Husband Paul FRANCIS (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Father: James FRANCIS (1950-1992)
Mother: Sue RYDER
Wife (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
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Children
Husband (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
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Wife Peggy FRANCIS (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
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Father: Alfred James FRANCIS (1850-1913)
Mother: Caroline NOLAN
Children
Husband Peter FRANCIS (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
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Died:
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Father: Dudley FRANCIS
Mother: June LE LIVRE
Wife (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
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Died:
Buried:
Children
Husband Peter FRANCIS (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Father: Alfred Trussell FRANCIS (1916-1999)
Mother: Elizabeth CAFFREY
Marriage:
Wife Beryl WILSON (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
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Died:
Buried:
Children
1 F Dawn F FRANCIS (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
2 M Lee Trussell FRANCIS (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
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Died:
Buried:
Husband Peter Ray FRANCIS (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
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Died:
Buried:
Father: Herbert Walter FRANCIS (1911- )
Mother: Ina Dorothy IVY
Wife (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
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Died:
Buried:
Children
Husband Phillip Alfred FRANCIS (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Father: Robert James FRANCIS (1932-1960)
Mother: Dorothy McCALL
Wife (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Children
Husband Reginald John FRANCIS 183
Born: 1883
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Father: Alfred James FRANCIS (1850-1913) 183
Mother: Elizabeth LAW (1853-1885) 183
Wife
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Children
General Notes: Husband - Reginald John FRANCIS
All information about Reginald supplied by Doreen Rice.
Husband Reuben FRANCIS 183
Born: 16 Feb 1882 - Liverpool, , Lancashire, England
Christened:
Died: 1882
Buried:
Father: Isaac FRANCIS (Abt 1855-1905) 183
Mother: Janet HODGSON (1858-1934) 183
Noted events in his life were:
• Baptism, St James Toxteth, 19 Feb 1882
Wife
Born:
Christened:
Died:
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Children
General Notes: Husband - Reuben FRANCIS
All information supplied by Doreen Rice. He was born on the 19th February 1882 at Toxteth Park and died the same place in the same year.
St Jam,es Parish Register Toxteth Park
Page 211 # 1626 Reuben of Isaac Janet Francis
1 Ct 9 house Bk Chester St Sailmaker by T D Lovelace
and # 1627 Margaret Ellen of Isaac and Janet twins
Husband David STIG (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
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Died:
Buried:
Marriage:
Wife Rhonda FRANCIS (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
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Died:
Buried:
Father: Ronald FRANCIS (1915-1982)
Mother: Ethel
Children
1 M Michael STIG (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
2 M Peter STIG (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
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Died:
Buried:
3 M Stephen STIG (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
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Died:
Buried:
Husband Robert FRANCIS (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
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Died:
Buried:
Father: Joseph FRANCIS
Mother: Margaret
Wife (details suppressed for this person)
Born:
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Children
Husband Robert FRANCIS 183
Born: Bef 24 Feb 1736 - Bradwell, , Essex, England 183
Christened:
Died: 22 Jun 1809 - Heybridge, , Essex, England
Buried:
Father: Robert FRANCIS (Abt 1706-1775) 183
Mother: Mary NASH (1715-1795) 183,212,456
Marriage: 25 Feb 1772 - Great Baddow, , Essex, England
Noted events in his life were:
• Alt. Birth, Bef 24 Feb 1736
• Occupation, Farmer, 1806
• Residence, Heybridge Hall, 1806
• Alt. Death, Heybridge, 22 Jun 1809
Wife Mary POLLEY 183
Born: Bef 14 Oct 1749 - Great Baddow, , Essex, England
Christened:
Died: 21 Jan 1831
Buried:
Father: William POLLEY (Abt 1723-Bef 1801) 183
Mother: Mary BEETLE (Abt 1723-Bef 1785) 183
Noted events in her life were:
• Fact 4, Fact 4 Residence
• Alt. Birth, Bef 14 Oct 1749
• Alt. Death, Heybridge, 1831
Noted events in their marriage were:
• Alt. Marriage, Great Baddow Essex, 21 Feb 1772
Children
1 F Kitty FRANCIS 183
Born: Bef 5 Dec 1772 - Ulting, Essex, England
Christened:
Died: 29 Dec 1813 - Totham, , Essex, England
Buried:
Spouse: William FAIRHEAD (1770-1806) 183
Marr: 29 Nov 1796 - Totham, , Essex, England
2 F Elizabeth FRANCIS 183
Born: Bef 24 Jul 1774 - Ulting, Essex, England
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Spouse: Thomas BLAKELY (1774- ) 183
3 M Charles FRANCIS 183
Born: Bef 17 Sep 1775 - Ulting, Essex, England
Christened:
Died: 18 Oct 1801 - Heybridge, , Essex, England
Buried:
4 M George FRANCIS 183
Born: Bef 29 Sep 1776 - Ulting, Essex, England
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Spouse: Mary Ann REEVE (Abt 1776-Bef 1805) 183
Marr: 8 May 1798 - Blackmore, , Essex, England
Spouse: Sarah SPURGIN (Abt 1785- ) 183
Marr: 26 Oct 1813 - Hatfield Peverel, , Essex, England
5 F Mary Polley FRANCIS 183
Born: Bef 20 Feb 1777 - Ulting, Essex, England
Christened:
Died: 21 Aug 1777 - Heybridge, , Essex, England
Buried:
6 M Robert FRANCIS 183
Born: 19 Nov 1778 - Ulting, Essex, England
Christened:
Died: 21 Jan 1849 - Ulting, Essex, England
Cause of Death: Dropsey
Buried:
Spouse: Hannah FAIRHEAD (Abt 1774-1856) 183
Marr: 9 Dec 1800 - Bradwell, , Essex, England
7 M William FRANCIS 183
Born: 22 Dec 1779 - Ulting, Essex, England
Christened:
Died: 8 May 1793 - Heybridge, , Essex, England
Buried:
8 M Joshua FRANCIS 183
Born: Bef 15 Jul 1781 - Ulting, Essex, England
Christened:
Died: 18 Dec 1866 - Strood, , Kent, England 183
Buried: 23 Dec 1866 - Strood, , Kent, England 183
Spouse: Mary FARMER ( -1821) 183
Spouse: Mary HANKINS (1803-1883) 183
Spouse: Elizabeth Jane SIMPSON (1806-1887) 183
Marr: Jul 1826 - Bradwell, , Essex, England
9 M David Polley FRANCIS 183
Born: Bef 26 Oct 1783 - Ulting, Essex, England
Christened:
Died: 14 Sep 1854 - Port Elizabeth, , Cape Province, South Africa
Buried:
Spouse: Anna MOSS (1781-1841) 183
10 M Daniel FRANCIS 183
Born: Bef 4 Sep 1785 - Ulting, Essex, England
Christened:
Died: Bef 24 Oct 1785 - Ulting, Essex, England
Buried:
11 F Mary FRANCIS 183
Born: 1 Oct 1785 - Ulting, Essex, England
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Spouse: William SPURGIN (1776- ) 183
12 M David Polley FRANCIS 183
Born: 24 Oct 1785 - Ulting, Essex, England
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
13 F Mary FRANCIS 183
Born: 1 Oct 1786 - Ulting, Essex, England
Christened:
Died: 11 May 1870
Buried:
Spouse: William SPURGIN (1776- ) 183
Marr: 24 Jan 1809 - Heybridge, , Essex, England
14 F Maria FRANCIS 183
Born: Bef 3 Dec 1787 - Ulting, Essex, England
Christened:
Died: Bef 22 Jul 1788 - Ulting, Essex, England
Buried:
15 M James FRANCIS 183
Born: 1788 - Maldon, , Essex, England
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
16 M Daniel FRANCIS 183
Born: 1 Jan 1789 - Ulting, Essex, England
Christened:
Died: 22 Oct 1863 - Peckham, Surrey, England
Buried:
Spouse: Elizabeth DIPROSE (living)
Spouse: Ruth TRUSSELL (1787-1825) 183
Marr: 3 Dec 1807 - Danbury, , Essex, England
17 F Sarah FRANCIS 183
Born: 4 Apr 1790 - Heybridge, , Essex, England
Christened:
Died: 29 Jan 1866 - Tolleshunt Major, , Essex, England
Buried:
Spouse: Samuel BAINES (living)
Spouse: Charles William CARWARDINE (1775-1857) 183
Marr: 25 Feb 1812 - Tolleshunt Knights, , Essex, England
18 M Thomas FRANCIS 183
Born: 14 Mar 1792 - Heybridge, , Essex, England
Christened:
Died: Abt 1851
Buried:
General Notes: Husband - Robert FRANCIS
Harriett's original notes have the baptism below, whereas Doreen has him born at Heybridge Hall on the 22nd June. In any case further research is required, as I am not happy with this baptism and require further proof. As a point of interest, no other baptisms to his possible parents or any other Francis baptisms or burials were in the Bradwell registers 1731-1760 or baptisms from 17113-1731. I also checked the neighbouring parish of St Lawrence, but there were no Francis baptisms from 1710-1771 or burials from 1710 to 1783. Further research is underway on other papers.
All his children were baptised at Ulting until about 1789/1790. This could signify the time he took out the lease on Heybridge Hall.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++
Doc 368 is a baptism of a Robert to Robert and Mary at Bradwell-on-Sea in February 1736, which is ideal for this man, if the age on his grave stone is correct. However his marriage licence would have him ten years younger, so this baptism is suspect.
Married in 1772 (Doc237) which shows that marriage was by licence. A copy of the licence was obtained (ERO D/ALL1772)(Doc 236) and gives his occupation and states that he was of Ulting, a batchelor aged "upwards of twenty six years" from which a year of birth can be guessed (but see grave stone below). Signatures on both register entry and licence.
Originally came to notice as result of the baptisms of his children between 1772 and 1789 at Ulting.
Photos L108 and 109 are of Stock Hall in Ulting the family home of Robert and most probably the place where many of his children were born.
In the will of his father-in-law (William Polley)(Doc255) dated 1799 he is left the cash sum of £630.
What appears to be a charities document concerning the lease on almhouses used for the poor of Heybridge (ERO D/P 44/25/5)(No copy) refers to a Robert Francis of Heybridge and Daniel Francis, his son being two of a number of feoffees. It is dated 19th Feruary 1805 and is almost certainly this Robert. Document not drawn or seen.
As a result of information received by Harriett Nolan it transpired that Robert was buried, along with his wife, inside St Andrews Church, Heybridge, that burial taking place on the 28th June 1809 (Doc373). I visited the church in July 1999 and found the grave which is in the church opposite the door between two pews and, on my visit, covered by a carpet. The flat dark stone set in the floor clearly states "To the memory of // Mr Robert Francis late of // Heybridge Hall in this Parish // who departed this life June 22nd 1809 // Aged 73 years // He was a good husband, father, master and friend // Also of Mary his wife who died Jan // 21st 1831 // Aged 86 years".
In his will (Doc300) made in 1809 and proved in 1810 at the Dean and Peculiar of St Pauls, London he leaves various cash sums and property to some of his named children, and a share of the residue "for the benefit of the rest of my sons and daughters" but fails to name them. Each legacy is shown on the individuals notes. He shows himself of Heybridge Hall and the text shows he is leaseholder of the farm and that lease is to pass to his executors for the joint benefit of all his children until it expires.
Doc 294 (FRC IR26/384F421) is a copy of the death duty register appertaining to Robert naming the same beneficiaries as his will. There is another copy to the register but this was blank, like all other similar pages in the book, and has not been copied.
Doc 398 are copies of photographs of Heybridge Hall lodged at ERO in 1978 (ERO T/G77/8) which are undated, but were probably taken in the 1960's (see TV aerials). These were found by Doreen Rice when we visited ERO on my birthday in 2000, hence the pencil written note thereon.
