Nott and Wright Family History: Ch:10- Nott Ancestry- Cornwall

THE NOTT FAMILY OF GORRAN IN THE COUNTY OF CORNWALL, ENGLAND

Gorran Churchtown and the neighbouring Gorran Haven are in south central Cornwall, between St Austall and Falmouth. Trevarrick farmlands are just off the Gorran Highlanes.

It is possible that the farmland of Trevarrick was mentioned in the Domesday Book. In approximately the same position, there is a description of a farmland named 'Treworrick'.

Translation:

Terms:

v= virgate

h= hide- normally 120 acres

"Cornish acre seems to have been larger than the acre of other parts of England"

DOMESDAY BOOK LIST for

Central Cornwall- Domesday Book map

Treworrick = 48

A street through Gorran Churchtown, Cornwall

Map of Gorran Churchtown, Trevarrick, Gorran High Lanes, and Gorran Haven

Richard Dolman, the Nott family historian from England has thoroughly researched the Notts of Gorran for many decades and has generously shared his research with fellow Nott descendants. He descends from Sarah Dolman nee Nott daughter of Joseph Nott and Elizabeth Searle of Gorran. The following information on the Nott ancestry comes courtesy of Richard Dolman (dated March 2000).
Notably Richard Dolman is a DNA match with the author of this blog who is descended from Sarah Nott's brother Philip Nott, both children of Joseph Nott and Elizabeth Searle, making us third cousins, and sharing a total of 112cM of DNA, with a single longest segment of 42cM.

Richard wrote:

“Because of no surviving Parish records in Gorran prior to 1661, I am not able to find any marriages or baptisms to follow any line down from JAMES NOTT who died in Gorran in 1638 leaving a Will, to our earliest known Nott ancestor Joseph Nott”.

A document in the Cornwall records office relates to the Notts of Gorran:
LEASE & COUNTERPART, Date 10 November 1692, for 99 years, on life of James Nott, son of James Nott of Gorran, yeoman; to commence after deaths of James Nott Snr, and James Nott, brother of William Nott deceased.
Property Moiety of Penhale, Laworran and Mengwins, otherwise Notts Tenement in Gorran, late in the tenure of William Nott, deceased, and now of James Nott of Gorran Yeoman; tin and timber rights reserved to Sir John Arundell of Lanherne. Consideration £35; Rent 14s.9 1/2 d. Two capons yearly or 2s.0d. One harvest journey or 4d. Heriot of one best beast or £3 on death of the life.
Covernants:
To do common suit to the court of the manor
To act as reeve of so elected
To act as a conventionary tenant of the manor
To repair and maintain the property
High rents, etc., to be dealt with by Sir John Arundell of Lanherne

Generation 1

JOSEPH NOTT SENIOR

This line of the Nott family dates back to JOSEPH NOTT SENIOR who was born in 1665 in Gorran, Cornwall, England. He died about 11 April 1750 in Gorran. He married THAMASINE BARRETT on 12 October 1686 in Gorran. Her birthdate is unknown, but she died in 1689 in Gorran, just three years after their marriage, leaving two infant children.

Joseph Nott signed a Will dated 15 December 1747 in which he stated said that, having outlived his surviving son Joseph Nott, he made his grandson Benjamin Nott his sole executor. Joseph owned many properties in the Gorran area and he divided these up between his great grandchildren. Many of these properties are still in existence today- not the actual buildings, but the names survive, in farms, fields and areas around Gorran.

Joseph Nott was buried 11 April 1750 at Gorran Churchyard Cemetery.

St Gorran Parish Church

In his Will his bequests were:

1) Rice Tenement formally called Darb’ns Close, to Great grandson Richard Nott

2) Carkeets Tenement at Higher Treveson (Gorran) to Great Grandson Joseph Nott

3) Milferds Tenement to Great Grandson Benjamin Nott

4) House Tenement to Benjamin Nott, his Grandson

5) 30 Pounds to Great Granddaughter Tamson Nott (at age 16)

6) 2 Pound 10 shillings to Ann Sepen his servant maid (for her life)

7) One Guinea (to buy a ring) to cousin Mary Nott

8) One Guinea to cousin James Nott

9) The Poor of the Parish 20 shillings after one year

10) Purse and geardal (girdle) to executor Benjamin Nott who was also named as trustee over his grandchildren.

