Jonathan Guy Roberts (1861 - 1910)

Born 18 Apr 1861 in St. Veep, Cornwall, England

Ancestors

Husband of May Livingston (Murphy) Roberts — married 15 Jun 1890 in Manhattan, New York, New York, USA

Died 2 Jul 1910 at age 49 in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, USA

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Gail Caster [send private message]

Biography

Jonathan's Early Years

Birth: 18 Apr 1861, in St. Veep, Cornwall, England. ^[1][2]

Christening: 14 Sep 1862, in St. Veep, Cornwall, England. ^[2][3]

Emigration: 22 December 1862, left Plymouth on "The Roman Emperor" bound for New Zealand. ^[4]

Immigration: 30 Mar 1863, arrived Lyttleton, Christchurch, New Zealand. ^[4]

The township of Lyttelton, circa 1867. Image from National Library of New Zealand, on this page.

Jonathan's family settled in Canterbury, New Zealand. In 1865 his father James is listed as living in the Kaiapoi Electorate and the freeholder of "Springs Station", a "homestead of run 18" (acres?) ^[5]. In the 1880-81 Electoral Roll, James is listed living in the Geraldine Electorate, occupation "farmer", and residing "near Temuka" ^[6].

Residence: 1865, "Springs Station", Kaiapoi, Canterbury, New Zealand. ^[5]

Residence: 1872, near Temuka, South Canterbury, New Zealand. ^[6][7]

Sometime before 1872 the family relocated to "near Temuka", South Canterbury. Jonathan attended "Waihi Crossing School" about half way between Geraldine and Temuka. In 1872, aged 11, he was awarded first prize in the senior division of the school's annual exam ^[7]. Jonathan's sister Anna was awarded second prize. The following year in November Jonathan came second after his sister Anna in the examinations achieving 83% in the annual exam ^[8].

In July of 1874, when 13 years old, Jonathan applied at Timaru Public School for a post of "pupil teacher" ^[9]. His application was sanctioned by the Timaru School Board "subject to examination" ^[10] and in August he passed the Winchester School exam with a mark of 89%, his work noted as "advanced, accurate, and carefully done" ^[11]. He went on to pass the examination for pupil teacher of the first year at Timaru later that year ^[12]. In February of 1875 Jonathan is recorded as coming 11th in the Canterbury District in the Pupil Teachers Examination and was "classed for third year" ^[13]. He was appointed as pupil teacher at Temuka School in March of 1875 ^[14]. Jonathan again passed the Pupil Teachers Examination in January 1877, and was classed for a fourth year at Temuka ^[15]. Jonathan resigned as a pupil teacher at Temuka in January 1878. His resignation was accepted on 28 January with regret by the Temuka School Committee who recorded "their satisfaction with his teaching and conduct during his three years of office" ^[16]

Young Adulthood

As a young man Jonathan was described as being of respectable parents, well educated, nearly 6ft in height, his appearance good, his manner frank and open, and his disposition generous. At all kinds of athletics "he is first class, and his endulgences in them has proved of greater service to him than such accomplishments do to most men". When he finished school he became an officer at the Bank of New Zealand at Timaru. After that he went to the Christchurch branch, and then to the BNZ at Akaroa on Banks Peninsula. He was "regarded as a smart officer in the establishment". ^[17]

Stafford Street, Bank of New Zealand corner, Timaru 1867-1868 Image from NZ Museums on this page

Occupation: cir. 1879-1883, Clerk in the Bank of New Zealand at Timaru, afterwards in Christchurch, and then at Akaroa. ^[18]

Residence: December 1880, Akaroa, Banks Peninsula, New Zealand. ^[19]

In December of 1880 Jonathan appeared at the Akaroa Magistrate's Court twice, once as the plaintiff, and once as the defendant. On December the 21st he appeared as the defendant in a case against C.W. Bridge, who was claiming £10 for a boat alleged to have been purchased by Jonathan. The case was adjourned ^[20]. On the 28th judgement was made in favour of C.W. Bridge for the amount claimed plus costs ^[21]. That same day Jonathan as the plaintiff was awarded 2s in damages, plus solicitor's fees and the cost for two witnesses, in a case against Herbert Hewer, ranger for the Akaroa and Wainui Road Board. Herbert Hewer had illegally impounded Jonathan's horse whilst it was grazing on private land ^[19].

Residence: cir. 1884, Wellington, New Zealand. ^[18]

Occupation: cir. 1884, employed at Bank of New Zealand in Wellington. ^[18]

Occupation: 1885, Commission agent, in Petone, Wellington. ^[18][22]

It is not known why Jonathan left the bank, but is noted that regardless it was customary, he was not given a banquet or testimonial on leaving. ^[17]

Interests: Member of the Petone Rugby Club (1886), member of the Star Boating Club, and amateur runner. ^[18][23]

In October 1885 Jonathan took the Bank of New Zealand to the Supreme Court. In a hearing on the 12th of that month he was claiming £200 (about NZ$38,500.00 today) in damages due to the bank dishonouring two cheques presented on the 7th and 9th of September that year. The BNZ claimed that there were insufficient funds to clear the cheques, and that Jonathan was not injured in his business credit or reputation as a result of the cheques being dishonoured ^[22]. The outcome of this case is not known, however, two days later on the 14th Jonathan placed an advertisement in the Evening Post looking to sell three houses, a goodwill store, and a grocery business in Petone, and by 1886 he had left Petone and relocated back to Christchurch. ^[24]

Desperate Times Desperate Measures

Residence September 1886, Opawa, Christchurch, New Zealand. ^[17][18]

High Street, Christchurch by Burton Brothers studio Image from Te Papa - Reg.No.: C.011597

At this time Jonathan was said to be "knocking about Christchurch in search of employment" and a "constant visitor at many of the well known hotel bars in that gay city". This "festive life" left him short on funds, and this was when, as the author Edward Pope put it, "his Satanie Majesty paid Jonathan a special visit" ^[17]. In all fairness it must be noted here that in 1886 New Zealand was in the grip of "The Long Depression" ^[25]. Jonathan would have been far from alone in feeling desperate and being out of work. In his diary Jonathan wrote of this time;

"I could not get a situation anywhere. It seemed useless to apply, and I got weary and sick of looking out for one. I had spent every penny I possessed, and a little more. As a last resource I went to one of these Loan Companies and negotiated for a loan on the trophies I had won in sports and boating. Yes! they would give me £20 on them. The interest was exorbitant and as I did not want it all I said I would take £10 then, and if I wanted the balance later I could come for it. I received the £10. Part went home; part to pay some debts, the balance gradually dwindled down to nil. I tried to get a post under the Education Board and applied for Barry's Bay School. "It rests with the committee down there. We have sent the applications to them to decide; if you think you can get them to appoint you, well and good!" was what I received from the Education Office. I went to Barry's Bay - I had to pawn my watch to do it - and saw five out of the seven committeemen, some of whom I knew personally. "Oh, yes, if it rested with them they'd put me in", so I returned satisfied. On the strength of it I ordered a few articles of clothing, but why I was not appointed I know not, and never shall. No one was, and the Board advertised again. I was advised to apply again. No, thanks, that sort of hanging-on wouldn't do for me. "I must get that other £10 and clear out", was all could think or say. I went to the loan office and told my business. All right, but come in the morning, please; it is too late now (it was 4.30p.m.). Not doubting that the morning would make it all right, I gave a cheque for the things I ordered, intending next morning to go to the bank and get one of the clerks I knew to take it up; In due time I went next day, but instead of getting the £10 I was told that they could not let me have any more. I threatened and begged, but it was of no use. I even, told them I had committed a criminal offence and must have it, but nothing would move them. What to do I knew not. To borrow was the only way out of the difficulty, and I tried those I thought most likely to help me; but not telling them what it was exactly for, I did not succeed. ^[26]

