Lincolnshire Poor Law Bastardy Cases 1854

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.

13 January 1854

Boston Petty Sessions 11 January 1854
An order was made upon B. HARRISON, of Quadring, for payment of 1s. 6d. per week and costs towards the maintenance of an illegitimate child belonging to Eliz. ALLEN, of Quadring, widow.

Kesteven, Lincoln Petty Sessions 6 January
It was ordered that Edw. STAPLES, of Martin by Timberland, shall pay 1s. 6d. weekly towards the support of the illegitimate child of Mary SEWARD, of Harmston.

20 January 1854

Grimsby (Lindsey) Petty Sessions 17 January
Application was made by Eliza BARKER, of Healing, for a warrant against Geo. LINGARD, of Grimsby, for 13 weeks' arrear of pay for her illegitimate child, which was granted.

27 January 1854

Lincoln City Petty Sessions 26 January
Eliz. PEARSON charged Wm. MORRISS, of Welton Cliff, farmer, with being the father of her child. Case dismissed for want of corroborative proof.

Brigg Petty Sessions 24 January
A railway labourer named John DANIEL, of Grasby, had been adjudged to be the father of Elizabeth Ann OGLESBY's Child: he absconded, and a warrant was issued for his apprehension about August last, and lodged with Mr. WINSHIP, the Constable at Grasby, who on taking Daniels was violently assaulted by him etc. [This is an extract, the rest of the report concerning the assault, not the bastardy case].

 3 February 1854

Gainsborough Petty Sessions 24 January
Fanny PYCOCK, of Heckdyke, applied for an order on John EVERATT, of Ravensfleet, to maintain her bastard child. This was the second application, the former made on the 15th December having been dismissed. Mr. PLASKITT appeared for EVERATT, and Mr. WORSLEY for the applicant. The order was again refused, the Bench stating they were unanimously of opinion that perjury had been committed.

10 February 1854

Kesteven, Lincoln, Petty Sessions 2 February
Eliza ALCOCK, of Thorpe on the Hill, applied for an order in illegitimacy against Wm. DRURY, of Haddington. Case dismissed.

Grimsby (Lindsey) Petty Sessions 7 February
John TIER, servant in husbandry, in the employ of Mr. MARSHALL, of Humberstone, was summoned at the instance of Ann WATERS, of Barnetby-le-Beck, charged with being the father of her illegitimate child. Case dismissed for want of sufficient evidence.

Barton [on Humber] Petty Sessions 6 February
Mary FOWLER summoned Alfred HOUGHTON for nonpayment of 19s. 6d. bastardy arrears. Defendant produced a witness who stated complainant lived with another man, and passed as his wife: the frail Mary acknowledged the truth of this, but swore she was still unmarried. The money claimed was ordered to be paid.

Ann FOWLER alleged Chas. BENNETT to be the father of her illegitimate child, but for want of corroborative evidence she was nonsuited. Mr. MACKRILL appeared for the defence.

Spilsby Petty Sessions 6 February
Georgiana BOGG, of Spilsby, singlewoman, made application for orders in bastardy against Edward SIMPSON, of Croft, farmer, to contribute towards the support of two children, one aged 9, and the other 11 years: order granted for 1s. 6d. per week for the youngest child, and expenses; the other dismissed.

Mary Ann TRIFFET, of Old Bolingbroke, singlewoman, made application for an order in bastardy against Isaac BURT: order granted for 2s. per week, and ordinary expenses.

Sleaford Petty Sessions 30 January
Elizabeth EDWARDS, of Martin, near Timberland, charged Robert PICKERING, of Butterwick, near Boston, with neglecting to contribute towards the maintenance of her bastard child, of which he had been adjudged the father, and an order made upon him accordingly. The amount claimed was £2 15s. 6d., and as EDWARDS has been obliged to attend before the Bench at the end of every quarter to renew her application for an order for payment, defendant was in default of payment of this sum committed to prison for two months.

Boston Petty Sessions 8 February
An order was made upon Jeremiah THORPE, of Boston, for payment of 1s. 6d. a week and costs, towards the maintenance of an illegitimate child belonging to Harriet TURNER, of Skirbeck, singlewoman.

Mr. YORK appeared on behalf of Thos. CROW, of Bicker, farmer, to answer a summons obtained against him by Jane BURGESS, singlewoman, charging him with being the father of her illegitimate child, the further hearing of which was adjourned for a fortnight.

