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The Mortimers of Sandford (Part 2)

The Mortimers of Sandford (Part 2)

Part 2 – Mortimer family branches in Sandford

The Mortimer family of Sandford is too numerous to detail in one post. Here is a continuation of the Mortimer family tree in Sandford as discussed in Part 1.

By the late 17th century, the Mortimer family had departed from the farms they originally owned and separated into many different branches.

The following is an interpretation of the Mortimer family branches in Sandford from the late 17th century to the first census, in 1841. This page is split into three parts:

  • The first details the descendants of Thomas Mortimer (1673-1755).
  • The second details those descendants of Benjamin Mortimer (c.1650-1718) who on the whole stayed in Sandford.
  • The third and last part details the family of Simon Mortimer of Sandford (c.1690-1763), who was a son of Francis Mortimer of Down St Mary (c.1658-1707).

Thomas Mortimer of Sandford (1673-1755)

Thomas Mortimer was presumably the son John and Dewnes Mortimer of Ashridge, though he was not mentioned in John Mortimer’s will. He was bapt. 19 Mar 1672/3 Sandford. Thomas married firstly Joan Ellacott (1674-1700), 30 Apr 1700 Sandford, they had one son, Thomas b.1700. Joan was bur. 12 Nov 1703 Sandford.

1. Thomas Mortimer (1700-1723?) b. 23 Dec 1700, may have died in 1723 and bur. 4 Jul 1723 Sandford. Perhaps m. Elizabeth, who m.2. Samuel Maine 16 Sep 1724 Colebrooke, and bur. Mar 1774 Colebrooke.

Thomas married secondly Emmelin Wilcocks (1679-1754), 19 Sep 1704 Sandford, and they had eight children. Emmelin his wife was bur. 23 Jan 1754, Thomas was bur. 28 Sep 1755 Sandford. There do not seem to be burial records in the parish for some of the children.

2. John bapt. 8 Jul 1705 Sandford, presumably died young.

3. Roger b. 23 Feb 1706/7 Sandford, presumably died young.

4. John b. 12 Feb 1709/10 Sandford, presumably died an infant.

5. John Mortimer (1712-1775), continued below.

6. Joan b. 17 Apr 1715

7. Roger Mortimer 1718-1784, b. 10 May 1718, m.1. Mary Ellacott (1706-1780) 1 Dec 1747 Sandford, Mary was bur. 24 Mar 1780, Sandford. Roger m.2. Ann Davie, 25 Nov 1781 Sandford, Roger Mortimer was bur. 26 Sep 1784, Sandford, aged 66. Ann m.2. John Delbridge of Sandford (d.1792) 26 Dec 1784 and m.3. John Sharland of Upton Hellions (d.1805), 12 Dec 1797.

8. Mary 1721-1803, b. 23 Apr 1721 Sandford, m.1. Charles Morrish (c.1720-c.1759), 20 Nov 1750 Sandford, m.2. Lawrence Langmead (c.1730-1793), 23 Mar 1761 Sandford. She was bur. 22 Jan 1803, Sandford, aged 81.

9. William, bapt. 13 Dec 1724 Sandford, perhaps died 1725.

John Mortimer (1712-1775)

John was born in 1712, the son of Thomas Mortimer and Emmelin his wife. He was bapt. 1712 Sandford. John m. Frances Frost, 4 Aug 1736, and they had the following children. Frances was bur. 16 Mar 1754/5 and John was bur. 22 Aug 1775, reckoned to be 65 years old at the time.

1. Frances bapt. 11 Jul 1738 Sandford. No m/d.

2. Mary bapt. 6 Jan 1741/2 Sandford, m. William Champion of Crediton, 9 Jul 1762 Exeter Holy Trinity.

3. Jane bapt. 17 Feb 1744/5 Sandford, presumably bur. 5 Dec 1747 Sandford.

4. John Mortimer bapt. 28 Dec 1747 Sandford, m. Ann Davy 16 Apr 1771 Tiverton. They had one son:

i. John Mortimer of Heavitree (1771-1814), bapt. 25 Aug 1771 Sandford, m. Mary Rew, 22 Apr 1800 Heavitree, bur. 19 Apr 1814 Heavitree, aged 42. Mary his wife was bur. 8 Sep 1846. They had the following children:

1. Mary bapt. 19 Feb 1801 Heavitree.

2. Ann bapt. 24 Apr 1803 Heavitree.

3. Frances bapt. 26 Feb 1806 Heavitree.

4. Betty, b. 18 Nov 1807, bapt. 17 Feb 1808 Heavitree.

5. William Mortimer, b. 23 Jun 1810, bapt. 31 Mar 1811 Heavitree. fl. 1841 Heavitree, ag lab.

6. John bapt. 18 Apr 1813 Heavitree. fl. 1841 Pinhoe, worsted weaver.

5. George Mortimer (1750-1838), continued below.

6. Robert Mortimer of Sandford (c.1752-1818), whose baptism record is missing, but he may have been a son of John and Frances, born between George (1750) and Thomas (1755). Robert m. Betty Elstone, 25 Feb 1778 Sandford, and bur. 31 May 1818 Sandford, apparently aged 69 (ages stated in burial records were sometimes inaccurate). Robert and Betty had the following children:

i. Sarah bapt. 24 Jan 1779 Sandford, m. John Middleweek 1806 Colebrooke.

ii. Betty (1781-aft.1850) bapt. 12 Aug 1781, m. John Brealy (1776-1852) 28 Sep 1802 Sandford.

iii. John Mortimer (1783-aft.1815), bapt. 26 Dec 1783 Sandford, of the South Devon Militia, m. Mary Morrish (1784-1818) 22 Dec 1811 Sandford, who was bur. 7 Jan 1818 Sandford. John was a labourer, of Sandford, and died after 1814/5:

1. William Mortimer of Newton St Cyres (1815-aft.1851), bapt. 2 Jul 1815 Sandford, m. Mary Parker or Bond alias Ash, 1847 Sandford, and fl. 1841/51 Newton St Cyres, ag lab.

iv. Mary (1786-1851) bapt. 16 Jul 1786 Sandford, fl. 1841 Sandford, never married and bur. 5 Jan 1851 Sandford.

v. Robert Mortimer of Crediton (1789-1857) bapt. 14 Jun 1789 Sandford, m. Mary Lamping (c.1790- ) 8 Mar 1812 Crediton, fl.1841/51 Crediton, ag lab., d. 1857 Crediton. Robert and Mary Mortimer had issue:

1. Elizabeth (1812-1817), bapt. 12 Jul 1812 and bur. 14 Aug 1817 Crediton.

2. John Mortimer bapt. 25 Sep 1814 Crediton.

3. George Mortimer (1816-1874), bapt. 13 Oct 1816 Crediton, m. Elizabeth, fl. 1861 Crediton, 1871 Colebrooke, ag lab., d. 1874 Crediton.

4. Mary Ann (1819-1852), bapt. 14 Mar 1819 Crediton, m. James Southcott (1815-1885) 15 Mar 1846 Crediton, bur. 23 Dec 1852 Crediton, aged 33.

5. William Mortimer (1822-1875), bapt. 17 Mar 1822 Crediton, m. Mary _, fl. 1841 Crediton, 1851 Stockleigh Pomeroy, ag lab., d. 1875 Crediton.

6. James Mortimer of Exmouth (1824-1887), bapt. 8 Feb 1824 Crediton, m. Sarah Ann Marchant (1827-1914), fl. 1851/61 Withycombe Raleigh, a shoe maker, 1871 Exmouth, 1881 Withycombe Raleigh, died aged 63 and bur. 17 Dec 1887, Littleham, Exmouth.

vi. Ann (1793-1818), bapt. 6 Jan 1793 and bur. 15 Nov 1818 Sandford, aged 25.

7. Thomas (1755-1758), bapt. 5 Sep 1756, bur. 24 Feb 1758 Sandford.

George Mortimer (1750-1838)

George was born in 1750, second surviving son of John and Frances Mortimer. He was bapt. 18 Nov 1750 Sandford, m. Betty Morrish, 8 May 1774 Sandford and they had the following children. Betty his wife died either 1823 or 1824 Sandford. George died aged 87 resident at Sandford New Buildings, and was bur. 23 Jun 1838, Sandford.

1. Jenny, bapt. 21 Nov 1774 Sandford, m. Thomas Davy 27 Mar 1796 Sandford, they had three daughters.

2. John Mortimer (1777-1807), bapt. 30 Jan 1777 Sandford, bur. 21 Apr 1807 Sandford, aged 30.

3. Roger Mortimer of Exeter (1779-1860), bapt. 5 Apr 1779 Sandford, Elizabeth Davy 4 May 1807, Morchard Bishop, moved to Exeter between 1810/1812. Fl. 1851 Exeter St Lawrence, shoeing smith master empl. 1 man. He died 7 Aug 1860 Exeter, and probate was granted 28 Jul 1863. Roger and Elizabeth Mortimer had the following children:

i. Agnes bapt. 1 Aug 1808 Sandford, m. John Tozer 3 Sep 1832 Exeter St Lawrence.

ii. John Mortimer bapt. 18 Mar 1810 Morchard Bishop.

iii. Elizabeth (1812-1882) bapt. 23 Aug 1812 Exeter St Mary Major, m. George Snow Mar 1838 Exeter St Lawrence, died aged 70 at South Molton, and bur. 12 May 1882 South Molton.

iv. George Mortimer bapt. 18 Oct 1814 Exeter St Mary Major.

v. Georgiana bapt. 26 Jan 1817 Exeter St Lawrence, d. unmarried, 1871 Exeter.

vi. William (1818-c.1820) bapt. 11 Oct 1818 Exeter St Lawrence, died in childhood.

vii. Eliza Ann bapt. 3 Feb 1822 Exeter St Lawrence.

viii. Caroline Amelia (1823-1892), bapt. 22 Dec 1823 Exeter St Lawrence, m. Alfred John Brodley (1826-1895) 27 Oct 1845 St Alfred Bryanston Square London, fl. 1851 Exeter Holy Trinity, 1861 Exeter St Thomas, 1871/81 and 1891 Exeter St Mary Steps, d. 1892 Exeter.

ix. William Mortimer (c.1826-1855), fl. 1851 Exeter St Lawrence, son of Roger Mortimer. Presumably bur. 25 Mar 1855 Exeter Holy Trinity, aged 29.

4. Mary bapt. 26 Nov 1781 Sandford, m. Peter Rock Nov 1803, Plymouth Charles the Martyr.

5. George Mortimer (1784-1856), bapt. 30 Jan 1784 Sandford, m. Agnes Davy 1 Jun 1807 Morchard Bishop, fl. 1841 and 1851 Sandford, carpenter, d. 1856 Sandford. Agnes his wife d. 1859, Sandford. They had the following children:

i. John bapt. 6 Jan 1808 Morchard Bishop.

ii. William Mortimer of Crediton (1810-1888), bapt. 8 Apr 1810 Sandford, married presumably Elizabeth Back 27 May 1835 Exeter St Mary Major, fl. 1851 Sandford, a servant, 1861 Crediton, mason’s lab., 1871, lab., 1881 Crediton, widower. Bur. 11 Dec 1888 Crediton. Note. 1861 census records he was born in Crediton, but 1851/71 and 1881 records he was born in Sandford. Easily confused with William Mortimer b. 1811 Crediton son of William.

iii. Roger Mortimer (1812-1893), bapt. 9 Aug 1812 Sandford, m. Mary Ann Churchill 25 Nov 1837 Cheriton Fitzpaine; fl. 1871 Wolverhampton, 1881 Exeter St David, 1891 Exeter St Sidwell, died aged 81 and bur. 27 Sep 1893 Exeter St Sidwell.

iv. George Mortimer (1815-1888), bapt. 8 Jan 1815 Sandford, m. Mary _, fl. Sandford, ag lab., 1851/61 Sandford New Buildings near William Mortimer, carpenter. Fl. 1871 Sandford, ag lab., fl. 1881 Newton St Cyres. He died aged 73 and was bur. 9 Sep 1888 Newton St Cyres.

v. Thomas Mortimer, bapt. 18 Feb 1817 Sandford.

vi. Frances bapt. 28 Aug 1819 Sandford, m. _ Brown, lived in Whitechapel, London.

vii. Elizabeth, bapt. 16 Jan 1822 Sandford,

viii. Tryphena, b. c.1824, fl. 1851 Sandford, m. Thomas Vinecombe Aug 1852 Sandford, fl.1871/81 and 1891 Sandford. d. aged 87 and bur. 22 Dec 1911 East Worlington.

ix. James Mortimer, bapt. 7 Jan 1827 Sandford, fl. 1841 Sandford.

6. Betty bapt. 11 Jun 1786 Sandford, m. James Lee, 19 Jan 1807 Sandford, both minors, they married with consent of their parents. George Mortimer was a marriage witness.

7. William Mortimer of Sandford (1789-1840), bapt. 26 Feb 1789 Sandford, m. Mary Fisher, 8 Sep 1811 Sandford, witnessed by brother-in-law James Lee. Mary Fisher, a minor, married with the consent of her parents. William was occupied as a carpenter and lived at New Buildings, Sandford; he died in 1840, and was bur. 9 Sep 1840, Sandford. Mary his widow fl.1841, died aged 50 and bur. 13 Jan 1842, Sandford. William and Mary Mortimer had the following children:

i. Jane bapt. 30 Mar 1812 Sandford.

ii. William Mortimer of Sandford (1816-1890), bapt. 30 Jan 1816 Sandford, m. Sarah Down daughter of George Down, farmer, 3 Nov 1840 Nymet Rowland, fl.1851/61/71/81 Sandford, a carpenter and wheelwright, and d.1890, Sandford. William and Sarah Mortimer had the following children:

1. James Mortimer, bapt. 19 Apr 1841 Sandford, bur. 25 Nov 1855 Cheriton Fitzpaine.

2. Mary Ann bapt. 3 May 1842 Sandford, fl.1851/61/71 Sandford.

3. Charlotte bapt. 13 Jan 1844 Sandford, m. Samuel Maunder 1871 Crediton.

4. William Mortimer bapt. 11 Aug 1846 Sandford, fl.1851/61/71 Sandford.

5. George Mortimer bapt. 28 Feb 1850 Sandford, fl.1851/61/71 Sandford.

iii. Mary bapt. 1820 Sandford.

iv. James Mortimer (1822-1906), bapt. 1 Dec 1822 Sandford, m. Susan Holding, 1853 Crediton, fl.1841 Sandford, 1851/61 Crediton, 1871 Uton, 1881 Crediton, 1891 Upton Hellions, 1901 Crediton, variously a servant, or ag lab., a pauper in 1901, d. 1906 Crediton.

v. Elizabeth bapt. 18 Jan 1825 Sandford.

vi. Ann, bapt. 5 Oct 1828 Sandford, fl. 1841 Sandford, 1851 Crediton.

vii. Maria bapt. 1831, bur. 6 Jun 1838 Sandford.

viii. George Mortimer (1834-1910), emigrant, bapt. 4 May 1834 Sandford, m. Harriet Newell Colbath 30 Mar 1858, Bedford, Monroe, Michigan, United States, and d. 22 Jan 1910 Monroe, Michigan.

