Rushden Research Group: J Burgess

John Burgess - tailor

John Burgess was born at Dean, Bedfordshire in 1830. In 1861 he was with wife Frances and son William aged 1, in Norfolk Street, Marylebone, London. Although no burial has been found, Frances must have died, as John returned to Dean with his son and housekeeper, Sarah Baker. John remarried to Maria (born 1850) and they had a son Sydney in 1884 at Dean, just before coming to Rushden. John advertised in Kelly's Directory in 1885 and again in 1890, and their shop was at the corner of West Street and High Street. The family was still here in 1891, but by 1901 they were in Wollaston, with another son, Horace. In 1911 the family had moved back to Dean. John died in 1917 and Maria in 1924.

Wellingborough News, 6th & 13th May 1887, transcribed by Kay Collins

FOR SALE, by Private Contract, all that Brick and Slated HOUSE and Business Premises, situate in High-street and West-street, containing Shop, with double-front plate-glass windows, parlour, living room, kitchen, scullery, and four bedrooms; workshop, barn, and garden, pump, with good supply of hard and soft water, gas fittings, and all fixtures to be included. The whole is in good repair, and suitable for any business requiring room, now in the occupation of Mr. Burgess, tailor, as monthly tenant.—For particulars and price, apply to Mr. GEORGE WILMOTT, Pork Butcher, Rushden, near Higham Ferrers.

Wellingborough News, 22nd July 1887

Welling Borough Police Court.
This Day. July 22. Before Mr. Spencer Pratt (in the chair), Mr. N. P. Sharman, and Lieut.-Colonel Rawlins.

A RUNAWAY APPRENTICE—G. Odell, Bedford, summoned for a breach of the Employer and Workman's Act.—The lad's employer, J. Burgess, a tailor, of Rushden, said he was his apprentice, and he had taken him from the Union Workhouse. He had run away three times, the last time since March 21st. He was "a very unruly boy," and did not like work. He had a very good place, and complainant often gave him pocket money, which he was not obliged to do. Prosecutor then entered into a detailed account of the hours defendant was expected to work, the latter contending that he was often expected to work 14 hours in a day, which his master denied.—Defendant was then sworn, and said he was struck by the prosecutor the day before he went away the last time, and he had previously been struck with the sleeve-board.—Prosecutor: "How dare you; I've never struck you in my life." Defendant again contended that he was often required to work 14 hours a day, and after that was expected to assist his mistress in her domestic duties.—Prosecutor said he was willing for defendant to continue his apprenticeship, and would treat him properly, as he had always done.—The Chairman advised defendant to go back to his employment. He should remember that he was not worth much when he first went, and he had been taught his trade.—The lad promised to go back to his master on Monday.

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