Mike Covell’s Blogg

We all know the myth that Stephenson had gained medical qualifications, although all those that were supporters of the theory, have yet to provide evidence of the fact.

Stephenson, however, did have links to the medical profession, and over the years had numerous doctors, surgeons and medical specialists looking after him.

Among those are;

• Doctor Francis Brett of Bridlington
• Doctor McKay of Bridlington
• Doctor Murdock Kelburne King
• Doctor Morgan Evans
• Doctor Morgan Davies
• Doctor Henry Sutton

Over the years I have been researching these men, as much as Stephenson, and have uncovered a host of information on them from birth, marriage and death certificates, census entries, hospital records, medical school records, and newspaper articles.

I have also uncovered some fantastic obituaries, and articles from sources such as the British Medical Journal.

More recently I have been in contact with a descendant of Dr. King’s who provided me with primary sources from a wide range of articles, papers, and documents pertaining to the man that treated Stephenson on numerous occasions.

One of the most interesting snippets came from the London Graphic, which featured a short obituary on Dr. Henry Sutton, the man who treated Stephenson in both 1888 and 1889. According to the article, Sutton’s dearest friend was none other than Sir William Gull, a man who himself has been suspected of the Ripper crimes!

It has been a busy couple of days but it is completed!  The massive chapter on Stephenson’s Victorian Ghost Story is finished, with

• Several new sources added, including some previously unseen!
• New information regarding the weather on the night that Stephenson had is alleged encounter.
• New information regarding the location at which his sighting is alleged to have occured.
• Maps, charts and diagrams showing the location, weather patterns etc.
• Primary sources to show whether Stephenson was truthful in his account.
• Sources that Predate Stephenson’s encounter but are the same!
• and much much more!!

You will recall that the Dawber family, from Robert D’Onston Stephenson’s side of the family, were involved in businesses and law in Hull for many years. 

Below is a small selection of articles, mainly on Joseph Dawber, that I unearthed this week.

The Leeds Mercury (Leeds, England), Tuesday, September 7, 1880

£10,000 Wanted on ample freehold security, at 5 per cent.- Apply, Messrs Tenny and Dawber, Solicitors, Hull.

Birmingham Daily Post (Birmingham, England), Wednesday, September 8, 1880

£10,000 Wanted on ample freehold security, at 5 per cent.- Apply, Messrs Tenny and Dawber, Solicitors, Hull.

Northern Echo (Darlington, England), Wednesday, September 22, 1880

A meeting was held to discuss the recent Seaham Colliery Explosion, with a view to raising funds for the bereaved families, amongst the names on the list are William Dawber and Son, Hull, donating £10.10s

Northern Echo (Darlington, England), Thursday, September 23, 1880

A meeting was held to discuss the recent Seaham Colliery Explosion, with a view to raising funds for the bereaved families, amongst the names on the list are William Dawber and Son, Hull, donating £10.10s

The Hull Packet and East Riding Times (Hull, England), Friday, September 24, 1880

TO GASFITTERS AND PLUMBERS.

FOR SALE BY PRIVATE CONTRACT, The BUSINESS of a Gasfitter, Plumber and Glazier, for thirty years past successfully carried on by the late Mr. Parkinson Thomas Harrison, in Prospect-street, Hull, and at Cottingham.- For price and particulars apply to Tenny and Dawber, Solicitors, 16, Parliament-street, Hull.

Northern Echo (Darlington, England), Saturday, October 2, 1880

A meeting was held to discuss the recent Seaham Colliery Explosion, with a view to raising funds for the bereaved families, amongst the names on the list are William Dawber and Son, Hull, donating £10.10s

The Hull Packet and East Riding Times (Hull, England), Friday, December 3, 1880

Report on the Hull Botanical Gardens, with a vote of thanks to the Hon. Solicitor, Mr. Dawber.

The Hull Packet and East Riding Times (Hull, England), Friday, December 10, 1880

A report on The Next Agricultural Show to be held in Hull, amongst the subscribers is Mr. Dawber Esq. £2.2s

The Hull Packet and East Riding Times (Hull, England), Friday, July 1, 1881

Hull Borough Sessions, William Clark Dawber is sworn in on the Grand Jury.

The Hull Packet and East Riding Times (Hull, England), Friday, July 8, 1881

Printed and saved for transcription

Birmingham Daily Post (Birmingham, England), Tuesday, July 26, 1881

£5,000 Wanted, upon a large Brick and Tile Works, fronting the river Humber, Address to Tenny and Dawber, Solicitors, 16, Parliament-street.

