John FORREST (1841-1910): Difference between revisions

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John attended the Crescent Academy boarding school, Bay View, Conchan, Isle of Man<ref>[[Public Record Office, Isle of Man Census, PRO Ref. HO 107/2525/50]]</ref> which was described as a “first class boarding-school for the sons of gentlemen”. He attended the school alongside his second cousin '''[[David James FORREST (1842-1876)|David James FORREST]]''' who was one year younger.  
John attended the Crescent Academy boarding school, Bay View, Conchan, Isle of Man<ref>[[Public Record Office, Isle of Man Census, PRO Ref. HO 107/2525/50]]</ref> which was described as a “first class boarding-school for the sons of gentlemen”. He attended the school alongside his second cousin '''[[David James FORREST (1842-1876)|David James FORREST]]''' who was one year younger.  


John became a Magistrate or Justice of the Peace (JP), however his earlier occupations are unknown, as he is described only as a "Gentleman" in census and marriage records. It is known he travelled abroad, as he is described in his father's will as being in Java<ref>[[Last Will and Testament of Dr John Forrest (1865) Ref SC70/6/4 non-Scottish Court]]</ref>.
John became a Magistrate (Justice of the Peace), however his earlier occupations are unknown, as he is described only as a "Gentleman" in census and marriage records. It is known he travelled abroad, as he is described in his father's will as being in Java<ref>[[Last Will and Testament of Dr John Forrest (1865) Ref SC70/6/4 non-Scottish Court]]</ref>.
 
In Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, he married on 14th July 1873, '''[[Eveline RODGER (1850-1905)|Eveline RODGER]]''', the fourth daughter of '''John Graham RODGER''' and '''Eliza Macintosh HORROCKS''' born on 26th September 1850 at '''[[Shield Hall]]''' in Govan, Scotland, <ref>[[Old Parochial Register, Births, Govan, OPR Ref. 646/0030 0121]]</ref>. At the time John was living at No. 2 Kilchberg Villas and Eveline at her father's house at No. 1 College Lawn<ref>[[General Register Office, Marriages, Cheltenham, GRO Ref. 1873/Q3/6A/755]]</ref>.


== Fatal Fete ==
== Fatal Fete ==
   
   
[[image:Grymsdyke_Manor.jpg|thumb|right|500px|Grymsdyke Manor, Lacey Green, Buckinghamshire]]
John was the President of the Lacey Green Cottage Garden Society. The first ever show of the Society was held in the grounds of Grymsdyke Manor, at his invitation, on Monday 27th July 1891. The day dawned rather wet and gloomy. During the morning preparations were in progress in the large marquee which had been erected. The judging of fruits, flowers, vegetables, lace and beadwork was completed and prizes awarded. These were to be presented later in the day by Lady Buckinghamshire.  
John was the President of the Lacey Green Cottage Garden Society. The first ever show of the Society was held in the grounds of Grymsdyke Manor, at his invitation, on Monday 27th July 1891. The day dawned rather wet and gloomy. During the morning preparations were in progress in the large marquee which had been erected. The judging of fruits, flowers, vegetables, lace and beadwork was completed and prizes awarded. These were to be presented later in the day by Lady Buckinghamshire.  


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== Family ==
== Family ==
 
<onlyinclude>
[[image:Grymsdyke_Manor.jpg|thumb|right|500px|Grymsdyke Manor, Lacey Green, Buckinghamshire]]
 
In Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, he married on 14th July 1873, '''[[Eveline RODGER (1850-1905)|Eveline RODGER]]''', the fourth daughter of '''John Graham RODGER''' and '''Eliza Macintosh HORROCKS''' who was born '''Eveline RODGER''' was born on 26th September 1850 at '''[[Shield Hall]]''' in Govan, Scotland, <ref>[[Old Parochial Register, Births, Govan, OPR Ref. 646/0030 0121]]</ref>. At the time he was living at No. 2 Kilchberg Villas and Eveline at her father's house at No. 1 College Lawn<ref>[[General Register Office, Marriages, Cheltenham, GRO Ref. 1873/Q3/6A/755]]</ref>.
 
