Edward Millen c1770-1842 Bethersden

[davidft]

I have found the following unattributed quote on a tree relating to the above man (he actually died in Newington, London but was buried at Bethersden)

Edward, was said to be, "a man of dubious character and reported to have said on his death bed, 'I have been guilty of every crime but murder, and I do not know if I have done that or not'"

Anyone fancy seeing if they can find a source for the quote ?

[Linda_J]

Hi
I can’t give you the origin of that quote but it is repeated in a newspaper article dated 3 April 1849 when George Millen was hanged for murder in Maidstone.

Quote from the Maidstone Journal - Tuesday 3 April 1849

“THE BETHERSDEN MURDER. - EXECUTION.
Millen’s grandfather was also a man of most reprobate character, and is reported to have said on his death bed that "He had been guilty of every crime but murder, and he did not know if he had not done that." Millen had been frequently before the magistrates for poaching and other offences.”
Linda

[davidft]

Thank you that is very helpful. I see the murderer was George Millen that would fit in with a grandfather Edward, seems a few of the Millen's were well known to the bench, although I think the person has attached the comment to the wrong person on their tree (fortunately not my line)

[trish1120]

I couldnt help myself as I found it all fascinating!

28/03/1849, George Millen, age 17, Kent, Maidstone, Victims details-Mr Law (82)
Possible Baptisms;
3 June 1832, St Mary, Great Chart to EDWARD/SARAH
31 July 1832, St Margaret, Bethersden to JAMES/AMY
(FreeREG)

http://www.pottersfarm.co.uk/home/history---1-Cruel-Work-1849

The Great Chart George is still alive 1851 and with Parents

So this is George 1841 in Bethersden;
James Millen, 40, Ag Lab
Amy Millen, 35
Amy Millen, 12
GEORGE Millen, 9
Edward Millen, 7
Martha Millen, 5

From Later Census James is born c 1797 Bethersden.
Likely Baptised 3 Sept 1797 to EDWARD/SARAH
Likely Sarah TERRY, married 12 Sept 1791

You probably have all of this davidft but I thought others may find it interesting.

Trish

[davidft]

You probably have all of this davidft but I thought others may find it interesting.

Trish

My interest was that yesterday I found out that my ancestor, John Knight, married Harriet Millen on 10 January 1817 at Bethersden. This was his first wife and Harriet is not my ancestor, however having just found her I thought i would find out a little about her. The couple had a daughter Celia baptised on 1 June 1817 at Shadoxhurst. Unfortunately Harriet died in October and was buried on 11 October 1817. Then little Celia died and was buried on 26 March 1818. John then married again on 17 November 1821 to Sarah Squer (or Scewar as written in the Lydd records)

Harriet was the daughter of the Edward and Sarah you found and was baptised in 1793

https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:NTKT-V8Q and so was the sister to James and aunt of George