Page:Life and exploits of Jack Sheppard.pdf/3



was born in the parish of Stepney, in the early part of the year 1702. His father was a journeyman carpenter, but died whilst the child was very young, in consequence of which the infant was sent to the workhouse, where he remained till he was old enough to be apprenticed to a Mr. Wood, a builder in Wych Street, Drury Lane. Being an ingenious hand he soon became master of his business, and gave such satisfaction that he had the character of a very sober, orderly youth: but alas! before he had completed six years of his time he commenced a fatal acquaintance with one Elizabeth Lyon, otherwise called Edgworth Bess, the reputed wife of a soldier, who lived a very