Welcome to the April 2002 edition of our family newsletter. In the introduction to last month's newlstter I indicated that there would be an article on Elizabeth Cowan and her children. In the end the article did not appear but you will find it in this edition. Quite a few of you are descended from Elizabeth so I hope you find this expose of interest.

The East India Company played a vital role in the life and times of at least one of our kith and kin: Benjamin Brangwin. Last month David whet our appetite with an introduction to Benjamin. This month he has followed up with a more comprehensive article. I am sure that we will hear more about Benjamin in the months to come. He left a wealth of written material which Margaret and David have transcribed. It provides such an interesting insight into his activities and those with whom he dealt and is certainly much more interesting than reading about the period in a history book. His letters and reports cover events and real people in a fascinating manner. I would particularly like to thank David for the effort he has put into collecting this body of material and sharing it with us.

Progress continues being made in tracking down Brangwin family members and descendants. By next month it may be possible to provide an update on the Illinois part of the family.

Today we take medical intervention for granted. In the early 20th century medical treatment was not as advanced as it is today. This month there are some newspaper reports from the Moorabbin News of family events from 1902 to 1919.

• John Brangwin of the Bucks Lunatic Asylum
• Some more odds and ends

I hope you enjoy learning more about your extended family.

Contributions to the Newsletter are most welcome. If you find something that you would like to share please send it to me so that it can be included. My email address is lwuth@hups.net

Lorraine Wuth

Editor

Correction

In February, when looking at cousin marriages, there was an error in the marriage date for Sarah Deane and Edmund Brangwin. It should have read December 22, 1756. The quoted date (January 28, 1814) is Sarah's date of death.

In April 2001 we looked at a part of the family that introduced Elizabeth Cowan. Check out generation 7 and 8. Well, as can be the case with family history, further research has resulted in a reassessment of just who Elizabeth Cowan married. Read on to find out more.

Elizabeth Cowan was born on February 5, 1840 at Haddington in Scotland. Her father was William Cowan, a carpenter.

Elizabeth Cowan first appeared in my family data when she married a Brangwin. The marriage took place on April 11, 1862 at the St John the Baptist Church in Woking, Surrey, England. Banns had been called on March 23, 30 and April 6. According to the marriage register, Elizabeth was 24 and a spinster. [It is possible that she was actually only 22 ... so I wonder how many other 'errors' there were when the marriage details were supplied?] She was a servant of Woking. Her father was listed as William Cowan, carpenter. But what of her husband? The marriage register stated that he was William Brangwin a 39 year old widower. His rank or profession was given as Pensioner which points to him having served in either the Royal Navy or the British Army. His residence at the time of the marriage was Camden Town, London. His father was stated to be John Brangwin, a farmer. So far so good.

William Brangwin remained a mystery. Originally it had been thought that he was William Castle Brangwin the son of John Brangwin and Mary Holmes. This William had been born in Wheatley, OXF in 1823 and appeared to fit the bill quite nicely until a William Brangwin turned up in Michigan. All the evidence points to the Michigan William being the son of John Brangwin and Mary Holmes. Unfortunately, William Castle Brangwin just could not have been the man who married Elizabeth Cowan. Today it would have been possible but not back in 1862. He could not have in England for the marriage to Elizabeth and in Michigan just days later for another marriage. Oops. Back to the drawing board. The marriage to Elizabeth clearly stated that William was a pensioner. Were there any available records to assist? In January we found what I was looking for. At the British Library in the India Office records: Military Department Records were references to none other than William Brangwin.

The Register of European Soldiers in Honourable Company Service records the following for Brangwin, William:

• He was attached to the 2nd European Light Infantry regisment. His occupation was butcher. His town or county was given as Henley, Oxfordshire. He had enlisted in London on November 9, 1839 for service unlimited. He had been carried out to India on the ship Thetis. There is a remark on his record stating that he was Pensioned ship Cassifore October 1860.
• On the Muster Rolls of the Regiment, William is shown as a Sergant in September 1842 and again in 1848.
• In October 1850 he was shown as a Colour Sergeant
• In October 1855 and October 1858 he is shown as a Private.

In 1852 there is an entry for the death and burial of Eliza Branguin in Belgaum, India, Wife of Colour Sargeant William Branguin, G Company, 2nd European regiment. She was aged 37 and buried on January 3, 1852 in the Catholic Burial Ground at Belgaum. So now we have a William Brangwin who was not only a pensioner (due to his military service) but also a widower.

