Mortimer family tree

21
Oct
2020
The Mortimers of North Bovey

The Mortimers of North Bovey

Origins

North Bovey is situated on the eastern edge of Dartmoor. The Mortimer family of North Bovey descend from Walter Mortimer, the eldest son of John Mortimer of Tedburn St Mary. Here the Mortimers lived as yeoman farmers, husbandmen and labourers.

Walter Mortimer of North Bovey (1601-1672)

Walter was born in 1601 and baptised 20 Jan 1600/1 in North Bovey, the eldest surviving son of John Mortimer. He had two younger brothers, Nicholas Mortimer and Matthew Mortimer, who both left Tedburn St Mary and lived in nearby parishes. In 1606 he was mentioned as “cousin Walter” in the will of his grandmother Elizabeth Mortimer. Cousin in that day was another term for a kinsman or relative, and was also used to refer to grandchildren. Grandparents would often stand as godparents to their grandchildren upon baptism and so it is possible in this instance that Walter was also Elizabeth’s godson. Godchildren would often be remembered in a will in such a way. Walter Mortimer married Richord Croot (c.1606-1679) 24 Oct 1631, North Bovey, and they had at least five children. He lived as a yeoman in North Bovey with his wife and family. He made a will dated 16 Apr 1672, mentioning his sons John, Thomas and Walter Mortimer, and daughter Richord Mortimer. His residue was left to his wife Richord who was sole executrix, who proved the will on 2 Apr 1672 at Exeter. He was bur. 28 Apr 1672, North Bovey. His widow Richord made her will 5 Nov 1678, mentioning her daughter Thomasin Langdon, son Thomas Mortimer and his son John, her son John Mortimer and his son John, her son Walter Mortimer, grandson William Mortimer, and her daughter Richord White. Her son Thomas was sole executor, who proved the will 26 Jul 1679 at Exeter. She died and was bur. 10 Jun 1679, North Bovey.

1. Thomas Mortimer of North Bovey (1633-1681), bap. 13 Jan 1632/3 North Bovey, who married Elizabeth Walling 31 Mar 1668, North Bovey. They had one son, John Mortimer c.1670. Thomas was the executor of his mother Richord’s will in 1678. He died in 1681 and was bur. 30 Mar 1681. His widow Elizabeth died in 1700 and was bur. 19 Sep, North Bovey.

i. John Mortimer c.1670-aft.1704?, mentioned in the will of his grandmother Richord in 1678. He was presumably still alive at the time of his father’s decease in 1681, at which point he would have been aged about 11. His mother Elizabeth died in Sep 1700. John can perhaps be identified as John Mortimer m. Elizabeth Hammett, 6 Sep 1691 Moretonhampstead. Elizabeth his wife was bur. 29 Mar 1704 Moretonhampstead, and John died sometime after that date. They had the following children in Moretonhampstead.

1. John c.1692-1692, bur. 25 Sep 1692 Moretonhampstead.

2. Katherine 1695, b. 24 Mar 1694/5.

3. Alice 1699, b. 26 Feb 1698/9.

4. Elizabeth 1702, m. Thomas Barter 4 Feb 1727/8 Manaton

2. Richord 1635-1700, bap. 29 Sep 1635, who married Henry White (c.1640-1711), 13 Aug 1677, Chagford. She was bur. 10 May 1700, Chagford. Her husband was bur. 18 Jun 1711, Chagford.

3. John Mortimer of North Bovey (1641-1679), who was bap. 27 Jun 1641, North Bovey. He married Isett Wills, 2 Aug 1670. He was bur. 12 Jun 1679, North Bovey, and administration was granted to his widow Isett later the same year. They had five children.

i. John b. 28 May 1671, bur. 14 Sep 1671 North Bovey.

ii. John Mortimer b. 25 Aug 1672, mentioned in the will of grandmother Richord Mortimer in 1678. He can perhaps be identified with John Mortimer of Bovey Tracey, who m. Mary Cook, 1 Nov 1696 Bovey Tracey. John was bur. 11 Apr 1716, Bovey Tracey. Mary his widow was bur. 8 Oct 1722. They had the following children.

1. Richard Mortimer of Bovey Tracey c.1697-c.1730. John’s son Robert was born in 1697, though this is possibly a mistake for Richard, who is later noted in Bovey Tracey. He m. Julian Spray, 6 Dec 1724, Bovey Tracey. They had issue, one daughter Mary. Richard died around the year 1730. Julian was bur. 13 Apr 1733, Bovey Tracey, and was presumably a widow then.

i. Mary 1725, bap. 1725 Bovey Tracey, possibly m. 1745 Chagford to Samuel Dicker.

2. Mary 1700

3. Ann 1703

4. Thomas 1707-1717

Otherwise, he may have been the John Mortimer of Crediton, who had daughters Elizabeth and Isett.

iii. Henry b. 28 Sep 1674, bur. 3 Apr 1676.

iv. Isett, b. 5 Sep 1676.

v. Henry Mortimer, posthumous son, bap. 6 Jul 1679, North Bovey, bur. 15 Aug 1711, Tedburn St Mary.

4. Thomasin 1643-1700, who was bap. 7 Jan 1643/4, and married an unknown Langdon. She presumably had a daughter Thomasin Langdon, m. John Northcott, 8 Mar 1697/8, who had a daughter Thomasin Northcott b. 1707.

5. Walter Mortimer II

Walter Mortimer II of North Bovey (1646-1703)

Walter was bap. 26 Aug 1646, and married Wilmot Langman, 28 Apr 1670, North Bovey, they had the following children. In the 1674 hearth tax he was taxed on two hearths in North Bovey, where he presumably lived as a yeoman farmer. He died in 1703 without leaving a will, and was bur. 7 Feb 1702/3. His widow Wilmot was bur. beside him 14 Dec 1714, North Bovey churchyard.

1. Wilmot 1671-1704, who was b. 7 Mar 1670/1, m. Andrew Harvey (1670-1732), 8 Mar 1697/8 North Bovey, she was bur. 19 Jul 1704, Manaton.

2. William Mortimer of Moretonhampstead 1673-aft.1722, b. 27 Apr 1673, was the eldest son of Walter Mortimer. He m. firstly Elizabeth Brook, 21 Apr 1702, Moretonhampstead, she died in 1703. He m. secondly Ann Bridgman, 5 Feb 1705/6 Moretonhampstead. William and Ann had the following children in Moretonhampstead. William and his family were early non-conformists and their children were baptised in the Moretonhampstead independent meeting chapel. Both William and Ann his wife died at an unknown date in Moretonhampstead, after the year 1722, they were presumably bur. in the independent chapel cemetery.

i. Walter 1707-1707, named after his grandfather, died in infancy; b. 6 Jul, bur. 8 Jul 1707 Moretonhampstead.

ii. William Mortimer II 1709-1749, b. 30 Nov 1709, m. Elizabeth Pinston (1716-1783?), 8 Jan 1739/40 Moretonhampstead. He may have died in 1749, Moretonhampstead. Elizabeth his wife may have died in 1783. They had two daughters

1. Elizabeth b. 1740, bap. 4 Jan 1740/1 Newton Abbot; Wolborough St. Independent Chapel

2. Mary b. 1743, bap. 13 Feb 1742/3 Moretonhampstead, who perhaps m. William Holman in 1768, Dunchideock.

iii. Elizabeth, b. 8 Jun 1712.

iv. Mary, b. 7 Jan 1721/2.

3. John b. 6 Dec 1675, bur. 13 Apr 1676 North Bovey.

4. Maxamillion c.1677- who was presumably a sister of William Mortimer, Walter Mortimer and George Mortimer, all of Moretonhampstead. She m. John Major 22 Jun 1701, Moretonhampstead.

5. Walter Mortimer III

6. George Mortimer II of Moretonhampstead (c.1684-1746), was presumably a son of Walter Mortimer, perhaps born in Moretonhampstead in the 1680s, at which time there was a parish register gap. His brother Walter Mortimer’s baptism record is also missing. George may instead have been born in 1673, Drewsteignton, son of George Mortimer. He m. Elizabeth, whose last name is unknown, and they had the following children in Moretonhampstead. George was bur. _ Jan 1745/6, Elizabeth his widow survived him by 12 years and was bur. _ 1758, Moretonhampstead.

i. George Mortimer II 1710-1766, bap. 18 Jun 1710 Moretonhampstead, m. Mary Perriman (1715-1791) 13 Jan 1742/3, Moretonhampstead, bur. 7 Dec 1766, Lustleigh. Mary his widow was bur. 18 Aug 1791. They had the following children in Lustleigh.

1. John Mortimer 1743, bap. Dec 1743, Moretonhampstead, perhaps died in childhood.

2. Susanna 1748-1819, bap. 14 Aug 1748 Lustleigh, bur. 7 Dec 1819, aged (72).

3. George Mortimer III 1753-1839, bap. 17 Jun 1753 Moretonhampstead, bur. 3 Mar 1839 Lustleigh, aged 85.

4. Elizabeth 1760-1841, bap. 27 Jan 1860 Lustleigh, bur. 13 Jan 1841, aged (81).

ii. Elizabeth 1712, bap. 8 Jun 1712 Moretonhampstead.

iii. Walter Mortimer of Kingsteignton 1716-c.1760, a contemporary of Walter Mortimer of Lustleigh (c.1720-1776). He m. Grace Tar (c.1724-1806) 8 Apr 1751 Teigngrace, and they had at least two children. Walter died at an unknown date after 1755. Grace his wife was bur. 1 Apr 1806 Kingsteignton, aged 82.

1. Joan 1752-1800, bap. 21 Jan 1751/2 Kingsteignton, m. Richard Knowling 21 Jul 1776 Kingsteignton.

2. Richard Mortimer b.1755, of whom nothing further is known.

iv. Mary 1718-1719

v. John Mortimer 1721, who perhaps m. Susanna Mardon 10 Oct 1742, Moretonhampstead.

vi. Mary 1723-1738, bur. 27 Apr 1738 Moretonhampstead

vii. Wilmot 1726-1752, bap. 3 Nov 1726, bur. 1752 Moretonhampstead, daughter of Elizabeth Mortimer. Elizabeth her mother presumably died in 1758.