Over the following six weeks Jonathan got more and more into debt going to various tradespeople in Christchurch and writing cheques for small items and cash to cover cheques already in the system. Ultimately he recieved a notice giving him just hours to make right the last cheque. ^[26]

Circa September 1886 a bank robbery by way of forged cheques had recently occured in London. In the back parlour of a low public house late one night a plot was hatched by Jonathan and "a few equally needy companions" to do the same thing in Christchurch. Since Jonathan knew banking and was unmarried, it was decided he was the very man for the job. After agreeing to share the proceeds with all persons present, the group dispersed never to meet in that room again. ^[17]

Ballantyne's, Dunstable House, Cashel Street, Christchurch (ca. 1885) Image used with the permission of Christchurch City Libraries

Jonathan came to the conclusion that Messrs Ballantyne & Co., the most distinguished drapery house in the Southern Hemisphere, would be his best target given that they were highly prosperous and in his opinion could sustain a large loss without inflicting any individual to suffer any inconvenience. Ballantyne's bankers were the National Bank of New Zealand, and Jonathan was also aware that this banks coffers were full. ^[17]

Firstly Jonathan set to aquiring of one of Ballantyne's cheques. He sent a boy with £2 7s cash and a written note to Ballantyne's requesting an exchange of the cash for a cheque to the same amount in order to oblige a gentleman who wished to post it to Wellington. Ballantyne's gave the boy the cheque. The following day, a boy of about 11 years in age, called at the bank and presented a memorandum requesting a few blank cheques for a Mr. Shepphard. These he was given. At about 3pm that same day another boy went to the bank with a memorandum bearing the signature of Messrs Ballantyne & Co. requesting the teller give the bearer a small cheque book for odd use. The boy was given a book of 24 cheques. On the day after this in the morning, yet another boy aged about 12 years old, presented at the bank with a cheque dated 3 September 1886, and bearing Messrs Ballantyne & Co.'s signature. The cheque was for £76 17s 6d. An accompanying note with the signature "J. B. & Co., per H. W." read;
"The Teller, National Bank. Please send, per bearer, cash as under, for enclosed cheque £76 17s 6d:-
Ten £5 notes, fifteen £1 notes, eighteen half sovereigns, silver."
This cheque was cashed and the teller gave the boy a bag to carry all the money away in. ^[17]

Later that day the bank identified the cheque as a forgery when it was noticed that the number was not of the same book as the genuine one. The police were notified. ^[17]

That evening, Edward Button came to the police station with his little brother. The young master Button subsequently made a statement to the police, in short describing how "a man" had asked him to take a letter to the bank, ask for a bag to put the money in, and that he had waited for him in Manchester Street. After Master Button had given him the bag of money the man had gone up Bedford Row. The following day (October 1) Detective O'Connor took young Button into town to find the man. After several hours of looking around the streets Master Button pointed out Jonathan Roberts. Shortly thereafter, on 1 October 1886, Jonathan was arrested by Detective M. O'Connor for forging cheques in Christchurch. ^[17][27]

A man who had been seen talking to Jonathan just before he was arrested was also followed and on being questioned gave the policeman a letter which had been signed by Jonathan. It was addressed to the person he was staying with at Opawa, and requested him to bury Jonathan's coat in the sandhills along with the bank bag and other articles. The items were instead collected by the police. In the pocket of the coat was £64 in National Bank notes, the equivalent of about $12,680.00 in todays money. ^[17][18]

Jonathan was bought before Judge Richmond Beetham Esq. and two other assistant judges on the 5th of October 1886 at the Resident Magistrate Court in Christchurch. He was charged with forging and uttering a cheque for £76 17s 6d purporting to be signed by Messrs Ballantyne & Co. on the National Bank in New Zealand. Jonathan was granted bail of £200 and two surrities of £3 each but these were not taken up. He was later commited for trial and when bought before Mr Justice Johnson pleaded guilty. Sentence was postponed in leu of inquiries to be made under the Probationer's Act, but no probation report was made. At the Supreme Court in Christchurch on 8 October 1886 Jonathan was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment with hard labour. ^{[17][27][28][29][30]}

Residence: October 1886, Lyttelton Gaol, Banks Peninsula, New Zealand. "Gaol No. 8967 Lyttelton". ^[28]

Jonathan Roberts on 30 July 1887 at Lyttelton Gaol. Image provided by the NZ Police Museum Not permitted for re-use, or in any commercial form or on any commercial site.

Physical Appearance: 30 July 1887; ^[28]

Height: 5ft 11½ in.

Complexion: Fresh

Hair: Brown

Eyes: Brown

Nose: Large

Mouth: Medium

Chin: Medium

Weight on Commital: 175 (lb)

The “Remarks” on Jonathan's Lyttleton Gaol record read: "A very wild young fellow and will be sure to be heard of again". This turned out to be very true.

Release: During the fortnight ended 6 August 1887*. ^[31]
* Jonathan's photo was taken only 8 days before the end of this fortnight, so it may have been taken on the day he was released.

Life After Prison

Over the following few months after his release from prison Jonathan was shunned by his former friends. They pointed him out as an ex-convict, and even "Spriggins", one of the group in the back room the night the plan to rob the bank had been hatched, and who had since become a member of the Salvation Army, was "foremost to repudiate and denounce him". He was ordered from bars if he entered, and many whom had formerly cast their smiles his way now looked upon him darkly. Most of his time was spent looking for honest work as he tried hard to reform his character. ^[26][32]

"I had fallen, and though I tried afterwards to live it down and stayed in Christchurch, it was no good. I was done for. Bank clerks knew me not. All the crowd of football and boating men I knew passed and did not recognise me. There was one exception, and he put himself out of the way to come and speak to me, asked me how I was, etc., and when he left said, "if you stay here through the coming winter, mind you don the yellow and black jersey." ^[26]

Mount Somers Guest House N.E. cnr Ashburton Gorge Rd and Hoods Rd Photo from Mount Somers Foothill Museum

Residence: 1887-1888, Mt. Sommers, Canterbury, New Zealand. ^[26][33]

Occupation: January 1888, Wool presser, at Mount Possession Station, Mt. Sommers, Canterbury, New Zealand. ^[26][33]

"I had just got fairly started when the boss of the shed thought proper to give me the sack, because the shearers decided to take a holiday on Boxing Day. I had no redress, so tried to get on somewhere else. Miles I walked, but met dozens of men coming from the places that I was going to. What to do I knew not. More than once in downright misery have I walked away in the evening, and didn't come back until morning, sitting under a fence all night, or squatting in the tussocks wherever I happened to wander. Here I felt lonely and wretched in the extreme." ^[26]

Residence: 7 January 1888, Doncaster Hotel, Washdyke, Timaru. ^[33]

In January 1888 at Washdyke near Timaru Jonathan was arrested again. This time it was for stealing a horse, saddle, and bridle on the 5th of January belonging to Mr. John Hood of Mt. Sommers. He had ridden the gelding a distance of about 50 miles through the night to Washdyke, near Timaru, where he stabled it. The next morning he set about selling the horse at auction at Mr. Jonas' sale yards for £13. He was found at the Doncaster Hotel asleep by Sergeant Livingston who said when he informed Jonathan of the charge that Jonathan replied "It's very strange" ^[33]. In court on the 11th of January 1888 Jonathan was commited for trial and bail was set at £100 for stealing Mr. Hood's horse, and £100 for stealing Mr. Hood's saddle and bridle. ^[34]. On 21 April 1888, Jonathan was found guilty on both counts and sentenced to five years penal servitude for the theft of the horse, and two years hard labour for the theft of the saddle and bridle, to be served concurrently. ^[35][36].

