Person Page - 502

Emma Sophia Church

• Burial*: Emma Sophia Church was buried at St Paul's, Rusthall, Kent, England.
• Marriage*: Emma Sophia Church married Henry Holmwood, son of William Holmwood and Jane Brabon, in 1871 at Tonbridge, Kent, England^B.¹
• Married Name: As of 1871, her married name was Holmwood.
• Death*: Emma Sophia Church died on 18 January 1905 at Rusthall, Kent, England.²
• Mon-Inscr: A gravestone inscriptionfor Emma Sophia Church was recorded as
  In Loving Memory
  of
  Frank William Holmwood
  Who passed away February 7 1902
  Aged 29 years
  Also of
  Emma Sophia
  The dear Wife of Henry Holmwood
  of the Harmony Rusthall
  Who passed away January 18 1905
  in her 61st year
  Also
  Henry Holmwood
  Died March 18 1912
  Aged 65 years.²

Amelia Carter

• Birth*: Amelia Carter was born circa 1842 at Ightham, Kent, England^B.¹
• Marriage*: Amelia Carter married William Holmwood, son of William Holmwood and Jane Brabon, on 15 January 1865 at Tunbridge Wells, Kent, England^B.²
• Married Name: As of 15 January 1865, her married name was Holmwood.
• Residence*: On 5 April 1891 Amelia Carter and William Holmwood lived at London Road, Hildenborough, Kent, England^B.¹

John Ashdown

Parents:

• Baptism*: John Ashdown was baptized on 26 May 1734 at St Denys, Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.¹
• He was the son of John Ashdown and Mary Ovenden.
• Marriage*: John Ashdown married Elizabeth Richardson on 25 October 1758 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B, both of Rotherfield (lic.)²
• Occupation*: John Ashdown was a shoemaker on 16 October 1766.³
• (Witness) Will: John Ashdown is mentioned in the will of John Ashdown dated 16 October 1766 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.^4,3
• Occupation: John Ashdown was a cordwainer on 23 February 1788.⁵
• (Witness) Will: John Ashdown is mentioned in the will of Thomas Ashdown dated 23 February 1788 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.^6,5
• Death*: John Ashdown died in 1809 at Withyham, Sussex, England^B.
• Burial*: John Ashdown was buried on 13 January 1809 at St Michael & All Angels, Withyham, Sussex, England^B.⁷

Elizabeth Richardson

• Marriage*: Elizabeth Richardson married John Ashdown, son of John Ashdown and Mary Ovenden, on 25 October 1758 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B, both of Rotherfield (lic.)¹
• Married Name: As of 25 October 1758, her married name was Ashdown.
• (Witness) Will: Elizabeth Richardson is mentioned in the will of John Ashdown dated 16 October 1766 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.^2,3

Elizabeth Ashdown

Parents:

• Baptism*: Elizabeth Ashdown was baptized on 26 December 1759 at St Denys, Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.¹
• She was the daughter of John Ashdown and Elizabeth Richardson.
• (Witness) Will: Elizabeth Ashdown is mentioned in the will of John Ashdown dated 16 October 1766 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.^2,3
• Married Name: As of 12 January 1785, her married name was Pawley.
• Marriage License*: Elizabeth Ashdown and Robert Pawley obtained a marriage licence on 12 January 1785 at Archdeaconry of Lewes, Sussex, England.⁴
• Marriage: Elizabeth Ashdown married Robert Pawley on 18 January 1785 at Withyham, Sussex, England^B, Robert of Rotherfield, Elizabeth of this parish. Witnesses: William Fry and John Ashdown.⁴

Thomas Ashdown

Parents:

• Baptism*: Thomas Ashdown was baptized on 25 February 1761 at St Denys, Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.¹
• He was the son of John Ashdown and Elizabeth Richardson.
• Death*: Thomas Ashdown died in March 1761 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.
• Burial*: Thomas Ashdown was buried on 29 March 1761 at St Denys, Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B, "son of John & Elizabeth."²

John Ashdown

Parents:

• Baptism*: John Ashdown was baptized on 1 August 1762 at St Denys, Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.¹
• He was the son of John Ashdown and Elizabeth Richardson.
• Death*: John Ashdown died in November 1762 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.
• Burial*: John Ashdown was buried on 12 November 1762 at St Denys, Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B, "son of John & Elizabeth."²

Hannah Ashdown

Parents:

• Baptism*: Hannah Ashdown was baptized on 8 November 1763 at St Denys, Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.¹
• She was the daughter of John Ashdown and Elizabeth Richardson.
• (Witness) Will: Hannah Ashdown is mentioned in the will of John Ashdown dated 16 October 1766 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.^2,3
• Marriage*: Hannah Ashdown married John Coats on 24 December 1789 at Withyham, Sussex, England^B, both of this parish.⁴
• Married Name: As of 24 December 1789, her married name was Coats.
• Anecdote*: COATES John the younger, wife Hannah; JPs order removing them from Berwick to Alfriston recorded and confirmed [John COATES married Hannah ASHDOWN 1789 at Withyham]. (Lewes Sessions: orders relating to poor relief, 13 Jan 1791. East Sussex Record Office: QO/30/1791-01-13.)
• Death*: Hannah Ashdown died in 1832 at Alfriston, Sussex, England^B.
• Burial*: Hannah Ashdown was buried on 24 January 1832 at St Andrew, Alfriston, Sussex, England^B.⁵

John Ashdown

Parents:

• Birth: John Ashdown was born in 1700 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.
• Baptism*: John Ashdown was baptized on 2 April 1700 at St Denys, Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.¹
• He was the son of William Ashdown and Jane Moone.
• Anecdote*: John Ashdown could be:
  John Ashdown bap. 18 Jun 1704 at Rotherfield son of John and Elizabeth Ashdown
  John Ashdown bap. 2 Apr 1700 at Rotherfield son of William & Jane Ashdown.
• Marriage*: John Ashdown married Mary Ovenden, daughter of William Ovenden and Ann Homesby, on 8 September 1729 at Withyham, Sussex, England^B, both of Rotherfield (lic.)²
• (Witness) Will: John Ashdown is mentioned in the will of William Ashdown dated 27 December 1735 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.³
• Marriage*: John Ashdown married Emmeline Taylor on 6 December 1745 at Withyham, Sussex, England^B, Emmeline of Withyham (lic.)²
• Will*: John Ashdown left a will made on 16 October 1766 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.^4,5
• Will/Adm Transcript*: John ASHDOWN, yeoman of Rotherfield, 1766
  (ESRO: PBT/1/1/61/437)
  Made: 16 Oct 1766
  Proved: 25 Nov 1766
  Familysearch: Film: 1886065; image: 699
  In the Name of God Amen I John Ashdown of Boarshead in the Parish of Rotherfield in the County of Sussex yeoman Being of sound and disposing mind and memory (praised be God for the same) But calling to mind the uncertainty of this life and the short duration thereof Do this sixteenth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and sixty six, make publish and declare my last will and testament in manner and form following, this is to say First I give and devise unto my son John Ashdown of Withyham in the said County Shoemanker and unto Elizabeth his now wife All that my messuage or tenement barn buildings farm and lands thereunto belonging now in the occupation of me and one John Weeks, called or known by the name or names of Newmans containing by estimation Thirty Acres more or less and situate lying and being at or near Boarshead in the Parish of Rotherfield aforesaid together with the Rights Members and Appurtenances thereunto belonging To hold unto my said son John Ashdown and Elizabeth his wife and their assigns for and during the term of their natural lives and the life of the longest liver of them and from and after the decease of the said John Ashdown and Elizabeth his wife and the life of the longest liver of them Then I give and devise the said messuage or tenement barn buildings farm lands and premises with the appurtenances unto my three granddaughters Bet, Hannah and Ann, the daughters of my said son John and Elizabeth his wife To hold to them my said granddaughters Bet, Hannah and Ann and to their heirs and assigns for ever as Tenants in Common and not as Joint Tenants, subject as hereinafter mentioned, that is to say, I give to my loving wife Emlen Ashdown the living in the said messuage rent free during all the term of her natural life, Also I give and bequeath unto my said wife Emlen the use and usage of all such part of my household goods, linen and furniture as she shall choose for and during all the term of her natural life All the rest and residue of my estate whatsoever and wheresoever both real and personal, after payment of my just debts and funeral expences I give devise and bequeath unto my said son John Ashdowne his heirs executors administrators and assigns for ever And lastly I constitute and appoint Thomas Ashdown my Brother, Overseer of this my said will requesting and desiring him to be aiding and assisting to my said wife in the performance and execution thereof And do revoke all former wills and testaments by me heretofore made and declare this to be my last will and testament In witness whereof I have hereunto sett my hand and seale the day and year above written.
  John Ashdown (his mark)
  Signed sealed published and declared by the said John Ashdown the testator as and for his last will and testament In the presence of us who in his presence and at his request have subscribed our names as witnesses thereto
  Richard Burr
  Jno. Turner
  T Huett Dungate
  November 25^th, 1766
  There was sworn Emlen Ashdown the sole Executrix in this will named To whom the burthen of the execution thereof was committed by us
  Ed. Lund Sur
  (Transcribed by Geoffrey Barber, 5 Dec 2019.)
  