Will of Robert Francis
Guildhall Library reference MS25,626/14 Folio521
Proved at the Dean and Chapter of St Pauls 2nd January 1810
In the name of God Amen I Robert Francis of Heybridge Hall in the County of Essex (Farmer) being of sound memory and disposing mind (blessed be God) do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following i.e. First I give and devise to my wife Mary Francis All that my freehold messuage or tenements with every of their appurtenances thereunto now belonging lately built on a piece of ground containing half an acre more or less taken from the land belonging to Stock Hall in the Parish of Ulting in the said County and now known by the name of Birch House and now in the several tenures or occupations of my Son Daniel Francis and Samuel Blower I say I give and devise the said messuages for and during the term of her natural life and from after her decease I give and devise the same messuages with every of their appurtenances now belonging To my son George Francis and his heirs and assigus for ever Also I give and devise to my Son Robert Francis All that my copyhold pieces or parcels of land situated and being in the several Parishes of Langford and Ulting in the said County commonally called and known by the name of Holmes Mead containing ten acres more or less and now in the tenure or occupation of him the said Robert Francis The same being holden to the Manor of Langford aforesaid and which I have surrendered to the use of my Will I say I give and devise the same with all and every of the rights previledges and appurtenances thereunto belonging to my said Son Robert his heirs and assigus for ever Subject nevertheless to the following conditions that he or they shall duly pay or cause to be paid thereout the sum of two hundred pounds of good and lawful money within twelve months after the decease of my Wife Mary Francis and the said sum of two hundred pounds to be paid in equal proportions to every and each of my Sons and Daughters equally share and share alike And I give and devise to my Son Robert Francis all that my farm called and known by the name of Stock Hall situated and being in the Parishes of Ulting and Langford in the said County and now in the tenure or occupation of him the said Robert Francis with every of the rights manor priviledges and appurtenances thereunto belonging for and during the term of the natural life of my Wife Mary Francis Subject nevertheless to the following conditions that he the said Robert shall duly pay or cause to be paid as rent for the said farm unto my Wife Mary Francis one hundred pounds a year clear of all taxes repairs or any deductions whatever and that the said one hundred pounds a year to be paid to her by two half yearly payments and to commence from and immediately after my decease To her my said Wife for and during the term of her natural life and after her decease my will and desire is that my surviving Executors hereafter named do and shall within twelve months after her decease have the said farm with every the buildings land appurtenances thereunto belonging (except that part whereon the house is built and before given and devised by me unto my son George Francis) valued and sold to him my son Robert if he refuses to be the purchaser thereof according to the valuation so made by them or any other person or persons whom may be appointed by them to affix such valuation on the said farm But should he decline to make the purchase thereof then the said farm with every of the buildings lands rights manor priviledges and every of the appurtenances thereunto belonging (except before excepted) I say be sold by auction or private contract for the most money which can be gotten or obtained by such sale or sales for the same and the money arising by such sale or sales (either to him the said Robert Francis) or to any other person or persons I do will give and bequeath the said sum or sums to each and every one of my sons and daughters or their heirs an equal share and share alike also I will and desire that my freehold parcel or parcels of land situate and being in the parish of West Hanningfield in this County containing two acres more or less be sold by auction or private contract within twelve months after my decease for the most money which can be obtained for the same and the monies arising by such sale or sales I also give and bequeath to be equally divided between all my sons and daughters or their heirs share and share alike Also I give and bequeath to my son Daniel Francis six hundred pounds of lawful money of Great Britain to be paid to him within twelve months after my decease provided he wants that sum to take business but if he does not meet with business then the said sum of six hundred pounds to remain in the hands of my Executors They giving him a security for the said sum and paying him lawful interest for the same Also I give and bequeath to my son Thomas Francis seven hundred pounds of lawful money of Great Britain when he shall attain the age of twenty one years but if he does not want it at that period to take business Then it shall remain in the hands of my Executors they giving him a security for the said sum of seven hundred pounds and paying him lawful interest for the same Also I give and bequeath to my daughter Mary Spurgin three hundred pounds of good and lawful money of Great Britain to be paid to her at the expiration of the lease of the farm of Heybridge Hall which I now have and hold Also I give and bequeath to my daughter Sarah Francis five hundred pounds of good and lawful money of Great Britain when she shall attain the age of twenty one years but if she does not want or stand in need of the said legacies at that period Then the said sum shall remain in the hands of my Executors they giving a proper security for the said principal money and paying her interest for the same until the expiration of the lease of the farm of Heybridge Hay aforesaid when she may demand and receive the principal and interest if any due at that time And from and immediately after my decease I give and bequeath the lease of the farm at Heybridge Hay which I now hold to my Executors in trust for themselves and for the benefit of the rest of my sons and daughters Also I will and desire that an inventory be taken within fourteen days after my decease of all the live and dead stock which may be upon the said farm of Heybridge Hall etc(?) and the value thereof to be accounted as part of my personal property Also I give and bequeath to my Wife Mary Francis all my household furniture plate linen etc etc (?) for her own use and disposal In regard to the legacy which I have left and bequeathed to my daughter Sarah Francis when she should have attained the age of twenty one years I do hereby revoke and disamiss that part and leave it her in the following manner i.e. that is to say I give and bequeath to her my aforesaid daughter Sarah Francis the said five hundred pounds in this manner two hundred pounds when she attains the age of twenty one years and three hundred pounds to be paid her by my Executors at the expiration of the lease of the farm of Heybridge hay aforesaid The rest and residue of my personal property whatsoever and wheresoever consisting either in bonds mortgages notes of hand or promissary notes of hand bills and book debts I give and bequeath in trust to my Executors after discharging my just debts and funeral expenses and also the expenses of the probate of this my will and testament And lastly I do hereby nominate constitute and appoint my wife Mary Francis and my Sons George Francis and Robert Francis joint Executors of this my last Will and Testament revoking all other Wills before made by me and I do declare this to be my last Will and Testament In witness whereof I the said Robert Francis the Testator have to this my last Will and Testament contained in one sheet of paper subscribed my name and affixed my seal this thirteenth day of May and in the forty ninth year of the reign of out Sovereign Lord George the third by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland King and in the year of our Lord Christ One thousand eight hundred and nine......R Francis....... Signed sealed published and declared by the said Testator Robert Francis as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who in his presence and at his request and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as witnesses thereto William Polley John Clark
The mark X of me Hannah Hopkins
This Will was proved on the second day of January in the year of our Lord
1810 before the Worshipful and Reverend John Harr Wright Clerk Surrogate by the oaths of Mary Francis widow the Relict George Francis and Robert Francis the sons of the deceased all of Heybridge in the County of Essex the Executors within named
Source; D. Rice. Marriage Robert Francis of the Parish of Ulting in this County and Mary Polley of this Parish Married in this church by Licence this Twentyfifth day of February in the Year One Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy Two,by me George Dutens Vicar This Marriage was solemnized between us Robert Francis Mary Polley In the presence of Wm Bedole Wm Polley signed by all parties. This document does not name the Parish but both the Intent to Marry and the Marriage licence state that Mary was of the parish of Great Baddow. Letter of Intent ________________ Nine Pence Paid (stamped) 21st. day of February 1772 On which Day appeared Personally Robert Francis and made oath that he is of the parish of Ulting in the County of Essex. Aged upwards of Twenty Six years,a Batchelor and intends to intermarry with Mary Polley of the Parish of Great Baddow in the said County aged upwards of 21 years and a Spinster. He the deponent not knowing or believing any Lot or Impediment by reason of any Precontract entered into before the Twenty Fifth day of March One Thousand Seven Hundred and Fifty four,Convanguinity,affinity,or any other lawful means whatsoever to hinder the said intended Marriage ,and prayed a Licence to solemnize the said marriage in the Parish Church of Great Baddow aforesaid,in which said parish she has had her usual abode for the space of four Weeks last past./ signed Robert Francis Sworn before me John (looks like) Tindal -------------------------
I today received the attached news article that was featured in the Maldon & Burnham Standard (page 5) dated 19 July 2001.
For any who are unable to read the attachment the following words accompany a copy of what must be a rather nice photograph of The "Hall".
"PUBLIC INQUIRY IS AGREED OVER HALL
An impressive new country house could rise from the ashes of Heybridge Hall within a year.
Essex County Council won the approval of the Government's Department for Culture, Media and Sport for a public inquiry into the future of the once grand estate in Hall Road Heybridge.
If the Council wins the right to compulsorily purchase the site, specialised developers will be recruited to build a house as imposing as the Grade II*listed building almost totally destroyed by fire and demolition since 1997.
The country seat for centuries of the Freshwater family of Maldon, Heybridge Hall currently belongs to Leigh on Sea businessman Andrew Meddle, who has so far refused to sell the site.
The Hall dates back in part to the 14th century. Its grounds originally included hundreds of acres stretching from Hall Road to Heybridge Basin and flanked by the River Blackwater and the Chelmer-Blackwater Navigation.
In 1968, a ten acre chunk of the site was the centre of an ambitious holiday scheme.
Maldon Borough Council granted Jane Williams permission to redevelop Heybridge Hall as a Country Club with dance hall, 119 holiday chalets, a garage, restaurant and shop.
Mrs Williams also planned a 100 acre lagoon for yachting and fishing, with a lock linking it to the river, car parking and roads.
Many chalets have since disappeared and much of the Hall's estate is now covered with modern housing.
However, Essex County Council's historic buildings department is determined the memory of Heybridge Hall won't be lost entirely under new houses.
The Council has won the right for a public inquiry to decide if it can compulsorily purchase the ruins for rebuilding by a specialist developer.
The design brief says the new building should recreate as closely as possible the massing and appearance of the original, said council spokesman Paul Skeet.
The public inquiry will take place later this year and, if compulsory purchaser takes place, Essex County Council will then pass the site on to a suitable developer, he said.
Mr Meddle was unavailable for comment."
I am now contemplating writing a letter to the Ess County Council's historic buildings department, commending them on their attempt to preserve some of the historical values of this once gracious home.
After all I did send them a real "stinker" accusing them of neglecting their duty in allowing the fall and decline of Heybridge Hall since the 1980s.
Keep everything crossed and maybe , one day, we can all meet once again at the gates of Heybridge Hall but sadly, it will not be seven hundred years old again until the year 2702 or there about.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------
e mail from Michael Loxdale 11.9.03
Taken from a court record book of the Maldon Court Leet 1741-1768 (Essex record office ref D/B3/1/18) proved that Robert was sometime farming at Great Baddow prior to moving to Stock Hall in Ulting and was the son of Robert, married at Purleigh in 1743 to Mary Nash, when he showed himself as of Badwell near ye Sea.
Page 257
Monday 2nd March 1761 at Moot Hall, Maldon
Also at the same Court came Robert Francis the Younger of Great Baddow farmer son of Robert Francis sometime of Bradwell-juxta-Mare now of Great Baddow aforesaid Farmer one of the bree burgesses of this bourough and was admitted into the freedom and liberties of this Borough in his hereditary right and was sworn And had no child at the time of his addmission.
As promised, the gravestone of Robert and Mary Francis, buried 1775 and 1795 respectively at Great Baddow. Sorry it's a bit delayed, but I wrote down the wrong description of the stone and had to confer with the original transcription team to make sure I had the correct one (in the description I sent previously just delete the word "suspended" to read "worn curved top headstone with cusped shoulders"). For those of you that have visited this church the view is of the stone and the front door of St Mary's. In the background, behind the buttress, and over a footpath are all the Polley graves that you would have seen on your visit. When I went there on the 19th November (camera failed to function and had to use mobile phone photo facility instead, hence a bit grainy) I could not read a thing on the stone apart from, with a lot of wishful thinking, the straight lines of the F & R of the Francis name. I was assured, though, by the lady in charge of the transcription team that they did manage to read the whole stone (using shadows, tubes and some electronic gadget) and not take the transcription from an earlier one as I had assumed. Quite a good and unexpected find as far as I am concerned.
General Notes: Wife - Mary POLLEY
According to Harriet's notes Mary died at Ulting Hall (Doreen says Heybridge Hall) and was buried on the 28th January 1835 at Heybridge.
