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Will of James East, retired outfitter, 1871 (proved 1901)
Oxford Probate Registry
BE IT KNOWN that James East of “Chesham House” Winslow in the County of Buckingham, retired outfitter formerly of High Street Winslow aforesaid, who at the time of his death had a fixed place of abode at Winslow aforesaid, within the District of the Counties of Oxford, Berks and Bucks, died on the 10th day of January 1901, at Swanbourne in the County of Buckingham.
AND BE IT FURTHER KNOWN that at the date hereunder written the last will and Testament of the said deceased was proved and registered in the District Probate Registry of Her \His/ Majesty’s Court of Justice at Oxford, and that administration of all the estate which by law devolves to and vests in the personal representative of the said deceased was granted by the aforesaid Court to Elizabeth East of Winslow aforesaid, widow, the relict of the deceased, the Sole Executrix named in the said Will.
Dated the 20th day of April 1901.
Gross Value of Estate £3,386 : 7 : 5
Net value of Personal Estate £959 : 3 : 2
Extracted by Willis & Willis Solicitors, Winslow.
This is the last Will & Testament of me James East, Outfitter &c of High Street, Winslow in the County of Buckingham made on the 29th day December One thousand eight hundred & seventy one as follows that is to say I give and bequeath unto my Wife Elizabeth East all and every my real & personal Estate whatsoever and wheresoever situate & of what value & quality the same may consist at the time of my decease to & for her own absolute use & benefit I appoint my said Wife sole Executrix of this my Will In Witness whereof I the said James East have set my hand the day and year first above written.
James East [signature]
Winslow, Bucks. Dec 29 1871.
Signed by the said James East the Testator as & for his last Will & Testament in the presence of us who in who [sic] his presence & in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as Witness. Richard John Coxill [signature] George Grace Lees [signature]
On the Twentieth day of April 1901 Probate of this Will was granted at Oxford to Elizabeth East, Widow, the Relict, the Sole Executrix.
It is hereby certified the above is a correct Copy. Dated this Twenty fifth day of April 1901.
Notes
James East (b.1842) was the son of Jonathan and Henrietta East, and followed his parents' business as a tailor. His father died in 1858. Their shop was at 62 High Street. It was in James' name from the late 1860s. He married Elizabeth Harbach from Wychbold, Worcs, in 1871. She came to Winslow as a nurse associated with the Winslow Hall Asylum. In 1873 they bought 9 Station Road (Aldeburgh House). In 1881 Elizabeth's occupation was given as "care of Chancery patients" and she had one "lunatic" boarder. Elizabeth's niece Alice Harbach was living with them by 1891. They moved in about 1898 to 160 High Street, which they named Chesham House. Elizabeth East died in 1906 aged 64, and Alice inherited Chesham House.
James East's sister Louisa married James Yeulett (from the family which ran the Black Horse), and in 1884 Yeulett was sent to prison for threatening to kill James East (read more).
Buckingham Express, 27 Dec 1884
Mr James East, tailor and outfitter, Winslow, sued Henry Seaton, baker, Grandborough, for 18s. 6d., for a suit of clothes, supplied to a lad in defendant’s employ.
Defendant pleaded non-indebtedness, saying he was not answerable for clothes supplied to the boy formerly in his employ.
Plaintiff said he served defendant with these clothes one day when defendant took the boy into his shop.
Defendant again denied going into plaintiff’s shop except on one occasion, when he bought this boy a suit of clothes and paid for them, and he produced the receipted bill for the same.
Plaintiff said the bill produced was for the first suit the defendant bought for this boy, the claim was for a second suit.
Defendant said he was not answerable for these clothes, and another thing this young fellow had been gone from his (defendant’s) service ever so long, and he didn’t know where he was gone to. Defendant also produced a letter, and tendered it as evidence, written by a person formerly in plaintiff’s employ, and in which the writer stated he didn’t mind anyone knowing where he was gone to, as he should be glad to hear from old friends.
Plaintiff asked to be allowed to look at the letter, which was granted him, and the judge said plaintiff might also have a copy of the letter, as it had been read out in Court.