Issue of JOSEPH NOTT and THAMASINE BARRETT:

1. JOSEPH NOTT JUNIOR, born 2 February 1686 in Gorran. He died/was buried 12 December 1732 in Gorran. He married JOANNA MICHEL on 23 May 1713 in Gorran.

2. BENJAMIN NOTT, born 7 April 1689 in Gorran and died 3 August 1690, aged 1 year.

Generation 2

JOSEPH NOTT JUNIOR

JOSEPH NOTT was born 2 February 1686 in Gorran, and died/ buried 12 December 1732 in Gorran. He married JOANNA MICHELL on 23 May 1713 in Gorran, daughter of RICHARD MICHELL and PARNELL SCANTELL. Joanna was born on 21 October 1682 in Gorran, and died on 29 October 1763 in Gorran.

According to Richard Dolman:

“Joseph Nott left no Will although an inventory of his Estate was completed, which was agreed in ‘probate’ on 24 April 1733 to Joan the widow and relict of the deceased.
The inventory was taken on 30 August 1732 by a Thomas Davies with William Wills. The inventory makes interesting reading as it illustrates the kind of possessions, farm implements and animals owned by people of that time. It ranges from “his purse and girdle and wearing apparel” valued at £2. 10s. to include his household effects (a long list) to his stock of:

horses- £5. 2s. 6d;

colts £6. 12s. 6p.;

oxen £8;

cowes £5. 12s.6d;

calfs £2. 17s.;

goose, ducks and poultry 10s.

The most value being on:

wheat in the mowhay £32. 10s.

barley £13. 2s

oates £4. 10s.

The total estate valued at £131. 8s”

Issue of JOSEPH NOTT AND JOANNA MICHELL:

1. BENJAMIN NOTT, born 26 January 1713, Gorran; died/buried 15 February 1767 at Gorran; married THOMASINE VERCOE 19 February 1736 at Gorran.

2. THOMASINE NOTT, born 24 January 1715 Gorran; died 3 January 1716 Gorran

3. JOSEPH NOTT, born 8 October 1717 Gorran; died 14 November 1717

4. JOSEPH NOTT, born 29 September 1718 Gorran; died 1739

5. THOMASINE NOTT, born 7 December 1721 Gorran; died 10 September 1729 Gorran

6. JOANNA NOTT, born 19 November 1726 Gorran; died 24 March 1768 Gorran

Generation 3

BENJAMIN NOTT

BENJAMIN NOTT, born 26 January 1713 at Gorran; buried 15 February 1767 at Gorran. He married THOMASINE VERCOE on 19 February 1736 at Gorran. She was daughter of RICHARD VERCOE and THOMACINE BROAD, and was born 14 February 1716 at Gorran, and died 28 May 1808 at Gorran.

Benjamin Nott died in February 1767 and just to the right of the Gorran Church entrance door there is the headstone for the grave of Benjamin and Thomasine Nott:

BENJAMIN NOTT OF THIS PARISH

IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD

WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE 13 February 1767 AGED 56

ALSO TO THE MEMORY OF HIS WIFE… (the rest is buried below ground level)

St. Gorran Parish Church side entrance

Benjamin Nott had an estate inventory dated 7 August 1767. His administration was granted to his wife Thomasine. She died in May 1808 aged 93 years of age and was buried 28 May.

Thomasine signed a Will dated 1 April 1797. The Will states:

I give and bequeath unto my son John Nott the sum of Twenty five pounds to be paid to him in five equal yearly payments, the first payment of one fifth part thereof to be made at the end of one year next after my decease and to continue from year to year till the said sum of twenty-five pounds shall be fully paid.

