Thomas Jessop Mayor of Okehampton 1897/98 THE name 'Ironmonger' has today almost disappeared from common use, as these shops, which used to sell such items as candles, matches, oil lamps, wicks and paraffin, have generally been replaced by large do it yourself stores and by the big chainstores. In the 1881 Census, there were no fewer than four ironmongers in Okehampton's Fore Street alone, namely Wards, William John Thorne, James Wright and Son and Richard Jessop and Sons. Jessops was also a successful shop and father Richard, together with sons Thomas and Hubert, ran the business together with help from mother Elizabeth and daughter Edith. What was perhaps unusual at the time was that there were no shop staff or domestic servants living in the premises. The family played a large part in the life of the town with a major interest in the Wesleyan Chapel. Richard Jessop was among the leading citizens of the town who helped to establish the Okehampton Gas Company Ltd on May 3 1858. It is interesting to read the 'Articles of Association' of the company, whereby the 'objects', for which the company was established, were for lighting by means of gas for Okehampton and the neighbourhood — no mention of gas for heating and, in those pioneering days, it could never have been envisaged that gas would play such a part in our lives and businesses. Richard, of course, must have realised the effect this could have had on his business as an ironmonger, but he believed in progress for the town although at a loss to his business. It was, however, son Thomas who entered into the civic life of the town and he was duly elected to the Okehampton Borough Council. In 1897, Simon Peter Brendon Newcombe had already been mayor for three consecutive years and he was originally nominated to serve as mayor for a fourth term, but refused. As a result, Thomas Jessop was unanimously elected mayor of Okehampton and chief magistrate on November 9 1897. Aged only 53, he had retired some years previously from his prosperous business and it was felt he had ample free time to devote to the duties. Like so many mayors of that period, he was Liberal in politics, a Wesleyan and a strong supporter of the temperance cause, with little patience for those who drank. Thomas was a native of Okehampton, well known in the town and area and wanted to carry forward the scheme for the Cottage Hospital, although of course the Okehampton and District War Memorial Hospital was not to come to fruition until 1926! He also wanted to expedite the erection of the new Wesleyan Chapel and there was more success here, as the official opening was in 1904, just seven years later. As mayor, the first good news he received was that the London and South Western Railway were continuing their Sunday and Monday excursions from Okehampton to Exeter and back for just two shillings (10p) in the winter months. This news coincided with the retirement of popular Okehampton station master Hodge who had held the post for 25 years. The mayor in the year had to withstand criticism that the surveyor, Harry Geen, was 'making a fortune' out of the town. It is perhaps indicative of the salaries at that time to record that his remuneration was £10 a year as surveyor and £30 per year as sanitary inspector, half of which was repaid by a Government grant. He also earned 5% on new buildings and 2 1/2% on footpaths, which worked out at two old pence (less than one penny today) per hour for extra work! In addition, apart from official notepaper, he provided his own materials for his work — rather different in today's world. Thomas Jessop had very strong views as a Wesleyan on temperance and he convened a well attended and controversial meeting at the Market Hall on Sunday closing for public houses. He aired the view that Sunday closing would be a benefit to the publican and sinner alike! It seemed that the attendance was unanimously in favour of this and the following resolution was moved by the Rev F W Saulez, vicar of Okehampton: 'Resolved that in the opinion of this meeting the sale of intoxicating liquors on Sundays is a special service to drunkenness, immorality and crime and earnestly trust that a bill prohibiting such sale would come into law during the present session of Parliament.' After much discussion, the meeting considered it was their duty to remove from weaker brethren any temptation which they were unable to resist and, after what seemed unanimous support and applause within the meeting, it was agreed to petition Parliament on the subject accordingly. However, it did not seem to have had the desired effect on the Government of the day. In retirement, Thomas Jessop moved to Kempley Road where he was involved as an insurance agent and deputy registrar of marriages for the Okehampton district. He also continued his father's interest in the Okehampton Gas Company Ltd and of course to serve the Wesleyan Chapel in every capacity. He was always interested in helping those less fortunate than himself and was also involved as an 'Ordinary Trustee' of the Okehampton United Charities. Thomas Jessop had to deal with many controversial issues during his year of office, including the ongoing 'Arcade Question'. He did so with great dignity and patience with the different factions within the council chamber. Mike and Hilary Wreford
