Edith O'neill

343

Maureen Withey on 9th April 2024

Charge of Stealing. — A woman named Edith Edmonds,residing in Beckett's Lane, was brought up before Mr. Windeyer on Monday last, charged with having robbed Mr. Thomas Britton, book seller, in Pitt street, near the corner of Park-street, of five £1 notes and a £1 order, on Saturday night last; Sergeant Burke stated that the prisoner was given in charge to him about three o'clock on Sunday morning by Mr. Britton, in Beckett's Lane. She was searched, and nothing found on her but seven shillings. Mr. Britton appeared rather stupified from the effects of liquor, but apparently knew what he was about. Mr. Britton himself then stepped into the witness box and stated, that he met the prisoner accidentally about twelve o'clock on Saturday night, and at her very pressing solicitation accompanied her to her residence in Beckett's Lane. Here he and she enjoyed, not "the feast of reason," but "the flow of soul" over a liberal potation of "rum hot." He was in the house about half an hour when he missed his money, which he found safe in his pocket before he entered the place. He immediately charged her with the theft, which she denied. Not wishing to be done out of his six pounds, he gave her into the custody of a constable. This was Mr. Britton's statement. Mr. Windeyer, however, put a few pertinent questions to him which placed the matter in a much clearer light. In answer to Mr. Windeyer, he (Mr. Britton) further stated, that before he sallied out on Saturday night be had a few glasses of grog — (Mr. Britton did not mention the number) — at home in his own house with his housekeeper. Finding himself agreeably stimulated and excited by the generous fluid, he sauntered out into the streets, when he popped upon the prisoner. The money of which he had been robbed he had placed for security in his fob pocket, leaving a few shillings in his waistcoat pocket with which he paid for the " rum-hot" which he and the prisoner had together. In answer to the prisoner, Mr. Britton stated that, instead of being half-an hour in the place, he had been from two to three hours in it ; and that after refreshing himself with the grog, he retired into an inner room with her. In reply to Mr. Windeyer, Mr. Britton made an additional statement, to the effect that previous to his adjourning into the inner room with the prisoner, he disencumbered him-self, at her suggestion, of his nether garments, which he left hanging on a chair in the outer room. He saw no one in the house but a child. After being a short time in the room he heard a noise outside, which made him jump like India rubber from his couch and proceed out to the other room to see after the fate of his inexpressibles. On his going out he saw the outer door close as if some one had pulled it after him ; and the suspicion immediately flashed across his mind that all was not right. He immediately examined his fob, but the money had gone. It was then he gave the prisoner into custody. On his doing so, a man made his appearance whom he did not know. The prisoner was remanded until yesterday, when she and her husband were placed at the bar, but as there was no evidence of a direct nature to connect them with the theft, they were discharged. Commercial Journal, 23 July 1845, (Other similar reports name her husband as William Edwards)

343

Maureen Withey on 9th April 2024

NSW Convict Index. Edith O’Neill, per Pyramus, 1836, Cert. Freedom, No 43/0792; 18 May 1843. Wife of William Edmunds, per Guildford, 1824, fbs. (as stated on her CF)

343

Maureen Withey on 9th April 2024

Irish Convict Database by Peter Mayberry. Edith O’Neill, alias O’neal, age on arrival, 28, per Pyramus (2), 1836, Tried at Wicklow, 1836, 7 years, for Stealing blankets. Former convictions, None. DOB 1808, native place, Carlow. Widow, 1 female children aged 9 ½ years on board, sisters Mary James arrived per Hooghly (3) 1831, & Anne James arrived per Hooghly (3) 1831., Protestant, Laundress all work.