Sproughton Bob

[littlesis 76]

Hi , I am looking for any information on a ggg uncle who was known locally as Sproughton Bob.  He was born Robert Jacobs in 1869 in Sproughton Suffolk to John Jacobs and Mary Ann Bugg.
He is in a book on Suffolk along with a photograph, the story goes his house burnt down and he then lived rough in the woods ,I believe he was in the local workhouse in 1911 and used as a scarecrow by farmers. The book said he died in 1920s and the locals raised money for a wreath for him.
I really want to find out more and order his death certificate but I cannot find one that would fit .Could anyone help find more on this man please

[littlesis 76]

Images of Sproughton Bob

[heywood]

There is a death in Ipswich but it is 1938
Robert E Jacobs 80 yrs 

[littlesis 76]

Hi Heywood
Same problem as me then . I believe the reg district would either be Bosmere or Samford  and think its highly unlikely he moved away from Suffolk and he was buried i believe at Sproughton due to the wreath.
I need the local record to open so I can check the parish records if they are available

[heywood]

The article does say he frequented the Ipswich cattle market and the wreath was purchased by regulars at the Hippodrome, Ipswich.

[heywood]

It might not be him but the age fits and there doesn’t seem to be another one around.

[AllanUK]

His birth is registered in the March Qtr 1860, Samford District, Vol 4a, page 583 -- mother's maiden name BUGG.

[AllanUK]

Possible death:

December Qtr 1913
Ipswich District
Vol: 4a
Page: 1028

Gives DOB 'about 1855' -- gives age as 58

Might be worth looking at?

[AllanUK]

I see that the article you posted indicated his death in the 1920's. Any other proof to this. I see that the 1920's death is from the memory of someone -- not necessarily accurate. Memories do go wrong.