8. Fanny (1791-1815), bapt. 22 May 1791 and bur. 21 Feb 1815 Sandford.

9. Thomas Mortimer (1796- ), bapt. 25 Jan 1796 Sandford, m. Mary Bond Jun 1843 Exeter Holy Trinity. fl. 1851 Exeter St Mary Major, fl. 1861 Exeter St George, a carter and hawler empl. 1 man.


Benjamin Mortimer of Sandford (c.1647-1718)

Another progenitor of the Mortimer family in Sandford was Benjamin Mortimer, presumably a native of the parish. Though his baptism record is missing, he was probably born in Sandford, in the middle of the 17th century. He may have been an unrecorded son of Nicholas Mortimer (1611-1689), as he named one of his sons Peter, perhaps after Peter Mortimer (1661-1692) son of Nicholas. Another prospect is a relationship to Benjamin Mortimer of Morchard Bishop who died in 1686.

Benjamin m.1., Joan (c.1652-1688) whose maiden name is unknown as there is no surviving record of their marriage. Joan was bur. 16 Sep 1688 Sandford, and Benjamin m.2. Katherine Lowdon (1664-1746), 7 May 1689 Sandford. and Benjamin Mortimer bur. 29 Apr 1718 Sandford. Katherine his widow was bur. 25 Feb 1745/6 Sandford.

Benjamin and his first wife Joan had the following children. His eldest son settled in Crediton but the majority of the family seemed to stay in Sandford:

1. Benjamin Mortimer of Crediton (1674-1719), whose descendants are detailed in the Mortimers of Crediton.

2. Henry Mortimer of Sandford (1676-1745), bapt. 7 Mar 1675/6 Sandford, m. Elizabeth Rogers 22 Apr 1701 Sandford, and bur. 9 Jan 1744/5 Sandford. Henry and Elizabeth Mortimer had the following children:

i. Elizabeth (1701-1726) bapt. 17 Mar 1701/2 Sandford, m. Lewis Conisbeare (1700-1745) 11 Apr 1726 Sandford, bur. 13 May 1726 Sandford.

ii. John bapt. 30 May 1704 Sandford.

iii. Robert bapt. 1 Jan 1706/7 Sandford.

iv. Mary bapt. 13 Feb 1708/9 Sandford, d. before 1720

v. William bapt. 29 Apr 1712 Sandford, perhaps bur. 1726.

vi. Henry Mortimer of Crediton (1714-1741), bapt. 26 Dec 1714 Crediton, m. Elizabeth Chanter 16 Oct 1737, Crediton. He was bur. either 27 Mar 1741 or 11 Apr 1744 Crediton. Elizabeth his wife was presumably bur. 18 Dec 1741 Crediton. Henry and Elizabeth had the following children:

1. Mary bapt. 5 Nov 1738 Crediton, m. Edward Bennett, 5 May 1766 Crediton.

2. Henry bapt. 2 May 1740 Crediton, presumably bur. either 27 Mar 1741 or 11 Apr 1744 Crediton.

vii. Mary (720-1720) bapt. 24 Jul 1720 Crediton, bur. 6 Aug 1720 Crediton, an infant.

3. Alice bapt. 20 Aug 1678 Sandford.

4. William (1681-1681) bapt. 18 Jun 1681, bur. 5 Jul 1681 Sandford.

5. Peter (1682- ), bapt. 8 Aug 1682 Sandford, no marriage/ burial record is extant.

6. Joan (1686-1687), bapt. 1 Jun 1686, bur. 28 Aug 1687 Sandford.

Benjamin and his second wife Katherine had the following children:

7. William Mortimer of Sandford (1690-1753) continued below.

8. Mary bapt. 26 Jan 1691/2 Sandford, either bur. 12 Aug 1695 Crediton or m. John Lendon 3 Aug 1720 Colebrooke.

9. John 1694-1700?, bapt. 10 Apr 1694 Sandford. [Note that the John son of Benjamin Mortimer bur. 23 Jul 1700 Crediton could have been a son of Benjamin Mortimer the younger].

10. Thomas Mortimer (1696-1780), bapt. 4 Feb 1695/6, never married, bur. 4 May 1780 Sandford, aged 84.

11. Joan bapt. 22 Nov 1698 Sandford.

12. Ann bapt. 13 Apr 1701 Sandford.

13. Nathaniel Mortimer of Sandford (1703-1764), bapt. 2 Jan 1703/4 Sandford, m. Ann Welsh (1710-1751) 31 Dec 1738 Crediton. Ann his wife was presumably bur. 8 Jan 1745/6 Crediton, as no children were recorded after 1743. Nathaniel died aged 60 and was bur. 20 Sep 1764 Sandford. They had two children:

i. Ann (1741-1791), bapt. 19 May 1741 Crediton, m. Philip Melhuish (1747-1791) 28 Nov 1773 Crediton. She was bur. 1791 Tedburn St Mary.

ii. Nathaniel Mortimer of Tavistock (1743-1808), bapt. 4 May 1743 Crediton, m. Grace Kellow (1749-1816) 1777 Tavistock. Nathaniel died aged 65 and was bur. 27 Jul 1808 Tavistock. Grace his widow was bur. 1816 Tavistock. They had three children:

1. Anna Maria 1779, bapt. 22 May 1779 Tavistock.

2. Grace 1782, bapt. 29 Jun 1782 Tavistock.

3. Nathaniel Mortimer (1784-1859), bapt. 15 Jul 1784 Tavistock, m. Betty Cudlip (1795- ), 13 Feb 1819 Tavistock, fl.1841/51 Tavistock, ag lab., d. 21 Jul 1859 and bur. 27 Jul 1859, Tavistock. Nathaniel and Betty Mortimer had the following children:

i. Mary bapt. 18 Jul 1820 Tavistock.

ii. Nathaniel bapt. 27 May 1823 Tavistock.

iii. Elizabeth bapt. 16 Apr 1825 Tavistock.

iv. Ann bapt. 27 Oct 1827 Tavistock.

v. Jane bapt. 17 Apr 1830 Tavistock, m. James Martin Cock (1827-1885) fl.1841/51/61/71/81 Tavistock; d. 25 Apr 1906 Birmingham, probate granted 30 May 1906.

vi. John bapt. 26 Nov 1832 Tavistock.

vii. William Mortimer bapt. 31 Oct 1833 Tavistock, fl. 1841/51 Tavistock.

viii. Mary Ann bapt. 17 Aug 1836 Tavistock.

14. Augustin Mortimer (1707- ), bapt. 3 Jun 1707 Sandford, presumably d. young as there is no further record.

William Mortimer (1690-1753)

William was born in 1690, the eldest son of Benjamin and Katherine Mortimer. He was bapt. 26 Feb 1689/90 Sandford. William m.1. Martha Webb (1685-1741) 22 May 1711 Sandford, who was bur. 14 Apr 1741 Sandford. William m.2. Mary Davie nee Webb (1691-1767) widow of Thomas Davy (1689-1740) 10 Jul 1746 Sandford. William Mortimer was bur. 21 Jul 1753 Sandford, Mary his widow died aged 75 and was bur. 16 Jan 1767 Sandford. William and his first wife Martha had the following children:

1.

2. Alice (1714-1799), bapt. 20 Apr 1714 Sandford, m. John Sprigg (1714-1777) 10 Aug 1736 Sandford; bur. 12 May 1799 Sandford, aged 85.

3. Peter Mortimer of Sandford (1716-1739) bapt. 14 Oct 1716 Sandford, m. Grace Sowdon (1716-c.1741), 29 Sep 1737 Sandford; bur. 1739 Sandford. Grace his wife was bur. 18 May 1741 Sandford. They had two orphaned children:

i. Peter Mortimer (1738-1779) bapt. 16 Jul 1738 Sandford; bur. 5 Mar 1779 Kingsbridge.

ii. Grace (1739-1833) bapt. 4 Oct 1739, m. William Oliver 16 Oct 1764 Shobrooke; bur. 21 Sep 1833 Shobrooke.

4. Mary (1719-1788), bapt. 6 Jan 1718/9 Sandford, m. Lewis Gifford (1719-1757) 24 Sep 1744 Exeter St Lawrence, bur. 26 Jan 1788 Cheriton Fitzpaine.

5. Thomas 1722-1726, bapt. 25 Sep 1722 and bur. 27 Oct 1726 Sandford, aged 4.

6. Margaret (1724-1804), bapt. 27 Oct 1724 Sandford, m. Samuel Reed (1725-1799) 4 Sep 1746 Sandford, bur. 16 Feb 1804 Sandford, aged 79.

7. Thomas (1728-1728) bapt. 28 Dec 1728, presumably bur. 1728.

Henry Mortimer of Sandford (1712-1785)

Henry Mortimer was bapt. 3 Feb 1711/2 Sandford, m.1. Elizabeth Linscott (1714-1765) 5 May 1739 Upton Hellions, who was bur. 25 Aug 1765 Sandford. Henry Mortimer m.2. Ann Greenslade (1727-1791) 3 Mar 1766 Sandford. Henry was bur. 28 Aug 1785, Ann his widow bur. 4 Dec 1791 Sandford, aged 64. They had one child.

Henry and his first wife Elizabeth had the following children:

i. ? John Mortimer of Sandford (c.1740-1784), presumably son of Henry and Elizabeth Mortimer.

ii. Thomas Mortimer of Sandford and Exeter (1743-1805), bapt. 26 Jun 1743 Sandford, m.1. Sarah Manley (1745-1783). They moved from Sandford to Exeter between 1777/1780. Sarah was bur. 24 Jul 1783 Exeter St Mary Major. Thomas m.2. Catherine Hammett (1754-1824) 25 Aug 1783 Exeter St Mary Major. Thomas died aged 61 and was bur. 26 Aug 1805 Sandford. Catherine his widow was bur. 10 Nov 1824 Sandford.

Thomas and his first wife Sarah had the following children:

1. Betty (1771-1834) bapt. 11 Aug 1771 Sandford, bur. 30 Nov 1834 Sandford aged 63.

2. Thomas Mortimer of Exeter (1773-1850), bapt. 12 Dec 1773 Sandford, a horse shoe smith m. Frances Picket (1791-1870) 11 Dec 1812 Exeter St Sidwell. Lived at Stepcote Hill, Exeter in 1816, and Coombe Street in 1821. Thomas Mortimer fl. 1841 Exeter St Mary Major, a labourer, and was bur. 9 Jun 1850 Exeter St Mary Major. Frances his widow fl. 1851 Huxham, 1861 Exeter St Thomas, and d. 1870 Exeter. Thomas and his wife Frances had seven children:

i. George Thomas Mortimer bapt. 31 Mar 1816 Exeter St John.

ii. Mary Ann Mortimer bapt. 13 Apr 1817 Exeter St Sidwell.

iii. Frances Mortimer bapt. 17 Oct 1819, bur. 21 May 1820 Exeter St Mary Major.

iv. Thomas Mortimer bapt. 18 Mar 1821 Exeter St Mary Major, fl. 1841 Exeter.

v. William Mortimer bapt. 2 May 1824 Exeter St Mary Major, died in childhood.

vi. Jane 1829, bapt. 8 Feb 1829 Exeter St Mary Major, fl. 1841 Exeter, and 1851 Clerkenwell, Middlesex.

vii. William bapt. 18 Aug 1832 Exeter St Mary Major.

3. Martha (1776-1777), bapt. 18 Feb 1776, bur. 6 May 1777 Sandford.

4. Sarah bapt. 9 Jul 1780 Exeter St Mary Major.

Thomas and his second wife Catherine had the following children:

5. Sally (1784-1788), bapt. 31 May 1784 bur. 24 Nov 1788 Exeter St Mary Major.

6. William Mortimer * (1786- ), bapt. 5 Feb 1786 Exeter St Mary Major, perhaps the same William Mortimer, of Bristol, m. Elizabeth Webster 4 Apr 1808 Gloucester St Nicholas, fl.1841 Bristol Temple, carpenter.

7. John Mortimer of Langford Budville and Sandford (1787-1873), bapt. 30 Sep 1787 Exeter St Mary Major, a labourer, m. Susanna Cording 27 May 1822 Langford Budville, Somerset; fl. 1841/51/61/71 Sandford, ag lab. John died in 1873 Sandford. Susanna his wife died in 1869. John and Susanna Mortimer had the following children:

i. Thomas Mortimer of Leominster and Croydon (1822-aft.1901) bapt. 13 Oct 1822 Langford Budville, m. Mary Ann 1 Sep 1854 Exeter St Edmund; fl. 1871/81 Leominster, fl. 1901 Croydon.

ii. Ann bapt. 15 Aug 1824 Langford Budville.

iii. John Mortimer (1827- ), bapt. 13 Apr 1827 Langford Budville, of the Royal Navy, m.1. Mary Jane, fl. 1871 St Mary Church, m.2. Sarah and fl. 1891 Dawlish.

iv. George Mortimer bapt. 26 Apr 1829 Langford Budville

v. Henry Mortimer of St Mary Church (1831-1911), bapt. 23 Oct 1831 Langford Budville, fl. 1851 Sandford, m. Sarah Howard 29 Mar 1852 Exeter St Thomas; fl. 1861/71/81/91/1901/1911 St Mary Church.

vi. Hannah b. 1833 Sandford, m. George Garrish 1863 Chagford.

vii. Mary bapt. 22 May 1839 Sandford, m. James Stoneman, fl. 1851 Sandford, 1861 Exeter St Olave.

8. Ann bapt. 27 Sep 1789 Exeter St Mary Major, m. Frederick Beer 26 Dec 1826 Sandford, fl. 1841/51/61/71 Sandford.

9. Mary Ann bapt. 1 Jan 1792 Exeter St Mary Major.

10. George 1794-1794, bapt. 5 Jul 1794 Exeter St Olave, bur. 6 Jul 1794 Exeter St Mary Major.

iii. Elizabeth (1748- ), bapt. 2 Feb 1747/8 Sandford, m. William Smale of Exeter, 16 Apr 1770 Exeter St Mary Major.

iv. Martha (1750-1832), perhaps named after her grandmother, bapt. 8 Apr 1750 Sandford, m. John Packer (1753-1830) 8 Jun 1777 Sandford, died aged 82 and bur. 4 Apr 1832 Sandford.

v. George Mortimer bapt. 8 Sep 1754 and bur. 28 Dec 1754 Sandford.

vi. Ann bapt. 11 Oct 1757 Sandford.