[[image:Lace_prickings.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Lace Prickings identified as "Mrs Forrest's Pattern"]]
 
Eveline was an active participant in reviving the Lace trade in Buckinghamshire. Undate minutes of the North Bucks Lace Association Committee meetings state:
 
''"Mrs Forrest, a devoted friend of this organisation has encouraged the revival for the past 15 years in Lacey Green, She is partial to the fine old Bucks designs which she considers equal to those worn a hundred years ago by our ancestors ... Her workers undertake from the finest Bucks at one guinea a year to narrow Torchon at 2½ d a yard without discarding Duchesse or Maltese. They use from the finest Honiton to the coarsest linen threads."''
 
''"Harris's flax linen thread is invaluable for the new and cheap art coloured lace inted to match the embroidery of linen curtains, teacloths and bed spreads eagerly sought after often by old women workers with failing eyesight and trembling hands. True for many engaged in household work the earnings are scarcely over 3/- per week but often the sum is a real windfall considering it has been gained with moments otherwise lost."''
 
From an account 'Buckinghamshire Lace making' written in 1900 by Miss M.E. Burrowes, first secretary to the North Bucks Lace Association, who organised the Buckingham Lace Industry:
 
''"We have among others Mrs Forrest, Lady Thistleton Dyer and the late Duchess of Buckingham and Chandos, the Countess Spencer and Mrs Nind to all of whom we are deeply indebted for the basis of the recent revival of Bucks lace trade now some twenty or thirty or more years ago and many are now working with success on the foundations of their good efforts and we trust that interest in real and well made lace has come to stay in England at least and we can clmost say that at the present time the demand for good lace is greater than the supply but there is still much uphill work before its supporters and promotors for many reasons [latter part missing]"''
 
John and Eveline had four sons together:
John and Eveline had four sons together:
:i. '''[[John Graham FORREST (1875-1921)|John Graham FORREST]]''', born on 20th April 1875 in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire<ref>[[General Register Office, Births, Cheltenham, GRO Ref. 1875/Q2/6A/437]]</ref>.
:i. '''[[John Graham FORREST (1875-1921)|John Graham FORREST]]''', born on 20th April 1875 in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire<ref>[[General Register Office, Births, Cheltenham, GRO Ref. 1875/Q2/6A/437]]</ref>.
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Records for the above births and accompaning census records show that John and his family lived in a large property with five servants called 'Rivershill' in Cheltenham<ref>[[Public Record Office, England Census, PRO Ref. RG11/2574/23/9]]</ref> before moving to Eveline's father's house at No.1 College Lawn also with five servants<ref>[[Public Record Office, England Census, PRO Ref. RG12/2048/121/2]]</ref>. In 1901 they were recorded living at Grymsdyke Manor with six servants in Lacey Green, Buckinghamshire<ref>[[Public Record Office, England Census, PRO Ref. RG13/1352/29/20]]</ref>.
Records for the above births and accompaning census records show that John and his family lived in a large property with five servants called 'Rivershill' in Cheltenham<ref>[[Public Record Office, England Census, PRO Ref. RG11/2574/23/9]]</ref> before moving to Eveline's father's house at No.1 College Lawn also with five servants<ref>[[Public Record Office, England Census, PRO Ref. RG12/2048/121/2]]</ref>. In 1901 they were recorded living at Grymsdyke Manor with six servants in Lacey Green, Buckinghamshire<ref>[[Public Record Office, England Census, PRO Ref. RG13/1352/29/20]]</ref>.
</onlyinclude>


[[image:Stained_Glass_Lacey_Green.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Stained glass memorial in Lacey Green church to Eveline Forrest (Rodger)]]
== Obituary ==
 
