Extracts from The Kentish Gazette
Tuesday 13th December 1808
Sunday evening, Mr. White an aged farmer of Hoo, was shot dead in his own house by some unknown villain, who dropped the gun near the house and ran away.
Friday 16th December 1808
We briefly noticed in our last the murder of Mr White, of Hoo, the following are farther particulars of this atrocious act:-
Mr White, a short time since, detected a man in the act of robbing a neighbour, of which he gave information; and the man was discharged from his employ. Irritated at the discovery, the man swore to be revenged, and said that he would do his business, meaning Mr White. During the course of last week, he purchased a gun, for which he had no possible occasion, under some frivolous pretence. On Sunday evening, Mr White was sitting in his own house by his fire side, with his family around him, listening to the holy precepts of the inspired writings, which one of them was reading; thoughtless of harm, unconscious of impending danger, his mind was absorbed in the contemplation of the great truths which he was hearing, and of their practical utility in their journey through life.-The guns from the various ships in the harbour were firing, to mark the hour of eight in the evening, when in the interval between the guns fired by one ship and another, some remorseless and sanguinary villain levelled a piece, loaded with pebbles, and fired through the window at Mr White; unfortunately the villain effected his purpose, and Mr White fell, and instantly expired amidst his astonished and petrified children. The scene that followed cannot be described; it was terrible, almost beyond conception, and its terrors were aggravated in the minds of the children by the recollection, that, only a few weeks before, their mother was snatched from them, without any previous indication of illness, and suddenly expired.
After effecting his bloody purpose the villain threw away the gun he had used into an adjoining hedge. This gun is proved to be the identical gun, purchased by the man before mentioned, which together with his expression of revenge, and his having suddenly left his residence early on Monday morning; form a body of such strong circumstantial evidence, as can leave very little doubt as to the personality of the murderer. Mr White we believe was in opulent circumstances, but he has left a family of nine children to lament his untimely fate.
The man, on whom such strong suspicions have fallen, was immediately pursued, was on Monday afternoon taken into custody at Babchild, and removed to Rochester.
Friday 23rd December 1808
An inquest was held last week on the body of Mr White, of Hoo. - Verdict Wilful Murder against some person or persons unknown. - The man who we stated to be taken into custody on suspicion of the murder has been discharged after a full and minute examination, and the perpetrator of that horrid deed has as yet contrived to elude the most vigilant research.
Friday 30th December 1808
Two men have been apprehended at Hoo, on suspicion of being connected in the murder of Mr White. They were to be examined before J. Simmons Esq. Coroner on Tuesday.
Friday 6th January 1809
The two men stated to have been taken into custody on suspicion of being concerned in the murder of Mr White, of Hoo, have been examined before J. Simmons esq. the Coroner, when nothing was discovered to implicate them in the horrid transaction; but not being able to give a satisfactory account of their mode of obtaining a livelihood, they were sent to serve their country on board one of his Majesty’s ships of war.
Tuesday 17th January 1809
Charles Larkin had articles advertising his services on both these days and it could have been these which influenced Denton when choosing an auctioneer for Mr. White’s property.
Friday 3rd February 1809
NOTICE
All persons having any Claims or Demands on the Estate and Effects of Mr. WILLIAM WHITE, late of Hoo, in the Hundred of Hoo, in the County of Kent, farmer, deceased, are desired to send their Accounts to Mr. THOMAS DENTON, of Strood, in the said County of Kent, the Executor, or to Mr. LOCKWOOD, of the same place, - And such Persons as stand indebted to the said Estate, are desired to pay such debts to the said Executor, or to the said Mr. Lockwood forthwith.
Strood 3rd February, 1809
Tuesday 14th February 1809
Although this advertisement refers to Thomas White, later advertisements have been changed to William White. This advertisement was repeated throughout February and March 1809.
FREEHOLD ESTATES, HOO, KENT.
By order of the Executor of Mr. Tho. WHITE, deceased,
TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION,
By CHARLES LARKIN.
