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1 )URPWKH(GLWRU«I hope you enjoy reading this latest News Letter. As usual there are several people who have made its publication possible. Steven Remsen deserves our thanks for making the story of his grandfather and family available. I m also grateful to many people for passing on useful information about their Binns families and interests, including Susan Saloom, Lilian Vear, Brian Binns, and Ken Binns. Mike Binns has produced a magnificent record of his Guiseley families and he is generously going to make the data available for publication on the web site. :H UHRQWKHZHE«As for the future, that largely depends on you. If you have any Binns material you would like to share with others, or if you have any comments or follow-up regarding anything in the News Letter, please do get in touch. I will ensure that all information is treated with respect. Finally I am most grateful to my wife, Elaine, not only for her understanding and support of my interest in family history, but also for her skill and attention to detail in designing the layout and illustration of the News Letter. SUPPORTED AND MAINTAINED BY IAN A. BINNS and PEACH DIGITAL 7KH%LQQV)DPLO\1HZVOHWWHU 7+(%,116)$0,/<2*58.,QVLGHWKLVLVVXH /\ULFDO&RUQHU %URRNO\Q'DLO\(DJOH %LQQVLQ,UDT 6QLSSHWV (GZDUG%UHWW%LQQV -RKQ%LQQVSXEOLVKHU )OXVKHGZLWK6XFFHVV &KDUOHV)HUJXV%LQQV 2QHVKRFNDIWHUDQRWKHU 5HFHQWFRQWDFWV Issue No: 14 :ULJJOHVZRUWK %LQQV :DLWLQJWRKHDU«Autumn 2007

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3 %LQQVLQ,UDT On 2 October 2007, Major General Graham Binns, who is the General Officer Commanding all British troops in Iraq, greeted and shook hands with Prime Minister Gordon Brown on his arrival at Basra Air Station. It reminded me that other Binnses have had military experience in that part of the world. Private Albert Edward Binns, son of Henry and Esther Binns, of Glascote and husband of Sarah Elizabeth Brittain, died in Iraq on 25 th February 1917, and is commemorated on the Basra Memorial. Also in Iraq but at Amara Cemetery lies Private H Binns of the Manchester Regiment, 1 st Battalion, who died on 9 th January I have no information regarding his age or identity. Strangely, by coincidence, a Private Harry Binns of the East Lancashire Regiment, 6 th Battalion, who died on the 8 th May 1917, is commemorated on the Basra memorial. Again I have no further information on this soldier and I wonder if it is possible that, although they have different service numbers, Private H and Private Harry are one individual. 2 nd Lieutenant, John Eric Binns, son of John D Binns, of Croydon, served in the Wiltshire Regiment, 3 rd Battalion, attached to 5 th Battalion, died age 22 years on 9 April He also is commemorated on the Basra Memorial. (GZDUG%UHWW%LQQV Trawling through a variety of online archive sources, I was intrigued by the numerous references, dating from about 1900 to 1940, to a Binns who was an agent for the honourable Charles Willoughby, Earl of Ancaster whose seat was Grimsthorp Castle, Lincolnshire. The Binns in question appeared variously as Edward Brett Binns, Edward R. Binns, and E.R.B. Binns, but I could find no mention of him in our Binns databases. However when the 1901 Census for England became available a search for Edward Binns in Lincolnshire found 33-year old Edward R. B. Binns, land steward, at Grimsthorpe, with his wife Annie Louisa, and children Muriel and Clarence. Surprisingly he was born in West Bromwich, Staffordshire, not a well known Binns family stronghold. An online search of births failed to find a reference that could be attributed to Edward Binns; but there is the birth of an Edward Brett registered in West Bromwich in the September Quarter of Clearly this could be the man and a search of the 1881 Census found him in Monmouthshire, Wales as a 13-year old, scholar living with his grandparents, Edward and Hannah Brett. He is named as Edward Richard Brett and other members of the Brett household are three unmarried daughters, Rachel, Hannah M, and Margaret, ages age 34, 32, and 27 respectively, and a son Frederick William Brett, age 23, a colliery cashier. John Morris, age 39, an independent minister of a chapel in Ebww Vale, was an unmarried visitor. It was not difficult to find the Brett family in the 1871 Census but it was gratifying to see 3-year old Edward recorded there as Edward R. Binns, however he is the only Binns present. The three Brett daughters are all at home and unmarried and it is impossible to decide which if any of them may be the mother of Edward. Moving forward to 1891, Edward Richard Brett Binns is revealed as an unmarried lodger at Main Street, Empingham, Rutland, age 23, and he is now a surveyor and draughtsman. The unmarried head of the household was Margaret Summerhall, age 44. It seems almost certain that Edward was already employed on the Grimsthorpe Castle Estate, and clearly his grandfather Edward Brett, who was born in Dublin, and had been an agent and later a superintendent in a tin plate works, had secured him a good education. In June Quarter 1892, the marriage of Edward Richard B. Binns to Annie Louisa Benn was registered in Holbeck, Yorkshire, and children Muriel Emily, Clarence Edward B [Brett?], Leslie Reginald, Marjorie Annie, and George Henry were born at regular intervals between 1894 and However the family must have suffered greatly when Annie Louisa died, aged only 40, in Grimsthorpe on 19 th February Probate for 409 was granted to her husband on 2 May 1910, in Lincoln. Clarence Edward Brett Binns, appears to have joined the war effort at an early stage since already in November 1915 the London Gazette reported that he was to be a temporary 2 nd Lieutenant in the Prince of Wales Volunteers, South Lancashire Regiment. Towards the end of the war, in 1918, he was transferred to the Royal Flying Corps. His name is mentioned in a compilation of data titled Prominent People of Bourne and that suggests that he died in Of the other children it would seem probable that Emily married in 1920 and George in 1925, but I m hoping that one of these days this story will strike a chord with a descendant of Edward Richard Brett Binns and they will be able to fill in some of the details.

