John Hayman

  General Notes:

Brian Smith notes:
My Great Grandfather was John Hayman and he began his life story in 1908. You can read about it here <https://briansmithonline.com/hayman/> . I'm intending to publish it and this is a work in progress. Interestingly, one of his children went to Australia and a copy of the book is there with two cousins who I didn't know about but, amazingly, turned out to be in Ralph's family tree!

When I was a teenager in the early 1960s, my grandmother Nellie Power (née Hayman) came to live a few doors away from us. My mother, Freda (Nellie's daughter), told me about a book which Nellie wanted to publish. I assumed that Nellie had written it and in the manner of all young people I didn't take much notice.

My mother said she'd told Nellie it was almost impossible to get books published because you had to submit the manuscript to publishers who invariable returned it with a rejection slip. That's just how it was in those days.

Apparently Nellie even had some money set aside to publish it privately but having a book published privately was prohibitively expensive at that time and so that was out as well.

So the book was never published and I had no idea what it was about.

Moving forward to 2007 when Freda died a year after my father Ralph, I inherited a typed manuscript in a plastic ring binder. It turned out to be an autobiography written John Hayman … and he was was Nellie's father!

John Hayman lived from 1858 to 1939. He had three children, two boys and a girl \endash Arthur, Reginald, and my grandmother, Nellie.

So I'm guessing that this is the book she wanted to publish.

The first page is dated 1908 and it begins:

"The following pages contain the chronicle of events in the life of Johnnie, the things he did and the things he saw … "

It makes fascinating reading and tells how John Hayman became a sailor in the days before engines. He became a Master Mariner and captained a ship like this.


The Task in Hand

I am very conscious of the fact that, when I die, the book may be lost forever which would be a tragedy. And although publishing was impossible when my grandmother wanted to do it, it is now very easy and affordable \endash in money if not time \endash and that is the task I have set myself.

The original is a photocopy of a typewritten manuscript. I've no idea if John Hayman typed it himself. I think this is unlikely so I'm guessing that he wrote it by hand and had it typed up later.

The task I've set myself, with the help of others, is to digitise the whole book and then self publish it.

This is what the introductory page looks like. Below is a photograph of John Hayman himself, and below that, the first pages of the book.



CHAPTER I

BABY

He first saw the light in the year of our Lord 1858, 22nd of July, exact time of his appearance 12.30 A.M. In the town of Exmouth, by which he claimed Devon, as his County.

The street in which he was born was named Albion, but our hero was not named after the street, or any one in the family; as soon as he could be conveniently got into a ship shape mass, he was taken to old Glenorchy Chapel and christened Johnnie. At the christening he behaved badly and done (or did) as no other well conducted baby would do, tried to pull the few remaining hairs out of the minister, Mr. Clapson's head. And when perswaded (sic) to let go, gave a most hideous yell; such was the volume of this shriek that persons privileged? to be present never forgot. There is not much harm in a baby, but there is not much in a lion until he opens his mouth. Well after the infant was taken home it slept; and did little else but sleep and eat, until a few weeks had passed, then there was joy in the house. What is the excitement and why is the infant such a source of attraction? The fact is the baby has cut his first tooth. Tell it in Dan and Beersheba.

Well at this time the Baby's father was a Master Mariner, in charge of a coasting Brig, by name "Jane Archibald". No doubt the Lady she was named after was a most respectable and staid person. The Jane Archibald certainly was a stayed ship, if not staid, and presentable. She would rather stay than sail. She was built, as sailors would say, by the mile and cut off in lengths to suit the Purchaser.

Johnnie's Father was at this time a fine specimen of a British sailor, he was a well-proportioned and prepossessing man, seldom induced to any unworthy action, and of a commendable disposition or deportment. He soon became very fond of Baby, being a loving man and being loved by all with whom he came in contact. After one of his periodical voyages and coming home, the new baby was made to understand by various means and devices, how glad he should be to see his Daddy. And Dad tried all he could to handle this small bit of nothing wrapped up in flannel, in such a way as though he were an old hand at it, and not a novice; and it was acknowledged he did it well, yet awkward withal. However he soon got his hand into it somehow. He could tack ship, wear, run, sail her, free or close hauled, or even sink a ship. But oh, his first venture at nursing Baby, he fondled, and kissed and did all a fond father could, but Baby buried his hand in Dad's beard \endash and wondered at it !!! \endash and would not let go until forcibly released. (Moral don't wear whiskers ye who intend to be dada's.)

Well, this time his dad was so glad to get him off his hands, as of a fog at sea lifting and for some time after seemed to guard his face when asked to take baby. After each short voyage when father came home there was some new wonder unfolded in the person of baby; he had to listen to tales of convulsions, teething, etc.