In his spacious Auction Room, at the City Repository and Public Auction Mart. under the town clock, High-street, Rochester, in the beginning of March next, (the way and particulars will be mentioned in a future advertisement), in sundry lots,
A GREAT MANY
Freehold Messuages or Tenements,
with Gardens appertaining thereto, a Wheelwright’s Shop and Yard, two pieces of Land adjoining the same, most eligibly situated for building; some very valuable lots of Freehold, Arable, and Pasture Land, an Orchard planted with thriving fruit trees, the whole situated contiguous to Hoo-street, and will be put up in small lots for the convenience of purchasers.
For further particulars apply to Mr. LOCKWOOD, solicitor, Strood, or to the Auctioneer, at the City Repository and Public Auction Mart, High-street, Rochester, where plans of the lots may be seen.
Tuesday 14th February 1809
Freehold Estates, Gillingham, near Chatham
With immediate possession - by order of the Executor of the late Mr. Thos. WHITE, of Hoo.
TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION,
By CHARLES LARKIN.
In his spacious Auction Room, at the City Repository and Auction Mart. under the Town Clock, High-street, Rochester.
On THURSDAY the 23rd of February instant, between the hours of six and seven o’clock in the evening, in two Lots. Those two Substantial Brick Sashed FREEHOLD MESSUAGES and TENEMENTS, Wash-Houses and Garden Ground thereto belonging, situate in Christmas-street, Gillingham - one now occupied, the other in the tenure of Mr. John Rutherford (who has had notice to quit).
The above Houses are newly erected, very substantially built and pleasantly situated, commanding a very extensive view of the river Medway, and the adjacent country, and surrounded by a very respectable neighbourhood. They contain capital cellars, two good parlours, two excellent chambers, an attic and a very convenient wash-house. The houses cover 34 feet in front, and from front to back, (including garden) about 135 feet. Each forming a very desirable residence for a small genteel family.
Further particulars may be known by applying to Mr. Lockwood, Attorney, Strood; the City Coffee-house, Rochester, or to the Auctioneer at the City Repository and Auction Mart, under the Town Clock, High-street, Rochester.
Friday 24th February 1809
TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION,
By CHARLES LARKIN.
In his spacious Auction Room, at the City Repository, High-street, Rochester, on Friday, the 3d of March next.
There follows household furniture and greyhounds.
Immediately after will be put up (by order of the Executor of the late Mr. White, of Hoo) about 60 Loads of capital Meadow Hay, in Lots of 10 Loads each, to be delivered in quantities not less than Two Loads, to any part of the three Towns, and the whole to be received on or before the 20th day of April next.
For further particulars inquire of the Auctioneer, at the City Repository, Rochester.
Tuesday 28th February 1809
The following advertisement was repeated on Tuesday 7th March 1809
CAPITAL BLACK GREYHOUNDS,
A large Quantity of Meadow Hay, some excellent Elm Timber, a choice selection of modern Books, and a great variety of very superior Household Furniture.
TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION
by CHARLES LARKIN
In his SPACIOUS AUCTION ROOM, at the City Repository under the Clock, HIGH-STREET, ROCHESTER, on THURSDAY MARCH 9th and following day. (And not the 3d, as before advertised).
Here follows household furniture and black greyhounds.
Immediately after will be put up, from 60 to 80 LOADS of very Capital MEADOW HAY, the Property of the late Mr. White, of Hoo, in lots of 10 Loads each, to be delivered (in Parcels not less than 2 Loads) to any part of the Three Towns or Barracks; the Hay may be viewed on the Premises, and samples will be produced at the time of Sale, the whole of which must be received on or before the 10th day of May next.
There follows further items of timber and books.
Friday May 12th 1809
This advertisement was repeated on the 16th and 19th May.
Freehold Estates, Hoo, Kent
TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION,
By CHARLES LARKIN.
In his spacious Auction Room, at the City Repository, High-street, Rochester, on SATURDAY, the 20th inst. May, between the hours of five and eight o’clock.
The following FREEHOLD ESTATES,
IN SUNDRY LOTS
By order of the Executor of the late Mr. White, of Hoo.
Lot 1 All those extensive and convenient premises, situate near the Bells, at Hoo, now in occupation of Mr. Wm. Day, tenant at will, comprizing and old established GROCER’S SHOP, in full trade, with a very convenient roomy Dwelling House (formerly two houses) attached to which is a Butcher’s Shop, and a good Stable, the buildings occupy a space of nearly 80 feet in front, and from front to back about 50 feet, has a very neat Garden and good Oven.