His honour asked if there were no means by which plaintiff and defendant could settle this matter. They appeared to be two respectable men, probably living side by side with each other in Buckingham.
Plaintiff: I live at Winslow, your honour.
His Honour: Oh, at Winslow. Well you know is a rising place: there seems some little spirit in Winslow. Buckingham tradesmen don’t come here very much, they seem to have a nack [sic] of settling their affairs without us. But Winslow is a very different place. Were it not for Winslow and neighbourhood this Court would have very little indeed to do. We must therefore give Winslow tradesmen all fair play. In this case plaintiff has been done out of a suit of clothes for which he naturally wants to be paid, and it is only right he should. You (to the defendant) did wrong to yourself, and wrong to other tradesmen also, by giving them to understand you were answerable for the goods supplied to this young fellow; and upon the evidence before me I shall order you to pay this money within a month; but in the meantime if you can give me any sufficient reason why I should do so, I will grant you a new trial.
Defendant thought it a very hard case, as he didn’t owe the money, and he had been brought over to Buckingham three times already on this matter.
His Honour said Winslow was not very far away, and it did defendant good to come over into the County town on business occasionally.
Defendant asked to be given his letter which he had tendered as evidence.
His Honour remarked that letter was his now, and it was possible they might have to punish the writer.
Defendant left the Court protesting he did not owe the money.
Buckingham Advertiser, 7 Nov 1885
ROBBING A DUMMY.- At the Petty Sessions, November 4th (before G. R. Greaves, Esq., and W. S. Lowndes, Esq., jun.,) George Wright and Henry Rhodes, alias Wright, were charged with stealing a coat, the property of Mr. James East, clothier, etc., Winslow. From the evidence of the prosecutor it appeared that on Friday, the 30th October, he had a man’s overcoat buttoned on a dummy standing at his shop door. He saw it safe a little after 5, and missed it about a quarter to 6. He identified the coat produced as the one he missed, which he valued at 32/6.- Police-Sergeant Bowden gave evidence to the effect that on the evening in question he met the two prisoners in High-street, George Wright was carrying a brown paper parcel packed and tied tightly with string. Witness stopped them and asked what the parcel contained. Prisoner said some felt he was sending home to his brother. The other prisoner said the same. Witness took the parcel away from Wright, who ran away, but was stopped. Witness then charged prisoners with stealing the coat from Mr. East’s shop, when Rhodes said he stood at the next shop window, and his brother took the coat.- The Bench sentenced the prisoners to six weeks’ hard labour.
Buckingham Advertiser, 19 Jan 1901
All our readers in the Winslow district, we feel sure, will regret to hear of the death of Mr. James East, who was so well known and respected in the town of Winslow and the neighbourhood. His sad and sudden death caused a great shock to his many friends and acquaintances and the greatest sympathy has been shown for his surviving relations. The evidence given at the Coroner’s inquiry appears on our seventh page and there seems little reason to doubt that when near Swanbourne Station he failed to notice the aproach [sic] of a train until too late, and thus came to his end by misadventure. By his death Winslow has lost a public man whom it will be hard to replace. Since his retirement from business much of his time had been devoted to the work of the various public offices he filled, and in none his services were more highly appreciated than as vice-chairman of the Board of Guardians. Occasionally when it fell to his lot to preside over the Board’s deliberations, he displayed a quick and ready grasp of the business in hand, and his kindly genial disposition helped to qualify him for an admirable chairman. His useful work at the relief tables was also most noticeable, and his sympathetic treatment of those, who by stress of circumstances, found it necessary to appeal for relief, must have endeared him to many of the poorer classes. Mr. East was a native of Winslow, succeeding to his father’s business of a tailor, to which he added that of a draper and outfittter [sic], and by his industry he was enabled to retire from business at a comparatively early age. In his earlier days he was an active teacher in the Congregational Sunday School, and for a number of years took the harmonium in the Congregational Chapel. Although not quite so active as years rolled on, he still maintained a great interest in the work of that cause, and was present at the service on the Sunday evening previous to his death. Of the Winslow Board of Guardians he was one of the most punctual and business-like members, and his opinions always carried much weight. He was also a most active member of the Flower Show Committee, showing great zeal in his position as one of the collectors. At the Bowling Green on a fine evening he loved to be present, and his company was much esteemed by the other members. In educational and charitable matters he always took a very prominent part, and in fact, anything for the good of the town was sure of both his personal and financial support.
