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| Truro : Lemon Street cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/4611928 |
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| Silvanus Trevail, architect (1851–1903) |
Silvanus Trevail's parents, John Trevail (b. 18 Jun 1820 in Luxulyan), son of Charles Trevail and Ann Key of Higher Menadew Farm, Luxulyan, and Jane Trevail (b. 6 Dec 1821 in Luxulyan), daughter of Philip Trevail and Elizabeth Church, married at Luxulyan parish church of St Cyriacus & St Julitta on 23 Nov 1851. On their marriage certificate, John Trevail, Farmer, lists his father as Charles Trevail, Farmer, while Jane Trevail's father was wrongly listed as John Trevail, Farmer. (husband-to-be was John, grandad was John ... it could have been an easy, innocent, slip, but her baptism told the truth.) Witnesses were Charles Trevail (don't know which) and Richard Vague.
As you may guess, Silvanus' parents were cousins: Charles Trevail, John's father, was the brother of John Trevail, Jane's grandfather. Their closest shared ancestor was Phillip Trevail (1737-1796), John's grandfather and Jane's great-grandfather, making them 1st cousins, once removed.
John and Jane Trevail had five children, with three not surviving infancy:
- Silvanus Trevail b. 31 Oct 1851 (1851 D Qtr in BODMIN Vol 09 Page 42), bap. 11 Jan 1852 at St Cyriacus & St Julitta, Luxulyan, Cornwall
- Laura Trevail b. 1858 S Quarter in BODMIN Volume 05C Page 94), bap. 26 Dec 1858 at St Cyriacus & St Julitta, Luxulyan, Cornwall
- John Trevail b. 1860 D Quarter in BODMIN Volume 05C Page 83, bap. 13 Oct 1860 in Luxulyan. Died in 1860 D Quarter in BODMIN Volume 05C Page 47 and was buried on 17 Oct 1860 at Luxulyan
- Female Trevail b. 1861 D Quarter in BODMIN Volume 05C Page 87. Her death was also registered in the same quarter 1861 D Quarter in BODMIN Volume 05C Page 53. Given that and that the unnamed infant was not baptised, my guess would be that she hardly drew breath.
- William Trevail b. 6 Oct 1863 D Quarter in BODMIN 304 Volume 05C Page 83. In the Royal Cornwall Gazette of 16 Oct 1863, under BIRTHS, was the following announcement, TREVAIL-At Carne Farm, Luxulyan, on the 6th inst., the wife of John Trevail, of a son., bap. 16 Oct 1863 at St Cyriacus & St Julitta, Luxulyan. Died in 1863 D Quarter in BODMIN Volume 05C Page 59 and was buried on 21 Oct 1863 at Luxulyan
Silvanus Trevail's paternal grandparents, Charles Trevail and Ann Key, had married in Luxulyan, on 23 Jun 1816. Charles Trevail of Higher Menadue (sic) Farm, born 1768, died aged 67, and was buried at Luxulyan on 24 Oct 1836. Ann Trevail, Widow of Charles Trevail, died, aged 75 on 11 Jul 1858 (1858 S Quarter in BODMIN Volume 05C Page 63) and was buried at Luxulyan.
Silvanus Trevail's maternal grandparents, Philip Trevail and Elizabeth Church married at Luxulyan, on 25 Jan 1820. They had two daughters: Elizabeth Trevail bap. 20 Aug 1820, in Luxulyan. However, Elizabeth Trevail of Lower Menadue (sic) died at 7 months and was buried 8 Apr 1821; and Jane bap. 20 Jan 1822. In 1841, Philip Trevail (40) was staying in the household of his brother, Joseph Trevail, at Tregarden Farm, Luxulyan. In 1841, Jane Trevail (15) had been living with her grandmother, Mary Church (70) at St Syor, Luxulyan, while her mother was at Rosemellin, Luxulyan. Philip Trevail died, aged 46, in 1846 M Quarter in BODMIN Volume 09 Page 19. In 1851, Mary Church (82) Widow, Proprietor of lease hold estate was living at Atwell, Luxullion; with Elizabeth Trevail (51) Daughter, Widow, Servant; Jane Trevail (29) Granddaughter, Unmarried, Dressmaker and Edward Church (7) Grandson. Mary Church died, aged 90, on 21 Feb 1859 (1859 M Quarter in BODMIN Volume 05C Page 66) and was buried in Luxulyan on 24 Feb 1859. Her son Edmund Church and daughter Elizabeth Trevail were Executors of her will. In 1861, Elizabeth Trevail (61) Widow, Retired, was living at Atwell, Luxulyan. (Reports exist that Silvanus Trevail spent time with his grandmother at Atwell as a child.) Elizabeth Trevail died in 1886 J Quarter in BODMIN Volume 05C Page 56 and was buried on 14 Jun 1886 in Luxulyan.
