R E U B E N G A U N T
Mount Pleasant
Farsley
20th March, 1841.
Reuben Gaunt, now remembered as the founder of Reuben Gaunt & Sons Limited, was born into a yeoman-clothier's family in 1824. He was brought up at New Cote (probably the original name for Mount Pleasant) and when seventeen years' old, began to keep a diary. He was already ambitiously describing himself as a cloth manufacturer, and there are glimpses in his diary of the drive and personality of the embryonic business tycoon.
When he was nineteen years' old he arranged to have shorthand lessons after attending the cloth market in Leeds, and after just three lessons proceeded to make the writing of his diary a piece of practical homework. Despite the abortive attempts of several enthusiasts to decipher his unique brand of shorthand, it is not until this year that success has been achieved through the determined efforts of Mrs. Lexi Ellis.
The original diary has been handed down through members of R Reuben Gaunt's family and is now in the safe keeping of the Leeds City Library Archives, where it is available for any interested person to see.
We are grateful to the management and staff of Reuben Gaunt & Sons Limited for arranging for the duplication of the diary.RUTH STRONG
in about 1975
INDEX
‘ ‘ Denotes the original spelling marked on the first occasion of use only
[ ] Where it is not possible to be sure of the meaning of the handwriting or shorthand the words are put in brackets.
Capitals I and J are difficult to differentiate.
The measure “when” probably is an abbreviation of warton,
i.e. 6lbs. (See entry 29th September 1843)
30th March 1841
Benjamin Birdsall died aged 19 years. He had been badly a long time.21st April 1841
About 7 o'clock this evening a man fell from the coach opposite our garden wall, and cut his head dreadfully, but after the surgeon had examined the wound, he said the skull was not fractured; and the wound not serious.13th May 1841
This morning the dry-house belonging to Farsley Sunny Bank Mill caught fire, but the fire was got under soon after the fire engine arrived from Pudsey. Shortly after 5 other engines arrived viz. 2 from Bradford and 3 from Leeds. Damage estimated at about £200.24th June 1841
Job Horn married to Hannah Wade. Also Joshua Fairbank to Mary Child. The second Annual Festival held by the Teetotallers in the Village School Room Farsley when upwards of 200 sat down to tea. After tea a public meeting was held in the Methodist Chapel, when addresses were delivered by the Rev. Mr. Shrewsbury and other gentlemen. Dr. Beaumont in the Chair.26th June 1841
A fatal accident occurred about 6 o'clock this evening about 5 yards above the Thornhill Hotel, The sufferer was James Hainsworth surnamed Taffy, who was in a drunken state and in consequence thereof, fell under the hind wheels of a waggon going from Bradford, the wheel passing over his neck, caused his death in about 2 minutes.3rd July 1841 Sunday
This morning about 2 or 3 o'clock, the gun of Mr. Horsfall's keeper, accidentally went off and lodged the contents in the backs of three poachers; one of them was wounded severely, but hopes are entertained of the recovery of all. The keeper above mentioned is Isaac Gaunt.14th July 1841
On Sunday last, Mr. William Naylor suddenly fell badly, and died this morning. He was generally known by the name of Butcher Naylor.6th July 1841
Mother came back from Scarborough after an absence of a fortnight.22nd July 1841
Joseph Craven, James Pecket, Thomas Parkin and Samuel Craven had a York trial with Mr. Ramsbottom, Steward for Thomas Thornhill. The cause was this: Mr. Ramsbottom refused to pay the valuation stated by the valuer and the plaintiffs refused to take any less. After a thorough investigation the jury returned a verdict for the plaintiffs, the whole sum at which the farm etc. of Wadlands Hall had been valued.29th July 1841
Mr. John Varley's firer died very suddenly. He was in his usual health at l o'clock yesterday and died about ½ past 1 today.31st July 1841
Joseph Booth of Stanningley was working in good health between 2 and 3 o'c1ock this afternoon, but was suddenly taken ill and died about 4 o'clock.3rd August 1841
Finished loading hay. Put the Long Field - Little Pasture and Great Pasture into the Barn. Brought the New Lay and the North Pasture home.