7. Elizabeth b. 6 Mar 1686/7, presumably bur. 19 Jun 1687, North Bovey.

Walter Mortimer III of North Bovey (c.1684-1753)

Walter was presumably the son of Walter and Wilmot Mortimer of North Bovey. He was born in a gap between the baptisms of his siblings John Mortimer in 1675, and Elizabeth in 1687. The wide gap leaves open the possibility there were other unrecorded children of Walter and Wilmot Mortimer. He m. Joan Nosworthy, 18 Apr 1710, Manaton, and they had the following seven children. Walter was a yeoman in North Bovey, as stated in his will dated 1754, which mentioned his wife Joan, eldest son George, daughter Agnes wife of John Boone and her children, daughter Mary, and son in law Richard Honeywill. The residue was left to his sons Walter and Nicholas Mortimer, joint executors. The will was proved on 8 May 1754. He died and was bur. 21 Jul 1753, in his home parish. His widow Joan died in 1759.

1. Agnes 1711, b. 3 Apr 1711 North Bovey, m. John Boone, 28 May 1732, Manaton. Their children were named in the will of her father George Mortimer; Joan, Mary, Benjamin, Elizabeth and Susan Boone.

2. Joan 1714-1742, b. 2 May 1714 Manaton, m. Richard Honeywell 18 Apr 1737, Widecombe in the Moor. She was bur. 11 Apr 1742 Widecombe in the Moor. Richard Honeywill remarried the following year to Elizabeth Smerdon 12 Apr 1743, they had a son Jonas Honeywill (1749-1820), bap. 18 Oct 1749 Buckland in the Moor, who m. Margaret Nosworthy 26 Mar 1786, Manaton, their daughter was Susanna Honeywill b. 1792 Ilsington, who married William Mortimer (c.1786-1867) in 1819, Ilsington (see below).

3. George Mortimer of North Bovey (1717-1787), b. 24 Apr 1716/7 North Bovey, m. firstly Ann Leyman 10 Jun 1746, North Bovey, his first wife died in 1758, he married secondly Mary Soper, 8 Jun 1762, North Bovey. She died in 1777. He made a will dated 13 May 1786, North Bovey. The Combe estate was divided between his four daughters, in fee simple. His son in law Richard Easterbrook was a trustee. The residue went to his daughters Mary and Joan who were joint executrixes. The will was proved 1 Nov 1787. George Mortimer had issue by his first wife Ann only.

i. Ann b. 3 Nov 1747 North Bovey, m. William Smale.

ii. Mary b. 17 Oct 1749, m. Gabriel German.

iii. Joan b. 11 Jun 1753, marriage unknown.

iv. Elizabeth b. 16 Oct 1755, contemporary of Elizabeth Mortimer b. 1753 daughter of Walter (below).

4. Walter Mortimer IV, of whom next

5. Mary 1726, b. 9 May 1726 North Bovey, m. Ambrose Nosworthy (1725-1783) presumably a relative of mother Joan, 11 Apr 1748, Widecombe in the Moor. She was described as a resident of N. Bovey in the m. record. She presumably died in 1784 and was bur. 23 May 1784 Widecombe in the Moor.

6. Nicholas Mortimer, of whom second.

7. William 1733-1733, bap. 18 Sep 1733, died young, bur. 14 Dec 1733.

Walter Mortimer IV of North Bovey (1720-1776)

Walter was b. 17 Jan 1719/20. He m. Mary Hill, 9 May 1742, Lustleigh and they had the following nine children. He died in 1776, and was bur. 14 Apr 1776, Lustleigh. His two eldest grandson were both born in 1776.

1. George Mortimer of Denbury 1743-1783. George was presumably born in 1743, North Bovey. He was perhaps a yeoman farmer, and moved away from his home parish. He married Mary Rolston (1742-1824), 24 May 1769, Denbury. He died and was bur. in 1783, Denbury. They had four daughters, all of whom were baptised in Denbury; Ann 1770, Eliz 1772, Mary 1775 and Susan 1779.

2. John Mortimer of North Bovey 1745-1795, bap. 15 Apr 1745, North Bovey. John may have instead been bapt. in 1743 Lustleigh, the son of George. However his connection to N. Bovey is without a doubt. He married Mary Sims (1749-1836), 11 Aug 1774, Lustleigh, at which time he was living in North Bovey. He may have died in 1795, North Bovey. His wife was presumably bur. in 1836, North Bovey, aged 87. His occupation is unknown but judging by the occupations of his children, he was probably an ag lab. John and Mary had the following children.

i. John Mortimer II 1776-1791, bap. 2 Jun 1776 Lustleigh, bur. 3 Nov 1791 North Bovey, aged (16).

ii. Walter Mortimer of Lustleigh 1778-1846, bap. 1778, m. Mary Plumshole, 4 Apr 1805, North Bovey. In 1841 he was an ag lab in N. Bovey. He died in 1846, Lustleigh. Walter and Mary had issue:

1. Walter Mortimer 1805

2. Elizabeth 1809

iii. Mary 1779-1780, bap. 1779 Moretonhampstead, presumably d. young before the birth of her sister Mary in 1786.

iv. George Mortimer of Marldon, 1781-1860, contemporary of George Mortimer of Moretonhampstead below. He was bap. 27 May 1781 North Bovey, and m. 1. Elizabeth Tozer (1778-1814) 14 Jun 1805, Marldon, m. 2. Mary Hawkins (1787-1867) 12 Jun 1825, Marldon. In 1841 he was occupied as an ag lab in Marldon. He died in 1860, and was bur. 8 Jan 1860, Marldon. George and his first wife Elizabeth had four children, all of whom were baptised in Marldon.

1. Mary b. 20 Oct 1805, bap. 3 Nov 1805 Marldon, who d. young, bur. 10 Nov 1805.

2. George Mortimer II b. 30 Dec 1806, bap. 11 Jan 1807

3. Susanna b. 19 Aug 1809, bap. 3 Sep 1809

4. John Mortimer of Greenwich (1811- bef.1884), b. 14 Aug 1811, bap. 25 Aug 1811. John m. Marina Tribble 1 Dec 1846, St Mary Magdalene Bermondsey, who was also born in Devon. They afterwards lived in Greenwich where John Mortimer worked as a hair dresser. They lived at 5 North Terrace Trafalgar Rd., Greenwich. John died and was bur. 13 Apr 1881, Greenwich, and Marina his wife was bur. 7 Nov 1884. They had the following children.

i. Elizabeth Ellen 1848-1882, bap. 12 Mar 1848 Woolwich St Mary Magdalen, Kent, m. Robert Whetstone, 8 Jan 1870, Christchurch, Greenwich. She was bur. 27 Sep 1882, Kensington and Chelsea.

ii. Marina 1853

iii. Amelia Louise 1855-1949, bap. 10 Apr 1857 Greenwich St Alphege, m. Charles Leeds Stocks, 10 Dec 1883, St George the Martyr.

iv. George John Mortimer 1857-, b. 25 Nov 1857. He joined the Royal Navy in 1877. He m. Cassandra Stevenson (1859-1944) 19 Dec 1880, St John Deptford, and they had at least two sons.

v. James Frederick Mortimer 1861-1937, bap. 1 Dec 1861 Greenwich St Alphege. He m. Hannah Matilda Bowman (c.1855-1926), 26 Oct 1884, St Luke Deptford. They lived in Cann Hall, Essex and had children, at least two sons. He died 31 May 1937, London.

vi. Arthur Philip Mortimer 1865-1944, b. 1 May 1865, bap. 1 Feb 1871 Christchurch, Greenwich. He m. Henrietta Buss (1867-1940) 27 Jun 1886 St Philip Deptford, London. They had at least five sons.

v. William Mortimer of Staverton, 1783-1841, bap. 16 Feb 1783, Moretonhampstead. He was apprenticed to John Atwill of Broadhempston, mason 21 Apr 1807. He m. Margaret Dodd (1785-aft.1841), 13 Oct 1808, Buckfastleigh. Between 1821/25 he was occupied as a husbandman in Staverton. By 1841, he was working as an ag lab in Broadhempston. He died sometime after, presumably before 1851. William and Margaret had the following ten children.

1. John Mortimer of Totnes 1809- , bap. 13 Aug 1809 Buckfastleigh, he m. Jane before 1881. He was occupied as a quarryman, and fl. 1851 Buckfastleigh, 1871/81/91 Totnes. By 1881 he had evidently retired from work when he was described as lately a labourer.

2. Mary bap. 12 Apr 1812 Buckfastleigh.

3. William Mortimer II bap. 9 Oct 1814 Staverton

4. James Mortimer bap. 20 Oct 1816, m. Mary Ann French (1821-1906), Jan 1841 Broadhempston. Their children were:

i. Harriet c.1842

ii. William Mortimer 1844-1921

iii. Elizabeth c.1846-1880, m. 1864 to Arthur Bradley Bowden (1843-1881).

iv. Ann French M. c.1849-1925, m. Henry Binmore (1846-1921), in 1866, Newton Abbot reg. district.

5. Susanna 1819-c.1824, bap. 31 Jan 1819, d. young before birth of younger sister Susanna.

6. Elizabeth bap. 15 Apr 1821

7. George 1823-c.1825, bap. 1823 Staverton, date unrecorded. He d. young before birth of younger brother George.

8. Ann bap. 1 May 1825

9. George 1827-1827, bap. 13 May 1827

10. Susanna 1828-1832

vi. Susanna 1785, bap. 20 Feb 1785 North Bovey, presumably so named after her aunt Susanna Mortimer, who was sadly convicted in 1787 at the age of 27 and transported to Australia for the rest of her life (see below). Susanna perhaps married George Baker in 1810, Exeter St Thomas the Apostle.

vii. Mary 1786-1857, bap. Christmas Day 1786, m. Thomas Stillman, 21 Mar 1809, Moretonhampstead. They lived in Exeter St David parish, 1851. She died in 1857 and was bur. 8 Apr 1857, Exeter St David, aged (73).

3. Walter Mortimer V 1748-1813, bap. 2 Feb 1747/8, North Bovey. He m. Susanna Dodd, 1775, North Bovey. He was bur. 9 Jul 1813, North Bovey, aged (66). Susanna his wife died in 1823. They had the following children.

i. William Mortimer of Manaton 1776-1828, bap. 21 Jul 1776 North Bovey, m. Joan Leyman (1772-1839) in 1802, Manaton. He lived in Higher Langdon, Manaton in 1814 and worked as a labourer, according to his daughter Mary’s baptism record. William was bur. 10 Feb 1828, North Bovey, aged 51, of Rendon. William and Joan had the following four children.