Residence: January 1888, Timaru Gaol, Timaru, New Zealand. ^[33]

Many of those in the colony who took interest in Jonathan's case agreed that the punishment delivered unto him was extremely severe and way out of proportion when weighed against the crime and the circumstances of it. Jonathan himself, in the diary he sent from America to the editor of The Star in 1901 ^[37], said that when he was sentenced … "The Court began to go round and round and I thought he might just as well have said for "life"." He felt that there was no justice in the sentence and questioned "why?". After all, only moments before Judge Ward had sentenced a man charged with stealing £34 worth of property, and his second offence, to twelve months, yet he was charged with stealing £20 worth of property to five years. He wrote that that night was a long and sleepless one all the while his sentence ringing in his ears. He went on to say "The next day the gaoler wanted me. Mr. Hay was with him. "You have five years Roberts. I have just got the warrant." Although I was terribly upset, there was an inward feeling of gladness that it was five years, for I would cut it short and do none. Before I got back to the yard I had determined to run for it, and my whole thoughts were occupied in planning how. I must do it at Timaru. I had a better chance there if once I got away." ^[38][39]

Jonathan's First Escape

STAR, ISSUE 6224, 28 APRIL 1888 Image from Papers Past

Jonathan, along with "Paddy Shane", had been in lock up at the Timaru gaol awaiting the Governor's warrant for transport to Lyttelton Prison. They were under the watchful eye of Mr. Swann. Mr. Swann, it was said, "felt keenly the weight of responsibility that rested upon him, having two prisoners of their calibre thrust on his hands". He was "vilgilant and careful" expecting an escape attempt. And so it was that on Saturday morning the 28th of April, the warder McDonald ^[40] forgot to close and secure the door in the corridor leading out to the grounds. Jonathan had been let into the corridor for his daily exercise and seizing the oportunity darted out in full view of Mr. Swann, but not before collecting his clothes from the closet. He made in the direction of Saltwater Creek. Mr. Swann at first ran after him, but Jonathan, "a noted athelete and runner in magnificent condition" gained ground rapidly. And so Mr Swann "wisely returned to the gaol" to inform the police by telephone what had happened. Meanwhile Mounted Constable Bradshaw and Detective Kirby were speedily in the saddle and set off in hot pursuit after Jonathan. The whole affair was made worse by the fact that the Inspector of Prisons, Mr. Hume, arrived moments after Jonathan's escape to conduct an inspection. ^[41][42]

TIMARU HERALD, VOLUME XLVI, ISSUE 4233, 5 MAY 1888 Image from Papers Past

Jonathan wrote: "... I went into the corridor, and saw the doors open into the garden, and a prisoner scrubbing the steps. Where was the gaoler? I had just seen the warder go into the garden with some of the men, and now was my chance. My heart stood still; but, slipping off my boots, I went along the corridor as far as the bathroom, and had a look round. No one to be seen ... I noiselessly popped into the store room, where a few days previous I had sorted my clothes, putting a complete outfit into a carpet bag, and packing up the rest. To pick it up, clap my hat on my head and retrace my steps was the work of a second. One second more and I had crossed the threshold, but the Gaoler had seen me. And darted in pursuit. Had he followed me, I should have had to throw down the clothes, but, after running a few yards, he returned to shut the doors or ring up the police, I couldn’t exactly say; but it gave me time to dart up the first right-of-way I came to, and this led into someone’s outshed ... Looking back, I saw there was no one in close pursuit, so I instantly off with the gaol coat, trousers and drawers, although I could look straight into the kitchen of a house where two women were doing something. That did not trouble me, though, but, getting into my own things as quickly as possible I started once more. I didn’t even stay to put on my boots, but made straight for Whittaker’s plantation, taking fences, gardens, potato patches, and everything as they came. In the meantime the gaoler had followed, but went along the road, and had reached the corner leading to Whittakers just as I was making my short cut. When I came out on to the road he had got to within fifty yards of me, but was blown. Had he not wasted his breath by shouting, though, he might still have pushed me close, for, what with excitement and my cross-country run, I hadn’t much to spare. He has a good pair of lungs, but although he threatened, coaxed, commanded, and entreated, and dared me to go on, it wouldn’t do. His shouting, however, brought out two ladies. One stood up and looked quite amused, while the other, when she heard the gaoler shout “Stop him! Stop him!” clasped her hands, and coming to meet us both, commenced talking, half to herself and half to us, just in the same manner in which ladies say. "How d’ye do?" when bowing to an acquaintance about one hundred yards off.

"Oh! what is it? what is it?" I could hear her saying, and when the shout came "Stop him! Stop him!" "Oh, no, I can’t, I can’t!" I don't think I have ever seen a face looking so troubled and pained. And it was a pretty face, too. Who the ladies were I know not, but they were, infinitely above the average in good looks – in face, figure and dress - that was all I could gather as I panted down the hill.
What a relief Whittaker's plantation, was! Darting straight in. I made as if I should continue in the same direction as I entered, but as soon as I was out of sight I turned sharp round, and went the other way, waiting behind a big fir, to see which way Swann would take. Just as I expected. In he rushed, exactly at the same spot as I, but he didn't make the right turn, so when I heard him crashing along I picked up my carpet-bag end proceeded, saying to myself, "All right, old man, you keep that way and I’ll keep this." ^[38]

By way of gullies and plantations Jonathan reached St Andrews by nightfall. He spent that night in a straw stack. The next morning at about 4am he set out and by daybreak had reached Makikihi. Not wishing to be seen there he cut across behind it ^[38]. Meanwhile Mounted Constable Bradshaw, Constables Kenny and O'Donavan in plain clothes, Detective Kirby, Sergeant Livingston, and Seargeant-Major Mason were combing the countryside looking for him. Word was sent to every police station in the colony with a full description of the escapee. Newspapers from North Cape to Bluff published the story of Jonathan's "sensational escape" and he became quite the topic of dinner conversation all over the colony. ^[41]

LYTTELTON TIMES, VOLUME LXIX, ISSUE 8476, 8 MAY 1888 Image from Papers Past

At Makikihi, on Jonathan's second day as a fugitive, he got an invitation to dinner. While there he was told about a job on a threshing-machine nearby so that evening he made for the location. Jonathan worked for ten days from daylight until dark at the threshing machine for which he earned "36s and tucker". ^[38][43]

Residence: Makikihi, Canterbury, New Zealand. ^[38][43]

Occupation: Threshing-machine operator, at Makikihi, Canterbury. ^[38][43]

Then one rainy day, when there was no work on, he headed down to Makikihi. There he bumped into an old friend who informed him that there was a reward out and that his description was posted in every railway station. With that, Jonathan decided it would be best to leave Makikihi as soon as possible. He went back to camp and asked to be paid off. He decided to make for Timaru. ^[38]

