http://allasonfamilyarchives.blogspot.com.au
A number of John Allason's letters have survived showing him to have had a keen interest in and knowledge of local dissenting church history, to have often been in poor health because of consumption and lumbago, and to have often been seeking to improve his low income with applications for various grants and charities. At the same time he gererously sent gifts of grouse and pheasants to his benefactors.
The letters also give a great personal insight into the sacrifices made by the Allason family as they ministered for the Lord in a very remote area of North Yorkshire moors. Rev John Allason lost his wife and 5 children between 1828 and 1834. He died 4 April 1836.
Extracts of Letters written by Rev John Allason
Extract from “The Evangelical Magazine” (p517f) 5 September 1811
The Rev John Allason was ordained
Pastor over the Society of Protestant Dissenters at the new chapel, Low Row,
Swaledale in Yorkshire. Mr Prattman of
Barnard Castle commenced the service of the day in the usual manner, delivered
an introductory discourse from Acts xiv 23, and asked the questions etc. Mr C Whitfield of Hamsterly engaged in the
ordination prayer with imposition of hands and gave the charge from John xii
26. Mr A Carnson of Cotherstone
prayed. Mr G Cook of Reeth addressed the
people from Rom xv 30 and E Stillman of Keld concluded.
This interest is considered as one of
the most ancient among the Dissenters in the north of England and was founded
by the pious Philip Lord Wharton, lord of this and neighbouring manors. His Lordship having been instrumental in
adding to the population of this dale by the introduction of a great number of
poor and ignorant people, who were employed in the lead mines, and there being
no place of worship within six miles, he fitted up a chapel, which was
occasionally supplied by his Lordship’s chaplains and afterwards more stately
by some of the ejected ministers. About
the year 1690 he gave Smarber Hall Chapel, situated in the centre of a populous
neighbourhood, and although it has been enlarged and repaired at different
times, yet was become so ruinous and really dangerous to the crowds which of
late resorted to it that a new place became absolutely necessary, and the
present one was created in 1809 which will accommodate about 500 persons.
The congregation was reduced to the
lowest state, and the place shut up during half the year when the present
minister was invited in 1806 from Uppingham in Rutland to become assistant to
the late minister. The new chapel is
well attended in the summer season but we are sorry to add that in consequence
of the great poverty of the people a considerable debt remains upon the place.
The ministers who have successively
laboured here were the Rev J Holland who removed, J Taylor died here, J Burgess
removed, T Gardner died here, having laboured in the Lord’s work upward of 50
years, J Benn his son-in-law died here, A Meanly removed, D Simpson died in
1808.
Lord Wharton by a deed dated July 12
1692 appropriated an estate near York as a perpetual fund for the purchase of
1050 bibles, with other religious books yearly to be given to the poor children
of certain parishes where he had property.
This article is not signed but it is
highly likely that is was submitted by John
Allason himself.
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Letter from John Allason to Joshua Wilson, 11 Castle St, Finsbury Square, London
Dated 26 May 1821.
Sir, I have been dilatory in answering you. The
fact is I have and still am very unwell, of a very dangerous complaint, which
will soon kill me ie spitting blood…….
……. Allow me dear Sir to impose a little trouble upon you. Be
so kind as to take the enclosed letter to Mr Field of Canonbury whom I presume
is a Trustee of the Charity left by the Rev Mr Bearman an Ejected
minister. My predecessor was favoured by
donations from the same which is a favour I at this time particularly need –
should this not be the identical gentleman you can no doubt make him out or
some other of the Trustees of that Charity to whom the letter may be
presented. You can favour me with the
result as soon as convenient. If I can
be of any service to you you have only to command your willing servant.
John Allason,
Feetham, Swaledale near Richmond, Yorks.
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Letter from John
Allason to William Field (Congregational Library ref: Hb 11/3)
Addressed to Mr Field
Esq or any other Trustee of Bearman’s Charity.
Dated 26 May 1821.
………Allow me in a few words to state a case …….. I am for some
time assistant minister and afterwards succeeded the Rev David Simpson,
Presbyterian minister of congregation in Swaledale, Yorkshire. Mr Simpson died 22 March 1808 – has been
minister here upward of 20 years – his wife Lydia sister of Dr Phillips – she
died some years previous to her husband.