1. Elizabeth bap. 26 Dec 1805 Manaton.

2. John Mortimer of Ilsington 1808- , bap. 22 May 1808. He m. Elizabeth in c. 1831, and they had the following nine children. They lived in Ilsington 1841, Bickington 1851, and Ilsington again in 1861, where he worked as an ag lab.

i. Maria Ann 1833, Ilsington

ii. John Mortimer II 1840

iii. Thomas Mortimer 1841-1913

iv. Emma 1844

v. Ann 1845

vi. Elizabeth 1847

vii. Alice c. 1849 Ilsington

viii. Henry 1853 Bickington

ix. Alice 1858, Bickington.

3. Ann, bap. 16 Jun 1811

4. Mary, bap. 13 Nov 1814.

ii. Elizabeth 1778- , bap. 21 Apr 1778 North Bovey, m. Thomas Lee 24 Jul 1806 Stoke Damerel. She lived in Stoke Damerel in 1851.

iii. Wilmot 1780, b. 5 Mar 1780, m. William Holloway 20 Nov 1803 North Bovey.

iv. Susanna 1781, b. 18 Nov 1781, m. Richard Westington 14 Oct 1804 North Bovey.

v. George Mortimer of Moretonhampstead, 1786-, contemporary of George Mortimer of Manaton (1781-1860) above. He was bap. 29 Jan 1786 North Bovey. He m. Margaret Osbourne 6 Nov 1813, Stoke Damerel. They lived in Bere Ferrers where he was occupied as a husbandman, followed by Moretonhampstead, where he worked as an ag lab. They had the following children.

1. George Mortimer 1814- c.1818, bap. 3 Apr 1814 Bere Ferrers, who d. young, before the birth of younger brother George in 1820.

2. Henry Mortimer bap. 18 Aug 1816 Bere Ferrers

3. George Mortimer II b. 1820 Moretonhampstead

4. Grace Osbourne b. 1821 Beer Alston, bap. 4 Feb 1821 Bere Ferrers, who had a son George Mortimer b. 1849

5. Emma bap. 21 Jan 1827 North Bovey

6. William Mortimer bap. 8 Feb 1829

7. Margaret Louisa bap. 18 May 1834

vi. John Mortimer of Sampford Spiney 1787-1855, bap. 23 Dec 1787 North Bovey. He served in the First Regiment of Foot (Grenadier Guards from 1814, and fought in the Napoleonic Wars in both Canada and Europe. He was released from service before 1826, at which point he was a Chelsea Pensioner. He m. Elizabeth Sherrell 7 Dec 1825, Newton Ferrers, they had no issue. They lived in Sampford Spiney, in 1841, when he was an ag lab, and 1851, at which point he was reliant on his Chelsea Pension. He died before 1861.

vii. Walter Mortimer VI 1790-1853, bap. 4 Jul 1790, North Bovey. He m. Sarah Shears 15 Mar 1812 North Bovey, and they had the following children in North Bovey where he worked as an ag lab.

1. Mary 1815, bap. 20 Aug 1815 North Bovey, m. John Bond, and they lived in Torquay.

2. Susanna 1818-1870, bap. 5 Jul 1818, m. Henry Zaple in 1841, Newton Abbot reg.

3. Phoebe 1821-1872, bap. 11 Feb 1821, lived in Chagford as a servant in 1841, m. John Pethybridge (1820-1882) in 1844, Newton Abbot reg., they lived in Tormoham, where she died in 1872.

4. Ann 1824, bap. 15 Feb 1824, m. James Dolbear in 1841, North Bovey. This may have instead been Ann b. 1823 N. Bovey daughter of Edward Mortimer.

5. Walter Mortimer VII 1826, bap. 13 Aug 1826, who joined the Royal Navy and became a seaman. He m. Mary Popham (c.1835-1869) in 1853, Plymouth. They had three daughters, Elizabeth c.1859, Esther c.1864 and Belinda c.1867.

6. Eliza 1830, bap. 3 Jan 1830

7. William Mortimer 1831, bap. 1 May 1831

8. Maria 1835, bap. 28 Jun 1835, who lived with her sister Susanna and family in 1851.

viii. Nicholas Mortimer of North Bovey 1792-1866, who was bap. 2 Dec 1792. He m. Mary Elliot, which marriage was witnessed by Thomas Elliot. They lived in North Bovey, where he worked as an ag lab, as detailed in the baptism records of his children and the 1841-61 census returns. Nicholas and Mary Mortimer had the following children in North Bovey, where the lived next to his brother Walter Mortimer.

1. John Mortimer 1815, bap. 12 Mar 1815 North Bovey, m. Sarah (c.1821- ). They lived in North Bovey in 1841/51/61.

i. Mary Ann c.1847-1918

ii. Sarah c.1850

iii. Deborah c.1852

iv. William Mortimer c.1855

v. Nicholas Mortimer c.1858

vi. Elizabeth c.1860

2. Deborah 1817-1904, bap. 28 Sep 1817, m. William Routerby 1840

3. William Mortimer 1820-1900, bap. 26 Mar 1820, m. Susan Parker. He enlisted in the army and served as a private in the 90th Regiment of Foot. He was discharged before 1849 after which point he was a Chelsea Pensioner. William and Susan lived in North Bovey and had three children.

i. Leah 1861-1885, who m. Ananias Frost (1855-1924) in 1880, Newton Abbot reg.

ii. Edward Thomas Elliott (Tom) Mortimer 1864-1899, a servant in 1881, North Bovey, who became a Royal Navy merchant seaman, and emigrated to Australia where he died in 1899.

ii. Mary Kate 1868-1943, b. 2 Jan 1868, who m. John Garrish (1868-1949), 14 Apr 1894 North Bovey.

4. Thomas Mortimer 1822, bap. 8 Sep 1822, joined the Royal Navy and gained rank of Colour Sergeant. He m. Julia Newman in 1848, East Stonehouse. They had no issue.

5. Walter Mortimer 1825, bap. 6 Mar 1825

6. George Henry Mortimer 1828, bap. 16 Mar 1828

7. Mary Ann 1831, bap. 10 Jul 1831

8. Susan 1834-1910, bap. 26 Jan 1834, m. Henry Bishop (1828-1894) in 1856, Newton Abbot reg. Henry Bishop was born in Crediton, where by coincidence another Mortimer family lived)

9. Nicholas Mortimer II 1838, bap. 18 Feb 1838, m. 1860 Newton Abbot reg., who perhaps died in 1873, Portsea.

4. Mary 1750, bap 27 Feb 1749/50, Lustleigh. She may have married John Ash, 15 Jul 1771, Moretonhampstead.

5. Elizabeth 1753, bap. 8 Jul 1753, contemporary of Elizabeth Mortimer b.1755 daughter of George (above). She possibly m. James Richards, 12 Jan 1775 North Bovey. Otherwise this was Elizabeth b. 1755.

6. Wilmot 1756-1767, bap. 15 Aug 1756, bur. 22 Mar 1767 Lustleigh.

7. Richard 1759-1759, bap. 1 Apr 1759, died young, bur. 1 May 1759 Lustleigh.

8. Susanna Mortimer (1761-1846)*. Susanna was bap. 14 Jun 1761 in North Bovey. In Aug 1787, Susanna Mortimer aged 26 of Lustleigh, was accused of sheep stealing at Moretonhampstead. She absconded but was arrested in Southampton. She was convicted and sentenced to transportation for seven years. She was transported to Australia aboard the all female convict sheep Lady Juliana in 1788. After arrival in the colony, she was sent to Norfolk Island, Tasmania, with 194 other convicts, aboard the Surprize. In 1791 she married Thomas O’Brien, an Irish First Fleet marine officer, who had retired to take up a land grant on Norfolk Island. They lived in Glenorchy, and had children together, with many descendants in Australia. She died 31 Dec 1846 in Glenorchy, Tasmania.

9. William Mortimer 1764, bap. 3 Jun 1764, whose date of death is unknown, but who may have died young.

 

Returning to the family of Nicholas Mortimer, younger brother of Walter Mortimer IV:

Nicholas Mortimer of Bovey Tracey 1729-1795

Nicholas was bap. 8 Apr 1729, youngest surviving son of Walter and Joan Mortimer, and the younger brother of Walter Mortimer above. He m. Grace French (1729-1796), 15 Jan 1754, Manaton. The family evidently lived in Bovey Tracey; when his son George married in 1783 he was residing at Bovey Tracey. Nicholas was bur. 18 May 1795, Bovey Tracey. His widow Grace was bur. beside him 31 Oct 1796. They had the following children.

1. George Mortimer of Ilsington 1754-1827, contemporary of George Mortimer 1753-1839, (see above). George was bap. 28 Oct 1754 North Bovey, and m. Joan Shilston (c.1762- ) 5 Sep 1783, Lustleigh. At the time of their marriage, George Mortimer lived in Bovey Tracey, which was obviously his home parish, and where both his parents were buried. The marriage was witnessed by George Mortimer and John Arscott. The witness George Mortimer was possibly his uncle, George Mortimer of North Bovey, yeoman, d. 1787, or his relative George Mortimer of Lustleigh (both mentioned above). George and Joan lived in Ilsington and had nine children. George was bur. 16 Mar 1827, Ilsington, aged (67). His age at death given in the burial record is probably inaccurate, as no other George Mortimer born c.1759 is known from contemporary sources (George Mortimer b.1761 Ideford belongs to a different family unconnected to Bovey Tracey). Their children were all baptised in Ilsington. George’s wife Joan’s date of death is unknown, and it appears she was not buried in Ilsington.

i. John Mortimer 1784, bap. 4 Jul 1784 Ilsington, of whom nothing further is known.

ii. William Mortimer of Ilsington c.1786-1867, was born around the year 1786 in Ilsington, presumably the son of George and Joan Mortimer. His baptism is probably unrecorded, though he may have been bap. in 1787 Morchard Bishop. He m. Susanna Honeywill, 12 Aug 1819, Ilsington, who was a distant relative and a granddaughter of Richard Honeywill (above). and they had the following children. George was a small farmer, in 1841 he was a farmer of 74 acres, employing 1 labourer. He died in 1867, Ilsington.

1. Mary Honeywill, b. 15 Dec 1819, bap. 31 Jan 1820, Ashburton Independent Meeting House.

2. William Mortimer II 1823-1901, bap. 1 Jan 1824, Ilsington.

3. Elizabeth 1825, bap. 22 Sep 1825 Ilsington.

4. John Mortimer 1831, bap. 1831 Ilsington

5. Susan 1838, bap. 19 Sep 1838.

iii. Jane 1786-1860, bap. 10 Apr 1786 Ilsington, possibly m. Edward Wyatt 1809 Gidleigh, and bur. 21 Jun 1860 Trusham aged (70).

iv. George Mortimer II 1788-1871, bap. 14 Oct 1788, Ilsington, married his cousin Elizabeth Mortimer b. 1793 (see below), 27 May 1819 Ilsington. They had the following daughters, all of whom were baptised in the Ashburton Wesleyan Methodist Chapel. In 1851 he was living in Ilsington, as a farmer of 90 acres employing 2 labourers. He died in 1871, Ilsington. Two of his daughters married Kingwell family members. His contemporary was George Mortimer of Walkhampton who also m. an Elizabeth and had children baptised in the Ashburton Wesleyan Circuit in the same time period.

