20 August 2013

Chin-Haddock family Ch.7: John Haddock's bankruptcy


THE BANKRUPTCY OF THE BANKING FIRM, WHITEHEAD, HOWARD AND HADDOCK:

The following article in the “Morning Post” of 11 December 1835 sheds light on John Haddock’s partnership with John Whitehead and Matthew Howard.  As will be seen from this article, whilst legally a partner, John Haddock was in fact “merely a clerk”, having joined the partnership in 1804:

Court of Bankruptcy Thursday December 10 before Mr Commissioner Holyroyd – Whitehead Howard and Haddock and Co’s bankruptcy – The bankrupts in this case were bankers of Cateaton Street against whom a commission of bankruptcy was issued on the 16 November 1814.  The proceedings under the commission have been going on ever since, and a meeting of the creditors was held today for the declaration of a final dividend.   The total estimated amount of the debts due by the firm at the first meeting of the creditors was £277,835.4s.7d and the credits and assets were expected to realize £218,216.6s leaving an apparent deficiency of about £59,616.   The first dividend amounting to 10/- in the pound was made within about six months of the bankruptcy the process and claims then amounting to £129,822.   Five other dividends were subsequently declared the last announced being in August 1829 and in all amounting to 16s.10½d.  in the pound.  The total amount of the proofs at the period the last dividend was declared was about £129,800.  Upon the private estates of two of the bankrupts, dividends in full had been paid to the separate creditors.

The executor of one of the bankrupts (Mr Haddock) applied for the allowance which was due to the estate of the bankrupt.  The deceased, though articles of partnership had been signed by him with the firm received a salary only, being in fact merely a clerk.   In consequence of the bankruptcy however of the banking firm, private property was taken to the amount of £7,000 which went to pay, in part the joint creditors of the firm.   Under these circumstances therefore he trusted the Court would allow to the estate he represented an allowance equal to his interest.

The solicitor on behalf of the estate had not any idea that such a claim would have been brought forward.  It was certainly true that the private assets, for the amount stated, of the clerk who was a partner however according to the law, had been taken.

The Commissioner asked how much the party had already received.  The executor stated £210 and his household furniture.   The Commissioner said the bankrupt, according to the statute, was entitled to 7½ per cent which would amount to above £500.  As he had received already £210 he should direct £200 in addition to be paid to the estate.

The opinion of the court was asked as to the mode in which the interest that had accrued upon the investment of unclaimed dividends should be appropriated.  A considerable sum had accumulated in this way and the solicitors to the Commission had considered it unfair that those creditors who had regularly received their dividends should participate in the accumulation of interest upon dividends that had been unclaimed.  It was a point upon which no decision had yet been given.  The Commissioner said he would consider the subject.

The amount of the final dividend was expected to have been about one penny in the pound but in consequence of the allowance claimed by the executor of one of the bankrupts only a fraction of a penny will be divided.


THE SEQUENCE OF EVENTS FOLLOWING THE DECLARATION OF BANKRUPTCY

The following entries are taken from the London Gazette, referring to the bankruptcy:

November 22, 1814- Issue 16959, p2325
The Commissioners in a Commission of Bankrupt awarded and issued forth against John Whitehead, Matthew Howard, and John Haddock, of Cateaton-Street, in the City of London, Bankers and Co-partners, intend to meet on the 26th November instant, at Eleven in the Forenoon, at Guildhall, London, in order to receive the Proof of Debts under the said Commission.

Map of Cateaton Street, near St Paul's Cathedral, London


January 7, 1815- Issue 16973, p36
The Commissioners in a Commission of Bankrupt awarded and issued forth against John Whitehead, Matthew Howard, and John Haddock, of Cateaton Street in the City of London, Bankers and Co-partners, intend to meet on the 28th day of January instant at Eleven in the Forenoon, at Guildhall, London by Adjournment from the 31st December last, to take the Last Examination of Matthew Howard and John Haddock, two of the said Bankrupts; when and where they are required to surrender themselves, and make a full Discovery and Disclosure of their Estate and Effects and finish their Examination, and the Creditors who have not already proved their Debts, are to come prepared to prove the same; and, with those who have already proved their Debts, assent to or dissent from the allowance of their Certificate.

