English settlement of early Virginia is a deep-rooted subject, which cannot be understood by simply observing, as a forest, the visible branches of ‘genealogical trees’. It is necessary to delve into the vast and interconnected kinship network that lies beneath the surface. As I once wrote:

The vital importance of kinship support in England and colonial America is well documented. Neel stated: “Marriage is not simply the union of two persons; rather, it binds together two kin groups. It reunites human society, which time and the divergence of family lines relentlessly pull asunder”. (Carol Neel, Medieval Families, Perspectives on Marriage, Household, and Children, p. 200, 2004); a point elucidated by Pounds: “Even the state in medieval England required people to be linked in small groups or tithings, so that each could vouch for the others’ good behaviour. Almost everyone is, by the accident of birth, a member of a family, of a more extended kinship group”. (N. J. G. Pounds, The Culture of the English People, Cambridge University Press, 1994 p. 255).

Such social-dependency arrangements were repeated by American settler families, as exampled by Doyle: “The listing of people, their names and birthplaces in the census rolls, shows clusters of fellow North or South Carolinians, Virginians, and Tennesseans living next to one another … The family names listed in the census suggest that kinship groups were being transplanted, either at once or in stages … letters and diaries reveal brief glimpses of the vast undergrowth of siblings, cousins and in-laws that existed beneath the moving population … These kinship networks among the elite were only the more visible of a much larger complex of relations that pulled kin and family across vast American distances to be with one another”. (Don Harrison Doyle, Faulkner’s County, University of North Carolina Press, 1994, pp. 107-108, 255p. 255).

The English ‘middling order’ were subject to a State religion that proclaimed social rank as a design of God – a system of strict boundary delineation. Pythian-Adams commented: “There were wide boundaries between socio-economic groups. These boundaries were rarely crossed. Marriages almost invariably took place between members of the same common interest group. These networks crossed geographical boundaries but not social borders”. (Charles Pythian-Adams, ed., Societies, Cultures and Kinship 1580-1850: Cultural Provinces and English, 2010, p. 162).

The ‘middling order’ being considered in this notice includes the intricately linked families of Tanner, Harris, and Holland, and they ranked at the highest level of the “middling order”, who could claim female descent from the families of Welsh Princes, and such as the all-powerful Corbets, barons of Caus. In the English horse racing classification system, the Epsom Derby being a Group 1 race, the aformentioned families would be Group 2 contenders (a very high status), in which winning fillies and mares, and colts and horses, would be fought over as valuable breeding propositions; the same principle applying to “upwardly mobile” English families, and to those of them that settled in Virginia.

They were not handed their status on a plate. It had been hard fought for, and rigouresly defended. Anyone who has studied English history of pre- Virginia-settlement would be aware of turbulent times in which making wrong choices regarding allegiance would meet with barbaric punishments. It was not the England of Hollywood. Thus, the families of this account were of “intelligent stock” and had placed “winning bets”, often backing up their decisions with courage in battle, an example being William Holland of Burwarton, who fought alongside his kinsman, Sir William Stanley, at the Battle of Bosworth (1486).

When Joseph Tanner witnessed the Will of Richard Cocke Sr. in Virginia, he was witnessing the Will of “Mr” Richard Cocke, of Pickthorne, in Stottesden, Shropshire, and “Malvern Hills”, Virginia; whose family had intermarried with the Hollands of Pickthorne (decendants of the aforesaid William Holland), and they with the Harris family of Ludlow, a family also of Mr’s and Esquires, from which came Major William Harris and Mary (Harris) Ligon; who were maternally Langford; they of the bailiff class of Ludlow. Mary Harris had married Thomas Ligon, of a very well connected family, so, when Joseph Tanner’s dau., Mary, m. William Ligon, son of Thomas Ligon and Mary Harris, and brother of Richard Ligon (named as ‘cousin’ in the Will of Thomas Harris, son of Major William Harris), on the surface it being an intermarriage of two “settler” families, beneath that, it was a strengthening of ties within their kinship circle, reaffirming obligations that promoted security and prosperity through mutual co-operation.

None of this is to suggest that members of these families were superior in character to those of the indentured category of settler, many of whom, having been deprived of opportunity in England, achieved economic success in Virginia.

Records do not reveal the parents of Joseph Tanner of Virginia; however, his parentage can be strongly suggested. It is almost certain that he was of the Tanner family of Bishop’s Castle, situated ca. 20 miles W. of Bishop’s Castle.

The ancestors of this family are not known, but it may be worthwhile to document a Tanner family of Shrewsbury (20 miles N. of Bishop’s Castle), so that future research might reveal a connection between them. Although the trade of tanner was common in Shropshire, its use as a surname was far from being so, as a paucity of records suggest.

TANNER TIMELINE

A TANNER FAMILY OF SHREWSBURY, SHROPSHIRE

Shropshire Archives (S.A.).

1367.
Pateat universis etc. Richard, son of Richard Longlysh of Oswaldestre and Benedicta (dau. of Alan Comyng of Salop & Alice, his wife, the dau. of Thomas de Kynton) his wife, releases etc to Roger le Tanner of Salop all their right etc. in a tenement in (the street of) Mardefole, once of Thomas de Kynton, between tenements of Rog. Ive & Rog. le Tanner, extending from the King’s highway to (the river) Severn. Witnesses, Reg. Perle & Jo. de Schotton, bailiffs, Rog. Bonel, Master Jo. Pride, notary, Jo. Rondolf, Jas. le Dyer, Rob. le Glover. At Salop, Monday before Feast of Nativity of B.Y.M., 41 Edward III (1367). 2 fine seals. (S.A., X6000/44/3/6267).

1381-1382.
Recognizances. In the time of Thomas le skynner and Richard Russell, bailiffs of Shrewsbury. Mon after St Luke Evangelist. Roger Tanner of Shrewsbury to Richard de Burwey of Ludlow. 50 s. to be paid next Easter. (S.A, XSB/C/1/1/1/82).

1404.
Omnibus Xri fidelibus etc’. Richard Goodberd, chaplain, executor of Rog. Tanner of Salop, releases etc to John Hulle and Alice, his wife, all his right etc, in a tenement in Salop which he had of the gift and legacy of Tanner, and which John & Alice have of the gift and feoffment of Goodberd. To have etc. Witnesses, Simon Tour and Will. Forster, bailiffs, Jo Acton, Will. Bonell, Ric. Horton, Steph. Marchall, Thomas Cantelhop. At Salop, Monday before the Feast of St Edmund archbishop, 5 Henry IV. (S.A., X6000/44/3/6269). Papers relating to a tenement for John Hulle in Salop.

