Re: Huggetts of Eastbourne England
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In reply to:
Re: Huggetts of Eastbourne England
11/15/01
Hi Warren,
well one of the best sources of information I have about Jesse Huggett, was from a obituary a cousin of mine somehow got hold of.The original is of poor quality so I have transcribed it.
"The following is from an unknown Eastbourne, England newspaper that was printed around September 7, 1900.
THE LATE MR. JESSE HUGGETT.
COXSWAIN OF THE EASTBOURNE LIFEBOAT
By the death of Mr. Jesse Huggett the Eastbourne fisherman have lost one who had won, and had for many years deservedly retained, their respect and confidence.They recognised in him a man of sterling merit.Upright and straightforward, kindly and sincere, he was looked up to by his friends and neighbours: and, as the trusty coxswain of the Eastbourne lifeboat, he was widely known.
A native of Eastbourne, Mr. Huggett was born in a house in the neighbourhood of the Leaf Hall.Like his father before him, he became a fisherman, and he made voyages to Plymouth, Loweston (?), and other places during the mackerel and herring seasons.He was married at Old Town Church, his wife being a native of London.After settling down, he occasionally went on fishing expeditions to Folkestone, Dover, Ramsgate and other places.Of late years he devoted much of his time to catching lobsters and crabs: and, in common with other fishermen, he has suffered lately from the depredations of the octopus, which invades the lobster post and leaves nothing but the shell of it prey.A year or two ago he ruptured himself, and has never been thoroughly well since.About 3 a.m. on Tuesday last week he went off in his boat, the Nona, with his youngest son Archie.After Mr. Huggett had hauled up the nets or lobster posts, he fell on his back in the stern of the boat, and appeared to be in great pain.It was a head wind ashore and not much of it.Archie Huggett had to bring the boat ashore, and it was close on three hours before he landed.
More than once Mr. Huggett was in danger of being thrown out of the boat.When he landed he was able to walk home, but was in dreadful agony.Dr. Wheeler Taylor and Dr. Pollock were called in and reduced the rupture.Next day (Wednesday) Mr. Huggett was removed to the Princess Alice Hospital, where he was attended by Mr. H.D. Farnell and Mr. Rook.But all the skill and attention he received could not save him; and, after a period of great suffering, he passed away at about 8:30 a.m. on Friday.His wife had seen him at the Hospital, and his sons (Jesse and Fred were with him when the end came).
When the sad news became generally known expressions of sorrow were universal at the East End of town.By his intimates Mr. Huggett was affectionately spoken of as “Jess:” and his death creates a void which will not easily be filled.He was one of the few men who are able to exercise a marked influence for good on those around him.A great friend of temperance, he was a member of the Independent Order of Total Absmaent (?) Sons of the Phoenix; and he was a frequenter of the Fisherman’s Institute, which opens at 5 a.m. every day, and is doing very useful work.At the religious services held at the Institute he was often present; at other times he accompanied his wife to the meetings at the Marine Hall.
The late Mr. Huggett succeeded, “Bones” Hide as coxswain of the Eastbourne lifeboat, and in that capacity he rendered good service on several occasions.He leaves a widow, three sons (Jesse, Harry and Archie), and four daughters.Three of the daughters (Mrs. Chester, Mrs. French, and another) are married, and the fourth (Jessica) is single. Every year at Christmas time Mr. Huggett mad a trip to the Royal Sovereign lightship, taking with him gifts contributed by the townspeople: and the crew greatly appreciated the interest he manifested in their welfare."
If any of this rings a bell, please let me know.I also have a number of pictures, but I haven't figured who everyone is yet or how they are related.
Thanks
Ron