Criminal Ancestors in England

[Nevis]

(Note from Editor. Also included are people who have just gone missing and are not considered to be criminals.)

Police Gazette, 1816.
"A woman, of the name of Wilkinson, is under prosecution by the parish for keeping receptacles for girls, to the number of 100, mostly between 12 and 15 years of age, in several small houses, in Pye Street, Westminster (London). The facts relative to this almost unparelled scene, were disclosed before the Magistrates, at the Police Office, Queen Square, on the 15th instant; who took measures to get these miserable victims of this base woman's foul avarice and black sin, returned to their friends, in the hope they may be rescued from utter destruction."
(Found online, more details of the case ..... https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=XXQ ... on&f=false )
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Police Gazette, 1812
"Daring Highwayman. The roads between Portsmouth and Bishop's Waltham, have, for some time past, have been infested by a Highwayman of no common description: He is represented as a fine looking fellow, near 6 feet in height, and always mounted on a Blood Horse. Mr Houghton of Portsea, unfortunately fell in with this bold tree booter, on the evening of the 20th instant, between Porchester and Fareham, when he dismounted, presented a pistol to Mr H's breast, demanded his money, and took thirty pounds in notes. This offender has been sought with diligence, but as yet escaped the Country Police."
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Arthur Brooke

Police Gazette, 1895, Northamptonshire.
"Arthur Brooke, alias Crichton, Alska and W. Pollard, whose apprehension is sought for shopbreaking, 19th inst., and stealing a large quantity of jewellery. Age 26 (looks older), height 5ft 5 in., complexion fresh, inclined to swarthy, hair ginger, clean shaved, eyes brown, small mole near right collarbone, birth mark right of navel; dress, dark mixture coat and vest, light trousers, turn down collar, black bow tie, black felt hat, dark grey overcoat with black velvet collar; wore a diamond scarf ring, and rings on fingers, carried a small brown leather hand-bag. Is an expert shopbreaker, and has been convicted of that offence and for assaulting police at West Hartlepool, Newcastle-on-Tyne, Leeds, and Durham. A cabinetmaker, but states he is a comic gymnast. Is well known in the North of England. He travelled the country with a woman named Jenny Fairweather, Brooke, or Jeanette Crichton who is remanded in custody, and who has on several occasions been in custody with the man wanted."
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Maud Gregory

Police Gazette, 1897.
"Maud Gregory alias Maud Esmeralda McKenzie and Alice Ellis, whose apprehension is sought on a Coroner's warrant for child murder. Age 25 or 26, height 5ft 6in., complexion and hair dark, eyes (small) grey, flat nose, wide mouth; dress, black skirt and bodice, black jacket or fawn colour cape, black toreador hat. Is believed to have friends at Shrewsbury and Bristol, whom she may visit, or be found in the company of prostitutes."
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John Amis

Police Gazette, 1897, Norfolk.
"Norwich (City). For wilfully neglecting his 5 children - John Amis, age 47, height 5ft 6 in., complexion fresh, hair dark brown, eyes grey, may be growing a beard. A native of Wickmere, Norfolk. May seek employment as a hackney carriage driver. Harriet Lloyd, alias Wade (with whom the above cohabitated) age 48, height 5ft 7 in., complexion pale, hair (turning grey) brown, eyes hazel, face somewhat shrunken; dress crepon skirt, red shoulder-cape or shabby fur lined cloak and bonnet. A native of Wymondham. Warrant issued."
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Police Gazette, 1897.
Special Notice.
"Numerous complaints have been recieved by the Metropolitan Police about the business of "Dennis and Hill," of 178 Charing Cross Road, London, who advertise a guessing competition, coupled with the sale of the "Viograph" - a toy set of animated photographs, worth a few pence. This business is carried on by a man named Hill alias Hamilton and Strong, who has promoted other schemes of the same sort. The delay which occurs in obtaining the "Viograph" is due to the number of the replies he recieves. The Criminal Investigation Department cannot notice complaints from silly people who allow themselves to be duped by such schemes."
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John Reginald Robshaw Husler