Comment: whether the statement ‘they are required to surrender themselves’ meant they would be imprisoned in the Marshalsea Debtors Prison in Borough High Street Southwark, until their debts were discharged, is not yet determined. Notably Charles Dicken’s father was sent there in 1824 for a debt, and Dickens used that experience when writing his novel Little Dorrit.

January 31, 1815- Issue 16980, p179
The Creditors who have proved their debts under a Commission of Bankrupt awarded and issued forth against John Whitehead, Matthew Howard and John Haddock of Cateaton Street, in the City of London, Bankers and Co-partners, are required to meet the Assignees of the said Bankrupts estate and effects, on Friday the 3d of February next at the Banking House, in Cateaton-Street aforesaid, in order to assent to or dissent from the said Assignees being at liberty to give up to the said Matthew Howard and John Haddock, for their own use, the household furniture and other effects at their respective dwelling houses, inventories of which will be produced in the Creditors at the meeting; and also to assent to or dissent from the said Assignees relinquishing or giving up to the said Matthew Howard his life interest in certain premises mentioned in the settlement made on his marriage, and other property, particulars of which will also be produced at the said meeting; and to the Assignees employing all or any of the said Bankrupts, as they may think proper, to assist them in liquidating and settling the affairs and concerns of the estate, and to make them such compensation or allowance in respect thereof, as the said Assignees shall think fair and reasonable.

February 11, 1815- Issue 16983, p251
Whereas the acting Commissioners in the Commission of Bankrupt awarded and issued forth against John Whitehead, Matthew Howard and John Haddock, of Cateaton-Street, in the City of London, Bankers and Co-partners, have certified to the Right Hon. The Lord High Chancellor of Great Britain, that the said Matthew Howard, one of the said Bankrupts, hath in all things conformed himself according to the directions of the several Acts of Parliament made concerning Bankrupts: This is to give notice, that, by virtue of an Act passed in the Fifth Year of His late Majesty’s Reign, and also of another Act passed in the Forty-ninth Year of His present Majesty, his Certificate will be allowed and confirmed as the said Acts direct, unless cause be shewn to the contrary on of before the 4th day of March next.


The following entry states that John Haddock would be given a Certificate (of Discharge), which meant that he was now free from the debts included in his bankruptcy. If he had been in Marshalsea Prison (Southwark), this would mean he could now be released.

February 14, 1815- Issue 16984, p271-2
Whereas the acting Commissioners in a Commission of Bankrupt awarded and issued forth against John Whitehead, Matthew Howard, and John Haddock, of Cateaton-street, in the City of London, Bankers and Co-partners, have certified to the Lord High Chancellor of Great Britain, that the said John Haddock, one of the Bankrupts, hath  in all things conformed himself according to the directions of the several Acts of Parliament made concerning Bankrupts; This is to give notice, that, by virtue of an Act passed in the Fifth Year of His late Majesty’s Reign, and also of an Act passed in the Forty-ninth Year of His present Majesty’s Reign, his Certificate will be allowed and confirmed as the said Acts direct, unless cause be shewn to the contrary on or before the 7th of March next.

February 21, 1815,- Issue 16986, p423-4
The Commissioners in a Commission of Bankrupt, bearing Date the 16th November 1814, awarded and issued forth against John Whitehead, Matthew Howard, and John Haddock, of Cateaton-Street, in the City of London, Bankers and Co-partners, intend to meet on the 14th day of March next, at Eleven in the Forenoon, at Guildhall, London, in order to make a Dividend of the Separate Estate and Effects of Matthew Howard, one of the said Bankrupts; when and where the Separate Creditors, who have not already proved their Debts, are to come prepared to prove the same, or they will  be excluded the Benefit of the said Dividend. And all Claims not then proved will be disallowed.
The Commissioners in a Commission of Bankrupt, bearing Date the 16th day of November 1814, awarded and issued forth against John Whitehead, Matthew Howard, and John Haddock, of Cateaton-Street, of the City of London, Bankers and Co-Partners, intend to meet on the 14th of March next to make a Dividend of the Separate Estate and Effects of John Haddock, one of the said Bankrupts; when and where the Separate Creditors, who have not already proved their Debts, are to come prepared to prove the same, or they will be excluded the Benefit of the said Dividend. And all Claims not then proved will be disallowed.

