for an order upon Wm. CRAWFORD, of Benington, servant, for the maintenance of her illegitimate child, was dismissed for want of corroborative evidence.

18 February 1853

Lincoln City Petty Sessions 12 February
Ann MARRIOTT applied for an order in affiliation against Jas. HAMMOND, engine-fitter, a married man. Mr. TWEED appeared for the complainant, and Mr TOYNBEE for the defendant. As there was a deficiency of the corroborative proof required, a summons had been issued against HAMMOND himself to attend and give evidence, and the Clerk stated it was settled that in these cases the party against whom the order was sought could be summoned and compelled to give evidence, as the issue involved was only an order for the payment of money, and not punishment criminally. The defendant was examined, and the Magistrates made an order against him for the payment of 1s. 6d. weekly.

It was ordered that John SOUTHWICK, of Dean-street, Westminster, foreman to Messrs. MYERS, builders, (he was recently employed at the Pauper Lunatic Asylum) do pay 2s. 6d. weekly towards the support of the illegitimate child of Mary Ann THEAKER.

Stamford Petty Sessions 16 February
An order of affiliation was made upon Wm. SMEATON, of Manthorpe, farmer, towards the support of Alice TUCKWOOD's illegitimate child.

Spalding Petty Sessions 15 February
Philida WRIGHT v. Enoch PEARSON. The plaintiff accused the defendant with being the father of her illegitimate child, but could not establish the charge. Case dismissed.

Spilsby Petty Sessions 14 February
Sophia LILLEY, of Toynton St. Peter's, applied for an order of affiliation of John MEANWELL, of Stickford. There was no corroboration, and the Bench dismissed the case.

Eliz. WAITE, of Bolingbroke, made a similar application with respect to Robt. FLESHBURN, butcher, of East Kirkby. The Bench characterised this as a most disgraceful case. The defendant, under the promise of marriage, first seduced, and then in the most heartless manner deserted the applicant, and married another woman. Order made for 2s. 6d. per week and expenses.

Chas. BIRKETT, of Bilsby, was ordered to pay 1s. per week towards the maintenance of the bastard child of Fanny GRANT. In this case the defendant was examined and positively contradicted a fact sworn to by three of the applicant's witnesses. Addressing him, the Chairman observed that the evidence left no doubt that he had committed deliberate perjury, and they (the Bench) were sorry they had not the power to indict him.

25 February 1853

Louth Borough Petty Sessions 17 February
Fred. GRUNDY, blacksmith, of Hull, was charged with disobeying an order made upon him for the support of Mary WILKINSON's bastardy child. Ordered to pay the amount due and costs.

Stamford Petty Sessions 19 February
An order of filiation was made upon Wright BENNER, of Stamford, laborer, towards the support of Fanny WRIGHT's illegitimate child.

Spilsby Petty Sessions 21 February
Thos. FREISTON, of Croxton, was adjudged to be the father of the bastard child of Lucy BURRELL, of Sutterby, and ordered to pay 1s. 9d. per week towards its maintenance.

 4 March 1853

Horncastle Petty Sessions 26 February
Charlotte MILLNER, of Edlington, applied to have an order made upon Thos. HUNDLEBY, of Bamburgh [Baumber], for the maintenance of her bastard child, of which she alleged he was the father. The Magistrates declined to make an order, for want of corroborative evidence.

11 March 1853

Boston Petty Sessions 4 March
On Friday last, Maria ALDERNESS obtained an order in bastardy against Mr. Edw. KERSEY, of Putham, Norfolk. The applicant lived as housemaid with him at the time of the intimacy. Mr. W. L. FOX, solicitor, of Harlestone, attended on behalf of the defendant, but after hearing the girl's statement, and perusing a letter of the defendant's, he admitted that it would be only a waste of time to attempt to prove the innocence of his client. He would therefore merely urge the Bench to make the order for as small a sum as possible, as his client was not in such good circumstances as formerly. The Bench made an order for 2s. 6d. a week, with costs amounting to £4.11s.10d.

Note: [2s 6d per week was the maximum amount an order could be made for!]

25 March 1853

Boston Petty Sessions (undated)
The Magistrates were engaged for upwards of three hours investigating a case of alleged paternity. The applicant was Elizabeth READ, singlewoman, of Boston, and the putative father W. WINTER, aged 19, of Boston West. Mr. YORK appeared for the appellant, and Mr. CHAPMAN for the respondent. Contradictory evidence was given, and both the solicitors intimated that there was gross perjury somewhere. The Bench declined to make an order.

