John Knight (1757 - 1826)

52 Ancestor Challenge - Challenge 16

Blake, King, Coleman, Pearce, Farmer, unknown, Lambden, Sarah (unknown), Knight, Ellis, Knight, Vincent, Butt, Durnford, Arnold, Molton, Cotterel, Bartlett, Alderman, Ann (unknown), Sherwood, unknown, Habberfield, Collings, Rawlings, Tanner, Dove, Morgan, Lywood, Canham, unknown, Peck, Pincombe, Charley, Rowcliffe, Pearse, Rew, Moggridge, Siderfin, Kent, Gray, Hilton, Cobb, Sproxton, Routledge, Tweddle, Routledge, Routledge, (unknown) Buller, unknown, Beard, Hemsley, Welch, Brockhouse, Cheatle, Woodcock, unknown Taylor, unknown, Harborne, Lewis, Roberts, Croxall, Lawley, unknown

John Knight is my second Knight 4x great grandfather baptized 2 Oct 1757 at Spetisbury. He was the son of David Knight and Martha Butler  who had themselves married 17 Feb 1756 at Spetisbury. He had four brothers David (1759-1759), Thomas (1761-1761), William 1764 and Thomas 1772.

John's father David was baptized 2 May 1736 at Spetisbury son of Henry Knight and Mary Oliver mentioned in my blog http://kippeeb.blogspot.ca/2015/04/william-knight-1827.html. I do not know amything about Martha so will attempt to fill in her information and perhaps find a burial date for David. Searching through various record databases I could not find a date of death/burial for David. However I had more luck finding information for Martha Butler. Martha is likely the daughter of John Butler and Susannah Shepherd who were themselves married 26 Oct 1734 at Gussage All Saints. They baptized five children that I have located thus far:

John baptized 13 Jun 1736 at Pentridge
Thomas baptized 4 Apr 1738 at Pentridge
Martha baptized 12 Oct 1739 at Swanage
Charles baptized 23 Nov 1740 at Pentridge
Anne baptized 22 Jun 1743 at Morden

I am perhaps somewhat suspicious at the three different locations but they are all within a reasonable distance of each other. John Butler is possibly the John Butler baptized 22 May 1714 at Horton the son of John and Martha Butler. I have not yet located a marriage for this couple. I did not have any luck finding parents for Susannah Shepherd (although there was an interesting baptism). However this family tree has grown back another generation plus so a good accomplishment doing a 52 ancestor challenge for this 4x great grandfather.

I do not know anything for sure about David in terms of occupation. This Knight family is mentioned in "The Book of Spetisbury" History of a Stour Valley Village by Ann Taylor published in 2006. They are mentioned under the heading Occupations on page 109 and their occupation was listed as craftsmen for many of them.

Ancestry of John Knight

1. Elizabeth BLAKE
2. Ernest Edward George BLAKE (b 20 Aug 1904) - Eastleigh Hampshire England
3. Samuel George Blake (b 10 Feb 1875) - Upper Clatford Hampshire England
4. Maria Jane KNIGHT (b 27 Jan 1849) - Turnworth Dorset England
5. Samuel KNIGHT (b 25 May 1828) - Turnworth Dorset England
6. Eleanor KNIGHT (b 12 Dec 1786) - Spetisbury Dorset England
7. John KNIGHT (b 2 Oct 1757) - Spetisbury Dorset England
8. David KNIGHT (b 2 May 1736) - Spetisbury Dorset England
9. Henry KNIGHT (possibly b 2 Feb 1701) - Mapperton Dorset England
10. Thomas KNIGHT (junior)
possibly
11. Thomas KNIGHT (senior)

John KNIGHT's mother
1. Martha BUTLER (possibly b 12 Oct 1739) - Swanage Dorset England
2. John BUTLER (possibly b 22 May 1714) - Horton Dorset England
3. John BUTLER

Will of John Blake, Dagenham, Essex - The National Archives PROB 11/669/279, probated 8 Feb 1735

John Blake is the testator and he is a husbandman in the parish of Dagenham, Essex. He names his son as John Blake and his executor Stephen Burton Junior is to be guardian if John is not 21 years of age when the testator dies.

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 31 March 2014
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/669/279
Testator: John Blake
Place: Dagenham, Essex, England
Type of Record: Will
Date of document: 19 Nov 1730, probated 8 Feb 1735
Condition: 18th century English, legible copy

[Margin]: John
[Margin]: Blake

1    In the Name of God Amen
2    I John Blake of the parish of Dagneham in the County of Essex
3    husbandman being not well in health and knowing that life is
4    uncertain but in perfect disposeing mind and memory (praised be
5    God for the same doe make and ordain this my last Will and
6    Testament in manner and form following First and principally
7    I resigne my Soul into the mercifull hands of Almighty God my
8    creator hoping through the merits of my blessed Saviour and
9    Redeemer Jesus Christ to obtain free pardon and remission of
10    all my Sins and my body to be buried in Christian burial after the
11    discretion of my Executor herein after named and which God hath
12    been pleased to bestow upon in this world I dispose thereof as followeth
13    Imprimis I give and bequeath to my Son John Blake All that
14    my copyhold Messuage or Tenement Scituate lying and being
15    in the parish of Dagneham  to him and to his heirs forever he
16    taking care to pay to the Mann[o]r of Barkin their dues which is
17    usuall and accustomly paid and if it shall please God that my said
18    Son shall dye without heirs then I do give the same said Messuage
19    and Tenement to my Friend Stephen Burton Junior and also
20    the Income of the said Messuage towards bring up my Son till he
21    is able to take care for himself or at the age of Twenty one years
22    or day of marriage which first shall happen Item all the rest of
23    my Goods and Chattels whatsoever and wheresoever I give and
24    bequeath to the aforesaid Stephen Burton jun[io]r after my debts
25    and funeral Expences discharged and also on the account that he
26    is to see my son brought up till he shall come to the age aforesaid
27    and do also make him my sole Executor of this my last Will and
28    Testament revoking all other Wills heretofore made In Witness
29    whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal this 19th day of
30    November Annoqz dom[ini] 1730 The mark of John Blake Signed
31    Sealed published and declared to be last will of the said John Blake
32    in the presence of John Butler The marke of John Tayler
33    George Davis
34    This Will was proved at London the Eighth day
35    of February in the year of our Lord one Thousand Seven hundred
36    and Thirty Four before the Worshipfull John Andrew doctor of
37    Laws Surrogate to the Right Worshipfull John Bettesworth
38    doctor also of Laws Master Keeper or Commissary of the Prerogative
39    Court of Canterbury lawfully constituted by the Oath of Stephen
40    Burton Junior Sole Executor named in the said Will To whom
41    Administration was granted of all and Singular the Goods Chattels
42    and Credits of the said deceased being first sworn duly to Administer

Will of Priscilla Blake, widow, Chesham, Buckinghamshire - The National Archives PROB 11/257/427, probated 7 Aug 1656

Returning from my break and eager to begin once again although my time has become somewhat curtailed with the garden needing a lot of time at the moment.


Priscilla Blake the testator is located at Chesham Buckinghamshire which is 4.1 ESE of Chenies and 8 miles S of Beaconsfield. No children are mentioned in her noncupative will nor is her husband's name mentioned.

The National Archives has a deed mentioned for a Thomas Birche of Charteridge, Chesham, yeoman 21 May 1627 (DE/B664/29131).

Searching on the LDS website, Ancestry and Find My Past did not supply any details on this Blake family at Chesham, Buckinghamshire.

