The Trounce Ancestry

by

Alderman W. J. TROUNCE, J.P.

(Ex-Mayor of Cardiff)

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NOTES AND ADDITIONS BY HIS BROTHER,

THOMAS PLOMER TROUNCE, J.P.

(Of Waltham Abbey)

AND

HENRY TROUNCE

(Editor, "Daily Gazette", London)

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This little volume has been compiled and printed by Henry Trounce and is presented to members of the family with his compliments

Preface

I have undertaken the self-imposed task of compiling and publishing some details concerning the ancestry of our family, now a considerable family, widely scattered over the British Empire. Although the grandson of a Cornishman, I had never had, until a few months ago, an opportunity of visiting the "home of my fathers". My interest in my ancestors was aroused after the arrival in this country from New York of Mrs. A.M. Trounce Beecher, who came across the "herring pond" with the express intention of digging at the roots of the family tree. Mrs. Beecher’s father- Mr. William James Trounce, of Toronto- is a native of Veryan, and, like many another of our family, left the land of his birth for Canada while yet a youth. The production of interesting data by Mrs. Beecher and the assurance that there existed much more in the possession of the members of the family, induced me to visit Truro and the district and engage in research work. My task, owing to the kindness of relatives and friends, proved a lighter one than I anticipated. I discovered that the family history had been traced and recorded by the late Ald. William John Trounce, of Cardiff, whose life work for the city is indelibly stamped upon the municipal records of Wales. It is, then, to the late William john Trounce that the family are indebted for much information contained in the following pages. He bequeathed to his family not only a comprehensive history of the Trounce family, but also an exhaustive volume embodying his own autobiography combined with the story of the growth of the city of which he was a one time Mayor. I can, therefore, claim little or no credit for what appears in the following pages, unless it be that I have put together extracts that I deemed to be interesting to the members of the Trounce family and caused them to be printed. I have not even attempted to edit them. I might have written a narrative around the. And this thought occurred to me, but had I adopted this course I might have destroyed the distinguishing marks of patience and perseverance which characterise the record as it is now presented. I have chosen to submit the facts as the late William John Trounce recorded them, after frequent visits to Cornwall, many conversations with relatives, and considerable investigation of registers and other documents in church vestries throughout the county. The conclusion arrived at- and I do not think there can be any doubt under this head- is that our family is one of the oldest in the Western County. Written documents prove to us that there were Trounces living in the southern part of Cornwall as far back as the middle of the 16^th Century. No matter in what part of the world Trounces may be found to-day, they may be easily traced back to the common Cornish stock, and, singularly enough, to one William Trounce, whose tomb I have visited in Veryan Churchyard. My own brief investigations convince me on this point. The late Alderman William John Trounce, who was for years gathering information from all parts of the world concerning members of the family, came to the same conclusion. One cannot but have the profoundest admiration for the work he accomplished, not only in the municipal arena, but also in bringing together the members of the family he loved so well. He was a man of varied gifts, and broad, generous views. He was devoted to the city of his adoption and beloved by the family of which he was a brilliant member.

It will be noted that I have printed the details as they were written by Ald. William John Trounce during his lifetime. It will, therefore, be understood that some of the relatives to whom he refers as having interviewed have since passed away. I have deemed it fitting to open the volume with a brief reference to the life and work of the author. These details have been supplied by Mr. T. Plomer Trounce, J.P., of Waltham abbey. At the end of the work will be found some references to my own family. I have penned these details because I believe they illustrate in a modest way the qualities of perseverance, tenacity, and doggedness which characterise our race, qualities which the members of the Trounce family possess in a remarkable degree. A fitting close to this brief history, it will be admitted, is a record of the War activities of members of the family.

May, 1922 HENRY TROUNCE

Biographical sketch of Ald. W. J. Trounce, J.P.

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[By Thomas Plomer Trounce, J.P.]

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When my good brother expressed his desire that I should read through and make extracts from the voluminous letters, documents, books, etc., that he left in my keeping, I felt it a sacred duty to the members of our family to have the same printed for them; but by a pleasant and fortunate coincidence, a few months ago, I made the acquaintance of my relative, Mr. Henry Trounce who (with Mrs. Anne Trounce Beecher, then on a visit to England from the United States), expressed such interest in the genealogy of the Trounce Family, and Mr. Trounce having offered to help in the preparation of this little book, and being conscious of the fact that, without such valuable help, I would not have been able to surmount the difficulties which to him, Mr. Henry Trounce, being a literary man, were apparently easy, hence I gratefully accepted his proferred help.

In arranging the many papers and said documents now before me they bring back crowds of memories of my brother’s life, and I may here say the affectionate interest we always took in each other will always be a fragrant memory of mine. He was eleven years older than I, hence, as a child, I looked up to my big brother as an example, and one of my earliest recollections was his departure to France to enter a shipbroker’s office in Nantes in 1861, and his return to us in 1863 to London (where our parents had removed to from Cardiff) was a great event.

Soon after his return (then aged 20) he journeyed to Cardiff, and, with the proceeds of selling a book of foreign stamps collected in France, started business as a shipbroker at the Docks, and I joined him a his office boy, much against my parents’ wishes. I remember having to soon after return home to school. The time my brother spent in France was a great advantage to him. He became a good linguist, and he always spoke French fluently after his return.

In his early days he became a member of the 10^th Royal Glamorgan Rifles, under Captain C.W. David. As a shipbroker he did a fairly large business, especially during the Franco-German War, and he became the owner of two small steamers, viz., the Express and Nelson, and later on of another, the Brittany. In 1873 he became an active worker at the Broadway Wesleyan Church, Cardiff, and became Superintendant of the Sunday Schools, and to the end of his life remained an active and staunch member thereof. In 1878 he was prevailed upon to appeal to the electors to fill a vacancy in the Roath Ward of the Cardiff Council, and standing in the Conservative interest, he was successful in winning the seat. Thus began his active municipal career, which continued uninterruptedly until his end, forty years later. He was soon appointed a member of various Committees, and always claimed that his attendances were second to none. In 1881 he was re-elected without a contest, and again, in 1884, in a contest on political grounds, he was again successful.

In 1886 he became interested in arranging with railway companies and steamship owners to send large parties touring, etc., to various parts, at home and abroad, and in view of his large and steadily increasing business in this direction, Messrs. Thomas Cook and Son, the great tourist firm succeeded in appointing him their Cardiff representative.

November 1^st, 1893, he was unanimously elected Mayor and Chief Magistrate of the Borough. It was recorded that he was the first Cornishman to be Mayor of the capital of Wales. In company with our father and my brother’s sons, we were very delighted to attend the ceremony of election and the subsequent banquet, where my brother acquitted himself with very great credit and satisfaction to everyone present. The year following was a particularly busy one, attending public meetings in many parts of the United Kingdom and Continent. He initiated, during his mayoralty, the Cardiff Exhibition, which was opened in 1896 by the then Prince of Wales. He also presented, on behalf of the Corporation, the Freedom of the Borough to General Lord Roberts, and others of public note. In February, 1894, he laid the foundation stone of an addition to Cardiff Central Library, where, at the present time, a life-size oil-painting of him adorns the walls.

He represented Cardiff at the opening of the Manchester Ship Canal by Her late Majesty Queen Victoria on June 20^th. He presided at the opening of Roath Park by the young Earl of Dumfries. He attended as Cardiff’s representative the opening of the Tower Bridge in London, and his diary concludes his year of office by saying, in acknowledging an illuminated address presented to him by his colleagues, that he had spent the most important and happiest years of his life. In 1895 he was appointed a Justice of the Peace in Cardiff, and the following year was appointed an Alderman of the County Borough.

I may be pardoned for so fully referring to my brother’s public career, but I wish to relate that he led a most active life, unselfishly and unceasingly, in the interest of the Welsh metropolis. And I have heard it stated, that had he attended as assiduously to his own business interests he would probably have died a richer man; but he has in later years always acknowledged readily that if his son Sydney had not been such a faithful and reliable son he could not have devoted so much time to public work. His activities continued until his tragic end on March 6, 1918.

There is little doubt the great war affected him very much, he being a man of a very sensitive nature. He had many sons, nephews, and others dear to him at the Front. Shortly before his death he lost a grandson in the war, whom he had great hopes would join his business after his return. He was also just bereaved of a grand-daughter, to whom he was greatly attached. These griefs undermined an otherwise robust constitution. He arrived at his office about 9.30 on the morning of his death, and whilst writing a letter to one of his sons at the Front he fell back dead. The funeral ceremony took place in the Broadway Wesleyan Church, where he had worshipped for man than 40 years. The church was crowded, and all the roads to the cemetery were lined with people, and every possible mark of respect evident. I may add he had for several years been recognised as the father of the Corporation of the city of Cardiff.

In finishing my task I cannot do better than copy the following extract from a Cardiff paper, published the day of his death, viz. :- "It was a quick closing of a book of life that was crowded with chapters many men would be proud to have written. The sudden sealing of a record which his descendants may reflect upon with just and pardonable pride. Cardiff is sensibly the poorer for his loss. He was a part of Cardiff in the best and highest sense, and his greatest ambition was to promote her best and highest interest. He had no enemies. His was a kindly, helpful nature than did not produce enmity, and that is why his sudden passing, his swift transition to the great Elysium whose portals we call death evokes the most profound sympathy."

He had a family of thirteen. Eleven survived him.

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From his own autobiography interesting details concerning Ald. W. J. Trounce have been culled.

Among his papers we find the following note :-

Dedicated to my children, with the fervent desire that they, and their descendants, will ever respect and honour their ancestral name, and endeavour to fulfil such duties in life that will be of service and a help to others.

I was born at that charming Cornish town, Penzance, on January 13^th, 1843 and christened in St. Mary’s Church on February 24th of that year. The first six years of my life were spent there, rambling along the fields, lanes, and over the sandy shores of lovely Mounts Bay, visiting occasionally with a fond mother my aunts at Breage Church Town, where I spent many months during my childhood.

Happy memories have ever lingered in my mind of those joyous days; of the fragrance of the lowers and yellow gorse, which literally gilded the hedgerows, the rocks, sands, and sea-weed, skirting the brightest of blue seas. Days of sacred thoughts and places which still have charms, and which I frequently visit.

On a bright May morning in 1849 my parents decided to remove from the land of their birth to Cardiff, where my grandfather, on my mother’s side (Mr. John Rowe, late of Penzance), resided, engaged in restoring a portion of Cardiff Castle, and where it was thought our prospects might be brighter. Starting from Breage for Hayle, many warm-hearted relatives and friends came out to bid us adieu, and God’s blessing.

At Hayle we embarked on board the trading steamer to Bristol. [No railway service in those days]. Mr. Dupend was steward of the steamer, and I remember he was very kind to us on our passage up channel. Through stress of weather we were obliged to take shelter on Padstow Harbour, but eventually arrived safely at Bristol, and were there transferred to the steamer Prince of Wales (Captain Matthew Jones), who landed us on the old wooden stage at the Pier Head, Cardiff, which remains to this day. Here we were gladly welcomed by my grandfather, and taken to his residence.

I venture to think but few young men of my position and circumstances have run greater personal risks, or escaped, providentially, more dangers, apart from actual warfare, than myself, and have often since admitted the folly of those venturesome acts, such as climbing the masts of the fine large American and English sailing ships which came to Cardiff in the fifties, many a time cutting my name or initials on the cross-trees of those fine vessels, for which my father was agent; swimming in the entrance channel, and taking hold of vessels as they entered or left the docks; boating in rough weather, being nearly run down on one of those trips by a steamer, when I rowed hard, in a gale, with the other occupant of the boat (Mr. Charles Wise), and only just cleared the paddle-wheel of the steamer.

In boarding an American barque once, in the West Bute Dock Basin, the rope slipped from the belaying-pin, and I fell in the water between the vessel and basin wall. I disappeared, and would, doubtless, have been drowned had not "Tipton Slasher," a docks’ celebrity, saved my life.

Returning one September evening, in 1858, from Penarth, where a party of 25 went for a

pic-nic in three boats, our boat was the first to leave, about 9 p.m. It contained eight persons, among them Captain Groves, Mr. P. Morel, Mr. H. Rimdell, Mr. H. Watkins, three ladies and myself. After getting away, under a heavy sail, Captain Groves steering, a strong south-west wind had thrown up a heavy surf, with a flowing tide. We had not proceeded far when the boat struck on a hard shingly bank, creating great alarm as the waves came over the sides into our frail craft. Groves, thinking we were on the west point of the entrance channel, cried out that we should soon drift over it. He was, however, as I told him, out of his reckoning, and we soon found ourselves being driven by a strong tide and boisterous weather to the N.N.E., towards the Rumney River.

Striking now and then on stakes and other hard substances our boat was soon pierced, and became unmanageable. Getting into deep water she settled down, when all were immersed, but clung to the sides until we were again cast up to the muddy banks near to the River Rumney. We were, as described by the "Star of Gwent", between "Charybdis and Scylla." Our troubles were not even overcome after being left on a mud bank by the receding tide, for, in attempting to carry my affianced (who subsequently became my wife) on shore I got into a mud pit, of which there are so many there, and was gradually sinking, being waist deep, when assistance came from our companions, who happily, helped us from our dangerous predicament, which had, as the newspaper put it, nearly become my grave.

Happily, we were all saved, and the wrecked boat abandoned. On wandering back over the Moors to the Bute Docks, between 3 and 4 o’clock the next morning, in a pitiable condition, we were met by our relatives and friends, who were most anxious for our safety, and had sent boats into the roads to search for us. On another occasion, when bathing off Sully Island, I was carried by a strong tide about a mile up the channel, and then only reached the shore with much difficulty.

One of the narrowest deliverances from fatality, however, occurred on February 22^nd, 1859, when I was a junior clerk with Mr. Thomas Elliott, ship and steam-tug owner, of Bute Crescent, Cardiff. Ten days previously Mr. Elliott had purchased a powerful steam-tug, named the Black Eagle, in London, and had taken a crew to London to bring her to Cardiff. On the morning of February 22^nd the friends of the owner and wives and children of the crew called at the office to ascertain when the Black Eagle would arrive. I told them I had just received a letter from Falmouth, stating she might be expected at Cardiff that morning.

At 11 a.m. a crowd gathered on the pier head to see the newly-purchases Cardiff steam-tug, although she was, as a matter of fact, not a newly-constructed steamer. Shortly after 11 the Black Eagle was sighted coming up the entrance channel, with her flags flying, the owner (Mr. Elliott) and the captain (Evans) on the bridge. At this moment a brig, named the Milo of Sunderland, was in the East Dock basin, waiting for a steam-tug to tow her to sea. I hailed Captain Evans to back into the East Dock lock to tow the Milo to sea, which would be his first order. He quickly swung his tug round and entered the lock stern first, passing carefully along the western side of the lock. While the consulting engineer (Mr. Richard Dickson) and Mr. George Jenkins, who had that morning joined the firm of Mr. Elliott as out-door agent, and myself were walking near the edge of the lock to jump on board for her first trip to Penarth Roads.

Jenkins got over the paddle-box to the deck. He said, "William, come on," but the tug sheered off and I waited her return to the wall. Mr. Dickson also got on board. At this moment, while I was going over the paddle-box, the steam was blowing through the valve with terrific force, the Dockmaster (Captain Fraser) being unable to hear Mr. Elliott’s orders from the bridge, the latter consequently told one of the firemen to put down the valve. I fancy seeing Waters now, getting on a stool and lowering the valve. The fatal moment had come. Instantaneously with stopping the rush of steam the tug’s boiler exploded, causing death and destruction all around. Being a tubular boiler, the tubes were sent in every direction. Was covered with boiling water, ashes, and other debris, but, thank God, I reached the land uninjured, nut painfully shocked at the sight which met my gaze.

I could see but two alive on board, Mr. Elliott, who was badly wounded, and Charles Bruton, the mate of the vessel. The remainder of the crew were killed, and many others on shore were fatally or badly injured. Eight men were instantly killed, among them poor Jenkins, who was only a few feet away from myself when the explosion occurred. His body was blown sixty yards away. The wounded were as quickly as possible removed to the Cardiff Infirmary. Some of them subsequently died of their injuries.

The consternation and grief at the Cardiff Docks by this terrible disaster cannot be described. A full report of it appeared in the Cardiff and Merthyr Guardian of February 26^th, 1859 (now filed, and which may be seen at the Cardiff Central Library). The report included the following paragraph concerning myself:-

"A lad named Trounce had a narrow escape. He had agreed to accompany Mr. Jenkins, and was descending to the steamer when the explosion took place. He was thrown on his face on deck, and escaped unhurt."

After the shocking affair my duties were of a very sad and trying character. The bereaved relatives of the crew flocked to the office in Bute Crescent for help and advice. On visiting Mr. Elliott at his residence the same evening I found he had lost an eye, and one of his legs was badly lacerated; but he begged me to supply the pecuniary needs of all the families of those who had been killed or injured.

The late Alderman W.J. Trounce left a comprehensive autobiography, in addition to details, concerning the family history. Among his papers we find the following notes concerning the family history:-

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The following tribute is taken from the "Western Mail’

Alderman William John Trounce, J.P., the "father" of the Cardiff Corporation and one of the city’s most prominent and respected residents, died suddenly at his office, at the Docks, on Wednesday (6^th March, 1918).

Notwithstanding his 75 years he had enjoyed remarkably good health, and had not complained in any way before leaving home for his office by the 9.30 a.m. train from the Taff Vale Railway (Queen-street) Station. He was, in fact, in a cheery mood, and chatted in the train with Mr. G. Percy Thomas about the Welsh patronal service at Eglwys Dewi Sant last Sunday, and the pleasure he had derived in attending it.

His fund of reminiscences of Cardiff from the early 60’s onwards was extraordinary, and his methodical custom of diary-keeping enabled him, a few months ago, to write a book on the progress of the city, in all aspects of its public life. He was endowed with a retentive memory, a plastic mind, and the gifts of facile expression, so that he was eminently fitted for the task he had set himself as recorder of local events.

Alderman Trounce was born at Penzance on January 13, 1843, and came to Cardiff with his parents when six years of age. His father was a shipbroker, and joined the firm of Messrs. Knapp, Jenkins, and Co. Educated first at the Wesleyan Day and Sunday School in Working-street, and subsequently at Dr. Colson’s School in Swansea, Alderman Trounce commenced his business career in the office of a French shipbroker at Cardiff Docks, and later entered the service of the Compte de Guise, a Neapolitan count, who had come to Cardiff as the representative of the Italian Mercantile Marine. Following an engagement at Nantes, he returned to Cardiff in 1863, and commenced business on his own account as a shipbroker, and subsequently a tourist agent. Since 1890 he had represented the firm of Messrs. Thomas Cook and Son. An excellent linguist, he had travelled extensively in many foreign countries.

Whilst in France, in 1892, he took up stamp collecting, and on his return to England disposed of something like 700 stamps in London for a considerable sum of money. He, however, continued collecting, and owned over 20,000 stamps, many of them very rare and valuable, while he lately specialised in Canadian, French, American, and Colonial varieties. He had also been an enthusiastic collector of coins for about 40 years, and possessed several thousands, some of them dating from 322 B.C. He had presented a great number of coins, tokens especially, to the Cardiff Museum.

Years and a strenuous life had not impaired his virility and activity. He was as fresh in his work and interests as he was when he entered the council in November, 1878, over 39 years ago, and he stood alone on the city council to represent an unbroken link with those days of great developments. The next oldest member, Alderman Illtyd Thomas, is seventeen years his junior in municipal experience. During his membership Alderman Trounce had served on almost every committee of the corporation, and this year he was Chairman of the Secondary Schools and Free Libraries Committees, and member of the Parliamentary, Education, and Mental Hospital Committees. In 1893-4 he was Mayor of the Borough, and during his year of office opened Roath Park. He also represented the Corporation at the opening of the Manchester Ship Canal and the Tower Bridge in London.

A Wesleyan from boyhood, he assisted in the movement for building Broadway Wesleyan Church, and since its erection had been a trustee and Sunday School superintendent.

In 1863 he married Miss Thomas, daughter of Mr. George Thomas, shipbroker and stone merchant, and there were nine sons and seven daughters of the marriage. The late Mrs. Trounce died in 1906, and Alderman Trounce married again, in September, 1911, Miss Rosina Case, daughter of the late Mr. Case, florist, who survives him.