At last there came a time, when he came home, and baby was tucked* and he made a better job of nursing. Then the baby had to be vaccinated, followed immediately by measles, hooping cough (sic), chicken pox, etc. until any one would have thought even a baby of such lung proportions, as the christening demonstrated, must have inevitably succumbed. However he lived \endash or the reader would not be burdened with the tales that must follow, tales that will stretch perhaps further than he will trouble to read, as naturally as night follows day.

* shortened - or put into short gowns

Now at 12 months, and by this time Baby had commenced to develop an extraordinary aptitude for crawling on the floor. This was nothing out of the common, as other babies have been known to do the same. If it was wonderful, perhaps I had forgotten to write about it. He would manage to crawl to the front door and stare at the legged babies with eyes that seemed longing to be there. Shortly after, he was spoken of as a prodigy for getting from chair to chair. Then, some time in '59, his dad came home and took mother and baby (who had mysteriously become Johnnie) on a voyage in the good ship Jane Archibald before spoken about.

The Jane was not only a slow old sailing ship but one that rolled simply without either grace or symmetry, much as an empty barrel will when placed in the water. Well fancy dear reader if you still have patience to follow the fortunes of Johnnie, how undesirable a place to teach a child to walk, tell about sea legs, well he got them it is true and learned to walk but they became round much as the good ship bows, and have remained so; the writer is still a bit bandy, and likely to remain. But to get back to the story; once on the voyage Johnnie's bonnet blew off and away down the rudder trunk, which in those days were large enough to take a mast as well as the rudder, certainly big enough to let Johnnie himself slip through into the Sea, and this was a continual worry to Mother, and had to be fenced as much as possible. Well poor Mother gazed at that Bonnet and wanted dad to get it. But alas, no good asking, begging, or praying; he was Captain, and said it was not possible, so Mother had to be content; if not content, to appear resigned to it and meditate on the cost of new one. Little Johnnie had to go under bare poles, in fine weather, to avoid further difficulties in headwear, and stop below in bad weather.

Later the ship came home to Exmouth, and life began again where we left it at
26, George Street, which Father had now managed to buy, since he had taken a wife to manage his money.

By and Bye little Jack got a sister from some where or another; where, he could never find out; how, only when it got big enough to handle; he found out he had to manage to keep her quiet, and once nearly put her quiet for ever through over kindness, and stuffing her mouth full of things bigger Boys liked. However, as they grew older they managed to agree tolerably well.

About this time, eighteen months old, little Jack had to go to school. So Mother, and his cousins Sophy and Annie took him to Miss Crocker's school. He found out later among these scholars that she was Dame Crocker and kept a mixed school, male and female Infants, out of sympathy to Mothers (presumed), also boys and girls up to 10 and 11 years old.

He distinctly remembers being at once called Johnnie, and also at once without hesitation and young as the reader knows, fell in love with all and sundry of the Girls both small and to him great. All, and here it is possible to pause and consider the why and wherefore, \endash maybe it was unkind on his part, certainly not chivalric (sic), and may be quite unworthy of him but it is quite certain he did not fall in Love with Dame Crocker. If not, why !! Possibly he was afraid of her. May be it was her curls, or specs, or her cane he saw used on some occasions. Certainly a nicer old lady it would be difficult to find. When Johnnie did not care to go to school in the orthodox way on his feet between two or more of the fair sex, it came to pass his Mother had to carry him, the distance not being great. On the way they had to pass the door of a man, cobbler he got called, as he repaired boots and shoes. His name was Gooding, a lean long and yet crippled man and dirty withal, usually having a Black crop of beard either by choice, or want of a razor. One day Johnnie was unusually bad behaved and his mother was carrying the kicking, crying naughty one, and threatening that Todger Gooding should have him.

He came to the door at the time maybe attracted by the voice of the christened one, looked at Johnnie's Mother, and said "You ought not to make the little one afraid of me. I would not hurt him". Yet bigger boys got hurt occasionally if he caught them with the end of a strap he wore, when knocking at his door, for to annoy him. Well the Infant seemed to quiet like a calm after a storm, until the school came in sight, when he again lifted up his christening voice and made the houses re-echo until, realizing he was beat, he wept. The door was shut and Johnnie being again among the girls he loved, made haste to eat the sweets the good dame provided for babes in distress, and was soon buried in the mystery of how A.B.C. and other things could make cat, and dog, and so on.

Well in course of time, the day came when Johnnie had to be britched. So Mother and his GMas and an aunt or two managed to keep him quiet long enough to measure him for the necessary, as although paper patterns were in plenty and every boy from the earliest of their recollections, had the same kind of goods probably also the same measures, it was a part and parcel of the job that Johnnie must be original. When this is realized, the amount of enthusiasm is doubled and the result is according. And what a day of days it was, when he first went out in his new clothes, and a new penny in his pocket; his very first pocket. The joy of that day has perhaps never been excelled for pure delight.