4 )OXVKHG:LWK6XFFHVV,QYHQWRU%LQQV To the Nobility, Architects, and Builders. Binns and Evans recommend to public notice their new invented self-acting Water Closet for which they have a grant of the King s Royal Patent, dated 15 th March This Water Closet possesses properties very superior to any other invention of the kind, in as much as it performs every necessary operation without any personal attendance whatever. The simplicity of its mechanism is an effectual security against its getting out of order, and the more so because the whole of the Apparatus are out of sight. Of course not likely to be injured by children or any other person, nor can they by any means have it a state of indecency, or without clean water in the basin, from which circumstance not the air can arise that would be offensive to the most delicate constitution and in fact the whole of its operation is so singularly calculated to give universal satisfaction, that it needs only to be examined to command it. The self-acting part may be applied to common Closets now in use, at a very small expense. The Closet may be seen at their Manufactory, No. 92, High-street, Mary-le-bone, where orders are received. I don t know whether Binns and Evans were inundated with orders following this 1793 advertisement, but two years later Binns seems to be going it alone and placed this follow-up. PATENT WATER-CLOSET MANUFACTORY, No.92,HIGH-STREET, MARY-LE-BONE BINNS, Inventor and Sole Manufacturer of the Patent Self-acting and Portable WATER-CLOSETS, avails himself of the fashionable world, arriving in Town, to inform the Nobility and Gentry, that he has now on exhibition for Sale, at the Ware Rooms of his Manufactory, a great variety of the following Articles The Patent Self-Acting Water Closet. The peculiar excellence of this Closet is, the perfection of its mechanism, which precludes the necessity of any manual assistance to perform its operations, and thus removes a defect that has characterized any similar and futile attempt to the Portable Water Closet. This useful Article is comprised within an elegant piece of furniture, representing a Lady s Commode or Easy chair. It is particularly adapted to the apartments of the delicate, the infirm, and the indisposed, since none of the offensive effluvia can escape from the machine into the room, an inconvenience hitherto deemed irremediable. Its portability is equal to that of a common Night Table. At the recommendation of several of his Medical Patrons, Binns has constructed a Model of this truly valuable Article, for the inspection of Boards, Committees, Valetudinarians, &c. who find it inconvenient to attend at his Ware-rooms, and who may be waited upon with the miniature Closet, on applying to the Manufactory. An illustrative Engraving of the above two elegant and indispensable Appendages to a wellfurnished House, may be had of the Patentee. At the Manufactory may also be had, the common Patent and Ship Water Closets, with Binns' new and essential Improvements, and Engine Pumps of different constructions. The illustrated closets are from an advertisement by a company called Wiss in 1832.

5 )OXVKHG:LWK6XFFHVV,QYHQWRU%LQQV²FRQW G He was still going strong in 1798 with this fine example of the art of advertising. NEW INVENTIONS, at BINNS s Patent Water Closet Manufactory, No. 103 High Street, Mary-lebone. The PORTABLE WATER CLOSET, which from its being wholly freed of the many inconveniencies of the common night table, is recommended for the apartments of the indisposed, and the delicate by several eminent Physicians. In addition to this peculiar advan- tage, it forms a piece of furniture, representing a commode as portable as a table, and is particularly adapted for camps and for families who are frequently changing residence. The general demand for this valuable article may induce some needy adventurer to impose upon the Public with a defective and useless imitation. To guard against such deceptions, Binns conceives it necessary to state that he is the sole Inventor and Manufacturer of the Genuine and Portable Water Closet.- A Dressing Cabinet, which contains, besides the usual conveniences, a Bidet, and many other important additions. An Engine Pump, on a new principal, for raising great quantities of water from deep wells. Also at the Ware-rooms is a large assortment of Self-acting and Ship Water Closets, Garden Engines, and Engine Pumps of different constructions Very handsome allowance to Cabinet-makers, Upholsterers, and for Exportation. It is interesting to speculate whether it was an accident that the premises in King s Road, Chelsea, leased in 1903 by Joshua Binns, the timber merchant, were situated very close to the showroom opened in the 1920 s by the sanitary engineer, Thomas Crapper. 2QH6KRFN$IWHU$QRWKHU March 29, 1899 FIRE CHIEF BINNS SHOCKED.; Stepped Aboard a Burning Trolley Car in Sixth Avenue Barns Battalion, Chief Binns was with a company of firemen called last night to the Metropolitan Street Railway stables, at Sixth Avenue and Fiftieth Street, to extinguish a fire that was burning in a trolley car. Chief Binns was the first man to get aboard the car, and he declares that he got a shock which must have measured many hundred volts. Feb JOHN H. BINNS DIES, FAMOUS FIRE FIGHTER; Deputy Chief, First to Use a Scaling Ladder, Was to Have Retired From Service Yesterday at 65. Deputy Fire Chief John H. Binns, after forty-one years as a fire fighter for New York City, died at his home, 106 West 129th Street, on Friday. He was to have retired from active service in the fire department yesterday and the order making known his retirement was published yesterday afternoon by the department, which had not learned of his death US Census has this family at New York (Manhattan) : R. Henry Binns, head, age 48, no occupation; Margaret, wife, age 46; C. Mary, daughter, age 23; H William, son, age 22, fireman New York Fire Department; John, son, age 21, no occupation, Maggie, daughter, age 19, no occupation; Benjamin, son, age 16, errand boy; and two more daughters and two more sons. Every member of the family, and their parents, were recorded as having been born in New York,