Henry and his second wife Ann had one son:

vii. Henry Mortimer (1770-bef.1841), bapt. 16 Apr 1770 Sandford, m. Agnes Newcombe (1772- ), 30 Apr 1794 Sandford. Henry and Ann had two children:

1. William Mortimer (1795-1804), bapt. 7 Apr 1795 and bur. 29 Oct 1804 Sandford.

2. John Mortimer (1797-1798) bapt. 7 Apr 1797, and bur. 27 May 1798 Sandford.

John Mortimer of Sandford (c.1740-1784)

John Mortimer’s baptism record is missing, but he may have been a son of Henry and Elizabeth for the following reasons:

  • John Mortimer died in 1784 aged 44 but his reported age at death does not correlate to a baptism record.
  • Henry and Elizabeth married in 1739, and their first recorded child, Thomas, was only baptised in 1743.
  • John would not have been a son of John and Frances as they had a son John born in 1747.
  • John’s son Thomas may have been named after Thomas Mortimer b. 1743 son of Henry, who lived in Sandford and Exeter.

John m. Elizabeth Gallon (or Galling), 1 Jan 1765 Sandford, and they had eleven children, but less than half survived to adulthood. By 1789, the family were reliant on parish relief. He was bur. 7 Dec 1784 Sandford, reportedly aged 44 according to the register. His posthumous son William was born after his death.

1. Thomas (1765-1766), bapt. 10 Dec 1765 bur. 18 Jan 1766 Sandford.

2. Elizabeth bapt. 14 Dec 1766 Sandford.

3. John Mortimer (1768-1809), continued further below.

4. Martha (1770-1773), bapt. 29 Jan 1770 bur. 19 Mar 1773 Sandford.

5. Ann (1772-1777), bapt. 17 Mar 1772 bur. 19 Jan 1777 aged 4, at Sandford.

6. William (1774-1776), bapt. 20 Feb 1774 bur. 25 Dec 1776 Sandford.

7. Thomas (1775-1776), bapt. 10 Dec 1775 bur. 18 Dec 1776 Sandford.

8. Nancy (1777-1857), bapt. 3 Nov 1777 Sandford, m.1. Joshua Osmond (1763-1817), m.2. Edward Vicary 8 May 1820 Sandford, fl. 1851 Sandford and d. 1857.

9. Mary (1780- ), bapt. 6 Aug 1780 Sandford, presumably m. John Taylor, 26 Jan 1801 Sandford.

10. George (1782-1789), bapt. 28 Jul 1782 bur. 5 Sep 1789 Sandford.

11. William Mortimer (1785-1840), bapt. 16 Jan 1785, m. Agnes Moore (1786-1818) 14 Dec 1807 Sandford. Agnes his wife was bur. 6 Dec 1818 aged 32, William Mortimer was bur. 6 Apr 1840 Sandford, aged 55. He was a contemporary of William Mortimer of Sandford (1789-1840) who married Mary Fisher.

12. Jane? Mortimer (c.1786-1841), m. Roger Webb (1798-1831) bur. 16 Dec 1841 Sandford aged 63, had an illegitimate daughter:

i. Maria Mortimer born c.1816 Witheridge, whose father was William Jocelyn, and m.

John Mortimer of Sandford, Exeter and Dover (1768-1809)

By 1800, the Mortimer family in Sandford was increasingly fragmented and hard to follow. John was presumably the son of John and Elizabeth Mortimer, and was bapt. 28 Mar 1768 Sandford. His close contemporary, John Mortimer b. 1771 Sandford son of John and Anne, probably ended up in Heavitree. John b. 1768 was presumably a travelling labourer, moving variously between Sandford, Crediton and Exeter in Devon and Dover in Kent. He m. Betty Evans 20 Mar 1792 Kenton. Both were reportedly sojourners in Kenton, though Betty was born there in 1772. Their youngest child, Nancy, presumably named after Nancy Mortimer b.1777, was born in 1808, Dover, where John died the same year. He was bur. 3 Nov 1809 in Dover. Elizabeth his widow presumably returned to Devon thereafter, for Elizabeth Evans Mortimer married Joseph Cain, 13 Nov 1826 Exeter St Sidwell. John and Elizabeth Mortimer had the following children:

1. John Mortimer (1793-1879) bapt. 3 Feb 1793 Kenton, apparently born in Exeter judging by the census returns, married Elizabeth (c.1795-1866) – perhaps Elizabeth Haydon, 28 Aug 1815 Portsea – first lived in Sandford but thereafter moved to Plymouth between 1824/28: fl. 1851 Plymouth Charles the Martyr, 1861/71 East Stonehouse, a mason’s labourer, died 1879 Plymouth. John and Elizabeth had issue:

i. Ann (1817-1821), bapt. 9 Mar 1817 Sandford, bur. 1821.

ii. John Mortimer of Brixham (1818-1880), bapt. 12 Apr 1818 Sandford, never married, fl. 1851 Brixham, an ag lab., fl. 1861/71 when he resided in Brixham with his aunt Nancy, died in 1880 aged 62 and bur. 7 Jan 1880, Brixham.

iii. Charlotte (1820-1820), bapt. 9 Jul 1820 bur. 1 Nov 1820 Sandford.

iv. Philip Mortimer (1822-aft.1841), bapt. 3 Feb 1822 Sandford, fl. 1841 Sandford.

v. Samuel bapt. 2 Aug 1824 Sandford.

vi. William Mortimer (1828-aft.1861), bapt. 11 Feb 1828 Plymouth St Andrew, fl.1851/61 Brixham, a sailor, and lodger with brother John (1818-1880).

vii. James, bapt. 10 Oct 1830 Plymouth St Andrew.

2. Samuel Mortimer of Crediton (1795-1870), bapt. 28 Jun 1795 Exeter St David, m.1. __ (perhaps m. Ann Lewis 1820 Chippenham). A widower, Samuel m.2. Mary Rundle, widow, (1777-1861) 11 Jun 1832 Crediton, witnessed by William Amery and James Warren. Samuel fl. 1841 Crediton, ag lab., and was convicted for larceny on 2 Jan 1844 and imprisoned for 12 months; fl. 1851 Crediton, an ag lab., by 1861 was a pauper, at Crediton. Mary his wife was bur. 17 Nov 1861 Crediton. Samuel died in 1870 aged 75 and was bur. 11 Oct 1870, Crediton.

3. Betty (1800-? ), bapt. 21 Sep 1800 Sandford, perhaps m. John Moxey 18 Mar 1821 Crediton.

4. William Mortimer (1802?-1871), was reportedly born in Dover if the 1861 census can be relied upon. He was presumably bapt. 20 Dec 1802 Exeter St David, third son of John and Elizabeth. William m.1. Ann Pryor 3 Mar 1828 Plymouth St Andrew, and they had four children, and settled in Bodmin before 1839. Ann died in 1851. William thereafter began an affair with Mary Ann Climo, they eventually married in 27 Apr 1864, Bodmin. William fl.1841 Bodmin, as a tinman; convicted of stealing in 1849, when he was apparently aged 42, and imprisoned at Bodmin. William fl.1851 Bodmin (as William Climo), 1861 Bodmin, a tin plate worker, and 1871 Bodmin, a tinman. William was bur. 2 Jul 1871 Bodmin. The five children of William Mortimer and Mary Climo were named Mortimer Climo.

5. Nancy (1808-1873), bapt. 1 Apr 1808 at Dover, Kent, m. Simon Dunn or Down (1804-1855) 4 Jul 1831 Stoke Damerel, fl.1861/71/81 Brixham, and bur. 24 Jan 1873 Brixham, aged 64. Her nephews John and William Mortimer lodged with her in Brixham.


Simon Mortimer of Sandford (c.1690-1763)

Simon Mortimer was presumably a son of Francis Mortimer (c.1658-1707), and was born in Down St Mary, a parish neighbouring Sandford. His baptism is unrecorded, but he was mentioned as a son in Francis Mortimer’s will dated 21 Jul 1705; he m.1. Elizabeth Gorford (c.1690-1726), 13 Jun 1715 Sandford, and m.2. Sarah Brown, 7 Oct 1727 Sandford (1702-1766). Simon was bur. 24 May 1763 and Sarah his widow bur. 27 Dec 1766, Sandford.

Simon and his first wife Elizabeth had the following children:

1. Ann (1716-c.1722), bapt. 13 Nov 1716 Sandford, d. young, before b. of sister Ann in 1726.

2. Susanna (1719-1779), bapt. 15 Feb 1718/9 Sandford, m. George Lock (1717-1780) 27 Oct 1745 Sandford, and bur. 17 Jul 1779 Sandford.

3. Simon Mortimer II (1722-1785), bapt. 4 Mar 1721/2, the eldest son of Simon Mortimer. He m. Elizabeth Davey, 13 Jan 1756 Sandford, d. aged 63 and bur. 8 May 1785, Sandford. Elizabeth his wife was bur. in 1803, Sandford.

Simon (II) and Elizabeth Mortimer had six children:

i. John (1758- ), bapt. 11 Oct 1758 Sandford.

ii. William (1761- ), bapt. 28 Jun 1761.

iii. Simon Mortimer (1765-1799), bapt. 13 Jan 1765, bur. 4 Feb 1799, Sandford, aged 34, never married.

iv. Mary (1768- ), bapt. 4 Apr 1768

v. Ann (1771- ), bapt. 17 Feb 1771

vi. Sarah (1774-1813), bapt. 13 Mar 1774, m. William Mullis of Sidmouth, 15 Jan 1804, Sandford, bur. 1 Oct 1813 Sandford, aged 39.

vii. Susanna (1777- ), bapt. 17 Aug 1777, m. William Drake (1774-1844) 22 Oct 1799, Sandford.

4. Ann (1726- ), bapt. 29 Jan 1725/6 Sandford, no further record is known.

Simon and his second wife Sarah had seven children:

5. Elizabeth (1728-c.1740), bapt. 11 Aug 1728, d. young, before birth of sister Elizabeth in 1745.

6. Mary (1731- ), bapt. 7 Feb 1730/1, perhaps m. William Ford in 1756, Cruwys Morchard.

7. John Mortimer (1733-1783)

8. Ann (1736- ), bapt. 4 Apr 1736

9. Martha (1738-1801), bapt. 18 Jun 1738, m. Giles Tozer 27 Feb 1763 Exeter St Mary Major. She died in 1801 and was bur. in Exeter All Hallows on the Wall.

10. George (1741- ), bapt. 28 Mar 1741, who may have d. young.

11. Elizabeth (1745- ), bapt. 19 May 1745, contemporary of Eliz b. 1747/8 daughter of Henry Mortimer.

John Mortimer of Sandford (1733-c.1783)

John was presumably the second son of Simon Mortimer of Sandford. He was bapt. 15 Apr 1733 Sandford, and as such was a contemporary of John Mortimer (c.1740-1784), also of Sandford. John m. Mary Hagley/ Hagleigh 4 Dec 1771 Sandford, who was born in 1738. He may have died in 1783, Exeter, but this is uncertain.

John and Mary Mortimer had four children:

1. James Mortimer of Exeter (1772-1845), bapt. 17 Mar 1772 Sandford, a priv. in the 57th Regiment of Foot, served in the Peninsular War and fought at Roncesvalles, Valenciennes and Waterloo. James m. Joanna Tucker (1776- ) 26 Oct 1817 Exeter St Edmund, and was a baker and resident of Exeter in 1819. Fl. 1841 Exeter Holy Trinity, baker and former soldier, Chelsea out-pensioner, he died in 1845 aged 73 and was bur. 4 Jun 1845 Exeter. James and Joanna had one son:

i. James John Mortimer (1819-1857)

2.

3.

4.

The Mortimers of Preshute

Origins of the Mortimers of Preshute

A Mortimer family lived in Preshute, Wiltshire from the early 17th through to the 18th century. Although the parish of Preshute is adjacent to Avebury, the story of the Mortimers in Preshute begins 8 miles south, in Milton Lilbourne near Pewsey. Rather confusingly, Mortimers lived in Fyfield, in Preshute, and Fyfield near Pewsey.

James Mortimer of Milton Lilbourne (c.1534-1587)

James Mortimer was born about 1534. His father was perhaps named John Mortimer, as James chose to name two of his sons John. The name of his wife is unknown; he may have married c.1559. James Mortimer was assessed on the value of £6 in goods in the 1576 lay subsidy in Milton Lilbourne, and paid 10s. in the tax. In his will dated 1587, James Mortimer mentioned his eldest son John, to whom he gave guardianship of his younger sons John and William; also his daughter Haliday, daughters Elizabeth and Jane Edington, the three children of John Holiday, son’s wife Dorothy, and her daughter Joan.

1. Elizabeth c.1560, perhaps m. Edward Edington, d.1603 Ludgershall

2. John Mortimer of Fyfield in Milton (c.1562-1627), m.1. Elizabeth, bur. 23 May 1606, they had four children. He m.2. Elizabeth Hamlin, 26 Mar 1610, Milton Lilbourne. He made his will, dated 10 Mar 1626/7 as John Mortimer the elder of Milton, yeoman, and mentioned his son John, all goods at his living in Fyfield; daughter Joan Winter, with residue to son George Mortimer, sole exor. He appointed his brother John Mortimer of Clatford overseer. Elizabeth his widow, died in 1642, Fyfield. Her will is silent on John Mortimer’s children by his previous marriage.

John Mortimer and Elizabeth his first wife had issue:

i. Edith? c.1599- of Milton Lilbourne, m. Robert Annotes, 11 Oct 1619 Salisbury St Edmund.

ii. Joan c.1600-aft. 1662, m. Jeffrey Winter (c.1600-1662) 17 Jul 1622 Salisbury St Edmund. Jeffrey Winter died in 1662, leaving a will appointing his wife Joan exor.

iii. John Mortimer II 1603, bapt. 9 Nov 1603 Milton Lilbourne, perhaps the same John Mortimer m. Elizabeth Parsons, 13 Feb 1636/7 Preshute, they had a daughter Susan (c.1637- ). His will was dated 7 Mar 1662/3 at Overton, which mentioned Elizabeth his widow was bur. 19 Aug 1665, Overton.