1. Eliza b. 1820

2. Mary 1822, b. 12 Jan 1822, bap. 12 Feb 1822, who m. Joshua Berry.

3. Susan 1827, b. 4 Jun 1827, bap. 1 Jul 1827, who m. William Abbott (1828-1908) in 1854, Newton Abbot reg.

4. Elizabeth b. 1830, visiting her sister Mary Berry in 1851. She m. _ Barter and emigrated to the US.

5. Harriet 1831, b. 10 Nov 1831, bap. 5 Jan 1832

6. Anna 1833, b. 27 Sep 1833, bap. 20 Jan 1834

v. Mary Ann 1791, bap. 17 May 1791, m. John Kingwell 10 Nov 1814 Ilsington.

vi. Thomas 1794, bap. 16 Jan 1794 Ilsington. Of him nothing further known.

vii. Susan 1795, bap. 17 Dec 1795 Ilsington, m. Thomas Kingwell, Christmas Day 1816 Ilsington.

viii. Nicholas Mortimer 1798-1883, bap. 14 Jun 1798, m. Judith Ash 2 Dec 1824 Ilsington, they lived in Ilsington 1851, Hennock 1861, Chudleigh Knighton 1871, and Hennock 1881. He died in 1883.

ix. Josiah Mortimer 1804-1876, who never married. Josiah lived with his brother Nicholas in 1851. He d. 16 Dec 1876.

2. John Mortimer of Ilsington 1757-1830, who was bap. 10 Aug 1757 North Bovey, second son of Nicholas and Grace Mortimer of Bovey Tracey. In 1780, he may have fathered an illegitimate child with Elizabeth Rich; James Mortimer, b. 1780 Hennock. He m. Elizabeth Hill (1766-1806), 26 Apr 1791 in Teigngrace, at which point he lived in Bovey Tracey. After their marriage, John and Elizabeth lived in Ilsington and Hennock, where John was occupied as a farmer (as stated in the m. record of his son George in 1839). They had the following children, all baptised in neighbouring Hennock. He died in 1830, Ilsington at the age of 72, and was bur. 1 Jun 1830, Asburton.

i. John Mortimer II 1792, bap. 2 Aug 1792 Hennock, who m. Elizabeth Taylor, 17 May 1823 Teigngrace. John was a farmer of Narrowcombe Farm, Ilsington, as stated in the baptism records of his children in Bovey Tracey baptist chapel. John and his family emigrated to America in 1846, sailing from London to New York aboard the ship Prince Albert on 25 Jun 1846. The family then lived in Lawrence, Mercer, New Jersey as shown in the 1850 US Census.

1. John Mortimer III 1823 Ilsington, bap. 4 Oct 1823 Bovey Tracey baptist chapel, sailed to New York in 1846

2. George Mortimer 1825, bap. 21 Mar 1825

3. Elizabeth 1827, bap. 21 Feb 1827

4. William Mortimer 1829, bap. 18 Dec 1829

5. Henry Mortimer 1832, bap. 20 Nov 1832

ii. Elizabeth b. 1793, Ilsington, bap. 3 Sep 1793, Hennock, m. her cousin George Mortimer (above), 27 May 1819, Ilsington. The census records confirm her birthplace as Ilsington.

iii. Mary 1795, bap. 11 Jun 1795, Hennock, m. William Staddon, 6 Dec 1821, Ilsington.

iv. William Mortimer of Tormoham 1797-1861, saddler, bap. 29 Jun 1797 Hennock, who was apparently born in Hennock according to the 1851 census. He m. Ann Cleave, 2 Apr 1839, Kenn, and they had the following two children. They afterwards lived in Tormoham, Torquay, where he died 8 Mar 1861.

1. William 1841-1855

2. Anna Maria c.1844

v. George Mortimer of Ilsington 1799-c.1876, miller, bap. 16 May 1799 Hennock, m. Mary Ann Knowling, 26 Sep 1833, Ilsington. They lived in Ilsington throughout 1851/61/71. He died before 1881.

  • James Mortimer of Plymouth (1780-1856) was an illegitimate son of John Mortimer and Elizabeth Rich. He was bap. 9 Apr 1780, Hennock. He m. Ann and was a porter in Plymouth, living on Westwell St. He died in 1856 aged (80), and was bur. 10 Jul 1856 Ford Park Cemetery, Plymouth. James and his wife Ann had one daughter, Eliza.

3. Mary 1760, bap. 3 Oct 1760, North Bovey, m. William Barber, 28 Mar 1788, Bovey Tracey. Her date of death is unknown.

4. Joan 1763-1840, bap. 22 May 1763 Lustleigh, m. William Dymont (1763-1832), 15 Feb 1785, Bovey Tracey, bur. 28 Dec 1840, Bovey Tracey, aged (80). Her age at death given in the burial record appears to be inaccurate by a few years.

5. William Mortimer of Bovey Tracey 1765-aft.1841, bap. 21 Nov 1765 Bovey Tracey, m. Catherine Lethbridge (1776-1865), 14 Feb 1802, Bridford. Catherine his wife was born in 1776, Tedburn St Mary. They lived in West Teignmouth in 1813, at which point William was a husbandman. They both lived in Alphington in 1841, and William died sometime after that year. They had the following children.

i. Mary Ann 1803, bap. 17 Feb 1803 Bovey Tracey.

ii. William Mortimer II 1805- , bap. 1 Oct 1805 Tedburn St Mary

iii. Harriet 1808-1822, bap. 16 Jun 1808 and bur. 12 Oct 1822, Tedburn St Mary

iv. Catherine 1813-1888, bap. 6 Jul 1813 West Teignmouth, who m. John Rice before 1841.

v. George Mortimer 1813, bap. 6 Jul 1813 West Teignmouth, who possibly m. 1838 Newton Abbot reg. district.

6. Susanna 1768-1805, bap. 25 Feb 1768 Bovey Tracey, m. Nicholas Lamacraft of Bridford, 28 Mar 1798, Bovey Tracey. Susanna was bur. in 1805, Manaton.

7. Grace 1774-1851, bap. 17 Nov 1774 Hennock, m. Nicholas Lamacraft 6 May 1800, Moretonhampstead, bur. 1 Jan 1852 Exeter St Thomas, aged (77).

 

 

28
Sep
2020
The Mortimers of Down St Mary

The Mortimers of Down St Mary

Origins

The Mortimers of Down St Mary descend from Francis Mortimer, born c. 1655, and were presumably connected to the Mortimers at Morchard Bishop, where later family members lived as tenant farmers. Francis Mortimer was presumably born in the neighbouring parishes of  either Morchard Bishop or Sandford. He was occupied as a husbandman, and married Elizabeth Datheridge otherwise called Doddridge in 1682. The exact nature of his connection to other Mortimers in the area remains uncertain. He may have been a brother of Roger Mortimer who married Mary Comyns in 1673, Morchard Bishop, though this Roger might have been the same as Roger b.1653 Sandford, son of John Mortimer.

Francis Mortimer (c.1655-1706) of Down St Mary

Francis date of birth is estimated from the date of his marriage, which marks the first known record about him. He m. Elizabeth Datheridge 22 Nov 1682 in Zeal Monachorum, Devon. He made a will dated 21 Jul 1705, which extract follows:

Francis Mortimer of Down St Mary, husbandman, leaves eastern house to son John, and western house to children Roger, Francis, Elizabeth, after wife’s death, on condition that wife Elizabeth remains a widow. To children Simon and Hannah, 20s. Residue to wife Elizabeth, sole executrix. Proved 16 Oct 1706. 

Francis and Elizabeth Mortimer had the following children, the first four being born before the start of the extant parish register:

1. John Mortimer

2. Roger Mortimer c.1687-, who m. Elizabeth Howard, 21 Jul 1722, Down St Mary. They had the following children:

i. Mary 1724, b. 26 Sep 1724, m. William Howard (presumably a relative of mother Elizabeth Howard) 31 Mar 1746, Morchard Bishop. They had six children in Morchard Bishop; Eliz 1746, Eliz 1749, Mary 1751, Gra 1756, Wm 1759-1761, & Wm 1763.

ii. Roger Mortimer II 1728, b. 19 Mar 1727/8, who m. firstly Mary Kingwell 30 Jan 1753, Morchard Bishop, they had the following children:

1. John 1753-

2. Patience 1756-1813, b. 1 Feb 1756, m. Roger Bibbins, 12 Jun 1780, Zeal Monachorum. They had seven children in Zeal Monachorum; Mary 1781-1781, John 1782, Roger 1785, Mary 1788, Ann 1791, Patience 1794, Jane 1798. Patience was bur. in 1813, Zeal Monachorum.

3. Elizabeth 1760-?, b. 24 Fe 1760, who presumably d. young, before 1776.

4. Mary 1763, b. 29 May 1763.

5. Roger b. 1 Jan 1766, d. before 1841.

Roger Mortimer m. secondly, Ann Bond, in 1770, Down St Mary. They had three children:

6. Ann b. 22 May 1773, bap. 23 Jun 1773 Chudleigh, Devon.

7. Elizabeth 1776-c.1777, b. 16 Sep 1776, d. young, before 1778

8. Elizabeth b. 11 Oct 1778

iii. John Mortimer 1730-1773? Ideford, b. 1 Dec 1730 Down St Mary. He m. Mary Towill, 8 May 1757, Bishopsteignton. He was possibly bur. 1773, Ashcombe near Chudleigh, Devon, the same parish where his brother Francis Mortimer lived. He died after 1771, and may have been bur. in 1773 Ashcombe, although alternatively this may have been John Pudner Mortimer b.1770 Ashcombe, whose life details are unknown. John and Mary had the following children in Ideford:

1. George 1761-c.1763, b. 17 Jul 1761, who presumably d. young.

2. Elizabeth 1764, b. 2 Dec 1764.

3. John Mortimer II 1767-1840, b. 21 May 1767. In 1794, he witnessed the m. of William Mortimer d.1815. He m. Elizabeth Gale (1763-1843), 1 Nov 1794, Ideford, signing his name. His occupation at the time was a labourer. The marriage was witnessed by William Smallridge and Thomas Wilking. He died and was bur. 11 Aug 1840, Ideford, aged (74), at the time of his death he lived at Ugbrook, Chudleigh. John and Elizabeth had the following children baptised in Ideford:

i. John 1795-1795, b. 30 Aug 1795, bur. 4 Oct 1795.

ii. John 1796-1797, b. 17 Nov 1796, bur. 26 Mar 1797.

iii. William Mortimer of Wolborough 1798-c.1867, who was b. 26 Aug 1798, and m. Sarah Hole, 25 Mar 1827, Chudleigh. He worked as an ag lab. in Kingsteignton, then Wolborough, and died between 1861/71. William and Sarah his wife had the following children.