In 1861, at Carne Farm, Luxulyan were John Trevail (40) Farmer; Jane Trevail (39), Silvanus Trevail (9) Scholar; Laura Trevail (2), plus John Ridge (17) and James Ridge (13) Farm Servants and Anne Grose (19) House Servant.
In 1871, at Carne Farm, were John Trevail (50) Farmer of 100 acres; Jane Trevail (49) Farmer's wife; Silvanus Trevail (19) A A Oxon; Laura Trevail (12), Elizabeth Trevail (71) Mother-in-law; Emma Williams (16) Domestic Servant; William H Williams (19) and William H Keast (16) Farm Servants.
In 1881, John Trevail (60) Farmer of 100 acres at Carne Farm, Luxulion; Jane Trevail (59), Laura Trevail (22), Elizabeth Trevail (81) Mother-in-law, Widow, Annuitant; with Sarah Bray (21) General Domestic Servant; John Blatchford (18) and Albert Couch (14) Farm Servants. That year, Silvanus Trevail (29) Architect, then lived, alone, in Boscawen Street, Truro.
In 1891, at Carne were John Trevail (70) Farmer; Jane Trevail (69), Laura Trevail (32), John Ridge (15) Farm Servant and Annie Trebilcock (14) General Domestic Servant. Silvanus Trevail (39) Architect County Councillor was living in Lemon Street, Truro employing Ellen L Rowe (28) Housekeeper.
Laura Trevail married Richard Rundle, at St Cyriacus & St Julitta, Luxulyan, on 28 Dec 1897. The Royal Cornwall Gazette of 6 Jan 1898 reported: RUNDLE-TREVAIL - At Luxulyan, Dec 28, Richard, son of the late Henry Rundle of Trevollard, Lanreath, to Laura, daughter of John Trevail, Carne, Luxulyan.
In 1901, at Lower Trevollard, Lanreath, Liskeard, were Richard Rundle (46) Farmer; Laura Rundle (42), John Trevail (80) Father-in-law, Retired Farmer and Jane Trevail (79) Mother-in-law. Silvanus Trevail (49) Architect FRIBA, JP for Truro, was residing at 80, Lemon Street, Truro and employing Helen L Rowe (35) Housekeeper and Melinda Tonkin (20) Housemaid.
Jane Trevail died on 2 Mar 1902 (1902 M Quarter in LISKEARD Volume 05C Page 47) and is buried at St Cyriacus & St Julitta, Luxulyan. The Cornishman of 6 Mar 1902 noted, under DEATHS: TREVAIL - March 2, at Trevollard, Lanreath, Jane, beloved wife of John Trevail, late of Carne, Luxulyan, 80.
The Royal Cornwall Gazette of 13 Mar 1902 carried this report:
The Funeral of the Late Mrs Trevail
The funeral of the late Mrs Trevail, mother of Mr Silvanus Trevail, of Truro, took place on Thursday [6 Mar] at Luxulyan. The weather was delightfully fine, and the picturesque old church and surroundings looked at their best. The funeral cortege, comprising a hearse and two mourning carriages from Lanreath, reached Luxulyan at half-past three, via Lostwithiel. There was a very large number of old parishioners, friends, and neighbours waiting at the church gates, and a great sympathy was expressed for the aged Mr Trevail, who, supported by his son Silvanus, walked next to the coffin. They were followed by Mrs Rundle, the daughter of the deceased, and her husband, after which came Messrs, Joseph and Charley Trevail, uncles and cousins, and other members of he family. The attendance was a very large one for a quiet little retired village; in fact, second only to that at the funeral of the late Sir Colman Rashleigh, whose remains rest in the same churchyard. It comprised friends from such distat points as London, Truro, Bodmin, Liskeard, Plymouth, St Austel, Newquay, St Columb, Fowey, etc., and the principal residents of the parish and surrounding locality. The Trevail family has been long resident in Luxulyan, and are greatly respected. The churchyard has been their place of interment for upwards of three centuries. The burial services were taken by the Rev J Sinclair Kendall, the Vicar of Luxulyan (cousin of the late Mr Nicholas Kendall MP of Pelyn), assisted by the Rev H N Purcell, MA, Vicar of Fowey, whose rendering of the beautiful epistle of St Paul to the Corinthians was in itself quite worthy of the visit to Luxulyan to hear. Before leaving the church the choir most effectively sang the 399th hymn, and at the grave-side the service was most impressively taken by the Vicar. The bearers wee six selected yeomen of the parish. The coffin was of solid unpolished oak, with very massive fittings of plain and simple design. The breastplate contained the inscription:- "Jane Trevail, born 6th December 1821, died 2nd March 1902". Immediately below the breastplate was a beautiful wreath of flowers, placed there by the son and daughter of the deceased. The grave for most of its depth was hewn out of the solid granite rock, and was walled to the surface in vitrified brick, laid in cement. In consequence of the Trevail ground in the churchyard being quite full, the site selected for the grave is nearly opposite the church porch, and it is rumoured that the son had determined to erect a very handsome monument in granite over it.
