Copy of examinations and depositions regarding settlement of Sarah Bellett.

(Attached to PO 8/7)

Sarah Bellett, widow of late John Bellett, fisherman, residing in St. Saviours, said I was married at St. Saviours Church 40 yrs ago to John Bellett, then a widower and Navy pensioner. Heard him say he was apprentice to John Collings of Soccum farm, Halwell, ran away at 18, boarded a man of war at Plymouth. Some years later he married and kept his wife in Plymouth until she died, continued in Navy until few mths before marrying me. Paid off in Portsmouth on £20 p.a. pension, came to Dartmouth, slept 1 night at Commercial Inn, St. Saviours, then to Blackawton to stay with brother and friends until married. Then we took house in St. Saviours, Dartmouth, until he drowned in Harbour on 20 May. Never rented more than £3 p.a. Now relieved by St. Saviours in bread and money.

Mary Rider (74), widow of said Borough, said I knew late John Bellett and served apprenticeship with John Collings of Soccum, Halwell during my service there for 2 yrs and more, he was same person drowned in Harbour. Do not know how bound, he passed as Mr Collings' apprentice, was still there when 1 left his service, knew him some time after.

Now belong to Halwell and receive relief.

Thomas Bellett (60) labourer of Blackawton, brother to late John Bellett, said he was 2 yrs older than I am, both born in Blackawton. At 8 yrs he went with Mr Collings of Soccum as apprentice, for 10 yrs, do not recollect if any indenture. Broke his leg while there, Mr. Collings paid doctor's bill, he was kept but received no wages. At about 19 he ran away to Plymouth and boarded man of war, Mr Collings sent William Cholwich of Larcombe, farmer of neighbouring estate to go to Torbay in pursuit, himself being old and no scholar. Mr Cholwich found John on board "Windsor Castle", the ship having sailed to Torbay, my brother would not return, the Admiral would not free him. I was there, had also run away from apprenticeship with Nicholas Hine. My brother left home 2 or 3 yrs before me, I saw my Indenture when on board "Windsor Castle". Do not know if my brother a Parish apprentice, no money paid by them. I saw Admiral with the farmers with Indentures, he asked us if we wished to go home with masters. I heard father say my brother was apprentice we were both apprentices, I do not recollect us being bound. Father a parishioner at Blackawton, has been dead 40 yrs, I do not think my brother gained settlement elsewhere. (Includes details of attorney's questions re apprenticeship).

Examination and deposition. Philip Hayman, Overseer of Poor, Blackawton. Cannot find Apprenticeship Indenture for John Bellett, 50 or 60 yrs ago, in Parish chest or in any Book, nor the name Bellett in Parish accounts (page damaged)

John Collings, son of late John Collings of Soccum, and Executor in trust for my 2 sisters, but had nothing to do with papers my sisters had there. One sister is dead, I do not know what became of his papers. I do not recollect John Bellett living there, I am 57 yrs old, will not swear he did not live there. I have none of my father's papers, no indentures or counterparts, cannot find John Bellett's name in old book of 1796.

I was 32 or 33 yrs when father died, never saw Indentures or papers kept by father during his life. I was too young to recollect the boy. I have property in Halwell.

William Wakeham (71) of Blackawton, served apprenticeship with John Collings about (?) 50 yrs ago, I recollect John Bellett there at same time. He was treated as apprentice, I recollect Doctor attending his broken leg in master's house. Never knew him receive wages. I was bound privately, father and master sharing expense. I do not know if Bellett was bound. I recollect him running away. He had food, washing and lodging at Mr Collings'. Thomas Bellett sworn (again) said I recollect brother and parents say that he was apprentice, my father was in circumstances to bind us apprentices without Parish aid, he was tradesman not labourer, a woolcomber, never laboured for Mr. Collings.

William Hine, Overseer of Poor, Halwell. Cannot find Indenture for John Bellett in Parish chest.