Welcome to the June 2002 edition of our family newsletter.

In last month's newlstter we looked at part of the Illinois bit of the family. This month we continue with the Illinois theme by looking at the family of Ann Brangwin as well as more of Mary Ann's descendants.

Over the past month we have managed to track down more family members. It is great to see so many of you keeping an eye out for Brangwin references and taking the time to contact Brangwins. Keep up the good work.

Other things this month are:

• Captain Benjamin Brangwin (part 2) from David Brangwyn
• Hugh Whitmore from Mick Whitmore
• Possible origins of the name Brangwyn from Ben Brangwyn
• 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

Captain Benjamin Brangwin and the East India Company
(Part 2)
by David Brangwyn

In my previous article I described Benjamin Brangwin's career as a Captain of two vessels of the East India Company. In 1692 the Elizabeth was captured by the French; we do not know what became of Benjamin in the immediate aftermath. We learn from the company's "Public Despatches to England 1694" that he arrived at Gombroon in Persia from Surat with a consignment of cloth, and travelled on to "Spabawn" (i.e. Isfahan).

By September 1695 Benjamin has begun corresponding with the Company from Isfahan in a series of long letters detailing conditions under which he and his colleagues have to undertake the affairs of the Company in this distant part of Asia. His first letter records the "decay of the credit of the English throughout Persia" and the many impositions placed on them by the local officials. He records that the English "were formerly the most renowned in the kingdom [of Persia] and respected above all other Europeans" but now they were little more regarded than the Armenians "who are little better than slaves".

Further, the English had to endure excessive taxes, late payment of accounts, low credit and "their factory like an Hermitage no Merchant caring to com thither." All this had obviously been going on for some time, as the letter suggests that had Captain Brangwin come sooner, some "inconveniencys" might have been avoided, such as the loss of cloth sustained by "the Armenians unworthy actions" . It seems that other Company officials were not blameless, as this letter speaks of "the Company's Servant going contrary to their interests".

It is as well to bear in mind that all correspondence between Britain and the company's factories was sent in duplicate, one copy sent by ship and the other overland. It could take up to 6 months for a letter to reach its destination; thus the letter referred to above was written in September 1695 and was received in March 1696.

Having gone to Persia as second in command to the Agent, Benjamin himself was appointed Agent in early 1696 following the death of his predecessor, Agent Gladman. Communications at this point had been interrupted by the seizure of four ships by the Portuguese Army, though they were subsequently released.

In a place where fierce competition for trade existed, Benjamin learnt to box clever where necessary. Thus in another letter of June 1696 he informs the Chief of Company Affairs at Gombroon that "necessity hath forced me to cut a wheedle with Aga Doud…"(Doud was a broker). Similarly he advises a colleague on a visit to Muscat (a place on the Persian Gulf) that "if you cannot gett money take goods…"

It was about this time that Benjamin became ill. In July 1696 he writes "I am down again, worse sick than ever, now a complication of maladies I cannot walk well ye length of the room." Another letter on the following day states that Benjamin now has gout in his right hand but "brought so low by A continual bad digestion."

Trade was not improved by the poor quality of goods- we find Benjamin complaining that the cloth from Bengal is "very bad of its sorts and most extraordinary dear. The Dutch have sold before ours came of ye same sorts for less than invoice price."

In his next letter Benjamin relates that "at present being very weak, & just going to the hot waters for 14 or 15 days." He notes in the same letter that the carpet ordered by his colleague is being made; he also finds time to send off a "small box with some fish, tongues, marmalade etc for your own eating..."

In August 1696 Benjamin writes that "it is 4 months and better that I have not dared to touch any [wine] nor eat anything but rice and chickens my stomach being too weak now that it will not digest that either, neither if I eate anything more than what just keeps me alive." Despite his troubles, Benjamin still finds time to encourage his colleague: "things goe cross, but better times are comeing, cheer up…..conquer these difficulties.."

A letter dated October 1696 relates : "Captain Brangwin left Mr. Bruce in Ispahan & departed by the advice of ye Doctors & others on 9th September past to ye hott waters called Abigarme in company with Mr James Raulins & Padree Ioann Francees a Carmelitan fryer & doctor of Physick in hopes by vertue of the medicinall waters to cure himselfe of those many distempers under which he had laboured for 17 months past but it proved the will of the allwise & allmighty God to rid him of them & take him (as we hope) to him selfe & a better state the 20th September past in the 6th day of his having been desperately sick."

