Oddfellows Arms 1870s

Folkestone Observer 2-6-1870

Saturday, May 28^th: Before R.W. Boarer, J. Clarke, and C.H. Dashwood Esqs.

Transfer

John Carter was granted temporary authority to sell excisable liquors under the license of James Carter granted at the last general annual licensing meeting for the Oddfellows Arms.

Note: More Bastions lists previous licensee as James Barker

Folkestone Express 4-6-1870

Saturday, May 28^th: Before R.W. Boarer, J. Clark, and C.H. Dashwood Esqs.

John Carter applied for a temporary license to sell excisable liquors at the Oddfellows Arms under a license granted to James Carter at the annual licensing meeting.

The application was granted.

Note: Licensee before Carter is listed as James Barker in More Bastions.

Folkestone Observer 7-7-1870

Wednesday, July 6^th: Before The Mayor, Capt. Kennicott, W. Bateman and J. Tolputt Esqs.

This was a special sessions for the transfer of licenses.

The Oddfellows Inn (sic) was transferred from James Barker to John Carter.

Folkestone Chronicle 9-7-1870

Wednesday July 6^th: Before the Mayor, Capt. Kennicott R.N., W. Bateman and J. Tolputt Esqs.

This was a special sessions for the transfer of licenses. The Oddfellows Inn (sic) was transferred from James Barker to John Carter

Folkestone Express 9-7-1870

Wednesday, July 6^th: Before The Mayor, Captain Kennicott R.N., W. Bateman, and J. Tolputt Esqs.

Transfer of License

Oddfellows Arms: The license was transferred from James Barker to John Carter.

Folkestone Chronicle 16-7-1870

Notice

Hannah Clarke (Known as Hannah Neale), widow, deceased.

Pursuant to an Act of Parliament, made and passed in the twenty second and twenty third years in the reign of Her present Majesty, Chapter 35, intituled “An Act to further amend the law of property, and to relieve Trustees”.

Notice is hereby given that all Creditors and persons having any Claims or Demands upon or against the estates of Hannah Clark (known as Hannah Neale), widow, late of the Oddfellows Arms, Radnor Street, Folkestone, in the County of Kent, Innkeeper, deceased, (who died on the twenty third day of May, One thousand eight hundred and seventy, and whose will was proved by George Barker, of Buxton, in the County of Norfolk, Labourer, and John Carter, of Radnor Street, Folkestone, aforesaid, Mariner, the Executors therein named, on the tenth day of June inst., in the District Registry attached to Her Majesty`s Court of Probate, at Canterbury) are hereby required to send in the particulars of their claims or demands to the said George Barker and John Carter, or to the undersigned, their solicitor, on or before the first day of August next. And notice is hereby also given that after that day the said Executors will proceed to distribute the Assets of the deceased among the parties entitled thereto, having regard only to the claims of which the said Executors shall then have notice,, and that they will not be liable for the assets or any part thereof so distributed to any person of whose debt or claim they shall not then have had notice.

Dated this twentieth day of June, 1870.

Richd. Hart, Church Street, Folkestone,

Solicitor for the Executors.

 

Southeastern Gazette 27-12-1870

Local News

At the Petty Sessions, a, few days since, before the Mayor (T. Caister, Esq.), J. Tolputt and R. W. Boarer, Esqs., John Brann was summoned by Hannah Carter to find sureties to keep the peace towards her.

Complainant deposed: I am the wife of John Carter, and we keep the Oddfellows Inn, in Radnor Street. The defendant lives close by.

He came to our house on Wednesday afternoon. I was standing at the door, and, when I saw him coming, I went into the bar, and he came into the bar too, and threatened to kill me if he could get near me. He tried to get at me, and strike me. His wife and wife`s mother and some men prevented him, and got him out of the house with my husband’s help. He was drunk. The same thing happened since this week. I do not know why the defendant annoys me. I did not call his wife anything.

Mary Brann, the previous defendant s wife, was also summoned to find sureties.

Hannah Carter further stated that, after Mrs. Brann got her husband away, she came back to complainant at the bar, and used most foul language, threatening to murder her. She also made an attempt to get near her, but was prevented by the people in the house, and put outside, one thought defendant was drunk, but was not certain. She had come to the house the night before, when she threatened.

In cross-examination, complainant said she did not use bad language.

Each of the defendants was bound over in £10 to keep the peace. 

Folkestone Express 28-9-1872

Monday, September 23^rd: Before The Mayor, T. Caister and J. Tolputt Esqs.

Catherine Hall, wife of a hawker, was brought up on a charge of being drunk and riotous in Radnor Street on Sunday. Defendant was further charged with using obscene language.

Defendant, a powerful muscular woman, appeared in Court with an infant in her arms, who seemed to enjoy the process of lactation, the surroundings notwithstanding. She stated that she had three more children. On being called to plead, she admitted being drunk, but denied being riotous and using obscene language.

P.C. Keeler said he was sent for to the Oddfellows Arms, Radnor Street, about half past ten on Sunday night, when Mr. Carter, the landlord, asked him to put defendant out. Witness told him he must eject her himself, but he would assist him in doing so. Defendant was then put out of the house. Witness told defendant she had better get home to her lodgings, when she used very abusive language and asked him what he had to do with it. Defendant was drunk and laid down in the street, and caused a crowd of from fifty to sixty persons to collect around her. Witness went away a short distance in order to see if defendant would go home, but she commenced again to make a disturbance and use bad language, and having obtaind the assistance of P.C. Sharpe he apprehended prisoner and locked her up.

