Notes for: James Okey
From the Cambridgeshire Chronicle and Journal, 24 Jun 1825: I, James Okey, of Grantchester, in the county of Cambridge, having dissolved the co-partnership lately carried on between myself and Thomas Okey, of Trumpington, in the said county of Cambridge, as Dealers in Sheep; do hereby give notice, that I shall from this day continue to carry on the business of a Dealer of Sheep solely upon my own account. -- Witness my hand this 20th day of June, 1825.
The Bury and Norwich Post, 23 Nov 1831, has: A Court for Relief of Insolvent Debtors was held at the Shire-hall, in this town (Cambridge), on Tuesday last, before William John Law Esq one of the Commissioners, when . . . Jas. Okey, late of Trumpington, sheep jobber, was remanded for six months from the time of his petition.
From the London Morning Herald 15 Jun 1833:
COURT OF EXCHEQUER - Friday(Before Lord LYNDHURST and a Common Jury.)
FORDHAM V. OAKEY.
This was an action on a promissory note for £700, given in 1826 by the defendant, jointly with his brother, as a security for a debt to that amount, which the latter owed to the plaintiff. The hand-writing of the defendant being proved,
Mr. POLLOCK, with whom was Mr. CHANNEL, addressed the Jury for the defendant, saying that the note in question was procured through fraud, and consequently the plaintiff was not entitled to recover.
To prove this James Oakey was called, who deposed that he was a dealer in sheep. He had some dealings with the plaintiff; in 1825 he settled accounts with him, at which period he owed him £700. Some time afterwards the plaintiff asked him to buy 400 sheep for him. Witness bought them, and the plaintiff refused to have them. Witness then said he should keep them himself, and asked the plaintiff to lend him £300 to enable him to pay for them. Plaintiff said, "I can't advance you that sum, unless you get your brother to go security for the £700 which you owe me." Whereupon withness persuaded his brother to join him in this note. They both met the plaintiff, and gave him the note on condition of his advancing £300. The plaintiff took the note, went out of the house to get the money, and came back in a short time, saying he could not give the money, as he was advised not to do it - yet he kept the note.
Cross-examined by Mr. FOLLETT - Neither my brother nor myself asked him for the note back. Some angry words passed on the occasion. I became a bankrupt in 1827. I have not got my certificate, on account of the expense of procuring it, which I was told would cost £50 or £60. My attorney gave me a certificate which I asked the plaintiff to sign, but he refused, as he was my largest creditor. I did not ask any other creditor to sign it. The plaintiff proved this note before the Commissioners, and I did not object to his doing so.
Mr. FOLLETT replied, submitting that the last witness was not entitled to credit.
Lord LYNDHURST told the Jury that, if they believed the last witness, the note was procured through fraud, and they should give a verdict for the defendant; but as the other side had no means of contradicting him, and as his statement was rather improbable, there was a degree of suspicion attached to his evidence. The plaintiff made out a prima facie case; but if the Jury thought that there was fraud in the transaction they should give a verdict for the defendant, and his Lordship would reserve the point whether such fraud was an answer to this action.
The Jury returned a verdict for the plaintiff - Damages £780, including interest.
Huntingdon Bedford and Peterborough Gazette 7 Sep 1833:
LIVE AND DEAD FARMING STOCK, HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE & Effects,
TRUMPINGTON.
To be SOLD by AUCTION, by BENJAMIN BRIDGES, upon the Farm, in the occupation of Mr. OAKEY, on THURSDAY next, September 12, at eleven o’clock, (under a deed of assignment);
THE LIVE STOCK comprises 50 half-bred Down and Leicester lambs, 8 horses, 6 cows, 2 hogs, guinea fowls, turkeys, and other poultry.
The DEAD FARMING STOCK includes 3 carts, narrow-wheeled waggon, Suffolk lever corn and seed drill complete (nearly new,) ditto corn and seed dressing machine, 80 gallon brewing copper, steam basket and copper steamer for one quarter, 300 gallon iron pan, 3 ploughs, turnip cutter, cart and plough harness. The usual barn tackle, strong GIG, &c. &c.
The HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE includes a capital 8-day clock, 2 chests of drawers, sofa, mahogany and other chairs, feather beds and bedsteads, culinary utensils, &c. &c.