l62 JOURNAL OF CONCHOLOGY, VOL. 12, NO. 7, JULY, I908. 



George was born at Lackham House, in North Wilts, in 1755.^ At 

 sixteen he entered the army, married at eighteen, and within a few 

 months of his marriage embarked with his regiment for America. 

 During their separation his wife hved with his family in Wiltshire. 

 He did not remain long in America, probably not more than twelve 

 months. He then quitted the army, and received a commission in 

 the Wilts Militia, ultimately becoming Lieutenant-Colonel. Being a 

 younger son he did not receive much patrimony from the large family 

 estates, but money was left him by his maternal uncle, Thomas 

 Hedges (;^2oo per annum), and by his brother James who died a 

 bachelor. 



He lived at Easton Grey for some time, but ultimately went to 

 reside at Knowle House, near Kingsbridge, Devon. 



James bequeathed him a rent charge of ;^8oo per annum, devising 

 the remainder of the estates to his (the Colonel's) eldest son George 

 for life, with remainder to the children of the latter. 



George, unfortunately, was extravagant, and at length caused the 

 estate to be thrown into Chancery. The proceedings in the Courts, 

 in which, regrettable to relate, the son appeared against the father, 

 were very costly. Ultimately, the poor Colonel " had the mortifica- 

 tion to see the fine old timber upon the estates, which had been 

 valued at ^70,000, cut down ; and the valuable library of books, 

 and collections of relics and curiosities, the gradual accumulations of 

 two ancient families, sold and dispersed under a decree of the court. 

 Even the pictures were included in the general devastation, though 

 the chief of these were subsequently bought in." The death of his 

 younger son Frederick, who was serving as Brigade-Major under Lord 

 Beresford in Portugal, was a great blow to him. Frederick was his 

 favourite son, and dutiful withal. A tablet to his memory, erected by 

 his father, may be seen in Laycock Church. This was in 181 1. Four 

 years later, at Knowle, in June, 18 15, the Colonel accidentally trod on 

 a rusty nail which pierced his foot. Lockjaw resulted, and he died, 

 after severe suffering, on the 20th of the same month. 



During his illness, his valued friend, the Rev. R. Vaughan, of 

 Modbury, asked him where he would like to be buried. He 

 characteristically replied, " Where the tree falls there let it lie." His 

 remains were interred in the churchyard at Kingsbridge. Of his 

 character it is recorded that he was entirely free from all family pride, 

 was just and upright, very punctual in his engagements, and having 

 once made a promise did not rest until it was fulfilled. He was not 

 prone to converse upon his favourite pursuits unless the subject was 

 introduced. He had a wide knowledge, and his discourse was 



I The old mansion has been destroyed, and replaced by a modern building. 



