Saltley Reformatory

George Henry Hewson - Saltley Reformatory Inmate

No. in Admissions Register:	1068
Age:	14 (born 15 August 1879)
Whence received:	H M Prison Stafford
Description:
Complexion:	Fresh
Hair colour:	Brown
Eyes colour:	Grey
Height:	4 ft 5 ins
Particular marks:	None
State of health:	Good
Able-bodied?	Yes
Date of admission:	30 April 1894
Late residence:	111 Bridgman Street, Walsall
Parish he belongs to:	-
Customary work and mode of life:	Errand boy. The father states the boy has a good home but will not stay there
Whether illegitimate:	-
State of education:
Reads:	Imperfectly, Standard 4
Writes:	Imperfectly, Standard 4
Offence:	Stealing a shirt
Circumstances which may have led to it:	Boy apparently bad and vicious
Date of sentence, by whom and court:	24 April 1894; R P Copeland and J Bourne; Stone Police Court
Where imprisoned:	H M Prison Stafford
Sentence:	7 days in prison, 4 years at Saltley
Previous committals:
Number:	1 (16 January 1894)
Length:	Fined 2s 6d
For what:	Larceny
Father's name:	Thomas Hewson
Occupation:	Coventry court bailiff [the newspaper report, below, says that he was a bailiff at Walsall]
Mother's name:	Sarah Hewson (step-mother)
Occupation:	-
Parents dead?	Mother
Survivor married again?	Yes
Parents' treatment of child:
Character of parents	Not known
Parents' wages:	-
Amount parents agree to pay:	-
Parents address:	-
Superintendent of police (to collect payments):	-
Person making this return:	Captain Leggett, Governor, H M Prison Stafford

Notes:

28 April 1894 There is a short report of the crime in the Staffordshire Advertiser Saturday 28 April 1894 p.6 col.6: THEFT FROM A BOAT. - George Hewson, 14, was charged with stealing 3s. 6d. and a shirt, belonging to John Meredith, boatman. The prisoner was assisting the prosecutor to work the boat, and on the night of the 31st of March, while the boat was lying at Barlaston, the boy absconded, taking the money and a new shirt. It was stated that the boy was the son of a County Court Bailiff at Walsall and had a good home, but would not stay at home. The Bench sent him to gaol for seven days and to a reformatory for four years.

26 March 1898 The Register of Boys on Licence records that Hewson was licensed to go out and work for Menzies, Ellesmere Lodge, Altrincham

29 April 1898 Sentence expired whilst out on licence, discharged from Saltley

10 December 1901 The Reformatory Committee Log Book report records receipt of a letter from Hewson, Grantham

No. in Admissions Register:	139
Date of admission:	7 February 1858
Whence received:	Stafford Gaol
By whom brought:	J Willis, Staffordshire Magistrate
On what terms:	Under committal
Friends interested in him:	-
Description:
Height:	-
Figure:	-
Complexion:	Fair
Hair colour:	Light brown
Eyes colour:	Dark brown
Perfect vision?	Yes
State of health:	Good
Able-bodied?	Yes
Sound intellect?	Yes
Use of all limbs?	Yes
Had cow or small pox?	Cowpox
Particular marks:	Crooked fingers right hand
Cutaneous disorder?	No
Scrofulous or consumptive?	No
Subject to fits?	No
Age last birthday:	15
Illegitimate?	Yes
Birthday:	-
Birth place:	Stoke on Trent
Has resided:	At Longton
Parish to which he belongs:	Stoke on Trent
Customary work and mode of life:	Collier
Schools attended:	None
By whom and where employed:	-
State of education:
Reads:	None whatever
Writes:	None whatever
Cyphers:
General ability:
Offence:	Stealing 10 apples
Circumstances which may have led to it:	Neglect of parents
Date of sentence:	18 January 1858
Where convicted:	Hanley, before J B Rose, Esq, Stipendiary Magistrate
Where imprisoned:	Stafford
Sentence:	20 days prison, 4 years at Saltley
Previous committals and convictions:	Stealing money, 1 month in prison
Father's name:	Abraham Bentley
Occupation	Potter, now in the 2
Residence:	-
Mother's name:	Ann Bentley
Occupation:	-
Residence:	Rupert Street, Longton, Staffordshire
Father's character:	A drunkard
Mother's character:	Married some time after the boy was born
Parents dead?	Neither
Survivor married again?	-
Parents' treatment of child:	Kind
Character of parents:	Honest and in good health
Parents' wages:	-
Weekly amount parents will pay:	Has made no offer. Not supposed able to pay
Superintendent of police (to collect payments):	George Garnham, Superintendent of Police, Longton
Relatives to communicate with:	-
Person making this return:	J R Rose, Magistrates' Clerk, Stoke on Trent
Estimate of character on admission:	-
Character on discharge:	-
When and how left the Reformatory:	-

