Frederick Paulin to FA Pauline, 15 Dec c1886-1888

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[Date estimated between 1886 and 1888]

Acock’s Green, Wednesday Dec 15

My dear Fred,

Your very acceptable and thoughtful Xmas box came quite safely and has been conferted and gone to reduce our most pressing obligations affording us gratification and relief and fixing a thankfulness to you for such assistance –

We hope the weather at least helps to prepare you for a cheerful time shortly which will have passed and become history by the time this reaches you.  It certainly doesn’t smile here for today a dark dirty fog envelopes everything around and is accompanied by falling snow and sleet which makes everything cold damp dreary and desolate.  We hope this description of climate is now prevailing with you and from your several allusions to the climactic conditions on your side we are consoling ourselves that there are some members of our family who are at least better off as regards weather which is always competent to reuse a lower one to cheers depress and makes the

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Existence corresponding by pleasant or intolerable.  We had a fairly indulged autumn up to the last week or two so we suppose the inferior and faulty specimens which appear to have been reserved for a contrast we have to be home, if with a grin

You will have by this time my letter to you respecting spicer’s overture as to you acing for them in Victoria + distric on salary and com + shall be f which will come to get you news in answer to is which will come I dare say in comm

Say when you next write after receiving this whether you would recommend a despatch of “asbestos fire proof” paint to you.  The Asbestos co have divided themselves into two sections latetly, the asbestos will in the future receive district attention from the paint department and the latter will be under the managing directors control, Mountford of Clement S Birm the same who sent out some paint some time since but which didn’t

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Reach you.  In the paint department many improvements have been effected and it is now made in all colours the form of paint still provides for out door rough work and the improved is prepared for indoors dados friezes and decorative purposes whilst it is claimed for it great resisting power as to fire or water.  It can be met over other paint if necessary.  For warehouses churches, hospitals, offices, repositories of art + shipbuilding as a safeguard against fire at sea it is of great value.

Mr Cutler who has been in costly litigation with the Mayor +c of Windsor as to the value of the waterworks at Eton which has been take over by that body (council) subject to arbitration as to compensation for same has last week in the House of Lords lost his compensation and has been saddled with the heavy costs.  We are sorry it is so.

We are all pretty well some [illegible] your mother is I am happy to say better she was very unwell a fortnight since from overwork and chill and kept her bed for a few days which rest with

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Good nursing mainly no doubt helped her very much.  Ask Ernest to attend to the small charge on the Cyanite freight as Mr Evans of the CPR 88 command wishes it promptly paid + I have not paid it because Ernest told me not to do so and I have informed Mr Evans that my sons with to carry the preliminaries themselves so as to form a precedent for our future – a big future I trust.

We rejoice you write hopefully and quite think more + more that you are all better off and likely to be more so than if you had remained in England.  The Commercial features here are atrociously bad, lifeless


We have in store the plum pudding boiled yesterday and they gave me a taste last evening for tea + my word they are toothsome.  In 10 daysnow (Dr) we shall all be keeping Xmas and the mental telegrams to + fro will be doubtless frequent + festive in memory as in days gone by. 

Your mother has had a nice long letter from Mrs Ernest with which she is much pleased and will write back in a few days.

Hoping you are all well + happy together.

Your Affectionate father.

Cheat sheet

Mrs Ernest – wife of Ernest Paulin, Emma Jane Jennings – already in Victoria

Mr Cutler is Mary Cutler Paulin’s brother William Henry Cutler, who inherited the Windsor and Eton Waterworks from their father John Cutler in 1843. The waterworks were taken over by the city of Windsor, and the letter talks about the fight for compensation which reached the House of Lords

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Welcome to the Paulin(e) Family

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This is the first post for the Paulin(e) Family Blog.  Hot on the heels of a most wonderful family reunion held in Victoria, BC in July 2019, the idea of a place where the descendants of Frederick and Mary Paulin (also known as Pauline) could bring together their stories, photographs, questions and so forth.  

I have created pages for each of the 13 children of Frederick and Mary which will eventually include all basic biographical information, and then add photos, documents and so forth as they are discovered. 