John Trevail died, aged 82, on 19 Dec 1902 (1902 D Quarter in LISKEARD Volume 05C Page 37). He was also buried at Luxulyan, with his late wife.
The Royal Cornwall Gazette of 1 Jan 1903 (reading like a who's who of Cornwall and it's entire history), reported on:
THE LATE MR JOHN TREVAIL OF LUXULYAN
By the death of Mr John Trevail, of Carne, Luxulyan, Cornwall lost another of two generations. Born on the fourth anniversary [actually 5th] of the Battle of Waterloo, his lifetime covered the most interesting period of the past century. He cultivated a habit of collecting facts, and his reminiscences were abundant and most entertaining. Latterly he became pessimistic, and was much concerned for the future of the country, which he said must deteriorate if every young fellow left with a few pounds in his pockets set up as an idler. He, who had never put a pipe to his mouth in his life had a great contempt for smoking, football, horse-racing and betting. He would often ask, how could we expect to keep abreast of foreign countries if our young men were at play whilst theirs were at work! He belonged to that fast-disappearing class of the old yeomanry, who farmed their own estates, were independent, self-reliant, original, and determined to bring to successful issue whatever they might take in hand if perseverance and industry would carry it through. Always engaged in agriculture, he, nevertheless, found the opportunity as his ancestors had before him, of adventuring in tin-stream work. For many centuries this method of "wet mining tin" was very profitable, but one "work" after another became exhausted, until the Drews, the Knights, the Trevails, the Thomas's, and the Roberts's were left with the last of them, Wheale Virgin and Little Good Quick, in the neighbourhood of Roche; and when that stopped the old "Stannary Tinning" form of working had gone for the good. Mr Trevail used to tell with pride that he held to the last as a "tin streamer," and always spoke with the greatest regret of the old Stannary Records being removed from the tower of Luxulyan Church during the Civil War of Charles I to Lostwhithiel, where they were destroyed. He always contended that the most interesting pages of Cornish history were lost by this untoward circumstance.
Mr Trevail was also much interested in railway in Cornwall, and would give the history of the earlier battles, starting with 1836, and practically ending with the great county meeting at Truro in 1844. The Earl of Falmouth presided, and the late Sir Charles Lemon MP, Mr Wynne Pendarves MP, the late Mr Wm Tweedy, Mr Fox, Mr Geo Smith, Mr Alfred Jenkin, Mr Turner MP and other notabilities of that day were present. But the chief figure of all was the late Mr Joseph T Teffry, of Fowey, who made the chief speech that led to the formation of the Cornwall Railway Company. But before this even Mr Trevail in 1830 or thereabouts was one on those present at the opening of the Bodmin and Wadebridge Railway. In county elections, Mr Trevail also took great interest. He recollected all the polling done at Lostwithiel, and the fishermen of the West coming up in boats on wheels to vote; the openly, not by ballot, which the old man disliked. Many are the good stories he would tell of what happened in the great election days of Lord Eliot, Sir Richard Vyvyan, and others; but the contest that interested him most was the fight of the big loaf and the small, in 1852, when there was a three-cornered contest in East Cornwall between Mr Agar Robartes, Mr Pole-Carew and Mr Nicholas Kendall, Robartes and Kendall being returned.
In 1847, Mr Trevail witnessed the Bread Riot at St Austell, was sworn as a special constable, and afterwards saw the town cleared by the military. In 1847-48, he visited America, travelling though the settled portions of Canada and the Western States as far as Buffalo, which was considered very far West in those days. One of his greatest friends was the late Mr Henry S Stokes, whose death affected him much. The late Mr John Herle Tremayne, of Heligan, was one of his ideals as a landlord, the late Lord Robartes as a philanthropist, and the late Mr Nicholas Kendall as a plucky local administrator, whom he saw arrest with his own hands, as High Sherriff, in 1847, the ringleader of the St Austell Riot, after he had read the Riot Act in the market place. For thirteen years Mr Trevail sat under Mr Kendall's chairmanship at the Bodmin Board of Guardians, and was unswerving in his support of his old friend throughout the "police station" agitation.
As a Guardian Mr Trevail was always regarded by the poor as their representative. This sometimes brought him into hot water with some of his brother ratepayers at their Lady Day and other vestries, when he would put his back to the wall, and say, "You forget that my name is 'Guardian of the Poor.' There are a plenty of your sort at the Board. To look after your own interests and the fullest poor pay is but a pittance to the old and deserving." But with all the parochial scrambles he was never unseated whilst he cared to be a member of the Board.
