Genealogy Chat

Hi Ria,

I am glad you enjoyed reading the reports - it does all sound rather comical doesnt it? [and people think that Rumpole is made up!!!]

I may never know exactly what happened to them - but putting 2 and 2 together I think we can assume.

Elaine x

Hi Perchino,

I have tried to search on the London Gazette page - but to be honest I am not having much luck! I must be doing it wrongly - but I dont know what I am doing wrong if you know what I mean? :-S

If I fill in his name on the 'with all the words' then I get hundreds of hits but you would be surprised how many Woods there are AND how many references to wood [panels, floors, doors, trees etc] there are.

If I fill in his name on the 'with the exact phrase' then I get no results at all!!

The newspaper reports Ria has kindly found for me are from the Nottinghamshire Guardian - lancashire libraries online.

Glad you found the final court hearing. I expect he went back to America and the wife followed.
Her performance must have been oscar material, because I think His Honor was on the ball and it convinced him. I really enjoyed the banter between him and Mr Suggs. Especially the I give up bit - Mr Suggs (lol).

I hope you find what you are looking for to complete the story Lainie. I have really enjoyed reading about this character.

Ria x

He must have given an address to the Court and has told the Court that he was in London. If you trace the Hearings in the London Gazette reports on site reference above you may find his address. As you have the year and an idea of the date of the Hearings it narrows the search.

I have found the last paper report in the Nottinghamshire Guardian on 7th June [hearing the 4th] and he was discharged after the court heard evidence from his wife [sounded like they were seperated - yet in 1881 they were living together on the census!] I think she must have given a good 'performance' whilst giving her evidence. The judge, begrudgingly, discharged him from bankruptcy. So if he didnt go to prison where was he?

He must have gone to USA in 1871 - cos he isnt on the census - yet back here in 1881??? I assume that he then emigrated to USA. I dont think he took her with him - yet I cannot find her on the census either.

Relatives, eh, nothing but trouble!!! lol

Found your link this time Perchino - I will explore this further tomorrow. Thank you so much!

Elaine
:-)

You are SO clever Ria - where on earth did you find that?????

THANK YOU

Elaine

Nottinghamshire Guardian (London, England), Friday, May 24, 1867
Adjourned last examination and discharge. Mr Maples represented the official asignee and Mr Sugg of Sheffield the bankrupt.
Mr Sugg said he did not think there was any opposition, Mr Maples merely wishing to call his Honor's attention to the bankrupt's conduct. Mr Maples,however said he desired to examine the bankrupt, who said he formerly carried on business as a provision dealer at Nottingham and Ilkeston. On the 9th February last year he left his business and went to America and did not return until August. His brother managed his business for him. He left because of family grievances. He had done good business; the total takings on a Saturday might have been occasionally £20 to £30 but on other days he might have taken £2 or £3. Sometimes his cash book went two months without being posted up. He did not know how long it remained unposted before his bankruptcy. The amount he left unposted might be several hundred pounds. He took £30 with him to America but had no remittances sent to him. On the 14th February his property was sold by his creditors.
Mr Sugg : That is all explained in the accounts. Bankrupt said no legal proceedings were taken by those creditors. - His Honor : The we must have their names of course in order that the assignee may sue them.
Mr Sugg : The information is in the balance sheet,
Bankrupt, further examined by Mr Maples, said he believed his property at Ilkeston was sold on the 15th. He heard that his wife had sold some of the goods at Ilkeston. His Honor : He goes away with £30 and leaves his wife to dispose of everything. Mr Maples : That is the simple story of the case. According to the statements filed, she has accounted for certain portions of the property. The bankrupt stated that he first heard that a petition had been filed against him when his was in Brooklyn, New York. His Honor : What did you do in America? Bankrupt : I had a situation and was not in business for myself. I had 25 dollars a week. I came home directly I heard that a petition had been filed against me. Mr Maples said the bankrupt had been guilty of great impropriety to say the least of it. He had gone away and left two businesses, which a few days after were sold and disposed of. His wife received £154 of the produce of the sale. His Honor : Has she given any account of the money:
Mr Maples : Yes, she seems to have paid away certain amounts.
His Honor : Has she been examined:
Mr Maples : She was not forthcoming until last week.
His Honor : Until she appears we cannot discharge him
Mr Sugg : She is not summoned. She appeared last week upon notice, but to suit the convenience of the court the case was not called on, your Honor having to hurry away to catch the train.
His Honor said he was obliged to leave last court day, but he did not go away earlier than usual. Mr Sugg must get the bankrupts wife to appear another day.
Mr Sugg : Do you really think this necessary: This is the eighth time the bankrupt has been here and twice it has been adjourned to suit the convenience of the court.
His Honor : It is necessary in order to know the facts of the case to have an adjournment. If it is adjourned 20 times, I cannot help it. I must have the facts before me.
Mr Sugg complained that there was no justice in these adjournments to suit the convenience of the court,
His Honor said whether it was the fault of the court or not, that was no excuse for the bankrupts conduct. He should not be satisfied unless the wife was produced.
Mr Sugg : Do you refuse the order of discharge: That is the point in question.
His Honor : You take a very wrong view of the matter. I have not said anything about refusing the order of discharge. You must first show that the bankrupt is entitled to it.
Mr Sugg : If you refuse the order of discharge I shall appeal
His Honor : You are pursuing a line of conduct sir, which you ought not to do.
Mr Sugg : Very well, I shall not appear again in the case. =
Adjourned until 4th June.

