Seventh Generation completed

 One more item proving the line of John Siderfin Junior married to Mary Chapman was their Marriage Contract witnessed by John Siderfin Junior of Wootton Courtney, Robert Siderfin of Timberscombe and George Chapman of Wootton Courtney. With that there is sufficient proof that he was the son of John 6 Siderfin (Robert 5, William 4, Robert 3, William 2, John 1). One more small hiccup was the children of Robert Siderfin and Elizabeth (Question) Siderfin. James Sanders had a Joan Siderfin as one of their daughters but she is not mentioned in either will abstract. Not sure whom she actually is but she married John Passmore at Minehead which was a little unusual for this family which generally married in Selworthy or Wootton Courtney. That being resolved the addition of the new John Siderfin Junior married to Joan (unknown) and being a likely older son of John Siderfin Junior married to Mary Chapman worked out very well without a lot of reworking. The two children that they baptized at Wootton Courtney were neatly moved to this John and a slight renumbering but no difficulty. What seemed like a major task quickly disappeared with the removal of Joan from James Sanders' Pedigree Chart as a daughter of Robert and Elizabeth (Question) Siderfin. Moving forward onto the Eighth Generation but will not do much today as yesterday was a heavy day on the fiche reader. These eyes are not getting any younger. 

No news yet on my eye tests perhaps another month or so although my daughter did mention that there is a long waiting list for the cataract replacement which was why I decided to follow through from the Optometrist recommendation and go ahead getting that started last January. It was a funny sort of thing as he said that he would recommend me next January but then said he had  not recommended me two years earlier because Edward was going to go for cataract surgery although my eyes also needed that. I usually go every year but it just didn't happen and ended up being two years. Like my colonoscopy last year I had let the office know I would go ahead in November last year and got the call with a date in late April so six months sounds like the waiting period for that particular procedure. Since I have had eye strain before when I spend too much time on the fiche reader I am not alarmed just need to rest my eyes today and it is the big cleaning day so that works very well. My sister said that the eyes get stronger before they start weakening. I can tell that my sight is not quite as good as it was and given my not really great sight without glasses I do pay attention. I used to be able to distinguish song birds readily that were half way down the back garden which is about 30 metres but now it is likely only 15 to 20 metres with my glasses on of course. Without glasses I would not be able to distinguish that. However, unlike when I was a child and could not read anything without glasses I can read large letters but it was probably more that I was only three or four years old and did not have a history of knowledge of letters to fall back on!

On to the day, jumping jacks, tea and then solitaire games if my eyes want to do that. Then jumping jacks once again and breakfast and cleaning. Sounds like a busy day. Still receiving about 100 emails a day some of which get put into a must do folder. I do answer all of them eventually; sometimes interesting tidbits come my way but mostly it is requests for information with probably 70% of them being either spam or close to it or groups that I belong to or political from the Conservatives or the Liberals. Interesting to read but I have my opinion of the kind of leaders that we need and fiscal conservatism comes high on that list. 

Siderfin death in 1636

Although James Sanders did record a Robert Siderfin dying in 1636 on his Pedigree Chart namely Robert 4 (Robert 3, William 2, John 1) he did not supply any other information. I have the fiche for Luxobrough and the Burial records for 1636 does have a Siderfin being buried on the 19th Jun 1636. The first name except for the last letter is eaten away although this last letter is a t. So I remain somewhat up in the air about Robert Siderfin and Ursula (Webber) Siderfin's son Robert. Although he is mentioned by his father in the Answer to the complaint in 1653 nothing more is said about him. 

The baptism of a Robert Siderfin at Selworthy in 1658 does not appear in the Parish Records (the originals prior to 1672 are missing) however the Bishops Transcripts exist from 1594 on and T L Stoate has faithfully transcribed these records and records that a Robert Siderfin was born the 3rd of August and baptized  23 Aug 1658 at Selworthy. No mention of his parents names which is interesting but not meaningful as any tendency towards an illegitimate child was quite fiercely recorded! This is the first Siderfin baptism event in the Selworthy Parish Registers as transcribed by T L Stoate from the Bishops Transcripts. Selworthy, over the next period of time, proved to be a popular place to baptize, marry and bury members of the Siderfin family. The reason for which remains unknown to me but local folk lore might tell the tale. 

Protestation Returns - 1641-42
Sidderfin Thomas gent Carhampton
Sidderfin Robert Luxborough
Sidderfin Thomas Luxborough
Siderfin William overseer Luxborough
Sidderfin Robert Minehead
Sidderfin John Selworthy

Subsidy 1641-42

Surname Forename Suffix s d Parish
Syderfyn Thos gent 5 6 Carhampton
Syderfyn Thomas 11 Cutcombe
Syderfin Cristian 6 8 Luxborow Everard
Syderfin William 4 8 Luxborow Everard
Syderfyn Thomas 4 6 Minehead
Syderfyn Robert rater 4 7 Minehead
Syderfyn Robert sen 4 Timberscombe
Syderfyn Robert jun 3 Timberscombe
Syderfyn Wm rater 8 1 Treborough Browne
Syderfyn Robert 13 6 Wotton Courtney

Looking at the Protestation Returns there is a Robert at Minehead which could be Robert 5 (Robert 4, Robert 3, William 2, John 1) but the Robert at Luxborough is perhaps a bit of a mystery but could be Robert 4 at Old Knowle. I was for quite a while assuming that James Sanders was correct that Robert 4 was buried in 1636 at Luxborough; who was buried there is a mystery although could simply have been a child not recorded as a baptism; no ideas on that as the burial record doesn't really give any extra details. The Lay Subsidy though does show Robert at Minehead and likely Robert 5 and Robert 4 at Wootton Courtney (Old Knowle is close by) so perhaps that is the answer after all. I was seeing it differently before thinking this was the same Robert (namely Robert 5) but in retrospect it being Robert 4 and Robert 5 in this line makes sense. One can sometimes get led astray by earlier work but as I get into proofreading and finding this 1653 document made a big difference and I am confident that my premise is now correct and that perhaps this Robert Siderfin has survived although I tend to think that it was John who married Thomasine and parents of Robert Siderfin baptized at Selworthy but in actuality it could also have been Robert. Both would likely have named their first son Robert after their father. That he was baptized at Selworthy makes me think of John because he was on the Protestation Returns there. John Siderfin was actually one of the defendants so considered quite close to Eastlynch which he was, much closer than Minehead. Interesting really but John it is in this particular writing of the book of the Siderfin Family of West Somerset.

Moving forward now and working on the Third Generation today making sure that all of the footnotes are complete and clear and adding any missing ones. 

Breakfast actually completed and I am late writing up my Blog for the day. Doing this one as I work. Next Duolingo for my Latin training and then weight lighting. The heat continues and I watered the sunflowers last night and the flowers appreciated that as I can see them not quite so limp today. Rain tonight so that will be a relief for all the plants. I expect there will be a big crop of raspberries on Thursday and I shall soon run out of containers to put them in in the freezer. The birds are supposed to eat more of them and perhaps that will happen!

On to the day.

An interesting will that I had not yet transcribed

Looking about in the Archival records at Somerset and the National Archives of the UK I discovered that I had forgotten to transcribe the will of Robert Siderfin (of Croydon) probated in 1721. I decided to work at that and noted in that quick look that one of the witnesses was Augustin Siderfin and these two men would be 1st cousins twice removed. Why did he choose Augustin Siderfin who was then 29 years of age?  Perhaps because he was a school teacher and his father (still living) may have asked him to sign as a witness instead of Robert himself who by then would have been 61 years of age and perhaps not able to make the trip to his cousin's home at Croydon (Robert (father of Augustin) lived at Selworthy). Walter Siderfin was still alive at Timberscombe at this time and a first cousin three times removed. It is an interesting happening actually. Since both Robert, the testator, and his brother Thomas were heavily in debt when they died there could be reasons for Walter to not become involved; no ideas on that. But it is rather interesting that Robert, the testator, did call upon Augustin Siderfin (third son of Robert and Elizabeth (Question) Siderfin) to witness his will. 

