IPSWICH RAILWAY STATION MASTER 1857 – 1890
Born: 9th November 1823, Dumfries, Dumfriesshire, Scotland.
Father: JAMES NIBLOE was born in 1786 in Dumfries, Dumfriesshire. James was a boot and shoemaker at 26, Friars Vennel, Dumfries, and held the coveted position of Convener of the Trades. James Nibloe died on the 24th October 1841, at Dumfries, and was buried at St. Michael’s Churchyard, Dumfries.
Mother: MARY NIBLOE (nee Miller) was born in 1795 in Dumfries. Mary Nibloe died on the 12th April 1861, at Dumfries, and was buried at St. Michael’s Churchyard, Dumfries.
SIBLINGS:
ISABELLA NIBLOE was born on the 28th June 1815, at Dumfries. On the 1st June 1835, at Dumfries, Isabella married George McGeorge, born 1804, at Edinburgh, employed in the postal service as a mail guard between Edinburgh and Dumfries. George McGeorge died on the 11th June 1839, in Dumfries. Isabella and the late George McGeorge had one son, born in August 1839, in Dumfries.
Young George McGeorge was employed with the railway as a clerk, and Isabella moved to live with George wherever he was posted. When George married, Isabella lived with her brother William Nibloe at his home of 1, Albany Place, Dumfries. Isabella McGeorge died on the 27th November 1871 at 1, Albany Place, Dumfries and was buried at St. Michael’s Churchyard.
WILLIAM NIBLOE was born on the 9th October 1815, at Dumfries, and baptised on the 12th October 1915, in Dumfries. On the 4th June 1850, at the New Church, Dumfries, by the Reverend Alexander Shepherd, William married Caroline Scott Howat, born 21st April 1815, Dumfries, and baptised on the 23rd April 1815, Dumfries – daughter of Alexander Howat, a butcher, who as Convener of the Guild, ruled over it right jovially, and Elizabeth Howat (nee McGuffog), of Assembly Street, Dumfries. Caroline and William had no children.
Caroline Nibloe died on the 6th April 1868, at 1, Langlans, Dumfries, and was buried at St. Michael’s Churchyard, Dumfries.
William succeeded in his father’s shoe and boot maker business at 26, Friars’ Vennel, but subsequently removed to a larger and more central premises, at 86, High Street. In 1850, William began to stock American Over Shoes – or India Rubber Goloshes, beautifully made, both as regards shape and lightness. There, he developed an extensive trade, his connection being to a large extent among the county families. He was a gentleman of Liberal views in politics and took a lively interest in national and municipal questions, but, although invited on several occasions to become a candidate for the Town Council, William always declined to enter public life. In June 1886, William, compelled by failing health, began selling his stock of shoes and boots. He eventually retired from business, being laid aside by illness. Dumfries and Galloway Standard – Saturday, 10th August 1889
William Nibloe died on the 9th August 1889, at Cherrytrees, near Dumfries, and late of 1, Albany Place. The funeral service was held on Monday, 12th August, before burial at St. Michael’s Churchyard.
THOMAS NIBLOE was born on the 20th June 1819, at Dumfries, and baptised on the same day. Thomas married Jane. They made their home and business at The Sun Inn, 24 – 25, Noel Street, Westminster. Jane and Thomas had one son, James Nibloe, born at The Sun Inn in January 1843; James was 2 years and 4 months old when he died in April 1845 at The Sun Inn.
Thomas Nibloe died on the 18th September 1857, at the Hamilton and Tait’s Hotel, Goulburn Road, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, and was buried on the 21st September 1857, at Heathcote Cemetery, Victoria.
JAMES NIBLOE was born on the 10th July 1821, at Dumfries, and baptised 13th July 1921, in Dumfries. James was a boot and shoe manufacturer and a Warehouseman in trade at 2 ½ Church Street, Haverstock Hill.
Stock in trade at 2 ½ Church Street
On the 2nd September 1852, at St. Pancras Church, Middlesex, James, of St. Dunstan, Stepney, married Harriett Rogers, a minor aged 20 years, born 13th June 1832, St. Pancras – second daughter of Henry Robert Rogers, of the Bank of England, and Elizabeth Rogers (nee Wilson),
On the 25th August 1852, Harriett’s widowed mother, Elizabeth Rogers, made oath that she consented to the marriage of her daughter Harriett to James Nibloe
Leather and Boot Merchant 112, Adelaide Road, and of 2 ½ Church Street, Spitalfields, Middlesex
Harriett and James had six children.
James Nibloe died on the 20th December 1867, at his home of 112, Adelaide Road, Haverstock Hill.
Harriett Nibloe died 5th February 1904, at her home at 98, Chichele Road, Cricklewood, Middlesex.
JOSEPH NIBLOE was born on the 3rd November 1825, at Dumfries, and baptised on the 4th November 1825, in Dumfries. Joseph Nibloe died on the 23rd October 1832, in Dumfries, and was buried at St. Michael’s Churchyard.
GEORGE NIBLOE was born on Christmas Day, 1827, at Dumfries and baptised on the 29th December 1827, in Dumfries. George Nibloe died on the 2nd January 1829, in Dumfries, and was buried at St. Michael’s Churchyard.
MARY NIBLOE was born on the 27th April 1830, Dumfries, and baptised on the 30th April 1830, Dumfries – died 23rd October 1832, Dumfries, and buried at St. Michael’s Churchyard.
JANET NIBLOE was born on the 12th March 1832, Dumfries, and baptised on the 15th March 1832, Dumfries – died 14th March 1833, Dumfries, and buried at St. Michael’s Churchyard.
GEORGINA NIBLOE was born on Christmas Day, 1835, at Dumfries and baptised on the 29th December 1835 in Dumfries. Georgina was educated at the Dumfries Academy. On the 9th June 1865, at 36, Whitfield Place, Leith Walk, Midlothian, Scotland, Georgina married Robert Douglas, a commercial traveller, born on the 7th June 1836, at Kirkmabreck, Kirkcudbrightshire and baptised on the 19th June 1836, Kirkmabreck. Georgina and Robert had four children, two of whom survived to adulthood, and their family home at Stirling Road, Glasgow.
