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

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

[2]

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!

[3]

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

[4]

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.

October 20, 2020 0

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

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

Conservative Club, Temple Row, Birm.

May 26^th 1894

Dear Fred,

Yours of the 3^rd 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.

October 14, 2020 0

George Bennett, Derby 1867

The Derby Mercury, 19 Jun 1867

George Bennett

Surviving partner of the late firm, Weatherhead, Walters & Co, Ironmongers, Derby

Desires to inform the customers and friends of the Old Firm, that for the present he is carrying on the business (in which he has taken the active part for nearly 12 years) in his own behalf; but in order to avoid the inconvenience which a too sudden change of name might occasion in so old a business, he will continue to use, for a short time longer, the name “Weatherhead” in connection with his own.

August 24, 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

George Paulin to FA Pauline, 1883

Letter George Paulin to Frederick Arthur Paulin, 11 July 1883

[1]

40 New Street Henley on Thames

July 11^th 1883

My Dear Grandson,

Your Grandma and myself were very pleas’d to receive your letter dated May 28, and to hear you were in good health we hope you have warmer weather and things growing fast, but I expect the heat in the day is not very comfortable. I hear the musketoes are very busy. We are both pretty well, the weather all over England has been unusually stormy. The thunder and lightning very heavy. Our Regatta took place on the 5^th and 6^th and the two days were very fine the attendance was very large, the large house boat and steam launches extending in an unbroken line to Fawley Court Boat House, with hundreds up pleasure boats of all sizes, shape with some natives and venetian pleasure boats. It all went off without any accident and now we are again very quiet., and the Lodging letting people are looking forward for the summer visitors. We have had Minnie and Annie Bennett for a few days they came during the Regatta. Their mother and father in at Southsea near Portsmouth so the children are all taking their turn to Southsea and Mrs Bennett will come here on her return home. We are uncertain about visiting Acock’s Green, should very much like to see them. Your mother and father wishes us to come during July, but I cannot say if

[2]

We shall make up our mind to start altho’ we have not much incumbrances. We have our favorite cat and the old magpie and we have a length of age. Mine nearly 80 and your Grandma a 76 which begin to tell on our strength and inclination. Had a letter this morning from Louise July 9^th – she is well and still at Swansea, she says that the death of Mrs Lorton very much grieves her. On the 18^th June there was an American circus here and in the evening she attended the performance and persons told me very much enjoy it. She was taken text morning with an attack of Smasmedie Gout and linger until Saturday the 23^rd and died. She was 40 years of age. Her son was a very great trouble to her, and he was sent to sea so he was a long way out on his voyage when she died. But I have not heard much about her, not have seen her more than twice this last two years (not since Louise was here). We are losing our Rector Res G Phillimore who has been appointed Rector of Eveline about 3 miles from Nethebed – it is a much better stipend than Henley we do not yet know who is to be the New Rector.

I wonder if the clergyman whom you heard preach one Sunday is related to the Rev Dr Pentreath who is head master of our Grammar School.

[3]

We are very glad to hear your Father is doing a little better now, but he has had some trying amount of unemployment, but it’s a great blessing they are all in good heatl.

It’s no use telling you about our very wooded and water country round Henley but I hope that as you determined to search for beyond the lands to see judge for yourself whether it would be more likely to succeed in the experiment that we sincerely hope that the climate may have a benefitting tendency to improve your sight, also prove that by sound principle of doing right and the Almighty God, who is always about us in all our work may bless and protect you from harm and prosper you in every endeavour to succeed in whatever you undertake under his guidance. It seems to be a difficult matter to get into a new situation in England when any one leasor and old and every one economising and take boys in thereby same paying salaries. Brakespears seem to do so. Their clerk (Grey) who has been with them many years has left and another in his place. I expect with smaller amount of wages.

