Murderer - Alfred Bligh

[Lisa Skeels]

Hello all

I am looking for any information regarding the murderer Alfred Bligh who was released from prison in February 1897 and who possibly used the alias Fred Hart to board a ship to Canada.

Before anyone looks, the story is not a pleasant one and I have lots of documentary evidence of what he did but, I have seen a piece of research , the narrative of which follows on from a Times article, which suggests the alias.  There is more than enough evidence to suggest the alias is more than likely and some which suggests that it probably did happen but I cannot find where this suggestion might have originated.  I have been in contact (via a third person) with the originator of the original research but they cannot, at the moment, remember their sources.

The local libraries have been very helpful but do not have reports of Bligh absconding.  There is no way the name could have been linked without some research into the family history.  Fred Hart does appear on the passenger list for the Laurentian in March 1897, Alfred Bligh who was released into the care of his brother in law does not appear on subequent UK Census records.

Can anyone help?

Thanks, Lisa

[IgorStrav]

http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=717471.0

Just for reference your previous post on this in April this year

[hanes teulu]

Haven't been able to find a Times article around 1897. Have checked The Times and Sunday Times.

The Times has a one para item in 1886 re. the murders.

[Lisa Skeels]

Thank you for checking Hanes Teulu.  I was really hoping there would be.

I thought I had finished with this story but I do have a very good reason for wanting to tie down the link, if possible.

Lisa

[isobelw]

There doesn't appear to be a birth for a Fred Hart in Norfolk that matches the details for the 'Fred' described in the Canadian obituary, which might add weight to the suggestion that this person didn't start out with that name. The Fred who died in obituary does appear to match with the person who immigrated in 1897 ( month and date given in the obituary match though year ( 1899)  is out by two years, however he does give year of immigration as 1897 in the 1911 census).
Seems odd that there is no sign of him in 1901 census, nor is there a 1903 marriage listed in the Ontario BMD records on Ancestry.
Isobel

[Lisa Skeels]

Thanks for checking Isobel.

I have traced Fred Hart's movements in Canada however, he does not appear to be connected on trees I have seen to Alfred Bligh.  The John Mellor he was released into the custody of was married to Ann Hart she was the illegitimate daughter of Alfred's mother Susan(nah) Hart(t).

I am pretty sure they are one and the same, but it would be great to see evidence of where the original link came from.

According to the Berkshire Records Office, the file is closed until 2016, not sure if more information will come out after then but I would imagine it will only deal with the trial and Broadmoor.

Lisa

[willsy]

Just picking up the other thread too

I believe this is them 1906 as Hall, I think it reads as Hart

https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KHV7-R3F

36, Qu'Appelle, Saskatchewan
Fred Hall    Head    M    50    England
George Mellor    Hired Man    M    28    England
Annie Hall    Wife    F    22    England
Edith E. Hall    Daughter    F    2    England
Alice Hall    Daughter    F    27 Jul 3mos    

another link

http://automatedgenealogy.com/census06/

[willsy]

George Mellor with mother Annie 1911 with dates out somewhat, seems to be the same chap 1921

https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KMPD-DJW

1921 RG 31; Folder Number: 152; Census Place: Kindersley, Saskatchewan; Page Number: 20

George c 1875, mother Annie came out 1912

[Lisa Skeels]

Hello Willsy

Thanks for checking that out.  As I said, I know what happened to Fred Hart in Canada what I need to find is proof that Alfred Bligh and Fred Hart are the same person, somehow.

I have available all the information I need on Canada, thanks again though, I hope I don't sound ungrateful.

Lisa