Obituary, Henry Nugent Short, 1917

Victoria Daily Times, 2 April 1917

Assistant Collector for Past Ten Years

Henry N Short died early yesterday morning after brief illness

Death yesterday claimed one of the city’s most efficient servants in the person of Henry N Short, cashier and assistant city collector, who passed away at St Joseph’s Hospital about 12.45 am. The deceased had been in failing health for two months, but it was not until six days ago that it was thought advisable to remove him to the hospital, where he was operated upon last Thursday. Since then little hope of recovery has been held out.

Forty-six years of age, the late Mr Short was born and educated in Victoria at the public and high schools from which he graduated in due course. His father, the late Henry Short, was the leading gunmaker and sporting goods merchant in the city, and the deceased was associated with him in business. After the father died, the brothers HN and Richard, carried on the business successfully for a time, but competition changed the conditions of earlier years and the store was closed. During those days the deceased was a well-known shot, and constantly hunted and fished in the district round Victoria.

Afterwards Mr Short turned to clerical work, and after various association he entered the city treasury about ten years ago, first in a temporary capacity. He was assistant collector at the last. Being of a high-strung nature, the duties and difficulties of his work in handling large sums of money undoubtedly worried him, and this phase became particularly noticeable at the last. Few officials were more conscientious than he was in discharge of his duties.

Mr Short was a very active lodge man, being a member of the Camosun Court of Foresters, also a member of the Woodmen of the World, and a charter member of Post no 1 of the Native Sons. He was a member at one time of the 5^th Regiment.

Some years ago, Mr Short married a sister of FA Pauline, MPP, of Oak Bay. The family home for some time had been at Landsdowne Road. Besides the widow, there survive four boys, the eldest 13 and the youngest 5 years of age. There also survive a brother, Richard, and a sister, Mrs McIntyre. His parents predeceased him some eight or nine years.

The Foresters are taking charge of the funeral, which is to be to-morrow afternoon at 2:30 from the BC Funeral Company’s rooms. Fifteen minutes later services will be held at Christ Church Cathedral, of the congregation of which he had been a member for many years.

August 28, 2020 0

Obituary, Marion Paulin Williams, 1958

Vancouver Sun, 6 Feb 1958

Williams – On Feb 5, 1958, Marion Williams, age 82 years. Late of 424 Hadden Drive, West Vancouver. Survived by 1 daughter, Mrs (CF) Marguerite Smythe, West Vancouver; 2 sons, Robert Harold Williams, West Vancouver; Charles F Williams, New Westminster; 9 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; also 1 sister, Mrs Sadie Short, Victoria, BC. Funeral service Saturday, Feb 8 at 1:30 pm from the Hollyburn Funeral Home, West Vancouver, Sqdn Leader GB Fee officiating. Internment Capilano View Cemetery.

August 26, 2020 0

Bennett’s Dept Store, Derby

Another Family Connection – which I had placed on Facebook earlier

Bennett’s Department Store in Derby was founded, and run by George Bennett, who had the great taste to marry Sarah Paulin, sister of Frederick Paulin.

I will begin with a chart…..

The store has just closed – sad, but there are a lot of articles on the internet which describe the store and its history, particularlythis one

George Bennett, a retired Master Mariner, bought the company in 1864. He lived on North Parade, a Georgian terrace in the Strutts Park area of Derby, as steeped in local history as Irongate. Bennett lived at number 13, a house with four storeys, high ceilings and a garden that stretched down to the River Derwent.

He expanded the company even further. Goalposts, tennis nets, cricket bats and croquet sets were sold alongside farming tools and guns. Being an old sea dog, he had the store laid out like a sailing ship. Wrought iron stairways climbed up to nautical-style landings throughout. Examples of these can still be seen above the Ironmongery Department, which retains a ship-like quality, as if in memory of George.

Bennett passed the company down through his family. He had five daughters and four sons, but only one grandson, who was killed in the First World War. The last remaining Bennett sold the company in 1937, when it became Bennetts Irongate Limited, but continued to thrive as an independent family business

Others below describe its closing, and give great pictures…..

https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/news/derby-news/troubled-bennetts-department-store-claimed-2524922

https://blog.derby.ac.uk/2019/10/the-fall-and-rise-of-bennetts-of-derby-a-tale-of-two-business-models/

https://uk.fashionnetwork.com/news/Derby-department-store-bennetts-sold-to-french-sole-owner,1112053.html

August 22, 2020 0

Forde Abbey, Somerset

Another connection made!

