I’m researching Joan Martin, who married John Widdicombe, a yeoman of Ugborough, on 2 May 1774 in Ugborough. I’m trying to confirm her baptism and family of origin, and would appreciate any guidance or thoughts.
Her Find a Grave memorial lists her death in 1809, aged 54, suggesting a birth year around 1755:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/204432820/joan-widdicombeThe marriage licence bond, dated 24 March 1774 (Ancestry.com), names Joan as a spinster “of Ugborough” and is signed by John Widdicombe and John Calloway, a mercer of Plympton. A Jn Martin witnessed the actual marriage (attached), which may be a helpful clue.
I'm aware there are a number of Joan, Jenny, Jane, and Joanna Martin baptisms in the South Hams region around this time. I’m currently weighing two main candidates:
1. Jenny Martin, baptised Bigbury, 29 July 1753
Parents: James Martin & Mary Ford (m. 1746, Ringmore)
Siblings include James, John, and Margaret (Peggy)
Possibly relevant given the use of names like Jenny, Peggy, and John among Joan's children
Main question: Was Jenny ever used as a variant or nickname for Joan in Devon during this period?
2. Joan Martin, reportedly baptised, Harberton, 1755
Some Ancestry.com trees cite this person, which would match the gravestone age
I haven’t been able to locate the actual baptism or verify this connection by documentation (familysearch.org & ancestry.com)
Other entries I’ve come across (but can’t currently access in full) include:
Jane Martin (1754, Buckfastleigh)
Joanna Martin (1756, Bishopsteignton)
At the time of the marriage, Joan is described as “of this parish” (Ugborough), but I can’t find a matching baptism there around 1755.
Children of John and Joan Widdicombe (possibly helpful for naming pattern clues):
John, Rebecca, Elizabeth, William, Jenny, Mary Ann, Peggy, Anne, Ann, Samuel, Sarah
If anyone has come across this family, or the local Martin lines in Bigbury, Harberton or nearby parishes, I’d be grateful for any insights — or corrections if I’ve gone off track. I don’t currently have access to Findmypast, so can’t check some of the Devon Baptism entries myself.
Warm thanks in advance,