 8 April 1853

Louth (Lindsey) Petty Sessions 30 March
An order was made upon Marshall MAKEY, of Grainthorpe, labourer, for the maintenance of Ann SOWDEN's bastard child, at the rate of 1s. 6d. per week and £2 3s. expenses.

Gainsborough Petty Sessions 31 March
Mary Ann BLOW, of Grayingham, singlewoman, applied for an order on Thos. BORRILL, of Willoughton, to support a bastard child. Order made for 2s. per week from the birth, and costs.

Brigg Petty Sessions 5 April
Mr. Charles WOOD, who lives with his brother at Habrough, near Brocklesby, was charged with being the father of Jane EVERATT's child and was ordered to pay 2s. 6d. per week towards the maintenance of it.

Market Rasen Petty Sessions 4 April
The application of Eliza WRIGHT, of Middle Rasen, singlewoman, for an order upon Jos. PANT, of Middle Rasen, for the maintenance of her illegitimate child was dismissed.

Horncastle Petty Sessions 3 April
An order was made on Stennett GOY, of Horsington, labourer, for payment of 1s. per week towards the maintenance of Ann JACKSON's bastard child.

Jessy REEK v. Birkett ENDERBY, of Halton, farmer's son. Mr. SKETCHLEY appeared for the complainant and Mr. WALESBY for the defendant. The Magistrates thought the corroborative evidence insufficient, and declined to make the order.

Kesteven (Lincoln) Petty Sessions 1 April
It was ordered that Wm. FOSTER, of Nettleham, pay 1s. 6d. weekly towards the support of the illegitimate child of Mary GOOD;

and that Geo. RAVEN, of Swinderby, pay 1s. 6d. weekly towards the support of the illegitimate child of Mary BIRKETT.

15 April 1853

Lincoln, Kesteven Petty Sessions 8 April
On the application of Ann LINCOLN, an order was made on John DRURY, of Hadington [sic], for the payment of 1s. 6d. per week towards the maintenance of her illegitimate child.

22 April 1853

Boston Petty Sessions (undated)
On Friday last, Ann GODFREY, now in the Union-house, applied to the Magistrates for an order on John OSTLER to pay towards the maintenance of an illegitimate child of which she alleged he was the father. As she could not adduce any corroborative evidence the application was necessarily dismissed.

Horncastle Petty Sessions 14 April
Ann GOULSBRA applied for an order of affiliation on Willey EMERSON, of Tetford: Application dismissed.

John SEWELL, of Edlington, farmer's servant, was ordered to pay 2s. per week from the date of the application, towards the maintenance of Frances DAY's bastard child, and 15s. 6d. costs.

John WRAGG, of Coningsby Moor, labourer, was also ordered to pay 5s. per week the first six weeks, 2s. afterwards and 18s. costs, towards the maintenance of Eliz. SUTTON's illegitimate child.

 6 May 1853

Spilsby Petty Sessions 2 May
John OLIVER was ordered to pay 2s. per week towards the maintenance of the bastard child of Jane ROBINSON.

13 May 1853

Gainsborough Petty Sessions 5 May
Harriet TURNER, of Wildsworth, singlewoman, applied for an order on Thos. Dry SMITHSON of Grayingham, to support a bastardy child. Order refused.

Sarah HOLMES of Lea, singlewoman, applied for an order on Saml. PICKERING, of Walkeringham, to support a bastard child. Order refused.

20 May 1853

Spalding Petty Sessions 17 May
MOUNTENEY v. GREENHALL. Complainant, who is a common prostitute, applied for an order for the maintenance of a child. Defendant admitted being the father, and had contributed to its support. He had recently got married, and the plaintiff was in the habit of annoying him and his wife: he had therefore discontinued his voluntary payments, but was willing to pay such a sum as the court might direct. Order made for 1s. 3d. per week.

Mary Ann TILSON v. ROYCE. This was another bastardy case, which was dismissed for want of evidence.

Louth (Lindsey) Petty Sessions 11 May
Wm. Kirk MASON, of South Ormsby, farmer, was summoned by Jemima GILBERT, of Grimoldby, singlewoman, charged with being the father of her illegitimate child. Defendant did not appear, and proof of the service of the summons being given, an order was made upon him for the maintenance of the child at the rate of 2s. 6d. per week and £2. 15s. expenses.