While doing a generic internet search for family names I came upon Forde Abbey in Chard, Somerset.

I will start first with the chart:

According to the Abbey’s website, Elizabeth Roper inherited the property from one of her cousins, named William Herbert Evans. She and her family moved in in 1905, and have been living there since. The building is now a venue as well as a family home.

According to the family chart I have the current owner, Alice Roper is my fifth cousin once removed. So close – right?

August 20, 2020 0

Frederick Paulin to his son FA Paulin, 12 Jan 1887

Acock’s Green

Jan 12^th 1887

Dear Fred

I sent your photo of some experiments with recently carried out at [illegible] with the asbestos fire proof paint and is Mountford is now managing Director of the newly constructed company it can be sent out to you if you desire it. He told me a day or 2 since that he would send out samples of the fire proof paint to you as the “other miscarried so” without any col to you in that side and could supply you with a liquid preparation at half the cost of the Cyanite which would do more in the way of resisting

[2]

The outbreak of fire the cyanite can do – such a statement must of course be accepted cautiously in coming from a rival. I think if you have the two you will be capable and competent to govern the district in the way of medicines, the best know to restrain or hinder progress of fire and as such may it prove profitable to you all. When you get permission of all papers, samples, prices, terms, well understood upon which you are to be reimbursed +c then you had better

[3]

“Bang the Drum” and blow the pipe and ring the bell to let BC know some go ahead young fellows of the name of Paulin reside there who are constantly in touch with the old country as regards the best of its production.

Better write C Mountford Esq, Asbestos paint, Clement Works, Clement St, Birm + tell him what you know + what you can do with is co operation towards a thorough introduction – an experiment or two in public with the politic sons to find for it an one on the CPR Stations public buildings backyard arsenal +c +c.

[4]

Where lumber is so commonly used in buildings there should to asbestos fire proof paint be found and would in short I imagine tons thereof will quickly be asked for thro’ you. May it prove so

We are having a lot of snow here fully a foot to 2 feet deep + some 20 degrees of frost in Leicestershire. It is the severest winter we have had for 20 years so it is estimated – I notice 12 80 I’m [illegible] are coming out to you in April from Woolwich this looks as if you are increasing in importance, Eh. We are fairly well – much love from all to all – Your affectionate father

August 18, 2020 0

Frederick Paulin Sr to his son Frederick A Pauline, 19 Sep 1884

Henley Lodge, Acock’s Green

Friday, September 19^th 1884

My Dear Fred,

As I am delayed at home this week by an expressed infirmity in my knee which has before now as you remember slowed me in a similar manner this day reminds me that it will be well employed in sending you a letter in which we write in wishing you existing good health and prosperity and the usual many happy returns of the day – begins 23 years since to be emphasized as your natal day and the second during that period on which we have had to submit to your absence from the family circle at home. The query intuitively arises shall we have to celebrate another 19^th Sep without you? We hope not, for we are in a quiet sort of way respecting to day by an united remembrance of you, and sealing our good wishes with the stamp of the goblet – and we almost fancy we catch your thoughts reciprocating what we are doing, we also fancy you are drawing a dearly defined mental picture of the “old folks at home” and your several fondly attached brothers and sisters. By the time this reaches you the day I am now underlining so to speak will have gone its way into oblivion but the reference herein will I feel sure call if

[2]

Again for one brief comparison of the sentiments connected with it and how far they were identical with us and with yourself- space cannot annihilate their mysterious interchange of mental imagery – if is could if would be too cruel. Your letters well express the existence of this mental telephone as we trust ours do to you, especial the letter as we frequently confess amongst so many here, there should be no lack of evidence of its confirmed use at home. I fear your bits in comes sketches illustrating sketching and fishing will neither be personally enjoyed nor illustrated by me this season, much as I should like either, my time is truly occupied in finding and bringing grist for the mill which latter arrangement seems to be increasingly exacting in its requirements and occasionally sets me tasks not too easily done or got rid of. I am thinking it is about the time you will return from the Skeena to Fort Victoria and your former vocation there, and hoping that the change has been in every way satisfactory to you.