Two days later, on "a cold and drissly morning" on the road "near Moody's", Jonathan was blessed with the delightful company of some ladies at breakfast time. After knocking on their door to ask for some hot water, they invited him in for "a meal of meat, potatoes, bread, butter, cake, and some tart as well as two nice fresh cups of tea". When the conversation awkwardly turned to "Jonathan Roberts" he held his breath, and pretending to know nothing of the man the conversation continued … "How do you know it is not him, mother?" said the younger daughter. "Well, my dear," said the good lady, "it won’t hurt him, besides I don’t think it is, he is not big enough for Mr. Roberts". Jonathan wrote that he spent a good hour there, contrary to reports in the papers ^[44], before he continued his way on to, and then through Timaru. He eventually reached Washdyke. Tired out and wet, he camped in a straw stack just past the Washdyke Hotel. ^[38]

Jonathan had hoped to reach Temuka the next morning before daylight, but he slept in and didn’t wake until about 5.30 a.m. With too much light he left the main road making for "a lot of bluegums at Seadown". After a snack and a snooze around midday, he then edged along the railway line towards Temuka. By four o’clock he had reached Arowhenua which was where he had one of his very close shaves ... "when, coming across some water, I made for some scrub to boil the pot. This done, I was about to sit down and enjoy my crust when I heard voices: "He came across here somewhere with a billy in his hand, as if he was going to boil it." My blood turned cold, but I never moved, and they had almost passed me. One was a man in his shirt sleeves. The other I did not know, but I think I did the former. If it was not _____ I am mistaken, but whoever he may be he has my best wishes for a hot climate in the next world." ^[38]

WESTERN STAR, ISSUE 1253, 23 MAY 1888 Image from Papers Past

Pushing on Jonathan "crushed through gorse fences, over the South Road, Waitohi Road, Point Road, and on to the river-bed". He forded the river by the Arowhenua Estate coming out behind the manse. This led on to a footbridge, which he crossed, and then he made his way toward the English Church at Temuka. ^[38]

"The alarm had been given, telegrams had been sent to Timaru and elsewhere, and such a rushing about you never saw in your life before. But it was no good. I made for my destination, and was received as I expected ... And there I stayed that night, and the whole of next day. The Police were all over the country - Sergeant-Major Mason, Constables Kenny and Morton, and a few others. Their own horses got knocked up and others were hired, but of no avail. And I? I was sitting by the drawing-room fire, looking at them through the window." ^[38]

Jonathan stayed in Temuka for a few days, going between and hiding out at different friend's houses. Every road in or near Temuka was being ridden over again and again by the police but they couldn't find him, and most folk were not forthcoming in helping them. With so much heat on, Jonathan decided it would be best he moved on again. And so on the Saturday night he started for Rangitata. He went by the Stumps Road, and then passing straight across the Plains "taking everything as it came" he eventually reached the Rangitata River. After fording the river he popped into the Hon. W. Rolleston’s vegetable garden and ate one of his turnips. ^[38]

"Mile after mile I trudged, with nothing but countless numbers of wet gullies, with soft muddy bottoms, and a few bluegum plantations to break the monotony. The wind had now risen to a howling nor.’-wester, but the big gorse fence protected me, until a turn in the road brought me face to face with it. Though dry, it was cold, and I could hardly keep myself warm. Frequently I rested under some sheltering bunch, but it was far too cold to camp for long. I walked and battled with the wind until I could hardly crawl, so, taking advantage of a big bunch of gorse inside of the fence, I put down a sack and my old things, wrapped myself up in the blankets, and slept. How long I couldn’t, say. I awoke shivering. To go to sleep again was impossible, so once more I started. In a couple of hours I reached the Hinds, but feeling warm and comfortable I again got under a big fence and went to sleep. Rain this time roused me, and I sought shelter in a stable a little further on, in spite of the dog's very strong objections The manger was my next sleeping place, and here I dozed until aroused by the cocks crowing." ^[38]

OTAGO WITNESS, ISSUE 1905, 25 MAY 1888 Image from Papers Past For the full account of this unfortunate experience see ""A SWAGGER'S GRIEVANCE"

Jonathan knew Ashburton couldn't be far off but it had become too light for safe travel, so after obtaining "a loaf from a cottage", he made a detour around Ashburton ..."That day turned out beautifully fine, and getting out of the wind, I spread my blankets, and lay down to enjoy the warmth. I here obtained a few hours good sleep. Travelling along the lonely roads at night is anything but pleasant, and, besides, it is unnatural." ^[38]

After his rest Jonathan moved on, eventually reaching the cattle ford of the river without anyone seeing him. While wading across however, he saw a man coming down the riverbed who appeared to be a mounted trooper. Clutching his swag firmly he raced down the middle of the river-bed for a couple of miles as fast as he could run looking back every now and then to see if he was pursued. Shaken, he decided not to venture out again till dark. Jonathan wrote that his trek that night toward Rakaia was "a weary weary one". With just a few hours sleep in a straw stack near Chertsey, and the remainder spent travelling a lonely unknown road. ^[38][44][43]

"A twenty-mile walk is neither here nor there to me, but with a heavy swag it is another matter, and I must admit I was fairly “done up.” Some tea and a junk of bread satisfied the inner man, and the sunny side of the gorse fence did duty for a bedroom. Where I went for a few days I cared not, but seeing some trees away to the right I decided to go that way. At 4 p.m. that afternoon I reached Mrs. [Crowe]'s ^[43], so that in the twenty-four hours I estimate that, taking into consideration my run down the Ashburton riverbed. I travelled from five miles the southern side of Ashburton to nine miles beyond Rakaia, something over thirty miles" ^[38]

Residence: Killinchy, Canterbury, New Zealand. ^[38]

Mrs Crowe lived near Killinchy ^[45]. On the evening of Jonathan's arrival, after some negotiation, he and Mrs Crowe came to a work arrangement. That night he milked the cows. The first week he wrote went well, and so the second week started out that way too, until two days into it. On the 28th of May whilst working on the road grubbing gorse ^[43] his work mate commented to him;

"It’s a jolly good job we haven't got the cows on the road, Jack!"

"Why?", asked Jonathan.

"There comes the Leeston bobby!" ^[38]

And so it was that on information received Jonathan was arrested by Constable Simpson. Although Jonathan made a run for it initially “swiftness of limb and valour succumbed to the leaden missiles as they whizzed near the runaway”, and so he surrendered. He was immediately placed in bracelets. and then removed to the Leeston Railway Station to be taken to Christchurch pending trial for escaping legal custody. ^[45][46][47]

On the 5th of June 1888, at the Resident's Magistrate Court in Christchurch before Mr Beetham Esq. and H.J. Hall Esq., Jonathan pleaded guilty to escaping custody at Timaru. Judge Beetham remarked that whilst on the run Jonathan had "conducted himself decently and attempted to earn his living honestly", and so took this into consideration when sentencing. Thus he handed down a sentence of 12 months hard labour as opposed to the two years he was liable for, which was to be served after the expiration of his current term. Judge Beetham added that he hoped Jonathan "would not do so absurd a thing as to attempt escape again". ^[47][48]

TIMARU HERALD, VOLUME XLVI, ISSUE 4255, 4 JUNE 1888 Image from Papers Past

Jonathan's Second Escape

Residence 7 June 1888, Ripa Island Prison, Lyttelton Harbour, New Zealand. ^[49]

On his first day at Ripa Island Prison, speaking with other inmates, Jonathan learned that a piece of iron cladding in the mess shed with a little work and the right tool, could be easily worked to make a way out. Ripa Island is only about 60 yards from the mainland and for the young and fit Jonathan, even at high tide, this would not be a problem. So he aquired a chisel from the carpenter's kit, and the next day at lunchtime he smuggled it into the mess shed. ^[38]

