Lincolnshire Poor Law Bastardy Cases 1856

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.

 4 January 1856

Spilsby Petty Sessions 31 December 1855
Mary Ann TAYLOR v. Wm. TOYN, affiliation application. Dismissed for want of corroborative evidence.

Alford Petty Sessions 1 January 1856
Frances HOLMES, of Hogsthorpe, applied for an order in bastardy against Geo. BROADLEY, of Hannah cum Hagnaby, servant. Order granted for 2s. per week and expenses.

11 January 1856

Spittlegate Petty Sessions 4 January 1856
Edw. HEALEY, of Keisby, agreed to pay 1s. per week towards the support of his illegitimate child by Eliz. TAYLOR, and 10s. for the midwife.

Lincoln (Kesteven) Petty Sessions 4 January 1856
Joseph HOLMES, of Navenby, was ordered to pay 1s. 6d. weekly towards the support of the illegitimate child of Anna BAKER.

Sleaford Petty Sessions 7 January 1856
An order for payment of 1s. 6d. per week was made upon John SCOFIELD, of South Hykeham, towards the maintenance of the illegitimate child of Ann SMITH, of Timberland.

Lincoln City Petty Sessions 7 January 1856
John PARKER, railway porter, of Peterboro', was charged with being the father of the illegitimate child of Eliz. SPAIN. The defendant did not appear, and it was ordered that he should pay 2s. weekly.

18 January 1856

[Boston]
A woman of respectable appearance applied for a summons on the putative father of her illegitimate child. She had, she said, been separated from her husband four years, and she believed he was dead until a few months since, when, on going to Paris with her late paramour, she found that he was living there and had taken another wife. She had co-habited with the father of the child about 18 months, but he had now deserted her, and she was quite destitute. Her husband's name was Wm. ALFORD, and the name of the child's father was Geo. ROBINSON, and he was now a carter on the Great Northern. The summons was granted. [More of this one below]

Spilsby Petty Sessions 14 January
Mary Ann WRIGHT, of Friskney, v. Thos. HOLDHAM, of Freiston. Affiliation application. Dismissed for want of sufficient evidence.

Louth Borough Petty Sessions 11 January
John INGOLDMELLS, a porter at Hull, was charged by Martha WEBSTER with being the father of her illegitimate child. Ordered to pay expenses of apprehension, and 1s. 6d. weekly to the child.

Eliz. SHAW, servant at Mr. CALTHORPE's, of Withern, charged John RAITHBY, groom, with being the father of her bastard child. Ordered to pay 1s. 6d. per week.

Market Deeping Petty Sessions 16 January 1856
Mary BRIGGS, of Deeping Fen, summoned John IRELAND of Deeping, for the support of her bastard child. An order was made for 1s. per week.

25 January 1856

Market Rasen Petty Sessions 21 January
Eliz. WINN, of Thoresway, singlewoman, obtained an order upon Job PARISH, of Scamblesby, labourer, for the payment of 1s. 6d. per week towards the maintenance of her illegitimate child.

Boston Petty Sessions 18 January
Euphemia ALFORD, a married woman, applied for an order on Geo. ROBINSON, for the support of an illegitimate child, of which she alleged he was the father. Mr. CHAPMAN appeared for the applicant, and Mr. YORK for the defendant. The case presented peculiar features. The applicant deposed that she was married to Alford in 1847. In 1848 he deserted her, and she believed that he was dead. About the middle of 1854 she became acquainted with the defendant, a porter on the Great Northern railway, and lived with him as his wife. In April, 1855, the child was born of which he was the father. She and defendant subsequently went to France, and there she accidentally met her husband, who had married again. She and defendant returned to England, and continued to live together till very recently, when the defendant deserted her, leaving her quite destitute. Several letters alleged to be his were put in, in which he alludes to the child in fatherly terms. Mr. York contended that the applicant being a married woman, and her husband being alive, she had no claim - "she could not bastardise her own children". At all events she must prove that her husband was beyond the four seas at the time, and that by other evidence than her own. Mr. Chapman applied for a subpoena for Robinson, who would prove all that was required. Robinson, after some prevarication, admitted that the letters were his: that he had lived with the applicant, etc. He always thought she was a singlewoman up to the time of their going to France. When he found that she had a husband, and that she therefore could not be his, he withdrew. The Bench made an order for 2s. a week. The defendant signified he should appeal.

It is worth mentioning that by the Poor Law Amendment Act of 1834, husbands were bound to maintain illegitimate children of their wives. Whether this included children born after the marriage is an interesting question. Perhaps the appeal will be reported and we shall find out.