========================================================================== ===========
I have searched the parish register of Great Baddow, her place of marriage and there is only one Mary, being baptised in 1749 (ERO DP65/1/3)(Doc 241), which I must assume is her (her marriage licence would suggest her birth as two years later). She is the daughter of William and also has a younger brother of the same name, which helps to convince me I have the correct one in view of the witness at her wedding of the same name.
Mary was married in 1772 (Doc237). She was able to sign the register herself and a witness was a William Polley, obviously a relative. The marriage was by licence and a copy of the licence (Doc 236) shows her a spinster "upwards of twenty one years of age" from which a year of birth can be deduced.
In the will of William Polley the Elder in 1799 (Doc255) Mary is not named directly. However, a sum of
£630 was given to her husband, with an identical amount to the husband of a named sister. This is, for me, sufficient proof, together with that of her baptism and marriage mentioned above, that I have the correct father.
Originally came to notice as result of the baptisms of her FOURTEEN children between 1772 and 1789.
In her husbands will (Doc300)made in 1809 and proved in 1810, Mary is left a house at Ulting named Birch House, household effects and £100 per year to be paid to her by her son Robert as rent for his use of Stock Hall farm, Ulting for the rest of her natural life. She is also shown as joint executor with two of her sons. She is also named in the Death Duty Register (Doc294).
Heybridge Burials show Folio no 236 burial date of 28th Jan 1835
ERO ref D/DA/T582 is a delightful document which is about one metre square, and is an indenture dated 21st September 1815 whereby Daniel Francis of Mundon being desirous of settling his various outstanding debts assigns, in trust, all his estates and personal property to Richard Bulley, draper of Maldon and David Polley Francis, shipowner of Maldon for them to sell off for cash with which to pay his debts. All told there are thirty three named people to whom he owes varying amounts of money (Doreen has a note of them all, but I only took the Francis and Trussell names as follows) Mary Francis £50, Josa Francis £52-10s-0d, George Francis £68-9s-2d, Ruth Trussell £50-17-0d. The best part of all is that this document contains the signatures and seals of all those named and it is such a pity that it could not be copied by the staff. I would assume from this document that Daniel’s business in Mundon failed badly and that he had to sell all to remain solvent and that the Mary Francis mentioned is this lady, his mother. his sister by this time being married to William Spurgin (No copy).
As a result of information received by Harriett Nolan it transpired that Mary was buried, along with her husband, inside St Andrews Church, Heybridge. I visited the church in July 1999 and found the grave which is in the church opposite the door between two pews and, on my visit, covered by a carpet. The flat dark stone set in the floor clearly states "To the memory of // Mr Robert Francis late of // Heybridge Hall in this Parish // who departed this life June 22nd 1809 // Aged 73 years // He was a good husband, father, master and friend // Also of Mary his wife who died Jan // 21st 1831 // Aged 86 years".
Notes: Marriage
------ From Source Attached To: Marriage ------
Confirmed by entry in marriage register, folio 139, of St Mary the Virgin Parish Church, Great Baddow, Essex (ERO DP65/1/5)(Doc 237).
-----------------------------------------------
Birth Notes: Child - Kitty FRANCIS
------ From Source Attached To: Birth ------
Baptism date shown as obtained from Ulting Parish Record (Ref D/P 196/1/1)(No copy).
-----------------------------------------------
General Notes: Child - Kitty FRANCIS
Will at ERO to be obtained.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++
Originally came to notice as a result of her baptism at Ulting in 1772 (No copy).
Is apparantly identical to a marriage at Little Totham, Essex in 1796 (Doc310). She is shown as a spinster of Heybridge and the witness signature of R. Francis looks very much like her father's. The marriage was by licence, but no copy of the licence held at ERO.
Doc 343 (FRC IR26/387F207) is a copy of a death duty record relating to Kitty's husband, William. He apparantly died intestate and the administration was sworn on the 12th May 1807 by Kitty, shown as widow of the deceased. Both of Little Totham with an estate shown as under £1500. The date 8th March is written across the top of the entry, which may be the date of his death.
Although not named in her father's will (Doc300) proved in 1810, a residue is left to be shared equally "for the benefit of the rest of my sons and daughters". If she has survived until this time, no doubt she received something.
Kitty is buried at All Saints Parish Church, Little Totham along with her husband, whose part of the inscription is shown on his page. Kitty's reads as follows "Also of// Kitty Fairhead// wife of the above// who died the 29th Dec 1813// Aged 41 years" and was clearly visible when seen in August 2000 (See photo L113 & L115). The inscription is carved in capital letters. The parish register shows that she was buried on the 9th January 1814, aged 41 years (ERO DP78/1/6F3)(No copy).
Birth Notes: Child - Elizabeth FRANCIS
------ From Source Attached To: Birth ------
Baptism date shown as obtained from Ulting Parish Record (Ref D/P 196/1/1)(No copy).
-----------------------------------------------
General Notes: Child - Elizabeth FRANCIS
Originally came to notice as result of her baptism at Ulting in 1774 (No copy).
Although not named in her father's will (Doc300) proved in 1810, a residue is left to be shared equally "for the benefit of the rest of my sons and daughters". If she has survived until this time, no doubt she received something.
Birth Notes: Child - Charles FRANCIS
------ From Source Attached To: Birth ------
Baptism date shown as obtained from Ulting Parish Record (Ref ERO D/P 196/1/1)(No copy).
-----------------------------------------------
General Notes: Child - Charles FRANCIS
According to Harriet's notes he apparantley married, unknown name or date, and had one son Henry in 1795. Henry in turn married Mary Unknown and they two kids Arthur in 1815 and William in 1816, no further pars.
========================================================================== ===========
In a survey of the graveyard of St Andrews Parish Chuch, Heybridge by the Maldon Archaeological Group dated Summer 1996 following transcription was noted "Charles Francis/the son of/Robt & mary Francis/of Heybridge Hall/who died Oct 18 1801/aged 26 years (three words unreadable) his Soul alive". This is obviously this Charles, with the burial register showing that he was buried on the 25th October (ERO DP44/1/1)(No copy)
General Notes: Child - George FRANCIS
Original notes from Oz had this man being baptised at Maldon on 8/4/1791, but I have found no trace of such baptism. In any case Census of 1841 and 1851 see below, show this man born 1776 and I feel I have the correct person. Details of his wife were supplied by third parties and I have entered them without too much research on my part to ascertain correctness. I must remain concerned regarding his rather low status (labourer and "on the parsh" in the census. And who is George baptised 1791
No trace of either marriage licence at ERO or Guildhall, but first wife's admon sworn at Commissary of London so possibly there and death cert might clear it once and for all, but how many will they be in Northfleet after 1851?
On the works file "George Francis 1776-Unknown" there are the burials of three other children, who could well be a product of his first marraige, but they were not baptised at Great Baddow and have not been entered here for the time being.
========================================================================== ===========
George's marriage below shows him a widower and a marriage in May 1798 at Blackmore is probably his. The signature of the witness, R.Francis, matches almost identically with that on the marriage of George sister, Kitty, two years earlier and is, almost certainly, their father Robert. Also the signatures of George on both the marriage registers are very similar. The register shows him as a bachelor, of Great Baddow and the marraige was by licence, which is not at ERO (Doc39).
Doce 391 is an admon sworn by a George Francis, husband of Mary Ann, late of Great Baddow, sworn at the Commissary Cout of London (ERO D/DgeL11). This is almost certainly this George, although there could be some doubt at the document is dated the 8th November 1809, some four years after the burial of his wife.
Originally came to notice as result of being left a legacy in his father's will proved in 1810 (Doc300) of property and half an acre of land called Birch House (part of Stock Hall farm) upon the death of his mother. He is also named as joint executor. He is also named in the Death Duty Register (Doc294).
Married by licence in 1813 at Hatfield Peverel (Doc330). He is shown as a widower of Heybridge and was able to sign the register himself. The witnesses are apparantly related to his wife.
ERO ref D/DA/T582 is a delightful document which is about one metre square, and is an indenture dated 21st September 1815 whereby Daniel Francis of Mundon being desirous of settling his various outstanding debts assigns, in trust, all his estates and personal property to Richard Bulley, draper of Maldon and David Polley Francis, shipowner of Maldon for them to sell off for cash with which to pay his debts. All told there are thirty three named people to whom he owes varying amounts of money (Doreen has a note of them all, but I only took the Francis and Trussell names as follows) Mary Francis £50, Josa Francis £52-10s-0d, George Francis £68-9s-2d, Ruth Trussell £50-17-0d. The best part of all is that this document contains the signatures and seals of all those named and it is such a pity that it could not be copied by the staff. I would assume from this document that Daniel’s business in Mundon failed badly and that he had to sell all to remain solvent and that the George Francis mentioned is this man, his brother (No copy).
In the 1841 Census (HO107/461Bk2F53)(Doc321) he is shown aged 60 (rounded) living with, assumed, his wife and two children.
As a result of the will of his brother, Thomas, see below George was found in the 1851 Census (HO107/1609F53)(Doc 320) at Northfleet, Kent. His age, shown as 74, and place of birth, Ulting, proved to me that this is the correct George. He is living with his wife and one unamrried daughter.
In his brother Thomas's will (Doc309) dated and proved April/May 1851 he is shown as of Northfleet, Kent and left a quarter share of his estate after conversion to cash.
General Notes: Child - Mary Polley FRANCIS
Originally came to notice as result of baptism and burial at Ulting in 1777 (No copies).
General Notes: Child - Robert FRANCIS
In his will he names the premises of Stock Hall, Ulting and Clements, Langford but I was unable to find Robert and his wife in either parish, nor mention of the premises in the 1841 Census. His son Thomas was living at Stock Hall in 1851 but again no trace of either Roberts other son's or Clements at Langford in 1851. Probably sold after his death in 1849 and a deed may be at ERO to confirm (option to purchase Clements given to son Robert but he was living elsewhere in 1851).
Doreen Rice in Oz has two other children to this couple, Charles and Sarah, but not Harriet's notes. For investigation.
Frances Marks Landy (a decendent) is in possession of an old hair brooch showing Roberts death date.
According to Harriet's notes he was an MP for maldon in 1826 - wrong poll books seen. Voted but not a candidate.
Burial date of Robert at Langford. Registers not yet deposited at ERO.
Dating of photos of Stock Hall L47/48.
Oz say had one more child, Charles, born 1822, place not known.
========================================================================== ===========
Robert was born at Ulting, Essex in 1778 and baptised in 1880 (Doc43) at Ulting. Photo L32 is of the church.
Robert married in 1800 (ERO DP261/1/3)(Doc 240) by licence, although no copy of licence is at ERO. Witnesses are not family members. Signed the register himself.
Originally came to notice as result of baptisms of various children between 1801 and 1812.
He is shown as joint executor of his father's will proved in 1810 (Doc300) and is left ten acres called Holmes Mead in Ulting/Langford, use of the house and farm at Stock Hall, Ulting until the death of his mother (to pay her £100 per year as rent for same) and the option to buy Stock Hall at current market value, on her death. He is also named in the Death Duty register (Doc294).
Photos L108 & L109 are of Stock Hall, Ulting, as mentioned in his father's will shown above, and the fanily home for many years.
He (or his son Robert) signs as witness at his daughter's, Mary Ann, wedding in 1827 (No copy).
Doc 238 (ERO 79 CR 22) is a copy of Robert's will written in 1848 which shows his occupation as a farmer of Stock Hall, Ulting but also mentions another dwelling house called "Clements" at Langford (the next parish. Each legacy is shown under the various children but in the main he splits his money equally between them after the demise of his wife, until then it is invested and the proceeds given to her. The will is proved in May 1849.
Robert died in January 1849 aged 70 years at Ulting (Cert 168). The person shown present at death was a Hannah Herbert (the same lady also present at his wife's death some seven years later) who signed by her mark and is not apparantly related.
Robert is buried along side his wife, at St Giles Church, Ulting. His stone when seen in July 1999 is clearly readable as follows, "In // Memory of // Robert Francis // late of Stock Hall Ulting // who died Jan 21st 1849 // Aged 70 years". Photo L ?? is of the stone and L?? of the church.