They never had any children.
My family consists of 9
persons – youngest son 2 years old – my salary has not averaged more than about
60 Pounds per annum over 14 years. While I have been
here much of my time has been devoted to a small school consisting of poor lead
miner’s children of which a trifle is obtained and nothing saved as I have many
children of my own.
Am sorry to add that most unfortunately I have ruptured a blood vessel by exertion of preaching to numerous
Congregation which has materially impaired my constitution and at times
endangered my life especially when engaged in “best of causes”. My inadequate income delicate state of
health and large family reluctantly compel me to applicate for abidance in my
temperorallities.
I am induced to believe that you are the Gentleman who so
kindly befriended my predecessor by granting him donations from a Charity at
your disposal bequeathed by Rev Mr Bearman many years ago.
…….however small sum may be yet at this time it would be
peculiarly reasonable.
John Allason,
Feetham in Swaledale.
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Letter from John
Allason to Joshua Wilson Esq 11 Castle Street, Finsbury Square, London.
(Congregational Library ref: Hb 11/7)
Date 11 September 1821
(The main text is about ministers in Stockton)
…… Hope you will see Mr Field and if there is anything for me
however trifling it would be a great favour or if at any future period that
Gentleman have it in his power to serve me I hope it will for I much need it
enjoying but a poor state of health.
Adieu for this time, John Allason.
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Letter from John
Allason to Joshua Wilson (Congregational Library ref: Hb 11/8)
Dated 28 December 1821.
(extracts) Sir, my
health of late has been indifferent preventing my writing. I thank you for the trouble you have taken in
seeing Mr Field and will thank you to hand him the letter which you will be so
kind as to waxen having left it unsealed
for your inspection.
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Letter from John
Allason to Joshua Wilson (Congregational Library ref: Hb 11/14)
Undated 1823
Sir, Have sent you what in part will yield you some
information the bearer a neighbour of mine returns in the course of a few days
when you can return the letters and your observations on my last
communications. Does Lord Wharton’s Will
mention anything relative to the Charities to poor ministers. The letters sent came into my possession on
the death of our Vicar. They must be
returned as they may be of some use to me.
Pray call upon Mr Field and ask him if he received safe a brace of
grouse which I sent him last November as the only acknowledgement I had in my
power to make him for his kind present of 2 Guineas thro’ your hands. Can you lend me the memoirs of the Marquis of
Wharton send it per bearers it shall be returned. I have a wish to send some account of the
Bible Charity to be inserted in the Gentleman’s Mag in answer to some queries
made last year. I cannot refer to the
page only having borrowed the work. Such
inscription with any query you think proper might drag out some further
particular. What think you of this? The Congregation Mag I am too poor to take in
but sometimes see it – excuse my paper I have no better.
My
health is moderate – my wife has added a 7th child to our family and
I remain Dear Sir your willing servant.
John Allason
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Letter from John
Allason to Joshua Wilson (Congregational Library ref: Hb 11/15)
Dated Swaledale
November 28 1823
Dear Sir,
I received your last short note with the letters and very
acceptable gift of a Sovereign for which I beg my best thanks. In my last I desired you to take the trouble
of calling upon Mr Field and ask whether he received safe and good order a
Brace of Grouse which I sent him. I fear
he did not as I never heard from him. You will perhaps have no particular
objection to enquire of him if there is any probability of my obtaining a
little pecuniary aid from Bearman’s Charity his help and advice should be glad
of in this matter you can if you please consult the other Trustees. The Rev Dr David Simpson my predecessor
enjoyed the Charity for many years down to 1806 and he received what is called
Extra Benefaction of 5 Pounds from the Presbyterian Fund (last received
1806). The Yorkshire ministers are not
regular recipients of Presy Fund because of Lady Hewley’s Charity which is
considered as confined to this county but that is not the case, it is all over
England distributed to ministers and those denominated Presy are said to be
served in the amplest manner. Yorkshire
ministers are allowed from the Presy Fund, London, what are called Extra