P.C. Sharpe corroborated the evidence of his brother officer.

Mr. Caister asked how it was the house was not shut up before half past ten.

Supt. Martin explained that prisoner and her husband were lodging at the house, and that it was cleared at the proper time, but prisoner became so violent it was necessary to send for the police.

Prisoner said the landlord said her husband could go to bed but he would not allow her to do so. They had been lodging there a week, and had been drinking all day on Sunday. She was very sorry she had got drunk.

The Clerk to prisoner: Are you prepared to pay a fine?

Prisoner`s husband: I hope you will let us off as easily as you can, and it will never happen again.

Fined 5s. and 5s. 6d. costs for being drunk and riotous, or seven days hard labour, and 2s. 6d. and 3s. 6d. costs for using obscene language, or seven days hard labour, to commence at the expiration of the first term.

Prisoner was removed to the cells.

George Hall, husband of the last prisoner, was summoned on a charge of assaulting P.C. Keeler whilst in the execution of his duty on Sunday night.

P.C. Keeler deposed: I was employed in the execution of my duty in Radnor Street about half past ten o`clock on Sunday night, when defendant`s wife came out of the Oddfellows Arms, and I was taking her into custody when defendant came up and asked me what I was going to do with his wife. I told him I was about my business and he had better not interfere with me in the execution of my duty. He said I should not interfere with his wife. I told him if he interfered I should take him into custody. He replied with an oath that it would take three or four like me to do that. His wife was lying on the ground at the time, and I was trying to get her up. Defendant then kicked me on my leg, and nearly threw me into the crowd. He followed me and P.C. Sharpe down Radnor Street when we took his wife away, who was using obscene language as we went along.

By defendant: I have no marks on my leg. You kicked me on my ankle.

Defendant: All the people said “Don`t let him take your wife away”. If I kicked the policeman it was a mistake.

P.C. Sharpe corroborated.

Defendant: I tried to persuade my wife to come away.

The Clerk: Your wife is summoned to appear on Wednesday to answer two more charges of assault.

The Mayor said the police must be protected in the execution of their duty, and defendant must pay a fine of 5s. and 5s. 6d. costs, or go to gaol for seven days` hard labour.

Defendant was removed in custody.

Folkestone Chronicle 12-10-1872

Saturday, October 5^th: Before J. Tolputt Esq., and Col. De Crespigny

John Carter, of the Oddfellows Arms, was summoned for keeping his house open during prohibited hours, and fined 20s. and 9s. costs.

Folkestone Express 12-10-1872

Saturday, October 5^th: Before J. Tolputt Esq., and Col. De Crespigny.

John Carter, Oddfellows Arms, Radnor Street, pleaded Guilty to a similar offence.

P.C. Hogben said he saw some soldiers in the house at twenty minutes to six on Sunday evening with pots and glasses before them. Defendant came downstairs and the soldiers went out. Defendant said he was not aware that he had to close until six.

Defendant said he was showing the men a catalogue of some things. He was certain that there were other houses open at the time.

Fined £1 and 9s. costs.

Folkestone Chronicle 4-1-1873

Wednesday, January 1^st: Before The Mayor, J. Tolputt and J. Clarke Esqs, and Col. De Crespigny

Richard Spicer was summoned for refusing to quit licensed premises upon being requested by the landlord to do so, he being drunk.

Mr. Minter appeared for complainant.

Defendant pleaded Not Guilty.

John Carter, sworn, said he was landlord of the Oddfellows Arms, and on the night of the 26^th December defendant came to his house the worse for drink, in company with a man named Robt. Wetherhead, and demanded drink, but he refused to serve them. They wanted to go in the inside room where a party was collected, and his wife said they should not, and ordered them out of the house. They created a disturbance, which drew together a crowd.

Mrs. Carter confirmed her husband`s evidence.

Robt. Wetherhead was charged with the same offence.

Mrs. Carter stated defendant kicked at her, and caused a great disturbance.

Defendant was sworn, and denied the evidence against him.

The Bench considered the offence proved, and fined each defendant 10s. and 11s. costs, or in default seven days` hard labour.

 

Folkestone Express 4-1-1873

Wednesday, January 1^st: Before The Mayor, Col. De Crespigny, J. Tolputt and J. Clarke Esqs.

Richard Spicer and Robert Weatherhead, fishermen, were summoned under the new Licensing Act for refusing to leave the Oddfellows Arms, Radnor Street, when requested to do so on the 26^th December.

Mr. Minter for complainant.

John Carter, landlord of the above-named inn, said Spicer came into his house between 7 and 8 o`clock on the evening of the 26<sup>th</sup> December, apparently having had a little drink. He went away and returned again about 11 o`clock very much the worse for drink; in fact he was tipsy. Weatherhead was with him. He called for a glass of beer, which he refused to serve him. Weatherhead was also the worse for drink. There was a party of men in the room who were enjoying themselves very quietly. Spicer and Weatherhead caused a disturbance in the house and caused a crowd to collect outside. His wife was kicked at and struck by someone. He ordered Spicer to leave the house and he refused to do so. There were 40 or 50 people collected outside the house.

By Spicer: You did not leave the house when you were requested to do so.

Mrs. Hannah Carter corroborated her husband`s evidence, and said Spicer wanted to go into the room where there was a party of men, and she got in front of him for the purpose of stopping him, and he and Weatherhead tried to force their way into the room. She and her husband ordered them to leave the house, which they refused to do. She was struck on the breast and bruised by someone, but she could not say whom, and had to be attended by Mr. Eastes. A crowd collected inside and outside the house and broke up the party in the room. Spicer had come to the house at intervals for two years and had stood upon the doorstep for the purpose of annoying her.