The Hull Packet and East Riding Times (Hull, England), Friday, October 7, 1881

Meeting of the Hull Ragged and Industrial School at the Institution, Marlborough-terrace. Mr. Dawber, along with Mrs. H. Barkworth, and Tranby, donated flowers and evergreens to decorate the room with.

Birmingham Daily Post (Birmingham, England), Saturday, September 23, 1882

WANTED, A PARTNER with some means, in an old established Steam Shipping Business.- Address, Tenny and Dawber, Solicitors, 16, Parliament-street, Hull.

The Belfast News-Letter (Belfast, Ireland), Monday, October 23, 1882

WANTED, A PARTNER with some means, in an old established Steam Shipping Business.- Address, Tenny and Dawber, Solicitors, 16, Parliament-street, Hull.

The Belfast News-Letter (Belfast, Ireland), Tuesday, October 24, 1882

WANTED, A PARTNER with some means, in an old established Steam Shipping Business.- Address, Tenny and Dawber, Solicitors, 16, Parliament-street, Hull.

The Belfast News-Letter (Belfast, Ireland), Wednesday, October 25, 1882

WANTED, A PARTNER with some means, in an old established Steam Shipping Business.- Address, Tenny and Dawber, Solicitors, 16, Parliament-street, Hull.

Glasgow Herald (Glasgow, Scotland), Wednesday, October 25, 1882

WANTED, A PARTNER with some means, in an old established Steam Shipping Business.- Address, Tenny and Dawber, Solicitors, 16, Parliament-street, Hull.

The Belfast News-Letter (Belfast, Ireland), Thursday, October 26, 1882

WANTED, A PARTNER with some means, in an old established Steam Shipping Business.- Address, Tenny and Dawber, Solicitors, 16, Parliament-street, Hull.

The Belfast News-Letter (Belfast, Ireland), Saturday, October 28, 1882

WANTED, A PARTNER with some means, in an old established Steam Shipping Business.- Address, Tenny and Dawber, Solicitors, 16, Parliament-street, Hull.

The Belfast News-Letter (Belfast, Ireland), Monday, October 30, 1882

WANTED, A PARTNER with some means, in an old established Steam Shipping Business.- Address, Tenny and Dawber, Solicitors, 16, Parliament-street, Hull.

The Hull Packet and East Riding Times (Hull, England), Friday, October 26, 1883

Printed and saved for transcription

The Hull Packet and East Riding Times (Hull, England), Friday, December 7, 1883

List of Subscribers for the Hull General Infirmary, Tenny and Dawber donate 11s.

The Hull Packet and East Riding Times (Hull, England), Friday, February 29, 1884

By order of the Trustees under the Will of Mrs Eliza Gruby, Deceased.

WHITEFRIARGATE, HULL.

TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION

BY MR. W. HYDE THOMPSON,

At the George Hotel, Whitefriargate, on WEDNESDAY, the 5^th day of March, 1884, at Two o’clock in the Afternoon, subject to the general conditions of the Hull Incorporated Law Society, and to such other conditions as may then be produced, and which may be seen at the under mentioned solicitors’ office three days prior to sale,

All that Freehold MESSUAGE or DWELLING HOUSE and SHOP, situate on the North side of Whitefriargate, Hull, and adjoining the Yorkshire Banking Company’s premises, now in the occupation of Mr. H. Thomas, tobacconist.

The Premises are situate in one of the best thoroughfares in the town, and will be sold to pay a good rate of interest.

For further particulars apply to the AUCTIONEER; or to

TENNY & DAWBER

Solicitors,

16, Parliament-street, Hull.

The Hull Packet and East Riding Times (Hull, England), Friday, May 9, 1884

Two cottages at Hedon, situate on the west side of Soutergate, occupied by Messrs F. Ellerton and Stephen Spragg, were sold to Mr. E. Leggott for £185. Messrs Tenny and Dawber.