The next question is "Just who is this William Brangwin?". There is no Willliam Brangwin who fits all the information gathered about the man who married Elizabeth Cowan. Or is there? Perhaps later information will throw more light on the problem. If he was from the Henley area he should have been known to the the body of researchers. It is inconceivable that he could have missed the net.

On July 22, 1862 Elizabeth had a son, Alfred John, at 4 Piebend Place, Camden Town. William Brangwin was named as the father and his occupation was given as Railway Porter. The mother of the child was Elizabeth Brangwin formerly Cowan. The birth was registered by Elizabeth.

Given the the proximity of the marriage date to the birth of Alfred John it is possible that William was not the father. We may never know for sure who his father actually was. Elizabeth was happy to register the baby as being the child of her newly acquired husband.

On April 17, 1864 Elizabeth's next child was born. He was named Thomas and his place of birth was given as 10 Cecil Street in Mile End. Once again Elizabeth registered the birth. This time she gave the father as John Brangwin, railway porter. Was this child named in honour of his father's older brother? Possibly, as Thomas Hobbs Brangwin had been killed in a work related accident on January 24, 1864.

William Cowan Brangwin was born on November 17, 1865 at 10 Canal Road, Mile End. Once again Elizabeth registered the birth and gave the father as John Brangwin, railway porter. This child appears to have been named after his maternal grandfather - William Cowan.

On May 7, 1866, John died at 16 Regent Street, Mile End. The informant was Elizabeth Brangwin who was present at the death. John was 43 years old and a railway labourer. The cause of death was chronic bronchitis; morbus cordis.

From the evidence presented, William was actually John Brangwin the son of John Brangwin, a farmer, and Jane Fenner. He was born at Wargrave which is a very short distance out of Henley. He was baptised at Wargrave on October 22, 1822. William/John's father had died in 1838 when he would have been only 16. It appears that he has enlisted, gone out to India, married a Eliza who eventually died leaving him a widower. He returned to England at the end of his service. His brother, Thomas Hobbs Brangwin, worked for the railways and it may have been through him that John got his employment.

Elizabeth was now a widow, 25, with three small children to support and only limited options available to her. It would appear that she went back into service as the only true reference we get to her occupation is domestic servant.

On November 21, 1867 at the City of London Lying in Hospital, Elizabeth gave birth to a son she named John Griffiths. When she registered the birth she stated that the father was William Brangwin, railway porter. Her residence was given as 25 White Lion Street, Bishopsgate, Middlesex. Unfortunately, this child could not have been fathered by her late husband. May 1866 to November 1867 is too big a gap. Is the name significant? Was the father someone by the name of Griffiths? Who else lived at 25 White Lion Street in 1867? John Griffiths used the name Brangwin and his descendants, of which there are many scattered across the US and places beyond, are still very much a part of our Brangwin family.

John Griffiths Brangwin c. 1900

Elizabeth gave birth to a daughter, Mary Ann, on Febraury 28, 1873 at Holgate, Shropshire. No father is given. Occupation was given as domestic servant. The birth was registered by Elizabeth. Mary Ann was living with John Colgate and his family at the time of the 1881 census. She was listed as 'adopted', was 8 years old and born in Shropshire. She married Samuel Ernest Cattermole on February 28, 1892 at All Hallows & India Dockes in the parish of Bromley in the City of London. Samuel was 24, a bachelor, and a warehouseman of 4 Moses Street. His father was given as Samuel Cattermole (deceased), woodman. Mary Ann was 19 and a spinster of Swanly [sic], Kent. No father was listed for her. The marriage took place after banns were published. The witnesses were John and Mary Colgate. What happened to Mary Ann after her marriage is currently unknown.

Elizabeth Cowan

Elizabeth married James Taylor on August 25, 1874 at the parish church in Staunton Long, Shropshire. James was a 25 year old bachelor. He was a labourer of Ditton Priors. His father was listed as Thomas Taylor, a farmer. Elizabeth was listed as a 35 year old widow and a servant of Brockton. Her father was listed as William Cowan, carpenter. The marriage took place after the calling of banns. The witnesses were Job and Annie Dodson.