March 28, 1815- Issue 16998, p592
The separate Creditors of Matthew Howard and John Haddock, who have proved their debts under a Commission of Bankrupt awarded and issued against John Whitehead, Matthew Howard and John Haddock, of Cateaton-Street, in the City of London, Bankers and Co-partners, may receive the full amount of their debts, by applying at the Office of Messrs. Tomlinsons, Thomson, and Baker, Solicitors for the Assignees, in Copthall-Court, Throgmorton-Street London, on Tuesday the 17th day of April next, between the hours of Eleven and Two.
The Creditors who have proved their debts under a Commission of Bankrupt awarded and issued forth against John Whitehead, Matthew Howard and John Haddock, of Cateaton-Street, in the City of London, Bankers and Co-partners, may receive the first dividend of 10s. in the pound, by applying at the Office of Messrs. Tomlinsons, Thomson and Baker, Solicitors for the Assignees, in Copthall-Court, Throgmorton-Street, London, on Tuesday the 11th day of April next, between the hours of Eleven and Two.

June 24, 1815- Issue 17029, p1239
Whereas the acting Commissioners in the Commission of Bankrupt awarded and issued forth against John Whitehead, Matthew Howard and John Haddock, of Cateaton-Street, in the City of London, Bankers and Co-partners, have certified to the Right Hon. John Lord Eldon, Lord High Chancellor of Great Britain, that the said John Whitehead hath in all things conformed himself according to the directions of the several Acts of Parliament made concerning Bankrupts: This is to give notice, that, by virtue of an Act passed in the Fifth Year of His late Majesty’s Reign, and also of another Act passed in the Forty-ninth Year of His present Majesty’s Reign, the Certificate will be allowed and confirmed as the said Acts direct, unless cause be shewn to the contrary on of before the 15th of July next.
Notably John Whitehead’s Certificate was granted several months after Howard and Haddock’s.


January 2, 1816- Issue 17096, p14
The Commissioners in a Commission of Bankrupt awarded and issued forth against John Whitehead, Matthew Howard, and John Haddock, of Cateaton-Street, in the City of London, Bankers and Co-partners, intend to meet on the 6th January instant, at Eleven O’Clock in the Forenoon, at Guildhall, London, in order to receive the Proof of Eight Debts under the said Commission.

February 20, 1816- Issue 17112, p340-1
The Creditors who have proved their debts under a Commission of Bankrupt awarded and issued forth against John Whitehead, Matthew  Howard, and John Haddock, of Cateaton-Street, in the City of London, Bankers and Co-partners, are requested to meet the Assignees of the estate and effects of the said Bankrupts, on Monday the 26th day of February instant, at Twelve o”Clock at Noon precisely, at the Office of Tomlinson, Thomson and Baker, Solicitors in Copthall-Court, Throgmorton-Street, London, in order to assent to or dissent from the said Assignees accepting an offer made for the purchase of a freehold estate at Tunbridge, in the County of Kent, and also to authorise the said Assignees to defend the extents issued by the Crown, and in aid of certain persons, against the said Bankrupts’ estate and effects, or to the said Assignees compromising the same, as they may be advised; and on other special affairs.

September 14, 1816- Issue 17172, p1780
The Commissioners in a Commission of Bankrupt awarded and issued for the against John Whitehead, Matthew Howard and John Haddock, of Cateaton-Street, the City of London, Bankers and Partners, intend to meet on the 17th day of September instant, at Eleven in the Forenoon, at Guildhall, London, in order to receive the Proof of one Debt under the said Commission.

