Richard Groocock
M
Richard died . Richard was born. He married Elizabeth (?) (Groocock).
Family | Elizabeth (?) (Groocock) |
Child |
|
Alice Wykes
F, b. before 11 January 1651
Father | Thomas Wikes b. b 18 1625 |
Mother | Anne (?) b. s 1628 |
Alice died . Alice was born before 11 January 1651 at Thurlaston, Leicestershire, England.
Elizabeth Taft
F, b. before 2 July 1717
Father | William Taft |
Mother | Elizabeth (?) (Taft) b. s 1670 |
Elizabeth died . Elizabeth was born before 2 July 1717 at Peckleton, Leicestershire, England.
Thomas Hiton Husbandman
M, d. 12 April 1713
Thomas was born. He married Ann Turville on 6 April 1703 at Thurlaston, Leicestershire, England. Thomas died YEAR to be CHECKED on 12 April 1713 at Barwell, Leicestershire, England.1
Family | Ann Turville b. b 29 Oct 1666, d. s 1715 |
Citations
- [S431] Barwell Parish Register,.
Elizabeth (?) (Groocock)
F
Elizabeth died . Elizabeth was born. She married Richard Groocock.
Family | Richard Groocock |
Child |
|
Thomas Groocock
M, b. before 1 March 1702
Father | Richard Groocock |
Mother | Elizabeth (?) (Groocock) |
Thomas died . Thomas was born before 1 March 1702 at Claybrook, Leicestershire, England.
Thomas Turville
M, b. before 6 February 1702
Father | Thomas Turvill Jr.of Barwell b. b 14 Jul 1672, d. b 16 Nov 1709 |
Mother | Ann Hall d. s 1704 |
Thomas was born before 6 February 1702 at Thurlaston, Leicestershire, England. Thomas died .
Anne (?)1
F, d. before 23 June 1714
Charts | Ancestors Margaret Wain 12 gen. |
Anne was born. We don't know where Ann was born or who were her parents..
Anne (?) married Thomas Turvill sen. of Barwell, son of Thomas Turvile of Shenton and Anne Panton, say 1665. Anne (?) died before 23 June 1714 at Barwell, Leicestershire, England.2 She was buried on 23 June 1714 at Barwell, Leicestershire, England; The record stated Anne Turvile widow was buried.2
Anne (?) married Thomas Turvill sen. of Barwell, son of Thomas Turvile of Shenton and Anne Panton, say 1665. Anne (?) died before 23 June 1714 at Barwell, Leicestershire, England.2 She was buried on 23 June 1714 at Barwell, Leicestershire, England; The record stated Anne Turvile widow was buried.2
Family | Thomas Turvill sen. of Barwell b. s 1640, d. b 2 Dec 1712 |
Children |
|
William Richards
M
William died . William was born at Shackleton LEI, England. He married Anne Sperry on 9 September 1733 at St John the Baptist, Heather, Leicestershire, England.1
Family | Anne Sperry b. 26 Dec 1705 |
Citations
- [S19] Heather, St John the Baptist Bishop's Transcript.
Alma Maude Greenaway
F, b. 1 January 1918, d. 31 July 1982
Father | George Greenaway b. 1893, d. 12 May 1980 |
Mother | Maude Turville b. 1893 |
Family | |
Children |
|
Citations
- [S33] Letter from Raymond Mottram, Mildura Victoria.
George Jaques
M
George died . George was born. He married Frances Sperry on 16 April 1727 at Nailstone, Leicestershire, England.
Family | Frances Sperry b. b 5 Mar 1703 |
Child |
|
(?) Swaine
M
(?) died . (?) was born. He married Mary Sperry before 1733. Will of mother Frances Sperry mn Wykes
.
.
Family | Mary Sperry b. 2 Feb 1700 |
William Sperry1
M, b. 19 July 1702, d. 1762
Father | William Sperry b. 26 Dec 1679, d. 28 Sep 1725 |
Mother | Frances Wykes b. b 24 May 1668, d. 1 Mar 1734 |
William Sperry son of William Sperry and Frances Wykes was born sometime before 1707 but no record of baptism has yet been found. His mother acknowledged him as her eldest son in her will dated 21 February 1733/4.2 William married the widow Mary Barwell, also of Heather, by licence on 27 March 1728, at Markfield. Children to this marriage have not yet been found..3 William Sperry of Heather was registered as a voter in elections for the Sparkenhoe Hundred on 6th, 7th and 8th May 1741 at Heather. His position as the eldest son and inheritor of any property would have given him this entitlement.4 William died Clain in dispute documents that this William died 1762 intestate and without issue in 1762.