A search of the archival records brought something forward that was also rather interesting. I found a record for a Robert Syderfin and Ursula his wife. I probably did not do the search with the y in the first i position or I just did not see the significance of the record earlier. This is from 1653 and includes John Syderfin (no wife mentioned). The property was in Timberscombe. In 1653 Robert 5 (William 4, Robert 3, William 2, John 1) was/would soon be married to an Elizabeth (unknown). In 1653 Robert 4 (Robert 3, William 2, John 1) would be 66 years of age (he married Ursula Webber when he was 24 years of age). His son John would be 34 years of age and in that Thomasine was buried in 1709 I do suspect that John likely married late with their (John and Thomasine) son Robert being baptized in 1658. I am curious now if the burial in 1636 was the older son of Robert at Minehead rather than Robert married to Ursula and the John with them in the query would be their then only son John. It does raise a few questions although I will continue to stick with the idea that it was Robert the son of William who was father to Robert at East Linch and Walter at Timberscombe (as this line tended to use the designation of Robert the Elder and Robert the Younger). This family was generally at Minehead (Robert, Ursula and their three children). Why they are involved in property in Timberscombe is a mystery and I will attempt to learn more about this particular property. It is known that Robert of East Linch and Robert of  Timberscombe were the children of Robert and Elizabeth (likely Blackford) Siderfin who buried their two sons at Selworthy (Robert and Walter) in 1714 and 1731 respectively. Robert and Ursula were being required to make an answer to some complaint by Alexander Francke in the Court of Chancery and it may overall have nothing to do particularly with the property at Timberscombe occupied later by Walter. It is tempting to purchase the item though so may pursue that. Family details in an answer might be very interesting. In that same year Alexander Francke was plaintiff in a case that involved Thomas Siderfin and others - property in East Lincke in Timberscombe, again an answer. There are also two Francke wills that could be interesting - one in 1584 and one in 1637. I had not really expected to find so much interesting material and should not have overlooked Syderfin. Most of the material does not assist me with individual items that I am looking at. The only really interesting one was with Robert and Ursula. If Robert (born 1616 at Minehead) is the Robert deceased in 1636 and buried at Luxborough then this document does become very interesting and there would just be the son John still living from this Robert-Line (in the 1640s) which is in fact what James Sanders indicated. The other interesting item is that the Siderfin family from which I descend (namely from Selworthy and the Robert Siderfin and Elizabeth (Question) Siderfin line did have property at Minehead (near Bratton) where they lived (some of the adult children of Robert Siderfin and Grace (Kent) Siderfin lived there including Elizabeth (Siderfin) Rew (my 3x great grandmother) and her family. 

So very interesting and I may order that document from the National Archives. I am settled with my thoughts on these generations and will just finish up with moving the various items that belong to the particular generations that James Sanders had in his book. If there are any surprises the changes would be relatively easy. I did complete the transcription of the will of Robert Siderfin of Croyden. No surprises in that will as he, like his older brother Thomas, were known to have died deeply in debt and his widow refused to administer the estate. He does not mention a daughter Elizabeth which is telling one might think.

Recorded: 2 Jul 2023
Source: National Archives, UK, PROB 11/580/280
Place: Croyden, Somerset
Type of Record: Will
Dated: 14 Jun 1715, Probated 22 Jun 1721
Tm: Roberti Siderfin

1    In the Name of God Amen
2    I Robert Siderfin of Croyden in the County of Somerset Esq[uir]e do whilst I have an
3    opportunity and am (praised be God) of sound and disposing mind and memory
4    hereby revoak all former Will and Wills whatsoever by me already made and
5    do declare the same to be null and void to all intents constructions and
6    purposes whatsoever and do make publish and declare this my last Will
7    and Testament in manner and form following that is to say in the first
8    place I commend my Soul into the hands of God who gave it hopeing
9    thro the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ my Saviour and Redeemer
10    to obtain Eternall Salvation and my body I desire may receive a decent
11    interment at the discretion of my Executrix herein after named and as
12    touching such worldly Estate and Goods as God in his mercy hath blessed
13    me with and are now in my own disposall I Give devise and Bequeath
14    the same in manner and form following Viz [a vi]t Imprimis I do Will and
15    appoint that all my just debts shall be discharged and satisfied and do
16    hereby Charge all my Estate both reall and personall with the payment
17    of the same Item whereas on my marriage with Ann my third Wife
18    the daughter of Sir John Wittewrong of Rowthemstead in the County
19    of Hertford Barr[iste]r I obliged myself to pay the Sum of one thousand
20    pounds unto such Child Children or Grandchildren of the said Sir John
21    Wittewrong as I and the said Ann my late Wife of the survivor of us
22    should appoint now I do hereby give and Bequeath unto Ellen the
23    daughter of Samuel Gibbs of Horsley Park in the County of Essex Esq[uir]e
24    and now or late Wife of John Cook of Swifts near Cranbrook  in the same
25    County Esq[uir]e the Sum of four hundred pounds part of the said one thousand
26    pounds Item I Give and Bequeath unto the said Samuel Gibbs and
27    John Cooke the Sum of three hundred pounds other part of the said
28    one thousand pounds In Trust that they and the Survivor of them his
29    Executors and Assigns shall putt and place out the same at Interest
30    on the best securitys they can procur for the same and shall pay and
31    dispose of the Interest thereof from time to time to and for the sole
32    and separate use of Mary Crompton Grandaughter of the said Sir
33    John Wittewrong and now Wife of John Crompton late of Cheapsyde
34    London for the Term of her naturall life so as that her said husband John
35    Crompton shall not intermeddle or have any thing to bother with
36    after her death It is my Will that the said three hundred pounds shall be paid
37    and equally divided unto and amongst the three children of her the said
38    Mary Crompton that now live with her share and share alike Item I
39    Give unto the three children of the eldest daughter of James Wittewrong
40    Of Lincolnes Inn in the County of Middlesex Esq[uir]e by Thomas Bennett
41    late husband the Sum of Fifty pounds apiece of her parcel of the said one
42    thousand pounds Item I give unto all the Children that are now living
43    of Ellen the Wife of Henry Foxcroft of Calcott in the County of South[amp]ton
44    England the daughter of the said James Wittewrong the Sum of one
45    hundred and fifty pounds residue of the said one thousand pounds to be
46    equally divided between them share and share alike all which and several
47    Legacies making up the said one thousand pounds shall be paid unto the
48    respective persons to whom the same are hereinbefore given at such
49    time as is directed and appointed in and by the marriage Settlement before
50    made on my marriage with the said Anne my late Wife as aforesaid
51    Item I give unto the poor of the parish of Carhampton the Sum of five
52    pounds to be distributed amongst them by my Executrix hereinafter
53    named Within one Month next after my decease Item I give unto my
54    two Nephews James Darch and Philip Darch the Sum of one hundred
55    pounds apeice to be paid unto them within one year after my decease
56    or as soon after as the same can be raised by Sale of my Lands apointed
57    for payment of my debts with Interest for the same to be accounted
58    from the end of one year after my death in case the said Legacyes shall
59    not be raised and paid before that time Item I Give devise and bequeath
60    unto Elizabeth my now Wife her heirs and Assigns for ever all and every
61    my Mannors Messuages Lands Tenements and hereditaments w[hat]soever
62    scituate and being within the Countys of Somerset and Devon or either
63    of them or elsewhere within the Kingdom of great Britain subject
64    Nevertheless unto and chargeable with the payment of my just debts and
65    Legacyes hereby given that my personall Estate will not be sufficient to
66    answer and pay Item I Give unto each and every Servant that shall be
67    living with me in house at the time of my decease the sum of forty shillings
68    apiece to be paid unto them respectively within one Year after my death
69    Item all the rest and residue of my Lands tenements Goods Chattells reall
70    personal and Testamentary Estate whatsoever not herein before given
71    or bequeathed I Give Devise and Bequeath unto the said Elizabeth my dear
72    Wife whom I make constitute and appoint whole and sole Executrix of
73    this my last Will and Testament In Witness whereof I have to this my
74    Will contained in two Sheets of paper to each Sheet subscribed and sett
75    my hand and Seal the fourteenth day of June in the first year of the raigne
76    of our Soveraign Lord George by the grace of God King of great Britain
77    France and Ireland defender of the Faith etc anno domini 1715 Rob Siderfin
78    Signed Sealed Published and declared by the said Robert Siderfin to be his
79    Last Will and Testament in the presence of us who subscribed our names as
80    Witnesses thereto in the presence of him the said Testator Jo: Wyatt Sam.
81    _land Ben: Bowden Augustin Siderfin
82    Vicesimo secondo die Mensis Junij Anno domino
83    millesimo septingentesimo vicesimo primo Emanavit Comisso Roberto
84    Darch Creditor principal Roberti Siderfin nuper de Croyden in Comitati
85    Somersetia armigen defuncti habentis etc ad administrandium bona
84    iura  et credita dicti defuncti juxta tenorum et effectum Testamenti
85    ipsius defuncti pro quod  Elizabetha Siderfin Relicta dicta defuncti Executrix
86    inura et Legatario residuarius in dicto Testamento nominat onus
87    executionis ejusdem expresse renunciante de bene et fideliter Administrando
88    eadem ad Sancta dei Evangelia vigore Commissionis Jurat

