Genealogy Chat

I have a very old Family Bible. It has no list of family in it, but has an account of a tragic accident and funeral, in beautiful copperplate writing in the front. This is it.............. 'Robert Wigg the son of Thomas and Jane Wigg 26 departed this from world 15 July And Georg Lee By a fall 61 feet from the level of the line. The to (sic)poor fellows who fell presented a frightful spectacle one had his skull smashed wilst the other who had fallen on his side on a rail appeared to be cut completely open. Robert Wigg aged 26 Georg Lee aged 46 1874 It started from King X at one clock Saturday 18 July for Finchley a nice Hearse and the workmen will follow him The Lord be merciful to their poor souls Thomas Wigg who departed this life Augst 18 1876 In the midst of life we are in death' I have reproduced this exactly as written. The bible appears to belong to our family as I remember it from my childhood., although I have not yet traced the names back that far. It appears to refer to a rail accident where two workmen fell - presumably from a bridge - and were killed. I have a vague memory of an ancient aunt telling me about it when I was quite young (now 60) I think she said it was during the building of part of the underground network. Anyone else know anything about it, or how to find out. Tried googling Times on line, but could not find anything - guess just two workmen would not make a headline. Eileen

Hi if you order a death certs it may give details of where and when an inquest was held, you may then be able to find inquest details from the records office. I think this may be the death of Robert? Deaths Sep 1874 Wigg Robert 26 Pancras 1b 68 Suzanne P.S. Times archive online only goes from 1985 onwards so you wouldnt find it there I dont think?

Thanks Suzanne - I really didn't think anyone would answer this one. I am pretty sure that the Bible is of our family, although I do not know which side. Father's side names are Sykes and Littlechild for his parents, and mother's side Grandfather's surname was German (not he was a German, this was his actual name, although I have seen it spelt Jarman)grandma's maiden name was Trimming(s) I remember the Bible from my 'youth', but it has been packed away for years and I have recently found it when unpacking old boxes after a move. I will send for the certs. and see what else I can find out.Thanks again Eileen

There would probably have been a report in the local newspapers about the accident. If you contact the library nearest where the accident took place and give them the date, they may be able to find it for you. I've had a quick look at the railway accidents on the Black Sheep Index, but can't find the names on there. Kath. x

Hi, just a bit more info just in case: Thomas's death? Deaths Sep 1876 WIGG Thomas 67 Basingstoke 2c 117 1881 census: Thomas's widow? Household: Name Relation Marital Status Gender Age Birthplace Occupation Disability James WARWICK Head W Male 37 Hannington, Hampshire, England Farm Labourer >>>Jane WIGG Serv W Female 71 Old Basing, Hampshire, England Housekeeper (Dom) John BOLTON Son In Law Male 8 Summerdown, Hampshire, England Scholar Edward WARWICK Son Male 7 Summerdown, Hampshire, England Scholar Elizabeth WARWICK Daur Female 5 Summerdown, Hampshire, England Scholar George OFFER Lodger U Male 34 Motisfont, Hampshire, England Shepherd William HEDGES Lodger U Male 17 Ramsdell, Hampshire, England Labourer Source Information: Dwelling Dill Farm Cottage Census Place Church Oakley, Hampshire, England Family History Library Film 1341307 Public Records Office Reference RG11 Piece / Folio 1257 / 107 Page Number 3 Suzanne

George Lees' death is on same page as Roberts Jul qtr 1874 Pancras 1b page 68. Gives him being only 20 though. Says 1854-1874.

Nothing to do with the entry but I noticed that in the June Q. before Thomas' death, there are other WIGG deaths in the same registration district, 2 elderly ones on the same page, Jane and John, both 84. I wonder if there's another story of sadness there. It is possible that the bible has been passed through many surnames in the extended family...... Not easy to track if like ours it was handed to married daughters, who gave it to their offspring. Gwyn

Thanks to everyone who has shown interest on this story. I had looked on the Times for around then, but could only find a few accidents that involved a whole train. I think that the Bible must be from my mother's side. I do not know surnames on that side past her parents. Mum died last year aged 89, and so I cannot ask her what great grannies maiden name was - probably she would not have known as I don't remember her mentioning it ever. Her mother's side came from Neatham Mill near Alton in Hants. so it is likely that parts of the family could have been in the Oakley area too. I'll just have to do some proper research. Sadly my mother's only sibling died back in the late 30s early 40s, anyway before I was born. There are no other relatives on her side that I know of, so no-one to ask. If I find out more I will post it here. Eileen