Thanks. I picked this one up yesterday via The Courant, and I picked up his death notice from 26/11/1858. I was hoping for an obit that outlined his career, particularly before 1816 but I have enough for a wee bio of him in my larger project. I really only need him up to 1826.
The Kent connection is a bit of a 'brain-tickle' for me because I would like to know why he was there, particularly at a time when that kind of mobility was not encouraged. He was in the army seems the obvious answer, but I can't prove that.
Another interesting aspect for me is the gap between 1807 and 1816 and his move from Maidstone back up north. Was he involved in law enforcement before 1816, and if so where and when? To be elected as a Serjeant of the Mace, would he have to have been a constable, or perhaps a watchman?
Also, how did he become Newcastle's 'detective'? He is often sent out into other jurisdictions to arrest culprits or investigate crimes, but I can't find where that began. I have an inkling that he was the oldest, or perhaps just most mature, SotM, so he was deemed the most reliable.
The pondering continues...