Enjoy, participate, and enjoy some more.  This is a collaborative effort so please feel free to contact me with information, questions, comments, etc.

ToddHseSepPS-

Paulin(e) Family at Tod House, 2019. Photo by Mary Homer.

Looking for content, 2020

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I have currently run out of new content for the blog.

I am looking for photographs, letters, articles, anything you have on the family which you would like to share.

Also, I would particularly like any images and information on family members who served during the First or Second World Wars. I would like to have a page on this website dedicated to that information, to commemorate their service.

Please email me with any contributions, or ideas.

Thanks

John Cutler will, 1684

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National Archives, PROB-11-379-291

IN the name of God Amen the fifteenth day of February one thousand six hundred eighty four in the first year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord James the Second of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith. I John Cutler saw of Eaton in the county of Bucks being of perfect memory and remembrance praise God, do make and ordain this my last will and testament in [illegible] following first I bequeath my soul into the hands of Almighty God my maker reposing through the [illegible]ritorious stain and passion of Jesus Christ my only Saviour and endeavor to [illegible] from pardon and forgiveness of all my sins and as for my body to be buried in Christian burial at the discretion of my executor rewire for [illegible] I give to my son James Cutler twenty shillings to my son Gilbert Cutler twenty shillings to my daughter Martha Bamford wife of Robert Bamford twenty shillings  then I give to my five grandchildren, John, Joseph, Margaret Mary and Sarah my son John Cutler children rath of from twenty shillings a piece to be put forth for them tunil they come to the age of twenty years and if instead any of them shall die their part to be divided amongst the rest from I give to my daughter in law Margaret Cutler my son John Cutler’s wife twenty shillings to buy her a gold ring with some my will and testament is that all the legatees above mentioned be paid within one whole month and a day after my burial.  Lastly I give and bequeath to my son John Cutler all my goods bills bonds [illegible] and chattles leases and tenements all all what I do possess whom I make my whole and John Executor of this my last will and testament hoo paying the legaties debts funeral expenses and all other wills wills testament and testaments whatsoever in witness whereof I have put unto my hand the day year and first about written, John Cutler, his mark, published sealed and delivered in the hand of William Greene Jim Pratt mark

Not sure if he is related, have not traced the Cutlers of Eton back this far, but it is a strong possibility.

Mary Cutler Paulin to her son Frederick, 2 Dec 1886

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Letter from Mary Cutler Paulin to Frederick A Paulin, 2 Dec 1886

[1]

Henley Lodge

December 2nd/86

My dearest Fred,

Just a few lines to tell we are thinking of you. Dad has been hurrying us very much as he wishes all letters to be posted to night for BC.  The children have been talking of writing for love him but it has been a very busy time for them and Mother so you will I know e[illegible]

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All [illegible] I am thankful in being able to tell you we are all well and all wishing the very best of wishes for all our dears out in BC.  Will write of love sir [illegible]

Your Mother

Love to George + Herbert – cannot get trice so write to them.

Mary Cutler Paulin to her son Frederick, 18 April 1883

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Letter from Mary Cutler Paulin to Frederick Paulin, 18 April 1883

Acock’s Green

April 18th/83

My dear Fred,

I feel [illegible] that we have not written to you before this but you will have had letters from the Bordesley folks, all we have thought of is looking for letters from you.  Nancy thinks for them we could last help feeling very [illegible] about you it was such terrible matter the [illegible] of March and altogether we are getting frigid and the wind is very cold, your father is better but is bothered as usual with business – we think you must have suffered [illegible] no board that terrible [illegible] hope with may be repaid for all it

[2]

Will be a long time before you feel settled or comfortable and we do trust you will folks keep well we keep having colds here, no cry has colds Miss Shearman is getting better but looked very ill for three weeks after [illegible] left but kept to her duties poor girl, she says why did you go from all your best friends we only wish we were with you we should not much how rough  it was. Your father has been getting seeds garden, George has worked being well too Saturdays he is getting £1 per week now [illegible] will be able

