QSR1838/1/5/2

Depositions of John Taylor Cawdell, harness maker of Luton. Thomas Farmer of Luton. In the case of Abraham Cawdell accused of assaulting and threatening John Taylor Cawdell.

23 October 1837

From: 1837 To: 1838

John Taylor Cawdell: his brother in law, Abraham Cawdell, came to his house about 8.30pm and asked if he was going to employ him or whether he was to go into the workhouse. He asked Abraham what he meant. Abraham asked him what he meant by taking away his character and drew his hand from his pocket. He thought Abraham was going to strike him with his fist but Abraham drew a stone form his pocket and threw it at him. The stone struck him on the back of the head. Abraham took out another stone and threw that at him too and it struck him behind the ear. Abraham threw another which struck his wife on the side of the head. Abraham continued throwing stones and they ran out of the house and cried ‘murder’. Some neighbours came to assist and sent for a constable and a surgeon to dress his head. He considered him life in danger if Abraham had his liberty. Thomas Farmer: he lived next door to John Cawdell. He heard a cry of murder from Cawdell’s house and got up from his bed. He looked out of the window and saw Abraham Cawdell with a stick or something in his hand. He heard Abraham say if he had not killed them he would kill them. Abraham then took on his heels and run down the street. He went to the house afterwards and saw both Mr and Mrs Cawdell bleeding from wounds they had received.

item

Cawdell, John Taylor,
Cawdell, Abraham,
Farmer, Thomas

LUTON, assault, harness maker