The Family Tree

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The following details have been taken from church registers and other records in the Cornish villages named hereunder :_

Parish Names Date Year

St. Breage

William Trounce to Lowda Breclye…….............………………………………Jan. 5^th, 1592                                                                                         Willimus Trounce to Ellinora Hawes…….....……………………………........Feb. 9^th, 1627                                                                                     Robertus Trounce to Elizabeth John………..…………………………....... ..Nov. 29^th, 1627                                                                                         Richard Carter to Catherine Trounce…………………………………...........July 16^th, 1655                                                                                             John Trounce to Mary Bockett………………………………………………......Feb. 2^nd, 1656                                                                                         Mary, Daughter to Roger Trounce………………………………………...…April 30^th, 1681                                                                                 Thomas Polglase to Prudence Trounce…………………………………..…..Oct. 31st, 1687                                                                                 William Trounce to Julia Valintine………………………………………..……Oct. 7^th, 1689                                                                                      Roger Trounce, Jun., to Mary Hodgson…….……………………………..…Nov. 24^th, 1690                                                                                 Thomas Williams to Elizabeth Trounce………………………………….…April 27^th, 1712                                                                                 Thomas Reynolds to Jane Trounsen……………………………………….....Sept. 13^th, 1715                                                                                 Richard Carter to Christiana Trounce…………………………………….....April 25^th, 1735                                                                                         John Trounce to Prudence Smitham………………….…………………….....….Jan. 1^st, 1762                                                                                         John Trounce to Mary Thomas……………………….…………….………........Sept. 6^th, 1765                                                                                 Humphry Trounce to Sarah Giddle………………….……………………......June 24^th, 1773                                                                                     James Plomer to Phillis Tregear…………………….…………………….......…Feb. 17^th, 1774                                                                                         John Glasson to Blanch Kemp……………………….……………………....……Jan. 1^st, 1776                                                                             Humphry Trounce to Elizabeth Wymons………….…………………….....March 8^th, 1797                                                                                     Joseph Glasson to Mary Carter…………………….………………………...…Oct. 26^th, 1802                                                                                 Thomas Trounce (of Feock) to Ann Glasson…….…………………….…...….Dec. 7^th, 1810                                                                                 (licence.)

St. Germoe

Noah Pascoe to Ann Trounce………………………………………………...…Oct. 29^th, 1701                                                                                 William Williams to Mary Trounce………………………………….……..….Feb. 25^th, 1695                                                                                 William Trounce to Ann Archer……………………………………………......Dec. 26^th, 1719

St. Hilary

Richard Thomas to Jane Trounce……………………………………….…..…Dec. 23^rd, 1717                                                                                 Gabriel Trounse to Anne Mathews…………………………………………....Jan. 13th, 1715                                                                                 William Trounce to Alice Polglase……………………………………….…...Nov. 17^th, 1722                                                                                         Avis Trounce……………………………………………………………………......…………..1722                                                                                         Elizabeth Trounce…………………………………………………………….... Aug. 22^nd, 1735                                                                                         Mary Trounce……………………………………………………………………......………….1740                                                                                         Mary Trounce……………………………………………………………………......………….1750                                                                                 Elizabeth Trounce……………………………………………………………….....…………..1749                                                                             Tryphenah Trounce……………………………………………………………....……………1754                                                                                 William Trounce to Susanna Plomer (of Madron)………………………….June 13^th, 1773                                                                             William Trounce to Margery Newbone…….………………………………...Nov. 24^th, 1773                                                                                     John Trounce (Mariner) to Mary Johns………………………………………...Oct. 18^th, 1783

Sithney

Richard Trounce to Elizabeth Williams……………………………………….June 12^th, 1810                                                                                 Mary Trounce……………………………………………………………………….......…..……1793                                                                                        Sarah Trounce……………………………………………………………………......….……….1795                                                                       AliceTrounce………………………………………………………………………....Dec. 5^th, 1796

There are other names evidently from the same stock, viz., Trounson, Trownson, Trowson, Trousen, Trounse, etc. It will be observed my grandfather is there married on December 7^th, 1810; also great uncle, Joseph Glasson, married to John Carter’s (the King of Prussia’s?) daughter, 1802; and also great grandfather, William Trounce, married June 13^th, 1773. This is the founder of my "book’s" pedigree, which I can now carry back 300 years, viz., to 1592.

The Trounce Family is certainly purely Cornish, and of one stock. Shall continue to search through the whole of the parishes of Cornwall, but Breage district seems to have been the spot from which we sprang.

Whether we are descendants of the ancient Britons or of the Huguenots, as some have supposed, or not there is evidence that the early members of our family dwelt in the South-Western Division of romantic Cornwall more than three centuries ago.

As proved by old Parish Registers, on January 5^th, 1592, William Trounce was married to Lowda Breclye at Breage Church, town Church.

In 1627 their sons, William and Robertus, were married to Ellinora Hawes and Elizabeth John respectively, at the same place.

From the year 1592 to the present time Trounce’s have lived at Breage Church Town, and a William has generally been a member of each successive generation of the family.

The name of Breage is derived from St. Breaca, the daughter of an Irish Chieftain, who invaded Cornwall (near Hayle) towards the close of the 6^th century. Her followers met with a stubborn resistance by the natives of Cornwall, but they succeeded in gaining Tregoning Hill, at the south-eastern foot of which they settled, and founded the church of St. Breaca, where now stands one of the most interesting churches in Cornwall. The church records of Breage contain the lineal descendants of the family, who were mainly occupied in agricultural or mining operations.

Passing in genealogical order to 1745, we find recorded in the Rev. John Wesley’s Journal the following paragraph:- "On July 7^th, of the year 1745, at Tolcarn, Cornwall, a Mr. Trounce, on horse-back, headed the mob to oppose the preaching of the Gospel by that Divine. Bitter hostility was undoubtedly intended by the rough intruders, but John Wesley, who stood on a high wall, kept his eyes upon them. Many were softened and became calmer, on observing which some of his opponents pushed him off the wall. Happily he received no injury. Taking hold of the hand of one of the horsemen he calmly expostulated with him, but he proved unrelenting, and would not be convinced."

This incident is again referred to in the Journal of Charles Wesley a year later, as follows:_ "July 19^th, 1746.- I had a visit from Captain Trounce, the man who last year hindered my brother from preaching, and threw him over the wall."

Whatever may have been the object of this visit, it is thought the words of the Rev. John Wesley, on July 7^th, 1745, had taken root, and that this Mr. Trounce was one of his earliest Cornish converts.

His only son, William Trounce, was born at Goldsithney, near Penzance, in the year 1749, and in early life was nurtured and trained in Wesleyan Methodism.

A curious incident is related of this young Trounce, viz.: When a lad, he was crossing a field, in which a man and a boy were ploughing. While following the plough something glittered on the ground, which on picking it up, proved to be a gold guinea. On ascertaining its value it was divided between the man, the boy, and himself. With his seven shillings he purchased a Bible and a lamb. The lamb grew, and brought forth lambs, establishing his start in life, and he subsequently became an extensive farmer in the neighbourhood.

On June 13^th, 1773, Mr. William Trounce (the writer’s great grandfather) married, at St. Hilary Church, Susannah Plomer, of Madron.

After a long, prosperous, and consistent life his Christian character was borne out by the following announcement of his death in the "Methodist Magazine" of the year 1835:- "At Portloe, in the St. Mawes Circuit, Mr. William Trounce died, aged 85. He was brought to God under the ministry of the late Reverend Joseph Taylor, and for upwards of 52 years was a steady and consistent member of the Methodist Society, to which he was ardently attached, both in regard to its doctrine and discipline.

"He maintained that attachment to the end of his years. The last few weeks of his life were characterised by a strong confidence in God through Christ, and a lively anticipation of that glory which shall be revealed! He affliction which ended his life was severe, but he possessed his soul in patience, and at length, while gasping for breath, he exclaimed, ‘Glory be to God,’ and breathed his soul into the hands of his Saviour.

"He has left a widow, about his own age, eight children, fifty-seven grandchildren, and twenty-two great grandchildren, most of whom attend the Methodist Ministry. Several of them are members of Society, and some hold important offices in the body."

[On visiting Veryan Chuchyard, on July 25^th, 1905, the writer in company with his brother, Mr.Thomas Plomer Trounce, discovered the tombstone, bearing the inscription, much worn by time:_ "To the loving memory of William Trounce, who died in 1835, and of his Widow, Susannah Trounce."]

The children of William and Susannah numbered nine. Their names and birth dates were as follows:-

It is to the William Trounce, of Goldsithney, that all Trounces living within the nineteenth and twentieth centuries can trace their descent.

MR. WILLIAM TROUNCE was born at Goldsithney, near Penzance, Cornwall, in the year 179. Had no brother and only one sister. He married Miss Susannah Plomer. A curious incident is recorded of Mr. Trounce. When a lad he was going an errand, and while crossing a field, where a man and boy were ploughing, he asked the boy to go his errand while he followed the plough. While pursuing the duty something glittered on the ground, which he found to be a gold guinea, which he divided with the man and boy. With his seven shillings, he purchased a Bible and a lamb. The lamb, in course of time, had lambs, which event proved to be his start in life. He ultimately became an extensive farmer in the neighbourhood.

His Christian principles may be ascertained from the following paragraph, which appeared in the Methodist Magazine for 1835, January 11^th, at Portloe, in St. Mary Circuit:- Mr. William Trounce died aged 85. He was brought to god under the Ministry of the late Joseph Taylor, and for upwards of fifty-two years was a steady and consistent member of the Methodist Society, to which he was ardently attached both in regard to its doctrine and discipline, and he maintained that attachment to the end of his days. The last few weeks of his life were characterised by strong confidence in God through Chris, and lively anticipations of that Glory which shall be revealed. The afflictions which ended his life were severs; but he possessed his soul in patience, and at length, gasping for breath, he exclaimed "Glory to God," and breathed his Soul into the hands of his Saviour. He left a Widow, about his own age, eight children, fifty-seven grand-children, and twenty-two great-grand-children. Most of them attend the Methodist Ministry, several of whom are members of the Society, and some of them hold important offices in the body.

Mr. William Trounce had nine children:-

1st, SARAH, born June 29^th, 1774                                                                                                                                                                                         2^nd, WILLIAM, born April 6^th, 1776                                                                                                                                                                                     3^rd, THOMAS, born January 27^th, 1778                                                                                                                                                                                 4^th, SAMUEL, born December 6^th, 1779                                                                                                                                                                                 5^th, RICHARD, born December 17^th, 1781                                                                                                                                                                             6^th, JOHN, born October 16^th, 1783                                                                                                                                                                                         7^th, SUSANNAH, born March 12^th, 1786                                                                                                                                                                             8^th, CHRISTIANNA, born September 30^th, 1788                                                                                                                                                                 9^th, HENRY, born December 27^th, 1791

Those marked with an * (asterisk) were personally known to the late Alderman W.J. Trounce

1^st, SARAH. Married twice- 1^st, Mr. Jeffery, 2^nd, Mr. Mundy. Children:-

JOHN.                                                                                                                                                                                                                             SUSANNAH (living at Pine Cottage, Portloe, 3^rd Jan., 1882).                                                                                                                             SARAH.          MARY.          WILLIAM                                                                                                                                                                                 ELIZA (living at Tregenna, Veryan, Jan. 3^rd, 1882).

2^nd, WILLIAM. Was married to Miss Rasleigh, and had eight children:-

WILLIAM (died at Uroonda, South Australia, 1892, aged 94).                                                                                                                                 JOHN (living at Tretheake, Veryan, Jan. 3^rd, 1882)                                                                                                                                             THOMAS (drowned at King Harry Ferry).                                                                                                                                                             RICHARD          FRANCIS          SUSAN                                                                                                                                                                         HENRY (went to America and died there).                                                                                                                                                         ELIZABETH (Mrs. Bernallack).                                                                                                                                                                                  MARTHA (Mrs. Williams).

3^rd, THOMAS. Married Miss Glasson, and had six children:-

THOMAS (Australia, New Zealand, and Vancouver Island. No children. Died 1900, aged 88).                                                                 JOHN (died in London. Had one son).                                                                                                                                                                         SUSAN (Mrs. Sampson. No children. Died at Breage, 1900, aged 88).                                                                                                         WILLIAM (married Mary Rowe, at Penzance, and had five children).                                                                                                             JOSEPH (married twice).                                                                                                                                                                                                         ANN (not married. Lived at Breage).

4^th, SAMUEL. Married and had seven children:-

JOSEPH (went to California, gold diggings. Buried at Veryan Churchyard).                                                                                             WILLIAM (printer in London, and founder at Daily Gazette. One son living Jan., 1882)                                                                                 JOHN                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 THOMAS HENRY (builder, in business in Battersea, London).                                                                                                                 ELIZABETH (married Mr. Andrew, London and County Bank).                                                                                                                         JAMES                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     SUSAN (London. Married Mr. Tiller, builder, London).

5^th, RICHARD. Married and had eleven children (Trevilveth, Veryan) :-

SUSAN (not married. Living Jan., 1882).                                                                                                                                                                     HENRY WILLIAMS (married, four children).                                                                                                                                                     RICHARD (married, no children). Had hotel in London, and died at Truro.                                                                                             WILLIAM HENRY (married, no children).                                                                                                                                                         ELIZABETH (married, three children). Mrs. Randle.                                                                                                                                                 JOHN THOMAS (married, no children).                                                                                                                                                                 SAMUEL (married, one child).                                                                                                                                                                                 JOSEPHUS (married, no children.                                                                                                                                                                                     MARY MACKENZIE.                                                                                                                                                                                                         EDWIN (married, one child).                                                                                                                                                                                     ORLANDO (married, two children(.

6^th, JOHN. Married, and had seven children:-

JOHN (living at Veryan, Jan. 3^rd, 1882).                                                                                                                                                                         JAMES (living at Veryan, Jan. 3^rd, 1882).                                                                                                                                                                 WILLIAM (at Buckingham Palace). When in A Division of Metropolitan Police arrested Francis, who attempted to shoot Queen Victoria on Constitution Hill in May, 1842, and was publicly thanked for his prompt and brave act.                                                     SUSAN (married Mr. Blamey, at Camels. No child).                                                                                                                                                 MARIA.          RACHEL.          SAMUEL THOMAS.

7^th, SUSANNAH. Not married. died at the age of 21.

8^th, CHRISTIANNA. Married Mr. Lugg. Had five children:-

JOSEPH.         WILLIAM.          RICHARD.                                                                                                                                                                     SUSAN (living at St. Austell).                                                                                                                                                                                 CAROLINE (living at St. Austell. Married Mr. Warne, printer).

9^th, HENRY. Married Miss Phillips. Two children:-

SAMUEL PHILLIPS (married, five children).                                                                                                                                                     ELIZABETH (married, no children).

Will of Mr. William Trounce, of Goldsithney

------o------

This is the last will and testament of William Trounce, of the parish of Veryan, in the county of Cornwall, coal merchant:- I give and bequeath unto my wife Susannah Trounce one annuity yearly rent charge, or the sum of £20 to be paid and payable to her for and during the term of her natural life out of and from my freehold, messuages, tenements, and premises situated in the Parish of Perranuthnoe, in this County.

I give unto my son Henry Trounce all my aforesaid messuages, hereditaments, tenements and premises situate in the Parish of Perranuthnoe, to hold to him, my said son Henry, for and during the term of his natural life and to his heirs and assigns for ever, in case he shall die without leaving a male issue. But if he shall die without leaving a male issue, then the aforesaid freehold, messuages shall be disposed of as hereinafter mentioned, subject nevertheless to the payment of the aforesaid annuity of £20 in manner and form aforesaid to my said wife, and also subject after the death of my said wife, to the payment within twelve calendar months after he death of the following sums:-

The sum of £30 to my son William, his executors; the sum of £30 to my son Thomas, his executors; the sum of £30 to my son Samuel, his executors; the sum of 30£ to my son Richard, his executors; the sum of £30 to my son John, his executors; and also the sum of £20 to my daughter, Sarah Mundy, her executors; the sum of £20 to my daughter, Christiana Lugg, her executors.

I give unto my said wife all my household furniture and articles of household. After her death, I give the same unto my son Henry Trounce, except my clock, which I give unto my son Samuel Trounce, unless my son Henry wishes to have my said clock, in which case I will he may have it provided he gives and returns unto my said son Samuel the clock he now has, and which formerly belonged to Samuel, but not otherwise.

Whereas my son Richard Trounce (amongst other sums due and owing to me from him) stands indebted to me in the sum of £216, payment of which is now secured to me by two promissory notes of hand, but in whatever way or manner the said sum shall stand secured to me at the time of my death, I give and bequeath the said sum of £216 in manner following:-

I give unto my sons, William Trounce, Thomas Trounce, and Samuel Trounce, the sum of £50 each, and unto my said daughter, Sarah Mundy, the sum of £50, and to my said daughter, Christiana Lugg, the sum of £10, and the remaining £6 I give unto my said son Richard Trounce. I give unto my said son, Henry Trounce, the sum of £200 in trust to invest upon investment securities, and then to pay over the same unto my son, John Trounce, for his sole use of himself and family during his natural life, and after his death in trust for Rachael, the wife of my said son John Trounce if then alive, and such of the children of my son John Trounce who shall be alive at the time of his death. All the rest, residue, I give unto my son, Henry Trounce. I appoint my said son, Henry Trounce, sole Executor of this my last will and testament, the 16^th day of August, one thousand eight hundred and thirty-two.

WILLIAM TROUNCE, in the presence of

DIGORY POLKINHORNE

THOMAS BLAMEY

PENTECOST DUNSTAN

Sworn under £600

Died January 11^th, 1835.

Part of the property mentioned in the will, and left to Henry Trounce, was the "Crown Hotel," Goldsithney.

Many descendants of the foregone Alderman W.J. Trounce met during his lifetime. Several of them have gone as far south as New Zealand, and as distant westward as Vancouver Island. Yet, in no instance, has he found or heard of any Trounce who was not connected with the family, an epitome of which, it is hoped, will be appended to these references.

Notwithstanding the very elementary and meagre educational condition of things in the early part of the 19^th century, compared with the facilities and opportunities of acquiring knowledge to-day, it is both interesting and gratifying to the family, in this the 20^th century, to know that their forefathers have been honourable and well-educated men, and who have, in various ways, rendered faithful service to their country and fellow-men.

Industry, Patriotism, Courage, and an unwavering devotion to duty have been the prominent characteristics of their lives.

In poetry certain members of the family have excelled; not merely for the thoughtful fervour expressed in the lines they have composed, but also for the personal and sympathetic sentiments they have thus conveyed to posterity. On the marriage of he son John, in April, 1844, the writer’s grandmother wrote the following acrostic:-

TO MY BELOVED CHILDREN

Indissolubly joined by God alone,

Of twain you were, who now are strictly one.

How may you best fulfil Heaven’s great design,

Nor miss the path marked out by love Divine

Guard well your heart my son, with holy fear,

Like Zion’s priest, the Law of God revere,

And practice its commands with heart sincere.

Study its precepts- like has Christ His Bride,

So may you love the partner of your side.

Of hallowing influence may it always prove,

Nor stop to laugh beneath a Saviour’s Love.

Admit no thought that would her peace annoy,

Nor suffer trifles to impede your joy.

Deserve her utmost confidence, and then

Faithful impart your confidence again.

Require no duty but what Heaven decrees,

And in affliction soothe the soul to peace;

Nor for His crowning grace at noon or even,

Cease to implore the Majesty of Heaven.

Enriched, I feel convinced with Jesu’s grace,

Still may my daughter His blest footsteps trace.

Humbly pursue the path her Saviour trod,

And lead her partner to the Throne of God.

Nurtured by pious love from early youth,

Need I obtrude? The God of truth

And love, has blest your Mother’s tender care,

Has raised her Holy Zeal, and answered prayer,

Through all the ever varying scenes of life,

Revered for female virtues, loved as wife.

Oft may your mutual prayers ascend to Heaven,

Under life’s pressure may its aid be given.

Nor doubt not Him who joined your hearts in love,

Calls you through life His utmost grace to prove,

Endued with power Divine, till called to Realms of bliss Above!

Many other poetic productions of the same, and other members of the family are possessed and much valued by the writer.

It is also gratifying to the members of our family to-day to know also that conspicuous bravery and noble deeds have distinguished many of our ancestors.

In the records of the greatest of our sea battles- "Trafalgar," fought on Monday, October 21^st, 1805, and won by the valorous and indomitable Nelson, we find that Stephen Trounce was Master of H.M. ship Britannia, and was wounded in the service of his country. Few greater services can be rendered to a nation or a people than to defend their rights and honour from the enemy.