I will likely add this will transcription to the book as it is rather interesting. I do get a hint of irony reading the will. Robert and his wife Ann did not have any children although the marriage was a fairly long one and one is left with the impression that it was a happy marriage. Perhaps his desire to pay the one thousand pounds was most genuine and I have no idea if sufficient funds were found by his Darch nephews to do so. It was a shame that he did not record information on the Siderfin Family in the will - perhaps saying something about Augustin Siderfin who traveled to witness the will for his first cousin twice removed. Robert Darch administered the will and there will be more about his handling of the estate as all of that information was collected and published by James Sanders. 

Invoice for the will of Robert Siderfin the Elder to be extracted from the land records and scanned paid. It may be a while as they have a large queue but I have a lot of work to do and it will be a queue for the land record that includes Robert and Ursula Siderfin and John which I will likely order today. If they do support my hypothesis I may just make a notation unless the will is very interesting in which case I would seek permission to publish the transcription. The Somerset Archives search engine is excellent and very straight forward to use - the records are very well organized.

Read the Church Service and sang the hymns and it reminds me of doing so all through COVID before the You-Tube services began. I did think about going online and finding a different service but I rather enjoyed the trip down memory lane of doing the service by myself - what is between God and you is a treasured moment in time for each and every person. Our commitment is life-long to God as all that is asked of us is to love God with all our heart, all our soul, all our mind and all our strength and to love our neighbour as ourself. In return for God's gifts to us through the ages it is very little to ask of us. 

May peace come to the world once again. Glory to Ukraine.

William Siderfin continues to surprise

 A baptism can not be located for William Siderfin circa 1660 but he did live at Minehead. His father (James Sanders has John (Robert 4, Robert 3, William 2, John 1) and at the moment on my tree he is the son of Robert (Robert 4, Robert 3, William 2, John 1) simply because this Robert was traditionally at Minehead and there remains that possibility that William is of the Robert line and even more interesting that Thomasine does not mention William actually. It does make me think that William is of the Thomas line. He would have been the son of Thomasine's brother in law although James Sanders does have a Robert marrying Thomasine and not a John. I just feel it has to be a John by the naming pattern, by the location and by the property that she did not have to pass on to a son. If she was married to Robert of Minehead then there would have been some property (namely the property declared on the Somerset Lay Subsidy of 1642). The Wills at Taunton are on Find My past just as a list and William dying in 1723 has a stated age of 45 gent, dying at Mynehead 1723 which would have him born circa 1678 and he would be married then at the age of  14 which is highly unlikely. The Mary Siderfin listed by James Sanders as his wife dying in 1747 is listed as 50 years so definitely not the wife of this William. That puts me back pretty much at square 1. There aren't any baptisms for a William in 1778 or close to that. I do not have any children for Robert 5 (Robert 4, Robert 3, William 2, John 1) at Minehead on the Protestation Return 1641 or on the Somerset Lay Subsidy of 1642. Thomasine (mother of Robert, likely nephew to Robert 5) does not name a brother in law but that could simply mean that he had died and no close relatives - children of Robert 5 - just her son Robert. Interesting he was named Robert but no property for him at the time of Thomasine's death; Her will:

Thomasin Siderfin, Selworthy, widow. Will dated 2nd July, 1709. Mentions son, Robert Siderfin. Cousin Robert Siderfin, of Linch. Grandsons, John, Robert, Augustine, Thomas, various small legacies, and grand daughters, Jane, Susanna.
Witness: Thomas Trill, John Harrison, Joane Trill

Her son Robert was said to be born in 1658 so she is fairly elderly and Robert could already have his property but he is living in Selworthy but still my thought is that this Robert son of Thomasine Siderfin (widow) is the son of John younger brother to Robert 5 (Robert 4, Robert 3, William 2, John 1) and I do this purely on the Somerset Lay Subsidy of 1642 and the Protestation Returns of 1641 where John at Selworthy is listed on the latter along with his brother Robert at Minehead but on the former only Robert is listed as paying tax on property. 

This William Siderfin buried in 1723 at the age of 45, gent, is certainly a mystery but I shall remove him completely from the Robert line as he does not appear to fit in to this line. Not mentioned in Thomasine's will and he certainly would have been if he was a brother to the husband of Thomasine (she mentions Cousin Robert at East Lynch). Although transcripts tended to be pretty brief they likely included anyone who was named as a gent! So on to the Thomas line and that will be my point of starting today. I will start with Mary Siderfin (widow) who left her will in 1747. It is James Sanders who mentions that Mary Siderfin, widow of William leaving her will in 1747 at the age of 50 so born circa 1697 so not married in 1692 and it is her will that says sealed (3 cups). Interesting actually as the descendants of Thomas 4 (Robert 3, William 2, John 1) have a mysterious hue about them - they lived well and were well respected but both of his sons died deeply in debt so deep that an Act of Parliament settled their debts. The eldest Thomas was married twice and the youngest Robert was married four times. They each appear to leave a daughter although James Sanders gives two sons to Robert from his first marriage. I have nothing on these sons but I will dig a little deeper as this William belongs to someone. 