10 June 1853

Lindsey (Lincoln) Petty Sessions 3 June
Sam. PASK, of Boothby, was charged with being the father of the illegitimate child of Ann SMITH, of Thorpe le Fallows. The defendant brought up a youth who had lived in the same service as himself and the girl, and who proved her conduct to be grossly immoral. The Magistrates dismissed the case.

17 June 1853

Barton [on Humber] Petty Sessions 13 June
THOMPSON v. DANN. An order was made on defendant for the payment of 1s. per week towards the maintenance of complainant's bastard child, of which he was adjudged to be the father.

HURD v. SERGEANT. Complainant claimed 18s. for arrears under a bastardy order. Defendant stated he had been working for a month for his father, and received only 30s., out of which he had himself, wife and child to maintain. He was ordered to be committed for six weeks: the money was subsequently paid.

Louth (Lindsey) Petty Sessions 8 June
An order was made upon Wm. BELL, of Humberstone, servant, for the maintenance of Ann CATER's illegitimate child.

24 June 1853

Spalding Petty Sessions 21 June
THORPE Ann v. Matthew FALKNER. Order of affiliation adjourned from last petty sessions. Case dismissed.

22 July 1853

Lincoln City Petty Sessions 14 July
It was ordered that Edmund KEYWORTH, landlord of the Plough inn, pay 2s. 6d. weekly towards the support of the illegitimate child of Harriet BUTTERY. The parties had lived in the same service (KEYWORTH being a married man), and the girl's mother stated that he had sent her daughter up to London, wanted to take her away to marry her, and she had been put to expense to go to London to find her and bring her back: she had now a gold ring he had purchased her [sic]. KEYWORTH stated that the girl wanted him to procure for her the leaves of a tree to cause abortion, and he stated that he should never be able to pay the 2s. 6d. weekly, as he was losing money every day at the inn, and was going to leave.

Boston Petty Sessions 20 July
An order was made upon John WESSELBY, of Boston, carpenter, for payment of 1s. 6d. per week and costs towards the maintenance of an illegitimate child belonging to Ann ROUSE, of Surfleet, singlewoman.

12 August 1853

Spittlegate Petty Sessions 5 August
Ann ROBERTS, of Skillington, summoned Robt. CASS, of Beckingham, for arrears (19s. 6d.) due to the end of June for the maintenance of her illegitimate child. Defendant, who is a married man, did not appear disposed to pay, and he was therefore placed in custody while a distress warrant was issued against his goods for the amount, with costs.

Lincoln Petty Sessions 6 August
John GOULDING, a married man, 60 years of age, was ordered to pay 2s. 6d. weekly towards the support of the illegitimate child of Eliz. PEPPER, widow. The old man assured the Magistrates that he would never permit the payments to fall into arrear, and that he would obey the order with the greatest regularity.

Kesteven (Lincoln) Petty Sessions 5 August
It was ordered that Maurice SEWELL, of Collingham, pay 1s. 6d. weekly towards the support of the illegitimate child of Mary EAST.

Horncastle Petty Sessions 6 August
An order of affiliation was made on John JACKSON, of Hemingby, labourer, for payment of 2s. per week towards the maintenance of Caroline WRIGHT's bastard child.

Barton on Humber Petty Sessions 8 August
An Order was made on Mr. John DINSDALE, farmer, of Killingholme, for the payment of 2s. a week for the maintenance of an illegitimate child of which he was adjudged to be the father. [The mother was not named]

Bourne Petty Sessions 6 August
Peregrine ROSLIN, of Swineshead, for not complying with an order of affiliation for the support of Ann STURGESS' child, was ordered to pay 10s. forthwith, and 14s. in a month.

19 August 1853

Alford Petty Sessions 9 August
Eliza BROADLEY, singlewoman, of Hagnaby, applied for an order for the maintenance of her bastard child on Thos. JOLLANDS, of Walesby. Case dismissed for want of sufficient evidence.

26 August 1853

Sleaford Petty Sessions 22 August
Wm. INGLE, farming servant, of Kirkby Underwood, was charged by Millicent LUNN with being the father of her illegitimate child. Mr. BISSIL appeared for the defendant, and called a witness, who lived as a groom with Mr. MARTIN, of Falkingham Lodge, in whose service the complainant also lived, who stated he had heard complainant say that her master had been to bed to her. Defendant, however, admitted having had connexion with complainant, and having promised her money for the support of the child. It appeared to the Bench that complainant had had one child previously, and they made an order on defendant for payment of 1s. per week and costs.