An earlier blog for the will of Alexander Blake of Chesham Buckinghamshire may be this family at Chesham into which Priscilla has married. Alexander left his will in 1600 mentioning sons Samuel (died 1604), Joshua (baptized 1590), Thomas (baptized 1592). The question at hand may be was Alexander Blake the ancestor of the Blake families in Buckinghamshire?

http://kippeeb.blogspot.ca/2012/04/will-of-alexander-blake-of-chesham.html

An interesting marriage at Chesham in 1687 between Moses Blake and Elizabeth Birch. Again at Chesham in 1703 Moses Blake (clothier) married to Mary Willson. In 1703 also Job Blake married to Mary Skilton. In 1712 Moses Blake married to Mary Weston. Also in 1712 George Blake and Rebeckah Gate. In 1715 Moses Blake junior married to Sarah Goold (20 October).  in 1715 Moses Blake married Mary Gray (widow) (4 Jun). Then in 1732 George Blake and Elizabeth Wells. (source:  http://archive.org/stream/buckinghamshirep08phil/buckinghamshirep08phil_djvu.txt)

The British History on line site mentions a Moses Blake who held 155 acres at Beckley Oxfordshire in 1786 (on ancient maps Beckley was part of Buckinghamshire).

http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=101881

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 27 Apr 2013
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/257/427
Testator:  Priscilla Blake, Widow
Place: Chesham, Buckinghamshire, England
Type of Record: Will
Date of document:  23 Sep 1652, probated 7 Aug 1656
Condition: 17th century English, legible copy

[Top]: Memorandum
[Margin]: T[estator] Priscilla
[Margin]: Blake

1    memorandum
2    That upon the Three and Twentith day of Septem[be]r
3    one Thousand six hundred fiftie two Priscilla Blake late of
4    Chesham in the Countie of Bucks Widdowe deceased did wish
5    minde and resolution to make her noncupative Will and settle her
6    Estate voluntarilie declare and say That she did give and bequeath all her
7    Estate which she should die possessed of and which did or should of right belong
8    unto her att the tyme of her decease whatsoever and wheresoever the
9    same should be unto her loving Sister Susan Birch or she used words
10    to that or the verie like effect and substance And that the said Priscilla
11    Blake was att the tyme of the declareing of her minde and Will nun-
12    cupative aforesaid of perfect minde and memorie and understanding
13    and that the same said by her soe declared In the presence of Thomas
14    Birch and Elizabeth Butler and others Credible Witnesses
15    The Seaventh day of August In the Yeare of
16    our Lord God One thousand six hundred fiftie and Six by the
17    Judges for probate of Wills and granting Administrations lawfully autho-
18    rized A commission or Letters of Administration with this nuncupative
19    Will annext was granted onto Susan Birch the sister and Universall
20    Legaterie named therein To administer the Goods Chattells and debts
21    of the said deceased according to the Tenor and effect of the above written last Will
22    and Testament Noncupative of the said deceased There being no Execut[o]r
23    named in the same She the said Susan Birch being first Legallie
24    Sworne by vertue of a Commission truly and faythfully to administer
25    the same

Will of John Roberts Butler, Apothecary, Battersea, Surrey - The National Archives PROB 11/750/44, probated 31 Oct 1746

This is actually a will for the Butler family (although labeled as Buller) and I have sent in a query to The National Archives the answer which I shall enter into this blog post. Since I have transcribed it I will post it but as a will for the Butler family not Buller. There is quite a bit of detail in here for a descendant, if any, of this family.

The National Archives has written back to say that they agree that this is a will for Butler rather than Buller and the change will be made on the website within a couple of weeks. 

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 11 Mar 2013
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/750/44
Testator: John Roberts Butler, Apothecary
Place: Battersea, Surrey
Date of document:  1 Oct 1746, probated 31 Oct 1746
Read: Electronic copy images
Document quality: 18th century English, legible copy

[Margin]: John Roberts Butler

1    In the name of God Amen
2    this first day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand
3    seven hundred and forty six I John Roberts Butler of
4    Battersea in the County of Surrey Apothecary being at
5    present indisposed but of sound and disposing Mind
6    Memory and Understanding do make and ordain this
7    my last Will and Testament in manner and form following
8    that is to say First and principally I recommend my Soul
9    to God who gave it and my Body I commit to the earth to
10    be decently interred as near my late wife as conveniently
11    may be unless I shall happen to dye above forty Miles
12    from the place of her interment in which case I desire to
13    be buried where I shall happen to dye and I desire to have
14    no Pall Bearers nor any Rings given at un Funeral but
15    that the whole may be conducted with as little Expence as
16    may be consistent with decency and as to such Worldly
17    Estate as God of his goodness hath bestowed upon me I give
18    and dispose thereof as follows that is to say In the first place
19    I give devise and bequeath unto my two Sons William Butler
20    and Thomas Butler all that my Freehold Messuage or
21    Tenement and Land situate at Benenden in the County of
22    Kent now in the possession of Mr Waters to hold unto my said
23    Sons William Butler and Thomas Butler their heirs and
24    assigns for ever as Tenants in common and not as joint
25    Tenants Also I give and bequeath unto my Sister Sarah
26    Butler and Mrs Hannah Winch of Weidenhead in the
27    County of Berks Widow my Executrixes hereinafter named
28    the Sum of ten pounds a peece for the trouble they will be
30    at in the Execution of this my Will all the rest residue and
31    remainder of my Goods Chattels debts and personal Estate
32    of what nature or kind soever after payment of such just
33    debts as I shall owe at the time of my decease Funeral
34    charges and the charges of proving this my Will I give
35    and bequeath unto my said two Sons William Butler and
36    Thomas Butler Share and Share alike to be paid to my
37    said two Sons respectively when and as they shall severally
38    attain their respective ages of twenty one years the
39    Interest and profit of each ones Share in the mean time
40    together with the Rents and Profits of my said Freehold
41    Estate at Benenden aforesaid to go and be applyed towards
42    their respective Maintenances and Educations and in case
43    either of my said Sons shall happen to die before he shall
44    have attained his said age of twenty one Years then I give
45    and bequeath the part and Share of him so dying unto
    [Page 2]
46    the Survivor of my said Sons and I do hereby impower and
47    direct my Executrixs hereinafter named when and as my
48    said Sons shall severally arrive at a proper age to put
49    them forth apprentices to such Trades or professions as
50    they shall think fit and to give such Sums of Money with
51    them as they shall judge convenient out of the Capital or
52    what shall be severally coming due to them by virtue of
53    this my Will which Sums of Money so to be paid on putting
54    my said Children apprentices as aforesaid shall be placed to
55    their respective accounts and be deducted out of their Shares
56    of my personal Estate and I do hereby desire and direct
57    my Executrixes hereinafter named when and as often as
58    they shall have fifty pounds in their hands to place the
59    same forth on such Government Securitys as they shall
60    think fit and pay and apply such Interest and Increase
61    as shall from time to time be made thereof towards the
62    Maintenance and Education of my said Children as
63    aforesaid and I do hereby make ordain constirtute and
64    appoint my said Sister Sarah Butler and the said Mrs
65    Hannah Winch full and sole Executrixes of this my last
66    Will and Testament hereby revoking and annulling all
67    former Will and Wills by me at any time heretofore made
68    In Witness whereof I the said John Roberts Butler the
69    Testator have to this my last Will and Testament contained
70    in one Sheet and part of a Sheet of paper at the bottom
71    of the first Sheet and at the bottom of the written part
72    of the Second Sheet set my hand and Seal the day and
73    Year abovewritten Jno Roberts Butler Signed Sealed
74    published and Declared by the said John Roberts Butler
75    the Testator and for his last Will and Testament in the
76    presence of us who at his desire and in his presence
77    have hereunto subscribed our Names as Witnesses Tho:
78    Cape Corn[eliu]s Dutch Edw[ar]d Ray
79    This Will was proved at London the thirty
80    first day of October in the Year of our Lord one thousand
81    seven hundred and forty six before the Worshipfull
82    Robert Chapman Doctor of Laws Surrogate of the Right
83    Worshipfull John Bettesworth also Doctor of Laws Master
84    Keeper or Commissary of the prerogative Court of
85    Canterbury lawfully constituted by the Oath of Sarah
86    Butler Spinster the Sister of the deceased and one of
87    the Executrixes to whom Administration was granted
88    of all and singular the Goods Chattels and Credits of
89    the said deceased being first sworn duly to administer
90    power reserved to make the like grant to Hannah
91    Winch the other Executrix named in the said Will
92    when she shall apply for the same.

Will of Mary Butler, Spinster of Saint Benet Fink, London - The National Archives PROB 11/982/169, probated 16 Nov 1772

Thought this could be a possibility to help me out given the time frame (after Christopher Buller was born circa 1673) however the will is for Mary Butler I am fairly sure and will check that out with the National Archives. Handy will though for this family as she identifies her brother and sister who are living in Louth Lincolnshire.Indeed The National Archives has sent me an email stating this is Mary Butler.