That was not the end of the story, as more of Benjamin's affairs comes to light in subsequent correspondence. Next month read more of alleged scandal over his business dealings and his widow's fight for proper financial provision.

Following on from last months article "The Brangwins of Illinois - part 1 - Mary Ann" we will look at Ann this month.

In February we touched on Ann Brangwin. In 1860 she, along with her sister Jane, was living with her aunt Mary Ann and uncle Edward Dodwell in Illinois. Ann's marriage to George Shepherd was also noted. So what happened to Ann?

Ann Brangwin married George Shepherd on March 8, 1863 in Livingston Co, IL. Two daughters were born:

1. Elizabeth Ann
2. Clara May

Ann A. Shepperd living at 416 N. Illinois St. died yesterday of peritonitis. She was 46 years of age. The funeral will be held at 4 o'clock this afternoon at St. Patrick's Church and burial will be in the Catholic Cemetery.

Elizabeth Ann Shepherd was born in Decatur, Macon Co, IL on December 20, 1866. She was the daughter of Ann Brangwin and George Shepherd. Elizabeth never married and died aged 85. The Decatur Review reported her death, thus:

Elizabeth Ann Shepherd, 85, of 560 West Waggoner St. died yesterday morning in the Sergist [not sure of spelling] Nursing Home, 815 East Division St. She had been seriously ill two weeks.

A life-long resident of Decatur she was a member of St. Thomas Catholic Church. She was born in Decatur, Dec 20, 1866, a daughter of George and Ann Shepherd. She was never married.

She is survived by a sister, Clara May Shepherd, Decatur. Two sisters preceded her in death.

The body is in the J. J. Moran funeral home where friends may call after 7 p.m. today.

Requiem high mass will be at 9 a.m. Monday in St. Thomas Church. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.

Clara May Shepherd was the second known daughter born to Ann Brangwin and George Shepherd. According to the Decatur Review of July 13, 1954:

Miss Clara M. Shepherd, 84, 940 N. Edward St. died at 2 a.m. today in St. Mary's Hospital where she had been a patient for a week.

Born in Decatur, Aug 12, 1869, she was the daughter of the late George and Ann Shepherd. She lived here all her life and was a member of the St. Thomas Catholic Church.

Survivors are 6 cousins, four in Decatur.

Requiem high mass will be said Thursday in St. Thomas Church with burial in Calvary Cemetery.

The body is at the J. J. Moran & Sons funeral home where friends may call after 11 a.m. Wednesday. Rosary will be said at 7 p.m. Wednesday.

We have now tidied up the twig that belonged to Ann Brangwin daughter of Thomas and Arletta.

An update on Mary Ann. It appears that Mary Ann and Edward had two children whilst living in New Jersey. There is a birth recorded in the Essex County records in 1850 for a child with Edward Dodwell the father. On January 25, 1852 Mary Ann had a daughter who was named Mary Jane. It would appear that both these children died as infants.

Dorothy Albert has supplied quite a few additional obituaries and they are included here.

[May 13, 1943]

Mrs. Ida Dodwell, 65, Dies After Long Illness

Mrs. Ida Dodwell, 65, died at 3 a.m. today in her home at 948 West Eldorado street, after being in failing health the past year. She underwent a major operation six months ago.

A daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Witt, she was born in Germany, July 23, 1877, and was married to Louis Dodwell in August 1893.

Besides her husband, she leaves two sons, Edward Dodwell and Robert Dodwell, both of Decatur; four daughters, Mrs. Edna Johnson, Mrs. Goldie Stephens and Mrs. Bernice West, all of Decatur, and Miss Freda Dodwell, New Jersey; three brother, John Witt and Herman Witt, both of Chicago, and August Witt of Texas; three sisters, Mrs. Louise Wisnieski, Mrs. Anna Trowbridge and Miss Betty Witt, all of Chicago.

Mrs. Dodwell came to Decatur at the age of 8 from Germany. She was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran church.

Services will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday in the Moran and Sons' funeral home with burial in Fairlawn cemetery. Friends may call after 7 o'clock tonight at the funeral home.

