THOMAS RABSON (aka John Rabson)
Thomas Rabson was not one of the original Craigflower settlers but as a shop-keeper in Esquimalt he was a known, indeed notorious, figure. His name does not appear in any of the ship's logs for the early period of settlement; it is possible he was one of many who arrived in Victoria in the late 1850's seeking their fortune and remaining to establish shops during the gold rush boom. His children attended Craigflower and while not distinguished for scholarship, their names appear in Claypole's attendance list for 1864: Ida, Emma, Mary Caroline, and Sydney Thomas.1
Rabson, meanwhile, earned the reputation of being a "troublesome" man;2 newspaper accounts indicate he was easily provoked:
An Esquimalt storekeeper named Thomas Rabson appeared on a summons before the Police Magistrate yesterday morning to answer for alleged assault upon John McKinnon, a waterman at Esquimalt on Saturday week.3
The fact that he lost most of the court actions which he initiated did not deter him from pressing charges:
June 13, 1863
Fell & Co. vs. Rabson - Supreme Court ... This was an action brought to recover the sum of $13.40 balance due for coffee sold by the plaintiff to the defendent. His Honour gave Judgement for the Plaintiff for $10.60.4
Oct. 26, 1863
Boyle & Co. vs. Rabson - Was an action for $72 for potatoes sold & delivered. The verdict for plaintiff.5
However, by the winter of 1863, Rabson had declared bankruptcy and charges against him were heard in the Supreme Court:
Re. Thos. Rabson. This bankrupt came up on his further examination. Opposition was offered by Mr. Drake on behalf of some of the creditors on the grounds that a sum of money ($460) said to be due by the bankrupt was not due ... Also that Rabson had endeavored to abscond and a captain of a schooner who had picked up Rabson and his family in a boat on the Sound was called to prove this fact. His evidence was by no means clear and the Judge stated he would take time to consider the case.6
The case muddled on and by the summer of 1864 was still unresolved. It appears, however, that Rabson re-established himself in the community and by 1866 was again embroiled in litigation:
June 15, 1866
"Cross charges" - Two residents of Esquimalt named Geere & Rabson preferred cross charges of assault against one another yesterday in police court ... It appeared ... the parties met at the boat landing & some altercation arose respecting an old debt ... when Rabson accused Geere of telling a lie and Geere resented by striving him. The magistrate postponed the case until Monday recommending the parties In the Interim to live on more neighbourly terms and to settle their differences amicably.7
Further court action resulted following the marriage of his daughter Emma:
Feb. 21, 1871 "Charivari"
On Saturday night at Esquimalt the residence of Thomas Rabson was serenaded by a charivari band of young fellows belonging to that usually quiet village, who played charming tunes on tin cans, cowbells,. drums, fifes, and fishhorns. The serenade was the consequence of the marriage of a member of Mr. Rabson's family to a farmer of Craigflower. The euphonious din was kept up for some time and Mr. Rabson finally appeared and stood 'treat' whereupon the crowd dispersed with three hearty cheers for the bride & groom & relations of the bride.8
Feb. 25, 1871 Col. p. 3
... following the [above] event Mr. Rabson preferred a charge against Mr. Hunter, customs officer ... of encouraging or conspiring ... at the destruction of his property ... [Meanwhile Rabson was accused of stealing a saw from a Mr. Howard].9
Rabson was reprimanded by the magistrate for being a most "troublesome man" who "should act more prudently".10 Meanwhile, Hunter, the customs officer, retaliated with various charges against Rabson:
Apr. 6, 1871 "Charge of Smuggling"
Thomas Rabson appeared before the Police Court yesterday charged by Robt. Hunter, with having violated the revenue laws by obtaining dutiable goods from H.M. ships of the Navy ... and bringing them ashore without paying the duties ... postponed for 8 days.11
Apr. 25, 1871 "Convicted"
... as there were 3 other charges against him for similar offences he [Magistrate] would reserve judgement until after their disposal.12
May 3, 1871 "Police Court"
Thomas Rabson was convicted on 2 separate charges of smuggling and fined $25 for each offence.13
Undaunted by his conviction, Rabson continued his incorrigible behaviour. More amused than shocked by his antics, the Colonist headed their coverage of the
Incident "'Squimalt Forever":
July 27, 1871
... Thos. Rabson appeared in Police Court to answer a charge of having obstructed officer Hunter in the discharge of his duties. Hunter, a custom house officer, was inspecting some sheep brought ashore by Rabson from the Zealous. Rabson objected and raised an oar when the officer drew a pistol. Rabson was convicted and fined $25 ...
In 1884, the Colonist reported the death of a Thomas Rabson in Comox.14 It is not clear whether this was the obstreperous shop-keeper of Esquimalt or not.
Endnotes:
1 Sydney Thomas Rabson's distinction must rest with the fact that he achieved more days absent (163) than any other pupil that year; see attached.
2 Colonist, Mar. 4, 1871, p.3.
3 Ibid., Feb. 10, 1863, p.3.
4 Ibid., p.3.
5 Ibid., p. 3.
6 Ibid., Jan. 21, 1864, p. 3.
7 Ibid., p. 3. During this period Rabson is listed in Mallandaine's Victoria Directory, "groceries and provisions", "storekeeper", Esquimalt.
8 Ibid., p.3.
9 Ibid., p. 3; Emma's name appeared in connection with this case. (Colonist, March 4, 1871, p. 3). The name of her bridegroom has not been determined; newspaper references to Rabson are so numerous time did not permit the pursuit of each one.
10 Ibid., "The Saw Case," March 4, 1871, p. 3.
11 Ibid., p. 3.
12 Ibid., p. 3.
13 Ibid. , p. 3.
14 Ibid., Nov. 24, 1884.