John Bolton Bigg
A Letter to My Grandchildren
Pre-war years (1902 -1914)
1902
This year marked a big stepping stone in my life. My father passed away on February 10th, from "Malignant Cancer on the Liver". He was buried in Abney Park.
It was a very big thing to me, for although I could not look to him for any real aid, still he was always there to talk to, to tell my movements, a man I had always gone to. Now I was on my own, and incidentally the head of the family. Now the younger members and my mother, came to me with their troubles.
Mother, Amy, Arthur, Harold, decided to remain on at the house 65 Dynevor Road, but Arthur being new to the business of running a house, found much difficulty in putting money on one side for Rates and Taxes, Ground Rent &c and wanted to get onto a weekly basis. They decided to sell the house and go into apartments.
In July I received a bonus of £25 being my share of the profits up to March. We were always late in these payments, and result much dissatisfaction. "Hope deferred maketh the heart sick".
We spent our holiday at Shanklin with Letty, Fred, Molly, and mother Dowell. Father Dowell having gone to South Africa.
Bryan and Frank started school at a new Council School in Northwold Road, a splendid building, and equipped in every way for the convenience of scholars.
I received another bonus of £8, very poor compared to the March quarter, and at the end of the year I found my assets amounted to £495-18-4, plus £325-9-1, the Legacy from my father's estate. This legacy was of no monetary value to me, as we had our mother to support, and all the family had decided to hand over all the interest on the investments to the old lady.
1903
On April 30th I had another magnificent increase of £5 making my screw £165. Mr Hart was great on £5. I was much tickled at the time for we had ordered a new baby, and I said the money would help to pay for it.
On May 23rd, at 4.55 am, Philip Harold was born. As usual, it was an easy birth, and for the second time the child arrived before the doctor.
On May 21st I received a bonus of £20, and on the 28th, £5 for the baby.
During the spring many office improvements were made, and owing to my help and suggestions I received £2-2/-.
On July 12th, Philip Harold was christened at St. Michael's Stoke Newington, Daisy Bolton and my brother Harold being sponsors.
July 25th. Lil, the three boys and Mr & Mrs Dowell went to Shanklin. I went on July 29th and returned to London on August 8th.
I had a shocking bad cold during the summer, which lasted all through the holidays.
At the end of the year my assets were £853-7-1.
1904
This turned out a very momentous year.
- I, at Amy's request, had a long conversation with father Cocker re his son Bert and the chance of marriage with Amy.
- Harold bought a house at Winchmore Hill.
- I became a Freemason.
- Received a broad hint from my principal that he wanted the senior men to resign.
- Out of the three of us, Arthur Murray Gordon and William Ducat left.
- I was offered the management of the office. No increase of salary, but piles of extra work. After working at the office from 8 o/c in the morning until all hours without any help from Mr Hensler, I found myself getting knocked up, so gave notice myself.
- Agreed to join Grumbar and See on 3rd. January 1905 at £200 per annum.
To go back, business began to be very bad early in the year, and a great feeling of unrest pervaded the office. I had arranged with my friend Harry Bird to introduce me to the Stoke Newington Lodge of Freemasons, No 2552, and on April 8th was Initiated.
August 13th. We spent our holiday on the cheap at Margate with Letty and Fred, but the air was charged with expectant notice to leave business.
On my return August 31st. Mr Hart called in Mr Gordon, Ducat, Roper and myself, to ask us for our suggestions with regard to reduction of office expenses, and a broad hint that he would be glad to get rid of all of us and run the business with the juniors (to whom we seniors had taught the business).
In September Mr Hart informed me that Mr Ducat and Gordon were leaving and offered me the management of the office.
I tried to carry on but found the strain too great, so after hunting round, Herbert Greener introduced me to Mr See who was starting in business with Mr Grumbar on the 1st January 1905 and on November 28th I agreed to accept a situation with them at £200 a year.
