Extracts from The Maidstone Journal and Kentish Advertiser
Tuesday 13th December 1808
On Sunday evening about 7 o’clock as Mr White, a farmer, an elderly man, was smoking his pipe by the fire side at his dwelling house, at Hoo, some unknown villain fired at him through the window, the ball went through his head, an killed him instantly. The perpetrator of this horrid deed let his gun fall and ran away. Every exertion is making to discover the offender, who is supposed crossed the Medway towards Gillingham.
Tuesday 20th December 1808
With the exception of a few odd words this is an exact repeat of the article published in the Kentish Gazette on 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. A short time after, he purchased a gun, for which he had no possible occasion, under some frivolous pretence. On Sunday se’nnight, 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 different 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 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, and was on Monday se’nnight taken into custody at Bapchild, and removed to Rochester.
Tuesday 27th December 1808
This is an exact repeat of the article published in the Kentish Gazette 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.
Tuesday 7th 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 in the Kentish Gazette. This advertisement was repeated throughout February and March 1809 in the Kentish Gazette.
FREEHOLD ESTATES, HOO, KENT.
By order of the Executor of Mr. THOMAS 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 day 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 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.