The Fifth Generation has proven to be as big a challenge as the Fourth Generation which I did rather expect. It will be comfortable to finally put this chapter to rest and enter into the Sixth Generation where my own line clearly dominates this family with Robert Siderfin (baptized 23 Aug 1658 at Selworthy and born there 3 Aug 1558). It is this baptism that I want to find in the original registers as I find only that a child has been baptized on this date in the transcriptions and attributed to Robert by other researchers. Robert, son of Thomasine Siderfin (widow) though is definitely married to Elizabeth (Question) Siderfin because the children and grandchildren in Thomasine Siderfin's will transcript and the actual will of Augustine Question (father of Elizabeth (Question) Siderfin) match. I am in a rush to get into the Sixth Generation to see what I can find but a little longer on the Fifth Generation so that I have a clean chapter to "put to bed" as printers used to say anyway when I worked for them. Then I can move on into that Sixth Generation confident with the preceding information. James Sanders had an enormous advantage as he lived during the 1800s and probably did know some of the relatives of his mother Elizabeth but he did have some errors in that Sixth Generation probably because time had passed before he set pen to paper so to speak in the early 1900s when his mother had died in 1882 at South Molton a long way from Watchet, Somerset and her place of childhood. Elizabeth was the eldest child in the marriage of Robert Siderfin and Sarah Parsons baptized in 1817 at St Decumans Watchet and married in 1842 at St Decumans Watchet so that her memories were also long ago imparting them to her son born in 1845 although likely reinforced many times before her death in 1882 but he was, in the early 1900s in his late 50s early 60s and I notice I have not yet found his date of death or burial so lots to do and the year is moving onward. I would like to complete this book before my cataract surgery. 

Then a month off or more will play that by ear (and with the advice of the surgeon) and I will spend it walking and hopefully skiing if Mother Nature is kind enough to send us lots of snow in December and January. 

The queue has reached my daughter; life has been kind and all is resolved with the CRA and much thanks to them for their assistance. I do realize how difficult the COVID years were for everyone in their job but we are now past-COVID and the new reign of peace in our time is the most desired by the many peoples of the world. 

The Time of Imperialism is dead and those who seek Imperialism will taste death but sad to say along the way they are destroying the lives of millions of people in Ukraine especially the children - the children are a very painful part of war. Countries now with declining birth rate especially must feel for those children lost in Ukraine as they desire more children to ensure a beneficial future for their country. Glory to Ukraine; Glory to the Russian Freedom Fighters who just want the country that Peter the Great desired for them - a prosperous Russia making friendly ties with their neighbours and the world. Asking for death to the invading psychopathic Nazis led by Putin and his enablers does seem un-Christian so I will just pray that they lay down their arms and go home to Russia and out of Ukraine defined by the United Nations at the end of the Soviet Union. The Soviet Union destroyed itself by their imperialistic march into Afghanistan. NATO is a beacon of hope for Europe that peace can be found for the entire world - it is a non-aggressive pact and they prove it every day because they do not bomb Russia back to the Stone Age which is where the psychopathic Nazis Putin and his enablers belong.

Breakfast awaits and I am late today. I get very busy on my computer plus charging up my Fitbit for another wonderful day of exercise in God's world. Preservation of the body and the mind is right there in the Bible along with all of the other great words that have been with us for millennia. Sometimes the words seem harsh but they are in context for the times. We found peace in 1945 but now we must find the real peace where imperialistic aggression is no more and all the peoples of the earth get to enjoy their lives.

I also must get to work on the OGS material that collected up over the last two years that Edward wanted us to donate to the Library. We need to make a list and then can deliver the last items that arrived after his death. He is thrilled, I am sure, to know that so many people can benefit from his acquisitions. And all of us can testify to the extent of his collection; it certainly filled our house. Remembering those days he spent talking and discussing with Gordon Riddle the families in Burford, their mutual growing up area, Edward really enjoyed those times. They set him on a path he would never have taken - going to the Ontario Genealogical Society Ottawa Branch meeting way back in the early 1980s with Gordon Riddle, at his invitation, was a life changing moment for him. Edward and I enjoyed Astronomy together, camping, hiking, wild flower searching, bird watching - I am a mostly outdoors person when I am not a hermit. Always interested in his family research we had done that with visits to the oldest people in his area who had known his father and the Kipp family and many of them were related to him through his Kipp family (I love to hear the reflections of older people especially the historical ones and so became a shared interest - I certainly spent hours listening to my grandparents stories of their childhood in England). All gone now and Edward with them once again which is a comfort, his gleanings of information done in that purely scientific way that he excelled in. He was after all a PhD in a methodical science namely Inorganic Chemistry, and he put all of that talent to use in his endeavours in genealogy. I can not honestly say I could ever see his amazing interest in collecting people. I am still not that kind of person. Digging back into history and the times that were present is more of my interest for sure. 

I am lucky with my surnames as they, not necessarily my ancestors, are the surnames that I research which were deep into the past of the British Isles playing a huge historical role in the evolution of the British Isles and my studies with the Guild of one-name studies have been a truly exciting time in my retirement (thank you George DeKay, also now deceased, for your persistence in getting me to do the Pincombe Profile (and he also organized my cousins to meet with my siblings and myself to collect the material and thoughts for that profile)). Those studies encourage me to be even more of the hermit I really am and yet I am producing material of value judging by the many emails in my inbox from around the world (so perhaps not a verbal/word hermit; just a physical hermit! But a people collector, not my style, my younger sister enjoys watching our family tree grow larger and larger but me I am in there for that direct line back as far as written history can take me and then the yDNA, mtDNA and atDNA takes me back much much further into times that we can only imagine but I have been very lucky with our DNA results (five siblings have tested giving me a huge variety of matches) letting me see deep into the past back to a British Isles attached by Doggerland to the European plain as the ice retreated back north and my ancient ancestors followed the herds to the oceans as the ice rapidly withdrew from the landmasses leaving huge areas available. As the oceans rose the British Isles was formed - the ancient home of most of my ancestors (I do apparently have a few Huguenots who came in the late 1400s to Somerset). Then there are a very few here and there from the continent that I can place but for the most part my lines are ancient to the British Isles and five distinct areas therein. Amazingly they scarcely moved from those ancient areas except for my Buller line and eventually my quest will take me there but first the easier ones. Buller will be much more difficult. Interesting though that my Grandfather Blake always maintained that his family had lived in the Andover area for ever and likely he was absolutely right - forever beginning with the end of the Ice Age! Mother Nature will determine our path; not us.

Continuing saga of Siderfin family and just which Robert is which

 An amazing day yesterday working on the Siderfin Pedigree Chart. Everything seemed to fall into place and the tree has shifted slightly just from one John to another really; from the Robert line to the William line and everything clicked together because of will abstracts and transfer of land both in a logical fashion. Time may introduce more factors but I rather believe that my thoughts are concrete and will stand the test of time; but will actually leave that up to time as it is with all things.

The next individual to examine in detail is William Siderfin said to be a son of John Siderfin baptized in 1656 (on James Sanders' Pedigree Chart). Again there does not appear to be a baptism for a William Siderfin but his marriage is recorded in the Selworthy Parish registers. His will was probated in 1723. The will of his wife was probated in 1747. The goal today is to work on this William Siderfin.

I am going with James Sanders on the idea that Robert (baptized 15 Dec 1688 at Selworthy, buried 7 Mar 1731) at East Lynch and Walter (buried 14 Mar 1731, Selworthy) at Timberscombe are siblings although he does attach them to a John Siderfin born 1656 and Mary (unknown). That these two sons belong in the William Line given that William’s eldest son Robert 5 (William 4, Robert 3, William 2, John 1) was at East Lynch and Timberscombe. William’s wife Christian (Webber) Siderfin in her will does mention that Robert 5 (William 4, Robert 3, William 2, John 1)’s children were: Robert, Wilmot and John which is eerily reminiscent of the three children of Robert 4 (Robert 3, William 2, John 1) with Wilmot baptized 1614, Robert 1616 and John 1619 at Minehead. However, Robert 4 (Robert 3, William 2, John 1) was baptized in 1587 and Robert 5 (William 4, Robert 3, William 2, John 1) was baptized in 1611. Interesting the name similarity of course.