1. John Mortimer 1829

2. Elizabeth 1830

3. William Mortimer 1833

4. Charles Mortimer 1835

iv. John Mortimer III 1801-c.1886, b. 18 Oct 1801, Ideford. He m. Sarah, and lived in Chudleigh and Kingsteignton. He died between 1881/91. John and Sarah had the following children.

1. William Mortimer c.1827-1918, who m. Ellen. They had one son.

i. John Mortimore c.1893-1914, born in Ugbrooke, near Chudleigh, Devon, the only son of William and Ellen Mortimer. He served in the First World War in the Coldstream Guards. He fell 22 Dec 1914 and was bur. at Le Touret Cemetery, Richebourg-l’Avoué, Pas-de-Calais, France.

2. Mary c.1829

3. Elizabeth c.1831

4. John Mortimer IV c.1833-1904

5. James Mortimer c.1835-1916

6. Stephen Mortimer c.1838-1911

7. Sarah Ann c.1840

8. Lucy c.1842-1898

9. Alban Mortimer c.1845

10. Henry Mortimer c.1848-1938

v. Mary Ann 1804, b. 5 Aug 1804, m. Stephen White, 8 Feb 1831, Chudleigh. At the time of her marriage she was living in Totnes. They had a daughter, Matilda b. 1832.

4. Ann 1769

5. William Mortimer of Chudleigh c.1771-1815, whose baptism record is missing. He m. Ann Cornish (b.1772), 5 Oct 1794, Bishopsteignton. The m. was witnessed by John Mortimer, whose signature matches that of John Mortimer m. 1 Nov 1794 to Elizabeth Gale (see above). William was bur. 24 Mar 1815, Bishopsteignton, aged (43), of Chudleigh. William and Ann Mortimer had the following children. He may have been occupied as a stonemason, as two of his sons followed this profession.

i. William Mortimer II of West Teignmouth 1796-1867, b. 15 May 1796 Ideford, who m. Ann Cole 26 Dec 1815, East Teignmouth. He worked as a stonemason in West Teignmouth. He died in 1867. William and Ann had a son:

1. Charles Mortimer c.1831, who married and had at least two sons, and four daughters.

ii. John Mortimer 1799-1879, b. 13 Jan 1799, who m. Keziah Lee (c.1791-1874), 29 Sep 1819, East Teignmouth. He worked as a stonemason in West Teignmouth. John and his wife had a daughter:

1. Mary Ann Mortimer, b. 1825 West Teignmouth.

iii. Mary 1801

iv. Ann 1803

v. Elizabeth 1805

vi. Thomas Mortimer 1807

vii. Charles Mortimer 1809, who m. Jane, and they had the following children in Tormoham, Torquay.

1. Louisa c.1841

2. Noah Mortimer 1843-1923, who emigrated to the USA.

3. Elizabeth c.1848

iv. Francis Mortimer 1733-1770, b. 16 Jan 1732/3 Down St Mary. He m. Ann Pudner, 29 Aug 1759, Ashcombe. He was bur. 8 Apr 1770, Ashcombe. His wife’s son John was born 8 months afterwards. They had two older children:

1. Roger Mortimer, b. 3 May 1761, Aschcombe, possibly bur. 1785, Down St Mary.

2. Francis Mortimer II 1763-1847, b. 27 Feb 1763, m. Mary Ridaway, 31 May 1798, Highweek. Both bride and groom were described as sojourners in the parish, and Francis Mortimer lived in Down St Mary at the time. He was an ag lab., and died in 1847, Newton Abbott Workhouse. He was bur. 15 Oct 1847, Highweek parish churchyard, near Chudleigh. His wife Mary d. in 1843 and was bur. in the same location. They had the following children baptised in Combeinteignhead.

i. Elizabeth 1798, b. 21 Oct 1798 Highweek.

ii. John Mortimer, b. 25 Dec 1801.

iii. William Mortimer, b. 9 Apr 1805.

iv. Mary Ann, b. 29 May 1808.

v. James Mortimer, b. 30 Aug 1812.

Ann widow of Francis Mortimer had sons

3. John Pudner Mortimer, who may have been illegitimate. He was bap. 9 Dec 1770 Ashcombe. He was a near contemporary of John Mortimer of Sandford (1768-1809), who m. Betty Evans.

4. Thomas Mortimer 1773-1849, b. 4 Jul 1773 Ashcombe, who moved to Plymouth as a mariner. He m. Elizabeth Vivan, 30 Jul 1801, Plymouth.

5. William Mortimer 1776-1824, b. 29 Oct 1776 Ashcombe, who like his brother probably also moved to Plymouth. He was bur. 15 Jul 1824 Stoke Damerel, aged (45).

v. Elizabeth 1736, b. 18 Jan 1735/6, who m. John Kensbeer in 1761 Down St Mary. They had three children; John 1764-c.1766, Elizabeth 1767, & John 1773.

3. Simon Mortimer of Sandford (c.1690-1763), detailed in Mortimers of Sandford, Part 2.

4. Hannah (c.1693- ), who m. Peter Easterbrook, 31 Mar 1719 Sandford. Either Hannah died in Feb 1730/1 Sandford, or she died in 1754 (Hannah Easterbrook Mortimer was bur. in 1754, Sandford). Her husband died in 1778.

5. Elizabeth 1697-c.1702, who died young, b. 25 May 1697, d. before 1704.

6. Francis 1700-aft.1723, b. 29 Apr 1700, perhaps the same Francis Mortimer who lived in Cadbury at the time of the 1723 Oath Roll.

7. Mary 1701-1703, who died young, b. 17 Jun 1701, bur. 17 Oct 1703.

8. Elizabeth 1704, who m. Francis Cove, 25 May 1724, Down St Mary.

John Mortimer of Down St Mary (1685-1730)

John was presumably the eldest son of Francis Mortimer, husbandman. He was left the “eastern house” in the will of Francis Mortimer, and stayed in Down St Mary his whole life. He was presumably also a husbandman like his father. He married Ann Dain, 2 May 1715 Down St Mary, and they had four children; two daughters and two sons, both of whom lived in Morchard Bishop. He made a will proved by his wife in 1730.

1. Ann b. 13 Feb 1715/6 Down St Mary, who m. Robert Steer, 7 Feb 1743/4 Down St Mary. They had one son, Nathaniel b. 1744. An Ann Steer later m. John Mortimer in 1757, though this Ann was more likely related to Faith Steer b. 1733, as the name Faith is used for the first time in the following generation.

2. John Mortimer, was bap. 17 Jan 1718/9, the eldest son of John and Ann Mortimer of Down St Mary. He m. Ann Heywood, 26 Oct 1742 in Morchard Bishop, and they had at least seven children. Both John Mortimer and George his brother married into the Heywood family.

i. Ann b. 2 May 1743 Morchard Bishop

ii. George Mortimer, the eldest son, was b. 6 Feb 1744/5. He m. Elizabeth Pope, 30 Dec 1768 in Morchard Bishop. They had eight children, half of whom survived to adulthood.

1. William Mortimer 1769-1841, who was b. 18 Jun 1769 Morchard Bishop. He lived all his life in his home parish, where he worked as a shoemaker. Neither William or any of his sisters ever married, and they all lived together in the same house in 1841.

2. Betty 1771-c.1777, b. 15 Apr 1771, d. young before 1777.

3. Ann 1776-1854, b. 16 Jun 1776, d. 1853/1854 or 1859. She never married and lived with her brother and sisters in Morchard Bishop all her life.

4. Elizabeth 1770-c.1780, b. 30 Sep 1777, d. young before 1784.

5. Mary 1781-c.1784, b. 28 Jan 1781, d. young before 1791

6. Betty 1784-1868, who was b. 18 Jul 1784. She never married and lived with her brother and sisters in Morchard Bishop all her life.

7. John Mortimer 1787-c.1790, b. 9 Apr 1787, presumably died young, there being no further record of him.

8. Mary 1791-1874, the youngest and last surviving child. She was b. 7 Aug 1791 and bap. 7 Oct 1791. She never married and lived with her brother and sisters in Morchard Bishop all her life. Mary died in 1874 at the age of 83.

iii. Mary b. 27 Jul 1747, who m. Samuel Tozer, 24 Jul 1768 Zeal Monachorum. They had eight children; Eliz 1769, Mary 1771, Giles 1773, Giles 1778, Nancy 1780, Mary 1783, Ann 1785, & Joan 1789.

iv. Susanna b. 5 Mar 1749/50, bur. 4 Dec 1752

v. Betty b. 17 Oct 1752, m. John Pike 8 Apr 1776 Morchard Bishop

vi. Susanna b. 7 Oct 1755, m. Edward Conybeer 8 Feb 1784 Morchard Bishop.

vii. John Mortimer 1758 / or Thomasin Mortimer 1758, b. in different months of the same year. One was presumably the child of John and Ann m. 1741/2, the other the child of John Mortimer and Ann Steer m. 1757.

3. George Mortimer 1721-1799, was the second son of John and Ann Mortimer. Unusually, even though he was the second son, it seems to be his branch of the family who managed a farm in Morchard Bishop, while the heir of his brother John Mortimer was a shoemaker. He m. Elizabeth Heywood, 2 Feb 1751/2, and they had seven children. George was a yeoman, as stated in his will dated 1799, in Morchard Bishop.

i. Mary b. 23 Oct 1752

ii. John Mortimer 1756-1814, b. 20 Apr 1756, eldest son of George and Elizabeth Mortimer. He m. Mary Philpe in Morchard Bishop, and was bur. 9 Sep 1814, aged 58. They had the following children.

