Elizabeth Wilson

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Maureen Withey on 16th January 2026

Staffordshire Assizes. PROSECUTIONS THE MINT. Patrick and Elizabeth Wilson, two emerald islanders, were found guilty of unlawfully having in their possession a certain mould, for the purpose counterfeiting the current silver coin of the realm called shilling. Mr Mahon and Mr. Corbett appeared for the prosecution ; the prisoners were undefended. William Bowen, labourer, employed the Grand Junction Railway near Wolverhampton, stated, that on the night of the November last, between twelve and one o'clock, he was passing along Dudley Street. Walsall, when he was accosted by the female prisoner  who was standing at the end of entry, was induced to accompany her to house, and after being with her a short time,  he gave her half crown. The woman not having acceded to his wishes, he requested her to return the money. This she positively refused to do. After some altercation he prevailed upon her to return him two shillings, which proved to be counterfeits. Hearing the voice of man another part the house, and being apprehensive of danger he left the house, having taken particular notice of its situation. He immediately went to Mr. Ryder, the superintendent of police, and stated to him the transaction, shewed the money, and requested him to accompany him to the house. Ryder went with him to the house of the prisoners, and took with him another officer named Raymond, and having searched the room they occupied, took them into custody. They found a quantity powdered whiting, pipe, the bowl of a spoon, two files, piece of plaster of Paris, a quantity of white metal, and a shilling, in an unfinished state, and six counterfeit sixpences concealed in the roof, with a good shilling, which had evidently been used for making the mould, mark was found on the obverse side of the unfinished shilling which exactly corresponded  with one found on the same side of the good shilling. Mr. Powell, an inspector from the Mint attended and gave evidence. He observed that the metal found was such as is used for manufacturing counterfeit money. He had doubt  that metal had recently been melted in the pipe, the shaft of the pipe contained a worm of metal throughout The plaster of Paris, he observed, was rarely used except for making moulds and the files were such as might be employed for milling, and were that time filled with metal from frequent use. had no doubt that the counterfeit shilling had been manufactured in mould made from the good shilling. The male prisoner watched the proceedings throughout with  great vigilance, and in his eagerness occasionally asked questions likely to injure rather than benefit his case. He also made a rambling defence, and told the Jury that the whiting and files were used by him for cleaning and repairing his pedlary. The Jury found them both guilty. To be transported for seven years each.   Staffordshire Advertiser, 18 March 1837. -------------------------------- Irish Convict Database, by Peter Mayberry. Elizabeth Wilson, age on arrival, 32, per Henry Wellesley (2), 1837. Tried Stafford Assizes, England. 7 years for coining. DOB, 1805, native place, Longford. Widow, Catholic. Servant indoor.

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Sioban Kearns on 16th January 2026

Date of trial: 10th March, 1837 Born: 1825, Longford, Derbyshire Height: 5'5, ruddy and freckled complexion, dark brown hair, grey eyes. Certificate of Freedom: 19 November, 1844