Police Gazette, 1899.
Since 7th October last, from Newlay Grove, Horsforth, John Reginald Robshaw Husler, or may give the name of Husler Reginald Robshaw, age about 36, height 5ft 5 in., stout build, complexion ruddy, hair brown, eyes blue. When last seen was wearing light moustache; dress, black shooting-coat and vest, grey knickers, brown stockings, brown leather leggings, lace boots, brown plaid cap, stand-up collar, white tie with gold horshoe pin set pale corals and pearls; wore a heavy curb pattern gold chain, silver watch, and a thick 18ct wedding ring, has been a quarry owner at Park End, Lydney, Forest of Dean.
As he has been strange in his manner of late, it is feared that some ill has befallen him, or that he may have been drinking, and enquiries are requested at Infirmaries, Hospitals, Unions, & c. A reward of £10 will be paid by his wife for information as to his whereabouts.
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Police Gazette, 1899, Breconshire.
"Crickhowell (County). - For non appearance to a summons for stealing cabbage plants - William Morgan, alias Davies, age about 55, height 5ft 7ins., complexion fresh, hair dark, full beard (turning grey); dress, old dark suit and black felt hat. A labourer; native of Govilon, Monmouthshire. May be found working at collieries, public works, farm houses, or staying at common lodging houses."
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Police Gazette 1899.
"For stealing £20 14s 6d., 26th ult.- Matilda Winter alias Gray and Jones, age 24 or 25, height 5ft 3 or 4 ins., slight build, complexion pale, hair (frizzled in front) and rather large eyes dark; a gipsy. She obtained the above sum from a person on the pretence of telling her fortune."
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James Adam Johnston

Police Gazette 1899.
Barrow-in Furnace (Borough) - Portrait and description of James Adam Johnston, whose apprehension is sought for deserting his wife; age 43, height 5ft 8 in., stout build, complexion rather pale, hair (thick) and eyes brown, firm walk, bouncing manner, well dressed. A theatrical manager. Warrant issued.
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George Henry Nicholls

Police Gazette 1899.
Liverpool (City). - Portrait and description of George Henry Nicholls, whose apprehension is sought for forgery; age 23 (looks older), height 5ft 9in., complexion sallow, thin face, slightly hollow cheeks, hair brown, clean shaved, close set and peculiar twitching eyes, teeth discoloured, wearing when last seen blue suit and billycock hat. Is a good billiard player, fond of yachting and horse-racing. Lately carried on the business of a tobacco broker, and last resided at Hoylake, Cheshire. Warrant issued.
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Edward William Winning

Police Gazette 1899.
Missing. £2 Reward. Since 16th ult., Edward William Winning, age 10, height 5ft 7 in., stout buid, complexion fair, hair light brown, slight light moustache, eyes blue, dress green and brown mixture suit, dark brown overcoat with velvet collar, black bowler hat, black and white tie, turn-down collar, black socks, lace boots. The photograph was taken about 2 and a half years ago. Information to Mr Edward Winning, 6 Scott Villas, Bounds Green Road, New Southgate, N., by whom the above reward will be paid to any person giving such information as will lead to the whereabouts of the above.
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Frederick William Hayball

Police Gazette 1899.
Gloucestershire. Murder. Bristol (City).- Portrait and description of Frederick William Hayball whose apprehension is sought for the murder of his wife on 20th ult,; age about 34, height 5ft 9 and a half in., stout build, complexion fresh, hair dark brown, eyes brown, anchor and two dots left forearm: dress, when last seen, dark coat, patch on one shoulder, moleskin trousers, cap, supposed white muffler, with blue spots. A seaman, but has recently worked as a dock labourer. Native of Bristol. May endevour to get to sea.
http://cdnc.ucr.edu/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=SFC18990821.2.91
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Lily Smith

Police Gazette 1899.
Child desertion. Westminster Union. £3 3s reward. Portrait and description of a female child giving the name of Lily Smith, who was abandoned on the 8th April 1899, by some person unknown (but supposed to be the mother), in Oxford Street, W., age about 6 years, complexion and hair fair, clear delicate features, large bright eyes; dress, navy blue serge dress trimmed with white braid, two flannelette petticoats, red twill drawers, flanelette chemise, red stays, black stockings, blue "Tammy" hat, black fur necklet, lace boots, says she lived in "King Street" but is unable to say whether in London or the country.
The above reward will be paid by the Guardians of the Poor of the above-named Union to any person who shall give such information as will lead to the identification of the child and the apprehension of the person so abandoning such child.
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Martin MacLaughlin

Police Gazette 1921
For stealing, 11th January 1921 a sable motor rug composed of 29 skins on sage green cloth. And on the 31st, a lady's 18ct handbag, square, 2 compartments inside, containing round gold powder box with diamond on top: diamond pendant, set 15 blue and white stones, platinum chain attached: and £7. Martin MacLaughlin, aliases Maclochin, Mac and C. Walker. Born 1889, 5ft 7ins., slim build, fresh complexion, hair dark, (brushed back, no parting), eyes brown, clean shaven, bullet wound scar on chin, inverterate cigarette smoker; dress, grey suit, long black overcoat, fawn trilby hat. Believed to be an Australian. Stole valuable rug from car which had been parked by chauffeur with whom he was friendly, and jewellery from prostitute, whilst she was under influence of liquor at a hotel.