Lives And Exploits Of The Most Noted Highwaymen, Robbers And Murderers Of All Nations

LIVES AND EXPLOITS OF THE MOST NOTED HIGHWAYMEN, ROBBERS AND MURDERERS,

OF ALL NATIONS, DRAWN FROM THE MOST AUTHENTIC SOURCES AND BROUGHT DOWN TO THE PRESENT TIME. two men on horseback in the woods WITH NUMEROUS ENGRAVINGS. HARTFORD: PUBLISHED BY SILAS ANDRUS &amp; SON....

16 minute read

Read Chapter

SAWNEY BEANE.

The following narrative presents such a picture of human barbarity, that, were it not attested by the most unquestionable historical evidence, it would be rejected as altogether fabulous and incredible. Sawney Beane was born in the county of East Lothian, about eight miles east of Edinburgh, in the reign of James I. of Scotland. His father was a hedger and ditcher, and brought up his son to the same laborious employment. Naturally idle and vicious, he abandoned that place in company with a young

6 minute read

Read Chapter

THOMAS WYNNE.

This notorious criminal was born at Ipswich, where he continued till he was between fifteen and sixteen, and then went to sea. Nine years after, coming to London, and associating with loose company, especially with women of the most infamous character, he left no villainy undone for the support of himself and them in their extravagances, till at last he became so expert in house-breaking and all sorts of theft, that he was esteemed the most remarkable villain of his time. It was in the reign of

5 minute read

Read Chapter

THOMAS WITHERINGTON.

This person was the son of a worthy gentleman of Carlisle, in the county of Cumberland, who possessed a considerable estate, and brought up his children suitably to his condition. Thomas, the subject of this memoir, received a liberal education, as his father intended that he should live free from the toil and hazard of business. The father dying, Thomas came into possession of the estate, which soon procured him a rich wife, who afterwards proved the chief cause of his ruin. She was loose in he

20 minute read

Read Chapter

JAMES BATSON.

This famous robber was born in the first year of James the First. It so happens (although perhaps the circumstance is no very satisfactory evidence of the authenticity of his adventures) that he is his own historian; we are accordingly compelled, in default of other particulars, to lay his auto-biography before our readers. “I suppose,” says he, “that, according to custom, the reader will expect some relation of my genealogy, and as I am a great admirer of fashion, I shall gratify his curiosity.

18 minute read

Read Chapter

MULLED SACK, alias JOHN COTTINGTON.

This man’s father was a petty haberdasher in Cheapside, but living above his income, he died so poor that he was interred by the parish. He had eighteen children, fifteen daughters and three sons. Our hero was the youngest of the family, and at the age of eight was bound apprentice to a chimney-sweeper. In his first year, deeming himself as expert at his profession as his master, he left him, and, acting for himself, soon acquired a great run of business. Money now coming in upon him, he frequen

3 minute read

Read Chapter

CAPTAIN JAMES HIND.

The father of Hind was an industrious saddler, a cheerful companion, and a good Christian. He was a native of Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, where James was born. As our hero was his only son, he received a good education, and remained at school until he was fifteen years of age. He was then sent as an apprentice to a butcher in that place, and continued in that employment during two years. Upon leaving his master’s service, he applied to his mother for money to bear his expenses to London, compl

19 minute read

Read Chapter

THE GERMAN PRINCESS.

Though this remarkable female character was denominated a German Princess, for a reason which will be mentioned in the course of her narrative, she was a native of Canterbury, and her father a chorister of that cathedral. From her sprightly and volatile disposition, she at an early period took delight in reading the novels that were at that time fashionable,—such as Parismus and Parismanus, Don Bellianis of Greece, Amadis de Gaul, and Cassandra and Cleopatra; and in a little time really believed

23 minute read

Read Chapter

CAPTAIN DUDLEY.

Captain Dudley was born at Swepston in Leicestershire. His father once possessed a considerable estate, but through extravagance lost the whole except about sixty pounds per annum. In these reduced circumstances he went to London, intending to live in obscurity, corresponding to the state of his finances. Richard his son had a promising genius, and received a liberal education at St. Paul’s school. But a naturally vicious disposition baffled all restraints. When only nine years old he showed his

21 minute read

Read Chapter

WILLIAM NEVISON.

The advancement of the arts and sciences is not more rapid than the progress of folly and vice. In the following memoir it will be demonstrated, that the best education may be perverted by vicious dispositions. William Nevison was born at Pomfret, in Yorkshire, about the year 1639, and his parents, being in good circumstances, conferred upon him a decent education. He remained at school until he was about thirteen years of age. During that period, his expanding talents promised a luxuriant harve

13 minute read

Read Chapter

THE GOLDEN FARMER.

