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« on: Sunday 18 March 18 16:56 GMT (UK) »
Hi Mark,
I have been going back through my records!
The Deed memorial of Joseph Tatham's will was registered by John Tatham in Wakefield in 1806. It says that the farm Withens is now in the occupancy of John Tatham and his undertenants and that he is Joseph Tatham's youngest son, (the best clue I think). It doesn't say what the will actually said or name any other beneficiaries or say where the will is. I don't know why only John registered the will and it is making it hard to be sure about which family this is. Joseph seems to have died between 1798 when he was named in the Land Tax records as the owner, and 1799 when the 'executers of Joseph Tatham' were listed.
I did get a copy of the other Joseph's will (Joseph and Margaret Roberts) about five years ago which was useful for elimination purposes. Perhaps there is more on line now. Thank you for the will searching tips and I will certainly have a look at those links.
Tatham is not such a common name but there were a lot of them around between Halifax and Carlton in Craven in the 18th and 19th centuries. A lot of them were farmers and they all seemed to call their children by the same names of John, Joseph, Benjamin with Mary and Hannah for the girls, making it hard to distinguish between them. I am sure most were related and I would love to see them all linked up but I think I will stick to my own branch of the family for the time being!
Thanks for all the help,
Maggie