1876 court case, Wigan

[hughsba]

I have ancestors called Thomas and Ellen Houghton, who lived together as man and wife, but I doubt were ever married.  I can tell from name changes and family incidents that they split up sometime between 1876 and 1881.  I have found in an Edinburgh newspaper that a couple with the same name were involved in the inquest into the death of a baby and a subsequent trial.  I have been told by another Rootschat member that the verdict was not guilty.  I have been unable to find out where she got that information.  I have also tried to find any other newspaper reports on the trial.  I don't know how accessible court records are.  All I want is something that can confirm the couple are my ancestors, or otherwise.  My relations are: Thomas Houghton, born around 1821 in Lowton.  Ellen Marsh born in Leigh in 1842.  They lived in Eccles in 1871, and their second child's birth was registered in Barton upon Irwell in early 1875.  The baby born/died January 1876, the inquest 11 Feb and trial 24 March 1876.  Ellen lived in Leigh in 1881, Thomas as yet untraced.  I would appreciate any help. 

[CaroleW]

Hi

I have found in an Edinburgh newspaper that a couple with the same name were involved in the inquest into the death of a baby and a subsequent trial.

Strange that a Wigan case would be reported in Scotland

The document shows they were charged with Manslaughter (on inquisition) and were both found Not Guilty.  No other info available

The case is shown as being heard at the Assizes  in Liverpool

[Pennines]

If the case was heard at Liverpool Assizes - Liverpool Archives may have the court records, or, as it was an Assizes case --- at should also be at the National Archives .

Lots of different records were created when a case went to court - there may be Gaol Calendars or Gaol Books for the year in question. However the newspaper reports are usually the easiest and most informative source of information, often giving a full blown description of a trial.

I would be surprised if the case was only reported in an Edinburgh paper. It would be worth looking again in the Liverpool press.

[pipscwic]

Also reported North wales Chronicle Sat Feb 12, 1876 gives the verdict  the inquest returned.
I do not know if I am allowed to copy it out here, if you want it, pm me

[ShaunJ]

The child was only a few days old.

The only death registered in Wigan in 1Q 1876 for a Houghton aged 0 is that of a William Houghton.

There was only one registered birth for a William Houghton in Wigan in 1Q 1876 (there is another one in 3Q).

Birth records indexed by Lancs BMD from the original registers for Wigan and Leigh for the calendar year 1876 show two William Houghtons - one born in Wigan mother's maiden name Gibson, and one born in Hindley, mother's maiden name Atkinson.

[miriamkinga]

From the Edinburgh Evening News 11/02/1876: -

Inquest held in Wigan on 10/02/1876 on the body of a child, a few days old, son of Ellen & Thomas Houghton -

this article says though that "a verdict of manslaughter was returned against the parents for having caused it's death by starvation"

How very sad 

[miriamkinga]

There's a report a week earlier in The Manchester Courier which gives the couple's address as 19 Watmough's Yard, Wigan.

[hughsba]

Thanks everyone.  I think the Wigan address might be the best lead.  I have a feeling it may be another couple with the same name, but 1871 and 1881 census might help me now.

[miriamkinga]

1881 census at same address: -

William Houghton, 42 coal miner b Lancashire (terrible writing) looks like Lower Ground (Standish/ Wigan).
Ellen Houghton 36 b Ireland West something
William Houghton 9 months b Wigan

Ref: RG11/3762/39/25