The Diary of Joseph Moss

[Inside front cover]

The Stanley murder was committed on the 29th of September 1842. Bonsall, Bland, and Holmes executed at Derby for the same March 31st 1843.

1855

Jan. 4

The 1st Regiment of Derbyshire Militia assembled at Derby for training & exercise.

Jan. 24

J. Radford junior, Esquire, aged 18 years, lieutenant of the 1st Derby Militia died of fever at Derby and on 31st his remains were interred in the family vault in Smalley Chapel. The officers of the regiment attended the funeral.

Feb. 21

Mr George Moore was suddenly taken ill of paralyses and died on the sixth of March aged 76 years.

June 9

Smalley and its vicinity was visited about 12 o’clock at noon with a terrible thunder storm. The electric fluid struck the top of the parlour chimney of Mr J. Woolley. It went through the parlour house and pantry and although Mrs Wooley and her son and daughter were in the house at the time they all providentially escaped unhurt.

June 19

The wife of William Dring of Butterley Farm gave birth to a son and they called his name William.

July 25

Robert Carrington died aged 21. He was a member of the Albion Order of Odd Fellows (Lodge No. 34 Bell Inn Smalley). The brethren of his lodge attended the funeral.

July 26

Smalley was again visited about 6 o’clock at night with another thunder storm which struck the house of Mr Joseph Wright and broke the chamber door to atoms. It went from the roof to the bottom floor fireplace just as Mr Wright was lighting his pipe. It threw him senseless on the floor but he soon recovered from the shock.

July 30

Mr Matthew Bacon and Miss Susan Fletcher was married, she being the late housekeeper of Mr G. Moore deceased of Woodhouse Hill Top.

Aug. 11

Sad news came into Wood Lane that Mr J. Booth late of Hill Top was found dead at the Isle of man with his throat cut.

Aug. 25

Mr Thomas Holbrook died aged 73 years.

Sep. 15

In a row at the New Inn Horsley Woodhouse, James Ratcliffe was stabbed with a knife and died on 18th. William Clark, labourer, was tried and convicted of manslaughter at the Derby Assizes for the same and was sentenced to 15 years transportation.

Nov. 5

Fanny daughter of John & Mary Allsop was born at ten o’clock at night at Staindrop, county of Durham.

Dec. 1

Died at Horsley Woodhouse after a short illness Mr J. Eley butcher and publican aged about 60 years.

Dec. 13

George son of Ann Eley born at the Hill Top.

Dec. 23

John commonly called Jockey Booth died aged 83 years.

1856

Jan. 1

Mrs Mary Booth of Hill Top died aged 85 years.

Jan. 10

Mary Fletcher wife of Mr J. Fletcher of coke yards died aged 72 years.

Feb. 13

Sunday afternoon at Horsley Church, after the sermon, a collection was made for the benefit of the organist of that place. Mr Morton of St Johns Derby played the organ on that occasion.

Mar. 18

Christopher Harrison of Woodhouse Lane died aged 22 years.

Mar. 25

Mr Robert Turton entered in possession of the White Swan Woodhouse Hill Top late of Mr G. Moor deceased.

Apr. 1

Elizabeth wife of Mr George Barnes died aged 19 years.

Apr. 4

Smalley and its vicinity was visited by thunder and rain.

Apr. 23

Died Matilda wife of Mr J. Harrison of Smalley Mill in the 46 year of her age. This is third bereavement in the family in the short space of five weeks.

May 12

Whit Monday. Married at Horsley Church Mr C. Harriss and Miss Ann Eley both of Woodhouse Hill Top.

June 3

Peace rejoicings at Smalley Mill.

June 17

Peace rejoicings by the schools in Horsley Woodhouse. Tea was provided and every scholar was presented with a medal. The entertainment closed with pop goes the weasel by Mr J Scott.