Photos L46, L47 and L48 are of Stock Hall, Ulting, Robert's home for some considerable time, although I am at present unable to date the last two or identify the people in them.
__ WILL This is the Last Will and Testament of me Robert Francis of Stocks Hall in the Parish of Ulting in the County of Essex Farmer In the first place I nominate constitute and appoint my sons Robert Francis Thomas Francis and my son-in-law George Purley Trustees and Executors of this my Will I give and bequeath unto my dear Wife end page one Hannah the use for her life of All such part of my household goods and furniture plate linen china and other effects in and about my Dwelling house at the time of my decease (not hereinafter specifically bequeathed) as she shall make choice of And my mind and will is that upon my said wife's so taking possession of the said household goods and furniture plate linen china and other effects so bequeathed to her for her life in manner aforesaid she shall make out and sign an Inventory thereof and deliver over the same unto my said Executors and further that she my said Wife shall keep the same household goods and furniture plate linen china and other effects in good order and condition (usual wear and tear only excepted) And from and immediately after the decease of my said Wife I give and bequeath the same unto my children Robert Francis Elizabeth the Wife of William Pavitt Hannah the Wife of George Purley Mary Ann the Wife of William Tagg Thomas Francis and and Abraham Francis and their respective Executors administrators and assigns to be equally divided between them shae and share alike I also give and bequeath unto my said Wife the sum of one hundred pounds sterling to be paid to her out of the money arising from the sale and disposal hereinafter directed of my Farming Stock and Crops when the same shall be so disposed of for her own use And also all my Wines Beer Spiritous liquors I give and bequeath unto my son Thomas All the fixtures belonging to me in and about my Dwelling house and Brewhouse at the time of my decease and all my brewing utensils and beer casksto and for his own use But subject to the use by my said Wife of the said fixtures during such time as as she shall continue in the occupation of my said Dwelling house as is hereinafter mentioned I give and devise unto the said Robert Francis Thomas Francis and George Purley All my Freehold messuages or tenements lands and hereditaments whatsoever and wheresoever situate with their appurtenances to hold the same unto and to the use of the said Robert Francis Thomas Francis and George Purley their heirs and assigns Upon Trust as end page two soon as conveniently may be after my decease to sell and dispose thereof either together or in parcels and by Public Auction or Private Contract for the best Price or Prices that can be got for the same Also I authorize and empower my said Executors or the Survivors or Survivor of them or the Executors or administrators of the Survivor in like manner to make sale and dispose of All my Copyhold Messuages or Tenements lands and hereditaments with their appurtenances for the best Price or Prices that can be had or obtained for the same And as to the monies arising from the sale of my said freehold and Copyhold estate I direct my said Executors or the Survivors or Survivor of them or the Executors or Administrators of the Survivor to stand possessed thereof Upon the Trusts hereinafter declared and I declare that the receipt or receipts of my said Executors or the Survivors or Survivor of them or the executors or Administrators of the Survivor under their or his respective hands or had shall from time to time a sufficient discharge to the respective purchaser and purchasers of my said freehold and Copyhold Estates hereinbefore devised and directed to be sold or any part or parts thereof respectively for so much of the Purchase Money for which such receipt or receipts shall be given And that after such receipt or receipts shall be given for any such purchase money such purchaser and purchasers respectively shall be absolutely acquitted and discharged of and from the same and shall not be answerable for or chargeable with any misapplications or nonapplication of the said purchase money or any part thereof Provided always nevertheless and I do hereby declare my Mind and Will be that in case my Son Robert should be desirous of purchasing my Copyhold Tenement or Dwelling house and seven acres of Land more or less called "Clements" situate in the parish of langford in the said County of Essex for the sum of Four hundred Pounds then I direct my other Executors to convey or assure the same unto him my said Son Robert his heirs and assigns or as he or they shall end page three direct or appoint But in case my said Son Robert declines to avail himself of the right of pre-emption hereby given to him within One Calender month after my decease Then I direct that the same estate shall be sold and conveyed as hereinbefore directed Provided also and I declaremy Mind and Will to be that in case any of my children sshould be desirous of purchasing any of my real estates he she or they so desiring shall be at liberty so to do either at any Auction thereof or by private Contract and I direct my Trustees and Executors to convey and assure the same unto such child or children his her or their heirs and assigns or as he she or they shall direct or appoint at and for the fair market value of the said hereditaments and premises such value in case of sale by private Contract to be ascertained by valuation by two indifferent Persons or their umpire in the usual way And in case it should happen that any such child or chldren desirous of becoming a Purchaser should be Trustees or a Trustee or Executors or an Executor under this my Will Then I declare that his or their so being Trustee or Trustees Executors or Executor shall not impeach or invalidate such sale or sales to him or them but that my other Trustees and Executors shall have full power and authority to convey and assure the same hereditaments and premises unto such child or children his or their heirs and assigns or as he or they may direct or appoint And I direct my Executors to conduct carry on and manage any farming business in which I may be engaged at the time of my decease (provided that the Landlord or Landlords for the time being of the farms hereditaments and Premises on which my sais business shall be carried on at the time of my decease should not previously determine the tenancy of the same farms hereditaments and Premises) until the Michaelmas day twelvemonths then next following for the benefit of my said Wife and children to whom I give and bequeath All the profits and increase arising therefrom during such end page four period (my said Wife being at liberty to continue in the occupation of my said dwelling house during that period free of any ? for the same) And after the expiration of twelve months from the Michaelmas day next following my decease or upon the determination of any such tenancy as aforesaid whichever shall first happen I Will and direct that my Son thomas shall have the option of taking my said farming business with the live and dead stocks Implements in husbandry at a fair valuation to be made thereof by two indifferent persons one to be chosen by my said Son Thomas and the other by my other Executors and in case of difference between such two indifferent persons then by an umpire to be chosen by them in the usual manner But if my said Son homas should decline to take my said farming business and to pay the amount of such valuation to my other Executors in manner aforesaid Then my Will is that my Executors shall and do dispose of my saidfarming business together with all the Crops of Corn and grainlive and dead stock and Implements in husbandry and other farming effects either by Public Auction or Private Contract to any Person or Persons for the most money that can be obtained for the same And I do declare that the said Trustees or Trustee for the time being of this my Will do and shall stand possessed of and interested in the money to arise from the sale or sales of my real estate and to arise or be produced from the sale or conversion into money of my personal estate and of the rents of my estates until sold and the moneys and other estate which may come into their hands by virtue of the trusts ofthis my Will Upon Trust by with and out of the same in the first place to pay satisfy and discharge all my just debts and funeral and Testamentary expenses and Upon further Trust to invest the sum of One thousand and five hundred Pounds Sterling in their or his names or name in the Parliamentary Stocks or Public Funds of Great Britain or at Interest upon Government or real Securities nd do and shall from time to time with the consent of my Wife testified by her in writing alter and vary the said stocksfunds and securities as to them or him shall seem reasonable take other Stocks Funds or Securities of a like nature end page five And pay the interest dividends and annual produce of the said One thousand Five hundred Pounds trust monies or of Stocks Funds or Securities upon which the same may be invested to my sais Wife for her own proper use during the Term of her natural life And I declare that the provision hereby made for my said Wife shall be accepted by her in lieu and full satisfaction of all dower thirds and freebench to which she is or may be entitled out of all or any part of my real estate And as to the residue or surplus of the money estate and effects which shall come to the hands of the said Trustees by the sale of my freehold and Copyhold estates and by sale and disposal of my farming business stocks crops and Implements and from the geting in collecting and receiving my personal estate and which shall remain after satisfying the trust and purposes hereinbefore declared of and concerning the same I declare that the said Trustees or Trustee for the time being of my said Will shall stand and be possessed thereof In Trust for all and every my children the said Robert Francis Elizabeth Pavitt Hannah Purley MaryAnn Tagg Thomas Francis and Abraham Francis their respective Executors administrators and assigns equally to be divided between them share and share alike to whom I bequeath the same accordingly And from and immediately after the decease of my said Wife I declare that the said Trustees or Trustee for the time being of this my Will shall stand possessed of the said principal sum of One thousand Five hundred Pounds or the Stocks Funds or Securities in or upon which the same shall be invested Upon Trust to pay transfer and divide the same unto and equally between all my said children and their Executors administrators and assigns respectively to whom I give and bequeath the same accordingly Provided nevertheless and I hereby declare my mind and Will to be that all sum or sums of money which at the time of my decease I shall have paid for or advanced to any or either of my said children for or towards his her or their marriage portion or otherwise for or towards his her or their advancement in the world end page six and an entry or note of which monies shall be found in my private books of Account under their names respectively shall be accounted for and allowed and be deemed and taken as and for part or parts of the lagacy or legacies portion or share portions or shares given to him her or them respectively by this my Will And I direct that my said Executors and Trustees for the time being shall not be answerable or accountable for the acts deeds receipts or defaults of each other but each of them for his ownacts deeds receipts neglects and defaults only And that the said Executors and Trustees respectively shall not be answerable or accountabl for any Banker or other person with whom any of the trust monies may be deposited or for the insufficiency or deficiency of any Security upon which any of the trust funds may be invested or for any loss which may happen to the said premises unless the same shall happen by their or his own ?? neglects or defaults respectivelyAnd that each of the said Executors and trustees for the time being shall and may reimburse himself and themselves all such costs charges and expenses as they respectively shall or may incur in or about the execution of the trust of this my Will And hereby revoking all former Wills by me at any time heretofore made I declare this onlt to be my last Will and Testament In Witness whereof I the said Robert Francis the Testator have to this my last Will and Testament contained in five sheets of paper set my hand at the foot or end thereof this Fourth day of march in the Year of Our Lord One thousand eight hundred and Forty eight-------------- -----------Robt Francis---This Will contained in five sheets of Paper was signed at the foot or end thereof by the said Robert Francis the testator in the presence of us present at the same time who as Witnesses attest and subscribe this Will in the presence of the said Robert Francis and of each other Edw.W.Banks Solicitor Witham Richd Stevens Solicitor Witham Proved on the 4th day of may 1849 before the reverend James Hutchinson letter Surrogate & by the oaths of Robert Francis Thomas Francis the Sons and george purley the son in law the executors to whom Admin & was granted they being first sworn duly to
Birth Notes: Child - William FRANCIS
------ From Source Attached To: Birth ------
Born as shown and baptized on 27th January 1780 as shown in Ulting Parish Register (Ref ERO D/P 196/1/1)(Doc 43).
-----------------------------------------------
General Notes: Child - William FRANCIS
In a survey of the graveyard of St Andrews Parish Chuch, Heybridge by the Maldon Archaeological Group dated Summer 1996 is the following transcription "In memory of/William the son of/Robert and Mary Francis/of Heybridge Hall/who died 8 March 1793/aged 13 years" followed by an illegible text. This is obviously this William (with an incorrect month transcribed or carved) and the burial register shows he was buried on the 14th May (ERO DP 44/1/1)(No copy).
Birth Notes: Child - Joshua FRANCIS
------ From Source Attached To: Birth ------
Baptism date as obtained from Ulting Parish Record (Ref ERO D/P 196/1/1)(No copy).
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Death Notes: Child - Joshua FRANCIS
------ From Source Attached To: Death ------
Death Certificate.
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Burial Notes: Child - Joshua FRANCIS
------ From Source Attached To: Buried ------
Register of Burials.
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General Notes: Child - Joshua FRANCIS
According to Doreen/Harriet's notes, Joshua married a Mary Farmer at/or is buried at St Andrews, Greenstead, near Colchester. From Oz notes he had two wives and one mistress (see below) with kids resulting from both wives and the mistress. He was born 1781 in Maldon.
Data from Prof. Researcher Peter Nutt 15,Westfield Close Wickford, Ess.SS11 8JR. Researched Sep.1998. sent to me by Brian Knipe of 71Ford Lane Rainham Essex RM13 7AT Apr 1999
HANKIN:
In the 1851 Census Maria Ridgewell [nee Hankin] stated she was born at Tolleshuny Major and her age of 24 gives her a birth year of 1827 . From the baptisms of Tolleshunt Major, we have the following entry.