Georgina Douglas died on the 8th October 1916, at Clifford Street, Glasgow, Lanarkshire.
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On the 2nd October 1857, at Holy Trinity Church, Great Shelford, Cambridgeshire, by the Reverend W. T. Handcock, 21 year old John, a station clerk, married 20 year old Lucinda Angior Levett, born on the 10th December 1831, at Cambridge, and baptised on the 4th January 1832, at Holy Trinity Church – the 9th daughter of James and Charlotte Levett, of No. 1, Brandon Place, Cambridge.
JAMES LEVETT was born in 1791 in Cambridge. He was a bookbinder. James had a disease of the spine and was afflicted with rheumatism; in July 1851, he was 61 years old when he applied for the vacancy at the Victoria Asylum. He had six living children, one having been bedridden for three years, and one was a cripple. James Levett died on the 26th January 1867, at the Victoria Asylum, and was buried on the 31st January 1867, at Chesterton.
CHARLOTTE LEVETT (nee Spurge) was born on the 14th April 1790, in Felsted, Essex, and baptised on the 16th June 1790, at the Independent Meeting House, Bocking End, Essex. Charlotte Levett died in 1864 in Chesterton, Cambridgeshire, and was buried on 2nd March 1864 in Chesterton.
Lucinda and John Nibloe had four sons:
JAMES JOHN NIBLOE was born on the 15th July 1852, at Hertford, Hertfordshire, and baptised on the 8th August 1852, at All Saints and St. John’s Church, Hertford. After three weeks of Banns being read at St. Mary’s Church, Islington, Middlesex, 22 year old James, on the 27th February 1875, at St. Mary The Virgin Church, Mistley, Essex, married Eliza Ann Thompson, born 1855, Mistley – daughter of Robert Thompson, a master mariner and Captain of the spooner “Wimbledon Park, and Eliza Thompson, a grocer, of Mistley Green, Essex. Eliza and James had eight children, seven of whom survived to adulthood.
James Nibloe, like his father, John Nibloe, was employed with the Great Eastern Railway. He served with the Great Eastern Railway from his youth, and as station master at Yaxham, Norfolk, Dennington Road, Suffolk, Haughley, Suffolk, Attleborough, Norfolk, Thetford, Norfolk, Beccles, Suffolk, Lowestoft, Suffolk, and Colchester, Essex, where, after 7 ½ years, he retired.
After James retired in 1915, he moved with Eliza to Flitwick, Bedfordshire. He became a member of St. Peter and St. Paul Church, Flitwick, where he served as churchwarden for many years. In December 1923, James and Eliza visited their daughters in Stratton, Cornwall. A short while after their time away, on Tuesday, 18th December 1923, James Nibloe died at his home at Rose Cottage, Ampthill Road, Flitwick. In 1926, James’ widow, Eliza Nibloe, moved from Flitwick to live with her daughters at Stratton in Cornwall. Eliza Nibloe died in 1928.
WILLIAM HENRY NIBLOE was born on the 22nd July 1854, at Hertford, Hertfordshire, and baptised on the 21st August 1854, at All Saints and St. John Church, Hertford. After three weeks of Banns being read at St. Peter’s Church, Ipswich, William on the 9th January 1883, at St. Mary’s Church, Bures Hamlet, Essex, married Elizabeth Alma Baxter, born 6th October 1854, at the Ostrich Inn, Wherstead, Suffolk – daughter of Enos Page Baxter, a brewer and licensed victualler of The Swan Inn, Bures Hamlet (formerly of The Ostrich Inn until October 1881 when the tenancy expired), and Mary Ann Baxter (nee Oxborrow). Elizabeth and William had seven children, six of whom survived to adulthood.
William Nibloe, like his father, John Nibloe, was employed with the Great Eastern Railway as a Railway Clerk first at Colchester with his brother Frank, and then at Ipswich Railway Station. The Nibloe family made their home at 21, Orchard Street, Ipswich and later at 29, Gippeswyk Road, Ipswich.
William Nibloe died on the 30th May 1921, at his residence 29, Gippeswyk Road, Ipswich and was buried at Ipswich Old Cemetery after a funeral service at St. Mary Stoke Church, Ipswich. Elizabeth Nibloe died after a long illness on the 7th January 1936, at 2, Eastern Crescent, Chelmsford, Essex – the family home of her daughter, Pauline Steward (nee Nibloe). The funeral was held on Saturday, 11th January at Chelmsford Cemetery.
CHARLES MILLER NIBLOE was born on the 12th March 1857, at Lexden, Essex, and baptised on the 10th April 1857, at St. Leonard’s Church, Lexden. Charles Nibloe died on the 20th December 1859, at St. Mary Stoke, Ipswich, aged 2 years and 9 months, and was buried at St. Mary Stoke Church, Ipswich.
FRANK LEVETT NIBLOE was born on the 17th December 1859, at St. Mary Stoke, Ipswich, and baptised on New Year’s Day, 1860, at St. Mary Stoke Church. In 1881, at Colchester, Essex, Frank married Jane Hephzibah Alston, born on New Year’s Day, 1860, in Hertford, Hertfordshire – the daughter of Thomas Alston, a bricklayer (died 1868, in Colchester, aged 48 years), and Caroline Alston (nee Hammond), a tailoress–coat maker of Colchester. After the death of her father, Jane lived with her paternal aunt and uncle – Samuel Nevard, a railway platelayer for the Great Eastern Railways, and Hephzibah Nevard (nee Alston), of Bergholt Road, Mile End, Colchester. Frank and Jane had no children.
Frank Nibloe, like his father, John Nibloe, was employed with the Great Eastern Railway. In 1877, Frank became a booking clerk at Colchester Railway Station, where he served for 16 years. In September 1893, he was appointed Station Master at Derby Road railway station in Ipswich. During his time in Ipswich, he was the choir master of St. Bartholomew’s Church. Frank was next appointed to Burnt Mill railway station, where he served for eleven years. In August 1909, Frank was appointed station master at Harlow after Mr. Charles Samuel Vassar Cudbird was promoted to George Lane Station, South Woodford. During his time at Harlow, Frank was a scoutmaster for eight years, of the 1st Harlow troop of boy scouts and served as secretary of the Harlow and Bishop Stortford Branch of the G.E.R. Ambulance Corps. During the Great War, he rendered valuable service as a first section leader in the local Voluntary Aid Detachment. Frank took a keen interest in all matters connected with the church and was a member of the St. Mary and St. Hugh Church Choir for nine years.