June 3, 1817- Issue 17256, p1285
The Commissioners in a Commission of Bankrupt awarded and issued for the against John Whitehead, Matthew Howard and John Haddock, of Cateaton-Street, the City of London, Bankers and co-partners, intend to meet on the 10th day of June instant, at Eleven of the Clock in the Forenoon, at Guildhall, London, in order to receive the Proof of a Debt under the said Commission.

December 16, 1817- Issue 17314, p2567-8
The Commissioners in a Commission of Bankrupt bearing date the 16th day of November 1814, awarded and issued for the against John Whitehead, Matthew Howard and John Haddock, of Cateaton-Street, the City of London, Bankers and co-partners, intend to meet on the 20th of January next, at Twelve of the Clock at Noon, at Guildhall, London, in order to make a Joint Dividend of the Estate and Effects of the said Bankrupts; when and where the Creditors who have not already proved their Debts, are to come prepared to prove the same, or they will be excluded the Benefit of the said Dividend. And all Claims not then proved will be disallowed.
The Commissioners in a Commission of Bankrupt bearing date the 16th day of November 1814, awarded and issued for the against John Whitehead, Matthew Howard and John Haddock, of Cateaton-Street, the City of London, Bankers and co-partners, intend to meet on the 20th of January next, at Twelve of the Clock at Noon, at Guildhall, London, in order to make a Separate dividend of the Estate and effects of Matthew Howard, one do the said Bankrupts; when and where the Creditors, who have not already proved their Debts, are to come prepared to prove the same, or they will be excluded the Benefit of the said Dividend. And all Claims not then proved will be disallowed.

February 3, 1818- Issue 17329, p255
The Commissioners in a Commission of Bankrupt bearing date the 16th day of November 1814, awarded and issued for the against John Whitehead, Matthew Howard and John Haddock, of Cateaton-Street, the City of London, Bankers and co-partners, intend to meet on the 7th day of March next, at Twelve at Noon, at Guildhall, London, (by Adjournment from the 20th day of January last), in order to make a Joint Dividend of the Estate and Effects of the said Bankrupts; when and where the Creditors, who have not proved their Debts, are to come prepared to prove the same, or they will be excluded the Benefit of the said Dividend. And all Claims not then proved will be disallowed.

February 7, 1818 –Issue 17330, p278
The Commissioners in a Commission of Bankrupt bearing date the 16th day of November 1814, awarded and issued for the against John Whitehead, Matthew Howard and John Haddock, of Cateaton-Street, the City of London, Bankers and co-partners, intend to meet on the 7th day of March next, at Twelve at Noon, at Guildhall, London, (by Adjournment from the 20th day of January last), to make a dividend of the  Separate Estate and Effects of Matthew Howard, one do the said Bankrupts; when and where the Creditors, who have not already proved their Debts, are to come prepared to prove the same, or they will be excluded the Benefit of the said Dividend. And all Claims not then proved will be disallowed.


March 3, 1818- Issue 17337, p419-20
The Commissioners in a Commission of Bankrupt bearing date the 16th day of November 1814, awarded and issued for the against John Whitehead, Matthew Howard and John Haddock, of Cateaton-Street, the City of London, Bankers and co-partners, intend to meet on the 21st day of March instant, at Twelve o’clock at Noon, at Guildhall, London (and not on the 7th instant, as before advertised), to make a Joint Dividend of the Estate and Effects of the said Bankrupts; as likewise at the same time and place the Commissioners will make a Separate dividend of the Estate and Effects of Matthew Howard, one do the said Bankrupts; when and where the Joint and Separate Creditors of the said Matthew Howard, who have not already proved their Debts, are to come prepared to prove the same, or they will be excluded the Benefit of the said Joint and Separate Dividends. And all Claims not then proved will be disallowed.