Eveline died on 27th January 1905<ref>[[General Register Office, Deaths, Wycombe, GRO Ref. 1905/Q1/3A/508]]</ref><ref>[[Last Will and Testament of Eveline Forrest (17th July 1905)]]</ref>, the obituary in the Bucks Free Press read:
 
''“It is with much regret we have to record the death of Mrs Forrest, wife of Mr J. Forrest, J.P., of Grymsdyke Lodge, Lacey Green, which took place on Friday evening, January 27th after a somewhat protracted and painful illness. The deceased lady for a number of years was associated with the Lacey Green Primrose League, in which she took a deep interest. Mrs Forrest was also interested in the welfare of the village in which she resided with Mr. Forrest for some years past. The poor have lost a generous friend, ready to help in cases of necessity by kindly word and deed. Mr Forrest, for whom much sympathy is felt, has to mourn the loss of a beloved and devoted with and the sons (four in number) an affectionate mother.”''
She was buried in Lacey Green churchyard<ref>[[Gravestone of John and Eveline Forrest, Lacey Green]]</ref>. The Bucks Free Press also reported her funeral:
 
''“Not for a long time past has so largely attended a funeral, and one in which so much sympathy and respect were shown, taken place in the quiet hamlet of Lacey Green as that on Wednesday, when the mortal remains of the late Mrs. Forrest were reverently interred in “God’s acre,” adjoining the picturesque village Church. The cortege left Grymsdyke at 1 o’clock. The procession of carriages containing the mourners was preceded by a car, laden with a quantity of most exquisite and costly wreaths, this being followed by a Washington car, containing the coffin. The Rev A. Marshall recited the opening sentences as the mourners entered the Church. The Rev. A. K. Whitfield conducted the service, at the conclusion of which the Choir chanted “Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace.” The service throughout was of a most impressive character. The organist (Miss Hawes) played the “Dead March” in Saul, as the congregation left the Church. The Rev. A. Marshall performed the committal service at the grave, after which the Rev. W. Robson pronounced the Benediction. The church was crowded at the service.''
 
''The coffin was an oak shell with leaden case, the outer case being of panelled oak with brad mounts and a plain oak lid, upon which was a brass cross with an inscription at the foot. The breast plate bore the following inscription:-''
 
 
''EVELINE FORREST,''
 
''Born September 26th, 1850.''
 
''Died January 27th, 1905.''
 
 
''The remains were interred in a bricked grave, lined with ivy and white flowers. A lovely cross of white flowers, a token of love from the family, was placed upon the coffin and buried with it.”''<ref>[[Bucks Free Press – Obituaries (3rd Feb 1905)]]</ref>
 
A stained glass memorial window was also erected in the chancel of the church, with the inscription:
 
''“To the Glory of God and in loving memory of Eveline wife of John Forrest who died 27th January 1905. This window is erected by her husband and their children.”''


John died on 21st March 1910<ref>[[General Register Office, Deaths, Cheltenham, GRO Ref. 1910/Q1/6A/293]]</ref>[[Last Will and Testament and Codicil of John Forrest (6th May 1910)]]</ref>, his obituary in the Bucks Free Herald read as follows:
John died on 21st March 1910<ref>[[General Register Office, Deaths, Cheltenham, GRO Ref. 1910/Q1/6A/293]]</ref><ref>[[Last Will and Testament and Codicil of John Forrest (6th May 1910)]]</ref>, his obituary in the '''Bucks Free Herald''' read as follows:


''“It is with much regret we have to record the death of Mr. John Forrest, of Grymsdyke, Lacey Green, who passed away at Cheltenham, on Monday morning, after a protracted illness, at the age of 69 years. The late Mr. Forrest was a large landowner and a highly-esteemed resident of the village, where he had lived for over 30 years. He was greatly interested in the welfare of Lacey Green and district, and his establishment of the Cottage Garden Association, of which he was the President for many years, was only one of the many evidences of this. He was a staunch Conservative and Unionist, and a convinced Tariff Reformer. He was for many years President of the Princes Risborough Branch of the Mid Bucks Conservative and Unionist Association – a post he resigned about two years ago – and, in addition, he was the Ruling Councillor of the Lacey Green Habitation of the Primrose League for a long period. The late Mr. John Forrest, amongst other public offices, held that of Justice of the Peace for Bucks, and Chairman of the Princes Risborough Bench. The deceased gentleman had another estate at Pegglesworth, Cheltenham, but lived most of his time at Lacey Green. He not only took a great interest in the community amongst which he lived, but was a good and considerate employer.”''<ref>[[Bucks Free Herald – Obituaries (26th Mar 1910)]]</ref>
''“It is with much regret we have to record the death of Mr. John Forrest, of Grymsdyke, Lacey Green, who passed away at Cheltenham, on Monday morning, after a protracted illness, at the age of 69 years. The late Mr. Forrest was a large landowner and a highly-esteemed resident of the village, where he had lived for over 30 years. He was greatly interested in the welfare of Lacey Green and district, and his establishment of the Cottage Garden Association, of which he was the President for many years, was only one of the many evidences of this. He was a staunch Conservative and Unionist, and a convinced Tariff Reformer. He was for many years President of the Princes Risborough Branch of the Mid Bucks Conservative and Unionist Association – a post he resigned about two years ago – and, in addition, he was the Ruling Councillor of the Lacey Green Habitation of the Primrose League for a long period. The late Mr. John Forrest, amongst other public offices, held that of Justice of the Peace for Bucks, and Chairman of the Princes Risborough Bench. The deceased gentleman had another estate at Pegglesworth, Cheltenham, but lived most of his time at Lacey Green. He not only took a great interest in the community amongst which he lived, but was a good and considerate employer.”''<ref>[[Bucks Free Herald – Obituaries (26th Mar 1910)]]</ref>


John was buried alongside his wife in [[Gravestone of John and Eveline Forrest, Lacey Green|Lacey Green churchyard]], Buckinghamshire.
John was buried alongside his wife in Lacey Green churchyard, Buckinghamshire<ref>[[Gravestone of John and Eveline Forrest, Lacey Green]]</ref>.


== References ==
== References ==


<references />
<references />

Latest revision as of 21:40, 11 August 2010

John FORREST was born on 2nd February 1841 in Cape Town, South Africa[1]. He was the second child of John FORREST and Ann MCLACHLAN.

John attended the Crescent Academy boarding school, Bay View, Conchan, Isle of Man[2] which was described as a “first class boarding-school for the sons of gentlemen”. He attended the school alongside his second cousin David James FORREST who was one year younger.

John became a Magistrate (Justice of the Peace), however his earlier occupations are unknown, as he is described only as a "Gentleman" in census and marriage records. It is known he travelled abroad, as he is described in his father's will as being in Java[3].

In Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, he married on 14th July 1873, Eveline RODGER, the fourth daughter of John Graham RODGER and Eliza Macintosh HORROCKS born on 26th September 1850 at Shield Hall in Govan, Scotland, [4]. At the time John was living at No. 2 Kilchberg Villas and Eveline at her father's house at No. 1 College Lawn[5].

Fatal Fete

Grymsdyke Manor, Lacey Green, Buckinghamshire

John was the President of the Lacey Green Cottage Garden Society. The first ever show of the Society was held in the grounds of Grymsdyke Manor, at his invitation, on Monday 27th July 1891. The day dawned rather wet and gloomy. During the morning preparations were in progress in the large marquee which had been erected. The judging of fruits, flowers, vegetables, lace and beadwork was completed and prizes awarded. These were to be presented later in the day by Lady Buckinghamshire.

By early afternoon, when the show opened, the weather had brightened. The various side shows, including a beekeeping demonstration, were ready. Speen Band was in attendance, and a cricket match in progress. Around mid afternoon dark clouds began to gather and there was a shower, not heavy, but enough to stop the cricket match. The players and others took shelter under a large cherry tree.

