Author Description

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1862 Excerpt:...the next chapter in the history of these premises with a quotation from Mr Longstaffe, who tells as that "The Backhouses, as bankers, stern and steady, have long been respected throughout the north." This testimony might have been more complimentary, and equally true, by the omission of a single monosyllable; but let that pass, while before us flit the shades of those members of this fine old family who come within the circumference of our remembrance With the Darlington Bank, which was established in 1774, Mr Thomas Backhouse, in the way of proprietorship, was not associated. A residence in the United Stales procured for him the title of "Merrican Backhouse," and his capital business talents and experience seated him in the presidential chair of Lloyds; on his vacation of which the underwriters presented him with a valuable testimonial, appropriately inscribed. He built West Lodge, cherished and nourished a colony of rooks, and protected, within his grounds, a population of wild rabbits, npo'i which frequent onslaughts were made by feline marauders, for whose destruction ingenious traps were planted, resulting in such numero is fatalities th;it on the dead wall between Weeny Dixon's low roofed house and the entrance gates of West Lodge, there mizht be read in huge white letters, "This is the road to Killy-cat Hall" Mr Thomas Backhouse was fond of field sports, and frequently indulged in greyhound coursing, attended by old Hunter R ibson, Tommy Walker, and his faithful valet John Gill. St. Paul's definition of charity was not so liberally interpreted tben as it is now, and the favourite diversion of the veteran friend caused many he irt-bun.ings and lamentations among his grave contemporaries, one cf whom, at a meeting for disc...