In March 1920, Mr. David Willie Skuffham, the station master at Sudbury, retired after fifty years’ service. Frank was appointed the new station master.
In the evening of Sunday, 5th September 1920, Frank was walking to St. Gregory’s Church, Sudbury, when he collapsed and fell to the pavement. He was taken to the nearest cottage at No. 5, Gaol Lane, but died before the doctor arrived. The body was conveyed by train and hearse to St. Mary and St. Hugh Church, Harlow, Essex, for the funeral service, which was fully choral, followed by burial at St. Mary and St. Hugh Churchyard, Harlow.
After the death of her husband, Jane Nibloe returned to Harlow. She died on the 23rd January 1947, at her home of 70, St. Andrews Street, Harlow, and was buried at St. Mary and St. Hugh Churchyard, Harlow.
On the 29th December 1859, twelve days after giving birth to her son, Lucinda Nibloe died, aged 28 years, and was buried at Ipswich Old Cemetery.
CENSUS
1851 Eastern Counties Railway Station, Great Shelford, Cambridgeshire.
John was 27 years old and a Station Master for Eastern Counties Railway.
1861 Eastern Counties Railway Station, St. Mary Stoke, Ipswich.
John was 37 years old and a Station Master. He was a widower and head of the household.
sister-in-law, Clementina Benstead Levett, Housekeeper, 23, born Cambridge, Cambridgeshire.
James Nibloe, 8.
William Nibloe, 6.
Frank Nibloe, 1.
1 female general domestic servant.
1871 Station Master’s House, Railway Station, Ranelagh Road, Ipswich.
John was 47 years old and a Railway Station Master. He was married and head of the household.
Jemima Nibloe, 30.
James Nibloe, 18 years old, a Railway Clerk.
William Nibloe, 16, a Railway Clerk.
Frank Nibloe, 11.
Kathleen Nibloe, 2
1 female general domestic servant.
1881 Great Eastern Railway, Ranelagh Road, Ipswich.
John was 57 years old and a Station Master. He was married and head of the household.
Jemima, 40.
Kathleen, 12.
1 female general domestic servant.
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On the 8th April 1867, at St. John at Hampstead, Middlesex, by the Reverend Henry Sharpe, John married Jemima Martha Morris, born 27th August 1840, in Crowland, Lincolnshire – the fourth daughter of Thomas and Sophia Morris, of Wix Lodge, Essex.
THOMAS MORRIS was born on the 21st January 1811, at Weston, Shropshire. He was a farmer of 227 acres and employed 11 labourers and 3 boys. Thomas Morris died on the 14th August 1879, at Wix Lodge, after a short illness, and was buried at St. Mary’s Churchyard, Wix, Essex.
SOPHIA MORRIS (nee Howard), born New Year’s Day, 1826, at Falkenham, Suffolk, and baptised on the 3rd June 1827, at St. Ethelbert’s Church, Falkenham. On the 30th December 1894, Sophia Morris died at 6, High Street, Mistley, Essex.
Jemima and John Nibloe had one daughter:
KATHLEEN NIBLOE born 1868, Ipswich, and baptised at St. Mary Stoke Church, Ipswich. Kathleen was educated at Ipswich High School for Girls and continued her education at Newnham College, Cambridge, after accepting a three-year scholarship. Kathleen Nibloe, a school governess, died on the 18th May 1892, at 117, Alexandra Road, Wimbledon, Surrey and was buried on the 21st May 1892, Wimbledon.
E.A.D.T. – Saturday, 21st May 1892 – THE DEATH OF MISS KATHLEEN NIBLOE – The sad and sudden death of Miss Kathleen Nibloe calls for ampler and more sympathetic notice than the formal announcement which has already appeared in the E.A.D.T. Entering the Ipswich High School for Girls in April 1878, on the first day of its opening, the young lady now deceased was one of the most gifted and distinguished pupils of that flourishing institution. The premature close of her life-work, as it seems to be in human estimation, was extremely sorrowful news not only to the esteemed headmistress (Miss Youngman) and her staff of teachers, but also to many past and present pupils with whom Miss Kathleen Nibloe was associated during nine happy years of school life and training. The story of her girlhood is an unbroken record of steady application and well-won success. Miss Kathleen Nibloe was only nine years of age when she became a pupil of Miss Youngman; she passed from the first form to the sixth and was always at the head of her form. In 1884, she won the Company’s scholarship of £15 for two years. At Christmas, 1885, she passed the Senior Cambridge Examination, First Class, with honours, and was “distinguished” in Latin, French, music, and drawing. As a result of that examination, Kathleen was offered a scholarship at both Girton and Newnham, and, accepting the scholarship at Newnham (£35 for three years), she began residence in October 1887. Meantime, in June of the same year, at the end of her school course, she matriculated in honours at the University of London. The young “girl graduate” was three years at Newnham, reading for the Classical Tripos Examination, which she passed in 1890. The death of her father, the much-respected station master at Ipswich, occurred before that important event in her educational career, and upon leaving College, Kathleen Nibloe went to reside with her mother at Wimbledon. For a short time, she was professionally engaged in the High School for girls at that place, but lately she has been a teacher of Latin and Greek classes in private families of distinction. There was every reason to hope that good and conscientious work in maturer years would set the seal upon the bright promise of her youthful achievements. At school, she had enjoyed excellent health; in her own personality, she typified the ideal of a sound mind in a sound body; and the message sent to Miss Youngman, that the young lady had died “suddenly of peritonitis, after 24 hours of severe pain,” was therefore received with inexpressible surprise and sadness. As an expression of sympathy with Mrs. Jemima Nibloe, herself a lady of notable accomplishments, although an invalid, a wreath has been sent to Wimbledon by Miss Youngman, the teachers, and past and present pupils of the school. The deceased young lady was the only child of Mr. John Thompson Nibloe by his widow and second wife. In the heart-rending bereavement which has befallen her, the only consolation that can be offered is the unanimous tribute of respect paid to the memory of a loving daughter. “She was a remarkable girl,” said Miss Youngman, “thoughtful and well-balanced in every way, and most devoted to her mother.”
