Nicholls, William Henry

Birth 1850-6-2 Gerrans, Cornwall
Death 1915-12-3 Portscatho, Cornwall
Mother Unknown

Birth

Gerrans, Cornwall

Death

Portscatho, Cornwall

Stories

A Carrier’s Failure

Lake's Falmouth Packet and Cornwall Advertiser - Friday 10 June 1910

The first meeting of creditors in the estate of William Henry Nicholls, carrier, was hold at the office of the Official Receiver, Truro, yesterday. Debtor’s statement of affairs showed gross liabilities, £87 13s. Bd.; assets, £48 9s. 9d.; deficiency, £39 3s. 11d. Debtor attributed his failure to being unexpectedly sued by his daughter-in-law, Sarah Elizabeth Nicholls, for money due on a promissory note, and illness of his late wife and self. He bad been in-patient at the Royal Cornwall Infirmary for several months, and unable personally to superintend his business. From October to November, 1909, he lost two horses by death. —The Official Receiver reported that debtor (aged 62) commenced business about 25 years ago with capital of about £25, consisting of cob, trap, and harness. The largest debt, amounting to £66 8s. 10d., was due to debtor’s daughter-in-law for loans and interest. A writ was issued for that sum when the debtor filed his petition in bankruptcy. The sum of £14 was alleged to be due to the debtor’s unmarried daughter for loan. He alleged that be could not say what his income or profits for the past three years had been, but had drawn about £50 a year for household and personal expenses.

A Portscatho Carrier

The Cornish Telegraph - Thursday 23 June 1910

The examination was also held of William Henry Nicholls, carrier, Portscatho, who said he commenced business thirty-four years with a capital of £25. Six years ago his son, Stephen, came into partnership with him. putting into the business £55, which he borrowed from the lady whom he subsequently married, and who was the largest creditor. His son continued in the business for two years and then got married and went into a farm some distance away. When came to say “Good-bye” to his mother and debtor, he brought down a folded paper like a bill with a stamp the bottom. He said, “Father, I’m going away and I am going turn over everything you. Debtor replied, “That is a good son. Thank you, my son.” His son then said. “Miss Wilkins (the lady he married) has put stamp there, you put your name across it. and that will make everything right.” Debtor signed his name. He did not examine the paper, and never thought there was anything wrong.

The Official Receiver: And the document 18 the promissory note under which she sued you ?
Debtor: Yes.
The Official Receiver: The money for which your daughter-in-law is suing, and which she says was paid to you, has never been received by you.
Debtor: No. It was money son had to come into the business.

In answer to subsequent questions, he said he had been idle for some time. He had been in the Truro Infirmary for weeks, and during the last four years he had lost four horse* death.

The examination was closed.

DEATHS

West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser - Thursday 09 December 1915

NICHOLLS – At Portscatho. December 3. after short illness. William Henry Nicholls, aged 65.