Research Forum

John Howell of Banwell 1837 -1923
published by on Wed, 17/01/2018 - 6:14

Happy New Year to all!

I'm wondering if there would be Parish Assistance records available in the district?

My Gg grandfather John Howell, was son of George Howell and Grace Fry, b. July-Aug-Sept, 1837 in Banwell.

The family lived in Rolstone area.

From records so far I'm thinking he left Somerset about 1854 for New Zealand, aged about 17.

From what I've been reading in general Somerset history, Parish assistance was granted in late 1840's and early 1850's towards emigration.

The last record I have of John in Somerset is 1851 Census where he is a 13 year old scholar. His widowed mum, Grace, is a pauper and cate servant at 36. Tney're living in Rolstone. Is a cate servant someone on call to prepare meals for those who are wealthy enough to order one? Early takeaway? I 'd never come across the term before.

My husband and I are visiting the UK in May, and I'm very excited to be staying in Weston Super Mare for a couple of days. I can see there is help available at Portishead Library, 9 May from 2-4, so very much looking forward to meeting some local members.

I'd really appreciate if anyone might be able to help point me in the right direction to keep looking online before we get there.

Kind regards

Kerrie

Sydney

Comments ..

Submitted by Pat Hase on Wed, 17/01/2018 - 15:51

First of all, looking at the 1851 census, I think that Grace's occupation was entered as "Pauper late servant" meaning that she was now in receipt of support but had perviously been a servant. I love the imaginative way in which you had interepreted it!

I have taken a look at the Overseers' Accounts for Banwell but unfortunately they do not cover the period when you think that John might have emigrated. By the 1850s the Poor Law was not totally in the hands of the parishes but was administered by the Axbridge Poor Law Union. and had been since 1834.

You are correct in that some parishes found it cheaper to support emigration than face the cost of life-long support for some of their parishioners and Banwell was one parish which did do this.

If you have not already done so, take a look at the pages of Banwell History which does contain a link to Roy Rice who may well be able to help more information about the HOWELL family.

Submitted by on Tue, 01/05/2018 - 2:55

Hello Pat

Thanks so much for your reply and help with understanding the record. Also the link to Banwell History. Yes, I had looked at before. What wonderful work.

Sorry for the delayed response. For some reason I didn't 'pick up' on your response, and I've just found it whilst doing final ppreparations for our trip to the UK next week.

I'm very much looking forward to our couple of days in Somerset and to visiting the Portishead library next Wednesday.

Kind regards

Kerrie