QSR1841/1/5/36

Depositions and examination - Thomas Ashby for stealing beans

31 December 1840

From: 1840 To: 1841

James Ward of Chalton in parish of Toddington, labourer - the previous night he was in Brown's House next to Widow Cox's. he saw Ashby with a bag which he set down by Cox's house. He came into Brown's, left again and took up the bag. He went into Widow Cox's house with it and he heard him set it down. When Ashby was gone he went and opened the bag, and found in it about a bushel of beans. He took out the sample he now produces. Sarah Cox of Chalton, widow - Thomas Ashby brought a bag into her house and asked if he might leave it there. She agreed. James Ward came and took a sample of beans from the bag. She later went up the garden. During this time someone took the bag. She does not know who. William Eames of Chalton, farmer - James Ward came to him that morning and produced the sample of beans. Ward told him he saw Thomas Ashby bring a bag of beans to the Widow Cox's house. The previous day Ashby was thrashing beans for him in his barn. The sample of beans is lie the beans in his barn and he has no doubt they are his. William Strapp of Chalton, constable - while the prisoner was in custody that morning he said of his own accord he wished that man had kept out of his master's yard the previous day, for if he had this job would not have happened. The first time Ashby would not consent, but he came again and Ashby was persuaded to dress him up some beans. If he got over this job he would never be persuaded again.

item

Ashby, Thomas,
Ward, James,
Cox, Sarah,
Eames, William,
Strapp, William

Chalton, TODDINGTON, stealing, beans