PUBZ3/7/218

Folio.382-384 Stephen Peck of St Paul, Bedford, labourer.

September 1831

From: 1831 To: 1831

I am about 31 years of age, was born in Kempston where my father Henry Peck and Mary his wife lived and belonged. I lived at Kempston until I was about 14 years of age when either on Michaelmas day or the day after I went with my mother and let myself to Mr James Walker of Stagsden, farmer, for a year at the wages of ten pounds. After we had agreed he gave me one shilling and my father said to him when shall he come and he said onMonday. I went to my place on Monday 14th October, Bedford Michaelmas fair being on Saturday. Iserved Mr Walker at Stagsden until Bedford Michaelmas fair the following year and received my full wages. I went home for three weeks in the winter because my feet were chilled but returned when they were better. About a fortnight after I left Mr Walkers I let myself to Mr Parker of Woburn, surgeon. I went first for a month on liking and then he hired me for a year. I served him altogether three quarters of a year, then I came home to Kempston. I stayed about three weeks and let myself to Mr Lucas of Holcot til Michaelmas following for thirty shillings and my board. Then I returned again to Kempston where I remained until I married at Kempston ten years ago last July to my present wife Margaret Tansley by whom I have two children namely William aged eight years and Charles aged four years. I have not done any other act to gain a settlement to the best of my knowledge.

item

Peck, Stephen,
Peck, Henry,
Peck, Mary,
Peck, Margaret,
Peck, Charles,
Peck, William,
Tansley, Margaret,
Walker, James,
Parker,
Lucas

BEDFORD, KEMPSTON, STAGSDEN, Holcott, POVERTY, Poor Laws, Overseers, magistrate, Settlement, MARRIAGE, trade & industry fairs, farmer, surgeon, wages/conditions