#cattle rustler

On December *28th 1734 Scotland's famous outlaw, Rob Roy MacGregor, died at home in his bed.

*some sources say 27th.

Sir Walter Scott, portrayed Rob Roy as a dashing and chivalrous outlaw. Of course, the truth was a little less glamorous. Robert acquired the name of ‘Roy’ early in life due to his mop of red curly hair. In the early eighteenth century, Rob Roy MacGregor had established a protection racket, charging farmers an average 5% of their annual rent to ensure that their cattle remained safe. He had complete control over Argyll, Stirling and Perth and could guarantee that any cattle stolen from his customers would be returned to them. Those who did not pay regretted it …as he had them stripped of all they possessed. Rob Roy was not a man to argue with!

He was certainly no Robin Hood character.

Robert MacGregor, was baptized March 7th, 1671, at Buchanan, Stirlingshire. His parents were Donald Glas MacGregor and Margaret Campbell. He was also descended from the Macdonalds of Keppoch through his paternal grandmother. Rob’s father, Donald MacGregor, a younger brother of the chief of the clan MacGregor, received a military commission from the deposed King James II after the Glorious Revolution.

Rob was a freebooter with uncertain loyalty to James VII and was also engaged in cattle stealing and blackmail. When the penal laws against the MacGregors were reintroduced in 1693, Rob took the name of Campbell. Since his lands lay between those of the rival houses of Argyll and Montrose, for a time he was able to play one off against the other to his own advantage. James Graham, 1st duke of Montrose, succeeded in entangling him in debt, and by 1712 Rob was ruined. So Rob embarked on a career of brigandage, chiefly at the expense of Montrose. During the Jacobite rebellion of 1715, he was distrusted by both sides and plundered each impartially. After the rebellion was put down, he was treated leniently because of the intercession of John Campbell, 2nd Duke of Argyll. In his old age Rob became a Roman Catholic. His letters show that he was well educated; the view of him as a mere brutish highwayman seems not to do him justice.

In January 1693, at Corrie Arklet farm near Inversnaid, he married Mary MacGregor of Comar, who was born at Leny Farm, Strathyre. The couple had four sons: James Mor – big Jimmie -MacGregor, Ranald and Robert, violent men in their own right, but that is another story

The most controversial claim concerns Roy’s behaviour during the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715 when he allegedly betrayed his clan by acting as a paid agent to help the Hanoverian army. Previously, he had been regarded as a staunch supporter of the Jacobite cause and led his clan during the first uprising at the Battle of Killiecrankie. His involvement led to government mercenaries burning down his house.

The sept of MacGregor claimed a descent from Gregor, or Gregorius, third son, it is said, of Alpin King of Scots, who flourished about 787. Hence their original patronymic is MacAlpine, and they are usually termed the Clan Alpine. They are accounted one of the most ancient clans in the Highlands and it is certain they were of original Celtic descent.

Rob Roy was eventually caught and imprisoned,. thrown into London's Newgate Prison to await transportation to the colonies as a "bonded servant," in other words, little more than a slave. In 1726, whilst still at Newgate he received a full Royal pardon and returned to Scotland there to live out his last few years.

This he did and lived the rest of his life as a peaceful, law abiding citizen… apart from the odd duel or two.

Legend has it that when Rob was lying on his death bed awaiting his maker an old foe-man of his came calling upon him. Upon hearing this Rob rose from his death-bed and armed himself to the hilt.

"Never let it be said that any enemy of MacGregor ever saw him defenceless and unarmed," were purportedly his words. When the offending person had been shown the door, Rob is reported as supposedly saying: "Now it is all over - let the piper play "Ha til mi tulidh (we return no more)," and before the lilt of the tune had drawn to an end, he slipped away............

I know many people see Rob Roy, as I said above, as some sort of Robin Hood, but others see him as a traitor and a spy, the truth is we will never know the full story, the Walter Scott version is in my opinion romantic tosh, but it sold books for the man and gave Rob Roy and legendary status in Scotland and around the world.

Three cowboys make camp and cook chow in the American West. 

Photograph by the illustrious H. Armsrtong Roberts

On March 7th 1671 Robert “Rob” Roy MacGregor was baptised, his actual birthdate is lost in the midst of time.

The name “Rob Roy” derives from the Gaelic Raibert Ruadh, or Red Robert because of his red hair. Married to Helen Mary MacGregor (a cousin from Comer) on January 1, 1693 at Corryarklet, between Loch Katrine and Loch Lomond, they had at least five sons.

As the son of a senior member of the clan, Rob Roy was well educated in reading, writing, and in the crafts of fighting. His reputation as an unmatched swordsman and recognisable figure due to his red hair and pale complexion soon spread through Scotland and beyond.

