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Monthly Archives: August 2010

Early American Criminals: John Sheehan’s Bundle

John Sheehan saw the purchase of the bundle as his ticket to independence, but what he bought was more than he bargained for. Sheehan was born in Cork, Ireland in 1763 to “reputable and honest” parents. He worked as an apprentice for seven years until his brother, who was living in America, wrote to ask […]

The American Malefactor’s Dictionary: bet on time and betting his eyes

Image by mhall209 via Flickr bet on time – being allowed to pay a gambling debt at a later time, after one has lost all of his or her money. betting his eyes – a “sucker” who watches a game of chance but does not bet. Sources Farmer, John S. and W. E. Henley. A […]

Early American Criminals: The Race of Johnson Green, Burglar

Johnson Green was born in Bridgewater, MA on February 7, 1757 to unmarried parents. His father was a servant who worked for Timothy Edson. His mother was a widow named Sarah Johnson. His mother’s maiden name was Green, so he was sometimes called Joseph-Johnson Green. Green’s father was African American; his mother was Irish. Green […]