Wanted! Dead or Alive.

This entry comes from the Boston Public Library online collection of documents. They have scanned the original reward poster, but I'll just transcribe it for you here. Notice that by 1849, Roxbury had become a city. This is just two years before the referendum that created the Town of West Roxbury, with Jamaica Plain as its center. Henry A.S. Dearborn held various political offices before he became Mayor of the city of Roxbury. He was instrumental in the creation of Forest Hills cemetery and is buried there. We can only hope that the widow Shepherd was not handled roughly, and that the rascals were apprehended.



250 Dollars Reward!

_________________________________________________________________

In conformity to an Order of the City Council of Roxbury of the 30th July, 1849, I hereby offer a Reward of TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS for the apprehension and conviction of the person or persons who broke into the Dwelling-House of the widow Abigail Shepherd, on Jamaica Plain, on the night of the 22d of July, 1849; provided, that the above reward shall not extend beyond the term of six calendar months from the date of the above named Order of the City Council.

H.A.S. DEARBORN, Mayor.

City of Roxbury, August 1, 1849

__________________________________________________________________

Press of Jos. G. Torrey, City Printer.