Dictionary of Family Biography – George Ernest Paulin

George Ernest Paulin

1912-1976

Marriage of GE Paulin and Laura Pottinger, 1946 – photograph from collection of J Barnett, Ancestry Family Tree

George Ernest Paulin was born 15 January 1912, in Valparaiso, Chile. He was the only child of Harold Ernest Paulin and Alice Lumsden Jeffreys. His English father was Canadian-born, and worked as a clerk at WR Grace and Co, an American Fertilizer and Machinery company.

His father Harold died in June 1913. His widowed mother decided to return to the United Kingdom with her son, arriving in August that year. They settled in Aberdour, Scotland, near her parents.

It is assumed that Ernest (as he was known by his family) received a decent education, based on his occupation as an adult, but nothing is known of the specifics.

Ernest enlisted with the Royal Regiment of Artillery in June 1929 and served in the Territorial Artillery until his discharge in 1933.

After his service he entered the banking profession, likely with the Commercial Bank of Scotland. In 1936 he was posted in Ghana, and in 1938 in Sierra Leone.

In 1940 he re-enlisted, and was initially with the Royal Army Service Corps. He was transferred in 1942 to the Indian Army. Ultimately, he served with the 14^th Army HQ and the 26^th Indian Division. He would have been involved in the First and Third Arakan Offensives, and the capture of Rangoon. He earned the Burma Star for his service there.

In March 1946 he married Laura Leask Pottinger, daughter of JJ Pottinger of Edinburgh. They were married in the Scotia Hotel in Edinburgh.

Ernest resumed his work as a banker and was once again travelling to Africa. He was in Nigeria in 1950 and 1952, Gambia in 1954, and Nigeria again in 1955. He moved back to Scotland in 1960, presumably to retire.

His wife Laura died in 1973, and he died in 1976 in Edinburgh. They had no children.

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/26th_Indian_Infantry_Division

Correspondence with Barrett family, October 2021

Applications for Burma Star Association, Findmypast.co.uk

Royal Artillery Army Roll Book, Findmypast.co.uk

Birth Certificate, George Ernest Paulin, Valparaiso, Chile, 1912

UK Shipping records, shipping lists, arrivals and departures, findmypast.co.uk and Ancestry.ca

The Scotsman, newspaper 1946

Note – will update this when his service record is accessed.

October 20, 2021 0

Dictionary of Family Biography – Harold Paulin

Harold Ernest Paulin

(1888-1913)

Harold Ernest Paulin was born 5 March 1888 in Victoria, BC. He was the third child and eldest son of Ernest Alfred Paulin and his wife Emma Jane Jennings. Ernest worked as a journalist and accountant at the time of Harold’s birth. Harold had seven siblings, five sisters and two brothers. Two of his sisters and his youngest brother died in infancy.

Ernest and Emma had immigrated to Canada from Birmingham, England just a couple of months after their marriage in 1886. They had joined two of Ernest’s brothers in Victoria, and had emigrated with Emma’s sister Amy, and Ernest’s brother Herbert. Ernest’s parents and other siblings joined the family in Victoria the year Harold was born.

Despite a large family network in Victoria, according to many of her grandchildren, Emma Jane was not happy in Victoria. Emma left Victoria in 1896 travelling back to England with her daughters Irene and Grace. Ernest soon followed, and the family settled in Acock’s Green, in Birmingham, near Emma’s family.

Harold was left behind in Victoria, and appears to have lived either with his aunt Amy Jennings, who was now married to William Thomson, or with a Mrs Archibald. Both women were mentioned in letters written to family in Victoria, in association with Harold, and his care.

While in Victoria, Harold attended Oak Bay School. In 1895 he won a prize for a story he wrote called “Harold’s Dog.”

Many of the letters Ernest wrote to his brother Frederick in Victoria are extant, and he regularly stated how he and his wife missed Harold, and asked that someone escort Harold back to England. In a letter from 1898 he admitted that he could not afford the passage and asked Frederick to help. A January 1899 letter shows that he was successful, as he mentioned that Harold was in Birmingham, and on that day visiting his Uncle Sidney Smith. In the 1901 Census he is shown as living with his family, age 13. He had no occupation, but was not listed as a student either.

