|
Richard Stratton
(1704 - 1782) |
|
Mary
(1708 - 1786) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
James Stratton
(1750 - 15 JAN 1809) |
|
Ruth Raymond
(1750 - 1786) |
||
|
|
||||
| Birth Date | JAN 1774 |
| Notes for John Stratton |
|
John, the eldest, born Jan 1774, was very fond of cart horses
and took charge of that department of the business; when quite
young he could drive a team of four to perfection. He son
entered into the rivalry that existed among the farmers as to
who should have the finest teams at Devizes market. This was
where their corn was delivered and the many four-horse teams and
strong well painted waggons were a fine sight. Each horse
carried bells upon his withers, and very proud were the carters
of their turn out. The bells were sweetly tuned and had often
been on the same farm for generations, the horses liked them and
they wereuseful when dark, to protect travellers from these
ponderous vehicles, which often journeyed in the night. Their
broad wheels were very heavy, carrying loads from four to five
tons. The harness was "brass mounted", and well kept, the
carter's whip a wonder.
The rule at Devizes market was that the corn should be paid for the same day as sold, the bulk having been previously delivered into the market stores. On one occasion a man sold a large quantity and took the money, whereas he owned only the sample he shewed the buyer. The rogue got safely away with the plunder. The Market was held in the open air, the sample sacks pitched against iron bars. Here stands the "Market Cross" and on it is engraved an account of the death of Ruth Pierce of Potterne, on the 25th of January, 1753. It appears that Ruth Pierce having, with three other women, bought a sack of wheat at forty shillings, was accused of not having paid her share, to this she replied, "she wished she might drop dead if she had not". She had scarcely spoken when she fell down and expired, having the money concealed in her hand.
|