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 13 Feb 2013
Source: The National Archives, PROB 11/982/169
Testator: Mary Butler, Spinster
Place: Saint Benet Fink, London, England
Date of document: 12 Nov 1772, probated 16 Nov 1772
Read: Electronic copy images
Document quality: 18th century English, legible copy

[Margin]: Mary Butler

1    In the Name of God Amen
2    I Mary Butler of Bear Alley of the parish of Saint
3    Bennet Finck London Spinster being sick and weak of
4    Body but of sound Mind Memory and Understanding do
5    make this my last Will and Testament in manner and
6    forme following that is to say First and principally I commend
7    my Soul into the hands of Almighty God my Creator
8    hoping for pardon of my Sins by the Merits and
9    Intercession of my blessed Saviour my Body I commit to
10    the Earth to be buried and as to all such Estate Goods
11    and Chattels that I shall be possessed of interested in or
12    intitled unto at the time of my decease after payment
13    of all my Debts Funeral Charges and all other necessary
14    Expences I do dispose thereof as followeth that is to say
15    I do give and bequeath unto my Brother James Butler
16    Shoemaker now living at Louth Lincolnshire and to my
17    Sister Ann Ward (wife of Thomas Ward Shoemaker living
18    at the aforesaid place) all and every part of my Estate in
19    Effects Goods and Chattels that may be remaining after
20    the following Legacies herein mentioned being paid I do give
21    and bequeath unto Elizabeth Cuthbert two Tea Spoons
22    marked C I do give and bequeath unto Elizabeth
23    Robinson daughter of Eleanor Robinson a Silver Medal
24    and pin and I do give and bequeath three Rings as
25    follow one to Mrs Ann Brown one to Mrs Catherine
26    Brown and one to Mrs Bridget Hughes if they please
27    to accept of them I do also give and bequeath Five
28    Guineas to my Executrix Mrs Jane Monkhouse for her
29    care and trouble and I do give and bequeath Three Rings
30    unto Mr Edward Derby and his two Daughters Isabella
31    Derby and Carolina Derby and I do hereby constitute and
32    appoint Jane Monkhouse Spinster of the parish of
33    Peckham in the County of Surry my Executrix of this my
34    last Will hereby revoking all other Wills and Testaments
35    by me at any time heretofore made or published I do
36    declare this to be my Will and Testament In Witness
37    whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the
38    Twelfth day of November in the Twelfth Year of the
39    Reign of our Sovereign Lord George the Third by the
40    Grace of God of Great Britain France and Ireland
41    King Defender of the Faith and so forth and in the year
42    of our Lord One Thousand seven hundred and seventy two
43    Mary Butler Signed sealed published and Declared by
44    the Testator as and for her last Will and Testament in
45    the presence of us who here subscribe our Names as
46    Witnesses hereto in her presence and at her request in
47    the presence of another; Witnesses E: Derby, Sarah Ireland X her mark
48    This Will was proved at London the Sixteenth
49    day of November in the Year of our Lord One Thousand
50    seven hundred and seventy two before the Worshipful George
51    Harris Doctor of Laws and Surrogate of the Right
52    Worshipful George Hay Doctor of Laws Master Keeper or
53    Commissary of the prerogative Court of Canterbury lawfully
54    constituted by the Oath of Jane Monkhouse Spinster the
55    Executrix named in the said Will to whom administration
56    was granted of all and singular the Goods Chattles and
57    Credits of the said deceased having been first sworn duly
58    to administer

Descendants of Henry Knight of Spetisbury, Dorset, England

Whilst glancing at my blog today I noticed that the Knight family in Dorset is attracting some attention. I did eventually put together some of the OPC records for Spetisbury and the Knight family there and it does appear that My Ellis Knight and Eleanor Knight were cousins as my grandfather had mentioned. They were not, however, first cousins. I have extracted from legacy the narrative descendant description for Henry Knight at Spetisbury as follows (the information on Ellis Knight and Eleanor Knight is duplicated because they share the same great great grandparents Henry Knight and Mary Oliver). Having posted this I now realize that the records prior to 1813 are now up on Ancestry and decided to spend a bit of time looking at that although do not really have any spare time but I will make changes in the following:

Descendants of Henry Knight

Henry Knight [16859].

Henry married Mary Oliver [16860] [MRIN: 5858] on 25 Dec 1727 in Spetisbury, Dorset, England.  He was Parish Clerk at Spetisbury (interestingly enough one of his great grandsons was Parish Clerk at Turnworth for 30 years). They had 15 children with the following reaching adulthood: Henry, Thomas, William and David.

David Knight [16857] was christened on 2 May 1736 in Spetisbury, Dorset, England.

David married Martha Butler [16858] [MRIN: 5857] on 17 Feb 1756 in Spetisbury, Dorset, England.  They had several children and I will add the details later: John.

John Knight [526] was born in 1757 in Spetisbury, Dorset, England, was christened on 2 Oct 1757 in Spetisbury, Dorset, England, and was buried on 17 Nov 1826 in Spetisbury, Dorset, England.

Noted events in his life were:

•  He appears on the Spetisbury Militia List 1787 DRO MIC/R/500 in 1787 in Spetisbury, Dorset, England. John Knight listed as a bricklayer with one child.

John married Ann Vincent [527] [MRIN: 158], daughter of James Vincent [16861] and Ann Moulam [16862], on 9 Jun 1783 in Shapwick, Dorset, England. Ann was born in Oct 1755 in Dewlish, Dorset, England and was christened on 26 Oct 1755 in Dewlish, Dorset, England. They had five children: Joseph, Eleanor, Sophia, Martha and John.

Marriage Notes:  Parish Records Collection - marriage - Find My Past

Day: 9
Month: Jun
Year: 1783
Groom Forenames: John
Groom Surname: KNIGHT
Groom notes:
Grooms parish: of Spetisbury
Bride Forenames: Ann
Bride Surname: VINCENT
Bride notes:
Brides parish: By licence:
Place: Shapwick
Dedication:
County: Dorset
Country: England
Witnesses: Henry WHITE, Malby CALCOTT

Joseph Knight [16863] was born in Aug 1785 in Spetisbury, Dorset, England and was christened on 24 Aug 1785 in Spetisbury, Dorset, England.

Eleanor Knight [17]1 was born in Dec 1786 in Spetisbury, Dorset, England,1 was christened on 12 Dec 1786 in Spetisbury, Dorset, England, died on 25 Sep 1870 in Turnworth, Dorset, England aged 83, and was buried on 28 Sep 1870 in Turnworth, Dorset, England.

Noted events in her life were:

•  1851 Census: Census 1851, Jun 1851, Turnworth, Dorset, England.4 Census Returns of England and Wales, 1851. Kew, Surrey, England: The National Archives of the UK, Dorset County, Blandford RD, Turnworth Village, Class: HO107; Piece: 1853; Folio: 5; Page: 3; Household schedule 11, Samuel Knight family, GSU roll: 221000.

  Elena Knight   Age:67    Estimated birth year:abt 1784   Relation:Mother    Gender:Female   Where born:Spetisbury, Dorset, England     Civil parish:Turnworth    County/Island:Dorset    Country:England        Registration district:Blandford    Sub-registration district:Milton Abbas    ED, institution, or vessel:1      Household schedule number:11  Household Members:Name AgeElena Knight  67 Luisa Knight  22 Maria Knight  1 Samuel Knight  23
•  1861 Census: Census 1861, Jun 1861, Turnworth, Dorset, England.5 Census Returns of England and Wales, 1861. Kew, Surrey, England: The National Archives of the UK, Dorset county, Blandford RD, Turnworth village, Class: RG9; Piece: 1332; Folio: 4; Page: 1; Household schedule 5, Samuel Knight family, GSU roll: 542797.

  Ellen Knight   Age:76    Estimated birth year:abt 1785   Relation:Boarder    Gender:Female   Where born:Spettisbury, Dorset, England     Civil parish:Turnworth    County/Island:Dorset    Country:England        Registration district:Blandford    Sub-registration district:Milton Abbas    Household Members:Name AgeElizabeth Knight  9 Ellen Knight  76 Henry Knight  3 Louisa Knight  34 Maria Knight  11 Mary Ann Knight  7 Samuel Knight  34

Eleanor married Ellis Knight [16]6 [MRIN: 11], son of William Knight [518] and Sarah Ellis [519], on 29 May 1804 in Spetisbury, Dorset, England. Ellis was born on 17 Jan 1783 in Winterborne Stickland, Dorset, England, was christened on 17 Jan 1783 in Winterborne Stickland, Dorset, England, died on 24 Jan 1851 in Turnworth, Dorset, England aged 68, and was buried on 26 Jan 1851 in Turnworth, Dorset, England. They had 13 children: Ellis, George, Mary Ann, Samuel, Maria, Henry, Elizabeth, Edward, John, Thomas, Samuel, Martha and George.