Notes:

23 June 1855 There is a lengthy report of a previous crime in Staffordshire Sentinel and Commercial and General Advertiser Saturday 23 June 1855, p.5, col.3, with some confusion as to the surname of the second guilty lad (another, much shorter, newspaper report consistently gives the second boy's surname as Wright): JUVENILE THIEVES. - David Wright and Abraham Bentley, two lads belonging to Longton, both twelve years of age, were taken before the sitting magistrates, at Hanley Police Court, on Monday, charged with robbing a third lad, named Samuel Aldersey, about nine years old, of nine shillings and eight pence. The prisoners had to be lifted on the bench in the dock, to raise them in view of the magistrates, and the lad who had been robbed to be elevated on the lawyers' table, to enable him to see the prisoners.. - The little fellow, on the table, in answering Mr Rose's question, revealed an utter ignorance of the meaning of an oath, and it was impossible to swear him; but from the evidence of a married woman, named Rachel Ridge, it appeared that the little fellow had been sent to Messrs Carryers,' pawnbrokers', shop, at Longton, on Saturday night, to redeem some pledges, and Mrs Ridge, who was in the shop at the same time, saw the other two lads go to him, and overheard the biggest (Bentley) ask him if he had given his tickets in, and, on saying that he had not, he told him that if he would give them to him, he would give them in for him. The other lad (Birks), who was standing nearest to the counter, said he would hand them over the counter for him if he would give them to him, and the little fellow, on that, gave him the money and the tickets, and Birks, making a pretence of throwing them over the counter, ran out of the shop, followed by Bentley. Police Constable Cooper, on being informed of the affair, went to Birks' father's house, in search of the lads; but hearing, before his arrival, that he was coming, they got away by escaping through a chamber window. On Sunday night, however, he apprehended both of them at their homes. Birks's father, he said, was a notorious thief, and he had no doubt the lad was encouraged in such practices. When the officer charged the youths with the offence, each one said the other had the money. - Mr Rose said it was very distressing that urchins, like the prisoners, should be brought before them, charged with such grave offences; but the parents of the third boy had acted very improperly in sending him to a pawnshop, with such a sum of money, and on such an errand; it was a strong temptation to uneducated youths like the prisoners, to see money in the hands of a small boy like him. - After earnestly addressing the lads, he ordered them to be admitted to the House of Correction for one month, and to be each once whipped.

6 February 1858 There is a very brief report of his offence in the Staffordshire Advertiser, Saturday 6 February, p.2, col.5: Abraham Bentley and Henry Booth, who had pleaded guilty to a charge of stealing fruit, were each sent to the Saltley Reformatory for four years.

3 July 1858 There is a report of his father being had up for failing to contribute to his son's confinement at Saltley in the Staffordshire Advertiser Saturday 3 July 1858 p.7 col.5: QUESTION AS TO A PARENT CONTRIBUTING TO THE SUPPORT OF A SON IN A REFORMATORY. - Some time ago an unfortunate lad, of the name of Abraham Bentley, The son of a bricklayer's labourer in Longton, was convicted of felony, and was sent to the Saltley Reformatory. In consequence of a communication from the Home Office, Superintendent Garnham caused the father to appear before the court to show cause why he should not contribute towards his maintenance in the Reformatory. Bentley was examined as to the state of his circumstances, from which it appeared that he was a married man with three children, one of whom only worked; that on the average of the year he could not be in the receipt of more than 8s or 9s per week; and that, in consequence of the slackness of trade in the winter, he had absolutely felt compelled to enlist into the second regiment of the Staffordshire Militia, but from which he was now discharged. The magistrates considered that the man had not the means of contributing towards the son's support, and directed a reply to be made accordingly.

22 July 1858 Absconded with Owen [boy 146] and Finn [101] at the instigation of G Bolt [110]. Caught at West Bromwich and brought back with Flinn 24 July 1858

5 September 1859 Absconded with Booth [boy 160]. Caught and brought back from Cannock 15 October (1859?)

4 April 1860 put into the cell for not giving up a half sovereign, which he said he found on the land and which Hollett (boy 115) was to get changed for him unknown to me. He declares some boy took it out of his pocket, but the boy says he has "planted it"

3 May 1860 The Reformatory Minute Book records: 674. The following boys were reported by the Superintendent as suitable for recommendation to situations or emigration though their term of detention is unexpired: Drake [boy 138], Smith [boy 123], Blick [boy 136], Finn [boy 101], Bentley, Francis [boy 130]

675. Resolved: That an enquiry be made respecting the homes of Drake and Bentley and if they can obtain employment. If the investigation be satisfactory, and order to be obtained for their discharge.

