8th January 1844 Statement of Ezekiel Menear

Ezekiel Menear states that I was born as I have heard and believe at Burlawn in St Breock in May 1794, where my Father and Mother John and Ann Menear lived. I remained with them until I was about 12 or 13 years old. I then went to St Merryn as a servant with William Andrew of Towan. I lived with him two years for 30/- the first year and 50/- the second. My Mother made the bargain. My Father and Mother received my wages. I then came home for some time. I then went to Withiel to live with Thomas Julian of Trenance. I lived with him as a servant two years my father made the bargain for £4 the first year and five the second my father received the wages. I then went to live with Grace Tucker at Black Hay in Withiel. I lived there twelve Months for £6 a year my father made the bargain and received my wages and provided me with clothes. I then came home and remained home until about Christmas 1812 when I went to Egloshayle and worked with John Lobb a Carpenter about 6 weeks after I went there I agreed with John Lobb to go as an apprentice with him and on the twentieth day of February 1813 I being at the time unmarried and without child or children I bound myself by Indenture of that date which I now produce. I served him under the Indenture for about nine Months during which time I resided and slept more than forty nights in the parish of Egloshayle. In October 1813 we parted and Mr John Lobb gave up my Indenture to me the night before he gave up my Indenture I slept in the parish of Egloshayle. I then went to ? at which I have been working ever since. I was married in 1820 to Mary Davey we have had six children only three now living John now aged about twenty one Philip now aged about 19 years and William now aged about 15 years. Neither of my said sons John, Philip or William have ever gained a Settlement in their own right about 19 years ago I was put to Bodmin for a sentence. My wife and one child received relief from the parish of Egloshayle during the time I was there. I never rented any thing amounting to £10 a year or done any other act to gain a settlement besides what I have above stated as witness my hand this 8th day of January 1844 (signed) Ezekiel Menear

N.B. Entire document handwritten Source: LDS Film 1596549 image 256; original document CRO Ref: DDP. 19/13/4/15

Transcribed by John Evans