Henry FARNSWORTH

 

Henry was born at Bagthorpe on 14 July 1846.   He married Margaret CUTTS at North Wingfield on 6 December 1870.   Margaret was born at North Wingfield on 18 September 1850 to Joseph and Abigail Cutts, and baptised at Clay Cross on 31 October 1850.

 

By the time his first child was born, in 1871, Henry (then 27 years of age) was a licensed victualler, operating the Angel Inn, Clay Cross.   At one time or another he operated virtually every hotel in Clay Cross.   In 1871 he was the landlord of the Kings Head, Thanet Street, Clay Cross and between 1871 and 1875 he was at the Angel Inn; between 1875 and 1886 he was at the Crown Hotel; between 1886 and 1897 he was at the Victoria Hotel; between 1897 and 1913 he was at the Angel Inn (which he bought in 1901 and sold in 1911); and he was was then at the Buck Hotel until his death. (reference Bennetts Directory of 1892, Bulmers Directory of 1895, Kelly’s Directories of 1895, 1899, 1904 and 1908).

 

The 1881 census records Henry and Margaret living at High Street, Claylane with 6 of their children (Annie, Elizabeth, Henry, Samuel, Joseph and John just 7 months of age), Henry’s brother Benjamin (who was working as a bar man) and a servant girl Mary Delay.   In 1911 Henry’s residence was recorded as Holmgate Road, Clay Cross.

 

Henry had a seat on the Clay Cross Urban District Council between 1895 and 1906.

 

Margaret died at Clay Cross on 29 January 1906 (aged 56 years) having predeceased Henry by 10 years.   Henry died on 28 July 1916.   They were both buried in the family plot at St Bartholomew’s Churchyard, Clay Cross.   Henry's death was reported in the Derbyshire Times of 5 August 1916 -

 

"IDEAL HOST

 

CLAY CROSS LICENSEE PASSES AWAY

 

We regret to record the death of Henry Farnsworth which took place on Friday at his residence the Buck Hotel, Clay Cross after only a very brief illness of less than a weeks' duration.   Deceased was aged 70 years and one of the best known and most popular licensed victuallers for miles around the district.

 

He was out and about on the Saturday previous to his death but an acute attack of diarrhoea and sickness compelled him to take to his bed and despite careful nursing and the personal attention of Dr Chawner who was the family physician for many years, Mr Farnsworth gradually got worse and passed peacefully away.

 

Few in the trade can claim to have a more varied experience than the deceased who was straight John Bull in all his dealings and a man who could be relied upon once he had given his word which was his bond.   Of a kindly and generous disposition he took a delight in performing charitable acts but did not parade this virtue to gain public acclamation but rather going about unostentatiously helping many unfortunate fellow creatures who have had cause to bless "Old Harry" as they affectionately called him.   Those who sought his assistance rarely came away disappointed although he had a great objection to anyone who did not make an effort to raise themselves out of their difficulties and with them he had little sympathy.   In many directions he will be sorely missed but especially amongst the poorest of the poor whose lot in life he invariably endeavoured to improve.

 

Warm hearted and of a cheery nature he won the respect and esteem of all classes of the community and he will be long remembered by residents of Clay Cross and district as an ideal host - one of the old fashioned type of landlords - who conducted his business on lines that were satisfactory to the police authorities, the licensing justices and last but not least his numerous customers.   Fond of a good story he could tell some interesting tales and was much in request at public functions with his recitations, he being a favourite at the Clay Cross Ploughing Association Dinners and Volunteer gatherings.

 

Born in Bagthorpe in Nottinghamshire, he came to Clay Cross with his parents when but four years of age and lived in the town practically all his life.   He set up as a licensed victualler in the January of 1871 when he took over the Angel Inn at the top of Stretton Hill, Clay Cross.   Here he stayed over four years moving to the Crown Hotel in April 1875 which he occupied until July 1886 then going to the Victoria Hotel which he purchased some time previously - in the Jubilee Year.   At the "Vic" he had a most prosperous time and sold it to advantage in November 1895.   Leaving those premises in May 1897 he went to live at the Red House which he bought and while there also carried on the business of the Angel Inn from 1901 until five years ago when he gave it up and took over the licence of the Buck Hotel.   He gave up the Red House three years last April and then went to reside at the Buck Hotel which was his last home.

