Sheffield's Waterloo Veterans

[dunsbyowl1867]

Would have loved to buy these old boys a pint and listen to their experiences! Anyone find any further information on any of the named?

From the Sheffield Independent 25th June 1870

The Sheffield Waterloo Dinner - The annual dinner of the Waterloo veterans was held at the Kings, Arms, Fargate, on the 18th of June when a pleasant night was spent amongst the old veterans. The following are their ages and the names of their different regiments : -

John Wright, 80, Royal Artillery

Thomas Jenkins, 80, Royal Artillery

John Dunkerly, 80, Royal Artillery

George Cutts, 76 Grenadier Guards

George Groves, 76, 76th Regiment

Joseph Nicholson, 76 52nd Regiment

Michael Mappin, 77 Rifle Brigade

Total 547 years! Lord Wharncliffe kindly gave £1, and a number of friends made up the requisite balance for providing the old soldiers with their annual repast.

[dunsbyowl1867]

From the Sheffield Independent 29 March 1856

FUNERAL of A TRUMPETEER OF THE YEOMANRY

On Tuesday afternoon, a large concourse of people assembled at the Sheffield Cemetery, to witness the interment of John Deakin, a trumpeteer in the Sheffield Yeomanry Cavalry. The deceased was 66 years of age, and had been in the troop 17 years, previous to which he had been in the regular regiments and was present at Waterloo. The Sheffield troops met at the Angel Inn, at half past two o'clock and from thence proceeded to the deceased's house, in Landsdowne Road, from whence they marched in procession, headed by the band playing the "Dead March in Saul" to the Cemetery. The usual military ceremonies were observed at the side of the grave, after which the troops returned by the same route.

[dunsbyowl1867]

Buried in the General Cemetery

Thomas Sands - Sergeant in the Sheffield Squadron of the 1st West York Yeomanry Cavalry.

Served 22 years in this regiment and also 24 years in the King's Dragoon Guards and distinguished himself at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, dying in 1850.

[RichardB]

Would have loved to buy these old boys a pint and listen to their experiences! Anyone find any further information on any of the named?

From the Sheffield Independent 25th June 1870

The Sheffield Waterloo Dinner - The annual dinner of the Waterloo veterans was held at the Kings, Arms, Fargate, on the 18th of June when a pleasant night was spent amongst the old veterans. The following are their ages and the names of their different regiments : -

John Wright, 80, Royal Artillery

Thomas Jenkins, 80, Royal Artillery

John Dunkerly, 80, Royal Artillery

George Cutts, 76 Grenadier Guards

George Groves, 76, 76th Regiment

Joseph Nicholson, 76 52nd Regiment

Michael Mappin, 77 Rifle Brigade

Total 547 years! Lord Wharncliffe kindly gave £1, and a number of friends made up the requisite balance for providing the old soldiers with their annual repast.

Only just seen this, a mightily impressive find.

One find with any chance from Ancestry (1861):

Michael Mappin, aged 65 (in 1861), Spring Knife Cutler (Pensioner) - does Pensioner mean War Pensioner ?

Tried to upload image, it failed twice ... ? three times Grrrr

anyway Sheldon Street

[DaveH]

Only just seen this, a mightily impressive find.

One find with any chance from Ancestry (1861):

Michael Mappin, aged 65 (in 1861), Spring Knife Cutler (Pensioner) - does Pensioner mean War Pensioner ?

Tried to upload image, it failed twice ... ? three times Grrrr

anyway Sheldon Street

As surnames go I think Mappin is one which is fairly local to the Sheffield area, and we do of course have a famous Mappin of art gallery fame.

[RichardB]

As surnames go I think Mappin is one which is fairly local to the Sheffield area, and we do of course have a famous Mappin of art gallery fame.

Posted now (in original message)

[Ponytail]

On 23/12/2010 at 21:05, dunsbyowl1867 said:

Buried in the General Cemetery

 

Thomas Sands - Sergeant in the Sheffield Squadron of the 1st West York Yeomanry Cavalry.

 

Served 22 years in this regiment and also 24 years in the King's Dragoon Guards and distinguished himself at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, dying in 1850.

 

Gravestone of Permanent Sergeant Thomas Sands (died 1850), veteran of the Battle of Waterloo, Sheffield General Cemetery. 2012. a00598

To the memory of Permanent Sergeant Thomas Sands of the Sheffield Squadron of 1st West York Yeomanry Cavalry: who died the 29th day of March 1850 aged 67 years. Having served in the above regiment upwards of 22 years. He also served 24 years the 1st or King’s Dragoon Guards, and highly distinguished himself at the ever memorable Battle of Waterloo. This stone is erected by the non-commissioned officers.

