This is a bit late now but....John Payne, sack carrier, was my 5x great grandfather. Born Heath, Beds., 1754 to John and Mary Payne/Pain. Married Ann Proctor at L. Buzzard 1780. All children born Billington - John 1780, Joseph 1783, Sarah 1785, Elizabeth 1787, James 1789, William 1792. Carried local farmers grain and crops to market at Hemel Hempstead once a week on commission, sleeping in his cart over the 2 or 3 days of the collection route and return route to pay sale proceeds. Murdered on return route outside the Red Lion at Dagnall 1817 by one of his customers, Daniel Munn, an early 'serial killer' who also confessed to killing his neighbour and his own wife. Sarah Payne, spinster daughter of the deceased, was one of the witnesses at the trial. A number of 'penny dreadful' broadsheets were produced for sale on the murder, one entitled “The execution and confession of Daniel Munn, (a small farmer, at Dagnall) of three murders and his intention of committing four others: Also his having been an accessory in the death of the watchman, of the Earl of Bridgwater. Who was tried July 25, and executed at Hertford, on Monday, the 28th ... “