March 14, 1818- Issue 17340, p489
The Commissioners in a Commission of Bankrupt bearing date the 16th day of November 1814, awarded and issued for the against John Whitehead, Matthew Howard and John Haddock, of Cateaton-Street, the City of London, Bankers and co-partners, intend to meet on the 21st day of April next, at Twelve o’clock at Noon, at Guildhall, London (and not on the 21st March instant as before advertised) to make a Joint Dividend of the Estate and Effects of the said Bankrupts; as likewise at the same time and place the Commissioners will make a Separate dividend of the Estate and Effects of Matthew Howard, one do the said Bankrupts; when and where the Joint and Separate Creditors of the said Matthew Howard, who have not already proved their Debts, are to come prepared to prove the same, or they will be excluded the Benefit of the said Joint and Separate Dividends. And all Claims not then proved will be disallowed.

April 11, 1818- Issue 17348, p654
The Commissioners in a Commission of Bankrupt bearing date the 16th day of November 1814, awarded and issued for the against John Whitehead, Matthew Howard and John Haddock, of Cateaton-Street, the City of London, Bankers and co-partners, intend to meet on the 19th of May next, at Twelve of the Clock at Noon, at Guildhall, London (and not on the 21st April instant, as before advertised), in order to make a Joint Dividend of the Estate and Effects of the said Bankrupts; as likewise at the same time and place the Commissioners will make a Separate dividend of the Estate and Effects of Matthew Howard, one do the said Bankrupts; when and where the Joint Creditors of Whitehead, Howard and Haddock, as likewise the Separate Creditors of the said Matthew Howard, who have not already proved their Debts, are to come prepared to prove the same, or they will be excluded the Benefit of the said Joint and Separate Dividends. And all Claims not then proved will be disallowed.

May 9, 1818- Issue 17358, p853
The Commissioners in a Commission of Bankrupt bearing date the 16th day of November 1814, awarded and issued for the against John Whitehead, Matthew Howard and John Haddock, of Cateaton-Street, the City of London, Bankers and co-partners, intend to meet on the 6th of June next, at Twelve of the Clock at Noon, at Guildhall, London (and not on the 19th May instant, as before advertised) ), in order to make a Joint Dividend of the Estate and Effects of the said Bankrupts; as likewise at the same time and place the Commissioners will make a Separate dividend of the Estate and Effects of Matthew Howard, one do the said Bankrupts; when and where the Joint Creditors of Whitehead, Howard and Haddock, as likewise the Separate Creditors of the said Matthew Howard, who have not already proved their Debts, are to come prepared to prove the same, or they will be excluded the Benefit of the said Joint and Separate Dividends. And all Claims not then proved will be disallowed.

May 16, 1818- Issue 17360, p899
The Commissioners in a Commission of Bankrupt bearing date the 16th day of November 1814, awarded and issued for the against John Whitehead, Matthew Howard and John Haddock, of Cateaton-Street, the City of London, Bankers and co-partners, intend to meet on the 16th of June next, at Twelve of the Clock at Noon, at Guildhall, London (and not on the 6th day of June next, as before advertised) ), in order to make a Joint Dividend of the Estate and Effects of the said Bankrupts; as likewise at the same time and place the Commissioners will make a Separate dividend of the Estate and Effects of Matthew Howard, one do the said Bankrupts; when and where the Joint Creditors of Whitehead, Howard and Haddock, as likewise the Separate Creditors of the said Matthew Howard, who have not already proved their Debts, are to come prepared to prove the same, or they will be excluded the Benefit of the said Joint and Separate Dividends. And all Claims not then proved will be disallowed.


June 20, 1818- Issue 17371, p1120
The Creditors who have proved their debts under a Commission of Bankrupt awarded and issued forth against John Whitehead, Matthew Howard and John Haddock, of Cateaton-Street, the City of London, Bankers, may receive a Second Dividend of 4s.4d. in the pound, by applying at the Counting-House of the Assignees, No 10. Aldermanbury, London, on Thursday the 25th day of June instant, between the hours of Ten and Two o’Clock, and producing the securities held by them, or on the three subsequent Thursdays, between the same hours.
NB. The Creditors who have not received the former dividend of 10s. in the pound, may receive the same by applying as above.