On October 14th last, on the occasion of the dedication of the bells at Luxulyan [1], the old gentleman was a great centre of interest, and had not been better for ten years; but on November 18th he drove from Lanreath to Liskeard and back on a bitterly cold day, caught a chill, which was followed by serious developments, and he passed away from sheer exhaustion, conscious to the last.
There appears to be much pathos surrounding the death of the late Mr Trevail as the facts become known. It was at Liskeard that he caught the chill that afterwards proved fatal. Thither he had to be taken on the following day in consequences of the pressing nature of his ailments, which necessitated medical aid every four hours, and this could not be rendered at a remote country house. Three medical gentlemen - Drs Kingston, Carter and Hitchens - were in regular attendance, whilst nursing had to be constant day and night, fortunately provided just what was wanted, and was immediately available. It is remarkable that is should be called into requisition for the father of the gentleman who has rendered the noble philanthropist who founded them so much assistance in his professional capacity as a architect in carrying out similar schemes in other parts, though singularly his did not design this particular hospital. Mr Silvanus Trevail was, however, present officially as Mayor of Truro, when in 1895 the Earl of Mount Edgecumbe laid its foundation stone with Masonic honours, and here, after about a month's sojourn, his father had died. (Mr Trevail lost no time in showing his appreciation of the services rendered his deceased father at the Passmore Edwards Hospital, Liskeard.)
The funeral was the largest ever known in Luxulyan, the parish church being crowded to overflowing. The tribute of respect was profound and complete. Mr Johnathan Rashleigh, of Menabilly, was among those who sent wreaths, and Viscount Clifden wrote regretting his inability to attend. Mr Silvanus Trevail, president of the Society of Architects of the United Kingdom, the son, was the chief mourner.
The funeral on Tuesday week started from Webb's Hotel, Liskeard, where Mr Trevail has been in residence since his father was first taken, at such intervals as he could get away from the sick room. Among those who followed the cortege to the municipal limits as it left Liskeard were Mr Henwood, the chairman of the Hospital Committee; Mr Bone, Mr Faull; and other members; whilst the vicar of Liskeard, the Rev J Norris, and Mr W H Stanton, the honorary secretary, went all the way to Luxulyan, a distance of seventeen miles. Before leaving Liskeard Mr Silvanus Trevail made a very handsome donation in aid of the permanent Endowment Fund of the Hospital. The minute bell of the peal recently hung in the new tower of the parish church of Liskeard was tolled, and every respect possible paid to the memory of the deceased, who was well known in the locality.
Mr Silvanus Trevail, deceased's only son, and Mrs Laura Rundle, his only daughter, with her husband, Mr Richard Rundle, of Trevollard, Lanreath, and his uncle, Mr Thomas Dyer, of Tencreek, Liskeard, were the members of the family who accompanied the corpse. At Lostwithiel the procession was joined by carriages containing the deceased's old friends and associates of Lanreath and Lostwithiel, and on arrival at Luxulyan it was met by his aged brother, Mr Joseph Trevail, of Menadew, and his family, who were among the chief mourners. There were also present Sir Colman Rashleigh, of Prideaux; Sir Robert Harvey, of Dundridge, Devon; the Rev W Iago, of Bodmin; Mr George Hicks, Newquay; Mr John E Veale, St Austell; Mr James Thomas, St Winnow; Mr Silvanus W Jenkins, Likeard (Lord Clifden's steward and a very old friend of the deceased); Mr William Stephens, Porth Veor; the Vicar of Liskeard, the Rev J Norris, and Mr W H Stanton, ex-mayor of Liskeard; Mr Henry J Martin, Newquay; Mr William M Coode, St Austell; Mr Walter Hicks, Sen., of St Austell and Lower Menedew, Luxulyan; Mr William T Lovering, St Austell; Mr R H Williams, Cuddra; Mr Augustus C Sandoe and Son, Bodmin; Mr