Noted events in his life were:

•  1841 Census: Census 1841, 1841, Winterborne Stickland, Dorset, England.10 Census Returns of England and Wales, 1841. Kew, Surrey, England: The National Archives of the UK, Dorset County, Blandford RD, Turnworth Village, Class: HO107; Piece 290; Book: 7; Civil Parish: Turnworth; County: Dorset; Enumeration District: 5; Folio: ; Page: 15; Line: 15; Ellis Knight household, GSU roll: 241341.
  Elles Kinght[Ellis Knight]     Age:60    Estimated birth year:abt 1781   Gender:Male    Where born:Dorset, England     Civil parish:Turnworth    Hundred:Cranborne    County/Island:Dorset    Country:England        Registration district:Blandford    Sub-registration district:Milton Abbas     Household Members:Name AgeEdward Kinght  20 Eleanor Kinght  35 Elles Kinght  60 George Kinght  11 John Kinght  15 Martha Kinght  12 Samuel Kinght  14 Thomas Kinght  15   Name, age, occupation, born in Dorset
William Knight, 60, Ag Lab, yes
Elias Knight, 60, Ag Lab, yes
Ellen Knight, 20, -, yes  (age should be 55)
Martha Knight, 1, -, yes (age should be 11)


•  Family Lore: Discussion with Grandfather Samuel Blake, Grandpa mentioned one day when we were talking that one of his great grandparents (and he actually meant great great grandfather) had had 13 children (a baker's dozen and the conversation had resulted from a discussion of what a baker's dozen is!). Ellis and Eleanor did indeed have 13 children.

Sophia Knight [16866] was born in Sep 1789 in Spetisbury, Dorset, England and was christened on 25 Sep 1789 in Spetisbury, Dorset, England.

Martha Knight [16865] was born in Oct 1796 in Spetisbury, Dorset, England and was christened on 8 Oct 1796 in Spetisbury, Dorset, England.

John Knight [16864] was born in Nov 1800 in Spetisbury, Dorset, England and was christened on 30 Nov 1800 in Spetisbury, Dorset, England.

William Knight [16886] was christened on 6 Jan 1733/34 in Spetisbury, Dorset, England. The original registers do not appear to help me with this William and I will have a longer look in January

William married and had one son William (this information doesn't have a reference and must check to see where I obtained it).

William Knight [518] was born in Winterborne Stickland, Dorset, England, was christened in Winterborne Stickland, Dorset, England, and was buried on 4 Mar 1827 in Winterborne Stickland, Dorset, England.

William married Sarah Ellis [519] [MRIN: 155], daughter of Ellis Ellis [3005] and Sarah Wellspring [3006], on 7 Aug 1775 in Winterborne Stickland, Dorset, England. Sarah was born in Jun 1756 in Winterborne Stickland, Dorset, England, was christened on 5 Aug 1756 in Winterborne Stickland, Dorset, England, died on 9 Jun 1844 in Winterborne Stickland, Dorset, England aged 88, and was buried on 13 Jun 1844 in Winterborne Stickland, Dorset, England. They had eight children: William, Elias, Ellis, George, Samuel, Stephen, Sarah and Joseph.

Marriage Notes:  Parish Records Collection - marriage

Day: 7
Month: Aug
Year: 1775
Groom Forenames: William
Groom Surname: KNIGHT
Bride Forenames: Sarah
Bride Surname: ELLIS
Brides parish: By licence:
Place: Winterborne Stickland
Dedication:
County: Dorset
Country: England
Witnesses: Henry HAIN, Thomas BENCH (x).

William Knight [529] was born on 15 Jul 1776 in Winterborne Stickland, Dorset, England, was christened on 21 Jul 1776 in Winterborne Stickland, Dorset, England, and was buried on 22 Sep 1841 in Winterborne Stickland, Dorset, England.

Elias Knight [530] was born on 22 Feb 1779 in Winterborne Stickland, Dorset, England, was christened on 24 Feb 1779 in Winterborne Stickland, Dorset, England, and died on 24 Feb 1779 in Winterborne Stickland, Dorset, England.

Ellis Knight [16]6 was born on 17 Jan 1783 in Winterborne Stickland, Dorset, England, was christened on 17 Jan 1783 in Winterborne Stickland, Dorset, England, died on 24 Jan 1851 in Turnworth, Dorset, England aged 68, and was buried on 26 Jan 1851 in Turnworth, Dorset, England

Noted events in his life were:

•  1841 Census: Census 1841, 1841, Winterborne Stickland, Dorset, England.10 Census Returns of England and Wales, 1841. Kew, Surrey, England: The National Archives of the UK, Dorset County, Blandford RD, Turnworth Village, Class: HO107; Piece 290; Book: 7; Civil Parish: Turnworth; County: Dorset; Enumeration District: 5; Folio: ; Page: 15; Line: 15; Ellis Knight household, GSU roll: 241341.
  Elles Kinght[Ellis Knight]     Age:60    Estimated birth year:abt 1781   Gender:Male    Where born:Dorset, England     Civil parish:Turnworth    Hundred:Cranborne    County/Island:Dorset    Country:England        Registration district:Blandford    Sub-registration district:Milton Abbas     Household Members:Name AgeEdward Kinght  20 Eleanor Kinght  35 Elles Kinght  60 George Kinght  11 John Kinght  15 Martha Kinght  12 Samuel Kinght  14 Thomas Kinght  15   Name, age, occupation, born in Dorset
William Knight, 60, Ag Lab, yes
Elias Knight, 60, Ag Lab, yes
Ellen Knight, 20, -, yes  (age should be 55)
Martha Knight, 1, -, yes (age should be 11)


•  Family Lore: Discussion with Grandfather Samuel Blake. Grandpa mentioned one day when we were talking that one of his great grandparents (and he actually meant great great grandfather) had had 13 children (a baker's dozen and the conversation had resulted from a discussion of what a baker's dozen is!). Ellis and Eleanor did indeed have 13 children.

Ellis married Eleanor Knight [17]1 [MRIN: 11], daughter of John Knight [526] and Ann Vincent [527], on 29 May 1804 in Spetisbury, Dorset, England.7 Eleanor was born in Dec 1786 in Spetisbury, Dorset, England,1 was christened on 12 Dec 1786 in Spetisbury, Dorset, England, died on 25 Sep 1870 in Turnworth, Dorset, England aged 83, and was buried on 28 Sep 1870 in Turnworth, Dorset, England.  They had 13 children: Ellis, George, Mary Ann, Samuel, Maria, Henry, Elizabeth, Edward, John, Thomas, Samuel, Martha and George.

Noted events in her life were:

•  1851 Census: Census 1851, Jun 1851, Turnworth, Dorset, England.4 Census Returns of England and Wales, 1851. Kew, Surrey, England: The National Archives of the UK, Dorset County, Blandford RD, Turnworth Village, Class: HO107; Piece: 1853; Folio: 5; Page: 3; Household schedule 11, Samuel Knight family, GSU roll: 221000.

  Elena Knight   Age:67    Estimated birth year:abt 1784   Relation:Mother    Gender:Female   Where born:Spetisbury, Dorset, England     Civil parish:Turnworth    County/Island:Dorset    Country:England        Registration district:Blandford    Sub-registration district:Milton Abbas    ED, institution, or vessel:1      Household schedule number:11  Household Members:Name AgeElena Knight  67 Luisa Knight  22 Maria Knight  1 Samuel Knight  23
•  1861 Census: Census 1861, Jun 1861, Turnworth, Dorset, England.5 Census Returns of England and Wales, 1861. Kew, Surrey, England: The National Archives of the UK, Dorset county, Blandford RD, Turnworth village, Class: RG9; Piece: 1332; Folio: 4; Page: 1; Household schedule 5, Samuel Knight family, GSU roll: 542797.

  Ellen Knight   Age:76    Estimated birth year:abt 1785   Relation:Boarder    Gender:Female   Where born:Spettisbury, Dorset, England     Civil parish:Turnworth    County/Island:Dorset    Country:England        Registration district:Blandford    Sub-registration district:Milton Abbas    ED, institution, or vessel:7      Household schedule number:5  Household Members:Name AgeElizabeth Knight  9 Ellen Knight  76 Henry Knight  3 Louisa Knight  34 Maria Knight  11 Mary Ann Knight  7 Samuel Knight  34

George Knight [531] was born in 1785 and was christened on 6 Mar 1785 in Winterborne Stickland, Dorset, England.

Samuel Knight [532] was born in 1788 and was christened on 4 May 1788 in Winterborne Stickland, Dorset, England.

Stephen Knight [533] was born in 1790 in Winterborne Stickland, Dorset, England, was christened on 16 Nov 1790 in Winterborne Stickland, Dorset, England, and died after 1881.Stephen married Mary Ruth [Knight] [3830] [MRIN: 1052] before 1818. Mary was born in 1794 in Wallop, Hampshire, England and died before 1881. They had seven children: Joseph, William, Martha, Stephen, Sarah, Eliza Amelia and Stephen.

