Durham Mining Museum - Local Records Extracts (original) (raw)

1865

January 20. — Died, at her marine residence, Seaham Hall, Frances Anne, Dowager Marchioness of Londonderry, aged 64. For several months her ladyship had been seriously unwell, but up to within the previous ten days she appeared considerably improved. Gifted with great ability and possessed of many virtues, she has left behind her a name which to be remembered is to be esteemed. Earl Vane, her ladyship�s eldest son, succeeded to the principal portion of the family estates. Her remains were laid in the burial place of the Vane family, at Long Newton, on the 28th, amidst many tokens of heartfelt sorrow. [_LRF_]

February 12. — Died, at Alnwick Castle, aged 73, Algernon, Duke of Northumberland. The noble duke had been suffering for some time from rheumatic gout, and although the attack had been severe it was not so serious as to occasion the uneasiness which was felt shortly afterwards. On the previous afternoon his grace was left so feeble and prostrated that he became unconscious. A message was immediately despatched for Dr. Charlton, Newcastle, who, in answer to the summons, immediately proceeded to Alnwick by special train. All medical aid was unavailing, the duke never rallied, and in the presence of the duchess, who had assiduously watched by the bedside of her husband, this great and good man breathed his last. Loved and respected by all who came in contact with him, graced by personal gifts which endeared him to all who had the privilege of his acquaintance, honoured by his Sovereign, and known to his country men for his princely munificence, and genial hospitality and good works, his name will long remain engraved in their hearts. Algernon Percy, fourth Duke of Northumberland, Earl of Northumberland, Earl and Baron Percy, Baron Lacy, Poynings, Fitz-Payne and Bryan, Latimer, Warkworth, and Prudhoe, was born on the 15th of December, 1792. He entered the navy in 1805, on board the Tribune frigate. He was afterwards midshipman in the Fame, in which ship he was actively employed on the coast of Catalonia, in 1809. He became commander 8th March, 1814, and post captain 15th August, 1815. The general peace in that year released him from his naval professional duties, and a more tranquil career opened to his ambition. He was called to the House of Lords, in 1816, by the title of Lord Prudhoe. From the time of his coming to the proud titles and vast possessions of his ancestors, he ever signalised himself as a lover of science, and a distinguished patron of literature and art, and of archaelogical and historical investigation. On the 25th of August, 1842, he married the Lady Eleanor Grosvenor, daughter of the second Marquis of Westminster, and their union had been one of uninterrupted felicity. His amiable and illustrious consort ever seconded him in all his good and charitable works, was the sunshine of his home, and the ministering angel of his declining years. The mortal remains of his grace were interred in Westminster Abbey, on the 25th, with all the cermony due to his exalted rank. [_LRF_]

April 27. — Died, in Newcastle, at the residence of her son, Robert Plummer, esq., aged 86, Mary, widow of the late Matthew Plummer, esq., who was one of the most eminent merchants in Newcastle. From authentic data it would seem that the Plummer family were driven out of Ireland at the time of the great Irish rebellion, in 1641, their ancestors having previously gone over fromthis country. They settled at and near Thornanby, Yorkshire, a village between Thirsk and Easingwold, and applied themselves chiefly to agriculture. The late Mr. Plummer was educated at Sowerby School, near Thirsk, and for a short time pursued farming under the late Mr. John Graham Clarke, of Newcastle, who being pleased with the youth�s intelligence and industry, transferred him to his office, and thus began, in 1785, Mr. Matthew Plummer�s connexion with Newcastle. Mr. Clarke was largely engaged as a West India merchant in Pilgrim-street, where he had also an extensive brewery. Mr. Plummer afterwards commenced business for himself on the Quayside, in partnership with Mr. Russel Blackbird, as a ship and insurance broker, then with Mr. W. N. Greenwell, and finally with his eldest son. Subsequently Mr. Plummer became a partner in the Northumberland Flax Mills, and the St. Lawrence Bottle Works, and was engaged in other commercial adventures. Somewhat later in life he became a considerable coalowner, and he also became possessor of valuable landed property in the neighbourhood of Gateshead and Newcastle. He was engaged in most of the undertakings and questions which affected the port of Newcastle, in the prosperity of which he took the warmest interest, and for thirty-three years was vice-consul for the United States of America. He was a director of the Newcastle and Carlisle Railway from its commencement, for fifteen years he was chairman of the board, and in great part to the energy, economy, and skilful management of Mr. Plummer the success of this undertaking is to be attributed. Mr. Plummer married first, in 1794, Catherine, daughter of the late Robert Spencer, of Bawtry and Durham; and, secondly, Mary, daughter of the late William Storey, of Bishopwearmouth, and widow of the late Robert Spencer, surgeon, of Newcastle. Mr. Plummer was the model of an English merchant, punctual, upright, and industrious, beyond example, and his name and high character were well known and honoured in almost every port in the civilized world. In private life his conduct was most exemplary, as a husband, father, and friend, he was without reproach, and his memory will ever be cherished by his attached family and friends; whilst his name will be associated with many of our greatest local undertakings which he survived to see prosecuted to a successful issue. [_LRF_]

May 1. — A terrific boiler explosion took place at Haswell Colliery, near Castle Eden, resulting in the loss of three lives and severe injuries to several others. [_LRF_]

December 19. — Died, at London, whither he had gone to consult some physicians as to his failing health, after a protracted illness, Mr. Nicholas Wood, esq., the eminent engineer. Mr. Wood was the first patron of the celebrated George Stephenson, at Killingworth. His remains were interred in Hetton Churchyard, on the 23rd, and were attended by a great number of friends and gentlemen connected with the coal trade. [_LRF_]

• LRF — Local Records or Historical Register of Remarkable Events by T. Fordyce, Published in 1867