In November 1904 Harold set off for New York on the “Oceanic.” On arrival he stated that he was last employed as a waiter in London, and that his parents paid his passage. He joined his friend Herbert Dunblane, who lived at 344 North Houston Street.

No trace can be found of his life in the United States. He reappears in the records on a ship from New York, heading to the United Kingdom in May 1907. He does not stay in England long. In October 1907 Harold was on board another ship, this time bound for Valparaiso, Chile. In Chile he obtains work as a clerk. His father wrote of his employment in a letter to Victoria, stating he worked for Weir Scott and Co, on a 3 year contract, being paid £150 a year. The company were provisioners and importers. He later worked for WR Grace and Co, an American fertilizer (chemical) and machinery company. They had offices in Valparaiso, London, New York, Lima and San Francisco.

In March 1911, Harold married Alice Lumsden Jeffreys, a native of Scotland. Their only son George Ernest was born 15 January 1912. That same year Harold joined the Freemasons – Bethesda Lodge.

Harold’s father Ernest died in November 1912, and plans were hatched to bring his siblings out to Chile to work. This however never came to fruition. Harold died 12 June 1913 of an abscess of the liver. He was buried there.

Harold’s widow Alice and his son George (know as Ernest by his family) returned to the United Kingdom in August 1913. They settled in Aberdour in Scotland, near her parents.

Source

Birth certificate, Harold Ernest Paulin, British Columbia

Death certificate, Harold Ernest Paulin, Valparaiso, Chile

Barnett family – emails October 2021

Birth certificate, George Ernest Paulin, Valparaiso, Chile.

US Landing/shipping arrivals, 1904

UK arrivals, 1907

UK Departures, 1907

Correspondence, Ernest Alfred Paulin to Frederick Pauline, Cormack family collection

US Bethesda Lodge records, Ancestry

Victoria Times Colonist newspaper

UK 1901 Census, Acock’s Green

UK arrivals, 1896

October 19, 2021 1

Gardiner 25th Wedding Anniversary, 1915

Victoria Daily Times, 11 September 1915

Personal

Mr and Mrs Charles F Gardiner last evening celebrated the twenty-fifth anniversary of their wedding. They were married, as the news of twenty-five years ago, in another column, narrates, on the evening of Sept 10, 1890, in Christ Church Cathedral. The bride was Miss Amy Pauline, who still resides here. Her bridesmaids were Miss AF Gardiner, sister of the groom, and Misses Florence, Violet, Sarah, Marion and Nellie Pauline, her sisters. CP Lowe was the best man and Harold Pauline was page. The ceremony was performed by Rev Henry Kingham, then curate of Christ Church Cathedral, a brother of Joshua Kingham and Mrs EG Miller.

March 10, 2020 0

Emma Paulin to Frederick Pauline, 1913

Emma Paulin to Frederick Pauline, 14 Feb 1913

Dear Fred,

I wrote to my sister a few days ago, asking her to ask your advice about Ernest’s loan from J Smith. I thought she would be able to explain it better to you, than I could be writing. Twice that a fresh trouble has cropped up. I [illegible] I cannot get the insurance money without Ernests will. Harold being over 21. Ernest told me he made over before coming to England. I am more than sorry to trouble you but cannot avoid it. I am most anxious

[2]

It as soon as possible.

There is £3 interest due on Ernests loan. Shall I pay it + if so, shall I be expected to keep on paying the interest or does it cease with Ernests death. I am so ignorant in affairs of this kind. It would be impossible Fred to express my thoughts – I thank you for myself + children from our hearts, for all your care + loving kindness to dear Ernest. God bless you. Love to Cissie + family

Yourse very sincerely

Emmie

PS Please do not delay in sending will.

September 28, 2019 0

Ernest Paulin to Frederick Pauline, 1912

Letter from Ernest Paulin to Frederick Pauline, 12 Feb 1912

129 Ilford Lane, Ilford

12/2/12

My Dear Fred

I received your very nice letter with contents that arrived just a I was absolutely stumped. I have not been able to go out for several weeks now. I get chill upon chill until I am reduced to a skeleton + a very bad chest. Since moving to Ilford from Leigh I have not had one single week’s comfort, my usually usefull muscles seem to cry out that I have given them their share and give way to the colds. We had a ten days very severe frost as perhaps you may have read the cough I generally suffer from burst out with such ferocity that I have not dared to go out since except for a little while yesterday + I m making up arrears of correspondence

[2]

Severely indoors to day. I did hope to make a start somewhere this week but shall have to stew for another few days I suppose.