Sarah Knight [534] was born in 1792 and was christened on 27 Dec 1792 in Winterborne Stickland, Dorset, England.Sarah married George Morris [11916] [MRIN: 3428] on 1 Mar 1824 in Winterborne Stickland, Dorset, England. George was born circa 1789 in Winterborne Stickland, Dorset, England. They had three children: Samuel, Thomas and Hannah.

Joseph Knight [536] was born in 1799, was christened on 9 May 1799 in Winterborne Stickland, Dorset, England, and was buried on 16 Mar 1835 in Winterborne Stickland, Dorset, England

Will of Joseph Blake Mariner and Cooper of Whitechapel, Middlesex - National Archives PROB 11/330/282, probated 31 Jul 1669

Joseph Blake's will has been a very difficult transcription. There are still a number of blanks although the gist of the will is all there. A Mariner, Joseph Blake, is leaving his statement as he heads off but the ship on which he is sailing has not been named other than an S and then an And on the next line. It is possible that this is the full name of the ship with a couple of letters missing after the S and they could be "tr" but the writing is very very faint.

There is a marriage for William Langley and Hannah Blake 6 Oct 1646 at Holy Trinity Minories in London. This will is written twenty one years later.

I now move on to the single Blake will at Norfolk that I have. It was written by Thomas Blake of Swafham Market, Norfolk,  in 1506 and true to my first pursuit of Blake wills I chose the oldest Blake will/wills in each county.

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded:  22 Nov 2012
Source: The National Archives PROB 11/330/282
Testator: Joseph Blake, Mariner and Cooper of Whitechapel
Place: Middlesex, England
Type of Record: Will
Dated: 13 Jan 1667, probated 31 Jul 1669
Read: Electronic copy images
Condition: middle English writing too light in spots to transcribe clearly but otherwise good

[Margin] T[esta]m[ent]
[Margin] Josephi
[Margin] Blake

1    Know all men by these presents That
2    I Joseph Blak of Lower Wappin and parish of Mary White Chappell al[ia]s
3    Matfellen in the County of Midd[lesex] Marriner and Coop[er] Being bound out on S-
4    and not knowing how T[he ]Almighty god may dispose of mee I doe soe
5    and for divers other causes and valuable ______ now thereunto monting
6    I doe hereby these partes Assigne ordaine depute and put in my steed and place I
7    doe nominate constitute and appoint my trusted and wellbeloved Mother dorothie
8    Blake and Anna Langly, my sister wife of William Langle of the same place as
9    aforesaid Watterman, To bee my true and lawfull Attorney deputie and Assignee
10    Irevocable for mee and in my name and steed and to my sole use To alsoe issue
11    Recover and to receive of any person or persons whatsoever All and Singuler such
12    debts rents wages bills lends debt _____ dutjes _____ Trustts pensions Legacies or
13    any summe or summes of money now due and oweing unto mee or hereafter shall become
14    due or owing unto mee the said Joseph Blake for any service done and performance in
15    the Kinges most Excellent Ma[jesti]es Service As in Merchante affaires Giveing and by mye
16    parts granting unto my said Mothere Dorothy Blake and Anna Langle aforesaid
17    by vertue of these presents my full power and Authoritie in and about the possession
18    yf need shall require to use upon implied condi[t]ione and Imprison every of my
19    debtors aforesaid And them or any of them out of prison deliver or cause to bee
20    delivered and upon the Receipt of any summe of money either in part or in hole soe
21    received for my use or any of the purposes ye think Do give Acquitt ____or any other
22    Assignes in the Law for the same as mee and in my name and _________________
23    me deliver as my Good and ____ or more ___ make and
24    and the same ___ And all and every ___ or things ___ as
25    ___ some in or alone the ____ by trustee or their persons
26    and __ at and whatsoever __ said ___ shall soe
27    done in or about this same But yf it shall please Almighty God I shall die
28    and  ___ I will and this my note intended
29    mynde will and _____ is I being of a sound minde and a perfect memorie
30    praesed bee God for the same I doe hereby ______ of these presents make this
31    my last Will and Testament In manner and forme following vi[z a vi]t I commend
32    my Soule unto God my maker hopeing to bee Saved by the alone merritts of Jesus
33    Christ my alone Saviour and Redeemer And as for all my worldie goods I am
34    owner of or soon or any waies or meanes I shall become owner of here after
35    I doe hereby give unto my said Mother and Sister above named making them
36    my sole Executrixes of all and singular the premisses aforesaid in whose hand
    [Page 2]
37    Custody and possession they may or shall bee found either of such my whole hands
38    either in shipp or shipps or one the shore to become whollie theres there Executors
39    and administrators by vertue of this my will Giveing unto all my Relations
40    kindred or any other person that shall lay any claime Title w[ith]/Interest to the
41    same Estate or any part thereof, six pence a peece In witnes Whereof I have
42    hereunto this put writing put to my hand and seale This Thirteenth day
43    of January Anno d[o]m[in]i One Thousand Six hundred Sixty Seaven And in the
44    Nineteenth yeare of the Raigne of our Soveraigne Lord the King Charles the 2
45    of England Scotland France and Ireland Defender of the faith etc Joseph Blake
46    Signed sealed and delivered in the p[rese]nce of us Joanna Butler her marke
47    William Ambrose Scr

Will of William Blake, Gentleman of Portsmouth, Hampshire, National Archives PROB 11/1644 Image Reference 136/135, probated 15 Jun 1821

Two wills that fit together is always a nice find. This William is the father of Arthur who left his will dated 1838 and probated in 1841. The one clue that really connects them is the individual to whom William the father has given a mortgage and that Arthur forgives him the interest owed to him from that mortgage at the time of Arthur's decease. Arthur did not marry and so his father's legacies now will go to the grandchildren. There must be a story connected to Arthur but the will doesn't reveal it to us. Why he is living with the Mitchell family? Even by 1821 he appears to not be living with his father. Perhaps the marriage of William to Mary is a second marriage as they have a daughter under 21 when the will was written. It was also three years before Arthur's will was probated.

William's (testator) sister Ann Blake married (unknown) Smith and a search of the LDS website reveals a few possible marriages.

Henry Sherman Fennell married Ann Smith 4 Jun 1815 at Saint Thomas Parish Church, Portsmouth.More work on this will later as I put the wills together of family members.

Transcriber: Elizabeth Kipp
Recorded: 14 May 2012
Source: The National Archives PROB 11/1644 Image Reference 136/135
Place: Portsmouth, Hampshire, England
Testator: William Blake, Gentleman of Portsmouth, Hampshire
Type of Record: Will
Dated: 3 Jan 1820, probated 15 Jun 1821
Read: Electronic copy
Condition: image, small script, contrast medium, probably in his own handwriting