Family | Mary Barwell wid d. 22 Nov 1753 |
Mary Barwell wid
F, d. 22 November 1753
Mary was born. She married Mr. Barwell before 1727. William married the widow Mary Barwell, also of Heather, by licence on 27 March 1728, at Markfield. Children to this marriage have not yet been found..1 Mary died on 22 November 1753 at Heather, Leicestershire, England.2 She was buried on 24 November 1753 at St John the Baptist, Heather, Leicestershire, England.2
Family 1 | Mr. Barwell |
Family 2 | William Sperry b. 19 Jul 1702, d. 1762 |
Elizabeth Sneap
F, b. 2 July 1769
Father | Thomas Sneap b. 1745 |
Elizabeth died . Elizabeth was born on 2 July 1769.
Harry Sneap
M, b. 1 April 1771
Father | Thomas Sneap b. 1745 |
Harry died . Harry was born on 1 April 1771 at St Columb district, Cornwall, England.
Catherine Magna
F
Catherine died . She married Samuel Mottram. Catherine was born.1
Family | Samuel Mottram b. 1806 |
Citations
- [S33] Letter from Raymond Mottram, Mildura Victoria.
Ann Sneap
F, b. 24 August 1777
Father | Thomas Sneap b. 1745 |
Ann died . Ann was born on 24 August 1777 at St Columb district, Cornwall, England.
Clarissa Mary Constable
F, b. 1916, d. 26 November 2002
Clarissa was born in 1916. She married Clarence Henry Mottram on 17 September 1940 at Mildura, Victoria, Australia. At St.Andrew's church, Mildura.1,2 Clarissa Mary Constable died on 26 November 2002 at Mildura, Victoria, Australia. She was buried on 30 November 2002 at Merbein, Victoria, Australia. A service was held at the graveside in the Merbein Lawn Cemetery.3
Family | Clarence Henry Mottram b. 6 Jul 1917, d. 2003 |
Citations
George Greenaway
M, b. 1893, d. 12 May 1980
George was born in 1893. He married Maude Turville. George died on 12 May 1980.
Family | Maude Turville b. 1893 |
Child |
|
Francis Burleigh Mottram
M, b. 11 April 1943, d. 6 March 1973
Mother | Alma Maude Greenaway b. 1 Jan 1918, d. 31 Jul 1982 |
Citations
- [S33] Letter from Raymond Mottram, Mildura Victoria.
William Raymond Mottram
M, b. 16 August 1946, d. 8 May 2008
Mother | Alma Maude Greenaway b. 1 Jan 1918, d. 31 Jul 1982 |
William was born on 16 August 1946.1 He died on 8 May 2008 at Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia, at age 61.2
Mary Sneap
F, b. 23 August 1767
Father | Thomas Sneap b. 1745 |
Mary died . Mary was born on 23 August 1767.
Thomas Sneap
M, b. before 16 May 1773
Father | Thomas Sneap b. 1745 |
Thomas died . Thomas was born before 16 May 1773.
Thomas Sneap
M, b. before 24 August 1777
Father | Thomas Sneap b. 1745 |
Thomas died . Thomas was born before 24 August 1777.
Ann Sneap
F, b. before 3 October 1784, d. October
Father | Thomas Sneap b. 1745 |
Ann died in October. Ann was born before 3 October 1784 at St Columb district, Cornwall, England.
Mary Coleman
F
Mary died . Mary was born. She married Thomas Sneap on 2 December 1784.
Family | Thomas Sneap b. 1745 |
Robert Withell
M, b. 8 September 1808, d. 26 March 1881
Father | Robert Withell b. 27 May 1781, d. 6 Jan 1870 |
Mother | Blanche Davies b. 12 Jun 1785, d. Sep 1864 |
ROBERT WITHELL 1808-1881
Robert was the first child of Robert Withell and Blanche Davies. Because he moved away from the family home before the 1841 Census we have not yet found details of where he was living at that time.
Robert married Elizabeth Pearce daughter of John and Mary Pearce of Gorran, in March quarter of 1843 in Truro. He and Elizabeth apparently set up home in London because the birth of their first child Robert was registered at Stepney. The birth of John Pearce Withell was registered at Peckham and by the time the youngest Willaim Martin was born, the family was in West Ham. Robert seems to have made a success of his building business in London. Will ordered.
