(My 3xGreat-Grandfather)
He was one of the early policemen in Leeds - actually he appears on the first page of the first "joining book". I had special permission to view the police records at Wakefield registry office and it was really fascinating.
Especially his records in the "Conduct book". He was dismissed after a couple of years in the service for "improper conduct whilst on duty and insulting the watch committee". It doesn't say what he did, but a few weeks later he was readmitted after "expressing contrition". It was possibly the fact that he had a young family at the time, and employment prospects were not good for weavers - due to the new machinery. So he had to get his job back - even if it meant eating humble pie.
He went on to have an exemplary career in the police force - being promoted several times and eventually reaching the position of "first class inspector".
I always think that John wanted me to find out about his family - he certainly left plenty of clues. Such as in the naming of his children - giving them grandmothers (Hall & Marshall) and even great-grandmother's (Brook) maiden names as middle names.
He also left behind a family bible, with his family beautifully recorded in copper plate writing.
Born: 5-May-1819, Holbeck, Leeds Father: Isaac Cliff Mother: Mary Marshall Married: 1. 15-Sep-1838, Leeds 2. Q4 1867 Spouse: 1. Elizabeth Appleyard (B.26-Oct-1817, D.1876) 2. Harriet Elizabeth Harrison Died: 1-Jun-1889, Leeds Children: Mary Cliff B. 7-Aug-1839, D. 17-Sep-1858 George Marshall Cliff B. 16-May-1841, D. 5-Jun-1842 Eliza Marshall Cliff, B. 24-Feb-1843, M. to William Hopton, D. 27-Oct-1869. Samuel Hall Cliff B.22-Apr-1845, M. 21-Dec-1858 Hannah Maria Lupton, D. 4-Aug-1921 Martha Cliff B.30-May-1847, D. 20-Sep-1849 Sarah Brook Cliff B.6-Jun-1849, D. 15-May-1867 John Albert Cliff B.22-Feb-1852, M. 20-Apr-1886 Betsy Marsh, D. 24-Mar-1899 East London Cape of Good Hope, South Africa George Arthur Cliff B. 19-May-1854, M. 20-Nov-1886 Hannah Midgley Thomas Henry Cliff B. 21-Nov-1856, D. 13-Jul-1864 Jane Hannah Cliff B. Feb-1859, D. Feb-1859 Occupation: Watchman Police Officer Police Sergeant Police Inspector
Leeds Parish Church Born 5th May 1819, John son of Isaac and Mary Cliff, Holbeck clothier. Baptised 30th May 1819.
September 15th 1838, Leeds Parish Church. John Cliff, minor, Bachelor, clothier, Wortley. Father Isaac Cliff, Clothier Elizabeth Appleyard, minor, Spinster, Wortley. Father George Appleyard. Signed: John Cliff X Elizabeth Appleyard's Mark Witnesses: Samuel Hall Elizabeth Hall.
(page 1) Name: John Cliffe Age in 1860: 41 Height: 5ft. 9in. Eyes: Blue Hair: D. Brown Complexion: Fresh Born: Holbeck, Yorkshire Prev. Employment: Weaver Recommended by whom: R. Ripley Address: Leeds Date of Appointment: August 12th 1842Leeds Police Service: Conduct Book
John Cliff, Segt. B.Rewards & Promotions
1842 Aug. 12th Appointed to Police Constable 1846 April 3rd Re-appointed Police Constable on expressing contrition. 1846 Dec. 4th Promoted to the 2nd Class. 1858 Dec 3rd Promoted to the rank of Sergeant. 1862 Oct. 3rd Appointed Sergeant of the Beeston District, vice Barraclough superannuated. 1871 Jan. 6th Promoted to the rank of Second Class Inspector. 1874 May 8th Promoted to the rank of First Class Inspector.Complaints & Punishments
1846 March 8th Fined 5/- and dismissed the Force for improper conduct when on duty and insulting the Watch committee.
Census Details:
1841: Ramstler's Buildings, Wortley
John Cliff Head Wool Weaver M 20 M Yorkshire Elizabeth Cliff Wife M 20 F Yorkshire Mary Cliff Daut. 1 F Yorkshire George Cliff Son 1 mon M Yorkshire Also: Isaac Cliff Head Woolweaver M 65 M Yorkshire Mary Cliff Wife M 65 F Yorkshire1851: 169, Gelderd Road, Wortley
John Cliff Head Police Officer M 31 M Holbeck Elizabeth Cliff Wife M 33 F Wortley Mary Cliff Daut. Scholar 11 F Wortley Eliza Cliff Daut. Scholar 8 F Wortley Samuel Cliff Son Scholar 5 M Wortley Sarah Cliff Daut. 1 F Wortley1861: 8, Burgess Street, Wortley
John Cliff Head Police Sergeant M 41 M Holbeck Elizabeth Cliff Wife Housewife M 43 F Wortley Eliza M. Cliff Daut. Mule Piecer (woolen) 18 F Wortley Samuel H. Cliff Son Wool Cloth Warehouse Boy15 M Wortley Sarah B. Cliff Daut. Wool Bobbin winder 11 F Wortley John A. Cliff Son Scholar 9 F Wortley George A. Cliff Son Scholar 6 M Wortley Thomas H. Cliff Son Scholar 4 F Wortley1881: 18, Queen Street, Rothwell
John Cliff Head Inspector Of Police Retired M 61 M Leeds Harriet Eliz. Cliff Wife M 49 F MonmouthTrade Directories
1870 John Sergeant Town St, Beeston 1872 John Police Inspector 23, Kendall Place, Kendall Lane
Cliff Family Bible
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