Carrier v. Bowman: Deposition 3A
Bowmans
Adg} Depo
Carrier
Sealed 22nd November 1819
Jacob Surface of Lawful age, Say fifty-five years, being first Sworn deposeth and saith to following interrogations
Question by Deft
Do you know Magdalene Bowman Widow of John Bowman Deceased and have you been acquainted with her since the death of her husband-and is she comfortably provided for and do you think her capable of managing her own concerns
Answer - Mrs. Bowman is a sister of mine I have known her from her youth I have been frequently at her house since the Death of her husband, and I do believe he has a comfortable living. She told me lately that she was perfectly satisified with her living and from the decent appearance of her house at all times when I have been there I certainly believe she is capable of managing her own concerns
Question by the same
Would you as her Brother wish any change to take place in her situation
Answer - No she is perfectly satisfied with her situation if I thought she was not well taken care of I would myself see that she had justice done her but in her present situation she is well provided for and this morning as I was coming away she told me ther must be no change made that she would not leave the house she lived in
Question by the same
What do you think of the state of her mind
Answer, She sometimes talks on some subjects rather curious but as to her household concerns she manages them as well as any woman she spins her own yarn and colours it and makes her own clothes, and always has for this thirty years She keeps and cultivates as Neat a garden as any Woman has in it all kinds of herbs and knows the use of those herbs She has raised a family of Smart industrious girls who are Married and before they were married the girls would apply to her for directions in doing their work
Question by Plft
Who asked the old Woman this Morning if she was satisfied with her situation
Answer Mr. John Bowman in my presence
Question by Pltf
Do you think she would be capable of conducting a Law suit to Maintain her rights
Answer,
Few Women are capable of conducting Law Suits but I think she would be as capable as Women and Sharper than a great many considering her education
Question by the same
Could she manage her concerns in any other house than the one she now lives in
Answer, certainly if she any thing to Manage with that is if she had the same things opportunity
Question by same
Has there ever been any Nuisance between you and Richard Carrier
Answer, Some years ago there was a dispute and warrant tried between us but I know of no nuisance between us he comes to my spring for water and when I want any thing from him I ask him for it and further this deponent saith not
Jacob Zurfass
Jacob Surface allowed one days attendance & Travelling 22 Miles
Joseph Motter allowed 1 days attendance
Samuel Stoner allowed 1 days attendance
John Rader allowed 1 days attednace
two subpoenas
Michael Nave allowed 1 days attendance
I do here certify that I have been three hours employed in taking the foregoing depositions Given under my hand this 18th day of November 1819
Jim(?) Herron Comm