James Sander includes the following information in his book:

[ In the Carhampton Hundred Benevolence granted, Charles II., 1662 :   

Robert Syderfin    Minehead    2s    6d
Robert Syderfin    Timberscombe    5s    0d
Wm. Syderfin    Luxborough    10s    0d
Thos. Syderfin    Luxborough    10s    0d

[ Eastern Division. - Thomas Syderfin, of Luxborough, Esq., Barrister of Law, do the present to his Magestie 20s in hand paid.]

To keep with the likely placement Robert 5 (Robert 4, Robert 3, William 2, John 1) at Minehead, Robert 5 (William 4, Robert 3, William 2, John 1) at Timberscombe, William 5 (William 4, Robert 3, William 2, John 1) at Luxborough, and Thomas 4 (Robert 3, William 2, John 1) at Luxborough. This particular tax was said to be applied during the reign of Charles II although I only found a reference to a Benevolence Fund in 1622 but I do need to have a look at the records at the Family History Centre. It does account for the only living son of Robert 3 – Thomas 4 at Luxborough, William 4’s sons Robert 5 and William 5 at Timberscombe and Luxborough respectively and Robert 4’s son Robert 5 at Minehead. John 5 is excluded because he is not recorded as having any property in Selworthy or elsewhere thus far.

The will of Augustine Question does refer to his son in law Robert Siderfin and daughter Elizabeth (Question) Siderfin and his grandchildren which matches Thomasine’s son Robert and grandchildren mentioned in the will of Thomasine. This will be presented in full in the next generation. Robert’s and Elizabeth’s eldest son was Robert and their second son was John and the third son Augustine which is rather interesting (since John and Augustine could have been the parents of Robert and Elizabeth respectively (Augustine Question certainly was the father of Elizabeth)).

James Sanders does omit the grandchildren mentioned by Christian (Webber) Siderfin widow of William 4 in his chart and writeup. He used only an abstract of Christian’s will which is a mystery. But London was a long way away and the abstract was handy in Brown, Rev. Frederick. Abstracts of Somerset Wills Series 106, 3rd Series. A cautionary tale for sure to always go to the original document. 

Today I shall alter my Legacy File to reflect these changes of the last couple of days and move on to William Siderfin who married Mary Terrell and does appear to be one of the first to use the crest attributed to the Siderfin Family. Does he belong to the William Line as William was the eldest son of Robert 3 (William 2, John 1). When the crest was actually created is a mystery to me at this time and I may pursue information on that particular item or leave it to the future to be discovered. 

I also want to continue working on my Ancestry file to bring my second test there up to date with all of the other results that I have there for myself and my three siblings. I do find Ancestry interesting. Their database is huge and the number of matches that we have that are significant is small as expected since three of my grandparents were born in England along with my father. I have few collateral lines that came to the American and Canadian colonies so readily tracked at the second cousin level. But we do have matches with American lines in particular probably because of endogamy in my Routledge and Knight family lines. I also have a few more distant (fourth cousin) Buller lines there with whom I correspond which is most interesting. Quite a few matches in Australia and New Zealand as well although primarily on my father's side but some on my mother's side - the proportion though is heavily slanted towards my paternal lines. The largest portion of my matches continue to be in the British Isles and primarily England. Ancestry does show that picture very well because they have such a large database. But of course I can not actually see the matches unless individuals take their results into another database which some do do. So I probably look more carefully at the aspects that I can see there. 

Smoke is gone for the moment and hopefully the rains that we are due to receive (normal June weather) along with the cooler air (also normal to June) will control the wildfire. Wildfire does serve its purpose of regeneration of forests but too much can be quite a hazard especially for our First Nations who do tend to live in the more heavily treed and less populated parts of Canada. The garden has certainly sucked up all that  moisture and is hungrily waiting for more. It always amazes me to see the plants double in size in such a short period of time but Mother Nature's refreshing rain is better than any watering that I can do. The trees are still this morning waiting hopefully for more rain I am sure. God's world is all around us and we must take good care of it. Thank you God. Thank you also for King Charles III who will do a fantastic job as he has for all of his life supporting the preservation of the Earth  - its flora and fauna, its huge oceans and giant land masses. His support of the youth has always been a tribute to him I think. He never thinks of himself walking right up to the protesters with their signs - he is a bold one like all of the great Kings and Queens that are his forebearers. 

Siderfin and location

Yesterday I spent quite a bit of time thinking about the Pedigree Chart that James Sanders included in his book. The beginning four generations can be put together from the available records and ending generations coming down from Robert Siderfin and Elizabeth (Question) Siderfin also flow quite well with a few limitations but that central fifth generation has always struck me as somewhat peculiar. I think yesterday I really concentrated on the property attached to their names for the first time now that I have looked so completely at the first four generations.

 Clearly, John Siderfin (Robert 4, Robert 3, William 2, John 1) found on the Protestation Returns at Selworthy in 1641 but not paying a Somerset Lay Subsidy in 1642 at Selworthy is likely still in Selworthy.  He doesn’t appear anywhere else. I have not been able to identify a marriage for John and Thomasine and Thomasine is a common forename in this Somerset area in this time frame. John 5 (Robert 4, Robert 3, William 2, John 1) was the younger son of Robert baptized in 1619 at Minehead and probably did not inherit anything from his father Robert other than a good education perhaps – this line does become schoolmasters in the generations to follow. Checking the Discovery Catalogue at the Archives of the United Kingdom does not reveal any material for a John Siderfin in this time frame (no property interactions). At this point in time the family drops into the background as they are not landowners and known to be schoolmasters at Selworthy. 

Looking then at the Pedigree Chart:

 This is one of the images that I took when we visited the Allen County Public Library in Illinois, USA in 2009. The opportunity to do so was something we did not wish to miss and I was still doing the Siderfin one name study and knew that there was a copy of James Sanders book at this library. I was not disappointed. Edward had a lot of Kipp material that he wanted to look at there and was hopeful that I would help with that I can remember and I did. My list was quite short since most of my families were recently in England so not really much material on my lines but there were a couple of books that I wanted to photograph. We spent four days in that library and really did glean a lot of interesting material for Edward and for myself. We went back again several years later and again acquired some interesting material. Definitely a library that should not be missed if the opportunity comes by. 

The Chart can be a little more clearly seen in this image than most of the other images that I have acquired. One is left to surmise that copies of this chart were hand formed and then bound in with the book. The top line of the chart on the left are the children of the Worth-Siderfin marriage in the William-Line (William 4, Robert 3, William 2, John 1). That is pretty much all that you see of this line and I had not really concentrated on the property that was mentioned in the next large line directly below the Worth-Siderfin children. One notes that Robert married to Joanna Kittener is of East Lynch (Joanna is of Wotton Courtney) passing by John and Maria Winter and looking at Walter said to be of Timberscombe married to Alice Quirke of Minehead. Thinking back to Robert 5 (William 4, Robert 3, William 2, John 1) and that Robert was on the Protestation Return at Timberscombe along with his son Robert. The Somerset Subsidy of 1642 also listed these two Roberts at Timberscombe. However, on this chart the Robert married to Joanna Kittener is listed as the son of a John Siderfin baptized 1656 at Wootton Courtney and his wife Mary. Finally lights are going on and I am thinking to myself what if James Sanders is mistaken and this is the second son of Robert at Timberscombe identified in his grandmother's will as John? For Robert married to Joanna Kittener to be at East Lynch he really needs to be descendant of the William-Line according to the usual practice of primogeniture and the passing of property from one generation to the next. Now John is the younger son but what if Robert 5 decided to split his property between his two sons - unusual but certainly did occur. Timberscombe was the larger property so East Lynch going to John sounds reasonable much more reasonable than it suddenly being owned by a descendant of the Robert - Line (namely Robert 4  (Robert 3, William 2, John 1) Robert 4 was generally found at Minehead and Wootton Courtney and his sons Robert 5 at Minehead/Wootton Courtney on any records and John 5 at Selworthy). 

