The petition of Joane Stockon of Stockton, Cheshire, 15 April 1651
The petition of Joane Stockon, vnto the Justises of Peace, is,
That wheras her husband Tho[mas] Stockon, hath inl{i}sted himself a souldier (pouertie enforceing him) in the states Army, now in Scotland Leaueing his wife Joane (as true testimonie is, and may bee giuen) three small Children to mentaine, which (without some releife) is impossible for her, haueing nothing but what is gott by her own hand: soe that her condition (at present is most) dolefull, and an object worthy commiseration: [sic.] and wheras her father in law Rich[ard] Stockon of Walton in this Countie, both in personall and reall estate, very able to liue, and noe Child, nor Charge; Therefore right Hono[ura]ble and right wors[hip]full your humble petitioner craues that you would please (rather then shee would bee ouer=chargable vnto the towne of Stockon, where shee now liueth) to grant her your warrant, that her father in law may keepe her eldest sonne, an infant as yett not able for himselfe, soe that shee may (through her continuall care & industrie) become more able to bring vp her yonger: wherefore if your Hono[u]rs and Wors[hi]pps would please to grant your poore petitio[ne]r this, shee will constantly pray for you: and in true satisfaction that your petitioner is in noe better condition then heere is made knowne vnto you, wee her neighbours haue subscribed our names vnto this said petition.
Tho[mas] Marbury
William Middleton
Henry Sotharne
<Middlew[i]ch 15: Apr[il] 1651>
<Referred to Mr Marbury & Mr Hyde to exa[min]e the busines & if the petic[i]on be true then they to p[er]suade the Father in law to take one if hee consent not then the Justices to bind him to the next session that the Corte [illegible] may then sett downe some positive order therein>
Hump[hrey] Milton Dep[utatus] Cl[ericus] pac[is]
Joane Stocktons Petition to bee returned att ye next Sessons