Now little Jack or Johnnie remembers but little of his G.Pa on Father's side. One occasion only with any assurance, and that was when about three years of age. He can distinctly remember being hitched on to G. Pa's shoulder to look over the heads of a crowd of people on the occasion, as he found out later, of the opening of the Railway Station S.W. to Exeter.

So Johnnie grew, and found other Brothers came from somewhere. And his responsibilities increased as he got big enough to mind them. Now as he got older his G.P. Wishart, Mother's Father, used to take him for walks. And he remembers one occasion the old gent trying to Save a Match, (which by the way were more expensive at the time I am writing of. They were Brimstone matches cut out of a block, about 10 matches each way, and had to be broken off as required); took the large glass out of his telescope and used it as a burning glass to light his pipe, the day being bright sunshine, and Summer.

* * *

The Torbay Storm

When Johnnie was in his Eighth year on January 11th 1866, we had news of a lot of vessels being lost in Torbay, and also a great loss of Life, and as Father was there having left Exmouth two days before and having sought shelter there, during a heavy gale the night preceding, we were in great trouble about him. When leaving school and just coming dark, saw the boy belonging to the Cambria, my Father's ship. He was bringing a message from my Father at Brixham to say he was safe and would be home by and bye. Well he did come home and I met him like the deck hand of a third class trawler in oldest clothes, sea boots, Sou'Wester, etc. Every- -thing else belonging to him was lost but his crew and himself were safe. Mother was hysterical for days after, - the news came to her in this fashion - a person opposite our house called her out and said "Have you heard the news?" "What news !?! " "Oh forty sail of vessels are onshore in Torbay and so and so and all hands are lost" - naming several Exeter vessels. Mother said "Have you heard any of Cambria - as my husband was there yesterday", answer was "Oh she's all to match-wood but they don't know anything about the crew". This was breaking it gently with a vengeance. Its effect was to send Johnnie's Mother off in Hysterics for days; even when Dad came home she was but little better.

Shortly after this, about six weeks later, Father had charge of a large Brig discharging cargo on Salterton Beach, prior to being dry docked at Exmouth where the owners had a ship repairing yard.

Well on Saturday night it came on a gale right on the shore. There was no telegraph at Salterton in those days, and the ship had no sails bent as she would be towed to Exmouth when discharged; a man had to be sent from Salterton to Exmouth, then telegraph Teignmouth for a tug, as the ship was in danger. All the chain cable paid out, and dragging her anchor; by the time they got the news "Ship in danger" there was too much sea on the Bar for a tug to get out. So they had to ride it out - and did, until midnight when ship first struck; it was not long before the men on board, my Father and the Beach Pilot got into Boat and safely landed, many willing hands hauling boat up quickly as the surf left her. Well they could do nothing but watch the inevitable breaking up of the Brig Congo; - this second shipwreck in so short a time left its impression deeply on Johnnie, and his Mother was kept in a state of continual fear and depression of Spirit.

A Family Tragedy

Some time after this one of my Brothers, Richard by name, died.

It was my first meeting with the dead. And I never forgot it, seeing my dead brother.

Fashion

About this time I have a vivid remembrance of the fashion. I had an aunt, sister of my mother's, a milliner. And lately married to a customs officer; his duty took him away at night sometimes week at a stretch. I was commissioned to sleep in the house more for company as a cat or dog may be, than for any use I could possibly be in an emergency. At any rate during the evenings I saw a lot of bonnet making \endash and if women wore to-day the hideous things called bonnets of my Boyhood, I am sure they would be more nuisance than the suffragettes are. No use having a pretty face when you are cased in a straw pleated box like a coal scoop. The Hallelujah bonnet is but an atom compared to those I am thinking of. And then the ribbon about 6" \endash six inches! \endash wide, tied in a bow under the chin finished off this ugly head dress ; then the straight cut Jacket, or in other cases shawl, with patterns borrowed from some idol temple of China or Japan, over a skirt that spread by means of hoops called a crinoline to three and four feet diameter at bottom. Imagine if you can, as I have seen, a man and woman walking arm in arm, fancy they are walking same step and then you will realize the wiggle, waggle of the hoops on the off side, then the possibilities in a breeze of wind, fancy reader !!!

I expect if I had been a bit older I may have seen more of this, but of course was too young for courting and did not take much notice, or I may have been able to tell a tale about say "Mab Brown's crinoline, and wat combed o't", or something similar.