History can never fully reveal the acts of bravery and daring, even unto death, of her gallant seamen and soldiers who have gone forth to uphold and maintain the glorious traditional successes of their forefathers.

Our thoughts are too often crowded with the events of to-day to cherish, or even heed, the memory of those who have sacrificed their lives in laying the foundation of our glorious Empire. May we as faithfully discharge our duty in the interest of our successors.

The Britannia was one of the largest of Nelson’s victorious fleet- in fact she was the same size, and carried the same number of guns as the Victory. Under the command of the Earl of Northeask (Rear-Admiral of the White), the Britannia promptly obeyed Nelson’s memorable signal from his flagship Victory: "That England expects every man to do his duty." (This signal was run up by Flag-Lieutenant Pasco, a young Cornishman, who for his long naval service and praiseworthy deeds subsequently became Admiral Pasco, whose grand-daughter is a personal friend of the writer.

Needless to say the signal was received with loud cheers and unbounded enthusiasm by all the King’s ships. And loyally observed by every British sailor.

In this unparalleled naval battle, which resulted in the destruction of the best fighting warships of France and Spain, Nelson won a glorious triumph for his country, but alas! At the cost of his own life. The Britannia had 52 of her crew killed or wounded. It is not too much, by way of commendation, to say that Trafalgar’s heroes saved our country from an (*) impending invasion,

_____________________________________________________________________________________

*France had been preparing for a long time to invade England. An army of 160,000 French soldiers had been assembled in and around Boulogne, where some hundreds of shallow draft vessels were constructed for landing the troops along our coast. The final order was given by the organising chief of Napoleon I to the French Admiral Villeneuve to leave Toulon with his fleet of 14 sail of the line for Ferrol, there to join the Spanish fleet of 9 first-class battleships, 5 other French men-of-war, and 8 frigates, intending further to join at Brest with the French channel fleet of 21 heavily-armed vessels, the whole being sufficient, in the opinion of Napoleon, to escort in safety the massed French troops to the shores of Britain.

Artful devices were made by France at this juncture to divert Nelson’s fleet to the West Indies, but the efforts, happily for us, failed, and the glorious deliverance of England form the invader by Nelson at Trafalgar frustrated Napoleon’s designs, who then withdrew his army from Boulogne, and marched them towards Germany.

An inscription on the "Arch of the Carrousel" in the Place du Carrousel (the courtyard of the original Palace of the Tuileries, Paris), bears confirmation of the assembling of the French army at and near Boulogne to invade England at the time referred to. This is a second triumphal arch, built by order of Napoleon I to celebrate the campaign of Ulm and Austerlitz. It is in design similar to the Arch of Severus at Rome.   Nelson was inferior in numbers of ships and men than the combined enemy, and had only 2,148 guns to their 2,626. Prisoners taken by Nelson’s ships numbered about 12,000.                                                     _____________________________________________________________________________________

established our conquest and supremacy of the seas as truly as Waterloo, sealed and crowned, terminated our military achievements in Europe.

Having perused the log-books and naval manuscripts deposited at the Records Office, London, in his own handwriting, we read that Stephen Trounce had served several years in the Nay of King George III, and had been an officer from December 20^th, 1794. He succeeded Mr. Francis Mason as Master of the Britannia on February 21^st, 1805, remaining in that position until June 20^th, 1806 (excepting the short time that he was recovering from his wounds received at Trafalgar).

The ship’s Journal contains the following entry, viz.:- "These are to certify to the Principal Officers and Commissioners of His Majesty’s Navy, that Mr. Stephen Trounce served as Master of

His Majesty’s ship Britannia under my command from February 21^st, 1805, to the day of the date hereof, during which time he conducted himself with sobriety, diligence, and attention, having practised Lunar observations. Double altitudes, soundings both in and out of the different harbours, and that the ship never touched the ground during that period. Given under my hand, on board the said ship, in Hamoate, 20^th June, 1806. Signed, Charles Bullen (Captain)."

Further entries in the log-books refer to the captured ships and the large number of French and Spanish seamen picked up, and maintained on board the Britannia.

Many other members of the family have rendered conspicuous service in the Navy and Army of their country, among whom may be mentioned a gallant young officer, who succumbed while on duty in the West Indies, whose resting-place of Bermuda is surmounted by a tombstone with the following inscription:-

Sacred to the Memory of LIEUTENANT PETER TROUNCE,

Lately Commanding H.M.S. Ruby,

Who Departed this Life

The 10^th Day of October, 1812. Aged 27 Years.

A photograph of this tombstone has lately been sent home by Mrs. Beecher (a daughter of Mr. William James Trounce, a cousin in Canada). Miss Trounce married into the family of the Rev. Henry Ward Beecher, and Mrs. Beecher-Stowe, the writer of "Uncle Tom’s Cabin," etc. Though a woman of peace, her book, it has been said, led to that sanguinary war between the Northerners and Southerners of the United States of America (which the writer well remembers). "Uncle Tom’s Cabin" was published on March 20^th, 1852. Hundreds of thousands of copies were sold within a few months. No book ever produced such pity and sympathy with the coloured race of America than this of Mrs. Harriet Beecher-Stowe.

On her arrival in England, in July, 1921, Mrs. A.M. Trounce Beecher brought with her a copy of the following letter which the compiler has deemed to be of sufficient interest to insert at this point.

[COPY]

H.M. Ship Tourterelle,

Bermuda,

Sept. 27^th, 1811.

Dear Eliz,---

Yours of the 11^th May. I have received also one from my dear mother and one from Mr. Granville with a bundle of newspapers, a Steels list and an Army list. I am in hopes you will send me the newspapers every opportunity as I find a great pleasure in looking over my county news, and so far distant from home. I am sorry to hear your dear mother is so unwell, but I am in hopes its nothing more than your going to have another brother. I am happy to find Mary Ann is getting better. I wish she were in this climate as I think it is the finest in the world. You say my boy (P) has got a black eye. I hope it is nothing more. You will give my compliments to the young ladies and love to Miss M.S. and say  I am happy to find they are so highly pleased with my little present. I am not certain who I intended the bottle of Roses for but I think its in very good hands. You mentioned Mrs. And Miss S--------- being at Ennis on the 17^th April—which day landed on Bermuda (and received my last letters and parcel from Capt. Britton).    I am very sorry it was not at Ennis, as I should find a greater pleasure in seeing my dear friends, than landing on such a desolate island as this—although I suppose Johnny---------wishes I may never return. Nothing prevents me from returning but the honour of my country. I am very sorry Miss S------- will not take her mother’s advice, as nothing would give me greater pleasure than to hear from her by the next packet. Hope it will not give Johnny any uneasiness. You must persuade her to write by the first opportunity as I will not accept of her thanks in any other way. I am happy to find Mr. Bastion’s family is all well, but sorry to find B--------- so proud. Pride is becoming when it is properly made use of, but when Pride and Poverty meet it is a dreadful meeting indeed. Pride is one who rates too high. Pride is also Vanity.   Vanity is emptiness and arrogance and arrogance is unbecoming pride and presumption. I am glad to hear Mrs. T--------- has a favourite, but sorry to find he is one of your outward bound ships that will put into any port sooner than run the risk of meeting a gale of wind in the Channel. I am glad to hear young Bastion likes his ship so well. I am sorry I was not at Truro when the Ball was given as I flatter myself Miss S------- and myself would show some of your Truro folks how to go down the middle. I am happy inform you last week I was at three Balls and made a great show with some English ladies. I gave a most excellent dinner on Tuesday last to Colonel Lloyd and Lady----of the Regiment, Captain Deyle, his Lady and sister, Captain Fraser of the Navy, and several other officers. You must suppose what a beautiful climate we are in when we dined in the open air among the Cedar trees with a canopy over head. I am still living on shore with a fine stock round me and plenty of ground for a garden which I shall begin soon as our season is now drawing near very fast. Next month we begin to plant the same as in the Spring in England. You must tell your father he must send me out a barrel of potatoes of different sorts for seed by the first packet which sails in November. The long Kidney potatoes answer best. I am sorry to hear your Aunt Foord is so unwell. Hope she will soon recover. I have felt very much for the death of Mr. Thomas who did everything to serve me while living. I find myself much better and every person says I am getting quite stout. Mr. Trethuey thinks I am much better than when I came home last. I must say I find myself much recovered, but the cough has not left me as yet. The Ruby 64 has arrived here. The Commodore informed me she is to remain here instead of the Tourterelle. He also informed me he is going to hoist his broad pennant aboard her. I expect that I am to command her. He only waits for an answer from the Admiral, who is at Halifax. You may expect my next from the Ruby. Here I am comfortably situated on shore in want of nothing tell Miss S------------ but a housekeeper. When you write I am in hopes of receiving a letter from Miss S------------, as I will not receive her thanks in any other kind of way as she has her mother’s consent. I will write my dear mother by this opportunity. Give my love to your dear father, mother and sisters and Uncle Jago, and all my friends in Truro.

I remain your most sincere and affectionate Uncle,

P. TROUNCE

A list of my stock for August, 1811:- One Cow, Five Pigs, Two Goats, Six Turkeys, Nineteen Fowls, Seventeen Ducks, and Forty Chickens. My stock increases although I kill a few. Mr. Trethuey is well and gives his compliments to all. Should I go in the Ruby he will also.

MISS ELIZ. TROUNCE,                                                                                                                                                                                                         Ennis St. Erm, near Mitchell, Cornwall                                                                                                                                                                         [COPY]

H.M. Ship Ruby,

Bermuda, October 22, 1811.

My dear Niece,--

I have just time to inform you I joined this ship to-day as also Mr. Trethuey. Tell your dear father I have received the seeds, and shall put some in the ground the first opportunity. I wrote Uncle two days since and hope he has received it by the same post. My stock is doing very well and garden in a flourishing state. Tell all my friends I am getting quite stout. Tell Miss S. I am sorry I am not at home to spend every Monday with her at the Feast. However, Mr. Trethuey and self are in hopes of being there next year. We hope that winter will not be so severe as to destroy all the furze, as I am quite busy in making up my books. You must excuse the shortness of this, and give my love to your dear father and mother and all my friends.

I am your most affectionate Uncle,                                                                                                                                                                                             P. TROUNCE                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Direct Lieut. TROUNCE                                                                                                                                                                                             Commanding H.M. Ship Ruby, Bermuda

The original letters are in the possession of Lady Borden, wife of Sir Robert Borden, Prime Minister of Canada. Elizabeth Trounce to whom they were written, was Lady Borden’s grandmother. Lieutenant Trounce was killed in 1812, and is buried in Bermuda.

______________________________________________

In the register at the parish church of St. Erme, near Truro, may be found the following entries:-

MARRIAGES.

1792 (April 1^st) JOHN TROUNCE to DIANA JENKIN.                                                                                                                                                 1813 THOMAS ATKINSON, surgeon, of Probus to ELIZABETH TROUNCE.

BAPTISMS.

1800 JULIANA TONKIN, daughter of JOHN TROUNCE, of Tregassow.                                                                                                                 1802 JOHN JAGO,                                                                                                                                                                                                                     1803 CLARERINA,                                                                                                                                                                                                                 1805 DIANAH JENKIN,                                                                                                                                                                                                         1808 CHARLOTTE,                                                                                                                                                                                                                 1809 PHILLIS,                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Children of JOHN and DINAH TROUNCE.

1812 HENRY WILLIAM,                                                                                                                                                                                                         1814 RICHARD,                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Children of RICHARD and ELIZABETH TROUNCE.

Other baptisms recorded are:-

1815 WILLIAM HENRY TROUNCE.                                                                                                                                                                                 1817 ELIZABETH TROUNCE.                                                                                                                                                                                             1819 ELIZABETH TROUNCE.                                                                                                                                                                                             1821 JOHN TROUNCE.

BURIALS.

1804 (Aug. 31^st) DINAH TROUNCE.                                                                                                                                                                                 1810 (Dec. 7^th) CLARERINA TROUNCE                                                                                                                                                                         1811 (Sept. 13^th) JOHN JAGO TROUNCE

A remarkable incident is recorded on one of the narrowest escapes from death of the late gracious Queen Victoria, in which one of our family figured prominently. It occurred on the evening of May 30^th, 1842, when her Majesty, in company with H.R.H. Prince Albert, was driving down Constitution Hill, London.   A man named John Francis rapidly approached her carriage, and deliberately levelled a pistol at her within three years of the Queen, but momentarily was providentially diverted by William Trounce (a grandson of William Trounce, of Goldsithney), who was at the time a member of the A Division of the London Constabulary, who were on special duty for Royal protection.    For this meritorious act William Trounce was publicly thanked, and by command of he Majesty, he was appointed to the Household Staff of Buckingham Palace, which honourable position he held until his demise in 1891.   John Francis was tried before Lord Chief Justice Tindal, and two other judges, on June 17^th, 1842. After a prolonged hearing and an important summing up by the Lord Chief Justice, the jury found the prisoner guilty, and the following extraordinary judgement was passed, viz.:- "That you, john Francis, be taken to the place whence you came, and be drawn from thence on a hurdle to the place of execution, and that you be hanged by the neck until you be dead, that your head be afterwards severed from your body, and that your body be divided into four quarters, to be disposed of in such manner as to her Majesty shall see fit, and the Lord have mercy on your soul!" A profound sensation fell upon the Court on the declaration of the verdict (supposed to be the last of its character delivered in Britain).   On July 2^nd, 1842, the eve of the date fixed for the execution, the Queen mercifully interposed, and exercising her prerogative of clemency, directed that the sentence of death should be commuted to transportation for life.    A brief reference to Cornwall and Cornish people from the early part of the 18^th century may prove interesting to those unacquainted with the history of the Western County.

The land of our birth is too often forgotten by many who journey abroad to other spheres and environment, but this cannot be said of the Cornish, who ever cling with the warmest thoughts and devotion to their county and parental homes.

Originating with the first visits to Cornwall of Hervey, in 1738, Whitfield, in 1743, followed soon afterwards by Charles and John Wesley, a wave of Christianity flooded the county. The glad tidings of "Peace and good will to man" preached by these good and holy men brought about an abundant harvest to the glory of God, which happily came to remain, for in no part of the British Empire has there been found sincerer Christians than in Cornwall.

There was scarcely a town or village where John Wesley’s voice was not heard proclaiming the gospel truths. And nowhere was he more at home than at Gweenap Pit, where he first preached to an assembly of between 200 and 300 miners, who listened devoutly to his appeals.

Gwennap Pit was described by Wesley as one of the finest places in the kingdom for a meeting, in a green-turfed hollow, of about 40 feet deep by 200 feet wide, and nearly 300 feet long, situated in proximity to a large mining population.

Here, in this temple not made with hands, thousands gathered from time to time to hear the glad news of salvation, until the air rang with their joyous Hallelujahs!

One can imagine the heartfelt gratitude of John Wesley when, on Sunday, September 2^nd, 1781 (one of his last visits to Gwennap Pit), while preaching to a multitude of some thousands of people, he prayed that his voice, by the help of God, might be heard by all, and, in deep emotion, exclaimed that he could scarcely see "a larger congregation till he met them in the air." "But," he added, "he that glorieth let him glory in the Lord."

As a result of the visits to Cornwall of John Wesley and his fellow evangelists meeting houses and chapels sprang up throughout the county. Preachers and teachers multiplied rapidly in numbers, and such God-fearing men as Joseph Taylor, Richard Wright, and Billy Bray, with many others, carried the good work to every homestead, and among those who threw open their largest rooms for revival services was William Trounce, the of Erisey Farm.

Growing apace with William Trounce was another Christian enthusiast, named William Carvaso. While the former was born in 1749, and departed this life in 1835, Carvasso was born in 1750, in the parish of Paul, near Penzance, and ended his earthly career on October 13^th, 1834. Both were members of the earliest Wesleyan Methodist Societies, and wer for upwards of 50 years active and devoted adherents of their church. The name Carvasso is of old Cornish origin, signifying a fortified rock or castle.

Carvasso was a preacher of no mean order. Being a man of strong faith in prayer he exercised a great spiritual power wherever he went. In meeting a class of Mr. Glasson, sen., of Breage (one of our family), he dwelt on the efficacy of faith, and especially emphasised in Wesley’s hymns, which hymns he ascribed as a "Body of Divinity."

Cornishment, as a race, are characteristically brave and patriotic, and included many men in the 18^th century, of great intellect, and noble qualities. Men of advanced ideas aiming to improve the lot of their fellow-men and achieving incomparable scientific and valorous successes.

Among the great scientists may be mentioned Sir Humphrey Davy, who was born at Penzance on December 17^th, 1778. He served his apprenticeship to a Penzance surgeon, and, by diligent research and experiments, discovered and perfected a "safety lamp," which has, through its adoption, undoubtedly saved thousands of miners’ lives.

In our South Wales collieries, many of which are very gaseous, the "Davy lamp" has proved one of the finest discoveries and greatest blessings to our underground workers.

Sir Humphrey Davy received a prize of 3,000 livres from the National Institute of Paris for his essay on "Chemical Affinities." Sir Humphrey was also a poet of no mean order. His poem, "Mounts Bay," elicited great praise. In 1812 he received the honour of knighthood from his Royal Highness the Prince Regent.

Sir Humphrey Davy died in 1829, but his name and fame will be chronicled in history. The stature erected to his memory in his native town will, it is hoped, stimulate others to swell the number of Cornwall’ s worthies.

Another eminent Cornishman of the 18^th century was Richard Trevithick, who was born at Redruth in 1771. His father was the manage of Dolcoath Mine, at one time the richest tin mine in the world. The ambition of Richard Trevithick, at the age of 25, was attained in producing a machine for propelling, by steam power, a carriage which, from 1796 to 1801, ran between Camborne and Tuckingmill, at a speed of about seven miles an hour.

National interest was so aroused by this novel means of locomotion that, in the year 1803, carriages thus propelled plied in London, between Paddington and Leather Lane with remarkable success.

The development of the high pressure engine was also mainly brought about by Trevithick’s experiments. Considering that George Stephenson’s first locomotive, "My Lord," came out in 1814, attaining, over tram lines, a speed of six miles an hour, and his much improved and accelerated "Rocket" in 1829, it must be gratifying to Cornishmen to know that their compatriot Trevithnivk was the first to produce those results which have since played so important a part in the unification of the world.

William Murdoch, another Redruth genius, is credited with having made the first British locomotive, a model of which, belonging to Messrs. Richard and George Tangye, has been for a long time on exhibition at Birmingham’s Art Gallery. It is likewise recorded that the same William Murdoch was the first discoverer of gas lighting from coal. This was in the year 1792.

Among other honourable Cornish names of the 18^th century may be mentioned many a gallant soldier and sailor, as, for instance, Lord de Dunstanville, who led an army of Cornish miners, after a short training, to the relief of Plymouth, when, besieged by French and Spaniards early in the century, whose monument crowns to-day the summit of Cara Brea.

Admiral Boscowen, by whose bravery he was nicknamed the "old Dreadnought."

Edward Pellew, who after a series of naval conquests and deeds of valour, became Admiral Edward Pellew, and subsequently Viscount Exmouth, G.C.B. This hero came from the neighbourhood of Breage, and invariably, when possible, manned his ships with Cornishmen. No commander in the King’s service achieved greater successes, or held a more enviable reputation, than Admiral Pellew.

Then, as a soldier, stands out conspicuously that brave and skilful general, Sir Richard Hussey Vivian, who, with his gallant men, fought so valiantly at Waterloo in assisting to overthrow the Napoleonic reign of terror.

Sir Hussey had passed through a long military service in India, and returned to England after the death of Tippo Sahib. He was present at most of the great Peninsular battles with Wellington, and was severely wounded at Talavera.

James Macarmic, born at Truro in 1742. Saw much service in our American campaigns. He had a colonel’s commission, and subsequently was promoted to the rank of lieutenant-general, and was for many years the Governor of Cape Breton. He returned to Cornwall, and died at West Looe in 1815.

Samuel Foote was born at Truro in 1721. He became one of England’s greatest actors. His farces, "The Knight of the Land’s End" and "Englishman in Paris," while established his reputation.

While the before-named and many others rendered distinguished services to their country, there were, during the same period, in Cornwall a totally different class of individuals, who, in many cases were no less brave and daring, but who worked in opposition to the Customs and Trinity Laws of the Government in the 18^th and early part of the 19^th centuries. These were wreckers and smugglers who dwelt in large numbers around the coast. Happily, by the light and spread of civilisation and Christianity, the dark deeds of wreckers have long since ceased to be, not only in Cornwall but in many parts of the United Kingdom.