January 30, 1819- Issue 17445, p208
The Creditors who have proved their debts under a Commission of Bankrupt  awarded and issued forth against John Whitehead, Matthew Howard and John Haddock, of Cateaton-Street, the City of London, Bankers, may receive a Third Dividend of 1s.4d. in the pound, by applying  at the Counting-House of the Assignees, No 10. Aldermanbury, London, on Wednesday the 3d day of February, between the hours of Ten and Two o’Clock, and producing the securities held by them, or on either of the two following days, between the same hours.
N.B. The Creditors who have not received the former dividends of 10s. and 4s.4d. in the pound, may receive the same by applying as above.

June 19, 1819- Issue 17487, p1075
The Commissioners in a Commission of Bankrupt bearing date the 16th day of November 1814, awarded and issued for the against John Whitehead, Matthew Howard and John Haddock, of Cateaton-Street, the City of London, Bankers and co-partners, intend to meet on the 13th day of July next, at Twelve of the Clock at Noon, at Guildhall, London, to make a Separate Dividend of the Estate and Effects of John Whitehead, one of the said Bankrupts; when and where the Creditors, who have not already proved their Debts, are to come prepared to prove the same, or they will be excluded the Benefit of the said Dividend. And all Claims not then proved will be disallowed.

July 17, 1819- Issue 17495, p1269
The Commissioners in a Commission of Bankrupt bearing date the 16th day of November 1814, awarded and issued for the against John Whitehead, Matthew Howard and John Haddock, of Cateaton-Street, the City of London, Bankers and co-partners, intend to meet on the 31st day of July next, at Twelve of the Clock at Noon, at Guildhall, London, (by adjournment from the 13th instant) to make a Separate Dividend of the Estate and Effects of John Whitehead, one of the said Bankrupts; when and where the Creditors, who have not already proved their Debts, are to come prepared to prove the same, or they will be excluded the Benefit of the said Dividend. And all Claims not then proved will be disallowed.

November 5, 1819- Issue 17532, p1979
The Commissioners in a Commission of Bankrupt bearing date the 16th day of November 1814, awarded and issued for the against John Whitehead, Matthew Howard and John Haddock, of Cateaton-Street, the City of London, Bankers and co-partners, intend to meet on the 27th instant, at Twelve of the Clock at Noon, at Guildhall, London, to make a Further Dividend of the Estate and Effects of the said Bankrupts; when and where the Creditors, who have not already proved their Debts, are to come prepared to prove the same, or they will be excluded the Benefit of the said Dividend. And all Claims not then proved will be disallowed

December 4, 1819- Issue 17541, p2180
The Creditors who have proved their debts under a Commission of Bankrupt  awarded and issued forth against John Whitehead, Matthew Howard and John Haddock, of Cateaton-Street, the City of London, Bankers, may receive a Fourth Dividend of 6d in the pound, by applying at the Counting-House of the Assignees, No 10. Aldermanbury, London, on Wednesday the 8th instant, between the hours of Ten and Two o’Clock, and producing the securities held by them, or on either of the two following day, between the same hours.
N.B. The Creditors who have not received the former dividends of 10s. ,4s.4d and 1s.4d.. in the pound, may receive the same by applying as above.

October 14, 1820- Issue 17642, p1949
The Commissioners in a Commission of Bankrupt bearing date the 16th day of November 1814, awarded and issued for the against John Whitehead, Matthew Howard and John Haddock, of Cateaton-Street, the City of London, Bankers and co-partners, intend to meet on the 4th day of November next, at Twelve of the Clock at Noon, at Guildhall, London, to make a Further Dividend of the Separate Estate and Effects of John Whitehead, one of the said Bankrupts; when and where the Creditors, who have not already proved their Debts, are to come prepared to prove the same, or they will be excluded the Benefit of the said Dividend. And all Claims not then proved will be disallowed.