17 February 1854

Boston Petty Sessions 10 February
The hearing of a summons obtained by Maria CARROTT against John BUFFHAM, farmer, of Stickney East Fen, charging him with being the father of her illegitimate child, was adjourned for the production of further evidence.

Spilsby Petty Sessions 13 February
Charlotte JESSUP, of Toynton St. Peter's, singlewoman, made application for an order in bastardy against George WALTHAM of Langriville: order made for 2s. per week and expenses. Mr. YORK, of Boston, appeared on behalf of defendant.

Sleaford Petty Sessions 13 February
Jos. HARVEY, of Welbourn, was charged by Charlotte TROLLY, of Rowston, with being the father of her illegitimate child. The frail Charlotte had been housekeeper for the defendant, who was then a widower, but has since got married. The evidence being considered sufficient, an order was made for payment of 1s. 6d. per week and costs.

Jon. HARE, of Syston, a labourer in the employ of Sir John THOROLD, was charged by Sarah JACKSON, of Ancaster, with being the father of her illegitimate child. It having been shown to the Bench that Jackson had a child previously, an order was made for payment of 1s. per week and costs.

24 February 1854

Boston Petty Sessions 15 February
An order was made upon Wm. CROSS, of Bicker, farmer, for payment of 1s. 6d. a week and costs towards the maintenance of an illegitimate child belonging to Jane BURGESS, singlewoman.

Epworth Petty Sessions 17 February
Ann SCOTT, of Haxey, applied for an order in bastardy against Jos. GRAHAM, sadler, of Hull: order granted for 2s. per week, with costs.

Susannah OLIVER, of Belton, made a similar application against Ross NEWBORN, of Epworth. Order for 1s. 6d. per week.

 3 March 1854

Lincoln City Petty Sessions 25 February
It was ordered that John WATERS, of 24, Montague-place, Russel-square, Middlesex, medical botanist, shall pay 2s. 6d. weekly towards the support of the illegitimate child of Biddy LAWRENCE. The defendant did not appear: Mr. TOYNBEE attended for the complainant, and Mr. CHAMBERS for the defendant. It appeared that both parties had lived in the service of Dr. COFFIN in Bradford and in London.

Sleaford Petty Sessions 20 February
Hy. DODSON, in the employ of Edw. NEWBATT, Esq., was charged by Sarah EAST, of Digby, with being the father of her illegitimate child. It appeared in evidence that defendant had been in the habit of visiting East at her father's house when she was in the family-way: and other corroborative evidence was given that left no doubt about the question of paternity. Mr. TOYNBEE, of Lincoln, appeared for defendant, and endeavoured to prove that East and a fellow-servant with whom she lived previous to last May had been in the habit of sleeping together. The Bench, however, was satisfied with the evidence on behalf of East, and made an order for payment of 1s. 6d. per week.

10 March 1854

Lindsey, Lincoln, Petty Sessions 3 March
It was ordered that Wm. ALLEN, of Saxilby, pay 1s. 6d. weekly towards the support of the illegitimate child of Eliza SQUIRES.

17 March 1854

Lincoln City Petty Sessions 15 March
John NOBLE was brought up charged with refusing to obey an order to pay 2s. weekly towards the support of the illegitimate child of Miriam HUGHES. He was committed for two months.

Sleaford Petty Sessions 13 March
Saml. CLARKE, of Anwick, farming servant, was charged by Mary ROBERTS, of Digby, with being the father of her illegitimate child. Order 1s. 6d. per week.

Jos. PROCTOR, of Cranwell, farming servant, was also charged by Eliz. POUCHER, of Dorrington, with being the father of her illegitimate child. The parties had lived together as servants last year with Mr. TWIDALE, farmer, of Roxholm. Order, 1s. 6d. per week.

Louth Petty Sessions, 10 March
John BLYTHE, labourer, of North Cockerington, was charged with being the father of Mary Ann MARRIOTT's bastard child, and an order was made upon him for 2s. a week towards its support.

Market Rasen Petty Sessions 13 March
An order was made upon Chas. HARDING, baker, of Caistor, for the payment of 1s. 6d. per week towards the maintenance of the illegitimate child of Dinah HEWITT, singlewoman, of Claxby. Mr. HADDELSEY, Solicitor, of Caistor, appeared for Harding.

