Charles Cox
Charles Cox was served with a summons on 27th March 1888, as the chimney on his property had either accidentally caught fire or been set on fire. He was expected in court on 29th March 1888.
Charles was born in 1841 in Cheam, Surrey, and by the time of the court case worked as a groom although he had originally been a Sergeant Major in the Royal Artillery before being pensioned. He lived in Palace-Green, Berwick-upon-Tweed with his wife, Jane, who was born in 1830 in Ireland. The couple had three children: Rose A. Cox, Eleanor Cox, and Leslie J. Cox.
According to an article from the Berwick Advertiser, dated 30th March 1888, Charles was charged with ‘allowing his chimney to go on fire’ and was consequently fined 5s.
This article from the Illustrated Berwick Journal, from 29th March 1888, provides us with a little more detail about the case »
Around this time, Charles Cox appears to have been in debt to various people including rent arrears to the sum of £2.3.6 in August 1886, to Francis Mason, baker in 1889 for £2.19.3 and to William Simpson for groceries to the value of £3.15.3
Berwick Illustrated Journal, 4th August 1887 »
The original summons held at Berwick Record Office (M11/19/25)
The accident referred to which took place about a week before was also reported in the local newspaper. Here it indicates that Charles’ knee cap was broken in the accident when he was out exercising a pony.
« Berwick Illustrated Journal, 22nd March 1888
Charles must have recovered from his injury as it was not until 11th February 1897 when he died suddenly aged 56 years. His death was announced in the Berwick Advertiser on 19th February 1897.
In the same newspaper, there was an inquest into his death which was attributed to heart disease. «
It’s amazing how the life of an individual can be pieced together from one little piece of initial information.
