George Bargate
George Bargate (c1876-1952)
c1876 Born at Dalton in Furness, the son of George Bargate, Iron Merchant, and his wife Elizabeth Ann.
1892 Apprenticed for eight years at Clarke, Chapman and Co
1900 Employed by Newcastle and Gateshead Water Co for almost four years
1901 Living at 3 Park Terrace, Gateshead: Elizabeth A. Bargate (age 52 born Dalton in Furness, Lancashire). With her three children; Ethel R. Bargate (age 28 born Dalton in Furness, Lancashire; George Bargate (age 25 born Dalton in Furness, Lancashire), Civil Engineer; and Alice H. Bargate (age 18 born Dalton in Furness, Lancashire). Two servants.[1]
1905 Manager to the Great Dowgas Tin Mines for eight years
1911 Living at Rossland, Watford Road, Northwood, Middlesex: Jacob Higson (age 74 born Clifton, Lancashire), Mining and Civil Engineer - Employer. With his wife Mary Higson (age 49 born Rawcliffe, Lancashire). Married for 17 years and no children. Also two visitors; George Bargate (age 32 born Dalton In Furness), Mining Engineer - Employer - Single; Rosa Isaac (age 46 born Rawcliffe, Lancashire), Married (19 years). Two servants.[2]
1913 April. George Bargate attempted suicide but survives. 'The discovery of Mr. George Bargate, manager of Groat Dowgais Tin Mine. St. Stephens-in-Brannel, on Wednesday night, in a field near his bungalow with a revolver shot in his chest, has naturally created great sensation the district. All sorts of rumours have sprung into existence to account for the tragic affair, but present there is no solution to the mystery. From an inspection of the place it would appear that the deed was committed about 200 yards from his bungalow. He had apparently endeavoured get back this, and was found within 50 yards of it. It is stated that a revolver was found a short distance from this spot. Mr. Bargate was an unmarried man and had been living at the bungalow with his sister. Mr. Bargate returned to St. Austell on Tuesday night after a short absence. He drove his bungalow, and on Wednesday about 8.30. he left with the supposed intention of inspecting the mines. From this time he was not seen again until he was discovered, shortly after seven o’clock the same evening, by some workmen who were in a field adjoining the bungalow. Their discovery naturally filled them with the greatest alarm, as Mr. Bargate was in a serious condition and his clothes were covered with blood. He was quickly taken the bungalow and medical aid summoned. The doctor found him conscious, but in a precarious condition through loss of blood. He had been shot in the region of the heart, the bullet having gone through his body and out at the back. On Friday fears were entertained as to recovery.'[3] 'The mystery concerning the shooting of Mr. George Bargate, jun., manager of Great Dowgas Tin Mine, was cleared up on Thursday when the injured man appeared before the magistrates St. Austell on a charge of attempted suicide. He was discharged on his father agreeing to look after him...'[4]
1913 July. Joins IMechE
1921 Engaged to be married. 'An engagement is announced between Major George Bargate, late Royal Engineer and Tank Corps, and Louise, youngest daughter of R. Inglis, Esq., J. P., and Mrs Inglis, Lovestone, Girvan, Avrshire .'[5]
1952 Obituary [6]
"GEORGE BARGATE, who died in South Africa on 12th March 1952, was a member of the Institution for over forty years. He was educated at Cheltenham and Barnard Castle and served an apprenticeship with Clarke, Chapman and Co Newcastle upon Tyne. During his long mining career he gained experience in many countries, including Spain and Portugal, and also in Cornwall, where he was at one time manager of Great Dowgas Tin Mines, Ltd., and, after the 1914-18 war, of Dalcoath mines.
During the 1914-18 war he served first with the Royal Engineers, for a period being second assistant to General Hervy, after which he joined the Tank Corps and was gazetted out with the rank of major. He was seriously wounded three times. His longest appointment was as general manager to Central European Mines, Ltd., Yugoslavia, which he held for eighteen years before going to South Africa. For his services he was awarded the Order of the Sava by the late King Alexander."