[In margin] William Blake 24

1    This is the last Will and Testament
2    of me William Blake of Portsmouth in the county of Hants Gentleman
3    made whilst in an indifferent state of health but of sound and disposing
4    mind memory and understanding to hereby, I give devise bequeath and
5    bequeath dispose of all my real and personal estate and effects in manner following
6    that is to say I give and devise unto my wife Mary and to my son in law Richard
7    Batchelor of Portsmouth aforesaid Surgeon and my friend William
8    Prince of the same place Hatter and to the survivor of them and his heirs
9    all those my two messuages or dwelling houses with the appurtenances
10    there to belonging situate and being at Buckland in the parish of Portsea
11    in the said County was occupied by Mr. Hoffmister and Mr. Saunders and
12    also all that my messuage or dwelling house situate in Fredrick Street
13    in Portsea aforesaid No 18 occupied by Mrs Balfour sublett to a charge
14    of two hundred pounds now existing on such said messuage and
15    premises and chargeable therewith To hold the same three messuages
16    subject and chargeable therewith To hold the as aforesaid to my said
17    wife Mary the said Richard Batchelor and William Prince and
18    to the survivor of them and his or her heirs upon trust nevertheless
19    to permit my son said Arthur Blake to receive the writs of the said
20    messuage and Premises from and after the expiration of twelve
21    calendar months from my decease for his life and immediately after
22    his decease or in case my said son shall die leaving a wife and child
23    or children Then In trust to retain the rents of my said three messuages
24    and premises and pay the same unto the widow of my said son Arthur
25    for her life and after her decease upon trust and I devise the said three
26    messuages and premises unto all and every the child or children of my
27    said son lawfully begotten if more than one as tenants in common
28    and if but one than to such only child his or her heirs and assigns
29    for ever but in case my said son should die without having a
30    wife or child or children lawfully begotten then I give and devise
31    the said three messuages and premises unto my sister Ann Smith of
32    Portsea aforesaid widow for her life and after her decease I give and
33    devise the said three messuages unto the children of the said Ann
34    Smith living at her decease their heirs and assigns for ever as tenants
35    in common and not as joint Tenants I give and devise unto Charlotte
36    White Butler of Portsea aforesaid spinster and to her heirs and
37    assigns for ever all that my messuage or dwelling house situate
38    in Daniel Street in Portsea aforesaid and lately occupied by my
39    mother in law Francis Blake deceased but now by the said
40    Charlotte White Butler and I give and bequeath the principal
41    sum of eight hundred pounds now secured to me on mortgage of an
42    estaate on Oyster Street in Portsmouth aforesaid belonginge to Mr
43    Joseph Puelman unto my said wife Mary and the said Rich[ar]d
44    Batchelor and William Prince upon trust and confidence
45    nevertheless that they my said trustees or the survivors or survivor of them
46    or the executors or administrators of such survivor do and shall
47    after twelve calendar months from my decease call in one
48    hundred pounds principal money part of the said sum of eight
49    hundred pounds and when received upon trust and I direct sixty
    [Page 2]
50    pounds par thereof to be paid to my said sister Ann Smith
51    for her own use with the interest to accrue from twelve
51    calendar months next after my decease twenty pounds other part
52    thereof to her son John Smith of Portsea aforesaid Shipwright and
53    twenty pounds remaining part thereof unto her daughter Ann
54    Fennell wife of Henry Fennell of Portsea aforesaid Labourer and
55    also upon further trust to receive the interest of the remaining sum of
56    seven hundred pounds every three calendar months if payment can
57    be so obtained and to pay the same when and as borrowed unto my
58    said son Arthur Blake for his life and after his decease upon
59    trust to pay the interest of the said sum of seven hundred pounds
60    other part thereof unto the widow of my said son Arthur for her
61    life and immediately after her decease then In trust and I give the
62    said sum of seven hundred pounds unto all and every the children of
63    my said son Arthur living at the time of the decease of his said widow
64    in equal shares and proportions but in case my said son should
65    die leaving only a widow and without child or children then I direct
66    my said trustees to pay the interest of four hundred pounds only part
67    of the said sum of seven hundred pounds to my said sons widow
68    for her life and the remaining sum of three hundred pounds I
69    hereby direct them to pay to my two Grandsons in law William
70    Cunningham Batchelor and Richard Batchelor sons of my son
71    in law William Cunningham Batchelor late of Portsmouth afor[esai]d
72    Merchant and in case my said son Arthur should die without
73    leaving either a widow or child or children then after his decease I
74    give and bequeath the said sum of seven hundred pounds in
75    manner following that is to say four hundred pounds part thereof
76    to my said daughter Ann Blake for her own use and one hundred and
77    fifty pounds to each of my said Grandsons in law the said William
78    Cunningham Batchelor and Richard Batchelor and in case of the decease
79    of my said daughter Ann Blake under the age of twenty one years
80    I give and bequeath twelve hundred pounds stock five percent Ann[uitie]s
81    under the power reserved in my marriage Settlement and now standing
82    in the joint names of myself John Whitlow and Harrison Deacon in
83    manner following I give and bequeath six hundred and forty
84    pounds stock part thereof unto my son in law and my three daughters
85    in law namely the said Richard Batchelor Sarah Batchelor Mary
86    Batchelor and Elizabeth Batchelor in equal shares and proportions
87    to and for their own use and benefit absolutely and one hundred and
88    sixty pounds stock other part of the said twelve hundred pounds
89    stock I give and bequeath unto my said two Grandsons in law
90    William Cunningham Batchelor and Richard Batchelor
91    equally share and share alike and the remaining four hundred
92    pounds stock I hereby give and bequeath unto my said wife Mary
93    Blake and to the said Richard Batchelor and William Prince their
94    executors administrators and assigns upon trust and confidence that
95    they my said trustees or the survivor of them or the executors or
96    administrators of such survivor shall and do permit and suffer my
97    said son Arthur to receive and take the dividends and interest thereof
98    for his life and from and immediately after his decease then  I give
99    and bequeath the sum of two hundred pounds part thereof to the
100    children of my sister Ann Smith widow equally share and share
101    alike and the remaining sum of two hundred pounds I give and
102    bequeath unto and equally between my said son in law and three
103    daughters in law namely Richard Batchelor Sarah Mary and
104    Elizabeth Batchelor to and for their own use and benefit and I give
105    and bequeath unto my said trustees the said Richard Batchelor
    [Page 3]
106    and William Prince the sum of ten pounds each as a
107    compensation for the care and trouble they will be put to in the
108    execution of the trusts hereby in them reposed to be paid  them
109    at the expiration of fifteen calendar months next after my decease
110    and I give and bequeath unto my said wife Mary all my household
111    Goods and furniture of household plate linen and China together
112    with all my ready money securities for money debts rents and interest
113    and money due and owing to me and to grow due and accrue then to me
114    from twelve calendar months next after the day of my decease and
115    all the residue and remainder of my personal estate and effects of
116    what nature the same shall consist at my decease and not
117    hereinbefore by me disposed of subject nevertheless to the payment
118    of my just debts funeral expences and the costs of proving this my
119    will I give to her my said wife for her own use and benefit absolutely
120    and I authorize and fully empower my said trustees or the survivor
121    of them and his or her heirs to sell and dispose of my said three
122    freehold messuages and premises hereunto first by me herebefore devised
123    or any or other of them by public or private sale as they he or she may
124    think most advantageous and on sale of such my said real estate
125    or any part thereof I direct that the receipt or receipts of my said
126    trustees or the survivors or survivor of them shall be a good and
127    sufficient discharge to a purchaser or purchasers thereof and on sale
128    as aforesaid to plan the consideration money arising there from in
129    the public stocks or funds of this Kingdom or on good real security
130    on the trusts aforesaid and it is my will that my said trustees or the
131    survivors or survivor of them shall from time to time as often as
132    they shall think proper alter and change the securities on which
133    the said trust monies or any part  thereof are now or shall hereafter
134    be placed out and from time to time as often as they shall think
135    fit again the place the same out upon Government or other good
136    real sufficient security or securities in such manner as they shall
137    think most beneficial and it is my will and meaning that my said
138    trustees or either of them shall not be liable to make good any
139    loss of losses that shall happen in the execution of the trusts
140    mentioned in this my will unless the same shall appear to
141    happen by or through their or either of their wilful neglect or
142    default nor shall either of my said trustees be answerable or
143    accountable for the acts deeds receipts or disbursements of the
144    other of them but each of them shall be answerable for his and
145    her own separate acts deeds receipts and disbursements only and I
146    hereby direct that my said trustees shall reimburse themselves out
147    of my said estate and effects all necessary costs charges and expences
148    whatsoever that they or either of them shall be put into in the
149    execution of this my will or the trusts hereby in them reposed
150    and lastly I hereby nominate constitute and appoint my said
151    wife Mary and my son in law the said Richard Batchelor
152    and William Prince my trustees executrix and executors of this
153    my last will and testate testament and hereby revoke and make
154    void all former and other will and wills by me at any time
155    heretofore made and do declare this only to be said testament my last will and
156    testament In witness whereof I the said William Blake the
157    testator have to this my last will and testament the whole whereof
158    is contained in five sheets of paper set my hand and seal that is to
159    say may hand to the first four sheets hereof and my hand and seal
160    to this fifth and last sheet thereof this third day of January in the
161    year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty W[illia]m Blake
162    [seal] Signed sealed published and declared by the said William Blake
    [Page 4]
163    the Testator as and for his last will and Testament on the day
164    of the date in the presence of us who at his request in his presence
165    and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as
166    witnesses hereto W[illia]m Glendening Sol Portsea W[illia]m Allen James Garrate
167    Proved at London 15th June 1821 before the Judge by the oaths
168    of Mary Blake widow the Relict Richard Batchelor and William
169    Prince the executors to whom administration was granted having
170    been first sworn duly to administer

Knight families at Spetisbury

Following yesterday's revelations on the Knight families at Spetisbury I decided to separate the families out from the transcription of the Knight family in the Spetisbury Parish Registers. I did not actually do this transcription but hope to be able to see the Spetisbury Parish Registers once Ancestry has added the earlier Dorset records to their site.

Using the extracted Parish Register information for Spetisbury and the OPC Dorset website for earlier marriages in the Knight family there I will build the family groupings.