Elizabeth went on to have three more children: William, Marion and Frank Taylor. The 1881 British Census showed her living at Brocton, Stanton Long, Shropshire with her husband James who was listed as 31, born at Farlow, Shropshire and an agricultural labourer, and her children: John Branwin [sic](then aged 12); William Taylor (aged 6, born at Ditton Priors, Shropshire) and Marion Taylor (aged 3, born at Shipton, Shropshire). Given that the family emigrated to the US in 1881, Elizabeth's final child, Frank, may have been born in England before the family departed.

Elizabeth died on June 3, 1905 at Westfield in Pylmouth Co, Iowa.

Here is Elizabeth's obituary.

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Death of Mrs. James Talyor

John Brangwin of this city, returned on Tuesday from Westfield where he was called by the illness and death of his mother, Mrs. James Taylor, who died on Saturday after a long and painful illness of cancer. Mrs. Taylor was operated upon last summer to obtain relief but her health failed since.

Mrs. Taylor was a native of Scotland being born in the town of Haddington in 1840. Her maiden name was Elizabeth Cowan. She was twice married her first husband was John Brangwin dying when she was a young woman. In 1873 she was married to James Taylor at Skipton, Shropshire. In 1881 they came to Le Mars and Plymouth county has been their home since. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor lived for a number of years near Merril on a farm and from there they moved to the west part of the county. She leaves beside the bereaved husband, three sons and a daughter. John Brangwin, William Taylor, Mrs. Marion Cilley, and Frank Taylor. The funeral was held on Monday from the home Rev. E.H. Gaynor, of Sioux City, officiating and the remains were laid away in Akron cemetery. The funeral was largely attended by old friends and neighbors by whom the deceased was held in the highest esteem.

Mrs. Taylor's life was devoted to her husband and children. she was an ideal homemaker, a loving wife and fond mother, and a living exponent of the domestic virtues. She was a helpmate to her husband in every sense of the word and her death is a great blow to him and the children. Her goodness and neighborly qualities endeared her to a large circle of friends among whom she will be sadly missed.

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It is interesting to note that the obituary states that Elizabeth's first husband was John Brangwin.

Next month we will look at what happened to Elizabeth's children.

This article was been supplied by David Brangwyn

A chance mention in a Grant of Administration for the Goods of John Brangwin dated 1719 who died in India led me to the records of the East India Company at the British Library. There I came across another Brangwin of whom we knew little - Benjamin Brangwin. Previously we knew of his marriage at Rotherhithe in 1687 to Elizabeth Bowers; searching the East India Company records has shed further light on his career, first as a Captain of two of the Company's ships, and later as a representative (or Agent) in Persia (the modern day Iran).

The East India Company was formed in 1600 by a group of London merchants anxious to further their interests in the expanding spice trade with the East. This trade was carried out via their own ships, in those times an extremely hazardous venture. The dangers on a voyage which could last several months included bad weather, disease, attacks from pirates and, in times of war, from ships of enemy nations. This is how a seaman who sailed with the Company in the late 17^th Century described the work of the ship's doctor: "their common phrase being to come to him and take him by the hand when they hear that he hath been sick two or three days and feeling his pulses when he is half dead, asking him when he was at stool and how he feels himself, and how he has slept, and then giving him some of their medicines upon the point of a knife, which doeth as much good to him as a blow upon the pate with a stick."

Benjamin's first command was the Persia Merchant in 1687. The vessel weighed 350 tons, carried 56 crew and had 20 guns. Prior to sailing he received detailed instructions as to the ports he was to visit en route to India, and where specific cargo was to be unloaded. He is also "impowered to make war upon the Mogull or great king of Indostan" and if he met any ships belonging to these rulers "to compell them by force of Armes to go along with you to Bombay." Similarly if he were to meet any vessel of the king of Siam, he was likewise to seize it.

Sadly Benjamin's command of the Persia Merchant was cut short; as a letter from Fort St. George, Bombay, relates "The Persia Merchant we designed for England had not she most unhappely blown up." 47 men were lost, but Benjamin and 10 of his crew survived as they were ashore. The cause of the explosion is not given.