By Spicer: I have shut the door in your face because the lodgers have been annoyed.

Spicer was told by the Clerk that under the new Act he could be sworn and give evidence on his own behalf if he chose. This Spicer declined to do.

In the case against Weatherhead Mrs. Carter said he went into the house with Spicer about 11 o`clock and called for a glass of beer, but as he was tipsy she refused to serve him. He kicked at her and began to use bad language, and offered to fight any three men in the house, and tried to get into the room to the customers. She stood in front of him to stop him. A crowd collected, and she was struck several times in the passage. She had not seen him in the house before that time.

By Weatherhead: You did not put your knee up to prevent your falling. You said before long you would have my nose off my face. There were not 14 or 15 men came out of the room drunk.

Mr. Carter confirmed what his wife had said and added that he had been compelled to apply to the police several times on account of defendant`s conduct.

By defendant: You came in about 11 o`clock. My wife did not push you out of the door. You said you would not go out.

The defendant Weatherhead was sworn and he said he went to sea on the 26^th December and came back at 5 o`clock in the afternoon, and afterwards went to the Pantomime at Sandgate, where he stayed until 10 o`clock, and he and another man had a quart of beer between them. He got home about half past 10, when Spicer asked him to go and have a glass of beer. They went into Carter`s bar and Mrs. Carter put up her hands and pushed him out of the door, and if he had fallen he would have broken his neck. He did not kick at her and was quite sober, having only had one pint of beer in 24 hours. Carter refused to draw him a glass of beer. About 15 men came out of the tap room so drunk they could not speak. Someone knocked him down and kicked him under the chin. The landlord and landlady were drunk. P.C. Hills came and requested him to leave the house.

Mr. Minter contended that it was pretty evident from Weatherhead`s own statement that defendants went to the house to make a row, and they had admitted that they had been requested to leave the house.

The Mayor said The Bench were of opinion that the case was proved against both defendants. Under the recent Act they had incurred a penalty of £5, but as it was the first case they would only be fined 10s. and 11s. costs each, or seven days in default.

The defendants paid the money. Weatherhead remarking that it was for keeping sober, which was no use doing.

Folkestone Express 18-1-1873

Friday, January 17^th: Before The Mayor, J. Kelcey and R.W. Boarer Esqs.

Matilda Batchelor, single woman, employed at the Oddfellows Arms, Radnor Street, was charged with stealing a print dress, the property of Thomas Standing.

It appears that Mrs. Standing had hung a dress on a line in her back garden at Cheriton Road and missed it on Wednesday evening. Prisoner offered it in pledge at Mr. Joseph`s and was handed over to the police.

Prisoner said the dress was given her by two men to pawn and she, having proved by two witnesses and alibi, was discharged with the caution not to be so accommodating in future or she might be charged with receiving stolen goods.

Southeastern Gazette 21-1-1873

Local News

At the Police Court on Friday, Matilda Batchelor, a young unmarried woman, employed at the Oddfellows’ Arms, Radnor Street, was charged with stealing a print dress, the property of Thomas Standing.

It appears that Mrs. Standing had hung a dress on a line in her back garden at Cheriton Road, and missed it on Wednesday evening. Prisoner offered it in pledge at Mr. Joseph’s, and was handed over to the police.

Prisoner said the dress was given her by two men to pawn, and she having by two witnesses proved an alibi, was discharged with the caution not to be so accommodating in future, or she might be charged with receiving stolen goods.

 

Folkestone Express 14-2-1874

Monday, February 9^th: Before The Mayor, J. Kelcey, J. Hoad and R.W. Boarer Esqs.

Catherine Wood, alias Kate Murray (23), whose career appears to be one of delinquency, having been three years in a reformatory, and against whom was registered some half-score convictions, was brought up on remand from Saturday, charged with stealing sundry books of the value of 1s. 6d., from the shop of Mr. Edward Dale, bookseller, Dover Street.

Annie Dale, prosecutor`s daughter, deposed: I was in my father`s shop on Wednesday afternoon, when prisoner came in and asked for a ticket for the Servants` Home. I told her to go to Mr. Birch`s. She then left the shop and came back in a quarter of an hour and said she had been to Mr. Birch`s and found she was too old to go into a Servants` Home. I then told her to go to Mr. Pope`s and she went away. She had a bonnet or shawl on.

Prisoner to witness: I told you I could not find Mr. Birch`s.

Elizabeth Dale, prosecutor`s wife, deposed: Prisoner came to our shop on Wednesday evening between seven and eight o`clock, and said she wanted to get into the Servants` Home. I told her my husband had no means of getting her into such an institution and that it was of no use her calling again. She left the shop, and after she was gone I looked round and missed about a dozen “Churchman`s Almanack” and “Dover and Deal Guide”s. The books now produced correspond with those I missed.

Hannah Carter, wife of John Carter, Oddfellows Arms, Radnor Street, said: Prisoner has lodged at my house. She came on Wednesday and called for a glass of beer and porter and paid a penny for it. She had a yellow covered book in her hand and asked if I liked reading, and I replied that I could not read and she then gave the book to my little girl. Prisoner went out after she had drank her beer. I gave the book to P.C. Keeler.

