Originally posted Wednesday, September 19, 2007 on Blogger!
The Times (London, Middlesex, England)
Saturday, June 15th, 1833
Marlborough Street. – Joseph Songi, a foreigner carrying on an extensive business as a confectioner at 269, Regent-street, and a gaily-dressed female, assuming the name of Theresa Songi, were charged yesterday by the wife of the former with having violently assaulted her.
The complainant, who has been frequently at this office in consequence of the ill usage of her husband, from whom she has been for some time parted, stated that having had occasion to apply at his house in Regent-street for payment of three weeks’ arrears of the pittance of 7s. per week which he allowed her for her and her children’s support, she was assaulted by her husband and the female with whom he cohabited, and she was thrust ultimately into the street.
Mr. Dyer remarked that the last time the parties were before him he had hoped the defendant, Joseph Songi, had come to some sense of decent feeling towards his wife; but, from what he now heard, he was afraid he had been mistaken.
The defendant (Joseph Songi) replied, that he could not afford to keep up the payment of 7s. a week to his wife.
Mr. Dyer could not believe that a person occupying such a house as the defendant did, and apparently carrying on such an extensive business, could not pay the small sum he had consented to allow his wife.
The wife said that it was a very hard case for her, after having been his wife for 24 years, and having had a family by him, to be turned out of a home to make room for the female who was flaunting in finery before them. When her husband brought that young woman home he told her she was his daughter; but she had not been in the house two days before she discovered and improper intercourse existed between them; and, because she would not consent to an arrangement infamously immoral, she was ill used, and ultimately turned out of doors.
Mr. Dyer remarked, that he felt assured her character and conduct were irreproachable, for he had seen many written testimonials from persons of consideration, all speaking in the highest manner of her, and it was quite lamentable to observe the situation in which the behaviour of her husband had placed her.
After some further conversation, the warrant was discharged, upon the male defendant paying the arrears, and entering into his own recognizance to keep the peace towards his wife for three months, and also becoming surety for the future good behaviour of the women.
So, not so nice Candyman at all, right? Brings back a young girl from the “continent” and kicks his wife to the curb. This “Theresa Songi” who has been passed off as a cousin and daughter was a gold digger for sure and even got the old man to try and renounce his parentage of the two boys, Joseph Jr. and John. I’m sure when Joseph Sr. passed on, the ownership of the confectioner’s shop got “sticky” pun intended. I’ll try and find more and get back to everyone.
