Week 16 (Apr. 16-22) Oldest Story

Thanks to old newspapers, I have many stories about the lives of my ancestors, adding detail to their lives.  Amongst the oldest newspapers articles I have is from the Ipswich Journal, published Saturday 1 November 1777, placed by my ancestor Daniel Green

A week earlier a cart horse owned by Daniel had disappeared from its paddock, and Daniel was offering a reward for its return.  He apparently didn't know for certain if the horse had escaped its paddock and strayed, or if it had been stolen.  As a result, he offered a reward of 2 Guineas for the return of the horse, but 5 Guineas for information about the offenders if the horse had been stolen, providing that information lead to a conviction.

Clearly Daniel not only valued his horse, but had the means to provide a reward for its safe return.