Grandparents

On Sabbath days Johnnie had no choice allowed him, he must go to Sunday School and to Chapel after \endash on the Principle of train up a child in the way he should go; this was excellent, but not allways (sic) palatable, as to the latter part he allways having to sit beside \endash and in company of his paternal Grandma. This dear old Lady deserves some description. She was a very small woman, very pleasant to look upon, even at this time, and was invariably dressed in Black, since her husband's death, shortly after the time I have spoken of him, but of which I have only imperfect recollection.

If I had been allowed to see him dead, or buried, I feel assured I should have some remembrance of it. However G. Ma thought it highly improper, if not wrong, of Johnnie if he occasionally dozed in chapel during a long sermon; there would be a touch on his knee, first. If this did not make him sit up at attention a more vigorous shake of the said knee would ensue, last resource was a pinch; this was never known to fail in bringing him back to reality of time and place, but cross, and some-times inclined to kick over the traces. However when we got home and the innocent was treated to some little nicety out of the magic cupboard, the old Lady had at once a most devoted but bad boy ready to empt (sic) her cupboard of any and every luxury.

A word must be said about the maternal Grandma. She was the exact opposite of the foregoing as to appearance being tall and largely built, not perhaps so gentle looking \endash but ready to overlook the failings of the young, she remembers her own young days, and let us enjoy ourselves as much as possible any day, on the principle that we may be so happy to morrow we may not require any one to help us to be happy. When about eight years old the Innocent lost this estimable Grandma by death. He was with her not long before \endash and remembers how he was frightened by her wandering talk; however later she passed away peaceful and happy.

School

At about ten years the dear Boy was sent to Mr White's School, and had to bid good bye to all the petticoats and curls at Miss Crocker's. He had learned a lot of feminine qualifications, such as sewing, crochet, and other things long since forgotten while with this estimable old lady. In fact at seven years old in conjunction with his sister Fanny had made a quilt out of pieces, then called patchwork, and his Mother made it the occasion for a great feast in the shape of cake etc., and the old Lady Miss C with the curls gave us all and Sundry, and the girls Johnnie loved so well, an holiday so we may enjoy it to the full. This estimable dame C used to take us for a walk at times in the country, thus foreshadowing the present school board walks for object lessons in nature.

I ought to try and supply a pen picture of Miss C. before I begin school life at Daddy White's. In my mind's eye now she was a person at that time, say 45 or so, and a Spinster, short, inclined to be stout, pleasing features that surely were an attraction some years before. She invariably on those nature study days, wore a coal scuttle Bonnet, much as the S. Army but magnified many times, allways a straw once white, and green ribbon (broad) round, and tied under the chin in a bow. Then a drab coloured dress then much in vogue, Linsey? is it, I leave that. A very loose Black Coat cut short, and only slightly braided for trimming. In fact her whole fit out was as devoid of trimming or finery as the room we used to take our cramming in. On these walks mentioned the good Boys and girls were expected to pick bunches of wild flowers, the writer did too, but unfortunately allways the same sort passing primroses, Blue Bell, forget-me-nots, violets, etc. It was allways a beautiful gaudy yellow flower he presented her with - and one that grows in profusion - and consequently required little seeking. It was a dandelion. The dear old soul would shake her curls and look at me sadly as though I was too much for her.

Well about this time Johnnie had a bad fall in the street and cut his forehead leaving a mark that will never be rubbed out, this may be called mark one as he had many more following in the days to come. All spare time during the summer was taken up in paddling about in the sea with a great desire to learn swimming, mostly in a place we called the great pit, a place where a large sheet of water was left even at low tide, leaving sufficient water for small boys to bathe. A great deal of fun was had by treading the ground,

The next few pages are still as digitised. The numbers are the page numbers in the typed copy.

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very easy for small dabs or flat fish that lay just covered by the sand. He remembers the first one that he trod on with his bare feet;

it nearly made him jump out of the water, - he did not catch that one - and until he got used to the wriggling, slippery fish it was next to impossible to stoop, and get it in your hand, almost he felt like running away. At other times they would proceed, (that is Johnnie and some of the boys of his clan) more seaward, and by lifting some of the largest stones they could handle, occasionally secured some decent sized crabs, to carry home for boiling. One time for some reason not explained here, or elsewhere, myriads of shell fish called hens, somewhat like the well known cockle, but long and flat, washed onshore on beach. The boys fetched sticks and seaweed from among the drift and dry enough to make a fire, and then get an old pot or tin of some kind, and boiled these things in sea water - a proper Robinson Crusoe style - and enjoyed eating them more than a square meal obtained at home.