Wreckers were not always those who, it has been said, lured vessels on to the rocks and sands for the sake of plunder, but men who, in those days, believed that all wreckage washed ashore was their legitimate property. Often on such occasions was the cry heard:-

Hurrah! Boys, Hurrah!                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Fetch your hatchet and saw!

Nor would it be surprising to hear it had been suggested that the following words should be added to the Litany:-

From Praa Sands, and Breage Hands,                                                                                                                                                                                         Good Lord deliver us!

The writer well remembers when a lad at Breage, hearing of a vessel stranded during a gale on Praa Sands, in the parish of Breage, when a man rushed into Breage Church during divine service on a Sunday morning, crying out, "A wreck! A wreck! Down to Praa, with a shipload of oranges!" Great consternation prevailed among the congregation , who began to rise in their old-fashioned pews, on observing which the clergyman abruptly closed the service, and casting aside his surplice, called upon his hearers thus: "Wait, friends, wait. Let us have a fair start together." This order they obeyed, getting away by the shortest paths to Praa Sands, whence they returned soon afterwards laden with oranges.

Mr. George Borlase, of Penzance, referred to the records of the 18^th century to the wreck of a Dutch ship near Helston Pool in December, 1750, laden with wine, which was cleared out by the miners within 24 hours, the authorities being powerless to interfere.

"CORNISH SMUGGLERS"

Smuggling was a prolific business or trade in many coves and coast villages in Cornwall in the 18^th century, brought about primarily as a protest by the inhabitants to the restrictions put on over-sea trading by excessive and prohibitive duties imposed by the Government on the necessaries of the people, and particularly on such luxuries as tea, tobacco, and spirits. A successful smuggler was considered a popular and honest man, whose trade was patronised and supported by the masses and classes of the county, who "one and all" fought against the State exactions of increased duties.

Among the names of prominent and notorious smugglers was "Coppinger" of Welcombe, "Richard Pentreath," or as he was nicknamed, "Voga," of Mousehole, and standing out above all in the 18^th century, was undoubtedly "John Carter" of Breage (with his brother, Harry Carter). Carter, when a youth, was so fearless, venturesome, and unconquerable that his playmates, on hearing of the victories of :Frederick the Great" of that period, gave him the name "King of Prussia." By this name he was ever afterwards known. His life as a bold and prosperous smuggler forms one of the most striking characters in Cornish history. The name of the cove where his illegal traffic was carried on was altered from the original "Portleah" to "Prussia Cove," by which name it is still designated.

Carter’s house there, which has been visited by the writer, remains in a very good state of preservation, bearing the date on its front wall 1766. There is a secret entrance from a cave beneath to the basement of the house. Here John Carter, better known as "The King of Prussia," pursued his operations practically undisturbed or interfered with from 1775 to 1809.

While he superintended the landing and distributing of his smuggled goods, his brother Captain Harry Carter, o-operated in bringing cargoes in his swift sailing cutters from the Continental harbours or creeks, or occasionally when captured from other vessels at sea.

The Custom House officials at Penzance were quite unable to cope with Carter’s fortified position, which dominated Mounts Bay, eastward to St. Michael’s Mount and Marazion. Prussia Cove was not only protected by a battery of guns, but Harry Carter’s new cutter, of 197 tons, carried the most up-to-date ordinance and weapons of defence, his prowess and power as a privateer extending far away at sea.

Popular sympathy and support was always accorded to John Carter and his brother Harry. They were counted brave and honest men. Many a farmer, squire, aye, and public officials, covertly aided them with money to develop their contraband, but profitable business.

On a Cornishman hearing of the defeat of the real King of Prussia at the battle of Jena by Napoleon , in 1806, he plaintively exclaimed how sorry he was. Misfortunes never came singly, as he had, but a few weeks ago, lost 300 kegs of brandy, through an informer, he was told.

According to the autobiography of Harry Cater, he met with his greatest misfortune in the month of January, 1778, when, on putting into the port of St. Malo for repairs, his vessel was seized, and confiscated by order of the French Admiralty. Harry Carte was detained on board as a prisoner of war, and felt deeply humiliated, because, having 16 guns and a crew of 36 men, he was bound to submit to the French. The loss of his cutter was great, but far greater was the loss of his liberty.

France having ratified as offensive and defensive treaty, dated February 6^th, 1778, with the United States of America, both countries were so embittered towards England that an order went forth to seize every British ship and imprison every Englishman they could lay hands on.

Fearing he might never again return to his home in Cornwall, Harry became very despondent when he was taken to St. Malo Castle, where he was placed in one of the upper floor cells, with nothing but straw to lay upon. This being his first experience of prison life, and in a "furren land," too, it is not surprising that he bewailed his unhappy position.

On May 20^th, 1778, Carter, with some of his crew, were removed, under the guard of a strong body of soldiers, to the military prison of Dinan. It is impossible to conceive the state of Harry Carter’s mind during the many months he was shut up in French prisons, but from his manuscripts we learn that he felt truly penitent, and had remarkable visions. Wesley’s teaching, which had deeply impressed him in his early days, vividly touched his conscience, and as was proved in later years, he spark of grace grew in him.

On hearing of the capture of his brother and his cutter by the French, John Carter ("The King of Prussia") resolved to leave no stone unturned to secure his release. He interceded with those in authority, and, armed with credentials from the Governor of Guernsey, he went to St. Malo. But lo and behold! Hands were immediately laid upon him also, and early in July he was lodged in the prison in which his brother was confined.

A month later the two Carters were sent on parole to a town about forty miles inland, and afterwards from place to place, until the month of November, 1779, when, by private and mysterious manes, an order was brought to them from the Lords of the Admiralty, stating they were to be liberated in exchange for two French officers then imprisoned in England.

Rejoicing at the prospect of their liberty, John and Henry Carter speedily availed themselves of the preparations which had been made for their departure from France, but they had to travel some hundreds of miles overland to the port of Ostende, whence they came to London, and arrived safely at their Cornish homes on the eve of Christmas, December 24^th, 1779. After an absence of nearly two years they were delighted to find all well. The loss of their cutter, however, threatened to ruin their trade in smuggling.

Although friends and cross-channel merchants soon proffered the Carter’s adequate financial assistance, a considerable time elapsed before they again ventured into a French port.

For many years subsequently, with new cutters, they continued their smuggling operations with unparalleled success, even across the broad Atlantic. Their daring and courage marked them the chief of Cornish smugglers- John Carter to late in life, but Harry retired into the more peaceable occupation of farming at Rinsey in the year 1795, where his conversion to Christianity was verified, and he proved a faithful local preacher in the Methodist Society until his death on April 19^th, 1829. He was much respected and beloved, as shown by the printed announcement in the Methodist Magazine for October, 1831.

The Government offered a reward of £300 for the capture of Harry Carter, but he escaped to the Mediterranean, thence to America, and back to France as an American, but growing tired of his exploits and wanderings, returned, landing at Falmouth on August 22^nd, 1795, and settled down at Rinsey Breage, as stated in the above paragraph.

The descendants of the Carters have borne irreproachable characters. Mary, the daughter of John Carter ("The King of Prussia"), was married to the writer’s great-uncle, who, while keeping the "Ship Inn," at Porthleven-(still there)- was taken by a press gang on board one of the king’s ships in 1805, and was never heard of afterwards. Efforts were made to obtain his release, without avail.

War with France necessitated a great demand for men for the navy, and as Cornishmen were considered among the best sailors, Cornwall’s ports and harbours were visited and denuded of their ablest men by H.M. cutters.

(The son and grand-children of the host and Hostess of the "Ship Inn" have been personally known and friends of the writer.)

Returning more directly to the subject of our pedigree, the sons of William Trounce, of Goldsithney, settled in Cornwall, mainly engaged in farming operations, viz.:-

William, the eldest, at Trethenal Farm.                                                                                                                                                                         Thomas, at "Tregew," Feock.                                                                                                                                                                                             Samuel, a Portloe.                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Richard, at Trevilveth.                                                                                                                                                                                                         Henry, a farmer and miller, at Bridge, parish of Redruth.

Their children, however, early in life cherished a desire to rove abroad, resolving, in the words of John Wesley, that "The World should be their Parish."

This wandering spirit did not arise from any want of love for parents and home associations, for no family ties or affection could have been more fervent than theirs; but they realised that, towards the middle of the 19^th century, a great industrial depression came over Cornwall. For many centuries copper and tin had been rich and abundant products of the county. Thousands of men depended for their livelihood upon the working of the mines. Now, as prices declined for their precious minerals, by reason of foreign competition, a great gloom fell upon the mining districts of Cornwall.

Duties on foreign ores imported in the United kingdom were considerably reduced, and as these minerals were found in other countries very near the surface, whereas the mines of Cornwall were worked in some cases to depths of 1,200 to 1,800 feet, it was found impossible to compete, with any degree of profit, with foreign competitors.

So strong was the feeling aroused against the Government at the time for practically removing the Tariff Duty on copper and in, to the ruin of this important home industry, that a numerously signed petition by the miners and those interested in Cornish mining, was forwarded direct to her Majesty Queen Victoria, on June 24^th, 1842, praying that she would grant her favourable considerations and assistance to the appeal of her Majesty’s loyal and dutiful Cornish subjects. Unfortunately it was found to be too late to prevent the Parliamentary enactment becoming law.

The people of Cornwall were keenly disappointed at the doomed failure of their chief trade; but, characteristically industrious and determined, many resolved to seek employment and pastures new in the wide world rather than remain in comparative idleness at home.

How truly was it now realised that "Behind a frowning Providence there hides a smiling face," for news reached Cornwall that valuable gold deposits had been discovered in Australia, whence a came a demand for miners. As none were so skilled and competent for this work as Cornishmen, several hundreds of them packed up and left their homes at once for the far off Antipodes. The cry spread: "Let’s off to the diggings of Ballarat, Bendigo," etc., where, ultimately, many fortunes were made, and much wealth and happy homes in Cornwall to-day accumulated and originated from the efforts and enterprise of her miners of those days.

Cornish farmers were very closely in touch and allied with the miners. They, too, suffered by our climatic conditions and variations, and thought their toil might yield better results in fairer climes. So many sturdy yeomen decided to accompany their mining comrades to the southern hemisphere, and among the first to start from the shores of old England was William Trounce, jun., of Trethenal Farm.

He proceeded to New Zealand, being one of the first English settlers in that part of the world; but the troubles and losses he experienced during the occasional rising and raids f the Maories, notwithstanding their assumed submission to British rule, necessitated his removal to South Australia, where, with his large family, he prospered greatly, acquiring large estates, and enjoying for many years the respect and affection of a large circle of neighbours and friends. He departed this life at Uroonda, Australia, on July 31^st, 1892, at the age of 94 years!

The writer’s uncle, Thomas Trounce, jun., of Tregew Farm, also bade adieu top his relatives and friends in 1842, and arrived at Nelson, New Zealand, on May 13^th of that year. Unable to establish a prosperous home there, he left shortly after his arrival, by a sailing vessel for Tasmania, settling at Auckland. Fair returns rewarded his efforts, but, like many ambitious mortals in the hey-day of life, he imbibed a roving spirit, and meant, with God’s help, to succeed here, there, or anywhere.

Reports reached Auckland that gold had been found in California, so, joining some Cornish miners, they made off for that far distant destination. Thomas Trounce and his companions landed at San Francisco on June 1^st, 1850, and soon became busily occupied. A man of great stature, and of a robust physique and strong mind, he succeeded wherever he went. He remained in California for eight years sending good news from time to time to his relatives at home, and making many staunch friends there, some of whom he occasionally met later in life, with whom he was delighted to chat about Australian and Californian experiences and adventures.

After much travelling over land and ocean he began to realise that it was about time to settle down in life, and preferring to make his home under the British flag, he disposed of his Californian properties, and embarked for British Columbia, arriving at Victoria, Vancouver Island, in the summer of 1858.

Here he resolved to come to his life’s anchorage, and was warmly welcomed by a number of English and Scotch pioneers, including a few friends from his dear old county of Cornwall. His sterling character and genial disposition led him, in due course, to the front rank of Victoria’s citizens. Able, impartial, and kind-hearted, he won universal esteem, and became a chosen representative of the people in the City Council.

His church and civic duties absorbed much of his attention, but did not in any way detract from his love of home, and gardening, which was one of his fondest hobbies. As an organiser and member of the Masonic Brotherhood he devoted much time to extending the Order over the island and beyond its confines. In recognition of his diligence and faithfulness in the cause of Masonry, he was elected to the highest colonial office and distinction, viz., "Grand Master of British Columbia," in 1885.

His philanthropy and generous deeds will long be remembered by those of his day and generation at Victoria, where his name has been given to one of its thoroughfares (Trounce Avenue), thus perpetuating the memory of a worthy and honoured colonist.

Thomas Trounce fell asleep at Victoria, British Columbia, in 1900, in the 88^th year of his age. He left no children. His widow survived him but a few months.

Other Trounce’s have made their homes in the Dominion of Canada and some in the Southern Islands of the great universe, while there are still a few dwelling in the old county, including the writer’s aunt, Miss Anne Trounce, at Breage Church Town (ages 93 in 1917). First and foremost of those who remained in England was the writer’s father, William Trounce (a brother of the above-mentioned Thomas and Anne Trounce), who was born at Trevena Farm, Breage, on February 6^th, 1820.

In youth he was engaged at the old-established grocery business of Mr. Thomas Bodilly, of Penzance, and for many years before the completion of the West Cornwall Railway to Penzance he travelled throughout the county for his firm. (The writer well recollects, when a child, accompanying his father on some of these journeys in the gig, behind an old white mare.)

Soon after the removal of the family to Cardiff (May, 1849), Peter entered the office of Messrs. Knapp, Jenkins and Co., who carried on an extensive chartering and shipbroking business, with large American sailing ships, at the Bute Docks, Cardiff. For several years he was closely identified with the export of coal and iron from Cardiff, Swansea, and other ports of the Bristol Channel. Although he never aspired to any public office or position, he took a keen interest in his chapel work and also in being an active supporter of Friendly supporters. In 1862 he joined the firm of Henry Ellis and Sons, of London, extensive ship owners, and remained with them for several years.

His life was devoted to commerce and shipping. Of an active, genial, and generous disposition, he was respected and beloved, and on the best of terms with all who knew him. In the city of London, he carried on business until he was compelled, through failing health, to retire when 75 years of age. It was a consolation to the family to know that his closing years were brightened by a peace and joyful expectancy, that when absent from the body he would be present with the lord. He was a consistent member, Steward, and Class Leader of Mayfield Terrace Wesleyan Church, Dalston, London.

His end came in a sudden and tragic manner on January 9^th, 1898, while attending service at the above named sanctuary. While joining with the congregation in singing Wesley’s hymn, No. 814, his spirits fled from the earthly to the Heavenly Choir. The verse being sung was:-

He will present our souls,   

Unblemished and complete,

Before the glory of His face,

With joys divinely great!

It is impossible to extol too highly the affectionate father, thus taken from us at the age of 78 years, or the loving and saintly mother, who pre-deceased him in 1878. No parents and their children could have lived more lovingly and happily together than our family. Thank God the same spirit of love and affection has ever been experienced by the children to each other, until one by one they cross the River.

Yet another William Trounce, who was the son of Farmer Samuel Trounce, of Portloe. His ambition led him to London, where he secured an appointment in a large printing establishment. Success crowned his efforts, leading him eventually into the field of journalism. His first venture with a newspaper was in 1855, in which year he brought out the Islington Gazette.

This essay to provide for the residents of North London became, in course of time, a very promising enterprise, which developed subsequently into the Islington Daily Gazette, since which it has been considerably enlarged, with an extensive circulation. So that the earnest and plodding work of the founder, William Trounce, of Portloe, has grown to become of the best and largest journals in the northern district of England’s Metropolis.

It is only fair to state that much aid was rendered by one of proprietor’s first editors, none other than Mr. Edward Russell, who has since been considered, and rightly so, one of the first and ablest journalists of his generation, the deservedly honoured Sir Edward Russell.

William Trounce (who was a relative and personal friend of the writer’s) has gone to his rest, but his work follows him, and has been most ably continued under the management and proprietorship of his son and grandsons. Mr. William Trounce was strictly independent and impartial, showing the utmost toleration towards those who held opposite views to his own, just and generous in character, he won the good will of his employees and heartiest friendship of his many friends and colleagues of the London Press.

Other grand-children of William Trounce, of Goldsithney, included Mr. Orlando Trounce, who resided for many years at "Manamead," Plymouth. He enjoyed a more independent position and retiring life than many of his cousins. Also Mr. Josephus Trounce, who carried on, for upwards of forty years, a thriving grocery business at Truro, where he supplied his commodities to the residents and many farmers and miners of central Cornwall.

Both Orlando and Josephus Trounce, as well as the whole of the male members of the same generation as far as can be ascertained b the write) passed away ere we entered the twentieth century, but it is pleasant to know there still remains a female in the person of Miss Anne Trounce, at Breage Church Town, in this year of our Lord 1917, aged 93 years, the writer’s aunt, whose father was Mr. Thomas Trounce, of Tregess Farm. (Miss Anne Trounce passed away June, 1917.)

According to the old parish registers of Breage, the Trounce’s have lived there since 1592, but when Miss Anne Trounce will have crossed the border our name will, in all probability, disappear from the records of that ancient and interesting village.

One might dwell at length upon the virtues and good works of Miss Anne Trounce, whose home was always open to welcome and entertain ministers of all denominations, and friends who travelled that way. Her greatest pleasure seems to be realised when my brother and self pay her our annual visit, which we were in the habit of doing regularly since our youth.

Referring to those of the present or succeeding generation, one is bound to admit that we too are being carried over the stream of life or bridges of time more rapidly than we appear to realise. The sere and yellow leaf period is too apparent with some of us, who desire to remember with respect and honour many of our worthy and beloved ancestors.

The eldest great-grandson of William Trounce now (1912) known to be living is Mr. George Henry Trounce, the son of John Trounce, of Tretheake Farm, Veryan, who has entered upon his 81^st year, and was residing at Portloe, a pretty Cornish coast resort. On calling upon him, in company with my brother (Thomas Plomer Trounce) one bright July afternoon, in 1905, we found him with a large open Bible, intently reading God’s word. On raising his eyes he appeared somewhat surprised by our visit, but on learning that we were members of the family, and had driven several miles from the nearest railway station to see him, he was visibly delighted to welcome us, and gladly related many incidents about his relatives, particularly of his great-grandfather’s descendants.

Mr. George Henry Trounce has had six sons and three daughters. Three of the sons, named Josephus, Thorman, and Sidney, have rendered long and valiant service in the British Army- the two former in South Africa and Sidney in India and other parts of the world. A brother of George Henry Trounce, named William James Trounce, is according to last reports, alive and well in Canada, having attained his 85^th year. A sister, named Susan Amis, is also reported to be alive, her age being 76.

Mr. George Henry Trounce went to Canada with his brother, William James, but was only there two years. Prior to leaving England Mr. George Henry Trounce had a farm, Cardynhame, near Bodmin. On his return he lived in retirement at Portloe.

Walter Pound Trounce, the youngest son of John Trounce, of Tretheake, when 19 years of age (about 1864), left Veryan for British Columbia. He was one of the pioneers in that country. He was a rancher, and from his store supplied provisions to the men engaged in the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway. He was clearly associated with Thomas Trounce, of Victoria, to whom reference has already been made. He returned to Cornwall in the eighties, and lived at Tregonyon, Veryan, where he died in 1894. His widow, Mrs. Rosa Trounce, still lives with her son, John Henry, at the Beeches, Perranwell. Mrs. (nee Olive Trounce) Cornelius, her daughter, wife of Mr. A.J. Cornelius, architect and surveyor, of Truro, resides at Glendaragh, Perranwell. (1922)

To enumerate the many great-great-grandchildren of William Trounce, of Goldsithney, would be impossible, as their number is constantly increasing, but the names and places of their abodes will follow at the close of these memoirs- as far as they have been traced.

To refer to the writer, who is one of the great-grandchildren, and one of the seniors, is not necessary here, a his autobiography follows; but he desires to make reference to two brothers and two sisters.

Henry Glasson Trounce was born at Cardiff on April 17^th, 1851. At the age of 20 he became a junior clerk with the wholesale silk merchant, Charles Candy, of Watling Street, London.

Gifted with literary an poetic accomplishments he spent most of his leisure hours in writing poems and hymns. Many of them were adopted and sung at Sunday School anniversaries in the country. His health, unfortunately. Broke down, and, not withstanding he went for a cruise to the Mediterranean in the sailing vessel Young Marquess, he succumbed shortly after his return in 1873, at the early age of 22.