This man’s real name was William Davis, a native of North Wales, but he obtained the title of Golden Farmer from his custom of paying any considerable sum in gold. He was born in the year 1626. At an early period of life he removed to Sudbury, in Gloucestershire, where he took a farm, married the daughter of a wealthy innkeeper, by whom he had eighteen children, and followed that industrious employment merely to disguise the real character of a robber, which he sustained without suspicion for th

9 minute read

Read Chapter

JONATHAN SIMPSON.

This man was the son of a respectable gentleman in Launceston, in Cornwall, and put an apprentice to a linen-draper. After serving his time with great approbation, his father gave him 1500 l. to commence business for himself. He had not been a year in business when he married a merchant’s daughter, and received with her 2000 l. of portion. Such an accession to his wealth enabled him to extend his business, and to conduct it with ease. But money cannot procure happiness. The affections of the you

3 minute read

Read Chapter

WILLIAM CADY.

This gentleman was a native of Norfolk county, and the son of an eminent surgeon. After the preparatory steps of education, William went to the University of Cambridge, and was tutor to lord Townshend. He was during that time made bachelor of arts, and continued to pursue his studies until deprived of his father by death. The loss of a prudent father to a young man, forms a remarkable era in his life. If he is left with an ample fortune, he has then the means of gratifying his wishes, whether in

12 minute read

Read Chapter

PATRICK O’BRIAN.

Patrick O’Brian was a native of Ireland, and his parents were very indigent. He came over to England, and enlisted in the Coldstream Guards. He was, however, not so dexterous in the use of his arms as he was in the practice of all manner of vice. Patrick was resolved not to want money, if there was any in the country. He first ran into debt at all the public houses and shops that would trust him; then borrowed from every person, as long as any one could be found to believe him. When fraud failed

32 minute read

Read Chapter

WHITNEY.

This notorious malefactor was born at Stevenage in Hertfordshire, and served an apprenticeship to a butcher. He often mentioned that he was happily disappointed in his first attempt to steal. He and his master went to Romford to purchase calves, and there was an excellent one that they would fain have had in their possession, but the owner and they could not agree about the price. As the owner of the calf kept an alehouse, they went in to taste his ale. While they were enjoying themselves, but l

12 minute read

Read Chapter

TIM BUCKELEY.

Tim was reared to the useful occupation of a shoemaker, but leaving his master, he came to London, and soon found out companions suited to his disposition. He and his associates frequented an alehouse at Wapping; and one day being run short of cash, Tim asked the landlord for ten shillings, which he refused. Tim was so exasperated, that, along with some of his associates, he broke into his house, and bound him, his wife, and maid. When Tim was about this operation, the landlord conjured him to b

4 minute read

Read Chapter

TOM JONES.

Tom was a native of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. His father was a clothier, whose business he followed until he was two-and-twenty years of age. In that period, however, the prominent dispositions of his mind were displayed, by extravagance, and running into debt. In order, therefore, to retrieve his circumstances, he went upon the highway. Out of gratitude for his father’s kindness, he commenced by robbing him of eighty pounds and a good horse. Unaccustomed to such work, he rode, under the impression t

4 minute read

Read Chapter

ARTHUR CHAMBERS.

Arthur Chambers was of low extraction, and destitute of every amiable quality. From his very infancy he was addicted to pilfering; and the low circumstances of his parents being unable to support his extravagances, he had recourse to dishonest practices. It is even reported, that before he was dressed in boy’s clothes, he committed several acts of theft. The first thing which he attempted, was to learn from an experienced master, all those cant words and phrases current among pickpockets, by whi

9 minute read

Read Chapter

STEPHEN BUNCE.

In the plain but strong phrase, this man was born a thief. Scarcely could his hand carry away the property of others, when he engaged in this nefarious trade. While yet a child, he was frequently amusing himself with the children of a charcoal man who lived in the neighborhood, and would even then fill his pockets with the charcoal, and sell it to a woman that kept an apple-stall for codlings. One day he wished to try his ingenuity upon the good woman, and requested to have some codlings beforeh

10 minute read

Read Chapter

JACK OVET.

Jack Ovet was born at Nottingham, and, after serving an apprenticeship to a shoemaker, for some time gained his bread by that industrious and useful employment: but his licentious dispositions inclining him to profligate and abandoned company, he soon took to the highway. After having purchased a horse, pistols, and every necessary utensil proper to his projected profession, he rode towards London, and on the way robbed a gentleman of twenty pounds. That gentleman, however, not destitute of cour

4 minute read

Read Chapter

TOM DORBEL.

This robber was bred a glover; but before he had served one half of his time, ran off from his master, and coming to London, soon became acquainted with men of dispositions similar to his own. About the age of seventeen, Tom ventured to appear upon the highway, but was outwitted in his first attempt. Meeting a Welshman, he demanded Taffy’s money, or he would take his life. The Welshman said, “Hur has no money of hur own, but has threescore pounds of hur master’s money; but, Cot’s blood! hur must

4 minute read

Read Chapter

DICK ADAMS.