Anne

 1 February 1856

Spilsby Petty Sessions 28 January
Thomas PEARL, of Sibsey, who did not answer to the summons, was adjudged in his absence to be the putative father of the illegitimate child of Sarah WAKEFIELD, and ordered to pay 1s. per week and expenses.

 8 February 1856

Spittlegate Petty Sessions 1 February
Ann JARVIS, a single woman, applied through Mr. HEALY for an order of affiliation upon Henry HILTON. Mr. MALIM appeared for the defendant. This was the second application, the first having been made at the Borough Bench of Magistrates, who dismissed the case because they considered the paternity was not sufficiently proved. Mr. Healy said the second application had been made not to place one set of Justices against the other, but in order that new and material evidence might be adduced; and another reason why he particularly wished it was in consequence (to use his own words) of a very shameful attempt to bribe one of his witnesses, and to intimidate another, upon the very threshold of justice. He also stated that he had chosen this Bench because it was above any such influence, and that no one would have dared to attempt such a thing on the threshold of this court: also that if it occurred again he should take upon himself the responsibility of making it public. Mr. Malam wished for an explanation to this grave charge, but Mr. Healy said he acquitted him even of the knowledge of it. The Magistrates retired, and upon retaking their seats said that, after a patient hearing of the ably-argued case, they did not consider there was sufficient evidence before them to reverse the decision of the Borough Magistrates, the corroborative evidence not being sufficiently strong.

Louth Petty Sessions 1 February
Rd. MEDLEY, bricklayer, was charged by Eliza DUESBURY with being the father of her bastard child. Case dismissed, complainant to pay costs.

15 February 1856

Lincoln (Lindsey) Petty Sessions 8 February
Eliz. HUTCHINSON, of Willoughton, was charged with deserting her illegitimate child. It appeared that she had got a little girl to take it to the house of the parents of James GILBERT, who she affirmed was the father. As she now undertook to take proper care of the child the case was dismissed, and a summons was granted against GILBERT, calling upon him to show cause why he should not contribute towards the child's maintenance.

Boston Petty Sessions 8 February
A comedian named BENGOUGH was ordered to pay 2. 12s. arrears on an order in bastardy, made in February, 1853, he having been absent ever since.

22 February 1856

Lincoln (Kesteven) Petty Sessions 15 February
It was ordered that Fred. TOYNE should pay 1s. 6d. weekly towards the support of the illegitimate child of Caroline HURRY, of Navenby. Mr. ROBERTS appeared for the complainant.

It was ordered that Chas. FIDER should pay 1s. 6d. weekly towards the support of the illegitimate child of Jane CARR, of Branston.

Rebecca BODY, of Coleby, complained that James SMITH was the father of her illegitimate child. The nearest corroborative evidence was that the complainant had been sitting on the defendant's knee. It appeared that they had lived in the same service, and at the same time the defendant was courting another young woman, and the complainant was also receiving letters from another suitor. The case was dismissed for want of corroborative proof.

It was ordered that John GREEN, one of the workmen at the Stamp-end Foundry, should pay 1s. 6d. weekly towards the support of the illegitimate child of Ann MARTINSON, of Thorpe on the Hill.

Boston Petty Sessions 15 February
Eliz. PORSON v. John SMITH, Lincoln. A case of affiliation: order made for 2s. 6d. a week.

Sleaford Petty Sessions 18 February
Wm. UNDERWOOD, of Walcott, in the parish of Billinghay, was charged with being the father of the illegitimate child of Mary GILBERT, of Billinghay, widow. Mr. MALIM, of Grantham, appeared for defendant. The bench were satisfied with the evidence adduced, and made an order for payment of 1s. 6d. per week.

Market Rasen Petty Sessions 18 February
Jane TASKER, of Market Rasen, singlewoman, obtained an order upon Thomas Robinson GREY, of Boston, baker, for the payment of 1s. 6d. per week towards the maintenance of her illegitimate child.

Grantham Borough Petty Sessions 18 February
Elizabeth BROWN applied for an order in bastardy on Wm. D. JENNINGS, a "walking stationer". Defendant did not appear. The child was born 12th Feb., 1855. An order was made of 2s. per week and 1. 17s. 6d. costs.

Boston Petty Sessions 20 February
An order was made upon Thomas HAND, of Manea, Cambs., farmer, for the payment of 2s. a week and costs towards the maintenance of an illegitimate child belonging to Eliza BOWLES, of Holland Fen, singlewoman.