Lot 2 Comprizes the substantial brick-built DWELLING-HOUSE, Lime Shed, and Stable, now in the occupation of --- Brown, bricklayer, tenant at will, and adjoining the aforesaid lot. The House is very convenient and in good repair, and extends in front with the shed and stable upwards of 30 feet, and from front to back almost 50.
Lot 3 Comprizes a very substantial brick-built DWELLING-HOUSE, adjoining lot 2, and in the possession of --- Gates, tenant at will. This house is likewise a very convenient residence, attached to which is the additional width of ground, now used as a gateway. The last two lots have excellent gardens, planted with some valuable fruit trees, and good water.
Lot 4 Consists of a very neat sashed COTTAGE, adjoining the Parsonage, now in the occupation of Anne Davis, tenant at will.
Lot 5 Comprizes the adjoining COTTAGE, in the occupation of James Moore. These two Cottages contain in front by admeasurement, about 35 feet, and extend nearly 100 feet backwards, stand in a very good situation, and are very convenient. - The Land-Tax is redeemed.
Lot 6 Consists of a very valuable WHEELWRIGHT’s SHOP and YARD, now in the occupation of ------, tenant at will; contains in front 61 feet, and from front to back 85 feet; stands in the most advantageous part of Hoo-street, and well calculated for carrying on any trade.
Lot 7 is a very valuable piece of GARDEN GROUND, adjoining the last lot, fronting the road leading into Hoo-street, containing in front, by admeasurement 48 feet, and from front to back 85 feet, and is a very desirable spot for building.
Lot 8 is also a very valuable Piece of GARDEN GROUND, adjoining the Wheelwright’s Yard and facing Hoo-street, in the occupation of -----, containing in front 75 feet, and from front to back 112 feet, and is well calculated to build on.
Lot 9 is that valuable angular Piece of LAND, fronting the Wheelwright’s Shop and the Bells, in Hoo-street. The commanding situation of this ground renders it valuable for building; it has a double front, measuring on the side next the Wheelwright’s Shop 110 feet, and on the side next the Bells 55 feet.
Lot 10 Also two Acres, more or less of ARABLE LAND, planted with fruit trees, called Garrett’s Orchard, situate and being in Huck-street, in the parish of Hoo, leading to High Halstow.
The whole of the said lots are freehold, situated in the most desirable part of Hoo, and highly deserving of consideration, as the like number of lots will never again be offered for Public Sale in that part of the country.
For further particulars enquire of Mr. J. LOCKWOOD, solicitor, Strood; or of the Auctioneer, Rochester; where plans of the ground may be seen.
Tuesday 23rd May 1809
This advertisement appeared in all issues until 13th June.
Capital HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE,
Plate, Linen, China, Kitchen, Washing and Brewing Utensils, an excellent Clock and other effects belonging to the late Mr. Wm. White of Hoo, deceased.
TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION,
By C. LARKIN.
In his spacious AUCTION ROOM, at the City Repository, on WEDNESDAY, the 7th of June, and following day, all the valuable HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, plate, linen, china, and other effects of the late Mr. White, of Hoo, (removed to the Repository for the convenience of sale); the Furniture comprises good mahogany four post and tent bedsteads, excellent feather beds, bolsters and pillows, capital blankets, &c a very capital clock, a great variety of cabinet articles, consisting of single and double chest of drawers, mahogany chairs, good dining, card and Pembroke tables, pier and other glasses, with some fenders and fire irons; the brewing, kitchen and washing utensils comprise very capital coppers mash and wash tubs, -- casks, copper boiler, and numerous other kitchen requisites. Among the linen are some excellent sheets, table clothes, towels, napkins &c. the plate comprises a variety of very valuable articles. There are some excellent guns, a considerable quantity of china and glass, enumerated in catalogues, and form a very capital selection of useful household furniture.
The goods may be viewed at the Repository, and catalogues had two days previous to the sale, by application at the Chest Arms, Chatham; Bull and City Coffee house, Rochester, and of the Auctioneer, City Repository, High-street, Rochester.
The sale to begin each day at two o’clock.