21 June 1860 Having behaved very well since, he is allowed to go out on trial

3 December 1860 heard of doing well as a potter at Hanley

6 February 1861 discharged

January 1864 heard of as doing well as a potter at Hanley - doubtful [character]

10 December 1864 ditto ditto ditto

James Hook - Saltley Reformatory Inmate

No. in Admissions Register:	74
Date of admission:	20 July 1855
Weekly payments:	-
Age:	14
Education:	Reads and writes a little
Previous employment:	Tailor
Crimes, how often and in what prison:	4
Training in reformatory:	24 January 1856
When left reformatory:	-
Parentage and family:	Both living
Residence:	14 The Butts, Worcester
Trade of father:	Mason
With whom the boy is placed:	Mr McCorkindale [a would-be colonist] on same terms as J Hines [boy 58]
Address:	-
Trade:	-

Notes:

23 June 1855 A short report of his remand was given by the Worcester Journal of Saturday 23 June 1855 p.3 col.4. It says: FELONY. â€“ James Hook and Albert Tyler was charged with stealing a quantity of brass, the property of F C F Malden Esq., surgeon of Foregate Street. From the evidence adduced it appeared that the first-named prisoner entered the service of the prosecutor on the 28th May last as occasional servant. But did not sleep in the house. He had a turning lathe in a room over the kitchen, which was worth sixty guineas. Hook contrived to break off several pieces from it, which he sold for 9d at Otteyâ€™s marine store, in Powick Lane, on the 11th inst. PC Berridge took the prisoner into custody, when the young thief said he received 10d for the brass. The evidence against Tyler was very slight, and he was admitted as evidence, it appearing that he was only a companion of the prisonerâ€™s, and his testimony more clearly proved the latterâ€™s guilt. Hook was committed for trial, and Tyler was discharged.

7 July 1855 A short report of his committal was given in the Worcester Journal Saturday 7 July 1855 p.8 col.3 PLEADED GUILTY. James Hook, errand boy, to stealing a number of pieces of brass, forming parts of a turning lathe, the property of his master Mr F C F Malden. Surgeon, Foregate Street, on the 11th of June. Fourteen days solitary confinement, afterwards to be removed to the Reformatory School at Saltley.

14 December 1855 In the Reformatory Minute book it is recorder that: Mr McCorkindale [would-be colonist] attended the committee and explained his views with reference to the proposed emigration to Natal, and it was agreed that the following boys be allowed to go to Natal on the necessary consents being obtained, viz. Williams (aged 14) [boy 68], Manning (aged 14) [boy 28], Devaney (aged 15 next May) [boy 57], Peechey (aged 16 next July) [boy 69], Hopcraft (aged 13 next May) [boy 65], Hook (aged 14) [boy 74).

The President undertook to write to the Home Secretary for his consent to the arrangement as far as concerned the boys detained under the Youthful Offenders Act, or by conditional pardon, and Mr Morgan engaged to deliver the letter personally at the Home Office. Mr Ellis produced the consents of the boysâ€™ parents. Mr McCorkindale explained to the boys in the presence of the Committee the terms of their engagement and all signified their assent. Resolved: that proper Indentures be prepared and that Â£8 be paid Mr McCorkindale for outfit and passage money for each boy.

22 December 1855 In the Minute Book it is recorded that: the President laid before the Committee the consent of the Home Secretary for the emigration to Natal of the four boys detained under sentence.

14 February 1856 The Minute Book records that: all the boys except Devaney had sailed with Mr McCorkindale in the brig Portia for Natal on November 4th instant, the necessary consents from the Government and Parents having been first obtained. They were accompanied by Alfred John Taylor [boy 83], a well-educated boy, who had been committed at the Worcester Sessions a [few?] days previously, and by James Hines boy 58], who was selected instead of Devaney. Mr Ratcliff inspected the vessel before the boys joined, and afterwards visited them on board, where they all expressed gratitude for the kind treatment in the Institution, and for the opportunity afforded them to emigrate. They all evinced much courage and determination to do well in their future career.

[For more information about Mr McCorkindale and the purpose of the trip to Natal see the Liverpool Mail Saturday 16 February 1856 p.3 col.5]

