A correspondent, writing to the _Derbyshire Courier_ the week following
the Stephenson Centenary celebration at Chesterfield, remarks:—“The other
day I met a kindly and venerable gentleman who possesses quite a fund of
anecdotes relating to the Stephensons, father and son. It appears we
have, or had, relations of old George residing in Derby. Years ago, says
my friend, an old gentleman, who by his appearance and carriage was
stamped as a man distinguished among his fellow-men, was inquiring on
Derby platform for a certain engine-driver in the North Midland or the
Birmingham and Derby service, whose name he gave. On the driver being
pointed out, the gentleman, with the rough but pleasing north-country
burr in his voice, said, after asking his name, “Did you marry —?” “Yes,
sir.” “Then she’s my niece, and I hope you’ll make her a good husband.
I have not had the chance of giving you a wedding present until now.”
Then slipping into his hand a bank note for £50, he talked of other
matters. The joy of the engine-driver at receiving so welcome a present
was not greater than being recognised and kindly received by his wife’s
illustrious uncle, George Stephenson.”