Also at this time a great many lads got a crase (sic) for having a bow and arrow, made where possible from a hickory stick, or hazel for bow, and having an arrow about two feet long, end tin pointed, and some of those lads really made astonishing progress in aiming at birds. Well there was a rumour one of them had killed a bird; cannot say if it was correct, as some of them would not hit a decent sized hayrick at fifty paces; the writer feels like the old Scotch Lady when she said, I doot it; - I doot it. Be it as it may one day Johnnie came hurrying to a spot that time all sand, taken from the Exmouth Dock then being formed, but now covered with rows of respectable houses and wide streets. I said

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he was hurrying; this was so as not to lose one moment of fun; if there was any about, J. was in it depend upon it. A lad by name Fred Baker yelled out "Will you give me leave" - I shouted "Yes" being about - 100 yds off - one moment he waited and drew his bow and sent arrow in my direction.

I was watching it and thinking it was coming straight for me, ran as it were to get out of its way, but had the opposite effect, as the arrow struck Johnnie in the left side of head - and knocked him down, this was a real mark. They thought of trouble, there were no first aid to the injured among them, he was stunned and quickly surrounded by his chums; and one had the pluck to pull out the arrow and take him home, where after his mother had heard the tale and the boys had listened to what his mother had to tell them, it must not have been nice, as they journeyed home as fast as possible. Thinking he was punished, nothing further was done in that way, and after being tended in bed, and out for a day or two Johnnie got over being shot with an arrow like he did the measles, and came out on top all right, but never cared for being made a target of any more in any sense or shape, with his consent.

using himsel

During the time the Dock was being built was the nearest I had up to that of being drowned. Certain of the more bold of us would get on a plank and push off into deep water, quite unfit for to carry us, and when we moved to assist in navigating, the result was the board either dipping or turning over, in either case a wetting was the result, and as we could not swim sufficient to save ourselves it was sometimes a marvel how we escaped drowning. Saturdays when released from School, my sister and self and as many helpers as could be got, used to push our pram toward the

15

water mill at Withycombe for a peck of flour. The inducement to get numbers was a chance of a ride, as this pram was capable of a great deal, being built in times when strength was counted valuable and before these pneumatic tyre days. The body was built of 1" inch board throughout and the wheels thereof were made as carriage wheels, spokes, felloes, Box and Iron tyres. If we did not have elegance, we could count on stability - and have had sack of potatoes on it many occasions, (query, I wonder what was the end of that old coach). And if any neighbour wanted any carrying, to speak, was to have us in waiting, for the work - and the penny expected, if not always forthcoming. Sometimes girls would help push - and this was a diversion and sometimes led us astray, because the girls would sure to get their way - and our time would be wasted in riding etc etc and making love to our fares. At about this time My Father brought home a cat; a big cat, a tom cat I was led to understand; he was a black one - and a terror - and left on shore one voyage for what reason I know not, but some of the things he did I forget not. This cat caused a deal of trouble in our house - one time when amusing himself catching flies or exercising himself, the record was not kept, he sprang into space, and instead of catching it - our parlour mantlepiece came in the way and cleared of everything thereon except a mirror that was nailed to the wall. Evidently that cat was vain and wanted clear room to view himself. He did not stop long as my mother came and on surveying the wreck, and mentally calculating her loss, remembered that Cat had to be taught good behaviour, and he was chastised and wept before he got out of our little parlour.

This Cat was sent to sea again at the first opportunity, when

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he seemed again to be at home and happy, sitting at table meal times would beg for food, but not touch until told. This was strange, as at home his good behaviour was null and void, or nervous of the petticoats especially after the mantlepiece adventure and subsequent chastisement. I believe this Black Cat was eventually drowned at sea, accidentally or otherwise, possibly the latter in some form.

There was a bit of opposition on Johnnie's part as to going to Mr White's School before mentioned, because one boy he knew had gone, and had been caned the first day. The boy was a dunce ever after, possibly before. Here I may as well remark on the personal appearance of our dreaded head master. He was an auto- -crat, no chance to argue the point with him. A Man slightly over the average height, his hair and moustache was dark grey, fine shape face but nose slightly turned to one side, and eyes like an eagle, brown and piercing we thought; a great snuff taker, and could blow his nose with a sound as of a trumpet. He allways wore a wrist strap, and invariably when we saw him tighten that up, a cold shiver came over us one and all, because we knew the symptoms were preliminary to a flogging for somebody. We had a Rhyme, running thus :-

Mr White is a very good man - he tries to teach us all that he can, in reading writing and arithmetic but he don't forget to give us the stick. There was much more but have mercy upon the kind reader that has had patience so far, and will not burden him or her, with the doggerel.