On the 30th November I gave notice to Mr Hart of my resignation at the end of the year, my reason being the continued late hours undermining my health. I had been with the firm 9 years and 7 months. He was a bit upset but gave me an excellent reference.
In spite of leaving I had a bonus of £5 and I finished up the year with Assets £890-13-3.
1905
I started with Grumbar and See hoping to get an easy time after Harts, and only had one clerk beside myself and an office boy. To my surprise the firm started off with a big business, and it took me all my time to keep the books. The clerk we had was only young, 19, and didn't know much, beside not being over bright. I managed to knock off in the evenings about 6 o/c but the account times were very rough.
With my increased regular money, we felt we could send the boys to a better school, and on May 6th Bryan and Frank went to the Grocers at Hackney Downs. What with their fees, caps, &c my extra cash was soon swallowed up, especially when train fare, lunches, sports subs had to be paid for. Fortunately I managed to please my principals and when I went for my holiday, they gave me a months screw as bonus.
We went to Bournemouth for three weeks, I, first and last week, being up in town for the account.
Nothing of special interest to my personal family transpired during the year. Outside, on September 7th my sister Amy was married to Bert Cocker at St Paul's Church, Winchmore Hill. I gave the bride away, and Harold was best man.
Arthur's 1st baby was born on October 31st Ralph Hensler. He was married to Rose Hensler on June 6th 1903.
At Christmas, I received a bonus of £15 from the Firm and finished the year with assets £963-19-10.
1906
We had the usual Christmas Party on January 13th, eighteen youngsters being present. On February 4th, at the request of Mr Austin, I undertook the duties of Superintendent of St Michael's Sunday School, which was held in the Church.
On May 17th my dear wife was poorly all day, and at 2 o/c passed a lump which Dr Miller told us was a "Miss" about two months gone. She had to remain in bed for a week, the conditions being similar to an ordinary birth of a child.
The pair of us were a bit below par at this period, I had a very harassing time at the office and was advised to get away for a rest, so on June 2nd went with my brother Harold for a sea trip. We started from Wapping Basin to Liverpool by the boat "Samuel Hough". One of the owners was on board and the trip was most enjoyable. From Liverpool we went round the Isle of Man and then home by train.
In August we all went to Bournemouth from July 28th staying until August 9th. We boarded with Mrs Treherne.
During the night of December 5th at 4.30 am, our next door neighbour woke us up, and was in a great state of mind; her house was full of gas. I ran for a doctor, Mother chased the streets for the police, Miss Mitchell's servant was unconscious also a lodger. After the excitement was over and doors and windows all opened, I found that the hall gas pipe had opened down the seam, presumably when turning off the gas for the night, and the gas had been escaping for about six hours.
At Christmas I received a months screw as a bonus, and my salary increased by £20 to £220. At the end of the year I found my assets had increased to £952-143-11.
1907
This year was an eventful one. Bryan and Philip caught the Measles on the 3rd and 16th, and on March 14th I developed a bad attack of Flu and nearly fainted away in the office. I remained in bed on Friday and got up on Saturday, but was very week.
On April 3rd H.W.Dowell died at 3.15 pm after rather a long illness. Previous to his death he called for me to see him one morning before going to business and asked me to take Mrs Dowell to live with us. He said we should take a large house together, and share the cost. He was leaving her with sufficient income to be at no expense to us.
At the funeral, on his will being read, it was found that he had left his estate to be equally divided amongst his sons and daughters, including Lil, after the death of his wife. The interest to go to his wife during her life.
After his will was proved, it was sworn at £2260-13-7, £1000 was found to be in his wife's name in the Freehold Building Society and this was not included in the Estate.
To save dispute with the three sections of the family, own blood sons, only daughter of second wife, and Lil, daughter of second wife, this £1000 was divided in four and invested in the separate names of each member of the family. The interest of this was agreed to be paid together with the interest of the estate to the widow during her life. Included in the will, a bequest was made to each member of the family of £100.
On May 20th Frank developed the Measles.