1436.
Shrewsbury. Election of officials, Friday next after the feast of St Giles, 15 Henry VI (Sept 7, 1436). Thomas Thornes, John Beget, bailiffs William Cleobury, John Cambrigge Cuttiller, coroners Philip Grace, Richard Tanner, William Wotton, Thomas Wynnes, Geoffrey Gillefford, Mathew Chirke, 6 assessors. The abovesaid bailiffs and assessors are answerable for the accounts and allowances of their time 92 9s 5d. (S.A., XSB/C/1/1/1/32).

1438.
Shrewsbury. Election of the officials made there on the Friday after the feast of St Giles 17 Henry VI (Sept. 5, 1438), by the oath of Mathew Fyssher, William Thorneton, John Chapmon, John Lightfote, Hugh Taillor, William James, Lewys Fissher, John Newport, John Wolley, Richard Tanner, John Humfrey, skyner, William Bykedon, Thomas Upton, Roger Adies, Roger Foxhole, William Ivory, Lewys Fourbo’, John Baure, John Twyford, mercer, Roger Brayn, William Chirbury, Hugh Tillewilley, Lewis Cleobury, John Raley, Cardemaker, and William Oteley. (S.A., XSB/C/1/1/1/33)

1456.
Memorandum. Saturday before St Katherine 35 H VI (20 Nov 1456), before Richard Stury and John Hoord bailiffs, J. Phelypps then clerk, Robert Uryen, William Draper, sub-bailiffs and others. Geoffrey Gyldesfeld of Shrewsbury corviser delivered possession and seisin to Roger Sorysby of Shrewsbury, tanner. All his premises in Shrewsbury towards the High Cross between the lands of William Mitton (in which Richard Tanner has the middle) and Thomas Hord. Stretching from the road up to the lands once of Robert Thornes. As is explained in a charter. Enrolled by John Phelypps, clerk. (S.A.,XSB/C/1/1/1/155).

Thomas Horde’s wife, Joyce Stapleton, was the sister of Elizabeth Stapleton, who m. Edward Leighton, having issue: John Leighton, father of (1) Sir Thomas Leighton, father of the wife of John Harris, ancestor of Mary and William Harris of Virginia; (2) Elizabeth Leighton, wife of Fulc Lee (kinsman of the said John Harris), and mother of Margaret Lee, who m. Reginald ap William (brother of Matilda verch William, who m. William Holland, of Burwarton).

SIR,-In Part II., Vol. IX., of the Transactions of the Shropshire Archeological and Natural History Society, there is an interesting article on the Mitton and Ludlow pedigrees, by F. H. J. Vaughan, Esq.

“In speaking of the Mittons of Weston, however, there are some inaccuracies which I wish to correct.

The writer follows Burke and others in making them a younger branch of the family of which he makes the Mittons of Halston the head, without any authority for the statement; whereas the Mittons of Weston were in fact the senior line. Sir Reginald de Mitton, of Shrewsbury, the undoubted ancestor of both lines, married two wives, namely, Eleanor. sister (and heiress) of Thomas le Skinner, of Shrewsbury, by whom he had a son, Sir Richard de Mitton; and Alice, daughter and heiress of Sir Hamo Vaughan, Knight, by whom he had Thomas Mitton, the ancestor of the Halston family. Mr. Vaughan is in error in making the latter his first wife.
Sir Reginald was Bailiff of Shrewsbury six times between 1373 and 1400, and he was living in 1416, when he and Alice his wife were parties to a suit, entered in the Court Rolls of Salop; whereas his eldest son, Sir Richard de Mitton, Knight, who married the daughter of Sir Adam de Peshale, of Weston, was dead in December, 1419 (the date of the inquisition taken on the death of his father-in-law), leaving his widow Margaret, of the age of 26 years and upwards at that time, and a son and heir, William de Mitton, who was born 28th December, 1415, and proved his age 14th February, 1437. This William de Mitton, of Weston, in 1489, gave his lands in Shrewsbury, presumably inherited from his grandfather Sir Reginald, to his younger son Richard”.

Thomas Mitton, the son of Sir Reginald, by his second wife, and the ancestor of the Halston family, was of Vaughan’s Place, Shrewsbury, in 1440, and doubtless acquired his position by inheritance from the Vaughans. (Trans. Shrop. Arch., vol. 9/10, p. 392, 1885).
This Thomas Mitton was the father of: Thomas Mitton, Esq., of Shrewsbury, d. 1504; Who m. Eleanor, youngest dau. and co-heir of Sir John de Burgh, Lord of Mawddwy and Joan Clopton. Through his wife they claim the Lordship of Mawddwy in Merioneth, of the Royal line of Powys. Sheriff of Shropshire in 1483. 3 dau., and 1 son: William Mytton (d. 16 Jul 1513), who m. (2) Anne, dau. of Lord Strange of Knockin.

THE LORDS OF MAWDDWY

1. Fulk, Lord of Mawddwy and Wattlesburgh, cousin of Owain Glyn Dŵr. Inquest: “Fulk died Wednesday next before the feast of the apostles Peter and Paul last past (27 June 1414). Elizabeth wife of Hugh Burgh is his sister and next heir and she is 24 or more”. (Shrop. Arch., 1037/2/7).
1.1. Elizabeth, sole heiress to her brother, m. Hugh Burgh, Esq., who became Lord of Mawddwy.
1.1.1. Sir John Burgh (John ap Hugh), of Wattlesbburgh, to whom Guto’r Glyn composed a poem of praise.
1.1.1.1. Ankaret de Burgh, m. John Leighton.
1.1.1.1.1. Thomas Leighton, b. 1452/3, By his mistress, Ann Baker:
1.1.1.1.1.1. Margaret Leighton, b. ca. 1498, m. John Harris, ancestor of Mary Harris Ligon, and Major William Harris, of Ludlow and Virginia.
1.1.1.2. Eleanor de Burgh, m. Thomas Mitton, Esq., of Shrewsbury, d. 1504, as given. (See also S.A., 1037/2/8).