Two years later, in 1691, Benjamin was given command of the Elizabeth. This ship was of 280 tons, carried a crew of between 60 and 70 men and boasted 30 guns. His Instructions cover his departure from Gravesend on the River Thames in London; he is to take care that a sufficient number of Cartridges be filled with powder, in readiness in case of any sudden assault. He is to keep the worship of God on board ship, and good order among his men. He is to trust neither the Turks nor any European nation. This being a time of war with France, he is advised to keep in touch with other vessels of the Company.

The Minute Book of the Company records that the Elizabeth carried 18 chests of silver and gold and 32 iron guns, for delivery to Surat, a port on the west coast of India close to Bombay. The warning about the French proved well-founded, as in 1692 the Elizabeth was captured by them. The Annals of the Honorable East India Company record: "The force of the French was discovered from the incident of their fleet having captured on 11th October 1692 the Elizabeth …within 50 leagues of Bombay." The Annals suggest that one of the Company's officers may have been involved in this affair: "the order of the Court to suspend Mr. Vaux having arrived….suspicion was attached to Mr. Vaux, Deputy Governor of Bombay from the circumstances of his having purchased the Company's ship the Elizabeth from the French on his own account."

All this information has been extracted from the East India Company's own records. There is a vast collection of documents, few of which have been fully indexed, but there are plenty of lists and guides to the contents of the various classes of records. What I have found thus far has been due to luck and a certain amount of intelligent guesswork.

This ends the first part of the account of Benjamin's time with the Company. Next time I will trace the course of his work as the Company's Agent in Isfahan in Persia.

The East India Company had the unusual distinction of ruling an entire country. Its origins were much humbler. On 31 December 1600, a group of merchants who had incorporated themselves into the East India Company were given monopoly privileges on all trade with the East Indies. The Company's ships first arrived in India, at the port of Surat, in 1608. Sir Thomas Roe reached the court of the Mughal Emperor, Jahangir, as the emissary of King James I in 1615, and gained for the British the right to establish a factory at Surat. Gradually the British eclipsed the Portugese and over the years they saw a massive expansion of their trading operations in India. Numerous trading posts were established along the east and west coasts of India, and considerable English communities developed around the three presidency towns of Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras. In 1717, the Company achieved its hitherto most notable success when it received a firman or royal dictat from the Mughal Emperor exempting the Company from the payment of custom duties in Bengal.

The Company saw the rise of its fortunes, and its transformation from a trading venture to a ruling enterprise, when one of its military officials, Robert Clive, defeated the forces of the Nawab of Bengal, Siraj-ud-daulah , at the Battle of Plassey in 1757. A few years later the Company acquired the right to collect revenues on behalf of the Mughal Emperor, but the initial years of its administration were calamitous for the people of Bengal. The Company's servants were largely a rapacious and self-aggrandizing lot, and the plunder of Bengal left the formerly rich province in a state of utter destitution. The famine of 1769-70, which the Company's policies did nothing to alleviate, may have taken the lives of as many as a third of the population. The Company, despite the increase in trade and the revenues coming in from other sources, found itself burdened with massive military expenditures, and its destruction seemed imminent. State intervention put the ailing Company back on its feet, and Lord North's India Bill, also known as the Regulating Act of 1773, provided for greater parliamentary control over the affairs of the Company, besides placing India under the rule of a Governor-General.

The first Governor-General of India was Warren Hastings. Under his dispensation, the expansion of British rule in India was pursued vigorously, and the British sought to master indigenous systems of knowledge. Hastings remained in India until 1784 and was succeeded by Cornwallis, who initiated the Permanent Settlement, whereby an agreement in perpetuity was reached with zamindars or landlords for the collection of revenue. For the next fifty years, the British were engaged in attempts to eliminate Indian rivals, and it is under the administration of Wellesley that British territorial expansion was achieved with ruthless efficiency. Major victories were achieved against Tipu Sultan of Mysore and the Marathas, and finally the subjugation and conquest of the Sikhs in a series of Anglo- Sikh Wars led to British occupation over the entirety of India. In some places, the British practiced indirect rule, placing a Resident at the court of the native ruler who was allowed sovereignty in domestic matters. Lord Dalhousie's notorious doctrine of lapse, whereby a native state became part of British India if there was no male heir at the death of the ruler, was one of the principal means by which native states were annexed; but often the annexation, such as that of Awadh [Oudh] in 1856, was justified on the grounds that the native prince was of evil disposition, indifferent to the welfare of his subjects. The annexation of native states, harsh revenue policies, and the plight of the Indian peasantry all contributed to the Rebellion of 1857-57, referred to previously as the Sepoy Mutiny. In 1858 the East India Company was dissolved, despite a valiant defense of its purported achievements by John Stuart Mill, and the administration of India became the responsibility of the Crown.

