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Devon Assize Sessions - Lent 1784 [DRO - QS34/1-2]

Transcribed by Brian Brassett

DEVON To Wit - A Calendar of the Prisoners in the County - Gaol for the Lent Assize - to be held in the Castle of Exon Monday [March] 15th, 1784 - before the Hon. Sir Beaumont Hotham and Sir Richard Perryn, Knts, two of the Barons of His Majesty's Court of the Exchequer, assigned to take the Assizes, and deliver the Gaol of the prisoners therein.

In the Sheriffalty of Thomas Lane, esq.

James DuffillCommitted April 26, 1783, by Geo. Marshall, esq, Mayor of Plymouth, charged on Oaths of Richard Durant and Francis Hall, with feloniously stealing two fat sheep, Property of Robert Hall and William Mortimer.
William ClarkeCommitted August 12, by the rev. H. Walrond, clerk, charged on oaths of Thomazin Frost, Martha Baker, Sarah Radford, Ann Saunders, Thomas Morrish, and Henry James, on strong Suspicion of burglariously breaking and entering the Dwelling-House of St. Barbe Sydenham, and feloniously stealing from thence a yellow Canvas Purse with 50 Guineas therein contained, property of said Martha Baker.
Matthew ThomasCommitted August 27, by Alexander Hamilton, esq, charged on oath of Thomas Reynolds with having feloniously [..................] certain Cot House, one Silver [.....] and one Silk Handkerchief, property of said thomas Reynolds.
James HortoppCommitted Sept 2, by John Luxmoore, esq, on suspicion of feloniously stealing and driving away one wether sheep and one lamb, and also feloniously stealing one Safeguard, property of William Luxmoore.
Henry Somers 
John ChildsCommitted Sept 8, by Geo. Marshall, esq, Mayor of Plymouth, charged on oath of John Hopkins with feloniously stealing out of the Dwelling-House of said John Hopkins, 100 Guineas, Monies numbered of the current Coin of this Kingdom.
William Coombes 
John GoodmanCommitted Sept 8 by Geo. Marshall, esq, Mayor of Plymouth, charged on oaths of Jenny Lamacraft, Dennis Handford, Robert Cotmore, and Robert Callander, with burglariously breaking open the Dwelling-House of said Dennis Handford, and stealing thereout a Silk Handkerchief, a Piece of Nankin, a Mariners Shirt, a large Bottle, and small Bottle containing Brandy, a Linen Apron, and Childs Shift, Part of which Goods are Property of said Dennis Handford.
John DareCommitted Sept 12, by Thomas Baker and Thomas Taylor, esqr's, charged with feloniously breaking open the House of Charles Hale, esq, and stealing and carrying away from thence a Quantity of Goods, property of said Charles Hale, esq.
James MooneyCommitted Sept 16, by Ralph Michell, esq, charged on oath of Israel Jonas, with violently asaulting and taking from him eight Shillings.
Benjamine Bennett 
John EvansCommitted Sept 24, by Geo. Buck, esq, charged on oaths of Robert Thomson and William Williams, with having stolen out of a ship lately wrecked on Barnstaple Bar, one Silver Tea-Pot, one pair of Silver Salts, one Silver Mustard-Pot, one Silver Pint Cup, and other Articles.
James MillsCommitted Sept 24, bt the Rev. H. Walrond, clerk, charged on oaths of Sarah Thomas, John Thomas, and Humphry Thomas, with breaking and entering the Dwelling-House of said Sarah Thomas, and stealing thereout a razor, Clasp Knife, Silk Handkerchief and other Goods.
James M'GannCommitted Sept 30, by John Baring, esq, charged on oath of John Blake with having assaulted and robbed him of a Silver Watch, a gilt Chain, and two Seals.
John MurphyCommitted Oct 10, by Ralph Michell, esq, charged on oaths of Jacob Sumpter and Abraham Daniel, on a violent suspicion of feloniously taking and carrying away one Silver Watch, property of said Jacob Sumpter.
Mary WhiterowCommitted Oct 24, by the Rev. Thomas Melhuish, clerk, charged on oaths of mary Bodon and Emlin Bodon with feloniously taking and carrying away from the House of said Mary Bodon, two pair of Shoes, two Gowns, one pair of plated Buckles, one quilted Coat, and a small Screw Box, with two shillings in Silver.
Robert DenshamCommitted Nov 3, by the Rev. James Carrington, clerk, charged on oath of Richard Durrant, with having feloniously stolen from the Racks of Messrs. Hosch and Rageneau, three pieces of Coffee-coloured Duroy.
William CoombesCommitted Nov 3, by the Rev. John Adney, clerk, on suspicion of feloniously stealing a quantity of Cheese and Butter, property of H. Sweetland.
Francis EarleCommitted Nov 3, by William Coffin, gentleman Coroner, charged with the Wilful Murder of John Denniford. On Bail.
Thomas BeardCommitted Nov 4, by John Arthur, esq, Mayor of Plymouth, charged on oaths of Margaret Hicks, Elizabeth Mabin, Judith Roberts, and John Browne, with having feloniously stolen a Silver Watch, property of said Elizabeth Mabin.