I give unto my son James Nott the sum of seventy pounds to be paid to him in five equal yearly payments in such manner and at such times as the aforesaid legacy is directed to be paid to my said son John Nott.

I give unto my daughter Thomasine Blamey the widow of William Blamey late of the Parish of Veryan in the said county, Yeoman, deceased, the sum of five pounds to be paid to her at the end of six months next after my decease.

I give and bequeath all the residue and remainder of my goods, chattels, and personal estate whatsoever and where forever (subject to the payment of my debts, funeral charges and the several legacies herein before by me given and bequeathed) unto my sons Benjamin Nott and Nicholas Nott equally to be divided between them share and share alike as Tenants in Common and to their several executors, administrators and assigns according to the nature and quality of the same premises respectfully and I do hereby constitute and appoint my said son Nicholas Nott sole executor of this my Will hereby revoking all other wills by me at any time heretofore made. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year first above written,

Tamzen Nott

Signed and sealed by the above named Thomasine Nott the Testatrix and by her published and declared as and for her last will and testament in the presence of us

signed John Nott

sign X of Mary Jenkin

NB. No legacy was left to her son William Nott, her sixth child.

Issue of BENJAMIN NOTT and THOMASINE VERCOE:

1. RICHARD NOTT, born 24 February 1737 at Gorran; died 12 April 1821 at Penair Cornwall. He married ELIZABETH EDY 20 February 1776 at Gorran. She wa born c.1714 at Gorran and died 1 June 1816 at Penair.

2. BENJAMIN NOTT, born 12 February 1739 at Gorran; died 17 April 1821 at Gorran. Signed a Will 9 April 1821 in which he left everything to his brother Nicholas Nott.
The Will states: I, Benjamin Nott of the parish of Gorran and the county of Cornwall do hereby find myself to be in a weak and low state of body but in perfect mind and understanding thanks God for it, do at this time yeald my sole (sic) and Body to the will of the Almighty God my dear Redeemer… First I give of my worldly goods five pounds in money to my servant Ann Cutty to be paid her in one month after my Decease, and all the Rest of my Worldly goods I give unto my brother Nichs. Nott, both goods and chattels, lands and tenements and everything else that I now possess or enjoy from this time forward. Revoking all former will or wills if any, As witness my hand this 9 day of April 1821, signed Benjamin X Nott. Will proved on 25 September 1821, granted to Nicholas Nott the brother of the said deceased named in the will…

3. THOMASINE NOTT, born 13 January 1741 at Gorran; died after 1799; married WILLIAM BLAMEY 28 December 1761 at Gorran- he also died before 1799.

4. JOSEPH NOTT, born 25 April 1744 at Gorran; died 1801 at St. Austall, Cormwall; married CATHERINE WHETTER 22 April 1770 at Gorran. She was born 15 January 1748 at Gorran and died unknown. Joseph was landlord of the New Inn, Fore Street, St Austall by 1813 in the West Britain newspaper; in 1821 he advertised for the Inn to be let in the Gazette, and in 1822 set up in the Fountain, West End, St Austall.

5. JOANNA NOTT, born 27 April 1747 at Gorran; died 23 May 1747 at Gorran

6. WILLIAM NOTT, born 1748 at Gorran; died 22 August 1825 at Gorran; married FLORENCE WENNAN 4 August 1771 at Gorran

7. JOHN NOTT, born 13 January 1750 at Gorran; died unknown

8. JOAN NOTT, born 26 December 1752 at Gorran; died unknown; married RICHARD HENNA 5 November 1791 at Gorran (born 1738, d?)

