Michael D.Heath-Caldwell M.Arch.

1900

Admiral Sir Leopold Heath - age 82/83 

Lady Mary Heath – (ne Mary Emma Marsh) - age 75/76

Arthur R. Heath - age 45/46 

Marion Emma Crofton (ne Heath) – May - age 43/44 

Frederick Crofton Heath – (Gen. F.C. Heath-Caldwell) - age 41/42 

Constance Mary Helsham Heath-Caldwell - aged 31-32 

Cuthbert Helsham Heath-Caldwell -aged 10/11

Martin Frederick Heath-Caldwell- aged 6/7   

Cuthbert Eden Heath - age 40/41

Sarah Caroline Gore Heath (ne Gambier) age 40/41 

Leopold Cuthbert Heath  age 5/6 

Genesta Mary Heath - age 0/1 

Ada Randolph Broadwood (ne Heath) - age 39/40 

Herbert Heath - age 38/39 

Gerard Moore Heath - age 36/37  

Eliza Louisa Marsh-Caldwell – known as Louisa - age 81/82 

Frances Mary Crofton (ne Marsh) - age 80/81

Georgina Amelia Marsh-Caldwell – Gies - age 79/80  

Rosamond Marsh-Caldwell – Posy - age 76/77 

Newcastle Guardian and Silverdale, Chesterton and Audley Chroniclealso Nantwich Guardian Wednesday 21 March 1900

Saturday 17 March 1900

Death of Miss Georgina Marsh-Caldwell - Granddaughter of a Former Newcastle Recorder.
The death has taken place at Linley Hall, Talke, at an advanced age, of Miss Georgina Marsh-Caldwell. The deceased lady had been an invalid for some time, but her illness took a serious turn about a fortnight ago. 

The Misses Marsh-Caldwell, of whom there are three, are well-known in the Talke district for their benevolence, and for their many unostentatious deeds of charity. The deceased lady some years ago apportioned the district, a large and scattered mining community for the most part, along with her sisters, for the purpose of visitation, she undertaking herself to ook more particularly after Talke Pitts. 

She was eventually, after rendering invaluable assistance to parochial work, obliged, much against her will, to relinquish the work on account of bodily infirmities. She was a member of St.Saviour's Church, Talke, and was for long years a devoted helper in anything she conceived for the good of the parish. 

Latterly Miss Georgina had taken a great interest in a circulating library  in connection with St.Saviour's Sunday school. Much sympathy is freely expressed for her sisters (Miss Marsh-Caldwell and Miss Rosamond Marsh-Caldwell) in their bereavement. Miss Caldwell belonged to an old Staffordshire family. Her grandfather, Mr James Caldwell, of Linley Wood, was a magistrate for the county and was Recorder of Newcastle. He died in 1839, and was buried in Audley churchyard. Her mother, Mrs Anne Marsh-Caldwell, of Linley Wood, obtained some distinction as a novelist and died in the year 1874
The Funeral

The funeral took place yesterday at Talke, and as was anticipated, it partook of a simple character. The cortege left Linley Wood about three o'clock and proceeded up the lane to Talke Church. The coffin, borne in a hearse was literally lost in the most beautiful wreaths. It was followed by the mourners, Miss Marsh-Caldwell, Miss Rosamond Marsh-Caldwell, Mr Jno Loring, Mr Arthur Loring and Mr Nele Loring, nephews; Captain Harry Crofton R.N., and Captain Richard Crofton R.A. The tenants on the estate acted as bearers and a number of private friends included Mr R.N. Wood of Bignall End, Mr G.B. Baker of Rose Hall; Mr Frank Rigby of Alsager, Mr John Booth, Mr Robert Rigby, Dr Greatrex, the Rev. G.W. Skene, rector of Barthomley, and the Misses Poole, of Alsager, and the family servants. 