Harriett Hall, wife of William Hall, fishmonger, said: I saw prisoner come out of the fishmarket about half past three on Wednesday afternoon. She went through the arch in front of the Royal George, and was tossing up a number of books. She said “I am going to put these up for a pint of beer”. I said “You may as well give me one for my little girl”, and she gave me one and then went away.

Charlotte, wife of William Bourne, Hope, Fancy Street said prisoner came into her house in company with a tall man on Wednesday, and he paid for a pint of beer. Prisoner had several books in her hand and offered to give witness them, and as she said she did not want them, she gave her a “Churchman`s Almanack”, and said if she kept the books she would only make away with them. Witness threw the book prisoner gave her on the tap room fire.

P.C. Keeler said: On Thursday morning, from information received, I went to the Oddfellows Arms and received the book I now produce from Mrs. Carter. I then went in search of prisoner and apprehended her in Tontine Street about noon. After being cautioned she said she was drunk and went into a shop, but she would not have done it if it had not been for a young man who was standing outside, and she gave him a portion of the books. She said she did not know his name, but they called him “Charlie”. Prisoner was searched by the female searcher, but nothing was found upon her. I have been to Dover and Hythe in search of the man, but could not find him.

Prisoner, after being duly cautioned, said: I came to Folkestone on Monday with a young man named Mackson, whose father keeps a farm. We went to the Dew Drop and got a bed there; we went into the tap room and had a pot of beer. I had just come out of prison and got a little beer, which upset me. If you will be so kind as to forgive me I will go into a Home: I could go in one today. I have lost my mother. I will go down on my hands and knees if you will forgive me. I don`t want to go to prison again.

The Mayor said the Bench had no alternative but to commit prisoner for trial, and she was accordingly committed to the Quarter Sessions.

Folkestone Express 2-5-1874

Quarter Sessions

Tuesday, April 28^th: Before J.J. Lonsdale Esq.

Catherine Wood (22) was charged with stealing fourteen books, value of 1s. 4d., the property of Mr. Edward Dale, stationer, 1, Dover Street, on the 4^th February. Mr. Minter for the prosecution.

Prisoner, on being called upon to plead, said she could not remember taking the books.

Mrs. Elizabeth Dale deposed: I am the wife of Edward Dale, carrying on business of stationer, 1, Dover Street. Prisoner came into the shop between seven and eight o`clock on the evening of Wednesday,  4<sup>th</sup> February  last. She said she wanted to get into a servants` home. I told her Mr. Dale had no means of getting her into one, and it was no use her calling again. I missed some books after she was gone. I had a bundle of the “Dover and Deal Guide” on the counter between two and three o`clock. After she had gone I missed them. One contained “The Dover and Deal Guide”, and the other the “Churchman`s Almanack”. The books now produced by P.C. Keeler correspond with those I lost.

By Prisoner: I did not see you take the books.

Annie Dale, ten years of age, deposed: On the 4^th February I was in my father`s shop in the afternoon between three and four o`clock . Prisoner came in and said she wanted to get into a home, and inquired if my father could get her in. I told her to go to Mr. Birch, the Relieving Officer. She then left and came back in about quarter of an hour, and said Mr. Birch could not get her into a home. I then told her to go to Mr. Pope`s, Registry Office. She went away again. I was in the shop at half past seven, and heard mother tell her father had no means of getting her into a home.

By the Recorder: The books were on the counter, and prisoner stood near to them. I found her in the shop when I came downstairs. She was standing near the books.

Hannah Carter, Oddfellows Inn, Radnor Street, deposed: I have known prisoner some time. She came to my house on the 4^th February between six and seven in the evening and asked for a glass of half-and-half. She had a book in her hand and asked if I would have the book. I said I could not read, and she gave me the book for my little girl. It had a yellow cover, and I believe it was a “Dover and Deal Guide”. I gave the book to P.C. Keeler on the following morning.

Harriett Hall deposed: I saw the prisoner on the 4^th February between three and four o`clock. She came from the fish market, and had some books in her hand, which she was throwing up, and said “I am going to put them up for a pot of beer”. I said “You might as well give me one for my little boy”, and she did so. The book was put on the table by the side of my bed. P.C. Keeler came the next day and I gave the book to him, and at his request I put a mark upon it. The book now produced is the same

Charlotte Bourne deposed: I live at the Hope, Fancy Street. I remember prisoner coming to my house on the 4^th February about five o`clock, with a man. She had several books in her hand, and offered to give them to me, and she gave me a “Churchman`s Almanack”, which I afterwards put in the fire.

P.C. Keeler deposed: On the 5^th February I went to Mrs. Carter`s house and received a “Dover and Deal Guide”. I also went to Mrs. Hall`s and received a “Churchman`s Almanack”, and requested Mrs. Hall to make a mark upon it, which she did. I then went in search of prisoner and found her in Tontine Street, and took her into custody on the charge of stealing a number of books from Mr. Dale`s shop. She said she would not have “tooken” them if it had not been for a man who was standing outside. I asked her who he was, and she said “Charlie”, which was all the name she knew, and she had given a portion of the books to him. She said she had been in Mr. Dale`s shop.

This was the case for the prosecution.

The statement made by prisoner when before the Magistrates was read, to which she now added: I had done a long sentence in prison, and I took a glass of beer or two, which one and another gave me, and it upset me. I came to Folkestone with the intention of seeing a Sister of Mercy, and have not the slightest memory of taking the books. A Sister of Mercy was going to put me in a home. My mother was killed, and my father ran away, and I have not a friend in the world. I had not broken my fast after coming out of gaol till I got to Folkestone.

