Somerset to wit. }
The examination
of John MALE now residing in the parish of
Who upon his oath saith that he is now about 27 years old and was born as he
hath heard and believes in the parish of Kingsbury. And saith
that when he was about 7 years old he was bound a parish Apprentice to William DRAYTON
of Barrington by Indenture and that he lived with him in Barrington till this
examinant was about 19 years old when Mr? DRAYTON
told him that he had nothing for him to do and therefore he would give him up
his time and he might go where he would. – That this Examinant agreed to leave
his Master and did so accordingly. But the Indenture was not delivered up. And saith that he
then went to Curry Rivell and made a Bargain with
Richard HOUSE to serve him a year and lived with him two years without the
knowledge of his Master till when he was 21 years and 3 months old. And saith that he
hath since done no act to his knowledge or belief whereby a settlement can be
gained. But saith
that when he quitted Mr. DRAYTON’s service Mr.
DRAYTON told him that if he wanted him he would send for him and he must then
return, to which this Examinant agreed.
The mark of x John MALE
Sworn before } Wm
PHELIPS
} C. PHELIPS
(a copy)