• Death*: John Ashdown died in 1766 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.
• Burial*: John Ashdown was buried on 15 November 1766 at St Denys, Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B, "ancient."⁶
• Probate: His estate was probated on 25 November 1766 at Archdeaconry of Lewes, Sussex, England.

Mary Ovenden

Parents:

• Baptism*: Mary Ovenden was baptized on 1 April 1700 at St Denys, Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.¹
• She was the daughter of William Ovenden and Ann Homesby.
• Marriage*: Mary Ovenden married John Ashdown, son of William Ashdown and Jane Moone, on 8 September 1729 at Withyham, Sussex, England^B, both of Rotherfield (lic.)²
• Married Name: As of 8 September 1729, her married name was Ashdown.
• Death*: Mary Ovenden died in 1745 at Withyham, Sussex, England^B.
• Burial*: Mary Ovenden was buried on 1 May 1745 at St Denys, Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B, "wife of John brought from Withyham."³

William Ashdown

Parents:

• Baptism*: William Ashdown was baptized on 31 October 1731 at St Denys, Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.¹
• He was the son of John Ashdown and Mary Ovenden.
• Death*: William Ashdown died in 1749 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.
• Burial*: William Ashdown was buried on 9 June 1749 at St Denys, Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B, "son of John."²

John Coats

• Marriage*: John Coats married Hannah Ashdown, daughter of John Ashdown and Elizabeth Richardson, on 24 December 1789 at Withyham, Sussex, England^B, both of this parish.¹

Reuben Dann

Parents:

• Baptism*: Reuben Dann was baptized on 1 December 1805 at All Saints, Heathfield, Sussex, England^B.¹
• He was the son of Robert Dann and Mary Akehurst.

Robert Dann

Parents:

• Baptism*: Robert Dann was baptized on 3 May 1807 at All Saints, Heathfield, Sussex, England^B.¹
• He was the son of Robert Dann and Mary Akehurst.

James Dann

Parents:

• Baptism*: James Dann was baptized on 21 April 1811 at All Saints, Heathfield, Sussex, England^B.¹
• He was the son of Robert Dann and Mary Akehurst.

Harriet Dann

Parents:

• Birth: Harriet Dann was born in 1814 at Heathfield, Sussex, England^B.¹
• Baptism*: Harriet Dann was baptized on 1 April 1814 at All Saints, Heathfield, Sussex, England^B.²
• She was the daughter of Robert Dann and Mary Akehurst.
• Marriage*: Harriet Dann married William Draper in 1845 at Battle, Sussex, England^B.³
• Married Name: As of 1845, her married name was Draper.
• Residence*: On 7 April 1861 Harriet Dann and William Draper lived at Tivoli Mill House, St Leonards, Hastings, Sussex, England^B.¹

Stephen Dann

Parents:

• Baptism*: Stephen Dann was baptized on 27 April 1817 at All Saints, Heathfield, Sussex, England^B.¹
• He was the son of Robert Dann and Mary Akehurst.