[3]

We are entering the autumn season rapidly but under agreeable auspices as regards the weather which is very fine and occasionally still hot. We have had a remarkably favourable summer and harvest time even quite a return to us of the seasons long ago which we have been saying for some time has changed for good. The farmer has been jubilant with the prospects, but he has had to suffer disappointment again by the very unremunerative prices which the produce brings him owing to the glut from the Indian and American sources. The quality is exceptionally fine and the customary growls in the pews are to be daily met with at the price of bread in proportion to the low price of wheat – we have a capital crop of potatoes in our garden called “inagumm hommins” and they deserve the title, I have found over 20 to a root, fine tubors too. Your apple aces have made fair growth two being respectively 3 and 4 feet high whilst the third cannot discover the way to grow yet, and continues very wee.

[4]

Aunty Paulin is gone to Henley for a few days and thence she intends proceeding to London to see some old friends, she seems much better in health since she has come out of London. Louise goes next Monday to “the National Provincial asocial” in High Street Birm. In the Fruit and Italian Dept which she seems glad of – she has been long trying to acquire once more some degree of independence. The boys continue as before, whilst Florence and Amy daily attend Miss Boston’s in the Village to pursue a knowledge of dress making and we have not heard from Henley very lately but Mrs Swinburne who called a few days since informed us the Dr was very pleased with a nice letter he received from you. Some complaints or fault findings are now appearing weekly in a local obscure paper of the services, person, choir, organist + al St Mary’s but as I hear they are anonymous they do not attract us. We are all pretty well tho’ I should like your mother to feel stronger

From your very affectionate Father.

August 16, 2020 0

Frederick Paulin to his son Frederick, May 1884

Frederick Paulin to his son Frederick A Paulin, 13 May 1884

Tuesday May 13, 1884

Dear Fred

Yours dated April 7^th received to day in which you afford us a [illegible] glimpse of your present surroundings and occupation and we are all very much pleased indeed with contents. It is cheering and interesting and suggests to us a sincere wish that the summer’s run you have entered upon will strengthen your eyesight, benefit your health and proved remunerative to you in every way. There would be many opportunities doubtless for profitable barter and by the time this reaches you the preparation for market of the prince of fishes will have begun. It is almost a pit that some one or two fo the many grand fellows you will feast your eyes to on cannot come here with as little ceremony or cost as the letters. For we ever can imagine the difference between fresh salmon so called here and that which will be afforded you in a rapid transition

[2]

From the mountain stream to the pot or grid. I saw Blantern’s brother a few days ago and he informed me that you had been graduating in the Indian tongues. I I spose a sort of patois? Are there any sketches to be had of the scenery around you – you might give us one of your own doing for an idea. I will by its immensity probably be difficult subject, but try if you have time, and describe the colourings.

We are going on much the same here. I am still pursuing the “British Mercantile Gazette” with the view of increasing its bulk in advertisements for which I get a share of 20%. Canvassing is of course in the present depressed condition of trade difficult and laborious to the mind still my average earnings per week have been better than the cigar business, besides I seldom go from home and am only responsible to and at the bidding of myself. The rush of such an arrangement and freedom is most appreciable. George I have found an opening for him in the office of Mess Short Short & Co the export merchants in Gr Charles St and the owner and proprietor of the paper or publication I am working.