"Only three or four knew I was to make the attempt, for although most of the prisoners stand by one another like Britons, there are some who are not to be trusted, so nothing, had been said. When the warders were fairly at their dinner, and everything propitious, I tried the chisel, but I could make little or no impression. I couldn't get at it. I had scarcely started before first one old lag would see me, then another, and as each did he would shift himself so as to screen me as much as possible. "Bolting" their dinners, first, one would rise and stand with his back to me, talking to someone opposite, then another, and so on, until I was perfectly hemmed in on all sides. One picked up a shillelagh and commenced to beat the devil's tattoo on the table, thus drowning any noise I made. After a little exciting hard work, I had I made two little slits of half an inch, close to the upright beams, then by taking hold of the iron and pressing down, it tore like a piece of paper; in fact, too fast. My excitement was now intense, likewise those near, who were watching. First an inch on one side, then an inch on the other, till, in about a couple of minutes, I had torn it down to the sheet underneath. Putting my head out of the hole, I had a look round. No one to be seen, and nothing more to be done, so as the ground was fully four feet down, I got out feet first." ^[38]

STAR, ISSUE 6283, 6 JULY 1888 Image from Papers Past

On the 8th of June 1888, Jonathan slipped down the embankment onto the parapet, ran round to the place he was to cross, buried the chisel in some loose mould, and then slipped down the 12 feet of parapet wall and into the water ... "Striking out I soon gained the other side", and he was off! As fast as his legs could carry him he was up over the summit, down the other side, and off he headed into the hills ^[38]. It was a full hour before the prison guards noticed Jonathan missing. Once they did notice, the police were informed promptly. A constable was despatched immediately to the scene by steam launch, and Inspector Pender went to Lyttleton to direct operations. Four constables and two artillery men were sent to comb the countryside, and a cordon of police were drawn across the hills in an attempt to stop him reaching the plains. One of the artillery men found the only trace anyone did of Jonathan, some footprints in the snow on the top of the ranges above Fort Levy. Jonathan, once more, was the talk of the district. ^{[49][50][51][52]}

That evening Jonathan suprised a group of local Maori who were just about to have tea. They thought he must be a mad man when he told them he had escaped from Lyttelton Gaol and asked for some food. He was fed lavishly, after which as he was leaving he proclaimed, "I'm Jonathan Roberts!". With well wishes for a successful escape this time, by the time he left, he had also been provided with a coat, a pair of trousers, and a bag of food for the road. Jonathan made his way into open country, and then via the railway line went from Kaituna to Greenpark. At "Hubbard's" he rested for a bit in a hay stack, before travelling on keeping to the edge of the lake, and as it was so very cold, eagerly awaiting sun rise. ^{[38][53][54][55]}

"In due course the beautiful sun made his appearance. How I loved him that day. Had he been obscured by rain clouds my plight would have been wretched indeed, but coming out bright and warm, I found a spot where I could sit and bask in his rays. Enjoying a good breakfast, I lay back in the rushes and instantly fell asleep." ^[38]

STAR, ISSUE 6312, 9 AUGUST 1888 Image from Papers Past

Jonathan rested for several hours before continuing on. The next morning he called into a house to ask for some water, again finding the occupier to be yet another "well wisher" ... "The more he did the more he wanted to do and when I left his place it was after having a good tea and sleep." His next port of call was Killinchy where he hoped to retrieve his wages and belongings. On reaching his destination however he found "Simpson" had taken it all. "... Mrs. ____* could not have been kinder if she had been my own mother. Running out the moment she knew I was there, she took my hand between hers and wanted to know what she could do." After Jonathan left Mrs. _____’s he met another friend who gave him all the money he had, and so Jonathan went to Brookside where he bought several necessaries. He then continued on to Irwell where he was helped again. A sack was thrown over a fence in front if him by a "law abiding friend" who explained to Jonathan that he couldn't help him. Once his friend had gone Jonathan retrieved the sack finding it to contain a bottle of hot coffee, a coat, a pair of trousers, a good flannel shirt, a pair of sox, a good hat, two £1 notes, and a large quantity of eatables! The now smartly dressed Jonathan then "cleared out" of Irwell. ^[38]

* Crowe?

STAR, ISSUE 6267, 18 JUNE 1888 Image from Papers Past

On the road later that day he was approached by a stranger. Thinking his new clothes would surely throw this chap off the scent, he was startled when the man came straight up to him; "How are-you, old man? You’re the pluckiest beggar I’ve seen for a long time! Do you think you can manage to get back to the summit of the Purau track?" The stranger informed Jonathan that he had been looking for him to help, and with the aid of Jonathan's friends whom trusted him, he had tracked him all the way from the Maori's home. He warned Jonathan that the police were all over Lincoln and Greenpark and that he must be careful how he went. He had a bark hut in the bush near the summit of the Purau track where Jonathan could hide out and be kept in supplies. And so it was decided that the next evening they would meet up and his new friend would take Jonathan to the hut. About 3 a.m. the next morning Jonathan started on making his way back to, and then around Lyttelton Harbour. He hid from three detachments of police during the night. By the following morning, very nearly having reached his destination but being very tired, he had some tea and unrolled his pack in a nice secluded gully. ^[38]

"Once more Providence blessed me with a glorious day, and putting a newspaper over my head, to keep the sun off, I slept as soundly, for a few hours, as the most easy-minded being in existence. Towards the middle of the afternoon, however, a very smart shower of rain came on, lasting for nearly an hour. I had just, time to pop my things into a sack and put on my coat. As soon as it was dark enough I hastened on, and was met by my friend and his mate. "The hut is about three miles from here, can you manage to walk that far?” they asked. “We will put your pack on the horse?” Three miles without a swag seemed very little to me, and I said so, but before I had finished that three miles I sang another song. What a road it was! Through creeks, up banks, round swamps, and goodness only knows, what not. ... We arrived in time, and upon striking a match I saw a first-rate little shanty" ^[38]

AUCKLAND STAR, VOLUME XIX, ISSUE 150, 26 JUNE 1888 Image from Papers Past

Just a few miles as the crow flys from Ripapa Island, Jonathan settled into his new home. Needing a few more provisions than he had, Jonathan wrote to some lady friends of his in Christchurch. On the appointed day, one of his two benefactors went to the station and collected a parcel for Jonathan (although not in Jonathan's name) and bought it up to the hut. Wrapped in some sacking and tied up with small rope was a pair of large blankets, flour, 1lb of Nelson, Moat and Co.’s 2s 4d tea, 61b sugar, half lb. of Van Houten’s cocoa, 2 tins potted meat, soda and acid, sundry books and papers (including Bible), knife, fork and spoon, dozen and half plaid vestas, pipe, 2 lots of tobacco, and more. Jonathan was set! ^[38]

PRESS, VOLUME XLV, ISSUE 7105, 29 JUNE 1888 Papers Past

For the first four weeks there was little variety in Jonathan's life and not a lot to do, ..."and to say the least I was very miserable at times." But, he enjoyed the best of health and had as much to eat as he wanted. His only visitors were a youth about eighteen who happened by and never breathed a word to anyone, and that same day, a visit from Jonathan's friend's domestic. She had been sent her up for a watch that they had left behind the last time they went "for wood". Jonathan convinced her to stay for a cup of tea, and they had a very "romantic and pleasant afternoon". ^[38]