Robert died on 26 March 1881 at 24 Cornwall Terrace, Bridge Rd Stratford and was buried on 2 April in the West Ham cemetery. The next night was census night and his widow Elizabeth Ann was listed at this address with her two older sons, Robert aged 36 and John Pearce aged 35. The youngest son William, a carpenter, was a lodger with a William May at 6 Hales Place Lambeth.
John Pearce died on Monday 13 January 1893 and on the following 17 January 1894 Elizabeth herself died. Within three months both the surviving sons were married.
Robert (1845) married Harriet Craft and appears to have remained in the same area. There does not seem to be any surviving children from this marriage. He died on 20 May 1922 aged 77 at 13 Bridge Road and was also buried in the West Ham cemetery. Harriet was granted probate of effects worth 1038 6s 7d on 28 June 1922.
William Martin moved to 22 Idmiston Road, Forest Lane, Stratford where he continued working as a carpenter. When he died at the West Ham hospital, Stratford on 17 February 1898 he would have been only 48. Probate of his estate was granted to Sarah Withell his widow. Effects were worth 616 pounds.
Sarah continued to live in Idmiston Rd where she died four years later on 24 October 1902. Probate to her estate was granted to James Matthews, Hatter.
Robert was born on 8 September 1808 in at Stoke Damerel, Devon, England. On 6 June 1841 the census listed Robert as living with his aunt Ann Davis at Tregony Hill Street at Mevagissey, Cornwall, England. His occupation was a carpenter. He was not born in Cornwall.1 He married Elizabeth Anne Pearce in March 1843 at Truro, Cornwall, England.2 He made a will on 25 June 1880 at Stratford, Essex, England. Robert died at age 72 on 26 March 1881 at 24 Cornwall Tce, Bridge Rd. at Stratford, Essex, England.3,4,5 Robert's will was probated on 31 May 1881. 1881
Will of Robert Withell. 31st May 1881
Robert Withell, late of 24 Cornwall Terrace, Bridge Road, Stratford in the county of Essex, Builder, who died 26th March 1881 at 24 Cornwall Terrace. Proved by Elizabeth Withell, Widow and Robert Withell and William Martin Withell, Carpenters, the sons, all of 24 Cornwall Terrace, the executors.
(Eldest child of Robert and Blanche Withell) * Died before 1881 Census
.3
Robert was the first child of Robert Withell and Blanche Davies. Because he moved away from the family home before the 1841 Census we have not yet found details of where he was living at that time.
Robert married Elizabeth Pearce daughter of John and Mary Pearce of Gorran, in March quarter of 1843 in Truro. He and Elizabeth apparently set up home in London because the birth of their first child Robert was registered at Stepney. The birth of John Pearce Withell was registered at Peckham and by the time the youngest Willaim Martin was born, the family was in West Ham. Robert seems to have made a success of his building business in London. Will ordered.
Robert died on 26 March 1881 at 24 Cornwall Terrace, Bridge Rd Stratford and was buried on 2 April in the West Ham cemetery. The next night was census night and his widow Elizabeth Ann was listed at this address with her two older sons, Robert aged 36 and John Pearce aged 35. The youngest son William, a carpenter, was a lodger with a William May at 6 Hales Place Lambeth.
John Pearce died on Monday 13 January 1893 and on the following 17 January 1894 Elizabeth herself died. Within three months both the surviving sons were married.
Robert (1845) married Harriet Craft and appears to have remained in the same area. There does not seem to be any surviving children from this marriage. He died on 20 May 1922 aged 77 at 13 Bridge Road and was also buried in the West Ham cemetery. Harriet was granted probate of effects worth 1038 6s 7d on 28 June 1922.
William Martin moved to 22 Idmiston Road, Forest Lane, Stratford where he continued working as a carpenter. When he died at the West Ham hospital, Stratford on 17 February 1898 he would have been only 48. Probate of his estate was granted to Sarah Withell his widow. Effects were worth 616 pounds.
Sarah continued to live in Idmiston Rd where she died four years later on 24 October 1902. Probate to her estate was granted to James Matthews, Hatter.
Robert was born on 8 September 1808 in at Stoke Damerel, Devon, England. On 6 June 1841 the census listed Robert as living with his aunt Ann Davis at Tregony Hill Street at Mevagissey, Cornwall, England. His occupation was a carpenter. He was not born in Cornwall.1 He married Elizabeth Anne Pearce in March 1843 at Truro, Cornwall, England.2 He made a will on 25 June 1880 at Stratford, Essex, England. Robert died at age 72 on 26 March 1881 at 24 Cornwall Tce, Bridge Rd. at Stratford, Essex, England.3,4,5 Robert's will was probated on 31 May 1881. 1881
Will of Robert Withell. 31st May 1881
Robert Withell, late of 24 Cornwall Terrace, Bridge Road, Stratford in the county of Essex, Builder, who died 26th March 1881 at 24 Cornwall Terrace. Proved by Elizabeth Withell, Widow and Robert Withell and William Martin Withell, Carpenters, the sons, all of 24 Cornwall Terrace, the executors.