The parents of this worthless fellow lived in Gloucestershire, and gave him an education suited to his station. Leaving the country, and coming to London, the abode of the most distinguished virtue as well as of the most consummate villany, he was introduced into the service of a great duchess at St. James’, and stayed there for two years. He was at last dismissed for improper conduct; but while he remained there, he had obtained a general key which opened the lodgings in St. James’. Accordingly

6 minute read

Read Chapter

WILLIAM GETTINGS.

William’s father was a grazier in Herefordshire, and he lived with him until he was sixteen years old, and then came up to London. Sometimes in the capacity of a footman, and sometimes in that of a butler, he spent five years in a very irreproachable manner. Unfortunately, however, he became acquainted with evil company, was soon corrupted in principles, and became a rogue in practice. William Gettings robs a Gentleman in his own Garden William Gettings robs a Gentleman in his own Garden. P. 176

5 minute read

Read Chapter

NED BONNET.

Edward Bonnet was born of respectable parents in the isle of Ely, in Cambridgeshire, received an education superior to many of his companions, and when he was only ten years old, gave the following proof of his promising genius. He was sent to the parson with the present of a sparerib of pork, wrapped up in a cloth in a basket. Ned knocked with some degree of importance at the door, which a servant answered, inquiring his business. “I want to speak with your master.” The master came. “Well, my d

9 minute read

Read Chapter

WILL OGDEN AND TOM REYNOLDS.

The first of these was a waterman, and born in Southwark. The second was a dung-bargeman, and born in Barnaby street. Entering into company, they robbed shops and ships, during the space of two years, with considerable success: they then ascended to the second degree of robbery, and broke several houses in Southwark. Associating themselves with another, they broke into a watchmaker’s shop, and extracted twenty-six watches; but the stranger becoming evidence, our two trusty friends were lodged in

5 minute read

Read Chapter

JOHN PRICE.

The depravity of human nature was exemplified in its full extent in the character of John Price. The indigence and profligacy of his parents were such, that he received no education, and he was sent into the world to shift for himself at the age of seven. Before this period, he was a proficient both in cursing and lying. It is rather a singular fact, that his habitual lying was once a means of saving his life. About the age of eighteen he was serving a gentleman in the country, who turned him of

5 minute read

Read Chapter

JACK SHEPHERD.

The father of the celebrated John Shepherd was a carpenter in Spitalfields, of good character, and exceedingly solicitous to train up his children in the path of sobriety and religion. They, however, afforded a melancholy proof that the most virtuous example, and the soundest principles, are frequently unsuccessful in influencing the conduct of children. Two of his sons followed evil courses, and were convicted at the bar of the Old Bailey. After his father’s death, young Shepherd was sent to a

8 minute read

Read Chapter

RICHARD TURPIN.

There never was, perhaps, a man in the particular profession to which this notorious fellow devoted himself, whose name was more familiar in the mouths of the common people than that of Richard Turpin. But, since it invariably happens that a certain proportion of curiosity respecting the life and actions of a man is sure to beget a corresponding desire to satisfy it, we cannot wonder if the perplexed biographer should sometimes resort to fiction to supply the deficiencies of fact. Hence it has h

24 minute read

Read Chapter

HENRY SIMMS, alias YOUNG GENTLEMAN HARRY.

We prefer giving an abstract of the life and adventures of this notorious criminal in his own words, since it will serve to show far better than any moral reflections of our own, that when once the principles become vitiated, whether by early abuse or habitual moral recklessness, the very nature is changed, and the conscience remains in a state of abeyance. There is an easy unconcern, a “young gentleman” flippancy in the style in which our adventurer has chosen to narrate his exploits, that indi

50 minute read

Read Chapter

GEORGE BARRINGTON.

George Barrington, whose crimes have justly astonished his contemporaries, was originally a native and inhabitant of Ireland; and, as it will appear in the sequel that the name of Barrington was assumed, let it suffice to remark that his father’s name was Henry Waldron, and that he was a working silversmith; while his mother, whose maiden name was Naish, was a mantuamaker, and occasionally a midwife. Our adventurer was born about the year 1755, at the village of Maynooth, in the county of Kildar

34 minute read

Read Chapter

JAMES PORTER

Was an Irishman, and a weaver by trade. He had been a robber in his own country. We know not what events induced him to seek a refuge in America, or what were his first adventures on this side of the Atlantic. We first find him in Philadelphia, ostensibly working at his trade, but in reality gaining his livelihood by dishonest practices. He had two accomplices, George Wilson and Abraham Poteet, weavers, who had learned their trade in the penitentiary. The former was but twenty-three years of age

11 minute read

Read Chapter