An order was made upon Thos. TOYNBEE, of Coleby, near Lincoln, who did not appear, for payment of 1s. 6d. per week towards the maintenance of the illegitimate child of Harriet ROBINSON, singlewoman, of Market Rasen.

31 March 1854

Lincoln City Petty Sessions 25 March
Geo. STAPLES, late of Washingboro', but now shepherd with Mr. WATSON, of Londonthorpe, was charged with being the father of the illegitimate child of Mary Ann MALTBY. The case appeared to be a particularly heartless one. Mr. BURTON, jun. attended for the complainant. It appeared that the parties lived in service at Collingham. The complainant got holiday leave, and the defendant took her to Washingborough feast: there, at the house of his father, they sat up all night and had illicit intercourse, though the defendant did not at that time promise marriage. Directly the complainant found herself enciente she informed the defendant, who promised to marry her. The banns were put in at the Lincoln Union, but the defendant did not appear at the time appointed for the wedding. Afterwards he renewed his promise and sent 1 to the complainant. Eventually a summons was taken out calling upon him to show cause why he should not maintain the child, and by promises he induced the complainant to withdraw the summons. The Magistrates ordered that he should pay 2s. weekly, and Mr. WILLSON said it was shocking that parents should suffer their children to sit up all night with males or females, as it generally ended in debauchery.

 7 April 1854

Sleaford Petty Sessions 27 March
Thos. COLE, in the employ of Mr. PALMER, maltster, of Willoughby, near Ancaster, was charged by Ann BELL with being the father of her illegitimate child. Complainant having had a child before, an order was made for payment of 1s. per week only.

Sleaford Petty Sessions 3 April
Eliz. PADLEY, of Anwick, complained to the Bench that Jas. MUSSON, of the same place, was the father of her illegitimate child. Defendant did not appear, and an order was made for payment of 1s. 6d. per week.

Alford Petty Sessions 4 April
Mary OLIVER, of Theddlethorpe, applied for an order on Wm. SMITH of Haugham, for an allowance towards the maintenance of his bastard child. The paternity was admitted. Ordered to pay 1s. 6d. and 15s. expenses.

14 April 1854

Lindsey, Lincoln, Petty Sessions 7 April
Geo. PACEY, of Bardney, it was ordered shall pay 1s. 6d. weekly towards the support of the illegitimate child of Rebecca HOE, of Fiskerton.

Spittlegate Petty Sessions 7 April
Ann BURROWS, of Woolsthorpe, near Belvoir, summoned John ANSON, carpenter, as being the father of her illegitimate child. Ordered to pay 1s. 6d. per week, and expenses.

21 April 1854

No bastardy cases were found.

28 April 1854

Sleaford Petty Sessions 17 April
Wm. SLEAFORD, of Ruskington, labourer, was charged by Mary COOK with being the father of her illegitimate child. Defendant is a widower: complainant resided with him as housekeeper and was confined in his house. Ordered to pay 1s. 6d. per week.

Sleaford Petty Sessions 21 April
Thos. STURTON, of Anwick, was charged by a woman named COVELL, residing in Westgate, Sleaford, with being the father of her illegitimate child. Complainant has had a child previously. Order for 1s. per week.

Boston Petty Sessions 21 April
An application for an order in bastardy was made by a fine young girl, aged 17, against Fras. THORNALLEY, of Mount-pleasant. After a long investigation the case was adjourned till the 29th inst.

Spilsby Petty Sessions 24 April
Eliza TRUEBLOOD, of Bolingbroke, v. MILLSON, of Hogsthorpe: application in bastard. After hearing the evidence, which was of a very contradictory character, and in which, notwithstanding the cautions of the Bench, false swearing was on one or the other side undoubtedly committed, the application was dismissed.

In a similar application by Ann BARLEY, of Great Steeping, against John BROWN, of the same place, an order was granted for 2s. per week.

 5 May 1854

Boston Petty Sessions 28 April
Eliz. BENEWORTH failed in proving her case against Mr. THORNALLY, of Mount Pleasant. She had no corroborative evidence: the application was consequently dismissed.

An order was made on Henry KEAL for the payment of Betsy BELL of 2s. a week towards the support of an illegitimate child.

Horncastle Petty Sessions 28 April
Sarah Ann PARKER, of Horncastle, widow, applied for an order of affiliation on John POUCHER, of Manchester, baker: order made for 1s. 6d. per week from the date of application; 3 7s. costs.