Many sympathetic tokens and expressions were to be marked en route, while there was a large and respectful gathering at the church gates, only those taking part being admitted to the body of the church. 
The opening sentences of the burial service were read by the Rev. M.W. MacHutchin, while the lessson was read by the Rev. Lloyd Davies, of St.Saviour's. At the graveside the service was continued by the Rector. The aperture of the vault had been lined with crocuses and trailing ivy. The coffin which was of polished oak, and fitted with handsome brass mountings bor the inscription "Georgina Amelia Marsh Caldwell. Born 13th November 1820, Died 12th March 1900." 

A simple cross of lilies of the valley and violets from the hall was laid across it. A large number of beautiful floral tributes were received from a large number of relatives and friends.

Croydon Observer

Friday 6 April 1900

Dorking Petty Sessions.

Saturday - Before Colonel Calvert (Chairman), Colonel Lewin, Admiral Sir Leopold Heath, and J.C. Deverell, C.E. Cuthell, and J. Clift Esqs.

Cases dismissed.

Considerable time of the Court was occupied in hearing a summons against William Thirtle, secretary to the Dorking Anti-Vaccination League, for neglecting to have his child vaccinated; and against young men, named Charles Smith, Charles Jenner, John Cubitt Knight (etc) Alfred Holden and Charles Worsfold, for alleged disorderly conduct at Holmwood, on March 1, but both cases were dismissed. The latter case arose out of a demonstration on the relief of Ladysmith.

Staffordshire Sentinel

Saturday 19 May 1900

Sale of Work at Mow Cop.The parish of St.Thomas, Mow Cop, being in debt to the tune of £113 in connection with the acquirement of a new graveyard, it was recently decided by the incumbent (Rev. F.M. Haughton) and his band of parochial workers to hold a three days' sale of work. The ladies of the congregation laboured most assidiously in sewing class, making garments wherewith to stock the stalls,  - - - - 

The list of subscribers is as follows, - - - -Miss Marsh-Caldwell £1  - - - 

This was an admirable start to the sale of work itself which was opened on Thursday afternoon by Miss Mable Heath, of Biddulph Grange, in the presence of a numerous company. Miss Heath was accompanied by her father, Mr Robert Heath, and there were also present - -- 

The Vicar observed that they were delighted to welcome Miss Heath,the name of Heath being a household word in the parish, and one that was associated with every good work in the neighbourhood (applause). Miss Heath then formally declared the sale open, expressing the wish that it would be successful.

---continues-----

Record of Staff Service &c from July 1899 to June 1902

Lieutenant-Colonel F.C. Heath, R.E.

1900

12th December 1899 - 13th February 1900 - D.A.A.G. to Inspector General Line of Communication.

14th February - 4th March 1900 - A.A.G. to General Officer Commanding Orange River.

5th March - 3rd May 1900 - A.A.G. to General Officer Commanding operations in North West Provinces. * Line of Communication Order No.6 of 11th July 1900

4th May - 7th August 1900 - A.A.G. to the Lieutenant-General operating in Griqueland West. (This command was officially stated to be equivalent to the Command of a Division).

From Lieutenant-Colonel F.C. Heath R.E.

A.A.G.to G.O.C. L. of C.

Sir,

On the evacuation of HOOPSTADT I beg to make the following report of events which took place whilst I was in command. I also wish to bring to your notice the excellent behaviour of the troops and the particularly valuable work done by the Officers named hereafter.

I took over command on August 13th, 1900 from Major T.W.JONES, 3rd SOUTH WALES Borders, who had been in command since May 20th. I found the Garrison in excellent order and the defence well carried out reflecting great credit on all concerned.

A few days before my arrival the Garrison then consisted of 1/2 Battalion 3rd SOUTH WALES Border had been strengthened by the addition of No.2 Company ROYAL BERKSHIRE M.I. No.2 Company 5th NORTHUMBERLAND Fusiliers M.I. and two (guns?) 9th Batter R.A.HOOPSTADT was then in an isolated position, over 70 miles from the railway and nearest support with the TRANSVAAL to the North practically clear of English troops. There were rumours of large bodies of the enemy on the VAAL just North of us but at this time there appeared to be none South of it.

I at once organised an Intelligence Department and before long got a very good idea of what then was to the North of that River.