E.A.D.T. – Tuesday, 24th May 1892 – THE LATE MISS NIBLOE – The mortal remains of Miss Kathleen Nibloe were laid to rest on Saturday afternoon, in the quiet, picturesque Cemetery at Wimbledon, with every mark of affectionate sympathy, she having won love and esteem of all in the neighbourhood during her brief residence there. The coffin was laden with a wealth of beautiful blossoms, the gifts of devoted friends; from pupils at Hampton Court Palace, lilies of the valley and forget-me-nots; from the teachers at Wimbledon High School, a lovely cross and wreath of orchids, arum lilies, narcissi, and maidenhair ferns, from former pupils there; wreaths and crosses also from friends at Wimbledon, Mrs. Townley, Mrs. Lamotte, Mrs. Roberts, Mrs. Rutter, Mrs. Bass, Miss Carver, and others, from the Ipswich High School, a beautiful wreath, arum lilies, orchids, and maiden-hair ferns; from Miss Gertrude Weldon, Ipswich, a choice wreath; from her brother, Mr. Nibloe, Attleborough, a lovely wreath of orchids, lilies and maidenhair ferns; from her cousins. Agnes and Jessie Eagle, of Wix, a wreath of roses, lilies, and maidenhair ferns. Great sympathy is felt and shown for Mrs. Jemima Nibloe in this overwhelming sorrow.
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On Saturday, 21st December 1889, John Nibloe, who had never before been off duty on account of sickness, was compelled to leave his post. It is said that for nearly two years previously, he must at times have been an intense sufferer, and that only his resolute will and nerve enabled him to discharge the responsibilities of his office without complaint.
Once laid aside, however, John was never again able to resume active service. The malady from which he suffered was fistula. Dr. Bartlet and Dr. Hertherington were his medical attendants, and up to Sunday last, some hopes of his recovery were entertained. Later in the week, however, he was too prostrate to undergo an intended operation. On Thursday morning, John was much worse, and his attendants foresaw his death.
John Thompson Nibloe died at his residence shortly before six o’clock on Thursday, the 20th February 1890.
E.A.D.T. – Friday, 21st February 1890 – DEATH OF MR. J. T. NIBLOE – The inhabitants of Ipswich, and the travelling public by the Great Eastern Railway, will learn with deep regret that Mr. John Thompson Nibloe, for so many years station master at Ipswich, died at his residence on Thursday evening. Although the sad event was not unexpected, it came at last with apparent suddenness.
E.A.D.T. – Wednesday, 26th February 1890 – FUNERAL OF MR. J. T. NIBLOE – The grave on Tuesday afternoon closed over the remains of the late John Thompson Nibloe, station master at Ipswich, whose long and honourable career in the service of the Great Eastern Railway Company was testified to by the large and representative gathering of fellow workers who paid a last tribute over his bier. The body was borne from the Nibloe residence at the Station on an open funeral car, drawn by two horses. There was no pall over the massive, polished oak coffin, with brass fittings; but notwithstanding the desire of the widow, the lid was covered with some beautiful floral tributes, contributed by the General Manager, the District Superintendent, the Station staff, the engine drivers and firemen, and Mr. Peter Bruff. The funeral procession was marshalled in the station square, the head being formed of representatives from various railway departments.
Following the hearse were the family mourning coaches. The cortege first proceeded to St. Mary Stoke Church, where John Nibloe, for many years, worshipped. After the funeral service, the procession wended its way to the Cemetery, the route taken being Commercial Road, Wolsey Street, Princes Street, Tavern Street, Northgate Street, Woodbridge Road, etc. Being market day, the streets were well filled by people, many of whom respectfully saluted as the car passed.
The concluding portion of the burial service was read by the Reverend Canon Bulstrode at the graveside.
Probate to Jemima Nibloe – widow, of Ipswich, and James John Nibloe – son, a Railway Station Master, of Haughley, Suffolk.
In March 1895, John Dale, an Inspector at Ipswich Station for the Great Eastern Railway for 33 years, died at his home at 83, Burrell Road, Ipswich, aged 60. After the funeral service held at St. Mary Stoke Church, the body of John Dale was interred in close proximity to that of his late chief, Mr. John Thomson Nibloe, under whom he worked for a great number of years.
THE NIBLOE FUND
E.A.D.T. – Wednesday, 22nd June 1892 – On Tuesday morning, a meeting, convened by Mr. Roger Kerrison, at whose suggestion the NIBLOE FUND was started, was held at the Bank, Ipswich, to decide as to the best method of applying the money. It will be remembered that the total sum obtained is £269. Mr. William Alexander was voted chair, and there were also present Miss Youngman, Mr. Roger Kerrison, Mr. Flower, Dr. Bartlett, Mr. H. F. Harwood, Dr. Durrant, and Mr. Robert Maplestone Miller. It was unanimously decided that after paying the expenses of Mrs. Nibloe to the home, that the balance of the fund should be devoted to the payment of the moiety of the annual amount required for Mrs. Nibloe’s maintenance at the home, half having been contributed by Miss Gladstone, of Cambridge. The money is to be deposited in Messrs. Gurneys’ Bank, and with the interest added, is expected to last 12 years. The money was vested in the names of Mr. Kerridon, Dr. Bartlett, and Miss Youngman, as bailees. In the event of Mrs. Nibloe not surviving the exhaustion of the money, the trustees will be at liberty to devote it to any charity.
Jemima Martha Nibloe died on the 20th October 1894, at Whetstone, Middlesex.
Probate to Jane Hannah Eagle (wife of Charles Eagle) – sister, of Wix Lodge, Wix, Essex.