Annie Biddeford Trounce, a sister of the writer, married a Mr. Henry Watkins in 1862, and passed away while visiting her children in New York in June, 1902) the writer being present during her last hours on earth).

Susan Glasson Trounce, the younger sister, was born at Cardiff on March 16^th, 1855. She in early life studied for Mission work among the poor of her neighbourhood, and ere she had attained her 20^th year, as soon as her domestic duties were completed, would devote her time to Chapel and Sunday School work. She, with her parents, lived at Dalston, London. Too good for this world, she was taken to be for ever with the Lord in February, 1883, in her 28^th year.

The severity of a cold and fogy London winter during her visitations to her Sunday scholars and poor families at Dalston laid her aside with an acute inflammation of the lungs. Although she had previously been blessed with a sound and healthy constitution, the sad and severe attack now realised was more than she could bear, and within a fortnight of the first symptoms of her illness she was taken from her sorrowing ones soon after she had asked them to sing one of her favourite hymns: "It is well with my soul."

The following tribute to he memory was recorded by the London Tract Society:- "Miss Trounce.—As a tract distributor she has been eminently successful, and in this department we suffer an almost irreparable loss. She has been quietly and unostentatiously working in this way for the last ten years, with untiring zeal and prayerful energy, up to within a few days of her death. I have visited the people in her district, and am both gratified and encouraged to find such heartfelt sorrow and widespread sympathy for one who, has been faithful in sunshine and storm, in summer and winter alike. It is rather a strange coincidence, that one of the last tracts she delivered began with the following inscription:- ‘In my Father’s house are many mansions. I go to prepare a place for you.’ This incident is rendered more significant from the fact that she almost invariably read the tracts before distributing.

"It may encourage some who have just begun the work in the Vineyard to know that our departed friend has not laboured in vain, nor spent her strength for nought, and though absent in body, she lives, and will continue to live, for a long time to come, in the memory of many upon whose hearts are engraved her words of sympathy and her deeds of love. (Signed) T.J. SMITH, Hon. Sec."

Needless to state, the memory of her much loved life will ever remain with her many relatives and friends.

To the writer’s brother special mention must be made. Thomas Plomer Trounce was born at Cardiff on July 14^th, 1853. He received his elementary education at the school of Mr. Robert Hooper, at Mount Stewart Square, Cardiff and subsequently, after our parents’ removal to London, at the Grammar School of Mr. Boys, of Dalston, London.

Desirous of entering a commercial career, he was engaged as a junior clerk by the wholesale lace merchants, Messrs. Northcote and Co., of S. Paul’s Churchyard, in whose counting-house he acquired a thorough knowledge of book-keeping and accountancy. The experience thus gained fitted him for a more prominent position in the world of finance, and in April, 1872, he received an appointment in the Imperial Bank, Lothbury, London, one of the oldest Metropolitan banks.

In the year 1893 the Imperial Bank amalgamated with London Joint Stock Bank, becoming jointly, at the time, one of the largest and most progressive banks, but this, in turn, became absorbed b London City and Midland Bank, and is now recognised as one of the largest of the world’s banks, London Joint City and Midland Bank, Limited.

So satisfactorily have the duties of Thomas Plomer Trounce been carried out in the interest of his Bank that his promotions have been rapid and encouraging. For 34 years pat he has been Manager of three branch Banks at Waltham Abbey, Waltham Cross, and Cheshunt. As his period of retirement approaches it is felt that none can look back over along series of years with greater complacency and contentment of faithful service than the subject of these remarks, and no one has enjoyed the complete confidence of his principals more than he has.

Teaching upon the private life of Thomas Plomer Trounce, he is deservedly popular with his neighbours in the historic town of Waltham Abbey, where he has resided for 30 years. No great event takes place in the district with which his name, personality, and support are not associated. As chairman, or a speaker at meetings convened for various objects- be they for churches, chapels, sports, concerts, or agricultural, horticultural, or poultry shows- he helps every good cause in the community. As a prominent figure in Masonry he has acquitted himself as Master of several Lodges and Senior Warden and Grand Treasurer for Essex with marked ability and to the entire satisfaction of the Brethren.

After much pressure he was prevailed upon by his friends to become a candidate for the District Council Election at Waltham Abbey in 1903. All sections and classes rallied in support of his candidature, which resulted in his heading the poll with a large majority. Of the six candidates 606 were recorded for Trounce, and 366 for the lowest on the list. The honour thus conferred upon him was fully appreciated by the successful member, and the Waltham Abbey District Council speedily realised that his knowledge of finance was a distinct acquisition to that body. Thomas Plomer Trounce has since been further honoured in having his name added to the Commissioners of the Peace of the district, whence he still continues to administer justice, with his colleagues, without fear, favour, or affection, and tempered with mercy. He is also a Freeman of the City of London.

Another member of our generation was William Henry Trounce of Trevilveth Farm, Veryan, Cornwall. Trevilveth has been farmed by the family for more than 100 years, and by our great-grandfather, William Trounce of Goldsithney, originally. It is still occupied by the widow and children of William Henry Trounce, who, after an honourable and useful life, passed away in 1901, at the early age of 3. (The farm was sold out of the family in 1905.)

The Press, in announcing his obituary, referred to the loss as follows:- "Mr. William Henry Trounce was a kind-hearted man. He interested himself in many ways in the welfare of his fellow-men. He was a member of the Truro Rural District Council, and for several years rendered active service in connection with the Technical Instruction Committee for Roseland District. He also identified himself with the Royal Cornwall Agricultural Association, and frequently acted as Steward at the Annual Shows."

Yet another typical member of the present generation is Mr. Samuel Phillips Trounce, who resides at Truro, and has been the able and respected manager of Lloyds Bank in that cathedral own for many years. Like the writer’s brother, the best portion of his life has been devoted to the business or profession of banking. Mr. S.P. Trounce takes a lively interest in the public and social life of Truro, especially in the sports and healthful pastimes of the rising and vigorous youth of Cornwall’s flourishing centre. (Mr. Trounce died in the autumn of 1921.)

Mr. Samuel Phillips Trounce was the second son of Mr. S.P. Trounce, of Wonwood, near Tavistock, and grandson of Henry Trounce, who was the youngest child of the William Trounce, of Goldsithney. Mr Samuel Phillips Trounce, at the age of seventeen, joined the Devon and Cornwall Bank at Tiverton, and in 1881 was transferred to the Truro branch. In 1891 he was appointed manager of the Sidmouth branch. Five years later he went to Paignton, and in 1904 was appointed manager of the Truro branch, a post he retained after the Devon and Cornwall Bank was merged into Lloyds. For some years he was a sidesman at the Cathedral, treasurer of the local Auxiliary of the British and Foreign Bible Society and of Truro Board of Guardians and Rural District Council. As a freemason he held office in Phoenix Lodge of Honour and Prudence and in the Royal Cornubian Chapter of Arch Masons.

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The History of a Trounce Enterprise on North London.

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(By HENRY TROUNCE.)

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[This story, written in 1921, is concerned with the direct descendants of Samuel Trounce, the fourth son of William Trounce, of Goldsithney.]

The history of the DAILY GAZETTE is the history of Islington during the past sixty-five years. In that period the aspect of the borough has completely changed. Verdant meadows and lanes rich in foliage have been displaced by streets of houses. Many of which have become in the course of half a century fit subjects for the attention of the sanitary inspector. In sixty-five years the population of Islington has risen from under 100,000 to 343,000 inhabitants, and the borough is to-day the most populous division of the Metropolis.

Sixty-five years may be regarded as but a brief space of time when taken from the centuries which are bridged by authentic history, but to a district like Islington this period, embracing as it does fifty years of the golden age of Victoria, means much. At no period of our history have science and invention made greater strides than during that period in which the DAILY GAZETTE ha been fulfilling its mission in Islington. In that time the art of printing, so far as it concerns a newspaper, has been revolutionised, and the telegraph, telephone, electricity, stereotyping, and the rotary machine have made it possible to produce in a few hours that which would have occupied almost as many days 60 years ago. The GAZETTE, in common with other London journals , has profited by the utilisation of modern inventions, and it is because we have embraced the very last thing in newspaper machinery that we are able to produce within a limited area something that does not exist within any other division of the Metropolis. This we admit we could not have done but for the continued and increasing support we have received form the public of North London. We desire to acknowledge gratefully this support, and to hope for an even more extended patronage in the future. We have faith in the public whose servant we are, and we are certain that our confidence, strengthened by the experience of half a century, will not be misplaced.

To the DAILY GAZETTE belongs the distinction of being one of the oldest local newspapers in the Metropolis. Further, it is the only daily district newspaper in the Metropolis, and has a circulation which is not approached by any of its rivals. It embraces an area from Holborn in the south to Wood-green in the north, and from St. Pancras in the west to Hackney in the east. Within this limited area it has been for sixty-five years a fearless chronicler and critic of local affairs. It has stood out for what is best and purest in local government, and it has not hesitated to attack, and attack aggressively, when it believed the public welfare was being surrendered to private interest. It has never, however, descended to what is known as "sensational journalism," and has always tried to uphold the best traditions of the British Press. Whatever its editorial convictions may have been, it has always preserved a certain amount of political independence, and its columns have always been at the disposal of both political parties. Through its columns men possessing all shades of political belief, from the crusty, intolerant Tory to the Socialist firebrand, have emphasised their views, and successive editors have not infrequently permitted the publication in its columns of personal and sometimes rancorous attacks upon themselves. Whether this is altogether a wise policy need not be discussed. Desiring to foster the spirit of fair play, the DAILY GAZETTE has opened its columns to all comers. The verdict of the impartial critic is that in doing so it has not suffered anything from the point of view of dignity. In fact, the editorial pigeon-holes are full of letters from our fiercest opponents who have made generous tributes to our impartiality. It is neither an easy nor profitable task to paint in glowing colours one’s own virtues, but even at the risk of being reminded of the copy-book maxim that "self praise is no recommendation," we have felt bound to write so much.

It is quite possible, however, hat we might have laid ourselves open to the reproach of hiding our light under a bushel, an unpardonable mistake in these days of progressive newspaper enterprise. After all, we think it is better to leave ourselves in the hands of patrons in that large section of the Metropolis of London with which we are especially concerned. We owe a duty to them, and it will be our endeavour in the future, as it has been in the past, to fulfil it. We are conscious of our imperfections, and we have no more belief in the infallibility of the Press than we have in any other organisation controlled by human hands. But we stand for truth and justice and war against intrigue and corruption. This has been the policy of the DAILY GAZETTE in the past; it is our policy to-day. We hold that successive editors have preserved untarnished the founder’s escutcheon through half a century of strife. We have had to meet hostile forces, and there have been for us in the past dark days, but devotion to duty has given us the victory, and in our 65^th year we are prosecuting the work entrusted to our charge with renewed vigour.

It is nearly 107 years ago- Boxing Day, 1814- that the late Mr. William Trounce first saw the light of day in a little Cornish village, near Truro. William Trounce was the second son of Samuel Trounce, of Portloe, fourth child of William Trounce, of Goldsithney. At an age that would probably shock educationists of the present day, he entered a Cornish printing office, and was initiated into the mysteries of Caxton’s art. The narrow limits of a Western printing office offered no scope for his energies, and while yet in his teens, he journeyed to London with the proverbial half-crown in his pocket. In the Metropolis he experienced those trials and reverses which have been the lot of many a man destined to make his mark in the arena of commerce. After working some time as a compositor in London, he went to Paris, and for the best part of twelve months was employed on "Gallignani’s Messenger." On his return to London, he became printer of the "Express," and it while so engaged that he established in the Metropolis a small printing office. There came a time when the double occupation proved so great a strain that the young man to choose between relinquishing his work on the "Express" or abandoning a business which had every prospect of being successfully developed. He quitted the office of the "Express," and proceeded to devote the whole of his energies to the development of a miscellaneous printing business. He piloted on his own account some ventures in light literature. This was about the year 1856, when he occupied premises in Cursitor-street, Chancery-lane. In 1852 he established the "Islington Directory," and about the same time he was entrusted with the printing of the "Society of Arts Journal."

The passing of the Local Government Act, 1855, vitalised interest in parochial affairs, and Mr. Trounce saw in the large and growing division of Islington an opening for a halfpenny newspaper. He resolved to make the experiment. It was an immediate success. Some little time later, he started the "St. Pancras Chronicle," which, however, did not meet with the encouragement vouchsafed to its Islington contemporary. The latter journal he abandoned, and threw the whole of his energy into the development of the ISLINGTON GAZETTE, which he published weekly. The first number of the GAZETTE was published on the 20^th September, 1856. In that issue there appeared the following notice:-

"Only one halfpenny! How is it possible to get together the news of the week, to present an account of all the doings and sayings for the same period of a slice of London with a population three times that of the city of York, to furnish the Islingtonians and their neighbours with sufficient intelligence for a halfpenny? Impossible! These and similarly expressed doubts we think we can hear as each incredulous purchaser fumbles in his pocket for the copper wherewith to dismiss the pertinacious little fellow who has pursued him at the "Angle" with his shrill cry "ISLINGTON GAZETTE, sir? Only a halfpenny!"

Amongst other things, the editor promised in his opening address to furnish his readers with a summary of home and foreign news from the most trustworthy sources, and in addition to devote a prominent space to intelligence of a character "especially local." Gradually, as Islington grew in importance, the effort to provide the readers with foreign news was relinquished, and the editor decided to devote the whole of the news columns of the GAZETTE to strictly local topics. In touching upon political and religious creed, the editor continued, "we are neither bigots nor latitudinarians. We advocate nothing opposed to the welfare of society and the best interests of our neighbourhood; we shall strive to do our best for the physical and intellectual, the moral, and above al the spiritual welfare of all classes in the great parish of Islington, without distinction of rank, politics, or sex. We shall oppose any attempt to set one class against another, or to excite heart-burnings or party strife among men who should be united in a bond of brotherhood as fellow Britishmen and Christians; in a word, we shall avoid extremes of all kinds, except that which consists in standing forth boldly and fiercely in the great cause of truth.

We leave our readers to judge how far during a period of sixty-five years we have fallen short of this ideal.

As has been truly said, our first venture was a modest one, a novelty in Metropolitan journalism. Appearing as a weekly newspaper at a time when the Metropolis Local Management Act had just come into force, and when the district was entering upon a new phase of public life, it was welcomed by the community with an eagerness not anticipated in the wildest dreams of its promoters. On the 21^st March, in the year 1857, six months after the appearance of the first copy, it was enlarged to meet an increasing pressure upon its news and advertisement columns. Continuing in its prosperity and enterprise it was again enlarged on April 3^rd, 1858. The rapid growth of the population of the district, and the consequent quickening of public life, necessitated the appearance of the paper twice a week, a change which was effected on the 30^th May, 1865. On January 1^st, 1877, the founder, having handed over the active management of the paper to his son, the late Mr. William Samuel Trounce, discovered to his astonishment that the latter had decided to publish the GAZETTE three times a week. There was some reluctance on the part of the founder to sanction this bold step, but he gave way as soon a he was convinced that this advance was forced upon the management by public demands. The circulation had enormously increased, and it became impossible in a newspaper of 24 columns appearing twice a week to embrace all the events an happenings in so large and growing a district as Islington.

This stroke of enterprise was fully justified, and resulted in so large an increase in patronage that the proprietor, the late Mr. W.S. Trounce, on September 25^th, 1881- three and a half years after the death of the founder- decided to publish the GAZETTE five days a week. Commenting upon this resolve the "City Press" said, "We have to congratulate our energetic contemporary, the ISLINGTON GAZETTE, upon its success which has produced the announcement that the paper will be published five times a week. It will, we believe, be the only instance in the Metropolis of an essentially local journal appearing , to all intents and purposes, daily. It is an encouraging sign of the increasing interest shown by the people in what most intimately concerns them, namely, their local affairs."

At the time this step was taken the GAZETTE was a paper of 28 columns. No greater proof of the justification of its proprietor’s enterprise could be given than the fact that on October 27^th, 1890, Mr. Trounce again resolved to enlarge his journal to 32 columns. Before this date the GAZETTE had carried its influence over the borders of the rapidly growing parish of Islington, and it began to be, as it is to-day, familiar journal to almost every northern district in London.

Originally the GAZETTE was published at 4 o’clock in the afternoon, but after it became a

tri-weekly, to meet the wishes of advertisers, it was published at 9 a.m. The growing demand for fresh and up-to-date news induced the proprietor in the early part of 1901 to enlarge his paper to 48 columns and to publish it at the same hour as the other morning newspapers. This resolve made it necessary to reorganise the office and to "scrap" the machinery which had previously been utilised in printing the GAZETTE. Rotary printing machinery was promptly installed in the City offices, and on April 15^th, 1901, the GAZETTE appeared as an eight-page newspaper. The step was one which needed not a little courage and sacrifice. There were many difficulties to face apart from those which one has always to contend with when a machinery department is reorganised. That the step was justified there cannot be the slightest possibility of doubt. As we stated in our issue of April 15^th, 1901, "from the 20^th September, 1856, when the GAZETTE made its modest bow to the Islington public, a small sheet of four pages with sixteen columns and advertisements, it has been a commercial success. It was the herald of the halfpenny journalism which became a power in the land."

The Great War aimed a blow at newspaper enterprise and the high price of paper, coupled with the rise in the cost of wages and production, necessitated, between 1914 and 1918 not only a reduction in the size of the DAILY GAZETTE but an increase in the price to one penny. In spite of these handicaps Mr. Henry Trounce, grandson of the founder, on September, 1919, decided to publish a Saturday edition, thus completing the task always before them of giving North London- what no other part of the Metropolis possessed, a daily district newspaper.

Its first editor was the late Mr. Minasi. A subsequent editor was the late Sir Edward Russell, whose political and literary career is so well known to every journalist in London and Liverpool. Dr. Garvey edited the GAZETTE for a brief period afterwards. When he relinquished the task the editorial duties devolved upon the late Mr. W.S. Trounce, who some time later entrusted the policy of the paper to Mr. Charles Townley, a post this distinguished author and humorist held for many years until his death in May, 1905. From that date the direction of the DAILY GAZETTE has been entrusted to Mr. Henry Trounce.

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Pictures of the First Publishing Days

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THE PIE SHOP.

In May, 1901, the late William Samuel Trounce, son of the founder of the GAZETTE, contributed the following interesting article to the journal with which he had a life-long connection, under the nom de plume, "An Invalided Pen Pusher":-

"Fate willed it that at the starting of the GAZETTE, I, a lad of 16, was a ‘type lifter’ in the printing office, and took a share in the production of the first number. Or first editor- and a vary capable editor he was- was Mr. F.J. Minasi, the proprietor of a flourishing school in Islington. A more suitable man could not have been found. He was an old parishioner, and was in touch with all the leading men of the village. His personal influence had a great deal to do with the success of the first issue.

"The publishing day of the first number was one of great excitement. We printed and sold 10,000 copies, and the paper went of with a bang. The public received the first issue with open arms, but the majority of the newspaper trade refused to have anything to do with us. The principal gutter newspaper seller at the ‘Angel’ declared he would not carry it, and one newsagent inquired, with better scorn, ‘What! Do you think I’m goin’ sell a paper for harf a farden profit?’

"We organised a corps of gamins whose habitat was in the courts near the ‘Angel,’ and these sold the paper in the streets al over the parish . Some of them earned a considerable sum of money. ‘Walks’ were arranged by the elder boys, and these changed hands at comparatively high prices, as much as £8 being paid for one round.

"Our publishing office was a section of a pie-shop a few years from the embouchere of Liverpool-road. It was about six feet square, and I have seen there the most exciting scenes on publishing days, especially if the paper happened to be late. The gamins clustered round the small doorway and played all sorts of pranks with the publisher and his assistant. The paste-pot and brush were favourite weapons, which they secured, and on more than one occasion bespattered the unfortunate publisher. I was taking a hand in this department one day and came in for a full share of the paste. I made a headlong rush at the mob of gamins, most of whom were without hats or shoes, and bore seven or eight of them across the pavement into the gutter, where we fell in a heap, very much to the astonishment of the passers-by; but they bore me no ill-will for this. It was all looked upon as a bit of fun. As the sale increased the rioting became so great that we had to enlist the services of several members of the ‘N’ division of police to keep order.

