George Poynter
George Poynter (c1801-1847)
1822 Married at Willingham to Sarah Boodger
1841 Living at Main Street, Willingham, Cambs: George Poynter (age c.40), Publican. With Sarah Poynter (age c.36) and Francis Melrose (age c.28), Artist.[1]
1842 'A Facetious Witness.— In a trial at our Quarter Sessions, on Saturday last, for stealing a watch from the bed-room of Mr. George Poynter, at Willingham, the following conversation took place, on cross-examination, between the prosecutor and Mr. Byles, counsel for the prisoner:- Mr. Byles — Where do you live? Mr. Poynter.- At Willingham, but I am not a Willingham man. What are you? An engineer; I was apprenticed to Henry Maudslay, partner to Sir Isambert Brunel, of Thames Tunnel notoriety. Well, what else are you ?— Why, I am a gunsmith, locksmith, and bell-hanger, iron-arm and lathe-maker, edge-tool maker, watch and clock maker and repairer, mathematical instrument maker, weighing-machine, scale, and steelyard maker, knife maker and grinder, publican and licensed victualler, and old man-of-war's man, and was engaged in the glorious action between the Shannon and the Chesapeake. In fact, I am half-brother to Caleb Quolem. Are you a conjuror as well? Oh! yes that I am ; Monsieur Testot was a fool to me; and, if you are willing, I will show you one two tricks. What can you do?— Well, if you will allow me, and not consider I am insulting, I will tell you. Oh, certainly, go on?— Then, if you will just take off your wig, and get the gentleman next you to grease your head, I will swallow you whole, and then you will be no more trouble to yourself nor any one else. (Loud laughter, in which the Court and the learned counsel joined.) Mr Byles, you may stand down Sir[2]