In Stafford gaol 1881

[lisalucie]

Hi all, could someone give me an idea of where to find info on an ancestor who I found today in Stafford gaol on the 1881 census?

His name was john Eccles, b.1853 I think in Wolverhampton. He married phoebe Ellis and in 1881 she is with their children lodging with her parents and john seems to be locked up.

How can I find out why he was in prison?

I also can't see him after that, and phoebe remarried a bit later on so he possibly died.

Thanks in advance, Lisa

[BumbleB]

You could ask the question of Stafford Records Office to see whether they have any documentation deposited with them.

[lisalucie]

Thank you bumbleB ... is there any info available online do you know?

[BumbleB]

I haven't seen any, but then I haven't really looked.   

Try this:  https://www.staffsnameindexes.org.uk/default.aspx?Index=A

Or there was a previous RC thread

http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=436932.0

[lisalucie]

Thanks again...I'll have a look now 

[nowornever]

Stafford records office have à useful online catalogue "gateway to the past". Haven't had chance to look  for you  but I have seen quite a few 'calenders of prisoners'  at Stafford for my own research around 1865.

These are mainly for the ASSIZES records. - the lower court records do not  survive, well not for the dates I need. So it really depends on how serious the offence was. Having said that sometimes warrants for arrests are done in the Assizes for such as non payment for an illegitimate child but the case would not be heard at the Assizes.

The staff are really helpful so if you can't find exactly what you are looking for on line then, as suggested, give them a call.
Paula

[lisalucie]

Thank you Paula...can't see anything as of yet so might give them a call then, I think he may have died either in gaol or just after release but need to keep looking.
Lisa