Ipswich Journal – Saturday, 1st December 1894 – DISTRIBUTION OF THE NIBLOE FUND – A meeting of the subscribers to the fund raised for the benefit of the late Mrs. Jemima Nibloe was held under the presidency of the Mayor of Ipswich, Dr. John Henry Barlet, when it was resolved, in consequence of the death of Mrs. Nibloe, to distribute the surplus as follows: –
For scholarships for girls at the Ipswich High School, 75gns.
Ipswich and East Suffolk Hospital, 50gns.
Hope House Orphanage, 30gns.
Nurses’ Home, 20gns.
Working Girls’ Club, 10gns.
St. Helen’s Orphanage and Training School, 10gns.
Young Women’s Christian Association, 10gns.
Ipswich Crèche, 10gns.
The feeling of the meeting was that, as the funds were to a large extent contributed by friends of the late Mrs. Jemima Nibloe, the remaining money should be devoted to such institutions as are mainly beneficial to women and girls.
E.A.D.T. – Tuesday, 4th December 1894 – IPSWICH HIGH SCHOOL – Through an Award made by the Trustees of the “Nibloe Fund,” three scholarships are offered to daughters of widows of limited means, resident in this town or neighbourhood. Each Scholarship will be tenable for two years, and will begin in January of 1895, 1896, and 1897, respectively. The Scholarships will be decided by a competitive examination. They are intended for girls over 14 years of age, not at present attending the High School. Applications for 1895 may be made on or before the 8th December to Miss Youngman, from whom further particulars can be obtained.
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SERVICE WITH THE GREAT EASTERN RAILWAY
Chelmsford Chronicle – Friday, 9th February 1855 – THE EASTERN COUNTIES RAILWAY COMPANY have appointed Mr. John Thompson Nibloe, late of Hertford Station, to the office of Station Master at Colchester, Essex, in the place of Mr. Francis, who has left the company’s service for a post in a manufacturing establishment at Maldon.
Herts Guardian – Tuesday, 30th January 1855 – EASTERN COUNTIES RAILWAYS – Mr. John Nibloe, who has filled the office of Station Master at Hertford about 3 years, has been promoted to Colchester Station. Mr. Nibloe managed the duties of this rather difficult and important station with great tact and energy, managing to secure the esteem of the public for his courtesy, while he at the same time strictly enforced the regulations of the Company we lose Mr. Nibloe with regret, and the Company in promoting him, have fitly acknowledged the un-presuming claims of a faithful and valuable servant.
Bury Free Press – Saturday, 29th November 1856 – “TO HAMBURG WITH THE GERMANS” – On Thursday, 27th November, an incident, occasioning no small merriment to the spectators, occurred on the departure of the train conveying 500 discharged German soldiers of the British German Legion from Colchester to Harwich, for embarkation to Hamburg. A female, having been suspected of being bribed or smuggled into the train under the cover of the soldiers! Major Raines, assistant quartermaster-general and Mr. John Nibloe, station master, were for some time in active search to discover the secreted fair one. At length, the keen eyes of the Major, in glancing along the rows of German soldiers, rested on a certain suspicious invisible form, sitting in upright posture, and, throwing aside the ample folds of the martial cloak, exposed to view the figure of a country-looking girl, of about 16, who was hidden from bonnet to shoes behind it. An outburst of laughter from the Germans followed the discovery of the lady, who was commanded to come forth, and on being handed out of the carriage, looked amazingly silly at the exposé of her little tricks to “hoodwink” the eyes of the military and civil authorities. When asked where she was going, she said, “to Hamburg with the Germans;” and on being told she must be a simpleton, as they would be sure to leave her when she got there, she pertly replied, she didn’t care if they did, and, taking a “last fond look” at the “Cousins-German,” left the platform.
Essex Herald – Tuesday, 21st April 1857 – RAILWAY APPOINTMENTS – Mr. John Thompson Nibloe, for some years Station Master at Colchester, had been appointed to a similar post at Ipswich Station, and has been succeeded at the former station by Mr. Gilby, of Romford Station. Mr. Dorling, formerly one of the district superintendents and late Station Master at Ipswich, was appointed to Stratford, it is said, at a considerably reduced salary, but he has preferred quitting the company’s service.
Suffolk Mercury – Saturday, 18th January 1862 –ATTEMPTING TO DEFRAUD THE RAILWAY COMPANY – At Needham Market Petty Sessions, James Jones, of St. Mary Stoke, Ipswich, was before the Reverend T. Brown, in the chair, and Lieutenant Colonel Phillips, charged with having travelled in a railway carriage, without having previously paid his fare, with intent to defraud the Eastern Counties Railway Company. Mr. John Thompson Nibloe, Station Master at Ipswich, deposed that he was at Bramford on the arrival of the train, which left Norwich at 5 p.m. on the 7th December. He went to the compartment of one of the carriages in which the defendant, James Jones, was, and asked him for his ticket. James Jones replied, “I got in at Needham at the last minute and had not time to take a ticket. I will pay my fare, it is 1s. 1d., is it not?” Mr. Nibloe refused to take the money and said he must make further inquiries about the matter.
After questioning other witnesses, the Chairman observed that it was so clearly proved that the Magistrates felt bound to enforce the full penalty of 40s., and costs £1 3s., amounting altogether to £3 3s. In default of payment, two months’ imprisonment. Allowed a fortnight for payment.
Suffolk Chronicle – Saturday, 6th June 1863 – IPSWICH POLICE COURT – TRAVELLING ON THE RAILWAY WITHOUT A TICKET – On Thursday, 4th June, James Foster, a cattle dealer, of Colchester, was before the Mayor of Ipswich, George Constantine Edgar Bacon, Esq., George Christopherson, Charles Burton, S. B. Chapman, John Head, and W. Mumford, Esqrs.; Reverend A. Steward, charged with REFUSING TO PRODUCE HIS TICKET at the Ipswich Station of the Great Eastern Railway when required. Mr. John Nibloe, Station Master at Ipswich, said; On the arrival of the 3:55 train from Norwich and Bury on the 20th May, one of the ticket collectors reported to me that James Foster was in the train and refused to show his ticket. I went to Mr. Foster and said, “I must see your ticket, if you please.” He said, “What for? I have shown it once.” I said, “There is a doubt about the date on it, and we are not satisfied, and want to look at it.” He then refused to show it.