The District of HOOPSTADT I patrolled with my M.I. up to the VAAL to our North, 40 miles to our East and West and half way to BULTFONTEIN to the South; these patrols were carried out during August and the early part of September without oppostion; a few suspicious persons were brought in including a stranger believed to be a despatch rider.

From Lieutenant-Colonel F.C. Heath R.E.

A.A.G.to G.O.C. L. of C.

13th August 1900 - 3rd April 1901 - A.A.G. and Officer Commanding Troops and Commandant of Hoopstat Orange River Colony garrison, a mixed force of over 600 men. Hoopstadt was 80 miles from any support and was cut off for 6 months from all communications from outside when visited by a mobile column. The garrison was constantly engaged in minor operations against the enemy who kept a close watch on the place.

From Lieutenant-Colonel F.C. Heath R.E.

A.A.G.to G.O.C. L. of C.

3 September 1900

On 3rd September, an order came from Military Governor BLOEMFONTEIN, to collect all rideable horses. I at once sent the whole of my M.I. to the VAAL to distribute the District Commissioner's Government order on the subject and to cut off a few Boers who had crossed to the South bank; unfortunately these being dressed in Khaki were taken for our own  men and succeeded in making their escape. On re-inforcements arriving from across the VAAL the Mounted Infantry were forced to retire with a loss of 1 man killed and 4 men were taken prisoners; the Boers are known to have lost 2 killed, but reports gave their casualties as 5 killed. A Special report of these operations was made at the time.

The Boers now crossed in force and some 700 appeared outside HOOPSTADT and demanded surrender and took up a position 5 miles to the North. This force gradually left again for the VAAL.A reconnaissance in force however proved that the enemy remaining on the South bank was still too strong for us. This reconnoitering force was followed up to the edge of the bush some 2000 yards from the town; the enemy fired in to the town and only retired on their flanks being turned, and Maxim & Artillery fire being brought to bear on them. Our loss 1 man taken prisoner; Boers loss unknown, they being in the bush.

I now decided that the distant patrolling was no longer advisable with the force at my disposal, more especially that several wires had been received warning me of intended attack from the BOTHAVILLE direction. I therefore confined myself to endeavouring to keep the country 5 miles round HOOPSTADT clear.

Commandeering at this period was being actively carried out, but some 30 farmers escaped from the Boer Laager and came into HOOPSTADT for protection.

October 1900

After this our patrols were several times engaged but without loss. Early in October however a patrol was ambushed close to the town resulting in 1 man severely wounded; the Mounted Infantry went out to cover the retreat of the patrol, but had to retire in face of a superior force, losing 1 man taken prisoner. Except for a little sniping we were then left in comparative peace until after the departure of General SETTLE's Column on the 25th October.

24 October 1900

The force of Boers in our neighbourhood having then been reinforced by some 600 Transvaaler and Griqualand Westers, and emboldened by their success in the affair near WIXEDDRAAI (?) on the 24th made a determined effort to recapture the ten or twelve thousand head of loot stock left here by General SETTLE; the enemy some 600 or 700 strong succeeded in recapturing some of the cattle but failed in their attempts to take away the sheep. At this time our Garrison had been reduced to 400 men, one Company of Mounted Infantry and 50 dismounted men having gone to BRANDFORT on convoy duty.

This convoy consisted of 50 wagons, it had reached BULTFONTEIN on its return journey and was on the point of marching for HOOPSTADT when I received information that 300 Boers were crossing the Vet to our South with the express purpose of capturing it. I at once wired ordering the convoy and escort to remain at BULTFONTEIN until further orders.

Two hours after sending this order the wire was cut, and in spite of repeated efforts to repair it, it remained broken up to the end of the occupation.

This convoy never reached us, but its escort returned early in January helped in by General BRUCE HAMILTON's Column.

1 November 1900

On November 1st the enemy made an attempt to surprise us at 2 a.m., but on being discovered made a hastly retreat; a similar attempt with same result was made on November 10th, and again on December 4th. From October 25th to about November 20th some 800 to 1000 badly armed Boers were within striking distance of HOOPSTADT.

