The Scot Who Hunted The Ripper

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  • Howard Brown
    Registrar
    • Jul 2003
    • 109774

    The Scot Who Hunted The Ripper

    The story of Scots-born detective Donald Swanson who helped in the hunt for Jack the Ripper.
  • R. J. Palmer
    Researcher
    • Sep 2017
    • 1832

    #2
    Why all the Cowboys?

    From Battersea is published a description of a man who was seen in Battersea Park road answering the description of the supposed Whitechapel murderer. This man is said to be known as "Colorado Charley," and was formerly attached to Mexican Joe's Company at the Albert Palace. His age is 28; height, 5ft 7in; complexion fresh; clean shaved; black suit, and black soft felt hat. Information is also wanted of a man named Dare, who had belonged to the same Company, and who was supposed to be in Paris, he not having been seen for the last two months. --Echo, 8 October 1888.

    Colorado Charley later contacted Scotland Yard in order to clear his name. No word on Dare. From the MEPO files we see that approximately the same week Scotland Yard was also investigating members of Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show. Thus, not one, but two rodeo teams or western circus troupes were being question by the police in early October 1888. Cowboys anyone?

    Here is an apparently irrelevant factoid for the truly bored. William Shimmer, another former member of Mexican Joe's Company, was questioned in October 1890 about his relationship to a woman named Eliza Billingham, of George Yard, St. James, Norwich, who was found drowned in the river,having last been seen drinking in his company. Thetford & Watton Times. Saturday 18 October 1890 "Drowning Mystery at Norwich". Shimmer was said to have a face "pitted with smallpox." The drowning was dismissed as accidental and Shimmer was not charged. RP

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    • Howard Brown
      Registrar
      • Jul 2003
      • 109774

      #3
      Rajah:

      This is news to me. Thanks ever so much for sharing that article, buddy.
      Another good article from The Echo.
      It never surfaced in any of my searches, for certain.
      Thanks again.
      Hope you're well.

      Comment

      • Howard Brown
        Registrar
        • Jul 2003
        • 109774

        #4
        Roger's original post has been set up on this new thread :

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