Newspaper Extracts:
25.6.1852 Lincolnshire Chronicle
Francis Brown, a gypsy broomseller, was charged by Sgt Lampton for being drunk and creating a disturbance on Saturday evening in Upgate, together with a number of their fraternity, men and women, who were driven out of the town by the Police; but the prisoner, being refractory, and continuing the disturbance, was taken into custody. Fined 1s and costs, or 14 days.
26.1.1866 Lincolnshire Chronicle
Francis Brown, and Francis Brown Jnr, and family mentioned as living in two cottages in Ulceby, belonging to Sarah Alcock who was in court because these two cottages were unfit for human habitation (it was her responsibility). Article quite long and not much mention made of the pair, but it does estabish that Francis Brown and Francis Brown were father and son.
12 March 1869 Lincolnshire Chronicle
Corden Brown, about 9 years of age, and Francis Brown, his father, members of the gipsy tribe encamping in the neighbourhood of Cleethorpe-Road, were brought up from custody, the boy charged with stealing and the latter receiving a gold watch and guard, a silver Geneva watch and silk guard, a brass case with a new movement in it, and a pinchbeck case, the property of Mr Sylvester, watchmaker of Cleethorpe Road. Value £14 10S. The evidence went to show that on the 3rd inst, in the temporary absense of the prosecutor, the young prisoner entered the shop and took the articles named, which were hanging on a rod over the work bench. Also some brass nails. On prosecutor returning to the shop he missed the property and a clue to the perpetrator of the robbery was given by a child of prosecutors who saw the boy in the shop, and he was apprehended. When in custody the boy said "i will tell you the truth about the watches. I went home and gave them to my father, and told him where I got them from". The elder prisoner was then arrested by warrent, but he refused to give his name, and when asked if he was the father of the little boy said he did not know. In answer to the charge the man said, "I am innocent as a babe". Both prisoners were committed for trial at Louth Sessions.
16 April 1869 Lincolnshire Chronicle
Robbery of Jewellry at Grimsby
Francis Brown, 30, besom maker and Corden Brown aged 6 years, his son, were charged on the indictment with stealing a gold watch and guard, a silver watch, and other articles the property of Joseph Sylvester at Grmsby, on the 3rd March last. On being called apon to plead to the indictment, it was urged the child could not be called apon to plead: eventually however, he pleaded guilty. It was then found that without the childs evidence the father could not be convicted, and, under the circumstances, it could not be taken: both were, therefore, discharged.
25 Sept 1875 Lincolnshire Chronicle
Francis Brown, gipsy, of Barton, was fined 10s and costs, for being drunk at Barton. PC Stebbings proved the case.
