Joseph Thompson – aka Joe – was the son of the landlord of the Boot & Shoe, Halifax.
Later in life, he became a Halifax character.
At the age of 7, he was apprenticed to a card maker in Union Cross Yard. He was mistreated and ran away several times and when he was recaptured, he was imprisoned in Halifax Gaol for truancy.
A later master at Holmfirth flogged him with the result that he was crippled and had to be released from his apprenticeship on account of his poor health.
He was unable to work and learned to play the fiddle and was known as Fiddler Thompson. He made a living playing around the pubs and inns in Halifax.
He married when he was 18. He was drunk and quarrelsome and ill-treated his wife. Their son died of smallpox at 5 years old.
He left his wife and family joined the circus, and lived with a German lady fortune-teller for a time. In the circus, he was a juggler and – although crippled – became an expert performer
on three horses at once
He left his German companion for a time to rejoin his wife.
On one occasion, after drinking at Liverpool, he found himself playing his fiddle on a boat which was bound for Guinea. For 9 months, he sailed between France and Guinea. On his return to England in 1779, his wife met him off the ship with a set of women's clothing with which he disguised himself to avoid the Press Gang.
On another occasion, he almost hanged himself in a pub at Hartshead whilst demonstrating how men were hanged.
He beat his wife and she threatened to leave him. He gave up drinking and playing the fiddle – because of the temptations which it led to – and the couple remained married. His last performance was at the Turk's Head, Halifax where his brother was landlord.
In 1786, he joined the Methodists and worked as a dyer.
He died 5th March 1812.
He was buried at South Parade Methodist Chapel, Halifax
Page Ref: X1980
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