Boston Petty Sessions 24 August
An order was made upon John CODLING, farmer, of Bicker, for payment of 2s. a week and costs towards the maintenance of an illegitimate child belonging to Isabella WAITE.  

3 September 1853

Bourne Petty Sessions 3 September
Rd. DALE was ordered to pay 1s. per week towards the support of the illegitimate child of Eliza SMITH, of Morton.

30 September 1853

Alford Petty Sessions 27 September
Charlotte HANSHAM, single-woman, of Sloothby, applied for an order for the maintenance of her bastard child on Cornelius GOODWIN, of Eagle, near Lincoln. Ordered to pay 2s. per week from the date of application, and £1 10s. expenses.

30 September 1853 Supplement

Grimsby Petty Sessions
Thos. PEACOCK, of Healey, was brought up under a warrant for disobeying an order in bastardy. Liberated on paying the amount claimed.

Boston Petty Sessions 21 September
An order was made upon Fras. HIGDON, of Sutton, servant, for payment of 1s. 6d. per week and costs towards the maintenance of an illegitimate child belonging to Sarah WHITE, singlewoman.  

7 October 1853

Boston Petty Sessions 28 September
An order was made upon Chas. MILLHOUSE, of Kirton, farmer, for payment of 2s. a week and costs towards the maintenance of an illegitimate child belonging to Eliz. SMITH, singlewoman.

Boston Petty Sessions 30 September
The application of Ann PARTRIDGE for an order in bastardy against Thos. FOX was adjourned for a fortnight.

Louth Petty Sessions 28 September
Sarah SMITH, of Saltfleet, singlewoman, made an application to have an order made upon Robt. BRIGGS for the maintenance of her illegitimate child. Mr. C. INGOLDBY, jun. appeared for the defendant. After a long hearing the application was dismissed, and the Magistrates refused to make the order.

14 October 1853

Kesteven, Lincoln, Petty Sessions 7 October
Hannah YARNELL applied for an order in illegitimacy against Watson HARMSTON, farmer, of Waddington. Case dismissed.

Alford Petty Sessions 11 October
Eliz. PEAL, singlewoman, of Whitepit, applied for an order in bastardy on Hy. FRESHNEY, of Poolam, near Horncastle. Mr. Brackenbury attended on behalf of defendant. Case dismissed.

20 October 1853

Sleaford Petty Sessions 17 October
Geo. THEAKER, of Wellingore, a navvie, was summoned by Anne TOWNING upon a charge of being the father of her illegitimate female child. Defendant had paid towards the support of the child for 9 months, and he admitted the paternity. Order made to pay 1s. 6d. a week.

Sleaford Petty Sessions 10 October
Wm. Blackbourn CAWTHORN, a journeyman wheelwright of Lincoln, was charged by Ann PALEY, of Billinghay, with being the father of her illegitimate child. Defendant did not appear. It appeared from the evidence of complainant, corroborated by her mother, that defendant had promised to marry her. Proof of the service of the summons upon defendant having been given, an order was made for payment of 2s. per week.

Boston Petty Sessions 14 October
An order was made by the Bench on Thos. FOX, butcher, for the payment of 2s. a week to Anne PARTRIDGE towards the support of an illegitimate child. The defendant on oath denied the truth of the allegation, but the evidence against him was conclusive; and he had a very narrow escape from further proceedings, instituted by the Bench. As it was, he received a severe admonition.

28 October 1853

Boston Petty Sessions 26 October
An order was made upon Jas. PATCHETT, of Kirton, farmer, for payment of 2s. per week and costs towards the maintenance of an illegitimate child belonging to Sarah BONNETT, singlewoman.