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To manage.  I must try and let some news Uncle William writes he is passing his bill in the House of Lords commuted yesterday will send my dividend the end of the week.  Grandpa sent £5 unknown to Grandma because copperman is so long lending the tent, very kind poor old gentleman. Mrs Grant so as here yesterday looking very well for her letter I have [illegible] I went to see her with your first letter – Lizzie and Polly came on & after Sunday and staid till Monday evening they were both pretty well but we [illegible]

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Right since you left – I have it a busy long time getting use to your absence. Papa says you have done quite right to go and he wishes he was with you.  I think Birmingham will soon be blown up.  A parcel coming from Auntie Bessie this week. Louise is very busy getting ready to go. We have sending you kind enquiries after you kind see take greater interest in the postman.  [illegible] with united love and kindest wishes now and after Mother

Who is Who:

Nancy – no idea

Miss Shearman – Miss Louise Shearman ran a private school in Acock’s Green, in the 1890 s she boarded young George Rutherford when he was a student

Mrs Grant – no idea

Grandpa and Grandma – George and Sarah Paulin, resident in Henley-on-Thames

Uncle William – Mary’s brother William Henry Cutler, who at the time was fighting the government over their takeover of the Windsor and Eton Waterworks, a Cutler family business he inherited when their father died in 1842

Aunt Bessie – Mary’s paternal aunt Elizabeth Cutler Bennison (1806-1887)

Lizzie – no idea

Mary Cutler Paulin to her son Frederick Paulin, 17 Aug 1886

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Letter from Mary Cutler Paulin to Frederick A Paulin, 17 August 1886

Henley Lodge

August 17th/86

My dear Fred,

I think it is some time since you have receipt of one of my scrawls I shant keep our a [illegible] as I forget to when I wrote last.  We think perhaps you are coming to be not very pleased we are with the idea but at the same time we wish you to [illegible] yourself only as what is best for you with be best with all of us.  Mr and Mrs Braund came to see us yesterday they both looked well and were pretty cheerful they think perhaps Charlie will come this autumn, I eel the awkward now the [illegible] are with you

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But think from what Emmie says they have been a great expense to you they seem to be getting on wonderfully.  Herbert especially he would never have done this I [illegible] here.  I think Emmie [illegible] will get used to the change after a little while. I should not mind coming at all and I am sure your father would like it but we must wait a while  you will be glad to hear Dads health improves indeed he looks quite healthy has a new coat hat felt – in fact new things altogether looks quite a buck I shall

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Have to look sweets now I shall have [illegible] any from inst I should like to be able to keep this little house one it well – [illegibile] let of was to [illegible] of you.  I have a discontented lot of grils at house now  they are wanting to be independent like the boys they forget how messy they are Amy is being paid for her work now but Florence has been at home not well.  Dr Rothern says the letting will never do for her, but she is again helping out Miss Bastorn as they are very busy.  The garden is really

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Looking good since very difficult to last year. Mr Maclarin brought a gentleman from his bank to photograph us in front of house. If they are anything like I will send some we shall [illegible] this week. I do hope dear to hear you are better but fear you write have to be careful what you take to eat.  I should like to have you home a while to see what I could do for you. We have indeed enable to be the careful for you even got thoughts such a terrible illness,  Louise left you at trails as you do is pretty well air now.  I shall be glad when she is secured

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It will do her good. Dr R says so too.  Violet is still with the old people it is a good thing for us she will shop with them they cannot get a servant to remain any time.

Your Dad is in London this week he goes [illegible] trains when there is a cheap train. The girls all send their best love, Bess says tell him he will [illegible] to take me back with him.  If he could. With my bet love and every kind wish your aff Mother

Love to all, just received a long letter from Emmie.

Who is Who:

Mr and Mrs Braund, and Charlie Braund – Charlie Braund emigrated to Winnipeg then Victoria with Frederick A Paulin. He worked with him in Birmingham, and it appears the families were also friends.

Emmie – is Emma Jane Jennings Paulin, married to Frederick’s brother Ernest

Herbert is Frederick’s brother Herbert Paulin.