[4]

Wm Doyley Brook died June 19 last aged 57 years. The crops here are heavy we are now having fine rain SW wind, very brisk to day July 11 your Grandma birth day, Louise sent her a birth day card, she was very well your father seemd getting a little round and doing better. I have now exhausted all my remembrance of any thing interesting to you so hoping you may receive this letter and hoping you may prosper in all your undertaking and that you may be protected from all danger so under the divine providence I must leave you. Your Grandma sends her blessings to you and the same from your affectionate

Grandfather

Drama personae:

Louise – Louise Paulin – sister of Frederick

Grandma – Sarah Clements Paulin

Grandfather – George Paulin

Mr and Mrs Bennett – George Bennett and Sarah Paulin Bennett – George and Sarah’s daughter and son-in-law

Minnie and Annie – children of George and Sarah Bennett – Frederick’s first cousins

Mrs Lorton – no clue

April 28, 2020 0

Redcliffe House, Henley-on-Thames, 1899

Excerpt from a document dealing with the trust originally created in 1859 when Frederick Paulin was courting Mary Cutler. This trust was created to protect the interests of Mary Cutler Paulin and her children. I am not sure why it was done, or why it took another two years for the couple to marry (after the birth of their daughter Louise and three months before the birth of their son Frederick Arthur Paulin) but it was done with her mother Louise Freak Cutler, brother William Henry Cutler, and brother in law William Churchill Longman as the original trustees. On the death of Freak Cutler and Longman, George Paulin, Frederick’s father, and George Bennett his brother in law were named as trustees. Later on J Walter Fry became a trustee.

So as seen above, Redcliffe House on New Street in Henley-on-Thames was part of the trust. It is possible that this was also the house that Frederick and Mary lived when they were resident in Henley. Several censuses and city directories stated that they lived on New Street, as did Frederick’s father, George. No street numbers were provided. Their home “Henley Lodge” in Acock’s Green, Birmingham, where they lived before they emigrated to Canada was also owned by the trust.

The house is listed: https://britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/101291564-redcliffe-house-henley-on-thames#.Xklw72hKjIU

From Google Maps – 31 New Street, Henley-on-Thames

April 20, 2020 0

Crease and Crease to FA Pauline, 1896

Transcription of letter, Crease & Crease to FA Pauline, 16 July 1896

[1]

Crease & Crease, Barristers-at-law, Solicitors & c. Temple Building, Victoria BC, 16 July 1896

FA Pauline, Esq

Victoria, BC

Re Settlement Trust

Dear Sir/-

We have carefully perused the draft of a deed of appointment of a new trustee which you have handed to us. From this document and the information you have given us we understand that by deed dated 12^th July 1859 made in contemplation of the marriage of your father and mother certain monies were settled in trust for your mother Mrs Pauline and her children by the marriage. Louisa Cutler [Mrs Pauline’s mother], William Henry Cutler [brother] and William Churchill Longman [brother-in-law] were the original trustees.

By deed of the 4^th June 1880 Messrs Geo Bennett [F Paulin’s brother in law] and George Paulin [FP’s father] were appointed trustees with Mr WH Cutler vice Louise Cutler and WC Longman both deceased.

By deed of 20^th August 1881 Mr Joseph Walter Fry was appointed a new trustee in the place of Mr Bennett who retired from the trust. The trust property was then vested in Messrs Geo Paulin, WH Cutler and JW Fry.

On 15^th March 1894 Mr G Paulin died. Mr Cutler had been found by inquisition to be of unsound mind. The trust property is therefore now vested in Messrs WH Cutler and JW Fry.

We further understand that the beneficiaries consist of your mother Mrs Paulin and your brothers and sisters, all of whom are of age. One of your sisters, however, has died leaving two infant children.

That the trust property consists of a mortgage for L420

[2]

From WH Cutler, Geo Bennett and G Paulin to WH Cutler, Geo Paulin, and Walter fry on house at Henley-on-Thames (b) Freehold lands at Acocks Green, Yardley, Worcester, known as “Henley Lodge” (c) L840 stock in Reading Corporation present value L1092. We may here remark incidentally that we are at a loss to know how the above mortgage could be made between the parties there named.

We are not of course aware of the contents of the Settlement or of the various provisions therein. We understand that it is desired that Mr Fry should be released from the trusts, and that the trust funds should be invested in this Province at better interest than received from present investments in England. We conceive that the trustees have full power of varying investments and of investing in Colonial securities.

We would suggest as a course of effectuating the above desire that the Present Trustee might, if authorized by the trusts, sell or convert into money all the present investments. His accounts could then be passed and approved. New trustees residing in this province might then be appointed in pursuance of the powers contained in the Settlement, and Mr Fry be thereupon released under proper deed by the beneficiaries who are of age from further liabiliites.