NB. John Haddock died 31st March 1722.

June 10, 1823- Issue 17930, p952
The Creditors who have proved their debts under a Commission of Bankrupt  awarded and issued forth against John Whitehead, Matthew Howard and John Haddock, of Cateaton-Street, the City of London, Bankers, are requested to meet on the 19th of June instant, at One o’clock in the Afternoon precisely, at the Court of Commissioners of Bankrupts, in Basinghall-Street, in the City of London, for the purpose of taking into consideration the propriety of making some remuneration to the Assignees for their great loss of time and trouble, in managing and winding up the affairs of the said Bankrupts previous to the final dividend which is about to be declared of their estate.

The following entry refers to John Haddock’s widow and her death:

May 28, 1825- Issue 18141, p943-944, and repeated June 21, 1825- Issue 18148, p1094
Pursuant to a Decree of the High Court of Chancery, made in the matter of John Whitehead, Matthew Howard, and John Haddock, now deceased, Bankrupts, the Creditors of Mary Haddock (who died on the 3rd day of September 1823*), and who was the Widow of John Haddock, formerly of Cateaton-street, in the City of London, Banker, and afterwards of Newington-Place in the County of Surrey, are forthwith to come in and prove their debts before Francis Paul Stratford Esq, one of the Masters of the said Court at his Chambers, in the Southhampton-Buildings, Chancery-Lane, London, on or before the 20th day of July 1825, or in default thereof they will be peremptorily excluded the benefit of the said Order.
* this should read 1822.

NEWSPAPER REPORTS OF THE BANKRUPTCY

In "The Times" 21 November 1814 (page 4 col. b), the following appeared:
Bankrupts
J. Whitehead, M. Howard, and J. Haddock Cateaton Street, Bankers, Nov 22, Dec 10, 31 at Guildhall, Attornies Messrs Tomlinsons & Co Copthall Court, Throgmorton Street.



The following report appeared in the London Times of Thursday 30 March 1815, following the publication of the first Bankruptcy Notice of the Bank in 1814:

“Commission against Whitehead, Howard and Haddock – The Creditors who have proved their debt under commission of bankrupt awarded and issued against John Whitehead, Matthew Howard and John Haddock of Cateaton Street in the city of London Bankers and co-partners may receive the first dividend of 10/- in the pound by applying at our office in Copthall Court Throgmorton Street London on Tuesday 11 day of April next between the hours of 11 and 2.  Tomlinsons Thompson and Baker solicitors for the assignees” and  – “Commission against Whitehead, Howard and Haddock, the separate creditors of Matthew Howard and John Haddock who have proved their debt under commission of bankrupt awarded and issued against John Whitehead, Matthew Howard and john Haddock of Cateaton Street in the city of London Bankers and co-partners may receive the full amount of their debts by applying at our office in Copthall Court, Throgmorton Street London on Tuesday 11 day of April next between the hours of 11 and 2.  Tomlinsons Thompson and Baker solicitors for the assignees”.

The Morning Post of Friday 7 February 1817 carried the following advertisement –
To Bankers and Others – To be let on lease these capital premises late in the occupation of Messrs Whitehead Howard and Haddock situated in Cateaton Street opposite the Old Jewry.   No expense has been spared to render them complete in every respect.   Immediate possession may be had.   For particulars and tickets to view apply to Messrs Samuel and John Paynter Surveyors Coleman Street.