1. Susan Mortimer (c.1637-1686), m. Robert Powell (c.1636- ), they had children Elizabeth, Susanna and Joan, mentioned in the will of Jno Mortimer (1663). She was bur. 14 Nov 1686 Sherston Magna.

iv. George Mortimer c.1605- , m. Edith Mortimer (1610 – ) 20 Apr 1634 Preshute. George Mortimer the elder was presumably the same George Mortimer of Milton, mentioned in the will of John Mortimer of Overton, 1663, with a son, Edward Mortimer. Their family is outlined further below.

3. Jane c.1563- , m. _ Edington.

4. a daughter (unnamed) who presumably married John Haliday. John Holiday married Joan Banning in 1604 Milton Lilbourne, who may have been the same John, or a son of the same name.

* William Mortimer of Clatford (c.1605-1672) was perhaps the brother of John Mortimer of Overton (c.1603-1663); he was bur. 15 Jan 1671/2 Preshute.

5. John Mortimer of Clatford (c.1572-1657)

6. William Mortimer (c.1575- ) mentioned as a younger son in his father’s will, when he was still a minor. He perhaps was father of the following Richard Mortimer:

i. Richard Mortimer of Fyfield in Overton near Marlborough (c.1605-1670)

John Mortimer of Clatford in Preshute (c.1572-1657)

John was the younger son of James Mortimer of Milton Lilbourne (c.1534-1587). John lived in Clatford, as evidenced by the will of his older brother, John Mortimer of Fyfield in Milton (c.1562-1627). No parish register entries for his family exist prior to 1606, and there is no will for John Mortimer, so the resulting pedigree is a result of some estimation. He was presumably the same John Mortimer who witnessed the inventory taken of the goods of the late John Dymer of Fyfield in Overton, 10 Oct 1615. John was also named overseer in the will of his brother John Mortimer, 10 Mar 1626/7. John Mortimer married Joan; she predeceased him and was bur. 7 Jul 1639, Preshute. John was bur. 14 Apr 1657, in Preshute. John Mortimer and Joan his wife had the following issue:

1. Richard Mortimer of Preshute (c.1596-c.1645), as follows.

2. Edith c.1605-1606, bur. 23 Jul 1606 Preshute

3. George Mortimer of Clatford, the elder (1608-1673), bapt. 16 Aug 1608 Preshute, m.1. Eleanor Benger 12 May 1636, recorded at both Preshute and Manningford; Eleanor his wife died the following year, she was bur. 12 Mar 1636/7; George Mortimer m.2. Priscilla Maundrill (1631- ) 23 Jun 1657; George Mortimer senior of Clatford was bur. 10 Jul 1673 Preshute. George Mortimer and Priscilla his wife had two daughters:

i. Priscilla 1658-1663, bapt. 12 Dec 1658, bur. 4 Feb 1662/3 Preshute.

ii. Joanna 1660- , b. 31 May 1660, bapt. 12 Jun 1660 Preshute.

4. Edith (1610- ), bapt. 19 Apr 1610 Preshute, m. George Mortimer of Milton Lilbourne, 20 Apr 1634, Preshute.

5. Bartholomew Mortimer of Thatcham, husbandman (1613- ), ancestor of the Mortimers of Thatcham.

6. Edward Mortimer of Manton (1613-1674), bapt. 21 Feb 1612/3 Preshute, the same day as his brother Bartholomew – they were presumably twins. He married Mary, c.1646, they had issue. Edward Mortimer was died 18 Dec 1674, and he was bur. 21 Dec 1674, Preshute. Inventory of his goods was taken 30 Dec 1674, witnessed by George Mortimer, of Preshute, perhaps his nephew (George Mortimer senior having died the previous year).

i. Mary bapt. 16 Oct 1648, Preshute, may have m. Robert Smart of Chiseldon (c.1648-1696) 3 Jan 1675/6 Ogbourne St Andrew. Administration of estate of his estate was granted to his brother in law, John Mortimer of Manton, yeo.

ii. John Mortimer of Manton, yeoman, (c.1651-1719) perhaps the same John Mortimer m. Margaret Nalder, 12 Nov 1682 Preshute, they had the following issue. John Mortimer of Manton was appointed in the will of John Mortimer of Berwick Bassett, 1713. John outlived most of his children, including Edward (d.1713). John Mortimer presumably remarried to Elizabeth Liddiard in 1701, and was bur. in 1719, Preshute.

1. John Mortimer II 1683

2. Edward 1684-1688, bapt. 12 Oct 1684, bur. 14 Feb 1687/8, presumably twin of Margaret

3. Margaret 1684, bapt. 12 Oct 1684 Preshute, presumably twin of Edward

4. Margaret 1687-1687, bapt. 16 Feb 1686/7, bur. 21 Mar 1686/7 Preshute

5. Edward 1689-1713, b. 2 Jan 1688/9, bapt. 7 Jan 1688/9, bur. 30 Jun 1713, Preshute.

6. Thomas 1692-1692, bapt. 6 Nov 1692, bur. 5 Dec 1692 Preshute

iii. Thomas Mortimer, b. 21 Nov 1657, bapt. 18 Dec 1657, bur. 2 Oct 1658, Preshute

iv. Alice b. 19 Jul 1660, bapt. 28 Jul 1660, m. Nicholas Leyland, 19 Oct 1685 Preshute.

Richard Mortimer of Preshute (c.1596-c.1645)

Richard was presumably the eldest son of the above John and Joan Mortimer. He m. Ann Holiday, 29 Nov 1619, Preshute. She was perhaps related to the John Holiday, son in law of James Mortimer of Milton Lilbourne. Their children perhaps included John Mortimer of Manton, George Mortimer of Clatford and William Mortimer of Lyneham, yeomen, who all featured in a deed dated 1668.

1. John Mortimer of Manton the elder (c.1623-1694), m. Joan; had issue:

i. John Mortimer II 1653-aft.1694, b. 9 Dec 1653, bapt. 1 Jan 1653/4

ii. Mary bapt. 24 Aug 1657, bur. 24 Jan 1693/4 Preshute, daughter of John Mortimer the elder.

iii. Edith 1660- , b. 26 Jan 1659/60, bapt. 2 Feb 1659/60 Preshute

iv. Richard Mortimer of Manton (1662-1701), living in 1694 at the time of his father’s will. He was b. 13 May 1662, bapt. 10 Jun 1662, Preshute, m. Elizabeth Abethal 11 Nov 1694, Stanton St Bernard. He was bur. 3 Jan 1700/1 Preshute. They had issue:

1. Elizabeth b. 19 Sep 1695, bapt. 22 Sep 1695

2. Edward Mortimer 1697-1699, bapt. 6 Jun 1697, Upavon, bur. 30 Apr 1699, Preshute

v. George Mortimer 1664- b. 13 Nov 1664, bapt. 18 Nov 1664 Preshute, as George, son of John and Edith Mortimer [this is presumably a clerical mistake upon entry in the original register – there are no other recorded children of John and Edith, and no further records of this Edith] George presumably died before 1694; he was not mentioned in his father John Mortimer’s will.

vi. Joanna 1667-1667, bapt. 20 Feb 1666/7, bur. 22 Feb 1666/7 Preshute, the youngest child of John and Joan Mortimer.

2. Mary 1625-1625, bapt. 3 Apr and bur. 11 Apr 1625, Preshute.

3. Ann 1626, bapt. 11 Feb 1625/6 Preshute

4. George Mortimer of Clatford the younger (c.1630-1711), m. Mary (c.1630-1710), whose surname is unknown. He was presumably the same George Mortimer who witnessed the grant of administration of the estate of Edward Mortimer of Manton (1612-1674) to Mary, his widow, though George was born too early (c.1630) to be their son. He was bur. 11 Oct 1711, and Mary his wife was bur. 15 Sep 1710, Preshute. George and Mary Mortimer had issue:

i. Mary? Mortimer (c.1652- ), m. James Mortimer 26 Apr 1675, Preshute. Both resided at Clatford.

ii. Richard 1654-1654, b. 19 Sep 1654, bapt. the same day, and bur. the following day, at Preshute. Perhaps named after his grandfather.

iii. Edith (1657- ), b. 15 Jul 1657, bapt. 22 Jul 1657, Preshute.

iv. Susanna (1659- ), b. 22 Sep 1659, bapt. 28 Oct 1659, Preshute, m. Jonathan Austin, 1682 Froxfield, Wiltshire

v. George Mortimer (1661- ) b. 22 Sep 1661, bapt. 14 Jan 1661/2 Preshute

vi. John Mortimer (1664-1714?), b. 12 Jul 1664, bapt. 16 Jul 1664 Preshute; perhaps m. Sarah Perry, 13 Nov 1698, Preshute, who was bur. in 1714, Preshute; they had issue:

1. George Mortimer 1699-1753

2. Hannah 1713-1714

vii. Elizabeth (1667- ), b. 22 Mar 1666/7 Preshute

viii. Richard Mortimer (1669- ), bapt. 26 Oct 1669 Preshute

ix. James Mortimer (1671- ), bapt. 3 Oct 1671 Preshute

5. William Mortimer of Lyneham (c.1633-1709)


George Mortimer of Milton Lilbourne (c.1605-1691)

George Mortimer was a son of John Mortimer the elder, of Milton Lilbourne (c.1562-1627); he married his cousin, Edith Mortimer, 20 Apr 1634, Preshute. He was presumably the same George Mortimer of Milton, mentioned in the will of John Mortimer of Overton in 1663. George and Edith had the following issue:

1. George Mortimer (1635-1684), bapt. 26 Mar 1635, Milton Lilbourne; presumably the same George Mortimer m. Dorothy c.1670. George Mortimer of Lacock and James Mortimer of Clatford were appointed trustees in the will of John Holliday, yeoman of Milton Lilbourne, 29 Jun 1679. Such an appointment hints at a close family connection, and George and James may have been appointed as brothers in law. There is no marriage record for John Holliday and Edith his wife; she may have been a daughter of George and Edith Mortimer. George Mortimer of Lacock was bur. 3 Jul 1684, Lacock. Dorothy his widow was bur. 26 Feb 1718/9. They had issue:

i. John Mortimer of Lacock (1673- ), bapt. 10 Jun 1673, Lacock, m. Sarah c.1699 – whose surname is unknown – she was bur. 6 Jul 1729, Lacock. They had issue:

1. Sarah bapt. 14 Mar 1699/1700 Lacock

2. Mary 1701-1711, bapt. 25 Nov 1701, bur. 3 May 1711, Lacock

3. Betty c.1703-1704, bur. 1 Dec 1704

4. Elizabeth 1705, bapt. 3 May 1705, Lacock

5. Dorothy 1708-1711, bapt. 28 Oct 1711, bur. 2 Dec 1711, Lacock

6. George Mortimer of Chippenham, apothecary (1716-1748), bapt. 28 Aug 1716, Lacock, m. Jane Sadlington (1719-1776), 11 Feb 1739/40 Kingston St Michael. George was bur. 2 May 1748, Chippenham St Andrew. They had issue:

i. John Mortimer (1742- ), bapt. 1 Aug 1742, Chippenham, was appr. to a surgeon, 2 Jun 1759, Royal Wootton Bassett.

ii. Sarah (1744- ), bapt. 7 Sep 1744 Chippenham

iii. Elizabeth (1746- ), bapt. 3 Dec 1746, Chippenham

2. George Mortimer, bapt. 2 Nov 1675 Lacock, may have lived in East Kennett.

3. Sarah bapt. 29 Mar 1678 Lacock, presumably m. William Meriwether, 1 Jun 1701 Corsham

4. Edward Mortimer (1681-1738), bapt. 8 Feb 1680/1 Lacock, m. Elizabeth (c.1705-1760), died intestate in 1738, admon. of his estate was granted to his widow; they had no issue.

5. Jane (1684- ), bapt. 19 Feb 1683/4, m. Edward Ponting 24 Sep 1708 Lacock

2. Edward Mortimer (c.1638-aft.1663), mentioned as a son of George Mortimer of Milton and kinsman in the will of John of Overton. He was presumably named after his uncle, Edward Mortimer of Manton (1613-1674). There does not seem to be any further mention of Edward Mortimer in parish records. It would be important to make a distinction between this Edward, and the Edward Mortimer of Trowbridge, b. 1636, Fyfield.

3. Edith? (c.1640-1711), may have been a daughter of George and Edith, as mentioned above. She married John Holliday, yeoman of Milton Lilbourne (c.1638-1679), who appointed George Mortimer of Lacock and James Mortimer of Clatford as trustees in his will. Their eldest daughter was Edith (c.1664-aft.1704). She was bur. 28 Apr 1711, Milton Lilbourne, a widow.

4. Thomas Mortimer of Fyfield in Milton (c.1645-1692), for whom decisive evidence of parentage is elusive, but who may fit into the lineage here, as son of George of Milton. He married Jane Portlock, 27 Jul 1671, Pewsey. He made a will in 1692, mentioning his wife and children. He was bur. 20 Mar 1691/2; Jane his wife was bur. 6 Oct 1702, Milton Lilbourne.

i. Jeremy Mortimer (c.1672-1717), bur. 26 Nov 1717; m. Ann; they had one daughter:

1. Susanna (1692-1735), bapt. 28 Aug 1692, m. George Crook 11 Oct 1713, bur. 21 Dec 1735 Milton Lilbourne.

ii. Mary c.1673-

iii. Elizabeth c.1676-

5. James Mortimer of Clatford (c.1649-aft.1692), m. Mary Mortimer, 26 Apr 1675, both were of Clatford. She was presumably the daughter of either George Mortimer (c.1630-1711) or William Mortimer (?-1672) of Clatford. He was appointed a trustee in the will of John Holliday alongside George Mortimer of Lacock. James and Mary Mortimer had issue:

i. James 1676-1676, bapt. 30 Jan 1675/6, bur. 1 Feb 1675/6 Preshute

ii. George 1677-1677, bapt. 27 Apr 1677, bur. 29 Apr 1677 Preshute; presumably so named after George Mortimer of Clatford

iii. George Mortimer, bapt. 2 Apr 1678

iv. Mary bapt. 21 Jul 1680

v. Elizabeth bapt. 18 Sep 1682

vi. Hannah 1686-1727, bapt. _ Feb 1685/6, bur. 8 Sep 1727, Preshute

vii. Jan bapt. 8 Jul 1688

viii. Susanna 1688-1689, bapt. 24 Aug 1688, bur. 28 Aug 1689

ix. Frances 1692, bapt. 28 Feb 1691/2 Preshute


William Mortimer of Lyneham (c.1635-1709)

The first record of William Mortimer is a deed dated 1668. William Mortimer of Lyneham, John Mortimer of Manton, and George Mortimer of Clatford were all parties to the deed, showing a close family connection between the individuals. George may have been either George Mortimer the elder (1608-1673) or younger (c.1630-1711), but John was presumably John the elder of Manton (c.1623-1694), as John the younger was born c.1650s and would have been a minor.

