Trials and criminality

[hughsba]

In the 1871 census my ggf and ggm were living together as man and wife.  By 1881 she was living with two kids and using her maiden name.  The whole family continued to use her name until she died (around 1920) then they changed to his name.  I don't think they were ever married.  In trying to trace him, and wondering what event might have caused his disappearance and her obvious dislike of him, I came across a 1876 newspaper report in which a couple with their names were involved in the inquest into the death of a child.  A verdict of manslaughter was returned against them for allowing the child to starve.  The names, date and location would fit and would give a reason for their breakup.  Is there any way I can find out more specific details of the people involved in that court case, and what sentence either of them may have served?

[miriamkinga]

If you wanted to post their names and dates of birth someone could have a look for you in the Criminal Records??

Best wishes

Maria

[JJen]

Hi,

Do you have access to Anc****y as they have some criminal records? Also if you look for other newspapers for that period there could be different articles regarding the crime which may give further details.

JJ

[JJen]

Hi,

If the surname is Houghton of Lancashire, trial date 22 Mar 1876, then they were both found not guilty.

JJ

[hughsba]

Flippin' eck, JJen, how did you know that?  It was indeed Thomas and Ellen Houghton.  By 1881 she called herself Ellen Marsh again, and the rest of the family were known as Marsh for the next 40-odd years.  However, they aren't particularly unusual names in Lancashire.  Also, Thomas was born in Lowton and Ellen in Leigh.  In 1871 they lived in Eccles.  None of the places are a million miles away, granted, but there don't seem to be any connections with Wigan, which is where the incident took place.  I wondered what would be the best way to find out something to enable me to be sure they're the right people.  It might also help me find out what happened to Thomas.

[JJen]

Flippin' eck, JJen, how did you know that?

Just checked out your previous posts, which was a bit of a clue as to who they were  

JJ