"After the paper had been carried on six months, we enlarged it, and there was a proposition to make it a 1d., but that was never carried out. Unfortunately, a difference arose between our editor and the proprietor, and the former, to our regret, resigned. Within 48 hours of his resignation, we secured another editor- the late Sir Edward Russell, then a young man of 22, who had already contributed one or two small matters to the paper.

"Sir Edward Russell, who had had no previous journalistic experience, was a born journalist. He entered con amore into his work, and his leaders, criticisms, and social articles could not be excelled. He also for a time did the reporting, and although not acquainted with the stenographic art, his reports were perfect. He had a most marvellous memory, for the longhand notes he took were of the briefest. Sir Edward went to the top of the journalistic tree like a meteor. He became the editor of Hansard’s Debates, wrote leaders and London letters for half a dozen different provincial papers, and very soon announced his intention of giving up the reporting portion of his work. I was selected to succeed him in the capacity of reporter, and was appalled, when introduced to the characters of phonography. I would have retreated, but it was of no use; I was driven forward at the bayonet point. After leaving the office I ha to wrestle with Pitman. To facilitate my progress I arranged with a friendly youth, three years my junior, to read to me at the alarming fee of 2d. per hour? We worked at this for two or three hours a night, enlivened by two or three rounds with the gloves when my fingers became powerless or his tongue got dry. In a very short time, comparatively, I became master of the mystery, and was taken by my chief to the meeting of the Trustees at the old Workhouse in Liverpool-road, and afterwards to the Vestry meetings at Baker’s Auction Rooms. Thanks to Sir Edward Russell’s valuable assistance, I became au fait with the tricks and turns of the reportorial art, and was soon left to rely on myself.

"Sir Edward afterwards went to Liverpool as assistant editor of the ‘Daily Post,’ returning to London in a short time as editor of the ‘Morning Star,’ all this time supplying several provincial journals with their thunder, and also writing leaders and articles for the GAZETTE.

"For some 15 years Sir Edward continued to edit the GAZETTE but relinquished the post when he became editor of the ‘Liverpool Daily Post.’

"The GAZETTE was again enlarged in 1858, and in 1866 our proprietor resolved to bring it out bi-weekly.

"The GAZETTE has been a perfect nursery for journalists. The best all-round journalist in England obtained his experience on this paper. The best paid newspaper man in America has written whole volumes of copy for us. A leading journalist in Australia was with us five years, and a dozen prominent journalists in all parts of the provinces have passed through our portals.

"From our bi-weekly we became a tri-weekly, then the advance was made to five days a week, and each move has been attended with success. We have never looked back. Whatever changes we have made we have persevered in, and they have all been crowned with prosperity.

"Commercial rivals we have had by the score, but they have blossomed and decayed without affecting our position. The most serious opposition came from a quarter we least expected. A prominent vestryman and guardian whose party we had supported and whose good parish work we had applauded, was terribly incensed against us for supporting the introduction of tramways into Islington, and vowed vengeance. He had not long to wait. The milk supplied to the Islington Workhouse was tested one fine day, and found to be deficient in cream. The contractor was promptly summoned, and his defence was that having to supply the Guardians’ teatable at the Workhouse with cream, he had skimmed the paupers’ milk for that purpose. The astute Vestry Clerk, John Layton, seeing the awkwardness of the position promptly found a flaw in the proceedings, and withdrew the summons. We published a humorous article on this case, and it seemed to excite the majority of the Guardians to frenzy. Our reporter was expelled from the Guardian Board-room , and writs for libel were threatened on all sides, but they were no proceeded with. Instead of this the extinction of the GAZETTE was decided upon, and a company with a large capital was formed to start a rival paper. A printing plant was laid down, and the ‘Islington News’ made its appearance. The large body of directors were evidently under the impression that they were managing a parish, for every section of the work was superintended by a committee. There was a finance committee, a scissors, paste, and mucilage-pot committee, a contents bill committee, and a dozen others. These committees solemnly met, reports were drawn up and resolutions were passed; in fact they played at Vestry procedure. Notwithstanding our expulsion from the Board of Guardians we managed to get decent reports of the proceedings, for we had a small minority in our interest. At the next election of Guardians, we managed to unseat some of our opponents, and securing a majority in our favour we were re-admitted to the proceedings. As was to be expected with so many cooks in the kitchen, dealing with matters of which they had but the faintest knowledge, the capital of the new enterprise was soon exhausted, and the paper and plant were announced for sale. We acquired the property.

"The rules laid down by the wise and far-seeing founder of the paper have been rigidly adhered to. We have maintained a thoroughly independent position, truckling to neither sect nor party. At considerable personal loss we have refused to suppress awkward facts which it was for the public interest to publish. We have oral tradition hesitated to express our views and upheld the right in spite of write and legal proceedings in the civil and criminal courts. For several years we sustained a conflict with a late Government official on a question of publishing the proceedings of a Bench of Middlesex Magistrates. We were successful at all points, and our action led to an important judicial decision which has relieved the Press from certain harassing proceedings which frequently followed their execution of a public duty. The mendacious puff has been rigidly excluded.

"I have served from the commencement until a very recent period on the GAZETTE, and have filled every post from cabin boy to captain. Is it an wonder, then, that with Mr. Minasi, our first editor, I hail with pleasure the advent of the up-to-date daily newspaper- the dream of my youth- which records the news of the new Borough of Islington and surrounding districts. Fits success I have not the slightest doubt. Its prosperity is already assured, and I believe it has a very bright future before it."

William Samuel Trounce, the only son of the founder of the Daily Gazette, adopted the exceptional course of taking his five surviving sons into business with him. William, Henry, George, Arthur, and Alfred, each qualifying to play a prominent part in the production of a newspaper. There was a sixth son, Frank, and four daughters, Caroline, Elizabeth, Nellie, and Gertrude. Frank died at the age of nine, and Gertrude when six months old.

The first son to quit the family fold was Arthur, the fourth son, who joined the Salvation Army, and became prominently associated with the development of that organisation. Henry, having spent some years in acquiring a practical knowledge of printing, qualified for journalistic work, and concerned himself actively in this department of his father’s business. He was followed by George, the third son, while the responsible duties of general management devolved upon William, the eldest son, who was a faithful and energetic director until his death. Alfred, the fifth son, devoted himself more particularly to the commercial side. Henry, having laboured strenuously for ten years on the Daily Gazette, accepted an appointment in the Press Gallery of the House of Commons, where he remained for eight sessions. In addition to his work in the House of Commons he wrote liberally for the Daily Gazette and other newspapers and only quitted Westminster when a double tragedy occurred in the family. William, his elder brother, died suddenly from apoplexy while yet under forty years of age. The blow was fatal to his father, who, three days later, expired in his chair at home, death in his case being due to an apoplectic seizure. Henry was called in to manage the business, and seven months later became the Editor of the Daily Gazette. Three and a half years after the double bereavement George died from an apoplectic seizure. Thus the management of a considerable enterprise fell upon the shoulders of Henry and Alfred, Arthur deciding to prosecute his evangelistic work. After the outbreak of the war, Alfred was called up for service, and, like many another brave son, made the supreme sacrifice in Flanders.

Hardly had the Armistice been signed than Arthur was taken suddenly ill, at Brighton, and died in a few hours from septic pneumonia. Henry, the only surviving son, continued to carry on the business, an in September, 1919, decided to publish the Daily Gazette on Saturdays, thus realising a long cherished ambition by bringing it into line with the national dailies. In addition to an enormous amount of reporting and descriptive writing, both in and out of the House of Commons, henry Trounce, during his Editorship of the Daily Gazette, has written thousands of special and leading articles, besides devoting much time to administrative and public work in London as a member of the Islington Borough Council. He organised many special entertainments, by means of which money was raised for the benefit of the Great Northern Hospital, of which he is a Governor.

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[Reprinted from the "Islington Daily Gazette," Nov. 12^th, 1904.]

MR. WILLIAM TROUNCE, Jun.

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Those of our readers, and they are numerous, who have taken a personal interest in the fortunes of this journal, will share with its staff the deep regret with which they announce the sudden death of the eldest son of the proprietor of the ISLINGTON DAILY GAZETTE and grandson of the founder, Mr. William John Trounce, which occurred on the morning of Friday. The deceased had been for some years actively engaged in the management of the ISLINGTON DAILY GAZETTE and had endeared himself to every one with whom he came in contact. Endowed with qualities which fitted him for the management of an extensive business, he was necessarily so prominent in our every-day work that every one of his comrades will feel the void. A good son, a good husband, and a good father, these were the characteristics of his domestic life now overshadowed by his early death, for he was but 38 years of age. An apoplectic seizure was the cause, possibly induced by an accident which happened to him 17 years ago on the Great Northern Railway, in the form of a shock from a collision, which at the time, seriously affected his head. A visit to America was believed to have removed all trouble in this respect, and he had since enjoyed robust health. A man of fine physique, he was one of the last whose early death might be anticipated, and thus his removal has come as a surprise to his many friends, and to none more deplorably than the widow and children who mourn his loss. We of the staff of the ISLINGTON GAZETTE who have known and loved him for years have to lament the loss of a dear friend, a brother in arms we could ill spare, and who was already on the stepping stones of a bright future. To the veteran head of our house, to whom this blow can only offer the consolation of our heartfelt sympathy, and the assurance that many will share with us its expression.

[Reprinted from the "Islington Daily Gazette," Nov. 15^th, 1904.}

Mr. WILLIAM TROUNCE.

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On Monday, in a few sorrowing words, it was our painful duty to announce the sudden death by apoplexy of the eldest son of the proprietor of this journal, and whilst paying tribute to the memory of a young man cut off in his prime, we touched with a light hand, we hope, the depth of grief of the father, whose hope and pride he naturally was. No one will ever know on earth how terrible was the blow, how poignant the sorrow, for on Monday night, at a late hour, Mr. William Samuel Trounce passed away as suddenly and unexpectedly as his son, and significantly of "heart trouble." He had seemed to have scarcely realised his sorrow, judging by outward expressions, but those who knew his intense love for his children, manifested in many ways, feared that the blow might affect a deeply sensitive and ailing man. It has fallen, and one who is entitled to our admiration and respect for an active and enterprising life in the service of the public is no more. He passed away with his sorrow at his residence, "Pendower," Shepherd’s-hill, Highgate, and leaves us staggered and amazed, but impressed at the manifestation of God’s will.

What have we to say of the able, modest man, who almost feared to see his name in print, and who during the whole life of this journal, worked almost unceasingly for its welfare, with his pen or his business energy? He has been to his staff a second father, with a personal interest in every one of us. Wise in his conclusions, immovable in some ofd his convictions, but always just and generous, he was able to command the affection of all those who served him, and the respect of all his colleagues in the London Press. The ISLINGTON DAILY GAZETTE was founded by his late father, in 1856, but form the very first number he was engaged laying the foundations of the paper, and as a mere stripling, went seeking for news to fill its then modest columns. He learnt shorthand in the intervals of a laborious occupation as a printer, and he was fortunate in having as his literary guide and tutor Sir Edward Russell, then the editor of the paper, and now one of the foremost journalists of his time. Four years ago the deceased told in an amusing article on his recollections, how he even assisted in the then difficult work of publishing a half-penny newspaper, and how he fought with the urchins of the gutter who endeavoured to force their way into the passage in a High-street pie-house in which the local novelty was published, anticipating prejudiced newsvendors in the profits they were afterwards glad to share. The GAZETTE nearly fifty years ago was a little sheet not half the size of the present publication, and William Trounce the younger was its only reporter, sharing with Sir Edward some of the more ambitious work. He had been a voracious reader, was musical, and had a genius for descriptive work which was invaluable to a local newspaper that had to deal with all aspects of public life. One of his most humorous efforts was a serio-comic resume of the proceedings of the early Vestry, under the nom de plume of "Islington Punch." It was not until the success of the first London local journal sold at a halfpenny necessitated a bi-weekly publication and enlargement that the reporting staff was increased, amongst those who then contributed regularly being the late E.J Tabrum, the founder of Youths’ Institutes, and afterwards one of the first members of the School Board. By this time Mr. Trounce had succeeded to the dignity of the editorials, and showed a good style. The illness of his later father, however, compelled his attention to the fortunes of other publications for which the firm was responsible, and this his efforts became occasional, but his oversight of the paper and a considerable business continued to his death. In his conduct of the GAZETTE he observed two excellent principles- toleration of opponents and strict independence. No party or clique could sway him against his belief that a paper should not only tell the truth, but the whole truth. All sorts of influences were brought to bear at times to move him, but in vain- he was proof against bribery in any form, and was not to be won by cajolery. Thus many rivals of the successful GAZETTE were threatened or appeared, generally disappearing as proofs of the integrity of his system. He married in the sixties, and was the father of a goodly family, most of whom survive him. Three of his four surviving sons are still associated with the GAZETTE, all having skill in journalistic work, and, in a measure, making themselves worthy of his name and example. To these we turn again with words of sympathy they so much need in a sorrow that has almost assumed the aspect of a tragedy. In this case there is a no widow to mourn, for Mrs. Trounce predeceased her husband some years ago, but there are troops of friends who will lay their bay upon the grave of an affectionate, generous, and fearless comrade, and a kind and considerate employer. He had been latterly partially disabled by defective sight, but otherwise he was like his lamented son, a man of robust physique, and only sixty-four years of age.

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[Reprinted from the "Islington Daily Gazette," May 28^th, 1908.]

MR. GEORGE F. TROUNCE.

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We deeply regret to have to record the death of Mr. George Francis Trounce, second surviving son of the late Mr. William Trounce, a grandson of the founder of the ISLINGTON DAILY GAZETTE. Some eight weeks ago Mr. Trounce had a severe attack of influenza, and internal complications unfortunately supervened. He was, however, thought to be slowly recovering, and as often as possible took open-air exercise accompanied by his wife. On Wednesday afternoon, for the first time for weight weeks, he went out unaccompanied save for his little stepdaughter, taking a trip to Barnet and back on a tramcar. On alighting from the car at the "Archway" on the return journey, he had an apoplectic seizure; and gradually sank into a state of complete insensibility, and expired at his residence, the "Laurels," 419 Holloway-road, at half past eleven on Wednesday night, the immediate cause of death being the rupture of a blood-vessel on the brain. Mr. George Trounce, who was in his 39^th year, joined the editorial staff of the GAZETTE in 1886, and from that time onwards took an active part in the management of the paper. He naturally came into contact with most of the public men of the district, among whom his kindly nature and genial bearing made him very many friends. By these and many others his early and quite unexpected demise will be deplored, but by none more deeply than those who were privileged to work with him on the GAZETTE staff. By them he was held in sincere affection, and his removal creates another void in their already heavily stricken ranks.

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[Reprinted from the "Daily Gazette," Friday, November 15^th, 1918.]

MR. ARTHUR EDWARD TROUNCE

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(By HENRY TROUNCE.)

Arthur Edward Trounce, the fourth son of William Samuel Trounce, and grandson of the founder of the DAILY GAZETTE, died on November 14^th, 1918, at his residence, 25 Richmond-road, Brighton. The following tribute, written by his brother, Henry Trounce, Editor of the DAILY GAZETTE, appeared in that journal on November 15^th:-

Brigadier Trounce was 47 years of age, a brother of the Editor of the DAILY GAZETTE, and for many years has been one of the most valued workers in the Salvation Army. Three weeks ago, after returning home from a week’s holiday at Bournemouth, he complained of dryness of the mouth, but hesitated to seek medical advice. The symptoms, however, became more pronounced last week. A medical man was summoned and diagnosed a septic throat. This was much relieved by treatment. And on Saturday there was a slight improvement. Suddenly, however, there was a relapse. The poison became more deep seated, there was a period of unconsciousness, and yesterday Arthur Edward Trounce, a man of splendid physique, deep religious convictions and unblemished record, passed away a victim of the dread disease which has caused something akin to consternation in these islands.

Nearly thirty years ago Arthur Trounce quitted the office of this journal and his home at Highgate suddenly, and to the surprise of his family joined the Salvation Army as a "soldier." With all the fervour of a young man possessing strong religious convictions he threw himself heart and soul into the work associated with General Booth’s wonderful movement.

At the Training College, Clapton, he became secretary to Commissioner Rees. Later he went to the National Headquarters, Queen Victoria-street, and was closely associated with Commissioner Hay for a period. So impressed were the heads of the movement with his fine qualities both as an administrator and preacher of the Gospel, that they appointed him to the command of the South of Ireland division. From Dublin he returned to headquarters in London, where he became Young Men’s Counsellor, and later was appointed Assistant National Young People’s secretary. A year or two afterwards he was offered and accepted the post of Divisional Commander in charge of the South Wales movement, with headquarters at Swansea.

His stay at Swansea was comparatively brief. He was called to London, and at the Clapton Training College he filled the office of second side officer on the Men’s Wing. But there was soon larger work for him t perform, and he was sent to Belfast as Chancellor for Ireland. This work was of a strenuous nature, but was carried on with vigour and determination until 1917, when Arthur Trounce- or Brigadier Trounce, to give him the title by which he was known in the great organisation he loved so will- was appointed Divisional Commander in charge of 30 corps in the Southern Counties, with headquarters at Brighton.

This was his last appointment. In Brighton and the vicinity he worked with untiring zeal and in the cause to which he had devoted his life. He laboured when he ought to have rested, and in spite of the fact, that the dread disease which has lain thousands low in recent days had seized him, he pushed on with that determination which was one of his distinguishing characteristics.

Of fine physique, he swept aside little ailments and scorned medical advice when it might have been prudent to seek. He was obsessed with his work, and to him little else was of importance save his unfailing devotion to his wife and two children.

His whole life was one of self-abnegation, self-sacrifice, and devoted service to the Master’s cause. That during thirty years’ preaching and teaching he overtaxed his strength was evident to those of his family who saw him but a few weeks ago. His motto, however, was "No Surrender." When there was work to be done in the battle for men’s souls he was there in the thick of the fight, and no consideration of self would induce him to retreat.

The sudden call of Arthur Edward Trounce from earthly activity will be a great blow to thousands who have profited by his advice and influence, and a serious loss to the Salvation Army as a whole. Intellectually and physically strong- Brigadier Trounce had the courage of a David- he was withal gentle, persuasive, urbane, a generous soul loving peace, and working always to secure it. He hated the war, and the loss of near and dear relatives in France tore his heart. He longed for Peace, and he lamented only a few weeks ago that the name of Trounce was being wiped out. He lived to learn and to rejoice that hostilities had ceased in Europe. But he had his war. It was a contest with unrighteousness. Alas, his fight with the spirit of evil and the forces of darkness is over. He fell holding aloft the standard of Faith, and he has now found- too early some of us think- the Peace that passeth all understanding.

War Record of Members of the Family

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MR. THOMAS PLOMER TROUNCE, J.P.

of Waltham Abbey, after a strenuous business and public career, devoted himself energetically to the service of his country during the war. In conjunction with Sir Victor Buxton, Bart., he started a Volunteer Company. After serving for some months as Quartermaster, he went through a course of training at Chelsea Barracks, was given a commission as 1^st lieutenant, and had command of the Waltham Abbey Company, 2^nd Essex V.R., carrying on until demobilisation. He also acted as recruiting officer under the Derby Scheme, and attested over 1,000 recruits, and finally, was for more than a year National Service representative of the district.

MR. HENRY TROUNCE.

During the war Mr. Henry Trounce, Editor of the Daily Gazette, served on the Military Tribunal for Islington, was a member of the Recruiting Committee, and took a prominent part in the raising of a battalion (21^st Middlesex) that achieved distinction in France. He was also mainly responsible for the organisation of a War Fair in Islington, by means of which something like £1,500 was raised for the purpose of entertaining wounded soldiers. As a result of this effort approximately 6,000 wounded men from London hospitals were taken for drives into the country during the summer and to entertainments in Metropolitan Theatres during the winter. On each occasion the men were conveyed in private vehicles and provided with a substantial meal. In some instances special entertainments were arranged, either at the residence of the organiser or at the houses of his friends. It is, perhaps, worth recording that these excursions were carried out without a single mishap. From the point of view of the entertainment, so far as the soldiers were concerned, each one was a conspicuous success.

Lieut. HOWARD PLOMER TROUNCE,

eldest son of Mr. T. P. Trounce, of Waltham Abbey, joined the Hon. Artillery Company, immediately on the outbreak of the war, and in three weeks was drafted to France in the 1^st Battalion of the Company, and was soon sent to the Front. In the Spring of 1915 he was appointed lieutenant in the Army Service Corps, and sent to Gibraltar. He afterwards returned, and again joined the infantry, remaining with that branch of the Service until the Armistice.

