The Derbyshire Courier, Saturday, February 4th, 1832

Middleton Dale, Derbyshire
Freehold Public House and Gardens
To be Sold by Auction
by Mr Saunders.

On Thursday 16 February 1832 at 6 o'clock in evening at the house of Mrs Cocker, the Miners Arms in M'ton Dale - lately in the possession of Jonathan Cocker (deceased) and now in the occupation of his widow as Tenant.

Particulars Messrs Tattershall & Hoole, Sol'r, Sheffield.
[Contributed by Brian Austin]

The Derby and Chesterfield Reporter, Thursday, July 14th, 1842

Eyam - The members of The Women's Club, which is held at Mr William Wild's “Boot & Shoe”, Stoney Middleton met on Wednesday, and attended by the Eyam Band proceeded to Middleton Church where a sermon preached by Rev Mr Smith.

Party then returned to the Club House (B&S) and partook an excellent dinner prepared in a manner reflecting great credit upon Mrs Wild, the Landlady.

Evening spent in convivial mirth and dancing till a reasonable hour. Everyone departed highly pleased with the day's entertainment.
[Contributed by Brian Austin]

The Derbyshire Courier, Saturday, January 24th, 1846

Insolvent Debtor
To be heard at the Court House at Sheffield in the county of York, on the eleventh day of February next, at the hour of ten in the morning precisely, Elizabeth Cocker, late of Radford Street in Sheffield, in the county of York, and previously of Stoney Middleton, in the county of Derby, widow and administrix of Ezra Cocker, late of Stoney Middleton, aforesaid, shoemaker deceased,

D Hill,
5 John Street Adelphi,
Attorney-at-law,
for Binney, Solicitor,
Sheffield.
[Contributed by Brian Austin]

The Derby Mercury, Wednesday, January 17th, 1872

STONEY MIDDLETON
Benevolent Footballers. A short time ago, as a team hailing from the Hallam Football Club were proceeding down Froggat Edge to play a game at Stoney Middleton, their attention was directed to a poor old woman breaking stones by the roadside. On their return they made inquiries as to the object of their sympathy, and having sent round the hat, collected 6s. 6d. for her. It is to be hoped so good an example will be followed. It is a disgrace that any human being should have to break stones on a road, but that an old woman should be compelled to earn a living in that way is a standing reproach to the parish wherein she resides.

The London Times, Friday, November 7th, 1879, p1.

Deaths
On the 21st July, in Concho Co. Texas, George Evelyn, aged 36 second son; and on the 4th Oct. at Flores, Buenos Aires, Godfrey Sykes aged 26, sixth son of the Rev. Urban Smith, P.C. of Stoney Middleton, Derbyshire.
[Contributed by Rosemary Lockie]

The London Times, Tuesday, July 24th, 1883, p5.

TRACTION ENGINES ON ROADS.- Yesterday morning a serious accident occurred at Owler Bar, on the road from Sheffield to Baslow. A party of 24 persons, constituting a birthday club meeting at the Norfolk Arms, Granvill-street, Sheffield, left Sheffield for Stoney Middleton, at half-past 8, in two wagonettes. On reaching Owler Bar, a traction engine was seen to be in front. It was stopped, and the first wagonette, containing 16 persons, passed in safety. Unfortunately the horses in the second vehicle took fright, and the wagonette overturning, the occupants, mostly ladies, were thrown to the ground, and five were picked up injured. It is said that the man who should have carried the flag behind the engine was riding in the last wagon. Fifteen months ago a similar accident occurred in the same neighbourhood, a young lady and gentleman being killed. The alarm then created led to the formation of an association which has memoralized the Local Government Board for greater restrictions to be placed upon the use of traction engines on highways.
[Contributed by Rosemary Lockie]

The Derbyshire Times, January 25th, 1909

[summary]
Henry Heginbotham had a fire at his factory in Stoney Middleton. Over 30 employees affected. Said to have over 1000 pairs of boots and shoes in stock and with the leather stock it was valued at over £1000. Machinery was also damaged.
[Contributed by Brian Austin]

The Derbyshire Courier, Saturday, July 9th, 1910, p 8 : ‘Day by Day’

The boot factory at Stoney Middleton, belonging to Mr Henry Higginbotham, which was destroyed by fire some time ago, is shortly to be restored. It is intended to bring the walls of the building which are now standing, down to the second story, and also to enlarge the premises at the back.