George Dann

Parents:

• Baptism*: George Dann was baptized on 12 December 1819 at All Saints, Heathfield, Sussex, England^B.¹
• He was the son of Robert Dann and Mary Akehurst.
• Marriage*: George Dann married Mary Lavender, daughter of John Lavender, on 22 August 1841 at Heathfield, Sussex, England^B.²
• Residence*: On 30 March 1851 George Dann and Mary Lavender lived at Hellingly, Sussex, England^B.³

William Draper

• Birth*: William Draper was born circa 1818 at Burling, Kent, England.¹
• Marriage*: William Draper married Harriet Dann, daughter of Robert Dann and Mary Akehurst, in 1845 at Battle, Sussex, England^B.²
• Residence*: On 7 April 1861 William Draper and Harriet Dann lived at Tivoli Mill House, St Leonards, Hastings, Sussex, England^B.¹
• Occupation*: William Draper was a miller on 7 April 1861.¹

Charles Draper

Parents:

• Birth*: Charles Draper was born in 1849 at Whatlington, Sussex, England^B.¹
• He was the son of William Draper and Harriet Dann.

Mary Lavender

Parents:

• Birth*: Mary Lavender was born in 1818 at Warbleton, Sussex, England^B.¹
• She was the daughter of John Lavender.
• Baptism: Mary Lavender was baptized on 19 April 1818 at Warbleton, Sussex, England^B.²
• Marriage*: Mary Lavender married George Dann, son of Robert Dann and Mary Akehurst, on 22 August 1841 at Heathfield, Sussex, England^B.³
• Married Name: As of 22 August 1841, her married name was Dann.
• Residence*: On 30 March 1851 Mary Lavender and George Dann lived at Hellingly, Sussex, England^B.¹

John Lavender

John Parker

Parents:

• Birth*: John Parker was born in 1842 at Halifax, Yorkshire, England.
• He was the son of George Parker and Hannah Pearson.
• Death*: John Parker died in 1890 at Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia.

Mary Ann Parker

Parents:

• Birth*: Mary Ann Parker was born in 1847 at Halifax, Yorkshire, England.
• She was the daughter of George Parker and Hannah Pearson.
• Death*: Mary Ann Parker died in 1933 at Miners Rest, Ballarat, Victoria, Australia.

Harriet Parker

Parents:

• Birth*: Harriet Parker was born in 1850 at Halifax, Yorkshire, England.
• She was the daughter of George Parker and Hannah Pearson.

George Henry Parker

Parents:

• Birth*: George Henry Parker was born in 1854 at Halifax, Yorkshire, England.
• He was the son of George Parker and Hannah Pearson.
• Death*: George Henry Parker died in 1929 at Ballarat, Victoria, Australia.

Ann Ashdown

Parents:

• Baptism*: Ann Ashdown was baptized on 18 March 1766 at St Michael & All Angels, Withyham, Sussex, England^B.¹
• She was the daughter of John Ashdown and Elizabeth Richardson.
• (Witness) Will: Ann Ashdown is mentioned in the will of John Ashdown dated 16 October 1766 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.^2,3
• Married Name: As of 11 November 1785, her married name was Holmes.
• Marriage*: Ann Ashdown married George Holmes on 11 November 1785 at Hartfield, Sussex, England^B, Ann of Speldhurst, Kent; George of this parish.⁴

William Ashdown

Parents:

• Baptism*: William Ashdown was baptized on 1 July 1666 at St Denys, Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.¹
• He was the son of William Ashdown and Mary Mercer.
• Marriage*: William Ashdown married Jane Moone, daughter of John Moone and Anne Hyland, on 29 March 1692 at Wadhurst, Sussex, England^B.
• Anecdote: William Ashdown was a churchwarden in 1732.
• Will*: William Ashdown left a will made on 27 December 1735 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.²
• Will/Adm Transcript*: William ASHDOWN the elder, yeoman of Rotherfield, 1737
  (ESRO: PBT/1/1/55/197B)
  Made: 27 Dec 1735
  Proved: 16 Sep 1737
  Familysearch: Film: 1885998; image: 742
  In the name of God Amen. I William Ashdowne the elder of Rotherfield in the County of Sussex yeoman being of a sound and disposeing mind and memory praised be Godfor the same and considering the certainty of Death and the Uncertainty of the time thereof and being desirious to settle that Estate that God in mercy hath bestowed on me doe make my Last Will and Testament in manner and forme following (that is to say) First and principally I comend my soul to God who gave it me and my body I comit to the Earth from whence it was taken to be decently buried in such Christian manner as my Executors hereafter named shall think fit
  First of all I give and devise All that my messuage farme and Lands called Jackhodges containing by estimation forty Acres be the same more or Less situate lying and being in Rotherfield aforesaid with the appurtenenances Unto Jane my Loveing wife for and During the terme of her natural Life and from and after her decease. I give Will and Devise the said messuage farme Lands and premises called Jackhodges with the appurtenances unto William Ashdowne John Ashdown and Thomas Ashdown my sons equally between them and their heirs for ever. Under this condition that the said William, John or Thomas Ashdowne my sons or either of them their or either of their heirs doe and shall pay or cause to be paid unto my daughter Ann now wife of John Evernden and to my Daughter Elizabeth now wife of Thomas Ovenden and to my Daughter Sarah now wife of Matthew Ovenden and to Hannah and Alice Ashdowne my daughters and to each and every one of them my said five Daughters the sume of forty pounds a peice of Lawfull money of Great Britaine and the same to be paid unto them within one year next after the Death of Jane my said wife and if any or either of my said five Daughters shall happen to die before the time Limitted for payment of their said Legacy and Legacies that then the said Legacy and Legacies of her or them so dying shall be paid to the child or children of she or them so dying and by default of such Issue then the said legacy or legacies of her or them so dying Shall be equally divided bewteen the survivers of my said five Daughters and also the said William Ashdowne John Ashdowne and Thomas Ashdowne my sons shall pay or cause to be paid Unto my Daughter Jane now wife of George Hutchinson the sume of forty shillings a year; yearly and every year During the term of her natural Life and the same to be paid in manner and forme following (that is to say) on the feast of the Annuntiacon of the blessed virgen Mary and the feast day of Saint Michael the Archangel by even and Equall portions and the first payment to begin and to be made on such of the said feast days as shall first happen after the Death of Jane my said wife and if the said William Ashdowne John Ashdowne and Thomas Ashdowne my sons or either of them their or either of their heirs doe or shall refuse or neglect to pay the said legacy or legacies to their aforesaid sister or either children at the Respective time or times Limitted for payment thereof that then my will and mind is that it shall and may be Lawfull to and for such of them as shall be unpaid her or their legacy or legacies to Enter into and upon the aforesaid messuage Land and premises which is Given to the said William Ashdowne John Ashdowne and Thomas Ashdowne my sons and their heirs and to Receive the Rents and profitts thereof Untill she or they shall be fully satisfied and paid therefull Legacy and Legacies and all charges thereupon accrewing and also I give and bequeath unto my said Loveing wife Jane one feather bed with the curtains coverlett Blanketts Stoole and all their unto belonging as it now stands in the Kitchen chamber where I dwell and also I give and bequeath unto my son William Ashdowne the sume of fifty pounds of Lawfull money of Great Britain and the same to be paid unto him within six months after my decease by my Executor hereafter named and also I give and bequeath unto my daughter Mary Taylor widow the sume of one shilling of Lawfull money of Great Britain and the same to be paid unto her within one year next after my Decease by my Executors herafter named if it be Demandedand alsoAll the Rest and Residue of my goods cattell and chattells stock Household stuffe implements and all other my personall Estate whatsoever and wheresoever after my Debts funerall charges probation of this will and the Legacyes to my son William and my Daughter Mary first paid and satisfied. I Give and bequeath the same unto John Ashdowne and Thomas Ashdowne my sons Equally between them share and share alike. And I do hereby make ordain constitute and appoint the said John Ashdowne and Thomas Ashdowne my sons Joynt Executors of this my Last Will and Testament and I do hereby Revoke Disanull and make void all former wills and Testaments by me heretofore made and Declare this to be my Last will and Testament. In Witness whereof I the said William Ashdowne the Testator to this my Last will and Testament being written on one sheet of paper have sett my hand and seal on this Twenty seventh day of December in the ninth year of the Reigne of our Sovereigne Lord George the second by the Grace of God of Great Britaine France and Ireland. King Defender of the faith and so forth and in the year of our Lord One Thousand and seven hundred Thirty and five.
  Signed Sealed published and Declared by the said William Ashdowne the Testator as his Last Will and Testament in the presents of us who subscribed our names as witnesses
  Signed William Ashdowne
  in the presence of the said Testator
  Witnesses: John Ovenden
  William Brooks
  Thomas Goodsell
  