 

One could wish for clearer images but not having an original copy of the book to take better closeup photos this has to suffice. Looking at this crop/enlargement of the left hand side of the chart above one notes the beginning of this line with John of Wootton Courty b about 1614 which doesn't work for the line that it actually goes back to namely Robert 4 (Robert 3, William 2, John 1). That John was baptized at Minehead in 1619. I actually conclude in my mind at this point that this John does not exist. There isn't a John baptized in 1614 at Wootton Courtney and to the best of my knowledge in 1614 this line is at Luxborough and Minehead principally. Looking up in Ancestry at the original Wootton Courtney registers which commence in 1558. The first mention of Siderfin in Wootton Courtney is Thomas Siderfin JP in the course of his duties as Justice of the Peace (Thomas 4, Robert 3, William 2, John 1). I did note the lack of baptisms and burials with most records in the earliest pages being banns and marriages. I do have the fiche for Wootton Courtney and Stoate's transcriptions. Whilst looking at these records on Ancestry I did note that individuals from Timberscombe did come to Wootton Courtney for marriages and as I looked through the fiche I discovered that the first Siderfin entry was John Siderfin son of John baptized 15 Jul 1656 (no entries prior to that date for Siderfin in baptisms and these registers started in 1558). Mary Syderfin is next 26 Jun 1714 daughter of John Siderfin junior and Joan. Baptisms for the children of this children continue over the next years. Most baptisms were at Luxborough in those early years with the change coming after the Commonwealth under Oliver Cromwell when all births were required to be registered at the secular office of a particular parish. However, a number of individuals continued to baptize their children at Church but did tend to be the more obscure parishes. Eventually, before publishing I will look at the original parish registers on fiche just to verify but want to have all my records in a file so that I do not miss any.  I continue with my suspicion that this John baptized at Wootton Courtney in 1656 was actually the son of John 6 (Robert 5, William 4, Robert 3, William 2, John 1). The dates for this grouping John 6 to John 1 would look like circa 1630s, 1611, 1585, 1540s, 1510s, 1400s. A reasonable range of dates for these generations. 

Looking at the arrangement that James Sanders has created would be John baptized at Wootton Courtney in 1656 and the son of John 5, Robert 4, Robert 3, William 2, John 1). The dates for this grouping would be 1619 (James Sanders has 1614), 1587, 1540s, 1510, 1400s. Not impossible John would have only been 42 (James Sanders 1614) or 37 (actual baptism for this John). Both scenarios work time wise. The only reason for the change is the presence of a Robert Siderfin married to Joanna Kittener at East Lynch which traditionally in this Siderfin family belonged to the William-Line (William 4). William 4's son Robert senior and his grandson Robert junior are found at Timberscombe both on the Protestation Return of 1641 and the Somerset Lay Subsidy of 1642. These two Roberts are found in the records at the Archives of the UK at Timberscombe and East Lynch as these two properties were apparently in the occupation of this Siderfin line in this time frame. This younger son of Robert 5 is mentioned in his grandmother Christian (Webber) Siderfin's will written in 1644 and probated in 1648. How the younger son acquired East Lynch I will now go back into the Records held by the Archives of the United Kingdom and see if there are any clues. I do know they exist for Robert Siderfin at Timberscombe and East Lynch just from memory but was John mentioned and I will obtain that answer. John 6 (Robert 5, William 4, Robert 3, William 2, John 1) has named his son Robert and this baptism exists 15 Dec 1688 at Selworthy when his father would have been 30 years of age with his mother being an unknown Mary. That will be my next followup after checking out the Archives material. John Siderfin as a stand alone search name does not produce any results other than those already known from the 1500s. East Lynch does have a number of interesting records over a long time period but the Siderfin name does not form part of the search function. I will look at British History Online next. No information on East Lynch as a stand alone area in Somerset in British History Online. Genuki was my next choice and East Lynch does not have its own page but Timberscombe does. Checking out this website and then went to a search for East Lynch Farm and it is recorded as being at Selworthy with a history from post medieval to modern - 1540 AD to the present. East Lynch farm appears to be closer to Selworthy than Timberscombe but that doesn't affect who occupied it in the late 1600s into the 1700s. It does account for baptisms being celebrated at Selworthy though or Wootton Courtney which lies between Selworthy and Timberscombe. Having done this interesting survey I will, for the moment, go with the idea that the Robert at East Lynch, baptized at Selworthy, son of John and Mary (unknown) Siderfin is descendant of the William 4 line.

There are problems with this argument perhaps as Robert Siderfin at East Lynch could simply have picked up the lease as the actual ownership can not be determined from afar one would need to go through the land records. But given the status of John 5 (Robert 4, Robert 3, William 2, John 1) at Selworthy as a schoolmaster it is unlikely that he would have had the financial ability to pick up the lease as it does appear to be a substantial property. Plus Thomasine names Robert Siderfin at East Lynch as a cousin rather than a sibling-in-law in her will abstract. So attaching Robert at East Lynch to the William-Line makes a lot of sense (and he would be the son of a cousin in that case). 

I think the next direction to go in is this marriage of a John Siderfin and Mary (unknown) parents of Robert at East Lynch in the latter part of the 1600s. Information available on James Sanders Pedigree Chart for John b 1656 and for Mary b 1648 and died 1717. Checking out the text of James Sanders for any references to these two individuals that he has added to the book.  

1717. In Wootton Courtney church, on a stone in the floor of the nave: - Here lyeth the body of Mary, the wife of John Siderfin, of this Parish, who departed this life Oct. 3rd, 1717, aged 69 years.

I also found an item which likely directed James Sanders towards the idea that this John was descendant of the Robert 4 line. It is entitled by James Sanders as Freeholders in Selworthy: Now, besides the rector in right of his glebe, the only freeholders left in the parish other than the owner of the three manors, are the Clarke and Stoate families. The Clarkes, as already stated, have for a long period lived on their property at West Lynch (while a branch of their family have also occupied East Lynch) and have for many generations taken a leading and honourable part in the affairs of the valley. The Stoates, too, have been connected with the parish for a great number of years. The last of the Selworthy branch of the family, old "Counsellor Stoate," as he was always called, lived at Allerford and must have been somewhat of a character. He was also a man of considerable substance. Another old family connected with the parish is that of Siderfin. This family is probably an offshoot of the family of Siderfin of Croydon, in the parish of Timberscombe, a family of some importance in our district in the seventeenth century.