 

He was a member of the old Clay Cross Local Board when the late Mr Chas. Binns was chairman and for ten or twelve years had a seat on the Clay Cross Urban District Council and other public bodies but retired from these shortly after the death of his wife who passed away in January 1906.   He was prominantly associated with the Clay Cross Trade and Labour Council (now defunct) and anything for the betterment of the town in general was sure to have his patronage and support, he being one of the guarantors of the Clay Cross Recreational Ground which is also a thing of the past.   At all elections for local bodies he was always to be found near the top of the poll and further proof of his popularity it is not necessary to mention except to say that those who had the pleasure of sitting with him on the various authorities with which he was connected fully recognised his honesty of purpose and honoured him for the excellent services he rendered to the public.

 

One of the original members of the old Clay Cross Local Board which came into existence on July 23rd 1875, it was on the anniversary of this date that he died.   Deceased took an active interest in the Clay Cross and District Licensed Victuallers Association and was the hon. treasurer.

 

He had a family of ten grown up sons and daughters and two of the former are serving with the Colours at the present time, one being a Lieutenant and Quartermaster in the Sherwood Foresters (Lieut. Joe Farnsworth) while the other - Sam - who went through the South African War also recently rejoined his old regiment.   His youngest son John was killed in the Dardanelles expedition last year  and another son Harry died at Clay Cross about three years ago.   Two brothers of the deceased emigrated to New South Wales many years ago and are still resident in that country where prior to joining the Australian contingent the late Pte. John Farnsworth also lived.

 

IMPRESSIVE FUNERAL

 

The interment of the remains took place on Monday in the family vault at the Clay Cross Parish Churchyard when the vicar (the Rev. J.L. Blake) conducted an impressive funeral service which was semi-choral, Miss Brakes officiating at the organ, the church being well filled by numerous relatives and friends to pay a last tribute of respect to deceased's memory.   "O God our help in ages past" was sung and Chopin's Funeral March was played.

 

The chief mourners were Private and Mrs S. Farnsworth, Lieut and Mrs Joe Farnsworth (sons and daughters-in-law), Miss A. Farnsworth, Mrs Hopkinson of Worksop, Mrs Thwaite of Crook,  Durham (daughters), Lieut and Mrs H. Drabble (son-in-law and daughter), Miss Dorothy Farnsworth (daughter), Mr and Mrs G.S. McCullum of Chesterfield (son-in-law and daughter), Mr Harry Farnsworth, Miss Margaret Farnsworth (grand children), Mrs Turner of Sheffield (sister), Mr Tom Farnsworth, Clay Cross (brother), Mr and Mrs Jno. Clegg (brother-in-law and sister-in-law), Mrs S. Abbot (sister-in-law), Mr Ben Turner (nephew), Mr F. Cawdron of Sheffield, Mr Jno. Coates of Stretton (nephews) and others.

 

Officiating as bearers were the following all of whom are nephews of the deceased : Messrs. Jim Cutts, Aaron Cutts, Fred Cutts, Sam Orme, Edwin Farnsworth, Daniel Farnsworth (all of Clay Cross), Eli Farnsworth and Harry Farnsworth (Grassmoor), Private Sam Clegg and Private Richard Orme.

 

The Clay Cross Club and Licensed Victuallers were represented by Messrs Jos. Cook, W. Muchmore, J. Johnson, W. Johnson, Alf Webster, R. Longstaff, W. Ghost, R. Goodall, J. Williams, G.H. Wilbraham, W. Foster, F. Froggatt and others.

 

From the Clay Cross Urban District Council were Messrs A.J. Tuckley, G.E. Wragg and G.W. Dickinson (members) with the Clerk (Mr Alf Slack).

 

Amongst other friends were Dr Chawner, Messrs F. Cowling, F.N. Aitken, J. Clark, S. Wilbraham, T. Orme, R. Longmate, C. Wright and A. Greatorex.

 

Wreaths and other floral tributes were received from Anne and Dolly, Lizzie, Fred and the children, Sam, Hilda and family, Joe, Maud and family, Hettie, Alwyn and Bags, Margaret, Harold and the children, Gracie, Mac and Margaret, Sarah and Sire, Mr and Mrs Jno. Coates, a loving sister, niece and nephews, Mrs Mycroft and family, Mrs Brown of Whittington, Sam and Maggie Orme, Col. Sergt. and Mrs Wilbraham, Mr and Mrs Walker of Newmarket, Mr and Mrs Jos. Cook, Mrs Smith and family, Fred and Aaron Cutts, Mr and Mrs W. Ghost and the Clay Cross Licensed Victuallers Association.   Mr Mycroft (Clay Cross) was the undertaker."

 

Henry and Margaret had 13 children

 

v         Anne (Annie) was born on 14 June 1871 and baptised at St Bartholomew’s Church, Clay Cross on 11 July 1871.   She died on 29 August 1948 and was buried in the family plot at St Bartholomew’s Churchyard, Clay Cross.