April 6, 1486.
I. Richard Crofte, knight, cousin and heir of Thomas Parker, esquire, have granted etc. to Margaret Seys, wife of Hugh Seys, daughter of Thomas Palmer, late of Leomynstre, one tenement built upon in the town of Leomynstre situated in High Street between the tenement lately Thomas Ho(r)de’s on one side and the tenement lately John de Redynge’s on the other side and stretching from the land of the said John Redyng to the kings highway, which tenement Thomas Parker lately had jointly with William Crofte esquire, Thomas Whitegreve, John Bradford and Thomas Ho(r)de of Leomynstre by the gift and feoffment of John Brugge of Staungdone, Thomas Bromwyche, and Richard Wynnesley, to have and to hold to her her heirs and assigns for ever of the chief lords of that fee for services owed. Witn: Thomas Shirley, bailiff of Leominster, William Tanner, John Baret, Thomas Vicaries, John Brymfeld, etc.; at Leominster, 1 Henry VII. (S.A, XLB/5/2/1393).
Richard Croft*

1. Humphrey Blount of Kinlet, Sheriff of Shrop. (d. 1477), m. Elizabeth, dau. of Robert Winnington of Delves, Cheshire.
1.1. Sir Thomas Blount of Kinlet, Sheriff of Shrop. (b. ca. 1455, d. 1525), m. Ann, dau. of *Sir Richard Croft.
1.1.1. Sir John Blount of Kinlet (b. 1484), m. Katherine, dau. of Sir Hugh Pershall of Knightly, Staffordshire.
1.1.1.1. George Blount of Kinlet, Sheriff of Shropshire (d. 1582), m. Constance, dau. of John Talbot, whose half-sister, Margaret Talbot, m. (1) Sir Richard Ligon, of Arle, Madresfield, brother of Thomas Ligon, who m. Frances Dennys (cousin), having issue: Thomas Ligon, who m. (Oct. 10, 1602), Elizabeth Pratt; having issue: Col. Thomas Ligon, who m. Mary Harris, born in 1625 in Ludlow, by deposition, sister of Major William Harris, bapt. 1627/8; neighbour of Richard Cocke.
1.1.1.1.1. Dorothy Blount, m. (1) John Purslowe of Sudbury, as his 2nd wife, Katherine Purslowe, who m. Richard Hill of Bickley , having issue: Dorothy Hill, who m. John Holland of Pickthorn, son of Michael Holland of Pickthorne, the son of Thomas Holland, and Alicia, “fil. Thomas Cocke of Pickthorne”, second-cousin of Richard Cocke, of “Malvern Hills”, Henrico. The said Michael Holland was almost certainly the ancestor of his namesake, of Goochland; see previous notices.

March 4, 1489.
Margaret Seys wife of Hugh Seys daughter of Thomas Palmer late of Leominstre have given etc. to William Baker of Leominstre senior and Richard Tanner all that my built up tenement in the town of Leominstre in the High Street between the tenement late Thomas Ho(r)d’s on one side and the tenement late John Redynge’s on the other side and stretching from the land of the said John Redynge to the king’s highway which tenement I had by the gift and feoffment of Richard Crofte knight as appears from a certain charter for ever of the chief lords of the fee etc. to them their heirs and assigns Witn: Walter Bochor bailiff of Leoministre, Thomas Hakeluyt, Thomas Haliday, etc.; at Leominstre, 4 Henry VII. (S.A., XLB/5/2/325).

A TANNER FAMILY OF LUDLOW, SHROPSHIRE

It may also be of some future relevance that a later family of Tanner resided in Ludlow and its surrounds:

July 2, 1502.
John Stevens of Ludlowe, wever, have given etc. to John Pratte of the same all my lands and tenements meadows pastures rents etc. in the townships and fields of Ashford Bowdelers, Ashford Carbonell, Ashford Gameille and Huntyngton to have and to hold for ever of the chief lords of those fees for services owed; Witn: Richard Dobles and John Towne of Ashford Carbonel, Thomas Jones of same, William Tanner of Ashford Gameille and Richard Palmer of Huntyngton etc.; at Huntyngton 2 July A.R. 17 Henry VII. (S.A., XLB/5/2/1007).

June 1, 1505.
John Pratte of Ludlowe have given etc. to Thomas Cokes esquire all my lands and tenements with rents etc. in Assheford Carbonel, Assheford Jones and Huntyngton to have and to hold to him his heirs and assigns for ever of the chief lords of that fee for services owed; Witn: Richard Lane, William Cheyny of Ludlow, John Howton of Caynham, William Tanner and Richard Palmer of Huntyngton etc.; at Huntington 1 June A.R. 20 Henry VII. (S.A., XLB/5/2/1011).

Sept. 1, 1549.
Indenture between William Langford,* Warden of the Palmers Gild etc. and William Tanner of Ashford Carbonel; Witn: that William Langford etc. leased etc. to William Tanner a tenement etc. in Ashford Carbonel now in the tenure or use of Richard Dobles, to have and to hold to William Tanner and his assigns for 21 years paying yearly to us at Our Lady & Michaelmas. (S.A., XLB/5/2/1017).

LANGFORD, HARRIS, AND COCKE

1. *William Langford, b. ca. 1485, d. 1554, was bailiff of Ludlow in 1536, with Richard Langford, his probable brother. (See M A Faraday Deeds of the Palmers’ Gild of Ludlow, p. 50, 2013). He was Warden of the Palmers’ Gild of our Blessed Lady and St. John the Evangelist of Ludlow. His son, Richard, was the Gild rent collector, and High Bailiff of Ludlow in 1549 – “another reflexion of the family’s dominance over Corporation and Gild affairs at the time”, ibid. xix. He is recorded here with other prominent Gild members: Indenture Jan. 8, 1551, betw. William Langford Warden of the Palmers’ Gild with the consent of Thomas Blashfield and John Cockes, bailiffs of the town, ibid., p. 117. His Will of 1554 (PROB 11/36/35, Will of William Langforde, Mercer of Ludlow, Shropshire, dated March 2, 1554), left extensive properties to his son, Richard, and mentioned William Langford (co-exec.) as Godson; his probable nephew.

1.1. Richard Langford, gent, b. ca. 1510, bur. Oct. 2, 1562, in Ludlow; bailiff of Ludlow in 1544, and 1549.

1.1.1. Thomas Langford, gent., b. ca. 1535, bur. April 1, 1610, in Ludlow, who inherited a substantial portion of his grandfather’s estate.

1.1.1.1. William Langford, bapt. June 1, 1562, in Ludlow.

1.1.1.1.1. William Langford, m. Jane Jordan, of Stone Acton, Shropshire. William Langford was a neighbour of Henry and John Fleming (S.A., C 5/482/9), benefactors of Diddlesbury Church. Henry Fleming’s Will was proved in 1656 (P.C.C. Wootton 124, 294), mentioning his “brother (in-law) Bassett”. John Fleming was probably he who died in New Kent Co., on April 27, 1686, whose son, Charles Fleming, owned land land next to his cousin, William Basset, whose Will was proved May 14, 1724. Samuel Jordan of New Kent Co. (Will probated June 11, 1719) was likely to be of the family Stone Acton. He bequeathed to his “beloved friend (br.-in-law) John Fleming … the plantation of Thomas Langford dec’d, & the management of his estate & the bringing up of his son Thomas Langford as wholely to himself”.

