Joseph & Elizabeth Cantrell

Joseph & Elizabeth Robins Cantrell

The Cantrell's were an ancient Derbyshire family who had lived in Kings Newton House, Kings Newton, for 500 years. Joseph Cantrell was the son of Hugh and Mary Cantrell and was born in 1769. His brother was William Cantrell (see William & Ann Cantrell) 

He married Elizabeth Robins Smith, eldest daughter of the Rev. Joseph Smith of Alvaston Field, vicar of Alvaston, Boulton and Stapleford. Their eldest son was Joseph Thomas (see Joseph Thomas Cantrell). Their other son was William Henry (see William Henry Cantrell).

Joseph was a judge and in 1816 was appointed a Master Extraordinary in the High Court of Chancery.

In 1836 Joseph was found dead on the road between Stanton by Bridge and Kings Newton. An Inquest was held in the Dog and Duck pub at Stanton by Bridge. 

Joseph had been dining with a friend at the Crew & Harper Arms at Swarkestone and left between 5 and 6 in the evening to walk home to Kings Newton. When he did not arrive a search was started and he was found dead about 10 o’clock lying in a small gutter on the road with his head under water. It was a very stormy night and it was though that he was blown over by the wind. His umbrella was open beside him and the crown of his hat was broken but still on his head. 

Joseph was buried at Melbourne. His elegy was one that many men might aspire to:

"He was a kind husband, an indulgent father and an honest man."

His wife Elizabeth lived till she was 84, and died in 1855 at Kings Newton.