Tolleshunt Major original registers Ess PRO D/P240/1/4 Baptisms 1826
1826 August 20 Maria Base born daughter of Mary HANKIN & JOSHUA FRANCIS of the parish of Maldon farmer. Maria's mother, Mary Hankin, spinster, married William Finch,bachelor, 16 March 1827 in Tolleshunt Major. Wit. Benjamin Snow & Mary Ann Jennings. Joshua's wife Mary Farmer, had apparently died some time after the birth of her son William Charles in 1821.
Joshua and second wife Eliza apparently had one child, Emma bapt Maldon St Mary
13 Mar 1827 to Joshua and Elizabetyh FRANCIS of the Hythe merchant
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Although not named in his father's will (Doc300) proved in 1810, a residue is left to be shared equally "for the benefit of the rest of my sons and daughters".
ERO reference ERO ref D/Du 801/14 is a conveyance of messuage or dwelling house (formerly two undivided tenements) by John Drake, merchant and vendor to Joseph Limner, butcher and purchaser, dated 30/31st August 1815, with butchers shop, stables, gardens etc on east side of Fullbridge Street, St Peters, Maldon being formerly in occupation of various named parties "but now in occupation of Joshua Francis"
ERO ref D/DA/T582 is a delightful document which is about one metre square, and is an indenture dated 21st September 1815 whereby Daniel Francis of Mundon being desirous of settling his various outstanding debts assigns, in trust, all his estates and personal property to Richard Bulley, draper of Maldon and David Polley Francis, shipowner of Maldon for them to sell off for cash with which to pay his debts. All told there are thirty three named people to whom he owes varying amounts of money (Doreen has a note of them all, but I only took the Francis and Trussell names as follows) Mary Francis £50, Josa Francis £52-10s-0d, George Francis £68-9s-2d, Ruth Trussell £50-17-0d. The best part of all is that this document contains the signatures and seals of all those named and it is such a pity that it could not be copied by the staff. I would assume from this document that Daniel’s business in Mundon failed badly and that he had to sell all to remain solvent and that the Josa Francis is this man, his brother (No copy).
Married his second wife at Maldon in 1826 (ERO DP 132/1/4)(No copy) where he is shown as a widower of this parish. The marriage was by licence but no trace of licence at ERO.One of the witnesses is a Richard Polley.
In the 1841 Census (HO/461Bk3F22)(No copy) he is shown aged 60, an "ag lab", not born in county. Apart from the occupation, I have little doubt this is him due to his wifes age and also the age of his daughter Emma, details of which are explained on their own notes page.
In his brother Thomas's will (Doc309) made in April 1851 and proved in May 1851 he is shown as joint executor and left a quarter share of the estate once converted to cash. Also shown living as "of Maldon Yeoman"
In the 1851 Census (HO 107/1781F78)(Doc 404) he is shown aged 70 staying with his son Joshua and his family at Colchester, Essex, while his wife is living at, what is assumed to be, the family home in Maldon.
Burial Service held at St Nicholas church Strood
[Hankin.FTW]
NOTE RIN of Mary Hankins in my data base is : 5107
It would appear that Mary Haskin did not marry Joshua Francis but
did have an illegitimate child by him.
MARIA was the base born child of Mary Hankins & Joshua FRANCIS ,
farmer of Maldon Ess PRO D/P240/1/4 20 Aug 1826
16 Mar 1826 Mary Ann Haskins, spinster, married William FINCH
bachelor botp after banns Wit: Benjamin Snow Mary Ann Jennings
23 NOV 1999 4:53PM
Update. Email from Mick.
"From notes sent to me Joshua ,baptised July 1781, married Mary
Farmer who died, he then had an illegitimate chikld by Mary Hankin
in 1826, just before that birth he married Elizabeth Jane Simpson.
I have not comfirmed the first two bits but did look up the
marriage to Elizabeth and it reads as follows.
Parish of Maldon St Peter (Ess PRO ref D/P 132/7) marriage Register
on July 18th 1826.
Joshua Francis of this parish, widower, and Elizabeth Jane Simpson
of Dengie married by licence with consent of William Simpson her
natural & lawful father.
Both signed the regsiter witnessed by Richard Polley and Eliza
Abbott.
It would appear that they later had a child Emma baptised at thes
a parish 13 March 1827 where the parents were described as of Hythe
and Joshua a merchant, but thhe record for this baptism was missing
from the micro fiche at Essex.
In the IGI an Elizabeth Simpson was baptised at Bradwell on Sea
Essex to William Simpson & Frances Lozell on 3rd Jan.1806.
Dengie and Bradwell on Sea are next door to one another on the
Essex coast. and the baptism year of 1806 would have made her 20
yrs old at the time of her marriage, needing parental consent, as
was shown in the register.
I therefore think that the IGI entry is the Elizabeth who married
Joshua.
1841 Census for The Hill NORTHFLEET ,Kent ref HO107/461 Book 3
folio 22
FRANCIS Joshua Head age 60 ag lab No (not born in County)
Elizabeth 35 y
Emma 14 y
Fanny 12 y
William 11 y
Jane 9 y
Charles 5 y
George 2 y
1851 Census for Maldon St Peter Essex (ref HO 107/1778 folio 5338
In North Street, Maldon, was
Francis, Elizabeth wife married age 43 born Bradwell on Sea
George son 12 scaolar Northfleet Kent
Edmund son 8 scholar Northfleet Kent
This time the age for Elizabeth is a bit out but birth place spot
-on also the age and place of birth for George fits in nicely with
1841. Where was Joshua on the night of the census ? He was
apparently still alive, if this is his second wife, she shows
herself as wife ,married & NOT widow. see below!
31 AUG 2000 9:19PM
Email from Mick
1851 Census for St Botolph Parish Colchester Ref HO107/1781 folio78
The Hythe St Botolph No house number
FRANCIS Joshua Head Married 41 sailor Born Maldon Essex
Harriett wife Married 31 Beer shop keeper Northfleet
Edmund son 13 Northfleet
Harriett dau 9 Northfleet
John son 7 scholar Strood Kent
Julia dau 2 Colchester
Henry son 2months Colchester
Joshua Father 70 rertired shopkeeper Ulting Essex
24 OCT 2000 10:16AM
email from Mick with updat4e on Joshua via Margaret Brunt
Note there are some conflicting details :e.g.Bapt. confirmed by
M<ick does not tally with birth date given by Margaret .
Copy of Burial records in file
Birth Notes: Child - David Polley FRANCIS
------ From Source Attached To: Birth ------
Baptism date as obtained from Ulting Parish Record (Ref ERO D/P 196/1/1)(No copy).
-----------------------------------------------
General Notes: Child - David Polley FRANCIS
According to Harriets's notes he married Anna Unknown, who was born in 1781 and died 31st January 1841 at Maldon. No children listed.
========================================================================== ===========
Although not named in his father's will (Doc300) proved in 1810, a residue is left to be shared equally "for the benefit of the rest of my sons and daughters". If he has survived until this time, no doubt she received something if still in touch with his family.
========================================================================== ===========
The following notes supplied by Harriet Nolan (probably Doreen Rices's research) give details of David and his life and death in Australia:-
Following my request for more information on David Polley FRANCIS
FAX from friend of Robbie at Neptune Engineering Port Elizabeth
dated 01 Mar 1996. sent to 0118671591 p.01 at 13:12hrs
p.02 at13:13;p.03 @ 13:13hrs and p.04 @ 13:15hrs
1. (p.01) Photocopy of page from
---------------------------------------------------------------
Burials in the Parish of Port Elizabeth
in the Division of Port Elizabeth in the Year 1854
Name Abode When Buried Age By whom the Ceremony was performed
David Polley Port September 66 H.H.Fowler Chaplain No 174
Francis Elizabeth 16
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Fax reads sic
2. (p.02) "AB/C13 Plot Owner : M.Customs Machine : December 1872
* In memory of/DAVID POLLEY FRANCIS ESQ/sub collector H.M.Customs/
* at...rt Elizabeth for many years/died 14th day of September
* 1854/aged 66 years
D.P.F. was,in the 1820's and 30's, ranked 2nd in importance to the
Civil Commissioners then stationed at Uitenhage.
In 1827 he was appointed by Downing Street to dual posts of
collection of Customs and Port Captain. His original staff
consisted of one man who served as a clerk cum tide waiter and his
office was a small shed . He had little maritime experience and had
many problems with the vagaries of the sea and the mariners! In
1828 he issued the first shipping instructions to visiting sea
captains to control smuggling. He continued this job for some 15
years. It would seem that his wife predeceased him and that they
had no children. Francis came from Walden in Essex and was one of
the original 1820 settlers destined for Clanwilliam but realising
that the area had no future he headed a party on the "East Indian
to the Zuurveld and in 1823 was one of the party of men who
returned to England to put the case of the disillusioned Settlers
before the authorities.
REF:LB/Mooc 2730 "
3. ( p.03) A photocopy of a page ?? from which source reads
"FRANCIS
David Polley bur 16.9.1854
b Laytonstone* ,Essex 1784 d.14 1854 66y
m.Anna/** d.31.1.1841 Malden Essex 60y long illness
farmer 36 Anna 37
arr 1820 -Clanwilliam To Seven Fountains Parkers Party East
Indian mid 1822 ret to England Dec 25 writes requesting employment
in Customs at Cape.
Sub-collector of Customs 1854.appt 31.1.1828 Port Captain &
Collector of Customs
1832 Mar 3 chairman of meeting re provision of a jetty
1834 July 1 Member of School Commission for P E .
J.P.March 1834 Nash:D.P.gentleman 36 Anna 28.
(note.some words unclear on this line)
??? ??? F 5.2.1833 from ??
Francis Place,Bird / Curfer Street.Sold by Wm Henderson Nov 1855
Public sale 27.8.56 - best situationon Hill,abundance of water.To
be divided into large building allotments."
4. (p.04) Mud map of cemetery to Ruins of St Peter's Church and
Rectory.
Gravesite of David Polley FRANCIS listed and marked in AB/ Block
C13
(i.e southern side of 'old' gate . )
**************************************************************
*(Something crossed through under the letters "tone")
** something crossed through after the name Anna.
*** Not too sure of the initials
____________________________________
WILL
Extract of the last Will and Testament of David Polley
Francis,Esquire,of Port Elizabeth,dated 11 july 1851,and filed in
the office of the master of the Supreme Court of the Colony of the
cape of Good Hope on the 19th day of September 1854
*******************
...And the said Testator doth hereby order and direct that the
said John Owen Smith do and shall apply appropriate or pay over one
miety or half of the net proceeds arising or to arise from or by
the sale or sales aforesaidand also of the debts sum or sums of
money so to be called in and received as aforesaid,in full and
free property ,unto the said Testator's nephew David Norton
Francis,now residing in this Colony,sheep Farmer,absolutely and
forever; and upon this further Trust, that he the said John owen
Smith shall apply appropriate or pay over the other or remaining
moiety or half part in manner following, that is to say: he the
said Testator doth hereby order and direct that two thirds of the
said other or remaining moiety or half part shall be applied
appropriated or paid over in full and free property under one Ann
Turner (born Tee),widow of the late George Turner deceased (and now
the Testator's housekeeper) absolutely and for ever,exclusive of
any husband she shall or may marry ****************
And as to for and concerning the remaining one third of the said
last mentioned moiety or half part, the said testator hereby
orders and directs that the said John Owen Smith his Executors or
administrators do and shall deposit or invest the same in the port
of elizabeth Savings Bank on interest, there to accumulate in
trust for Edward Hales junior,the natural son of the said Ann
Turner by one Edward Hales snior deceased, formerly a servant of
the said Testator ,until the said Edward Hales junior shall have
attained his majority of twenty one years.****************
*********** Extract only
Mr David Polley Francis retired from the appointment of
Sub-collector at Port Elizabeth on 7th June 1853 and received a
superannuation allowance of 192 pounds per annum from the
Imperial Treasuury from 8th Jun 1853, paid to him through the
Commifsariat Department.