William married Mary Lanfere, 6 Feb 1664/5 at Lyneham. He was a parish overseer at Lyneham in 1701. William made his will in 1709, as William Mortimer, gent., and named his wife Mary, sons William and Richard, daughters Susanna and Mary, and son in law Benjamin Paine. Mary his wife died in 1713, and was bur. 24 Sep 1713, Lyneham. They had the following issue:

1. Mary 1673, b. 30 Jan 1673, bapt. 6 Feb 1672/3 Preshute, m. Benjamin Pain

2. William Mortimer of Manton, (c.1678-1730)

3. Richard Mortimer of Lyneham (1680-c.1740), bapt. 6 Feb 1679/80 Lyneham, m. Sarah c.1702 (1681-1748). He died before his son Henry in 1745. Richard and Sarah Mortimer had issue:

i. Sarah (1703-1703), bapt. 24 Mar 1702/3 bur. 27 Nov 1703

ii. Henry Lanfere Mortimer (1704-1745), bapt. 3 Oct 1704, bur. 16 Mar 1744/5 Lyneham

iii. John (1705-1710), bapt. 5 Dec 1705

iv. Richard (c.1715-1716) bur. 20 Aug 1716, Lyneham

v. Susanna (1720- ), bapt. 7 May 1720 Lyneham

vi. (Margaret 1722- ), bapt. 15 Feb 1721/2

vii. James Mortimer (1725- ), bapt. 16 May 1725 – perhaps same as James Mortimer of Harrow (c.1725-1814), m. Hannah Parson 1758

4. Susanna 1682-1717, bapt. 25 Jun 1682 Lyneham, never married, will proved 1717.

5. James 1684-1684, bapt. 21 Dec 1684, bur. shortly afterwards.

William Mortimer of Manton (c.1678-1730), yeoman

William was presumably the son of William Mortimer of Lyneham and Mary his wife. No baptism record can be found, though his sister Mary was bapt. in Preshute. William m. Margaret Popejoy, 1 Nov 1709, Preshute. William Mortimer made his will in 1730, and named his sons Nathaniel and Edward Mortimer. He was bur. 30 Apr 1730, at Preshute, as Mr William Mortimer, showing he was a gentleman farmer. William and Margaret Mortimer had the following issue:

1. William Mortimer 1710-bef.1730, bapt. 27 Aug 1710 Preshute, d. before 1730

2. Nathaniel Mortimer 1712-1751, bapt. 8 Jun 1712, bur. 12 Dec 1751 Preshute, no issue.

3. Susanna 1716

4. John 1720-bef.1730, bapt. 1 Feb 1719/20, d. before 1730

5. Edward Mortimer (1722- ), bapt. 10 May 1722 Preshute, mentioned in his father’s will, 1730

6. Thomas 1728-1730, bapt. 11 Sep 1728, bur. 1730, named only as a child of William Mortimer in the parish register.

The Mortimers of Drewsteignton

The Mortimers of Drewsteignton

Nicholas Mortimer of Drewsteignton (1604-aft.1640)

Nicholas was born in Tedburn St Mary, the second surviving son of John Mortimer (1569-1641). He was bap. 27 Mar 1604, Tedburn St Mary. Nicholas m. Ann Wallen, 23 Apr 1632 Drewsteignton and they had the following children. He died at an unknown date after 1640, perhaps during the English Civil War. Ann his wife was bur. in 1677, Drewsteignton.

1. Joan 1633-1633, bap. 10 Feb, bur. 19 Feb 1632/3.

2. George Mortimer 1634-1705, bap. 16 Feb 1633/4. He m. Elizabeth c. 1660, and they had the following children. Elizabeth his wife was bur. 23 Apr 1704, Drewsteignton. George was bur. 27 Mar 1705.

i. Ann 1662-1694, bap. 15 Jun 1662, bur. 8 Nov 1694, Drewsteignton.

ii. Rose 1664-1732, bap. 25 Jan 1663/4, m. John Weeks 9 Aug 1693 Drewsteignton, bur. 1732 Drewsteignton.

iii. Elizabeth 1665-1666, bap. 27 Dec 1665, bur. 28 Jan 1665/6.

iv. Elizabeth 1667, bap. 10 Mar 1666/7 Drewsteignton.

v. Joseph 1669- ?, bap. 28 Mar 1669, who perhaps died young.

vi. John 1671-, bap. 28 May 1671, who may have been the same as John m. 1691 Moretonhampstead.

vii. George 1673-

viii. Mary 1676-1680, bur. 27 Mar 1676, bur. 5 Feb 1779/80.

ix. Thomas Mortimer of Drewsteignton (1679-1711), bap. 16 Mar 1678/9, m. Susanna Gove 14 Apr 1700 Drewsteignton, bur. 15 Nov 1711. Susanna his widow was bur. 27 Feb 1741/2, Drewsteignton. They had the following four children.

1. Ann, bap. 16 Jan 1700/1 Drewsteignton.

2. Elizabeth, bap. 23 May 1704.

3. George Mortimer 1707-1769, bap. 4 Dec 1707, m. Elizabeth Small 6 Nov 1737 Drewsteignton, bur. 23 Jul 1769. Elizabeth his wife was bur. 1767, Drewsteignton. They had one daughter.

i. Elizabeth 1739- , who either d. 1754 or m. 1767 Drewsteignton.

4. Thomas 1711-1711, bap. 10 Jun, bur. 13 Aug 1711.

3. Sampson Mortimer

4. William bef.1638-1638, bur. 9 Aug 1638 Drewsteignton, presumably a son of Nicholas and Ann.

5. James Mortimer c.1640-1687, who was presumably a son of Nicholas Mortimer. He m. 1. Ann Woodley (c.1644-1675), 28 Jun 1670, Drewsteignton, who was bur. 31 May 1675 Drewsteignton. James m. 2. Mary Dicker in 1683, Drewsteignton. He was bur. 8 Oct 1687, Drewsteignton. Mary his widow was bur. 11 Jun 1716. James and his first wife Ann had the following children.

i. William Mortimer, b. 11 Sep 1670 Drewsteignton. He was perhaps the same William Mortimer of Bovey Tracey, bur. 20 Mar 1694/5 Hennock, Will proved 1695.

ii. Joan 1672-1684, b. 18 Feb 1671/2, bur. 9 Jun 1684, Drewsteignton.

iii. Mary, b. 13 May 1674 Drewsteignton.

Sampson Mortimer of Drewsteignton (1636-1712)

Sampson was born in Drewsteignton, the second son of Nicholas Mortimer and Ann Wallen. He was bap. 6 Nov 1636. Sampson married Elizabeth Paunsford (c.1644-1721), 13 Sep 1664 Drewsteignton, who was of an ancient family long situated at Drewsteignton. They had the following eleven children. Sampson Mortimer died in 1712, leaving a will dated 15 Mar 1711/2, mentioning his wife Elizabeth, sons John and Sampson, and daughters Elizabeth, Ann, Mary wife of Mark Cumbe, (and her daughter Sarah), Sarah, Susan, and Joan wife of William Seaward. Also the children of son John Mortimer; John, Sampson, James, Edward and Thomasin Mortimer. Also his grandson William Mortimer. Sampson died approximately 22 Mar and was bur. 24 Mar 1711/2. His will was proved 2 May 1712. Elizabeth his widow was bur. 30 Dec 1721, Drewsteignton.

1. Elizabeth 1665, bap. 2 Jul 1665 Drewsteignton.

2. John Mortimer

3. William 1669-1689, bap. 25 Sep 1669, bur. 18 Aug 1689, Drewsteignton.

4. Mary 1672, bap. 4 Feb 1671/2 Drewsteignton.

5. Sampson Mortimer II 1673-1745, bap. 16 Dec 1673 Drewsteignton, who m. Prudence Fawt, 23 Sep 1717 Drewsteignton. They had no issue. Sampson and Prudence his wife featured in the 1723 Oath Roll for Drewsteignton. Sampson died without leaving a will and was bur. 27 Nov 1745, Honeychurch. Prudence his widow was bur. 24 Oct 1748.

6. Joan 1676, bap. 2 Feb 1675/6, m. William Seaward 11 Dec 1705 Drewsteignton.

7. Ann 1678, bap. 30 Jan 1677/8, bur. 28 Dec 1730 Drewsteignton.

8. Mary 1679-1679, bur. 27 Dec 1679.

9. Mary 1680, bap. 25 Jan 1679/80, m. Mark Cumbe/ Combe?

10. Sarah 1681, bap. 21 Dec 1681.

11. Susanna 1684, bap. 5 Nov 1684 Drewsteignton, m. Thomas Langworthy 1710 Bridford.

John Mortimer of Drewsteignton (1667-1736)

John was bap. 17 Nov 1667, Drewsteignton, the eldest son of Sampson and Elizabeth Mortimer. He married Thomasin Hill, 27 Aug 1693, Drewsteignton and they had the following eight children. John left a will dated 30 Apr 1734, mentioning his sons William, John, Sampson, James and Edward Mortimer, and daughter Thomasin, giving them a bequest “in addition to the bequests made by their grandfather”- referencing the will of Sampson Mortimer, 1712. He also mentioned his grandson John son of John Mortimer with residue to wife Thomasin, sole executrix. He died two years later and was bur. 26 Aug 1736, Drewsteignton. His will was proved by Thomasin his wife who outlived him one year; she was bur. 4 May 1737.

1. William Mortimer 1694-1767, bap. 27 Mar 1694 Drewsteignton, m. Mary c.1714, who predeceased him; she presumably died in 1750. He made a will dated 18 Sep 1763, mentioning his daughters Mary Frost, widow, Joan Houdg [sic], Thomasin wife of John Buard and grandson John Buard. Residue went to his son William Mortimer, sole executor. He was bur. 19 Mar 1767 Drewsteignton and the will proved 30 Mar. William and Mary had the following children.

i. John Mortimer 1716-1725, named after his grandfather, bap. 24 Dec 1716, presumably bur. 14 Sep 1725, Drewsteignton, not mentioned in his father’s will.

ii. Mary, bap. 21 Mar 1721, m. William Frost 9 Jul 1753 Gidleigh, and fl. 1763.

iii. Joan, bap. 3 Feb 1724/5, m. John Hodge 9 Dec 1747 North Tawton, fl. 1763.

iv. Thomasin, named after her grandmother, bap. 20 Apr 1729, m. John Buard, perhaps prev. m. James Browning 15 Feb 1756, Drewsteignton.

v. William Mortimer 1734-1812?, only surviving son of William and Mary. He was mentioned as grandson in the will of John Mortimer, 1734. In 1763 he was appointed executor of his father’s will and proved the will in 1767. In 1776 he took William Loram on as an apprentice. He married Thomasin Mortimer his cousin, in 1781 Drewsteignton, though they had no issue. At the time of the marriage William was living in Dunsford. In 1798 he paid tax on land in Drewsteignton. He was bur. 18 Aug 1812, Drewsteignton. Thomasin his widow was bur. 23 Apr 1829, aged 87.

2. John Mortimer III

3. Mary 1699-1702, who died young; bap. 29 Jan 1698/9, bur. 29 Dec 1702, Drewsteignton.

4. Sampson Mortimer 1700-1776, bap. 18 Dec 1700 Drewsteignton, m. Joan Browning, 1 Dec 1724 Exeter, bur. 18 Aug 1776 Drewsteignton. He made a will dated 22 Jan 1776, mentioning his daughters Elizabeth and Thomasin; to her a silver spoon with initials S.M. (presumably a former possession of his grandfather Sampson Mortimer 1636-1712). His son James Mortimer was sole executor, who proved the will 5 Jan 1777. Sampson and Joan had the following children in Drewsteignton.

i. Elizabeth 1725, bap. 29 Mar 1725, Drewsteignton.

ii. James Mortimer of Dunsford (1729-1816), bap. 26 Jan 1728/9, m. 1. Mary Langworthy (1725-1770) 12 Apr 1748, Drewsteignton, who died in 1770 and was bur. 16 Apr 1770, Drewsteignton. James m. 2. Betty Cann 25 Apr 1780, Drewsteignton. In 1781 Edward Ponsford (Paunsford) was apprenticed to Mr James Mortimer, John Parr was also apprenticed in 1782. James lived at Dunsford as a farmer, and died intestate in 1816, aged (90). He was bur. 10 Nov 1816, in his home parish of Drewsteignton. James and his first wife Mary had the following children.

1. Thomasin, bap. 14 May 1749 Drewsteignton.

2. John Mortimer (of Ashton) 1750-1835, bap. 19 Aug 1750, Dunsford, who presumably died in 1835; bur. 1 May 1835 Ashton, aged (85).

3. Mary, bap. 23 Feb 1751/2 Dunsford.

4. Elizabeth, bap. 13 Oct 1754 Dunsford.

5. William Mortimer of South Tawton (1756-1822), a contemporary of William Mortimer of Drewsteignton (see below). He was bap. 18 Jan 1756, Dunsford, and m. Jane Arscott (1755-1822), 7 Mar 1784, South Tawton. The marriage witnesses were William Fervins and Richard Drew. William Mortimer and Jane both lived in South Tawton, where they both passed away in 1822. William died aged (67) and was bur. 14 Mar 1822 South Tawton, Jane his widow died aged (67) and was bur. 3 Jun 1822. William and Jane had the following six children.

i. Mary 1785, bap. 27 Feb 1785 South Tawton, who m. John Combe 3 Aug 1807 South Tawton.

ii. Thomas Mortimer 1786-aft.1841, bap. 31 Dec 1786, who m. Mary Way 31 Mar 1811 South Tawton. They had a son John. Mary remarried in 1858, South Tawton at the age of 68.

1. John Mortimer 1711- South Tawton.

iii. William 1788-1789, bap. 28 Dec 1788, bur. 22 Nov 1789 South Tawton.

iv. William Mortimer II 1790-1864, bap. 28 Nov 1790 South Tawton, m. Mary Wedlock (1792-1847) 8 Sep 1819 South Tawton. He worked as an ag lab. in South Tawton. Mary his wife died at the age of (55) and was bur. 21 Nov 1847, South Tawton. William died aged 73 and was bur. 11 Sep 1864 South Tawton. William and Mary had the following nine children in South Tawton.

