John Cartwright (1862-1944) - Part 1

John Cartwright was a remarkable man. He was born on the family farm at Blankney Fen in 1862. Shortly before he died in 1944 he made some notes about his life, leaving behind a wonderful snapshot of life in and around Blankney spanning the last half of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century. Here is Part 1 of John's story retold in his own words. Further extracts will appear in the Journal until his story is complete.

The life of John Cartwright of Blankney Fen from the age of twelve years

At the age of twelve I was packed off to school at Sleaford, but only stayed there six months: could not relish the cabbages being cooked in the copper where they washed the clothes. After Sleaford, was sent to the City of Lincoln to the Rev, John Swift's school,opposite the "Adam and Eve". The above gentleman was no relation to the celebrated John Swift of Linwood Hall. I only stayed another six months opposite the "Adam and Eve", a duel with pistols having taken place between two boys - George Seagrave and John Burns. Seagrave got a bullet in his leg, and had to be carried all the way from Washingborough Station on the river bank, to Lincoln. They dared not take him to the school, so put him down at his aunt's who of course was greatly alarmed. On breaking the news to the Rev. John Swift he fell ill, went to bed, and died, which broke the school up. The three boys taking part in the duel were locked up in prison and were all tried at Lincoln Assizes, but all got off. The bullet in Seagrave's shin bone could not be got all out, and he died from that bullet nine months after. All who took part in the above appeared in the penny peep show at Lincoln Fair. John Burns was supposed to have shot himself, and Walter Green, one of the seconds who took my place, died in the Asylum. After Lincoln, William and myself went to Grantham King's School to keep James company; stayed there three years. After that came home for about six months, then went back to Lincoln to C. S. Dickinson's mill. Put four years in there. During that time one winter was very severe, and a bullock was roasted on the Brayford ice. Mother died during the time I was at the mill. C. S. Dickinson's eldest daughter became engaged to the Rev. Pain on her twenty-first birthday, and this boy got an invitation to supper on the Saturday night. I walked from Lincoln to Branston (Ashfield House) left there again twelve o'clock, walked back to Lincoln, went to bed, up again at six a.m., off for Blankney Fen walking; got home just as they finishing breakfast.

Look out for Part 2 of this fascinating story in the Journal.