Maria POGSON, of Horncastle, singlewoman, applied for a similar order on John NUNDY, of Wispington, farmer. Mr. WALESBY, of Horncastle, appeared on behalf of complainant: Mr. C. INGOLDBY, of Louth, on behalf of NUNDY. The Magistrates considered the evidence so very contradictory that they dismissed the application, and ordered POGSON to be taken into custody on a charge of perjury. The depositions were taken against her, and she was fully committed to take her trial at the next assizes at Lincoln.

12 May 1854

Sleaford Petty Sessions 8 May 1854
John BRACKENBURY was charged by Eliz. WADDINGHAM with being the father of her illegitimate child. Both parties reside at Sleaford. Order made for 1s. per week.

Kesteven, Lincoln Petty Sessions 5 May 1854
John WALKER, of Heighington, was adjudged to be the father of the illegitimate child of Caroline HARVEY, and was ordered to pay 1s. 6d. weekly towards its support.

Louth Borough Petty Sessions 3 May 1854
Robt. BOYERS, agricultural labourer, was ordered to pay 1s. 6d. per week towards the support of Ellen JACKLIN's bastard child.

 2 June 1854

Boston Petty Sessions 31 May 1854
An Order was made upon Rd. MARSHALL, of Holland Fen, engineman, for payment of 2s. a week and costs, towards the maintenance of an illegitimate child belonging to Harriet LIGHTFOOT, singlewoman.

Sleaford Petty Sessions 31 May 1854
A warrant was granted against Jos. HARVEY, of Welbourn, for non-payment towards the bastard child of Charlotte TROLLEY.

Rd. TROLLOPE, of Heckington, was committed for one month for non-payment towards the bastard child of Rebecca TUFFNALL, of the same place

 9 June 1854

Spilsby Petty Sessions 5 June
Eliza SKELTON, of Firsby, applied for an order in bastardy against Thos. TAYLOR, of Carrington: order granted of 2s. per week, and the usual expenses.

Gainsborough Petty Sessions 30 May
An order was made upon Geo. DICKENSON, of Beckingham, Notts, groom, for payment of 2s. per week towards the support of a female illegitimate child of Ann FEWSTER, of Gainsborough.

16 June 1854

Sleaford Petty Sessions 5 June
Wm. GARRETT, farmer, of Dogdyke, was charged by Sarah Jane BALL, of Helpringham, with being the father of her illegitimate child. It appeared in evidence that the defendant had been contributing towards the support of the child, but had since declined to do so any longer. Order made for 1s. 6d. per week. This is the second child by Ball to which the defendant contributes.

23 June 1854

Gainsborough Petty Sessions 15 June
Wm. RAWSON, of Gainsboro', bricklayer, was summoned to maintain an illegitimate child of Elizabeth FISHER of Gainsboro'. Mr. WORSLEY appeared for RAWSON, and after hearing the evidence in support of the application he declined making any defence. An order of 2s. per week and costs was made.

Spittlegate Petty Sessions 16 June
Ann BROUGHTON, of Barkstone, summoned John SMITH, an apprentice to a carpenter (and who has two years and a half longer to serve his master), for being the father of her child. The defendant acknowledged the paternity; and the Bench, considering the character of the complainant (she having had two children within three years, and being considerably older than SMITH), severely reprimanded her, and made an order on him for the small sum of sixpence per week.

30 June 1854

Louth (Lindsey) Petty Sessions 21 June
The case adjourned from last petty sessions as to Mary Ann LOWAY's bastard child had been settled between the parties.

Geo. MOTLEY, of Covenham, was charged by Martha DARNILL, of South Somercotes, with being the putative father of her illegitimate child. Order made upon him for the payment of 2s. per week, and 2. 6s. expenses.

 7 July 1854

Sleaford Petty Sessions 26 June
Mary BARNES, of Sleaford, charged Peter WILSON, shoemaker, of Heckington, with being the father of her illegitimate child. Order 1s. per week, complainant having had a previous child.

Ann PRIESTLEY, of Heckington, charged Edw. TURNER, farmer, with assaulting her. It appeared that complainant had had a child by defendant, and went to his house for payment of the allowance towards its maintenance, when the assault complained of took place. Settled out of court.

Mary BEE, of Osbournby, charged Wm. EVERITT, of Helpringham, publican, with being the father of her illegitimate child. The evidence being insufficient, the case was dismissed.

