So you think YOU'VE got problems...

[Sue Mackay]

Next time you think you have problems unravelling the ramifications of your family tree, give thanks you don't have this lot. Yesterday I went to Kew for the day (very swish) to photograph another three years' worth of notices etc. from the South African Commercial Advertiser ready for transcription. I usually ignore the page where they regurgitate news from Europe, but couldn't resist these two stories.

Feb 26 1836 (mail took about three months to arrive so it would have been published originally in late 1835)
SINGULAR OCCURRENCE
About twelve years ago a cottager who lives on Coningsby Moor, of the name of Anthony COX, had a son named Abraham who enlisted into the army and was sent to the Indies. For several years he kept up a correspondence with his friends, but after an absence of six or seven years he ceased to write, or, if he wrote, the letters never came to hand, and it was thought he was dead. About four years since, a man was committed to Spilsby House of Correction, and, there being two persons from Coningsby in the prison at that time, they challenged him for the same Abraham Cox, and told him that if his parents were aware of his situation they would relieve him. He denied all knowledge of them, or of Anthony Cox; but they sent over to Coningsby, and the man was claimed as their son by both Anthony Cox and his wife. On being released, they took him home, and clothed him; he has ever since lived with them as their son, and got married. About a month since, however, to the surprise of his father and mother, the real Abraham Cox came home; upon which the adopted son took himself off, leaving a wife and family (who have no idea whence he came or what are his connections) and has not since been heard of.
[Lincoln Mercury]

Mar 12 1836
A woman recently died in Italy who had attained the advanced age of 142 years, after having been blessed with eight husbands, the last of whom has survived her. The disconsolate widower, who is in his 62nd year, became enamoured of his better half when he himself had just passed his twentieth year, and his bride had completed her century. Malevolent tongues insinuate that his love was influenced more by the pleasing anticipation of a rich inheritance by his wife's decease, than by her charms. If such were the case his dreams of bliss were not realised until 42 years had rolled over his head, and he had heard many and many a tale of the various merits of her former consorts. The eldest of the lady's surviving daughters is 90 years of age, consequently she was born in her mother's 52nd year. The daughter is herself a great great grandmother.

[Pam Downes]

Where's our 'no food and drink whilst reading this' warning?

The disconsolate widower, who is in his 62nd year, became enamoured of his better half when he himself had just passed his twentieth year, and his bride had completed her century. Malevolent tongues insinuate that his love was influenced more by the pleasing anticipation of a rich inheritance by his wife's decease, than by her charms. If such were the case his dreams of bliss were not realised until 42 years had rolled over his head, and he had heard many and many a tale of the various merits of her former consorts.

I just love the way the Victorians stick the knife in!

Whilst the first story was so like 'Sommersby'.
Pam

[busyglen]

Goodness gracious! I don't think I would like to live that long, or even to a hundred!!

Interesting accounts though Sue.

Glenys