Donations which are occasionally or annually voted for there at the instigation
of some Member of the Fund Board. In 1805 an Exhibition of 5 Pounds was
received by me predecessor being a part of the Rev Hen. Deerman’s Legacy at the
disposal of the Presy Fund Board. Have
you no candid feeling acquaintance known of Dr.Rees or any of the members of
the Presy Fund Board whom you could interest on my behalf in that quarter –
several of my neighbours in less necessatious circumstances than your humble
servant manage to obtain occasional benefactions. My income has decreased of
late and must suffer much more in consequence of the reduction in value of
lands my benefaction from Lady Hewley’s Charity has been reduced 5 Pounds per
annum for the above reason. My family consists of 10 persons. My two oldest I wish to place out as
Apprentices. There outfit will cost me
at least 30 Pounds which I have not a prospect of raising without charitable
abidance. None that I know have made
more sacrifices or suffered more privations considering my family circumstances
than I have done to rescue an ancient decayed cause who had a noble and pious
founder from the jaws of perdition. (during the past 17 years my salary has
averages about 60 Pounds per annum). Can you give me any particulars relative
to Durham ……
Last year in consequence of the decease of the Vicar of this
Parish and removal of 2 Curates the returns for Lord Wharton’s Bibles fell into
my hands. I preached the Annual Sermon
and have received 10/- for it from the Trustees. At my request the 60 bibles sent into
Swaledale have been divided into three equal parts and have been sent this year
one to the Vicar, one to me and another to the Curate of the chapel of ease –
this arrangement the church men do not like but they cannot hinder it – at
least I hope so.
My health is very
indifferent. I have been much employed these last 3 months
in supplying gratuitously a neighbouring congregation 8 miles distant their
minister having off collecting for a new place and 2 of my children are under the Doctor.
Am glad to be able to send you a brace of grouse which will
cost you more than they are worth hope to have a line from you soon which will
oblige your poor suppliant.
John Allason.
Attached with a pin. Side 1.
I lately saw a copy of a return of the Names and Numbers of
the Dissenting Congregational Ministers in the County of Durham sent to Wm
Smith Esq MP. I pointed out the
deficiencies which will be rectified then a copy should be sent to you. There are about 20 religious interests in the
County, 12 Independent, 7 Baptists, 6 Scotch Presbyterian, and 1 Unitarian in
Durham, one place shut up. An old place
in Hartlepool long unused Baptist I believe.
Side 2.
Perhaps you would oblige my numerous and very poor
congregation by begging of some of your numerous friends who are members of the
Book Society for Promoting Religious Knowledge among the Poor any of the books
would be useful here but more particularly Watt’s Psalms and Hymns Catechisms.
I could get a friend to call and bring them at Xmas. My Congregation formerly received donations
of books from Dr William’s bequest but I have no friend in that quarter who can
put a spoke in my wheel.
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Letter from John
Allason to Joshua Wilson (Congregational Library ref: Hb 11/19)
30 Nov 1828
My Dear Sir,
I do not forget the little acquaintance subsisting between us
– hence I make an humble effort to keep up our correspondence. I have sent you a Brace of Grouse with my
afflicted daughter had given her by a neighbouring Gent. During the last two years my family has been literally a Hospital on
account of Affliction. My eldest
daughter has been a severe sufferer for 2 years of a liver complaint and is now
in a very reduced state not likely
to survive the winter – my 2nd daughter a fine tall girl died in
April after 28 weeks of painful indisposition first in the Typhus fiver and
Consumption. 2 others of my child were
severe sufferers of the same terrible malady my poor wife is laying this moment
in a state of insensibility. I have
in my possession an account of Dr Richard Gilpin from the family, one of his
descendants – Lord of the adjoining Manor who recently furnished me with a copy
which I will send you shortly.
I remain, dear Sir, yours John Allason, Feetham, Swaledale.
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Letter from John
Allason to Joshua Wilson (Congregational Library ref: Hb 11/20)
Dated Swaledale 26
December 1828
My Dear Sir,
I am glad to have an opportunity of sending you the account
of Dr.G. I have an extensive Pedigree of
the Gilpin family which if you wish to see I will send you when transcribed.