The Hull Packet and East Riding Times (Hull, England), Friday, July 25, 1884

The Mayor read a letter from Messrs Tenny and Dawber, of Parliament-street, stating that the directors of these Gardens had agreed to purchase of the late Sir James Walker the whole of the land bounded by the site of the Old Spring Ditch on the south by the Hull Cemetery on the north, the Victoria branch of the North Eastern Railway Company on the east, and by the Bridlington branch of the said railway on the west, and compromising fully two acres of land, for the sum of £1,787, for the purposes of an entrance to the Gardens. As the company had therefore a right of road over the site of the Old Spring Ditch, and would be absolute owners of the land adjoining thereto, and the directors felt that the cost of such would be very serious, they wished to know whether the Corporation would construct such road, provided the directors gave the whole of the land for such purposes.- On the motion of the Mayor, the letter was referred to the Waterworks Committee for consideration.

The Hull Packet and East Riding Times (Hull, England), Friday, August 15, 1884

Notes on the Hull Botanical Garden

The combined exertions of the Mayor, the Sheriff, the North Eastern Railway Company, the Trinity House, and the solicitors for the company (Messrs Tenny and Dawber) have brought about the public desideratum, and I trust that the subscription list will increase that much so far as to still further facilitate the exertions of the company to make their property a source of pleasure, recreation, and entertainment for the people.

The Hull Packet and East Riding Times (Hull, England), Friday, September 5, 1884

Hull and Sculcoates Dispensary lists a number of House visitors for the month ending September 3^rd 1884, Dawber is listed.

The Hull Packet and East Riding Times (Hull, England), Friday, January 2, 1885

List of Hull Royal Infirmary subscribers features Tenny and Dawber donating 10s

The Hull Packet and East Riding Times (Hull, England), Friday, March 27, 1885

A list of subscribers to the Children’s hospital in Hull includes, William Clark Dawber and Joseph Dawber.

The Hull Packet and East Riding Times (Hull, England), Friday, May 1, 1885

Notice on the Botanic Gardens of Hull, featuring among the list Joseph Dawber.

The Belfast News-Letter (Belfast, Ireland), Thursday, April 7, 1887

The will (dated November 26^th, 1884), of Mr. John Clark Foster, late of Castlethorpe, Broughton, Lincolnshire, who died on November 29^th last, was proved on the 9^th ult., by Joseph Dawber and James Popple, the executors, the value of the personal estate amounting to over £22,000. Subject to one or two bequests, the testator leaves all his property to his sister, Mary Clark Long.

The Leeds Mercury (Leeds, England), Friday, April 8, 1887

The will (dated November 26^th, 1884), of Mr. John Clark Foster, late of Castlethorpe, Broughton, Lincolnshire, who died on November 29^th last, was proved on the 9^th ult., by Joseph Dawber and James Popple, the executors, the value of the personal estate amounting to over £22,000. Subject to one or two bequests, the testator leaves all his property to his sister, Mary Clark Long.

The Ipswich Journal (Ipswich, England), Monday, March 5, 1888

Yarmouth Board of Guardians Meeting.

Mr. Dawber’s slate account was again brought before the Board, the Committee having reported the charges to be excessive. Mr. Dawber now offered to deduct 2 ¼ per cent, and the offer was accepted.

Birmingham Daily Post (Birmingham, England), Thursday, February 13, 1890

On Monday night Mr. J. Hamilton Whitmore, clerk in the office of Mr. Tenny, Dawber and Lord, solicitors, Hull, was found dead on the premises of his employers. He had been suffering from neuralgia, and had taken chloral to mitigate intense pain. The medical man who was called in to see the deceased after death was of the opinion that he had taken an overdose.

The Leeds Mercury (Leeds, England), Wednesday, July 2, 1890

Partnerships Dissolved

Tenny, Dawber and Lord, Solicitors, Hull.

Liverpool Mercury etc (Liverpool, England), Thursday, July 3, 1890

Partnerships Dissolved

Joseph Dawber and William Dawber Lord, trading as Tenny, Dawber and Lord, Kingston upon Hull, Aolicitors, W. D. Lord retires.

The Leeds Mercury (Leeds, England), Saturday, July 5, 1890

Partnerships

PARTNER, with about £4,000 required, in business of Stone, Bottle and Sanitary Pipe Manufacturer. Apply Tenny and Dawber Solicitors, Hull.

The Leeds Mercury (Leeds, England), Saturday, July 5, 1890

Partnerships Dissolved

Tenny, Dawber and Lord, Hull, Solicitors.

Glasgow Herald (Glasgow, Scotland), Wednesday, November 12, 1890

Bankrupts

Joseph Dawber trading as the Kingston Sanitary Pipe and Terra Cotta Works, Hull, sanitary pipe manufacturer.