 

v         Elizabeth (Lizzie) was born at Clay Cross on 17 September 1872 and baptised at St Bartholomew’s Church, Clay Cross on 9 October 1872.   She married Frederick HOPKINSON at St Bartholomew’s Church, Clay Cross on 19 January 1897.   Their witnesses were John Hopkinson and Joseph and Annie Farnsworth.   Fred was born at Chesterfield in 1869, the son of John and Elizabeth Hopkinson.   Fred was a surveyor by occupation and was living at Worksop, Nottinghamshire in 1897.   Lizzie’s occupation in 1891 was recorded as dressmaker.   Lizzie and Fred had 4 children (see Chart FE32) -

w Elizabeth (Bessie) was born at Worksop, Nottinghamshire on 6 February 1889 and died in 1920.

 

w F.H. Douglas (Douglas)

 

w Eileen Norah (twin) was born on 2 June 1903.

 

w Alberta Ella Mary (twin) was born on 2 June 1903.

 

v         Henry was born at Clay Cross on 11 February 1874 and baptised on 4 March 1874.   He married Elizabeth Ann (maiden surname not known).   She was born at Unstone, Derbyshire on 22 September 1873 and died at Clay Cross on 11 October 1902 when her youngest child was just 3 years of age.

 

Between 1899 and 1913, Henry was an Inn Keeper.   Kelly's Directories of 1899 and 1904 list Henry as licensee at the George and Dragon Hotel, High Street, Clay Cross.   Henry died on 16 November 1913.   He and Elizabeth are both buried in the family plot at St Bartholomew’s Churchyard, Clay Cross.

 

Henry and Elizabeth had 3 children  

¨             Henry John Housley, was born at Clay Cross on 27 June 1895 and baptised at St Bartholomew’s Church, Clay Cross on 25 July 1895.   In 1921 Henry was employed as a fireman and was resident at Hill Street, Clay Cross.   At about that time he married Agnes (maiden surname not known) who was born in 1901.   Agnes and Henry were living at 13 Hill Street, Clay Cross on 3 April 1978 when Agnes died.   Henry died at Clay Cross on 27 May 1985 and they are both buried at Danesmoor cemetery.   Agnes and Henry had one child –

Ø             Henry Charles, was born at Clay Cross on 22 May 1921 and baptised at St Bartholomew’s Church, Clay Cross on 10 June 1921.   He died at 111 Clay Lane, Clay Cross on 8 April 1988

 

¨             Margaret Victoria, was born at Clay Cross in 1897

 

¨             Joseph Edwin Benjamin, was born at Clay Cross on 13 September 1899 and baptised at St Bartholomew’s Church, Clay Cross on 13 October 1899.   He died at Clay cross on 6 January 1900 and was buried at Danesmoor cemetery.

 

v         Samuel was born at Clay Cross on 18 October 1875 and baptised at St Bartholomew’s Church, Clay Cross on 10 November 1875.   He married Hilda ARMSTRONG at St Bartholomew’s Church, Clay Cross on 24 September 1901.   Their witnesses were Alfred Bailey, Dorothy and John Farnsworth and Lily Armstrong.   Hilda was born at Clay Cross in 1881.   Her parents were Henry and Sarah Armstrong of Market Street, Clay Cross.

 

Sam served with the British Army during the Boer War and, re-enlisted during WW1.   Sam’s occupation was recorded in 1901 as Publican and the Kelly's Directories of 1904 and 1908 list him as a beer retailer of High Street, Clay Cross.   It was at High Street, Clay Cross that the family lived at least between 1901 and 1912.   Samuel died at Clay Cross on 3 May 1946 and was buried at Danesmoor cemetery.   He and Hilda had 3 children  --

w Margaret Housley was born on 9 April 1904.   She married Arthur KITCHENER.

 

w Max was born in 1906.   He married Dorothy (Dolly) BALLY and they had 2 children, -

Ø             Irene, married Derek HARRIS and they had 3 children –

 

Ø             Malcolm, married Jackie (maiden surname not known) and they had 3 children

 

w Samuel Geoffrey was born at Clay Cross on 28 February 1912 and baptised at St Bartholomew’s Church, Clay Cross on 31 March 1912.   He married his cousin Christine Mary (Mary) Farnsworth

 

v         Emily was born on 28 May 1877 and baptised on 18 June 1877.   She died on 2 January 1879 and was buried in the family plot at St Bartholomew’s Churchyard, Clay Cross the following day.

