QSR1854/1/5/10

Depositions of William Smith, master chimney sweep of Leighton Buzzard, Christopher Buckmaster, farmer of Chalton and PC John Olden, stationed at Leighton Buzzard. In the case of John Butcher accused of embezzling 3 shillings

2 December 1853

From: 1853 To: 1854

William Smith: a master chimney sweep living in Leighton Buzzard. The prisoner had been in his employment up to the present charge. Butcher had been in his employment on 15 November when he received notice from Mr Brickmaster, a farmer of Chalton, to send someone over there to sweep his chimneys. On 17 November he sent the prisoner there for that purpose. The prisoner was on a weekly wage of 2s 6d as well as board and lodging. The prisoner left the house at 6.30am and was to return in the afternoon and took a horse and cart. He was authorized to receive what he had earned. He did not allow his horse and cart to be kept out over night. The prisoner had been on the same errand many times. Butcher did not return and in consequence of discovering that he had taken some of his tools; Smith advised the police. The police brought home the horse and cart and said they had the prisoner in custody. Mr Buckmaster informed Smith that he had paid the prisoner for sweeping the chimneys. The tools were all returned with the exception of a sack which was still missing. There was 4s or 5s owning to the prisoner at the time he left. The prisoner had asked for sixpence the previous week and had been given it by Smith. Christopher Buckmaster: a farmer living at Chalton. On 15 November he directed William Smith to send someone to Chalton to sweep his chimneys. On 17 November the prisoner came with a horse and cart and swept the chimneys. He paid the prisoner 3 shillings and he left. PC John Olden: on 18 November he was informed by the prosecutor that his servant had absconded from Leighton with his horse and cart. Smith said he had sent Butcher to Mr Brickmaster the preceding day to sweep some chimneys and had not returned. In consequence he went to Toddington after the prisoner and found him in a public house, with the prosecutor’s horse and cart standing outside. The prisoner appeared to have been drinking. The prisoner told him he had swept Mr Brickmaster’s three chimneys and had received 3 shillings which he had since spent on beer. He searched the prisoner and found no money. The prisoner was taken into custody at Woburn. Statement of the accused: nothing to say.

item

Butcher, John,
Smith, William,
Buckmaster, Christopher,
Olden, John

LEIGHTON BUZZARD, TODDINGTON, Chalton, embezzlement, chimney sweep, farmer