You know it isn’t nice when they seem to come for the rent the weekly bugbear + you do not happen to have it handy.

Just fancy you having care of Mr Mesher all these years it was a surprise to me. You must feel relieved now that you have done all you could for him + he now at rest.

Your oldest son is in the motor line Eh” and doing well too, I do hope he will follow in his Father’s footsteps. I need wish him no surer road to success.

I heard that you were about to retire some time ago and as you say I am the first to shout congratulations. Hat it all you have worked hard enough for a rest and it is a blessing

[3]

You lost no precious time in taking it. I was always afraid that you would stick at it too long.

The first day up in the City I shall give Mr Sutherland of the Ocean I Co a call + I am very much obliged for your kindness in sending me his card.

I had a short note from Harold yesterday to inform me that MY SON as he calls it was safely born to them on the 18/1/12 and everything satisfactory.

“Weight at birth 9 ½ lbs. Got a chest like a bull and 1’9” long (not 21” mind you) face like its mother (just fancing only a few hours old) Harold must have become an expert) but it has a Paulin head + limbs ah” ah”

You can just imagine the way he was in when sending the glorious news. I suppose George Ernest (that’s his name) marks

[4]

The 1^st step in the 4^th gen of a little known but illustrious family.

Dad + Mother, whom I hope continue well in health will be a little bit proud of the “Great Grand”: Eh” I can just imagine dear old Mother’s flush of pride. God bless her and her prayer of thanksgiving to be alive to assume the new jewel to her coronet.

It is pouring with rain from the NE + bitter again today.

If I could keep warm enough a sufficient time to get rid of this wicked cough, I do not think I should take long getting into my old form again in the meantime I am doing my best.

Haven’t heard of George or Bert for years suppose no news etc.

Kindest Love Fred + best wishes, Emmie sends love to Cissie

Your affectionate Brother

Ernest

[Note that Ernest died in November 1912 of Tuberculosis]

September 18, 2019 0

Ernest Paulin to Frederick Pauline, 1908

Letter from Ernest Paulin to Frederick Pauline, 6 Dec 1908

22 Britannia Road, Ilford

6/12/1908

I thought that I would send you just a word or two with the “Ole” fashion Xmas card.

Because sometimes the writing means more than the card. Nevertheless, when you have nine years “trying to sell typewriters and a pen in your hand about once a month.” Criticism is barred. I nearly danced a “Reel” when I read the official announcement and I am indeed thankfull that you are still better off.

I hope that Bert will prove trumps, George must + will. Of course, I got news sometimes from the Dad + Mother and there

[2]

Is generally something of interest.

It seems hard sometimes that I quite alone here; but I feel sure I could do better out of this Foggy City – It is hard work. But I am not grumbling Fred, am not actually starving + with Gods blessing and the health that is necessary (which I have made a serious study of, since starting a new life back in the old country) I hope to see some of my family once more.

Nothing pleases me better than to hear that your years of hard plodding, thoughtfull life, are an almost assured success. I wish with all my heart that I could shake hands with you, otherwise, than on paper.

[3]

Business generally is very bad. The present government seem to indulge in fractional party politics, or “Locking up suffragettes”

I don’t know whether you ever see the ½ Mirror I send to Dad every day. Would you like it?

Just one more look at your handwriting. It will only cost gone 2c. Please.

Every Xmas I miss awfully away from our Family circle

Ernest

[4]

You will be pleased to know that Harold (who is 21 next March) is doing very well in his 3 years engagement in Weir Scott + Co, Valparaison. He started at £150 a year, with an increase of £10 during the 3 years and good prospects of a continuance of advantage after.

It is a pleasure to send his thanks for getting with the firm, and a further pleasure to know that his employers here feel the same as myself.

Rene + Grace are working now, in a large general supplies stores in Ilford here, and are very proud that they can pay for their own clothes. Hilda + Norman are at School. Norman is learning draughts fine.

