What was Robert Snowball really like?
Northern Echo, January 12
"The unfortunate young man Robert Snowdon (sic) went to the Belmont farm a complete stranger. It is said that he was too particular against people travelling or making a footpath over a certain, almost barren field, and had threatened the offenders by telling them that he would inform the gamekeepers or the local policeman.
"It is not known whether he was paying his addresses to any person or not, but it is strongly rumoured that he was. It was also rumoured that he was going to be married to Mrs Barron, but from what can be gleaned it had only been rumour, although he had spoken somewhat freely when last at Blanchland."
Northern Echo, January 14
The reporter visits Belmount..."My knock at the door was answered by a comely, middle-aged woman, who, upon stating my errand, communicated with someone inside. This someone turned out to be Mr John Snowball, brother of the murdered man, and said to resemble him strongly in features, though somewhat smaller of stature. He is of light complexion, slight side whiskers of an auburn tinge, and with a gentlemanly air about him rather above the general run of farmers' sons in the locality."
