Whitechapel High Street Newspaper Shop Murder in 1904

**Joshua Rogan** · 02-22-2016, 06:33 AM

I've not heard of this murder before, but could this be this one?

http://www.oldbaileyonline.org/browse.jsp?ref=t19041114-47

A searchable online edition of the Proceedings of the Old Bailey, 1674-1913.

It describes the 1904 murder trial of victim Emily Farmer, who ran a newspaper shop at 478 Commercial Road. This is about a mile and a half from where it joins Whitechapel High Street, but a newspaper report does headline it 'Murder in Whitechapel'.

Welsh Newspapers

http://newspapers.library.wales/view/3377124/3377125/7/bontgoch%20chapel%20house

**PC2267** · 02-22-2016, 07:22 AM

Could very well be Josh. It appears to be a story in this book? I'd not heard of it before.

**ChrisGeorge** · 02-22-2016, 08:58 AM

Hi Joshua and PC2267

I can confirm that Neil Storey's East End Murders: From Jack the Ripper to Ronnie Kray does include a chapter on "The Whitechapel Newspaper Shop Murder. Conrad Donovan and Charles Wade, 1904." I don't personally have the book but knowing, as I do, that Mr. Storey is a solid researcher, I am certain the book would be worth getting. The book also covers the Ratcliffe Highway murders of 1811, the Houndsditch murders of 1910, the Siege of Sidney Street in early 1911, Lipsky, Wainwright, Cronin, and Stockwell, as well as the Whitechapel murders and the Krays as advertised on the cover.

Best regards

Chris

**MrBarnett** · 02-22-2016, 10:35 AM

Hi All,

Fred Wensley devotes a chapter (vi) to the case in his memoir Detective Days.

Gary

**The Station Cat** · 03-27-2019, 06:36 PM

Police Constable 141H James HOOPER, was the first officer to arrive at the scene of Emily FARMERS murder. He later gave evidence during the trial at the Old Bailey.

Attached Files

**The Station Cat** · 04-01-2019, 11:57 AM

Constable 141H James HOOPER Metropolitan Police

Entitled to -
1897 Metropolitan Police Diamond Jubilee Medal (Bronze) � P.C. J.HOOPER. H.DIVN
1902 Metropolitan Police Coronation Medal (Bronze) � P.C. J.HOOPER. H.DIV.
1911 Metropolitan Police Coronation Medal (Silver) � P.C. J.HOOPER.

James John Davis Hooper, born at Plymouth 20th June 1862.
James joined the police 02.05.1892 warrant number 77639.
Joined the Met 2nd May 1892, appointed to S Division.
Transferred H Division 9th April 1895.
Married to Emily Hooper.
Living at 34 Cowley Street, Shadwell, East London.
Pensioned as a Constable from H Division after 23 years 221 days service, 13th March 1916.

**The Station Cat** · 04-02-2019, 09:23 AM

Found these newspaper illustrations, thought they might be of interest?

Attached Files

**The Station Cat** · 04-02-2019, 09:30 AM

British Executions - Conrad Donovan - 1904

http://www.britishexecutions.co.uk/execution-content.php?key=150&termRef=Joseph%20Potter

Conrad Donovan

**The Station Cat** · 04-02-2019, 09:43 AM

The final irony in the this case being that workmen engaged in repairing Miss Farmer's premises, discovered a tin box under the floor boards. In it were Miss Farmer's rings, watch and chain, bracelets and a great deal of jewellery, including diamond earrings, worth a great deal of money. Donovan and Wade had missed out on an absolute treasure trove; and if they had stolen any money, it could not have been a great deal. Four days after the murder when Wade was searched he had nothing in his pockets and as regards Donovan his worldly worth amounted to no more than 4 shillings and 11 and a half pence.