After things began to settle down we started house hunting, and eventually on June 11th purchased the house in Selbourne Road, Southgate, paying £625, Grandma Dowell having arranged to come and live with us.
On July 27th, the house in Filey Avenue was sold for £480 and on
August 21st we moved in to "Branksome".
In June, I had arranged to send the boys to the new Middlesex County School, temporarily in Broomfield Park.
Having heavy expenses I spent my holiday moving, and putting the house and garden straight. On October 3rd Grandma Dowell moved in, I taking half a day off to help, and on October 14th I went by myself to Scarborough for a rest, the family thinking that I needed it.
I found that the move and extra furniture cost me £94-16-1.
We had the whole Dowell family to spend Xmas with us, also Grandma Bigg and Harold. The Dowell family slept the night, the Rowlands were also with us during the day.
At Christmas I received £10 bonus and my assets were £889-8-10.
1908
In January we sent Philip to school for the first time, to Mrs Palmer in Devonshire Road, but on March 14th we took him away owing to repeated colds.
This must have been a bad year for weather. On April 19th, Easter Sunday, snow fell and laid six inches deep, and again on the 24th.
We spent our holiday at Felixstowe at a Mrs Pipe, "Wellesley", Gainsborough Road. The whole family went, Grandma Dowell and the maid Eliza, owing to her family having Scarlet Fever.
Harold was married at St. Faiths Church, Stoke Newington on October 12th.
My screw was raised £15 to £235 and I received a bonus of £15.
At the end of the year my assets shewed £920-16-7.
1909
This year was rather a bad one with the Doctor. In March Philip and Bryan were down with the influenza. Measles was very much about. One of the boys pals, Norman Day came to stay with us; he was going in for an examination and his sisters had caught the complaint.
In April, Philip's Adenoids were removed. We put it down to the repeated colds caught when he first went to school.
In June, I took a week's holiday with Lil and went to Ryde in the Isle of Wight. We tramped about a good deal of the Island and had a pleasant time. In August Bryan and Frank went to a Secondary School Boys Camp at Weymouth, and spent the time like wild men. On August the 27th, Lil, I and Philip went to Seaford.
On Xmas Day we all went to spend the day at Letty and Fred's. Philip was exceptionally bright and sang with wonderful vigour, we had to pay for it however, for on the next day he was down with inflammation of the lungs.
I received a double months screw on going for my summer holiday, £10 bonus at Christmas and a rise to £250. This enabled me to end up the year with assets £920.
1910
Phil's illness turned out to be Pneumonia. The girl Elisa had Influenza, Frank caught it, and the Doctor did not leave us until the end of January.
It seemed a small thing in one way, but it was a stepping stone in Bryan's life, we put him into TROUSERS. We were frightfully busy in the City, a rubber boom had been going on for some time, the Firm offered me 1% of the profits and to engage extra staff.
At the end of June I went to stay at Rayleigh with Uncle William for a rest, but it did not do me much good. On June the 25th we had a big party, the catering being done by Goodall's. [Catering 3/- a head]. All the family on both sides came, also all our immediate friends.
On June the 30th. I went to see Dr Abbot Anderson of 36 Harley St. He said that I was organically sound but needed rest. I went away to Folkestone for ten days, and in August Lil and the boys went off to Little Hampton for three weeks.
The end of the year found me with assets £931.
1911
Our family are growing up. BRYAN matriculated as a student in the University of London.
In those days to us this was a big thing, and being 16 years of age, time to go to business. He sat for Boy Clerk examination in the Civil Service and passes 6th. He was called up to the Admiralty on a salary of £40 a year.
On looking back I am sorry he was not kept at school longer. Poor old boy, he had rather a tough time of it, continuous study until he gained his present position as "Assistant Armaments Supply Officer". All his study had to be done in the evening after a days work was done.
On April 18th I was elected a sidesman at Christ Church Southgate.
Bryan and Frank were Confirmed on May 23rd by the Bishop of Islington.