6 :ULJJOHVZRUWK %LQQV The newspapers of New Zealand in the late 1800 s and early 1900 s would have looked very different without the contributions of the photographers Wrigglesworth and Binns. For instance the Wellington Evening Post of 11th May 1888, reported that the most important match which has ever been played in this city will take place tomorrow when the first English team that has visited the Southern Hemisphere will meet the best fifteen in Wellington. The teams will be photographed by Messrs. Wrigglesworth and Binns at 2.45, and the public who may be on the ground at that time will be offered an excellent opportunity of making themselves acquainted with the personal appearances of each of the visitors. D J Wrigglesworth came from Melbourne, Australia, and started the business in Wellington in Shortly afterwards he was joined in partnership by Frederick Charles Binns, who came from London, and they established branches in Christchurch and Dunedin. Both Wrigglesworth and Binns had eventful personal lives. Wrigglesworth was a capable amateur actor and his daughter made a career on the stage as Kate Gair. He was married three times, his first wife and family having drowned when the barque Cyrus was wrecked at Happy Valley shortly after leaving port in Wellington. His second wife was the mother of the above daughter and his third wife gave him a son. The family went back to Melbourne in August 1906 and Wrigglesworth died there, aged about seventy, in October the same year. As mentioned above, Binns was a Londoner and in 1851 at 43 Trinity Square, Lambeth, Surrey, we find married head William Binns, age 36, born Lancashire with his wife Mary Ann age 39, born Halifax; Frederick C., son age 7, born Lambeth and Emily, daughter age 5. Also present were Thomas Ellis, unmarried lodger age 19, an engineering student, born Hayes and an unmarried visitor Mary Ogden, age 21, born Halifax. They had a 20-year old female servant. By the time of the 1861 Census the family appear to have gone up in the world and are now at 15 Edith Grove, Chelsea, Middlesex, where the married head is William Binns, age 46, engineer, born Oldham, Lancashire with his wife Mary A, age 49, born Halifax; Frederick C., unmarried son, age 17, no occupation recorded, born Southwark; and William H, son age 12, scholar, born Southwark. They still have an unmarried female servant. Daughter Emily appears to be a 15 year old pupil at Greenhill House School, at Church Street, in Stourbridge, Worcestershire. The school had about 21 pupils age 9 to 17 and was run by Frances A, Rebecca H, and Susanna Sugden the unmarried daughters of Frances Sugden, age 69, the widow of a Wesleyan Minister.

7 :ULJJOHVZRUWK %LQQV²FRQW G Not surprisingly, the family are not recorded in England in the 1871 Census in England and on 21 st January 1871 it was reported that Frederick s his wife had given birth to a son at Haining Street, Wellington, New Zealand. Whether the Binnses were particularly accident prone we don t know, but we read in the Wellington Post of 22 nd Jun 1879 :- An extraordinary explosion, which occurred this morning in the house of Mr. F. C. Binns, College street, should be a lesson to our coal merchants to take care that the coal they sell is as free as possible from explosive materials. The fire had been lighted as usual, the coal being from West Wanganui Mine. Suddenly, a tremendous explosion took place, blowing the whole of the fire right out into the room, and bringing down all the plaster from the chimney. Fortunately, the two children, who were right in front of the fireplace a moment before, had just moved to one side, or they must have been either killed or seriously injured, but as it was, they were out of the line of fire. Mrs. Binns received a severe blow in her face, and sustained some bruises, one of her eyes too, being injured. Mr. Binns himself was slightly struck. When the smoke and dust cleared away the copper case of a dynamite cartridge, which had evidently been intended for use in the mine and accidentally left in the coal, was picked up on the floor. Had the explosion taken place in a Leamington range, or under a boiler, or anywhere but in an open fireplace, the consequences might have been most disastrous. Again on 2 nd December 1898, it is reported that Mrs. Binns was getting into her trap when the horse shied at some cement casks and backed the trap causing her to fall, and fracture her ankle. The bad luck continued when on 18 January 1901 it was reported Two three-storey warehouses in Willis Street- those of Wrigglesworth and Binns, photographers and the Singer Sewing Machine Company-were totally destroyed by a fire which broke out at five this morning. It is presumed to have started on the middle floor of Wrigglesworth and Binns, at the back. Luckily it was dead calm and the Fire Brigade was able to prevent the spread of the flames to the adjoining buildings. Bad luck finally did for Frederick Charles Binns in August 1915 when his accidental death was reported :- (By TELEGRAPH - PRESS AS- SOCIATION) CHRISTCHURCH, 13 th August. While proceeding to business this morning Mr. F. C. Binns of the firm of Wrigglesworth and Binns, was the victim of a collision which occurred between a motor car and a motor-cycle with a side-chair attached, in Victoria street. Mr. Binns, who is 71 years of age, was by some means knocked over by one of the vehicles and sustained severe injuries which necessitated his immediate removal to the Christchurch Hospital, where he expired as the result of the injuries he had sustained. The late Mr. Binns was born in 1844 in London, where he was brought up as a civil engineer, but devoted most of his time to amateur photography, and shortly after his arrival in Wellington in 1864 he became associated with Mr., Wrigglesworth, and established the partnership which had continued ever since. Mr. Binns was one of the most prominent Freemasons in New Zealand; he was initiated in 1873 in the Pacific Lodge, Wellington, and was Master of the Lodge in 1878 and Subsequently he became the Z. V. in the Royal Arch Chapter, was twice Grand Senior Warden of the Grand Lodge of Wellington (English Constitution) and for a time, was also treasurer. With the Pacific Lodge he came over to the New Zealand Constitution, and later on, on coming to Christchurch, he affiliated with St. Augustine Lodge. He was installed as Grand Superintendent of Canterbury in 1902 and on the inauguration of the Provincial Grand Lodge, as Grand Master, an office which he held till his death. He was a foundation member of the Civic Lodge. Mr. Binns was also Grand Master (honoris causa) of Grand Lodge of New Zealand in 1911, and he was also Pro-Grand Master in The funeral will take place on Monday, at 2.30 p.m. The driver of the motor car, Mr. Pearce Power, who knocked Mr. Binns down, was arrested and tried for manslaughter. In his time Frederick Charles Binns had, among other achievements, been asked by the Wellington Rifles Volunteers to be second lieutenant of the D Battery of Artillery; had been a committee member of Wellington Amateur Operatic Society; and a vestryman of St Peter s Parish Church, Wellington.