"An English county, 44 miles in length, and 28 in breadth; bounded by Cheshire, Denbighshire, Montgomeryshire, Herefordshire, and Staffordshire. It contains 170 parishes, and 16 market towns. The principal rivers are, the Severn, which runs through the midst of the county, the Terne, the Clun, and the Rhea, with several other small streams. The west and south parts are mountainous, some points being nearly 2000 feet high, and several surpassing 1000; but the east and north more plain and level; however, the soil is pretty fertile everywhere, yielding corn and pastures, besides coal, iron, and other commodities. The air is sharp on the tops of the hills and mountains, but in the lower parts tolerable enough. The great branches of manufacturing industry carried on here are all kinds of ironworks, woollens, and china, earthenware, &c. Shrewsbury is the capital. Population, 239,048. It sends 11 members to parliament". [Barclays Complete & Universal English Dictionary, 1842-1852]

This article has been supplied by Margaret Brangwyn

I have read that John is the most common boy's name and certainly there are a great many Brangwin parents who chose that name for their son. In my family history records so far I have 22 plain John Brangwins. There are more John Brangwins still to be added to my records. Other popular names for Brangwin sons are William (27), Richard (20), Francis (17) and Edmund (11). However, with a total so far of 41 assorted Johns this is by far the most favoured name for Brangwin boys.

One particular John Brangwin was born at Haddenham, Bucks, on 19th October 1787, the fourth and youngest child of Richard Brangwin, a farmer, and Ruth (née Jones). He was baptised at St Mary's, Haddenham, on 18th January 1788. John was the great grandson of John Brangwin and Eleanor Towne, and so is related to a great many of you. He was probably named after his great grandfather.

The photo to the right is the font of St Mary's, Haddenham. It is some 900 years old. Almost certainly it was used for the baptism of John and many other Brangwin children over the years.

John's siblings were Ellener, (born 1779, died 1799), Elizabeth, (born 1783, married John Bailey in 1801) and Richard (born 1783, married Sophia Sanders in 1809).

John's father died a couple of weeks before John's 18th birthday in October 1805. John's brother Richard must have inherited the farm as he is described in the Parish Records as a Farmer. Richard and Sophia had a son who died soon after birth and a daughter who died aged 23, so there were no sons to pass the farm on to. At present it is not known if John took over the farm when his brother died at the early age of 33, but it is known that by 1863 his occupation was "Servant." Not knowing much about this John, a copy of his death certificate was obtained and from that it was learned he had died in Stone Lunatic Asylum.

A letter to Buckinghamshire County Records Office - now called the Centre for Buckinghamshire Studies - produced copies of the asylum records pertaining to John. I was expecting just to receive brief records of his admittance and death but was surprised to find an order for his admittance to the asylum, a medical certifcate confirming his "insanity" and observation records kept throughout his time in the asylum. From reading these I would say he was more senile than insane, but medical knowledge in the middle of the 19th century was limited compared to what is known today.

We also learn from these records that John never married and had no close relatives. His only two Brangwin cousins, Richard (b1776, married Elizabeth Winter) and Thomas (b1781, married Ann Baldwin) had died some time before - Richard in 1842 and Thomas in 1832. The records also tell us John was a member of the Church of England, not a Baptist like so many of his relatives, and that he could read and write.

I felt quite sad for John as I read these documents, as it seems he was rather lonely at the end of his life, though he appears to have been adequately cared for in the Asylum. I haven't yet found where he was buried, though as a pauper he would not have had a marked grave, there being no one to pay for his burial but the Parish.

With John's death his branch of the family tree ended.

In the following transcriptions of the documents coveriing John's admission and stay inthe bucks County Lunatic Asylum, italics indicates that a handwritten entry.