Capt. THOMAS REGINALD TROUNCE,

second son of Mr. Thomas Plomer Trounce, of Waltham Abbey, joined the R.A.M.C. as 1^st lieutenant in January, 1915, and proceeded to Egypt. Was at the landing at Suvla, where he remained until stricken with typhoid, a few days before the evacuation. After recovery he went to France, and took command of an ambulance train. Was made Captain. Was slightly wounded, and had service at the Front in the trenches and clearing stations until the Armistice.

Second-Lieut. SYDNEY ABEL TROUNCE,

the son of Sydney and Mabel Trounce, of Roath Park, Cardiff, and grandson of the late Alderman William J. Trounce, J.P., of ex-Mayor of Cardiff, was born on January 2^nd, 1894. He received his education at the Albany Road and Technical Schools, Cardiff, whence he became a member of the staff of Messrs. Joseph Rank, Ltd., with whom he was establishing a most promising career, when he felt the call of country, and though, to his sensitive nature, war was particularly abhorrent, he laid all his personal feelings and interests aside, and, joining the Ins of Court Officers’ Training Corps, at Berkhamstead, qualified for a commission. Gazetted as 2^nd lieutenant in January, 1917, he was posted to the Suffolk Regiment, and shortly afterwards went to the Western Front, where he saw considerable heavy fighting. N one occasion he had a most providential escape, which he described as follows in a letter to his father:-

"We were in billets just behind the lines, and the Boche strafed us well. About 11.30 p.m. there was a huge crash in my billet, and the ceiling fell in on top of me. it happened that a shell (high explosive) struck my room, came in through the ceiling above my head, and went out through the floor by the window, just at the foot of my bed. It exploded just as it was leaving the wall, blew down the front of the house, and although several pieces of the shell came in my room I was not touched. The Company Adjutant and everyone came round, thinking I was finished, and they all say it was nothing short of a miracle. It really was."

Soon afterwards, on May 7h, 1917, Lieutenant Sydney Trounce made the supreme sacrifice while with his Battalion in the front line near Chirisy Village. His brother officers wrote:- "His cheery disposition, careful attention to duties, and deep interest in his men marked him out as a special officer, and one who will always be deeply mourned by his entire battalion.

Corporal ARTHUR TROUNCE,

another son of Sydney and Mabel Trounce, joined the Lancashire Fusiliers, and was promoted to corporal.

Pte. HUGH TROUNCE,

son of Alderman W.J. Trounce, joined the Royal Engineers Signalling Company at the commencement of the war, and spent all his time in France.

Pte. LOUIS PLOMER TROUNCE

son of Alderman William Trounce, was in Canada at the outbreak of war, and joined the Canadian Army, which came to England.

Pte. HORACE TROUNCE,

another son of Alderman W.J. Trounce, joined the Monmouthshire Regiment.

Pte. ALFRED TROUNCE,

The following tributes to Mr. Alfred Trounce, from the pen of his brother, Henry Trounce, appeared in the "Islington Daily Gazette" on Oct. 23^rd and 25^th, 1917":-

Mr. Alfred Trounce, a grandson of the founder of the DAILY GAZETTE, was in his 40^th year when called up for service in June, 1916, having previously attested under the Derby Scheme. Passed for B1, he was attached to the Essex Regiment, and after training at Yarmouth in Bucks, crossed to France early in January, 1917. He went through the great push at Easter, and in September, after a period of strenuous military service, he wrote cheerfully of the rest he and his companions were accorded "away from the sound of guns and the danger of bursting shells."

Later, he was moved to the Ypres salient, and on October 3^rd he wrote: "Right in the thick of things. Weather looks as if it were breaking up, so expect it will be a case of wading through water. If all goes well, it will be impossible to write as we shall be constantly on the move. Everything is O.K. at present. The gunfire is fierce, and there is hardly an inch of solid ground anywhere. Some of the shell holes are nearly 20 ft. deep"

On 15^th October, a young private who was serving with him, and who was home on leave, called at the editorial office of the DAILY GAZETTE and handed in a letter from Mr. Alfred Trounce, dated 8^th Oct. The letter asked that the young soldier might be shown over the printing works, and concluded: "Thanks for parcel. Everything O.K."

The young private was requested to call two days later in order that he might receive two parcels- one for himself and one for his older companion.

The following day, however, the 16^th October, a postcard was received by the Editor stating that his brother, Alfred, had been wounded and was in hospital.

A day later came the sad message- a replica of thousands received by widows, mothers and next-of-kin- that Alfred Trounce had died of wounds received in action.

It is hard to realise that the bright, alert, active co-worker with the Editor of this journal is no more. There are hundreds who will remember his bright , blue eyes, his fresh complexion, his kindly smile, his generous nature. He was adored by all who knew him. His self-abnegation and self-sacrifice were qualities that stood out boldly in a life devoted to the service of others. His one aim in life was to make others happy and in working to this end he himself was happy. He was unselfish and unostentatious- one of nature’s best sons. He abhorred all that was vicious. He loved the artistic and was an inveterate patron of music and the drama. He proved every day of his life that to be mirthful is not to be vulgar; that merriment is not inconsistent with righteousness.

It is hard to realise that a noble brother who, in his fortieth year, left his desk in the City to fight for the great cause of justice and right, is no more. "Alf"- everyone addressed him as "Alf"- has made the supreme sacrifice on the plains of Flanders, and one more white cross is added to the almost endless avenue of monuments that indicate the resting places of tens of thousands of the valorous sons of Britain.

What really happened, how he was wounded, and how he died remains for the moment a mystery. There are no details to hand. Why? He was simply Private Alfred Trounce, of the Essex Regiment, but he was the soul of honour and a gallant gentleman.

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The brother who, for thirteen years, has shared with me a burden without one word of complaint; the man who met the vicissitudes of life with a toss of the head, the man who was never late at his post. Or neglectful in one business detail, a kind, sympathetic, generous soul. Has made the supreme sacrifice on the fields of Flanders. Alfred had no taste for war. He looked with contempt upon pugilism or combat in any form. He was a sportsman, but he hated violence and vulgarity. He loved the artistic; he worshipped all that was refined and intellectual, and he was a missionary to this end, almost compelling others by his generosity, and persuasiveness to join him in the higher and more cultivated forms of recreation. He did not want to fight. The idea was abhorrent to him, but when the country called him, he went without a murmur, and submitted in silence to he discipline which we are told is the alpha and omega of the battlefield.

But he "did his bit"- to use a phrase that is now an accepted part of our language- long before it came to his turn to quit these shores for a land from which, for him, there was to be no return. After a hard day’s work- in his rest time before the night’s work was completed- he might be found at St. Dunstan’s Hostel entertaining soldiers blinded in the war, reading to them, talking to them, cheering them, and so for a period diverting their thoughts from the calamity that had overtaken them. and then I have seen him a hundred times packing parcels for his friends and relatives who were at the Front. He competed the work with his own hands, form the purchase to the despatch, and with each parcel he sent a letter of encouragement and hope. And then it was his turn to go. I said "good-bye to him at Charing-cross Station one evening in Dec., 1917, and turned away with a sad heart. I have a sadder heart to-day. It was now my turn to send the parcels, and the last words I received from the hero, who, like tens of thousands of his race was about to sacrifice his life for his country, were, "Parcel O.K." I am not inclined to draw an imaginary picture of what happened a few days later. All we know is that he was wounded in action, that he was admitted to hospital on 12^th October, and that the following day he joined the Great Army, at the head of which floats the spotless banner which is the emblem of "Peace on earth; goodwill to men." I have visited the Valhalla of Flanders and reverently bowed before the resting-place of one who had no enemies and whose tender heart and good deeds provide for us all an example of man’s duty to man.

Lieut. WILLIAM ROBERT TROUNCE, R.A.F.

William Robert Trounce, son of Mr. William John Trounce, and great-grandson of the founder of the Daily Gazette, enlisted in the 28^th County of London Regiment, and after training in England, was transferred to the 1^st Battalion, which was on active service in France. The battalion was then supplying officers to the units serving in the line. After further training he was temporarily attached to the Royal West Kent Regiment for instruction.

This battalion was then serving on various parts of the Western Front, and after completing his service with this unit was gazetted as Second Lieutenant to the Gloucestershire Regiment in France. Returned to England to obtain his kit, and after seven days’ leave rejoined the regiment, which was in the line in the Somme area. The battalion took part in several engagements on various sectors of the front, and on three occasions took over parts of the line which had been held by the French. On the second occasion the Division suffered heavily a the result of a big German attack immediately the line had been taken over. This was on the coast at Nieuport. The extreme left hand of the British line.

The Division then commenced training for a landing on the Belgian Coast, behind the German lines, but for reasons unexplained the landing was never carried out. The Division then took part in the attack on Passchendaele, and was successful in obtaining its objective, with comparatively small losses. After service with his unit in other engagements on the Western Front he returned to England in February, 1918, and was attached to the Royal Flying Corps for instruction.

In May, 1918, the Royal Air Force was formed, consisting of the R.F.C. and the R.N.A.S. He was then promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in the R.A.F., and remained with them as an instructor until the Armistice, being demobilised in April, 1919, with the honorary rank of Lieutenant, Royal Air Force.

Second-Lieut. FRANK TROUNCE.

Frank Trounce, second son of William John Trounce, and great-grandson of the founder of the Daily Gazette, enlisted in the Royal Naval Division, and after preliminary training in England, was sent with the Division to the Dardanelles, serving in the Machine Gun Section of the Benbow Battalion, until, owing to the heavy losses, he, and the remaining officers and men were transferred to the Anson Battalion. He remained with this battalion, and took part in a considerable number of engagements at Helles, Suvla, and Anzac, being slightly wounded in the hand during heavy bombardment of our lines. He was on the peninsula right up to the time of the evacuation, and then proceeded with the Division to Stavros, on the Balkan Peninsula.

The Division was only there for a short period, and then proceeded to France. He took part in several battles, the most notable of which was the big Somme push, and during the attack on Beaumont Hamel he was wounded in the hand by shell fire. At this time he was in charge of a Lewis gun team, the majority of which was killed by the shell which wounded him.

He was invalided home to hospital in England, and after recovering from the effects of his wound, returned to France with the rank of Leading Seaman. After more service in the trenches he returned to England, and commenced training to become an officer.

He was gazetted as Second Lieutenant in the 11^th County of London Regiment, and after serving with the reserve battalion in England, was again sent to France. Here he went to a school at the base to complete his training, and was then attached to the 22^nd County of London Regiment, which, at that time, was in the front line.

He joined this battalion on the evening of September 10^th, 1918, and was killed during an attack the following morning, September 11^th, 1918, at Moislains Wood, north-west of Peronne, at the age of 22. His body has since been exhumed, and re-interred in the Fins New British Cemetery, Bapaume.

Captain HARRY DAVIS TROUNCE

Harry Davis Trounce, great-grandson of Henry Trounce (youngest child of William Trounce, of Goldsithney), came all the way from St. Diego, South California, where he was in business, an joined the Royal Engineers. An engineer of repute in the land of his adoption he was welcomed and commissioned without delay. Within a few weeks drafted to France, where for seventeen months he was engaged in the perilous work of sapping, mining, and tunnelling. Being an American citizen he resigned his commission in the British Army immediately the United States Government decided to enter the war, hurried back to the United States, and was given a captaincy in the 606^th Engineers. He played an important part in the training of American troops, wrote pamphlets for use in the army, and lectured freely to officers, troops, and civilians. Hardly sufficient praise has been accorded the brave men who fought the enemy underground. But the nature of the work has been clearly indicated in a volume from the pen of Captain H.D. Trounce, entitled "Fighting the Boche Underground." Of this work the publishers, Charles Scribner’s Sons, Fifth Avenue, New York, write:- "One of the most important and dangerous activities of the whole war has yet been ignored by writers- that of mining and sapping. It is at last described by Captain Trounce, now of our Engineers, but of the Royal British Engineers up to July, 1917. He writes of this strange form under- sometimes far under- the trenches and ‘No Man’s Land’ with great clarity and vividness, describing the construction of galleries and mines, underground fights, explosions about Neuville St. Vaast, in Flanders, near Arras, under the Vimy Ridge, etc. he deals with the most thrilling subject hitherto untouched by war writers in a way which is no less informative because untechnical."

Lieut. LOUIS TROUNCE.

Louis Trounce, the great-grandson of Henry Trounce (youngest child of William Trounce, of Goldsithney), who was in British Columbia at the outbreak of war, joined Princess Patricia’s Own, and served with the first Canadian contingent at Ypres. He was awarded the D.S.M., and subsequently joined the R.A.F., qualifying within a few months as a pilot. His ability in this direction was speedily recognised by the authorities, and until the termination of the war he acted as an instructor in Ireland and at various centres of flying in England. He married Miss Wills, of Truro, and some months after the Armistice he returned to Vancouver with his wife and two children.

Miss CAROLINE TROUNCE.

Miss Caroline Trounce, sister of Captain Harry Davis Trounce and lieutenant Louis Trounce (great-grandchildren of Henry Trounce, youngest child of William Trounce, of Goldsithney), was trained at the Bridgewater Hospital, and on leaving obtained a diploma. She was then nurse in a general hospital at Vancouver, of 300 beds, and subsequently became a private nurse to an ear, nose, throat, and eye specialist in U.S.A. At the outbreak of war, Miss Trounce came to England. She went o France in 1915, and for many months nursed in the Vichy hospital, of 800 beds. Later she became matron in charge of a V.A.D. hospital, of 500 beds. Her transference to the Higham Hospital, in Kent, as sister in charge was followed by a period of night nursing at the Brook-street Hospital, London. At the close of the war Miss Trounce returned to British Columbia.

Lieut. RONALD TROUNCE.

Ronald Trounce, the elder son of the late Mr. Samuel Phillips Trounce (grandson of Henry Trounce, youngest child of William Trounce, of Goldsithney), of Culroy, Truro, joined the Royal First Devon Yeomanry as a despatch rider. In 1915 he was commissioned to the East Yorkshire Regiment, and served in France with the 1^st Battalion from November, 1915, to July, 1916, when he was badly wounded on the first day of the Battle of the Somme. After his discharge from hospital Lieutenant Ronald Trounce acted as assistant to the A.P.M. at Hull, and subsequently carried out duties of Staff Captain on the Headquarters Staff of the Humber Garrison for twenty months.

Corporal JOE TROUNCE.

Joseph Trounce, son of the late William Henry Trounce, of Trevilveth (a son of Henry Williams Trounce, the second child of Richard, fifth son of William Trounce, of Goldsithney), joined, in October, 1914, the Royal First Devon Yeomanry, subsequently going to France, where he was attached to the 9^th Battalion of the Devonshire Regiment, in 1916. In November, 1917, he went with his battalion to Italy, where he remained until August, 1918. The battalion then returned to France, and in June, 1919, Corporal Joe Trounce was demobilised.

Private JOHN TROUNCE.

Mr. John Trounce, son of Mrs. Walter Pound Trounce, of "The Beeches," Perranwell, Cornwall, served in the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry.

EDNA FRANCES TROUNCE.

Edna Frances Trounce, fourth daughter of Henry Trounce, Editor of the Daily Gazette, London, was a V.A.D. nurse during the war at a military hospital at Regent’s Park.

Second-Lieut. J. M. WHITWORTH.

Lieutenant J. Melville Whitworth, the fifth son of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Whitworth, of Elmsleigh, Truro, resigned a position he held in the London and Brazilian Bank, at San Paulo, and returned to England in November, 1914, to enlist. He was gazetted to the Somerset Light Infantry, and when a draft was required for special duty in the Dardanelles, Lieutenant Whitworth was among the first chosen. On the way out he won the heavy weight boxing championship in the transport. After his arrival in May, 1915, he was in the firing line for four hours attached to a company of the 1^st Essex Regiment which had lost all its officers. He was in the general advance on June 4^th, and the War Office reported him wounded, but subsequent news proved that he was killed on June 6^th. Lieutenant Whitworth was a thorough sportsman, absolutely fearless, and of a cheery disposition. While at Falmouth- where he occupied for a time a post in Barclay’s Bank- he frequently appeared in football and cricket matches, his prowess exciting general admiration.

Lieut. H. C. WHITWORTH.

Lieutenant H.C. Whitworth was the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Whitworth, of Elmsleigh, Truro, and at the outbreak of war he joined the Universities and Public Schools Corps. After a course of training at Epson, he received his commission in the 7^th Somerset Light Infantry early in 1915. He was severely wounded at Lesboeuf in September, 1916, and subsequently spent more than nine months in a London hospital. On returning to duty he took courses in machine gunnery at Hayling, becoming machine gun officer to his battalion. In December, 1917, he returned to France, and was in numerous actions. In the Ypres salient, a desperate but gallant action, covering the retirement of a part of the 5^th Army. During the German advance, the following March, he commanded a company in the heavy fighting round St. Quentin, and was reported in the casualty list as missing. Subsequently, however, it was ascertained that he was killed in action, and buried on the field between St. Simon and Flavy le Martel, near St. Quentin Canal.

Captain A. S. WHITWORTH.

Captain A. S. Whitworth, sixth son of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Whitworth, of Elmsleigh, Truro, resigned his post as house surgeon at the Royal Dental Hospital, of London, on September 1^st, 1914, and joined the 2^nd Battalion Artists’ Rifles the following day. He was gazetted second lieutenant, and posted to the 10^th Battalion the Gloucestershire Regiment, November 2^nd, 1914. Intensive training on Salisbury Plain and at Cheltenham preceded promotion to captain. He went to France with his battalion at the end of Jul, 1915, to join the 1^st Brigade of the 1^st Division, being brigaded with the 1^st Black Watch, the 1^st Cameron Highlanders, and the 8^th Battalion Berkshire Regiment. Was in the firing line opposite Loos August, 1915, and in the opening attack of the battle of Loos on September 25^th, 1915, where he was wounded in the left shoulder and right ankle before the action had been in progress an hour. He was eight hours in the open before being picked up by the stretcher-bearers and suffered somewhat from our own gas. He was in hospital at Versailles, and after crossing to England was in hospital at Bristol for a sort time. He after wards went to a reserve battalion of the Gloucestershire Regiment. He subsequently crossed to France again on February 10^th, 1916, and rejoined the 10^th Battalion Gloucestershires. He went in the line between Loos and Calonne for six months of trench warfare, engaging in small raids and lively operations due to mining and counter-mining. He went down to the Somme on July 6^th, 1916, and was present at the taking of Contalmaison on July 9^th. He was also engaged in several attacks on the Martinpuich-Flers line. On October 10^th, 1916, he was invalided to England on account of severe blood poisoning, and put on general service at home for eighteen months, and was not placed on the active service list until just before the Armistice. He was attached to a training battalion of the Rifle Brigade at Northampton for the last twenty months of hostilities.

In 1919 he seized the first opportunity to get back to his professional work, and was appointed assistant demonstrator of operative dental surgery at the Royal Dental Hospital of London for six months. He afterwards started to practise in the City.

Captain J. S. WHITWORTH.

Captain J.S. Whitworth, fourth son of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Whitworth, of Elmsleigh, Truro, joined the colours early in 1915. He was gazetted to the D.C.L.I., and helped to form the Pioneer Battalion (10^th) of this regiment. Being a mining engineer, he was in his element when instructing his men in a few months, and he was promoted captain September 28^th, 1915. He went o France with the 10^th D.C.L.I. about April, 1916, and first went in the front system of trenches near Vimy Ridge, and later went through some of the heaviest fighting on the Somme, including the struggle for Delville Wood. Eventually he was invalided back to England suffering from paralysis of the vocal chords, due to gas. He was in hospital two months. His voice was restored by electrical treatment. He then went to the 3^rd D.C.L.I. for a time, returning to the 10^th Cornwalls in France a little later. Six months of strenuous campaigning and following the retiring Germans on the Somme saw a return of throat trouble, and Captain J.S. Whitworth was invalided again as fit for home service only. He did duty in England for a time, and then was sent to Ireland.

Captain J.S. Whitworth was mentioned in despatches for the way he commanded his company in the carrying out of several special pioneer operations he was detailed for.

WINIFRED WHITWORTH.

Winifred Whitworth, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. Whitworth, of Elmsleigh, Truro, was a V.A.D. nurse at the Royal Naval Hospital at Truro, and was mentioned in despatches for the service she rendered.

At the date of the printing of this work the following members of the family have been traced by the Compiler:-

AUSTRALIA.