Messrs Sheldon Bros of Barlow have secured the contract for masonry, and Mr John Somerset of Calver that for internal work.

This is good news for Stoney Middleton people.
[Contributed by Brian Austin]

The Derbyshire Courier, Saturday, Feb 25th, 1911 : ‘Day by Day’

Few men took such an interest in Stoney Middleton as the late Mr Joseph Heginbotham. He was a native of this place, and never forgot the fact, as proved by his efforts to promote its welfare. Constant in any endeavour which might achieve that, he became the recognised head of the village on those matters appertaining to its social improvement. Few perhaps know he was the founder of the Village Football Club. Years later the members presented him with a beautiful marble clock as a token of recognition for the services he had rendered. Nor perhaps, was it a widely known fact that he was one of the oldest Oddfellows in the village. He belonged to the Inkerman Lodge whose meetings were held in Longstone. He made the journey to meetings in all weathers and conditions and it is recorded of him that he made his last visit on a wild night to plead for a comarade. He was a Churchman of the old type and was warden for 14 years. His business associations cannot be overlooked. He toiled hard and by dint of his indominatable pluck managed to build up a boot factory which is now carried on by his son, Mr Harry Heginbotham. All respected him. He lived essentially for Stoney Middleton and the villagers knew it.
[Contributed by Brian Austin]

The Derbyshire Times, Saturday, February 25th, 1911

LATE MR. J. HEGINBOTHAM
Formerly of Chesterfield
Funeral at Stoney Middleton

The funeral of Mr JOSEPH HEGINBOTHAM took place at St Martin's Church, Stoney Middleton, on Saturday. Deceased, who led an active life, was always ready to help in anything that was for the good of the village.

He was Churchwarden for ten years, during which time there were many improvements in the place of worship. A clock was put in the tower, a new organ and a new stained glass window were erected, and the burial ground was drained. These were a few of the items which the deceased did a great deal to bring forward.

HE WAS THE MANAGER FOR Messrs J. HARRISON and SONS. Boot Manufacturers, Knifesmith Gate. Chesterfield, for several years. Always fond of sport, he was a good supporter of football, and was made the recipient of a handsome timepiece by the members of the Stoney Middleton Football Club, for his valued services.

For the funeral the mourners were: The Widow, Mr and Mrs W Heginbotham (Son and Daughter-in-Law), Mr and Mrs Francis Hall (Daughter and Son-in-Law), Mr and Mrs Brassington, Manchester (Daughter and Son-in-Law), Mr and Mrs H Heginbotham (Son and Daughter-in-Law), Mr and Mrs M Heginbotham (Son and Daughter-in-Law), Mr and Mrs Alfred Mycock (Daughter and Son-in-Law), Mr and Mrs W Unwin (Daughter and Son-in-Law), Mrs Proctor, Manchester, Sister, Mr and Mrs Francis Heginbotham (Brother and Sister-in-Law), Miss Clara Robinson (Niece), Mrs Jepson, Middleton-by-Wirksworth (Niece), Mrs James Hallam (Niece), Miss M Heginbotham (Niece), Miss Sarah Heginbotham, Miss Florence Heginbotham, Mr Joseph Heginbotham, Miss Jane Heginbotham, Miss Temperance Hall, Miss Annie Hall, Mr G Hall, Mr P Hall, Miss Kate Hall, Mr P Heginbotham, Miss R Heginbotham, Mr Alfred Mycock, Miss Ena Mycock, Mr John Unwin senior, Mr Edward Carter, Mr Henry Thorpe, Mr John Hancock senior, Mr J W West (Calver), Mr and Miss John Blackwell (Rowland), Miss Longden (Great Hucklow) Niece. The Bearers were: Messrs Robt Bland, F Nugent senior, H Hancock, T Carter, J Goddard, F Cocker, Gilbert Mason, W Lennon, F Heginbotham (Nephew), T Heginbotham, Liverpool, Nephew), F Gibson, Tideswell, Nephew), G Mycock junior, G H Wilson, and W Morton (Longstone)

There were many floral tributes. The undertakers were Messrs L. & G. Mason, Stoney Middleton.
[Contributed by Brian Austin]

The Derbyshire Times, Saturday, January 13th, 1917, p4, c8

Stoney Middleton Sherwood Killed

Mr & Mrs J W Eidson of Stoney Middleton received official information that their son, Private Thomas Eidson was killed in action in France on Dec 16th. Pte. Eidson, who formerly belonged to the Territorials, went out to France last October. He was 35 years of age and was a fine specimen of British manhood. He also bore a good character and was held of great esteem in the village. Much sympathy is felt for his aged parents as he was their main support at home. Pte. Eidson was a boot finisher by trade and had worked for Messrs Hinch and Mycock, Boot Manufacturers, for 14 years (since c1903)
[Contributed by Brian Austin]