My respected G.M. Hayman lived with a niece by name Mortimore, her worthy husband was a shoemaker, and they had a numerous

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progeny, the eldest - Frank and myself saw a lot of each other. Now Frank was a genius, this I knew because my worthy G.Ma told me so frequently that it was impossible to forget. And some- -times I wished I was one, as I never seemed to induce much praise, or pride seeing my talents allways seemed to run waste in doing nothing right but lots of things wrong. Now the second of this family was a girl, this I found out, and being Frank's sister of course I fell in love with her, and it got me into a fresh lot of trouble - as her worthy dad caught us courting, and =

sent me away weeping, promising to tell my mother.

And being

ashamed of me and so on. Well perhaps he may, seeing he was a class leader, local preacher, and what not; how could he be other than wrathful on finding two insects male and female playing together alone. Now the genius and myself used to make kites, and such other things - (and after the storm had cleared, and I had listened to a long harangue on my evil course, and what would become of me if I persisted in evil doing) I was again allowed to have the run of the house and premises, if not the presence of my Idol of that day. To make the kites and toys the genius and myself had to commandeer one or more of the leather knives from the work- -shop. The genius escaped much damage - but Johnnie nearly cut off the top of one finger. There is a moral here somewhere I did not cut him twice - but I did not escape another lesson on my evil ways and the punishment thereof.

One time my Father called off Exmouth, and Mother, Fanny and myself - and a baby or two, went to the beach, intending to go on board the ship in the Boat, but we found something to hinder us. My sister Fanny raised up her voice and wept, loud enough to raise

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a surf on the beach, but as she continued to scream, louder and yet louder, the waves were awed, and broke in peace and into pieces at our feet. Finally the cruise was abandoned, when immediately there was a great calm, our faces were set toward home, Baby was quiet, Mother tired out, and Johnnie near broken hearted.

One thing that pleased J. was to see the meat from the butcher brought to our house and salted in our back kitchen into Coal Basket to be taken on board ship ready for next voyage, and to see the Mate and Dad eat pieces of the suet was to me wonderful, mentioned merely to show how memory will supply material, if the pen and writer do not tire for very many pages, of things that appear of magnitude to Boyhood.

Now when I had my first summer holidays, I, Johnny again went to sea, this time in a Schooner by name Sunbeam - we went to Briton Ferry, thence to London and back to Bristol - At Briton Ferry I heard the Welsh language for the first time. It was by the nurse girl of some friends of my Father, who had charge of the children - and I was one of the party. By and Bye she met her affinity, and in a moment she forgot us and English tongue, and talked nice to her Boy in the vernacular. It must have been nice as they were very interested and looked supremely happy. We also met a gentleman who smiled on us benignly - as I was informed we were then passing grounds of asylum, and the good man who noticed us so kindly occasionally suffered from fits of madness ; knew when it was coming on, and would go to the asylum - as if to home, and be taken care of until the trouble had passed. It seemed they could trust him to come in time - this is as I

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heard it - but have never had any knowledge of similar case. Here also I was initiated to the mystery of nesting for Lark's eggs - but I never tried to be an expert at the art - was probably not hard hearted enough. Also here the ship Broker's Son gave me a model Sailing Schooner rigged Yacht. And I began counting up the days before I should sail her among my compeers, school chums etc. More of sailing later on.

As I am not concerned at this time with cargoes carried - will pass on to London - S.W. India Dock. One fine Eve there had my kite flying with plenty of cord supplied by the mate, when at a good height it suddenly dropped and fell across the roof of a large warehouse, again I was almost Broken hearted and I lost my kite.

One eve Dad thought I could fetch some milk not far outside the dock gates - I was sure I could, and started off at a run with a mug and a penny. I got there - and found the milk, but lost my way - and on asking got more astray, the further I walked and more I asked the more I was bewildered and the worse predicament I seemed to be in. Generally a policeman was a terror to me and given a wide berth, but now I longed to see one, but as I have learned since if you want one of these gentlemen, you need to know where they are, then you may seek in hope, because their absence is more conspicuous than bodily presence. As I enquired my way to Dock of man, woman, or child, as the case may be - "What Docks?" - answers each if they answer at all. I couldn't tell, but some seemed to know and take a fiendish delight in sending me away from them.

There was some excuse as there were plenty of Docks and plenty of Schooners, if not Sunbeams. At last I met Bobby and

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hailed his presence with delight, never since experienced. To his credit he soon put me on the right track for Dock and ship - It was about time - as tea was done - I was hungry and tired, Mother frightened, and Dad not able to eat his share of tea, being absent three hours he had gone to seek me made enquiries, put police on alert, and come back to report just as I made my appearance.

One day it was to be exact my tenth Birthday, we went into the City, Father, Mother, and I, and Dad shewed us some of the wonders thereof, House of Commons, Lords, etc, Tower of London and a lot else. Most wonderful of all to me he went into a Big Shop with huge figures outside that struck the hours on clock with hammers (Bensons) and bought me a real silver watch, was there ever such a happy boy as I that day. I wot not - at least none more so.