September 14, 2019 0

Ernest Paulin to Frederick Pauline, 15 Jan 1899

Letter from Ernest A Paulin to Frederick Pauline, 15 Jan 1899

[note on the top of the letter]

Frost the chemist’s wife at Acock Green died suddenly last week. Nothing new ie Fry I suppose. I have not heard of Rutherford yet.

257 Frederick Road, Aston

January 15^th 1899

My Dear Fred

I have deferred my correspondence with BC for some time now, principally because I only had bad news to impart, but having received from you last Wednesday, a letter enclosing £2 (which was evidently posted by you on Xmas Eve) I am anxious to convey to you the gratitude I feel for the relief. By your letter you are aware of my being out of employment and you may guess that the sudden termination to my splendid prospects was a blow that took some realizing, not only by me but my numerous colleagues at Kynoch’s several of whom resigned their positions on account of they’re not being able to agree with the action of the autocrat Arthur Chamberlain, who, it since appears in persuading the Board to reduce the staff, gave the instructions (as the Secretary Mr Hirscham was away on a business tour to China + Japan) to the acting Chief Clerk, a younger and inexperienced and albeit manifestly unpopular man and of course, my enemy, through jealousy at the progress I had made and under the circumstances the knowledge

[2]

That it was only a matter of time for me to take my proper position in the Company, which of course would mean his removal to some other part of the Co’s concern. As usual I made myself too usefull for those whose influence is the only recommendation they boast.

The unsatisfactory conclusion to my, little more than two years of gradual advancement is now a legal question and would have heard at the Assizes in December only that Kynoch’s lawyer pleaded absence in Ireland, which me since find out was a lie and cannot now be tried until the Spring term commencing the second week in March. Lawyers John Smith of Goodrick-Clark and Smith and brother to Sidney Smith very kindly took my case up at once and has kept the question warm ever since and is willing to take it before a jury and furnish the costs in case we lose, which as you are well aware is not a small matter and speaks for John Smith’s kindness to us in our troubles, besides which he has given me some clothes, gloves +c also two pairs of his boots which enable me in my terrible plight to keep up something like a decent appearance. The state of business here is very bad indeed positively nothing moving, the tremendous Cycle Boom that began to burst up last year has rendered

[3]

Everything in a state of chaos hundreds of companies flushed for exorbitant capital are going through various processes of liquidation and Birmingham which grew by several thousands of inhabitants during the last 5 years, can now show as interesting a display of unemployed individuals, large empty factories, disappointed investors in boomed cycle shares as could favourably compare with, what the solid Englishman always jeered at, the booms of Yankee repute after the explosions.

I sincerely hope that business will be moving again soon when I shall be able to get something to do. I have only earned £5 since the 22^nd October and have of course had to sacrifice everything of value that I had to get along, beside running heavily into debt as well as having to beg small sums from Emmie’s relations from time to time. I think all the pride I ever had is knocked out of me, of course you can put the landlord off and many other things unpleasant but it wants something in a mans nature, that is not in imine, to see the little ones, once so well cared for, at times actually short of food. Emmie I expect will be confined tonight or tomorrow and I shall be thankfull when it is all over. When Norman was born the nurse and I managed

[4]

Without a doctor, but unfortunately we cannot get the same nurse this time so Emmie has engaged another but, who will not do without a Doctor as well, as it never rains but it pours. Lawyer John Smith sent us a PO for £1 yesterday which is to pay for the doctor, which relieves that part of it and we must I suppose, look as little at the immediate future as possible and trust to providence for something to turn up. I have often thought that many times that I have befriended George and Herbert, that they knowing the terrible plight I was in at Xmas time, of all times, that they would have found a spark of sympathy and have done something to help me, I never recollect refusing assistance to them when they were in want and sometimes when they were not and it was with feelings of terrible loneliness that Xmas passed without a cheering word or sign from anyone save small charities from friends whose kindness was a painfull as it was necessary to tolerate.

I received a supplementary list of Bartlett [illegible] a few days ago and am sending it on by this post, you will notice that the sheets are perforated to enable you to paste them in the full catalogue I sent you before + which I trust you have found usefull information.