July 1

The brethren of No. 34 Lodge of the Albion Order of Odd Fellows held anniversary at the Bell Inn Smalley. The Fraternity met at the Lodge room where after the usual ceremonies had been performed they proceeded with a band of music and the regalia of the order to the village church where an impressive sermon was delivered by the Reverend Mr Smith Curate. After divine service the procession paraded the village. They then returned to the Lodge House where an excellent dinner was served up by the worthy hostess Mrs Weston whose ability in such matters are too well known to require comment. The cloth being drawn the usual loyal toasts were given and drunk with enthusiasm. Several other health’s were given. Also the health of Mr J. Weston was given and to which he replied in a most humorous fluent and energetic speech. Several songs and glees were also sung by the band and members of order so that the greatest harmony prevailed and the company separated at a seasonable hour, highly delighted with the days entertainment.

Aug. 20

In consequence of Thomas son of Mr Isaac Potter of Mapperley Park Hall coming of age a splendid ball was given on the occasion when music and dancing was kept up till daylight.

Aug. 31

Thomas Henderson was discharged of the land of E. D. Sitwell, Esquire, for being caught laying night lines in the preserves for the purpose of destroying fish.

Oct. 11

The harvest supper of R. Sitwell, Esquire, of Morley. Singing was kept up with great glee in the servants hall and dancing in the kitchen till twelve o’clock.

Oct. 16

Daniel Watkinson left Wood Lane.

Oct. 21

The nobility and gentry of the county of Derby, having raised a subscription for the purpose of presenting to J. Radford, Esquire, a small tribute of their testimony and regard as an active and vigilant magistrate, a committee having been formed, it was agreed that a portrait executed by an eminent artist to be the most suitable. Accordingly a pavilion was erected near Smalley Hall and the subscribers assembled and partook of a cold collation served by Mrs Cantrill of the Royal Hotel Derby. After the cloth had been removed the chair was taken by J.W. Evans, Esquire, and the usual loyal toasts was given. The chairman then addressed the meeting and presented the portrait and Mr Radford made a suitable reply. Several other speeches was given and the utmost glee and good humour prevailed. The thanks of the chairman being given and responded to, that gentleman left the chair and the portrait was removed to its future destination. The music in attendance played at intervals. At last a dance was proposed but the committee rejected it and high words ensued amongst some of the parties and what was all pleasant and cheerful in a few minutes became gloomy and dull. The company soon separated and some of them in not very good humour.

Oct. 31

Married at Morley by the Reverend S. Fox, Rector, Mr James Eley of Hirst Farm near Horsley Woodhouse to Miss Emma second daughter of the late Mr S. Weston, Bell Inn Smalley.

Nov. 4

Died at Woodhouse Hill Top, Elizabeth Wife of Mr John Eley aged 64 years.

Nov. 10

As Mr E. Carline was crossing the fields betwixt woodland and Smalley he was stopped by two men who after a great resistance succeeded in robbing him of a gun that he had borrowed off Mr R. Turton Sitwell Arms. The thieves made off with the spoil through Woodhouse and was quickly followed by Mr Carline and the constable who finally captured them and took them before Mr Radford, Smalley, who committed them for highway robbery: four years penal servitude.

Dec. 10

Died universally respected and after a lingering illness Mr Joseph Warren aged 46 years, butler to E. D. Sitwell, Esquire, of Stainsby Hall, and on Saturday 13th his remains were conveyed in a hearse to Turndich in the township of Duffield the place of his nativity and he was there buried in the village churchyard.

1857

Feb. 8

Died at Smalley in the 86th year of his age Mr Peter Redgate.

Mar. 29

Mr Steven Foulks farmer and cattle dealer died aged 60 years.

Apr. 2

Some daring thieves broke into the church at Smalley and stole the prayer book from the reading desk, also the hood and surplice. Same night the Baptist chapel was entered and the Bible and clock stolen and carried away, and one of the party was apprehended at Nottingham in the act of pawning the clock. He was tried and convicted with one year imprisonment with hard labour at the Chesterfield Sessions.

Apr. 2

The Derby County (South Division) election, Messrs. Evans and Colville returned by a large majority.