1. Frances b. 2 Oct 1778, who m. Robert Sage 25 Jul 1809 Morchard Bishop.

2. Betty 1780, who m. Richard Southcott, 15 Jan 1810, Morchard Bishop.

3. Thomasin b. 9 Mar 1783

4. William Mortimer 1786-1858, b. 27 Aug 1786, m. Mary Sage 27 May 1817. They had the following children. He lived in Birchinbeer, Morchard Bishop between 1817-1819. By 1820 he had moved to Lower Town, in the same parish. He was occupied as a broadweaver in Morchard Bishop. William and Mary had two daughters.

i. Frances 1817-1819

ii. Elizabeth 1825

5. George Mortimer 1788-1856, b. 7 Sep 1788, who m. Elizabeth Scott c.1820. In 1841 he lived in Higher Knightstone, Morchard Bishop where he was a hand loom weaver and pauper. George and Elizabeth his wife had two children in Morchard Bishop.

i. John Mortimer 1821-1869, b. 10 Jun 1821 Morchard Bishop, m. Grace Mitchell, 1851, Crediton. He was bur. 7 Jun 1869, Cruwys Morchard, aged 48. They had two children.

1. John Mortimer II 1854

2. George 1857-1861

ii. Grace 1825, bap. Christmas Day 1825, Morchard Bishop.

iii. George Mortimer 1758-1818, b. 24 May 1758, m. Elizabeth Gibbins (1765- ) 26 Dec 1792 Morchard Bishop. He was a yeoman farmer in Morchard Bishop, as stated on the marriage record of his son, Thomas. George was bur. 15 Dec 1818, aged 61. George and Elizabeth had the following seven children.

1. Thomas Mortimer 1793-1858, b. 16 Jul 1793 Morchard Bishop, m. Elizabeth Gibbins, 27 Feb 1845 Morchard Bishop. Thomas was a yeoman and resided at Wigham Farm, Morchard Bishop. In 1851 he farmed 71 acres and employed 5 labourers. He died and was bur. in 1858. Thomas and his wife Elizabeth had the following children.

i. Thomas Mortimer II 1846-1916

ii. Ann 1848

iii. Elizabeth 1850

2. Mary 1795-1871, b. 24 Feb 1795, m. John Pope of Knathorne, Morchard Bishop, 24 Mar 1817. They had ten children; Simon Mortimer Pope 1819, John 1820, William Wreford P. 1822, George 1824-c.1830, Philip Henry P. 1826-c.1830, Eliz 1826, Charlotte 1828, Mary 1831, George 1833-1900, Philip Henry P. 1838.

3. William Mortimer of Morchard Bishop 1797-1831, whose contemporary William Mortimer was also b. 1795, son of John and Ann Mortimer. He was bap. 2 Apr 1797, and bur. 1831, Morchard Bishop, aged 34.

4. George Mortimer of Bristol 1799-1867, b. 20 Aug 1799, Morchard Bishop. He m. Elizabeth McGregor, 8 Mar 1838 Bristol Temple parish. He was occupied in Bristol as a licensed victualler and publican, and lived at Quay St., Bristol. He died and was bur. 19 Apr 1867, Totterdown, Somerset, aged (69). George and Elizabeth had two children.

i. Isabella 1839-1916

ii. William Mortimer 1840

5. Elizabeth 1801, was b. 30 Dec 1801. She m. John Somerwill, 2 Jun 1827, Morchard Bishop. They had the following children; Mary Ann 1829, Prudence 1831, John 1835, Emma 1837, George 1838, Ellen 1842, and Thomas 1844.

6. John Mortimer of Bristol 1804-1877, b. 3 Apr 1804, m. Emma Dorchester (1823-1895), 3 Apr 1849, Bedminster, Somerset. They had one son, John Mortimer II b. Oct 1849. The elder John Mortimer died in 1877, Hallen, Gloucestershire.

7. Ann 1806, b. 29 Oct 1806, who m. John Ford of Exeter (1805-1884) 21 Jan 1828, Morchard Bishop. They had the following children; George Mortimer Ford 1829, William Henry F. 1831, Thomas Mortimer F. 1833, Ann 1836, Charles 1839, Frederick 1840.

iv. William 1761-1762, b. 21 Jul 1761, bur. 8 Jan 1762.

v. Elizabeth b. 31 May 1763

vi. Nathaniel Mortimer 1766-, b. 20 Jan 1766, who was apprenticed to Richard Challis, butcher 29 Jan 1788, Morchard Bishop. He m. Elizabeth Hill in 1796, Morchard Bishop. They moved to Enmore, Somerset before 1800, and had the following eight children.

1. Grace b. 11 Oct 1796, Morchard Bishop.

2. John Mortimer of Moorlinch 1798-1876, who moved to Somerset. He was bap. 11 Mar 1798, Enmore. He m. Sarah Davis, 25 Apr 1833, Middlezoy, Somerset. He worked as a dairyman in Somerset, and died 24 Sep 1876, Bridgewater. John and his wife Sarah had six children.

i. Elizabeth 1834

ii. George 1835

iii. Jane Elizabeth 1841

iv. William 1842

v. Mary Ann 1843-1875

vi. Elizabeth 1847

3. Nathaniel II b. 11 Mar 1798, was presumably a twin of John Mortimer above. He perhaps fathered an illegitimate child by Ann Webber, in 1827, Morchard Bishop.

4. Elizabeth b. 11 Apr 1800, Enmore.

5. George 1803-1831, b. 27 Feb 1803, Enmore, bur. 25 Jan 1831, Morchard Bishop, aged 27.

6. William 1805-1815, b. 19 May 1805, bur. 4 Jun 1815, Enmore.

7. Thomas Mortimer of Witheridge 1807-1858, b. 12 Jul 1807, Enmore, m. Mary Peck, 1 Aug 1831 Crediton, bur. 1858, Morchard Bishop. They had no children.

8. James Mortimer 1809-1890, b. 18 Jun 1809, m. Elizabeth Pitman, 6 May 1839 Bristol St Mary Redcliffe. They had no children. James d. 25 Apr 1890, Weston Zoyland, and was bur. 2 May 1890 in the same parish. His will was proved 27 May 1890.

vii. Grace b. 21 Apr 1767

4. Francis Mortimer 1722-1722, b. 8 Nov and bur. 18 Nov 1722.

 

 

25
Sep
2020
The Mortimers of Morchard Bishop

The Mortimers of Morchard Bishop

Origins

Morchard Bishop is a large parish directly north west of Sandford, Devon. This Mortimer family was presumably related to the Mortimers of Sandford.

Thomas Mortimer of Morchard Bishop (c.1590-aft.1671)

The Mortimers of Morchard Bishop begin with Thomas Mortimer, who was recorded in Morchard Bishop 1620. He was probably related to an earlier John Mortimer who contributed to repairs of Morchard Bishop parish church in 1600, and may have been born in neighbouring Sandford. He was a contemporary of Thomas Mortimer of Crediton (1579-1624), who was occupied as a weaver.

Thomas Mortimer married Mary, whose maiden name is unknown, and they had a son, Simon. On Christmas Day 1620, John Tuckfield leased property in Oldabuurrowe, Morchard Bishop for a term of 99 years to Thomas Mortimer, carpenter, Mary his wife and his son Simon, with consideration of 10s. and a rent of 16d.

Thomas was presumably still living in 1642 at the time of the Protestation Oath, when both Thomas and Simon Mortimer signed the oath in Morchard Bishop.

In the 1671 Hearth Tax, a Thomas Mortimer lived in Morchard Bishop, when he was described as a maimed soldier formerly of Colonel Cooke’s regiment. He could have been a son of Thomas Mortimer fl.1620. This may have been the same Thomas Mortimer who lived in 1642, and he presumably participated in the English Civil War.

In the 1674 Hearth tax, there were two Thomas Mortimers living in the parish, both described as poor with only one hearth, so were exempted from paying the tax.

The Morchard Bishop parish records do not begin until the 1660s, while the Bishop’s Transcripts date back earlier but with many gaps. It will be necessary to examine the original bishop’s transcripts at Devon Record Office for a further insight into the family.

Simon Mortimer of Morchard Bishop (c. 1615-aft. 1662)

Simon was born before 1620, perhaps around 1615, and was presumably the eldest son and heir of Thomas Mortimer. He lived in Morchard Bishop, and featured in the 1642 Protestation Oath in the parish. His daughter Mary was baptised in 1662. Since he reached adulthood before 1642, he presumably had elder children in the parish who were all born before the start of the parish register. Either Simon or a younger Thomas Mortimer may have been father of the following:

  • Thomas Mortimer c. 1644-aft.1674
  • Roger Mortimer c. 1647
  • Benjamin Mortimer c. 1650-1686, whose family remains unknown. He was a contemporary of Benjamin Mortimer II of Sandford c.1647-
  • Elizabeth c.1653
  • Ann c. 1654
  • Francis Mortimer c.1656-1705/6 of Down St Mary
  • Joan c. 1659
19
Sep
2020
North Devon

North Devon

This page is currently under construction  

Origins in North Devon

The Mortimers who lived in North Devon are particularly obscure. One branch lived in Great Torrington, descended from William Mortimer of Weare Giffard, d.1578. Unfortunately since this will does not survive, very little is known of the family’s origins, which can only be the subject of speculation at best. His descendant William Mortimer was assessed for 4 hearths in the 1662 Hearth Tax.

Mortimers of North Devon

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19
Sep
2020
South Devon

South Devon

Mortimers of South Devon

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19
Sep
2020
East Devon

East Devon

Mortimers of East Devon

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19
Sep
2020
Dartmoor

Dartmoor

A unique and cherished landscape

Though Dartmoor today remains windswept and deserted, Mortimers lived on the north-eastern edge of Dartmoor since the 15th century. Here the land was more easily habitable and cultivated. In early times, farming revolved around sheep rearing and wool production, for the important English wool trade. Farmers would also have grown crops to subsist on. This region of Devon is one of the most spectacular in the country and is now a national park, with the landscape dotted with several unique and picturesque villages, such as Dunsford, Lustleigh and Moretonhampstead. The Mortimers presumably arrived in this region from nearby Mid Devon, living first in the parish of Tedburn St Mary, which is adjacent to both Crediton and Newton St Cyres. From then on, they follow a different course to the Mortimers of Sandford, and have been termed the Mortimers of Dartmoor for the purposes of this study.