Long Field 6 'lodes' Little Pasture 5, Great Pasture ll, North Pasture 7, New Lay 7½ . It began to rain about ½ past 7 o'clock this evening.4th August 1841
Father and Isaac set out for Liverpool about 20 minutes to 8 o'clock. The morning was fair, but cold and cloudy. The day very fine.4th August 1841
At about 8 o'clock this evening 3 coach horses fell opposite the Coal Lane. The fall of the shaft horse caused that of the two others. No person hurt except Aunt Mary by leaping out too hastily.6th August 1841
Father and Isaac returned from Liverpool about 5 past 6 o'clock. Father thought he had lost his pocket purse, containing 6 pounds, but found it behind the table in the parlor, 3 bales 1/5.16th August 1841
Father bought a cow of Mr. Wood, Wadlands Hall. He gave about £12, 15s.27th August 1841
Father bought two pigs of the same persons for about £1. 2s. each.2nd September 1841
Finished reaping oats, in the bottom ing. There were about 100 haddocks.3rd September 1841
After a period of uninterrupted fine weather, it began to rain this morning and has the appearance of a wet day.25th September 1841
About 7 o'c1ock this evening Mr. John Fairbank died aged 70 years.lst October 1841
Finished sowing wheat in the bottom of the Ing.7th October 1841
This morning about ½ past 2 o'c1ock Jane Corner daughter of John Corner our `datal' man died aged 16 years after a protracted illness of 2 years.13th October 1841
Father left home about ½ past 8 o'clock in order to go to Liverpool to the wool sales, which commence tomorrow.13th October 1841
After a courtship of about 9 weeks Benjamin Walker and Deborah Andrews got married and went to Harewood to dine, accompanied by the Rev Mr, Foster by whom they were married.16th October 1841 Saturday
Father returned from Liverpool having bought 5 bales of Botany wool 2 at 1/5½ cheap, 2 at 1/6½ cheap, and 1 at 1/5 very dear.17th October 1841 Sunday
Mr. Rees from Bramley preached at Bagley Chapel the day was not very fine and about ½ past 4 pm. two heavy cracks of thunder were heard towards Yeadon. The evening was very stormy and I took tea at Job Horn's and went to the Methodist Chapel in the evening.20th October 1841 Wednesday
This evening the Farsley Wesleyan Missionary Meeting was held in the Chapel, the Rev. Philip Garret in the Chair. Addresses were given by the Chairman, Mr. Foster and Mr. Cutting.
This evening was very unfavourable, the rain fell in torrents, the wind blew a gale, the lightening was vivid and the thunder was pretty loud, so that the attendance at the meeting was not numerous, and consequently the collection not large.21st October 1841
The snow fell very heavily this morning about ½ to 10 o'clock which is the first fall of snow that we have had this season, nearly a month sooner than the first of last year, which fell on the 17 of November in the evening.27th October 1841
Went to Rawden to witness the settlement of Mr. Liddle. At the commencement of the Service Mr. Stringer from Idle read a chapter.
