|
Another of the "Rugeley Tragedies"
- Also at the bottom of the page: Did an Aunty have a narrow escape when
the chickens died?
Uncle
Joseph was Palmer's mother's brother who had lived at Longdon Green near
Lichfield before moving to Dodsleigh near Uttoxeter where he married his
third wife. His neighbours used to call him 'Beau Bentley' because he was
always so well dressed. When his first wife died she left him a lot of
money.
He
was a disreputable character who was suspected of several crimes including
arson and robbery. When his second wife died from a broken neck the local
gossips suspected him of pushing her down the stairs. After his second
wife died he took a mistress who lived with him and by her he had a daughter.
It is claimed in the Illustrated Life and Career of William Palmer of
Rugeley, published by Ward Lock 1856, that he also had a child by his
illegitimate daughter.
After
he had taken a third wife there was talk of him being over friendly with
a servant girl.
One
night only a few months after Palmer's mother-in-law had died he and Palmer
were drinking brandy and water together, when Joseph, who had been drinking
heavily, fell from his chair supposedly in a drunken stupor. Reports vary
but either the next day or three days later Bentley died. The Illustrated
Life and Career of William Palmer of Rugeley stated that, "It
is general opinion that Palmer wanted his uncle out of the way".
Bentley's
death certificate states that on 27th October 1852 Joseph Bentley; Male;
Aged 62 years; Occupation - gentleman; Cause of Death - Malignant Disease
of the stomach; registered on 29th October 1852.
Death
Certificate details
|
Introduction
