Initialed ‘J Poole’ on the inside cover, I believe this 1833 pocketbook first belonged to Jeffrey Poole (1807-1854), my generation’s 4th great uncle. It primarily contains his ancestral research findings, but also, judging by certain references and dates, those of his son John Powell Poole (1845-1929). In addition, there is information penned by Jeffrey’s wife Anne Poole, née Powell (1814-1889) pertaining to her side of the family.
Jeffrey trained as a ‘Druggist’ from 1820 for 7 years in Oswestry before setting up a chemists in Brentford/Chiswick West London. His apprenticeship papers are contained in the inside cover pouch of the pocketbook and are shown here. He and Anne were laid to rest in Chiswick cemetery, as recorded by John in week 28 of the book. I often cycle past St Nicholas Church by the river, next to the Fullers brewery, and have explored the cemetery at length trying identify the railed path and lilac tree described. Sadly, 150 years have eroded the stones and I expect the lilac tree is long gone. It is a lovely spot though, and worth a visit if you are passing.
In the cover pouch are all sorts of items: old photos of family properties, newspaper clippings on Poole ancestry as well as the spectacular original waxed chemist apprenticeship contracts for two Jeffrey Pooles from different generations.
By the looks of the handwriting there may or may not be other contributors. Equally unclear is how the item came to be in the possession of my grandmother Iliffe Poole (1897-1985). She used to show it to me when I was a child, and the place names conjured up images of dark leaden skies over sodden hilltops, and torrential rain pummelling an ancient family smallholding somewhere in deepest darkest Wales. In a corner within, our stooped forbears huddled around a small light praying in vain for some decent cellphone reception. Oh and sheep… lots of sheep.