Newent - Many Farmers Lose Money to Old Onslow in 1870's (General)

by Brian Henry, Monday, February 14, 2011, 07:19 (5100 days ago)

Hi over in UK

I am trying to track down information concerning a business scandal that occurred in Newent in the 1870's.

Specifically, I have a letter by Frederick Thomson, who had resided at Caswell Manor (my great, great grandfather) to his son Sidney Thomson in Australia in the 1880's about this scandal.

In this letter he states that Onslow (possibly a solicitor) took him for 15,000 to 20,000 pounds and took many other farmers for large amounts.

The key wording on this matter in the letter is as follows:

"Old Edmonds gone to rack and at last paid one shilling in the pound. He took a great many in, one of them for 10,000 pounds. They have all left Newent and I would or should like very much to go to England to see him hanged which would be about too good for him".

Frederick Thomson is writing this letter from the US.

Any information on this event would be greatly appreciated.

Regards

Brian Henry