Re: John Axford (The Elder) died 1784
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In reply to:
John Axford (The Elder) died 1784
David Axford 10/26/02
Dear David,
As usual I am separated from my notes and have to reply from memory.
John Axford the Elder, of Urchfont, is a most interesting fellow. I believe that he was born in Erlestoke ('Stoke') and is closely linked with the family there. I can tell you everything when I get home later this year. If you cannot wait that long and are in England, visit the Church in Erlestoke, where I left a copy of the family tree some years ago - it is probably still there.
John seems to have been quite well off - and acted as though he was! His will is interesting - William (of Erlestoke)and Isaac (of Bishopstrow), who you mention as pallbearers, were brothers (sons of William the Elder) and close relatives of John. The Isaac was the famous Isaac - this is one of the few places one can find his name. I have the impression that John was rather cranky and difficult but I cannot remember why - perhaps it was his cutting off of his son John in his will.
John's memorial stone, with the names of children, several of whom died young, can be found high up on the wall of the church in Market Lavington. {There are not many such Axford memorials - e.g. two in Erlestoke, one in Little Cheverell and three in Bath and Isaac 'the famous' in Warminster.)
I seem to remember that there were marriages wih Frouds, so they were probably kinsfolk.
There are lots of deeds (and wills) involving Axfords to be found in the County Record Office in Trowbridge - I am sure your John is mentioned in some. You might also find him mentioned in the Wiltshire volumes of the "Victoria County History of England".
There were no censuses at the time but I have the whole family tree at home and can let you know about John's descent - perhaps his father was Isaac the Elder, but I must check.
The Axfords that matter to you were Erlestoke people - they spread out in the 18th and 19th centuries - to Urchfont, Market Lavington, Bath and all around. The Bratton Axfords were just as numerous but seemed to disappear for some reason. I have never found a family connection between the Bratton and Erlestoke groups although the villages are only a few kilometres apart. Wiliam Axford (the Elder) was a founder of the Baptist Chapel in Bratton which still stands - the parishoners used to hold services alternately in Erlestoke and Bratton before they were allowed to build the Chapel (about 1739).
I would like to hear more if you find anything. The later members of your family do not ring any bells except perhaps Sydney (Sidney?) - but I will find out when I get home.
Thanks for writing.
Ian.
More Replies:
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Re: John Axford (The Elder) died 1784
David Axford 10/27/02
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Re: John Axford (The Elder) died 1784
william axford 10/27/02
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Re: John Axford (The Elder) died 1784
william axford 12/26/02
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Re: John Axford (The Elder) died 1784
David Axford 12/26/02
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Re: John Axford (The Elder) died 1784
william axford 12/26/02
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Re: John Axford (The Elder) died 1784
David Axford 12/27/02
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Re: John Axford (The Elder) died 1784
william axford 12/27/02
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Re: John Axford (The Elder) died 1784
william axford 1/01/03
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Re: John Axford (The Elder) died 1784
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Re: John Axford (The Elder) died 1784
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Re: John Axford (The Elder) died 1784
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Re: John Axford (The Elder) died 1784
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Re: John Axford (The Elder) died 1784
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Re: John Axford (The Elder) died 1784