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John Williams

Posted by Karl Meyers on 18/2/2018, 9:03 am

Trying to establish the parents of one John Williams possibly born in the Barnstaple area 1788-1791. John Married Rachel Hern on 13/4/1814 and then Ann Muxworthy (formerly Marshall) at Tawstock May 1835. John was a shoemaker/Cordwainer all his life until his death in 1866. Siblings were all baptised at Tawstock. His son John Williams Born 1831 at Tawstock married Amelia Baker and then Harriet Quick.
Any info about John 1788-1791 parents etc. Regards Karl (Swansea)

Re: John Williams

Posted by John Avery on 18/2/2018, 1:29 pm, in reply to "John Williams"

The Williams surname in some areas of Devon is in more frequent use than Smith, recognised as the most frequently surname in England. It is very easy to confuse cousins, uncles [even fathers re marrying] and other Williams families in an area. This is especially so when no middle name was used. Assuming a marriage or second marriage prior to civil registration when certificates became available is highly speculative. However if you have secondary evidence such as entries in a family bible or a will makes it less speculative. Having the trade cordwainer is an advantage but there would be several Williams trading as cordwainers in any given area. Certainly the 1851 and 1861 censuses will help you.

Can you tell us why you think Barnstaple was his area of birth? On the 1851 census there is a pauper former shoemaker born Barnstaple 1788 which could be your man but how do we establish your man did originate in Barnstaple? Also if he was 'a shoemaker all his life' it seems for part of his life c1851 he was on parish relief so may not have been actively in work [although some paupers receiving relief may have worked in parts of the year].

Re: John Williams

Posted by Karl Meyers on 18/2/2018, 2:12 pm, in reply to "Re: John Williams"

Thank you John for responding.
The 1841-51-61 records John as being born in Barnstaple, although during such time the family resided and were baptised in Tawstock. His wife Ann Muxworthy (Nee Marshall) died in High Street, Barnstaple 1878 the relict of the late John Williams, ironmonger (Born 1791).

Re: John Williams

Posted by John Avery on 18/2/2018, 2:26 pm, in reply to "Re: John Williams"

Sorry I am confused John Williams ironmonger [Barnstaple] born 1791 married Ann - how does the name Muxworthy arise did she remarry before her marriage to John the cordwainer born 1788?

Re: John Williams

Posted by Karl Meyers on 18/2/2018, 2:33 pm, in reply to "Re: John Williams"

John Williams married Rachel Hern on 13/4/1814. Rachel Died 1835.

Ann Marshall married William Muxworthy who died in 1833

John(Widower) and Ann (Widow) married 1835. Both had children by first marriage.

The next generation (John Williams Born 1831) married a Harriet Quick in 1856. The 1881 Census shows this family residing ar Averys Cottage, Barnstaple - coincidence your surname and name of Cottage!!!!

Re: John Williams

Posted by OPC Co-ordinator on 18/2/2018, 5:35 pm, in reply to "Re: John Williams"

Is it possible you are muddling 2 John & Ann WILLIAMS Karl? In 1851 A John WILLIAMS, Ironmonger b 1795 Barnstaple and wife Ann b 1792 Morthoe were living on High St Barnstaple.
Another couple also in 1851 - John WILLIAMS b 1788 Barnstaple, formerly a shoe maker & wife Ann b 1794 Landkey were living in Tawstock.

Re: John Williams

Posted by Karl Meyers on 18/2/2018, 7:04 pm, in reply to "Re: John Williams"

You may be correct in this respect. With very little to go on as to whom John's parents were, a book by Audrey Edgeler 'An Intimate study of High Street, Barnstaple 1800-1870' provided many traders including John Williams (Shoemaker) also the Quick, Muxworthy and Hern as traders. My enquiries took me in this direction as it was more than a coincidence that these families married into the Williams lineage. The bottom line that still needs to be solved is - Who were Johns parents. Which still eludes me!!!

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