Suddenly, without warning, there was a vivid flash of lightning, followed by a terrific clap of thunder and torrential rain. About twelve people where felled to the ground by the lightning. The whole event was thrown into utter confusion, women and children running about screaming and crying. Within minutes it was discovered that three men had been rendered unconscious and three more killed outright. After twenty minutes the heavy rain ceased.

As a mark of respect the whole event was abandoned.[6].

Family

John and Eveline had four sons together:

i. John Graham FORREST, born on 20th April 1875 in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire[7].
ii. Charles Evelyn FORREST, born on 21st August 1876 in Lacey Green, Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire[8].
iii.George Francis FORREST, born on 11th August 1877 in Longdon, Worcestershire[9].
iv. Guy Archibald FORREST, born on 24th June 1879 in Lacey Green, Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire[10].

Records for the above births and accompaning census records show that John and his family lived in a large property with five servants called 'Rivershill' in Cheltenham[11] before moving to Eveline's father's house at No.1 College Lawn also with five servants[12]. In 1901 they were recorded living at Grymsdyke Manor with six servants in Lacey Green, Buckinghamshire[13].


Obituary

John died on 21st March 1910[14][15], his obituary in the Bucks Free Herald read as follows:

“It is with much regret we have to record the death of Mr. John Forrest, of Grymsdyke, Lacey Green, who passed away at Cheltenham, on Monday morning, after a protracted illness, at the age of 69 years. The late Mr. Forrest was a large landowner and a highly-esteemed resident of the village, where he had lived for over 30 years. He was greatly interested in the welfare of Lacey Green and district, and his establishment of the Cottage Garden Association, of which he was the President for many years, was only one of the many evidences of this. He was a staunch Conservative and Unionist, and a convinced Tariff Reformer. He was for many years President of the Princes Risborough Branch of the Mid Bucks Conservative and Unionist Association – a post he resigned about two years ago – and, in addition, he was the Ruling Councillor of the Lacey Green Habitation of the Primrose League for a long period. The late Mr. John Forrest, amongst other public offices, held that of Justice of the Peace for Bucks, and Chairman of the Princes Risborough Bench. The deceased gentleman had another estate at Pegglesworth, Cheltenham, but lived most of his time at Lacey Green. He not only took a great interest in the community amongst which he lived, but was a good and considerate employer.”[16]

John was buried alongside his wife in Lacey Green churchyard, Buckinghamshire[17].

References

  1. ↑ Gravestone of John and Eveline Forrest, Lacey Green
  2. ↑ Public Record Office, Isle of Man Census, PRO Ref. HO 107/2525/50
  3. ↑ Last Will and Testament of Dr John Forrest (1865) Ref SC70/6/4 non-Scottish Court
  4. ↑ Old Parochial Register, Births, Govan, OPR Ref. 646/0030 0121
  5. ↑ General Register Office, Marriages, Cheltenham, GRO Ref. 1873/Q3/6A/755
  6. ↑ Bucks Free Herald (1st Aug 1891)
  7. ↑ General Register Office, Births, Cheltenham, GRO Ref. 1875/Q2/6A/437
  8. ↑ General Register Office, Births, Wycombe, GRO Ref. 1876/Q3/3A/534
  9. ↑ General Register Office, Births, Upton, GRO Ref. 1877/Q3/6C/334
  10. ↑ General Register Office, Births, Wycombe, GRO Ref. 1879/Q2/3A/562
  11. ↑ Public Record Office, England Census, PRO Ref. RG11/2574/23/9
  12. ↑ Public Record Office, England Census, PRO Ref. RG12/2048/121/2
  13. ↑ Public Record Office, England Census, PRO Ref. RG13/1352/29/20
  14. ↑ General Register Office, Deaths, Cheltenham, GRO Ref. 1910/Q1/6A/293
  15. ↑ Last Will and Testament and Codicil of John Forrest (6th May 1910)
  16. ↑ Bucks Free Herald – Obituaries (26th Mar 1910)
  17. ↑ Gravestone of John and Eveline Forrest, Lacey Green
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