1. Mary Ann 1820, bap. 27 Feb 1820 South Tawton, m. Silas Brimblecome 25 Jun 1845 South Tawton.

2. Elizabeth 1821-1846, bap. 6 Jan 1822, bur. 14 Jan 1846 South Tawton, aged 24.

3. Jane 1824, bap. 7 Mar 1824, who m. John Holman 6 Apr 1847 South Tawton.

4. Susanna 1826-1826, bap. 19 Mar 1826, bur. 25 Mar 1826 South Tawton, infant.

5. William Mortimer III 1828-1907, bap. 13 Jan 1828, m. Elizabeth Cooper 20 Mar 1856 South Tawton. William was bur. 12 Jun 1907 South Tawton, aged 79.

6. Susanna 1831, bap. 20 Feb 1831

7. Eliza 1833-1839, bap. 1 Sep 1833, bur. 30 Dec 1839 South Tawton, aged 6.

8. George Mortimer 1836, bap. 14 Dec 1836, bur. 8 Jan 1837 South Tawton, infant.

9. Harriet 1838-1901, bap. 11 Feb 1838, m. Joseph Millman 26 Oct 1862 South Tawton.

v. John 1793-1794, bap. 25 Aug 1793, bur. 23 Nov 1794 South Tawton.

vi. Elizabeth 1795, bap. 6 Sep 1795, m. John Wedlake 12 May 1819, South Tawton.

6. James 1760-1762, who died young; bap. 8 Jun 1760, bur. 11 Jun 1762, Dunsford.

iii. William Mortimer of Moretonhampstead (c.1737-1816), who presumably fits into the family here as an unrecorded son of Sampson Mortimer, presumably born in the gap between James b.1729 and Thomasin b.1742. William married Mary Soper (1736-1793), 2 Oct 1757, Lustleigh. The couple lived firstly in North Bovey where they had four children. Their eldest son presumably married Susanna Bremblecome in 1783, Drewsteignton, and William perhaps acted as a witness. Mary his wife was bur. 16 Jun 1793, Moretonhampstead. William died at the age of (77) and was bur. 18 Mar 1816.

1. William Mortimer of Drewsteignton (1758-1787), contemporary of William Mortimer of South Tawton d.1822 (see above). William was bap. 22 Jul 1758 North Bovey and he m. Susanna Bremblecome alias Clark (1759-1797) in 1783 Drewsteignton, by marriage licence. Witnesses to the marriage were William Mortimer (perhaps his father) and William Browning. Susanna was born in 1759, Cheriton Bishop. They lived in Bere Ferrers from 1786, where William died in 1787. He was bur. 27 Oct 1787, Bere Ferrers churchyard. It seems that William died in suspicious circumstances, for in 1788, Susanna his widow was accused of poisoning him. She was later acquitted of his murder. In a 1788 Poor Settlement record, it was noted that Susanna and her late husband were formerly of Drewsteignton but afterwards legally settled at Bere Ferrers. Susanna returned to Drewsteignton after her husband’s death, though she remarried to James Harris in 1790, Bere Ferrers. James Harris died in 1794, and Susanna outlived her husband by only three years, dying in Jun 1797. She was bur. 14 Jun 1797, Bere Ferrers churchyard. William and Susanna had two surviving children, who were orphaned in 1797.

i. William Mortimer 1784-1787, bap. 20 Jun 1784 Drewsteignton, bur. Aug 1787 Bere Ferrers.

ii. Mary Clark Mortimer 1786-1805, bap. 11 Sep 1786 Bere Ferrers. She was apprenticed to John Bremblecome in 1794, Beer Alston, and died in 1805. Mary was bur. in 1805, Bere Ferrers.

iii. William Mortimer II 1788-1845, posthumous son of William Mortimer, born five months after his father’s death. He was bap. 6 Apr 1788 Drewsteignton. He later settled at Bere Ferrers and m. Elizabeth Hutchins (1785-1862) in 1811. He lived the rest of his life in Bere Ferrers, where he worked as a husbandman and later as an ag lab. He died at the age of (59) and was bur. 30 Sep 1845 Bere Ferrers. Elizabeth his widow died in 1862. They had the following children in Bere Ferrers.

1. Mary Clark Mortimer 1812, bap. 3 Jan 1813 Bere Ferrers

2. William Mortimer III 1814, bap. 4 Sep 1814, who lived in Beer Ferris; he m. Mary and they had at least three daugters: Mary c.1844, Jane c.1847 and Ann c.1849.

3. Richard Mortimer 1817, bap. 26 Jan 1817

4. Jane 1821, bap. 24 Jun 1821

5. Ann 1826, b. 18 Sep, bap. 29 Sep 1826 Beer Ferris Independent Meeting Chapel, Beer Alston.

6. Sarah 1830, b. 21 Aug, bap. 17 Sep 1830, Beer Ferris Independent Meeting. Sarah m. Thomas Kessell 3 Oct 1850, Bere Ferrers.

6. Elizabeth 1832, b. 25 Dec 1832, bap. 8 Jan 1833, Beer Ferris Independent Meeting.

2. Elias Mortimer 1761-1832, bap. 13 Dec 1761, North Bovey. Elias was apprenticed to John Brimblecome of Drewsteignton, butcher on 10 Dec 1782 (perhaps the same John Bremblecome who m. Thomasin Mortimer b.1726 below, and possibly a relative of Susanna wife of William Mortimer d.1787 above). Elias m. Mary Southcott (1765-1853), 4 Jun 1790, South Tawton, and they had the following six children. Elias died aged (71) and was bur. 16 Sep 1832, Moretonhampstead.

i. Elizabeth 1791, bap. 13 Feb 1791 North Tawton.

ii. William Mortimer of Sydney (1793- ), born in Devon, who emigrated to Sydney, Australia. William was bap. 17 Mar 1793, North Tawton. He m. Joanna Blackall, and they had the following children. In 1841, the family lived in St Mary Magdalen, Sussex, and they sailed to Australia shortly thereafter, where they lived in Sydney. William and Joan had four daughters born in England, and two sons born in Sydney:

1. Matilda c.1830 Sussex

2. Eliza c.1832

3. Joanna c.1834

4. Mary c.1836

5. William b. 7 May 1843, bap. 9 Jul 1843, Sydney St Andrew, d.1843

6. Albert b. 30 Aug 1846, bap. 12 Oct 1846 Sydney St Andrew

iii. Mary 1796, bap. 31 Jan 1796 Moretonhampstead.

iv. John c.1798-1801, bur. 19 Apr 1801, Woodland.

v. Ann c.1800, m. _ Eggbeare.

vi. Elias Mortimer II 1807-aft.1836, bap. 11 Oct 1807 Woodland. He joined the army as a private and served in the 85th Regt of Foot until his discharge in 1836. He was thereafter a Chelsea out-pensioner. He married Jane in some foreign country, and they had the following children; at least three sons. The family lived in Hastings St Clement in 1841, where Elias was a police constable. He died at an unknown date after 1841. The family perhaps emigrated.

1. George Mortimer c.1836, born in Scotland or Ireland.

2. Elias William Mortimer 1837-1905, bap. 14 Jun 1837, Hastings St Clement, Sussex. He emigrated to Minnesota, US, in 1854. Elias died 6 Aug 1905. He fought in the Civil War on the Union Side, in a Minnesota Regt. After the Civil War he worked for a railroad co. He m. Altanice Helena Hayford, 20 Jan 1875, Minnesota, and they had issue.

3. Richard Mortimer c.1839 Hastings.

3. Mary 1763, bap. 14 Aug 1763, North Bovey.

4. Joanna 1768-1820, who was bap. 10 Apr 1768, North Bovey. She was perhaps the mother of William Mortimer b. 1787, Morchard Bishop. If William was her son he may have been the William Mortimer m. 1820, Moretonhampstead. Joanna married William Hawker, 4 May 1790 Moretonhampstead. They later lived in Modbury, and Joanna died at the age of 52. She was bur. 30 Apr 1820, Modbury churchyard. William her husband was bur. 1835, Modbury.

iv. Thomasin Mortimer, named after her grandmother, bap. 8 Jun 1742 Drewsteignton, who married her cousin William Mortimer II in 1781, Drewsteignton.

5. Edward Mortimer 1703-1707, bap. 6 Jan 1703/4, bur. 31 Aug 1707 Drewsteignton.

6. Thomasin Mortimer 1705-1755, named after her mother, bap. 17 Oct 1705 Drewsteignton.

7. James Mortimer 1707-aft.1734, bap. 17 Aug 1707 Drewsteignton, he was living at the time of his father’s will in 1734.

8. Edward Mortimer of Drewsteignton, 1711-1765, bap. 9 Oct 1711 Drewsteignton, m. Frances Pooke, 28 Feb 1741/2 Moretonhampstead. They had one son who died in infancy; John Mortimer 1742-1742; bap. 15 Jul, bur. 19 Jul 1742, Chagford. Frances his wife died in 1742; she was bur. 16 Sep 1742 Exeter Holy Trinity. Edward Mortimer was bur. 17 Mar 1765, Drewsteignton.

John Mortimer II (1696-1777)

John was born in Drewsteignton, the second son of John Mortimer and Thomasin his wife. He was bap. 30 Nov 1696. John married Philippa, whose maiden name is unknown; she may have been Philippa Rewe, b. 5 Sep 1698 Drewsteignton. They married around 1819, and had nine children. Philippa died in 1760 and was bur. 21 Nov 1760, Drewsteignton. John Mortimer was bur. 19 Feb 1777. They had the following children.

1. John Mortimer III

2. William Mortimer 1724-1783, bap. 28 Apr 1724, m. Mary Baker 6 Jan 1750/1 Drewsteignton, bur. 1783 Drewsteignton. Mary his widow was bur. 31 Dec 1792, Drewsteignton. They had four children.

i. Mary 1753, bap. 9 Mar 1752/3, m. William Combe 23 Jul 1775 Drewsteignton.

ii. John Mortimer 1753-?, bap. 11 Nov 1753, contemporary of John Mortimer IV (below). Either individual was presumably the same as John Mortimer of Wells (1753-1813).

iii. Betty 1757-1759, bap. 30 Jan 1757, bur. 19 Feb 1759 Drewsteignton.

iv. Susanna 1760-1765, bap. 13 Jan 1760, bur. 21 May 1765 Drewsteignton.

3. Thomasin Mortimer 1726-1785, bap. 29 Nov 1726, m. John Bremblecome 6 Jun 1746. A Thomasin Clark witnessed the marriage of William Mortimer of Dunsford and Thomasin Mortimer in 1781, Drewsteignton, (see above), which individual can perhaps be identified as her. John and Thomasin had the following children in Drewsteigton; John Brimblecome 1747, Thomas Brimblecome 1749, Ann Brimblecome 1765. Thomasin died in 1785, Drewsteignton.

4. Mary 1729, bap. 29 Jul 1729 Drewsteignton.

5. Sampson 1732-1733, bap. 15 Feb 1731/2, bur. 1733, Drewsteignton.

6. Sampson Mortimer 1735-1775, bap. 26 Jan 1734/5, bur. 6 Feb 1775 Drewsteignton.

7. Joanna 1737, bap. 27 Nov 1737.

8. Elizabeth 1740, bap. 13 Aug 1740.

9. Susanna? who may instead have been a daughter of John and Susanna m. 1742 (see above). She was bap. 21 Nov 1742 Drewsteignton, and m. William Tapper 14 Aug 1774 Moretonhampstead.

John Mortimer III of Moretonhampstead (1720-1787)

John was the eldest son of John Mortimer of Drewsteignton and Philippa his wife, and was bap. 10 Jan 1720/1 Drewsteignton. He was mentioned in the will of his grandfather John Mortimer in 1734, as as John son of John Mortimer. He later lived in Moretonhampstead, where he married Ann Underhill, 28 Apr 1751. They had eight children in Moretonhampstead. John died without leaving a will and was bur. 16 Sep 1787, Moretonhampstead. Ann his widow was bur. 5 Oct 1794.

1. John Mortimer 1753-1813? contemporary of John son of William b.1753 (see above). Either individual was presumably the same as John Mortimer of Wells (1753-1813), since his brother Sampson was a paper maker in Bradninch and Wells, it seems more likely that John Mortimer of Wells belonged to this family. John Mortimer, paper maker, was the subject of a bastardy order in 1797, Bradninch. He later moved to Wells and married Anne Watch, 23 Oct 1803, Wells St Cuthbert. He was presumably working at the Wells St Cuthbert paper mill. John Mortimer was buried 5 Dec 1813 Wells St Cuthbert. John and Ann had two sons.

i. William Mortimer of Wells 1804-1858, paper maker and journeyman. William was b. 12 Nov and bap. 9 Dec 1804 Wells St Cuthbert, and lived with his uncle William Watch in 1851. He was bur. 11 Jul 1858, Bathford Somerset, aged 53.

ii. John Mortimer (V?) 1807-1868, emigrant to America. John was b. 28 Sep 1807 and bap. 17 Jan 1808, Wells St Cuthbert. He m. Elizabeth c.1830, and they had two children. John and Elizabeth lived in Bradninch, Devon in 1851, where he worked as a carter. At some point before 1861 the family emigrated to the US and settled in Massachussetts. He died 28 Jan 1868, Russell, Hampden, Massachussetts. Elizabeth his widow d. 30 Apr 1879 also at Russell. John and Elizabeth had the following two children.

1. Ann 1831-1903, b. 14 Jul 1831 Bradninch. She also went with her family to the US.

2. William J. Mortimer 1835-1913, b. 9 Apr 1835 Bradninch. He also emigrated with his family to Russell, Hampden where he married and had a family.

2. Elizabeth 1754-1783, bap. 12 May 1754, bur. 24 Dec 1783, Moretonhampstead.

3. William 1757-1757, bap. 15 May 1757 bur. 12 Jun 1757.

4. Ann 1760-1760, bap. 10 Jan, bur. 12 Jan 1760.

5. Ann 1761-1765, bap. 19 Jul 1761, bur. 4 Jul 1765, passed away the same time as her sister Mary

6. Mary 1764-1765, bap. 15 Jul 1764, bur. 4 Jul 1765, passed away the same time as her sister Ann.

7. Sampson Mortimer 1766-1818, bap. 14 Dec 1766 Moretonhampstead, m. Sarah Gwillym 7 Jul 1788, Woolaston, Glos. Sampson worked as a paper mill at Woolaston Mill. Sampson Mortimer had to travel widely across the country to find work, labouring at various locations over the next decade, including Cornwall 1791, Wells 1794, and Maidstone in 1796. He returned to his home parish of Moretonhampstead some time after with his wife Sarah, though none of their children can be definitively traced back to Devon. He died in 1818, aged (65), the parish register entry for his age is obviously inaccurate. Sampson was bur. 27 Apr 1818, Moretonhampstead. Sarah his widow was bur. 1 Apr 1823, aged (70). This age is also likely inaccurate, as she was presumably b. 18 Jul 1756, Awre, Glos. Sampson and Sarah had the following children.

i. Edward Mortimer 1788- ?, bap. 20 Sep 1788, Woolaston.

ii. Mary Ann Mortimer, bap. 31 Jul 1791 St Kenwyn, Cornwall.

iii. William Mortimer, bap. 1794 Wells St Cuthbert, perhaps m. Maria Hutchins (1800-1820), 16 Apr 1819 Moretonhampstead. Maria his wife did not survive long after their wedding for she was bur. _1820, Moretonhampstead. William was perhaps bur. _1850, South Tawton, aged (53).

iv. Elizabeth bap. 14 Feb 1796, Bearsted, Kent.

