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James William Boon

Posted by Margaret on 3/6/2023, 10:59 am

My great grandfather was mayor of Okehampton in 1880. During lockdown with lots of time to read old newspaper articles I found out that after his mayoral year he was tried and found guilty of fraud - he had been bank manager for many years so very intriguing. I got the impression that the family were well thought of and that this action was totally out of character. I have browsed British Newspaper and am wondering if there is any more local information.
My own theory is that he got a bit carried away with entertainment etc while Mayor and dug a big hole for himself.
Any pointers etc most welcome

Re: James William Boon

Posted by Deborah on 4/6/2023, 12:31 pm, in reply to "James William Boon"

There is a penal record on FindMyPast detailing that he received 5 years. There are several pages to the record giving a large amount of information which you may find interesting.It includes details of the crime, the court case, his medical record, various prisons, names and addresses of family members. Go to https://www.findmypast.co.uk/transcript?id=TNA%2FCCC%2F2B%2FPCOM3%2F01451266 and select the option to view the original record. You need to click through about 12 pages of information.

Re: James William Boon

Posted by Judith on 3/6/2023, 3:19 pm, in reply to "James William Boon"

Entry in Derby Mercury refers to him as "late manager", so he must have resigned before he was sacked? (don't have subscription so could not read more)

Re: James William Boon

Posted by Judith on 3/6/2023, 2:55 pm, in reply to "James William Boon"

Found him on 1881 census in Okehampton, 1891 he and wife Mary living Cardiff, still there in 1901 (retired Bank Manager),still there 1901. not found on 1911 census, but death reg there 1916 @ 86. Perhaps moved away after his sentencing. Did he go to prison?, if so must have been between 1881 and 1891 census.

Re: James William Boon

Posted by Margaret on 3/6/2023, 4:29 pm, in reply to "Re: James William Boon"

~Thanks Judith! I do have all the census info. In one of the newspaper articles it said that his son was in no way implicated. GGfather and mother lived with son latterly in Cardiff.
He did indeed go to jail - part of it in Pentonville.
I was hoping that there might be some local knowledge that never made it to the wider world.
But thank you so much looking for me. Much appreciated
M

Re: James William Boon

Posted by Ann on 4/6/2023, 12:07 pm, in reply to "Re: James William Boon"

If you know the date of the trial the Devon Record Office may have the records including possibly evidence presented at the trial. You will need to look at the Quarter Sessions bundles for the relevant sessions. Depending on where the trial was held they will either be at the Exeter or Barnstaple Record Office.

Re: James William Boon

Posted by Margaret on 4/6/2023, 3:05 pm, in reply to "Re: James William Boon"

Ann - thank you for the suggestion. I will follow up

Many thanks

Re: James William Boon

Posted by Judith on 3/6/2023, 3:02 pm, in reply to "Re: James William Boon"

Looks as if the son also joined bank, 1901 working in Portsmouth as a cashier, for N>P> (on census my guess National Provincial)

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