Simon Piper

342

Maureen Withey on 12th November 2021

Simon's brother John was hanged. EXECUTION. Last Saturday James Lulhant, 39, and John Piper, aged 42, capitally convicted at the late Assizes for the county of Sussex, the former of sheepstealing, and the latter of burglary, were hanged at Horsham, pursuant to their respective sentences. Morning Advertiser, 1 Sept 1819.

342

Maureen Withey on 12th November 2021

POLICE, BRIGHTON. The apprehension of the two brothers, John and Simon Piper, for breaking into the house of Mrs. Humphreys, of Black Lion-street, has already been stated. Suspicion having been excited that stolen property was concealed in the houses of these men, an examination took place; when other articles belonging to Mrs. H. Brides those found on the person of J. Piper, were discovered at of the latter. Information was received, by one of the headboroughs , that a large trunk had been deposited at the house a person by the name of Markwick, neighbour of the Pipers. In consequence, the High Constable proceeded to Markwick’s house, where they found the trunk alluded to. It contained an almost endless variety of articles; glass, earthen ware, linen, &c. Markwick was immediately taken into custody. Mr. Mills, landlord of the house in which John lived, had, in default of payment for rent, made an execution into the house; previous to doing which, however, he had repeatedly proposed to Mrs. Piper to forego his claim, if she would immediately vacate the house. The refusal of the woman to leave the premises excited suspicions that more stolen property was deposited therein. These suspicions were increased by taking out brick, which had been confined in the wall with new mortar, when a loaded pistol, and a large bunch of keys of various descriptions were found. On a further search various articles of plate were discovered —The High Constable then, accompanied several by Headboroughs, proceeded to the spot, and commenced a complete scrutiny of the premises by taking up the floors, knocking down the partitions, and, in fact gutting the house. In the course of their examination, they found more articles of plate, a feather-bed concealed in a space which would scarcely contain a hat, bolster and a pillow, and a variety of other articles, the whole of which was more than could be conveyed, at once, in a cart. J. Piper’s wife was then taken into custody; she and Markwick were privately examined, under idea that the woman might make disclosures in respect of confederates; but nothing came out in crimination of others; and Markwick appeared to be innocently involved in the affair, having merely received the chest, under the assurance that it contained Piper’s own property, which, he was fearful, would be seized for rent. Under, these circumstances, the woman was remanded; and the Magistrates bound over in his own recognizance to appear when called upon. On Wednesday, a special sitting of the Magistrates took place, when the wife of J. Piper was brought for final examination, and fully committed as an accessary in the burglary committed on the 20th ult. in the house of the Misses Lee, on the Marine Parade; the plate and apparel, found on the premises of the prisoner, being sworn to as their property. It came out that the woman had been frequently hired by the Misses L. in the capacity of char-woman, on which occasions she had cleaned the plate, and knew the cupboard in which it was kept. Her husband had also been in the habit of beating carpets for the same Ladies. Viler the High Constable had searched the house of J. Piper, He proceeded to that of his brother, where on removing a board from from the chamber-floor, he discovered several knives and tea-caddy. The latter article was sworn as being part of the property stolen from the Misses Lee. Public Ledger, 13 May 1819. --------------------------------------------------- Tas Record. CON13-1-2 Image165. Letter from F. Goulburn, Colonial Secretarys Office, 8 Apr 1822, to Lieut. Gov. Sorell, VDL. I have the honor to inform you that Simon Piper convict per Hebe, has permission to proceed to Hobart Town per Ship Tiger for the purpose of being assigned to Arthur Connelly. The said Piper was tried at Sussex Assizes, 7 Aug 1819 and sentenced to Transportation for Life.