An order was also made upon John FAVELL, of Kirton, labourer, to pay 2s. a week and costs towards the maintenance of an illegitimate child belonging to Ann EDWARDS, singlewoman.

29 February 1856

Lincoln City Petty Session 23 February
Geo. ALLEN, a clerk in the telegraph office, was ordered to pay 2s. weekly towards the support of the illegitimate child of Sarah SMITH. Mr. ROBERTS appeared for the complainant, and Mr. TOYNBEE for the defendant.

14 March 1856

Boston Petty Sessions 5 March
An order was made upon Wm. PARKER, of Frampton, for payment of 1s. 6d. per week and 1. 4s. 6d. costs towards the maintenance of an illegitimate child belonging to Eliz. BEECHAM, of Kirton.

Spittlegate Petty Sessions 7 March
Jane WILKINSON appeared for an order of affiliation upon Hy. WINN, of Old Radford. Order by consent of 2s. 6d. per week. Costs 1. 8s. 6d.

14 March 1856

Boston Petty Sessions 5 March
An order was made upon Wm. PARKER, of Frampton, for payment of 1s. 6d. per week and 1. 4s. 6d. costs towards the maintenance of an illegitimate child belonging to Eliz. BEECHAM, of Kirton.

Spittlegate Petty Sessions 7 March
Jane WILKINSON appeared for an order of affiliation upon Hy. WINN, of Old Radford. Order by consent of 2s. 6d. per week. Costs 1. 8s. 6d.

11 April 1856 (continued)

Lincoln (Kesteven) Petty Sessions 4 April
Geo. SMITH, of Thorpe on the Hill, tailor, was ordered to pay 1s. 6d. weekly towards the maintenance of the illegitimate child of Jane WRIGHT of Carlton le Moorland.

It was ordered that Geo. BARTON, journeyman miller, of Collingham, should pay 1s. 6d. weekly towards the support of the illegitimate child of Alice WILLSON of Eagle. The man had offered that his mother should take and maintain the child.

In another case of illegitimacy, Mary PRIDGEON of North Hyckham, v. Wm. HARRISON, of Kettlethorpe, the woman did not appear, and the case was adjourned.

Lincoln City Petty Sessions 5 April
It was ordered that John ALLEN, of Newark, should pay 1s. 6d. weekly towards the support of the illegitimate child of Ann WENTWORTH.

 2 May 1856

Lincoln City Petty Sessions 26 April
John ALLEN, cab-driver, was charged with neglecting to pay 1. 6s. due to Elizabeth WARD on an order in illegitimacy. The defendant admitted that he had a wife and seven children who were starving, as he only earned 10s. weekly and what he could pick up: that the child for which the pay was due was the second illegitimate child the complainant had had by him. Police-officer LILBURN said that the previous night the defendant's master had offered to advance the money, but the defendant declined to accept the loan, as he said he should not be able to repay it. He also stated that his household goods would not fetch, if sold, 1. 6s. Committed for a month.

 9 May 1856

Boston Petty Sessions 7 May
George HORN, of Boston, rat-catcher, was committed to Spalding gaol for one month for disobeying an order in bastardy.

Sleaford Petty Sessions 5 May
Saml. BETTS, of Frieston, near Caythorpe, was charged by Sarah PASK, of Caythorpe, with being the father of her illegitimate child. It appearing in evidence that Pask having had two children previously, an order was made for payment of 1s. per week only.

Spilsby Petty Sessions 5 May
Moses WINN was charged with being the putative father of the illegitimate child of Harriet MASON, of Miningsby, and ordered to pay 1s. 6d. per week and expenses.

Market Rasen Petty Sessions 5 May
Jane VICKERS, of Kirkby cum Osgodby, singlewoman, obtained an order upon Mr. John HARGRAVE, late of the same place, butcher, for the payment of 1s. 6d. per week towards the maintenance of her illegitimate child.

16 May 1856

Boston Petty Sessions 14 May
An application was made by Ann EATON, of Sutterton, singlewoman, for an order upon Benj. JEFFERY, of Algarkirk, for maintenance of her illegitimate child. Mr. YORK appeared for the applicant, and Mr. SNAITH for the defence. After hearing, the order was refused for want of sufficient corroborative testimony.

23 May 1856

Lincoln City Petty Sessions 22 May
Henry JOHNSON, aged 18, apprentice to Mr. C. CURTIS, butcher, Guildhall-street, was adjudged to be the father of the child of Mary MACKINDER, and ordered to pay 1s. 6d. per week towards its maintenance: in default to be committed to prison.