[5]

You have doubtless read of the fearfull gale experienced here the last few days, terrible damage on the Railway, to property +c accompanied by great loss of life. We have had not winter at all but the most horribly trying changes in the atmosphere, frequently getting three seasons in a day, and which has been the cause of considerable sickness, my family have not been entirely free for months now and I do not expect a sound bill of health until some sharp dry weather comes. I receive the Colonist with unremitting regularity and still read it with interest, the divorce case Martin + Hedley Chapman did not surprise me, but the handling of the Sealing question did. It appears to me that the legal fraternity in Victoria just now is a very “junior” type, but I suppose, often, is usefull on that account. Harold is staying with Sidney Smith’s boys at Stetchford for a week or two which fact renders the house a little quieter, he enjoys good health and is always talking about the kind friends in Victoria. If I had have had a few pounds to start with I should have taken up my profession alone and believe should have done well, but you see when Greensill (The chief clerk at Kynoch’s) got his opportunity to remove me out of his way I had hard got out of debt, so was

[6]

Practically on my beam end. You see Fred since I came to England I have had to furnish a house, which on the cheapest principle, is no small item on a weekly salary and fed + clothed my family which as you know is not a small one now and at the time I received the check to my prospects I was only just beginning to convince myself that life was perhaps going to be worth living for again, then to be left as badly off, after over two years of the hardest work I have ever done in my life was a condition of things that came very nearly concluding the chapter as far as my career was concerned. I do sincerely hope I shall get something to do soon and in the meantime if you can help me a little it would be more usefull now than at some future time when I shall not require assistance as I do at this terrible time. When I do get employment again it will take me a long time to pay my obligations off and with increasing domestic expenses I think you will agree with me that the outlook is anything but a cheerfull one. I am sorry to have such a story to tell but will write better news the moment I can.

Hoping all are well

Your affectionate brother

Ernest

Give my kind love to Dear old Dad and Mother.

August 25, 2019 0

Ernest A Paulin to Frederick Pauline, 19 June 1898

Letter Ernest A Paulin to Frederick Pauline, 19 Jun 1898

257 Frederick Road, Aston

June 19^th, 1898

[Note top corner]

Emmie is waiting to go for a stroll

Domestic pen, ditto ink

Dear Fred,

I received your long and very welcome letter yesterday + hasten to reply, not as fully as I should like to, but to save as much time as possible. We hear from Amy (Mrs T) that a Captain Worsnop is coming over, and is to bring Harold. I thought it strange you should not have mentioned the fact and can only surmise that you are unaware of anything of the kind. You mention Appleby coming home to fetch Cissy + youngsters back and if this story of Mrs T is

[2]

Unfounded, I should be in the seventh heaven of delight if some arrangement could be made to let Harold come with him. Unfortunately I cannot send the necessary funds just now, but nevertheless I should be very disappointed if an opportunity of getting my little flock together once again under the altered circumstances, should be allowed to pass. The Dad’s letter I have not answered yet, but shall do fully in a day or two + I shall also make a point of sending you a more interesting

[3]

Letter as well. At this time it will be sufficient for me to assure you that both the “Fry” matter and the needle maker matter shall have my earned attention. I have written Fry to make an appointment to meet me, but, as usual get no reply from him. It is my intention to go fully into the matter with Fry and shall write you the result and at the same time you can rely upon my using all discretion but without losing sight of the fact that there is something wrong + that it is my determination to find it out.

[4]

You shall have all the news in my next, but I am sending this note so that the question of Harold’s coming home may be guided by yourself. Emmie is writing to Mrs Archibald to advise her of the likelihood of an opportunity of getting him with us again and will at the same time suggest that you represent her (Emmie) in the matter. Emmie has infinite trust in you + I personally shall be very proud if you will interest yourself in our behalf.

Kind love to all + again promising another letter in a few days

Your affectionate Brother

Ernest

August 21, 2019 0

Ernest A Paulin to Frederick Pauline, 23 March 1897

EA Paulin to Frederick Pauline, 23 March 1897

[letterhead – Kynoch Limited Late G Kynoch & Company, Limited – Ammunition Works: Witton & Thames – Engineering Works: Witton – Rolling Mills: Lodge Road & Witton – Crucible & Siemens-Martin Steel Foundries: Witton – Black Gunpowder Works: Worsboro’ Dale – Cordite & Nitro-Explosive Works: Witton, Arklow & Thames – Smokeless Powder Mills: Thames – Chemical Works: Arklow & Thames – Soap, Candle & Glycerine Works: Witton – London Depot: 25 Heldon Street, Regent Street W

