can someone please confirm his crime of Feb 1859? and can anyone tackle the description of him in small writing, starts 'mole on left cheek ..' Thank you
Could his crime be something like 'Stealing Malt Mill etc'? Or is it Mole, and the next word something to do with traps or skins etc? His description is a bit easier to work out (I think): Mole on left cheek, long cut back 2nd finger right hand, and back left thumb 2 cuts back forefinger left hand, cut back little finger same hand Since these appear to be recent injuries (cuts rather than scars), I wonder how he got them...
Fighting off the constable (or whoever arrested him)? I think it says 'Stealing Malt Millet'? Thanks for the description, my eyes kept glazing over
Mole on left cheek, long cut 2nd finger back finger right hand, cut back left thumb, 2 cuts forefinger left hand, cut back little finger (?) hand
Sherborne Mercury 22 February 1859 John Runyard, sen, stealing a malt mill and other articles at Edmondsham, hard labour two calendar months
Poole & Dorset Herald 24 February 1859 PETTY SESSIONS, Friday, Feb 18. Before J. T. Baskett and Willet L. Adye, Esqrs. John Runyard, a farm labourer, in the employ of Mr Scott, of Pentridge, was charged with stealing one hand saw, one malt mill, a new rope, one iron pot, and a spade, the property of Henry Amey, the dairyman. P.C. Abraham searched prisoner's house, and found all the articles which were identified. Prisoner had set up the mill, and appeared to have used it for grinding barley; being a confidential servant he had access to his master's barn. Mr Scott not residing at the farm. Superintendent Baynton informed the magistrates that the prisoner had hitherto borne a good character, and had been on the same farm 18 years, and had a wife and two children. Prisoner pleaded guilty, and was sentenced under the Criminal Justice Act to two months hard labour.
Yes - 'cut' rather than my suggestion of 'and'. My first thought was Male, and then I wondered about a badly formed 'B' and came up with Male Bull, which didn't seem right. Anyway, good find with the press cuttings (and not just because they confirm what I said )
Is this John in the Dorset County Chronicle of 7th November 1861? John Runyard of Verwood, was charged on a warrant by John Hawkins, a mole catcher, with stealing eleven of his traps; seven of them were found in some fields where prisoner exercised his calling, and one in his house. All turned upon the identity of one of the traps. Mr H. T. Johns, of Ringwood, appeared for prisoner and argued the want of clear identity. The Bench thought there was not sufficient to convict and discharged the prisoner with a caution.
I rather think it is, yes. No Runyards in the Cranborne Chase until John's father moved there from the Wool area, so I'm afraid it must be mine