  Probate: 16 Sep 1737
  Then were sworn John Ashdowne and Thomas Ashdowne sons of the Deceased only Executors of this Will to whom was committed the Burthen of the Execution of the same by us
  E. Lund Sur
  (Transcribed by Ann Dalton, 1 Dec 2019.)
  
• Death*: William Ashdown died in 1737 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.
• Burial*: William Ashdown was buried on 13 September 1737 at St Denys, Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B, "at Walches" [Walshes].³
• Probate: His estate was probated on 16 September 1737 at Archdeaconry of Lewes, Sussex, England.²
• Anecdote: It appears there was a dispute concerning the will as there is a case at the Court of Chancery:
  Short title: Ashdown v Ashdown. Document type: Bill only. Plaintiffs: John Ashdown...
  Reference: C 11/1152/1
  Description: Short title: Ashdown v Ashdown.
  Document type: Bill only.
  Plaintiffs: John Ashdown, yeoman of Rotherfield, Sussex, Thomas Ashdown, yeoman (two sons and devisees of William Ashdown, yeoman deceased) all late of Lower Heyford, Oxfordshire.
  Defendants: William Ashdown and Jane Ashdown and John Mackender.
  Date of bill (or first document): 1741
  Note:     The naming of a party does not imply that he or she will appear in all the documents in this cause (after the bill)
  Date:     1741
  Held by:     The National Archives, Kew.

Thomas Ashdown

Parents:

• Birth: Thomas Ashdown was born in 1709 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.
• Baptism*: Thomas Ashdown was baptized on 14 August 1709 at St Denys, Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.¹
• He was the son of William Ashdown and Jane Moone.
• (Witness) Will: Thomas Ashdown is mentioned in the will of William Ashdown dated 27 December 1735 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.²
• (Witness) Will: Thomas Ashdown is mentioned in the will of John Ashdown dated 16 October 1766 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.^3,4
• Occupation*: Thomas Ashdown was a yeoman in 1788.⁵
• Will*: Thomas Ashdown left a will made on 23 February 1788 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.^6,5
• Will/Adm Transcript*: Will of Thomas ASHDOWN, yeoman of Rotherfield, 1788
  (ESRO: PBT/1/1/65/575)
  Made: 23 Feb 1788
  Proved: 26 Jun 1788
  Familysearch: Film: 1886070; image: 219
  
  In the Name of God Amen I Thomas Ashdown of Rotherfield in the County of Sussex Yeoman being of Sound Mind Memory and Understanding (Praised be God for the same) but considering the Certainty of Death and the Uncertainty of the Time thereof do make this my last Will and Testament in Manner following First I commend my Soul to God who gave it me and my Body I commit to the Earth from whence it was taken to be decently buried in such Christianlike Manner as my Executor hereinafter named shall think proper And as to for touching and concerning All such Estate as it hath pleased Almighty God of his Goodness to bestow upon me I give and dispose thereof in Manner and Form following (that is to say) I charge all that my Messuage or Tenement with the Farm Lands and Hereditaments thereunto belonging called or known by the name of Jackhodges containing together in the Whole by Estimation forty acres be the same more or less situate lying and being in the Parish of Rotherfield aforesaid and now in my Occupation And also all other my Messuages or Tenements Lands Hereditaments and Real Estate whatsoever and wheresoever to and with the Payment of the Annuity or yearly Rent Charge And Also to and with the Payment of the several Legacies hereinafter given devised and bequeathed (that is to say) I give devise and bequeath unto my Nephew John Ashdown of Wythyham in the said County Cordwainer and his Assigns for and during the term of his natural life One Annuity or clear yearly Rent Charge of six Pounds of lawful money of Great Britain to be yearly issuing and payable to him my said Nephew John Ashdown out of my Messuage or Tenement Farm Lands and Real Estate aforesaid by two half yearly Payments in the Year (that is to say) On the Feast Day of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Michael the Archangel by even and equal Portions The first Payment thereof to begin and be made on such of the said Feast Days as shall next happen after my Decease And if it shall happen that the said Annuity or yearly Rent Charge shall be behind and unpaid to him my said Nephew John Ashdown over and above the space of twenty days next over or after any or either of the Feast Days aforesaid wheron the same ought to be paid as above mentioned Then and so often as the same shall be so behind and unpaid my Will is and I do hereby order and direct that it shall and may be lawful for him my said Nephew John Ashdown and his Assigns to enter into and upon my said Messuage or Tenement Farm Lands Hereditaments and Real Estate aforesaid and every or any Part thereof And there to distrain for the same and the Distress or Distresses by him taken to impound detain and keep or otherwise to sell and
  
