A Victorian Scrapbook of Newspaper Articles by George Burgess (1829-1905)

George Burgess - Phrenologist

George Burgess who visited America three times not only compiled his own scrapbook but he also wrote his own diary, poems, his religious thoughts and at least two books on Phrenology. In his diary he wrote about his life and his family; his children, parents and his grandfather (John Willis, a farmer at `The Batch', Hanham, near Bristol).

A Victorian Scrapbook

by George Burgess

The scrapbook of over 500 Victorian newspaper articles collected by George Burgess during his working life between the 1840's and 1900's are mostly undated from British newspapers, but includes some American newspaper articles collected from the time he spent in America completing his apprenticeship in stonemasonry. As he ran out of space he stuck newer cuttings over older articles. A few of the articles have come adrift and most have deteriorated with age.

However, this scrapbook is notable in that it gives insight into George Burgess as a person, as he selected (as anyone would) articles to which he could relate. The newspaper articles reflecting his views and interest and transcribed to Nathanville include the following topics - Family, Health & Education, Humour, Poetry Politics & History Religion, Science & Nature, Temperance (drink), Victorian Culture.

PHRENOLOGIST

Sample newspaper article from the scrapbook

PHRENOLOGIST (examining head): "You are a poet, my dear sir."
Subject: "Never wrote a line of poetry in my life."
Phrenologist: "Incredible! My dear sir, you should try your hand. You have taste, love of beauty, poetry, and art."
Subject: "How do you know?"
Phrenologist: "Oh, easily enough. This bump over the left temple reveals it. It is an open book to the one who - "
Subject (checking him): "And the most remarkable thing about it is that the bump appeared only yesterday."
Phrenologist: "Phenomenal! I cannot account for it."
Subject (gloomily): "I can."
Phrenologist: "Indeed! How?"
Subject: "I called a man a liar."

THE MANAGING HOUSEWIFE

A sample newspaper article from the Victorian Scrapbook

"Around her knees domestic virtues meet,
And fireside pleasures gambol at her feet."

The man who has the good fortune to select a good prudent managing woman for his wife has great cause to rejoice. Many sore troubles will be warded off by her careful foresight, her excellent judgment. She is better than riches, for she brings happiness with her. She does everything well, and knows exactly what is wanted in her household. She either does her work herself, or looks closely after those to whom she entrusts it. She is an unfailing housekeeper, and is never better pleased than when engaged in some domestic duty. She is not ashamed that people should know she soils her hands in providing for the comfort of her husband and children. But she would be ashamed of idlement and abashed if her family were left to shift for themselves.

She has the faculty of making the best of every thing. If poverty pinches, the managing woman soon finds some contrivance for easing the smart. She conceals the dark part of the cloud, and reveals only the silver lining. Her rooms are so arranged that the patches, and the rents (carefully sewn together and the marks of indigence, shall be hidden from the curious eye. She turns her linen outside in and inside out, until every part of it is worn away. She throws away nothing until all the use and wear have been got out of it that ingenuity can devise. She keeps house so cheaply that even single young men live in a costly manner by comparison. Not all the money in the world, in the hands of a bad manager could make home so happy as a little in the hands of the woman who is sagacious, thrifty, and judicious. She finds time for everything she has to do, and a place for everything in her possession. She is self-reliant, shrewd in observation, discerning in estimating character. She seldom fails in anything she undertakes, simply because she goes about it in the right way.

The managing woman is apt to be a little sharp with dull people, for anything in the nature of stupidity seems unnatural to her. She has no sympathy with it. Her daughters, if she have any are they the good managers like herself. These girls would profit a discount in the matrimonial market. They are sought after, and men of judgement know how to prize and value them. Her influence is always acting, even when she is not personally doing. Happiness seems to spring up in her pathway - her example is precious to all who approach her, and the love and reverence with which she is regarded no pen can describe. Her discipline may be strict, but is it salutary, and the children are the better for it. She has learnt the art which few of us know how to practice - the art of guiding rightly, and yet giving pleasure. Even-tempered, methodical; firm, yet pleasant; grave, yet cheerful; busy, yet graceful, of her the wise man truly says "strength and honour are her clothing."

The Managing Housewife

Nathanville

A selection of links to key areas on Nathanville

Nathanville not only contains most of his writings but has expanded upon his good works and now contains a comprehensive genealogy section with his family tree of over 5000 people. Also on Nathanville are links to a range of other hobbies and leisure interests.

On this lens are extracts of articles on `The Stickler Roots', 'Mothers Last Words' by Mary Sewell (1797-1884) and Thomas Arthur VC. To read the full articles and see more on genealogy follow the links below. But remember to comeback and visit our Victorian Culture Group lens to explore lenses by other lens masters relating to the Victorian Era.

Also further this page is our poll on the Victorian Era, Guest Book, shops with Amazon and ebay, Genealogy web links (sites by Individual and sites to help with your family history research). As a Squidoo member you can add your own links and vote on them. This lens also features genealogy news and much more. So explore and enjoy.

Victorian Scrapbook A-Z Index: A transcript of over 550 newspaper articles in the victorian scrapbook compiled by George Burgess which reflects his views and interest.