We are assuming that the present investments can be realized without such a sacrifice as would amount to a breach of trust.

If realized and the proceeds may under the trusts be invested in this Province we see no objection to the new Trustees being resident

[3]

Here.

We may remark it is always most undesirable that trust property should be vested in a sole trustee.

If a trustee wishes to be discharged from any liability he has or is about to incur in relation to the execution of his trusts he must obtain the consent of all the beneficiaries. He cannot do this if any of the beneficiaries are infants, because infants have no legal capacity to consent; moreover if the parties interested in the trust are not all in existence, as where a benefit is conferred for children unborn, the trustee obviously cannot obtain the sanction of all parties interested, and cannot therefore with safety be discharged from the trust. Such cases are however sometimes met by the beneficiaries of age entering into a covenant or bond that the minors will consent when they obtain full age.

With regard to the enclosed form of appointment we note that it contains no provision for the transfer of the trust property which is now vested in Messrs Cutler and Fry to the new trustee, with the exception of the mortgage which is to be tranfered by a separate deed.

The transfer of the interest vested in Mr Cutler or his committee (or guardian) is a point which we have no doubt has been considered by the solicitor in charge of the matter. Our law here varies from the English since the introduction of their Conveyancing Acts.

The variation in the name Paulin and Pauline is immaterial except in so far as it raises a question of identity and we think it would be

[4]

Advisable for the name to be mentioned as “Paulin” (otherwise Pauline) or as “Paulin” (now commonly known as Pauline).

We return the draft appointment of new trustee herewith.

Yours faithfully,

Crease and Crease.

March 12, 2020 0

George Paulin to Frederick A Pauline, 1883

[1]

I say don’t send another storm across just yet, one arrived here on the 11^th instant, and did no end of damage, loss of life & c.

Yardley Rd

Acocks Green

Saturday Evening

Dec 22^nd 83

Dear Fred

I am rather surprised to hear you have had so few letters as I have written you 4 since my recovery. Did you get the [illegible] photos + how the print arrived yet.

I send you per this post the Xmas no of Illustrated. I hope it will reach you.

Things have been going on here about the same as usual, business with Pa fluch also very much, some times for days he does nothing, and at other times the reverse, for instance one day this week he made 7/15/-

[2]

I am very sanguine myself that if he keeps quietly on that things will be better with us.

Our grand old man at Henley sent his usual Xmas donation this week £5 + I am pleased to add that Grandma is better, but Louise is going to Henley after Christmas to take care of her.

Mr Bennett of Derby the recipient of a (engolostic) – something wrong – push from your humble servant last year, has again come up to the scratch with containing 6 bottles of Liqueurs + £1 to be divided amongst the youngsters.

Thank providence for these.

Our Xmas will of course be necessarily a quiet one, but as we are all in good health we have a lot to be thankful for, and

[3]

We may live in hope of spending a Merry Christmas this year + a still merrier one when we shall I hope be all together in 1884.

I trust that you and Charlie are getting on Hay won + that you will enjoy a very Merrie Canadian Xmas, and start the New Year with light hearts + full of hope. I shall not forget you in my speech Xmas night. I don’t expect you have forgotten the last festive board yet. Eh! I have taken 2 or 3 services for Mr T lately, and hope soon to be in a crib.

If you intend returning in March let me know as I will endeavor to get you a berth.

Now above all things take care

[4]

of yourselves, and lay yourselves out to enjoy a thorough Xmas, rather late advice of course, but it will apply to whatever time this reaches you.

All the members this house joins with me on wishing you + your partner A hearty Christmas + prosperous New Year with a hope of a speedy meeting.

Hoping to hear from you soon + that this letter will find you in the best of health + spirits.

I remain

Your affectionate Brother

George

Mr Jos McClelland has sent me a Xmas box from Sheffield, a good pocket knife in case

[Mr Bennett is George Bennett, the husband of Frederick Sr’s sister Sarah Ann; the old man at Henley is Frederick Sr’s father George Paulin, and Grandma is Sarah Clements Paulin, their grandmother, George in Henley’s wife]

November 30, 2019 0