Lion Works, Witton, Birmingham]

March 23^rd 1897

Dear Fred,

I received your very welcome letter dated the 27^th ult on Saturday last and can read quite, quite, a story from [illegible] Winman’s clippings went Pleace ad the other beauties. Nemesis must be close behind. It is a pleasure to feel that you write cheerfully after having made a general analysis of your letter, your references to fishing preparations rather tends to create an unusual run of saliva, also your proposed return visit to Yale in April, when I hope you will be more successful in your search. You do not say what Jack is doing, your news re Goodwin surprises me, as to shortage at all events, altho I heard from Rutherford that Braund had that news some time ago, in fact Braund seems to be pretty well posted on one family matters. Both Braund and Rutherford are beauties, the latter I am totally disgusted with and shall be deeply thankful l when, what business we may have with him comes to a close in order that there need to be no necessity of even speaking to him. Your remark re Oak Bay finances interest me and am sorry you have to stand up as you do: anything I can do here in the way of urging on the transfer of the trust I am at your services, but I must get my instructions from Victoria

[2]

I cannot see that any good can come of Fry’s guardianship of the property. I understood Rutherford to say that Fry claimed the Acock’s Green tenant had not paid any rent for some time, had failed or something , now you say he has given notice to leave at Easter, not without paying up I hope. Rutherford is willing (and has to Fry so too) to release the Trustee + join in the indemnity deed, on the condition that a sum the equivalent of Louise’s interest, or pro-rata, or whatever the will calls for, shall be left invested in England for the benefit of Louise’s children, and also R inferred to me when I last saw him, that this arrangement would remove Fry’s objection, but then I believe the latter is just a trifle nutty and has a vacillating mind. If Fry could be finished off and I cannot now see why not (providing his accounts are square) the Stocks could be easily enough converted and at once and transferred to BC then the Acock Green house could be dealt with as soon after as possible, anything at all, to improve the finances at Oak Bay would be better than under the present circumstances. Let me know what you think about it. I am waiting for authority to collect the pictures for you, they are at Rutherford’s brother’s house, have been cleaned and provide a handsome decoration to his walls, also he has Dad’s Secretaire and Japanese table, all of which Rutherford has asked me

[3]

To inform him when I am ready to fetch them and he will go with me and see that everything is handed to us just as he left it with his brother. Fred, I don’t think it would pay to pack the table and Dad’s secretaire for such a journey, so if I may take care of them for you until they are wanted, I should so like to and besides I have no sitting room furniture at all and those two things would be a start for another room. I have not heard from the Dad for 3 or 4 months now and suppose all my cutlery table linen, pictures, bed room & Parlour furniture has been well used, they evidently take a pride in showing to what extent their greed and selfishness will go without any comment, I hear my best curtains are in use in the Front room and I suppose my tools are on the down run, nevermind. I shan’t forget their cruelty in a hurry and may have a chance yet to prove what I say. I believe Emmie has written to mother about the things. We have just completed the re-construction of our company and next month I hope to be able to write and give you some idea of my progress during my short acquaintance with the Company, I have done very

[4]

Well indeed as far as a personal satisfaction goes, the matter of increased remuneration must wait a little while, remembering I have only been here less than six months and am in name (as yet) chief clerk of Kynock Limited over a staff of 83 men and 38 ladies – the chief clerk as far as salary goes, our Mr Atkins, takes the management of our new cycle works in line next – Our secretary Mr Frank Hirscham FCA in an interview with him about two months ago, expressed pleasure on behalf of himself and the Board at the improvements I had made in the accounts depart and asked me to be good enough to overseen the whole of the general offices as well as telling me that Mr Atkins would shortly be given a position he was more at home in than accounts and hoped to shew his appreciation of my services more substantially. I can let it rest at that. Eh!! Altho there is an immense amount of jealousy of “that cute yankee chap” that has to be contended with especially among the old servants of which there are quite a number. I could have given both Bert + George good situations several times over, in fact we are very short of Juniors (good) now, labour of all kinds is at a premium in Birmingham we have had an advertisement out for 300 girls for the works for 3 months, in which time we have only succeeded in obtaining 29 just fancy

[5]

If it will not be a trouble to you Fred I wish you would ask Blackwood to give you particulars of the Port Crescent property I bought with him (5 acres with Blackwood and 5 acres with Tom Ella) I want to know whether any taxes have been levied on it per se. If you could get all information from him and all that it is all right I should very much like you to get the papers made out for the whole two lots in your own name and hold them in trust for Emmie, whose money it was that purchased it. I suppose there is no chance of selling it, so Emmie wants it put into shape and held so that if ever is of value she will be able to give it to Harold, or at any rate she will not let me rest until sure that the property is still there, you will create a blessing on me by looking this up.