Kesteven Quarter Sessions, Sleaford 19 October
Appeal. - This was an appeal against an order of affiliation made by Chas. ALLIX and John REEVE Esq., on the complaint of Frances PEARSON against Wm. PARKINSON, whereby he was adjudged to be the putative father of a female child of which she had been delivered, and ordered to pay 1s. 6d. per week towards its maintenance. The appellant is a farmer at Wyberton, near Boston, and the respondent lived as a domestic servant in the house of the appellant's parents. The case was heard at the sessions held on the 30th June last, when, in consequence of there being only two magistrates present competent to decide upon it, and each holding a different opinion, it was by consent of the parties adjourned to these sessions to be heard de nova. Mr. TOYNBEE appeared for the respondent, and Mr. CALTHROP for the appellant. The respondent distinctly swore that the appellant was the father of the child, which evidence was corroborated by that of her aunt, who upon one occasion, when she went to call upon her niece, found the parties in a situation to leave no doubt, etc. Many witnesses were called in support of the appellant's case, but they failed to shake the testimony of the respondent: in fact, one of the witnesses, a member of the appellant's family, contradicted the evidence which she had previously given. The appellant was examined, and he positively swore that he had never been with the respondent as stated. It appeared to be the general opinion in court that the appellant and some of his witnesses had committed gross perjury, and a juryman remarked that if the case had been referred to them it would have been very quickly decided. The Bench at once confirmed the order.  

4 November 1853

Barton Petty Sessions 31 October
SHIPPISON v WATKIN and MARSHALL v SEWELL. These affiliation cases were dismissed for want of corroborative evidence.

Stamford Petty Sessions 28 October
An order of affiliation was made upon Wm. SCOTT, of Langtoft, labourer (who was defended by Mr. ATTER), towards the support of Ann LANKHAM's illegitimate child: he was directed to pay 1s. 6d. per week with the costs and expenses incurred.

11 November 1853

Lindsey, Lincoln, Petty Sessions 4 November
Wm. GOOD, of Retford, was ordered to pay 1s. 6d. weekly towards the support of the illegitimate child of Ellen GABBETIS, of Fenton.

Spittlegate Petty Sessions 4 November
Ann BURNETT (for whom Mr. KING appeared) of Syston, obtained an order of affiliation upon Robt. COTES, of South Lambeth, London, for 1s. 6d. a week, for the maintenance of her illegitimate child, with costs of £3. 7s.

Eliz. LANGLEY, of Ropsley, applied for a similar order upon John PARKER, of Nottingham. The Bench were deciding upon the amount of the order (defendant not appearing or being represented), when Mr. HEALY appeared, and made such a statement, supporting the same by evidence, as induced them to adjourn the case until next meeting.

Boston Petty Sessions 2 November
An order was made on John BINGHAM, of Friskney, servant, for payment of 2s. per week, and costs, towards the maintenance of an illegitimate child belonging to Esther SAVAGE, of Wrangle.

Gainsborough Petty Sessions 3 November
Chas. GOODBARN, of East Ferry, was summoned for the maintenance of a bastard child of Eliz. PYCOTE, of East Ferry. Order made for 5s. per week for the first six weeks after the birth, and 2s. per week afterwards and costs.

Sleaford Petty Sessions 7 November
Geo. CRAGG, ostler at the Black Dog public-house, Grantham, was charged by Eliz. HUNT, of Scredington, with being the father of her illegitimate child. Mr. HEALEY, of Grantham, appeared for the defendant, and attempted to fix the paternity upon a man named DRAYCOTT, a pig-jobber living at Falkingham, who had been in the habit of sleeping at the Fox and Hounds public-house at Grantham when he attended that market, and at which place the complainant and defendant formerly lived together as servants. The Bench, however, felt satisfied with the evidence of complainant, and made an order for payment of 1s. 6d. per week.

Wm. WOODFORD, a farming servant residing at Dembleby, was charged by Mary BUGG, widow, of Osbournby, with being the father of her illegitimate child. Mr. HEALY was for defendant. It appeared from the evidence that defendant had been in the habit of sleeping at Bugg's house at times, but as complainant has other illegitimate children only 1s. per week was ordered to be paid.

Rd. TROLLOPE was charged by Rebecca TUFNELL, of Heckington, with being the father of her illegitimate child. Case adjourned for a fortnight.

25 November 1853

Sleaford Petty Sessions 21 November
An order, affiliating the child of Rebecca TUFNELL, was made upon Rd. TROLLOPE, both of Heckington. Defendant was ordered to pay 1s. 6d. per week. The case was partly heard a fortnight ago, and then adjourned. Defendant did not appear.