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MEDICAL CERTIFICATE.
SCHED. (F.) NO. 3.
______________

I, the undersigned, George Faithorn
being a Member of the Royal College of Surgeons
& a Licentiate of the Apothecary's Company
and being in actual Practice as a Surgeon & Apothecary
hereby Certify, that I, on the Twelfth day of October
at Chenies --------------------------------- in the
County of Buckingham
personally examined John Wragnell Brangwin Servant
of the Alm's Houses, Chenies
and that the said John Wragnell Brangwin
is a person of unsound mind, and a proper Person to be
taken charge of and detained under Care and Treatment, and that I have formed this opinion
upon the following grounds; viz. ---

1. Facts indicating Insanity observed by myself - the impression that people are about to remove & destroy him.
   A vacancy of expression, & abstractedness.
2. Other Facts (if any) indicating Insanity communicated to me by others ---
   By Mr. Perry, that he leaves his house under the apprehension that people, particularly the police, are desirous of taking him away, occasioning him to wander about unconscious of where he is going;
   fastening his door, & not allowing anyone to come in.

       (signed)      Name         Geo. Faithorn        
      Place of Abode        Bridge St. Chesham            
Dated this twelfth day of October
One thousand eight hundred and sixty - three

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970
BUCKS COUNTY LUNATIC ASYLUM.
---------------------
ORDER FOR THE RECEPTION OF A PAUPER PATIENT.
16 & 17 VICT, c. 97. SCHED. (F.) No.1.
----------------------

[Stamped top right :Admitted Oct 15 1863]

We
the undersigned, having called to our Assistance a Supern
and having personally examined John Brangwin
a Pauper, and being satisfied that the said John Brangwin
is a person of unsound mind, and a proper Person to be taken charge of and
detained under Care and Treatment
hereby direct you to receive the said John Brangwin
as a Patient into your Asylum.
Subjoined is a Statement respecting the said John Brangwin
                 (signed)     Name       William S. Seymour         
                                 Curate of Chenies        
                 (signed)     Name       William Bryan Relieving Offier    
                              of the Amersham union        
Dated the day of Oct One thousand eight hundred and sixty three

To the Superintendent of the BUCKS COUNTY LUNATIC ASYLUM, at STONE, near AYLESBURY.
_____________________
STATEMENT.
If any Particulars in this Statement be not know, the Fact to be so stated

         I Certify that, to the best of my knowledge, the above Particulars are correctly stated,
          (signed)        Name        Wm Bryan       
              The Relieving Officer of the            Amersham            Union,
                             in the County of        Bucks & Herts     

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Saturday February 8, 1902

Very great sympathy is felt for the friends and relatives of the late Mr. George Barnett, who died at his residence on Saturday last, after a few hours' illness. Mr. Barnett was in good helth on friday, and was able to attend to his usual duties, but the rapid change of Saturday probably brought on an attack of pendicitis, the attack proving fatal in a few hours after seizure. Deceased, who was a widower, leaves a family of several children, was a brother of Cr. W. Barnett, being one of the oldest families in the Moorabbin district, and was much respected by all who knew him. On Monday his remains were interred in the Cheltenham Cemetery, the cortage being one of the largest yet seen in the district. Deceased was a member of the P. A. F. S., and among the mourners there was a large attendance of the brethren.

Saturday November 3, 1917

Saturday June 7, 1919

Death Notice: BARNETT - On the 4th June, at his residence, "Clievenden", Wickham Rd, Moorabbin, William Henry, beloved husband of Edith Annie Barnett, and dearly loved father of Florence, Victor, Raymond, Clarence, Laurence and the late Alfred. Aged 59 years. Rest at last.

Death of Mr W. H. Barnett, J.P.

After a lingering illness Mr. W. H. Barnett past away last Wednesday. He was a native of Moorabbin district where his parents also lived for many years. He was highly respected as a Christian gentleman, unassuming in nature but an individual who in his public career stood up for what he believed to be right, quite reglardless of the results. He was for several years a representative at the Moorabbin Council table for the old west riding and it was only on the severence question that he was defeated. Mr. Barnett was a gardener by occupation, and a successful one, he took a prominent and active part in the Gardeners' Association and the Picnic Committee. He has been president of the former on more than one occasion. It was towards the end of Sir Thomas Bent's career Mr. Barnett was appointed a Justice of the Peace. For many years the late Mr. Barnett was identified closely with the Cheltenham Mechanics Institute and was a guarantor for a long period. His connection with the bowling club dates back to the inception of the club, he was a former president of that body. For nearly thirty years Mr. Barnett was treasurer of the Church of Christ of which denomination he was a faithful and energetic member. A widow and five children survive him, to whom we extend our sincere sympathy. The funeral took place on Friday, his remains being interred in the Cheltenham Cemetery. Messrs Rose bros attended to the necessary arrangemetns. Mr. S. H. Mudge, minister of the denomination previously mentioned, officiated at the last sad rites. The district is poorer for Mr. Barnett's demise, he was a sturdy pioneer of the locality and one whom the younger generation could imitate with beneficial results. The end has come as it must to us all, but his life's work will live and his influence survive for many years amongst all those with whom he came in contact.