8 %URRNO\Q'DLO\(DJOH 7 Oct 1874 The ancient rule of Law that no man shall be twice place in jeopardy of life or liberty seems to have lost its attractions for the criminal population. Here is Jonathan Binns of Kokomo, Indiana, for instance whose chief pleasure in life since he has been prevented from knocking other people on the head, is in being tried and found guilty of the murder of his wife. He has been before a jury of his countrymen twice already and both occasions that intelligent body found him guilty of the crime mentioned, and Court sentenced him to prison for life. This very mild reward of his atrocity might have satisfied even an innocent man; but Jonathan Binns says no, he wants a third trial even at the risk of a sentence which would involve the services of a hang man. Meantime the Kokomo journals are dissatisfied with the pecuniary aspects of the case, as each trial costs the County $5,000, and if Jonathan can have a third trial, why not a fourth-but in short are taxes raised for the accommodation of Jonathan Binns? 9 Mar 1878 A RAILROAD BOUGHT FOR NOTHING AND SOLD FOR $ 300,000 A $500,000 MORTGAGE GIVEN BACK-A MOST REMARKABLE TRANSACTION, WHICH IS DIS- CLOSED BY THE RECORDS OF THE COURTS AND THE REGIS- TER S OFFICE James Binns, of Walworth Street, bought the old bobtail Flatbush and Coney Island Railroad in an action to sequestrate the property. Binns then sold it to John H Washburne for $3,200, and received in payment two drafts, which went to protest. Binns never received one cent of the money. By request he gave a receipt as though the purchase money were $10,000. John H Washburne, with these drafts that went to protest, bough the railroad for others in trust, who formed themselves into the Brooklyn, Rockaway and Coney Island Railway Company. This new company say that they propose to run steam from Flatbush, through Flatlands, along the Kings Highway, to Gravesend Avenue, and along that avenue to Coney Island. There is on record in the Register s office of Kings County a conveyance of the old railroad, sold by Binns to Washburne for paper which was dishonoured. In this conveyance Washburne, as trustee, hands over to Ambrose W Thompson, E Allen Perkins and Addison Crosby, the whole of the property which Washburne bought from Binns with drafts that were dishonoured. The deed shows that the consideration for which Washburne conveys the property, for which Binns received not one cent from him, is $300, Dec 1893 David W Binns and Martha M Binns and Emma E Taylor, executors of will of James and Elizabeth Binns, of Brooklyn arranged for sale of land and property in Brooklyn 6 May 1894 Sadie Binns and Warren Binns guests at May dance and banquet in honour of Bayonne Boat Club 6 Aug 1896 Mortgage granted by J Binns to W A Binns 2 Sep 1896 Mr. and Mrs. D. W. Binns and Miss M M Binns arrived at Clarendon Hotel 7 Apr 1898 Supreme Court dismisses action brought by Receiver against Seth L Kenney, Elbert Snedeker and David W. Binns, three of the directors of the defunct Commercial Bank which suspended business in August Mr Binns was present in Court. 9 Apr 1898 BINNS DEATH A MYSTERY; AP- PARENTLY ASPHYXIATED, YET HIS STORE HAD NO GAS CON- NECTIONS; FOUND DEAD ON THE FLOOR; NEIGHBORS MADE ILL BY AN OVERPOWERING ODOR OF GAS, YET THERE IS NOTHING TO INDICTE WHERE IT CAME FROM-BODY DISCOV- ERED BY A PEDDLER-POLICE TRYING TO SOLVE THE PUZZLE.It concerns the death of Leonidas Binns, 65-years old, of 12 Snediker Avenue, who was found dead last night between 5 and 6 o clock in his little store at 2,532 Atlantic Avenue. Binns was at one time a wealthy importer of ostrich feathers and owned a farm in South Africa. He was formerly in business at 577 Broadway, Manhattan. He conducted a millinery trade, but made a speciality of ostrich feathers. Twenrt years ago he met with reverses and failed in business. He was a thoroughly honest man and settled all his obligations. He afterward came to Brooklyn and started up in business on a small scale at the Atlantic Avenue address. He was a bachelor and lived with his brother, George Napoleon Binns. William Ryan, a peddler, entered Binns store last evening and found the old man s body lying on the floor. Ryan thought at first that Binns was drunk, but when he tried to rouse him discovered that he was apparently dead. There was a strong smell of gas in the shop. Ryan ran next door and told Andrew Hack, a butcher, and then notified Roundsman Webb and Policeman Twillman of the Seventeenth precinct. The policeman sent in a call for an ambulance from St Mary s Hospital and Surgeon Fitzgerald responded. Binns body was still warm, and it was carried out into the street, where the surgeon made several unsuccessful attempts to revive the man. The body was then carried back into the store and Coroner Delap was notified. The strong odor of gas in the room

9 %URRNO\Q'DLO\(DJOH&RQW G where the body was found naturally led the police to believe that Binns had committed suicide. To make sure that he had done so an investigation was instituted, but though a thorough search of the building was made, no gas meter was found. The house is connected with the gas main, but there are no fixtures in the place, and Binns brother says that the dead man never used gas in his store. At the time when the body was found, it was learned this morning, the families who occupy the houses on either side of the one in which Binns kept his store were almost overpowered by gas in their apartments. Mrs. Esther Isaacs and Mrs O Toole who live in 2,530, said to a reporter that they were obliged to leave their rooms on account of the gas. The smell was so strong in the apartments of Andrew Hack, in 2,534, that Mrs Hack was made sick, and when the body was found she was suffering severely. Mrs Heidekamp, who