14 July 1854

Spilsby Petty Sessions 3 July
Fanny PADLEY applied for an order in bastardy against Thos. SIMONS, of Alford. Order granted for 1s. per week and expenses.

21 July 1854

Alford
The only case before the Magistrates on Saturday last was an application from Ann GOSLING, single-woman, of Strubby, for an order on Wm. CHANTRY, of Ashby, for the maintenance of her bastard child. The evidence in this case disclosed acts of the most shameful depravity. Ordered to pay 1s. 6d. per week and expenses.

Boston Petty Sessions 12 July
An order was made upon E. H. PROCTER, of Leake, bricklayer, for payment of 2s. a week and costs towards the maintenance of an illegitimate child belonging to Harriet WRIGHT, of Skirbeck, singlewoman.

21 July 1854 Supplement

Louth Petty Sessions 5 July
Matilda JEFFREY, of Little Carlton, singlewoman, applied for an order of filiation upon Jos. DREWERY, late of Muckton, farmer's son, for him to maintain her illegitimate child. Order made for the payment of 2s. and costs £4. 9s. 6d.

 4 August 1854

Spilsby Petty Sessions 31 July
The application in bastardy of Charlotte HORN against John GREENWOOD was dismissed.

Sleaford Petty Sessions 31 July
John ALLEN was charged by Ann HIRD, both of Welbourn, with being the father of her illegitimate child. The Bench made an order for payment of 1s. 6d. per week.

Wm. CUPITT, of Scredington, farmer, was charged by Eliza ELLIS, of Sleaford, with being the father of her illegitimate child. Ordered to pay 1s. 6d. per week.

Epworth Petty Sessions 28 July
Ann HESSELBY applied for an order in bastardy on John COCKIN, of Belton. Order made for 1s. per week.

11 August 1854

Lincoln Kesteven Petty Sessions 4 August
Jos. BROWN, of Heighington, was ordered to pay 1s. 6d. weekly towards the support of the illegitimate child of Mary CHAMBERLAIN.

Spittlegate (Grantham) Petty Sessions 4 August
Wm. RINGHAM, of Pointon, who did not appear to answer a summons, was ordered to pay 1s. 6d. a week to Jane HENLEY towards the maintenance of her child, which was born at Spittlegate on the 1st July last. Ringham had promised to marry the girl at May-day, but he had not been near since he made the promise.

Mary BULLIMORE, of Woolsthorpe, charged Chas. DEACON, of Easton, with owing her 24s. for arrears, due on a bastardy order. The child is 10 years of age, and as defendant had offered to marry her two or three times he wanted to "edge off". The Complainant said it was too late now: he ought to have offered marriage ten years ago. Ordered to pay the amount, and 11s. expenses.

18 August 1854

Spalding Petty Sessions 15 August
Mary BAXTER swore her child to F. REESON.

Sleaford Petty Sessions 14 August
An order was made on Thos. HAWA, a navvie, of South Kyme, for the payment of 1s. 6d. per week towards the support of the illegitimate child of Eliza LOCKEY, of the same place.

25 August 1854

Alford Petty Sessions 22 August
The bastardy case of Fanny HALLGARTH against John TROLLOP was settled out of court by Mr. BRACKENBURY, and also that of Mildred TAYLOR v. ROSS.

Bourne Petty Sessions 19 August 1854
Eliza ASHTON, of Morton, swore her child to John CHRISTIAN, upon whom an order of 1s. 6d. a week was made.

 1 September 1854

Gainsborough Petty Sessions 24 August
An order was made upon Jacob KIRBY, of Haworth Hall, near Rotherham, to contribute 2s. 6d. per week towards the bastard child of Susannah FISH, of Gainsboro'.

15 September 1854

Boston Petty Sessions 6 September
An order was made upon Wm. GARRETT, of Dogdyke, farmer, for payment of 2s. 6d. per week towards the maintenance of an illegitimate child belonging to Jane MOTTAM, of Swineshead, singlewoman. Mr. CHAPMAN, of Boston, appeared on behalf of the applicant, and Mr. TOYNBEE, of Lincoln, for the defendant.

22 September 1854

Alford Petty Sessions 19 September
Maria MIDDLETON, of Alford, obtained a warrant against Geo. BREEZE, an itinerant accordian and flute player, for refusing to contribute towards the support of his bastard child.

Louth Petty Sessions 13 September
Sarah DOBSON, of Farford [Farforth cum Maidenwell], made application for an order of affiliation upon John Edw. STONES, of Swaby. Application dismissed.