Liverpool Mercury etc (Liverpool, England), Wednesday, November 12, 1890

Bankrupts

Joseph Dawber trading as the Kingston Sanitary Pipe and Terra Cotta Works, Hull, Beverley and Newland, Solicitor of the Supreme Court and sanitary pipe manufacturer.

The Bristol Mercury and Daily Post (Bristol, England), Wednesday, November 12, 1890

Bankrupts

Joseph Dawber trading as the Kingston Sanitary Pipe and Terra Cotta Works, Hull, Beverley and Newland, Solicitor of the Supreme Court and sanitary pipe manufacturer.

Reynolds’s Newspaper (London, England), Sunday, January 11, 1891

Tuesday Adjudications In the Country,

J. Dawber, 16 Parliament-street, Kingston upon Hull, solicitor of the Supreme Court.

Reynolds’s Newspaper (London, England), Sunday, April 5, 1891

At Hull yesterday Joseph Dawber, solicitor, was charged with an offence under the Larceny Act. Prisoner, who recently became bankrupt, was entrusted with a sum of money to invest by a Scarborough gentleman, and it is alleged that he misapplied the money. There are other similar charges against the prisoner; the amount involved being about £5000. Prisoner was remanded.

Birmingham Daily Post (Birmingham, England), Monday, April 6, 1891

At Hull yesterday Joseph Dawber, solicitor, was charged with an offence under the Larceny Act. Prisoner, who recently became bankrupt, was entrusted with a sum of money to invest by a Scarborough gentleman, and it is alleged that he misapplied the money. There are other similar charges against the prisoner; the amount involved being about £5000. Prisoner was remanded on bail.

The Leeds Mercury (Leeds, England), Monday, April 6, 1891

Printed long report to transcribe

Aberdeen Weekly Journal (Aberdeen, Scotland), Monday, April 6, 1891

SERIOUS CHARGE AGAINST A SOLICITOR- At Hull on Saturday Joseph Dawber, solicitor, was charged with an offence under the Larceny Act. Prisoner, who recently became bankrupt, was entrusted with a sum of money to invest by a Scarborough gentleman, and it is alleged that he misapplied the money. There are other similar charges against the prisoner; the amount involved being about £5000. Prisoner was remanded.

The Leeds Mercury (Leeds, England), Saturday, May 2, 1891

Notice on Dawber, Solicitor, Hull, Bankrupt

The Leeds Mercury (Leeds, England), Friday, May 22, 1891

Printed and saved for transcription

The Leeds Mercury (Leeds, England), Friday, May 22, 1891

At Hull, Mr. Joseph Dawber, solicitor, has been further remanded for a week, charged with obtaining £800 from Mrs. Jane Downes, Hull, by fraud, and obtaining by fraud the sum of £3.400, belonging to Dowsing Trustees.

Birmingham Daily Post (Birmingham, England), Saturday, May 23, 1891

At Hull, Mr. Joseph Dawber, solicitor, has been further remanded for a week, charged with obtaining £800 from Mrs. Jane Downes, Hull, by fraud, and obtaining by fraud the sum of £3.400, belonging to Dowsing Trustees.

Birmingham Daily Post (Birmingham, England), Saturday, May 30, 1891

At Hull yesterday, Joseph Dawber, solicitor, was committed for trial at Hull on Friday, on four charges of misappropriating money to the amount of £5,700. Entrusted to him by clients for investment. It was stated that the total amount misappropriated is about £17,000.

Western Mail (Cardiff, Wales), Saturday, May 30, 1891

At Hull on Friday, Joseph Dawber, solicitor, was committed for trial at Hull on Friday, on four charges of misappropriating money to the amount of £5,700. Entrusted to him by clients for investment. It was stated that the total amount misappropriated is about £17,000.

Aberdeen Weekly Journal (Aberdeen, Scotland), Saturday, May 30, 1891

At Hull yesterday Joseph Dawber, a solicitor in that town, was committed to the Assizes on four charges, under the Larceny Act, of misappropriating and obtaining by false pretences over £6000 from clients who entrusted him with the money to invest.

The Preston Guardian etc (Preston, England), Saturday, May 30, 1891

At Hull, Mr. Joseph Dawber, solicitor, has been further remanded for a week, charged with obtaining £800 from Mrs. Jane Downes, Hull, by fraud, and obtaining by fraud the sum of £3.400, belonging to Dowsing Trustees.

