Biography:
1. Stephen Cock was a Labourer by trade, set to work by Daniel Cornish in October, 1787 at 9/-d per week, possibly renovating the Mills following their purchase by the Government from Mr Walton (Winters, op.cit.p.28).
2. A Report dated the 27th November 1788 (Supply 5/212) recorded that Stephen was to be tried as a Millman, yet a further Report dated the 21st March 1789 (also Supply 5/212) recorded that Cock was at that date "Setting and Drawing Stoves, etc." at 1/6d per day.
3. A letter dated the 12th September 1789 from J. Wright and J. Clowdersly to Major Congreve said, "We beg leave to report that last night at 6 O'clock the 2nd of No. 16 Head Mills blew up; the charge had not been upon the bed more than five Minutes and the Mill did not receive any injury, it was set to work this day at 10 O'clock. The Master Worker has removed James Bennett and Stephen Cock out of the Mills as he found them incapable of doing their buisiness, we therefore desire to know if you would have them discharged. We have given notice to Richard Stevens and Thos Wright that they are not to be employed after the 20th Instant which we hope will meet your approbation." (WASC 1392).