In the course of the service Mr. Dowson asked the requisite questions of Mr, Liddle and then addressed the meeting stating what constituted a "True Church", Mr. Ackworth addressed the Minister from the words "Make good proof of thy ministry", And Rev. Walter Scott addressed the church over which Mr. Liddle was going to preside.28th October 1841
Went to Bradford to witness the ordination of Mr. Dowson who is going as a missionary to Jamaica. At the commencement of the service a missionary from that place addressed the meeting and Mr. Whitewood asked the questions of Mrs, Dowson. Mr. Ackworth addressed him, but I did not stay till the close.15th November 1841
John Brook came to work at our house for 6/- per week,29th November 1841
The Rev. Mr. Yeadon of Hunslet died of Typhus fever aged 43.28th November 1841
Joseph Hollings buried, The Oddfellow & Shepherds attended at the funeral.30th November 1841
Mr, Fenteman held an auction sale of books at Stanningley in a room near the Sun Inn. I went and bought 2 Poems on Prayer, 1 Orthographical work; MacFarlane Evidences, Christianity, Addison etc.15th December 1841
I for the first time was by S.R. & M. "Noswal".9th December 1841
Thomas Parkin killed the little pig kept in the cowhouse which cost 26/6 and now weighed 7st.14lbs,9th December 1841
Had a web to size over in consequence of Jno, Horn's bad sizing.Christmas Day, 25th December 1841
A tea party was held in the Village School Room, Farsley, in aid of the Benevolent Society, The remains amounted to about the sum of £6. 8s. 6d.
The speakers after the Tea were J. Marshall, Wm. Varley, J.Grimshaw and P. Hainsworth.
Another was held at Rodley for the same interest, left £2.8s.6d.Speakers - Rev. J. Foster, S. Grimshaw, R. Holdsworth W. Lawson.
Parsley Wesleyan Party Speakers ~ J. Parkinson, J. Ingham, I. Milner, Ai. Ellis and I. Turner.27th December 1841
Thomas Parkinson killed the second pig which cost 20/6 and which now weighed 11st, 9lbs.9th January 1842
Went to Belgrave `Chappel´ to hear the Rev. Dr. Harris who preached from Isaiah 57 chap. 15 verse and the 66 chap. and I-2 verses.- From eternity, the residence of God has always corresponded with his nature and perfections.
- If he condescend to hold intercourse with man, it can only be in accordance with this principle.
- No religious worship can be acceptable to him only as it harmonises with his character.
- All human effort and existence must depend for sufficiency on this principle.
13th January 1842
After a cold foggy day yesterday this morning was ushered in by a fall of snow, which continued all day the cold being also severe.How ill doth he deserve a lovers name
Whose pale weak flame
Cannot retain
His heart in spite of absence or disdain
But doth at once, like paper set on fire
Burn and expire
True love can never change its seat;
Nor did he ever love who could reheat.
Spencer
25th January 1842
Father started for London this evening from Leeds at 7 o'clock p.m. and arrived in London at 9 next morning. He bought 9 bales Bottany. 6 bales at 1/7½ and 3 at 155 per lb. Also 15 bags Spanish at 1/7 per lb. He arrived in Leeds the Tuesday following February 1st at 6 o'clock a.m.28th January 1842
The panic is so severe in the woollen manufacture at Farsley that very little work is doing at the low Mill and the Top Mill is now altogether closed until trade revives,1st February 1842
This morning old Margerison's wife died after a few moment's warning. 80 yrs.2nd February 1842
This morning about 3 o'clock John Gaunt of Undercliff died aged 768th February 1842
This Afternoon Shrove Tuesday we had a tea party in the Vestry of Rehoboth Chappel. After tea Mr, Marshall took the chair when Mr. Foster, I. Ingham, I. Castle, P. Hainsworth and I, Child addressed the Meeting and Mr. Marshall read an essay on "self cultivation". Friends R. Holdsworth and W. Lawson were also present but did not speak to their subjects.23rd February 1842
Brother Isaac shot three Lapwings in Old Sowden's field and sold them to John Corner for l½ each.9th March 1842
This morning the ground was covered with snow to the depth of nearly three inches.14th March 1842
