Maxim Bernard Becker Boyd
Maxim Bernard Becker Boyd (c1877- ) aka Maxim Boyd Hart of Maxim Boyd and Co, fraudster.
1904 News report. 'Dr Maxim Boyd, who has for a short time been displaying wonders with liquid air at the London Hippodrome, gave yesterday a private demonstration and exhibition of the results he has accomplished in his laboratory...'[1]
1905 News report. '...The lecturer, for a portion of the time, at least, was an intelligent and well-spoken, scientist who appeared under the name of Dr. Maxim Boyd. His full name is Maxim Boyd Hart, and it is to be regretted. that Monday's proceedings before Judge Renteul at the Old Bailey. London, revealed, the fact, that, however clear the lecturer may with regard to the subject upon which he has been, specialising his notions of honesty are somewhat hazy. In a word Maxim Boyd Hart, who is only 28, and who is described as a doctor of science, was indicted, for forging and uttering a hill of exchange for 100 pounds drawn on the Bank of Scotland, purporting to signed by Mr. Andrews Hamilton Johnson, with intent to defraud...'[2]
1911 Boarder at 31 Boundary Road, St John's Wood, London: Maxim Bernard Becker Boyd (age 34 born USA), Engineer and Chemist (Inventor).[3]
1916 Police charges. 'In custody on Divn., Met. Pol., charged as Maxim Bernard Boyd with larceny. —MAXIM BOYD HART aliases Hans Lausnitz and Hans St. Lausnitz, C.R.O. No. 1803-03, age 40, ht. 5ft. 6 1/2 ins. c. fresh, h. brown (thin), e. blue, wears pince-nez. An engineer; supposed native of United States of America. con. of forgery and fraud in CITY OF LONDON, and on A and DIVNS., MET. POL. A supposed German subject who poses as an inventor, scientist or director of electrical engineering companies. Obtains quantities of goods in connection with the companies, which prove nonexistent, but fails to make any payment. Has also negotiated worthless cheques, made out on plain paper, by pretending he has forgotten his cheque book; and forged and uttered bills of exchange for large amounts.'[4]
1917 Departs Liverpool for the USA