[Her husband Lewis died just over a month later, on June 15, 1943]

Louis Dodwell, Former Mine Engineer, Dies

Louis Dodwell, 71, lifelong resident of Decatur died at 6 a.m. today in his home at 948 West Eldorado street. He had been in poor health for the past five years.

He was born in Decatur, Jan 18, 1872 and on Aug. 2, 1893 he married Miss Ida Witt, who died May 13, 1943.

Formerly a coal mining engineer, Mr. Dodwell was employed for 35 years as a brass molder at the Mueller Co. He retired four years ago last April.

He leaves one brother, George of Decatur and two sisters, Mrs Maude Albert, Bement, and Mrs. Captola Sullivan, Milwaukee, Wis. six children, Mrs. Edna Johnson, Mrs. Bernice West, Mrs. Goldie Stephens, Robert and Edward of Decatur and Miss Freda Dodwell of New Jersey. He also leaves eight grandchildren.

ALBERT J. DODWELL 60, lifelong resident of Decatur died in the home of his sister Mrs. John P [should be T.] Albert near Bement at 2:50 a.m. today after an illness of several days following an apopleptic stroke.

He was born the son of Mr. & Mrs. E. J. Dodwell in Decatur, Oct 4, 1876. He was employed for a number of years by the Mueller Co and the Delahunty Plumbing Co.

Besides the sister, Mrs. Albert, he leaves 3 brothers, Oliver E. Dodwell of Riverton, Lewis A. & George W. Dodwell of Decatur and a sister, Mrs. Captola Sullivan, Milwaukee, Wis.

Funeral Services in the Monson Chapel at 2 p.m. Thursday. Burial in Fairlawn Cem. Friends may call at the Monson Chapel.

[While the obituary says a lifelong resident of Decatur, his father's estate papers said whereabouts unknown and last known address in Chicago]

April 6, 1970

DECATUR

DODWELL

Mrs George (Emma) Dodwell, 95, of 1046 N. Jordan St, died on Sunday in her home.

Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday in St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Friends may call after 4 p.m. today in the Dawson & Wikoff Funeral Home, and at the church from noon until service time Tuesday. Burial will be in Macon County Memorial Park Cemetery.

Mrs. Dodwell was born in Waddenburg, Germany, and came to the United States in 1883. She was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church and the church ladies aid society. She married George Dodwell April 12, 1899, in Decatur. He died in 1954.

Mrs Dodwell leaves sons, Albert and Carl of Decatur; daughters, Ruth, Helen, Mrs. Herbert (Dorothy) Peyer and Mrs Rufus (Clara) Harrison, all of Decatur. Two daughters, a son, three brothers and three sisters preceded her in death.

[Emma was the wife of George W Dodwell, son of Edward John Dodwell and Lucinda G McGinnis and grandson of Mary Ann Brangwin and Edward Dodwell]

[Thursday September 28, 1950]

Edward J. Dodwell, 56, Wabash Employe, Dies

Edward J. Dodwell, 56, a Wabash railroad employe 20 years and a Decatur resident most of his life, died at 11:45 a.m. yesterday in the Wabash Employes hospital.

He suffered a heart attack in the roundhouse earlier in the morning and had been ill since April. He lived at rural route 5.

Mr. Dodwell, a Wabash maintenance man, served in World War I. He was born in Macon county on July 2, 1894, a son of Louis and Ida W. Dodwell. He was married to Minnie Smith.

He leaves his wife, a son, Edward, Jr.; a daughter, Irene Lee; four sisters, Mrs. Edna Johnson; Freda Dodwell; Mrs. Goldie Stephens, and Mrs. Bernice Michaels, and a brother, Robert, all of Decatur. A sister preceded him in death.

Friends may call at J. J. Moran & Sons funeral home after 7 p. m. today. Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday in the funeral home, with burial in Fairlawn cemetery.

[Edward was the son of Lewis D. Dodwell (son of George and Emma) and Ida Witt]

The obituary for Freda Dodwell, daughter of George, was in paper on October 3, 1950. This was after her brother Edward's which was in the paper on September 28, 1950. She had been ill 2 yrs and in the hospital about 10 days, relatives mentioned were the same as his.

[Monday November 27, 1967]

Arthur G. Dodwell Dies

Arthur G. Dodwell, 64, of 1046 N. Jordan died at 5:45 p.m. Saturday while riding in a city bus.