Bess, Violet, Amy and Florence are Frederick’s sisters

Dr Rothern – no idea, but could be Florence’s employer

The reference to the “old people” is likely the grandparents, George and Sarah Paulin, in Henley-on-Thames

George Mesher to Frederick Arthur Pauline, 1914

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Letter to Frederick Arthur Pauline from George C Mesher, Architect, 14 Sep 1914

Geo C Mesher & Co Architects

Head Office: 321 Pemberton Building, Victoria BC

Branch Office: Argyle Street, Port Alberni, BC, Walter Houghton, Manager

Port Alberni, Sept 14, 1914

Dear Fred,

The only alteration I can think of to the Skilling Settlement is that he should pay the rent up to the end of the present month, but I leave it to you.  I saw Smith re the other rausk, he can do nothing at present the man he was trading with has gone to the war.  F[illegible] are going on fairly well here exepting that I have not been able to do much on account of the rheumatism in my knee which has trouble me considerably I have discharged both the Chinaman and Pryde and the Frenchman will complete his contract in a few days.  I got the latest war bulleting yesterday of the German retreat which is very consoling.

Yours Sincerely

G Mesher

George Paulin (Sr) to his granddaughter Polly Paulin, 1893

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Letter from George Paulin to his granddaughter Marion (Polly) Paulin, 15 March 1893

Henley on Thames

5 Queen Villas

March 15, 1893

My Dear Polly

I was very glad to receive your letter.  I was much troubled with the thought you were all in some way afflicted.  I was glad to see Mr Goodwin to hand you were all pretty well. I hope before your receive this he will have return in safety. My wife is still unable to be received from her bed, she is tolerably in health but quite unable to use her legs.  I am so very glad that all your family are so blessed with the spirit of affection to their parents and keep themselves from the evil temptations of the wicked spirit.  May the Blessed spirit of our Redeemer rest in their hearts, that they may all prosper in their endeavors to obtain prosperity in their honest exertions in their various occupations. 

Mr Rutherford said his children were both well, and he was more resigned at his great loss which we all ought to be for the dear one is gone to rest from all anxieties and great labour to which she was

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Not strong enough to sustain.  I should like to see you all again, but the distance is so great, and the expense so heavy that any anticipation is quite unlikely to be carried out.  So we must wait till we shall all meet together with our Saviour + Redeemer

Our winter was a very sharp and severe one from Nov to end of Jan frost of 24 degree:

With regards to the trustee, I think it will be better to let the matter rest until the death of Mr Cutler as it will save a great expense at the present time as his executor will see to it.  I pretty well know the lawyer they would make all sorts of obstacles to increase the length of their bill for “letter” “Journey” “Addressing” “Consultation” [illegible] I suppose all the deeds of the two houses and the settlement are in his or friends in safe custody but in the event of his death his executors are responsible for these productions. 

I think he has got himself bound to a schemer of a wife.  The idea of her leaving him and going abroad!

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I cannot tell you that my health and strength is as it used to be. I suffer from lung complaint and old age. But I am thankful that my intellect is as strong as ever, to transact my business affairs in the household, and to be able to render assistance to my afflicted wife, which takes away from me much cheerfulness.  Mr Goodwin told me that Jack was helping him.  We had the photo of Fred, wife and Child, and Mr Goodwin thought we had rec one of his children, but we hadn’t.  He saw the one of his wedding in our bed room by the side of our dear Louise’s wedding photo.  All the houses are sold No 1.2.3 in Jan, No 4 to Mr Fuller, No 5 and No 6 to myself.  I should very much like you to see them, they will all look very nice.  The trees in front of my house are all very pretty.  Mr Fuller next door  No 4 cut his trees down which Mr Bennett said was very unwise.  But I think

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It makes my houses look better and separate.  There is one thing I often think that my wife being such an invalid that if I am unfortunate to be unable to help myself I shall be left to myself no one to have any interest for me.  Mr Bennett 250 miles and yourselves 5000 miles away.  I keep on writing but I must soon stop. So with my love to yourself and Fred and all your family from

Yours Very affectionately

George Paulin

I am afraid you will find it difficult to read this medley

I thought the enclosed evening primrose seed might [illegible] in your garden. So I enclose a few seeds.  I expect they will not blossom this year, if they come up.  There is one sunflower seed.