Thomas S Grose, St Austell; Mr John H Dingle, Lostwithiel; Mr Tom Parnell, Mr Walter J Nichols, Mr John T Hawke, Mr Tom J Smith, Mr Wm Roberts, Mr Sam Roberts, and Mr Fred A Coon, St Austell; Mr J Hocken Knight, Par Station; Mr William Pace, St Blasey; Mr Josiah Knight, Menadew; Mr Richard Grose and Mr John Evans, Bodmin; Mr Philip Trevail (nephew), Oakhampton; Mr Charles T Trevail (nephew); Mrs Trevail and Son, Menadew; Mr and Mrs William Phillips (niece) Court Place, Egloshayle; Mr Joseph Stephens, ex-Mayor of Bodmin; Mr T Parsons and Mr R []stallick, Truro; Mr and Mrs Charles T Thomas, Par; Mr Thomas Church, Roche; Mr Edward Church, St Mewan; and Mr Edmund Church, Carne; Mrs Sturtridge, Lavrean; Mr Johnathan Warne, Bugle; Mr Polglass (representing Mr Johnathan Rashleigh, Menabily); Mr Martin [unreadable], Trevalfry; Mr H Williams, Trefrawl; Mr W Olver, Court Barton; Mr John Leach, Carwen; Mr Wm Harris, Treire; and Mr Odgene, Trefurzedon, Lanreach; Mr Turple, St Veep; Mr F Bryant, [unreadable]; Mr A Edgecumbe, Liskeard; Mr Noel Purcell, London; Mr Henwood and Mr James Phillips, Lanlivery; Mr W A Tucker, Fowey; Mr John Marshall, and Mr Richard Nuts, Lanivet; and Mr Richard Grose, Tresibble, Roche (tenants); Miss H Rowe and L Bennett, Truro; Mr William Bennett, Rosewarrick, Lanivet; Mr Joseph T Bennett, Treskilling; Mr Tom Bennett, Luxulyan; Mr William J Roach, of Canada; Mr R and Mr W Clemo, Bodwen; Mr Tom Bassett, Treverbyn; Harry Kingdon, J Pascoe, C Matthews, A Fuge and J Couch (old servants), and others. The following eight farmers of he parish were the bearers:- Mr Edmund Church (tennant) Carne; Capt R Jane (tenant), Carne; Mr Robert Higman, Tevanny; Mr Joseph H Williams, Rosemelling; Mr John K Roach, Churchtown; Mr Joseph Grigg, Gunwen; Mr Samuel Edwards, Carminnows; and Mr Wm J Phillips, Tregoning.
As the cortege entered the village a muffled peal was rung on the new bells, the first performance of this kind on them since they were dedicated in October last. The coffin was of unpolished oak, with brass mountings, and contained the inscription:- "John Trevail, born 18th Jun 1820, died 19th December, 1902." Immediately below the breastplate was a beautiful wreath from the deceased's two children, whilst at the head of the coffin was paced the wreath that had been sent by Mr Jonathan Rashleigh, and at the foot the one from Sir Robert Harvey. In the absense of he vicar of the parish, the Rev R S Kendall, who was in France, the burial service was most impressively conducted by the Rev H N Purcell, MA, vicar of Fowey, assisted by he Rev I W J Scudamore, Luxulyan. Two of the deceased's favourite hymns, "Thy will be done" and "A few more years shall roll," were sung in church, and "Now the labourer's task is o'er" at the graveside. The interment took place immediately under the newly-erected memorial cross, where also rest the remains of the late Mrs Trevail.
Mr Sampson Trehane, of Liskeard, was the undertaker; Messrs Evans and Sons, of Bodmin, and Mr John Jacob, of St Austell, were the masons who conducted the interment.
Letters and telegrams of a sympathetic character and regretting absense were received from the Bishop of Truro, Viscount Clifden, Sir Warwick Morshead, The Hon Mrs Tremayne, Mr Jonathan Rashleigh, Colonel F J Hext, Tredethy; Mr Francis B Howell, the Archdeacon of Cornwall; Canon Donaldson, he Rev Chancellor Worlledge, the Rev J Buller Kitson, rector of Lanreath; the Rev J Kendll Rashleigh, rector of St Ewe; Mr George Tangye, Birmingham; Dr Drake, London; Rev Wm Trevail, Bristol; Mr A E Pridham, General Manager of the Devon and Cornwall Bank, Plymouth; Admiral Frankl, Dr and Madam Adamkiewick, Vienna; Herr Plaut and Madame Tietger, Berlin; Mons Deshayes, Rouen; Colonel Hesseltine, USA; Mr John Pethick, Plymouth; Mr Arthur Carkeek, Redruth; Mr John Lovering, Mr Henry Shilson, and Mr Tom Stocker, St Austell; Mr P W Treleaven, Portsea; Major Parkyn, and Dr Carlyon, Truro; Mr G Gard Pye, vice-president; and Mr C McArthur Butler, secretary of the Society of Architects, London; Mr Cassal and staff, Palace Chambers, Westminster.