Lincoln City Petty Sessions 19 November
John NOBLE, of the Butterley Iron Works, was charged with being the father of the illegitimate child of Miriam HUGHES. The parties were some time before they appeared, and the Clerk (Mr. ANDREW) said that the defendant was a married man and had 6 or 7 children in different parts of the country. As soon as the parties appeared, proof of the paternity was given, and HUGHES [sic] said "the child is mine, and I am agreeable to pay anything in reason, but I have two others to pay to, and it is not the first time I have been in a job of this sort. I earn 22s. weekly, and have been married three months". It was adjudged that the defendant should pay £2. 16s., the total costs and expenses up to Saturday, and 2s. weekly afterwards.

Gainsboro' Petty Sessions 6 November
An order of 2s. per week was made on John FIELDSON, of Redbourn, for a male bastard child of Elizabeth CLAPHAM, of Willingham.  

2 December 1853

Sleaford Petty Sessions 28 November
An order of 1s. 6d. per week towards the maintenance of the illegitimate child of Sarah BARKS, of Scredington, was made upon Wm. YOUNG, farming servant, of Ropsley.

 9 December 1853

Gainsboro' Petty Sessions 1 December
An order of 2s. per week for the bastard child of Harriet TURNER, of Wildsworth, was made on Thos. D. SMITHSON, of Grayingham.

An order of 2s. per week was made on Jos. HEADLAND, of Broughton Carr farmer, for the maintenance of a female bastard child of Mary TAYLOR, of Gainsboro'.

An order of 5s. per week for the first six weeks after the birth, and 2s, per week afterwards, was also made on Geo. ROADLEY, of Scotter, for the bastard child of Ann KIDNEY.

Kesteven (Lincoln) Petty Sessions 2 December
It was ordered that Frank VICKERS, of Langworth, shall pay 1s. 6d. weekly towards the support of the illegitimate child of Ann PROCTOR.

Spittlegate Petty Sessions 2 December
Ann CARNELL, of Stubton, applied for an order of affiliation upon Henry PARKER, of the same place. Mr. King appeared in support of the order, and Mr. HEALY for the defendant. The order was made for 1s. 6d. a week.

Elizabeth SENTANCE, of Barrowby, who was supported by Mr. WINTER, made a similar application against John JACKSON, of Harby, for whom appeared Mr. BOWLEY, of Nottingham. Order granted for 2s. a week.

Lincoln City Petty Sessions 3 December
Rebecca LEVERSEDGE applied for an order in affiliation against Mark BROWN, who was defended by Mr. Brown. It was elicited that the child in this case was the third illegitimate child of Leversedge, though she is only 22 years old. The case was dismissed for want of sufficient proof.

Boston Petty Sessions 7 December
An order was made upon Thomas ROBERTS, of Kirkby, servant, for payment of 1s. 6d. a week and costs towards the maintenance of an illegitimate child belonging to Ann TRUEPENNY, singlewoman.

Abraham MEEDS, of Coningsby, farmer, appeared to a summons obtained by Susannah BABINGTON, of Fosdyke, singlewoman, charging him with being the father of her illegitimate child, and after hearing the application was dismissed for want of evidence.

16 December 1853

Boston Petty Sessions 14 December 1853
An order was made upon John BONTOFT, of Wrangle, farmer, for payment of 2s. a week towards the maintenance of an illegitimate child belonging to Harriet BROCKLESBY, of Wrangle, singlewoman.

Sleaford Petty Sessions 12 December
An order of affiliation of the female bastard child of Sarah MILLS, of Martin, was made upon Geo. COOKE, of Lound, farming servant, for 1s. 6d. per week.

23 December 1853

Spittlegate Petty Sessions 16 December 1853
Eliz. WHYLEY, of Little Gonerby, applied for an order upon Thos. WALKER, of Grantham, cordwainer, for the maintenance of her illegitimate child. Mr. WINTER appeared in support of the order, and Mr. KING for the defendant. WALKER had courted the applicant for four years, and having accomplished her ruin forsook her and married another. Order granted for 1s. 6d. per week.

Gainsborough Petty Sessions 15 December 1853
Fanny PYCOCK, of Heckdyke, applied for an order on George EVERATT, of Ravensfleet, farmer, to maintain her female bastard child. Mr. WORSLEY appeared for the complainant, and Mr. PLASKITT for Mr. EVERATT and the order was refused.

30 December 1853

Boston Petty Sessions 28 December 1853
An order was made upon Frederick THOMPSON of Skirbeck, blacksmith, for payment of 1s. 6d. a week and expenses towards the maintenance of an illegitimate child belonging to Ellen MARSHALL singlewoman.

Thank you, Anne Cole, for the above.