(Eldest child of Robert and Blanche Withell) * Died before 1881 Census
.3
Family | Elizabeth Anne Pearce b. Mar 1810, d. b 17 Jan 1894 |
Marriage* | He married Elizabeth Anne Pearce in March 1843 at Truro, Cornwall, England.2 |
Children |
|
Citations
- [S5] 1841, Mevagissey Piece No.145/8 Folio 48 p. 4 E. Dist 3.
- [S26] England, Indexes to Marriages, General Register Office, England.
- [S49] England, Index to Probates, Principal Registry of the Family Division.
- [S7] England, Indexes to Deaths, General Register Office, England.
- [S64] Robert Withell, Remembrance Card 1881,.
Blanche Davies
F, b. 12 June 1785, d. September 1864
Father | Israel Davies b. 4 Jan 1751 |
Blanche was born on 12 June 1785 at Mevagissey, Cornwall, England. She married Robert Withell on 22 November 1807 at Stoke Damerel, Devon, England.1 A census on 7 June 1861 listed Blanche as living at Mevagissey with Robert.2 She was buried on 7 July 1864 at Mevagissey, Cornwall, England. Blanche died at age 79 in September 1864 Tregoney Hill at Mevagissey, Cornwall, England. Age 80 at death.3
Family | Robert Withell b. 27 May 1781, d. 6 Jan 1870 |
Children |
|
Robert Withell
M, b. 27 May 1781, d. 6 January 1870
Father | Martin Withell of Padstow b. b 13 Jul 1733, d. 25 Sep 1807 |
Mother | Elizabeth Ivey b. b 8 May 1740, d. b 25 Feb 1809 |
Summary of ROBERT WITHELL 1781-1870
Robert Withell, the youngest son of Martin Withell and Elizabeth Ivey was born on 27 May 1781 and baptised at the parish church of St.Ervan on 9 June 1781 by E. Carter the rector. Sometime before 1787 Martin and Elizabeth gave up the leasehold in Trevone and moved with their family into the town of Padstow where the older brothers took up the trades of carpentry and shipbuilding.
From the will of his father Martin, we know that Robert was apprenticed as a shipwright although we have no further details. In the 16th and 17th centuries, a boy had to be over ten years of age before beginning an apprenticeship which had to last until he was at least 21. A statute passed in 1702-3 in the reign of Anne allowed a shipowner or shipwright to apprentice a boy as young as seven for a period of ten years or less. The indentures were held by the master and the father, but so far no indenture for Robert has been found. There was also a central register, but when an apprenticeship bond was made with a relative, the indenture fee was often too small to be liable for stamp duty and therefore did not appear on the central register.
Although Robert probably began his apprenticeship about 1792, a record of indenture has not been found. He may have been bound to a Padstow shipbuilder. The earliest recorded shipbuilder from Padstow was John Bone, builder of the CORNISH OAK in 1782, whose granddaughter was to marry Robert's nephew John Withell. Robert's older brother Martin had set up a shipyard in Padstow and by 1798 there were four other Padstow shipwrights listed in the Universal British Directory - Richard Martin, Thomas Pearce, Thomas Pope and R. Tredwin. In 1804, Martin Withell, Thomas Pearce and John Tredwin were still operating and there were several new shipwrights. The need to be prepared for the Napoleonic threat ensured plenty of work for shipbuilders and the yards at Padstow were judged adequate for the building of merchant vessels.
However Robert was to establish a long term connection with Mevagissey. This small fishing village on St Austell bay was renowned for building fast ships and Robert may have served his apprenticeship there. The Lelean family of Mevagissey shipwrights, who are mentioned in documents held by his family, were friends. Withells of his own age who had been born in Padstow were also living at nearby St Austell.
When his father died, Robert was bequeathed sufficient funds to pay for his wearing apparel, medicine and other necessities for the remainder of his apprenticeship. He was also entitled to a seventh share in the income from leasehold messuage and tenements belonging to his father in St. Minver. The will was made in 1804 at which time Robert would have been aged 23. However it seems likely that when he finished his apprenticeship he found permanent work in the Torpoint area. By the time of his father's burial on 27 September 1807 Robert would have been 26, and he lost no time in getting married. On 22 November 1807 at Stoke Damerel, Devon, he married 21 year old Blanche Davies, daughter of Israel Davies, a builder from Mevagissey. Whatever the circumstance of his original association with Mevagissey, Robert and his family were to be part of the wider social fabric of this village for many years.