Other letters, cablegrams, and telegrams of sympathy have since been received from Mr Charles G Prideaux - Brune, of Prideaux Place, Padstow; Sir Richard Tangye, Coombe Ridge, Surrey; Mr John Kittow, West Holm, Launceston; Mr J Bernard Paynter, Hendford Manor, Yeovil; Mr and Mrs Littlejohn, Glencoe, Exeter; Mr Edward Sharp JP, Truro; Mr Fred Hore, London; Hon John W Candler, Senator for Massachussetts, USA; Mr Frank Parkyn, Penquite; Mr Edmund Carlyon, St Austell; Mr J Passmore Edwards, London; Mrs Skimming and Mr Alfred Cumner, East Moseley; Mr Bernard Strauss, London; Miss Collins, Bodmin; Mr C V Conybeare, London; Mr W H P Martin and Mr J V Sigvald Muller, Newquay; Sir Thomas Drew, President of he Royal Hibernian Academy, and Lady Drew, Dublin; Mr John W Dingle, Calington; Mr George Hext, Cowbridge, Mayor of Lostwithiel; Mr R B Huxham, London; Mr Shadwell Dyer, Royston, Herts; Mrs Veale, St Austell; Mr J S Blaikie, Toronto; Mrs Trevail, Oshawa, Canada; Mrs Duthie (niece), Toronto; Mr William D Cabell, Virginia, USA; Miss S E Pettit, Bexhill; Mr John Parkes, Dublin; Mr Joseph Pemberton, Dublin; the Mayor of Truro (Capt Hendrson), Mr F Cosens and Mr H Martin, Truro; Mr Henry J Snell and Mr J T Fouracre, Plymouth; Mr Cuthbertson, British Embassy, Paris; Mr J Barr Robertson, London; Mr Adolph Frankel, Munich; Mons Theophile Laurent, ex-Mayor, Rouen; Herr Gluck, Budapest; Herr Moritz Brunn, Mr O Berend, London; Mr Auguste Judah, manager Hotel Cecil; Mr G F Barrell, Spalding; Mr W H Watts, ex-Lord Mayor of Liverpool; Mr Percy Waldrom, London; Mr John Doidge, Truro; Dr Sanders, Baden; Mr Austin Lee, British Embassy, Paris; Mr W Lincoln, USA, Consul-General, Belgium; Miss Fuller, London; Honble Mrs J R Clay, London; Mr Ben Pethic, Plymouth; the Hon W Massey-Mainwaring MP, London; Mr G Appleby Jenkins, Penryn; Mr J R Daniell, Camborne; Mr Robt P Edyvean, Bodmin; Mr William Vicary and Mrs Charles G Vicary, Newton Abbot; Mr F E Sach, Plymouth; Mr John S Tregoning, Landue, Launceston; Mr Gilbert Wood, London; Mr Augustus Rovedino, Andover; the Rev Joseph Cockin and Mr W A Rollason, Truro; Mr and Mrs F Joos, Headland Hotel, Newquay; Misses L A Davies and A Howell, King Arthur's Castle Hotel, Tintagel; Mr Wm Taylor, Tintagel; the Rev R Sinclair Kendall, vicar of Luxulyan, Parame, France; Mr John Brewer, Swindon; Mr Alfred Bache, Penzance; Mr Ellis Marsland, hon secretary Society of Architects, London; Mr John C Daubux, Kiliow; Mr J M H Cardell, Bodmin; Mr J Colliver, Truro; Mr John Burton, Falmouth; Mr John Cossentine, St Veep; Mr W J Tregoning and Mr E Forbes Whitley, Truro; Mr W J Graham, Fowey; Mr Robert Dobell and Mr F T Dowsing, Truro; he Rev Canon and Mrs Moor, St Clements; Mr Harry Hems, Exeter; Mr Henry Hodge and Mr John Stephens, St Austell; Mr John Pokinghorne, Tywardreath; Mr William Peter, Par; Dr and Mrs Henry A Layton, County Asylum, Bodmin; the Foremen and men on the works, County Asylum extensions, Bodmin; Mr and Mrs Edmund M Richardson, Friern Barnet; Mrs Butler, matron, Passmore Edwards Hospital, Liskeard; Mr and Mrs Charles Collier, Woking; Miss Evelyn Wright, Carbis Bay Hotel; Dr and Mrs W Hammond, Liskeard; Mr Frank and Miss Vallance, The Ridge, Mansfield; Mr Giovanni P Bertini, Johannesburg; Mr W J Taylor, Tremar Coombe; Mr and Mrs Arthur Laverton, Ilfracombe; Mr and Mrs W Harvey Roberts, Bude; Mrs Masterman, Harrington Square, London; Mr Richard Sampson, St Austell; Mr J G Uren, Saltash; Mons S Van Blitz, London; Mr and Mrs Alfred Skinner, Grendon Hall, Bucks; Mr and Mrs Frank Walters Bond, Wargrave Court, Berks; Major McCrea, Belgrave Square; Mr Frank Dodd, Temple; Mrs Mary Dungey, Porthtowan; Mr C R Gerveys Grylls, Launceston; Misses Holland, Truro; Mr Charles G Vicary, Dyrons, Newton Abbot; Mr William Beck, London; Mr W Gatley, Cranleigh; Mr Frank Phillips, Plymouth; Mr Wykham, Chancellor, Chemsford; Mr W Thomas, Liverpool, Vice-President Society of Architects, London.