8 November 1900

About November 8th I got a runner frrom General HUNTER warning me to be on the look out for DE WET who was said to be moving on HOOPSTADT with 800 men and one or two guns.

20 November 1900

After November 20th the main body of Boers moved away South leaving a force of some 300 men to block our communications and worry our Cossack posts and patrols.

28 November 1900

On 28th an endeavour was made to ambush the morning patrol, which was driven in, one native scout being wounded, a force of Mounted Infantry with one gun went out a few minutes afterwards, and from reports received from natives succeeded in inflicting loss on the enemy.

15 December 1900

About this time I put my force on 3/4 biscuit rations and about 15th December went on 1/2 ration biscuits with 1/4 mealies added. The men had now been some time without tobacco, and all luxuries in the town has been consumed. Our telegraph line had been cut since November 1st, and I could get no news of any convoy. However, on the 28th we saw dust North of us, and on the 30th General BRUCE HAMILTON arrived with 90 days supplies, but with no tobacco, soap, matches or mails (we had no mails since middle of November).

23 December 1900

After General BRUCE HAMILTON left, I got into communication with the Boer Commandantes and endeavoured to get them to surrender on Lord KITCHENER's terms of 23rd December; they would not believe that we were sincere in offering these terms, and negotiations broke through.

Morning Post.

Thursday 11 October 1900

Re Miss Georgina Amelia Marsh-Caldwell Deceased. -

Pursuant to the Act of Parliment 22nd and 23rd Victoria Cap 35 intituled "An Act to Further amend the Law of Property and to relieve Trustees" Notice is Hereby Given That all Creditors and other Persons having any Claims or Demands against or upon the Estate of Miss Georgina Amelia Marsh-Caldwell late of Linley Wood, Talk-o'th'-Hill in the County of Stafford who died on the 12th day of March 1900 and whose Will together with a Codicil was proved in the Principal Registry of the Probate Division of the High Court of Justice on the 22nd day of September 1900 by Cuthbert Eden Heath Esquire, Commander Duke Arthur Crofton R.N. and John Loring Esquire the Executors named in the said Will are hereby required to Send in Full Particulars in writing of their Debts, Claims and Demands upon the Estate of the said Deceased to Messrs Barnard and Taylor of 47 Lincoln's-Inn-Fields, London, W.C. the Solicitors for the said Executors on or before the 20th day of November next after the expiration of which time the Executors will proceed to Distribute the Assets of the said Deceased among the parties entitled thereto having regard only to the Claims and Demands of which they shall then have had notice and Notice is hereby also Given that the said Executors will not be liable for the Assets or any part thereof so distributed to any Person or Persons of whose Debt. Claim or Demand they shall not then have had notice - Dated this 5th day of October 1900.

Barnard and Taylor, 47 Lincoln's-inn-Fields, Solicitors to the said Executors.

File PB101012

Part of letter

Continues

...calleth thee. The casting away the garment that as time passes gets to fit us so ill and to press on us more and more, (though with you dear Rosamond I am glad to think this does not apply) rose and came to Jesus. We are all blind men groping as best we can through life and crying out for help. And to believe that we shall receive our sight at last and follow Jesus in the way is almost the whole of my faith.

And this early spring time always gives a stimulus to my faith. Once more the heavenly power makes all things new, and domes the red plowed hills with loving blue; the black birds have their [wills?], the Thrushes too.Opens a door in Heaven; from skies of glass, a Jacobs ladder falls on greening grass; over the mountain walls young angles pass. A fellow keeping blood, the seasons line A heart look down, and up serene, secure. Warm as the crocus cup as snow drop pure.

I trust you and Louisa are well and will accept our tender and respectful sympathy, which my sister in law, Amy asks to participate in. I do not think you will mind my telling you, even in this letter, what a heavy trial we have been going through in our son Cecil a peaceful [potter?] feeling it his duty to serve his country actively in South Africa. He sailed from Queenstown this day week in the SS Kildonen Castle. In the...

(SS Kildonen Castle - H.M. Transport 44 - 1900)