Lawrence Hines HalleranCommitted Nov 5, by Thomas Reynolds, gentleman Coroner, charged with the wilful Murder of William Guy.
James Wall 
John Morris alias MoorishCommitted Nov 5, by the Rev. James Carrington, clerk, charged on oath of Mary Williams, with stealing from the house of James Williams, three Guineas, one Queen Anne's Shilling, two bad shillings, and five Sixpences, property of said James Williams.
David PeakeCommitted Nov 10, by P. Rogers Webber, esq, charged on oath of William Challacombe with Suspicion of stealing one Wether Sheep, property of said William Challacombe.
John Legassicke 
William TooleyCommitted Nov 4, by Robert Newman, esq, Mayor of Dartmouth, on suspicion of feloniously stealing out of the Dwelling-House of William Burgoin, two Quart Bottles of Geneva, two Quart bottles of Brandy, a quantity of tanned Hide Leather, and some Calf-Skin Leather.
Richard VittellCommitted Nov 25, by R. Michell, esq, charged on oaths of Robert Harris, and Jane Drinnell, on a violent suspicion of feloniously taking and carrying away out of a field, one Plowshare, one Plow-Culter, one Die-Foot, and one Taw, property of Thomas Graves, esq.
John Benwell alias Bennell alias SmithCommitted Dec 3, by the Rev. James Carrington, clerk, charged on oath of Thomas Coles, with feloniously and burglariously breaking open his stable and stealing thereout one Carte Horse. To be removed to Oxford, but incapable thereof, being sick.
John CourtisCommitted Dec 7, by John Bryan, esq, charged on oaths of William Gardner, Abraham Kingdom, and James Balmant, with feloniously stealing and carrying away a Piece of Breast of Beef, property of said William Gardner and James Balmant.
George Hixon 
John Gliddon 
John Jenkins 
William Winnacott 
William NormanCommitted Dec 18, by R. Michell, esq, on oaths of John Hamblyn and Peter Garland, on suspicion of feloniously stealing and carrying away one Wether Sheep, property of said John Hamblyn.
Thomas RoweCommitted Dec 24, by the Rev. Thomas Melhuish, clerk, charged on oath of John Loosemoore with breaking open his Mill-House and stealing thereout a quantity of Wheat Meal and a Pair of Hose.
Bryan HaynesCommitted Jan 12, 1784, by R. Michell, esq, charged on oath of Matthew Dawson, with feloniously taking and carrying away out of his shop, two Pair of Silver Shoe-Buckles and two Pair of Silver Knee-Buckles; also on oath of Mary Lamb, with feloniously taking and carrying away out of her shop, one pair of Stockings, and one Silk Handkerchief.
William LaversCommitted Jan 21, by Thomas Reynolds, gentleman, Coroner, charged with feloniously killing Samuel Fox.
Owen ThomasCommitted Jan 28, by the Rev. James Carrington, clerk, charged on oath of Robert Alfred with feloniously stealing out of his shop, five pair of Pewter Buckles, one pair of Brass Buckles, and one Pewter Buckle.
Henry BlackmoreCommitted Feb 2, by the Rev. Thomas Melhuish, clerk, and John Laroche, esq, charged on his own confession with having stolen some Fowls.
Humphry WadeCommitted Feb 6, by John Arthur, esq, Mayor of Plymouth, charged on oaths of Wm. Smith and John Mitchell, with having been guilty of conniving, aiding, and assisting Edward Henvill, esq, in defrauding the Public, by making fraudulent and deceitful Charges.
Elizabeth RobertsCommitted Feb , by R. Michell, esq, charged on oath of ..... casey with feloniously stealing one Bed-Sheet property of Benjamine Casey.
John FriendCommitted Feb 12, by Geo. Bickford, esq, charged on the Coroners inquest with being wilfully the cause of the death of Ann Venner, his Apprentice.
William HooperCommitted Feb 13, by John Stuckey, esq, charged with having stolen one She-Ass.
William WrightCommitted Feb 17, by R. Michell, esq, charged on oaths of Mordecai Abrahams and Wm. Willing, on a violent suspicion of feloniously stealing and carrying away one Silver watch, property of said Mordecai Abrahams.
Thomas Hampton 
William CleavesCommitted Feb 21, by R. Michell, esq, charged on oaths of William Wareham, John Wareham, Geo. Winne, and William Billing, on a violent suspicion of feloniously stealing and taking away one Mare, a Saddle, and bridle, property of said William Wareham.
John SimmonsCommitted Feb 23, by R. Michell, esq, charged on oaths of Richard Gambell, William Beare, and Thomas Brutton, with being on board the Cow, alias the Valiant Lugger, and aiding and assisting in resisting and obstructing the said William Beare, legally appointed to make Seizures of Prohibited Goods.
Thomas SheffillCommitted Feb 24, by J. Archer, esq, Mayor of Plymouth, charged on oaths of John Burros, and Samson Adolphus with feloniously breaking open a Box, and stealing thereout a Pair of Silver Buckles, three Guineas in Gold, and nine shillings and Six-pence in Silver, property of said John Burrows.