His next visitor was "the boss", who had been let into the secret. He brought a small flask of whisky with him to drink to Jonathan's health, and after looking about, the very next day sent up about a dozen books, meat, bread, flour, jam, butter, tea, sugar and sundry newspapers. A few days later Jonathan received another visit from the boss and "F_____". No longer believing Jonathan was safe they suggested he shifted camp ... "We've pitched a tent for you in _____ Bay Bush. You won't be quite as comfortable there, but you will be perfectly safe, and that is the main point. You can erect a cooking galley or a hut, just as you like, I will give you what nails you may want, and a tomahawk." ^[38]

STAR, ISSUE 6276, 28 JUNE 1888 Papers Past

For the first week in the tent (August) the rain came down without a lull. Jonathan was wet and miserable and didn't even feel like reading. When the rain finally stopped he set to building himself a new hut. Soon he was once more just as comfortable as before. He had an alarming adventure with a wild pig one night whereby he thankfully came off the better, but apart from that he led a solitary and at times heartbreaking existence, with allot of time to think about the past two years, and mulling over how he had come to be where he was. One of his friends had given him paper and so this is probably when he wrote much of his diary. Family, friends, and he himself knew, his only way forward was to make a fresh start in a new country. So while Jonathan hid out in the bush a plan was formulated to get him to America. He made the very occasional "sally into town" to see his friends or to get important information, but for the most part he stayed in the bush and lay low. ^[38]

Then on the 20th of September 1888 at Lyttelton Harbour, with the help of his friends and an accomplice on board, Jonathan escaped New Zealand aboard the RMS Tainui. The Tanui was bound for London via Rio De Janeiro and Tenneriffe. Jonathan's accomplice, who was "heading home", took a long rope with him when he boarded the ship, and the plan was that a party were to be out fishing, Jonathan being one of them, at the time of the Tainui's departure. They were to lie in the course of the steamer about a mile off shore, and as soon as the tug was seen to leave and the anchor being hauled they would edge their boat off toward the steamer. Jonathan's friend would be on look-out with the rope, and as the steamer passed the fishing vessel he would throw it over so as Jonathan could catch hold and scramble up the side. The plan was a success. Although the steamer was travelling a little faster than the group of friends anticipated, Jonathan caught hold of the rope and "ran up the side of the Tainui hand over hand like a sailor." It can only be assumed that Jonathan shared quarters with his accomplice, and disembarked at Rio De Janeiro from where he made his way to America. ^[26][56]

The Land of the Free

STATUE OF LIBERTY, NEW YORK HARBOUR - 1893 Image from Wikimedia Commons on this page

In America Jonathan used the name John Guy Roberts. His next appearance in the records was when he got married to May Livingston Murphy, in Manhattan, New York, New York, in 1890. Jonathan was now 30 years old. ^[57][58]

Residence: June 1890, at East 143rd St., New York City, New York, U.S.A. ^[57][58]

Occupation: June 1890, Book keeper, in New York City, New York, U.S.A. ^[57][58]

Marriage: 15 Jun 1890, to May Livingston Murphy, in Manhattan, New York, New York, USA. ^[57][58][59]

Jonathan and May had seven children:

• Edward Wesley Roberts: b. 19 SEP 1891 in Hackensack, Bergen, New Jersey, U.S.A. ^[60], d. 24 APR 1979 in Orange, California, U.S.A. ^[61]
  Edward married (1) Ellen Mara Robinson on 27 Sep 1914 in Los Angeles, California, U.S.A. ^[62]
  Edward married (2) Jean Marie Harrison - needs source
• Florence Evelyn Roberts: b. 29 APR 1893 in New York, New York, U.S.A. ^[63], d. 3 OCT 1987 in Diamond Bar, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A ^[63]
  Florence married Edgar William Koopman on 12 Aug 1913 in California, U.S.A. ^[64]
• Frances Roberts: b. 02 MAY 1893 in Manhattan, New York, New York, U.S.A. ^[65], d.abt. 1895 in New York, U.S.A.
• Harold Vercoe Roberts: b. 1897 in New York, U.S.A. ^[66], d. 28 SEP 1898 in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, U.S.A ^[66]
• Henry Clifford Roberts: b. 19 SEP 1899 in New Jersey, U.S.A. ^[67], d. 6 JUN 1961 in Alameda County, California, U.S.A ^[67]
• Roy Blackwell Roberts: b. 13 SEP 1903 in New Jersey, U.S.A. ^[68], d. 10 SEP 1983 in Escondido, San Diego, California, U.S.A. ^[68]
  Roy married Alice Leslie Trost (in 1928? in Los Angeles, California?) ^[69]
• Jack Roberts: b. abt. 1907 in New Jersey, U.S.A. ^[70]

Occupation: 1910, Book keeper, in Los Angeles, California, U.S.A. ^[1]

Residence: 1910, at 631 Aldama Street, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A. ^[1]

Death: 2 Jul 1910, in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, USA. ^[1][71]

Jonathan died at the age of 49, from Tuberculosis, contributory cause Laryngitus. ^[1]

Burial: 05 Jul 1910, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale, Los Angeles County, California, USA. PLOT Section A, Tier B, Space 32. ^[1][71]

Panoramic view of Glendale, taken from Forest Lawn Hill circa 1910 Image from this page at Wikipedia.

Further Reading

• "Jonathan Roberts' Diary" - published in weekly instalments at Papers Past between 1901-1902
• Papers Past - There are many hundreds of newpaper articles and advertisements relating to Jonathan Roberts, from his school years through to his convictions and escapes.
• "A full, true, and particular account of the strange eventful life and thrilling adventures of Jonathan Roberts (Zealandia's Turpin) : with startling particulars of his crimes, trials, & convictions together with glowing details of his marvellous, daring and unparalleled escapes from custody at Timaru Gaol and Ripa Island", Pope, Edward, attributed name (Author) , Press Printing House (Publisher) , Christchurch (Place of occurrence) [1888]

Sources

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5} Death Certificate for John Guy Roberts
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1} England Births and Christenings, 1538-1975, database, FamilySearch Jonathan Roberts, 14 Sep 1862; citing St. Veep, Cornwall, England, reference item 15 p 12; FHL microfilm 1,796,108.

   Name: Jonathan Roberts

   Residence Place: St. Veep, Cornwall, England

   Gender: Male

   Christening Date: 14 Sep 1862

   Christening Date (Original): 14 Sep 1862

   Christening Place: St. Veep, Cornwall, England

   Father's Name: James Roberts

   Mother's Name: Elizabeth

3. ↑ England, Cornwall Parish Registers, 1538-2010 database with images, FamilySearch; Cornwall > St Veep > Baptisms, 1857-1900 > image 9 of 33; Cornwall Records Office, Truro.
4. ↑ ^{4.0 4.1} Papers Past, The Press, 31 March 1863, "Shipping"; Page 2 , column 4, last paragraph; "The Roman Emperor ...", Page 3, column 1 top; "List of Passengers Per Roman Emperor".
5. ↑ ^{5.0 5.1} Ancestry.com, New Zealand, Electoral Rolls, 1853-1981, Record fof Jonathan's father, James Robert
6. ↑ ^{6.0 6.1} Ancestry.com, New Zealand, Electoral Rolls, 1853-1981, Record fof Jonathan's father, James Roberts;

