John Bagnall

10

Patrick on 20th August 2013

Born Masbrough, Rotherham, Yorkshire, baptised 21 April 1816 in All Saints Church, Rotherham, son of John Bagnall and Frances (Machon). Married 4 June 1838 in All Saints, Rotherham, to Elizabeth Fenton (formerly White). Children: Sarah Ann born 1839, Eliza 1840, Amelia abt 1842, Mary Ann 1842, William abt 1845, Betsy abt 1849. 1841 census, Coal Miner aged 25 with wife Elizabeth and 2 children at Masbro', Rotherham, Yorkshire. Ref 1328/ folio 6-10/page 13. 1849, Thursday December 13, from the Yorkshire Gazette - Before Mr. Justice Cresswell. HIGHWAY ROBBERY NEAR ROTHERHAM: JOHN BAGNALL 25, THOMAS MAKIN 24, GEORGE STRAW 24, and JAMES BADGER, (out on bail) were charged with having, on the 29th of October last, at Kimberworth, feloniously assaulted Joseph Warris, and stole from him six sovereigns. Mr. Hall was for the prosecution; Mr. Overend defended Badger; Mr. Hardy was for Straw and Makin; Bagnall was undefended. The prosecutor is an aged man living at Kimberworth, and a farmer. On the night of the 29th of October last, he was at a beer-house in Masbrough, where he remained until a late hour. The prisoners were there also, and during the evening in consequence of some remark made by one of them to the prosecutor he pulled his money out of his pocket in order to let the prisoners see he was not without cash. After a short time spent in conversation the prosecutor agreed to treat the prisoners with a gallon of ale. Whilst the prosecutor and the prisoners were partaking of the liquor William Warris, the prosecutors son, entered the house. About eleven o'clock at night the prosecutor and his son left the beer-house, and went on their road home to Kimberworth. On arriving near to the Masbro' toll bar they were passed by all the prisoners, who were walking at a quick pace. After proceeding about one hundred yards further on the road, the prosecutor and his son had to pass along by the side of a plantation. At this spot one of the prisoners rushed from behind a wall, seized hold of the prosecutor, and threw him on the ground. The other three prisoners immediately came up, and the prosecutor was robbed of his money. Strange to say as soon as the prosecutor was attacked his son ran away, leaving the old man to the mercy of the theives. The night was moon-light, and the prosecutor was able to recognize Makin, whom he knew well; Bagnall, Straw, and Badger he only knew by sight, but he had no doubt about the identity of the whole. The defence was that the prosecutor was worse for liquor and mistaken in his identity. Witnesses were called to speak to the good character of Makin, Straw, and Bagnall. The jury retired, and after an absence of ten minutes returned a verdict of GUILTY against all the prisoners. To be severally transported for seven years. 1850, Saturday 9th February, from the York Herald - CONVICTS: On Tuesday last the following convicts were sent to the County Jail at Leicester : - John Bagnall, George Straw, Thomas Makin, and James Badger. 1851 census, John Bagnall, Prisoner (Coal Miner) aged 37 at Portland Convict Prison, Dorset, England. Ref 1857/ folio 616/ page 32. Fellow prisoners: Thomas Makin, 25, Iron Moulder. Geo Straw, 25, Blacksmith. Jas Badger, 26, Rod Roller. All from Rotherham, Yorks.