Lloyd’s Weekly Newspaper (London, England), Sunday, May 31, 1891

ALLEGED MISAPPROPRIATION OF £17,000 BY A SOLICITOR,- COMMITTAL,- Joseph Dawber, solicitor, of Hull, was committed for trial at Hull on Friday, on four charges of misappropriating money to the amount of £5,700. Entrusted to him by clients for investment. It was stated that the total amount misappropriated is about £17,000.

Aberdeen Weekly Journal (Aberdeen, Scotland), Wednesday, June 3, 1891

SERIOUS CHARGE AGAINST A HULL SOLICITOR,- At Hull on Friday, Joseph Dawber, solicitor, was committed for trial for appropriating money amounting to about £6000 entrusted to him by clients for investment.

Reynolds’s Newspaper (London, England), Sunday, June 7, 1891

ALLEGED MISAPPROPRIATION OF £17,000 BY A SOLICITOR,- COMMITTAL,- Joseph Dawber, solicitor, of Hull, was committed for trial at Hull on Friday, on four charges of misappropriating money to the amount of £5,700. Entrusted to him by clients for investment. It was stated that the total amount misappropriated is about £17,000.

Lloyd’s Weekly Newspaper (London, England), Sunday, June 7, 1891

ALLEGED MISAPPROPRIATION OF £17,000,- Joseph Dawber, solicitor, of Hull, was committed for trial at Hull on Friday, on four charges of misappropriating money to the amount of 5,700. Entrusted to him by clients for investment. It was stated that the total amount misappropriated is about 17,000.

Northern Echo (Darlington, England), Tuesday, July 21, 1891

THE FRAUDS BY A HULL SOLICITOR.- Joseph Dawber (46), solicitor of Hull, surrendered to his bail on charges of appropriating sums of money amounting to £5,600. The first indictment related to £1,400 entrusted to him by the Rev. J. T. Fowler, the Rev. W. Fowler, and Miss Elizabeth Fowler, trustees and executors of the late Joseph Fowler; a second to £2,400 relating to George Alderson Smith, of Scarborough, and a third to £1,000 belonging to Emma Child, or Reading. A fourth indictment charged him with obtaining £8,000 from Jane Downes by means of false pretences.- Prisoner pleaded guilty to one case of misdemeanour,- The sums misapplied amounted to £17,674 altogether.- Mr. Waddy said prisoner had been involved in difficulties through financing unsuccessful building applications.- Seven years penal servitude.

The Pall Mall Gazette (London, England), Tuesday, July 21, 1891

At the Yorjshire Summer Assizes opened at York Castle yesterday, Joseph Dawber, forty six, solicitor, of Hull, was indicted on four counts for misappropriating clients money to the amount of £5,600. It was stated that the total defalcations amounted to £17,000. Prisoner was sentenced to seven years penal servitude.

The Leeds Mercury (Leeds, England), Tuesday, July 21, 1891

Large report printed for transcribing

The Leeds Mercury (Leeds, England), Tuesday, July 21, 1891

The Summer Assizes for the North and East Ridings division of Yorkshire commenced yesterday at York, before Mr. Justice Day and Mr. Justice Grantham. The only case of interest was one in which a Hull solicitor named Dawber was charged with having converted to his own use various large sums of money intrusted to him by clients for investment. He pleaded guilty to one charge, and it was stated that by his course of swindling since 1886 he had appropriated over £17,000. He was sentenced to seven years penal servitude.

The Belfast News-Letter (Belfast, Ireland), Tuesday, July 21, 1891

At York Assizes yesterday, Joseph Dawber, solicitor, was sentenced to seven years penal servitude for misappropriating large sums of money which had been entrusted to him for investment.

The Belfast News-Letter (Belfast, Ireland), Tuesday, July 21, 1891

At the York Assizes, to-day, Joseph Dawber, solicitor, Hull, pleaded guilty to misappropriating large sums of money which had been entrusted to him for investment. The prisoner’s defalcations amounted to £17,000. Mr. Waddy, Q.C., M.P., who appeared for the accused, said the prisoner had been involved in difficulties through financing an unsuccessful building speculation. Mr. Justice Day passed sentence of seven years penal servitude.