Mr. Dodwell was born July 4, 1903, in Decatur, a son of George and Emma Boehm Dodwell. He was a retired construction worker.

He was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church ... War II.

Survivors include his mother; two brothers, Albert and Carl; four sisters, Ruth, Helen, Mrs. Rufus (Clara) Harrison and Mrs. Herbert E. (Dorothea) Peyer, all of Decatur.

Arrangemetns are incomplete at the Dawson & Wikoff Funeral Home.

HARRISON

Rufus Harrison, 83, of Decatur died 4:09 p.m. Wednesday (Oct. 7, 1987) in St. Mary's Hospital.

Services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday in St Paul's Lutheran Church, with vistation 6 to 8 p.m. Friday in Dawson & Wikoff West Wood Street Funeral Home and at 9 a.m. Saturday in the church. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery. Memorials: St. Paul's Lutheran Church Building Fund.

Mr. Harrison was born in Carmi, son of Thomas and Ollie Harrison. He was retired from Union Iron Works and was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church. He married Clara E. Dodwell in 1925.

Surviving are his wife; son, Kenneth E. of Decatur; daughter, Mrs Stanley (Dolores) Grotjan of Decatur; sisters, Lola Falk and Mrs Edwin (Dorothy) Jinks, both of Decatur; stepbrothers, Buddy Thornell of Ohio; Clyde Thornell of Marion, Ind.; Jack Thornell of Decatur; stepsister, Viola Clinton of Decatur; nine grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren.

[Rufus's wife, Clara E Dodwell, was the daughter of George W Dodwell and Emma Boehn. Emma's obituary appears above.]

[February 10, 1999]

Herbert Peyer

... Home, and one hour before services Monday in the church. memorials: St. Paul's Lutheran Church.

Mr. Peyer was born in Decatur on March 6, 1910, the son of Henry William and Anna Barbara Ott Peyer. He was a lifelong member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church where he was baptized on March 18. 1910, and confirmed on March 25, 1923. He taught Sunday School for 29 years and served on numerous boards and committees in the church. He was co-owner of Decatur Battery Service for many years and then was the pro shop manager at Plamore Lanes until his retirement. He was a lifelong devoted Chicago Cubs baseball fan. He married Dorothea Martha Dodwell on June 3, 1934, and they celebrated 64 years of marriage.

Surviving are his wife; sons, David and wife Susan of Portland, Ore,; Richard and wife Betty of Ocean Isle Beach, N.C.; grandchildren, maria, Angela, Rebecca and Monica; Jonathan, Brock and Shannon, Stephanie and Erin; great-grandchildren, Sarah and Grace, tanner and Alex, Amanda and Jordan; sister, Edna Foerster of Decatur; numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Carl and William, and sister, Margaret.

Dodwell

DECATUR - Edward John Dodwell Jr., 55, of Decatur died 11:40 a.m. Friday (March 27, 1998) in St. John's Hospital, Springfield. Services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday in Dawson & Wikoff West Wood Street Funeral Home with visitation 6 to 8 p.m. Monday. Burial will be in North Fork Cemetery. Memorials to the estate of Edward J. Dodwell Jr.

Mr. Dodwell was born in Decatur on June 7, 1942, the son of Edward John and Minnie B. Smith Dodwell Sr. He work for 37 years for Northtown Ford where he was bodyshop manager. He was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church and a 1960 graduate of lakeview high School. He enjoyed car shows and flea markets. He married Barbara J. West in Decatur on May 11, 1962.

Surviving are his wife; daughter Katrina J. hartman and husband David of Mount Zion; son Edward "John" Dodwell III and wife Suzanne "Suzy" of Decatur, sister Irene Lee Rankin and husband Dewey of Decatur, mother minnie B. Dodwell of Decatur; grandchildren, Rachel and Ryan Hartman and Chelsea and Craig Dodwell; several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father in 1950

Dodwell

DECATUR - Carl martin Dodwell, 84, of Decatur died at 12:48 p.m. Friday (March 10, 2000) in his home.

