Volume IV
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Kennington Common, 8th of August, 1792, for Robbery on the Highway particularly dexterous in robbing wagons, which, while the driver was guiding his team, he would quickly jump into and hand out whatever packages he could lay his hands on, and give them to his confederates, who were always in readiness to receive them. He was tried for different species of robbery, and finally for assaulting and robbing Mr James Dixon, on the high- way, of his watch and money. When apprehended he was dressed in a smock-frock, and the prosecutor could not then swear to him; but when he put on a coat which was found in his room he then swore positively that he was the man who robbed him. He was found guilty at the Old Bailey, and sentenced to death. Before and after conviction, however, he in the most solemn manner denied his guilt. He was born in the county of Surrey, and resided for several years in the borough of Southwark, where he was long known as a most daring and atrocious depredator on the public. He was once tried for the murder of a watchman, and though acquitted, from the evidence not being sufficient, was in general supposed to be guilty. He obtained the appellation of " Jumping Joe " from his dexterity in jump- ing into carts, wagons, etc., in order to rob them. He was executed on Kennington Common, on the 8th of August, 1792. |