The reference to Siderfin of Croydon is the Thomas 4 line and no ideas on why this might direct James Sanders towards the Robert 4 line for John Siderfin baptized 1656 at Wootton Courtney. Somewhat confusing perhaps to refer to the Siderfin family at Croydon at this point in time but is perhaps just linking all the Siderfin families together. The Clarke family married into the Siderfin family in 1787 with the marriage of John Siderfin and Sarah Clarke at Selworthy. John was the son of Robert Siderfin and Grace (Kent) Siderfin (my 4x great grandparents). At this point in time with Robert Siderfin at East Lynch dying without heirs in 1715 the land may have reverted back in the family although one would have expected it to go to the Worth-Siderfin descendants it became the property of the Clarke family (they could have purchased it for sure or leased it). Only by doing an extensive land search at Taunton could one determine that. But at this point in time (late 1700s) it does appear that the land now belongs to the Clarke family as James Sanders mentions in his "Freeholders in Selworthy" section. He is writing this in the early 1900s and this paragraph refers to that moment in time more than 100 years after the marriage of John Siderfin and Sarah Clarke 4 Jun 1787 at Selworthy. There will be more information on this John Siderfin and East Lynch as we reach his generation. 

Back to the marriage of John Siderfin and Mary (unknown) now that I have gleaned any information from James Sander's text on this couple. Along with this look at the registers, I will alter my one name study Legacy File to reflect these changes. I do begin to feel as if I am more in tune now with this descent in the Siderfin lines. That I may need to read all of these parish registers will be an interesting adventure but for the moment I will use the transcriptions as they are certainly very well done; I do not think I have ever really found any errors in the transcriptions. 

A John Siderfin Junior of Wootton Courtney Farmer married Mary Chapman of Wootton Courtney at West Monkton  27 Mar 1683 (Banns read). This is signed by John Siderfin, Robert Siderfin and George Chapman. This record found on Ancestry. Time wise it could fit into this chart because John was baptized in 1656 and his wife is listed as born in 1648 so they would be 27 and 35 respectively. Only one child is shown for this couple (if correct) on James Sanders Pedigree Chart. Who is the Robert Siderfin signing? There is a possibility that it could be Robert Siderfin baptized 1658 at Selworthy or it could be the uncle of this John if he is the son of John 6 (Robert 5, William 4, Robert 3, William 2, John 1) as he had a brother Robert 6 - both named in the will of their grandmother Christian (Webber) Siderfin in 1644/probated 1648. And he would be be John Junior as his father was John 6 (Robert 5, William 4, Robert 3, William 2, John 1). Why they marry at West Monkton is perhaps a mystery as it is 53 kilometres from Selworthy. But I did find a marriage so somewhat interesting actually. Their son Robert (if this couple is correct and the surname Siderfin is fairly uncommon) was baptized 15 Dec 1688 at Selworthy. Figuring out the Robert Siderfin males in the 1600s and 1700s is a challenge but I am beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel. Robert Siderfin married Joanna Kittener 25 Apr 1713 in Wootton Courtney. James Sanders has two other children for this couple namely John of Wootton Courtney who married Maria Winters and she apparently left a will probated in 1733 - married in 1718 and no date of birth for John. The other child was Walter of Timberscombe b 1892 and died 1732 and he married Mary Quirke of Minehead perhaps married 1717 at Luxborough and her will probated 1768. 

Looking first at John Siderfin of Wootton Courtney and given that Robert is said to be elder brother was baptized 1689 I will check the parish registers for a John in the time frame from 1683 (John Siderfin junior married Mary Chapman) to the death of Mary in 1717 and perhaps a little longer. No baptism for this John although there is a marriage for a Johannes Syderfin and Maria Winter 11 Dec 1718 at Exton, Somerset and John Syderfin is of Wootton Courtney. James Sanders has so indicated this on the Pedigree Chart. 

Looking second at Walter Siderfin said to be of Timberscombe born 1692 and died 21 Mar 1731 and he was buried in All Saints Selworthy, Somerset, England and he was married to Mary Quirke of Minehead at Luxborough in 1717. This couple baptized a son Robert at Minehead 2 Feb 1718 and he appears to have died in 1746. The marriage on Find My Past 25 Jan 1717 at Luxborough with the groom of Timberscombe and the bride Alice Quircke of Minehead. Alice has left a will which may prove interesting as one of her sisters married into the Question family but it is not particularly helpful with the Siderfin family other than reinforcing that it was she who married Walter Siderfin: 

Recorded: 29th November 2005/23 Mar 2023
Source: National Archives, UK, PROB 11/942/259
Place: Periton, Minehead, Somerset, England
Type of Record: Will
Dated: 21st November 1768, probated, probated 30 Sep 1768