The watch wore well and I may mention was a good time keeper 25 years after.

The time passes - and we find our way to sea and later towing up river to Bristol. I can recall the feeling of awe and wonder when I beheld and passed under Clifton Suspension Bridge and seeing people on it like dots - and how much I should have to tell my school mates when I got home.

It came to pass that after

we got to Bristol and visited Bath by Railway to see an aunt, a sister of my Mother, the time was come for Johnnie to go to school again, so we left Dad, and the Ship and returned to Exmouth.

At this time Johnnie was growing and allways requiring some new garment.

An aunt was in a good situation, to wit Ladies' maid to an Admiral's wife, Lord Ramsey. They were blessed with a son about my age. Aunt had all his left off clothes, also plenty of

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disused toys, suitable to his age, books etc. This aunt was kind and allways had these things sent to our house for Johnnie. At about 11 years of age it was found there were trousers come. Now a very little of Mother's skill and labour applied where necessary, and I was rigged out fore and aft - a big boy and wearing trousers.

Now my troubles may be said to commence. Rule of three, Practice, algebra etc at school one side, and that the working one, on the other wrestling, running, jumping etc - and yet another side - plenty of work ar home, errands etc. For some time after G.M Wishart's death I slept at Grandfer's, that is, G.Pa's. I had to get up in the morning, light fire, clean boots, get Breakfast, and do all a dutiful grand-son should do, let alone a servant. And like the men who went to work in the vineyard for a day, I received a penny, but mine was weekly, well earned, and well valued accordingly. A Penny at this time to me was capital, and was made the means used to perswade (sic) me to save - by putting into a Box - somehow it did not accumulate very fast. In fact I found out very early in life I could not save money and yet had a peculiar aptitude for spending and losing it. Mr White our master at school had a daughter about my own age, by name Louie; I thought her the one girl in all the world at this time, and of course fell in love with her, and took no pains to conceal the fact; most of the other boys did the same but mostly kept the knowledge to themselves. An occasion came for us all to show it. Louie was ill, we heard she was dying, and were all in trouble only relieved by going to our money box to get the necessary to buy grapes etc for our idol. But eventually she got well again and we were happy once more.

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Some days when the writer was extra careless, or idle, instead of Caning I would have 100 or so verses to write on a slate after the rest were gone - this was my punishment and it had to begin at the 8th Chap Mark.

*

Now one day having been

writing about the hungry multitude as usual, I began to be hungry myself, as dinner was a thing of the past with most of the boys that left at proper time, having got perhaps 50 verses or so done. My adored looked in the School room, and I looking sadly to her said "Lovie," or "Louie? ask Father if I can go, I've done my verses". Willingly she went, and quickly she returned and said "Yes, but leave the verses on the slate"; after I had gone she took my slate, found out I had not gone far, and like the angel I thought her, helped me out by cleaning the slate. When I came back of course Master asked to see my slate - "Some- -body had rubbed out my verses", he looked dubious but our united deceit got me out of more than one scrape - as he couldn't refuse her much since she had been so ill, and almost lost to him, but soon I found out to my cost it did not work - and I had to do my duty if not give satisfaction by dividing one verse and numbering it three or four. In those days it was thought necessary to cane boys, certainly no one dreamt of summoning a master for so doing. At any rate I know we most time deserved all we got, and sometimes a bit more. Yet Mr. W. was a monster in our estimation and I've known a boy manage to split more than one cane for him. I've also seen him when in a temper jump over a desk by placing one hand on, take a boy by the collar of his coat, and pitch him out of the

* St. Mark's gospel (Ed)

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room.

At the further end of room was a long desk, used by men who came to be coached and prepared for Board of Trade exams at Plymouth, all sailor men trying for mates or masters certifi- -cates; on one occasion one of the would-be Captains came in, what Sailors call three sheets in the wind. The ogre looked at him ominously, tightened up his wrist strap, we boys watching, and yet studying our slates very earnestly, as we knew the signs, and saw a storm coming. Then he took two or three pinches of snuff, wasted another, the last seemed to decide his action, then got hold of the man, and pitched him clean cut over the stairs some 10 or 12 wood steps outside. I think he was a bit frightened himself, until he saw the man was not much hurt but wholly sobered; however he did not resume his lessons in navigation that day.