   Name: James Roberts

   Gender: Male

   Electoral Year: 1880-1881

   District: Geraldine

   Region or Province: Canterbury

7. ↑ ^{7.0 7.1} TIMARU HERALD, VOLUME XVIII, ISSUE 832, 23 DECEMBER 1872, "Latest Telegrams".
8. ↑ TIMARU HERALD, VOLUME XX, ISSUE 994, 9 JANUARY 1874, "Waihi Crossing"
9. ↑ Papers Past, TIMARU HERALD, VOLUME XXI, ISSUE 1071, 10 JULY 1874, "Timaru Public School"
10. ↑ Papers Past, TIMARU HERALD, VOLUME XXI, ISSUE 1073, 15 JULY 1874, "Timaru Public School"
11. ↑ Papers Past, TIMARU HERALD, VOLUME XXI, ISSUE 1084, 10 AUGUST 1874, "Winchester School Committee"
12. ↑ Papers Past, LYTTELTON TIMES, VOLUME XLII, ISSUE 4271, 20 OCTOBER 1874, "Board of Education"
13. ↑ Papers Past, STAR, ISSUE 2164, 17 FEBRUARY 1875, "Pupil Teachers' Examination"
14. ↑ Papers Past, TIMARU HERALD, VOLUME XXII, ISSUE 1172, 3 MARCH 1875, "Timaru Public School"
15. ↑ Papers Past, TIMARU HERALD, VOLUME XXVI, ISSUE 1656, 17 FEBRUARY 1877, "Pupil Teachers Examination"
16. ↑ Papers Past, TIMARU HERALD, VOLUME XXVIII, ISSUE 1951, 31 JANUARY 1878, "Temuka School Committee 28th January 1878"
17. ↑ ^{17.00 17.01 17.02 17.03 17.04 17.05 17.06 17.07 17.08 17.09 17.10} "A full, true, and particular account of the strange eventful life and thrilling adventures of Jonathan Roberts (Zealandia's Turpin)" : Chapter 1, "Jonathan Roberts is launched on the Stormy Billows of the Ocean of Life". By Edward Pope, Published by Press Printing House, Christchurch, 1888.
18. ↑ ^{18.0 18.1 18.2 18.3 18.4 18.5 18.6} Papers Past, EVENING POST, VOLUME XXXII, ISSUE 118, 2 OCTOBER 1886, Page 2, "Impudent Forgery and Clever Capture"
19. ↑ ^{19.0 19.1} Papers Past, AKAROA MAIL AND BANKS PENINSULA ADVERTISER, VOLUME V, ISSUE 436, 24 SEPTEMBER 1880, 'AKAROA RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT"
20. ↑ Papers Past, AKAROA MAIL AND BANKS PENINSULA ADVERTISER, VOLUME V, ISSUE 462, 24 DECEMBER 1880, "AKAROA RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT"
21. ↑ Papers Past, "AKAROA RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT"
22. ↑ ^{22.0 22.1} Papers Past, EVENING POST, VOLUME XXX, ISSUE 0, 12 OCTOBER 1885, 2nd item down column
23. ↑ Petone Rugby Football Clubs 50th Jubilee Celebrations booket, 1886 season;

    "Players mentioned for good play during the season were:-

    Backs: Jonathan Roberts, Woods, Maloney, Joe Tepene.

    Forwards: Bults, Epuni, and Ridler"

24. ↑ EVENING POST, VOLUME XXX, ISSUE 91, 14 OCTOBER 1885, Page 3 Advertisements Column
25. ↑ Te Ara - The New Zealand Encyclopedia, Story: "Economic History", "Page 5. Boom and bust, 1870–1895"
26. ↑ ^{26.0 26.1 26.2 26.3 26.4 26.5 26.6 26.7} Papers Past, STAR, ISSUE 7238, 26 OCTOBER 1901, Excerpt from the Diary of Jonathan Roberts, Page 7, "JONATHAN ROBERTS", "HOW HE BECAME A CONVICT" - "SELF COMMUNINGS" - "FRIENDS IN PETTICOATS"
27. ↑ ^{27.0 27.1} Archway, Archives New Zealand, Archives New Zealand: R15423660 Record No. R15423660 ; New Zealand Police Gazette 1886 Vol. 10, page 226.
28. ↑ ^{28.0 28.1 28.2} NZ Police Museum, Record for Jonathan Roberts, dated 30 July 1887 (photograph).

    Names and Aliases: Jonathan Roberts

    Date when photograph was taken: 30th July, 1887

    Native place: Cornwall

    Date of birth: 1861

    Arrived in Colony: Ship: Roman Emperor, Year: 1863

    Height: 6ft 11½in

    Complexion: Fresh

    Hair: Brown

    Eyes: Brown

    Eyebrows: -

    Nose: Large

    Mouth: Medium

    Chin: Medium

    Weight in lb: on Commital: 175, on Discharge: -

    Religion: Church of England

    Education, degree of: illegible

    Married or single: Single

    Trade: before Conviction: Clerk, in Prison: Labourer

    Marks and peculiarities: -

    Friends residing at: Chch

    Where and when tried: D.C. Chch 4th October 1886

    Offence: Forgery

    Sentence: 12 mths H.L.

    Remarks: A very wild young fellow and will be sure to be heard of again.

    Gaol No.: 8967 Lyttelton

    No. of previous photograph: -

    Previous Convictions and Police Gazette References: -

    The NZ Police Museum provided a copy of Jonathan's record on the strict condition it is not uploaded to the internet anywhere. However, they have given permission that it may be shared with family members ~ please send me a private message from my profile page if you would like a copy. The photographic portion of the record is used on wikitree under the strict condition that it is not to be used anywhere else or for any commercial purpose or on any commercial site.