Apr. 3

The butchers shop belonging to Mr Isaac Potter of Smalley was plundered. Not being able to force the door they dragged from 20 to 30 lb of meat through the window with which they got clear of.

Apr. 9

John Redgate died at Ripley aged 48 years.

June 3

Lodge No. 34 of the Albion Order of Odd Fellows held their tenth anniversary at the Bell Inn Smalley.

Aug. 1 to 14

Rain and thunder with floods whereby in many parts of England hay, corn, cattle and other property was destroyed.

Aug. 24

Mary Allsop and her child arrived from Birtley, Durham.

Aug. 31

The Ilkeston J. O. of O. F. opened a lodge at Mr R. Turton’s, Woodhouse Hill Top.

Sep. 4

E. Carrington of Smalley wife to Edward Carrington died suddenly aged 39 years. He is member of the A. O. O. F.

Sep. 7

The Woman’s Friendly Society commenced at Mr R. Turton’s, Woodhouse Hill Top.

Sep. 17

John Allsop returned from tramp.

Sep. 18

At Butterley Farm, Elizabeth wife of William Dring was delivered of a daughter.

Oct. 3

Died at Smalley Mill, Mr John Fletcher coal higgler aged 41 years.

Oct. 12

Elizabeth Ottewell servant girl to Mr J. Potter of Woodhouse Hill Top was convicted at Smalley Petty Sessions for concealing one bottle of brandy, four pounds of bacon, half a pound of ginger, a sweet loaf, and other articles, her master’s property with intent to steal and carry away. The prisoner pleaded guilty and was very sorrowful but said she had been instigated by her aunt. Six weeks imprisonment.

Oct. 15

Died at Smalley Mill, Mrs Susan Fletcher spinster aged 17 years.

Oct. 20

The sale of the goods and chattels of Mr J. Potter of Smalley Mill who is leaving the place.

Oct. 21

By order of the executors the sale of the live and dead stock of the late Mr J. Foulkes, Bell Lane, Smalley.

Nov. 19

Died at Heanor, Mr Thomas Newton commonly called Bellingham aged 62 years. Many years a ringer at Heanor Church and universally respected by all who knew him.

Nov. 21

Died at Smalley Mill, Millicent wife of Thomas Hunt.

Dec. 28

The Female Friendly Society held a tea party at the Sitwell Arms, Hill Top, Horsley Woodhouse.

1858

Jan. 4 to 6

The Wind N. E. Sharp and frosty with a slight fall of snow towards the morning of the 7th.

Jan. 14

Died at Hyson Green near Nottingham aged 62 years Mr Matthew Revel beer house keeper Smalley. He was a kind indulgent father, a gentle and loving husband, a good neighbour, a upright punctual man, and respected by all who knew him.

Jan. 23

Died at the Alms Houses Morley Moor, Mr Joseph Ingley aged 74 years. Also at Morley Mr Richard Allsop shoemaker aged 74 years.

Jan. 25

Died Mr William Knifton farmer Horsley Castle.¹

Jan. 26

Died at Mapperley Park Hall, Mr Isaac Potter farmer and butcher.

Jan. 31

Fine weather. Wind N.W. and very cold.

Feb. 28

E. D. Sitwell, Esquire, of Stainsby Hall having attained the age of fourscore years and being in full vigour and good health he gave a ball to his family, friends, servants, and labourers, who joined in right good earnest to make each other comfortable and happy. Free masonry being the order of the evening all ended with pleasure and delight.

Mar. 16

Mr Goodacre’s sale at Morley. Mary Allsop bought the picture of Boston Church.

Mar. 25

Mr J. Turton left Wood Lane and entered on a beer house at Smalley late Mr Revel.

Apr. 19

Carleton Thompson committed to prison for three months for blackguarding the magistrates in the Justice Room Smalley.

May 10

Robert Shaw ceased to be gamekeeper to E. D. Sitwell, Esquire, and was succeeded by John Crossley.