Thomas SmalrondCommitted Feb 24, by John Laroche, esq, charged on oath of John Wood with having broken into his cellar with intent to steal some Cyder.
Cornelius CarterCommitted Feb 28, by Joshua Bryan, esq, Mayor of Southmolton, on oaths of Rich. Pasmore, and Elizabeth Tucker, on a violent suspicion of breaking and entering the Cellar belonging to the Dwelling-House of said Richard Pasmore, and stealing thereout about Five Shillings Worth of Halfpence.
John StarCommitted Mar 9, by the Rev. James Carrington, clerk, charged on oath of John Soper with feloniously stealing one Wether Sheep property of William Langdon.
David Gibbon 
Patrick MacDonaldCommitted March 9, by R. Michell, esq, charged on oaths of Thomas Roberts, Thomas Turner, and Sarah Gain, on a violent suspicion of feloniously taking out of the Lydia Lighter, one Barge's Cable and a Piece of old Rope, property of Thomas Paalby and Wm. Collings.
Ann CotesCommitted March 12, by Thomas Colby, gentleman Coroner, charged with the Wilful Murder of a Male Bastard Child.
Benjamine DunnSurrendered March 14, to take his Trial for the Murder of Thomas Hall.
Thomas Harris 
William Peters 
Charles LeeCommitted March 10, by R. Michell, esq, charged on oath of William Lee, with feloniously assaulting him and taking from him one Silver Watch, Chain, and Seals; also charged on oaths of Henry Symons, Maria Williams, and Margaret Proute, with violently assaulting said Henry Symons, and feloniously taking from him a Hat and Silver Watch, his property.
Paul SusmithCommitted March 12, by R. Michell, esq, charged on oaths of Charles Tapril and William Billing, with feloniously taking and carrying away out of the Lodging-Room of said Charles Tapril, one Silver Watch, two Waistcoats, and one pair of Worsted Stockings, his property.
Edward Varndell 
John WolfeCommitted Sept 6, 1783, by the Rev. H. Walrond, clerk, charged on oath of John Cheeseman with feloniously stealing one black Mare, property of said John Cheeseman; also charged on oath of Wm. Corner, with feloniously stealing one bright bay Mare, property of John Stevens. To be removed to Sussex; but no Habeas yet received.
Harris 
Peters 
Lee 
SmithThe felons who escaped from Billing the Constable after their Committment signed by W. Michell and taken by Thomas Turner Constable the next day at Dartmouth. Harris, Peters and Lee were on one committment directed to the Constables of the Parish of Stoke Damerell which was delivered to Turner Constable on his arrival at Dartmouth by a person who had the warrant from Billing after the men made their escape. Turner knowing Smith was one of the persons who was like committed at the same time secured Smith and conveyed him to Gaol with the other felons.
Remain on Former Orders 
Elizabeth Whimple 
Ann Levers 
Ann Rogers 
Elizabeth Carder 
Elizabeth Rowland 
Ann Murch 
John KingdomSentenced to be Transported for Seven years to America.
Joseph Tilson 
Nicholas WelshSentenced last Epiphany Sessions to One Years imprisonment and until they pay a Fine of 20s each.
Thomas FitzgeraldTo be imprisoned till he pays a Fine of 20s.
Prisoners in the County Bridewell for the same Assize 
Mary Smith 
Catherine HortoppCommitted Nov 21, 1783, by the Rev. James Carrington, clerk, charged on oath with conveying into the High-Gaol certain instruments of Iron for the Prisoners to make their escape.
Philip KingslandCommitted Jan 24, 1784, by the Rev. James Carrington, clerk, on oaths of John Thomas and John Hammett for feloniously stealing three Fowls, property of said John Thomas.
Hugh Sloley 
John CaterCommitted Jan 28, by Thomas Taylor, on oath of Wm. Bickford and confession of said John Cater, for feloniously stealing three Fowls.
John Deem 
William SillerCommitted Feb 15, by S. Eyre, esq, on oath of Richard Coleman and others on suspicion of feloniously stealing Six Pecks of Wheat and a Bag.
Elizabeth LeyCommitted March 8, by the Rev. James Carrington, clerk, on oath of Tristram Evans for being an Accomplice with Owen Thomas in feloniously stealing several Pair of Pewter Buckles, property of Robert Alford.
Mary Lang 
Susanna LangCommitted March 9, by the Rev. James Carrington, clerk, on oaths of Wm Wotton and George Squire for feloniously stealing one Cheese and a quantity of Apples.
For want of Sureties to give Evidence 
Robert Thompson 
William WilliamsCommitted Sept 24, 1783, by Geo. Buck, esq, as Kings Evidences against Benjamine Bennett, John Evans, and others for taking out of the ship Nancy lately wrecked on Barnstaple Bar, a Silver Tea-Pot, a pair of Silver Salts, and other articles.
Phoebe HamptonCommitted Feb 21, 1784, by Ralph Michell, esq, for want of sureties to give evidence against William Cleave for a Felony.
Maria Williams 
Elizabeth Ward 
Margaret ProuteCommitted March 10, by R. Michell, esq, for want of sureties to give evidence against Thomas Harris, William Peters, and Charles Lee, for Street Robberies.