 

v         Joseph (Jo) was born at Clay Cross on 22 October 1878 and baptised at St Bartholomew’s Church, Clay Cross on 13 November 1878.   He was living at Flaxpiece Road, Clay Cross in 1909.   He married Rosalind Maud FRANKS.   Jo served with the British Army, Sherwood Forresters during WW1 and in 1916 was a Lieutenant.   When he left the army he became a publican and managed the Royal Hotel, Rossington, which was built by his brother-in-law Fred Hopkinson.   He died in September 1938.   Jo and Maud had 6 children  -

w Josey

 

w Paul

 

w Mary Christine

 

w Michael John.   He married Margaret (maiden surname not known) and they had 2 children,

Ø             John

Ø             Christopher.

 

¨              Joseph Henry Oldham, was born at Clay Cross on 7 February 1909 and baptised at St Bartholomew’s Church, Clay Cross on 11 April 1909.

 

w William Paul Ingram, was born at Clay Cross on 5 August 1911 and baptised at St Bartholomew’s Church, Clay Cross on 1 October 1911.   He married Doris LOCKER.

 

v         John was born at Clay Cross on 3 September 1880 and baptised at St Bartholomew’s Church, Clay Cross on 22 September 1880.   Between 1881 and 1891 he lived at the Kings Hotel, Clay Cross and in 1901 his occupation was recorded as Assistant Wine and Spirits Merchant.

 

It is family folklore that his father sent him off to Australia in the early 1900’s, in a misguided attempt to cure him of a drinking problem.   On 22 July 1909 he commenced employment with the NSW railways as a Labourer in the Western Division of the Perways Branch.   On 10 August 1911 he was promoted to fettler and worked on the Nyngan to Bourke; Molong to Forbes and Parkes to Condobolin lines.

 

            On 28 August 1914, Private John Farnsworth (number 562) enlisted in the Army at Parkes.   His address at that time was Station House, Parkes and he gave his occupation as fitter.   He nominated his Uncle, Ben Farnsworth of the Station House, Parkes as his next of kin.   He was posted to G Company, 4th Battalion, 1st Infantry Brigade, Australian Imperial Forces (AIF).   He embarked at Sydney, for overseas service, on 20 October 1914.   The troop ship was the Euripides.   He was killed in action on the Gallipoli Peninsula (probably at Gaba Tepe) on 1 May 1915 (aged 34 years).   Although he has no known grave, his name is entered on panel number 40 on the Lone Pine Memorial at Gallipoli.   The Army Casualty Form records his place of burial as "Wire Gully, Gallipoli Peninsula".

 

            The headstone in the family plot at Clay Cross Churchyard is inscribed with the words "In proud and loving memory of JOHN fourth and youngest surviving son of Henry and Margaret Farnsworth who fell in action with the Australians at GABA TEPE GALLIPOLI during the Great War 1914 - 1918.   Born 3 September 1880.   Died 2 May 1915 'Greater love hath no man'".   [Note : although the headstone inscription indicates that John died on 2 May, Army records that he actually died on 1 May].

 

            John was described as 135 pounds, 5'8¼" in height, with a red complexion, grey eyes and fair to light brown hair.   He listed his uncle, Ben Farnsworth, as his next of kin.   He was awarded the 1914/15 Star; the British War Medal; and the Victory Medal, all of which were sent to his uncle and aunt, Ben and Nellie Farnsworth.

 

v         Henrietta was born at Clay Cross and was baptised at St Bartholomew’s Church, Clay Cross on 10 March 1882.

 

v         Margaret was born at Clay Cross and was baptised at St Bartholomew’s Church, Clay Cross on 22 March 1883.   She married William Harold DRABBLE (of 16 Milton Lane, Ecclesall Bierlow, Yorkshire) at St Bartholomew's Church, Clay Cross on 10 April 1907.   Their witnesses were Henry Farnsworth and W. Drabble.   William was born at Sheffield, Yorkshire in 1880 and was in 1907 his occupation was recorded as draper.   During WWI he saw military service with the British Army and in 1916 had attained the rank of Lieutenant.

 

v         Dorothy Mary was born at Clay Cross on 3 June 1886, and baptised at St Bartholomew’s Church, Clay Cross on 21 June 1886.   She died at Clay Cross on 31 May 1959 and was buried in the family plot at St Bartholomew’s Churchyard, Clay Cross on 4 June 1959.

 

v         Victor Frederick,  was born on 12 April 1889 and baptised on 10 May 1889.   He died on 28 May 1889 and was buried in the family plot at St Bartholomew’s Churchyard, Clay Cross on 3 June 1889.