May 18

Confirmation at Horsley Church and amongst them Mary Allsop.

May 22

William Lounds or Money Charley committed two months to jail for trespass on the land of Mr Abbott, Horsley Park Lodge. Miles Bacon convicted for trespass in the penalty of £2—11—3 and Robert Ratcliff for shooting a hare on the 8th Feb in the penalty of £3—1—3 or 2 months imprisonment.

May 26

Mrs Sarah Redgate died aged 77 years.

May 27

The O. F. Lodge M. U. held at the Rose & Crown Smalley. Went to Morley Church.

June 24

Died at Smalley, Mrs Charlotte Martin aged 83 years.

July 5

Mr A. Kerry builder began to erect the scaffold for taking down the spire of Horsley Church which was done by the 22nd.²

Aug. 12

Terrible thunder storm at Smalley and miles round about.

Aug. 31

The weather cock was put on the top of Horsley Church and in a few days after one side of the church fell down with a loud crash.²

Nov. 2

Elizabeth wife of W. Dring of Butterley Farm gave birth to son and he was christened John at Ripley Church Dec. 12.

Nov. 17

John Riley clerk of Smalley Church died suddenly aged 57 years.

Nov. 21

John Eley, Woodhouse Hill Top, died suddenly aged 67 years.

Nov. 22

Mr William Shaw of Morley died suddenly aged 60 and upwards.

Nov. 25

At the Prospect Farm, Shipley, Mr Thomas Martin died aged 52.

Dec. 7

Mr Joseph Oldknow, Smalley, died aged 79 years. He was a Chelsea pensioner and had been blind about 50 years. Same day Miss Priscilla Ottewell died aged 49 years.

Dec. 18

A terrible thunder storm passed over Belper and the surrounding neighbourhood.

Dec. 28

John Allsop of Morley Moor started a tramp and left his wife and family to shift for themselves.

Dec. 31

A party of Odd Fellows sat down to an excellent supper at the Rose & Crown, Smalley Common, to which justice was done. After supper the usual loyal toasts was given and drunk with enthusiasm. Toast and sentiment followed merrily until then. Thanks of the chairman was given and responded to and that worthy left the chair. Some of the company went home but others stopped and commenced larking which was kept up in good earnest till after daylight did appear.

1859

Jan. 11

Died at Smalley, Mr F. Walker blacksmith aged 38 years. He was a member of No. 34 Lodge of the Albion Order of Odd Fellows and 13 of the brotherhood attended the funeral.

Jan. 15

Benjamin Kerry junior was apprehended in Smalley by a detective officer from Ashbourne for horse stealing. Acquitted March 19th.

Jan. 24

John Scot a boy 13 years of age was taken before the magistrates at Smalley for setting fire to a hedge or fence belonging to E. D. Sitwell, Esquire, but the case was adjourned for want of evidence. Same day Edwin Summerfield was sent to jail to take his trial at the next assizes for selling a whip the property of Mr A. Kerry his master.

Mar. 28

Cottage gardens allotment to the industrious inhabitants of Smalley.³

Apr. 2

Richard Alldred of Horsley Woodhouse died aged 53. He was an industrious nail maker and by his perseverance managed to save money although he had brought up a large family. He was a member of the Odd Fellows and every mark of respect was paid to his remains.

May 13

Died at Smalley Mill in the 66th year of his age Mr Thomas Fletcher universally respected. He was a member of the Manchester Order of Odd Fellows and his funeral was honoured as such. ‘O rare ole fluse’.

May 27

Mary Ann Carrington, Smalley Mill, died aged 17 years.

June 15

The 12th anniversary of the Star of Hope Lodge No. 34 of the Albion Order of Odd Fellows N. U. was held at Mr R. Turton’s, Sitwell Arms, Horsley Woodhouse Hill Top when the members & band in number altogether 47 sat down to an excellent dinner.

June 16

The 26th anniversary of the Loyal Sitwell Lodge M. U. was held at Mr A. Kerry’s, Rose and Crown, Smalley Common when 68 persons partook of the sumptuous repast.