A favourite recreation for his spare moments when we were writing with pen and ink was to look over a boy's shoulder examining writing. One day a lad had a scratch or etch of ink on his Book. "How did you do that?" said he, "The pen etched in the paper," replied young hopeful and resumed his scribbling, down came the cane on his knuckles, with the result of an ink Blot, as big as the Black Sea on our School map, and about the same shape. Next round he made and saw that ink Blot. War was declared. But all the blows were struck one side and poor B'r had what we called a good licking -

Another pastime of Daddy was to pick out some of the worst boys and stand them on a form, and they had to hold out a round ruler straight out, for half an hour or hour as he thought

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fitting to their offence. This generally took place when he had several for company as it was more striking to have numbers when he had a review, and more effective, especially when the dunce department had their head dress composed of a large sheet Brown paper, very stiff and pinned to size of boy's head. He would then place one upright, and the rest at various angles, so that with the slightest movement it would fall and consequently the ruler would go down in trying to save their headdress, and then there would be further trouble. These Boys he would refer to as his grenadiers; when any candidate for B. of Trade came in and looked in wonder at the strange, not everyday scene, Mr. White would tell them, the men, that this was his grenadiers - and they had water proof hats - what went in at top came out at bottom. Whenever he caught them not at attention, as he placed them, depend upon it they had occasion to remember it, some of them twisting and squirming like a worm when trod upon. I may add I never experienced one of his canings, or the head dress during the whole time I was at his School. But certainly I did my best not to merit one.

Yet I have had a cut or two on my hand a few times.

During play time and between school hours we amused our- -selves largely at trials of strength, wrestling, and was at 12 years of age almost if not quite the champion at our school in that line. Also about this time I had a battle with a big bully about 16 that had served my Brother bad; I challenged him to fight me - and repented after a bit as I retired badly beaten. It was hopeless for me from the first - he could look over my head, and simply punched me until I was a fright - and my face so that

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when I got home Mother hardly knew me. I never fought again with one bigger than myself.

Now I was much interested rearing rabbits; it being some- -thing in the nature of the profession I intended to follow namely - farming - this ought to be in Capitals, as the future reading will reveal. I did not till the land, but became a Sailor and ploughed the sea. My Saturdays now were spent in gathering food for my animals and in trespassing and getting into trouble; stirring up wasps nest etc made some of my week ends pretty exciting. One of these rabbits, a black one, eat (sic) all her young, several litters; what could I do with such a cannibal, impossible to have her at our table for food - eventually I got rid of her somehow in exchange, and never was troubled in similar fashion - and these events were real trouble to me in those days. I could not bear to own such a barbarous, unprincipled creature. Things were pretty much same order until I reached my thirteenth year, when sailing yachts, model boats, and hearing so much sailor talk between Master and Men in the school, began to make my ideas as to farming keep in the shade. One incident boat sailing, we had arranged a race in the great pit, and had thrown out stones to represent the start and finish - sort of pier. One lad had a large brass cannon mounted on proper model gun carriage, also gunpowder etc. Now we will call him H.B; another lad, H.P, had a cutter, his own make, that could beat everyone of us. H.B. had schooner and gun. He was beaten first trial as usual and feeling sore and sure of losing the first place when we began the race proper, thought of revenge. He half filled cannon with

26

powder and completely filled other half with stones and plug. The start was made and on return as expected H.P. was first, and came so close to the Pier could have been reached; the gun was fired, and it did its duty - H.P.'s yacht was demasted, a total wreck.

The finale was a fight - and H.P. got the best of that; and we finished sailing for that day.

My Father now had command of a new Brig by name "Clyde". He had taken command of her from the Builders at Teignmouth, who called her "The Girl of the Period", and had a coquette - full model lady for figure head. However the Torquay firm that bought her, Captn Whiteway, had ship named after his first command and before Launching the name was painted out and "Clyde" put in place of it.

Mother and family were still at Exmouth, the youngest being Arthur who was dumb and, as we found out after, of weak intellect. One time Father came home and said, "John if you want to go to sea there is a boy wanted in one of Whiteway and Balls ships". The last thought of farming vanished and I said "I'll go" - was it because I was tired of school? At any rate no sooner offered than I accepted as I knew Dad would not be fooling me. And poor Mother had to get the second of her loved ones ready for sea. Of course she knew by experience, and Dad also, what I could not do without - and things I must have.

My Father and I went to Starcross and thence to Torquay by train; when we arrived and proceeding through the town to the harbour - I remember what a grand Place I thought Torquay. It was so much better - and differently situated to Exmouth that I had allways known, so majestic, and beautiful. During the following


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Go to Brian Smith's web site: https://briansmithonline.com/

  Noted events in his life were:

• connection.

John married Edith Legassick, daughter of William Legassick and Jane Ann Chapell, on 24 Jun 1884 in Torquay, Devon England. (Edith Legassick was born on 31 Oct 1864 in Plymouth, Devon England and died on 11 Apr 1939.)