John & Mary Ann Ward
From Lacey Green History
Research by Joan West
John Ward born 1839 was the son of Jesse & Ruth Ward
John married Mary Ann Bridger in 1863.
John worked in the family business as a carpenter. Click Jesse & Ruth Ward for details of the business.
The following report in the Bucks Herald was researched by Rita Probert.
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. For Alfred Ward click Alfred & Betsy Ward. The following is the report of the case.
AYLESBURY PETTY SESSIONS 26th 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.
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.
John Ward inherited ‘Pond Piece’ and the Lime Tree Cottages from his father, Jesse in 1881.
August 9th August 1884. Conveyance. Alfred Ward, of Lower Road, Loosley Row, postmaster, grocer and carpenter, purchased from John Ward, his brother, for £220, nos 1 Lime Tree Cottages & 2 Lime Tree Cottages and gardens on ‘Pond Piece’, in Kiln Lane Lacey Green.
Comment With such bad feeling, It is not surprising to find that John, Mary Ann and family had moved to High Wycombe by 1881.