Name

John Ewer Poole, born on the 5th of September 1789, was baptized in the historical St. George, Hanover Square, London.

Throughout his life, John experienced multiple marriages. His first union took place in 1808 with Jane Potter at St. Mary Newington, although the date of Jane's passing remains unknown. After her demise, John, now a widower, entered into a second marriage with Cathrine Collins in 1835. Tragically, Cathrine passed away in 1838 in Hackney, London. John found love once more in 1839 when he married Elizabeth Theodora Grange.

In 1825, John Poole claimed responsibility for eight dependents. Our records show evidence of six children born during his first marriage to Jane Potter.

Notably, in 1833, John Ewer Poole authored a critical pamphlet shedding light on the machinery of the Marchalsea and Palace courts, as well as the notorious prison conditions. His publication complained about the practice of reserving rooms in No.1 staircase for wealthier prisoners, which, according to Poole, exacerbated overcrowding in other areas of the prison. Poole, who had experienced debt-related incarceration himself on 12th March 1833 over a £30 debt, chose to remain anonymous, adopting the moniker 'An Eye-Witness.'

John's life appeared marked by a lack of honesty and industriousness, evident through a trail of court and bankruptcy records. In 1842, the London Gazette published a bankruptcy notice listing a multitude of his addresses and occupations, highlighting his tumultuous financial journey.

John Ewer Poole, sometimes identified as J. E. Poole, held various occupations over the years. These included Auctioneer, Appraiser, Accountant, and Licenced Victualler’s Agent. His places of residence and business endeavors included No. 337, Strand, Middlesex, the Hall of Information, No. 1, Half Moon Crescent, Islington, Middlesex, No. 1, South Street, West-Square, Surrey, Middlesex, Cherry Cottage, Saint John’s-Wood, Marylebone, Middlesex, an office in Gerrard Street, Soho, Middlesex, No. 14, Basinghall Street, London and Middlesex, the city of London, No. 26, Bridge Street, Westminster, Middlesex, No. 90, Hercules Buildings, Lambeth, and, lastly, No. 137, Elizabeth Place, Princes Road, Kennington, Surrey.

In 1854, John Ewer Poole passed away in Whitechapel, London. His widow faced a lengthy four-year wait for the resolution of his complex affairs, culminating in an estate valuation of less than £20.