Liverpool Mercury etc (Liverpool, England), Tuesday, July 21, 1891

At the York Assizes, yesterday, Joseph Dawber, solicitor, Hull, pleaded guilty to misappropriating large sums of money which had been entrusted to him for investment. The prisoner’s defalcations amounted to £17,000. Mr. Waddy, Q.C., M.P., who appeared for the accused, said the prisoner had been involved in difficulties through financing an unsuccessful building speculation. Mr. Justice Day passed sentence of seven years penal servitude.

Freeman’s Journal and Daily Commercial Advertiser (Dublin, Ireland), Tuesday, July 21, 1891

SERIOUS CHARGE AGAINST A SOLICI|TOR

SEVEN YEARS PENAL SERVITUDE

York, Monday.

At York Assizes to-day Joseph Dawber, solicitor, Hull, pleaded guilty to misappropriating large sums of money which had been entrusted to him for investment. The prisoner’s defalcations amounted to £17,000. Mr. Justice Day passed sentence of seven years penal servitude.

Western Mail (Cardiff, Wales), Tuesday, July 21, 1891

At York Assizes, on Monday, Joseph Dawber, solicitor, Hull, pleaded guilty to misappropriating large sums of money which had been entrusted to him for investment. The prisoner’s defalcations amounted to £17,000. Mr. Waddy, Q.C., M.P., who appeared for the accused, said the prisoner had been involved in difficulties through financing an unsuccessful building speculation. Mr. Justice Day passed sentence of seven years penal servitude.

Aberdeen Weekly Journal (Aberdeen, Scotland), Tuesday, July 21, 1891

Joseph Dawber, solicitor, Hull, was yesterday sentenced to seven years penal servitude for the embezzlement of £17,000.

Aberdeen Weekly Journal (Aberdeen, Scotland), Wednesday, July 22, 1891

Joseph Dawber, solicitor, Hull, was on Monday sentenced to seven years penal servitude for the embezzlement of £17,000.

Manchester Times (Manchester, England), Friday, July 24, 1891

A SOLICITOR SENT TO PENAL SERVITUDE.

At the Yorkshire Summer Assizes, opened at York Castle on Monday, Joseph Dawber, forty six, solicitor, of Hull, was indicted on four counts for misappropriating clients money to the amount of £5,600. It was stated that the total defalcations amounted to £17,000. Prisoner, who pleaded guilty to one count in respect of £1,00, was sentenced to seven years penal servitude.

Hampshire Telegraph and Sussex Chronicle etc (Portsmouth, England), Saturday, July 25, 1891

At the York Assizes, on Monday, Joseph Dawber, solicitor, Hull, pleaded guilty to misappropriating large sums of money which had been entrusted to him for investment. The prisoner’s defalcations amounted to £17,000. Mr. Waddy, Q.C., M.P., who appeared for the accused, said the prisoner had been involved in difficulties through financing an unsuccessful building speculation. Mr. Justice Day passed sentence of seven years penal servitude.

Reynolds’s Newspaper (London, England), Sunday, July 26, 1891

A SOLICITOR SENT TO PENAL SERVITUDE.

At the Yorkshire Summer Assizes, opened at York Castle on Monday, Joseph Dawber, forty six, solicitor, of Hull, was indicted on four counts for misappropriating clients money to the amount of £5,600. It was stated that the total defalcations amounted to £17,000. Prisoner, who pleaded guilty to one count in respect of £1,00, was sentenced to seven years penal servitude.

The Leeds Mercury (Leeds, England), Saturday, November 14, 1891

Article regarding the Kingston Sanitary Pipe and Terracotta Works, running across five acres of land from Newland to Green-lane. The gent listed as being in charge of the sale is Joseph Dawber.

The Leeds Mercury (Leeds, England), Saturday, September 10, 1892

Meeting regarding the formation of the Master Slaters Association, which was created by the Master Slaters of Hull, and required the attendance of Master Slaters from Yorkshire, Northumberland, Durham, Grimsby, Nottingham etc. Mr. J. Townsley, of Messrs, W. Dawber and Son, was present and elected Treasurer.

The Leeds Mercury (Leeds, England), Tuesday, April 10, 1894

THE HOUSES, No’s 22 and 23. St. George’s Terrace, Leeds.

For further particulars apply yo J. W. Watson, 21. New Station-street, Leeds, E. O. Wooler, Esq., Solicitor, New Station-street, Leeds. Or W. C. Dawber, 30 Wincolmlee, Hull.