A private graveside service will be held with military honors by the Macon County Honor Guard. There will be no visitation. In lieu of flowers family suggests memorials to St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Dawson & Wikoff West Wood Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Dodwell was born in Decatur, May 21, 1915, the son of George and Emma Boehn Dodwell. He was a life member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church. He retired from Mueller Co. after more than 40 years during which time he was Plant Controller and Corporate Internal Auditor. Mr. Dodwell was a member of many professional accounting organizations and was also a member of the Decatur Bowling Hall of Fame. He was a U.S. Army Veteran of World War II. He married Pauline Herman May 6, 1951. She preceded him in death Jan. 22, 1996.

Surviving are his daughter, Carole A. Dodwell of Decatur; sisters Helen Anna Dodwell and Dorothea Peyer both of Decatur.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, two brothers and four sisters.

Waltham St. Lawrence Church sits in an idyllic setting in the centre of a quiet village, well away from passing traffic. A farmyard on one side and the superb Wealden-built Bell Inn on the other. The Newbery family who set up one of the earliest printing businesses are buried in the churchyard and scratch marks on the masonry by the main south door are popularly thought to have been made by the devout going on Crusade. Inside, the church gives the impression of being very tall and narrow. The striking Jacobean style pulpit was only made in 1870 from more ancient panelling, but the font is 15th century and shows traces of a lock to keep devil-worshippers away from the holy-water. There is a large wall monument featuring several of the Nevilles of Billingbear House, but it is hidden behind the organ in the north chapel. The south chapel is now used as a church hall.

Architecture: 14th & 15th century flint and stone with Victorian details. Interior demonstrates its Norman origins.

Monuments: Sir Henry Neville 1593 Kneeling figures; Katherine Thomas 1658 Urn on a Column.

[The above description was found on the Britiania site at http://www.britannia.com/church/studies/ ]

This article was written by Mick Whitmore for the Whitmore family site.

Hugh Whitmore

Hugh was born on the 15th of January 1902. He married Sybil Brangwin (who was born on the 4th of April 1906) on the 23rd of June 1928. In 1988, they received a telegram from the Queen while they celebrated their Diamond Wedding. Hugh and Sybil had two children, Jillian, born in 1930, and Michael (Mick), born in 1943.

Hugh left school early to work on his father’s farm (Colemans, at Breachwood Green) during World War I. He was driving steam engines, motor bikes and cars on the road at the age of 12!

He later worked for A T Olivers at both Wandon End and later in Shefford. Whilst working at Wandon End, he and Sybil lived at Coleman’s farm with his parents and here Jillian was born in 1930.

He met Sybil via Kings Walden Tennis Club. She was the daughter of John Alfred Brangwin who was the blacksmith at Crutchmore, just down the road from Wandon End, nr Tea Green.

During the height of the depression the family moved to Mixes Hill, Stopsley on the outskirts of Luton and Hugh became an inspector at Vauxhall and worked there during WWII, later joining his father-in-law at Crutchmore where he trained soldiers in the farrier skills necessary to repair vehicles and infrastructure on active duty. Hugh was an ARP Warden whilst at Stopsley.

Hugh became self-employed at the end of the war and the family moved to Minsden Farm near Preston village in 1946, where he worked as an Agricultural Engineer for the local farmers. In 1948 they moved to the Old Bakery in Preston, which was two old cottages knocked into one, with about ¾ of an acre wilderness around it. He changed the name to the Old Forge and began to develop it as a small service station (Garage in those days) with two Esso pumps. He used the existing barns as workshops and gradually converted the wilderness into a garden. For 20 years the Old Forge was the focal point for petrol and car, tractor and farm machinery repairs for Preston, Kings Walden and all the local hamlets and Farms.

When Hugh and Sybil retired they moved to Lavender Way, Hitchin in 1964 and Hugh worked for the local toy and Cycle company Munts for some years. In 1969 he retired completely and he and Sybil moved to St Just-in-Penwith, 4 miles from Lands End, Cornwall. Here they stayed, Hugh following the local hunt and continuing to drive until his late 80s – his veteran Motorists badge had 75 years on it! He helped Sybil with her various artistic projects, framing her paintings and polishing and setting her pebble jewellery. Both died of old age, but lived long enough to see their six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Hugh died at Chy Byghan Residential Home, Sunny Corner Lane, Sennen Cove in January 1995.