The London Gazette on 2 May 1818
THE Joint and Separate Creditors of George Whitehead the younger and Gauntlett Clarke, of Basinghall Street, in the City of London, Blackwell-Hall-Factors, Dealers, Chapmen, and Co-partners, are desired to meet the Assignees of the said Bankrupts' estate and effects, on Thursday the 7th day of May instant (by Adjournment from the 30th day of April last), at Twelve of the Clock at Noon precisely, at the Guildhall Coffee-House, in King-Street, Cheapside, London, to receive the report of the Committee appointed at the last meeting of the Creditors, to investigate the affairs and concerns of the said Bankrupts, and their estates; and to assent to or dissent from, the said Assignees- presenting, a petition or petitions to the Right Honourable the Lord High Chancellor of Great Britain, to expunge the proof of a certain debt made by the Assignees of Messrs. Whitehead, Howard, and Haddock, under the said Commission against the said George Whitehead and Gauntlett Clarke; and also to assent to or dissent from the said! Assignees of the said George "Whitehead the younger and Gauntlett Clarke presenting a petition or petitions to the Right Honourable the Lord High Chancellor of Great Britain, to be allowed to prove a certain debt under the Commission issued against the said Messrs. Whitehead, Howard, and Haddock; and also another debt against the separate estate of Mr. John Whitehead, one of the last named. Bankrupts; and also to assent to or dissent from, the said Assignees commencing and prosecuting one or more action or actions, suit or suits at law or in equity against the Executors of Mr. George Whitehead the elder, deceased, for the recovery of certain sums of money received by or by the direction of the said George Whitehead the elder, under a certain deed of trust executed by the said George Whitehead the younger and Gauntlett Clarke to the said George Whitehead the elder and John Whitehead ; or to assent to or dissent from the said Assignees negotiating and acceding to certain terms of settlement with the Assignees of the said Messrs. Whitehead, Howard, and Haddock, and the Executors of the said George Whitehead, deceased, which will be stated at such meeting; and on their withdrawing and abandoning all claims against the joint and separate estates of the said George Whitehead the younger and Gauntlett Clarke, or to negotiate and accede to such other terms of settlement as the said Assignees shall, with the concurrence of the majority of the Creditors present at such meeting, think proper; and on other special affairs.

The financial difficulties experienced by the bank’s original proprietor, John Whitehead, in the collapse of his other company at around the same time as the bank’s collapse, would indicate he was the leading contributor to the bank’s downfall.

The Morning Chronicle of 2 April 1821 under “Sale by Auction” published the following – A policy in Equitable Assurance Company for two thousand pounds by Mr Adamson Thursday 12 instant at 12 at the Auction Mart by order of the Commissioners under a commission to bankrupt issued against George Whitehead Junior and Gauntlett Clarke
This was followed by a further item: A policy in the Equitable Assurance Company in New Bridge Street Blackfriars effected on the life of the bankrupt Gauntlet Clark on the 16 December 1802 then aged 28 years for twenty thousand pounds the annual premium £51.2s payable on the 15h day of December in every year the last payment made December last.   Particulars may be had of Messrs Tilson and Preston Solicitors Coleman Street etc. and of Mr Adamson 28 Fenchurch Street.


The Morning Chronicle (London) Thursday June 12 1823 issue 16894:
THE CREDITORS, who have proved Debts under the Commission of Bankrupt awarded and issued against John Whitehead, Matthew Howard and John Haddock formerly of Cateston-street, London, Bankers, are requested to meet on Thurs the 19th day of June instant, at 12 o’clock for one precisely, at the Court of Commissioners of Bankrupt, in Basinghall-street, London, for the purpose of taking into consideration the propriety of making some remuneration to the Assignees for their great loss of time and trouble in managing and winding up the affairs of the said Bankrupts, previous to the ?final? Dividend, which is about to be declared of their Estate.

The Morning Chronicle London Tues Sept 1, 1829 issue 18709
WHITEHEAD, HOWARD AND HADDOCK
Commission- The Joint Creditors who have proved Debts under a Commission of Bankrupt, issued in the year 1814, against Messrs Whitehead, Howard and Haddock of Cateaton Street London Bankers, may receive a Final Dividend of 2 pence in the Pound ( which with the 5 former Dividends will make the amount paid on the Joint Debts 16 shillings and 10 pence Farthing in the Pound) etc.

Although the bankruptcy in occurred in 1814, creditors were not given their final dividend until 1829.


©  B A Butler
Contact email:  butler1802   @hotmail.com  (no spaces)