by Keith Retallick
The West Briton published the following report in its issue of 2nd July 1824 . . . . a source of great pride to Retallacks everywhere! But why no mention of his poor wife?
“Penwith Agricultural Society. The first meeting of this society took place at Camborne on Monday last, and was very respectably attended. The ploughing and sheep-shearing were in the very best style, and the shew of cattle reflected very great credit on the farmers of that confined district . . . The following prizes were adjudged . . .
To William Retallack, Illogan, as a labouring man who has maintained the largest number of children (19) without parochial relief, £2 2s.; and
To John West, Camborne, as maintaining the second largest ditto (15) ditto ditto £1 1s.”
From “Life in Cornwall” edited by R.M. Barton, with acknowledgments