30 May 1856

Horncastle Petty Sessions 24 May
Elizabeth UNDERWOOD, of Hagworthingham, late in the service of Mr. W. CROPPER, at Minting, applied to have an order made upon Thos. STEVENS, of Sturton Magna, for the maintenance of her bastard child, of which she alleged he was the father. From the contradictory statements made by the plaintiff, the Magistrates dismissed the case, and informed Underwood that she had a narrow escape from being sent to Lincoln on a charge of perjury.

 6 June 1856

Lincoln City Petty Sessions 5 June
An order of affiliation for the maintenance of the male child of Eliza FROST was made upon Charles BENNETT, a clerk in the employ of Mr. J. EAST, miller.

Boston petty Sessions 4 June
An order was made upon Humphrey PHILIPS, of Bourne Fen, for payment of 2s. 6d. a week towards the maintenance of an illegitimate child belonging to Martha LEARY, singlewoman, of Gosberton.

13 June 1856

Lincoln City Petty Sessions 9 June
John GODBEHERE was committed to prison for six weeks for neglecting to contribute towards the maintenance of the illegitimate child of Rebecca HODSON.

Spittlegate Petty Sessions 6 June
Alice MARSHALL, a girl stated to be only 16 yrs. of age, appeared for an order of affiliation upon Charles HORNSBY, an apprentice. The applicant stated particulars of the intimacy, but produced no evidence to corroborate her statements: on the contrary, one of her own witnesses, in his examination by defendant's solicitor, acknowledged that he had seen her under suspicious circumstances with another man. A witness was produced by defendant proving a similar circumstance with the same man; and the master with whom the girl had been living and the youth is apprenticed, stated that such a thing as an intimacy between the parties in question never entered his thoughts, but he had suspected the conduct of a man named MORLEY and the applicant. Morley was the man named by the two witnesses above. The Magistrates retired and deliberated upon it, and said the evidence could not be got over, and gave an order for 1s. per week. Mr. JOHNSTON appeared for defendant, and gave notice of an appeal at the next quarter sessions. Mr. HEALY appeared for applicant.

Market Rasen Petty Sessions 2 June
The application of Elizabeth GODFREY, of Market Rasen, for an order upon Wm. Hargrave TAYLOR, of Wickenby, groom, towards the maintenance of her illegitimate child, was adjourned until the 30th inst.

20 June 1856

Boston Petty Sessions 18 June
An order was made upon John BURDEN, farmer, of Swineshead, for payment of 2s. 6d. a week towards the maintenance of an illegitimate child belonging to Ruth TAYLOR, of Swineshead, singlewoman.

27 June 1856

Lincoln City Petty Sessions 21 June
John MITCHELL, jun., carpenter, of Laughterton, was charged with being the father of the illegitimate child of Fanny GILBERT. It was ordered that the defendant pay 1s. 6d. weekly.

Lincoln City Petty Sessions 25 June
Hy. JOHNSON was committed for three months for neglecting to pay the arrears due to Mary MACKINDER in a case of illegitimacy.

Lincoln Kesteven Petty Sessions 20 June
Rd. MARRIOTT, of Whisby, was ordered to pay 1s. 6d. weekly towards the support of the illegitimate child of Ann HODSON.

Spittlegate Petty Sessions 20 June
Sarah ALCOCK, of Claypole, applied for an order in bastardy upon Wm. ELSTON, of the Temple, but failed to prove her case. Application dismissed. She was told to pay the constable's expenses, 1. 3s. 3d. for serving the summonses 27 miles off. Mr. MANNERS excused his fees.

The application of Sarah RASON, of Braceby, for an order in bastardy upon Daniel WILSON, of Hanby, was dismissed.

Boston Petty Sessions 23 June
George HORTON, of Leake, brewer, was brought up under a warrant for disobeying an order in bastardy. In his defence, Horton produced two receipts signed by the complainant, Mahala MABLESON, purporting to be in full discharge of all arrears due under the order: the last receipt had a very suspicious appearance, the word full having been interlined. The complainant swore that 12s. were yet due to her, not with standing the receipts, which she had signed without taking any particular notice of them. The Magistrates, under the circumstances, dismissed the complaint.

Sleaford Petty Sessions 23 June
An order of 1s. 6d. per week was made upon Luke HARMSTON, of Helpringham on the application of Martha LIGHTFOOT, of the same place, for the maintenance of her illegitimate child.

Thank you, Anne Cole, for the above.