From the Essex Standard 3 January 1851
Ongar Petty Session – Dec 28
Before J.F. Wright, Esq., Capel Cure, Esq., Rev. H.J. Earle, and the Rev. R. B. Turner
HIGHWAY ROBBERY – Thomas Hagg, drover, from Ingatestone, was brought up by the police, charged with robbing Mrs Ward, wife of Mr Ward, farmer, of Stanford Rivers, on the highway on Thursday evening, the 26th ult. Mrs Ward stated that she was on her way home from Chipping Ongar and at the bottom of Sandon Hill she saw the prisoner coming towards her, apparently drunk, and to avoid him she crossed to the other side of the road, when he followed and caught hold of her, and with the most dreadful threats declared he would have her money or her life; she was of course very much alarmed and begged for her life, but fortunately at that moment two children cam e in sight and her calling for assistance the fellow let her go, having obtained only sixpence for his booty. Information being given to the police at Ongar, policeman W. Smith immediately went in pursuit and found the prisoner near the place where the assault took place. He was taken into custody and clearly identified by Mrs Ward. Having heard her evidence and some corroborative circumstances spoken to by other witnesses, the Magistrates committed the prisoner for trial at the next assize.
From the Essex Standard 20 June 1885
Charge of Intimidation at Stanford Rivers
On Saturday, before the Ongar Bench, Jas. Edwards, 28, labourer, Stapleford Tawney, was summoned for having on the 5th November 1884, at Stanford Rivers, with a view to compel John Starkey Freeman to abstain from reducing the wages of the labourers and others in his service, wrongfully and without legal authority intimidated the said John Starkey Freeman.
Mr W. W. Duffield, of Chelmsford, prosecuted, and Mr J. W. Atkinson, defended. Mr Atkinson objected to the information, on the grounds that the Act of Parliament distinctly stated that it must be laid within six months of the commission of the alleged offence. It seems that on the 4th November, 1884, a letter was posted at Epping, and delivered to Mr John. S. Freeman, of the Lawns, Stanford Rivers, as follow:
‘Whoa unto him that oppresseth the poor, for he shall surely come to want.’
November 3, 1884
“Sir, You will shortly hear of something occur on your place that will make your ears tingle for it has been proved that you have been the agitator of taking down the poor man’s wage you have been to several farms where they won’t listen to you but mark you your turn is to follow you think by sinking Sir Charles men first you escape the character of it but yours is the worst character I have ever heard of. It wont be safe for you to walk out after dark yourself if you do you will be sorry you have started on the errand you have done there are men on purpose for the job but that is not the way we mean to make ourselves heard your cattle shall share in your misfortune there are one or two others that wont come off free but you are the only one that vengeance is vowed against sou you can treat this as an idle threat if you please all the same men that will do this wont belong about the neighbourhood oh no it is planed too well for that so now beware.
A CRY OF JUSTICE
“He that robeth the hireling of his hire shall meet with his reward.”
The case was dismissed on Mr Atkinson’s objection, and Mr Duffield expressed his intention of proceeding against the defendant for felony, under 36 and 37 Vic., ch.71, sec.50.
From the Essex Standard 13 April 1889.
Burglaries at Ongar and Stanford Rivers
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Breaking into the house of a County Councillor
Early on April 6th two burglaries were committed in the neighbourhood of Ongar. Shortly after one o’ clock, the residence of Mr H.E. Jones (County Councillor for the Ongar Division) at Marden Ash was entered, and some articles of value were stolen. The thieves gained admittance through the drawing room window, but being disturbed, it is supposed by a dog which was in the hall, they did not venture into any of the other rooms, but departed taking with them a silver candlestick, a valuable silver cup, and a couple of silk handkerchiefs. Had they crossed the hall into the dining room, they would have found a large quantity of valuable plate, Mr Jones having entertained a party at dinner the previous evening. Leaving Marden Ash, the burglars proceeded to Stanford Rivers, and there broke into Mrs Palmer’s house and helped themselves to wine and oranges. They took nothing else besides a silk handkerchief, a tobacco pouch, and a few small articles. No trace of the thieves has yet been discovered, but the police are making diligent enquiries.