Pickpockets Target the Show
The crowds attracted by Buffalo Bill's show provided opportunities for local criminals. An article appeared in the Bristol Mercury 3 October 1891 titled 'Caution to Wild West Visitors: Alleged Pocket-Picking at Horfield.' This article detailed two trials of 4 people accused of theft, it later became apparent that all four of the accused were working together and had come to Bristol specifically to target those attending the show at Horfield.
'Thomas Lynes, a respectably dressed young man, and Jane Lynes, his wife, were charged with stealing from the person of Elizabeth Ringwood, at Horfield, on the 29th September, a purse containing 6s 2d in money, one ring, two small American coins, and a watch key, altogether of the value of 10s.'
The punishments of those accused were not disclosed.
'Thomas Lynes, a respectably dressed young man, and Jane Lynes, his wife, were charged with stealing from the person of Elizabeth Ringwood, at Horfield, on the 29th September, a purse containing 6s 2d in money, one ring, two small American coins, and a watch key, altogether of the value of 10s.'
The punishments of those accused were not disclosed.
A Love Sick Indian
This article from the Sheffield Evening Telegraph, 6 October 1891, describes how some of the Indian braves who were part of the troupe were particularly interested in English ladies they met. One Indian had left the troupe in Bristol and returned to Aston to seek 'the only girl he had ever loved.' He found her, but a few days later 2 representatives from the show came and made him return to join the troupe in Bristol. He begged his love to accompany him, but she decided to stay in Aston, leaving the poor Indian heartbroken.
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