lives in 2,536, two houses away, was also annoyed somewhat by the gas. Although Frank Maurer, an Italian shoemaker, who lives at 2,350, said that he did not smell any gas yesterday in his rooms, the odor in his store could be detected this morning. Notwithstanding the statement that the police could not find a meter in the house last night Butcher Hack said that he saw a man taking a meter away from the house this morning. This statement was corroborated by a policeman. At the office of the Union Gas Company on Atlantic Avenue and Ashford, a reporter was informed that no meter was removed from the house this morning because no orders had been received by the company to remove it. An employee of the company would not take a meter away unless he was ordered to do so by the office. In Binns shop the gas pipes are to be seen and all of them have the regulation plugs on them. Upon the statements, however, that Binns never used gas in the store and that there was a meter removed from the building this morning, the police or the Coroner will make an investigation. Coroner Delap will hold an inquest some time today. As far as I can discover nothing more regarding this bizarre report was published in the Brooklyn Daily Eagle. 6 Aug 1902 Fire brigade Battalion Chief, and several firemen overcome by smoke at 38 Bond St., Manhattan 6 Aug 1902 Jamaica, Long Island, executors of David Binns obtain judgement against Mayor of Brooklyn re 25 building lots. 6QLSSHWV L.J.Binns was an English caricaturist of English celebrities, including for example Sir Henry Irving, Sir Arthur Wing Pinero, Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree, Mrs. Patrick Campbell, James Keir Hardy, Lillie Langtry, W. T. Stead, Richard D Oyle Carte, and Dan Leno. John Binns was born at Woodhouse Carr in Leeds on March 31, 1870 and died at Leeds on December 8, He played one first-class match for Yorkshire in He scored four runs and stumped three Leicestershire batsmen [from Wikipedia]. The Ship "Royal Bounty" 360 tons, consigned to Charles Binns, of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, sailed from Hull on 8 June, 1812 and was captured and burned by the "Yankee", Capt. Oliver Wilson, of Rhode Island on 31 July, Banns were read in December 1875 at Fort St George, Madras, India, for the marriage of bachelor Thomas Hosking, Private 89 th Regiment to widow Jane Binns. The marriage took place in January 1876

10 -RKQ%LQQVRI/HHGV²SULQWHUDQGSXEOLVKHU A John Heaton thought so highly of his friend John Binns that he submitted the following article to William Bowyer for inclusion in his Literary Anecdotes of the 18 th Century that was published in 1814 Literary Anecdotes of the 18 th Century: Comprising Biographical Memoirs of William Bowyer; Volume 8, 1814 My old acquaintance, the late Mr John Binns, of Leeds, and another bookseller, Mr Samuel Fox formerly of Derby, are both worthy of being inrolled in your list. The following copy of a letter from Mr Heaton, bookseller in Leeds, dated Dec 24, 1812, will convey a pretty good account of Mr Binns, who was indeed a most respectable man. I frequently called on him on my way through Yorkshire; and had, till lately, several of his printed catalogues, only one of which I can now find; it consists of 182 pages, said to contain several valuable libraries, and the sale commenced in October 1792: Mr. John Binns, bookseller, Leeds, was the eldest son of Nathaniel Binns, bookseller, Halifax. He was taught the art of bookbinding and the other introductory parts of his business under the paternal roof. About the age of twenty he left his father, and resided in London for some time, employed in the house of Mr Crowder, book seller, much to the satisfaction of his employers. From thence he removed to Leeds, where he commenced business on his own account, and where he prosecuted it with avidity and singular success. Mr Binns published his first catalogue in 1767; and continued to publish one, for some time, every two or three years; but for many years previous to his decease he published a catalogue annually. Mr Binns bought several times many good libraries; among which were, the Rev. Mr. Colby, the Rev Mr. Seddon, Henry Squire esq., the Rev. Mr. Scott, the Rev. Mr. Hodgson, the Rev. Mr. Brooke, the Rev. Mr. Whitaker, the Rev. Mr. Potter, the Rev. Mr. Tennant, the Rev. Dr. Leigh, Dr. Joseph Milner, Dr. Samuel Davenport, &etc. Mr Binns was in business about 30 years. He died at Grantham, on his journey from London, May 6, 1796, aged 52 years. He was interred in St Peter s Church, Leeds, where a handsome marble monument is erected to his memory. Mr Binns was twice married; the children by his first wife all died in infancy; by his second wife he left two sons and three daughters; the sons and second daughter are since dead; his widow and daughters Sarah and Eliza are all of his family that survive him. He was immediately succeeded in the business by his eldest son John; but he, being of a delicate constitution died in a few years. The second son, Thomas, then entered upon the business, who, as well as his brother, engaged John Heaton to superintend and take the executive parts of the business, and who now succeeds them in the same premises, which he commenced in consequence of the second son s (Thomas) severe illness and subsequent death. J. Heaton has, since his commencement, published three catalogues; and has in his possession copies of all the catalogues published by Mr. Binns, which were his own marked copies, with occasional notes by himself. Mr Binns was a very respectable amateur performer both on the violoncello and violin, the former of which was his favourite instrument. His attainments in the science of musick were far beyond mediocrity; about his eighteenth year he compiled a Dictionary of Musick, which, a few years after, was published under the name of Hoyle. He was most indefatigable in business; and his bibliographical knowledge was excelled by few in the County. He was a partner in the Leeds Commercial Bank, under the firm of Scott, Binns, Nicholson, and Smith, from its commencement until his death. John Heaton