29 September 1854

Epworth Petty Sessions 22 September
Mary Ann COOPER applied for an order in bastardy against Wm. JACKSON, farmer, of Epworth: order for 2s. per week and costs.

 6 October 1854

Sleaford Petty Sessions 2 October
Jackson KIRK, carrier, of Ruskington, was charged by Eliz. ROWSTON with being the father of her bastard child. Order made for 2s. 6d. for the first six weeks, and 1s. 6d. afterwards. .

13 October 1854

Lincoln City Petty Sessions 12 October
Hannah RATCLIFFE applied for an order in illegitimacy against Rt. BARRATT. Mr. TOYNBEE appeared for the applicant, and Mr. CHAMBERS for the defendant. The case occupied a considerable time, and was dismissed for want of corroborative proof.

27 October 1854

Sleaford Petty Sessions 16 October
An order in bastardy was made upon Thomas DODSWORTH, of Billinghay, farm-servant, upon the complaint of Sarah MAWER, of Digby.

Spilsby Petty Sessions 16 October
Rebecca HOPKINSON applied for an order in bastardy against Thos. BAXTER. Order granted for 1s. 6d. weekly and expenses.

Market Rasen Petty Sessions 16 October
The application of Emma WILLEY, of Middle Rasen, singlewoman, for an order upon John GREENWOOD, was dismissed, for want of corroborative testimony.

Spittlegate (Grantham) Sessions 20 October
Mary FOSTER, who has had two illegitimate children, a widow of Long Bennington, charged Geo. BENT with being the father of the last child. Ordered to pay 6d. a week.

Mary BARNES, of Welby, charged John CHARITY, of the same place, with being the father of her child. Both had lived in the service of Mr. W. AVERY, of Welby Pasture. The bench made no order.

 3 November 1854

Sleaford Sessions 31 October
Rebecca STAPLES, of Martin, applied for an order in bastardy to be made upon Robt. WILSON, of Billinghay, shoemaker, respecting twins of which complainant had been delivered. Defendant admitted the paternity, and an order was made for 1s. per week for each child.

10 November 1854

Lincoln Kesteven Petty Sessions 3 November
Orders were made that Richard COPLEY, famer, of Westborough, shall pay 1s. 6d. weekly towards the support of the illegitimate child of Eliz. MARSHALL;

that Richard HURTON, of Heighington, stone-mason, shall pay 1s. 6d. weekly towards the support of the illegitimate child of Sarah SMITH;

that John MASSINGHAM, of Nocton, farmer's servant, shall pay 1s. weekly towards the support of the illegitimate child of Azuba FRECKLINGTON.

Spittlegate Petty Sessions 3 November
Jane SHIELDS, of Lenton, charged Elijah BLOODWORTH, of Aunsby, with being the father of her illegitimate child. It appeared they were living in the service of Mr. HARRIS, of Somerby, last year, and that BLOODWORTH, who is some years older than the girl, promised her marriage. An order was made for 1s. a week.

17 November 1854

Alford Petty Sessions 14 November
Ann TAYLOR, singlewoman, of Alford, applied for an order for the maintenance of her bastard child on Robt. RUTLAND, jun., of Bilsby. This was the second hearing of this case: Mr. INGOLDBY attended on behalf of appellant and Mr. BRACKENBURY on that of defendant. Ordered to pay 2s. 6d. per week from the date of application, and expenses.

Selina TRIFFIT, singlewoman, of Maltby, applied for an order for the maintenance of her bastard child on Geo. HOLMES, servant in husbandry at Saleby. Ordered to pay 1s. 6d. per week from the date of application, and expenses.

Emily JOHNSON, singlewoman, of Hogsthorpe, applied for a summons in bastardy against Jabez HARRMAN.

Louth (Lindsey) Petty Sessions 8 November
An order was made upon John HOULMLEY, of Thoresway, for 2s. a week (and costs) for the maintenance of Eliz. FORMAN's illegitimate child.

Louth Borough Petty Sessions 6 November
Thos. BURRELL was ordered to pay 1s. 6d. per week in support of Sarah GIBSON's bastard child, of which he was adjudged to be the putative father.

Lincoln City Petty Sessions 11 November
Ann METHAM applied for an order in illegitimacy against Wm. HUTCHINSON of Putsey. The defendant did not appear, and an order was made for the payment of 2s. 6d. weekly.