Details of children born to the couple require further research. A record of baptisms of the older children has not yet been found and two of the younger children were baptised on the same day. This lack of evidence was to cause ongoing problems for many years with the disposal of certain assets of the eldest son Robert.
It does seem likely however, that following the marriage, the family remained in the Devonport area because in 1821 Robert was employed as a shipwright in HM Dockyard at Devonport. They were living in Torpoint across the Tamar from Devonport and Robert would have used the ferry to cross to work.
Their first child obert born c.1808 and Blanche Davies c 1813. On 11 February 1919 the baptism of Emma Davies took place at the Morris St. Wesleyan Church, Devonport. In 1820 Robert and Blanche were visited by his brother Thomas and both were to be witnesses of Thomas's second marriage to Ann Kay which took place at Stoke Damerel on 20 May of that year.
Martin, Israel, and William were added to the family before 1828.
There is also a mention in a letter from an elderly descendant, of a Captain Thomas Davis Withell who died in January 1866 aged 42. He is referred to as Capt Thomas Davis of HMS Royal Albert 1886. This requires further research.
The eldest son, Robert junior and his sister Blanche Davies left home and went to London, probably to find work. On 6 June 1841 Robert sen and his wife Blanche, daughter Emma and the three younger sons were living at Macey Street Torpoint. Their daughter Blanche Davies Withell had been living at Bentnick Street, Manchester Square, Middlesex, but because of illness she returned home to her parents in Torpoint. Blanche died of consumption on 13 July 1842. Her assets were left un-administered by her father who was her next of kin and following his death in 1870 they were presented for probate by her sister Emma Kitto.
During the next few years the family celebrated the marriages of the surviving children. Robert married Elizabeth Ann Pearce of Gorran in 1843. In 1847 Emma Davies was married to Joseph Kitto of Mevagissey. Martin and Elizabeth Jane Hill of Torpoint were married at?? in 1848 and Israel married Ann Elizabeth Nicholls of Devonport in 1849. Finally the youngest son William married Clarissa Pawlyn of Mevagissey in 1853.
Sometime before 1851, Robert retired and moved to Mevagissey where their daughter Emma Kitto was living. He and Blanche lived in Tregony hill road. He had freehold property which entitled him to be registered as a voter in the St Austell district from 1850 until his death. Israel who worked as a shipwright, and his wife Ann Elizabeth moved into Loch Lomond cottage, Torpoint, where they were to stay for many years. On the night of census 30 March 1851, Robert senior, now 69 and a superannuant was visiting at the Cottage accompanied by his wife Blanche.
Blanche died at Mevagissey in 1864 and Robert lived until 6 January 1870. His will made on 30th September 1865 bequeathed his personal estate and leaseholds in equal shares between his five surviving children Robert, Martin, Israel, William and Emma Davies. His daughter Emma Davies Kitto wife of Joseph Kitto Builder of Mevagissey was the executrix and administrator. Probate on effects under 600 Pounds was granted for this estate on 22 March 1870. Emma Davies Kitto was also granted the administration of effects left by her sister Blanche amounting to less than 300 Pounds.
Present day descendants of Robert's family whom we have been able to contact, knew they had a Cornish inheritance but their knowledge did not extend beyond Torpoint, St Germans and Mevagissey. Most of the
descendants of this branch remained in England until close to the end of the century.
Robert youngest child of Martin Withell and Elizabeth Ivey was born on 27 May 1781 at at St Ervan, Cornwall, England.1
From the will of his father Martin, we know that Robert was apprenticed as a shipwright although we have no further details. In the 16th and 17th centuries, a boy had to be over ten years of age before beginning an apprenticeship which had to last until he was at least 21. A statute passed in 1702-3 in the reign of Anne allowed a shipowner or shipwright to apprentice a boy as young as seven for a period of ten years or less. The indentures were held by the master and the father, but so far no indenture for Robert has been found. There was also a central register, but when an apprenticeship bond was made with a relative, the indenture fee was often too small to be liable for stamp duty and therefore did not appear on the central register.