[1] The dedication ceremony for the bells had taken place on 14 Oct 1902: the enlarged and reconstructed peal of bells had been presented to the parish by Silvanus Trevail in honour of his father and his deceased mother. The newspaper report of the event is reproduced here.
Silvanus Trevail's uncle, Joseph Trevail, died on 5 Nov 1903 (1903 D Quarter in BODMIN Vol 05C Page 39), his funeral took place on Sat, 7 Nov:
Death of Mr Joseph Trevail of Luxulyan
Mr Joseph Trevail of Menedew, Luxulyan, after a short illness of valvular disease of the heart, passed away on November 5th [1903] at the ripe age of 82 years and 4 months, he being one of the few remaining yeomen of the parish. Throughout his life he was noted for clearness of intellect, of industrious habits, fearless and impartial in his public and business life. He leaves a widow and four children: Mr C T Trevail (the only son), Mrs Phillips (of Court Place, Wadebridge), Mrs Greenaway (of America), and a daughter (single) at home. A branch of the Trevail family had resided at Menedew for some generations. On the marriage of his son Mr Trevail went to live for a few years in Liskeard on his own estate, and then retired in a new house near his son at Menedew. He was buried at Luxulyan on Saturday. The funeral was largely attended. Over 20 carriages, with friends, followed him to the burial, and great number congregated at the church. Muffled peals were rung, and the service in the church (conducted by the Rev C F Jones) was very impressive. The choir sang the hymns, "Rock of ages" and "Now the labourer's task is o'er". Mr Trevail was a great favourite with his nephew, Mr Silvanus Trevail, who sent many enquiries as to his health during his sickness; and it appears that Mr Silvanus Trevail proposed attending the funeral, but when the funeral reached the church news of the tragic death of Mr Silvanus Trevail was communicated to the friends. As soon as the funeral was over Mr C T Trevail had the painful duty of taking charge of he body of his cousin, Mr Silvanus Trevail, then lying at Bodmin Road Railway Station.
Silvanus Trevail died, on 7 Nov 1903 (1903 D Quarter in BODMIN Volume 05C Page 39), when he shot himself in the lavatory of a train. The Hampshire Post and Southsea Observer, reported that "Mr Sylvanus Trevail, an architect, of Truro, was found dead in the Cornishman express, on the Great Western Railway, on Saturday, in circumstances which left no doubt that he committed suicide." Apparently, Richard Rundle was taken aside and informed, but he did not tell Laura about her brother's suicide until after her uncle's funeral.
The Exeter and Plymouth Gazette of 9 Nov 1903 reported:
TRAGIC DEATH OF AN EX-MAYOR OF TRURO
MR SILVANUS TREVAIL FOUND SHOT
Mr Silvanus Trevail, ex-president of the British Society of Architects, was found shot on Saturday morning in the train between Lostwithiel and Bodmin Road Station, on the Great Western Railway. Deceased, who was always of an impulsive temperament, was architect for a very large scheme of asylum extension at Bodmin, the completion of which will not be effected for some time. At the time of his death he was proceeding to his uncle's funeral at Luxulyan - deceased's birthplace.
He was found in the ladies' lavatory of a third-class carriage. Deceased, who was a bachelor, was ex-County Councillor for Cornwall and an ex-Mayor of Truro.
Among the many institutions designed by Mr Sylvanus Trevail were the Free Library and Technical Schools now being erected as a composite building in Newton Abbot. The latter was an especial effort of the townspeople in acknowledgement of the gift of the Free Library building by Mr Passmore Edwards, a native of Cornwall, and whose mother was born in Newton. It was in memory of her that Mr Passmore Edwards made the town the offer, through the local Masonic Lodge, provided only that the Free Libraries Act was adopted. It was only a couple of weeks since that Mr Silvanus Trevail, who was the architect of many of Mr Passmore Edwards's pubic institutions, advised the people of Newton how their schools and free library should be furnished when completed.
Why the ladies' loo? I've read that is because it had a mirror. So sad.
The press of the day devoted many, many columns to Silvanus Trevail's suicide, the inquest which followed it - some of the details of which are already reproduced in The Travails of Silvanus Trevail - his life and work. Silvanus Trevail, famous for his radical reforming politics as much as for his architecture: much of Trevail's legacy can be found in Truro city centre. As well as, notably, the Headland Hotel in Newquay, which not everyone was happy about. The Riots Group Committee was set up to object to the building, claiming that the proposals of architect, Silvanus Trevail, threatened to ruin their livelihoods. Great Western Hotel, Newquay; many more listed in the Silvanus Trevail collection; the Lloyds Bank building in Fowey, St Austell Bank and the Cornish Bank in St Columb Major, seen more recently, repurposed, on George Clarke’s Remarkable Renovations.