Please to accept of my best thanks for your highly acceptable
pecuniary favour which was received quite unexpectedly but exceedingly
opportunely – give my best respects to your venerable and benevolent Father – a thousand thanks for his commiseration to
my deeply afflicted family – we are still in the furnace – my poor industrious
wife in consequence of her indefatigable labour night and day has been
dangerously ill – during more than a week she could not leave her bed – she is
thro’ mercy in the way of recovering – my eldest daughter becomes weaker and
weaker every day. For your kind
exertions with Mr Procter I feel exceedingly obliged, but I shall not send the
requested documents till against the spring meeting of the committee of the
Associate Fund lest I be considered as too clamorous.
I have no time to add more at present, then believe me dear
Sir,
Your very thankful humble servant,
John Allason,
Swaledale, 26 December 1828.
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Letter from John
Allason to Joshua Wilson (Congregational Library ref: Hb 11/21)
Dated Swaledale 18
March 1829
My dear sir,
Long protracted and deep domestic woes have kept me at home
during the two past years so that I have paid but little attention to the
subjects of our correspondence……….
………Perhaps you can obtain a few of the books given away by
the Society for Promoting religious knowledge among the poor Tracts which will
be exceedingly acceptable in this miserable country. I saw at Ravenstonedale a copy of Dr Pichies
application to the Ld Chancellor at the commencement of the lawsuit………
My eldest daughter finished a life of pain 19th January
aged 23 she had been ill upwards of two years – a week after her burial our
third daughter was attacked severely and we fear she will fall into a
consumption we have had a most distressing house now for a long time and our
troubles fall heavier and heavier upon us.
I remain dear Sir your humble
servant, John Allason, Swaledale 18
March 1829.
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Letter from John
Allason to Joshua Wilson (Congregational Library ref: Hb 11/22)
Dated Swaledale 12
December 1829
My Dear Sir,
Having hastily transcribed the document relating to the
Ravenstonedale litigation and having had 2 brace of Grouse sent me – I take the
liberty of forwarding them to you who have been a kind friend to me in my
troubles.
The hand of the Lord
still lies heavy upon my domestic circle – our eldest daughter exchanged worlds
in February she survived her next sister 9 months – our 3 daughter has never
held up her head since the day of her latter sister’s interment – she is
confined to her bed and may put on a few weeks longer.
My industrious wife who
is in the family way after a pause of 8 years has been confined to her bed
dangerously ill for a week and how her complaint will terminate is hard to say – the Game box may be returned with
the Gilpin Pedigree and if you could fill it with a few books that may be
useful for Sunday School of which we have one it will be a great favour. The Box may be left at Mrs Calvert’s Fleet St
Ivory Turner addressed to me to the care of Mr Knowles.
I remain Sir yours,
John Allason,
Swaledale, 12 December 1829.
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Letter from John
Allason to Joshua Wilson (Congregational Library ref: Hb 11/23)
Dated Swaledale 19
March 1830
My Dear Sir,
Having to send our neighbour Mr Procter I have sent you some
scraps which may be used as notes to what is recorded relative to the
unfortunate Hicks who was a native of this part of the world – I beg my best
thanks for the book tracts which I understand are left at Mrs Calverts in Fleet
St. I have requested a friend to forward
them hither.
I had a painful office of
committing to the grave my third daughter a few weeks ago she was hard by the
side of her two elder sisters. My poor
wife is very ill and has been so more than three months – my Father upwards of
83 lies at the point of death my sorrows are many and great which prevent my
lengthening my epistle.
John Allason,
Swaledale, 19 March 1830.
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Letter from John Allason to Joshua Wilson (Congregational Library ref: Hb
11/24a)
Dated Swaledale 5 November 1830.
Dear Sir,
I hope you will not think me
negligent because I have not sooner acknowledged the receipt of the acceptable
books and 3 Pounds in gold which you kindly sent me which came safe to hand.
My head, heart and hands have been full since I last wrote to you. My
family circle has been increased and decreased – my dear wife was delivered of
her 8th child a daughter on the 5th of April. Mother and
babe died within a few days of each other and were interred in the same grave
together on the 20th of last month. Mrs Allason was near 44 an
excellent wife and mother much regretted by all her acquaintances and died full
of hope as to a better world. During the short period of two and half years six
of my family have sickened and died – my beloved partner to whom I was married
when she was under 16 – my aged father upward of 83 and 4 amiable daughters. My own state of health and that of my two
eldest surviving children is very indifferent.