Whether he was a notorious cattle thief, or a Highland hero, depends on which account of Rob Roy’s life you prefer. The writer Sir Walter Scott, for example, much exaggerated his fame, painting him as a defender of the Highland way of life.

His life as an outlaw started when he was unable to repay money that he had borrowed from the Duke of Montrose to fund his growing cattle trade. The Duke seized his lands and property, and Rob Roy fled with his debt unpaid. From this time onwards, he became a thorn in the Duke’s side, raiding his lands and that of his neighbours. While he profited from this, the story says that he never stole from the poor.

The Duke finally captured Rob Roy, but he made a famous escape with the aid of a friend in the Duke’s employ at the ford in the river near Balquhidder.

The MacGregors, including Rob Roy, continued to support the deposed King James VII against William of Orange and fought at the Battle of Killiecrankie on July 27, 1689. Later, Rob Roy led his clan in support of the Jacobites in 1715 and escaped prison once again having been charged with treason.

In 1723, Daniel Defoe was in Scotland as an English Government spy and wrote an embellished account of Rob’s adventures entitled Highland Rogue, further enhancing his reputation. While still an outlaw, the last 10 years of his life were relatively peaceful.

"Police Court Cases Heard at Napanee," Kingston Whig-Standard. May 10, 1933. Page 5. --- NAPANEE, May 10 - Two interesting cases were heard before Police Magistrate Graham on Tuesday and convictions were registered in each case.

Provincial Officer D. B. Wagar took into custody John Rogers, who was charged with the theft of a cow the property of Joseph Baker of Sheffield Township. The accused found guilty, and was given a suspended sentence. He was also ordered to pay the costs, the same to be paid within one month, and if not paid by that time, he will have to serve fifteen days in jail. The accused was ordered to return the cow to the owner.

“MORLEY PETTIT SENTENCED TO FIVE YEARS IMPRISONMENT,” Brantford Expositor. June 30, 1930. Page 1 & 5. ---- Convicted of Buying Cattle by Fraud and Butchering Them ---- (From Our Own Correspondent) SIMCOE, June, 30 - The long drawn-out action against Morley Petit, La Salette, originating from complaints to and investigations by the attorney-general’s department, which resulted in the laying against him of six charges of fraud under sections 402, 404 and 405 of the criminal code, on May 31 and following day, was, after adjustments from time to time, concluded Saturday so far as two of the charges were concerned and Petit was found guilty and sentenced to five years in the Portsmouth penitentiary. At the at the Crown the other four charges were stayed for the present. Petit elected tp be tried summarily on two charges a fortnight previously, and had decline to elect on the four additional charges, which still stand. He represented himself as without funds and the court appointed A. A Water, KC. to look after his interests. Petit’s technical insolvency was amply proved by documentary evidence and otherwise and there was plenty of evidence to show that and there was plenty of evidence to how that represented himself to be a progressive dairy,, stock and tobacco farmer, in letters to various stock breeders whom he beguiled to ship him pedigreed bulls or heifers for the purpose of improving his own grade herd. These bulls and heifers were take to the slaughter from be railway car by truck, as a rule by stealth at night. They were slaughtered and sold to nearly butchers at ridiculously low prices and even though the shipper got a note promising of one, Petit evaded final payment by devious excuses and representations. Some splendid thoroughbred stock went to the slaughter though his operations. SInce the action began victims from all over Ontario and beyond, have sent a deluge of inquiries, as to the possibility of obtaining redress, but Petit’s division court judgements, which total over $13,000 are between them and any hope of reimbursement. His wife holds title to the farm, 175 acres and presumably the chattels also. The farm is a good one with splendid buildings.

In September, 1926, he was found guilty of receiving credit from J. W. Church, Simcoe, by foul means. The charge was withdrawn at the request of the crown attorney, Petit having made restitution in the amount of $25, and agreeing to pay $13.75 costs.

Petit was again in the limelight here in May, 1927, when he was charged with fraudulently concealing a tractor valued at $963, with intent to deprive the International Harvester Co. of the property. Evidence in the case went to establish that Petit purchased the tractor and failing to pay for it and fearing that the company would send a search warrant, he hid it in the woods and re-painted it. He was found guilty and on paying $100 damages and $68.80 costs was placed on two year’s probation.

The Conditions One thousand dollars bond under the ollowing conditions; 1. that he shall not be found guilty of any offense in any court within this period; 2. that he shall maintain and sipport his family in a proper Christian manner during the said period: 3 that he shall abstain from intoxicating liqyorr during the said period: 4. that he shall not be found off his farm in the Township of Windham  between 9 p.m. and 3 am at night, on any business other than reaally business in connection with his farming operation or sickness; 5. that he shall pay his lawful debts from time to time and shall not wilfully incur debts that he does not intend to pay, during the said period; 6. that he shall discontinue all sharp pratices in connection with his farming operations, and in all contracts or purchases in future during said period.

