QSR1848/4/5/14

Depositions, examination and character reference - John Brace

30 September 1848

From: 1848 To: 1848

Joseph Clarke of Tempsford, lace dealer - Brace was recently in his service. On 24 August he left home for a month leaving Brace in charge of his house. Brace was a house servant and slept there. There was a quantity of apples growing and he told Brace to sell them for 50s and no less. When he returned last Thursday week (21st) he found Brace absent. He believes Brace returned that evening. The next morning Brace came in about 5am and took away his clothes. He met Brace that evening and told him if he had anything to say he had best come down. Brace absconded and he has not seen him since until he saw him in custody that morning. John Newman of Tempsford, basket maker - a few days before 18th September Brace came to him and said Mr Clarke had left him some apples to sell. He agreed to buy the apples for 50s. He paid Brace £1 15s on 18 September and left the rest unpaid until all the fruit should be gathered. John Brace of Tempsford, labourer - he is very sorry it should have happened. It is the first time and he hopes it will be the last. Character reference from John Warsop of Manor House, Alconbury (11 Oct 1848) - Brace's father was horsekeeper to him for about 15 years, and the youth "I may almost say brought up in the yard, as I at that time kept the Inn at Alconbury Hill". Brace was groom to him for some time, and also filled the situation of boots at the inn, which presented many opportunities for acts of dishonesty, but during the time father and son lived with him he always considered them sober, steady and honest. He believes Brace has lived with a gentleman in the same village named Knight as groom. He has never heard of any complaints respecting him. Statement signed by Henry Fuller, Thomas Chapman and William Wright of the same parish that they have known the father and family for many years and have heard nothing to their discredit before this.

item

Brace, John,
Clarke, Joseph,
Newman, John,
Warsop, John,
Fuller, Henry,
Chapman, Thomas,
Wright, William

TEMPSFORD, Alconbury, lace dealer, basket makers, servants, horsekeeper, groom, Huntingdonshire inns