 

[Ponytail]

On 23/12/2010 at 16:44, dunsbyowl1867 said:

Would have loved to buy these old boys a pint and listen to their experiences! Anyone find any further information on any of the named?

 

From the Sheffield Independent 25th June 1870

 

The Sheffield Waterloo Dinner - The annual dinner of the Waterloo veterans was held at the Kings, Arms, Fargate, on the 18th of June when a pleasant night was spent amongst the old veterans. The following are their ages and the names of their different regiments : -

John Wright, 80, Royal Artillery

Thomas Jenkins, 80, Royal Artillery

John Dunkerly, 80, Royal Artillery

George Cutts, 76 Grenadier Guards

George Groves, 76, 76th Regiment

Joseph Nicholson, 76 52nd Regiment

Michael Mappin, 77 Rifle Brigade

Total 547 years! Lord Wharncliffe kindly gave £1, and a number of friends made up the requisite balance for providing the old soldiers with their annual repast.

 

Now there is easier access to records and newspaper information, can we find more about these Waterloo Veterans or any others not on the list. 

 

[Ponytail]

John Darwin, scissor grinder and Waterloo Veteran died 15th November 1866.

Obituary in Sheffield Telegraph Index. 

 

[Ponytail]

George Cutts, last Local Waterloo Veteran died 30th September 1875. 

Obituary in Sheffield Telegraph Index. 

 

[Ponytail]

Thomas Greaves, Waterloo Veteran died 27th November 1874.

Obituary in Sheffield Telegraph Index. 

 

[Lyn 1]

The Death of Polly Prince, the Fir Vale Centenarian

'Poor old Polly is gone at last!' Such was the exclamation heard through the Workhouse at Fir Vale on Thursday. Exactly a year and a day before - on the 8th of March 1887 - there was great rejoicing, in what is sometimes irreverently termed the 'old woman's ward' at Fir Vale. Polly on that day attained her 100th birthday and through the kindness of ladies who take a keen interest in the welfare of the aged poor, she was able to celebrate the occasion by a jovial tea party to which pauper friends more venerable looking, more feeble, though much younger than herself, and others were invited.

A brief sketch or her remarkable career was given in our column at the time. She was said to have been born on the 8th of March 1787 at Paisley, near Glasgow, to which city she removed at an early age as a domestic servant. She married a soldier, George Prince, from Sheffield, accompanied him through the Peninsular Wars ending with Waterloo, at which she was present. When her husband received his discharge, he returned to Sheffield and to his old trade of a Cutler. He died nearly 40 years ago and with him died his pension. Mrs Prince survived all her children but one and so long as she was able, maintained herself.

The time, however, came when she could no longer do so and she was compelled to go into the workhouse. There, by her cleanly habits, her bright and cheerful disposition, and her kindness of heart, she won the respect of all who had to do with her. During the last few weeks she became very feeble and died early on Friday morning from sheer old age.

Preaching last night, Archdeacon Blakeney made reference to the death of Mary Prince. The Venerable Archdeacon said; ''It is remarkable that at the very time when the great German Emperor lay dying there was one not very far off passing unnoticed except by a few time friends who happen to be acquainted with her case. I refer to Mary Prince who died in the Fir Vale Workhouse, close to our doors on Friday last, having completed a 101st birthday. It has been strikingly said by a friend of mine, a lady will take a deep and loving interest in her, 'There, in the workhouse ward and in the Kaiser's Palace of Berlin, the Angel of Death claimed his prey.' Adding, ''she lived a truly Christian life and was an example to others. Those who knew her well, testify that her simple faith in Christ was most touching and when asked, 'Granny in whom are you trusting?' she replied, 'In Him as died for me,' and to the last she was able to bear witness to those around her that she was only waiting for him to take her home. Again and again, when spoken to of the goodness of God to her during a long life, the tears would fill her eyes and in earnest tone she would say reverently closing her hands, 'Eh, bless Him, the Lord is mindful of His own.'  

(Sheffield & Rotherham Independent March 1888)

[Ponytail]

1 hour ago, Lyn 1 said:

The Death of Polly Prince, the Fir Vale Centenarian

'Poor old Polly is gone at last!' Such was the exclamation heard through the Workhouse at Fir Vale on Thursday. Exactly a year and a day before - on the 8th of March 1887 - there was great rejoicing, in what is sometimes irreverently termed the 'old woman's ward' at Fir Vale. Polly on that day attained her 100th birthday and through the kindness of ladies who take a keen interest in the welfare of the aged poor, she was able to celebrate the occasion by a jovial tea party to which pauper friends more venerable looking, more feeble, though much younger than herself, and others were invited.