Off to bed now...........

Hi Lainey,

I have it. Was half way through when I pressed something and it disappeared.

I will have to start again. (lol)

Ria x

Hi Ria,

No - I too was disappointed that I couldnt find the May hearing! That is why I wondered whether the judge just threw him into prison in frustration!!!

He is my g.g.g uncle - so although not a direct blood line I must admit that I am intrigued by him. Sounds like a rogue and possibly a bit of a charmer to me!!!

;-)

I don't mind typing out for you. I have enjoyed reading about Mr Woods.

Bit disappointed though as the May hearing is not scanned into the newspapers....... I have tried to find more but nothing yet.

Ria x


Edit ..............Have found more information.

Nottinghamshire Guardian (London, England), Friday, March 22, 1867
Adjourned meeting for last examination. The bankrupt who was described as a provision dealer of Nottingham and Ilkeston was supported by Mr Sugg of Ilkeston, Mr Maples appeared for the official assignee.
Mr Sugg said that at the last meeting the bankrupt was ordered to furnish a large number of accounts which he understood had been filed. Mr Maples objected that the accounts were not properly and satisfactorily drawn up. The bankrupt ran away to America as they supposed with cash in his possession and left his affairs to the management of his wife. According to the balance sheet filed, the bankrupt owed £1,070, but the amended accounts showed the sum to be £912.16s 8d and there was no explanation given of the difference. He asked for amendments in the deficiency, profit and loss, and cash accounts and the statement of affairs. Mr Sugg suggested that perhaps the bankrupt might explain the accounts in the witness box. His Honor said that the explanations must accompany the sums on the balance sheet. Mr Sugg said it would be a great hardship to the bankrupt if the meeting was adjourned again for the amendment of the accounts. It had been stated that the bankrupt ran away to America, but the whole matter was explained on oath in the petition. The bankrupt had been put to an expense of employing an accountant and had been down from London for a week assisting in making out the accounts required. They had not heard of any of these objections before coming into curt and he hoped the accounts would not be ordered without they were absolutely necessary. His Honor said that it must be assumed that he considered the accounts absolutely necessary or he would not have ordered them in the first instance. If the accounts were not supplied as directed they must be amended. Mr Sugg hoped then that the court would appoint an accountant out of the estate. It was very expensive for the bankrupt to find the means for carrying out the orders of the court. His Honor declined to accede to Mr Sugg's proposition. Mr Sugg said it appeared to him there was very little encouragement for the bankrupt to return from America to petition that court. Mr Maples observed that the creditors did not encourage him to go to America. There was reason to believe there was a balance not accounted for. The meeting was adjourned until 28th May.

You TYPED it all out? - Slug and Lettuce????

How kind are you for doing all that for me!!! THANK YOU!!! :-D

The next article is quite long but I will type out for you. It has some good information in it.

Ria x

Hi Perchino

Thanks for your reply - I will try again!! [wish me luck!!] :-S lol

Hi Slug and Lettuce,

Yes - that is him.

Search was on :
Debtors prison records

Now telling me site not available.

Try this one:

Bankruptcy records - Your Archives
8 Feb 2010 ... 8.2.1 Records of the initiation of bankruptcy proceedings ... to pay their debts ; they often spent years in jail, leaving their dependants destitute. ..... in the records of the central bankruptcy courts and, from 1867, ...

yourarchives.nationalarchives.gov.uk/index.php?title=...

Hi Lainie39 -
Typed it out just in case it is your Stephen Wood.