1.1.1.1.1.1. Thomas Langford, of New Kent Co., who appears in this land grant: ‘Robinson, John. September 22, 1682. New Kent Co., granted 1,252 ac. on the Dragon Swamp and branches thereof. Beginning &c. belonging to the land of Thomas Langford; thence &c. over certain branches of Arracxicoe to a Corner Red Oak by the Mill Path’.

1.1.1.1.1.1.1. Thomas Langford.

1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1. Thomas Langford, orphan.

1.1.1.2. Jane Langford, bapt. Oct. 10, 1567, m. Rowland Harris, Sept. 14, 1595.

1.1.1.2.1. John Harris, bapt. March 5, 1604.

1.1.1.2.1.1. Mary Harris, bapt. April 3, 1625, Ludlow. In 1689, Mary (Harris) Ligon gave a deposition stating her age to be 64.

1.1.1.2.1.2. Major William Harris, bapt. Jan. 13, 1627, Ludlow. On June 22, 1663, he acquired 450 ac. in Henrico County, on the N. side of the James River, to a 4 mile creek, called by name “the Slashes”, E. upon the Malverne Hills plantation of Richard Cocke, p. 304, whose Will was witnessed by Joseph Tanner.

1.1.1.2.1.2.1. William Harris, was involved in the determination of the lands of Thomas Langford, Feb. 26, 1731. (Magazine of Virginia Genealogy, vol. 36, no. 3, pp. 214-215), descended from his great-grandmother’s brother

Jan. 20, 1553.

Lease of a tenement in Ashford Carbonell. 1. John Alsopp and William Taylor, Bailiffs of the Corporation of Ludlow. 2. William Tanner, Ashford Carbonell, Husbandman. 1-2, “All that their one tenement”. Term: 21 years. Rent: 13s.4d. (S.A., XLB/4/1/29).
A question now arises: were the Tanners of Ludlow of the same stock as those of Bishop’s Castle?

A TANNER FAMILY OF BISHOP’S CASTLE, SHROPSHIRE

Sept. 1, 1575.

Andrew Blunden of Bushopscastell gentleman. 2. John Tanner the elder of the same and John and Moris Tanner his sons. Lease and counterpart lease of a house and building in Henley wood in Bushopscastell and a little close adjoining the house (now in occupation of John Tanner the father) for 70 years or life of John Tanner the elder; remainder to John the son for a term of 70 years or life; remainder to Moris for a term of 70 years or life. Rent 6s 8d; a couple of fat capons at Christmas one reaper’s work for one day in harvest; second best beast or chattel as heriot or 13s 4d, at Blunden’s choice.

John Tanner the father agrees that before Ladyday next he will ditch, hedge and inclose at his own cost a parcel of Henley’s wood between a way next above the house and the fild of Colbach, in breadth between the fildes of Widbach and commons or woode. Trowse, stakes and tincells may be taken for the purpose from the said parcel of wood. In consideration of this, Andrew Blunden grants the herbage of this wood to be inclosed, to be taken only by capuls and swine and no other cattals.

He reserves the right to fell wood and coppice on the parcel at all times, the tenants to oversee all Blunden’s wood and give notice of waste. Fireboote of dead roots in Henley Wood and crokyd springes growing within the parcel to be allowed at seasonable times of year, but it is not to be used in the common baking of bread to be sold. Re-entry if the rent is unpaid by one month, if lawfully demanded, or if the tenants assign or make any undertenant without licence or if the house and building are allowed to fall into ruyne and decay and are not repaired within a quarter of a year after warning given. Signature of Andrew Blunden. Witnesses:- Thomas Benbowe, David ap Walter, John Tanner son of Robert Tanner. (S.A., X11/12/6/18/638-9).

TANNER

1. Tanner …

1.1. John Tanner, b. ca. 1525, “the elder”. (He was the brother of Robert Tanner. Lease: 1. Andrew Blunden of Busshopscastell gentleman. 2. John Tanner (son of Robert Tanner) of Wydbach and Ann his wife. Counterpart Lease for 70 years or life of John Tanner,* with remainder to Ann for 70 years or her life, of 2 acres in Henley Wood in the parish of Busshopscastell at or near Niston’s Yate. Witnesses: Christopher ap David, Dorcas Benbow, David ap Gwalter, John Tanner the elder. 1575. (S.A., 11/640). This John Tanner m. Ann Rogers, Jan. 30, 1573.

1.1.1. John Tanner, bapt. at Bishop’s Castle, May 12, 1561, “the younger”, probably m. a dau. of Hugh Morris.

March 18, 1586.

Lease: 1. Andrewe Blunden of Busshopscastle gentleman. 2. John Longwell of Widbach y Koyd yeoman, Katherine his wife and Richard Longwell their son. Consideration: 20 marks. Copy lease of a messuage in Wodbach Y Koyd, containing by estimation a third part of Wodbach y Koyd (John Longwell) for 3 lives. Rent 6s 8d for 8 years, then 13s 4d; a couple of good capons at Christmas, one workman one day every harvest; heriot of best beast or chatoel. Re-entry if rent unpaid 30 days, after lawful demand, or if tenants assign without licence. Tenant not to cut or destroy any timber without licence of Blunden or his heirs, or in his absence of his bailiff or rent gatherer. Witnesses: John Bright, John Okley, Edward Mason. Witnesses to seizin 18 March 28 Elizabeth (1586) Richard Moris, John Tanner the elder, David ap Walter, John Tanner the younger. Copy attested by John Okeley. (S.A., 11/539).

Dec. 6, 1613.

1. Hugh Morris of Churchstock gentleman and Nathanael and Charles his sons. 2. Richard Blunden of Bishops Castle esq. Signatures of Hughe Marice, Nathaniell Morris Witnesses:- Morrys Tanner, Ar: Powel, Edward Mason, Edward Hanmar, John Thomas. (S.A., X11/5/2/1/278).
1.1. …
1.1.1. Morrys Tanner Sr., b. ca. 1560, bailiff of Bishop’s Castle in 1613, and 1623; bur. there, Feb. 27, 1640/1. He m. (in 1590), Ann (bur. June 23, 1638), dau. of John James, of Mainstone, Shrop.; Will proved Oct. 1606; Morrys Tanner, exec. John James m. Gwen Edwards, on July 15, 1571, in Ludlow, and was probably the brother of Jane James, who m. John Ward. on July 10, 1574, in Ludlow. He was probably closely related to John Ward, who m. Agnes Hunt (June 30, 1562); Joan Ward, who m. Richard Holland. (Oct. 19, 1565).