29. ↑ Papers Past, THAMES STAR, VOLUME XVIII, ISSUE 5525, 11 OCTOBER 1886 "Supreme Court Sessions"
30. ↑ Papers Past, WEST COAST TIMES, ISSUE 6341, 9 OCTOBER 1886, "SUPREME COURT SITTINGS".
31. ↑ Archway, Archives New Zealand, Archives New Zealand: R15423661 Record No. R15423661 ; New Zealand Police Gazette 1887 Vol 11, page 165.
32. ↑ "A full, true, and particular account of the strange eventful life and thrilling adventures of Jonathan Roberts (Zealandia's Turpin)" : Chapter 2, "Jonathan being again at Liberty, proceeds to take measures to Forfeit it". By Edward Pope, Published by Press Printing House, Christchurch, 1888.
33. ↑ ^{33.0 33.1 33.2 33.3 33.4} Papers Past, SOUTH CANTERBURY TIMES, ISSUE 4590, 9 JANUARY 1888, "ARREST OF JONATHAN ROBERTS"
34. ↑ Papers Past, LYTTELTON TIMES, VOLUME LXIX, ISSUE 8377, 12 JANUARY 1888, "HORSE-STEALING AND LARCENY"
35. ↑ Archway, Archives New Zealand, Archives New Zealand: R15423662 Record No. R15423662 ; New Zealand Police Gazette 1888 Vol 12, page 103.
36. ↑ Papers Past, LYTTELTON TIMES, VOLUME LXIX, ISSUE 8465, 25 APRIL 1888, "SUPREME COURT"
37. ↑ Papers Past, STAR, ISSUE 7197, 7 SEPTEMBER 1901, "Page 6, "JONATHAN ROBERTS".
38. ↑ ^{38.00 38.01 38.02 38.03 38.04 38.05 38.06 38.07 38.08 38.09 38.10 38.11 38.12 38.13 38.14 38.15 38.16 38.17 38.18 38.19 38.20 38.21 38.22 38.23 38.24 38.25 38.26 38.27 38.28 38.29} Jonathan Roberts' Diary. Jonathan sent his diary to the editor of The Star in New Zealand in late 1901 from America. It was published in various newspapers in weekly instalments. See Papers Past.
39. ↑ "A full, true, and particular account of the strange eventful life and thrilling adventures of Jonathan Roberts (Zealandia's Turpin)" : Chapter 3, "A Digression upon the Present Method of Awarding Punishment for Offences". By Edward Pope, Published by Press Printing House, Christchurch, 1888.
40. ↑ Papers Past, TIMARU HERALD, VOLUME XLVI, ISSUE 4233, 5 MAY 1888, "[TOWN & COUNTRY]"
41. ↑ ^{41.0 41.1} Papers Past, AKAROA MAIL AND BANKS PENINSULA ADVERTISER, VOLUME XV, ISSUE 1230, 1 MAY 1888, Page 2, “A Sensational Escape”
42. ↑ Archway, Archives New Zealand, Archives New Zealand: R15423662 Record No. R15423662 ; New Zealand Police Gazette 1888 Vol 12, page 92.
43. ↑ ^{43.0 43.1 43.2 43.3 43.4 43.5} "A full, true, and particular account of the strange eventful life and thrilling adventures of Jonathan Roberts (Zealandia's Turpin)" : Chapter 4, "Jonathan Escapes from Timaru Gaol". By Edward Pope, Published by Press Printing House, Christchurch, 1888.
44. ↑ ^{44.0 44.1} Papers Past, TIMARU HERALD, VOLUME XLVI, ISSUE 4254, 2 JUNE 1888, "THE PRISONER'S EXPERIENCES"
45. ↑ ^{45.0 45.1} Papers Past, PRESS, VOLUME XLV, ISSUE 7081, 1 JUNE 1888, "ARREST OF THE TIMARU ESCAPEE"
46. ↑ Papers Past, PRESS, VOLUME XLV, ISSUE 7081, 1 JUNE 1888, "ANOTHER ACCOUNT"
47. ↑ ^{47.0 47.1} "A full, true, and particular account of the strange eventful life and thrilling adventures of Jonathan Roberts (Zealandia's Turpin)" : Chapter 5, "Jonathan pleading Guilty to Breaking Prison is further Punished". By Edward Pope, Published by Press Printing House, Christchurch, 1888.
48. ↑ Papers Past, STAR, ISSUE 6256, 5 JUNE 1888, "JONATHAN ROBERTS"
49. ↑ ^{49.0 49.1} Papers Past, SOUTH CANTERBURY TIMES, ISSUE 4719, 8 JUNE 1888, "ESCAPE OF JONATHAN ROBERTS"
50. ↑ Papers Past, STAR, ISSUE 6259, 8 JUNE 1888, "JONATHAN ROBERTS ESCAPED AGAIN"
51. ↑ Papers Past, AUCKLAND STAR, VOLUME XIX, ISSUE 136, 9 JUNE 1888, "FOR FREEDOM"
52. ↑ Papers Past, AUCKLAND STAR, VOLUME XIX, ISSUE 137, 11 JUNE 1888, "A MAN-HUNT
53. ↑ Papers Past, WAIRARAPA DAILY TIMES, VOLUME IX, ISSUE 2922, 12 JUNE 1888, Page 2 Advertisements Column 4. "THE ESCAPED CONVICT".
54. ↑ Papers Past, AUCKLAND STAR, VOLUME XIX, ISSUE 138, 12 JUNE 1888, "HIS ACCOUNT OF HIS ESCAPE FROM RIPA ISLAND - MISTAKEN FOR A LUNATIC "
55. ↑ Papers Past, MATAURA ENSIGN, VOLUME 11, ISSUE 781, 15 JUNE 1888, MODERN HERO WORSHIP
56. ↑ Papers Past, TIMARU HERALD, VOLUME XLVII, ISSUE 4343, 20 SEPTEMBER 1888, Page 1 Advertisements Column 1, "SHIPPING"
57. ↑ ^{57.0 57.1 57.2 57.3} Certificate(1) of Marriage for John Guy Roberts & May Livingston Murphy
58. ↑ ^{58.0 58.1 58.2 58.3} Certificate(2) of Marriage for John Guy Roberts & May Livingston Murphy
59. ↑ New York Marriages, 1686-1980, database, FamilySearch John Guy Roberts and Mary Livingston Murphy, 15 Jun 1890; citing reference ; FHL microfilm 1,558,702.

    Name: John Guy Roberts

    Spouse's Name: Mary Livingston Murphy

    Event Date: 15 Jun 1890

    Event Place: Manhattan, New York, New York

    Father's Name: James Roberts

    Mother's Name: Elizabeth Anna Verros

    Spouse's Father's Name: James Gelbert Murphy

    Spouse's Mother's Name: Clara Blackwell

60. ↑ United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918 database with images, FamilySearch Edward Wesley Roberts, 1917-1918; citing Los Angeles City no 18, California, United States, NARA microfilm publication M1509 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.); FHL microfilm 1,531,189.
61. ↑ California Death Index, 1940-1997 database, FamilySearch Edward Wesley Roberts, 24 Apr 1979; Department of Public Health Services, Sacramento.
62. ↑ California, County Marriages, 1850-1952 database with images, FamilySearch Edward W Roberts and Ellen Mara Robinson, 27 Sep 1914; citing Los Angeles, California, United States, county courthouses, California; FHL microfilm 1,033,254.
63. ↑ ^{63.0 63.1} Ancestry.com, U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007 - requires subscription to view;

    Name: Florence Evelyn Koopman

    Gender: Female

    Race: White

    Birth Date: 29 Apr 1893

    Birth Place: New York, New York

    Death Date: 3 Oct 1987

    Father: John G Roberts

    Mother: Mae L Murphy

    SSN: 548685368

    Death Certificate Number: 160595

64. ↑ California, County Marriages, 1850-1952 database with images, FamilySearch Edgar W Koopman and Florence Evelyn Roberts, 12 Aug 1913; citing Los Angeles, California, United States, county courthouses, California; FHL microfilm 1,033,237.
65. ↑ New York Births and Christenings, 1640-1962 database, FamilySearch Frances Roberts, 02 May 1893; citing Manhattan, New York, New York, USA, reference ; FHL microfilm 1,322,278.
66. ↑ ^{66.0 66.1} New York, New York City Municipal Deaths, 1795-1949 database, FamilySearch Harold Vercose Or Fercoe Roberts, 28 Sep 1898; citing Death, Brooklyn, Kings, New York, United States, New York Municipal Archives, New York; FHL microfilm 1,324,010.
67. ↑ ^{67.0 67.1} California Death Index, 1940-1997 database, FamilySearch Henry C Roberts, 06 Jun 1961; Department of Public Health Services, Sacramento.
68. ↑ ^{68.0 68.1} California Death Index, 1940-1997 database, FamilySearch Roy Blackwell Roberts, 10 Sep 1983; Department of Public Health Services, Sacramento.
69. ↑ California, County Marriages, 1850-1952 database with images, FamilySearch Roy B Roberts in entry for Harold Leslie Roberts and Janice Kay Sklapsky, 19 Jun 1954; citing Los Angeles, California, United States, county courthouses, California; FHL microfilm 1,343,371.
70. ↑ United States Census, 1920 database with images, FamilySearch Jack Robert in household of Mae L Robert, Los Angeles Assembly District 61, Los Angeles, California, United States; citing ED 113, sheet 15B, line 66, family 352, NARA microfilm publication T625 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1992), roll 105; FHL microfilm 1,820,105.
71. ↑ ^{71.0 71.1} Ancestry.com, California, County Birth and Death Records, 1849-1994;

    "Local Registered No. 2474 - Cause of death: Tuberculosis, several years - Contributory cause: Laryngitis - Place of burial: Forrest Lawn Cemetery 05 Jul 1910"