In January 1873, Jacob PASK, a 70-year old widowed woodcutter, fell victim to a violent theft in Newport, Monmouthshire, Wales. Welsh genealogist Michael Edwards describes what happened to his 3x great-grandfather.
Jacob’s story provides a valuable window into the lived experiences of working-class individuals in late 19th century Wales.
Saturday Night in Newport
Jacob worked as a woodcutter for Mrs Oakley at Wain Vawr Farm, Risca, Monmouthshire, Wales. On Saturday 11th January Jacob travelled to Newport on the 1:30 pm train, carrying 7 sovereigns in his pocket. After visiting several public houses in town, he found himself alone and searching for lodgings after dark.
Jacob left the Royal Oak, bought an umbrella from a street seller and made his way towards Llanarth Street. He was then approached by a 27-year-old woman named Caroline “Caddy” Harrison, who took him by the arm and led him to her home. It’s unclear if Jacob was aware that Caddy’s residence was a brothel.
Two Sovereigns and A Gang of Three
That night, Jacob lost 2 of his sovereigns while in Caddy’s care. The next day, he hid 4 sovereigns in his boot, but his troubles were far from over. Around 3pm on that Sunday afternoon, two of Caddy’s associates – a 38-year-old woman named Margaret Harwood, and a 20-year-old soldier named James Wheeler – entered the scene. Margaret was a known drunk who frequented Caddy’s brothel. James was a private in the 94th Regiment.
The Robbery
Margaret and James ordered beer and then proceeded to rob Jacob, pulling him to the floor and dragging him into another room. Caddy joined in, holding Jacob down while the others removed his boot and stole his remaining money. The trio then fled, leaving Jacob alone in the house bleeding and with a black eye. He managed to retrieve his boot and locate a policeman, but the attackers had disappeared by the time the officer arrived. Jacob then went to the Town Hall where he saw Police Inspector Curtis, who directed him to lodgings.
Bizarre Benevolence
Later, in a bizarre act of benevolence, Jacob’s assailants took his umbrella to the Globe Inn, Canal Street and left it there saying that it belonged to an ‘old man’, in case anyone there should see him.
'Too Ashamed To Go Out'
On Wednesday 15th January 1873, Jacob appeared at the Newport Borough Police Court where his assailants were prosecuted. When asked why he had stayed at Caddy’s on the Sunday having been robbed the evening before, Jacob replied “I was too ashamed to go out”.
Sentenced to Hard Labour
Despite the defendants’ claims that Jacob was simply a drunken old man who had fallen and injured himself, the court saw through their story. Caddy, Margaret, and James were all convicted – the women receiving 12 months of hard labour, and James a 6-month sentence.
Conclusion
Jacob survived his assault. He lived on for many years, outliving at least 6 of his 14 children.
Jacob went to live with his son Zach in Panteg, Monmouthshire and then his married daughter in Ystradfellte, Glamorgan. He died in 1886 and was buried in Aberperwgm Parish Church.
This violent incident targeting my elderly ancestor Jacob PASK, a humble woodcutter, serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges and dangers that some of our forebears faced. Understanding these hardships can deepen our appreciation for their resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity.