Robert probably began his apprenticeship about 1792. He may have been bound to a Padstow shipbuilder The earliest recorded shipbuilder from Padstow was John Bone, builder of the CORNISH OAK in 1782, whose granddaughter was to marry Robert's nephew John Withell. Robert's older brother Martin had set up a shipyard and by 1798 there were four other Padstow shipwrights listed in the Universal British Directory - Richard Martin, Thomas Pearce, Thomas Pope, R. Tredwin. In 1804, Martin Withell, Thomas Pearce and John Tredwin were still operating and there were several new shipwrights. The need to be prepared for the Napoleonic threat ensured plenty of work for shipbuilders and the yards at Padstow were judged adequate for the building of merchant vessels.
Robert may also have worked in Mevagissey This small fishing village on St Austell bay was renowned for building fast ships and Robert may have found work in a shipyard there. The Lelean family of Mevagissey shipwrights, who are mentioned in documents held by his family, were friends. Withells of his own age who had been born in Padstow were also living at nearby St Austell.2
By the time of his father's burial on 27 September 1807 Robert would have been 26, and he lost no time in getting married. On 22 November 1807 at Stoke Damerel, Devon, he married 21 year old Blanche Davies, daughter of Israel Davies, a builder from Mevagissey. Whatever the circumstance of the original association with Mevagissey, Robert and his family were to be part of the wider social fabric of the village for many years.3
Details of children born to the couple require further research. A record of baptisms of the older children have not yet been found and two younger children were baptised on the same day. This lack of evidence was to cause ongoing problems for the disposal of certain assets of their eldest son Robert jun.
It does seem likely however, that following the marriage, the family remained in the Devonport area because in 1821 Robert was employed as a shipwright in HM Dockyard at Devonport. They were living in Torpoint across the Tamar from Devonport and Robert would have used the ferry to cross to work.
The first child Robert jun. was born c.1808 and Blanche Davies c 1813. On 11 February 1919 the baptism of Emma Davies took place at the Morris St Wesleyan Church, Devonport. Martin, Israel, and William were added to the family before 1828. A census listed Robert as head of household on 6 June 1841 at Macey St at Torpoint, Cornwall, England. His occupation was a shipwright.4 He was registered as a voter in 1851 at Mevagissey, Cornwall, England,Reg. no 514. Qualification was the ownership of freehold houses in Tregony-hill-street, Mevagissey.5 He made a will on 30 September 1865 at at Mevagissey, Cornwall, England. Robert's personal estate, and effects real and personal were left equally between his children namely Robert Withell, Martin Withell, Israel Withell, William Withell and Emma Davies Kitto. Emma Davies Kitto was nominated as executrix..6 Robert died at age 88 on 6 January 1870 at Mevagissey, Cornwall, England.7,8 Robert's will was probated on 22 March 1870 at Bodmin, Cornwall, England.7
Robert Withell, the youngest son of Martin Withell and Elizabeth Ivey was born on 27 May 1781 and baptised at the parish church of St.Ervan on 9 June 1781 by E. Carter the rector. Sometime before 1787 Martin and Elizabeth gave up the leasehold in Trevone and moved with their family into the town of Padstow where the older brothers took up the trades of carpentry and shipbuilding.
From the will of his father Martin, we know that Robert was apprenticed as a shipwright although we have no further details. In the 16th and 17th centuries, a boy had to be over ten years of age before beginning an apprenticeship which had to last until he was at least 21. A statute passed in 1702-3 in the reign of Anne allowed a shipowner or shipwright to apprentice a boy as young as seven for a period of ten years or less. The indentures were held by the master and the father, but so far no indenture for Robert has been found. There was also a central register, but when an apprenticeship bond was made with a relative, the indenture fee was often too small to be liable for stamp duty and therefore did not appear on the central register.
Although Robert probably began his apprenticeship about 1792, a record of indenture has not been found. He may have been bound to a Padstow shipbuilder. The earliest recorded shipbuilder from Padstow was John Bone, builder of the CORNISH OAK in 1782, whose granddaughter was to marry Robert's nephew John Withell. Robert's older brother Martin had set up a shipyard in Padstow and by 1798 there were four other Padstow shipwrights listed in the Universal British Directory - Richard Martin, Thomas Pearce, Thomas Pope and R. Tredwin. In 1804, Martin Withell, Thomas Pearce and John Tredwin were still operating and there were several new shipwrights. The need to be prepared for the Napoleonic threat ensured plenty of work for shipbuilders and the yards at Padstow were judged adequate for the building of merchant vessels.