From the Nottinghamshire Guardian (London, England), Friday, May 04, 1866

Re: Stephen Richardson Wood
The bankrupt was a bacon and provision merchant in Ilkeston & Nottingham and this was an adjourned meeting for the examination of witnesses as to the disposition of property. Mr Maples appeared for the assignee and stated that the bankrupt had absconded.
His effects had been sold off by his wife who was acting under the advice of Mr Sugg, solicitor, Ilkeston and a summons had been issued requiring the attendance of Mr Sugg here today. Mr Sugg was called but did not appear and the cause was left last on the paper to admit of his appearance. At a later hour Mr Sugg appeared and apologised for his not being earlier, owing to having missed his train. In examination by Mr Maples, he said Mrs Wood had consulted him about the sale of the property. She said her husband had gone to Liverpool to pay some money to customers there that she had a quantity of furniture and other things when she was married and he advised her that in his opinion her husband had not committed an Act of Bankruptcy and that she was entitled to realize and pay herself the amount that she had brought to her husband when she was married. He admitted that a notice was given him during the sale of the property, cautioning him that the amount should be paid over to the official assignee of the Bankruptcy Court, but he asserted that the notice was not directed to him and at that time no flat in bankruptcy had been struck. His clerk was present and received some of the small payments. But the money was all handed to Mrs Wood. After a lengthened examination, Mr Maples said he would take counsel's opinion as to whether Mr Sugg was not personally responsible, having received the money through his clerk.

If I find anything else I will type out for you.

Ria x

Edit for more information...
BIRMINGHAM DISTRICT COURT OF BANKRUTCY .
Nottinghamshire Guardian (London, England), Friday, November 16, 1866
Re Stephen Richardson Wood
In the case of the above bankrupt, Mr Sugg of Ilkeston made an application for leave to surrender. Wood, it appeared had carried on business as a provision dealer at Nottingham and Ilkeston and was adjudicated bankrupt on the 19th February, from that time till May being given to surrender. The bankrupt was at this time in America and a few days before notice of the adjudication was given the whole of his effects left in Nottingham were sold under the direction of his wife, the same realizing £150. Notice was given to the auctioneer not to part with the funds, but he did do so and no part of them had found its way into court. Mr Maples for the estate contended that if leave to surrender were given the bankrupt ought to pay the costs of the application and this appeared to be the only point in dispute. The reason for selling the goods was family disagreements. The commissioner said it looked wonderfully like a family agreement. Mr Maples said it did - for they had never been able to find the wife since the sale. Mr Sugg said the bankrupt first saw a notice of his adjudication in New York and he took the first opportunity of returning to England. The point as to costs having been argued pro et con, the Commissioner ordered that the bankrupt should pay £5 and surrender in three weeks.
***********************
Nottinghamshire Guardian (London, England), Friday, December 07, 1866

The £5.00 was paid and the bankruptcy surrendered in due course.
The 15th of January was fixed for the last examination and order of discharge.
******************************

Nottinghamshire Guardian (London, England), Friday, January 18, 1867
This was a last meeting. The bankrupt was supported by Mr Sugg of Ilkeston and Mr Maples appeared for the trade assignee.
The Commissioner adjourned the meeting until 20th January.
******************************

Nottinghamshire Guardian (London, England), Friday, February 01, 1867
Stephen Richardson Wood
This was adjourned last examination. He was a provision dealer carrying on business at Nottingham and Ilkeston and some time since he absconded and went to America. His wife during his absence disposed of the property. Subsequently the bankrupt returned to England and obtain leave from the Court to surrender. Mr Maples appeared for the assignee and Mr Sugg of Ilkeston for the bankrupt. At the last meeting the bankrupt was ordered to file certain accounts, which had been done, but Mr Maples said they were altogether unsatisfactory. He added that at about two months previous to bankrupt's absconding from England he discontinued keeping cash accounts, which he submitted was a circumstance fraught with suspicion. After some discussion the Commissioner ordered that the accounts should be further amended and the meeting was adjourned till 19th March. Mr Sugg applied that an allowance might be made to the bankrupt (who was now living in London) for expenses, but the Commissioner said he had no power to make such an order - it was a matter resting entirely with the assignee.
**************************

Hi Lainie39

Was your man Stephen Richardson Wood?

I have found an article in a Nottingham paper re the above. Bankruptcy in 1866? Bacon & Provision Merchant in Ilkeston.

Ria x

Hi Perchino

Sorry but I am being thick! I cannot find the link you have posted. HO126 takes me to something called 'Caroline, princess of wales'