The following item is a transcription from documents held on Cumner, Berkshire. It contains a number of references to francis Brangwin. Francis was the son of John Brangwin and Mary Beal. He was baptised at Steeple Barton, OXF on August 13, 1749. He died in May 1819 at Chawley, BRK and was buried at Steeple Barton. [See the April 2001 Newsletter for further details of this part of the family]

MS BERKS ROLLS 33.
VIEW OF FRANKPLEDGE and Court Baron. 24th April 1813.

Thomas Metcalfe Esq., Steward.
John Thomas Stevens, the bailiff, appeared.

Wytham 2s. certainty money
Abingdon 2s. "
Cumner 1s.
Botley 1s.
Hillend 1s.
Chawley 1s
Stroud 1s
Swi nfor d 1s.
Whitley 1s
N. Hinks ey 1s.
S.Hinksey 1s
Kennington 1s.
Grandpound. 1s.
Norcott 1s
Thrupwick 1s.
Besselsleigh 1s.

The Jury and Homage

Francis Brangwin foreman
James Hedges Salisbury Richards
Thomas Stone Frederick Saunders
Busby Godfrey Richard Allen
Richard Stone, senr. John Gardner
Joseph Fisher Richard Tredwell
John Hedges Richard Hall
Bartholomew Innes William Gardner

 

AS TO THE COURT LEET

John Saunclers continued High Constable
Cumner John Hutt continued constable
Wythham William Laxton continued constable
Chawley Carey Godfrey, junr. continued constable
Stroud John Tubb continued constable
Hillend William Adams do.
Witley William Cox do.
N: Hinkscv Edward Hunt do.
S Hinksey Thomas Falkner do.
Grandpound Charles Bossom do.
Kennington William Beck tithingman
Norcott William Aldworth do.
Thrupp Joseph Badcock do.
Besselsleigh John Hosier do.
Swinford John Hedges do.
Wytham Joseph Hastings do
Kennington and S.Hinksey Thomas Carter appointed Hayward.

 

The jury and Homage present that the tenants of Grand Pound Owe suit of court and at this day made default in attending.
This court was adjourned to Wednesday the 27th of October next at 11 o'clock in the forenoon.

At the Court Baron and Court of Survey he1d on 21 st of October 1813 pursuant to the adjournment thereof
The Jury ant Homage present that Charles Stone , the only life named in Copy of Court Roll 23.11.1754, under which he held one messuage ancl one yard land called Gunnetts late in possession of William Perry, died. Rachel Stone , his widow, entitled to be admitted and is admitted for her widowhood. Similarly as regards Smithers and Cocks late in possession of William Perry. Rachel Stone admitted.
Rachel Stone also admitted to a messuage and cottage, 47 acres etc,(see 5.4.1756)

Presented: Dennis Willis who held for her widowhoocl a messuage and one yard land, in Cumner died, and estate fell in.
Presented. That.the messuage and premises and weir in Cumner mead now in the occupation of Abel Skinner are out of repair and to be repaired by September lst. Penalty £10.
Presented: That the several messuages or tenements and Premises in the several occupations of William Hunt, Elizabeth Morris and Baldwin as under-tenants to Richard Tredwell are out of repair. To be repaired by the persons entitled to do the same by September
1st. Penalty £20.

Bridget Saunders brought indenture of lease 19.10.1786 whereby the late Earl demised to Ralph Butler a messuage in Cumner and 5 yardlands with appurtenances to the said messuage belonging lying dispersed in the common lands, a cottage called Yelbury with 2 closes of pasture, one called Home Close containing 8 acres and the other called Rockley containing 12 acres, also 22 acres in the common meadow 'for 99 years if William Butler then aged 22 years, Ralph Butler then aged 20 years and John Butler then aged 19 years or either of them should so long live - rent £2. 10s for the messuage and 5 yardlands and 3s 4d for the cottage. All the lives in existence..

Bridget Saunders also brought assignment of above dated 5.4.1796.

Bridget Saunders also brought indenture of lease L3.4.1796 whereby Willoughby, Earl of Abingdon, demised to John Yeats a messuage or tenement and homestead containing one acre 2 roods and 66 acres in the common fields and 10 acres 1 rood in the common meadow ard 6 acres of furze lots in Cumner, and common for 2.5 yard lands, for 99 veare if John Yeats then aged 69 years, John Yeats his son aged 41 and Elizabeth King aged 32 years or either of them should so long live. Rent £1 48. - All lives in existence. Assignment to Bridget Saunders from John Yeate.