However Robert was to establish a long term connection with Mevagissey. This small fishing village on St Austell bay was renowned for building fast ships and Robert may have served his apprenticeship there. The Lelean family of Mevagissey shipwrights, who are mentioned in documents held by his family, were friends. Withells of his own age who had been born in Padstow were also living at nearby St Austell.
When his father died, Robert was bequeathed sufficient funds to pay for his wearing apparel, medicine and other necessities for the remainder of his apprenticeship. He was also entitled to a seventh share in the income from leasehold messuage and tenements belonging to his father in St. Minver. The will was made in 1804 at which time Robert would have been aged 23. However it seems likely that when he finished his apprenticeship he found permanent work in the Torpoint area. By the time of his father's burial on 27 September 1807 Robert would have been 26, and he lost no time in getting married. On 22 November 1807 at Stoke Damerel, Devon, he married 21 year old Blanche Davies, daughter of Israel Davies, a builder from Mevagissey. Whatever the circumstance of his original association with Mevagissey, Robert and his family were to be part of the wider social fabric of this village for many years.
Details of children born to the couple require further research. A record of baptisms of the older children has not yet been found and two of the younger children were baptised on the same day. This lack of evidence was to cause ongoing problems for many years with the disposal of certain assets of the eldest son Robert.
It does seem likely however, that following the marriage, the family remained in the Devonport area because in 1821 Robert was employed as a shipwright in HM Dockyard at Devonport. They were living in Torpoint across the Tamar from Devonport and Robert would have used the ferry to cross to work.
Their first child obert born c.1808 and Blanche Davies c 1813. On 11 February 1919 the baptism of Emma Davies took place at the Morris St. Wesleyan Church, Devonport. In 1820 Robert and Blanche were visited by his brother Thomas and both were to be witnesses of Thomas's second marriage to Ann Kay which took place at Stoke Damerel on 20 May of that year.
Martin, Israel, and William were added to the family before 1828.
There is also a mention in a letter from an elderly descendant, of a Captain Thomas Davis Withell who died in January 1866 aged 42. He is referred to as Capt Thomas Davis of HMS Royal Albert 1886. This requires further research.
The eldest son, Robert junior and his sister Blanche Davies left home and went to London, probably to find work. On 6 June 1841 Robert sen and his wife Blanche, daughter Emma and the three younger sons were living at Macey Street Torpoint. Their daughter Blanche Davies Withell had been living at Bentnick Street, Manchester Square, Middlesex, but because of illness she returned home to her parents in Torpoint. Blanche died of consumption on 13 July 1842. Her assets were left un-administered by her father who was her next of kin and following his death in 1870 they were presented for probate by her sister Emma Kitto.
During the next few years the family celebrated the marriages of the surviving children. Robert married Elizabeth Ann Pearce of Gorran in 1843. In 1847 Emma Davies was married to Joseph Kitto of Mevagissey. Martin and Elizabeth Jane Hill of Torpoint were married at?? in 1848 and Israel married Ann Elizabeth Nicholls of Devonport in 1849. Finally the youngest son William married Clarissa Pawlyn of Mevagissey in 1853.
Sometime before 1851, Robert retired and moved to Mevagissey where their daughter Emma Kitto was living. He and Blanche lived in Tregony hill road. He had freehold property which entitled him to be registered as a voter in the St Austell district from 1850 until his death. Israel who worked as a shipwright, and his wife Ann Elizabeth moved into Loch Lomond cottage, Torpoint, where they were to stay for many years. On the night of census 30 March 1851, Robert senior, now 69 and a superannuant was visiting at the Cottage accompanied by his wife Blanche.
Blanche died at Mevagissey in 1864 and Robert lived until 6 January 1870. His will made on 30th September 1865 bequeathed his personal estate and leaseholds in equal shares between his five surviving children Robert, Martin, Israel, William and Emma Davies. His daughter Emma Davies Kitto wife of Joseph Kitto Builder of Mevagissey was the executrix and administrator. Probate on effects under 600 Pounds was granted for this estate on 22 March 1870. Emma Davies Kitto was also granted the administration of effects left by her sister Blanche amounting to less than 300 Pounds.
Present day descendants of Robert's family whom we have been able to contact, knew they had a Cornish inheritance but their knowledge did not extend beyond Torpoint, St Germans and Mevagissey. Most of the
descendants of this branch remained in England until close to the end of the century.