I took a weeks holiday at home from June 1st until the 10th. June 22nd was Coronation Day and on the next day we all went up to Whitehall at the Admiralty offices to see the procession.
On July 29th we went to Boscombe with the Goulds. Our families had a good time together.
September 13th. Lil was queer with Influenza. We seem to have had our fair share of this complaint.
December 30th. Assets £957. Not much chance of saving during these years.
1912
Frank had a shot to get into the Civil Service but was not successful. Being nearly 16 years of age, and not keen on schooling, we decided to look out for a place for him. On January 17th he went to the Christ Church Meat Company's offices at 10/- per week.
On the 24th January, Frank was ill with the Flu and Dr Samson frightened us by saying there was something wrong with his Heart. After years proved that he was an alarmist for he went all through the war without any trouble in this way.
On February 4th I had a very rotten experience, fainted away in Church, and had to be carried out by six men.
The cause I now know was acute indigestion caused by the anxious time at the office, doing gardening too soon after meals, in fact doing too much mentally and physically. I should not have got like this if I had gone steadier.
I cut myself down to three meals a day, tried not to worry, and eventually managed to cure the trouble. But I couldn't play larks with myself, & had to live the simple life.
On April 3rd. the Firm gave me 2% on the profits when over £5000 in a year.
In August we all went for a holiday to Shanklin except Frank. He came down for the Bank-Holiday. Later on Frank spent his holiday at Ryde.
During the year Bryan sat for the Assistant Clerks Exam. and was called up on October 1st. He was appointed to the General Post Office.
The poor old boy kept up his studies and had a shot for the Second Division, but we heard in December that he was not successful.
At Christmas I received a bonus of £20. and finished up the year with assets £1002-14-5.
1913
We had the usual party on Jan 18th. On Feb 17th Frank started at his second place, the Proprietors of Bull Wharf.
On April 26th. Bryan and I went for a Boat trip from London to Grennock (sic) and back to London. We called at Southampton, Plymouth, Waterford on the way, and non stop back to London. It was very cold and wet so we didn't enjoy the trip as we otherwise would have done.
On July 2nd I had a phone call from Parr's Bank that my application for a post for Frank had been successful, and that he was wanted to start on Monday morning the 7th. at the Holloway Branch at £40 per annum.
July 12th until 24th. Lil, Phil and I went to Scarborough for a holiday. We stayed at Gibsons; very good house, 120 guests. It was dry weather but very cold.
Early in October I had a phone call about Frank and on 17th they gave him 14 days holiday which he spent at Westcliffe.
December 3rd Bryan received the result of his 2nd Division Exam. No 165.
Business was very bad during the year but I finished up the year with assets £1063-10-7.
1914
Usual yearly party on January 15th.
May 25th. My salary was altered to £350 & 1% on profits over £5000.
June 12th. Lil, Bryan and I went to Folkestone then on to Wimereux where we spent a very interesting holiday.
On July 31st Bryan was called up as second division clerk at the Admiralty and went to the same office as he started at as a boy clerk.
AUGUST 4th. WAR DECLARED.
The excitement over the Bank Holiday was intense. The Stock Exchange was closed, Banks closed, Salaries were reduced by 25 per cent.
On August 12th the poor old servant that we employed died suddenly from heart and blood poisoning from the liver.
August 24th. Frank put his name down as a recruit for City Battalion of 7th Royal Fusiliers. On Aug 25th he passed the Doctor, the Bank gave consent and promised him full pay during his absence and reinstatement without loss of seniority.
August 29th. Phil and I stood in Queen Victoria Street and saw the company march to the Tower to be reviewed by Lord Roberts. On September 3rd, he went to Colchester, a member of B Company 10th Royal Fusiliers. Bryan wanted to join at the same time but the Admiralty would not allow it.
Business was shocking, the S/E being closed from August to the end of December.
Owing to family arrangements re mother and her parting company with Harold, the house money was divided up and my assets were increased by £87-17-6 and not allowing for depreciation caused by the War, I finished up the year with £1198-12/-.