Who is Who:

George Paulin – Frederick Paulin’s father

Mr Bennett – George Bennett, husband of Sarah Paulin, and daughter of George Paulin

Mr Rutherford – husband of Louise Paulin. This letter refers to their two children George and Louise

Mr Goodwin – I don’t know who he is

Mr Fuller – one of the people to purchase houses built by George, called the Queen’s Villas, in Henley-on-Thames

My wife – George’s wife Sarah Clements, and mother of Frederick and Sarah Paulin. Unsure why she is refered to in such impersonal terms to Polly (Marion) as this is her grandmother.

Mr Cutler is Mary Cutler Paulin’s brother William Henry Cutler, who was very ill at this time. He died in 1895.

Frederick Paulin to his son Frederick, 29 Nov 1887

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Letter from Frederick Paulin to his son Frederick Arthur Paulin, dated Nov 29th  [1887]

Acock’s Green, November 29

Dear Fred,

It is I think sometime since I wrote a letter to BC, though the interval has been frequently represented by a newspaper to me or the other of you. During this seeming absence however I have been fully engaged in searching for a few crumbs in the matter of keeping the cart upon its wheels for things are not any better in the old country than all counts doubtless tell you, and the period of improvement in kind cannot be said to have yet come to hand.  The break front has been a hybrid one lately combining cigar selling with advertisement canvassing for an Hindustani Journal.  The more scarcely agree very well looks like up too much of this time whilst I independently they are not self-supporting or rather individually efficiently remunerative so I am jogging along. My health thank God continues good and something I am told contributes to my health rather than not.  My ground lately has been [illegible] hire Yorkshire and is so far from hours I would rather have home ground which would enable me to run back at night, but as we are not likely to have every thing just convenient to our wishes the point is yielded to the necessity.  You no doubt know Bessie left here on the Egypt 27 Oct and had a peaceful voyage.  Who were just holding on though what the Captain described as the worst weather he had witnessed for 16 years in the Atlantic.  I speculate when she will reach you and am disposed to be [illegible] you will united by find a way for her to pass your

[2]

Will it be before or by Xmas next if so it would be I know a season with you of festivity seasoned with many a thought and sentiment of House and your family connections.  We shall DV not fail to be with you all in spirit on our customary manner going through a mimic Xmas.  But not such as it[illegible] to be when my boys as well as girls roared out their cheery welcome of the fiery pudding as it lit up the circling jacks and revealed the greatest delight possible.  But shall we not yet meet all round some festive board [illegible] the final expansion in some one or more of us takes place?  I hope so!  One more union of now distracted members of an normally affectionate family will I divine and believe to be permitted us yet,  Isn’t that something grand to look forward to?

I met with a man in Leeds of the name Whitlock son of a tavern keeper there I know, who had come hours invalided from Victoria after working in a brickyard for I think Dunsmuir and coming from £12to £18 per brick there.  He said the air was too strong for him so he shifted to Chicago where he got worst and came home where I think he will stop.

Bessie’s address if 449 Dean Str Brooklyn NY.  We write in affection to you all, pass these sentiments round From your very affectionate Father.

Last Will and Testament of Elizabeth Freak, 1842

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National Archives PROB 11/1968/38 – Prerogative Court of Canterbury

Elizabeth Freak

The Last Will and Testament of Elizabeth Freak late of Blackheath in county of [illegible] now of Wootton Bassett in at county of Wilts widow first and desire that all my scots funeral and testamentary charges and expenses man be fully paid and satisfied by my executor herein after named and give an beg until all my household goods and furniture plate linen wearing apparel and monies And all of [illegible] at personal estate and effects of or to which I will possess or [illegible] or over which I have any power of appointment or in disposition unto my daughter Rose Pratt as wife of James Pratt of Wootton Bassett aforesaid Gentleman as executors administrators and assignees for  hor and their own use and benefit absolutely and I appoint the said James Pratt solo executor of this my will, In witness wherefore I have hereunto set my hand this twenty eighth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine.  E Freak. 