Joseph Hainsworth died about 3 o'clock in the morning aged 23. He had been a member of the Farsley Young Men's Literary Society almost since its foundation.16th March 1842
Commenced sowing oats in the ing.16th April 1842
Robert Southwell of Stockton near York died.19th April 1842
Uncle William Walker of Farsley died aged19th April 1842
At a meeting of the Teachers of Farsley, Beckbottom and Rodley Sunday Schools this evening, a union was consumated among the three, so that the Committee of Rodley Bethel School will now be incorporated with the other two.1st May 1842
Attended the Methodist Chapel in the evening and heard Mr. Cheatham preach from the words "He is able to save to the very uttermost” etc. After the Sermon a collection was made on behalf of the new burying ground when the sum of 19. 13 10½ was collected which and 70. 0. 0. given by subscription 89. 13 10½ was the whole amount to stand against the sum of 250. 0. 0 the old debt of Chappel and 330. 0. 0 the burying ground making 580. 0. 0 in the whole and having the 89. 13. 10½ deducted leaves a debt 490. 6. 1½ on the whole of the property.4th May 1842
Finished setting potatoes in the three day work.5th May 1842
Commenced sowing turnips in the same field on the side next the Ing.11th May 1842
This evening a waggoner who was the worse for liquor was trotting his horses down the road, when one of the wheels ran against the causeway and shook him off the shafts. The wheels ran over him and broke his thigh.12th May 1842
Charles Wardman laid the new channel for the sewer water to run across the fold.30th may 1842
A person named Francis attempted to shoot her Majesty on Constitution Hill, but the pistol flashed in the pan when the ruffian was seized.30th May 1842
Isaac's hen hatched the duck eggs which she had sitten a month, out of 12 eggs he had 11 ducks.9th June 1842
William Rag Farsley Lane end died aged 20 years Consumption.14th June 1842
Bought Brother Isaac's stock of hens, ducks, chickens and rabbits for £1. 2. 0 and sold 10 rabbits, 10 ducks, 5 young cocks, and l hen for 12s. 9d. a few days afterwards.Sunday 19th June 1842
The Anniversary sermons were preached in Rehoboth Chappel by the Rev. Mr. Dyer from Pontefract when collections were made to the amount of £17. 16, 11½,21st June 1842.
Mother and Mrs Ingham went to Scarborough .26th June 1842
The Anniversary of the Baptist Chappel, Bramley, Sermons were preached by Messrs. Giles, Dowson and Cummins, when collections were made to the amount of upwards 26 pounds - about £26. 1. 1½27th June 1842
The temperence Anniversary was held at Farsley, Tea was taken in the Wesleyan School Room after which a public meeting was held in the Chappel when Messrs. Bestow, Roberts and others addressed the meeting Chairman J, Parkinson.28th June 1842.
Thomas Hainsworth died after a long illness aged 10 years 9 months.30th June 1842
Sarah wife of George Hainsworth Old fold, Farsley, died aged 63. Her death was occasioned by dropsey and when dead she was of immense size. Buried at Bagley.
About a fortnight ago Mr. Jordan Baptist Minister Stanningley resigned his ministry. In consequence of his rude actions being brought to light.4th July 1842
A gentleman who fell from his horse last Monday died this morning at Mr. Edward Hainsworth's, Sun Inn, Stanningley.12th July 1842
I went to Liverpool from Leeds with Uncle Daniel. At Liverpool we went to Eastham Picture Gallery, New Market, Mechanic's Exhibition, Races, and the `Zological´ Gardens. Bought 11 bales of wool 2 at l/4½ 4 at l/5½ and 5 at 1/6, Returned on Saturday the 16th ult.Friday 8th July 1842
Mr, Samuel Redhead, Vicar of Calverley Church, laid the first stone of Farsley Church in the presence of (it was supposed) upwards 2000 spectators. During the whole of the proceedings the rain fell in torrents.23rd July 1842
This evening, John Firth of Bradford Moor was killed at Kirkstall in consequence of the shaft horse kicking him from the shafts.24th July 1842
The anniversary sermons of Bethel School were preached in this afternoon by the Rev. Mr. Hughs and in the evening by the Rev. Mr. Liddle.Monday 25th July 1842
This day was very fine and p.m. I for the first time
? ? ? ?
The last 7 bales of wool came from Liverpool per Railway.