The Leeds Mercury (Leeds, England), Wednesday, September 12, 1894

WANTED, a good steady SLATER, at Hull, Grimsby, and Bridlington, Apply at W. Dawber and Son, Head Office, Hull.

The Leeds Mercury (Leeds, England), Monday, December 17, 1894

WANTED, a good steady SLATER. Apply William Dawber and Son, Hull, Grimsby or Bridlington Quay.

The Leeds Mercury (Leeds, England), Wednesday, December 19, 1894

WANTED, a good steady SLATER. Apply William Dawber and Son, Hull or Bridlington Quay.

The Leeds Mercury (Leeds, England), Friday, January 18, 1895

WANTED, two or three steady, reliable SLATERS. Apply W. Dawber and Son, Hull or Bridlington Quay.

The Leeds Mercury (Leeds, England), Tuesday, January 22, 1895

WANTED, two or three steady, reliable SLATERS. Apply W. Dawber and Son, Hull or Bridlington Quay.

The Leeds Mercury (Leeds, England), Wednesday, January 23, 1895

WANTED, two or three steady, reliable SLATERS. Apply W. Dawber and Son, Hull or Bridlington Quay.

Liverpool Mercury etc (Liverpool, England), Friday, August 30, 1895

Michael Neary, 21 years of age, labourer, for stealing, at Liverpool, on the 29^th ult, a brown gelding, the property of Joseph Dawber, was sentenced to 14 days imprisonment with hard labour.

The Leeds Mercury (Leeds, England), Saturday, April 25, 1896

Dawber, On the 18^th inst, at her residence, Scarborough, Esther, Widow of the late W. R. Dawber, late of Leeds. Interred at Scarborough on Tuesday.

Liverpool Mercury etc (Liverpool, England), Tuesday, August 15, 1899

By Order of the Executors of the late Joseph Dawber. At 50 Westmoreland Place, Scotland-road, Liverpool, Monday Next at 21^st inst. At one o’clock.

The Leeds Mercury (Leeds, England), Thursday, June 21, 1900

Dawber on the 17^th June, at Brighton, Eliza, widow of Robert Dawber, late of Grafton House, Lincoln, after a long illness.

Births, Deaths, Marriages and Obituaries
The Leeds Mercury (Leeds, England), Saturday, June 23, 1900

Dawber on the 17^th June, at Brighton, Eliza, widow of Robert Dawber, late of Grafton House, Lincoln, after a long illness.

I finally receieved the full files for the company known as Pompadour Cosmetiques.

The basic facts are,

The company started on 16th Oct 1891 by H. Y. Dickinson, of Grays (Something) Road.
It ceased on 24th Sept 1895.

There is no mention of Cremers, Collins or Stephenson among the list!

STEPHENSON 

Well, it’s been a busy month of research, with efforts made to trace more information on some of the people that surrounded Robert D’Onston Stephenson during his life.

Among those targeted where,

• Inspector Thomas Roots
• Rev. Charles Prest
• Bishop Westcott
• Thomas Fowler
• Dr Allan

I managed to secure pictures, newspaper reports, and valuble official records on all 4, as well as many other people.  Most of this material is brand new and has never been published!!

DEEMING

Efforts have also been made in several previously unseen newspaper accounts of Frederick Bailey Deeming and his alleged involvement in the Whitechapel Murders, all of which make interesting reading.

I also traced several previously unpublished newspapers detailing Deeming’s visit and incarcaration in Hull.  All of these offer a fresh new light on this mysterious man!

THE ROYAL STATION HOTEL CONNECTION

Over the years 4 previously named suspects have had links to Hull’s Royal Station Hotel.  This week I managed to trace a very rare copy of a book about the hotel, written by the North Eastern Railway company, and offering valuble insights into the Hotel, it’s formation, and ever changing interior. 

I also managed to trace over 20 newspaper reports, dating from 1854 to 1900, featuring the 4 previously named suspects in conjuction with this wonderful Victorian hotel.

This morning I took delivery of a document that gives subtle hints and clues as to the centre of education that Robert D’Onston Stephenson was said to attend. 

The centre, which was certainly in exsistence during and before Stephenson’s life, still stands today as an educational centre.

Efforts have been made to contact the establishment, and a dialogue has been opened regarding his educational background at the location.

Previously it has been suggested that Stephenson had obtained certificates from America, Paris, and Germany, but no proof has ever surfaced, and no paper trail can be found.