The Mortimers of Dartmoor begin with Thomas Mortimer who lived in Tettebourne, or Tedburn St Mary, in the year 1500/1. He was presumably closely related to the Mortimers living at Sandford, Crediton and Bow. He may have been the same Thomas Mortimer who featured in earlier records related to Stockleigh, in the manor of West Budleigh. The will of John Mortimer of Priorton hints at an existing relationship between the Mortimers of Sandford and Tedburn St Mary, as he mentioned in his will Thomas French, b.1596 Tedburn St Mary son of John French and Thomasin Mortimer, and James Mortimer, possibly b.1586 Exbourne and related to Mortimers at Tedburn St Mary. However, he did not explicitly name the above individuals as relatives.

Mortimers of Dartmoor

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19
Sep
2020
Mid Devon

Mid Devon

Home of the Mortimers

Evidence suggests the Mortimers first settled near Sandford, Crediton upon arriving in the county, before expanding to surrounding parishes. This may have been as late as the mid 15th century. This interpretation is supported by the 1524 Devon lay subsidy, when most of the Mortimers lived in Mid Devon in a group of parishes surrounding Crediton, where at least five Mortimers were recorded. Perhaps all Mortimers in Devon ultimately originate here. Mortimers continued to live in the area for hundreds of years and are presumably still resident there today.

A John Mortimer lived in Stockleigh, West Budleigh hundred in 1455, and a John Mortimer was recorded in Woolfardisworthy in 1502/1503, who may have been his son. The founder of the line of Mortimers in Sandford near Crediton was presumably called John, and was perhaps born around 1455.

Five Mortimer family members were living in Sandford or Crediton in 1524, all with different names, who were presumably all closely related. They may have been siblings. James Mortimer of Sandford c. 1490-1558 was the wealthiest Mortimer in Devon in the 1524 subsidy. His mother was called Alice, and she died a widow, though no further information about her is known. A Joan Mortimer, widow, lived in Sandford in 1524, who was presumably either the daughter in law or sister in law of Alice. Later Mortimers moved from Sandford to Morchard Bishop, Down St Mary, Ashcombe, Exeter and Plymouth.

Related families

A possible relationship between the Mortimers of Sandford and neighbouring Tedburn St Mary can be surmised by geographical proximity. John Mortimer of Priorton in Sandford made a will dated 1605, in which he mentions a Thomas French and James Mortimer. Thomas French was the son of John French and Thomasin Mortimer who married in 1594, Tedburn St Mary.

The Most illustrious branch of Mortimers descended from Mid Devon included the Mortimers of Hatfield Peverel, Essex, descended from Mark Mortimer b. 1633 Bow/ Nymet Tracey. Among them was John Mortimer, famous agriculturalist and his descendants, many of whom lived in Devon such as George Mortimer Esquire of Drewsteignton. Another Mortimer family originating in Bow were the Mortimers of Hemyock, Halberton and Uplowman.

Mortimers of Mid Devon

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09
Aug
2020
The Mortimers of Hatfield Peverel

The Mortimers of Hatfield Peverel

Origin of the family

That the Mortimer family of Hatfield Peverel, Essex were originally from Devon is without a doubt. The names of the early generations bear a very close resemblance to the Mortimers of Bow, and Mark Mortimer even mentions his property in Bow in his will dated 1685. Mark’s brother, Peter Mortimer, was born in 1630, Bow. The description of Mark Mortimer’s family begins here.

Mark Mortimer of London (c.1625-1685)

Mark Mortimer was born in Bow, Devon, in the mid 1620s, an elder son of John Mortimer, yeoman, and his wife Charity, nee Discombe, who married in 1620. He was presumably apprenticed in London around the year 1640, and became a grocer. He evidently achieved significant success in the grocery trade and built up his fortune, acquiring property in London and Hertfordshire. He married Abigail Walmesley, 3 Oct 1651, in St Ann & St Agnes parish, London. Their children were John c.1656 and Peter b. 1661. Mark Mortimer’s heir was his son John, as all other children died young. He made a will 4 Jun 1685, mentioning his wife Abigail, John his son, Peter his brother, and Peter’s two sons. He mentioned property he had in Bow, Devon, and left money to the poor of the parish of Bow.

John Mortimer of Toppinghoe Hall

John Mortimer was born in the mid 1650s, named after his paternal grandfather John Mortimer of Bow. He was brought up in London or nearby and received a commercial education. He entered into the mercantile profession and became a prosperous merchant in London. In 1685, he inherited considerable property from his father Mark Mortimer, a grocer. He invested in property by buying the country estate of Topping Hall, Hatfield Peverel in 1693.

Title page of The Whole Art of Husbandry’ 1707, by John Mortimer

Title page of ‘The Whole Art of Husbandry’ 1707, by John Mortimer

John Mortimer wrote about a wide variety of topics, particularly agriculture. His best known work being ‘The Whole of Art of Husbandry’, published in 1707. The work consisted of 15 books in one volume, forming a “landmark in agricultural literature”. Mortimer continued to be cited in agricultural research for over two hundred years and his legacy was to be considered as one of the foremost agriculturalists of his time.

He married first in 1680, to Dorothy Cromwell, daughter of Richard Cromwell, and granddaughter of Oliver Cromwell, Lord Protector. She died childless the following year. He married secondly, 15 Jun 1682 in London to Sarah Tippets, daughter of Sir John Tippets. They had two children,

1. John (c.1684-bef.1736), who predeceased his father.

2. Margaret (c.1685-1761), who left a will dated 1760, which mentions her next of kin and their relationship.

Hatfield Peverel parish church

Hatfield Peverel parish church

John’s wife Sarah died in the late 1680s. John married thirdly Elizabeth Sanders (c.1665-1736), a Derbyshire heiress, 20 Feb 1689 at Saint Vedast Foster Lane and Saint Michael Le Querlo Church, London. They had the following children:

3. Samuel Mortimer of Toppinghoe Hall (c.1692-1759), who died unmarried and without children. The estate passed to his nephew Hans Winthrop Mortimer.

4. Elizabeth c. 1695, who married in 1723 Dr Theophilus Lobb, (1678-1763), a physician and medical writer.

5. Thomas d.1699

6. Cromwell Mortimer (1702-1752), named after the his father’s first wife Dorothy Cromwell’s family. He was a physician and antiquary, and member of the Royal Society. He married Mary, and had a son:

i. Hans Winthrop Mortimer (1734-1807). He became a property speculator and MP, sitting in the Commons between 1775-1790. He became very wealthy, possessing an income of £6,000 a year and a fortune of £30,000.

Portrait of Hans Winthrop Mortimer (1734-1807)

Portrait of Hans Winthrop Mortimer, c.1790, by Joseph Wright of Derby

Caldwell Hall, Derbyshire

Caldwell Hall, Derbyshire

He sold the family estate of Toppinghoe Hall in 1768 and bought Caldwell Hall, Derbyshire, which remained his residence. Hans Winthrop Mortimer’s business ventures all ended in failure and he was driven into debt, even forced into debtors prison at the Fleet for a number of years. He married Ann and had the following children:

1. Anna Maria 1766

2. Harriet 1769

3. Hans Saunders Mortimer 1773-1846

4. Theodosia Frances Georgina 1775-1852, who married Valentine Green, 20 Jul 1796 St Pancras.

5. Charlotte Jemima 1777-1851, who married George Hanmer Leycester, 3 Aug 1796 St Pancras.

7. Mary 1703-1704

8. Thomas Mortimer (1706-1741), the youngest son of John Mortimer. He became principal secretary to Sir Joseph Jekyll, Master of the Rolls. He married a lady called Ann, and had a son and daughter:

i. Thomas Mortimer Esq 1730-1810

ii. Ann c.1733-, who married Thomas Willis, 31 Oct 1761, St Paul’s church Covent Garden, Middlesex. They had issue: Thomas Willis 1769, Ann Charlotta 1776, Ann Theodosia 1778-1854, & Elizabeth 1782.

Thomas Mortimer (1730-1810)

Thomas Mortimer was the only son of Thomas Mortimer, and was born 9 Dec 1730, Carey St., Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London. His father died when he was 10, and his mother died when he was 14. As minors, both Thomas and his sister Ann were left under the guardianship of John Baker of Spitalfields. He was sent to boarding school at Harrow, and then studied in a private academy. He learnt French and Italian and studied modern history.

Portrait of Thomas Mortimer Esq (1730-1810)

Portrait of Thomas Mortimer, c.1755, by Allan Ramsey

Like his grandfather John Mortimer the agriculturalist, Thomas Mortimer became a well known writer, focusing on economic affairs. His longest work was ‘The British Plutarch’, published in 1762. He was made Vice-Consul for the Austrian Netherlands in 1762, on the recommendation of the Secretary of State. In 1768 he was dismissed from this post and returned to England to continue writing, also working as a private tutor. Mortimer’s publications included ‘Every Man his own Broker; or Guide to Exchange Alley’, published 1761, and ‘Dictionary of Trade and Commerce’, published 1766.

He married firstly Elizabeth Whiteman, 13 Jan 1752, in Isleworth, Middlesex. They had the following children born in London. Interestingly, both John and George Mortimer moved from London to Devon, their ancestral homeland.

1. Esther (c.1754-aft.1827), who married a Mr Taylor, and had issue:

i. Anna Maria Taylor c.1779-1854, who married firstly William Whitwick (1774-c.1812), 5 Nov 1798, Albrighton, Shropshire, and secondly William Castell-Damant (1774-1841), 25 Aug 1815 Tettenhall, Staffordshire.

ii. George Taylor, fl.1827

2. John Mortimer of Bideford, Esq. b.1756

3. Elizabeth (1758-aft.1827) who never married.

4. Thomas Whiteman Mortimer b.1760

5. Anna Maria c.1761, who married Robert Porett Esq. (c.1755-1844), and had issue: Robert 1783, Anna Maria 1785, Elizabeth Theodosia 1786, Julia 1788, Henry 1791, Caroline 1794, Jane Harriet 1796, Emma 1798 (who perhaps married a Mr Collier), Octavia 1800, Mary Gertrude 1802 (who married her cousin Robert Mortimer.

6. George Mortimer Esq c.1763-1833, who became a lieutenant in the Royal Marines. In 1791 he went on a voyage round the South Seas in HMS Mercury, commanded by John Cox, Esq., as part of a British and Swedish mission against Russia. He wrote an account of the voyage published in 1791. George Mortimer married a lady called Mary, but had no issue. He made a will dated 1833, mentioning his various relatives including cousins in the Willis family. He resided at Wellinghouse, otherwise called Sandy Park House, in Drewsteignton, Devon, where he died in 1833 or the following year.

Thomas’ wife Elizabeth died and Mortimer remarried to Louisa Brun, a spinster, 14th Aug 1793, St Marylebone, Westminster. They had the following children. Thomas Mortimer died 31 March 1810 in Clarendon Square, London.

