1879 Ward versus Ward

Comment by Joan West

DISPUTE in Grocery, carpentry and Post Office shop 1879.

Alfred Ward's brother John also worked in the family business but it would appear that things were not as harmonious as it appeared when John’s wife Mary Ann, took Alfred to court.   The following is the report of the case.   Researched by Rita Probert

AYLESBURY PETTY SESSIONS 26^th APRIL 1879    Report in the Bucks Herald

Alfred Ward was charged with having assaulted Mary Ann Ward.   She had been sent to the Post Office/shop, Loosley Row for some barley meal and asked for the payment to be taken out of her husband’s wages as a carpenter of Mr Ward.  He said he would not let her have the pay in money but she might in goods. Click Alfred & Betsy Ward for more about Alfred Ward

STOCKINGS AGAINST PAY

She was accordingly going to take two pairs of stockings from the shop, having helped herself on former occasions.   She put the stockings under her shawl, but the defendant tried to throw her down and tore her hat.

HEADFIRST IN TUB OF BUTTER

In the scuffle, he upset a tub of butter and pushed her headfirst into it, cutting her lip and knuckles.   His wife, there at the time laughed and told her husband to throw Mary Ann out.   He took her by the shoulders, pushed her out of the shop…..and threw her hat after her.

WITNESSES

Cecil Ward aged 14, son of Mary Ann Ward said he saw his mother’s lip cut and bleeding.   Sarah Hickman said the complainant had come to her house and had butter all over her clothes.   Sarah Barefoot, a nurse at Loosley Row, attended Mary Ann for 2 days.   Doctor Warren was called and ordered hot fomentations and medication.  Charlotte Claydon was in the shop and heard the dispute.

Comment With such bad feeling, It is not surprising to find that John, Mary Ann and family had moved to High Wycombe by 1881.

click Ward for others in this family