Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Ady, Joseph

by Thompson Cooper

ADY, JOSEPH (1770–1852), a notorious impostor, was at one time a hatter in London, but failing in that business he hit upon the device of raising funds by means of circular letters, promising, on the receipt of a suitable fee, to inform those whom he addressed of ‘something to their advantage.’ This remarkable individual, who in numerous instances baffled the magistrates and post-office authorities, was, some months previous to his death in 1852, removed from prison to his brother's residence in Fenchurch Street, in consequence of a rapid decline of health, a memorial to that effect having been presented to the home secretary.

[Gent. Mag. Oct. 1852, p. 437; De Quincey's Works, vi. 258, 327.]

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