Signed by the said Elizabeth Freak in the presence of us present at the said [illegible] who in her presence and in the presence of [illegible] have thereunto substituted our names as witnesses. A J Crowdy Ser Swindon, CJF AXford, Surgeon, Swindon.

Proved at London 15th October 1842 before the Judge by the oath of James Pratt the sole executor to whom administration was granted a [illegible] just sworn by Commission duty to administer.

Who is Who:

Elizabeth Freak (Nee Walters) was Mary Cutler Paulin’s grandmother

Rose Pratt (nee Freak) was Elizabeth’s daughter, 1811-1871

James Pratt was Rose Freak’s husband, and was a lawyer, 1798-1874. The Pratts lived in Wootton Bassett – so it appears Elizabeth moved in after the death of her husband in 1837

At the time of her death, Elizabeth had six surviving children. She left everything to just one child.

Letter from Frederick Paulin to his son Frederick, 26 May 1894

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Letter Frederick Paulin to his son Frederick Arthur Pauline, 26 May 1894

Conservative Club, Temple Row, Birm.

May 26th 1894

Dear Fred,

Yours of the 3rd inst with Draneys letter reached us a few days ago, but just after I had some large posters printed relating to the other properties. There said posters I sent out to Victoria 5 days ago to Saunders, Charlie, [illegible] + Dr Morrison parties interested.  The cannery matter I will not fail to work for. I replied you will send me an estimate of the additional cost 0f putting up 10,000 cases _ we are all well but find progress in the Trustee matter very difficult.  Since W[illegible] break down so far as we can discover, access to his safe has been had by some one probably by Bennison young man now in Silesia his executor no documents +c appear to have been rushlon by turned upside down

[2]

We have found the conveyance of land at AG but not the conveyance of the Henley Property nor the trust deed of 1859.  The title (abstract of) relating to both have not yet turned up, so you see I have just changed the pen!

You will be as vexed proportionately as myself at this condition of affairs which shows that we should have been here in this business months ago.  Who to blame is difficult to say or to hold responsible for placing us in such a fix.  We are moving anything or anybody who can enlighten us and shall do so without any hesitation, because the situation is seriously expensive

[3]

There is another matter which I haven’t yet fathomed.  I refer to the contents of my Uncle John’s will.  When I was in Henley a fortnight ago I found that his will passed thro’ Mercer’s hands the solicitors for probate, so I called there but I while an old acquaintance of mine and their clerk was at Oxford.  So I wrote him a note and left it with the caretaker woman of the office to give to him asking him for information but I got no reply from him after a weeks waiting, I wrote him again attending to my former letter and request and still I have had no answer.  This seems to me mysterious! I am writing this with Ma + Violet in London where we are frequently writing or seeing about some missing deeds –

[4]

On our return to Miss Shearman’s now in a day or 2 I intend breaking the journey at Henley and finding out the reason for White’s silence. When I saw G Bennett for 2 or 3 hours last week in Derby, he said he was not aware that John Paulin had made a will or had anything to leave.  But I do and am going to bedrock to know – all this is perplexing and Clifford has broken his covenant as to time of building at A Green in a most flagrant manner.  The conveyance says not nearer than 15 yards to the public road whereas he has built within 10 yards.  This will require to be dealt with discretionally and I will carefully consider everything. We are comforted to see by the letters that you are all going on so well.  We shall be glad to be back with you again, but now we are here will finish everything + if possible leave no occasion for a future visit.

Who is Who:

John Paulin – Frederick Sr’s Uncle – will have to do more research on this.

G Bennett – Husband of Frederick’s sister Sarah, ironmonger in Derby

Clifford – unsure, but appears to be a neighbour in Acock’s Green, the family still owned Henley Lodge, but did not live there

Miss Shearman – could be the teacher in Acock’s Green who boarded George Frederick Andrew Rutherford during his education – which was at about this time. George gave his son the name Shearman as one of his middle names.