THE FUNERAL.
The funeral ceremony took place on Wednesday afternoon at the Congregational Church, conducted by the Rev. J. G. Evans, pastor, and the Rev. H. Kirby Byard (Baptist). A large congregation of townspeople and villagers attended to show their respect to his memory……The mourners were Mrs. East (widow), Mr.Geo. East (brother), Mr. Harbach (brother-in-law), Mrs. Martin (sister), Mrs. Yewlett (sister) [sic], Mrs. W. Yeulett (niece), Miss Yeulett (niece), Miss Harbach (niece), Mr. Jas. Yeulett (brother-in-law), and Mr. W. Yeulett (nephew).
The hymns sung during the service were “Rock of Ages” and “Why do we mourn departing friends.” The undertakers were Messrs. Matthews Bros. and Mr. A. G. Stevens. There were some handsome wreaths sent by the Union officials.
___
MRS. EAST and Niece wish to return their grateful thanks to all who have sympathised with them in their deep sorrow.- Chesham House, Winslow, January 16th.
Will of Elizabeth East, widow, 1903 (proved 1907)
Oxford Probate Registry
Be it known that Elizabeth East of Winslow in the County of Buckingham, Widow, who at the time of her death had a fixed place of abode at Winslow aforesaid died on the 29th day of November 1906, at Winslow aforesaid. And be it further known that at the date hereunder written the last will and Testament of the said deceased was proved and registered in the District Probate Registry of His Majesty’s Court of Justice at Oxford, and that administration of all the estate which by law devolves to and vests in the personal representative of the said deceased was granted by the aforesaid Court to Francis Harbach of "Roseville", Albert Street, Droitwich in the County of Worcester, Coal Merchant, the Brother of the Deceased, and Alice Harbach of Winslow aforesaid, spinster, the Niece of the Deceased, the Executors named in the said Will. Dated the 1st day of March 1907
Gross value of estate £3741-11-2 \Resworn £3,581-9-6/
Net value of Personal Estate £1104-1-3
Extracted by Willis & Willis, Solicitors, Winslow
This is the last Will and Testament of me Elizabeth East of Winslow in the County of Bucks Widow. I appoint my Brother Francis Harbach and my Niece Alice Harbach (hereafter called “my Trustees”) to be the Executers and Trustees of this my Will I give all my wearing apparel watches jewellery trinkets and personal ornaments and all my plate linen china glass books pictures prints wine liquors furniture and other household effects to my Niece the said Alice Harbach absolutely I bequeath to my said Niece Alice Harbach absolutely all Policies of Insurance on my life and all bonuses and sums of money payable thereunder I devise to my said Niece Alice Harbach her heirs and assigns all the freehold messuage or tenement with the outbuildings yard gardens and premises belonging to or held with the same situate in Winslow aforesaid and commonly known as “Chesham House” now in my own occupation with the appurtenances thereof I bequeath unto my Sister Emma Agnes Martin the Wife of George Martin all my shares in the Winslow New Gas Company Limited but in case my sister shall die in my lifetime then I bequeath the said shares to her child or children (if any) who shall be living at my decease and shall attain the age of twenty one years and being a Daughter or Daughters shall attain that age or marry if more than one in equal shares And if there shall be no child or children of my said Sister Emma Agnes Martin during my lifetime I bequeath the said shares to my said Niece Alice Harbach I devise and bequeath all my real and personal estate not hereby otherwise disposed of unto my Trustees Upon trust that my Trustees shall sell call in and convert into money the same or such part thereof as shall not consist of money and shall with and out of the moneys produced by such sale calling in and conversion and with and out of my ready money pay my funeral and testamentary expenses and debts And shall stand possessed of the said residuary trust moneys In trust as to one moiety thereof for all or any my own Brothers and Sisters living at my