7. Georgiana Maria 1801-1870, who married Edward William Tuson, 20 Nov 1827, St Pancras church, London.

8. William Henry Mortimer Esq. 1803-1887, who became a doctor in medicine, and practised as a surgeon and dentist. He married firstly Edith Mary Tuson, 7 May 1842, Bathwick St Mary, Somerset. They had two daughters:

i. Helen Edith Mortimer b.1848, who emigrated to Canada and married George Bridges

ii. Alice Mortimer b.1850.

His first wife Edith died and William remarried secondly to Emma Louisa Matthews (1849-1937), 19 Jan 1881, Sutton St Nicholas church, Surrey. William Henry Mortimer died 16 Aug 1887, Fernwood Sutton, Surrey. Probate was granted to his widow Emma Louisa, who survived him by another 50 years.

John Mortimer of Bideford, Esq. (1756- )

John was the eldest son of Thomas Mortimer Esq., a well known writer. He was baptised 31 May 1756, St Clement Danes, Westminster. He married Jane Ratcliffe, 11 Feb 1790, at St John the Evangelist church, Smith Square, London. They then moved to Bideford, Devon and had the following children born there.

Bideford town and bridge, antique engraving

Bideford town and bridge, antique engraving

1. John Henry Mortimer (1791-1827), who became a lieutenant of the Royal Marines. He married Susanna Daniel (1791-1868) on 14 Apr 1817, in her home parish of Lostwithiel, Cornwall.

An antique photograph of Lostwithiel, Cornwall

Lostwithiel, Cornwall antique photograph

They had five daughters both in Lostwithiel, their youngest child and only son John was born in Plymouth. John Henry died shortly after the will of his uncle George Mortimer Esq., and was bur. 30 Nov 1827. His children with Susanna were:

i. Jane 1818-1883 m. William Wilkins Stancomb (1824-1908) in 1850 Clifton, Bristol

ii. Elizabeth 1819, m. John Samuel Snook (1814-1871) in 1840 Honiton, Devon

iii. Mary 1820-1871, m. Richard Mortimer Ellis (1825-1893), on 21 Jul 1859 in Ross on Wye, Herefordshire

iv. Susan 1821, named after her mother, m. Edward Hillborne (1826-bef.1881), on 5 Sep 1849 in Lostwithiel, Cornwall

v. Emma Ratcliffe 1823, who emigrated to New Zealand, and m. Cyrus Davie (1821-1871). She was named after her paternal grandmother Jane Ratcliffe.

vi. John Mortimer of Sidmouth 1826 

2. George Mortimer of Sidmouth (1793-1864), who like his uncle and namesake became a lieutenant in the Royal Marines. He married Elizabeth, and had one son:

i. William Basset Mortimer (1836-1873), who studied at Pembroke College, Oxford from 19 Feb 1856. He graduated with BA 1862 and MA 1865. He married Alice Victoria Stephenson, 11 May 1865, Bath Holy Trinity church, Somerset, however William died childless in 1873.

Pembroke College, Oxford antique engraving

Pembroke College, Oxford antique engraving

3. Thomas Mortimer of Braunton 1798-1866, who worked at the Civil Department of the Ordinance. He married and had children:

i. Elizabeth 1837

ii. Baker Porett Mortimer 1838-1854, named after his uncle Robert’s wife Mary Gertrude Porett.

iii. Thomas Willis Mortimer 1841-1899, who was a landowner and Annuitant in Braunton. He died without issue, and his heir was his nephew William Thomas Mortimer Hammond.

iv. Ann S. 1844

v. Emma 1846

4. Robert Mortimer of Barnstaple, a solicitor, who married his first cousin Mary Gertrude Porett (1802-1877).

John Mortimer I 1826-

John was born in Plymouth, and baptised 22 Nov 1826, St Charles the Martyr parish. His father died shortly after his first birthday, and his mother Susanna cared for the family. He was apprenticed to a druggist in Exeter, and achieved proficiency in the trade, then moving to Sidmouth.

An antique illustration of Sidmouth, Devon

Sidmouth, Devon antique illustration c. 18th century

He married Elizabeth Hillborne (1827-1912) 27 Jul 1852, in East Budleigh, Devon. Elizabeth was born 4 Oct 1827 into a landed family, her brother Edward Hillborne married Susan Mortimer (see above). A few years later the family moved to Bristol, then on to Christchurch, Gloucester, where John Mortimer continued to practice as a chemist and druggist. John Mortimer and Elizabeth his wife had the following children:

1. Harry Mortimer 1860-1937, clergyman of Bideford, m. Charlotte Guppy 1893, Falmouth, they had a son Tom Mortimer, clergyman (1896-1984)

2. Edward Mortimer 1862, a clerk in holy orders, m. Ellen Snell Maria Merrick (1866-1928), 28 Jul 1890, Bishopston, Gloucestershire, and they had the following seven children. Unusually all four sons of combat age survived the war.

i. William John Mortimer 1880-1970

ii. Stanley R. B. Mortimer 1889-

iii. Edward Granville Mortimer 1891-1971

iv. Violet Cicely Mortimer 1893-1979, m. Norman Bing Fookes 1888-1972, 1923 Somerset

v. Arthur Hillborne Mortimer 1895-1953

vi. Mary 1898

vii. Betty Christine Mortimer 1904-1990, a nurse, who m. Reginald A. Evans 1940, Bristol

3. John Mortimer II 1866, a bank manager, m. Florence Maud Mary Hartnell, 16 Sep 1895 Bristol, and they had the following children:

i. Lionel Mortimer 1897-1972

ii. Alan Hartnell Mortimer 1901-1965

iii. Norah Hillborne Mortimer 1902-1996, m. John Gerrish 9 Sep 1931.

iv. John Mortimer III b.1908

v. Prince Mortimer 1911

4. Lionel Mortimer 1868-1871

5. Arthur Mortimer 1870-1944

The family continues in the male line, through the sons of John Mortimer b. 1826. There are now many descendants of the family.

08
Aug
2020
The Mortimers of Bow

The Mortimers of Bow

Origins

The Mortimers of Bow were presumably closely related to the Mortimers at Sandford or Tedburn St Mary.

The earliest member of this branch was Mark Mortimer of Bow (c.1550-1621), who married at Colebrooke, and who was presumably related to the earlier Mortimers at Colebrooke.

John Mortimer of Colebrooke (c.1500-1559)

John Mortimer first appeared in the 1524 Devon Lay Subsidy under Colebrooke, near Crediton, where his income was assessed at £7, in goods, suggesting he was a yeoman. He also appeared in the 1543 Lay Subsidy, with income dropping only £1, to £6, suggesting that the two entries for John are the same individual. John died in 1559, and was bur. 14 Feb 1558/9. John left a will, which abstract survives in the College of Arms, but is still to be examined. It is hoped that reading such a will could reveal his family connections. He presumably had a son, the following Thomas Mortimer, and other children. His wife may have been Christian Mortimer, bur. 1569 Colebrooke.

Thomas Mortimer of Colebrooke (c.1520-1573)

Thomas was presumably born before 1524, and first appears in the 1543 Devon Lay Subsidy for Colebrooke, with income of £4 in goods. His income at this time was less than his father, John Mortimer, though he presumably inherited his father’s goods after his death in 1559. Thomas died in 1573, and was bur. 13 Feb 1572/3. He left a will, which transcript survives in the College of Arms. Thomas perhaps married Joan Mortimer, who was bur. 1579. His children were perhaps the following:

1. John Mortimer, d.1588, who may have been the eldest son, so named after his paternal grandfather.

2. Mark Mortimer of Bow

3. Mary, m. 1575 Colebrooke to William Frost

Mark Mortimer of Colebrooke (c.1550-1621)

Mark Mortimer was b. around 1550. He married Elizabeth Westway, the 7 Feb 1573/4 at Colebrooke. Mark Mortimer and his family lived at Bow, otherwise called Nymet Tracey. In the 1581 Devon Lay Subsidy he paid tax on an income of £4 in goods. He married for a second time on 4 Jun 1603 Zeal Monachorum, to Ann Underwood. The parish records for Bow do not begin until the 17th century. He probably had the following children with his first wife Elizabeth.

1. Thomas Mortimer of Bow (c.1577/1621), who was presumably a son of Mark m. 1574, but whose life details remain unknown. He left a will dated 1621.

2. John Mortimer of Bow

3. Robert Mortimer of Bow (c.1583-c.1633), who m. Ann Ascott, 25 Oct 1611, Bow. They had a daughter Mary b. 1615, Bow, and possibly other children. He was absent from the 1642 Protestation Oath list for Bow, and presumably died before then.
4. William Mortimer of Bow (c.1586-c.1650), who featured in the 1642 Proteststion Oath for Bow. He had the following children by an unknown wife:

i. Catherine 1627

ii. Thomas 1629-1631

iii. William Mortimer II 1629

iv. Mary 1631

v. Wilmot 1637

5. Christopher Mortimer of Rewe (c.1590-c.1655), who m. Grace Shobrooke, 9 Jun 1624 Exeter St Sidwell. Christopher appeared in the 1642 Protestation Oath in Rewe, near Exeter. Christopher and Grace Mortimer had three daughters:

i. Sarah 1628

ii. Grace 1630

iii. Wilmot 1633

John Mortimer of Bow (c.1581-c.1655)

John Mortimer married Charity Discombe in 1620, at Bow. He appeared in the 1642 Protestation Oath at Bow. They had the following children:

1. Mark Mortimer of London and Chesham (c.1625-1686), father of John Mortimer of Toppinghoe Hall, Esq.

2. Christopher Mortimer of Exeter (1627-c.1680), presumably named after the earlier Christopher Mortimer c.1590-, who was probably a member of this family. He married and had the following children in Exeter. Christopher Mortimer might have died before 1685, and was not mentioned in his brother Mark Mortimer’s will.

i. Ann 1650

ii. Christopher Mortimer II 1659

iii. Joanna 1665

iv. Ann 1674, who was presumably the daughter by a second marriage.

3. Peter Mortimer of London (c.1630-aft.1685), who married Margaret Loringer in 1662. They had the following children in London:

i. Peter 1663-c.1665

ii. Mark 1664-1669

iii. Peter 1667

iv. John 1670-c.1675

v. Abigail 1672

vi. Margaret 1674

vii. Mark 1675

viii. John 1677

ix. Peter 1679-1681

x. Mary 1685-1689

4. John Mortimer b. 1633, of whom nothing further is known. He may have died young, or moved to Exeter or London.

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