Ernest is fairly settled and I believe is satisfied with his work at Wright and Butlers the Lamp people. They have now a season ticket each which I paid for yesterday total 11.7.6 and they agree to pay me back so much a month. Our garden is likely to prove much more remunerative to us this year because a larger tract is under cultivation than last season and the ground breaks down better. I have added also some 3 or 4 dozen standard rose trees, some 200 gladioli bulbs, 3 Doulton ware vases in the rear also, and the pansies have given plenty of blossoms all the winter thro. We have in the house the long room and one opposite across the hall papered and [illegible] sundry little items also give a more furnished effect than it used to have – on the whole we are gradually following our destiny and I know you will rejoice when I say that the future may be an improvement on the present

[4]

And that the present is decidedly better than the past which we have just left behind. The Dr Swinbourne would like a line from you, I think you never have sent to him since your departure. He is not in such robust health as his best friends would wish him to be. We have had a visit from Sarah Churchill and Col Burnaby in Birm lately, in anticipation of their bid for the midland metropolitan vote – the former delivered some talented and effective speeches and ahs gone quite to the front of the political arena in their country. Bessie I omitted to say is apprenticed to Fordred (Millinery & Co) and seems to like it up to know. Louise is still with grandpa and Gma at Henley having occasionally all her patience severely taxed occasionally by their eccentricities and crochets still she doesn’t murmur much at the sacrifice. The remainder of the family are well. Your mama is overworked as usual but in fair health, studied with the customary consideration of

Your affectionate father

We eagerly anticipate your letters

August 14, 2020 0

Letter to Frederick Pauline from his father, 10 Aug 1888

[Illegible] Friday Aug 10 [1888]

Dear Fred

The poo for $10 arrived safely and this morning. It has also been paid over to Louise which she will acknowledge to you of course. She has been luck in the way of gifts, money as well as various articles more or less decorative and useful. The wedding went off I think in every way satisfactorily there was every thing the company or the newly married needed or could require and then to the club on Wednesday last so that they had 18 days holiday chiefly at Tynemouth in fishing boating we have not let the house

Yet though several inquisitorial people have replied to my advertisement- property at [illegible] is just now a drop in the market. There are many properties unlet at the same time the speculative builder is busy – Matthews the overseer tells me that owing to the above state of things AG in a clog upon the parochial balance sheet. This is is considered a temporary state only and will probably quickly recover itself. I wrote you some time since the letter any how should be with you before now saying we were all coming in the Lake Superior steamer tine to Montreal and thence to

You via CPR. We have Lpool this day fortnight on the 24 sail. So [illegible] we shall reach Montreal [illegible] about the 2^nd Sept where we hope to meet with Bessie. I have instructed her so far as possible what to do and sent her £2 POO to pay her rail to Montreal from Brooklyn. I hope she will have no difficulty in the matter. I have Royal Insurance introduction to Ward of Victoria also the Butins private card to Mr Turner, and [illegible] in

Also now in Birmi port to manufacture &c saying I am going to BC and could negotiate an agency or hrs &c but the time is yet young for any replies. I am bringing some cheap canvasses in oil, some scenes & C for spec and if they “go” I have arranged for a regular supply. We are bringing a coat for Leonard Philips which his ma has sent for enclosure, but we are not yet decided what to do for you and in the way of clothes. I have two handsome waistcoat pieces that I am expecting to get mended up for you if I can manage the size though Powell. Grandpa sends you a pipe by me – we are very fully occupied in completing arrangements for our journey which I [illegible] start will be safely completed + consummated in our writing again – we bring photos of wedding group and our love to all and from your affectionate Father.

[Cheat Sheet: The letter did not have a year, but Louisa Mary Paulin married Robert Rutherford on the 21 July 1888.

The Ship SS Lake Superior Beaver Line was the ship that they had booked passage to Montreal –

Interesting to note that Bessie was in Brooklyn and would meet the family in Montreal before they went on to Victoria. I will look into this.]

August 12, 2020 0

Letter to Frederick A Paulin from his father, 18 Aug 1884

August 18^th 1884

My Dear Fred

I am afraid the letters to you have not been so numerous as they should have been lately. It is not for want of my telling your brothers to do so, if the letters have been few or scarce you may depend – we have not heard of you since Dr S informed me he had received a letter from you in which you said you were well. We are anxiously looking for a letter daily from you and trust it will soon arrive telling us you are still well and any other news you may have to write about. We have a grand spell of truly harvest weather, the heat is unusual, some days have been tropical, and the farmer is looking up cheerfully at the prospect, and he needs all the help the weather can give to him. Trade, will that which is called so is as bad as it well can be. I as in Sheffield last week and the old traders there say it never was so wretchedly unremunerative as business