11 &KDUOHV)HUJXV%LQQV In 1857, Richard William Binns, with his wife Elizabeth (Ferrar), was living at the Poplars, England, when on an October Sunday their 5th child was born and they named him Charles. Four more children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Binns, and, though nine was not and unusually large family for those days, it must have been something of an anxiety to feed, clothe, and educate them. A big house was essential and the family grew up at Diglis House on the banks of the River Severn in Worcester, where old trees and thick grass, a paddock for a pony, their mother's aviary, and the rambling house, running over with children, cats, dogs and a parrot, made the much loved background to their lives. Governess taught the children at first, then the oldest sister took charge of the little ones, and as early as practicable, the boys were sent to the "Worcester Cathedral Kings School". To a young modern, the length, or rather shortness of time during which formal school was attended is almost incredible. Charles Binns entered the school when he was eleven. Although the Classics were emphasized in most English schools, mathematics and natural sciences were not neglected and it was in the latter subjects that young Charles earned his prizes. In 1872 his attendance at school ceased and he was apprenticed to the Royal Worcester Porcelain Works of which his father was managing director. In order to master the problems of ceramics young Mr. Binns wished to study chemistry, and as the city of Worcester offered no facilities for such work, he journeyed twice a week to larger Birmingham where he proceeded to take prizes once more. Those who knew him in his later academic life will marvel at his scant schooling. That he became a scholar of parts in his own field, is accounted for by the background of learning in the family, his own industry and ability, and his taste for a quiet, studious life, amply gratified during his long residence in Alfred, New York. In 1878 at his brother's wedding, one of the bridesmaids invited over from Ireland was a Mary Howard Ferrar. She was a daughter of William Hugh Ferrar who had been a Fellow of Trinity College, Dublin until his early death. The tragic story of the brilliant Mr. Ferrar was well-known to the Binns family in England, distant cousins and it had long been the secret desire of Charles Binns to know the daughter.the marriage which took place in 1882 was the culmination of this longing and the beginning of an enduringly happy life. A girl and a boy were born to young Mr. and Mrs. Binns in Worcester and in 1885 they moved to London where Mr. Binns had charge of the sales office of the Porcelain Works. Here three more girls completed the family, and a move to the country was made for the sake of the children. The quaint village of Chingford was chosen and Epping Forest became the playground instead of a London nursery. No doubt Mr. Binns felt it was a wise move, even though he could not reach home until late every evening. Amateur photography making weird experiments with gas and candle light was his hobby while the children were small. As they grew older he took the greatest interest in their pursuits, and professional-looking collections of wild flowers and butterflies were among the results. In 1884, Mr. Binns was transferred back to Worcester as Superintendent of the technical work of the manufactory, and Diglis House and the River Severn made another generation of children happy. For the parents, these years were worried ones, as a result of the decline of the pottery industry. The management of the Worcester Porcelain Works changed hands in Mr. Binns resigned and left England with the hope of finding a brighter future in American. As the representative of the Worcester Works he had made the trip to America to the World's Fair in Chicago in 1893, and the acquaintances made during this visit had a decided influence in bringing him back as a permanent resident. He spent a long lonely winter as far south as Virginia and west again to Chicago, lecturing and writing, trying to make a dollar do the work of a pound, and hunting for an opening. In the spring of 1898 a chance came in Trenton, New Jersey, and he cabled for his family. It was characteristic of Mr. Binns that he never once expressed regret at having left England, and he never had any desire to go back even for a visit. As soon as he was assured of a foothold in this country, he declared his intentions of becoming an American citizen, and as soon as the laws of residence were satisfied, received his naturalization papers. He had cast his lot in with that of America without any reservations. It was, of course a difficult task for Mrs. Binns to dispose of most of her possessions, part from all her own and her husband s relatives, and, with five young children, set off for another country. In spite of living in America for twenty-seven years, most of them very happy ones, she never failed to speak of England and Ireland as "home". However, she made the change courageously, and on a sunny May morning the family was reunited in New York. The two years in Trenton were not happy ones. Intensely hard work as superintendent of a factory by day and as a principal of the Art School in the evening brought Mr. Binns a precarious living. His wife had a severe illness, the children were looked upon as aliens in school, and adjustment was slow.