1. Richard Colbach the elder of Colbach gentleman. 2. John Thomas of Bushopscastell gentleman, brother in law of Richard, and Johan his wife and Philipp Jones of Colbach. “The said Richard Colbache haveing alreadie wasted a greate part of his lands and possessions” in order that his children may be restrained from selling, wasting etc properties that have been for a long time and out of memory in the possession of the Colbaches.

Confirmation of the manor of Colbach in the parish of Bushopscastell and the capital messuage in Colbatch now or late in tenure of Richard, the water mill and close adjoining, ground called the Bollance (now or late John Watters), the two hey closses, the witt reanes and gavord (now or late Robert Oakeley and John Watters) and all the estate Richard Colbach now has or lately had in the messuage and lands in Colbach (now or late Henry Carpenter) which before this settlement he sold to Morrys Tanner of Bushopescastell mercer, of which an assurance is shortly to be made; to use of Johan for her life as a jointure, after her death to use of Richard Colbatch for 40 years following if he live, then to use of Samvell Colbach the younger son of Richard Colbach if living until he has received 20, then to use of John and Rowland sons of Sarah daughter of Richard if living until they have received 20, then to use of Mary daughter of Richard until she has received 10; after these payments, to use of Richard Colbach the younger, son and heir apparant of Richard Colbach for his life and heirs male of his body and their heirs; then to use of Samuel and heirs of his body successively; in default to use of the heirs of the body of Richard the elder; in default to his right heirs. (S.A.,X11/5/1/2/244).

1.1.1.1. John Tanner, bapt. at Bishop’s Castle, Oct. 14, 1592, “son of Mawrici”. He m. (Feb. 28, 1613), Judith, dau. of Rowland Oakley, and Mary, dau. of “William Crowther of Betson” (Bedstone), 10 miles W. of Ludlow. (See as follows). John Tanner’s Will, probated March 5, 1649, leaves his land in Colbatch to his granddaughter. His then wife was Margaret. Richard Oakley, his brother-in-law, was exec. There is no mention of his sons, who were, thus, either disinherited or deceased, nor any mention of a grandson.

1.1.1.1.1. Richard Tanner, bapt. at Bishop’s Castle, Dec. 26, 1614, m. Mary …
1.1.1.1.1.1. Morris Tanner, bapt. at Bishop’s Castle, June 29, 1637.
1.1.1.1.1.2. Judith Tanner, bapt. at Bishop’s Castle, Sept. 29, 1635,
1.1.1.1.2. Thomas Tanner, bapt. at Bishop’s Castle, June 23, 1616.

1. Lewis Griffith of Castlewright gentleman. 2. John Tanner of Bushops Castle mercer and John James of Mainston yeoman. Consideration, a marriage already had between Lewis Griffith and Anne his wife, daughter of Gabriell James, and of £210 paid by Gabriell to Lewis for marriage portion in part performance of articles of agreement between Lewis and Amne dated 24 June 1 Charles (1624) … Property in Estergeiliog and Garthylinge and within the parishes of Moughtrey and Kerry to use of Lewis Griffith and Anne his wife for her jointure and heirs of the body of Lewis on Anne, in default of issue to use of Lewis Griffith’s right heirs; the property in Mellington and Castlewright to use of Lewis Griffith and heirs of his body upon Anne, in default to use of his right heirs. Counterpart signed by John James, John Tanner. Witnesses: Lewis David Llwyd, Owen Rees, John Doughty, Richard Shringer, Gabriel Myddelton. 1628. (S.A., 445/111).

Richard Frauncis of Mellington gentleman. 2. Lewis Gruffith of Castellwright, gentleman. 3. William James of Kelliberissa gentleman. Consideration docking entail on the two messuage

Covenant to suffer a recovery on a messuage called Tuy Howell Cadwalader in which Richard Frauncis now dwells, in Mellington, and on another messuage in which John Gruffith dwells, in Mellington and all appurtenances, to use of Lewis Gruffith his heirs and assigns. Witnesses: Charles Pryce, David ap David, John Cadwalader, John Tanner, William Saies, David Price. 1636. (S.A., 445/126).

1.1.3. Richard Tanner, bapt. at Bishop’s Castle, Aug. 5, 1580, d. 1593.

1.1.4. William Tanner, bapt, at Bishop’s Castle, Jan. 17, 1573, “son of John”, m. Alice Mason on Nov. 2, 1600, dau. of John Mason (and Alice Collins (m. Feb. 7, 1576, at Bishop’s Castle), probable brother of Joan Mason, who m. William Owen (Oct. 13, 1573). John Mason and Alice Collins had issue: Edward Mason, who m. Julian Thomas (Feb. 17, 1613); their son, Thomas Mason, m. Mary Oakely (July 3, 1649). Joan Mason and William Owen were the probable parents of Margaret Owen, who m. Thomas Edwards (Feb. 3, 1593). William Tanner d. in 1648.

MASON, MARSTON, HARRIS, AND TANNER

1. Richard Mason, of Minton, b. ca. 1475, m. Margaret, dau. of Richard Higgins, of Stretton.

1.1. William Mason, of Diddlebury (b. ca. 1500), m. Elizabeth, dau of John Leighton, sister of Sir Thomas of Wattlesborough whose dau. (by his mistress, Ann Baker), Margaret m. John Harris of Cruckton, ancestors of Mary Harris Ligon and Major William Harris, of Virginia.

1.1.1. Thomas Mason of Diddlebury (d. 1583), m. Johanna, dau. of John Baldwin, of Diddlebury.

1.1.1.1. Elizabeth Mason, m. Richard Marston, of Minton.

1.1.1.2. John Mason, m. Alice Collins, Feb. 7, 1576. (January 2, 1563: John ap Owen of Bushopes Castell gent. to Roger ap Owen his brother gent. and Dowse wife of Richard of his burgage and tenement with lands, pastures, gardens etc. annexed; of which burgage is situated in Byshopescastle, in length from the royal way to the lands of John ap Thomas and in width from the Queen’s lands to the land of Thomas ap Owen, now in the tenure of Roger ap Owen and Dowse daughter of Richard … Witnessed by John Mason, Robert Mason, bailiff of Bishops Castle, Mathew Lloyd, Wm. Baylie, and John ap David Lloyd, and many others. 1562/3. (S.A.,XMO/1037/8/4/8).

1.1.1.2.1. Alice Mason, m. William Tanner.

1.1.4.1. Richard Tanner, eldest son. Tanner v Dobles. Plaintiffs: Richard Tanner. Defendants: William Dobles. Subject: personal estate of the deceased William Tanner, Shropshire. (C 5/433/5).

1.1.4.2. Robert Tanner, gent., of Hendon, Middlesex, Will probated Oct. 10, 1657: “brother John Tanner”; “brother Joseph Tanner”.