******************
David Norton Francis,nephew to deceased is supposed to be living
in the District of Fort Beaufort, where, it is said, he received a
grant of land.
*************************
(copies of letters apparently found among the papers of George
Francis 1812-1898 of Port Macquarie NSW Australia)
*******
Death Notice filed 19th September 1854
1. Name of Deceased - David Polley FRANCIS
2. Birth Place of the Deceased - Maldon Essex England
3. Names of the Parents of the Deceased - Unknown
4. Age of the Deceaced- sixty eight years (68)
5. Condition in life- Retired Officer of Custom
6. Married or unmarried,Widower or Widow-Widower
7. The day 0f the Decease- 14 September 1854
8. At what house or where the person died- House of Deceased,Port
Elizabeth
9. Names of the children of Deceased and whether Minors or Majors-
none
10.Whether Deceased has left any property,and of what kind-
Household furniture and three lots of ground with the buildings
thereon.
Signed Jno O Smith
15 September 1854 Executor
----------------------------------------
Memoranda
Mr David Polley FRANCIS retired from the appointment of
Sub-collector at Port Elizabeth on 7th June 1853, and received a
superannuation allowance of 192 pounds per annum from the Imperial
Treasury from 8th June 1853,paid to him through the ?
Commifsariat Department.
Mr Francis died 14th September 1854:was buried in St Mary's
Cemetery Port Elizabeth.
Was unmarried.
Left a will, which was proved by the late Mr John Owen Smith
as ERxecutor. Will filed in Master's Office,Cape Town.
David Norton Francis, nephew to deceased, is supposed to be
living in the District of Fort Beaufort,where,it is said, he
received a grant of land
_____________________________
Note written in a different hand underneath is illegible.
--------------------
Customs House,Cape Town
copy 22 September 1874
Sir,
With reference to your letter No 1175 of the 8th
instant,calling my attention to Government Notice No 459 as
published in the Gazette of the 8th instant,requesting to be
furnished with any information obtainable respecting Mr David
FRancis,formerly in the Customs Department at Port Elizabeth,I
have the honour to annex such information as the Customs Records
inthis office shew,together with what I have been able to obtain
through Mr Jennings,Sub-collector at Port Elizabeth,on this
subject. I have (illegible)
(signed) B.Graham,Collector
The Honourable The Colonial Secretary
---------------
Resident Magistrates Office
copy Alice,13 October 1874
Sir,In answer to your letter of the 3rd instant,I beg to inform
you that Mr David Norton Francis is the lunatic allude to in my
letters of the 2nd and 9th instant.
I have seen his wife today, and she has informed me
that her husband's first cousin Daniel Francis never was in this
Colony at all,but went about ten years ago direct from England to
Natal,where she believes he is now settled.
Daniel Francis had a brother named Henry Francis who
married his cousin Sarah,sister to David Norton Francis,and
afterwards went to Natal. This was about eighteen years ago. His
addrefs was-and still is,Mrs Francis thinks- Shooter's Hill,
Umtata Coffee Plantation,Durban District,Port Natal. Mrs Francis
has reason to believe that Daniel Francis will be found at or any
rate heard of at the above addrefs.
I have (the rest is illegible)
________________
copy The Colonial Secretary,Cape of Good Hope,
The Colonial Secretary of New South Wales
----------
Colonial Secretary's Office,
Cape Town ,Cape of Good Hope.
25th November 1874
Sir,
With reference to your letter 74-3034 of the 4th June
last,inclosing a statement made by Mr George Francis relative to
his brother Daniel Francis and Uncle David Francis,who had settled
in this Colony some years ago,I have the Honour to transmit,as
results of the enquiries I caused to be made in accordance with
your request,(1) a copy of a letter from the Resident Mafgistrate
of Victoria East, and (2) extracts by the Master of the Supreme
Court of the Colony,connected with the estate of the late David
Polley Francis,whos nephew David Norton Francis alluded to in the
annexed letter of the Honourable the Collector of Customs,may be
apparently identified with the lunatic mentioned by the Resident
Magistrate of Victoria East.
(No more is legible but I think it is only the signature
missing.)
David Polley Francis - Information from a book about the history of Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, South Africa
David Polley Francis born Leytonstone Essex 1784, died 14th Sept 1854, married Anna.
Francis was leader of a group of Parkers Party of 1820 settlers and was sent to Clan William. He returned to England in 1822, and then applied for a post in Customs at the Cape. He was appointed Port Captain and Collector of Customs in Port Elizabeth (the first one) 31st Jan 1828. He was a JP, member of the School Commission in 1834. In 1832 he chaired the meeting re the provision of a jetty.
He build a fine house 'Francis Place' on land in Bird/Cryler street, bought from N. Hilge in 1833. This was later owned by George Kempt and his brother in law John Patterson. It was late part of the Port Elizabeth club and was demolished for the present building.
Notes. Whilst we were in PE we visited the graveyard, but since a main road has been extended I wonder if the row with his grave has been moved. The library was busy so we were unable to talk to the person who might have known (will try next time) We also saw the site of the PE Club, surrounded by other up market Victorian houses, in a very select area well above the port with wide streets and trees.
Francis, David Polley
1784 - 1854. Was living at 13 Assembley Row, Laytonstone, Essex when he made application to become a settler. He joined forces with Dr Baruk, but who withdrew later. Francis then led his own group of evelen men and their families from England, Under the overall leadership of Parker. From Clanwilliam, he led a party of six men and their families to the Zuurveld and located near Seven Fountains. He left his location in mid 1822 and by 1823 had temporily returned to England. On his return to the Cape, he was appointed port Captain and collector of cutoms at Port Elizabeth. Proposed the toast ' to the memory of Jan van Riebeeck' at a dinner to mark the commencemnt of the twenty-fifth year ater the arrival at the Cape of the settlers.
Port Elizabeth Advertiser has been favoured with a copy of the Manchester Guardian dated: 5 May 1821, containing extracts of letters written by one of the early settlers of Albany, which no doubt, our readers will peruse with interest, and may recollect the writer.
The first is undated, but must have been written very shortly after the arrival in this country. It is headed: Frogmore, near Assagya Bush, and is addressed to Mrs. Blackburns, Laytenstone, Essex.
"This is, I think, the most miserable country in the world, for it produces nothing without manure and the gardens which we have are made are all burnt up before they come to any perfection. The whole of the wheat harvest has totally failed here and in every part of the country; indeed the miseries of the unhappy settlers are beyond anything I can express. Flour is not to be purchased at any price, except that served out by Government, and that is most execrable stuff; there is the bread bran and the whole grains of wheat, with a mixture of peas and Indian corn. But all this I do not consider for myself, as I do not eat more than would satisfy and infant. I have been very ill for some weeks and my spirits are dreadfully depressed; I hope time will reconcile me to my situation. If I had society I would endeavour to make myself easy, but there is not an English settler nearer than 7 miles, and I know none of them but Mr. Lathon, who returned from ClanWilliam with many others, chiefly Irish; he has been our frequent visitor, but he is as miserable as myself and detest this country as much as I do. When I reflect that it was on this day twelvemonth I parted from you, my heart is like to bread! Why did I ever leave you, my poor mother and my dear Patty? Never shall I see you and my poor mother again; yet the thought of staying in this miserable solitude is dreadful - debarred from all social intercourse - not one female friend to converse with - no doctor within 50 miles - no clergyman or church in the whole country - no post office nearer than Grahamstown which is a wretched place and the road to it terrific. I am more wretched than I can describe; but what are my miseries compared to the miseries of those that went to ClanWilliam; they are absolutely starving and the Government will do nothing for them because they would not come up here. I do not think anyone will stop a year in this wretched country that can help it, many have already left it and others are going. What will be then end of it God only knows, but I dread the worst. There is little short of a famine now; great numbers have nothing to eat but mutton; they can get neither bread nor vegetables and wine and spirits are all out of price. Not an ounce of tea and sugar is thee to be got at Grahamstown for "love or money" except now and then, and everything has to be brought from Capetown and the Conveyance is very uncertain. We have indeed been miserably deceived both as to the soil and climate. Oh, if anything would but turn up, that I might return to England, I would not care if I lived on bread and water for I envy the poorest servant there.
The wretched thought of ending my days in this savage wilderness surrounded by wild animals and everything that is horrid quite distracts me. As for poor David (Mr. Francis) he is well in health but almost mad to think that he ever brought me to such a place. He has led the like of a slave, for as there are no enclosures the cattle are no sooner over the hills than they are out of sight. He has lost a horse and four bullocks, and also three sheep which I suppose, were picked off by the wolves. It is the same with all the settles; they have all lost cattle.
I am afraid you will think I am a croaker, but believe me I have not told you half of our miseries. Oh, how different from the first account I wrote of you on our arrival in this country, but then the weather was mild, and everything seemed enchanting. I was surrounded by friends by whom I was beloved. Now I am separated from all I ever knew and have no hope of ever seeing them again. David seems to have no wish to return and is only unhappy to see me in this state. I believe I have never laughed since I have been here, but at the loss of "My Jokey's (Majacchi) memory. Tell me about the Queen, and what your opinion is about the trial
(signed) "Anna Francis"
In another letter dated January 1821, she observes: -
"And is this the place in which I am to live out the remainder of my existence? Forbid it Heaven! I find I cannot live on such terms, to be buried like a dog in a place surrounded by wild beasts -- to me who have been sued to every comfort! Think of my sensations when I hear the wolves howling round our dismal dwelling. You can have no idea of the dismal yell they make, as loud as a cow bellowing; add to this the barking of the jackals and the blowing of the porcupines. The ground swarms with insects and reptiles. I have had a snake ----------- coiled up by my bedside, and a mouse, as large as a small rat, in my bed, when I was lying very ill. We cannot set a single article of provisions out of the way, but it is covered with millions of ants, some of them an inch long. The sate of my mind is such that I cannot work for half-an hour. I do nothing but cry, and read over and over again the books and old newspapers I have read hundreds of times before. -----
Poor David blames himself continually for bringing me out, and has promised that if I am not more reconciled in a year he will send me to England; but I shall never live that time. And if the Government does not assist us it will be impossible that any one can stay.
Birth Notes: Child - Daniel FRANCIS
------ From Source Attached To: Birth ------
Baptism date as obtained from Ulting Parish Record (Ref ERO D/P 196/1/1)(No copy).
-----------------------------------------------
Death Notes: Child - Daniel FRANCIS
------ From Source Attached To: Death ------
Burial date as shown in the Ulting Parish Record (Ref ERO D/P 196/1/1)(No copy).
-----------------------------------------------
Birth Notes: Child - Mary FRANCIS
------ From Source Attached To: Birth ------
Baptism date as obtained from Ulting Parish Record (Ref ERO D/P 196/1/1)(No copy).
-----------------------------------------------
General Notes: Child - Mary FRANCIS
From Oz notes had one child George Cannon Spurgin, NFP's.
========================================================================== ===========
Photo's 65 & 66 are copies of her marriage licence (unable to photocopy) taken out by her husband William Spurgin on the 22nd January 1809 at the Dean and Chapter of St Pauls (Guildhall Library MS 25,803/14 Folio 29). The licence shows Mary aged upwards of 21 years and a spinster of Heybridge, with the marriage due to take place at that parish.
Mary appears identical with the marriage at Heybridge on 24th January 1809, by licence mentioned above. She signs the register herself and the witnesses signature matches that of her father (Doc400).
In her father's will proved in 1810(Doc300) "my daughter Mary Spurgin" is left the sum of £300 on the expiration of the lease of the farm at Heybridge Hall. As this is the only Mary born to this couple, it must be her married name. She is also named in the Death Duty Register (Doc294).
In the 1851 census (Doc 319) she is shown as Mary Spurgeon, aged 64, having been born at Stock Hall and a widow. She is living with her younger brother, Thomas.
In her brother Thomas's will (Doc309) made/proved in April/May 1851she is named as executor and left a quarter of the estate after conversion to cash.
Grave at St Mary Parish Church Broomfield Essex inscribed Mary/relict of William Spurgin formerly of Hatfiled Peverel who died May 11 1870 aged 83 years Her end was peace.