A brief sketch or her remarkable career was given in our column at the time. She was said to have been born on the 8th of March 1787 at Paisley, near Glasgow, to which city she removed at an early age as a domestic servant. She married a soldier, George Prince, from Sheffield, accompanied him through the Peninsular Wars ending with Waterloo, at which she was present. When her husband received his discharge, he returned to Sheffield and to his old trade of a Cutler. He died nearly 40 years ago and with him died his pension. Mrs Prince survived all her children but one and so long as she was able, maintained herself.

The time, however, came when she could no longer do so and she was compelled to go into the workhouse. There, by her cleanly habits, her bright and cheerful disposition, and her kindness of heart, she won the respect of all who had to do with her. During the last few weeks she became very feeble and died early on Friday morning from sheer old age.

Preaching last night, Archdeacon Blakeney made reference to the death of Mary Prince. The Venerable Archdeacon said; ''It is remarkable that at the very time when the great German Emperor lay dying there was one not very far off passing unnoticed except by a few time friends who happen to be acquainted with her case. I refer to Mary Prince who died in the Fir Vale Workhouse, close to our doors on Friday last, having completed a 101st birthday. It has been strikingly said by a friend of mine, a lady will take a deep and loving interest in her, 'There, in the workhouse ward and in the Kaiser's Palace of Berlin, the Angel of Death claimed his prey.' Adding, ''she lived a truly Christian life and was an example to others. Those who knew her well, testify that her simple faith in Christ was most touching and when asked, 'Granny in whom are you trusting?' she replied, 'In Him as died for me,' and to the last she was able to bear witness to those around her that she was only waiting for him to take her home. Again and again, when spoken to of the goodness of God to her during a long life, the tears would fill her eyes and in earnest tone she would say reverently closing her hands, 'Eh, bless Him, the Lord is mindful of His own.'  

(Sheffield & Rotherham Independent March 1888)

Thank you very much Lyn 1.

What a remarkable lady. Hard to imagine wives accompanying their husbands to war and after his death the pension goes as well. I thought it was only if the widow remarried the pension was forfeited. Shows how fortunate we are today. 

Her story through her death and age is well recorded and quite right too but what about husband George? 

 

[Lyn 1]

She died on March 29th. The chief mourner was the youngest and only surviving daughter of the deceased, and herself between 50 and 60 years of age.

My research showed that George Prince appears on the Waterloo Medal Roll 1815. He was a private 1st Battalion 95th Regiment of Foot Captain E. Chawner's Company

Polly aged 59 was actually named Mary and can be found in the 1851 census living with her husband George aged 76, a cutler and her daughter Jane aged 15 who is a button cutter, at Law St in the Park District of Sheffield. By 1861 George has died and Mary is working as a charwoman. In 1871 she was working as a laundress. By 1881 now aged 87 she is living with Jane and her husband at Hague Lane and is classed as a pauper claiming relief.  At some point after this she must have been admitted to the Workhouse at Fir Vale.

PRINCE, Mary (Widow, age 101). Died at Sheffd Union; Buried on March 13, 1888 in Consecrated ground; Grave Number 13, Section U6 of Burngreave Cemetery, Sheffield.

[southside]

Jane Lark's :  A Woman's role in a soldier's camp.

https://janelark.blog/2015/06/21/a-womans-role-in-a-soldiers-camp-some-more-background-to-the-battle-of-waterloo-to-commemorate-the-bicentenary/

[Ponytail]

15 minutes ago, southside said:

Jane Lark's :  A Woman's role in a soldier's camp.

https://janelark.blog/2015/06/21/a-womans-role-in-a-soldiers-camp-some-more-background-to-the-battle-of-waterloo-to-commemorate-the-bicentenary/

 

They may not have officially fought alongside their men but they performed a necessary role for the regiment, washing etc.; feeding and watering the men even in battle; caring for the wounded. Marching with the regiment wherever that took them and experiencing the deprivation of Army life. If their husband died you can understand why they married quickly again within the regiment; no medal or pension for them.

Hard life being the wife of a soldier back then. 

The lives of these women deserve their story to be told equally along with soldiers. 

 

[Ponytail]

James Curtis, (his father a soldier who'd been stationed in Jamaica) was born at sea aboard HMS Chichester during his parents return voyage to Britain 25 April 1790. 

Enisted as a Private in the 1st Grenadier Regiment of Foot Guards in Sheffield on 14th September 1812. Served in Spain and Portugal during the Peninsular War and later fought in France and Belgium and at the Battle of Waterloo on 18 June 1815 with Lieutenant Colonel H. P. Townshend's Company, 3rd Battalion.

Claiming never to have been wounded in the whole of his service, was discharged from the Army in London on 16 March 1822; paid marching money from London to Sheffield; a journey of 162 miles which took 17 days.