8. Edward Mortimer 1770-1838?, bap. 22 Apr 1770 Moretonhampstead, who fathered an illegitimate child with Susanna Rattenbury, 1797, Moretonhampstead. Edward’s occupation was as a mariner in 1797, and he perhaps died in Newark, New Jersey in 1838.

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).

 

 

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.

 

 

The Mortimers of Silverton

The Mortimers of Silverton

Origin of the Mortimers of Silverton

The Mortimers of Silverton begin with Gilbert Mortimer (c.1624-c.1680). He was born before the start of the Silverton parish records, but may have been born outside Silverton. He married Wilmot before 1653, when they appeared in a Chancery record Jerman v. Jerman.

Philip Jerman brought a case against a group of defendants; Robert Jerman, Richard Jerman, Thomas Jerman, William Sellacke and Mary Sellacke his wife and Gilbert Mortimer and Wilmott Mortimer his wife. The association with the Jerman family suggests a connection with Thomasin Mortimer m. Richard Jerman, 9 Nov 1617 Exeter St Mary Major. The record suggests Gilbert and Wilmot Mortimer were living in Bradninch in 1653, but there is no clear connection to the previous Mortimer family at Bradninch, who had lived there since c.1500.

Family

In 1674 Gilbert Mortimer paid tax on one hearth in Silverton, though there is no further record of him. He presumably died some time after this date, and was perhaps buried in Bradninch. He married around 1651 to Wilmot, and they had the following children:

1. Gilbert Mortimer

2. Michael Mortimer 1656-1697, who had the following children:

i. Mary 1691-1692

ii. Agnes 1692

iii. Mary 1697, who m. Edward Martin, 22 Oct 1722 Silverton.

3. John Mortimer 1657-1694, who married Rebecca Chowne (1670-1712), and had a son. John died in 1694. in 1699 Rebecca remarried to Robert Pasmore of Cullompton, husbandman (d.1707) and had two daughters, Mary and Rebecca Pasmore.

i. John Mortimer 1693-1737 of Silverton, bapt. 1 Jun 1693, bur. 28 Aug 1737. He married Mary and had a daughter Joan 1715-1715, and possibly a son, John Mortimer of Cullompton c.1717.

4. Mary 1659-1701, married Samuel Chowne (1657-1705), 13 Jun 1687 Silverton and had children.

5. Elizabeth 1661, married Roger Tucker, 14 Jun 1692 Silverton.

6. Sarah 1663

7. William 1665

Gilbert Mortimer II 1654-1701

Gilbert was bapt. 28 Feb 1653/4 and was the earliest known son of Gilbert senior. He lived in a time of intermittent parish records. While he had children, their baptism dates are unknown. Mary, the wife of Gilbert Mortimer died in Jul 1689, and may have been the wife of the younger Gilbert, if Gilbert senior had already died by then. Gilbert II was presumably father of the following. It is possible all of the following sons were born in Bradninch, which would explain why their baptism dates have eluded research.

1. Gilbert Mortimer III c.1677, who married Elizabeth Mogford (c.1675-1746), 30 Apr 1697 Silverton. Their daughter Mary was born in December and sadly died the following January, at which point Gilbert was described as Gilbert Mortimer, junior in the burial record. It is possible that generations here are duplicated and that this Gilbert has been confused with Gilbert b. 1653, but that would not adequately explain the appearance of Philemon and Henry Mortimer [below] in the following generation. Gilbert and Elizabeth had the following children, of whom at least three died in infancy. The burial records for both Gilbert senior and his youngest son Gilbert are missing. Elizabeth his wife was buried 26 Apr 1746 Silverton. 

i. Mary 1697-1698, bapt Dec 1697, bur. 9 Jan 1698/9.

ii. William Mortimer 1698-1698

iii. William Mortimer 1699-1729

iv. John Mortimer 1704-1707

v. John Mortimer 1708-1710

vi. Gilbert Mortimer (IV) 1711- ?

2. Philemon? Mortimer c.1681-1733, probably a younger son, married Joan Bussell, 20 Sep 1706 Exeter St Sidwell. In 1723 he took the loyalty oath in Silverton, but died sometime afterwards. Both Philemon and his brother Henry may have been sons of a currently unknown Mortimer who lived in Bradninch.

3. Henry? Mortimer, of whom next

Henry Mortimer of Silverton (c.1684-1748)

Henry Mortimer’s birth year remains unknown, and though his parentage is uncertain, he was presumably the brother of Philemon Mortimer, and both may have been sons of Gilbert Mortimer II (above). He married Rebecca Horden (c.1687-1745), 28 Aug 1710 Silverton. He died in 1748, was buried the 11 Feb 1747/8, Silverton. Henry and Rebecca had the following children:

  1. William? Mortimer 
  2. Philemon Mortimer 1715-1779, who was named after Philemon Mortimer m.1706. On 17 May 1737, William Mortimer of Bradninch, yeoman and Philemon Mortimer of Silverton were bound over to appear at the assizes to answer a charge of assault. They were later acquitted. On 10 Apr 1771, Philemon witnessed the marriage of Thomas Hodge to Mary Furser. On 13 Mar 1772, Philemon made his will, mentioning his brother Richard Mortimer, and Richard’s children William, Thomas, John, Betty and Ann. Also his sister Joan wife of Thomas Heard, Mary Parser, nephew Richard Mortimer, and Jenny daughter of brother Henry Mortimer, deceased. Mary Purser was sole exor.
  3. John? Mortimer of Cullompton c.1717- who possibly relates to this family. See Mortimer of Cullompton and Exeter under Miscellaneous branches.
  4. Joan c.1719, who m. Thomas Heard.
  5. Henry Mortimer II c.1720-1760, of Silverton, who was perhaps a younger son. On 25 Jan 1751, he was convicted at the assizes for swearing. He married Joan Channon 26 Feb 1759 Silverton, and had an only daughter, Jenny (1761-1774). He died in 1760, and was bur. 4 Dec 1760. His daughter Jenny was mentioned as a niece in the will of his brother Philemon, 1772.
  6. Richard Mortimer c.1722-c.1780 of Silverton, who was presumably the younger brother. in 1757 he stood surety for Zachariah Maine, and in 1764 was described as yeoman, of Bradninch. In 1774 he was a party in a lease concerning land in Bradninch. He died sometime after this date, perhaps around 1780. He married Mary Heard, 5 Apr 1749, and had the following children:

i. Richard Mortimer (II) 1752-1789, who was a nephew of Philemon Mortimer. He was probably the elder son, as he was mentioned apart from his siblings in the will of Philemon Mortimer in 1772. Richard II married Susanna Reynolds (1759-1820) 5 Jun 1781 Broadclyst, and had the following children. He died intestate, in 1789. Administration was granted to his widow Susanna Mortimer. Bondsmen were William Mortimer and John Reynolds of Pinhoe, presumably his brother and brother in law.

      1. Mary Reynolds Mortimer 1782, m. Edward Moggridge
      2. Susanna 1784
      3. Salome 1786-1859
      4. Richard Mortimer III of Cullompton, 1788, whose father died when he was an infant. Richard was born 16 Oct 1788, and bapt. 30 Dec 1789 at Silverton. By 1819, he had moved to Cullompton, a centre of growth and industry. He married Harriet Anning, 16 Feb 1819 Cullompton, and had children:

i. Harriet R Mortimer 1825

ii. Richard Mortimer IV 1827-1875

iii. Salome R Mortimer 1829-1916

ii. William Mortimer c.1755-1821, who married Mary Row (1757-1830), 19 Sep 1780, at which point he was living in Bradninch. In 1784, William Mortimer made an undertaking to indemnify Hugh Pullem from rent and other expenses in Bradninch. He also acted as bondsman in the administration of Richard Mortimer’s estate, in 1789. William was a freeholder of Silverton in 1798. He died in 1821, Silverton. William and his wife Mary had an only daughter, Mary Ann Mortimer b.1780.

iii. Elizabeth 1758

iv. Mary 1760

v. Thomas Mortimer 1762-1831

vi. John Mortimer 1764

vii. Ann 1765

 

William Mortimer, (c.1712- ), of Bradninch

William Mortimer’s baptism record is also missing. He named one of his sons Philemon, and was related to the above family. He may have been either a son of Philemon the elder or a brother of Philemon the younger, although was not mentioned in his will. On 17 May 1737, both William Mortimer of Bradninch and Philemon Mortimer were bound over at the assizes. William perhaps he died before Philemon Mortimer’s will in 1772. He married Mary, in the late 1730s. They were probably parents of the following children:

  1. Thomas Mortimer
  2. Joan c.1742, m. Henry Hayman
  3. Henry c.1744-1806, m. Elizabeth Drew, Elizabeth Linsey and Ann Moggridge.
  4. Philemon c.1746-1748
  5. John Mortimer c.1747, m. Sarah Hayman
  6. Sarah c.1750, m. Henry Chown
Thomas Mortimer 1739-1779

Thomas was bapt. 5 Dec 1739 Silverton, and was probably the eldest son of William and Mary. He married Elizabeth Waters (c.1741-1779), 14 May 1768 Alphington, and they had the following children.

  1. Thomas Mortimer 
  2. William Mortimer of Plymtree (1773-1821), who m. firstly Betty Dilling, 25 Mar 1801 Silverton, and secondly, Maria Linley, 1812 Cullompton. He was bur. 28 Jan 1821 Plymtree, aged 48. The children by his second marriage were:

i. Maria 1815-1833

ii. William II 1820-

3. Elizabeth 1776

Thomas Mortimer II of Silverton (1769-1831)

Thomas was bapt. 26 May 1769, the eldest son of Thomas and Elizabeth. He married Mary Comer, 9 Apr 1792 Newton St Cyres, and together they had the following children:

  1. Thomas Mortimer III 1793, who lived in Silverton as a yeoman. As a farmer of 400 acres, he farmed the largest amount of land of any Mortimer in 1851, and represented perhaps the most prosperous branch of the family in Devon after the Mortimer family of Bideford.
  2. Richard Mortimer 1794
  3. Mary Comer Mortimer 1796-1850
  4. Elizabeth 1799
  5. William Mortimer, of Camberwell (1800-1857), not closely related to the other William Mortimer of Camberwell (c.1799- ), b. in Barnstaple.
  6. Jane 1802
  7. Ann 1807
  8. John Mortimer 1809
  9. Thomas Mortimer 1810
The Mortimers of Newton St Cyres

The Mortimers of Newton St Cyres

Origins

The Mortimers of Newton St Cyres were presumably closely related to the Mortimers of Stockleigh and Sandford. The first known ancestor of the family was John Mortimer. 

John Mortimer of Newton St Cyres (c.1500-c.1550)

John was born before 1503, but is difficult to distinguish from his contemporaries of the same name. In the first half of the sixteenth century alone, there were John Mortimers in Woolfardisworthy (Emlett), Sandford, Tedburn St Mary, Cheriton Bishop, Rewe, Bradninch and Upton Pyne. It is possible that some of these John Mortimers owned land in more than one parish, meaning they would have appeared multiple times in the lay subsidies for the same year. John Mortimer was presumably born near Newton St Cyres, then moved there upon reaching his majority.

John Mortimer lived in Newton St Cyres in 1524 when his income was assessed at £3 in the lay subsidy. However, by the time of the 1543 subsidy his income had increased to £7. The reason for this increase is unknown. The two entries presumably relate to the same person, as no other Mortimer was assessed in Newton St Cyres in either subsidy. However, there were at least three Mortimers of the following generation resident in the parish by the 1560s, who were presumably all children of the above John. Either John II or Robert were the eldest, which fits with the family of Stockleigh who also favoured the names John and Robert.

John Mortimer II (c.1528-1596)

John was the namesake and probable son of the first John Mortimer of Newton St Cyres. He was probably born soon after 1524, by which point the first John had settled in the parish.

 

The Mortimers of Bradninch

The Mortimers of Bradninch

Origins

The Mortimers appear to have settled in Bradninch at an early point, perhaps around the turn of the 15th century. They are unique among the Devonshire Mortimers in that they seem to have either used or claimed a coat of arms- the same used by the Wigmore Mortimers;

Mortimer heraldry

Mortimer coat of arms in stained glass

Barry of six or and azure an inescutcheon argent in chief a pale of the first between two gyrons of the second (Source: Devon and Cornwall Notes and Queries Vol. 6; p. 36). Right: The Mortimer coat of arms in stained glass at a different location

The first Mortimer of Bradninch may have died before 1524, leaving a widow, Elizabeth, who lived in Silverton. Unfortunately the name of this Mortimer is presently unknown but it may have been John, for his eldest grandson was also called John. English naming tradition was for the eldest to be named after his paternal grandfather. Often it would be the eldest son who would inherit land, meaning that popular first names would repeat down generations of the same family.

John? Mortimer of Bradninch seems to have been a well off yeoman and must have owned property in Bradninch. A birth year in the 1470s perhaps seems reasonable. He was presumably related to the Mortimers of Stockleigh English or Sandford, and may even have represented the senior branch of the family that goes back to John Mortimer of Stockleigh, c.1420-1470. Constructing the early generations of the Bradninch family is fraught with challenges however, due to the absence of supporting information from either wills or land records in the early 16th century. It is also unknown how the Mortimers of Bradninch relate to the Mortimers of Newton St Cyres, despite the geographical proximity.