In answer to the Recorder, Mrs. Dale said she did not think prisoner was tipsy when she was in the shop, but she smelt strongly of what she thought was rum; she seemed to know what she was about.

Prisoner: If you will be merciful to me I will never take another drop of beer as long as I live. It has been the ruin of me.

The learned Recorder summed up the case as favourably as he could for the prisoner and remarked that if she did not know what she was about when she took the books there was no offence, but there was great inconsistency in her statements. A second count charged her with having been convicted at the Dover Quarter Sessions of felony on the 27^th December.

Prisoner pleaded Guilty to the former conviction.

Mr. Minter remarked that His Honour ought to know that there were no less than thirteen previous convictions against prisoner.

The Recorder said that from a document before him he saw that prisoner began her evil course when she was only fourteen years of age by stealing a silver spoon; after that there were convictions for being in workhouses for an unlawful purpose, assaulting a child, absconding from a reformatory, four times drunk and disorderly, stealing boots,, and breaking fourteen panes of glass in Dover gaol. She was really a habitual criminal.

Mr. Minter remarked that the Visiting Justices offered to get her into a Home, but she refused to go, and the chaplain of the prison offered to get her into a workhouse in order to see if that would do her any good.

Prisoner: Since the death of my mother my father ran away, and I have seven little brothers in the workhouse, and I did not want to go to see them there. Mrs. Smith wanted to get me in a Home, but Mrs. Quilter, the Matron of the gaol, told her an untruth that I used bad language when I was coming out of chapel. Mr. Simmons put me in a dark cell three days on bread and water. If you will be merciful I will leave England.

The Recorder: I really don`t know what to do with such a habitual criminal. I have power to send you to penal servitude, but I will not go to that length. I cannot pass a less sentence than twelve months` hard labour.

Prisoner destroyed all faith of her professions of contrition and amendment by threatening Mr. Simmons as she was removed from the dock.

Folkestone Chronicle 21-8-1875

Monday, August 16^th: Before The Mayor, J. Tolputt, T. Caister and J. Jeffreason Esqs.

Peter Dorr, a member of the Bavarian Band, was charged with stealing a gold watch and chain, twp pocket books, and £65 in Bank Of England notes on the 14^th Inst.

Mr. Minter defended, and in answer to a question, Supt. Wilshere said he prosecuted, as the leader of the band declined to do so.

From the evidence of Jacob Meisenheimer, the leader of the band, it appears that they all lodged at the Oddfellows Arms, Radnor Street. The articles stolen, with some music, were kept in a box in his bedroom. On Saturday morning he missed the pocket books, one of which contained the money. He had seen the books on the previous day, and the box was unfastened, as he went to it very often. At five o`clock on the same day he had missed some articles of attire, which were afterwards found by the landlord in the street. Some time afterwards, when all the party were in the sitting room, the pocket books were put on the table, but the money was gone.

In cross-examination witness said that he did not suspect the prisoner, or believe him guilty, neither did he give him into custody.

Joseph Bates, costermonger, was at work at noon on Sunday in his back yard, Radnor Street, when he saw the prisoner, who was standing on a wall at the back of the Oddfellows Arms, put his hand in a hole in the wall. The hole was what would be made by taking a brick out. Some while afterwards some man put his hand over the wall and exclaimed “Oh, I`ve found the money”.

The Mayor said the case was a very mysterious one, and the Bench could not get at the bottom of it. It was patent that the money had been stolen, and afterwards recovered. The prisoner would be discharged for want of evidence.

Mr. Minter stated that members of the band had good suspicions as to who stole the money, but believed prisoner had no connection with it, and indeed the leader of the band was so sure of this that he would take him back again into the band.

The Mayor said he thought that if he knew who the thief was, he should, in justice to the prisoner, issue a summons.

 

Folkestone Express 21-8-1875

Monday, August 16^th: Before The Mayor, J. Tolputt, T. Caister, and W.J. Jeffreason Esqs.

Peter Dorr, a member of the Royal Bavarian Band troupe, who has played a bass instrument in that band, was charged with stealing a gold watch and chain, pocket books, and £65 in Bank of England notes on the 14^th inst.

The leader of the band, Moisenheimer, was put into the box by Superintendent Wilshere, when Mr. Minter, who appeared for the defence, said he had a right on behalf of the prisoner to ask who was the prosecutor in this case. He had looked on the charge sheet, but no name was mentioned as that of the prosecutor, and he was instructed that Herr Meisenheimer did not believe the prisoner took the property, and did not prosecute.

The witness said this was so. Superintendent Wilshere had asked him to prosecute, and he had declined.

Superintendent Wilshere  said that the witness at first refused to prosecute, but eventually said he should not say any more against prisoner`s apprehension, and he was accordingly apprehended.

After some further conversation the case proceeded.

Jacob Meisenheimer, who spoke English so imperfectly as to render it difficult for the Magistrates to comprehend the import of his evidence at all times, was then sworn, and said he was a musician and the manager of what was called the Bavarian Band. Prisoner was a musician in his employ and, with the other members of the Band, lodged with witness at the Oddfellows` Arms, in Radnor Street. Witness had a box in his bedroom there, containing some music, a watch, and two pocket books. One of the books contained some letters and Bank of England £5 and £10 notes, valued at £65. On Saturday morning witness missed the pocket books, which had been taken out of the box. Had seen the books on the previous day, as between eleven and twelve witness had put a letter for his wife in one of the books. Had kept the box unfastened, as he had gone to the box many times during the day. At five o`clock on Saturday morning he missed his coat and pocket handkerchief, and afterwards found his coat and waistcoat had disappeared. He made a communication to the landlord and the clothes were subsequently brought to him, having been found in the streets. After this the pocket books and other articles disappeared. A search was made, and £5 reward offered to anyone who should recover the property. Some time afterwards when all the party were in the sitting room the pocket books were put on the table by some person or other. The notes had been removed. The books produced were the same and were those he had lost. On Sunday at noon, Peter Moore, a boy in the band, brought the notes to witness in an envelope. Witness counted them and found they agreed in value with those he lost.