In the name of God Amen I Francis Brangwin Gentleman of Calcut in the parish of Hayford at Bridge and County of Oxford being sick and weak but of perfect mind and memory do make this my last will and testament this eleventh day of November one thousand seven hundred and fifty two and of our Sovereign Lord George the twenty sixth in manner and form following.

Imprimis I recommend my soul into the hands [of] God and my body to the dust from whence it came to be interred without any state or pomp Item I give and bequeath to the poor of this parish the sum of ten pounds to be paid to them within one year after my decease Also I give to the men that carry me to the place of my interment the sum of two shillings and sixpence each Item I give and bequeath to my beloved brother John Brangwin of Barton in this County all my messuages, tenements, hereditaments, fields, lands, enclosured orchards, gardens and all other their appurtenances being in the parishes of Charlton upon Oatmoor, Kirtlington, Dunstew, Calcut, and Hayford at Bridge To have and to hold the same to him his heirs and assigns forever And I do constitute make and appoint my said brother John Brangwin aforesaid my sole executor of this my last will and testament and that he will pay all my debts and the following legacies Item I order and appoint my sister Sarah Newill the sum of five shillings to [be] paid her weekly during her natural life Item I give unto Anne, Mary and Elizabeth the three daughters of my sister Sarah Newill the sum of twenty pounds each to be paid them at the age of twenty five years upon condition they at that age may have a proper settlement and security for the same by marriage etc. and the interest of the said twenty pounds to each of them to commence on the day of my decease But in case they don’t get proper settlement and security as above then the interest of the said money to be continued them during their natural life Item I give unto my niece Hannah Coles the sum of five shillings Item I give unto my niece Sarah Lovell the sum of five shillings It is my will and desire that my executor above named his heirs and assigns etc. see that my beloved sister Anne Norton want for nothing during her natural life and that her estate and income suffer no detriment nor diminition [sic] during the said term and in case that her estate she now enjoys is not sufficient for her maintenance (as it may not be in the case of sickness and so forth) I order and appoint my executor above-named to augment the same that nothing may be wanting to make her life easy and happy And I do by this present revoke and make void all former and other wills by me made heretofore In witness whereof I the said Francis Brangwin have to this my last will and testament contained in one sheet of paper set my hand and seal the day ... written. Francis Brangwin (seal)

Signed sealed and published by the Testator as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us and in his presence. Subscribed and attested by us William Gasey, Eleanor Cotes, her mark X Thomas Williams.

Proved at the visitation of Woodstock 20 June 1753 before the Chancellor of the Diocese of Oxford in the Consistory Court of Oxford by the oath of John Brangwin the sole executor therein named.

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Francis was buried in Lower Heyford, OXF on November 16, 1752. He was the son of Castell Brangwin and Alicia Silverside and their first child. He had been baptised on August 23, 1696 at Lower Heyford. Other children of Castell and Alicia were James (born and died in 1697), Elizabeth (who married John Coles and was the mother of Hannah Coles), John (who was named the executor to the above Will), another James (baptised 1702 and died in early 1728), Sarah (married Francis Newill and had at least three daughters: Anne, Mary and Elizabeth. Research required to establish what happened to these women), Ann (married John Norton).

I hope you have found this edition of the Brangwin Family Newsletter of interest.

Thanks go to Margaret for her invaluable input yet again and Larry Brangwin who supplied the photos used in the Elizabeth Cowan article. Also David for his next installment in the Benjamin saga.

If anyone would like a copy of Ben's "Captains Orders" Margaret is happy to send them to you. She can be contacted at mabrangwyn@tinyworld.co.uk

That's it for this month.

If you have anything you would like to contribute I would like to hear from you.

Until then next month

Lorraine