Tonkin

Little Known Tonkin Line
by John Higgans

Those who have taken an interest in Cornwall's industrial past are very likely aware of the history of the great Harvey engineering works at Hayle, so well chronicled by Edmund Vale in the 'Harvey's of Hayle', published by D Bradford Barton of Truro in 1966.

In 1779 John Harvey established an iron foundry at the western end of Hayle, which became known as Foundry. It was from this undertaking that the engineering works was developed by Henry, John Harvey's, son, in the early decades of the 19th century.

Henry Harvey did not marry, but in about 1820, took as his mistress Miss Grace Tonkin, born in Penzance and some 25 years his junior.  Between 1820 and 1837 Henry had no less than nine children by her - William, Francis, Henry, Richard, Juliane, John, Edwin, James and Charles.

This liaison of Henry and Grace was no hole-and-corner affair. Grace Tonkin was installed in a house near Henry's at Foundry and the children were baptised in St Erth church and were given Harvey as their second name.

In 1838, by selling properly he owned in the parishes of Stithians and St Gluvias, Henry created a trust fund to provide for his illegitimate children and their mother.  Of the children, Francis became a grocer, Richard a chemist and druggist and Edwin a draper, all of them in business in Hayle.

It may be wondered why Henry did not marry Miss Tonkin.

It has been said that he was prevailed upon not to do so by members of his family who feared that it might prejudice the expectations of his sisters’ children, the Harveys, Wests and Trevithicks who assisted him in the management of his business.

A very independent character and never one to yield to the pressures he faced in commercial matters it is unlikely that Henry was much concerned as to what others might think that he should, or should not do about Miss Tonkin.  It is not known how she came into his life.  Maybe, she worked in the Harvey household and Henry did not consider her 'good enough' to marry.

What, one might wonder, in a more circumspect age, did the good people of Hayle think of the affair of Henry Harvey, affectionately known as 'The Little Captain'?  As the result of his enterprise he was instrumental in creating Foundry, provided its public amenities and gave employment and brought prosperity to many.  Perhaps it was thought that 'the King could do no wrong'!

Henry Harvey died in 1850 and his numerous nephews and nieces were beneficiaries under his will.


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