After questioning other witnesses, Mr. Christopherson said the Mayor and other Magistrates, being interested in the railway company, did not feel justified in taking part in the case, and it devolved upon himself and Mr. Chapman to decide the case. They had no difficulty in finding James Jones Guilty, and they fined him 40s. and costs for travelling without having paid his fare, and 20s. and costs for refusing to produce his ticket.
Framlingham Weekly News – Saturday, 12th March 1864 – A FALL – On Saturday, 5th March, as Henry Taylor, a plumber, was white-washing on the staircase which leads to the residence of Mr. John Nibloe, at the Railway Station, Ipswich, he fell some 10 or 12 feet and broke three of his ribs. Henry was removed to the Hospital and is doing well. 27 years ago, he fell 50 feet, but, breaking his fall, he sustained no injury.
Suffolk Chronicle – Saturday, 28th April 1866 – IPSWICH POLICE COURT – On Thursday, 26th April, George Giles, a shoemaker at Woodbridge, was before Charles Burton, Esq., chairman, S. B. Chapman, Esq., George Christopherson, Esq., and the Reverend S. Steward, charged with OFFENDING AGAINST THE 6TH BYE-LAW OF THE Great Eastern Railway Company – IMPROPER CONDUCT IN A RAILWAY CARRIAGE. On Tuesday, 10th April, just as the 6:45 p.m. train from Ipswich to Yarmouth was about to start, Mrs. Steele, the landlady of the Swan Inn at Woodbridge, came up to Mr. John Nibloe, Station Master, and complained that she had been insulted by George Giles in a carriage. Mr. Nibloe placed her in another carriage, and the train started. On the following Thursday, Mrs. Steele presented herself to John Nibloe and desired him to prosecute George Giles. She was very unwilling to repeat what George Giles had said to her, but on being pressed, she mentioned an obscene epithet with a strong adjective in front. The defendant called several witnesses who testified that they did not hear any of the language complained of, but the magistrates convicted and fined him 20s. and costs £1 4s. 2d.
Chelmsford Chronicle – Friday, 18th May 1866 – THE NEW GOODS RAILWAY STATION AT IPSWICH – The new goods station of the Great Eastern Railway Company was open for business on Monday, 14th May 1866. We need say nothing of the great advantage which this station will afford in the transaction of business in Ipswich, for everyone in the town in any way connected with the traffic in goods is anxious to acknowledge the great benefit the directors have conferred upon the town by the position in which they have placed the station. The character of the arrangements, however, in connection with the station, is even more striking than its position. The spaciousness of the ground set apart for working the goods traffic, and the manner in which provision is made to meet all the requirements of the business and every contingency, are deserving of special notice.
Extensive sidings are laid down near the junction called the DOCK JUNCTION, on that portion of the line lying between London Road and Hadleigh Road, whence goods trains leave the main line for the goods station, and excellent arrangements are there made for bringing up at an artificial embankment any trucks which might by accident be set in motion on the incline. Between this point and the new goods’ station yard, by the side of the river, is a place for unloading cattle, where pens are provided for their accommodation, and they are well situated at that spot for Ipswich Cattle Market. The large goods’ shed is seventy yards long by thirteen yards wide, fitted with offices for every department of the business, and nearer the quays is a smaller shed for gain, with convenience for temporary storage. The whole space from the bridge upon the Station Road to the river is occupied by the sheds and the station yard, covered with lines and sidings, with a capital iron road through the centre for waggons, and an engine is constantly employed in picking up trains and plying to and fro between the yard and the main line. A conspicuous object in the yard is the signal box, commanding a complete view of the yard and the line, and with a system of signals by which to communicate with the officers at the junction. The signals used are those patented by Saxby and Farmer. The signalman has command of the points and sidings. There are new weighbridges at the Stoke Bridge entrance to the yard, and various offices for receipt, delivery, etc., are conveniently situated for transacting business.
Mr. John Thompson Nibloe, late station master at the Ipswich Station, is now sole manager of the goods and passenger traffic at Ipswich. The Ipswich traffic altogether is very large for the size of the place. We have, from time to time, given some surprising returns of the passenger traffic; the goods traffic, we understand, is £7,000 tons a fortnight, independently of coals.
Suffolk Chronicle – Saturday, 1st September 1866 – IPSWICH WORKING MEN’S COLLEGE EXCURSION TO LOWESTOFT – On Monday, 27th August, the fourth annual excursion of the college was made to the fashionable watering place of Lowestoft. Owing to the kindness of the excellent station master, Mr. John Nibloe, the arrangements were most satisfactorily made to convey, at low fares by the Great Eastern Railway, between 300 and 400 members with their friends. The weather was all that could have been desired, and after a most pleasant day, the party returned to Ipswich shortly after 10.
Ipswich Journal – Saturday, 13th October 1866 – MARRIAGE OF SIR EDWARD SHERLOCK GOOCH AND MISS HIRST – On Tuesday, 9th October, at Tattingstone Church, the marriage took place of Sir Edward Sherlock Gooch, Bart., of Benacre Hall, and Ellen Emily Hirst, the eldest daughter of Major R. A. Hirst, of Tattingstone Place, and the Don Grange, Hampshire. It was a gay and most popular wedding.
At half past two o’clock, the bride and bridegroom took leave of the large party of friends and drove to Ipswich in the carriage and four. On their arrival at Ipswich, a special train, decked with laurels and flowers, was in readiness to convey them to London on their way to Dover. A large party of ladies and gentlemen were at the Ipswich Station to witness the departure of the bride and bridegroom for their honeymoon, and the scene at the starting of the special train was quite a gay and lively one, Mr. John Nibloe, Station Master, the guard and other officials wearing white favours in token of the occasion.
In the evening, as a thank you from the bride and bridegroom, John Nibloe and officials at the Ipswich Railway Station, and in connection with the special train, 27 in number, partook of a supper. John Nibloe occupied the chair, and the health of the bride and bridegroom was drunk very heartily.