Updates will follow….

Jack the Ripper- From Hell, From Hull?

The book has expanded at an alarming rate, and now features massive chapters on several suspects with links to Hull.  Among them are

Walter Sickert, the chapter looks at all the authors and theorists that have presented books on this enigmatic man.  Looking indepth at claims made by Patricia Cornwell, Stephen Knight, Melvin Fairclough, Jean Overton Fuller, and Donald McCormick.

Prince Albert, the chapter presents a detailed account of “Bertie’s” several visit’s to Hull, and a massive chapter on his dealings with the Wilson family at Tranby Croft.

Prince Eddy, the chapter looks at Eddy’s many visit’s to the City, his life, and the claims by authors surrounding his alleged involvement in the Whitechapel Murders. 

Frederick Bailey Deeming, the chapter looks at Deeming’s life, criminal past, and visit to Hull.  A full account of Deeming in the Hull Press is also given, alongside the previously unpublished Magistrates papers when he was imprisoned in Hull!

And thats only four of the eight suspects!!

The section of the book on Robert D’Onston Stephenson is taking shape with chapters on his early life, the life of his father’s side of the family, and the life of his mother’s side of the family.

Each chapter is fully referenced, with footnotes, and sources listed for anyone wishing to learn more about the sources of information used. 

In fact, the book is so huge, that a recent investigation showed that the memory card holding the text file only is almost 2GB and rising, forcing me to copy the text files over to a much larger 4GB card!!

From Hell, From Hull

It’s been a busy week working on two massive new chapters, charting the rise of the Stephenson family, and charting the rise of the Dawber family.

Research

A day out at the Local Heritage Centre is on the cards for tomorrow, tying up some loose ends, and getting page numbers etc from sources I have used in the past.

TWITTER

Anyone with a TWITTER account can now follow me at http://twitter.com/MikeCovell

Newspapers From Hull

The transcription process is about 75% done, with the introduction and chapters looking at Hull Press completed, however, I am taking time of this project to concentrate on “From Hell, From Hull”

During the last two weeks I have been pouring over reports in the Hull Packet and East Riding Times, for reports on Stephenson and Dawber families.  This has led to over 60 new reports!

The reports cover dates from 1840 to 1890 and feature,

• Richard Stephenson Snr and the selling of several tons of manure,
• Richard Stephenson Snr and the selling of the Union Mill,
• Richard Stephenson Snr and his attempt to become a voter,
• Richard Stephenson Snr and the suicide of his cousin,
• Richard Stephenson Snr and his investments with The Yorkshire banking company,
• Richard Stephenson Jnr and his election to become Hull City Councillor,
• Richard Stephenson Jnr and his election to become a Sculcoates Guardian,
• Isabella Dawber Stephenson/Richardson and her wedding,
• Isabella Dawber Stephenson/Richardson and her dealings with the Yorkshire banking co.
• A Sermon by Rev Prest, on his work in Italy.
• A Service by Rev Prest for Isabella Dawber Stephenson/Richardson
• A report on the finances of the Hull Weslean Home Missions by Secretary Richard Stephenson junior.
• Several auctions held by Joseph Dawber and his Solicitors firm.
• Several donations made by Joseph Dawber to various charitable institutions.
• Alexander McLennan Fowler being charged for poaching!
• William Dawber being charged with leaving handcarts unattended.
• Richard Stephenson Junior being present at the laying of the foundation stone for St Silas Church!

Work is already underway to transcribe the reports, and already the current Stephenson chronology stands at 52376 words spread over 83 pages, and thats just the time line!! 

I must take this opportunity to thank everyone who has been in touch since the TV, Radio and Newspaper appearance, and all those that have offered help.  It is all appreciated and full acknowledgements will appear in print in the book.

Yesterday was a frantic race to film a short piece in Hull’s Ferens Art Gallery, including an interview, before the crew returned to edit it for a lunchtime slot.

Then an afternoon session was recorded to create the much longer piece on Look North last night.

The show was created as part of a look at Hull’s Hidden History, which will prove to be a popular slot, and was the first of what looks to be many looking into Hull’s past. 

What did strike me, was the fact that my statement on Stephenson being a Walter Mitty type charector, and being an inpatient at the London Hospital at the time of the murders was ommitted.

But, that small point aside, it was a valuble lesson in working with the local media, at creating awareness, and hopefully making others want to research the mystery themselves.