June 29

B. Kerry the elder & B. Kerry the younger tried at Derby Sessions for horse stealing. The elder acquitted, the younger 4 years penal servitude.

July 16

Thomas Woolley (alias Congo) died suddenly at Smalley aged 77 years.

July 26

The first procession of the Stainsby Lodge of the Ilkeston Order of Odd Fellows was held at the Sitwell Arms Horsley Woodhouse Hill Top and 36 members did ample justice to a first rate dinner. After the cloth was drawn the chair was taken by R Boden, Esquire, surgeon, but that gentleman left the chair after some time and was succeeded by the Reverend J. Oldknow. Recitations were given, songs were sung, and the greatest harmony prevailed and each went home much delighted with the days entertainment.

July 27

The F.F.S., Sitwell Arms Hill Top, held their half yearly meeting in glee and good humour.

Aug. 24

John Crossley late gamekeeper to E.D. Sitwell, Esquire, left Wood Lane. He received his discharge on the 13th June and on the 11th July gave up his situation and was succeeded by Mr William Bates, son of the late Mr Hugh Bates publican, Milford, by Ann his wife, daughter of Mr Joshua Harrison deceased, formerly hosier of Smalley Mill.

Aug. 30

The harvest in this part of the country is over and was never known better.

Sep. 7

Mr R. Turton had a valuable cow die by disease of the heart.

Sep. 8

Mr J. Bower cattle dealer Stanley Common died from the effects of the fall from a ladder he had a few weeks before aged 73 years.

Sep. 18

Mr John Kyte of Smalley had two cows die from eating clover.

Sep. 20

Mr Abraham Walker schoolmaster died aged 57 years.

Sep. 22

Mr Simon Redgate died aged 62 years. His death was caused by the choke damp in a well that he was sinking at Golden Valley in the parish of Horsley Woodhouse.

Sep. 30

As Mr Francis Saxton nail maker of Horsley Woodhouse was returning for Derby Market he was attacked on Chester Green and robbed of his purse and other articles.

Oct. 8

At Morley the labouring men of R. Sitwell, Esquire, was entertained in the coach house with a substantial harvest supper of roast beef and plum pudding with a good supply of home brewed ale. The evening was pleasantly spent with music and dancing.

Oct. 13

Mr William Harvey pancheon hawker died at Mapperley aged about 70 years.

Oct. 22

There is a great change in the weather with a cold N. W. wind and the ground covered with snow.

Oct. 24

Thomas Redgate died at Tag hill aged 58.

Oct. 24 or 25

Died at Heanor, Christopher Holmes formerly a prize fighter. He had received pay from the parish for a number of years but managed to save about £60 which he willed to his son & daughter.

Oct. 29

A serious railroad accident at the pile bridge Belper. Fortunately no lives were lost.

Nov. 1

Married at Smalley by the Rector the Reverend S. Fox, Mr Willington of Derby to Miss Weston daughter of Mr R. Weston publican Kilbourne.

Nov. 3

Died at Smalley, Mary wife of Christopher Martin aged 67 years.

Nov. 27

Divine service performed in Horsley Church for the first time after its repairs.

Nov. 28

Died at Woodhouse in the 70 year of her age Mary wife of William Hawley.

Dec. 3

Mr Isaac Fisher after returning from his club fell into some scalding water by which he was much injured at Woodhouse.

Dec. 7

Died at Horsley, Mrs Riley, landlady of the Coach & Horses public house aged 68 years.

Dec. 16

Died in Woodhouse Lane, Mr Gideon Scott, much respected aged 58 years.

Dec. 26

The tanners employed by Mr. H. Richardson of Horsley Woodhouse held their Christmas feast at the house of Mr Weston, Jolly Colliers. They was so full of fun and frolic that night and next day that Mr Weston became weary of their company.

Dec. 30

A terrible thunder storm passed over Derby and the neighbouring villages.