12 &KDUOHV)HUJXV%LQQVFRQW G A new life began when President Davis of Alfred University visited Mr. Binns in 1900, and as Mrs. Binns always said, after eating a good dinner with her special jam pudding for dessert, offered him the position of Director of the newly created department of Ceramics at Alfred. Early in the summer of that year, the family, still somewhat foreign, shy and shabby, arrived at the Station, rode to Alfred in the "Corn Popper, a historic conveyance soon to be familiar and beloved, and began a life which was to be both happy and fruitful. The New Ceramic School, now the "old building" and recently christened "Binns Hall", was under construction, and the first classes, with Professor Binns and one teacher of drawing and design as the staff, were held in the Gothic. Needless to say the number of students at first was small. Only one other college was offering courses in Ceramics, at Ohio State University, where such a department had been organized five years earlier. The word itself was scarcely known except to museum habitués. Amusing remarks were constantly overheard, such as one traveler on the Erie made to another as they neared Alfred Station. This is where they have a school of Ceramics or something. It has to do with undertaking, I guess". The family thrived. It was an easy matter to make friends in cordial little Alfred. Faculty members and their wives were found hospitable and congenial, and, since it is always the ambition of young people to be as much like fishes, as possible, in a short time the Binnses could hardly be told from any young Americans. Professor and Mrs. Binns naturally were members of the Anglican Church, with generations of clergymen and devout ancestors on both sides of the family. Upon finding the village to be wholly Seventh Day Baptist with no service on Sunday except during the college session, and no Episcopal service at any time, they felt they must arrange for their own form of worship. The college authorities, particularly President Davis, with more than tolerance, even with generosity, assisted then in every way. A small room in the Gothic was given to be used as a chapel. A few Episcopalians were found among the faculty and residents of the village, and thus, with the sizable Binns family as a nucleus, began a practice of worship which has lasted down to the present day. Professor Binns had been a lay reader in Trenton, and after the inception of the church at Alfred, he continued to exercise the same office for twenty-one years without material reward except an occasional present which the tiny congregation generously pressed upon him. The little room was decorated by Professor Binns himself with the assistance of his art teachers and students. The inexpensive organ was played by Mrs. Binns with characteristic force and the congregational part of the service was taken care of by her, sometimes single voice. She used to say that she felt like an Early Christian when they made their way on a snowy winter morning, in the darkness, over the unwept sidewalks, knocking at the doors of the Faithful as they passed, calling them to early Communion. In one corner of the chapel, to which there was only one door, curtains were hung for a makeshift vestry. Professor Binns had no trouble in donning his vestments in such a confined place, but it is well-remembered how the hangings surged and billowed as a portly bishop prepared to hold the first Confirmation service. An earnest, deeply spiritual man, Professor Binns s influence on countless young people was greatly heightened by the services which he read beautifully, and by the sermons he preached with quiet dignity and sincerity. His listeners were not Episcopalians alone. Many students of other denominations, as well as faculty and towns people grew to love the Episcopal service through the devotion of Professor and Mrs. Binns. The tiny chapel was soon too small and the college graciously doubled the size of the room. It was freshly decorated, again by Professor Binns and Miss Blanchard, now Mrs. L. Crandall, who was the art teacher at the time, and a door was cut into the Gothic library, allowing the visiting clergy, however stout, to don their vestments comfortably. In 1903 Professor Binns built a spacious and artistic home in the then open fields north of the ceramic building. Those who have known that neighborhood only since the building of the Agricultural School or even the so-verynew Bartlett Dormitory can scarcely conceive how far it seemed from the ceramic school to the Binns house, now the Theta Kappa Nu Fraternity House. There was no sidewalk, only a gravel path alongside the single carriage tack, and when blizzards swept across from the west, as they so often seemed to do in those winters, Professor Binns and his son would sometimes have to go to the assistance of the girls as they floundered home. Mrs. Binns always liked the situation of the house. She used to sit at a certain window looking toward the Ceramic School, and she knew that whoever came past that point was certainly coming to see her. She declared she had time to change her dress and put the kettle on for tea before they could arrive. Tea was the staff of life to hospitable Mrs. Binns, who was Irish to the heart of her. Many a confidence was won or freely given over a cup of tea, and the girls of the college, as well as many a young faculty wife, came to look upon her as one of their best friends. The Ceramic department grew rapidly, the staff was doubled, and then tripled, and the student body increased almost by geometric progression year by year until it was necessary to enlarge the building.