We have a dreary winter to encounter in an inhospitable climate –
upwards of 300 people have emigrated from this township during the six month past
in search of employment, the poor rates are 2 Pounds per acre upon some of the
lands and the greatest distress prevails.
I am glad to have it in my power to
send you 2 Brace of Grouse. I begged
them for you of Mrs Gilpin the Lady of our neighbouring Manor. Please to accept
of my best thanks for the money wh was exceedingly acceptable under our
expensive sufferings which have been very considerable above my income &
have involved me in some debts wh I cannot at present defray without the aid of
my friends.
Should you never hear from me again believe me my dear Sir your truly
grateful tho’ present sorrowing & suffering humble servant.
John Allason,
November 5 1830, Feetham, Swaledale, near Richmond, Yorkshire.
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Letter from John Allason to James Gibson Esq, Great St Helen’s, London (Dr Williams Library ref:
L/53/3/68/1)
Dated 25 February 1831
Hon Sir,
I received your kind epistle in which
you were so good as to permit me to draw upon you for the acceptable sum of 10
Pounds which I have done. I now beg to
return you a thousand thanks for your very opportune favour. I regret to learn that you are again
indisposed. I can sympathise with you
having been a suffered since Christmas. By over-exertion in preaching I brought on
a dangerous complaint to which I have been occasionally subject for 26 years –
a spitting of blood which continued two days alarmingly. I had
recourse to Spruce on black beer which I believe relieved me – was next
attacked by lumbago so severely as to be unable to walk without the aid of two
stick. Thank God I have been able to
discharge my Ministerial labours.
I received a letter the other day
from the friends of my dear wife, which says that they were glad to have it in
their power to send you something, which they had sent carriage paid, but did
not specify what was sent so that I cannot augur what the irregularity was to
which you allude in your letter, unless that some part of the contents of the
basket had been purloined.
Mrs Allason was a native of Uppingham in Rutland where I married her
about 26 years ago. There her friends reside. There I ministered about 5 years as successor
to Rev Wm Wardup, his being raised to the Classical chair at Wymondley College.
My wife’s sister came to see her before she died. I desired her to end you a Hare or brace of
Pheasants or both by some safe hand as I was under very great obligation to you
for the pecuniary favours you had sent to our poor suffering family.
During the short space of 27 years our domestic circle has suffered
egregiously by Typhus and Consumption. I
have buried my father aged 83 – four daughters- but my most painful bereavement
is the death of my dear industrious wife.
She exchanged worlds in a happy frame of mind aged near 43 after being
mother of 8 children. She and her infant
7 months were interred together – a trying scene.
During the last 6 months upwards of 600 persons have emigrated in all
directions out of this township. They
have been literally starved off. Here is
work enough but next to nothing for it.
The Miners dig and delve in the rocks 200 yards below the surface, but
if they obtain no Ore they receive nothing for their dangerous toil. Only 9d a month many have received. Many have providentially met with employment
in the Coal Pits, upon the line of the Stockton railway in the County of Durham
where they obtain from 15s to 20s per week.
Have sent you a tasty trifle – a
cheese and 3 tongues which I hope will come safe to hand and be
acceptable. My pen cannot describe in
adequate terms the gratitude I feel for your commiseration towards me and my
poor motherless children. I beg you to
excuse my prolixity & tautology.
Believe me My Dear Sir, your very thankful
but much troubled humble servant.
John Allason.
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Letter from John Allason to Joshua Wilson (Congregational Library ref: Hb
11/25)
Dated Swaledale 10 November 1831
My Dear Sir,
I at length return you my best thanks
for the kind and very useful donation of 3 Sovereigns which you sent me last
year by Mr Procter’s parcel. My health and spirits have been indifferent
since the loss of my amiable wife. I
have many difficulties to cope with in my family in this poor wretched country
out of wh an amazing number of people have necessitated to remove & my
eldest son lately among them – he left his distressed parent bought baggage
intending to embark for America. He then
married a wife who had engaged to go with him but they shall remain in England. I am truly sorry to be so circumstanced as to
be obliged to apply for help from the Associate Fund – have sent you some
Grouse, some scraps & an old book. I
should be glad of a line when convenient.