On 1861 census shown as living at the Angel inn Chelsmsford Rd Broomfield Essex with Dorothy Spurgin head Widow 49
son Thomas aged 17 and Mary mother in law widow aged 74
Birth Notes: Child - Maria FRANCIS
------ From Source Attached To: Birth ------
Baptism date as obtained from Ulting Parish Record (Ref ERO D/P 196/1/1)(No copy).
-----------------------------------------------
Death Notes: Child - Maria FRANCIS
------ From Source Attached To: Death ------
Burial date as shown in the Ulting Parish Record (Ref ERO D/P 196/1/1)(No copy).
-----------------------------------------------
General Notes: Child - James FRANCIS
Originally came to notice as result of information from Doreen Rice. Is shown born Maldon 14/3/1788. Married Sarah Ann Barnard, no date or place. This marriage I have now proved wrong (Sarah Ann married James Francis, son of John Barnard) and I must now question whether James was ever born to this couple. He was not mentioned in his fathers will and does not seem to have been active in any subsequent family events. A baptism entry would help.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++
General Notes: Child - Daniel FRANCIS
A Daniel Francis and his wife Ruth are shown in Ulting Parish Register (Ref ERO D/P 196/1/1)(No copy) as having two children (Charles 2nd April 1809 and Daniel 8th May 1810) baptised. This may refer to this Daniel being the father but I would require some more proof before I am happy that this is the case(He would only have been about 20 when first child born -a bit young?). See below, get copy of marriage licence and P?R re marriage to clear this all up.
Wife Elizabeth in 1851 census, born Ulting C1804 (but see 1861 below). Obviously Daniel remarried y after death of his first wife in 1825 and if so did he start another family? Wife in 1861 Census looks like Ellinth (but is probably be Elizabeth abbreviated) but born C1807 at Mereworth, Kent, somewhat at odds with 1851 details. Needs some checking in due course. And of course what happened to her after death of Daniel in 1864. She is not buried with him.
**Check of will index 1851 to 1881 but no trace of Daniel or Elizabeth leaving a will. But is will of Jane Francis, of Camberwell House Peckham Road Camberwell Spinster,died 21 Jan 1894 one of their family.
Admin London 8th Feb 1894 effects 2,764/8/11d. Copy of will if deemed necessary, but age at death from FRC indexes may throw some light.
**When I, as I eventually will, go to Cemetery take Docs 356 and 357 to the office in Brenchley gardens just to confirm what the number 11681 is next to Daniel's name in the Register of Purchasers. I would have thought this to be 9997 his running number in the burial register. Could it have been a re-burial as I know of no reason why he was interred in unconsecrated ground. Just to set my mind at rest.
Get photo copy of death cert from someone who has it.
**The next grave is in memory to William Maxfield and Emma Francis Maxfield, born October 19 1828 and died December 21 1904. Also shown is a memorial to Alfred Collard first husband of Emma Francis Maxfield. It is to be noted that Abraham Francis, nephew to Daniel, has a daughter named Emma Collard Francis in Canada, so this lady is obviously related somewhere, quite possibly nee Tagg. Something to look for when bored.
Doc 360 is a copy of a BT recording a marriage between Daniel Francis, widower and Elizabeth Diprose, spinster, both otp on the 30th June 1833 at St Marks, Kennington, Surrey. Both parties signed and the witnesses were Thos Boardman and Elizabeth Wilkins. I wanted a copy of the P/R to compare signatures against his first marriage, but the register has not been deposited at the LMA. Is this Daniel? No baptisms to this coupleat St Marks until 1849 when Elizabeth would have been past her breeding years.
========================================================================== ===========
A family bible currently owned by Peter Francis of Caterham and apparantly written in by Daniel himself (see Photo L111) shows that Daniel was born in January, with the date and year being unreadable, although he was baptised at Ulting in February 1789 (No copy).
What appears to be a charities document concerning the lease on almhouses used for the poor of Heybridge (ERO D/P 44/25/5)(No copy) refers to a Robert Francis of Heybridge and Daniel Francis, his son being two of a number of feoffees. It is dated 19th Feruary 1805 and is almost certainly this Daniel. Document not drawn or seen (Seax computer entry only) (See also below).
In his father's will (Doc300) proved in 1810 Daniel is left the sum of £600 to buy into a business or if he does not, for that sum to remain with the executors and interest on it to be paid to Daniel. At the time of the will being made some nine months earlier Daniel is shown in occupation of Birch House, Ulting which was left to his mother in the will. He is also named in the Death Duty Register (Doc294).
ERO ref D/DA/T582 is a delightful document which is about one metre square, and is an indenture dated 21st September 1815 whereby Daniel Francis of Mundon being desirous of settling his various outstanding debts assigns, in trust, all his estates and personal property to Richard Bulley, draper of Maldon and David Polley Francis, shipowner of Maldon for them to sell off for cash with which to pay his debts. All told there are thirty three named people to whom he owes varying amounts of money (Doreen has a note of them all, but I only took the Francis and Trussell names as follows) Mary Francis £50, Josa Francis £52-10s-0d, George Francis £68-9s-2d, Ruth Trussell £50-17-0d. The best part of all is that this document contains the signatures and seals of all those named and it is such a pity that it could not be copied by the staff. I would assume from this document that Daniel’s business in Mundon failed badly and that he had to sell all to remain solvent and that the Francis parties mentioned are his mother and brother, as well as his mother-in-law.
Photo L111 & 112 are of a family bible of Daniel with various entries regarding the births of his children and the death of his first wife. The Bible is currently owned by Peter Francis of Caterham.
At request of Daniel's descendent, Doreen Rice, I found him in the 1851Census (HO107/1574F581) (Doc298), aged 62, living with his previously unknown wife, Elizabeth, and a servant/nurse. His place of birth is shown as Ulting and age is exact for the baptism shown above. Coupled with correspondence, details below, between two of his sons showing their father living at the Census address, I have no doubt that this is him.
The 1851 Census shows him to be employed as a "gardener at the Zoological Gardens". While I have no proof that this is the correct place, I was informed that the Surrey Zoological gardens was a very likely candidate as it was situate very close to his home and the only one of it's type in south London. I therefore, obtained an extract from a book entitled the Cyclopaedia of London published in 1851 about the Gardens and also a hand drawn picture of the place from The Illustrated London News dated 19th July 1856 (Doc 355)
In his brother Thomas's will (Doc309) made and proved in April/May 1851 he is shown as of Camberwell,
Surrey and is left a quarter share of the estate after conversion to cash.
In a further document charities document (see above) dated 20th August 1853 (ERO D/P 44/25/7)(No copy)
Daniel is described as "Daniel Francis, yeoman, formerly of Heybridge and now of Camberwell, Surrey one of the surviving feoffees". Document not drawn or seen (Seax computer entry only).
Letter by Ephraim Francis to his brother George in Australia (both sons of Daniel) dated July 15th 1854 (No copy). Original now held by Victor PAYNE address 25 Nana Creek Road, Nana Glen, NSW, Australia (as at April 1998) (recorded as written,except for ?? where the words are undecipherable) Envelope post marked SHIPMAIL SYDNEY dated July 15th 1854 To: George FRANCI of Genkons Stree Nr the Gass Wourks Sidney New South Wales. Original or copy not seen by me:-
" My dear Brother Liverpool 9th April 1854
I have taken the liberty of writing a few lines to you all,hoping they will find you all quite well. These lines are for yourself dear George. It is a long time since I saw you but you are not forgot by me But as I have not the pleasure of seeing you I hope these few lines will find a welcome at their destination. You see by the other part I address you all on the same terms. I should have sent you all a letter But I have not all your addresses so when you get this and have read the other part,send it to John and he can send it to
Robert and Mary that is if you think it will not ?? them dear George. I hope you will try what you can do for me I put more confidence in you than either of the others.write to me and tell me all about the place so that I can form an idea of them and it will be ??? to come out. I am sick of this Place but I can't get away
without help and do not know where to turn to for it but to you and if you do a Brotherly Action toward me you shall never be the loser of one penny but Dear George I feel lost,forsaken by all the reson.I
send on one letter to you all to save postage-I have no more to say this time to you But wishing you every joy and happiness . Give my love to my sister Margaret and all my neices and nephews and to all.
Do not forget to write to Father direct No 5 Denmark Street Coleharbour Lane Camberwell
Direct to me,Ephraim Francis No 28 Upper Harrington Street Toxteth Park Liverpool."
Having been given information that Daniel died at an address, Harley Cottages, Stafford Street, Peckham (see below) the 1861 Census (RG9/383F90)(Doc299) shows Daniel, aged 73, born Horley, Essex lodging there with his wife, looks like Ellith, with one other lodger named Charlotte Mere or More aged 70 and a family named Burlington, none of whom are Essex born. Although the place of birth is wrong the age is spot and subsequent discovery of the burial proved it was him.
Photo L76 is of Daniel, supplied by Doreen Rice. It is undated but must have been taken in his later years.
DEATH CERTIFICATE Daniel Francis (no copy-these details supplied by Doreen Rice) 1864
Registration District: Camberwell
Sub District: Peckham in the County of Surrey
Entry No: 105
Date: Twenty second October 1864 at Harley Cottages Stafford St.
Name: Daniel Francis
Sex: Male
Age: 76 years
Occ. General Labourer
Cause of Death: Senilis certified
Informant: S.Burlington.Present at Death
of: Harley Cottages.Stafford Street Peckham.
Reg.Date: Twentyfifth October 1864
Registrar: Chas Jno Nicolles.
Doc 356 is a copy of the burial register as regards Daniel showing he was buried on the 27th October 1864 at Camberwell Old Cemetery in Grave number 2151 in Plot 71 on unconsecrated ground (see also photo L90). The wording "Ground A" in one of the columns led me to other members of the family buried in the same grave, one of whom is his niece Mary Ann Tagg nee Francis, daughter of his brother Robert, which gave me the family connection and thus proved to me that this is the correct person for this page. Doc 357 is a copy of the page from the Register of Purchasers of graves at the Cemetery and clearly shows Daniel being buried there (see also Photo L91). A visit to the grave shows a marble obelisk with inscriptions to his niece, her husband and their son (see Mary Ann's notes) but no mention of Daniel or other occupants (Photo L92).
========================================================================== ===========
All the following supplied by Doreen Rice and needs verifying:-
He was born on the 1st january 1789 at Ulting and died 22nd October 1864 at Peckham, Surrey.
Record of Baptism in the Ulting Parish Register Baptisms 1787
Francis. Daniel, son of Robert & Mary Francis was
Baptized Feb 1st 1789.
Note! 4th.entry down page. not numbered.
************
Copy of LDS microfilm for Parish of Ulting.Essex.
Baptisms 1787.
Francis, Maria daughter of Robert and Mary Francis.Bapt.3 Dec
1787.
Francis, Daniel.Son of Robert and Mary Francis.Bapt.1st.Feb 1789.
(both on same page).
***************
Copy of Entry of Marriage in Parish Church of Danbury Essex 1807
entry No 8
Marriage of Daniel Francis a Minor of the Parish
Heybridge and Ruth Trussell of this Parish
were married in this Church by Licence with consent of Parents
Third day of December in the Year One Thousand Eight
Hundred and seven by me B.H.Bridger Rector
This Marriage was solemnized between us Daniel Francis
Ruth trussell
In the presence of Thomas Thomas
Sarah Francis
signed by all parties.
***************************
______________________________________________________
General Notes: Child - Sarah FRANCIS
Appears identical with baptism in June 1792 (same date as her brother Thomas) in Heybridge, the register showing a birth date of April 1790 (No copy).
Originally came to notice as a result of being left a legacy of £500 in her fathers will proved in 1810 (Doc300) when she shall attain the age of 21and with some restrictions. She is also named in the Death Duty Register (Doc294).