death and the children or child then living of any then deceased Brother or Sister of mine who being male attain the age of twenty one years or being female attain that age or marry in equal shares as tenants in common but so that the children of any deceased brother or sister of mine if more than one shall take equally between them only the share which their parent would have taken if surviving me And as to the remaining moiety of the said residuary trust moneys In trust to pay to my Nephew Charles Leo East the legacy or sum of One hundred pounds for his own use and benefit and as to the balance then remaining of the said moiety In Trust for all or any the Brothers and Sisters of my late Husband James East and the children or child then living of any then deceased Brother or Sister of my said late husband James East who being male attain the age of twenty one years or being female attain that age or marry in equal shares as tenants in common but so that the children of any deceased brother or sister of my late Husband James East if more than one shall take equally between them only the share which their parent would have taken if surviving me Lastly I revoke all other Wills In Witness whereof I the said Elizabeth East the Testatrix have hereunto set my hand the Eighth day of April One thousand nine hundred and three
Signed and acknowledged by the above named Elizabeth East the Testatrix as her Wil in the presence of us present at the same time who at her request in her presence and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as witnesses
Thos Price Willis, Solicitor, Winslow
William N Midgley, his Clerk
On the First day of March 1907 Probate of this Will was granted at Oxford to Francis Harbach, the brother and Alice Harbach, Spinster, the Niece of the Executors
It is hereby certified that the foregoing is a correct copy Dated this Seventh day of March 1907
1907: Buckingham Advertiser, 24 April
EXECUTORS’ SALE. WINSLOW.
Messrs. GEO.WIGLEY & SONS Are instructed by the Executors of the late Mrs. East, to Sell by Auction, On TUESDAY, April 30th, 1907,
At the Bell Hotel, Winslow, at 5 o’clock EXACT TIME, the following Valuable FREEHOLD PROPERTIES,
The exceedingly desirable and convenient sized Double-fronted RESIDENCE Situate in the Station Road, and known as “ALDEBURGH HOUSE,” with Stable, Coach-house, and large Garden; [9 Station Road]
a very Valuable HOUSE & Double-fronted Draper’s SHOP, With extensive Accommodation and good PADDOCK at back, admirably situate for Business purposes in the centre of the High Street, in the occupation of Mr. Woodman; [60 High Street]
the excellent HOUSE and Business Premises, With Glazed Front Shop and Builder’s Workshops and Offices adjoining, as in the occupation of Messrs. Cripps and Sons. [124 High Street]
2 Capital Brick & Slated Cottages In the Station Road. [?17-19 Station Road]
2 Highly-productive pieces of ALLOTMENT or GARDEN GROUND, situate between the Station Road and the Railway. [Courthouse Close site]
1907: Buckingham Advertiser, 7 Sep
CHESHAM HOUSE, WINSLOW.
Messrs. GEO. WIGLEY & SONS Are instructed by Miss Harbach who has let the House, to Sell by Auction, On WEDNESDAY, September 11th, 1907,
THE SUPERIOR HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE And Effects, comprising the CONTENTS of 3 RECEPTION ROOMS, including Mahogany Dining Room, Easy and other Chairs, Sofas, Rosewood Sideboard, Mahogany Pembroke side and occasional Tables, Antique Mahogany Side Table, a capital 61/2 octave Cottage Pianoforte, Harmonium, Antique and gilt-framed Overmantels, Carpets, Engravings; the Contents of the Bedrooms, including Mahogany marble-top Washstands, Dressing Tables, Dressing Glasses, brass-mounted and other Bedsteads, Feather Beds and Bedding, Kitchen Utensils and Outdoor Effects.
On view morning of Sale. Sale to commence at 2 o’clock EXACT TIME.
Catalogues at the Offices of the Auctioneers, Winslow, Stony Stratford, and Fenny Stratford.
Alice Harbach sailed from Liverpool to New York in 1913, intending to settle in Canada, and died in Toronto in 1919.