Altho I wrote you about the stuff I left at Oak Bat very fully once before, I do not want you to mention my present remarks to them, I would sooner leave that to their own conscience (if any). I shall as soon as this is posted commence looking forward to another letter from you, you have very little idea what a treat it is to heard from some of my

[In red at the top of the page]

We are sorry no one is likely to come over this spring as we very badly want Harold with us. Have not heard from him lately – if any chance of sending him, let me know + I will make some provision or another to get him here.

[6]

People.

It will be a very uphill summer for me (the weather does not suggest any summer yet) we are expecting another addition to our home about the end of June and have commenced speculating already as to the sex (if only one) and how we shall manage to provide a carriage paid entrance into the world, but suppose the ever watchfull providence has got on eye on [illegible] us + would have us not meet troubles half way. But I for one shall be very thankfull when it is all over and what kind of a hole were landed in is known.

I hope your family keep well, I suppose our other branches are alright or I should have heard. I had a letter from George yesterday, he writes briefly but not too blue, hope by that he is doing better, am marking him a few lines today, he tells me Edith is likely to assert herself in June too, two of my wife’s sisters May + August so something must be wrong somewhere Eh!!

Stavirt any more to bother you with old man, so with Best Love + wishes for the future I would like a line from Bert to hear how he is getting on

Your affectionate Brother

Ernest

August 15, 2019 0

Letter, Ernest Paulin to Frederick Pauline, 1896

Letter, Ernest Paulin to Frederick Pauline, 7 Dec 1896

109 Whitehead Road, Aston, Dec 7^th 1896

Dear Fred

I received your kind and most welcome letter yesterday, Sunday 6^th having been the usual (lately) 17 days coming. It is very kind of you to take so much trouble in endeavouring to collect the money Pleace owes me and I sincerely hope you will be successful. I suppose all Pleace’s personal estate is by transfer merged into the Standard Co Ltd ? but at any rate a judgement against him would cover any estate he has; He had some property at Wellington, his own house at Nanaimo was in his own name and he has life Insurance and numbers of interests in departures of a more or less speculative nature in fact everything belonging to the Nanaimo business, either the hardward +c or property in connection therewith was recorded as Pleace’s, Tye was never even known in the business at all until I managed to handle the Pleace with the result as I left it last July, he then having paid Tye’s attorney out – what Pleace has been up to since goodness only knows. The whole lot of them are a lot of scheming swindlers and the weakest among themselves will, I suppose go to the wall.

Re being employed –

I am surprised at the knowledge of old S[illegible] Kelly and can only trace it to the immaculate Thomson again; during Expressmen’s orations, because Amy was

[2]

the only person who my wife mentioned it to and giving no particulars at all + I certainly have not mentioned it to anyone save yourself or the Dad = the fellow is a born idiot.

Next time Galley asks you as to the where abouts of the Kelly Estate books, it might be as well to ask him what business it is of his, the ignorant booby, if any particulars are required re the Kelly Estate, I or my co Trustee can only furnish same to interested people, not idle curiosity mongers.

Mr Hall the manager of Hudson’s Bay Co, is my co trustee and wanted me to call a meeting and tell the Crs there was nothing for them, as there is in fact not enough in the Bank BNA to our a/c (and which represents it all) to pay legal expenses but he went east for 2 or 3 months _ so it slid on again.