Family tree

The above Mortimer of Bradninch senior, married Elizabeth, but died before 1524, leaving his wife property in Silverton. In the 1524 Lay subsidy Elizabeth Mortimer’s value was assessed at £3 in goods, making her eligible to pay the tax. Elizabeth appears to have died before the next tax assessment in 1543, by which time her son John Mortimer’s income in Bradninch had increased by the same amount, presumably inheriting her property. Together, (John?) and Elizabeth had the following sons in Bradninch:

  1. John Mortimer, presumably the eldest son, was probably born just before the 1500s. In 1524 he had an income of £7, slightly more than Richard Mortimer in the same parish. By 1543, he had presumably inherited his mother’s dower estate, increasing his income to £10. This gave him the income expected of a well off yeoman.
  2. Richard Mortimer, who had an income of £6 in 1524. He was presumably the younger son. He appears to have died or moved away before the 1543 subsidy, at which point he was absent from Bradninch. The name Richard was chosen for the eldest son of Thomas Mortimer of Tedburn St Mary, so may have also been popular in other branches of the family. Another contemporary of Richard Mortimer of Bradninch was Richard Mortimer of Poughill, who was present in the 1524 lay subsidy but about whom little is known.

Either the above John or Richard Mortimer fathered the following son:

John Mortimer (c.1520-1575)

John appeared in the 1543 Lay subsidy for Bradninch with income of £2, at which time he was described as John Mortimer junior. He was presumably born around 1520, the son of either John or Richard who lived in Bradninch in 1524. John was possibly unmarried in 1543, as his sons weren’t born until a few years later. It was presumably John Mortimer who was mayor of the Borough of Bradninch in 1561, which date appears in a stained glass window of the Mortimer Coat of Arms in Bradninch church (see coat of arms above). In the 1569 Muster Roll, he appears as a harquebusier with his son, but died in the 1570s. He married, presumably Joan, who was a widow in 1581, and had the following sons:

  1. Richard Mortimer (c.1547-1597), of Bradninch, who featured in the 1569 Muster Roll for Bradninch as a harquebusier, along with his father John. Since his brother didn’t feature in the Muster Roll, Richard was presumably the elder son. He married Alice around the early 1570s, and had several children. He left a will in 1597, which was proved in the PCC, mentioning his wife Alice and their children. Alice Mortimer, widow, left a will proved in 1608.

i. Thomas Mortimer (c.1578-aft.1596), presumably the eldest son, who inherited the residue of his father’s goods. He may have been the same as Thomas Mortimer of Silverton d.1651, who married Emme d.1653. They had two sons, Hugh c.1605-aft.1674 and Anthony c.1609-1657, and two daughters, Ruth m. Roger Slee and Elizabeth m. John Bailiff. They had no male grandchildren in the male line.

ii. Elizabeth c.1579

iii. William Mortimer

iv. Wilmot c.1586, who married John Wright of Cullompton, by marriage licence at Exeter dated 18 Sep 1612. The marriage licence states Wilmot was of Bradninch, differentiating her from her contemporary Wilmot Mortimer of Rewe and Great Torrington, who m.1610 to Humphrey Beaple.

v. Joan c.1590

2. George Mortimer (c.1552-1608), who left a will dated 1608. His wife may have been Elizabeth d.1610.

William Mortimer (c.1583-1636)

William was a younger son of Richard Mortimer of Bradninch, who left the residue of his estate to his son Thomas. Thomas died after 1597, and William acquired the farm in Bradninch. He married Joan, and they had a son, Thomas. William left a will dated 31 Jul 1635, leaving a tenement called Bollam in Tiverton to his son Thomas, and the residue to his wife Joan. He died before 3 Mar 1635/6, when his will was proved by Joan his widow.

Thomas Mortimer (c.1610-1671)

Thomas was presumably the son of either Thomas Mortimer c.1573 or William Mortimer c.1580-1636. In 1642, he was living in Bradninch when he took the Protestation oath. He is known to have had at least two daughters. With Thomas, the line of Mortimers in Bradninch was presumably extinguished, until 50 years later, when another Mortimer family arrived.

  1. Mary c.1640, who married Thomas Harding, with whom she had children John, Joan, and Richard Harding.
  2. Elizabeth c.1648, who married William May, but may first have married a Venn, with whom she had children Thomas, Agnes, and Amos Venn.

Note

It is still unknown how the above family relate to later Mortimers in Silverton and Bradninch. The Bradninch parish records have yet to be examined, since they have not yet been indexed by LDS, digitised or published online. Since the parish register extends back to the late 1500s, the records should be incredibly useful in the study of the Mortimer family.

 

The Mortimers of Dunsford

The Mortimers of Dunsford

The surrounds of Dunsford

Dunsford is a scenic village 8 miles west of Exeter, situated on the north eastern edge of Dartmoor National Park. The village retains an air of idyllic charm, creating the impression of time that has stood still. Many Mortimers lived in Dunsford and the nearby village of Bridford from the late 16th century onwards.

Nathaniel Mortimer (1610-c.1688)

Nathaniel founded the branch of the Mortimer family who were millers in Dunsford, and who still live as farmers near the area today. He was presumably b.1610 Tedburn St Mary, the third son of Thomas Mortimer. As a younger son, he didn’t inherit property in Tedburn St Mary and presumably had to move to a different parish. He married, around 1642, Letitia (c.1619-1682) whose maiden name is unknown, as no marriage record survives. They had the following children:

1. John Mortimer of Dunsford (1644-1704) who in 1668 was a miller at Dunsford. He left a will dated 20 Apr 1702, leaving his leasehold in Dunsford to his wife, and legacies to his grandchildren, which will was proved 24 May 1704. He was buried 14 Mar 1703/4 Dunsford. He married firstly, Mary (d.1668) in around 1662 with whom he had the following children:

i. Mary 1664-1707, m. Robert Harris,

ii. Grace 1666-1671

iii. John Mortimer II (1668-1694) who may have predeceased his father, as he was not mentioned in his will.

He married secondly, Joan, who was living in 1704, when she proved her husbands will.

1. George Mortimer (c.1646-1695)

2. Wilmot 1653-1693

3. Henry Mortimer 1655-1686, who married firstly Rose Payne, 21 Jul 1681 in Dunsford. They had three children;

i. Nathaniel 1682-1695

ii. John 1684-1685

iii. Henry Mortimer II 1686-1711, who m. Mary Mortimer, 7 Sep 1708 in Dunsford. They had two daughters;

1. Wilmot 1708-1715

2. Mary 1711-1713

4. Simon Mortimer 1657-1698. His first wife is unknown. Simon m. secondly to Thomasin Seaward, 24 Jun 1696, Dunsford, and they had one daughter; Thomasin b.1697. The children of Simon and his first wife:

i. Simon 1687-1688

ii. Nathaniel Mortimer 1689-1762, of Whitestone. He m. firstly Elizabeth Hill (1689-1763) on 8 Jun 1724, Exeter St Thomas, and they had issue;

1. Nathaniel Mortimer II 1725-1804, tailor, of Exminster. He m. firstly Susanna Macey/ Massey, 2 Aug 1752, Exeter All Hallows’ Goldsmith St. He m. secondly, Rebecca Hore (c.1733-1788), 4 May 1773, Kenn. He was bur. in 1804, Kenton. Nathaniel and his first wife had the following children:

i. John Mortimer 1753-1782, bap. 11 Jun 1753 Shillingford St George, was a mariner who served aboard HMS Royal George, who made a will dated 2 May 1780, which made his father Nathaniel Mortimer of Exminster, Devon, tailor, sole beneficiary and executor. His will was proved in 1783. John Mortimer presumably died in the unfortunate loss of HMS Royal George on 29 Aug 1782, while undergoing hull repairs at Portsmouth.

HMS Royal George sailed under the command of John Bourmaster, and took part in the attack on the Caracas convoy on 8 Jan 1780, the Battle of Cape St. Vincent on 16 Jan 1780, and the successful relief of Gibraltar three days later. On 29 Aug 1782, HMS Royal George was undergoing routine repairs while anchored near Portsmouth, as part of the preparation to sail to Gibraltar. Most of the crew’s compliment were aboard the ship; crew leave had been cancelled so 200-300 relatives were also on board. The ship was intentionally rolled for hull maintenance, but the roll became unstable and out of control, and the ship took on water and sank. More than 800 lives were lost, making it one of the worst maritime disasters in British territorial waters.

ii. Mary 1756-1789, bap. 18 Jan 1756 Shillingford St George, who m. William Sandford (1755-1812) 22 Nov 1782 Kenton. She was bur. Jun 1789, Kenton.

iii. Elizabeth 1759, bap. 25 Mar 1759. She perhaps married James Conant, 24 Nov 1780, Exeter St Thomas.

iv. Nathaniel Mortimer 1762, bap. 5 Nov 1762, who married Marguerite Esther Ousqué, 19 Nov 1781, Jersey St Helier. At the time of the marriage Nathaniel Mortimer was described as sojourner, of St Thomas, Exeter, Devon. Marguerite his wife was bur. 1 Feb 1814, Nathaniel died in 1825 was bur. 14 Sep 1825, Jersey St Helier. They had the following children, all bapt. in Jersey St Helier:

1. John (Jean) Clement Mortimer 1784, bap. 28 Jan 1784 Jersey St Helier, presumably d. before 1790.

2. Mary (Marie) 1785, bap. 14 Dec 1785.

3. Nicholas Mortimer 1787, bap. 26 Dec 1787.

4. John (Jean) Mortimer 1790, bap. 18 Apr 1790, m. Elizabeth Hocquard 15 Jun 1811, Jersey St Helier. Elizabeth his wife was bur. 3 Aug 1825, Jersey St Helier. They had a daughter Elizabeth Marguerite Mortimer b. 1817, and bap. 30 Mar 1817, Jersey St Helier.

5. Frederick (Fredéric) 1793, bap. 20 Mar 1790, presumably d. before 1800

6. Joseph (Josué) Mortimer 1796-1877, bap. 26 Aug 1796, bur. 9 Jun 1877, Jersey St Helier.

7. Nathaniel Mortimer IV 1798-1846, bap. 20 Mar 1798, d. 31 Mar 1846, bur. 3 Apr, Jersey St Helier.

8. Frederick (Fredéric) Mortimer 1800-1839, bap. 23 Apr 1800. He m. Jane Romeril, 31 Dec 1831 Jersey St Helier. Joseph was bur. 9 Jan 1839 Jersey St Helier.

9. Elizabeth 1802, bap. 14 Apr 1802. She may have died unmarried in 1873, aged 70, and bur. 21 Jan 1873, Jersey St Helier.

2. Simon Mortimer 1732- , who m. Ann Herdon 3 Feb 1761, Exeter St Paul. They had the following children in Exeter;

i. Simon Mortimer II 1761

ii. John 1764

iii. William 1766

iv. Ann 1768-1768

v. Ann 1769

vi. Elizabeth 1772-1777

vii. Mary 1774

viii. Elizabeth 1779

ix. Parmena 1783-1783

iii. Andrew 1691-1695

iv. George 1695-1695

George Mortimer (c.1646-1695)

George was born during the parish register gap in the English civil war. He married firstly, Wilmot (1641-1670), the daughter of Simon Mortimer, 14 May 1667 Dunsford, indicating a long standing connection between the two families, by whom he had one son, George. George Mortimer senior died and was buried 27 Oct 1695, Dunsford.

1. George Mortimer 1668-1672, who died a child. In 1668 he was mentioned as a son in law in the will of Simon Mortimer. He married secondly, Elizabeth Langman (c.1644-1680) 4 Feb 1672/3 Dunsford, with whom he had the following children:

2. Elizabeth 1673-1689

3. George Mortimer II

4. Nathaniel 1680-1681

George Mortimer II (1675-1738)

George was a miller at Dunsford. He was baptised 6 Sep 1675. In 1723 he took the Loyalty Oath. He married Ann Soper (1677-1741) 20 Oct 1698 at Dunsford. They had the following children:

1. George 1699-1699, died an infant.

2. George 1700-1711, died in childhood.

3. John Mortimer (1702-1790) of Dunsford, who married firstly, Susanna Hutchings (1698-1754), 21 Jan 1728 Exeter St Mary Major, and secondly, Mary Ramsey (1711-1782). He died and was bur. 1 Sep 1790, Dunsford, aged 88.

4. Richard Mortimer

5. Henry 1707-1708

He left a will dated 14 Apr 1733, mentioning his sons, John and Richard, his wife Ann, and his grandchildren George and Elizabeth Mortimer, which will was proved 23 Oct 1738. He died and was buried 23 Sep 1738.

Richard Mortimer (1705-1774)

Richard Mortimer was also a miller. He married Ann Sircombe (1707-1778), 5 May 1731 Dunsford, with whom he had the following children:

1. Elizabeth (1731-1802)

2.George Mortimer

3. Ann (1735-1794)

4. Mary 1737, m. 24 Aug 1756 Dunsford to John Conant.

5. Susanna 1745-1762

He made a will 20 Nov 1768, in which he left his mills to his son George, with bequests to his daughters Elizabeth, Ann, Mary wife of John Conant. His wife Ann was sole executor, and the will was proved 20 Jul 1774. Richard died and was buried 14 Mar 1774.

George Mortimer (1733-1778)

George was baptised 26 Mar 1733, Dunsford. George Mortimer married Ann Berry (1745-1828), 6 May 1767 Dunsford, with whom he had the following children:

1. George Mortimer

2. John Mortimer, of Exeter (1770-1829), a dairyman, who m. Mary Sircombe (c.1771- ), 16 Jan 1794 Dunsford, but had no children. He died and was bur. 8 Feb 1829, Exeter St Thomas.

3. Elizabeth b.1772

4. Richard Mortimer (1775-1833), who appears in the 1821 census for Dunsford. He was bur. 30 Jan 1833, Dunsford, aged 58.

George Mortimer (1768-1851)

George was baptised 14 Feb 1768 Dunsford. In 1798 he held land in Dunsford as a freeholder. In 1829 George and his brother Richard were joint executors of their uncle John Mortimer’s will. In 1841, he lived in Ide, Devon, and was a farmer. He married Mary Tuckett (1770- ), 4 Jul 1793 Stockleigh Pomeroy. George died and was bur. 26 Jan 1851, aged 84. George and Mary had the following children:

1. John Mortimer 1794-1868

2. Elizabeth 1796-1799

3. Mary 1798

4. Elizabeth 1800

5. Richard 1810

John Mortimer (1794-1868) of Exmill

John was baptised 24 Apr 1794. He was a farmer and lived in Exmill, Powderham, in a farm house still occupied by Mortimers. He farmed approximately 350 acres. He married his cousin Mary Ann Tuckett (1797- ), 17 Dec 1818 Bridford, and they had the following children:

1. John Mortimer 1819-1906

2. Mary 1820

3. Harriet 1822

4. George 1824

5. Maria 1826

6. Richard 1828-1903

7. William 1830

8. Charlotte 1832

9. Thomas 1835

10. Samuel Mortimer 1837-1931

11. Nicholas 1840

12. James 1841