The certificate for Elizabeth Starky of Mouldsworth, Cheshire, Epiphany 1663
To Hon[oura]ble his Ma[jes]t[y’]s Justices of Peace for the County of Chester
Theis are to certifie That Bartholomew Starky of Mouldsworth in the said County; att the tyme when his late Ma[jes]tie of blessed memory, went to Edgehill Marched thither as a Souldier vnder ye com[m]and of Capt[ain] Rauenscroft of Bretton, and there was soe mortally wounded in his Ma[jes]ties service That hee therevpon speedily dyed, leavinge behind him Elizabeth Starkie his wife, and one sonne an infant of tender yeares who hath ever since continued a poore widdow haueinge had nothing for her selfe and child to live vpon, but her painefull endeavors, without beinge Burthensome or chargeable either to ye said Towne or parish, and that shee hath ever since her husbands death liued in the said Towne in good and honest repute amongst her Neighbo[u]rs Labouringe with her hands, for ye maintenance of her selfe, and to bringe vpp her said sonne in some Learninge whereby hee might bee capable of a poore trade which hee now carefully followes, and shee beinge growne into yeares and not able as form[er]ly to gett her livinge with her hands, stands in greate neede of a Charitable benevolence to support her in her old age, or of that yearly penc[i]on intended for widdowes and Orphanes in such cases. All w[hi]ch is Attested by
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J: Shall: R
R: Litle
William Broughill
Richard Starkey
William Dauies
Thomas Cleertonne
Richard Wilianson
William [?Warrington]
Thomas Carter
George Stockton
William Page
Thomas Proffit
Joseph Siddall
William Enscoo
John Walker
Richard Wasshington