Suffolk Mercury – Saturday, 1st December 1866 – FATAL ACCIDENT IN THE IPSWICH TUNNEL – On Thursday, shortly after midnight, the body of a stalwart man named John Strickland, a detective constable, whose duty extended along the whole of the Great Eastern Railway Company’s line, was discovered at the Ipswich end of the tunnel at the Railway Station, by two men who were shunting the carriages of the main train. The unfortunate man’s feet were so mangled that there was little visible but sinews and nerves; there was a wound as deep as a pebble might make in his forehead, one of his arms was smashed, and he was otherwise horribly disfigured. There were traces of the unfortunate man not only being struck down by an engine, but also of his having been dragged for some distance.
John Strickland had no direct business in the tunnel, but being a constable who was privileged to go anywhere along the entire line, it is to be assumed that he considered he had business there that would repay his trouble. His duties were to travel about and enquire for lost property lost in transit along the line. He had to travel to all parts of the line and never carried a lamp with him. John Strickland was about six feet in height and about forty-three years of age, and he had left a wife and seven children. He frequently left his home for a week to a fortnight.
The Coroner, Mr. S. B. Jackaman, held an inquest on the body at the Station Hotel. Mrs. Elizabeth Strickland, residing at 21, Grey Eagle Street, Spitalfields, identified her husband. He was a temperate man. Mr, John T. Nibloe, the Station Master, gave evidence with the books which related to the working of the trains at the Ipswich Station. He said to the coroner that the evidence showed the deceased must have been killed by one of three engines, and that all bore no trace except that on engine No. 333, driven by Mr. John Munson, three grey hairs, corresponding to those of John Strickland, were discovered at Stratford, on the break gear of the tender.
The Jury returned an open verdict. The coroner said he could not dismiss the Jury without expressing his own and the Jury’s sense of the great obligation they were under to Mr. John Nibloe for the facilities he had afforded them in the enquiry.
Ipswich Journal – Saturday, 19th January 1867 – THE WEATHER – The snow that fell on New Year’s Day disappeared after a few days, but was soon succeeded by a still deeper fall, and now, for the past week, winter has been present to every sense. A matter affected by the snowy weather has been locomotion; the drifting of the snow has made the rails slippery, that the trains being very seriously delayed. On Thursday morning, the down train for Yarmouth left Ipswich Station as usual at 7:10, but only got as far as Westerfield, where it ran into a deep cutting, into which the snow had drifted, so as to block the down lines of rails most effectually. The train ran into a considerable depth of snow, and it was found impossible to move it one way or another, till it was liberated by the aid of an extra engine, which Mr. John Nibloe, the Station Master at Ipswich, took to the assistance of the train.
Ipswich Journal Saturday, 31st August 1867 – SACKING A REFRESHMENT ROOM – In the morning of Tuesday, 27th August, the Ipswich Railway Station was the scene of an irruption of London welshers, sharpers, and Whitechapel rowdies of the lowest grade. An excursion train started from the Shoreditch Station that morning with passengers for the Yarmouth races, and the train pulled up at Ipswich Station for refreshments. The excursionists swarmed into the refreshment rooms, and a scene of a most disgraceful character ensued. The young ladies in charge of the room were doing all they could to wait upon the sudden influx of customers, who howled and swore on the other side of the counter like demons, when they suddenly pounced upon the counters and cleared them in a twinkling of all the eatables they contained. Some of the fellows who stood nearest the counters took up the plates of buns and tossed them over their heads to their companions in the rear; others seized upon the pickle glasses and drank off the vinegar, and one fellow seized a large piece of cheese with which he decamped to the carriages. The sack might have proceeded for some time longer, but Mr. John Nibloe, the Station Master, sent the train on a few yards, and the fellows, of course, rushed off to secure their seats! The behaviour of the excursionists to the officials at the station was also very disgraceful, and they seemed inclined to set all order at defiance.
On the return journey on Wednesday, Mr. John Nibloe took the precaution of running the train through Ipswich Station without stopping, so that there was no chance of a repetition of the scene of the previous day.
Ipswich Journal – Saturday, 21st December 1867 – PREPARATIONS FOR CHRISTMAS IN IPSWICH – Mr. John Nibloe, Station Master, and his staff put the Ipswich Railway Station into quite a holiday dress, by a profuse and tasteful adornment of evergreens. These are carried in wreaths in spirals round the columns, which support the roof of the platform, and along the ribs and girders, and now that the colours are fresh, the general effect is very good.
Suffolk Chronicle – Saturday, 18th January 1868 – SUPPER – The porters and other officials employed at Ipswich Railway Station sat down to enjoy their New Year’s supper at the Station Hotel. About thirty-five sat down, with Mr. John Nibloe, the respected Station Master, occupying the chair. They were joined after supper by the men who had been on evening duty, and who were not able to leave before, and a very pleasant evening was spent. Great credit is due to Mrs. Maria Fisk, the landlady of the Station Hotel, for the excellent manner in which the supper was provided.
Suffolk Chronicle – Saturday, 25th July 1868 – BURNING CROPS – In the evening of Thursday, 23rd July, at about half-past six, a spark from an engine fell in a field of barley on the Gippeswyk Hall Farm, occupied by Mr. Alexander Francis Nicholson, and adjoining the railway some 300 – 400 yards below Ipswich Station. The barley caught fire, a strong wind was blowing across the field, and in three minutes the flames, which rose three or four yards in height, had reached the live fence on the opposite side. Mr. John Nibloe, the Station Master, and a number of the railway staff with poles and rakes got upon an engine and ran down to the spot; others also hastened to their assistance and speedily beat the fire out. The fire scarcely lasted ten minutes, but in that short time more than an acre of barley was burnt.
Suffolk Chronicle – Saturday, 5th February 1870 – TREAT TO THE RAILWAY STAFF – The Great Eastern Railway Company’s staff of the Ipswich passenger station had their annual supper on the 19th January, at the British Lion Hotel, supplied by Mr. Page, who catered in his usual good style. The company numbered upwards of 40, and under the presidency of Mr. John Nibloe, the station master, the evening was passed in harmony, and the company broke up with happy anticipations of the next anniversary.