As a result of information supplied by Harriett Nolan page 667 of the Publication of the Harlean Society Volume 14 of 1879, Visitations of Essex Part 2 shows an entry whereby a Reverend Carwardine marries a Sarah , dau of ........... Francis of Heybridge Hall, co. Essex in 1812. Although her father Robert had died in 1809 he left the Hall estate for the benefit of all his children until the lease expired and I therefore believe this marriage to be hers. The marriage took place at Tollehunt Knights in February 1812 (ERO DP 329/1/4) and shows Sarah as a spinster of Heybridge. One of the witnesses was a Thos Francis, who I would think is her younger brother. Sarah was able to sign the register herself. All prints outs together on Doc 372. Although the marriage was by licence, there is no copy of such licence at ERO and, being clergy, her husband may have gone elsewhere.
General Notes: Child - Thomas FRANCIS
Oz say he was a yeoman farmer. ========================================================================== ===========
He appears identical with a baptism at Heybridge in June 1792 (same day as his sister Sarah) with the register showing a birth date of March 1792 (No copy).
Originally came to notice having been left a legacy of £700 in his father's will proved in 1810 (Doc300)
when he reaches 21 years of age and for the purpose of buying a business. If not the the money to remain in the hands of the executors and interest to be paid to Thomas on it. He is also named in the Death Duty Register (Doc294)
In the 1851 Census (HO107/1778F475)(Doc318) Thomas is shown aged 59, born at Heybridge hall, unmarried and living with his widowed sister, Mary Spurgeon. No other people present and it must be assumed he remained a bachelor.
In his will made and proved in 1851 (ERO594BR36)(Doc309) he shown as a shipowner of two boats, a schooner, the Olivia of Maldon, and a sloop, the Margaret of Maldon. He leaves all his property to be converted to cash and divided equally between his brothers Joshua, George and Daniel and his sister Mary Spurgeon.
WILL OF THOMAS FRANCIS 1851 - ERO Ref 594BR36
This is the last will and testament
of me Thomas Francis of Maldon in the County of
Essex Shipowner First I nominate and appoint my
brother JOSHUA FRANCIS of Maldon aforesaid Yeoman and
my sister MARY SPURGEON of the same place widow of the
late WILLIAM SPURGEON Executor and Executrix of this my
Will and I direct them to pay all my just debts
Funeral and Testamentary Expenses as soon as
conveniently may be after my decease Then I give and
and bequeath to the said JOSHUA FRANCIS and MARY
SPURGEON their heirs executors administrators and assigus
all that my Messuage or Tenement with the hereditaments
and appurtenances thereunto belonging situate in Maldon
aforesaid now in my own occupation And also All those
my two Messuages or Tenements with the appurtenances
and in the occupation of Thomas Gamti (?) and the said
JOSHUA FRANCIS Also All that my Schooner the Olivia of Maldon
and my Sloop the Margaret of Maldon with the
said Masts and appurtenances thereunto respectively
belonging To Hold the same unto the said JOSHUA
FRANCIS and MARY SPURGIN their heirs
executors administrators and assigus Upon Trust that they
do and shall as soon as may be after my decease sell
and dispose thereof in such manner as they shall thereby
fit for the best price or prices that can be obtained for
the same and either by Public Auction or Private Contract and
pay and apply the money to arise by such Sale after
???ding all necessary expenses unto and to be equally
divided between my brother GEORGE FRANCIS of Northfleet in the
County of Kent the said JOSHUA FRANCIS and MARY SPURGEON
and my brother DANIEL FRANCIS of Camberwell in the County
of Surrey their executors and administrators absolutely
share and share alike And I direct that Purchases and
???? taking the receipt of my said Trustees on the
payment or transfer to him of any money or effects shall
be thereby exonerated from all liability in respect of the
application thereof And I authorise my said Trustees to
deduct all disbursements and expenses ?????? to the
execution of the trusts of this my Will And all my ready
money and securities for money and all my estate and
effects not hereinbefore disposed of I give and bequeath to
the before named Brothers and Sister equally to be divided
between them In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and seal the third day of April in the Year One
thousand eight hundred and fifty one.
Thomas Francis (seal) Signed Sealed and
declared by the said Thomas Francis the Testator as and
be his last Will and Testament in the presence of us
present at the same time who in his presence at his
request and in the presence of each other have hereunto
subscribed our names as witnesses JAMES
TOMLINSON Surgeon Maldon Essex W ? Hance ????
?????? Malden
Proved
on the 30th day of May 1851 before the Revd Edwd Russell
Harwood Clerk Surrogate by the oaths of Joshua Francis &
Mary Spurgeon The Exec & Extrix to whom Admon was
granted they being first sworn duly to adm Under ???
Husband Robert FRANCIS 183
Born: Abt 1706
Christened:
Died: Nov 1775 - Great Baddow, , Essex, England
Buried: 30 Nov 1775 - Great Baddow, , Essex, England
Father: Robert FRANCIS (1649-1721) 183
Mother: Susanna ASTOR ( -1720) 183
Marriage: 1734 - Purleigh, , Essex, England
Noted events in his life were:
• Fact 4, Fact 4 Residence
Wife Mary NASH 183,212,456
Born: 3 Jul 1715 - Woodham Walter, Essex, England 212
Christened:
Died: 3 Feb 1795
Buried: 12 Feb 1795 - Great Baddow, , Essex, England
Father: Daniel NASH (1670-1753) 183,212,456
Mother: Hanna ELSUM (1684- ) 183,212,456
Noted events in her life were:
• Baptism, St Michaels Woodham Walter Essex, 3 Jul 1715
Children
1 M Robert FRANCIS 183
Born: Bef 24 Feb 1736 - Bradwell, , Essex, England 183
Christened:
Died: 22 Jun 1809 - Heybridge, , Essex, England
Buried:
Spouse: Mary POLLEY (Bef 1749-1831) 183
Marr: 25 Feb 1772 - Great Baddow, , Essex, England
General Notes: Husband - Robert FRANCIS
Not yet happy that Robert is in fact father of Robert and further research required. I have put him on purly to dispose of the paperwork of the marriage licence shown below. The date of the licence 1734 is good for the birth of his first son Robert 1736 but much more proof required by me.
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Doc 311 is a copy of the marriage licence (ERO D/AEL 1734) dated 1734. It shows Robert as a single man aged 28 years of the parish of Bradwell (looks like "near ye Sea) and that the marriage is to take place in the parish of Purleigh and bears his signature and seal (which cannot be made out)
General Notes: Wife - Mary NASH
Originally came to notice as result of her marriage licence (Doc311) in which she is shown as 21 years of age and that the marriage is to take place in Purleigh.
General Notes: Child - Robert FRANCIS
Harriett's original notes have the baptism below, whereas Doreen has him born at Heybridge Hall on the 22nd June. In any case further research is required, as I am not happy with this baptism and require further proof. As a point of interest, no other baptisms to his possible parents or any other Francis baptisms or burials were in the Bradwell registers 1731-1760 or baptisms from 17113-1731. I also checked the neighbouring parish of St Lawrence, but there were no Francis baptisms from 1710-1771 or burials from 1710 to 1783. Further research is underway on other papers.
All his children were baptised at Ulting until about 1789/1790. This could signify the time he took out the lease on Heybridge Hall.
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Doc 368 is a baptism of a Robert to Robert and Mary at Bradwell-on-Sea in February 1736, which is ideal for this man, if the age on his grave stone is correct. However his marriage licence would have him ten years younger, so this baptism is suspect.
Married in 1772 (Doc237) which shows that marriage was by licence. A copy of the licence was obtained (ERO D/ALL1772)(Doc 236) and gives his occupation and states that he was of Ulting, a batchelor aged "upwards of twenty six years" from which a year of birth can be guessed (but see grave stone below). Signatures on both register entry and licence.
Originally came to notice as result of the baptisms of his children between 1772 and 1789 at Ulting.
Photos L108 and 109 are of Stock Hall in Ulting the family home of Robert and most probably the place where many of his children were born.
In the will of his father-in-law (William Polley)(Doc255) dated 1799 he is left the cash sum of £630.
What appears to be a charities document concerning the lease on almhouses used for the poor of Heybridge (ERO D/P 44/25/5)(No copy) refers to a Robert Francis of Heybridge and Daniel Francis, his son being two of a number of feoffees. It is dated 19th Feruary 1805 and is almost certainly this Robert. Document not drawn or seen.
As a result of information received by Harriett Nolan it transpired that Robert was buried, along with his wife, inside St Andrews Church, Heybridge, that burial taking place on the 28th June 1809 (Doc373). I visited the church in July 1999 and found the grave which is in the church opposite the door between two pews and, on my visit, covered by a carpet. The flat dark stone set in the floor clearly states "To the memory of // Mr Robert Francis late of // Heybridge Hall in this Parish // who departed this life June 22nd 1809 // Aged 73 years // He was a good husband, father, master and friend // Also of Mary his wife who died Jan // 21st 1831 // Aged 86 years".
In his will (Doc300) made in 1809 and proved in 1810 at the Dean and Peculiar of St Pauls, London he leaves various cash sums and property to some of his named children, and a share of the residue "for the benefit of the rest of my sons and daughters" but fails to name them. Each legacy is shown on the individuals notes. He shows himself of Heybridge Hall and the text shows he is leaseholder of the farm and that lease is to pass to his executors for the joint benefit of all his children until it expires.
Doc 294 (FRC IR26/384F421) is a copy of the death duty register appertaining to Robert naming the same beneficiaries as his will. There is another copy to the register but this was blank, like all other similar pages in the book, and has not been copied.
Doc 398 are copies of photographs of Heybridge Hall lodged at ERO in 1978 (ERO T/G77/8) which are undated, but were probably taken in the 1960's (see TV aerials). These were found by Doreen Rice when we visited ERO on my birthday in 2000, hence the pencil written note thereon.
Will of Robert Francis
Guildhall Library reference MS25,626/14 Folio521
Proved at the Dean and Chapter of St Pauls 2nd January 1810
In the name of God Amen I Robert Francis of Heybridge Hall in the County of Essex (Farmer) being of sound memory and disposing mind (blessed be God) do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following i.e. First I give and devise to my wife Mary Francis All that my freehold messuage or tenements with every of their appurtenances thereunto now belonging lately built on a piece of ground containing half an acre more or less taken from the land belonging to Stock Hall in the Parish of Ulting in the said County and now known by the name of Birch House and now in the several tenures or occupations of my Son Daniel Francis and Samuel Blower I say I give and devise the said messuages for and during the term of her natural life and from after her decease I give and devise the same messuages with every of their appurtenances now belonging To my son George Francis and his heirs and assigus for ever Also I give and devise to my Son Robert Francis All that my copyhold pieces or parcels of land situated and being in the several Parishes of Langford and Ulting in the said County commonally called and known by the name of Holmes Mead containing ten acres more or less and now in the tenure or occupation of him the said Robert Francis The same being holden to the Manor of Langford aforesaid and which I have surrendered to the use of my Will I say I give and devise the same with all and every of the rights previledges and appurtenances thereunto belonging to my said Son Robert his heirs and assigus for ever Subject nevertheless to the following conditions that he or they shall duly pay or cause to be paid thereout the sum of two hundred pounds of good and lawful money within twelve months after the decease of my Wife Mary Francis and the said sum of two hundred pounds to be paid in equal proportions to every and each of my Sons and Daughters equally share and share alike And I give and devise to my Son Robert Francis all that my farm called and known by the name of Stock Hall situated and being in the Parishes of Ulting and Langford in the said County and now in the tenure or occupation of him the said Robert Francis with every of the rights manor priviledges and appurtenances thereunto belonging for and during the term of the natural life of my Wife Mary Francis Subject nevertheless to the following conditions that he the said Robert shall duly pay or cause to be paid as rent for the said farm unto my Wife Mary Francis one hundred pounds a year clear of all taxes repairs or any deductions whatever and that the said one hundred pounds a year to be paid to her by two half yearly payments and to commence from and immediately after my decease To her my said Wife for and during the term of her natural life and after her decease my will and desire is that my surviving Executors hereafter named do and shall within twelve months after her decease have the said farm with every the buildings land appurtenances thereunto belonging (except that part whereon the house is built and before given and devised