PUBZ3/8/76

Folio.119-120 John Coles of St Mary, Bedford, broadcloth weaver.

22 May 1833

From: 1833 To: 1833

I am about 40 years of age, was born in Bowood, County of Wilts where my father then resided and belonged. When I was about 13 years I was placed out apprentice by the parish of Bowood in County of Wilts by Indenture for seven years to Thomas Lewis of Chippenham, broadcloth weaver. I served about 5 years and then enlisted in the Bedfordshire Militia at Bristol as a drummer and have continued as such ever since without doing any act to gain a settlement. I was married at Lower Weedon church, County of Northampton about 19 years ago to Sarah Butcher who is since dead. I had a daughter by her named Ann and five other children. I have had relief from the parish officers of Chippenham several times previous to the death of my wife and on her death which took place in November 1830 they sent me 20 shillings. I have since received about 20 shillings from them by the hands of William Chapman of the House of Industry in the town of Bedford and they have repaid him. My daughter has not sone any act to the best of my knowledge to gain a settlement in her own right.

item

Coles, Ann,
Coles, John,
Coles, Sarah,
Butcher, Sarah,
Lewis, Thomas

BEDFORD, Ireland, Chippenham [Wiltshire], Bowood, Weedon, Settlement, Overseers, magistrate, POVERTY, Poor Laws, bastardy, Bedfordshire Militia, servant, soldier, broadcloth weaver, wages/conditions, drummer, DEATH, House of Industry