I remain yours etc, John Allason
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Letter from John Allason to Joshua Wilson (Congregational Library ref: Hb
11/26)
Received October 22nd 1832
My Dear Sir,
I have sent you a poor communication
with some Grouse also my best thanks for the Sovereign & book you so kindly
sent me by Mr Procter’s parcel. My state of health is very imperfect – I
fancy I shall not be much longer in this vale of tears. I have 4 poor motherless children to leave
behind me which troubles me much.
My eldest son by an accident received a confusion on the head wh has
affected his brain & I fear rendered him useless. This has been a source of much trouble &
expense to me wh is likely to continue.
Some of the ministers in this part of England suffer
egregiously by the suspension of Lady Hewley’s charity. Some of them are obliged to go round the
country as Mendicants, a neighbour of mine is come to London to beg and being
acquainted with Lord Brougham means to hear from this charity that truly
philandthropic institution. The Associate Fund assisted some of us in our
distresses, am sorry to say have withdrawn their charity from the North this
altogether with the want of Lady H’s bounty
places us very awkwardly not knowing wh way to turn ourselves – near
half the population of this neighbourhood are forced to to seek work &
bread & such as remain are generally miserably poor, shall be glad to hear
from you & it will afford me great pleasure to be able to furnish you with
any information I can meet with – were I not much confined with a family I
would go to the Antiquarians of Dm & see what they have relative to the
University.
With due respect I remain yours etc.
John Allason.
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Letter from John Allason to Joshua Wilson, Pinners Hall, London (Congregational Library ref: Hb
11/28)
Dated Swaledale Nov 16 1833
My Dear Sir,
Am glad to have it in my power to
send you a humble thank offering for your great kindness to me last year for
5Pounds procured from the Rev Gent at Redcross St. I thank you for the books and Sovereign sent
by Mr Procter. The last and present years have been the most
trying in my life in consequence of the affliction of my eldest son, who at
times threatens to put an end to his life – my 2nd son in on trial
as an apprentice to a Tailor to
finish his outfit fee will put me about, excuse brevity and believe me your
very grateful Servant.
John Allason.
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Letter from John Allason to Joshua Wilson (Congregational Library ref: Hb
11/29)
Rec’d Oct 30 1834
Hon Sir,
I am glad to have it in my power to
send you a humble thank offering for your kind remembrances of me and which is
the only communication I have at this time.
I return you my best thanks for your
short note and acceptable pecuniary contents forwarded to me my Mrs Procter’s
parcel. My domestic sorrows have been upward of 7 years duration. My eldest son became deranged two years ago. He has
also been attacked with a liver complaint by which he has been dying by inches
during 9 months past. On the 10th
he exchanged worlds and appeared well prepared for his great change. This long
and severe family visitation has been a copious source of woe and expense to
your humble servant. John Allason.
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Letter from John Allason to Joshua Wilson (Congregational Library ref: Hb
11/30)
Rec’d Nov 1835
Hon Sir,
I sent you 2 Brace of Grouse last
year addressed to you at the Congregational Library. Did you receive them? I have sent you two more – was sorry to hear
of your serious indisposition by Mrs Procter.
Hope you have recovered.
I regret to say that I have been confined
to my bed near 6 weeks – have suffered egregious pain and been compelled to
have a great deal of expensive medical attendance and medicine wh I can ill
afford. My illness was occasioned by the
severe labours of a Sabbath on which I preached twice at home and performed
extra services, rode 10 miles in the evening and preached on my return in the
evening I got drenched in wet wh brought on a severe and dangerous palpitation
of the heart and my limbs became paralysed with rheumatism.
Mr Procter am
sorry to say hints that I am not to expect any further relief from the A Fund
because I have been so frequent a recipient and also because no money is raised
for the fund by any of the opulent Congregations in Yorkshire. I shall venture to send my Case and hope for
some help however small as I shall have an ugly medical bill to discharge as
soon as I can raise the money – should you have any parcel or communication for
me please to leave it to the care of Mr R Knowles No5 Lawrence Lane and it will
be sent hither.
I have much to ask but am indisposed
that I must lay down my pen, hope to hear from you soon and believe me your
most respectful, John Allason,
Feetham, Swaledale near Richmond, Yorkshire.
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If you have any corrections or comments, please contact the author, Joy Olney by email: joyolney@gmail.com