1.1.4.2.1. Thomas Tanner, a legatee in the Will of his uncle, Joseph Tanner, gent, of Hendon, probated Sept. 30, 1679. “Thomas Tanner, son of my brother, Robert”.

1.1.4.2.1.1. Joseph Tanner, named as son of his cousin, Thomas Tanner, in Joseph Tanner’s Will
1.1.4.2.2. John Tanner, deceased before his uncle, Joseph.

TANNER’S CHARITY.

John Tanner, by his Will, bearing date 8th March 1677, gave to the vicar, Tanner’s Charity, bailiff and churchwardens of the town of Bishop’s Castle, and their successors, an annuity of 67. clear, issuing out of a messuage and two parcels of land thereto belonging at Mile End, in the parish of Stepney, in the county of Middlesex, to be paid to them in the town-hall at the four usual feast-days, upon trust, to dispose of the same for the following uses; viz. 52 s. yearly, to be laid out in bread and distributed to 12 poor people of the town of Bishop’s Castle, to be appointed as thereafter mentioned, and to receive the same for life, one penny loaf on every Sunday forenoon at the church of the said town; and he directed that the 12 poor people should be frequenters of the church, and that his cousins, William Oakley, Edward Wollaston and William Billingsley, and the heirs male of their several families resident in or near Bishop’s Castle, and the said vicar, bailiff and churchwardens for the time being, should appoint the said poor, and as often as any should die or misbehave themselves, choose new ones in their place; and he directed that 4s. 4d. yearly of the said annuity should be laid out in bread, and given, one penny loaf weekly, to the clerk, for his care and pains in seeing that the bread should be of full weight, and in distributing the same; that 20s. more should be paid to the vicar for performing Divine Service and preaching a sermon on the 2d June yearly, being the birth-day of the said testator; and the remaining 43s. 8d. he directed should be given away yearly on the same day, after the sermon, amongst the poorest sort of people of the town and parish as his said cousins and their heirs, and the said vicar, bailiff and churchwardens present at such sermon should think fit. (Parl. papers 11, p. 463, 1831).

1.1.4.3. Joseph Tanner, perhaps born ca. 1608. Joseph Tanner, gent, of Hendon, probated Sept. 30, 1679.

1.1.4.4. John Tanner, d. ca. 1645. Parish of Montgomery benefaction table, 1649. “John Tanner, born at Bishop’s Castle, 2nd June, 1612 (married Mary Lloyd, daughter of John Lloyd, of Montgomery), who died 11th March, 1649. She was the occasion of £5 a year being left to the use of the póor of the said parish for ever, charged upon an estate at Mile End, in the parish of Stepney, Middlesex (10 miles S.E. of Hendon), then in the possession of John Montgomery, Esq.” The following entry relating to this is found in a book at the Rectory: “This money is directed by Tanner’s Will to be paid quarterly in the Booth Hall of this town, part to be laid out in twelve white penny loaves, and one to the clerk for distributing them on every Lord’s day to twelve persons of good fame, such as the minister, bailiffs, and wardens, shall appoint, and the remainder to be distributed in money every 2nd July, at their like discretion”. (Bye-gones, Relating to Wales and the Border Counties, 1874, p. 100).
A precis from Joseph Foster’s The royal lineage of our noble and gentle families, their paternal ancestry, privately printed, 1883; with additions.

OF LLOYD, OF DOLOBRAN, Co. MONTGOMERY.

1. David Lloyd, of Dolobran, co. Montgomery, a commissioner of the peace for that county, born 1523 (elder son of Evan Lloyd, of Dolobran, whose father, Owen, assumed the name of Lloyd, it is said, from Llwydiarth, the seat of his ancestors. He m. 1st, Eva, dau. of Edward Price, and 2ndly, Eva, dau. of Evan David Goch, son of Jenkin Vaughan, of Bodoach, by whom he had a son, David Lloyd, of Dolobran, co. Montgomery, a magistrate for the county, born 1549; married Alice, dau. of David Lloyd, of Llanarmon-myndd-mawr, and had a son, John Lloyd, of Dolobran, a magistrate for Montgomeryshire, resided at Coedeowrid in great state; born 1575; he m. his kinswoman, Katherine, dau. of Humphrey Wynn, of Duffryn, and had a son, Charles Lloyd of Dolobran, a magistrate for Montgomeryshire, born 1613, Will dated June 17, 1651.

He m. Elizabeth, dau. of Thomas Stanley, of Knockyn, Shropshire.

A precis from the ‘Dictionary of Welsh Biography’, with additions.

1. Llewelyn ap Einion, named in a pardon granted by Edward de Cherleton, lord of Powys, to his grandson, Griffith ap Jenkin ap Llewelyn, in 1419, for his complicity in the war of Owain Glyn Dŵr. His widow, Lucy, dau. of Griffith ab Ednyfed Lloyd of Bromfield, was then alive.

1.1. Deio ap Llewelyn (3rd. son, the first to be associated with Dolobran), m. Mary, dau. of Griffith Goch of Ruyton or Knockyn.

1.2. Ieuan Teg ap Deio, son of the second wife, Meddefus, m. a dau., or sister, of Griffith Vaughan, inherited Dolobran. He m. Maud, dau. of Evan Blayney of Tregynon (a burgess of Welshpool, 1406).

1.2.1. Owen ap Ieuan Teg, m. Catherine verch Reginald ap Sir Griffith Vaughan/Vichan*.

1. Sir Griffith Vaughan/Vichan.

1.1. *Reginald ap Griffith Vaughan/Vichan.

1.1.1. Catherine verch Reginald, m. Owen ap Ieuan Teg.

1.2. David Llloyd ap Sir Griffith Vaughan/Vichan, m. first, Luesi’ (Lucy), heiress of Nantcribba.

1.2.1. Gwenhever verch David Llloyd ap Sir Griffith Vichan, m. William ap David (ca. 1460).

1.2.1.1. Catherine verch William ap David, m. Edward Hopton of Rockill, son of Thomas Hopton of Rockhill. (Vis. Shrop, 1584, Hopton of Rockhill). Roger Corbet, d. June 8. 1467 , m. Elizabeth, dau of Thomas Hopton of Hopton, who subsequently m. Sir William Stanley, who became the kinsman of Edward Hopton, whose wife was the sister of Gwenhever, verch David Llloyd ap Sir Griffith Vichan (who m. William ap David), and was, thus, the aunt of (1) Matilda verch William, who m. William Holland. (2) Reginald ap William (Williams) of Willaston, who m Margaret, dau. of Fulk Lee of Langley, and Elizabeth, dau. of John Leighton of Wattlesborough, son of Sir Thomas Leighton, father of Margaret Leighton, wife of John Harris, ancestors of Major William Harris and Mary (Harris) Ligon. John Harris was of the same family as the said Fulc Lee of Langley.

