QSR1853/1/5/48

Depositions of Thomas Larkins, labourer of Potton, Samuel Wallis, police constable of Potton and Elizabeth Reynolds, wife of William of Potton. In the case of Sarah Emery accused of stealing a pair of stays, 3 aprons and 2 petticoats.

1 January 1853

From: 1852 To: 1853

Elizabeth Reynolds: lived with her husband William at Potton. Thomas Larkins and his wife lodged with them from February until 10 December, when his wife died. For the last 6 weeks of her illness, her mother Sarah, the wife of William Emery, would come and visit constantly. Mrs Larkins used to keep her clothes and things in a box in her bedroom. During the last 5 or 6 days of her illness her mind wandered very much. Mrs Emery came and asked Reynolds to let her look at her daughter’s box. She took out a pair of d[?], a pair of stockings and 2 aprons and said she would have them. She told her that she did not think Mr Larkin’s would like it. When Mrs Larkins died, and was laid out, Mrs Emery came into the room and asked for her daughters stays. Mrs Emery said they were hers before her daughters and she would have them again. Mrs Emery used to wash for her daughter but these articles were clean. She told Mrs Emery there would be a bother about taking the things. Mrs Emery said she did not mind. Reynolds told Mr Larkins when he returned. Samuel Wallis: on 21 December he received information that the prisoner had taken several articles and went to her house, at Gamlingay, with William Larkins. Emery was asked for the things but said she had nothing which did not belong to her. Wallis threatened to search the house and she went and fetched the articles. There was a pair of stays, 3 aprons, 2 petticoats and several other articles. Larkins said there were some more things missing and if she would give them up, then he would forgive her. The following morning Larkin gave her into custody. Thomas Larkins: identified the items as his belongings.Statement of the accused - Sarah Emery: nothing to say

item

Emery, Sarah,
Larkins, Thomas,
Wallis, Samuel,
Reynolds, Elizabeth,
Reynolds, William

POTTON, Gamlingay, apron, clothing, stealing