Lister Mathers, son of Sarah Mathers of Rodley died aged 24.
Last Saturday we finished sowing the winter onions.
28th July 1842
Mr. John Gomersal, brother to Widow Varley of Stanningley fell from his gig in a state of intoxication and was much hurt. The place as where the accident happened was about 20 yds. Above Farsley Lane End.31st July 1842
Went with David Smith to Aunt Elizabeth Smiths Alwoodley and returned on Monday the 1st August.2nd August 1842
Went to Dr. Lambert who gave me a bottle of mixture and advised me to go to Ilkley and stay a fortnight.4th August 1842
Went to Ilkley and stayed 3 weeks and until Saturday this being Thursday. During my absence hay-making was completed at Coat.5th September 1842
A tea party of the Farsley Young Men's Society was held at the vestry when friends, P. Hainsworth, Holdsworth, Child and the Rev. Mr. Foster addressed the meeting. I also attempted to speak on "The Evils of War".7th September 1842
Finished harvesting oats and wheat in the low ing, and Three day work. During the night however the Oat stack fell over and being uncommon wet a great part of the corn was wasted and spoilt.17th September 1842
Finished sowing wheat in the top Ing.27th September 1842
Father bought a pig at Leeds for £3. 6. 6. Dr. Lambert came to me same day and desired me not to work or study hard, and to live on good substantial food. As a stimulant to eat he prescribed Camomile flowers and ginger.5th October 1842
Father bought a cow at Wibsey Fair for £11. 6d.Thursday 5th October 1842
During this week a pedestrian engaged to walk 372 miles or 62 miles per day. that is thrice from Rodney Inn Leeds to the New Inn Bradford, and back again to Rodney.25th October 1842
After having several nights of severe frost; this morning the ground was almost white with snow; the first snow this season.25th October 1842
Commenced sowing wheat in the bottom Ing, and for the first time ribbed it.28th October 1842
Sold the Black and White Cow which was bought at Otley to Old Sowden for £10.2nd November 1842
Finished sowing wheat in the 3 day work. Today we can again fetch water at our pump after it has been dry about a fortnight, the first time that it ever was dry.2nd November 1842
Dolly Barns died after a long and troublesome illness.Wednesday 9th November 1842
Father went to Liverpool and bought one bag of wool at 16d. returned on Friday night.15th November 1842
Father jumped down the chamber steps to keep himself from falling, and stunned both ancles and legs so that he could not walk. Yesterday I bought a Black Tumbler Pigeon of George Wood for -/5d.22nd November 1842
Went to Leeds but sold nothing and was much annoyed with walking the ground being covered with snow.30th November 1842
A missionary meeting was held in the Baptist Chapel Farsley when Mr. Clarke and Dr. Prince from Africa attended and addressed the Audience. Collection £4. 18s. ld.
On the Sunday previous Mr. Liddle preached in aid of the Home Mission when a collection was made to the amount of £3. 13s. 8d.14th November 1842
John Hainsworth died aged 62.Wednesday 14th December 1842
Easther the wife of John Womersley died aged 32 years.Monday 19th December 1842
A very fine mild day for the season. Missionary tea party at Stanningley Methodist Chapel. I this evening (managed) the often attempted performance.Saturday 24th December 1842
Notice appeared in the Papers of the Yorkshire Agricultural Bank having suspended payment.Monday 26th December 1842
Public Tea Parties were held in Farsley and Bethel Sunday Schools, in aid of the Rehoboth Benevolent Society, when the amount of the subscriptions over the expenditure was Rodley £2.0.9 and Farsley the sum of £6. 16. 6 making a total of £8.17.3. The evening was fine and dark although most of the day had a gloomy and chilling aspect.30th December 1842
Killed the pig which Father bought September 27th and which now weighs 22st. 61bs. Killed by Thos. Parkin.Thursday 21st December 1842
Entered the Wesley Reading Society in company with D. Smith and J. Horn.