 

v         Grace Evelyn was born at Clay Cross on 19 October 1890.   She married George Stuart MCCULLUM at St Bartholomew’s Church, Clay Cross on 9 June 1915.   Their witnesses were Frederick and Elizabeth Hopkinson and Dorothy Mary Farnsworth.   George was born in 1885 and was an accountant of 24 Highfield Road, Chesterfield in 1915 

 

v         Benjamin was born at Clay Cross on 20 May 1893.   He died on 18 July 1893 and was buried in the family plot at St Bartholomew’s Churchyard, Clay Cross.

 

Thomas FARNSWORTH

 

Thomas was born at Chesterfield on 15 April 1848.   By the time he was 13 years of age he had followed his father into the coal mines, although his elder brother Henry was still at school.   On 7 April 1861 Tom was living at home with his parents and by 1881 he was living with his brother Eli at the Castle Vaults, Castle Yard Low Pavement, Chesterfield, and working as a barman.   Between 1901 and 1925 he was living at High Street, Clay Cross.

 

Sometime between 1881 and 1883 Thomas married Sarah Ann (maiden surname not known) who was born at Sutton in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire in 1851.   Thomas died at Clay Cross on 5 March 1917 and Sarah died at Clay Cross on 12 February 1925.   They were both buried at Danesmoor cementery.   They had at least one child

 

v     Annie was baptised at Clay Cross on 13 January 1883.

 

Robert FARNSWORTH

 

Robert was born at Northedge, Ashover, Derbyshire on 28 July 1850 and baptised at Ashover on 15 September 1850.   On 2 April 1871 Robert (then 25 years of age) was living with his parents at Danesmoor Road, Clay Cross.  His occupation is not recorded.   On 28 April 1873 he married Ellen WIDDOWSON at North Wingfield.   Ellen was born at Clay Cross in 1851 and her parents were George and Hannah Widdowson.

 

In 1876 they were living at Hare Street, Clay Cross and Robert was listed in the Derbyshire Trade Directories as a beer retailer.   However, by 3 April 1881 Robert and Ellen had moved to High Street, Clay Lane, Clay Cross with 3 of their children (Nelly, William and Florence) and a domestic servant, 17 year old Mary Elizabeth Cutts (possibly related through Eli Farnsworth’s wife Margaret Cutts).   Robert was then working as a green grocer and fish monger.

 

Robert and Ellen had 6 children

 

v     Nelly (Nellie) was born at Clay Cross and was baptised at Clay Cross on 16 December 1873.

 

v     William was born at Clay Cross and was baptised at Clay Cross on 22 July 1875.   In 1901 his occupation was recorded as Cellarman.

 

v     Florence was born at Chesterfield on 6 December 1876 and baptised at Chesterfield on 10 January 1877.   In 1901 her occupation was recorded as Machinist (Fancy Goods).

 

v     Gertrude Hannah was born at Clay Cross and was baptised at Clay Cross on 17 April 1882.   In 1901 her occupation was recorded as Machinist (Fancy Goods) and her residence was 67 Alfreton Road, New Radford, Nottinghamshire

 

v     Alexander was born at Nottingham in 1884 and baptised at St Nicholas’ Church, Nottingham on 4 June 1884.   In 1901 his occupation was recorded as General Porter and his residence was 67 Alfreton Road, New Radford, Nottinghamshire.

 

v     Cecil was born at Nottingham in 1891.   In 1901 his residence was 67 Alfreton Road, New Radford, Nottinghamshire

 

Mary FARNSWORTH / TURNER

 

Mary was born at Clay Cross on 11 July 1854 and baptised at St Bartholomew’s Church, Clay Cross on 26 August 1857.   She married Sam TURNER and they lived in Sheffield.   They had at least one child -

 

            v            Benjamin

 

Benjamin FARNSWORTH

 

Benjamin was born at Clay Cross on 18 March 1857 and baptised at St Bartholomew’s Church, Clay Cross on 26 August 1857.   The 1871 Census records indicate that on 2 April 1871 he was 14 years of age and living at home with his parents.   By the 1881 Census, both his parents had died and he was living with his brother Henry and his family at the Crown Hotel, High Street, Clay Cross where he worked as a barman.

 

In 1882 he emigrated to Australia, arriving in Sydney on 19 August 1882 aboard the Orontes.   He married Ellen (Nellie) EMBLETON at Helensburgh on 31 December 1900.   Nellie was born at Hassan Walls, New South Wales on 13 January 1879, to Thomas Embleton (a miner) and Mary Carty (or Carthy).   See separte Chapter on Benjamin  FARNSWORTH and Nellie  EMBLETON

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