Alice Siderfin

1    In the Name of God Amen
2    I Alice Siderfin of Periton within the parish of Minehead
3    in the County of Somerset widow being sick of Body but
4    of sound and perfect mind and memory praised to God for
5    the same do make and ordain this my last will and
6    Testament in manner and form following that is to say
7    first and principally I commend my Soul into the handes
8    of almighty God my Creator hoping through the merits of
9    Jesus Christ to obtain pardon and remission of all my
10    Sins and to inherit Everlasting life and my body I commit
11    to the Eart to be decently buried at the discretion of my
12    Executor herein afternamed in the Chancel of the parish
13    Church of Minehead as near to the Body of my Mother
14    Mary Quirke deceased as conveniently may be and as to
15    such worldly goods and temporal Estate as God has been
16    pleased to bestow upon me. I give devise and dispose thereof
17    as follows First I will and order that all such just debts as I
18    shall incure at the time of my decease shall be paid and
19    satisfied and whereas by virtue of my marriage settlement made
20    on my intermarriage with my husband Walter Siderfin   I am
21    seized in Fee Simple of and in certain lands tenements and
22    hereditaments situate lying and being in the parish of Withycombe
23    in the County aforesaid now in the tenure or
24    occupation of Robert Slocombe. I give devise and bequeath the
25    same unto my nephew John Short of Minehead aforesaid
26    apothecary and to his heirs and assigns to the use of the said
27    John Short his Sons and assigns for ever upon the trusts and to
28    and for the said intents and purposes hereinafter mentioned expressed
29    and declared (that is to say) In Trust and to and for the use
30    and Benefit of my Cousin Robert Quirke Short (first Son of
31    my said Nephew John Short) and his Heirs for ever But in
32    case he shall happen to die before he shall attain his age
33    of twenty one years then I give devise and bequeath the
34    same unto my said Nephew John Short In Trust and to
35    and for the use and Benefit of my Cousin John Short Second
36    son of my said Nephew John Short and his heirs for ever
37    But in case he shall also happen to die before he shall attain
38    his age of twenty one years then I give devise and bequeath
39    the same unto my said Nephew John Short In trust and to
40    and for the use and Benefit of my Cousin Samuel Short Third
41    son of my said Nephew John Short and his Heirs for ever
42    but in case he shall also happen to die before he attains
43    his age of twenty one years then I give devise and bequeath
44    the same unto my said my Cousin Augustine Question Short and his heirs for ever but in case they shall all happen to dye before they again the age of twenty one years Then I give devise and bequeath the same to my nephew the said John Short in Trust and to and for the use and benefit of Nephew John Short In Trust and
45    to and for the use and Benefit of all such other Child or
46    Children of the Body of my Nephew the said John Short on
47    the Body of Elizabeth Short his now wife begotten or to
48    be begotten and to their heirs and assigns for ever to be
49    equally divided between them share and share alike
50    and Whereas I am also seized in Fee Simple of and in certain
51    Lands Tenements and hereditaments situate lying and being
52    in the parish of Old Cleve called or known by the name of
53    Endley now in the Tenure or occupation of Robert Slocombe
54    I also give devise and bequeath the same unto my said Nephew
55    John Short and his heirs for ever upon the Trusts and to
56    and for the new Intents and purposes hereinafter also
57    mentioned and expressed that is to say In trust and to and for the use
58    and Benefit of my Cousin the above named Robert Quirke
59    Short and his heirs of ever But in case he shall happen
60    to die before he shall attain his said age of twenty one
61    years then In trust and to and for the use and Benefit of
62    my said Cousin the above named John Short and his heirs
63    for ever But in case he should also happen to die before he
64    shall attain that age then In Trust and to and for the use
65    and Benefit of my Cousin the abovenamed Samuel Short
66    and his heirs for ever But in case he shall likewise
67    happen to die before he shall attain his said age of twenty
68    one years then I give devise and bequeath the same unto
69    my said Nephew the said John Short and his heirs for
70    ever In Trust and to and for the use and Benefit of my
71    said Cousin the above named Augustin Question Short and
72    his heirs and assigns forever But in case they shall all
73    happen to die before their said age of twenty one years
74    then I give devise and bequeath the same to my said nephew
75    the said John Short In trust and to and for the
76    use and Benefit of all such other Child or Children of
77    the Body of my Nephew the said John Short
78    begotten or to be begotten on the Body of the said Elizabeth
79    his now wife and to their heirs and assigns for ever to
80    be equally divided between them share and share alike
81    and Lastly all the Rest Residue and Remainder of
82    Lands Tenements and hereditaments Goods or
83    Chattels Real and personal Estate Moneys and Securities
84    Money whatsoever or wheresover they be and which
85    shall be my my now entitled unto at the time of my death
86    I do devise and bequeath the same unto my said
87    nephew the said John Short whom I do hereby ordain and constitute
88    desire and appoint whole and sole Executor and
89    to see my Legacies of this my last Will and Testament
90    hereby revoking all former wills Bequests and Legacies by
91    any way heretofore made bequeathed or given
92    and do make and declare this only to be my last Will
93    and testament In trust nevertheless and to and for the
94    use and benefit of all and every such Child or Children
95    of the body of the said John Short on the Body of the said Elizabeth
96    his now Wife begotten or to be begotten equally to
97    be divided between them share and share alike As they
98    may respectively attain their age of twenty one years
99    my will further is and I do hereby order and direct that
100    all the Rents and profits of the said Estates and all the
101    interest of the Moneys or so much thereof as shall be
102    requested and necessary for that purpose shall be paid
103    and applied for and towards the Maintenance and
104    education of such Child or Children until they shall respectively
105    attain their age of twenty one years and at the time that
106    either of them attain his or her said age of twenty
107    one years then my will is that his or her share or shares
108    shall be paid unto him or her so attaining that age But
109    in case or either of them shall happen to dye before he
110    or she shall attain such age then his her or their Share
111    so dying shall be paid to and be equally divided amongst
112    the Survivor or Survivors of them share and share alike
113    In Witness thereof I the said Alice Siderfin the Testator
114    have to this my last Will and Testament set my hand
115    and Seal this twenty first day of April in the year of our
116    Lord one thousand seven hundred and sixty six Alice Siderfin
117    Signed Sealed published and declared by the above named
118    Alice Siderfin the Testatrix to be her last Will and
119    Testament in the presence of us who have subscribed our
120    names as Witnesses thereunto in her presence and in the
121    presence of each other of us Thos Leigh, Mary Leigh
122    Alexander Briant
123    This Will was proved at London on the thirtieth day
124    of September in the year of our Lord one thousand seven
125    hundred and sixty eight before the Knight worshipful George
126    Hay doctor of Laws Master Keeper or Commissary of the
127    Prerogative Court of Canterbury lawfully constituted by
128    the oath of John Short the sole Executor named in the said
129    will to whom Administration of al and singular the
130    Goods Chattels and Credits of the said deceased
131    was granted he having been first sworn by Commission
132    duly to administer Ex

I did locate the death of Walter Siderfin 21 Mar 1731 and buried at All Saints Selworthy. He is on the same brass as another Siderfin. The Brass reads: Here lyeth the body of Robert Siderfin son of Robert Siderfin Gent and Elizabeth his Wife Who departed this life the 20th day of Jan 1714 Aged 25 years. Here lyeth the body of Walter Siderfin who departed This Life the 21st day of Mar 1731 Aged 40 years. Why are they on the same brass? is the question that comes to my mind. Are Walter and Robert brothers? The answer does appear to be yes but the brass has Robert as the son of Robert and Elizabeth Siderfin. This could take me back to square one which was my thought earlier that these two men were the grandsons of Robert Siderfin baptized 1616 at Minehead older brother to John Siderfin baptized 1619 at Minehead. I did rather like the other concept so now I must determine what I can about this brass memorial. I am bothered by the Robert Siderfin who died in 1714 and was living at East Lynch and his brother Walter (according to James Sanders) who lived at Timberscombe. They are occupying land known to be in the possession of the Willian Line principally Robert 5 (William 4, Robert 3, William 2, John 1) as late as 1662. This line still existed into the early 1700s so it does seem strange that the land would have switched into a different Siderfin line.

At this point it would be timely to look at the will of Maria (Winter) Siderfin (wife of John Siderfin). Robert and Walter are said to be brothers to this John Siderfin.

1733. Mary Siderfin, of Exton, wife of John Siderfin, of the same parish, tanner. Whereas before my intermarriage with my said husband by my Deed indented and bearing date the 8th Dec., 1718, I did assign and settover certain leasehold tenements or estates, ietc., unto Edmund Cording, of Exton, and George Langdon, of Winsford, in trust for the several uses, ends, intents, etc., therein mentioned. I give etc., unto my husband's granddaughter, Joane Siderfin, ten pounds. To my cozen, Anne Hobbs, the younger, of Winsford, 40s. To Edward Barnes, the younger of Exton, 10s. All the rest residue and remainder of my said leasehold tenements or estates and all other goods, etc., etc., unto Edmund Cording, the younger (son of aforesaid Ed Cording) to and for his own proper use for ever. And I do make him, the said Ed Cording the ye sole Executor.
Will dated 7th January, 1729.

An interesting will as it implies that her husband John had a son with a daughter and that she was a second wife. I would say this brother to Robert and Walter on James Sanders chart does not exist and is rather the John Siderfin who married Mary Chapman and one can see that his occupation is tanner since he was a younger son that would be expected. This John Siderfin is perhaps still living in 1729 as the will was dated 7 Jan 1729. This John would be the John baptized in 1656 son of John Siderfin. I feel quite confident removing him from this particular spot. I am also not uncomfortable with having Robert and Walter sons of Robert Siderfin rather than this brother John Siderfin who was a tanner and continuing with the thought that this is the William Line. It works even better actually as I rather thought this Robert Siderfin had married Elizabeth Blackford. Crisis averted and I will soon produce a new Chart of the William Line and the Robert Line. Everything is falling nicely into place with just a little extra proof for my initial thought. That leaves John 6 younger brother to Robert 6 son of Robert 5 (William 4, Robert 3, William 2, John 1) as the husband of Maria Winter and a tanner and the property at Timberscombe and East Lynch with his older brother Robert as shown on the various subsidies/returns. The mention of a granddaughter to Maria (Winter) Siderfin's husband John is interesting as it does put another hindrance against this John being in the Robert Line since that John would most likely be the husband of Thomasine and father of Robert Siderfin born at Selworthy in 1658 although Robert and Elizabeth had a daughter Joana I find it difficult to believe she would only remember the one child when they had nine children (and Joanna was buried in 1698 at the age of eight years). Next step is to have a look at the original register for Selworthy just to see what I might be able to find as that would be handy although already interpreted by others as the record for the Baptism of Robert Siderfin married to Elizabeth Question and son of Thomazine as mentioned in her will.

Time for a 40 minute run; the day has turned out quite well. We had rain and no smoke but it may return tomorrow.