1.2.1.2. Matilda verch William ap David, m. William Holland, of Burwarton.

1.2.1.3. *Reginald ap William (Williams of Willaston), to repeat, m Margaret Lee, dau. of Fulc Lee of Langley and Elizabeth, dau. of John Leighton of Wattlesborough, son of Sir Thomas Leighton, father of Margaret Leighton, wife of John Harris, ancestors of Major William Harris and Mary (Harris) Ligon.

1.2.1.1. Ieuan Lloyd ap Owen, m. Gwenhwyvar, dau. of Meredith Lloyd of Meifod. The surname Lloyd was established in the next generation

1.2.1.1.1. David Lloyd ap Ieuan ap Owen (a juror in Montgomeryshire, 1542); m. Eve, dau. of Edward ap Rees of Eglwyseg.

1.2.1.1.1.1. David ap David Lloyd, the poet, a juror in Montgomeryshire from 1576 to 1594; otherwise known as Dafydd ap Dafydd Lloyd.

1.2.1.1.1.1.1. John Lloyd (born 1575) was also a poet. He lived at Coedcowryd, and his first wife was his second cousin, Catherine, dau. of Humphrey ap John Wyn of Dyffryn.

1.2.1.1.1.1.1.1. Charles Lloyd (born 1613), m. Elizabeth, dau. of Thomas Stanley of Knockyn.

1.2.1.1.1.1.1.2. Mary Lloyd, m. John Tanner, “born at Bishop’s Castle, 2nd June, 1612”.

1.2.1.1.1.1.1.2.1. Joseph Tanner, of Virginia?

STANLEY OF KNOCKYN

1. Piers Stanley, m. Constance, dau. of of Sir Thomas Salusbury and Elizabeth Done (Dwnn) of Utkington, Cheshire, d. April 14, 1471, in Lleweni Parc, Denbigh. She was the dau. of Sir John Done (Jenkin Dwnn), born Feb. 3, 1420, killed at the Battle of Blore Heath, Shropshire, Sept. 23, 1459, and Cecily, dau of Sir John Troutbeck, Sheriff of Chester, and sister of “Lord Wm de Troutbeck of Dunham”, also killed at Blore Heath

(1. William Troutbeck of Dunham, chamberlain of Chester (14 Henry IV.), m. Joan, dau. of William Rixton.

1.1. Sir John Troutbeck, of Dunham (b. ca, 1405, d. Sept. 23, 1458), m. Margaret (d. Nov. 39, 1456), dau. of Thomas Hulse/Holles, of Bransath.

1.1.1. Sir William Troutbeck of Prynes Castle (b. July 20, 1432, d. 1459), m. Margaret, dau. of Thomas, Lord Stanley, br. of Sir William Stanley.

1.1.2. Cecily Troutbeck, m. Sir John Done (Jenkin Dwnn).

1.1.2.1.1. Constance Salusbury, m. Piers Stanley.

1.1.3. Adam Troutbeck, of Mobberley, Cheshire.

1.1.3.1. Margaret Troutbeck, m. Sir John Talbot, of Albrighton, Sheriff of Shrop. (d. 1549).

1.1.3.1.1. Constance Talbot, m. Sir George Blount, of Kinlet; sister of Margaret Talbot, who m. (1) Sir Richard Ligon, of Arle, Madresfield, brother of Thomas Ligon, who m. Frances Dennys (cousin), having issue: Thomas Ligon, who m. (Oct. 10, 1602), Elizabeth Pratt; having issue: Col. Thomas Ligon, who m. Mary Harris, born in 1625 in Ludlow, by deposition, sister of Major William Harris, of Virginia. By his first wife, Mary Russell, Sir Richard Ligon had issue: Katharine Ligon, who m. Fleetwood Dormer, Esq., who m. (2) Mary Harris, kinswoman of Mary and William Harris.

1.1.3.1.1.1. Dorothy Blount, m. (Feb. 1576/7), John Purslowe, of Sidbury.

1.1.3.1.1.1.1. Katherine Purslowe, m. Richard Hill, of Bickley.

1.1.3.1.1.1.1.1. Dorothy Hill, m. John Holland, son of Michael Holland of Pickthorne, Shropshire; son of Thomas Holland, and a 2nd-cousin of Richard Cocke, of Pickthorne, and “Maubern Hills”, Virginia).

STANLEY cont.

1.1. Fulke Stanley, d. 1521, m. Jane, dau. of Sir Thomas Kynaston, of Hordley, Sheriff of Shropshire, and Elizabeth, dau. of Richard Lee of Langley, son of Richard Lee and Margery Sprenchose; son of Ralph Lee.

The Harris family of this account were a branch of this family of Lee.

1.1.1. Thomas Stanley, m. Mary Clarke.

1.1.1.1. Edward Stanley, m. Elizabeth, dau. of John Foster and Joyce, dau. of Philip Upton of Otely; son of George Upton Otley, of Otley, Esq., and Anne, dau. of Robert Corbet, of Leigh.

1.1.1.1.1. Thomas Stanley, m. Sara, dau. of Thomas Burton, of Longnor (and Katherine, dau. of William Beyst), son of Sir Edward Burton (d. 1588, in London), and Ann, dau. of Nicholas Maddocks.

1.1.1.1.1.1. Elizabeth Stanley (b. 1616, d. 1641), m. Charles Lloyd. (See Bartram, “Stanley of Elsoe”, Welsh Genealogies, 101).

1.1.1.1.1.1.1. Thomas Lloyd (1640-1694), Lieutenant-Governor of Pennsylvania.

TANNER concluded.

1.1.4.1.1. Joseph Tanner, I suppose (probably named for his uncle, Joseph); b. ca. 1635, whose Will was dated Oct. 7, 1668; and who witnessed the Will of Richard Cocke Sr., in 1665, of Stottesdon, Shrop.; ca. 15 miles from Bishop’s Castle.
1.1.4.1.1. Mary Tanner, m. William Ligon, son of Thomas Ligon and Mary Harris, and brother of Richard Ligon, named as ‘cousin’ in the Will of Thomas Harris, son of Major William Harris.
In 1678, Thomas Ligon, Henry Watkins, and Richard Cocke Jr. surveyed the “Mawburne Hills” area on the N. of the James River, where Thomas Ligon had patented 300 ac. in 1668. (James Edmonds Saunders, et. al., Early settlers of Alabama, 1969, p. 484).