Ipswich Journal – Saturday, 5th February 1870 – DEATH BY DROWNING NEAR IPSWICH STATION – An inquest was held at the Station Hotel, Ipswich, on Thursday, 3rd February, before the borough coroner, on the body of Edward Abbott, a bargeman, of Rosemary Lane, who was accidentally drowned in the Gipping, near the bridge leading to the railway station, early that morning. The Gipping is at this point a tidal river, as the bridge is about half a mile below the last lock. The bridge is of timber, and as the upright piles supporting it are in the waterway, it is necessary to have a platform running from the towing path around the timbers, to enable the horsemen to carry the rope past the bridge. This platform is protected by a rail, but it appears that the rail is defective in places, and as the platform is very narrow, the unfortunate man appears to have fallen into the water, and he drowned, as help could not be rendered by his companion in the darkness of the night.
The body was not recovered till more than an hour afterwards, although every means was used by Mr. Henry Briggs, the night inspector at the Ipswich Passenger Station of the Great Eastern Railway Company, who was on night duty and was called by David Pinner, the captain of Mr. Fison’s barge Scorpion, who had run into the station for assistance.
Mr. John Thompson Nibloe, Station Master at Ipswich, attended the inquest on behalf of the Railway Company. He said the bridge or platform from which Edward Abbott fell was made for the Stowmarket Navigation, to enable a driver to carry the rope round to the barge. The little bridge was part of the Stowmarket Navigation and under lease to the Railway Company, whose duty he believed it was to keep it in repair. He believed it was the duty of the management of the Stowmarket Navigation to see that the locks and bridges were kept in good repair. He had never heard a complaint about the state of the bridge. It would not come to him if there were one.
The Jury returned a verdict of accidental drowning.
Ipswich Journal – Tuesday, 4th October 1870 – THE EXCURSION SEASON – The excursions for this season are now rapidly drawing to a close, but the beautifully fine weather with which we have so long been favoured has had a very great effect upon the spirits of those who have the time and means at their disposal to pay a visit to their relatives and friends. The “Saturday to Monday train” left Ipswich for the Metropolis. Up to Friday night, nearly 600 tickets had been purchased, and between that time and the start of the train on Saturday, although the fares were double, many more tickets were taken. Under the very admirable management of Mr. John T. Nibloe, Station Master, all were comfortably seated, and, true to the time appointed, the train started. There will be one more of these trains, to close the season of 1870, and it is hoped that next year a corresponding train will leave London for this town, so as to give the inhabitants of the Metropolis an opportunity of visiting their friends in Suffolk.
Mr. John T. Nibloe was thanked, who, has done all in his power, not only to forward the interests of the Company, but also to study the comforts of the vast number of passengers that have passed to and fro during the excursion season; and it is only fair to add that the greatest attention has been paid to those travelling by the numerous staff employed under him.
The number of passengers booked from Ipswich to London, Great Yarmouth, Lowestoft, and Aldeburgh was between 8,000 and 9,000.
Ipswich Journal – Tuesday, 27th January 1874 – SUPPER TO RAILWAY EMPLOYEES – On Friday evening, the Great Eastern Railway employees supped at the Great Eastern Railway Hotel, the funds consisting of Christmas boxes given to the porters and others by frequent travellers on the line, for attention and civility. Mr. John T. Nibloe, the Station Master, occupied the chair, and the supper party, which commenced at eight o’clock, kept together till 12, the Magistrates having graciously granted an extra hour for the occasion. The usual loyal toasts were drunk with the customary enthusiasm, and amongst the toasts was that of “the Directors and Officers of the line.” Several songs were sung at intervals, and the hours spent so pleasantly passed only too quickly.
Ipswich Journal – Saturday, 5th January 1875 – A CASE OF REAL DISTRESS – Travellers by the Great Eastern Railway will remember a smart young man who rang the bell for starting the trains at Ipswich Station. The young man whose name was Carter died a few days ago, leaving a wife and four children unprovided for. One of the children has since died, and the hands of the mother have consequently been tied, so as to prevent her obtaining a livelihood for them. As railway passengers may be ready to assist the widow and family, a subscription has been entered into for their relief. Mr. John T. Nibloe, Station Master at Ipswich, will accept and forward any sums with which he may be entrusted.
Ipswich Journal – Tuesday, 26th January 1875 – THE FORBIDDEN FEAST – The railway servants managed to pick their supper on Thursday evening between trains, notwithstanding all the efforts made by those in authority to stop or spoil the affair. About 50 sat down to a good supper provided by Mr. Dickson of the Station Hotel. Mr. John T. Nibloe, the Station Master, was in the chair, and the vice-chair was occupied by Inspector Dale. The evening was spent as pleasantly as possible, and toast and songs filled the brief interval which the Magistrates had left, and the party which could not muster till past eight was turned out at eleven o’clock.
E.A.D.T. – Saturday, 22nd April 1876 – A FRIENDLESS CHILD AT IPSWICH RAILWAY STATION – Yesterday morning, a woman arrived at Ipswich Railway Station by the parliamentary train, accompanied by a little girl of six or seven years. She stated that herself and the child had travelled from Braintree, where the little girl had been given into her charge by a woman who told her that the child would be met at Ipswich Station. No one, however, was at the station on that errand; and in her perplexity, the woman sought the advice of the railway officials as to the course she had better adopt with regard to the child. She wished to leave her at the station, as she herself was proceeding to Finningham; but to this Mr. John Nibloe, the Station Master, objected, telling her that she could not consent to the child being left unless she herself stopped with it. In this emergency, the woman decided on taking the child with her to her destination. We have not heard what fate befell them at Finningham, but suppose the child would be handed over either to the union or police authorities, pending investigations as to her parents’ whereabouts. The whole difficulty may, of course, have arisen from a misunderstanding as to the day on which the child was to be met at Ipswich.
E.A.D.T. Saturday, 2nd September 1876 – A subscription was started on behalf of the widow and orphans of Harry Barker, who was killed by being crushed between the buffers of two carriages at the passenger station on Tuesday evening. Mr. John T. Nibloe, the Station Master, thankfully received donations towards this deserving case.
SOURCES:
Images of Mayors courtesy of Ipswich Borough Council.
www.ancestry.co.uk for census returns, births, marriages, deaths, probates, military records, and other historical online records.