Cross-examined by Mr. Minter: Had known the prisoner six years and had trusted him with everything, and would do so again. Had not charged the prisoner with the theft, and did not believe that he stole the money. Did not give prisoner into custody. Ten or eleven men slept in the same room with prisoner, and had the same opportunity of getting to the box as he had.

The Mayor: I fear, Mr. Minter, there is a case of overcrowding there.

Cross-examination continued: I had offered a reward of £5 for the recovery of the notes, and prisoner looked for it as well as the others, and, I believe, searched the premises, as we thought someone might have hidden the property on them.

Harry Betts, costermonger, Radnor Street, said he was at work on Sunday at noon in his back yard, when he saw the prisoner standing on a wall in the yard of the Oddfellows Arms. He watched the prisoner and saw him put his hand in a hole in the wall, next the sailmakers` storehouse. The hole was such a one as would be made by taking out a brick. He stopped on the wall about five minutes, while witness spoke to him. About five minutes afterwards some man put his hand over the wall into the hole and directly afterwards the man sung out “Oh, I`ve found the money”. Witness could not say who this was, as only the arm of the man showed over the wall.

Cross-examined: I did not tell the police that the prisoner put the money into the hole. I did not at first point to another man in the band now in Court as the man that got on the wall, and I would not say so if I`m going to be hung for it next minute. (Laughter) I think it was my duty to watch the prisoner and speak about it afterwards when the money was hid on my premises. The hole was about six feet above the wall and nearly ten feet from the ground, but you could reach it easily by standing on some rubbish lying against.

The Mayor said the case appeared to be a very mysterious one, and the Bench felt they had not been able to get at the bottom of it. It was evident that the money had been stolen and that it was afterwards recovered. The prisoner must be discharged from custody as there was not sufficient evidence to convict him with the robbery.

Mr. Minter asked permission to say a few words to clear his client`s character, as he had his living to get in the town and it was material that certain explanations should be made. The money had been stolen, and members of the band had pretty good suspicions of the manner in which it was taken, and by whom, but were convinced that the man recently a prisoner had no connection with the robbery. The facts were that they suspected some person of hiding the property in the neighbourhood in which it was eventually found. Had the Bench thought it necessary to hear witnesses for the defence, he should have called before them two persons who looked, just as the prisoner did, in this hole in the wall, but found nothing as they did not put their hands into it. He did so, and was at once accused of the robbery. So far was the first witness, the bandmaster, from thinking the prisoner guilty of the theft of the notes that he had authorised him (Mr. Minter) to say that he would receive him back again into his employment at once.

As the stolen property was being handed to Meisenheimer by the Magistrates` Clerk, the Mayor suggested to him that the Magistrates thought he ought, in justice to the late prisoner, if he knew who the thief was, to issue a summons against him.

Meisenheimer smiled, but declined to do so, and the Court, which had been crowded during the hearing of the case, was rapidly cleared.

 

Folkestone Express 30-10-1875

Inquest

About 3.30 a.m. on Saturday morning last the people dwelling in the neighbourhood of Radnor Street were awakened from their slumber by hearing loud cries for help. It afterwards turned out that a man named Alfred Harper, who was lodging at the Oddfellows Arms, was taken with a fit of delirium tremens, and after striking and threatening to kill a friend who was sitting up with him, jumped out of a window about twelve feet from the ground, and ran and threw himself over the quay close to the border of the South Eastern Railway Company`s workshop, into the harbour. The man, who was a good swimmer, appears to have lost all power, and was drowned.

The inquest was held at the Packet Boat, Radnor Street, the same evening at six o`clock, before the Coroner, J. Minter Esq. and a jury.

The first witness called was John Malin, who described himself as a labourer, living with the deceased at the Oddfellows Arms: I have known the deceased, whose name is Alfred Harper, about six years. I identify the body as that of Alfred Harper. He is about forty years of age, and by trade a tin and wire worker, late of 1, Portland Court, King Street, Ramsgate. He has been in Folkestone about fourteen days, and lodged at the Oddfellows Arms, where he continued to reside until this morning.

The deceased has not tasted a drop of intoxicating liquor since last Monday (the 18^th), but previous to that he had been drinking very heavily. He has not been out of bed since last Monday night (th 18^th) except to have it made by me.

I was sitting up with deceased last night (Friday 22^nd). I sleep in the same room and in an adjoining bed to the deceased. After I had been in bed a short time I asked the deceased (who was very restless) if I should light a candle, and he replied “Yes, Jack, light a candle and come and sit by me”. I did as he requested me, and about half an hour after he jumped out of bed and began grasping at something he imagined he saw on the wall, and said “I have got `em. They have tried to kill me ever so many times”. I at last persuaded him to go to bed again. He was not in his senses. About 3.30 a.m. he got up and said “You still watch me”, and struck me in the face with his fist. After that he asked me to go out of the room. There was no-one else with him. After I left the room I stood and held the door, and then I suppose he jumped out of the window into Radnor Street. The room was on the first floor about twelve feet from the ground. I left the house after I had been holding the door about three minutes to go and seek assistance. I think he must have jumped out of the window while I was going downstairs.