Arthur Smith - Saltley Reformatory Inmate

No. in Admissions Register:	423
Age:	14
Whence received:	Birmingham Borough Prison
Description:
Complexion:	Fair
Hair colour:	Light brown
Eyes colour:	Grey
Visage:	-
Particular marks:	Scar on shoulder
State of health:	Good
Able-bodied?	Yes
Date of admission and term:	11 February 1870 5 years
Late residence:	Pickford Street, Birmingham
Parish he belongs to:	Yardley
Customary work and mode of life:	Brassfounder
Whether illegitimate:	Not
State of education:
Reads:	Imperfectly
Writes:	Imperfectly
Offence:	Stealing 5 scarves
Circumstances which may have led to it:	-
Date of sentence, by who and court:	12 January 1870, Borough Police Court, T C S Kynnersley Esq
Where imprisoned:	-
Sentence:	1 month prison (hard labour), 5 years at Saltley
Previous committals:
Number:	4
Length:	1) 7 days hard labour, 2) 10 days hard labour, 3) 3 days hard labour, 4) 1 month
For what:	1) assault, 2) stealing 1 shilling 3 pence, 3) Byelaws, 4) stealing stockings
Father's name:	William Davies (stepfather)
Occupation:	Engine driver
Mother's name:	Elizabeth Davies
Occupation:	-
Parents dead?	Own father
Survivor married again?	Yes
Parents' treatment of child:	-
Character of parents	Good
Parents' wages:	22s per week
Amount parents agree to pay:	2s per week
Parents address:	Pickford Street, Birmingham
Superintendent of police (to collect payments):	G Glossop
Person making this return:

Notes:

13 January 1870 There is a report of the crime in the Birmingham Daily Gazette Thursday 13 January 1870 p.7 col.2: A STREET ARAB.- A boy, named Arthur Smith, brass founder, of Pickford Street, was charged with stealing five scarves from the shop of William Fortington, 5, Broad Street Corner. The prosecutor stated that he found the lad in the shop, and as lie suspected him, he unbuttoned his coat, and found the scarves upon him.-Mr. Kynnecrsley said the prisoner had been at the Court six times before for various offences, and he should now sentence him to be sent to gaol a month, and at the end of that period he would be sent five years to a Reformatory school. The father-in-law of the youth would have to contribute 2s. a week.

William Fellows - Saltley Reformatory Inmate

No. in Admissions Register:	812
Age:	13
Whence received:	H M Prison Stafford
Description:
Complexion:	Pale
Hair colour:	Brown
Eyes colour:	Light grey
Height:	-
Particular marks:	Small blue spot back of left arm
State of health:	Good
Able-bodied?	Slender
Date of admission:	27 May 1886
Late residence:	John Street, Wolverhampton
Parish he belongs to:	Wolverhampton
Customary work and mode of life:	Nil
Whether illegitimate:	No
State of education:
Reads:	Imperfectly
Writes:	Imperfectly
Offence:	Stealing cocoa nuts
Circumstances which may have led to it:	This boy took to truancy some time ago and has got into bad company. The object of sending him to a reformatory is to separate him from bad companions, also from better boys than himself whom he has been injuring
Date of sentence, by whom and court:	27 April 1886; W Walker; Wolverhampton Court of Summary Jurisdiction
Where imprisoned:	H M Prison Stafford
Sentence:	1 month in prison, 5 years at Saltley
Previous committals:
Number:	Nil
Length:	-
For what:	-
Father's name:	William Fellows
Occupation:	Fitter
Mother's name:	Annie Fellows
Occupation:	-
Parents dead?	Neither
Survivor married again?	-
Parents' treatment of child:	Well-treated
Character of parents	Both very respectable
Parents' wages:	Out of employment at present
Amount parents agree to pay:	Will be ordered by Justices
Parents address:	John Street, Wolverhampton
Superintendent of police (to collect payments):	Major Hay, Chief Constable, Wolverhampton
Person making this return:	R D D Hay

Notes:

The crime was reported in the Birmingham Daily Post Wednesday 28 April 1886 p.3 col.6: WOLVERHAMPTON. - INCORRIGIBLE BOYS. - At the Police Court, yesterday, John Loftus (14), William Fellows (13), Philip Taylor (14), Henry Brown (15), and John Pantons (12), rough-looking boys, were charged with stealing cocoa-nuts, valued at 4s. 6d., the property of Thomas Greenway, of Brick-kiln Street, proprietor of a cocoa-nut alley. - The nuts were missed on Monday, and they were found yesterday at prisoners' homes. - Taylor, who had been previously convicted of housebreaking, and Fellows, who was stated to be one of the worst boys in the Industrial School, were each sentenced one month's imprisonment and five years in a reformatory; Loftus and Brown were each sentenced to three days' imprisonment; and Parsons was sent to gaol for one month, and was ordered to receive twelve strokes with a birch rod.

25 November 1887 The Medical Officer reported: Conjunctivitis of both eyes. Ordered his Uropiac[?] and [word illegible] plumb. Improving. Quite better by 1 December

11 February 1889 The Register of Boys on Licence reports that Fellowes was licensed to go out and work for Mr McDonald, Wolverhampton

1 July 1889 The Register of Boys on Licence reports that Fellowes was licensed to go out and work for Charles Mann, Wolverhampton

26 May 1891 Sentence expired, discharged from Saltley