24 November 1854

Market Rasen Petty Sessions 20 November
The application of Ann CROFT, of Market Rasen, for an order on John FRIVERTON, butcher, for the maintenance of her illegitimate child, was dismissed.

Lincoln Lindsey Petty Sessions 17 November
It was ordered that Wm. HUNT, of Friesthorpe, pay 1s. 6d. weekly towards the support of the illegitimate child of Elizabeth MARTIN.

Sleaford Petty Sessions 13 November
Samuel HOLMES, of Sleaford, was charged by Eliz. COOK, of Timberland, with neglecting to pay the sum of 8s. 6d. towards the maintenance of her illegitimate child. Ordered to pay the same and expenses.

 1 December 1854

Sleaford Petty Sessions 27 November
Geo. BLANKNEY, servant to Mr. BARNES, of Terry Booth, farmer, was charged by Sarah THURLBY, of Great Hale, singlewoman, with being the father of her illegitimate child. The charge being clearly established, an order of 1s. 6d. per week was made upon defendant.

Bourne Petty Sessions 25 November
Sarah COOPER, of Thurlby, applied for an order of affiliation upon Wm. JARVIS. Case dismissed: to pay their own costs.

Alford Petty Sessions 28 November
Emily JOHNSON, singlewoman, of Hogsthorpe, applied for an order for the maintenance of her bastard child on [blank] HARRIMAN, of the same place. Adjourned for a fortnight.

Boston Petty Sessions 24 November
Sarah REED applied for an order in bastardy against W. NORMAN, gardener, of Freiston. The case had been postponed to enable the young woman to procure the attendance of a witness from a distance. She had not succeeded in doing this, but an unexpected witness came forward and deposed to the particulars required. An order for 2s. 6d. a week was made.

 8 December 1854

Lincoln Kesteven Petty Sessions 1 December
Geo. POOLE, of Thorney, was ordered to pay 1s. 6d. weekly towards the support of the illegitimate child of Ann THORPE.

Wm. WRAY was charged with being the father of the illegitimate child of Ann CLAYTON, of Nocton, but the case was dismissed for want of corroborative testimony.

15 December 1854

Sleaford Petty Sessions Dec 1854 [after page 2, column 4, forgot to note date!]
Ann ROLLITT, of Walcott, charged Jas. HOLMES with neglecting to contribute towards the support of her illegitimate child. It appeared that defendant had been in the habit for two years of paying money to Rollitt at different times, and the Bench consequently adjudged him to pay 1s. per week, the complainant having had another illegitimate child.

22 December 1854

Lincoln Lindsey Petty Sessions 15 December
It was ordered that Thos. BAGGALEY, of Hemswell, shall pay 1s. weekly towards the maintenance of the illegitimate child of Jane LADLEY, of Atterby, the sum being put thus low on account of this being the second illegitimate child of complainant.

Market Rasen Petty Sessions 18 December
The application of Lydia FLANNAGAN, of Market Rasen, for an order upon John NASH, sen., brick-maker, for the maintenance of her illegitimate child, was settled out of court.

Spittlegate Petty Sessions 15 December
Elizabeth SMITH, widow, charged Lewis NEALE, cordwainer, of Spittlegate, with being the father of her illegitimate child. The defendant said he left Grantham for London on the 15th August, 1853, and did not return until the 12th of June last, being absent about 10 months. His sister and Lucy SENESCAL corroborated this statement. Case dismissed.

Boston Petty Sessions 13 December
An order was made upon Hy. TILLSON, of Freiston, farmer, for payment of 2s. a week and costs towards the maintenance of an illegitimate male child belonging to Martha NORMAN, singlewoman.

Spilsby Petty Sessions 11 December
An application in bastardy was made by Mary Ann WHITAKER of West Keal, against Simon Skinn VESSEY, of Hundleby;

and by Harriet CARRINGTON, of Friskney, against Jos. REDSHAW, of Frieston. Orders granted for 2s. weekly in each case, with the usual expenses.

Louth Borough Petty Sessions 14 December
Thos. BURRELL was charged by Sarah GIBSON with disobeying an order made upon him for the maintenance of her illegitimate child. Adjourned.

29 December 1854

Sleaford Petty Sessions 26 December
Eliz. PINDER charged John KING with being the father of her bastard child. An order was made for 2s. 6d. per week.

Thank you, Anne Cole, for the above.