Robert Smith, landlord of the Packet Boat, said: About half past three on Saturday morning I heard someone calling for help. I jumped out of bed and looked out of the window and saw a man lying face down and stark naked under my window. While I was dressing I saw him get up and run and then jump over the quay into the harbour. The tide was not quite high at the time. I finished dressing as quickly as possible and ran to the quay and saw the deceased floating head down in the water near the landing steps. I ran down and got him part of the way out of the water and called for assistance. My wife called my lodgers and all four came. We then got him to the top of the steps and rolled him. We afterwards brought him into the room and rolled him for one hour but without any success. There was about seven feet of water when he jumped in.

J. Malin, re-called, said: Soon after deceased struck me he pulled off his shirt and said “It is no use spoiling good things”, and told me to keep it in remembrance of him. I then said “You are worth twenty dead men yet”. Deceased had said he thought he was dying.

Dr. Mercer, a surgeon practicing at Folkestone, said: Last Thursday I was sent for to see the deceased. He was suffering from a slight attack of Elrysepsias in the face. I could see by the symptoms he had been drinking. I prescribed for him and sent some medicine.

On Saturday morning about three or four o`clock I was called and told the man at the Oddfellows was suffering from delirium. I gave them an ascetic for him.

About five I was again called and saw the deceased. I recognised him as the man I had been attending. He was suffering from delirium tremens, and in my opinion his death was caused by drowning. I examined the body and found bruises on the skull, face, and chest, but there was no fracture of the skull.

After a short consultation the jury gave a verdict of “drowned while in a state of temporary insanity”.

Southeastern Gazette 1-11-1875

Local News

Early on the morning of the 23rd ult., a man named Harper, of Ramsgate, in a fit of delirium tremens, jumped from a window of the Oddfellows’ Arms, Radnor Street, a distance of 12ft., and afterwards ran on to the quay, and threw himself into the harbour, and was drowned.

An inquest on the body was held in the evening, at the Packet-Boat Inn, Radnor Street, when the jury returned a verdict of “Temporary insanity.”

 

Folkestone Express 25-11-1876

Wednesday, November 22^nd: Before The Mayor, Alderman Caister and General Cannon.

Mrs. Hannah Carter, landlady of the Oddfellows Inn (sic), Radnor Street, was summoned for assaulting Thomas Cattermole, of Southend.

Mr. Minter appeared for the defence.

Thomas Cattermole deposed: I am a bathing machine proprietor and fisherman of Southend. On Friday last I walked from Deal to Folkestone, a distance of seventeen miles, to deliver some bills. I went into a public house near the fishmarket  and called for a glass of ale. It was brought to me, and I paid for it. I then took out of my pocket a small loaf and cheese and commenced eating it. A girl came and told me I must not eat my bread and cheese there. That woman (defendant) then came in and called me some very abusive names. I went to the door, and she pushed me down some steps and then she slapped my face.

Cross-examined by Mr. Minter: I ordered a glass of beer. I think it was the servant who brought it to me. There were three other women cleaning the room at the time. Then I ate my bread and cheese. Mrs. Carter told me I had gone into the wrong room, and I refused to leave. I did not call her the most filthy names or strike her.

Mr. Minter then said the room was one which had been occupied by the German Band. They had hired it for the season. When Cattermole was asked to leave, he persisted in staying, and the defendant was therefore justified in putting her hands upon him and pushing him out. The language he used was most abominable.

He then called Martha Carter, who said: I was at the Oddfellows Arms, in the room that was occupied by the German Band, which they had hired for the season. They left on Tuesday. Four of us were in the room cleaning it. Mrs. Carter went to the prosecutor and said “Excuse me, sir, would you mind walking into one of the public rooms as we are busy cleaning this, and it is private?” He replied that he would sit there as long as he liked, and my sister said she would not allow him to. My sister was in the bar parlour. He then got up and went towards the door. He said “I am going now” and my sister replied “Very well, thank you”. He then said he should not go and tried to aggravate her. He then pushed her and she put her hand up and knocked his hat off.

The Bench, after deliberating a few minutes, dismissed the case.

Folkestone Express 4-5-1878

Wednesday, May 1^st: Before J. Kelcey and R.W. Boarer Esqs., and Captain Crowe.

George Godden was summoned for assaulting Hannah Carter on the 27^th inst. He pleaded Not Guilty.

Hannah Carter said that she lived at the Oddfellows Arms, Radnor Street. The defendant went to her house on Saturday afternoon about six o`clock. He put his hand on her head, and afterwards put the dog on the table, and when remonstrated with used foul language. She told him if he could not use better language he would have to leave the house. He said that she could not put him out, and as she was going to the door to get someone to do so, the defendant took hold of her and threw her down in the street and kicked her.

Eliza Emery, a soldier`s wife lodging at the Oddfellows Arms, corroborated, and the Bench fined the defendant £1 and 10s. costs, or in default one month`s hard labour. The defendant had been convicted five times previously for assaults.

Gilderoy Scamp was summoned for damaging a clothes line, the property of Mrs. Carter, on the 29^th April. The defendant pleaded Not Guilty.

Mrs. Carter said that she had been in the habit of drying clothes on the East Cliff bank, and on Monday morning she found that her line had been cut. She did not see the defendant do it, and had no witnesses to prove that he had done it.

