James Scott Savory: , livre ebook

James Scott Savory:
Sins & Secrets
Sue Buchanan
Austin Macauley Publishers
2020-01-31
James Scott Savory: About the Author Dedication Copyright Information © Introduction Career Chapter 1 The Beginning Chapter 2 Hit the Ground Running The Missions Events Contributing to JSS’s Departure from India: Chapter 3 Cass Chitty Chapter 4 Fork in the Road Family Chapter 5 Mary Chapter 6 Theodosia Chapter 7 Mary Ann Dark Chapter 8 Death of James Scott Savory Chapter 9 James Scott Savory – Saint or Sinner? Chapter 10 James Scott Savory’s Indian Legacy Bibliography
About the Author
Sue Buchanan is a descendant of the family James Scott Savory left behind in India. She has a keen interest in genealogy, history and India, and has been researching these areas for the past twenty years. This research has taken her on a surprising journey of discovery which continues. Sue lives in Australia with her husband and three daughters.
Dedication
For Shayne, Nicola, Brittany and Natarsha
Copyright Information ©
Sue Buchanan (2020)
The right of Sue Buchanan to be identified as author of this work has been asserted by her in accordance with section 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publishers.
Any person who commits any unauthorised act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.
A CIP catalogue record for this title is available from the British Library.
ISBN 9781528946445 (Paperback)
ISBN 9781528971775 (ePub e-book)
www.austinmacauley.com
First Published (2020)
Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd
25 Canada Square
Canary Wharf
London
E14 5LQ

This journey began as an idea to preserve the letters and information gathered by a cousin, the late Phyliss Scott Bayliss, on our Scott family history which she researched for many years before it became the juggernaut genealogy is today. This idea then turned into a hobby and with every new discovery, it turned into a compelling jigsaw puzzle, fitting all the pieces of information and family members together, filling in the blanks and getting a picture of the lives of our ancestors who lived in a distant land in a surreal time. Their deeds, decisions and connections are captivating, drawing you in wanting to know more.
The journey has produced so many surprises, the discovery of a cousin who until recently neither of us knew about. Rebecca James. We met online in 2014 and have corresponded through email and Skype until finally meeting up in the British Library in 2016. Becky is not only my cousin but has also become a friend. Becky and I help and support each other in furthering the research into our family. Whilst still pursuing our own individual research, we are in contact discussing our discoveries, advising, supporting each other and without Becky’s encouragement, I would never have put my research and family stories of my three times great-grandfather, James Scott Savory, into this book.
Veronica Buchanan nee Scott. My Mum. Who, when I was little, each night told me bedtime stories of her childhood in India and the family there. I suppose these stories ignited the interest and a connection to our ancestors in India and England which I am still pursuing.
None of this research could be possible though without my husband, Shayne, and my girls, Nicola, Brittany and Natarsha, who have listened patiently to my discoveries and frustrations in piecing together the ancestors and our history.
Brit, in particular, has assisted and supported me enormously. She has helped me reason and look at information from different perspectives and given me invaluable advice and encouragement. One of the best experiences has been travelling to England with her where we researched the archives making exciting discoveries and our little expeditions to find houses and investigate areas in London, Wiltshire and Somerset where our ancestors once lived.
By researching and writing about our history, I hope to give them and future generations a sense of where they came from, what their ancestors did and how they themselves have arrived at the point they are in their lives. Knowing your past provides a sense of belonging and security and the knowledge of how generations of so long ago have influenced what and where they are today.
Introduction
This is a story of over 200 years in the making. From the small market town of Calne, Wiltshire, to the riches of India, the Honourable East India Company, London and Bath. A family of two sides, one with the perception of abandonment and another with privilege. Of mixed race and English descent, of prejudice and consequences, of decisions and actions misunderstood for generations. Actions which were a symptom of their time and social acceptance. Actions, decisions and shared history influenced by race, parentage, money, power, position, and religion. A legacy which now spans the world and generations.
Outside influences were to also play a role in the outcomes and consequences of this family. From associations with landed gentry in Wiltshire with questionable political dealings, a company so large and powerful it governed and ruled a country, religious devotion, missions and missionaries. Devastating consequences of race brought about by reforms which changed the status of offspring and relationships that had previously been encouraged resulting in prejudice, limiting of social status, employment, travel and migration opportunities.
Lives lived under circumstances of ambition, money, power and influence. Intrigue and scandal, suspicions of bigamy, abandonment and censure all played a role. A life of success, heartbreak and love, this is a story of numerous facets with one central figure.
The lynchpin figure in this shared history was one James Scott Savory. The consequences of his decisions, actions and life are still influencing the lives of his descendants over 200 years after joining the Honourable East India Company and his posting to India on the Madras Establishment.
From as far back as 1817, we have a divided family – one in India and the other in England with neither side connecting until 2015 when contact was made between the English descendants and the Indian descendants.
For it is only through the ability today to access records from long ago, previously unable to be viewed and their existence unknown can we now piece together the truth of events which have brought us here today. These records provide the opportunity to give meaning and clarity to some of the misconceptions and family stories. It is not only access to records but the internet and genealogical websites which have connected and will continue to connect family that have lost contact or not had any knowledge of each other.
It is also a story of cousins, not knowing the existence of each other, discovering their family connection half a world away. Becoming good friends and continuing the journey of unlocking the secrets of the past.
This book is a look at the eventful professional and personal life of JSS and his years with the HEIC. It offers a glimpse of a surreal time in India and England. Ushering us into his personal life, with elements of scandal, tragedy, secrecy and love. Of a time, which entwines the family he left behind in India and the families he had in England when he returned…and the legacy one man created.
Career

Chapter 1
The Beginning
James Scott Savory (JSS) was born on 19 July 1779 in Calne, Wiltshire, and baptised on 20 August 1779 at St Mary’s, Calne, Wiltshire.
The eldest son of Richard and Sarah (nee Scott) Savory’s five children. JSS was destined to be part of history in a time of power, empire and wealth. A life of two halves worlds apart.
The family’s roots were in Wiltshire which is where the Savorys made influential connections at a time when powerful connections could make a life of success, wealth and power. These connections strengthened and grew; however, it was during their time living in London which set in motion the first steps to an intriguing and somewhat controversial life for a young James Scott Savory.
The Savory family were pillars of the community in Calne as indeed their descendants today. Successful owners of inns such as The Borough Arms (formally the Catherine Wheel and Black Boy now The Lansdowne) and the Kings Arms, victuallers, peruke makers, post office excise officers, burgesses, wardens and sextons of their church. The Savorys had a strong relationship with Bowood House and the Marquess of Lansdowne with JSS’s uncle, John Savory, being a land agent at Bowood House and living at Buck Hill. 1
James Scott Savory was named after his maternal grandfather, Malster, James Scott. The Scott family, however, are somewhat more elusive in their history prior to the 1756 marriage of Sarah’s father, James Scott, to the widow Rebecka Lewis in Bremhill. This marriage also produced a son, James Scott, born 1759. There are suggestions of a connection to Sir Walter Scott which is yet to be proven. 2
James and Rebecka Scott appear to have remained in Calne for James Scott, Malster, was listed in the 1783 Bailey Directory of Calne 3 and James Scott the elder of Calne is named with his children in the 1786 will of Walter Scott of London, formerly of Herefordshire.
Richard and Sarah Savory moved their young family from Calne to London where James’s father, Richard Savory, received appointment to Custom House. It is possible the Lansdownes had some influence in Richard’s appointment. 4 This lends further weight to the connection between the Savorys and Bowood House.
It was during this time in London the Savorys established connections with many families and individuals. Some of whom would play a significant role in a