Hedges family of Letcombe

[LizzieL]

John Hedges of Letcombe (it doesn't say whether Regis or Bassett) wrote a will in December 1752, leaving everything to his wife Dorothy and after her death to his daughter Sarah (and her heirs forever) , who at that point should pay £10 to her sister Mary or her son Charles. I read that as being to Mary's son Charles, a contingency if Mary should pre-decease her mother, Dorothy.

I can find baptisms for Sarah and Mary in Letcombe Regis daughters of John and Dorothy, Sarah in Jan 1727, Mary in Sept 1725. The transcript also shows birthdate only a few days before baptism.
It is surprising that Sarah gets the larger portion being the younger, but perhaps Mary had married a better off man.

The will was proved in 1753, but I can't find John's death

Can anyone find John and Dorothy's marriage  and his burial, and marriages for the two daughters, please

[LizzieL]

I've managed to find John's burial on 23 Dec 1732, note on transcript says died on 20th. Transcribed as Hedgis. Unfortunately no age at death.

[ribbo39]

Hi LizzieL,

On FamilysSearch , they are quoting John Hedges as being bapt. 7-4-1676 Purton, Wilts and a marriage to Dorothy Compton 3-10-1709 in Dauntsey, Wilts followed with a bapt. for Sarah Hodges in 1726  Letcombe Regis.

John Hedges was the s/o John Hedges & Katherine Clarke.

This may be the connection you are after.

John Hedges bur 23-12-1752 (died 20-12)
& Dorothy Hedges (died 25-12) bur. 27-12-1764 both Letcombe Regis (ex Berks FHS burial CD)

Alan

[LizzieL]

Thanks. Checked out the John Hedges of Purton. He was the twin of James, both died within days of their birth, so cannot be the John I'm looking for

[LizzieL]

followed with a bapt. for Sarah Hodges in 1726  Letcombe Regis.

Sarah's baptism cannot be in 1726 as Mary was born 03 Sep 1725 and baptised 05 Sep 1725. Although Sarah's transcription says Birth date 07 Jan 1726, Baptism date 08 Jan 1726, there is not enough gap after Mary's birth.
So Jan 1726 has to be the month coming after December 1726, what we would call Jan 1727 now, but not then when the year started on Lady Day in March.

[ribbo39]

Hi LizzieL,

This is the info I have found in the transcripts for L/Regis (ex OxonFHS);

Mary  Headgis, born 16-9, bapt. 5-9-1725/6 - I think it should be 1725
Sarah  Hedges, born 7-1, bapt. 8-1-1726/7 - "    "     "      "     " 1727

Alan

[LizzieL]

Hi LizzieL,

This is the info I have found in the transcripts for L/Regis (ex OxonFHS);

Mary  Headgis, born 16-9, bapt. 5-9-1725/6 - I think it should be 1725
Sarah  Hedges, born 7-1, bapt. 8-1-1726/7 - "    "     "      "     " 1727

Alan

I agree, it would only be the first three months of a year where there is likely to be ambiguity.

I have not found any earlier children for John and Dorothy anywhere, so I am sceptical about a 1709 marriage - a 14 year gap between marriage and first child then another in quick succession - doesn't seem likely.
But I can't find any other John / Dorothy combination.
The John who married Dorothy Compton was from Purton according to marriage record, but not the one numerous tree owners have chosen because he died a few days after baptism. Maybe his parents had a replacement John a few years later.

[Maddie]

Hi
There is a Sarah Hedges married John Head a Farmer on 17th Nov 1766 at St Andrews Letcombe Regis. John Head was bapt 1st Sept 1732 in L/R, parents Edward & Hannah.

John Head died 2nd April 1798, buried 4th April 1798, L/R & Sarah Head a Widow died 12th Jan 1809 buried 18th Jan 1809 again L/R. Unfortunately no ages at death recorded.

This could be your Sarah but not having any luck with Mary.

Maddie

[ribbo39]

As a follow up I have looked at the Daunstey transcripts and their names (Hedges etc & Compton)  do not appear anywhere apart from the marriage. Could they have been "sojourners"

In Purton there is a John Hedges bapt. 1676  but nothing for Dorothy.

Alan