The Bench therefore dismissed the case.

Folkestone Express 10-5-1879

Monday, May 5^th: Before Alderman Caister and W.J. Jeffreason Esq.

Mary Jane Philpot, wife of David Philpot, was charged with being drunk and disorderly in Stade Street on the 3^rd inst.

John Carter, landlord of the Oddfellows Inn (sic), Radnor Street, said the prisoner went to his house about nine o`clock in the evening with her sister in law. They went away and returned a little before eleven. Prisoner was not sober then, and as he saw a window had been broken he ordered her out.

P.C. Bashford said the prisoner and her husband were quarrelling and fighting in the street. Twice he persuaded her to go indoors, but she came out a third time. Her husband wished him to take her into custody, and swore at him for not doing so. As she was extremely boisterous he took her into custody, but she resisted, and he had to obtain the assistance of two men to take her to the station.

P.C. Willis said he saw the prisoner and her husband fighting in front of the bar at the Oddfellows. The landlord and his wife pushed her out.

Prisoner said she was irritated by the conduct of her husband, and that the public houses ought to be more closely watched. She had ablack eye, which she accused the constable of causing, and also charged him with tearing her clothes.

The Bench inflicted a fine of 10s., and 6s. 6d. costs, which she paid.

Southeastern Gazette 21-7-1879

Local News

At the Police Court on Saturday, Anthony Hall was summoned for assaulting Hannah Carter.

The defendant went into the Oddfellows’ Arms, of which the complainant is the landlady, and with another man created a disturbance, and on the landlady endeavouring to quell it, defendant struck her.

He denied the charge and accused the complainant of striking him, but the Bench, considering the case proved, fined him 10s., oosts 12s.

William Cornish was summoned for refusing to quit licensed premises, the Oddfellows’ Arms, when requested by the landlord, and was fined 5s., costs 10s.

 

Folkestone Express 26-7-1879

Saturday, July 19^th: Before The Mayor, General Armstrong, Captain Crowe, Alderman Hoad, J. Fitness and M. Bell Esqs.

Anthony Wold, a fisherman, was summoned for assaulting Mrs. Hannah Carter, wife of John Carter, landlord of the Oddfellows Arms, Radnor Street, on the 14^th July. Mr. Minter appeared in support of the complaint.

John Carter stated that the defendant had been in the habit of frequenting his house for four or five years. On the day in question he went in and made use of the expression that he “meant for a row”. Witness and his wife tried to quiet him, when defendant struck his wife. In consequence of the disturbance he sent for a policeman, and Sergeant Ovenden came and turned him out. Defendant and a man named William Cornish had been in his house every night since trying to make a row. His wife`s shoulder was still discoloured by the blow.

Hannah Carter, the complainant, said defendant was very violent and tried to strike her husband. He struck her on the right shoulder while she was standing in the bar. Defendant had no right to enter the bar. Her husband ordered the men out of the house, and they immediately jumped up to strike him. Defendant had been in the house twice since the occurrence but she refused to draw him anything.

Defendant denied the assault and called Elizabeth Johnson, who said she saw the two men go into the house. Defendant called for a pint of beer, and Mrs. Carter brought it. He complained that it was thick. Upon that Mrs. Carter at once walked into the public room and struck defendant in the face twice, and repeatedly taunted him to strike her in return, but he replied that he was not such a coward as to strike a woman.

In reply to Mr. Minter, this witness said she went to get her supper beer. She went to the bar, but hearing a disturbance she went into the room where the men were. Mrs. Carter broke the window with her elbow in trying to put defendant out. Neither of the men were violent, and Mr. and Mrs. Carter caused all the noise by shouting. She knew the defendant by sight, and he had asked her to give evidence.

William Cornish gave similar testimony.

Mrs. Carter was then re-called, and said that the young woman Johnson had kept company with the defendant for three years. She positively denied going into the room or serving the men with beer. Her husband drew it for them.

The Bench considered the assault proved, and inflicted a fine of 10s. and 12s. costs, or fourteen days` imprisonment.

William Cornish, another fisherman, was then charged with refusing to quit the Oddfellows Arms on the same day.

John Carter said the defendant was in his house on Monday. He had for some time been to sea in complainant`s boat. Complainant mentioned that a line had been lost out of the boat, and defendant immediately jumped up and said he didn`t steal it. Then he complained about the beer, and he and the last defendant used violent and threatening language. Witness requested him to leave the house. During the disturbance a window was broken.

Sergeant Ovenden said he was in Radnor Street and saw a crowd outside complainant`s house and heard shouting. He went inside, and complainant asked him to eject defendant. He told him to leave and he did so. Witness saw no disorderly conduct. It was eleven o`clock, and witness cleared the house.

Defendant was fined 5s. and 10s. costs, or a week`s hard labour. The fines were immediately paid in both cases.

Folkestone Express 13-12-1879

Monday, December 8^th: Before The Mayor, R.W. Boarer, M. Bell and J. Banks Esqs, Captain Fletcher and Alderman Hoad.

Hannah Hurst, a street Hawker, pleaded Guilty to being drunk in Radnor Street, and also to refusing to quit the Oddfellows Arms.

Hannah Carter, wife of the landlord of the Oddfellows Arms, said prisoner had lodged at their house for three nights. On Sunday evening she went in drunk and wanted some more beer, which was refused her, and she became very violent. P.C. Gardner took the prisoner into custody.

Prisoner was fined 5s. and 2s, 6d. costs in each case, or 14 days` in default.