Sarah
Hawkins Genealogy Site
Newspaper
Articles
The Western Times. Friday 22 Apr 1870
Page 7 Column 3 and 4
HOLSWORTHY.
JOTTINGS BY RAMBLER.
SUPERSTITION IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY. - There is a certain parish somewhere in this Merry Shire known to many under the not very euphonious name of “The land of Hoodwinks, the last place in creation that was made.” I once heard old Martin say he could remember when the poor people had no glass to their windows; mornings they would poke their hands out through a hole in the wall to feel if it were daylight. Passing by such odd and old sayings, it is a well known fact that the present system of high farming in this neighbourhood commenced in this very parish, which from the number of resident, gentry not long since, was considered one of the most aristocratic parishes in the rural party of the country. Yet with all the improvements that have been introduced the old leaven of Superstition still remains unchanged. A well to do family in the parish having had some ill-luck, it never struck them that the cause might be accounted for by Nature's laws. They considered themselves and all they possessed to be under the malevolent influence of witchcraft or “illwishing,” and in order to provide an antidote they applied to a “wise woman,” who came to their house, pronounced them and theirs to be under the power of the Wicked One, and then proceeded to tell of the wonderful power she had to banish the spell. This she feigned to do so well under the guise of religion that her employers really thought and believed that she was inspired with power and wisdom from on High. Some sheep had been missing for some time; all search had been in vain, when the knowing one recommended them to go in a certain direction with her prophetic words ringing in their ears - “Seek and ye shall find;” and sure enough the sheep were found. This lucky hit confirmed all hearsay reports of her extraordinary power. If there were any previous doubts they were all removed, and not a sceptic was now left in the family. She was treated as a superior being who had come to do them good at the eleventh hour of their need, only just in time – three days later it would have been all U P. She proceeded to prescribe an infallible deterrent, which might have been yellow ochre, or something equally cheap and innocent, to be sprinkled in every gateway, and certain portions of Scripture to be read – she could shew them the face of their enemies in a glass – could cause them to die a death of torture, but it was better to “overcome evil with good,” quoting “Vengeance is mine, saith the Lord, I will repay.” She was treated to the best that the house would afford, taken to chapel to perform her acts of devotion, and when her services were no longer needed on the farm, she pocketed some £7 or £8 of British money, and very likely went her way rejoicing. Some short time after a certain man is reported to have said that he saw this would-be-thought inspired woman in the company of a man at Northam Burrows, in a condition not consistent with prudence or respectability. The story got wind; the woman came to the village in an exceeding great rage, threatening the man with legal proceedings for defamation of character. The man got frightened, and left the neighbourhood. Well, would you believe it? Can it be true that this paragon of wisdom, piety, and power is the veritable Iset WILLIAMS, described (under the head of “Bideford” in The Western Times of Tuesday) as a “middle-aged woman, living in New-street, known as a fortune teller,” charged before the justices with using obscene and profane language on the 25th ult., and fined 40s, with 12s 6d costs? If it is possible that this Iset WILLIAMS is the woman who was believed to be inspired, she got her inspiration from below, and old Sir Nick appeared through her as an Angel of Light to deceive the very elect.
WATER VERSUS WOMEN. - The contractors of the Gas Works having so far completed their work as to be ready for filling the gas holder with water, which, considering the peculiar situation of the works is no very easy task. On Wednesday last week the contents of one well were discharged into the gas pit, pipes were laid and a syphon got ready to take the water from the church well, also a woman saw it, and sounded the alarm note, very soon a number of women with fierce looks, determined wills, and strong arms came to protect, what they considered, their birth right. The water from this well had been enjoyed by the inhabitants of the town, very likely for hundreds of years. The women were told that the rector had given liberty to take the water. The “Rector,” the “Parson,” was echoed on all sides. “What right has he or any other to do it; to give away the only thing that us poor souls can get without money. We don't care for the parson in this matter any more than we care for you. You may get water, or take water where else you can; the first man that attempts to put a pipe down this well, in he goes.” That they meant what the said might be seen in their looks, and if any man had made the attempt, it is not likely he would be now alive to tell the tale. After a passage of rustic repartee, the broad humour producing roars of laughter from the men and shouts of triumph from the women, the affair happily terminated, and the latter were left to enjoy what they call, “Their own water.” Subsequently, the fire engine was employed to convey the water from the miller's leat.
LOOK TO YOUR TIN. - Mrs. PETHERICK, wife of Mr. Arther PETHERICK, glass and china merchant of this town, received of a very respectable woman, on Wednesday, what she supposed to be a half sovereign in payment for goods. It turns out to be of a white metal gilded with some yellow substance that will easily rub out.
THE RELIEVING OFFICERS' TREAT. - On Wednesday last week, a good dinner was provided, and well laid out by Host Bernard, of the White Hart for the above object W. H. B. COHAM, Esq., chairman, Mr. S. BASSETT, the newly elected relieving officer acting as vice. Present: the Rev. S.N. KINGDON, Captain HEYSETT, and nearly all the Guardians for the Union, Mr. G. BRAUND (Clerk to the Poor Law Union), Mr. BICKLEY (Master of the Workhouse), and Mr. Thomas SHAPTON the retiring officer. On the removal of the cloth the usual loyal and complimentary toasts were drunk and responded to.
“GOT A FINE FISH.” - On Sunday last, a little fellow about five years of age, son of Mr. Marwood BRAUND, went down Deep Lane Hill, in company with an elder brother and some other children. The little fellow saw a large snake coiled up by the side of the bank, which he managed to grab at with both hands, and then sang out “Look here Mari I got'n, a fine fish!” The elder boy who knew the venomous beast cried out “drop it, drop it, 'tis a snake.” The boy let go his hold and his snake ship got clean off. The little Hercules was neither frightened nor hurt.
RATHER SUSPICIOUS. - Mary PIPER, a servant girl, living with Mrs. TREEBLE, of Thornbury Barton, was apprehended by Sergeant NOTT, on Saturday, charged on suspicion with stealing £12 8s from her late employer Mr. HUTCHINGS, of Abbots Bickington, and is remanded to Thursday next; £8 was found on her.