Includes topics on Family life, Health & Education, Humour, Poetry, Politics & History, Religion, Science & Nature, Temperance (Drink) and Victorian culture.
Nathanville (Complete) Family Tree: The Family Trees on Nathanville are a full and comprehensive (searchable) database and interactive tree with over 5000 individuals; 1500 marriages and 1100 different surnames (Baglin, Bang, Browne, Burgess, England, Greenman, Jenner, Oaten, Russ, Stickler, Willis just to name a few). The average life span on the tree is 54 years and 7 months. The earliest recorded date is Thomasina Stevens born before 1581. So why not check it out and see if your family is listed.

This site includes a wealth of photos, documents and family history for some of the main families on the tree. If you're interested in genealogy then you may also wish to use GenForum and Genes reunited from this site both of which are excellent family research tools.
Surnames List on Nathanville: A full list of surenames currently on the Nathanville Family Tree.
Phrenology by George Burgess: Phrenology by George Burgess who practiced in the Arcades, Bristol from 1861 to 1901.
George Burgess (1829-1905): The Writings and Life History of George Burgess.
UK Shop On Line with Nathanville: UK Shop on line with Nathanville for your genealogy software and Books in association with Amazon.
Nathanville's Main Website: Nathanville's Hobbies and Genealogy website
Nathanville's Genealogy Blogs: Nathanville's Genealogy (Family History) and Hobbies

The Stickler Roots

Pvlcrecerce - Brigstowe

On Nathanville read the full story of the Pucklechurch Stickler's. The history of the Stickler family from Thomas Stickler & Jane Mealing in the 18th Century to their descendants around the world. In this journey follow the lives of -

* The Joint & Richard families as they join the Sticklers
* The Stickler families in America and Canada
* Thomas Arthur VC (real name Thomas McArthur), and
* The Australian Stickler branch as they join the Bang family from Denmark, and their Australian descendants.

The Stickler Roots on Nathanville: Read the full story of the Pucklechurch Stickler's Roots on Nathanville.
The Stickler Roots by John Stickler: From Charles Stickler (1806-1896) and Eliza Jeffries (1811-1891)

Mother's Last Words

by Mary Sewell (1797 - 1884)

Mary Sewell, the mother of Anna Sewell (the author of `Black Beauty') was born into the Quaker faith in 1797, and lived at the Blue Lodge, Wick from 1858 to 1864. She had a great love of poetry and wrote `Mother's Last Words' (which sold millions of copies throughout the world) while living at Wick, near Bristol. George Burgess, himself a great lover of poetry spent his earlier years reading and writing down that which appealed to him, including `Mother's Last Word' which he copied word for word into an exercise book. The booklet reproduced on Nathanville is a copy of that original booklet which George Burgess bought for his enjoyment.

Read Mother's Last Words on Nathanville: Copy of the original booklet bought by George Burgess
Anna Sewell: The Author of Black Beauty
Mary & Anna Sewell: Learn more about Mary & Anna Sewell

Thomas Arthur VC

Gunner Thomas Arthur of Abbotsham, VC of Bideford

It was June 1855 and twenty-year-old Gunner and Driver Thomas Arthur (aka Thomas McArthur), a member of the Royal Artillery Regiment, was with his artillery battery in an advanced position at Sebastopol. The British were attacking the Russians in an endeavour to capture a place known as the Quarries. Thomas Arthur was in charge of the ammunition magazine but his deeds went well beyond that call of duty. The fighting was intense and he realised that infantry of the 7th Fusiliers were short of ammunition. Despite having to cross open ground, under fire from the enemy, he made repeated runs carrying supplies of ammunition. Eleven days later, he volunteered to lead a party to spike the guns of the Russian artillery who were positioned at the Redan Fort, a fortified gun position. On top of this, there were numerous times when he left the trenches to bring in wounded officers and men. For this combination of heroic actions, he was awarded the Victoria Cross.

Thomas Arthur VC on Nathanville: Learn more about Thomas Arthur's life history, family and descendants.
Thomas Arthur on Wikipedia: Read about Thomas Arthur on Wikipedia.
Thomas Arthur at FirePower: Royal Artillery Historical Trust
Royal Regiment of Artillery Museum
The MacArthur Clan: Read about the history and origins of the MacArthur Clan.
Map of Sevastopol: The environs of Sevastopol with the batteries &
approaches 1854
Thomas Arthur VC on FamilyPedia: Real name Thomas McArthur (1835-1902), Thomas and his family on FamilyPedia.

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ftuley ftuley Oct 18, 2009 @ 7:54 pm

Very informative lens! Learned something new with your lens. Thanks for sharing. Rated you 5 stars and favorited!

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Swisstoons Swisstoons Jul 10, 2009 @ 8:15 am

Lots of fun reading this excellent little window into the Victorian era.

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spirituality spirituality Jun 2, 2009 @ 5:23 am

Great lens - you've been blessed by a squidoo angel :)

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spirituality spirituality Jun 2, 2009 @ 5:23 am

Great lens - you've been blessed by a squidoo angel :)

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Spook Spook May 24, 2009 @ 5:22 am

A great read
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