13 &KDUOHV)HUJXV%LQQVFRQW G In 1905 the extension in the rear of the original structure was built, an achievement of which Professor Binns was just as proud as of the present new building. It was doubtless the unspoken influence of his father which caused William Hugh Ferrar Binns, the only son, to change from the ceramic course which he had begun, to the career of a clergyman. After graduation from Hobart College in 1907, followed by two years teaching, Hugh went to the General Theological Seminary in New York. His work there was of a high order and great things were expected of him. The depths of tragedy were touched by the family, especially his parents, and young wife, the former Margaret Dudley of Brooklyn, when Hugh's death occurred in Oct 1912, four months after his graduation, ordination and marriage. Overwork, coupled with a heart weakened by inflammatory rheumatism, brought his earthly life to a close at the age of twentyeight. This bereavement was borne by Professor and Mrs. Binns with unflinching faith in the love of God. Indeed, having endured such sorrow themselves, they were better able to sympathize with and comfort others. When the famous Bishop Brent was made bishop of western New York, he became much interested in the long years of voluntary service which Professor Binns had given to the church. Bishop Brent wanted to ordain him to the priesthood but generally a year or more in a Theological Seminary is a prerequisite to ordination. This was, of course, out of the question, and the bishop decided to give him an examination. A list of some twenty theological and inspirational books, to be obtained and studied, was sent to Professor Binns. In acknowledgement of the list he told Bishop Trent that of the twenty, eighteen were already in his personal library and he had read one of the other two, but would at once procure the other. The examination was also passed with complete satisfaction. With this evidence of fitness the Bishop decided to ordain him at once. In 1922 Professor Binns was ordained a deacon, and in early 1923 was elevated to the priesthood, in accordance with the customary procedure of the Episcopal Church. From that time on, invested with the added power of the priest, Professor Binns held communion services regularly and administered other sacraments of the Church with his own spiritual dignity and wisdom increased, and some of his sermons will long be remembered. As the girls of the family grew up and got married or took positions away from home, the house appeared unnecessarily large, so Professor Binns bought a small house on Ford Street, enlarged it somewhat and moved into it in As his twenty-fifth year of service to the University began, Professor Binns was notified that various forms of tribute would be his, among them the opportunity of giving the Doctor's oration at Commencement, (which is reproduced in this memorial bulletin) and the honor of receiving the degree of Doctor of Science. Mrs. Binns was looking forward to this occasion as eagerly as her husband, but she was destined not to share it. At Christmas time in 1924, she was taken ill, and though an operation was apparently successful, she died suddenly on Jan. 30, In her twenty-five years of residence in Alfred, Mrs. Binns had made for herself a special place in the community. The qualities of sincerity sagacity, strong-mindedness and warm-heartedness were so combined in her personality that no one could quite take her place. The eldest daughter, Elsie, assumed her duties at home, in the church and socially, in so far as anyone could, and most of the activities of the family were continued without interruption. In 1927, when Professor Binns had reached the age of three-score years and ten, the usual age for retirement under New York State law, the University and State officials felt that he was irreplaceable, and he himself was so happy in his work that he was given a two-year extension. In 1929, a second "overtime" period was granted, but at length in 1931, half gladly, half sadly, he retired from active directorship and became a country gentleman of leisure and with the most versatile tastes. The culmination of his plans for the Ceramic College was reached in the long-waited construction of the new building, which he helped design, and which was built in the last two years of his regime. Its beauty and fitness testify to his taste and imaginative vision. Still making beautiful pottery, adding to his already established position as an artist; devoting much time to church duties and opportunities; teaching and playing with his two adopted granddaughters, working in his garden and his greenhouse; challenging his friends to games of lawn-bowls in the summer and chess in the winter, even "treading the boards" in Wee Playhouse performances; perhaps none ever enjoyed his freedom from academic routine more than did Professor Binns did. To some who knew how happy he was at this time, his sudden death after a brief illness, seemed particularly hard, but to others, especially to his family, it is a cause of thankfulness that he never grew old and weak, never really gave up his work or his play, but simply stopped and rested. On Dec 4, 1934, Charles Fergus Binns joined those "ransomed saints" whose lives he had touched and whose example he had followed all his long life. This was written by Norah Winifred Binns, Charles Binns' daughter and Aunt of Steven Remsen

14 5HFHQW&RQWDFWV² All these correspondents would be delighted to share their interests and information. If you recognise any of the families please contact David Binns who will do his best to bring you together. Joyce Hampson about William Binns who married Martha Slater. Their daughter Martha Ann was born Jeremy Lefever about the family of James Binns and Emily Sykes from Rastrick. Kelvin Binns descendants of Emmanuel and Ellin Binns from Norland. Mary Nowicki family of John Arthur Binns of Sheffield. Abdulkadri Buluú about the Turkish Binnses. Elizabeth Russon about the family of William Binns of Awkley, born about Katrina Hodgson about Thomas Binns of Colne who married Phyllis Hartley in Rewa Bate about Jane Binns of Guiseley who share an interest with Mike Binns. Virginia Utermohlen Lovelace granddaughter of Jack Binns of PDQ fame. Elaine Gorsline descendants of John Binns and Ellen Lamb. Malcolm Turner about James and Annie Binns of Violet Street, Bowling, Bradford. Hazel Richards is the granddaughter of Charles Lamb Binns. Anne Kessel about the family of John Henry Binns and Sarah Ellen Wilde from Sowerby. Keith Smith who connects with Brian Binns back to Robert Binns and Sally Moor who married in Haworth in Susan Binns is a great granddaughter of Samuel Hall Binns from Cleckheaton and surprisingly a former work colleague of Ian Binns at Tait Walker in Newcastle. :DLWLQJWRKHDUIURP<28««:HDOZD\VQHHGVWRULHV :KRGR\RXWKLQN\RXDUH" 0RVWRIXVWKLQNRUKRSHZHKDYHFRQQHFWLRQVWRIDPRXVRULQIDPRXVSHRSOH,I\RXKDYHDIDVFLQDWLQJKLVWRU\IDPRXVFRQQHFWLRQVRUQRWSOHDVHVKDUH\RXUVWRU\ZLWKXV :HZLOOEHLQWHUHVWHG David T. Binns, 103 Haswell Gardens, North Shields, Tyne and Wear, NE30 2DR. RU Alan P. Binns, 518 Colne Road, Reedley, Burnley, Lancs. BB10 2LD 7+(%,116)$0,/<25*8. HPDLOGDYLGELQQVW\QHVLGH#WKHELQQVIDPLO\RUJXN