James, (according to the parish record) a widower married spinster Alethea Naisbitt on 22 August 1823 at Sheffield Parish Church (now the Cathedral Church of St. Peter and St. Paul). Alethea, born Sheffield in 1797, the daughter of William Naisbitt, a hairdresser.

James and Alethea had twelve children, nine of them girls, all born in Sheffield: Jane (1823), Theresa (1826), Clarissa (1827), William (1830), Lucy (1831), Harriett (1833), Mary (1834), Alethea (1837), Hannah (1839), George (1840), Sarah (1841) and John (1842). 

1841 Census living at Silver Street Head, James had gone into partnership with Henry Ibbotson in the firm of Ibbotson and Curtis, joiner's tool and brace bit makers with workshops in nearby Lee Croft. The partnership was dissolved 18 December 1841 but James continued to be a joiner's tool maker for the rest of his working life. Alethea died on 18 May 1849 in Harvest Lane, Neepsend aged 52. James never remarried. 

At the time of his death 20th January 1882, James Curtis was living in Sheffield at Court 4 House 3, Trafalgar Street with Clarissa and the family of her daughter Alethea Linton. Buried at Christ Church, Heeley four days later. 

Read more about James Curtis and his family in this Totley History Group article dated November 2020:

https://www.totleyhistorygroup.org.uk/people-of-interest/james-curtis/

 

[Ponytail]

Waterloo Medal. 

 

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waterloo_Medal

 

This is the Waterloo Medal Roll, a handwritten volume that records the name of every soldier who was awarded a Waterloo Medal. After the Battle of Waterloo, for the first time ever, every soldier who fought was awarded a medal regardless of their rank or role.

https://ageofrevolution.org/200-object/waterloo-medal-roll/

Type in the name, it takes you to Find My Past. 

 

[Meersbrook]

Don't know if this gentleman, James Jarvis, was at Waterloo but he was taken prisoner. along with General Craufurd (Black Bob), in Buenos Ayres in 1807. He obtained the rank of Sergeant in 36th Reg of Foot.

born at Wickersley and died in the Parish of Heeley where he is buried

 

[Ponytail]

William Briggs, Waterloo Veteran, died 12 March 1878.

Sheffield Telegraph Obituary Index. 

 

[Ponytail]

Gabriel M Plisson, Napoleonic Veteran, died 29th March 1875.

Sheffield Telegraph Obituary Index. 

Was he at Waterloo?

 

[Ponytail]

Walker and Hall Ltd., Sheffield - The Yorkshire Field-Firing Trophy. y11314

The Yorkshire Field-Firing Trophy was the largest piece of sterling gold and silver-plate ever manufactured in Sheffield at the time.

The central scene is the last Battle of Waterloo. On the top are the figures of Britannia guarded by lions, and each of the Volunteer arms which compete for the trophy, viz., artillery, engineers, rifles and yeomanry.

Weight 1,500 ounces of silver.

Image from Walker and Hall, Electro Works Sheffield pamphlet, c.1900 (Sheffield Local Studies Library: 338.4 SST page 43)

 

[Ponytail]

Local soldiers from the Battle of Waterloo AD 1815, as portrayed by the 65th Sheffield Company, The Boys Brigade, at the Sheffield Pageant, opposite the Town Hall. 7th July 1976.

https://www.picturesheffield.com/frontend.php?keywords=Ref_No_increment;EQUALS;s32357&pos=11&action=zoom&id=65651

 

 

[Ponytail]

Gravestone of George Rayner, Waterloo Veteran set into a wall near Hillsborough Barracks. u09301

Photographer & Copyright: Ron Clayton. 

The full inscription reads:

Sacred to the memory of GEORGE RAYNOR late of the 1st or King's Dragoon Guards who departed this Life on the 3rd Day of June 1834 aged 54 years. He served in the above Corps 31 years, 20 of which as a non-commissioned officer and highly distinguished himself in the ever memorable Battle of Waterloo.

This stone was erected to his memory by his [?]

When the last call shall sound distant and clear In Christ [ ] boldly answer Here.

 

200th Anniversary of Waterloo - Tribute to George Rayner, Waterloo Veteran - Headstone in Hillsborough Barracks Wall. 2015.a03623

Left to right Pete Walker, Ray Cundy, Ron Clayton, Ann Lee, Geoff Murray and Monica Murray.

 

 

[Ponytail]

A Cartoon of the time. 

Sheffield Weekly Telegraph poster: Boney [Napoleon] and Wellington at Waterloo. 'Please Welly let me off and I'll give you this if you do'y14403

Photographer: W. C. Leng and Co., Sheffield

Original at Sheffield Local Studies Library: MP 627/140 VL.