Emmie says the books were packed with my other things and are, if so, out at Oak Bay, there should also be some papers with particulars of what little money was collectable + a Bank + Cheque Book shewing account – there should also be a cheque given me by Mr E Crowe Baker in payment of an old widow’s a/c. I forget the name, this cheque was given me when Hall was away on his journies and for months I was unable to get his signature to it for Banking purposes, the cheque was dated some little time before Mrs Baker died and after that I let the matter slide again + finally forgot to ask Mr Baker to write out a new cheque as the other

[3]

Was too ridiculously old to present. If Hall explains this to Baker + returns him his cheque I don’t suppose he would object to pay coin now, the amount (if the cheque is not amongst my papers at the Bay) is $15. All the packing was done by my wife as you know, long before I knew she insisted upon visiting her people + says she packed the Kelly books but I don’t recollect them ever having been removed out of the (Tye’s) office except when Fred Nickells had them to make out what accounts he could, ≠ to called under my instructions, those he made out were paid out or covered by contia when he presented them (some settled after assignment by not to all some himself) or not to and finally given up as bad. Mind, if the books are in one of the cases at Oak Bay they are joint property of myself + Hall and the everlasting Galley crowd have no interest in them, than the man in the moon, they will want to possess the earth in reality presently. I’ve no doubt their ignorance suggests to their own enlightened minds that it ought to belong to them. If the books are found let Hall have them, but send any papers to me in connection therewith to me + I will put them into shape and with instructions to

[4]

Hall to let one or two of the largest expenditures declare what shall be done with the money then at any time I can sign a Bank BNA cheque so that Ha; can hand the funds over to whom it may legally have the paid claim upon it – But I shall not go to any further expense in the trust, I have already paid sufficient out without any chance of recovery.

11^th

I have kept this letter back a day or two as I could not convincingly spare the postage money just at the time – I received the “Times” you so kindly sent me containing poor Fullers case + particulars of Wallis’ predicament. The loss of Will must prove a terrible blow to his parents, and will I suppose affect the Esquimalt firm in some way or another.

I have not heard from anyone in BC but yourself and am sorry that some one doesn’t write if it is only a line to let me know how they all are [illegible]

I don’t suppose this letter will reach you much before the New Year so will take this opportunity of wishing with all my heart that 1897 will be a prosperous one in business and that

[5]

You and your family will be blessed with good health +

Give Emmie’s love to Cissie and tell her she will write a line shortly to her. I have had Emmie down for a considerable time now with a severe cold, she caught it from the children at first and had check after check until she lately had to give up, if we could only get some dry weather and less changeable atmosphere, I think we should fare better. Am very lucky in not being laid up myself, but mustn’t brag, there is a terrible lot of sickness around us; principally this being emplant + diphteria and am still without any line from Fry, so cannot give you any news of him or his idiosynchrisities.

Many, many thanks, again for your kindness to me and longing to hear that you are coming over in the spring, which I should do, if I were you, I suppose someone of your firm will make the trip and it is about time you had a change. When you write again please previously find out how dear little Harold is. I shall feel more at home when he is with us again, in the meantime I am struggling along and so long as I am left without kindness, to nurse my present occupation, no one need fear the result – your little lecture as you term it if applied

[written in red atop the page]

I would like a letter from George and Bert is the latter doing anything he had better come here – there is lots of work for willing people, that is better than no work at all.

[G Kyncoch & Company, Limited Ammunition Works Whitton, Rolling Mills Lodge Road Birmingham Crucible & Siemens-Martin Steel Foundries Witton; Black Gunpowder Works: Worsboro Dale Cordite & Nitro-Explosives Works Arklow London Depot 25 Heddon Street, Regent Street, W]

[6]

To intemperance or reckless living I accept as you desire as genuinely given + with good intentions, the whole “history” of what creates in you + other minds an idea of my moral + physical down run, is not well understood and I it is here, have always avoided excusing myself having nearly amply sound reasons for many matters which have misconstruction to my cost and possibly in my weakness made me in ignorant anger worse and for which I have suffered alone, nevertheless Fred old man you will be pleased I know to hear – that what trouble I have now I have learned at all events not to abuse myself for, and this policy I adopted when I placed my foot on British soil last, amongst has never been left sight of + I do not think ever will was, and it is no more a necessity to use artificial + sont eating stimulants now I am happy indeed to sing in order to live.

I went over to Acocks Green last night to help them in an entertainment walked both ways, programme enclosed.

Let me hear from you again Fred as soon as you can get time. Kind love and more Best wishes for you next year

Your affectionate Brother

Ernest

August 11, 2019 0