Moses Crabtree

4

Michael Garratt on 18th June 2021

FELONIES. MOSES CRABTREE (18), late of Baildon, EDWARD TAYLOR (21), late of Sedburgh, and ROBERT MILLER (31), late of Ashford, were charged with having broken into the dwelling-house of Mr. Strickland, at Bransdale, in the parish of Kirby Moorside, and stolen therefrom a watch, his property. Mr. Bliss appeared for the prosecution, and from the evidence it appeared that the prosecutor was a farmer and miller, and kept a small shop at Bransdale. On the 28th of August he got up about four o'clock in the morning; he saw two men pass the Window, and at the same time a person rapped at the door. He found that to be Moses Crabtree, who said he wanted some tobacco. He was then in the kitchen, and put down a shilling. The prosecutor asked him if he had any copper, and he said no, it was all he had. He then went into the shop for some copper, and upon his return saw the watch was gone. Prosecutor said to him—" You thief, you have stole my watch." He said nothing in reply, but took up his change and ran away. The prosecutor followed him, and on turning the corner saw two men standing about 40 yards off. He shouted to them, " Stop the thief, he's got my watch." The men never spoke a word, but beckoned to him, opened a gate for him to pass through, and joined him in company, when they all three ran off. He then turned back and alarmed his servants and neighbours. The prisoners were then followed by one of his servants, named Shepherd, who. saw Crabtree drop the watch amongst some brackens. A person named Barker came up and I asked Crabtree where the watch was, and he said he had not it, but it was lying amongst the brackens. After they were taken, Taylor pointed out the place where the watch was. Crabtree was found Guilty of the robbery, and the two others of aiding and abetting him in committing the robbery.  Later in same report : MOSES CRABTREE (18), EDWARD TAYLOR (21), and ROBERT MILLER (31), who were tried yesterday for stealing a watch, the property of William Strickland, were again charged with burglariously stealing four shirts, two pairs of shoes, and a cloth shawl, the property of John Tinsley. Mr. Blanshard appeared for the prosecution. It appeared that on the night of Monday, the 27th of August, the prosecutor, who is a small farmer, at Bransdale Westside, made his door and window fast before going to bed. On rising in the morning, he found the door and window had been opened, and missed the articles mentioned in the indictment. In the course of the morning, the prisoners were taken into custody on the other charge, when the prosecutor challenged a smock frock which one of them had on. The remainder of the property was found hid in different parts of the moor, some of it being wrapped in a handkerchief which was claimed by the prisoners. — Guilty. They were sentenced to be transported for ten years.  "North-riding Sessions." Yorkshire Gazette, October 20, 1838, 3+. British Library Newspapers (accessed June 17, 2021). https://link-gale-com.ezproxy.is.ed.ac.uk/apps/doc/JE3230839253/GDCS?u=ed_itw&sid=bookmark-GDCS&xid=e8f8dad2.