The exactions of the bond were not observed and not enforced. He was up once for violating his bond, but was allowed to go at the representations of his wife and the crown attorney.

In Division Court While Petit managed to dodge the criminal court he was perennially monopolizing the division courts at Windham Centre, Delhi and to a lesser extent at Simcoe. He was generally able, however, by outstanding  craft and intellectual seamanship to steer his craft clear of the legal technicalities of the court, and time and again baffled his victims. But his failures as an intriguing navigator despite his more numerous repeated close calls, are on record by scores and the evidence submitted by Provincial Constable Oliver in court on Saturday, went to show that judgments stand against him as follows:

At Windham court, 26 judgments totalling $4541.56, at Delhi court. 13 Judgments totalling $2272.60; at Simcoe court, 13 Judgments totalling $6321.26, making a combined total of $12.137.51.

The Sentence. In passing sentence on Pettit his worship said. "Yours has been a peculiar career. You were born, I understand of estimable parents in a good God-fearing law-abiding community; a community which has sent out some splendid men, acme of the best jurists of the Dominion, from one of the primary, most enterprising counties of Ontario. You were brought up by Godly parents and educated in an ideal environment You have lived in an otherwise law-abiding community. Your family. name, except for you, so far as I can understand, is untarnished in this county and I am reliably informed that at least one of your victims became a victim because he made inquiry and heard that the name Pettit was good in Norfolk. 

"You probably played on that name to your undoing. You have been clever, you have been smart, you have been astute, you have turned the corner so often that you have become bold to the extent of carrying on from behind the bars. I regret very much that I have to give some severe sentence in your case, that will be a warning to yourself and others like you.

“The sentence of this court is that you be transferred to the Portsmouth pententiary for the term of five years."

MUCH EVIDENCE. The batch of evidence forwarded here by the department of the attorney-general was supplemented by stocks collected by Provincial Constables Oliver and Shipley stationed at Simcoe, assisted by R. Edmonds. also a provincial officer, under the direction of W. E Kelly, KC, crown attorney Perhaps the most damaging evidence was that of a Haldimand breeder who sold Pettit two females. On the stand this victim stated that as Petit's farm was in the adjoining county he had been pleased to make the sale for he had hoped that in a few years he could take prospective purchasers over to the Pettit farm to show them what rare quality of Shorthorn he was producing. The heifers had gone to the slaughter.

Evidence was produced on Saturday to prove that Petit owned nothing. His wife held title to the farm and chattels. The correspondence with the Deacon firm, showed besides through the presumptive evidence of the first letter, statements in subsequent letters in which Pettit represented himself as having grade cattle equal in production to purebreds; considerable tobacco land and kilns and a $3000 program of extension already under way. He paid this firm by note at two weeks in the amount of $200 and falling to meet the note launched out on his skillfully planned program of evasion.

There was very slight change in his method of approach to different firms and the breed did not seem to matter. Pettit, according to evidence, sold the animals before or on arrival at attractive prices from the standpoint of the butchers who bought them. He seemed to have no trouble in disposing of them. As a rule they were unloaded and trucked direct to the slaughter by night. Although but six or eight charges were laid, and some of these double-barrelled, officers continue to receive inquiries from victims all over the county. Swine and sheep were also in his dealings. 

One breeder when queried by the court on Saturday stated that it had been his custom to ship pure bred stock without question for twenty, years, whether on cash or credit terms and that Pettit was the first and only man who had victimized him. He believed other breeders had similar policies with similar experience.

STAY ORDER GRANTED The Crown's request, for a stay order with respect to the additional charges was granted by the court. The application followed the announcement of the finding. It is probable that the crown. attorney will seek advice from headquarters before proceeding with the other cases.

Pettit, it is reported, has intimated that he will appeal. He has a month in which to do so. If he waives his right, and accepts the decision of the court he may be transferred to Portsmouth soon or should the department order the investigation of the other charges, or any of them, he may be held here.

Pettit, who was on former transits to and from the court allowed to walk free, scowled when after sentence Constable Shipley manacled him for the return trip to the castle. 

Pettit was a clever boy at school. He was educated as a veterinary surgeon and is reported to have had he essentials of a successful pracitioner. 

Yobe Govt hands over 33 stolen cows to owner

The Yobe state government has handed over 33 stolen cows to the owner, recovered by security personnel in the state. The cattle were rustled from Muchale village in  Mubi Local Government Area of  Adamawa state. Cattle rustling is one of the major security challenge with multiplier effects facing the northern of part of Nigeria with its negative consequence affecting economic, social and other…

“Charles Thompson, of Down township, convicted of cattle stealing and of obtaining money under false pretences, was sentenced at Sarnia to ten years in the Kingston Penitentiary.”

- from the Sault Star. May 17, 1918. Page 5.