A CROWTHER CONNECTION

1. Richard Crowther, b. ca. 1515, Will probated Oct. 10, 1579.
1.1. John Crowther, “eldest son”, b. ca. 1545. John Crowther of Ludlow. Oct. 17, 1590. 1. Richard Hooke and Robert Berrie, Bailiffs of the Corporation of Ludlow. 2. John Crowther, Ludlow, Gent. 1-2 ‘All that one tenement and garden with all houses, building, edifice and backsides … (boundaries given) in Castle Street/Ludlow/Shropshire. (S.A., XLB/4/1/125). March 12, 1586. 1. Thomas Blashfield and John Crowther, Bailiffs of the Corporation of Ludlow. 2. Thomas Bower, Ludlow, Feltmaker. 1-2, “All that their one tenement”. (S.A., XLB/4/1/108).
1.1.1. Alex. Crowther.
1.1.1.1. John Crowther.
1.1.2. Thomas Crowther of Ludlow.
1.1.3. “William Crowther of Ludlow, mercer”.
1.2. William Crowther.
1.2.1. Mary Crowther, m. Rowland Oakley.

Harleian MS. 1984. “ A Collection of the Descents of Shropshire Gentry, fo. 251 b.

1. John Rogers, son of Roger, son of Jenkin de Ockley, m. Johan da. and coheyre of W. ap Reynald ap Griffith Vichan of Colbach. de Okely 8 H. 6.
1.1. William Ockley, eldest son, m. Ellen, dau. of … Mason, of Castell.
1.1.1. Rowland Okeley; of Okeley, m. a dau. of Hotchkiss of Ledbury.
1.1.1.1. John Ockely, m. a dau. of Ralf Marston of Wolston, widow of Humfrey Baker.
1.1.1.1.1. Rowland Ockely, m. Mary, dau. of John Crowther of Bedston.
Jan. 20, 1593 Deed poll and feoffment between: 1. Rowland Ockley Jnr. of Totterton, and Rowland Williams Snr. of Eyton. 2. Thomas Leighton,* Brian Crowther, William Crowther, Rowland Ockley Snr., Richard Milward, Thomas Hicks, Edward Barker, Robert Burnell, Richard Mason, John Fewtrell, John Ockley Snr., Richard Nycholetts, Anthony Nycholetts, William Nycholetts and Richard Crowther and their heirs; of a messuage and lands in Eyton and Plowden, giving Richard Ockley, son of Rowland Ockley the use of the land which is currently occupied by Rowland Williams. (S.A., X6000/3/1/782). *Thomas Leighton, grandson of Sir Thomas Leighton and first cousin of John Harris, ancestor of Mary and William Harris.
1.2.1.1. Judith Oakley, m. John Tanner, brother of William Tanner, the possible grandfather of Joseph Tanner, who witnessed the Will of Richard Cocke, of “Mawburne Hills”.

1.3. Thomas Crowther, of Spartchford. Feb. 9, 1590. Letters of Administration, with the Will annexed, of the effects of Thomas Crowther of Sparchforde deceased, granted by the Prerogative Court of Canterbury 9 February 1590, to Arthur Crowther son of deceased – Brian Crowther esq., Thomas Bawdwyn gent., and John Haburley, clerk, the Executors named in the Will having renounced. (S.A., X6000/1/9/63).
1.3.1. Arthur Crowther.
1.4. Richard Crowther, Will probated Feb. 23, 1622. Crowther v Ireland. Plaintiffs: Brian Crowther, George Holland, William Holland, and Thomas Hickes executors of Richard Crowther. Defendants: Thomas Ireland. Subject: messuage called the Jaye in Leintwardine, Shropshire, Herefordshire. 1622-1625. (C 2/JasI/C8/13). George and William Holland – sons of Thomas Holland and Alice Cocke, 2nd-cousin of Richard Cocke, whose Will was witnessed by Joseph Tanner. Richard Crowther, decd. bef. 1622, m. Ursula, dau. of Thomas Holland (in Burwarton, in 1609), and Alice, 2nd-cousin of Richard Cocke, of “Mawburne Hills”.
1.5. Bryan Crowther, b. 1550. Jan. 25, 1579. To all Christian people, etc. Bryan Crowther of Inner Temple, executor of Richard Crowther of Bedstone, gent. Release to John Knottesford of Much Mawvarne (Co Worcs) esq., all right etc in lands and tenements called Solley Golon in the lordship of Tempsetur (Co. Salop) and a wood there called Coyd ye Abote. (S.A, X6000/25/5297).

Copy will of Bryan Crowther of Knighton (Rad.), esq., aged 82. To poor of Bedston, Clun, Brompon Bryan, Bucknill, Stowe, Heyupp, Hopton and Norton, 20s. each place; to poor of Keynhourdine and Presteigne, 40s. each place. To cousin Alex. Crowther for life, 5 messuages and lands in Bryncallet (tenants named). To John, s. of Alex. Crowther, £5 p.a. “during his life” for schooling and learning; to be charged on all Knighton premises except demesnes … then to Thos. Crowther of Spartchford, then to Thos. Crowther of Ludlow, then to his bro. Wm. Crowther of Ludlow, mercer, then to Sam., s. of John Crowther of Ludlow, then to Thos., s. of Adam Crowther, then to Francis Crowther of Buishopes Castle. To *Rich. Crowther of London, £30; (Mr. John Madockes knows where he lives). Will Jan. 15, 1632/3. (Notts. Arch. DD/4P/48/19).

A SUMMARY

On what grounds, then, was Joseph Tanner of Virginia of the Tanner family of Bishop’s Castle? It would be remarkable if he was not, given the social norm of the time of marriages being largely confined within a kinship circle of closely associated families, such as those of Harris, Holland, and Tanner of Shropshire.
What was established in Shropshire carried over to Virginia.

Was he the son of John Tanner, born at Bishop’s Castle on June 2, 1612, who married Mary, dau. of John Lloyd, of Montgomery, of a very distinguished Welsh family? Having exhausted the possibility of Joseph Tanner of Virginia being any of the recorded Joseph Tanners who originated from Bishop Castle, it is more than likely that he was an unrecorded son of that origin, and cousin of his namesakes.

On the point of him being kin of a prestigious Welsh Family – in marrying a daughter of a Harris and Ligon, he married into those of equal prestige; an elevated status previously not identified.

There is the “proof” of common sense (based on a knowledge of how, and why, families such as these intermarried), as to who he and they were. Those who deny this are mostly hiding behind a “wall” of “no proof”, which protects their “guestimation” of ancestry; which, ironically, in most cases, has “no proof”.

English/Virginia ancestries can be a sad affair, more Freud than fact; more a view from a trench than a hill.

by michael stanhope, copyright B.T. Shannon 2024