  [page 2]
  dispose of the same for Satisfaction of his said Annuity+ or yearly Rent Charge so in Arrear as aforesaid And all costs and charges attending such Distress and Sale Also I give and bequeath unto each and every of my thirty six Cousins hereinafter named who are now in Being (that is to say) The three youngest Daughters of my said Nephew John Ashdown The six Daughters of my Niece Mary now Wife of Edward Wait of Leigh near Tonbridge in the County of Kent Farmer (formerly Mary Ovenden) The two Sons of my Niece Hannah (now Wife of John Paine of Mayfield in the said County of Sussex Timber Merchant formerly Hannah Arkcoll) The eldest Daughter of my Niece Mary (now Wife of Thomas Piper of Rotherfield aforesaid Husbandman formerly Mary Arkcoll) To the four Daughters of my Cousin Thomas Waters of Rotherfield Husbandman The three youngest Sons and two Daughters of my Nephew Thomas Brown of Speldhurst in the said County of Kent Husbandman The three Sons and four Daughters of my Nephew Richard Brown of Rotherfield aforesaid Husbandman The eldest Son of my Niece Ann (now Wife of John Buss of Mayfield aforesaid Farmer formerly Ann Brown) The Son and three Daughters of my Niece Mary now Wife of Daniel Sly of London [blank space] formerly Mary Brown) The three youngest Sons of my late Niece Sarah (late Wife of John Cronden late of Salehurst in the said County of Sussex Labourer formerly Sarah Ovenden) the several and respective Sums of six Pounds apiece of lawful money of Great Britain The same to be paid and payable to them my thirty six Cousins and Legatees aforesaid as shall be of the Age of twenty one years out of my aforesaid Messuage or Tenement Farm and Lands and all other my Real Estate within twelve months next after my Decease and to such of them as shall not have attained their Age of twenty one years when and as they shall severally and respectively attain that Age To their respective Use and Uses Provided nevertheless and my Will is that if one or more of them my said thirty and six Cousins and Legatees shall happen to die before his her or their Legacy or Legacies of her him or them so dieing shall be null and void and shall lapse To the Use of the Person to whom I have devised my said Real Estate charged with the Payment thereof And charged and chargeable as aforesaid I give and devise unto my Nephew William Brown of Rotherfield aforesaid
  
