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ORIGINAL 1897 CALIFORNIA WANTED / REWARD NOTICE WITH PHOTOGRAPHOffered here is an exceptional original 1897 Contra Costa County, California wanted and reward notice for escaped prisoner John Porter, issued by Sheriff R. R. Veale.Dated October 13, 1897, the notice offers a $20 reward for Porter’s arrest and detention following his escape from the jail at Byron, California, on September 12, 1897.The notice states that Porter was wanted for burglary and provides a remarkably detailed physical description:John Porter
Native of New York
Age 23
5 feet 11 inches
195 pounds
Hazel eyes
Black hair
Fair complexionIt further records numerous identifying scars and states that Porter had previously served 180 days for petit larceny in San Joaquin County beginning February 17, 1896.Most importantly, the notice retains an original period photographic portrait of Porter, making this a particularly striking example of late-19th-century criminal identification and law-enforcement history.The bottom reads:“Escaped from the jail at Byron Sept. 12th, 1897. The above reward will be paid for the arrest and detention. Arrest and wire me. I hold warrant for burglary.”Signed in print:R. R. VEALE, Sheriff
Contra Costa County, California