Mrs. MARY JANE DEWHURST, whose son, W.R. Dewhurst, wa attached, during the was to the  30^th Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, resides at Gumungerie, New South Wales. A cousin of Mr. Paget Trounce, of Trewartha Hall, he visited Veryan during the war.

BATH.

Mr. and Mrs. SHEPHEARD reside with their two children in Bath. Mrs. Shepheard was a Miss May Trounce, a daughter of Harry Trounce, whose father, Samuel Phillips Trounce, was the son of Henry Trounce, youngest child of William Trounce, of Goldsithney.

BRITISH COLUMBIA.

Mr. LOUIS J. TROUNCE resides with his wife (nee Miss Wills) and two children, in Vancouver.   Mr. Louis Trounce is the second son of Harry Trounce, whose father, Samuel Phillips Trounce, was the son of Henry Trounce, youngest son of William Trounce of Goldsithney.   The sisters of Mr. Harry Davis Trounce and Mr. Louis Trounce are Carrie, Nina, Bessie, and May.    Miss CARRIE TROUNCE, whose nursing record has been referred to earlier, resides with her brother Louis.    NINA also resides with her husband in British Columbia.    Miss BESSIE TROUNCE resides in Vancouver.

CANADA.

Mr. WILLIAM JAMES TROUNCE, a native of Veryan, resides in Toronto. Mr. William James Trounce is the third son of John Trounce, of Tretheake, whose father, William Trounce, was the second son of William Trounce, of Goldsithney.   Mr. Trounce was engaged for many years in the lumber manufacturing business at Port Perry with the late Mr. Thomas Paxton, M.P. for South Ontario County.  Mr. JOHN WALTER TROUNCE, second son of Mr. William James Trounce, is Vice-President of the   Goodyear Lumber Co., Buffalo, New York and Toronto. He married Ida Boone, and resides in Toronto.

CARDIFF.

Mr. WILLIAM HENRY TROUNCE, 55 Roath Court-road, Cardiff.                                                                                                                                     Mr. SYDNEY ARTHUR TROUNCE, to whose father we are indebted for much that appears in this work, resides in Ninian-road, Cardiff, and is the head of the firm of W.J. Trounce and Sons, tourist and steamship agents, foreign brokers, etc., at Pier Head.

The other children of the late Alderman W.J. Trounce resident in Wales are:                                                                                                         Miss LILY TROUNCE, 25, Plymouth-road, Penarth.                                                                                                                                                         Mrs. FLORRIE AKERS, Dinas Powis.                                                                                                                                                                                         Mr. HERBERT TROUNCE, Cathays, Cardiff.                                                                                                                                                                             Mr. HUGH LEMBREY TROUNCE, King’s-road, Cardiff.                                                                                                                                                         Mr. HORACE SAMUEL TROUNCE, King’s-road, Cardiff.  

Mrs. ELLA MANN, Rhubina, near Cardiff.                                                                                                                                                                         Mrs. MABEL HAMBLY, Penywain-road, Cardiff.

CHESHUNT, HERTS.

Mr. THOMAS REGINALD TROUNCE, M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., late Captain R.A.M.C., second son of Thomas Plomer Trounce, of Waltham Abbey, resides at Hill View, Cheshunt, with his wife and son, JOHN REGINALD .

CORNWALL.

Mr. And Mrs. WHITWORTH, Elmsleigh, Truro. Mrs. Whitworth is a daughter of Mr. S.P. Trouce,  of Tavistock, and grand-daughter of Henry Trounce, the youngest child of William Trounce, of Goldsithney.                                                                                                                 Mrs. S.P. TROUNCE, widow of the late Samuel Phillips Trounce, resides at Culroy, Truro.                                                                                     Mr GORDON TROUNCE and Miss VICTORIA PHYLLIS TROUNCE reside at Culroy.                                                                                                    

Mr. RONALD TROUNCE, the eldest son of Mrs,. Trounce, of Culroy, married Lisette Adolphine Eugenie Van den Bergh, of Antwerp, and he holds an appointment at Lloyd’s Bank, Ilfracombe.                                                                                                                                 Gordon Trounce is a cadet in the Peninsula and Oriental Steam Navigation Company.                                                                                 Mrs. S.P. Trounce’s married daughters are:-                                                                                                                                                                     Mrs. MARY IRENE COX (wife of Mr. W.A.M. Cox), Foggeyley, by Dundee.                                                                                                                 Mrs. DOROTHY CLARA WILKINSON (wife of Captain G.P. Wilkinson), P.O. Jos Banchi Province, N.P. Nigeria.                                       

Mrs. KATHLEEN MARION WILDMAN-LUSHINGTON (wife of Captain E.G. Wildman-Lushington, R.M.A.), "The Firs," Wellington, Berks.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

Mrs. MARJORIE GWENDOLINE HOARE (wife of Captain J.E.A. Hoare, late R.N.A.S.), "The Noads," Dibden Purlieu, Hythe, Southampton.                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

Mrs. WALTER POUND TROUNCE, widow of the late Mr. W.P. Trounce, resides at "The Beeches," Perranwell. Mr. W.P. Trounce’s father was John Trounce, son of William Trounce,     the second child of William Trounce, of Goldsithney.                                                                Mrs. CORNELIUS (nee Olive Carolina Alberta Trounce) resides with her husband. Mr. A.J. Cornelius, at Glendaragh, Perranwell, the well known architect and surveyor of Truro, who served during the war in the Royal Engineers, Inland Water and Docks Section. Mrs. Cornelius is the daughter of Mrs. Walter Pound Trounce.                                                                                                                                     Mr. JOHN TROUNCE, son of Mrs. Walter Pound Trounce, resides with his mother at "The Beeches."                                                                 Mr. and Mrs. PAGET TROUNCE and family reside at Trewartha Hall, Veryan. Mr. Paget Trounce is a son of Mr. John Thomas Trounce, son of John Trounce, of Tretheake, eldest child of William Trounce, the second child if William Trounce, of Goldsithney.    Mr. and Mrs. RASHLEIGH TROUNCE reside at Penvose, Veryan. Mr. Rashleigh Trounce is a son of Mr. John Thomas Trounce, son of John Trounce, of Tretheake, eldest child of William Trounce, the second child of William Trounce, of Goldsithney.                                

Mrs. WILLIAM HENRY TROUNCE (widow of the late William Henry Trounce, of Trevilveth) resides with her daughter, May Trounce, at Saltash. The late William Henry Trounce was a son of Henry Williams Trounce, second son of Richard Trounce, who was the fifth child of William Trounce, of Goldsithney.                                                                                                                                                                

Mrs. CROCKWELL, another daughter of Mrs. W.H. Trounce, resides at Bodmin.                                                                                                     Mr. JOE TROUNCE, son of Mrs. William Henry Trounce, resides at Goviley, Tregon.                                                                                             Mrs. JULIAN (nee Trounce) lives at Polmenna, Veryan. Mrs. Julian is a daughter of John Thomas Trounce, son of John Trounce, of Tretheake, whose father was William Trounce, second son of William Trounce, of Goldsithney.                                                                 Mrs. BURROWS (nee Martha Jane Trounce, daughter of John Trounce, of Tretheake) lives in Truro.                                                                 Her son JOHN served in the A.V.C. (Mobile Veterinary Section).                                                                                                                                 Mrs. GEORGE HENRY TROUNCE, second wife of George Henry Trounce, resides at Portloe.

FELIXSTOWE.

CECIL TROUNCE and GEORGE TROUNCE, sons of the late Mr. George Trounce, third son of William Samuel Trounce, and grandson of the founder of the Daily Gazette, reside with their mother , at Felixstowe.

ILFRACOMBE.

Mr. and Mrs. RONALD TROUNCE reside at Ilfracombe, Devonshire. Mr. Trounce holds an appointment in Lloyd’s Bank in that town.

IRELAND.

The late Mr. Arthur Trounce, when engaged in religious work in Belfast in recent years, met, resident in that city, two sisters, the Misses Trounce, but was unable to discover to which branch of the family they belonged.                                                                                 Mr. Arthur Trounce also came into contact with a son of Mr. Henry Trounce (who once famred at Camels, Veryan) during religious work at Brighton.

LIVERPOOL.

Mr. LOUIS PLOMER TROUNCE (a son of Alderman W.J. Trounce, of Cardiff) resides at Liverpool.                                                                     Mrs. NELLIE EARLY BROWN resides at Higher Tranmere, Birkenhead. Mrs. Early Brown is the youngest daughter of the late William Samuel Trounce, whose father, William Trounce, founded the Daily Gazette in London.

LONDON.

Mr. HENRY TROUNCE, Editor of the Daily Gazette, 10, Gough-square, Fleet-street, E.C. (grandson of William Trounce, who was the second son of Samuel Trounce, the fourth child of William Trounce, of Goldsithney), resides with his wife, Mrs. Beatrice Mary Trounce, at Crouch Hill, N.                                                                                                                                                                                                     Miss CAROLINE JANE TROUNCE, of 55, Grasmere-road, Muswell Hill, N. (grand-daughter of William Trounce, who was the second son of Samuel, the fourth child of William Trounce, of Goldsithney).

Mrs. ELIZABETH ANNIE CONSTABLE, 90, Coniston-road, Muswell Hill, N. (grand-daughter of William Trounce, who was the second son of Samuel, fourth child of William Trounce, of Goldsithney).                                                                                                                            

These are the surviving children of William Samuel Trounce, the only son of William Trounce, who founded the Daily Gazette.        The five daughters of Henry Trounce, Editor of the Daily Gazette are:-                                                                                                                     Mrs. DOROTHY BEATRICE BOLTON (residing at Southgate), Mrs. WINIFRED MARY BOLTON (residing at Southgate), Mrs. CONSTANCE HELENA SMITH (residing at Highbury, London, N.), Mrs. EDNA FRANCES PETRIE (residing at Cardiff), and Miss KATHLEEN IRENE TROUNCE (residing with her parents at Crouch Hill, London, N.).    Mrs. L.A.M. TROUNCE, the widow of William John Trounce, the eldest son of William Samuel Trounce, the son of the founder of the Daily Gazette, lives with her son, William Robert Trounce, and daughter, Violet Trounce, at Stapleton Hall-road, London, N.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Mr. HOWARD PLOMER TROUNCE, son of Thomas Plomer Trounce, of Waltham Abbey, is an assistant bank manager, and resides , with his wife and son, BARRY PLOMER, at 24, Queen Anne’s Gardens, Enfield, N.

Mr. S.J. TROUNCE, underwriter at Lloyd’s, son of the late Mr. Samuel Trounce, whose birthplace was Cork, Ireland, lives with his wife and daughter, at 53, Ellerton-road, Wandsworth Common, S.W. He is a great-grandson of one of the sons of William Trounce, of Goldsithney.    Mr. Samuel Trounce was well known among the Plymouth Brethren, and was an enthusiastic and devoted member of this religious organisation.

Mrs. ANNIE TROUNCE (a Brigadier in the Salvation Army), the widow of Mr. Arthur Trounce, resides, with her two daughters, Muriel and Olive, at Clapton. Mr. Arthur Trounce’s brother, as will be noted from earlier pages in this work, was a brother of the Editor of the Daily Gazette.

Mrs. LEWIN (nee Florrie Trounce) resides in London. Mrs. Lewin is a daughter of Mr. Orlando Trounce, the youngest son of Richard Trounce, the fifth child of William Trounce, of Goldsithney.

Mrs. BESSIE BLAMEY, whose father was John Thomas Trounce, son of John Trounce, of Tretheake, son of William Trounce, son of William Trounce, the second child of William Trounce, of Goldsithney, resides in London.

UNITED STATES.

Mrs. A.M. TROUNCE BEECHER, and her sister, Miss ANORA TROUNCE, reside at River Side Drive, New York. Mrs. Beecher and Miss Trounce are the daughters of Mr. William James Trounce, of Toronto, son of John Trounce, of Tretheake, whose father, William Trounce, was the second child of William Trounce, of Goldsithney.

Mr. William James Trounce, who is still living, had four sons- FRANK, JOHN, JAMES, and HARRY. The last-named has passed away. Mr. Frank Trounce resides at San Francisco. Mr. John Pound Trounce resides in Toronto. Mr. James Trounce resides at Buffalo.        

Mr. JAMES ORLANDO TROUNCE, third son of Mr. William James Trounce, of Toronto, married Kathryn Busch, of Buffalo, New York, and resides at Buffalo.                                                                                                                                                                                                         FRANK WILLIAM TROUNCE, the eldest son of Mr. William James Trounce, of Toronto, married Eva, daughter of the late Judge Bickerton of Honolulu, Hawaii, and resides in San Francisco.

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Captain HARRY DAVIS TROUNCE resides with his wife and daughter in Whittier, California. Captain Trounce is the eldest son of Harry Trounce, whose father Samuel Phillips Trounce, was the son of Henry Trounce, youngest child of William Trounce, of Goldsithney.

WALTHAM ABBEY.

Mr. THOMAS PLOMER TROUNCE, J.P., son of William Trounce, fourth child of Thomas Trounce, who was the third child of William Trounce, of Goldsithney, resides at Bank House, Waltham Abbey, Essex, with his wife, ALICE TROUNCE, M.B.E., and his two daughters, Misses ALICE and ELLA PLOMER TROUNCE.

WEST INDIES.

The compiler has met in London, Quarter Master Trounce, of the Garrison Artillery, who was for twelve years stationed in Jamaica. At the conclusion of the War he was transferred to Weymouth.      Quarter Master TROUNCE is a grandson of Thomas Henry Trounce, the younger son of Samuel Trounce, fourth child of William Trounce, of Goldsithney.                                                            

Quarter Master Trounce has a son.

An Impression of Cornwall

OCTOBER, 1921.

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[By HENRY TROUNCE, Editor of the Daily Gazette.]

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A few days ago, I felt Islington for the West of England, the home of my fathers, where honeysuckle blooms in October, where in the same month juicy apples, hanging in clusters, from overburdened branches, invite immediate plucking, and where saffron cake is on the table at every meal. I have tried to discover the origin of saffron cake and the resting place of the first woman- it must have been a woman- who made this strange table delicacy. The more persistent my inquiries, the deeper becomes the mystery. The Cornishman requires gentle handling. He is a hard, frank, generous fellow, steeped to the lips in hospitality. He greets you with a shout, takes your hand in his and squeezes it with a vigour that has a decided effect upon the blood circulation between the wrist and finger tips. Your welcome is sharp and emphatic, and your presence in the parlour is an immediate signal for the opening of the larder door. You are not asked to take nourishment, it is placed before you, pushed towards you, forced upon you, and a refusal to accept what is offered or even failure to do it full justice, is to grievously wound the feelings of your host.

My advice to all visitors to Cornwall is to never say "No" to a Cornishman’s hospitality, and, above all. Never refuse to break saffron cake with him. Further, don’t press him as to the origin of saffron cake. He really doesn’t know anything about it, and if you are too persistent in your inquiries, he will begin to imagine that you are "pulling his leg." Never try to "pull" a Cornishman’s leg. If you do, he’ll smother you with ridicule and repartee in a trice and you will begin to wish you had never been born. The wrath of a Cornishman is something to reckon with. He smashes argument with clenched fists and distributes the fragments with horizontal and circular sweeps of the arms. His heavy voice, which sometimes develops into a roar, coupled with the aforementioned gestures, proves conclusively that he not only means but believes what he says. He is brutally frank in argument and unconquerable in debate. Take the pasties, cream, and saffron cakes, and give the warm-hearted Cornishman the greatest delight of his life, that of entertaining you. Therefore, after a week of interrogation from Land’s End to Launceston I have abandoned my inquiries about saffron cake. In the absence of a solution I am half inclined to think that the patron saints of Cornwall caused it to fall upon a fair land, like manna from the skies, and that its consumption to-day at every meal in the country-side is a solemn and sacred rite which has been practised from time immemorial. Saffron cake is the Alpha and Omega of every repast, and will undoubtedly remain so until the crack of doom.

Billy Bray, following the New Testament injunction, went out into the highways and hedges and compelled them to come in, but methinks it must have been the patron saints who first taught the Cornishman to go into the highways and compel them to eat. When I write Cornishman I include naturally Cornishwoman. The two are one- one in hearty welcome, sympathy, and hospitality- full of the milk of human kindness. There is no wizard’s wand in the Cornishman’s home. he will never try to win you by legerdemain. He goes straight to your heart by opening the larder door and placing his home at your disposal. He will give you the best bed in the house and tell you at the same time he wishes it were more comfortable. He will load you with fruit and flowers from his garden before you part, and as he bids you farewell invite you to take saffron cake and tea. He likes to see you, and if you don’t eat , he thinks you want the doctor. Show him you appreciate his home and his table and he is at once your friend.

I have digressed because in reflecting upon my experiences of the past week the picture of Cornish hospitality stands out like a beacon light on the hilltop. I really went to Cornwall to assist in the compilation and completion of a genealogical tree. I wanted to indicate my own place among the branches and my relationship to the long line of men bearing my name. for this purpose one travels well into the heart of Cornwall by main line, then on a small branch rail, and finally by road to a series of villages sometimes swept away with ozonic breezes; at other times enveloped in mist. I have experienced both. There is a sharp, shrill snap in the voice of the countryside labourer. One grasps with difficulty his conversation, but he is refreshingly courteous and he bids you "Good morning" although he has never seen you before. You are told the scenery is beautiful. You agree that it is so, although you cannot distinguish between the mist-laden upland and the mist-ridden valley. You drive from place to place and eventually become a part of the mist yourself. You may leave Italian sky in London in the morning and in the evening a mile from the Cornish coast you may find an unrivalled landscape bathed in mist. But you know it comes from the sea and that when the sun next rises over the hills the mist will vanish and the fields and wooded slopes that Emerson described as having been finished with a brush will appear before you in all their verdant glory.

And so it is. The morning breaks, and from your bedroom window before you is revealed a picture that excites your admiration and moves you to praise. The air is redolent with the fragrance of honey suckle. The fuchsias, gallardias, roses, and a dozen other blooms still make Cornish gardens in October a riot of colour. Such, then, are the conditions in the land of our fathers when we start out to fix up the family tree and seek an introduction to blood relations we have never seen before. They know all about you because emissaries from London have carried tidings of you periodically through a long series of years. Your welcome is vociferous. "Yes," says one dear creature, "he is one of them." "Hullo," says another, "he ha the family head," while a third exclaims with delightful frankness. "You are just like the members of that family. They were all big, fat men." Shades of my fathers! You roar with laughter, and then out comes the saffron cake, the bread, the cream, the butter, and the apples. It is enough that you are the member of a well-known Cornish family of long standing in those parts. The best that can be produced is yours, and you are invited to prove that you are a good trencherman. The fun and the food run together, and we feel sorry that we have to leave the old farm house in order to pay another call. At all the farms the welcome is the same. At some threshing is in progress; at others there is activity in the dairy. You inspect the milk, the cream and butter, and then a dear old soul. The embodiment of merriment, invites you to view the pictures, which, being interpreted, means "the Cornish hams" that re depended in rows from the kitchen ceiling. You express your admiration, laugh at the joke, and off you go to another farm.

But the genealogical tree. That has to be verified, amplified, and if necessary corrected. Gossip may supply some omissions, but a more reliable history is that to be found in vestry records, and on moss-covered grave stones. We go to the old church that nestles in the valley. This peaceful spot is encircled with giant elms that give it an added dignity. It is the Valhalla of Veryan where repose the sires of men, many of whom left the verdant countryside of Cornwall to make history in distant parts of this great Empire. The perigrinations of these adventurous souls form a fascinating study. We know some of them to-day and we admire them, but when we see the inscribed monuments- erect like a platoon of drilled men stationed right and left of the family vault which has remained undisturbed for a century, we are touched with pride and emotion. Here we find the story indelibly written of journeys from the land and the village to the town, the cities and the uttermost parts of our dominions beyond the sea. Here, too, we find in this old world Cornish village the cradle of men who have achieved triumphs in the commercial arena, shown heroism at sea, courage on the battle front, and doggedness in the field of adventure. These men have dared and they have died. Alas, some of them too early and too recently

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Every endeavour has been made during a period of eight months to get in touch with members of the Trounce family,  resident in Great Britain and abroad, who are not mentioned in this work. In some cases letters have been returned; In others no replies have been received up to the time of going to press. Owing to circumstances over which he has no control, the compiler is compelled now to print the little work, conscious that it may be inaccurate in some details, besides being incomplete in others. The difficulties in tracing all branches of a numerous family must be manifest to all. It is, the, with this knowledge that we present the work, at the same time claiming the indulgence of those who may be sufficiently interested to peruse its pages.—H.T.