  [page 3]
  Warrener All that my said Messuage or Tenement with the Barn Buildings Farm Lands Hereditaments Rights Members and Appurtenances thereunto belonging called or known by the Name of Jackhodges aforesaid And also all other Messuages Lands Tenements Hereditaments and Real Estate whatsoever and wheresoever To hold to him my said Nephew William Brown his Heirs and Assigns for ever And as to for touching and concerning my Personal Estate I dispose thereof as follows (that is to say) I charge the same to and with the Payment of all my just Debts Funeral Expences …. The Charges Proving this my Will and the several Legacies hereinafter mentioned And so charged I give and bequeath unto my Niece Elizabeth (now Wife of William Roberts of Rotherfield aforesaid Yeoman) and to my Niece Mary (now Wife of the aforesaid Edward Wait) and to my Niece Hannah (now Wife of the aforesaid John Paine) and to my Niece Mary (now Wife of the aforesaid Thomas Piper) and to my Niece Ann (now Wife of the aforesaid John Buss) and to my Niece Mary (now Wife of the aforesaid Daniel Sly) and to my Niece Betty Brown (one of the Daughters of my late Brother in Law Thomas Brown deceased) and to my aforesaid Nephew Thomas Brown and to my aforesaid Nephew Richard Brown and to the aforesaid Thomas Waters the several and respective Legacies or Sums of twenty two Pounds apiece of lawful money of Great Britain The same to be paid and payable to them respectively within twelve months next after my Decease by my Executor hereafter named To their several and respective Use and Uses Also I give and bequeath unto the Son and two Daughters of the aforesaid William Roberts To the three eldest Daughters of my aforesaid Nephew John Ashdown To the three eldest Sons of my aforesaid Nephew Thomas Brown The several and respective Legacies or Sums of six pounds apiece of lawful money of Great Britain The same to be paid to them respectively within twelve Months next after my Decease by my Executor hereafter named To their own proper Use and Uses Also I give and bequeath unto my Servant Maid Ann Gregory that now lives with me And to my late Servant William Ovenden now living with Mr. Ansell Day of Mayfield aforesaid the several Sums of ten Pounds apiece of lawful Money of Great Britain The same to be paid and payable to them respectively within twelve Months next after my Decease by my Executor hereafter named To their several and respective Use and Uses All the Rest
  
  [page 4]
  Residue and Remainder of my Goods Chattels Ready Money Securities for Money and all other my Personal Estate whatsoever and wheresoever I give and bequeath unto my Kinsman Thomas Ovenden (son of my late Nephew Matthew Ovenden deceased) now Servant Man unto William Pack of Nonsuch Green in the Parish of Tonbridge in the said County of Kent Farmer his Executors and Administrators To his and their own proper Use and Uses The same to be delivered to him or them within Fourteen Months next after my Decease by my Executor hereafter named He my Executor first deducting thereout all such reasonable Costs Charges and Expences as he shall be put into or sustain in the Execution of this my Will Together with the Sum of five Pounds which I give and bequeath to him for his trouble in the Execution thereof And lastly I make nominate constitute and appoint the said John Paine of Mayfield aforesaid Timber Merchant sole Executor of this my last Will and Testament and do revoke all former Wills by me made and declare this to be my last Will and Testament In Witness whereof I the said Thomas Ashdown the Testator to this my last Will and Testament contained in four sheets of paper annexed together at the corner have to each sheet thereof set my Hand and Seal this twenty third Day of February in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty eight.
  Thomas Ashdown
  Signed sealed published and declared by the said Thomas Ashdown
  the Testator as and for his last Will and Testament in the Presence of us
  who in his Presence at his Request and in the Presence of each other
  have subscribed our Names as Witnesses thereto
  Joseph Wickens
  John Farmer
  R^d. Oⁿ. Stone
  
  26^th June 1788 Then was Sworn John Paine the sole Executor named in this Will To whom was Committed the Burthen of the Execution thereof (Sworn also that the Goods Chattels and Credits of the said Deceased do not amount in Value unto one thousand Pounds)
  By Us
  E.R. Raynes Sur.
  (Transcribed by Geoffrey Barber, 26 Jan 2020.)
  
• Death*: Thomas Ashdown died in 1788 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.
• Burial*: Thomas Ashdown was buried on 17 June 1788 at St Denys, Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.⁷
• Probate: His estate was probated on 26 June 1788 at Archdeaconry of Lewes, Sussex, England, Value: £1000.

Emmeline Taylor

• Marriage*: Emmeline Taylor married John Ashdown, son of William Ashdown and Jane Moone, on 6 December 1745 at Withyham, Sussex, England^B, Emmeline of Withyham (lic.)¹
• Married Name: As of 6 December 1745, her married name was Ashdown.
• (Witness) Will: Emmeline Taylor is mentioned in the will of John Ashdown dated 16 October 1766 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.^2,3
• Death*: Emmeline Taylor died in 1768 at Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B.
• Burial*: Emmeline Taylor was buried on 19 December 1768 at St Denys, Rotherfield, Sussex, England^B, no christian name given, just "widow of John."⁴