Henry Knight married Mary Oliver 25 Dec 1727 at Spetisbury

Thomas Knight 
Henry Knight
David Knight baptized 2 May 1736

Henry Knight (Junior)  married Ann Holloway 6 Jun 1754 (father Henry Knight)
(data likely missing)
Henry Knight baptized 21 Mar 1764; buried 20 Sep 1773
Sarah Knight baptized 2 Feb 1766
Elizabeth Knight baptized 24 Feb 1768; buried 26 Feb 1768
David Knight baptized 20 May 1770
Henry Knight baptized 3 Apr 1774
David Knight baptized 27 Dec 1777

David Knight married Martha Butler 17 Feb 1756 (father Henry Knight)
John Knight baptized 2 Oct 1757
(Data likely missing)
William Knight baptized 5 Feb 1764
Thomas Knight baptized 13 Dec 1772
Henry Knight baptized 21 Nov 1773
Mary Knight baptized 26 Jan 1777
George Knight baptized 1 Oct 1778

Thomas Knight married Martha
Henry Knight baptized 26 Jan 1777
George Knight baptized 1 Oct 1778

John Knight married Elizabeth
Joseph Knight baptized ?; buried 4 Sep 1785
David Knight baptized 2 May 1784; buried 19 Jan 1786
Jane Knight baptized 1 Jan 1786; buried 31 Jan 1787
David Knight baptized 16 Dec 1787
Henry Knight baptized 1 Dec 1789; buried 21 Apr 1791
Jane Knight baptized 21 Apr 1791
Charlotte Knight baptized 3 Jun 1792
Mary Ann Knight baptized 7 Oct 1792
Harriet Knight baptized 3 Mar 1794; buried 13 Jan 1796
Henry Knight baptized 17 Sep 1795; buried 5 Jan 1796
Henry Knight baptized 25 Sep 1798


John Knight  married Ann Vincent 9 Jun 1783 (at Shapwick)

Joseph Knight baptized 24 Aug 1785
Eleanor Knight baptized 12 Dec 1786
Sophia Knight baptized 25 Sep 1789
Martha Knight baptized 8 Oct 1796
Maria Knight baptized Jan 1797 ?
John Knight baptized 30 Nov 1800

William Knight married Ann Ballet 23 Oct 1786 (Thomas Knight witness)
Charles Knight baptized 28 Jun 1789
Elizabeth Anne baptized 16 Oct 1791
James Knight baptized 3 Jul 1794
Jemima Knight baptized 13 Nov 1797

Thomas Knight married Elizabeth
Mary Ann Knight baptized 3 Jun 1792

Thomas Knight married Ann
Mary Knight baptized 30 Jan 1794
Ann Knight baptized 15 Dec 1795
Joseph Knight baptized 29 Apr 1798

William Knight (widower) married Sarah Loader 3 Nov 1798 (Henry Knight witness)
William Knight baptized 22 Sep 1799
James Knight baptized 11 May 1802
Hannah Knight baptized 22 Mar 1807
George Knight baptized 20 Aug 1809
Harry Knight baptized 24 May 1812

Henry Knight married Ann Holloway 13 Apr 1799
Benjamin Knight baptized 22 Mar 1799
Henrietta Knight baptized 11 Jan 1801
Mary Ann Knight baptized 26 Dec 1802
Eliza Knight baptized 21 Oct 1804
Eliz Knight baptized 25 Feb 1807
Jane Knight baptized 30 Oct 1808
George Knight baptized 1 Oct 1810

William Knight (widower) married Elizabeth Mitchell 8 Apr 1804 (Henry Knight witness)
David Knight baptized 16 Aug 1807
William Knight baptized 8 Oct 1810; buried 8 Oct 1810


Ellis Knight married Eleanor Knight 29 May 1804 (William Knight witness)
Ellis Knight baptized 27 Jul 1806
George Knight baptized 28 Jun 1808
Mary Ann Knight baptized 26 Nov 1809
Samuel Knight baptized 8 Nov 1811; buried 14 Jul 1823 (at Turnworth)
Maria Knight baptized 16 Feb 1814
Henry Knight baptized 28 Jan 1816
Elizabeth Knight baptized 30 Aug 1818 (at Turnworth)
Edward Knight baptized 12 Nov 1820 (at Turnworth); buried 8 Nov 1841 (at Turnworth)
John Knight baptized 18 May 1823 (at Turnworth)
Thomas Knight baptized 24 Apr 1825 (at Turnworth)
Samuel Knight baptized 25 May 1828 (at Turnworth and my 2x great grandfather)
Martha Knight baptized 21 Nov 1830 (at Turnworth)
George Knight b c 1831 (at Turnworth)

From the Militia Rolls of 1787 at Spetisbury there are the following Knight males listed:

John KNIGHT  bricklayer  1 child

John  KNIGHT  ?servant, bricklayer
   
Willm.  KNIGHT  bricklayer
   
There are two John Knight families at Spetisbury in 1787. John Knight married to Ann Vincent has two children (Eleanor was born at the end of 1786) and John Knight married to Elizabeth has buried all of their children with one born near the end of 1787. More evidence would be nice but it would appear perhaps that John Knight bricklayer with 1 child is the John Knight married to Ann Vincent. William Knight bricklayer would appear to be William married to Ann Ballet and later Sarah  Loader. William and Ann were married in Oct 1786 and did not have a child until after 1787.

This charting has been somewhat helpful but I still do not have a clear line back before John Knight since there are two John Knight families at Spetisbury in this time interval. Going through the burials might be helpful to see when these two men died - one John Knight was buried 17 Nov 1826 and by his age at death he is likely the John Knight baptized 2 Oct 1757 and the son of David Knight and Martha Butler but was he the husband of Ann Vincent. I shall need to re-examine the burial records for Spetisbury.

The other interesting item is my other 4x great grandfather William Knight married to Sarah Ellis 7 Aug 1775 at Winterborne Stickland. There really isn't any evidence to prove that this William Knight was ever living at Spetisbury. There was a William Knight son of David Knight and Martha Butler baptized 5 Feb 1764 but he is likely the William Knight who married Ann Ballet and then Sarah Loader and was a bricklayer at Spetisbury. Looking at the Winterborne Stickland records will be most interesting once they are available on Ancestry before 1813.

But again I do not know the history of the Knight family at Spetisbury prior to 1727 when Henry Knight married  Mary Oliver. My suspicion is that these two families are linked but I have no idea how far back - the naming of the 13 children of Ellis and Eleanor Knight is most interesting.

There was a John Knight who married Elizabeth Kebble 31 May 1778 at St Peters Shaftesbury Dorset. This is the location for the William Knight/Mary Dashwood marriage as well. There is a family lore that the Knight family were stone masons/bricklayers in Cann and gradually moved down to the Blandford Forum area from the mid 1600s on.

Knight family of Spetisbury, Winterborne Stickland and Turnworth

An interesting email and a number of images from an Australian correspondent on the Butt family has led me back once again to my Knight family. I haven't been able to agree with other Knight researchers on our mutual ancestors before William Knight (married to Sarah Ellis) and John Knight (married to Ann Vincent). I have a vague recollection of my Grandfather mentioning that he had grandparents that were cousins and that they had 18 children. It does appear that it was a set of his great grandparents who had 13 children but I was only eight when he died so could easily have misunderstood that. I haven't been able to find the cousin relationship although Ellis Knight and Eleanor Knight certainly shared the same surname (they were my grandfather's great grandparents). There is at least one cousin marriage though that I do know about now and my grandfather could have been confused in that regard now that I have put the Carter/Blake/King family puzzle together with Joseph Blake and Joanna King (one set of my 4x great grandparents) being first cousins.

As I was going through the Winterborne Stickland Parish Registers I noted a marriage with John Vincent of Dewlish and so I had a look at that parish and discovered many Vincent entries including Ann baptized 26 Oct 1755 at Dewlish and the daughter of James Vincent and Ann Moulam. Ann Vincent married John Knight 9 Jun 1783 at Shapwick (2 miles from Spetisbury) and I have been trying to find information on this couple for quite a while. Why do they marry at Shapwick and not Spetisbury? Dewlish is 11 miles from Shapwick as well; why not Dewlish if that is her birthplace? James Vincent and Ann Moulam married 28 Nov 1733 at Dewlish and their first daughter Ann died young. However, when I check the OPC Dorset site for Shapwick the marriage registration is there for John Knight and Ann Vincent but no baptisms at Shapwick for the Knight family. Also they are the only Knight marriage at Shapwick between 1731 and 1813.

