Born 14 April 1815 at Crich, Derbyshire, first son of Joseph PLATTS and Mary. Died 1859 at St Petersburg, Russia, interred in Smolensk Cemetery, St Petersburg. Married Sarah Haines TANDY 1839 8 children: John Joseph PLATTS, born Odessa, Russia 11 April 1840 William James PLATTS, born Odessa, Russia 13 May 1841 Henry Charles PLATTS, born Odessa, Russia 06 January 1843 Joseph John William PLATTS, born Russia 31 May 1846 Mary Haines PLATTS Louisa Matilda PLATTS Theodor Alexander PLATTS, born Russia 29 July 1852 Sarah Victoria PLATTS, born Russia 26 January 1855
Tree showing Joseph Platts' ancestors (reproduced from original research documented by Emily Platts in 1941)
(The original document is divided into two columns, the left side being in English, the right side in Russian.)
This is to certify that Mr Joseph Platts entered into the service of the Steamboat Company of the Black Sea in the capacity of Engineer in October 1837 and still continues in the same to this day, during all which time he has conducted himself with the greatest sobriety, activity, honesty and intelligence to the most perfect satisfaction of the Direction of the said Company, who consider it due to give him the present Certificate in testimony of their full satisfaction and with the sincere wish that it may be useful to him to obtain an advantageous situation, the Company not requiring his services any longer.
The Acting Director
Letter from Joseph Platts to his wife on their 20th wedding anniversary
(Transcribed from a photocopy of the original)
1859
April 1st
St Petersburg
My Dear Sarah,
I received yours of 28th Feby. only yesterday. A long time, but of course a loss of time is going first to Cronstadt & at the present the communication is very bad, as the ice is beginning to break up. The English Governess at (?? of C ?) told me that the sister wanted to overrule the things, but of C would not let her. She borrowed a black lace shawl. She cannot go back for she spoke publicly before the servants, and it is I feel, his wish that you should have them.
My dear Sarah if you want any more money you must apply to Ravenhills and take from your funds there. I mentioned in my last that I was very glad that you were going to arrange with Mr (Shand?) for Henry as I suppose that you say nothing or are you going to bring him. I feel very much grieved to hear of the death of Mr Valentine, they will find a great loss.
I am very glad to know that you have heard of William, give my love to him. Today is our wedding day, 20 years; My dear I would give you a kiss but for the distance, but may the Lord Bless and grant that you may be spared to see a great many more anniversaries. Mr E. Cattley informs me that the first steamer will be here about the 1st of May; that is in a month’s time.
Now my dear Sarah I must give you a chapter of myself; you will no doubt be vexed that I have not informed you before but I think I have done for the best & hope that you will rejoice with me that the Lord in his infinite mercy has removed the axe & spared this tree a little longer. The Lord has been pleased to afflict me from which through his mercy I am fast recovering. I underwent an operation nearly three weeks ago and everything is going on quite favourably thank God. I am under the hands of one of the first professors in Europe; how providential that I came to Petersburg for had I been in a place where there is less skill my life might have been sacrificed, on my arrival here I applied to the Doctors in Cronstadt & they advised me to go to England to get surgical aid. Mr M. Irving went with me to Petersburg to see an English Physician also a surgeon, neither would undertake to treat me as they felt they were not competent. The Drs. Elatthey & Mr Lioiney in fact a great many came forward to assist me including (Dr C) he was very kind and advised me to get permission to enter the college of Surgeons where I have been nearly six weeks. Thank God that I succeeded in getting in. The Professor is very attentive, he comes to me once a day and a Doctor twice. They think I shall be able to leave in about a fortnight. Kind friends come regularly to see me; my dear Sarah what would I have given for one soothing word from those I love, the bitter tears that I have shed, my life hanging by a thread & separated from all that I hold dear. I say again thank God for his great mercy that he has blessed the means that has been used for my recovery, and I feel thankful that it was not too late. I have omitted to say it was a cancer they tried burning first but did not sufficiently succeed. Oh, my suffering continually after the operation of cutting for 5 days and nights I scarcely closed my eyes. Thank God that I have strength to undergo it, my health & appetite has not failed me. Excuse the writing as I cannot sit to the table yet. As you will soon be leaving England I shall not write again. May the Lord Bless you and grant you a safe passage. Kiss the children, my love to Father. The Lord Bless you also from your Affectionate Husband Joseph Platts.
Please to bring me the Key to Bourne’s Catechism of the Steam Engine. I think it costs about 3/-
