Croydon von Stolberg

[Stuart_McDonald]

Hi everyone
I have an Otto Hugo von Stolberg, possibly passing himself off a member of the House of Stolberg, marrying Mabel Holbrook in 1920 and passing away in 1927 in Croydon. 
Can anyone shed any light, was he real or fake, the BMD Index suggests he was born circa 1830 from the 1927 death entry.
Thanks
Stuart

[Kay99]

 He is easy to find in the 1921 census born 1829 in Hull and I did find this on Anc

Otto Stolberg
Trial Age:    82
Birth Date:    abt 1831
Trial Date:    10 Apr 1913
Trial Place:    Chelmsford, Essex, England
Occupation:    Stock Broker
Charge:    False pretenses

Kay

[Ruskie]

Where was Otto born?
Do you have him in the 1921 and earlier censuses?
Do you have his marriage and/or death certificates?

Newspapers might have mention of him.

What leads you to believe he was passing himself off as a member of the House of Stolberg? Could he have been a member of the House of Stolberg?

Added: I was a bit late, but will post anyway - good find Kay. 

[Stuart_McDonald]

I've not been able to find an Otto Hugo von Stolberg born circa 1830/1831 on any published genealogy of the Stolberg dynasty.  His wife Mabel, nee Holbrook is described as wife of "count Otto Hugo Von Stolberg" in reference to her father's probate in 1926.  I can find no probate for Von Stolberg in 1927 and I have no copies of his death or marriage certificates.  One child was born of the marriage, in 1923 when Von Stolberg was aged about 93 and the mother 42.  The child changed his name from Stolberg to Holbrook during WWII.
Ever hopeful.
Stuart

[Kay99]

You are right Ruskie - newspapers  do mention him    

Several reports of his trial including East End News and London Shipping Chronicle 31 January 1913

Strange story at East Ham

Otto Stolberg otherwise Otto Gusteph 82 German subject described as a stockbroker --- and ends with
When arrested the accused said "Yah I will tell you nothing You will find out - I live nowhere "  At the station a money order and letters relating to other cases were found....

Kay

Sorry crossed with you Stuart

[Stuart_McDonald]

Hey Kay
Thanks for the mention of the news article and referencing another surname.....something to follow-up.
Much appreciated.

[Ruskie]

Seems a little difficult to believe that a child was born to a 93 year old man and a 42 year old woman. Ages might be wrong somehow?

He sounds like an interesting character Kay. 

[Kay99]

I can't quote all the 1913 articles but they are worth reading - in particular this one  - a short bit attached - He does sound like a fantasist

Birmingham Mail 21 February 1913 - Story of the Kings Will

Kay

[Stuart_McDonald]

Not so much a 42 year old woman being the mother, but yes, 93 year old father suggests a lodger.
All very interesting, but infuriating for the amateur genealogist.