Is there at the present time. I still begging away at the British Mercantile Gazette which produces a fitful return. On the whole up to now it has not been so bad. The advertising process is however in every way affected of course by the state of trade, and as August is the month between the seasons – a sort of off time in the calendar it is just now difficult to keep the ship moving, whilst the expenses of home do not diminish as the members severally increase in size and years. The garden is well stocked, the peas were very fine, ditto broad beans, the runners are not quite ready but the potatotes are clean healthy and good size and most of the spaces filled in with [illegible] produce. The flower garden secondary in importance, has yielded us a goodly show the roses are nice and the cardinal gladioli are now brilliant and beautiful. We are pretty well. And Mrs Paulin is still with us. Louise has returned from Henley and is looking out again to assume an independence of home and thus make one less to lean on the exchequer. Geo keeps to McLelland and Ernest to Wright and Brothers. I never see ant of the Collins’ people so do not know how poor Smith is, but spose he is driving along well as he can. The “Green” is much the same. I don not remember a new feature to record and the Choir makes no progress, we are one principally a stagnant composition. Great stirring is now the order in the political world, parliament is prorogued until Oct when the franchise Bill is to be again sent up to the Lords, who will doubtless reject it again, if without the redistribution scheme. Lord Randolph Church holds a foremost place in future conservatism and if he lives

Is destined to lead the party. He is a powerful speaker and agreeable to hear because of his moderately paced delivery without hesitation or trip. The organization of the Conservative party is being perfected throughout the country and will, whenever the general election comes, make a goodly show. A young man who was with you in Deritend Factors Warehouse met me a few days ago and wished to be remembered to you. He is at Martinson & Smiths. I see by the papers today Hanlan has been beaten in Australia by 7 lengths. I do not remember anything else to say so will finish with the hope that you are alright and that we shall soon hear from you soon

Your very affectionate Father

This goes with one from your Mother.

[Cheat Sheet: Mrs Paulin is likely Frederick Paulin Sr’s mother Sarah Clements Paulin. Hanlan is Ned Hanlan the Canadian rower see here for more information on him ]

August 10, 2020 0

Mary Paulin to her son Frederick, 1 April 1886

Henley Lodge

April 1^st/86

My Dear Fred

Yesterday, after coming back back from seeing my four children off to your destination, I found a letter from you dated to 9^th March Just 22 days coming so as dear George started [illegible] on the 10^th March by this time he is with you I trust as he is with you and I hope well he must have had a rough journey – I quite think you the lone of your [illegible] that you are far from well and you think of [illegible] change I wish you

Very new to come home the journey would I hope will not be so bad, [Illegible[ was a gentleman had the fever in Victoria the same time that you did and was decided to come to England for his health you will hear from George the party we are sending now they all intend working and having a good try to get on it so as a terrible parting yesterday but I have good faith and really look forward to seeing them all again some happy

Day I feel glad they are coming your way as I know you will advise them I can hardly tell you all the [illegible] by you have gone through to get them under way and May you send them in the prayers of all kind friends here they are young but have good courage. I went home with Louise after seeing them off you will be glad to hear she has a happy home with a Mrs Lilly. The M[illegible]t Sutton Coldfield there is plenty of work for her to do but they are kind to her and it is a very healthy place. I am expecting

The old people to come and stay with me it is not a very cheerful prospect but must manage as well as I can – you talk of Summer and flowers it is winter here now and looks like its to be for some time. I shall feel very anxious till I hear how the travellers get on so I shall all look forward to the pleasure of seeing you but not if you think the money would be too much for you. If ever we can get the money we shall all come to you

Kindest love and wishes to all my children and hope you will all be happy

1 – written across text

Together. I hope George will be able to do your work and you have a rest

Love and prayers

Your affectionate mother

I am sorry your letter came just so late to get the letter you wanted.

[Cheat sheet – Mary Cutler Paulin to Frederick Arthur Paulin

Letter sent the day her son Ernest, his wife Emma, her sister Amy and Ernest’s Brother Herbert left England for Canada. George another son had just arrived in Victoria.

Reference to the old people is to her in-laws from Henley-on-Thames, and Louise is her daughter. It appears Louise went into service with Mrs Lilly.]

August 8, 2020 0