Richard Allen brought indenture of lease 10.10.1896 whereby Willoughby, Earl of Abingdon, demises a tenement cottage and garden also 8 acres of land for 99 years if Richard Allen age 26, Rachel his wife 28 years and Charlotte Allen his sister 32 years or either of them should so long live. Rent 6s. Richard Allen and Rachel the only lives in existence.

John Hutt also brought copy of court roll 23.10.1798 - revertion of one messuage 27 acres of land and ley ground in the fields of Cumner, Home Close containing 1 acre, in the common meadow three & three-quarter acres and common of pasture for 1 yardland and four & a half acres of furze (except a small bit of garden ground occupied by Robert Allen) after Sarah Hutt his mother. Rent 10s.

John Hutt also brought copy of court roll 23.10.1798 - grant of cottage and 3 acres of arable land in Long Hams field and a piece of waste containing 10 poles, for the lives of the said John Hutt aged 29 years and George Smith 29 years and the life of the longest liver. Rent 2 s. Both lives in existence.

Robert Allen brought indenture of a lease 12.10.1765 whereby Willoughby, Earl of Abingdon, demised to William Ally a messuage and farm and One yardland in Cumner, the yardland consisting
of 32 acres of arable one close containing one & a half acres and 3 acres of meadow in the common mead with such common of pasture as then or theretofore did belong to the said premises when.the same
were in the occupation of Tomlins, for 99 years if the said William Alley, Hannah Allen and the said Robert Allen then aged 12 years or either of them should so long live - Rent £1.
Heriot £1 payable on death of each life dying in possession. Robert Allen only life in existence

Said Robert Allen brought copy of Court Roll 26.10.1797 - grant of Cottage and orchard in Cumner late Charles Capels for the
lives of said Robert Allen aged 41 years and Robert Stone 3 years and the life of longest liver of them. Rent 4s. Both lives in existence.

William Gardner brought indenture of lease 20.15.1786 whereby Willoughby, Earl of Abirigdon, demised unto William Jemmett of Little Milton in then county of Oxford Esquire a messuage or tenement with appurtenances in Wood End in the parish of Cumner with 4 closes in Wood End called Wardens, a close of arable land called Clauson and 1 acre of mowing ground In Cumner Meadow and common of pasture for half a yard land, for 99 years if said William Jemmett aged 31 years, Bett Bruce Jemmett 7 years and Thomas Stevens or either of them should so long live. Rent 10s. William Jemmett only life in existence.

Francis Brangwin brought indenture of assignment to him of a piece of land in Cumner Common field called the sands, part of the premises granted to Charles Stone by indenture of lease dated 20.5.1786 for 99 years if said Charles Stone, Rache1 his wife and Ann Stone their daughter or either of them should so long live.

Richard Hall brought an indenture of lease dated 1st March 1791 whereby Willoughby, Earl of Abingdon, demised. unto Richard Hall deceased a messuage or tenement in Botlev with the outhouses and backside thereto belonging, a close of arable or pasture land called Home Close containing -- acres, one other close of pasture called Prince Close containing 1 acre 2 roods and 6 acres of land in Botley and Hill End and 1 acre 2 roods of meadow ground, 10 acres of furze in Botley Hurst and a piece or parcel of ground containing 3 roods all which premises were reputed for a half yard land and common of pasture for a half yard land and 2 tenements or cottages with the gardens and appurtenances for 99 years if said Richard Hall aged 64, his son Richard Hall aged 29 years and Frances Hall his daughter aged 31 years or either of them should so long live. Rent 18s. 4d. Heriot £1. 16s. 8d. Richard Hall the son the only life in existence.

The said Richard Hall brought an indenture of assignment dated November 1810 whereby Thomas Ensworth assigned to him a piece of land called Rock Elm piece containing 6 acres 3 roods 1 perch in Chawley being part of the premises contained in an indenture of lease dated 7.5. 1795 granted to Rev. Richard Neale and George Birch gent.

The said Richard Hall also brought an indenture of assignment from Rachel Stone to him of Stone field containing 8 acres 3 roods, parcel of premises demised to Charles Stone by indenture of lease 20.5.1786.