Robert youngest child of Martin Withell and Elizabeth Ivey was born on 27 May 1781 at at St Ervan, Cornwall, England.1
From the will of his father Martin, we know that Robert was apprenticed as a shipwright although we have no further details. In the 16th and 17th centuries, a boy had to be over ten years of age before beginning an apprenticeship which had to last until he was at least 21. A statute passed in 1702-3 in the reign of Anne allowed a shipowner or shipwright to apprentice a boy as young as seven for a period of ten years or less. The indentures were held by the master and the father, but so far no indenture for Robert has been found. There was also a central register, but when an apprenticeship bond was made with a relative, the indenture fee was often too small to be liable for stamp duty and therefore did not appear on the central register.
Robert probably began his apprenticeship about 1792. He may have been bound to a Padstow shipbuilder The earliest recorded shipbuilder from Padstow was John Bone, builder of the CORNISH OAK in 1782, whose granddaughter was to marry Robert's nephew John Withell. Robert's older brother Martin had set up a shipyard and by 1798 there were four other Padstow shipwrights listed in the Universal British Directory - Richard Martin, Thomas Pearce, Thomas Pope, R. Tredwin. In 1804, Martin Withell, Thomas Pearce and John Tredwin were still operating and there were several new shipwrights. The need to be prepared for the Napoleonic threat ensured plenty of work for shipbuilders and the yards at Padstow were judged adequate for the building of merchant vessels.
Robert may also have worked in Mevagissey This small fishing village on St Austell bay was renowned for building fast ships and Robert may have found work in a shipyard there. The Lelean family of Mevagissey shipwrights, who are mentioned in documents held by his family, were friends. Withells of his own age who had been born in Padstow were also living at nearby St Austell.2
By the time of his father's burial on 27 September 1807 Robert would have been 26, and he lost no time in getting married. On 22 November 1807 at Stoke Damerel, Devon, he married 21 year old Blanche Davies, daughter of Israel Davies, a builder from Mevagissey. Whatever the circumstance of the original association with Mevagissey, Robert and his family were to be part of the wider social fabric of the village for many years.3
Details of children born to the couple require further research. A record of baptisms of the older children have not yet been found and two younger children were baptised on the same day. This lack of evidence was to cause ongoing problems for the disposal of certain assets of their eldest son Robert jun.
It does seem likely however, that following the marriage, the family remained in the Devonport area because in 1821 Robert was employed as a shipwright in HM Dockyard at Devonport. They were living in Torpoint across the Tamar from Devonport and Robert would have used the ferry to cross to work.
The first child Robert jun. was born c.1808 and Blanche Davies c 1813. On 11 February 1919 the baptism of Emma Davies took place at the Morris St Wesleyan Church, Devonport. Martin, Israel, and William were added to the family before 1828. A census listed Robert as head of household on 6 June 1841 at Macey St at Torpoint, Cornwall, England. His occupation was a shipwright.4 He was registered as a voter in 1851 at Mevagissey, Cornwall, England,Reg. no 514. Qualification was the ownership of freehold houses in Tregony-hill-street, Mevagissey.5 He made a will on 30 September 1865 at at Mevagissey, Cornwall, England. Robert's personal estate, and effects real and personal were left equally between his children namely Robert Withell, Martin Withell, Israel Withell, William Withell and Emma Davies Kitto. Emma Davies Kitto was nominated as executrix..6 Robert died at age 88 on 6 January 1870 at Mevagissey, Cornwall, England.7,8 Robert's will was probated on 22 March 1870 at Bodmin, Cornwall, England.7
Family | Blanche Davies b. 12 Jun 1785, d. Sep 1864 |
Marriage* | By the time of his father's burial on 27 September 1807 Robert would have been 26, and he lost no time in getting married. On 22 November 1807 at Stoke Damerel, Devon, he married 21 year old Blanche Davies, daughter of Israel Davies, a builder from Mevagissey. Whatever the circumstance of the original association with Mevagissey, Robert and his family were to be part of the wider social fabric of the village for many years.3 |
Children |
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Citations
- [S246] St Ervan Cornwall, Parish Register.
- [S63] Martin Withell, Will 1804.
- [S182] International Genealogical Index, Family History Library, Salt Lake City.
- [S5] 1841, Antony, Piece No. 135/1 Folio 23 p. 37 E. Dist 1
Piece: HO107/135 Place: East-Cornwall Enumeration District: 1
Civil Parish: Antony Ecclesiastical Parish: -
Folio: 23 Page: 37
Address: Macey Street. - [S487] Cornwall Online Parish Clerks, , www.cornwall-opc.org.
- [S69] Robert Withell, Copy Will 1865, Robert Withell 1870.
- [S49] England, Index to Probates, Principal Registry of the Family Division.
- [S7] England, Indexes to Deaths, General Register Office, England.