The Derbyshire Times, Saturday, December 12th, 1917

Mr and Mrs Stonewall Jackson, the Bank, Stoney Middleton have received official intimation that their son Pte. Harold Jackson, Leics. Regt. had been admitted into the 1st Casualty Clearing Station suffering from gunshot wounds. They have also had a letter from the Rev H. J. Cramble (United Board Chaplain) saying that their son had been admitted suffering from shell wounds and his condition is serious.

Pte. Jackson is 26 years of age and has been in France 15 months.

Before joining the Colours he was employed at Messrs F. and C. Cocker's Boot Factory

His older brother Pte. C. Jackson is in the R.F.C.
[Contributed by Brian Austin]

The Derbyshire Courier, Saturday, September 26th, 1924

Stoney Middleton Man's Hoard
Gold and Silver under the bed

In a small cottage in High Street, New Mills, there lived alone a man named Cornelius Bailey, 41. One room was made to serve as living and bedroom. Bailey, who had fits, was unable to do regular work, and subsisted on the proceeds of odd jobs.

His father, old Samuel Bailey, who died a few months ago, came from Stoney Middleton, and when a young man was a besom maker there, and used to go about with donkeys all over the Peak selling his besoms, and he settled down at New Mills.

His son, Cornelius, was found dead in the house last Friday. He had been suffocated during a fit.

Under the bed was found a box containing £36.10s in gold and another containing over £11 in silver.
[Contributed by Brian Austin]

The Derbyshire Times, Friday, 1929

Record Hard to Beat.
STONEY MIDDLETON LONGEVITY.

Congratulations were extended on Saturday to Mrs. Mary Andrew, widow of Mr. Robert Andrew, the oldest inhabitant of the village of Stoney Middleton, when she celebrated her 92nd birthday. For her age she is fairly well. She has a wonderful memory. Two of her nieces had tea with her, Mrs. E. Cocker, who is in her 86th year, and Mrs Jane Dakin, Ashopton, who is in her 75th year. Mrs. Andrew's mother, the late Mrs. Jane Goddard, was born on May 1st. 1791, and lived to the age of 96 years. A record for two generations which will be hard to beat.
[Contributed by Amy Schofield]

The Derbyshire Times, Friday, March 11th, 1938, p21, col 2

Factory Destroyed
Fierce Night Blaze at Stoney Middleton

A disastrous fire occurred at Stoney Middleton during Thursday night last week when the factory of Messrs F & C. Cocker was completely gutted, only the four walls remaining.

The building near the Fold at the top of The Bank joins up to other property. The fire was first noticed by Mr Ted Ward of Eyam, who was returning from Bakewell shortly before midnight. He at once notified the police and the owners.

There was soon plenty of villagers willing to help keep the fire in check but they could do little with buckets of water so fierce were the flames. The Sheffield Fire Brigade was summoned & soon arrived under the direction of Supt Teather. Water was pumped from the brook and other jets were connected with the hydrants. In a short time the flames were got under control and the adjoining property was saved. The factory, however was destroyed and the safe containing the wages of the employees fell to the ground with a tremendous thud.

The damage, estimated at £1,500 is partly covered by insurance. About 12 people are now out of work.
[Contributed by Brian Austin]

The Derbyshire Times, Friday, May 24th, 1935, p.16

Former Boot Manufacturer
Death of Mr James Goddard at Stoney Middleton

On Sunday, Stoney Middleton lost one its best known residents by the death of Mr James Goddard, aged 69, for many years a prominent boot manufacturer. He was the founder of a Boot Factory about 1891 and carried on the business till some three years ago, when his ill-health compelled him to retire. He did all his own travelling and was well-known over a wide area... for many years he was a trustee of the Loyal Determined Lodge.

A large number of friends attended the service including Mr W. Heginbotham, Mrs F. Nugent (sister-in-law), Mr F. Nugent, Mr E.E. Cocker, Mr F. Cocker, Mrs A. Jackson.

Bearers included S.J. Hancock, S. Jackson, P. Nugent.
[Contributed by Brian Austin]

Information compiled by Rosemary Lockie from various sources, 2000-2008.