Also in the Winterborne Stickland Parish Registers I found the burial of John Knight 17 Nov 1826 and his age was listed as 69 years giving him a likely year of birth of 1757 and there is a christening 2 Oct 1757 at Spetisbury of John son of David Knight and Martha Buller (married 17 Feb 1756 at Spetisbury). I had discarded this couple as the parents of John because John and Ann did not name one of their sons David. Nor did they name one of their sons Henry and David is known to be the son of Henry Knight and Mary Oliver (married 25 Dec 1727 at Spetisbury). But as I worked my way through these thoughts I am remembering that I did not find the children of John Knight and Ann Vincent - they were given to me early on in my genealogy work. I did not touch the Knight family when we went to Salt Lake City so in fact I have not really looked at this family beyond doubting the connections that other researchers have found between William and John Knight (both are my 4x great grandfathers) and the ancestors of these two.

Looking at the IGI since the baptisms are not yet online at Ancestry in the Dorset records, I find

Eleanor baptized 12 Dec 1786 at Silton
Martha baptized 28 Oct 1796 at Silton

I know from the census that Eleanor always says she was born at Spetisbury so the Silton is somewhat confusing and as well 19 miles from Spetisbury. Is this an error of transcription? Once the registers are online prior to 1813 I will have an answer to that question. Looking at the OPC Dorset website, Silton Bishop Transcripts do not list any Knight baptisms between 1731 and 1880 so it is an error but in favour of which village? That remains to be discovered.

Did they have only the two children? There are seven other children listed for this couple by other researchers: Elizabeth Ann, Thomas, Jemima, Benjamin, Joseph, James and Samuel. No baptisms are listed by other researchers for these children; dates given are from the census when available otherwise they would appear to be subjective.A great deal is known about Eleanor and she was 83 years of age when she died. She lived with my grandfather's grandfather and died just before the marriage of my great grandparents Blake 25 Sep 1870 at Turnworth (Edward Blake married Maria Jane Knight 29 Oct 1870 at Upper Clatford).

Eleanor Knight married Ellis Knight 29 May 1804 at Spetisbury but their marriage in the IGI is listed as Silton. This Knight marriage does not appear on the Silton Parish Records on the OPC site.

From another researcher I have but not verified by me:

Spetisbury Parish Records
FHL Film # 1239228

Baptisms
1812  May 24    Harry  s/o William & Sarah Knight 
1811  Nov 8      Samuel s/o Ellis & Eleanor Knight
1810  Oct 1       George s/o Henry & Anne Knight
1810  Oct 8       William s/o William & Eliz Knight
1809  Aug 20    George s/o William & Sarah Knight
1809  Nov 26    Mary Ann d/o Ellis & Eleanor Knight
1808  Jun 28     George s/o Ellis & Eleanor Knight
1808  Oct 30     Jane d/o Henry & Ann Knight
1807  Feb 25    Eliz d/o Henry & Ann Knight
1807  Mar 22    Hannah d/o William & Sarah Knight
1807  Aug 16    David s/o William & Eliz Knight
1806  Jul 27      Ellis s/o Ellis & Eleanor Knight
1804  Jan 22    Charles s/o William & Sarah Knight
1804  Oct 21    Eliza d/o Henry & Ann Knight
1802  May 11   James s/o William & Sarah Knight
1802  Dec 26   Mary Ann d/o Henry & Ann Knight
1801  Jan 11    Henrietta d/o Henry & Ann Knight
1800  Nov 30   John s/o John & Ann Knight
1799  Mar 22    Benjamin s/o Henry & Ann Knight
1799  Sep 22   William s/o William & Sarah Knight
1798  Apr 29    Joseph s/o Thomas & Ann Knight
1798  Sep 25   Henry s/o John & Eliz Knight
1797  Jan ?      Maria d/o John & ?? Knight (bef Jan 10)
1797  Nov 13   Jemima d/o William & Ann Knight
1796  Oct 8      Martha d/o John & Ann Knight
1795  Sep 17  Henry s/o John & Eliz Knight
1795  Oct 4      George s/o Sarah Knight
1795  Dec 15   Ann d/o Thomas & Ann Knight
1794  Jan 30    Mary d/o Thomas & Ann Knight
1794  Mar 3      Harriet d/o John & Eliz Knight
1794  Jul 6        James s/o William & Ann Knight
1792  Jun 3       Charlotte c/o John & Eliz Knight
1792  Aug 9      Mary Ann d/o Thomas & Eliz Knight
1792  Oct 7       Mary Ann d/o John & Eliz Knight
1791  Apr 21    Jane d/o John & Eliz Knight
1791  Oct 16    Elizabeth Anne d/o William & Ann Knight
1789  Jun 28   Charles s/o William & Ann Knight
1789  Sep 25   Sophia d/o Jo & Anne Knight
1789  Dec 1     Henry s/o John & Eliz Knight
1787  Dec 16   David s/o John & Eliz Knight
1786  Jan 1      Jane d/o John & Eliz Knight
1786  Dec 12   Eleanor d/o John & Ann Knight
1785  Aug 24   Joseph s/o Joh & Anne Knight
1784  May 2      David s/o J & Eliz Knight
1778  Oct 1       George s/o Thomas & Martha Knight
1777  Jan 26     Mary d/o Thomas & Martha Knight
1777  Dec 27    David s/o Henry & Ann Knight
1774  Apr 3        Henry s/o Henry & Ann Knight
1773  Nov 21     Henry s/o Thomas & Martha Knight
1772  Dec 13    Thomas s/o David & Martha Knight
1770  May 20     David s/o Henry & Ann Knight
1768  Feb 24     Elizabeth d/o Henry & Ann Knight
1766  Feb 2       Sarah d/o Henry  & Ann Knight
1764  Feb 5      William s/o David & Martha Knight
1764  Mar 21    Henry s/o Henry & Ann Knight

Marriages
1804  Apr 8     William Knight & Eliz Mitchel
1804  May 29  Ellis Knight & Eleanor Knight
1799  Apr 13    Henry Knight & Ann Holloway
1798  Nov ?     William Knight & Sarah Loader
1793  Nov 7      James Collins & Ann Knight
1791  Jan 17     John Smith of Blandford Forum & Mary Knight
1786  Oct 23     William Knight, b & Ann Ballet, s, both OTP

Burials

1810  Oct 8      William s/o William & Eliz Knight
1806  Jan 1      Martha Knight
1801  Feb 3     Henry Knight
1801  Jun 10    Elizabeth Knight
1801  Sep 14   Charles Knight
1801  Sep 14   James Knight
1799  Feb 15   John Knight
1798  May 8     Ann Knight
1796  Jan 5      Henry s/o John & Eliz Knight
1796  Jan 13    Harriet d/o John & Eliz Knight
1793  Oct 19    Miriam Knight
1791  Apr 21   Henry s/o John & Eliz Knight
1788  Jun 2      Henry Knight
1788  Jun 11    Ann widow of Henry Knight
1787  Jan 31    Jane d/o John & Eliz Knight
1786  Jan 19    David s/o John & Eliz Knight
1786  Aug 16    Mary Knight
1785  Sep 4      Joseph s/o John & Eliz Knight
1778  Sep 28   Henry Knight, parish clerk
1773  Sep 20   Henry s/o Henry & Ann Knight
1768  Feb 26   Eliz infant d/o Henry & Ann Knight


From this list I have as children of John and Ann Knight:

1800  Nov 30   John s/o John & Ann Knight
1796  Oct 8      Martha d/o John & Ann Knight
1789  Sep 25   Sophia d/o Jo & Anne Knight
1786  Dec 12   Eleanor d/o John & Ann Knight
1785  Aug 24   Joseph s/o Joh & Anne Knight

I am noticing that Elizabeth Ann, Thomas, Jemima, Benjamin, James and Samuel belong to different parents namely William and Ann Knight. David, Henry and Thomas are all brothers and sons of Henry Knight and Mary Oliver. The big question to me at this point is who is Henry Knight married to Mary Oliver. He was Parish Clerk at Spetisbury and buried 28 Sep 1778.

I shall check the Spetisbury records on Ancestry now to see if I can find any marriages for these children and I did not find anything conclusive for Sophia, Martha, Joseph or John siblings of Eleanor.

I do have one part of my question answered with respect to John and William Knight. They are not brothers. Probably they are not first cousins but beyond that I have no idea. I am not sure of the parents of William Knight and Sarah Ellis. Sarah does appear on the census so I know that she was born around 1756 which fits with the data that I have. But were the parents of William Knight as thought? Were they William Knight and Mary Dashwood who married 9 Aug 1760 at St Peter Shaftesbury Dorset?