Western Morning News 11 Nov 1903:
FUNERAL AT LUXULYAN
For the fourth time [fifth if you include Uncle Joseph's funeral] within less than two years the remote village of Luxulyan, near St Blazey, has witnessed an event associated with the name of Trevail - a name which inhabitants have learnt to regard with feelings of pride. The first of the four occasions was the death of Mrs Jane Trevail who was followed to the grave shortly afterwards by her husband, Mr John Trevail both being ripe in years. The third event was of a less sorrowful nature. It was the opening of a peal of bells given by the son in honour of his parents. Yesterday was laid the rest all that had remained mortal of that son, Mr Silvanus Trevail, who from an obscure boyhood passed amid the quiet surroundings of his Cornish home rose to a foremost position in his county and made his name known far beyond its borders. The inhabitants of Luxulyan and the district around naturally felt the shock of his sudden end, brought about under such tragic circumstances, with an intensity that almost partook of the degree of a family loss.
The funeral service took place at the parish church of Luxulyan, where the body of the deceased had been conveyed in it shell from Bodmin Road the previous evening. The service was timed to begin a 2:30, by which hour the little church was filled with and many were obliged to stand along the aisles and in the porch. The burial service was conducted by the Rev H N Purcell (vicar of Fowey) and the Rev C F Jones (vicar of Luxulyan). The principal mourners were Mr and Mrs Rundle, brother-in-law and sister, Lanreath; Mr C T Trevail, cousin; Mrs Trevail and Master Trevail, of Menadue; Miss Trevail, cousin; Mrs Masterman, London; Miss Rundle, Lanreath; and Mr and Mrs W Phillips, cousins, Wadebridge. Despite the difficulties of reaching and getting from the village, friends of deceased came from all parts, among those in the church being the Mayor of Truro (Mr J J Smith), the ex-Mayor (Mr J James), the Mayor of Lostwithiel (Leietenant-Colonel Hert), Major Polkinhorne (St Blazey), Dr Clark (principal of the Technical Schools, Truro), Messrs F Pearce (chief constable of Truro), W Rowse, J Bray, Hugh Price, F Argall, Hart Nicholls, C A Tregoning, A J Cornelius (assistant to deceased), F A Cozens, A Blenkinsop, E May, J H Sampson (director of Carbis Bay Hotel Limited of which deceased was also a director), T F Dowsing, J Parsons, W S Glasson, all of Truro; Messrs H D Foster and R P Edyvean Bodmin; Quiller Couch and J P Isbell, Fowey; W H Stnton, Liskeard; F Waren and H J Martyn, Newquay; J H Dingle and J Thomas, Lostwithiel; F A Coon, T Smith Sen, T Smith Jnr, F R Ray, H Nicholls, W Hicks, R H Williams, J Jacobs, and T Parnell, St Austell; T Knight, Menadue; J T Baker and J H Knight, St Blazey; E Turpie, St Veep; J Lanyon, N Grose, and W Geake, Roche; J Knight, Withal; J Warne, A R Thomas, H Thomas, and Captain W Hore, Bugle; Littleton, Lanlivery; J Bennett, Luxulyan; B Pethick (contractor for Bodmin Asylum, of which deceased was architect), W Grose and T Parsons.
The service was of a simple description. The opening hymn was "Rock of Ages" and the concluding one "Peace, perfect peace", the singing being led by the choir and accompanied by the organist (Miss Jones). The prayers and the lesson in the church were read by the vicar of the parish. As the procession left the sacred buiding the organist played the Dead March. The grave in which deceased was laid is only a few feet from the church porch, and is one of three, the other two being occupied by his father and mother. Above it is a stone monument in the form of a Cornish cross erected by deceased. On one side it bears the inscription, "Jane Trevail, of Carne, 1821-1902" and on another, "John Trevail 1820-1902". On the side above deceased's grave was inscribed at his direction, "Silvanus Trevail 1851-19-- the remaining figures of which will now be inserted. The service at the graveside having been recited by the Rev H N Purcell, the coffin, which was of plain oak with brass fittings and inscribed "Silvanus Trevail, born 31st October, 1851. Died 7th November, 1903." was lowered into its vault, the bearers being Messrs E Search, W J Phillips, R James, J H Williams, J Grigg, and S Edwards, late employees of deceased's father, who was a farmer in the district. There were only three wreaths an these were very beautifil. They were received from Mrs Rundle, Mrs Masterman (London) and Mr A J Cornelius and the servants of deceased's residence at Truro.
[Alfred John Cornelius went on to become County Architect for Cornwall.]
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| Luxulyan churchyard cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Phil Williams - geograph.org.uk/p/196433 The finely carved cross erected by Silvanus Trevail to mark the graves of his parents, Jane Trevail and John Trevail of Carne, as well as being the resting place of Silvanus Trevail himself. |