Thomas Richards brought an indenture of lease 21.6.1798 whereby Willoughby, Earl of Abingdon, demised unto Thomas Richards deceased a tenement and 1 yardland in Stroud in the parish of Cumner called Whitleys and 1 toft and half yardland in Stroud called Rutters, a close called Woodbreach, 1 toft and half yardland called Nokes, 1 toft called Billocks and one piece of demense land in the top field of Wytham, for 99 years if James Richards aged 32 years, Thomas Richards aged 25 years and Benjamin Richards aged 24 years (son of the said Thomas Richards) should so long live. Rent £2. 3s 8d. All living.

Robert Jessott brought indenture of lease 1.10.1792 whereby Willoughby, Earl of Abingdon, demised to him a messuage or tenement called the George with yard or garden thereto adjoining and appurtenances in Botley for 99 years if Robert Jessott 25 years, Hester Jessott his daughter and Robert Curtis, son of James Curtis of Oxford, mercer, aged 8 years, should so long live. Rent 2s 6d.

John Francis Spenlove brought indenture of lease 29.1.1795 whereby Willoughby, Earl of Abingdon, demised unto him a messuage or tenement and premises with appurtenances called the Vine Public House in Cumner, to hold after the decease of -- Trinder, widow, for 99 years if the said J.F.Spenlove and John Tramplett aged 8 years, son of John Tramplett of Abingdon, should so long live. J.F.Spenlove only life in existence. Rent 6s 8d.

Ex. Tho. Metcalf, Steward

Brangwyn and its variations - the possible origins
from Ben Brangwyn

What are the options?

There appear to be two possibilities:

• Branwen, a Goddess and tragic figure from medieval literature.
• Bryngwyn, a place in Wales

Who was Branwen?

Branwen features in many stories. She is a key character in a 14th century compilation of Welsh stories as the sister of Bran the Blessed, and daughter of Llyr. It's a tragic tale. In some stories she is considered the Lady of the Lake in Arthurian times. Above all, she is considered to be the Goddess of Love and Beauty and another aspect of the maiden side of the Triple Goddess (matriarca) (Maiden, Mother, Crone).

The apparently very active Wiccan movement has adopted her as a very important goddess, citing her as an inspiration and source for spiritual enrichment and advancement.

Where is this place Bryngwyn?

There are records of manor in Monmouthshire named Bryngwyn (i.e. white hill).

How did Branwen (maybe) turn into Brangwyn (and variations)?

This section is compiled from Heather Rose Jones discussion paper on this matter, "Concerning the Names Branwen, Bronwen and the Like", http://www.medievalscotland.org/problem/names/branwen.shtml

Branwen to Branguain - the Arthurian connection

In the French versions of the romance of Tristan and Isolde, there appears a character named Brangain or Branguain. Bromwich notes that several parallels between the (relatively minor) character of Branguain in the Tristan romance and the Welsh tale of Branwen support the theory that Branguain represents a borrowing, not just of the name, but of the character herself.

Branguain to Brangwayna - the Suffolk connection

There is a single example of the ordinary use of Brangwayna as a woman's name in 1250 in Suffolk. This ordinary use of the name Brangwayna has no other plausible origin than the character in the French romance. There was an extensive family line connected to property in Suffolk and London that could well have spawned the Brangwyn (+variations) line.

Brangwayna to Brangwayn - Brangwayna as a given English name

Reaney & Wilson connect the surname Brangwayn with the given name Brangwayna -- perhaps understandably, given the Suffolk connection and the extreme similarity of the spellings.

Or was Bryngwyn in Monmouthshire the origin?

There is a surname that appears in Welsh records, deriving from a manor in Monmouthshire named Bryngwyn (i.e. white hill). The placename appears in the following forms: Brengwein 1254, Brangwayn ca. 1291, Brangwayne or Bryngweyn 1312-13, Brangwayn 1348, and Bryngwyn 1349 (also the modern form of the name).

Conclusion

The two options are either a Celtic goddess or a hill in Monmouthshire. Take your pick. The information I've been able to gather isn't fully conclusive either way.

The Celtic goddess makes for a more romantic connection, and her tragic tale will be included in the next edition of the newsletter.

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

I would like to thank David and Ben for their articles as well as Margaret for her invaluable input yet again; Dorothy for the many obituaries that appear in this edition and Mick for Hugh Whitmore's obit.

That's it for this month. Next month we will look at another part of the family. And who knows what else will be featured!

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

Until then next month

Lorraine