Heroes and Rebels in the Family Tree—William Miller and the Unfaithful Wife Part 1

 

Much of the story of William Miller, a local blacksmith from Lowestoft, came to light from a courthouse drama as published in the Norwich Mercury on July 8, 1870.

     “William Miller was charged with leaving his wife Harriet Miller, chargeable to the Guardians of the Hundred of Mutford and Lothingland.  The defendant pleaded non- liability on account of his wife’s adultery.  Mr. Seago defended:  Mr. Kent watched the case on the part of the wife. 

Mr. Seago, in opening the case, stated the plea of non-liability:--About the year 1854 a connection sprang up between the wife, Harriet Miller, and a man of the name of Huke, rendering home very uncomfortable.  Miller came to live at Lowestoft.  The woman also lived near, with Huke, between five and six years, during which time no claim was made upon the defendant.  Miller afterwards obtained a situation on the Great Eastern Railway at Beccles, and first became aware of the claim when taken upon a warrant.  Huke, it appears, having become tired of the woman, and she falling into ill-health, became chargeable to the Guardians. 

Lucy Yallop, married woman, daughter of Miller, said that 15 years ago Huke was in the constant habit of visiting her step-mother at her father’s house.  On these occasions, she or her sister was set to watch at the front door while her mother and Huke were in the back part of the house.  She dare not tell her father, as her mother threatened her life if she did so.  She had frequently taken Huke his meals.  Her mother had also made up shirts and other articles of clothing for Huke.  When her father was at home, her mother sent her to make appointments to meet Huke in the fields.  Did not leave her father’s house till after the separation.  Her mother’s bad treatment caused her father to take her away.  This conduct had been going on for about twelve months. 

By Mr. Kent—Was not at home when an execution was put into her father’s house.  Did not know of events subsequent to the separation.  Her mother began to remove the furniture before the separation.  Anne Eliza Williams (daughter of Miller), wife of Jonas Williams, Cambridgeshire, said he lived with her step-mother after the separation.  She was then 14 years of age.  Had with her sister to watch the front door.  Her father, on one occasion of Huke’s being in the back room, came home.  Found the front door locked.  Huke escaped by the back door.  Soon after this the separation took place.  Juke’s connection lasted between five and six years. 

After the separation Huke took his meals at the house, and, on removal to another house, lodged with us.  Witness slept with her mother-in-law, and frequently found on waking either that he was in the same bed or she in his.  Witness was constantly ill-treated, and frequently sent to fetch Huke from public-houses.  Witness could not leave, because she would not let her have her clothes.  By Mr. Kent—I was ill-treated at times while my father was at home.  I did not complain to my father.  My mother-in-law did not threaten me because of my mis-behaviour.  I was allowed out till nine in the evening.  I was not out with other men till late.  Did not say if she turned me out.  I did not care.  I left of my own free will. 

By the CHAIRMAN—During this time my father was not asked to maintain her.  She took in washing, and I assisted.  Mr. Kent complained that Huke had not been called.  He was at once called; but the Magistrates, retiring to consult, decided on dismissing the case.”

 

Genealogy: William Miller 1818-1898 married Caroline Kersey 1853-1929, his third wife and her father was George Adams Kersey 1827-1858 and his mother was Charlotte Adams 1792-1873 and his father was John Adams 1750-1837 and his son was John Curtis Adams 1797-1873 and his son was William Frederick Adams 1848-1907 and his son was George "Pikey" William Welch-Adams 1867-1940.