9. JAMES NOTT, born 30 December 1754 at Gorran; died 11 April 1818 at Gorran

10. NICHOLAS NOTT, born 9 July 1757 at Gorran; died 20 November 1825 at Gorran; de-facto THOMASINE NOTT (his niece), daughter of brother William Nott and Florence Wennan. She was born 31 October 1773 at Gorran and died 18 May 1797 at Gorran. Nicholas had an illegitimate child by his older brother’s daughter Thomasine. It has been suggested that she may have been working as her uncle’s housekeeper when daughter Thomasine was conceived. The child was named Thomasine and was born 20 January 1796, her mother dying the following year. Nicholas did acknowledge the child and bequeathed to he through a trust, all his considerable property. On her marriage to Samuel James of St Michael, Carhayes on 29 August 1822, Nicholas was one of the witnesses and the marriage was performed with “consent of friends”. Nicholas did not marry. He signed a Will dated 21 June 1823. All his property was left to Richard Nicholls, gentleman of Mevagissey, in trust and to be administered by him on behalf of his daughter Thomasine James nee Nott. Her husband was not to have any handling of the property and on her death it was to go to her son Nicholas Nott James.

Generation 4

WILLIAM NOTT

WILLIAM NOTT, was born in 1748 at Gorran, and christened at the Gorran Parish Church on 30 July 1748. He died 22 August 1825 at Gorran. He married FLORENCE WENNAN 4 August 1771 at Gorran, daughter of JOHN WENNAN and ANNE VERCOE. She was born 7 December 1746 at Gorran and died 12 July 1816 at Gorran.

William was a carpenter in the 1771 Census, and was later a yeoman farmer at Trevarrick Farm. He married a local girl and they had nine children.

A book “The History of Cornwall” by Rev. Richard Polwhele, published by Cornish Press, Truro in 1806 (p34), discusses the popular sport of wrestling in Cornwall in the 17th and 18th centuries, and William Nott is mentioned as a noted "Cornish wrestler":

In wrestling, agility will often prevail over strength. From the following narrative, it should seem that Mr Tonkin was fond of the sport. “Our most noted wrestler (says he) is Mr Littleton Weynorth, who I believe still living, A.D. 1716. He had the honour to wrestle, several times, with great applause, before Charles II, being introduced by the old Earl of Radnor. Yet this famous wrestler was foiled, I cannot say thrown by Mr Thomas Hosken; at a time when the present Charles Bodville Earl of Radnor, landlord to them both, was desirous to see a trial of skill between them. But then the one was old and stiff, and the other in his prime, dying before he was 40 years old.” “James Harris of St Agnes, a famous wrestler, shortened his days by the sport.” “I know no one now living who excels Charles Dawe of St Goran, either in strength, skill or neat playing; for which he has been admired by all who have seen him, having several times wrestled in public places, when considerable sums were laid on his head. Neither must I forget my honest friend WILLIAM NOTT of the same parish, a substantial farmer, who generally came out of the green, a conqueror: but he is now grown too old and stiff for the sport.” *

(* Tonkins MS, notes on Carew)

At least four of William's sons, John Thomas, William and Nicholas, became carpenters.

William signed a Will dated 21 May 1825. For reasons unknown, in his Will, William left Trevarrick to his youngest son Nicholas who became a farmer and Trevarrick has since passed down through his descendants who were farming there until the 1980’s. Nicholas was also named Executor of his Will. John, William’s eldest son (who was 53 at the time of his death) was left 1 shilling in the Will, as were the other children.

The Will states:

“In the name of God amen, I, William Nott of the Parish of Gorran in the County of Cornwall, Yeoman, being weak in body yet sound of mind, memory and understanding do make this my last will and testament in the manner following:

I give unto my son John Nott, one shilling

I give unto my son William Nott, one shilling

I give unto my son Thomas Nott, one shilling

I give unto my daughter Mary Slyman, one shilling

I give unto my daughter Susanna Wright, one shilling

All other the remainder of my effects of every description whatsoever, both personal and real, I give unto my son Nicholas Nott whom I make the sole executor of this my last will and testament, disavowing and disallowing all others by me made in witness whereof I have hereto set my hand and seal the 21^st day of May 1825.

Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of Joseph Secombe and Thomas Whetter.

Signed William Nott

Signature of William Nott on his Will 1825

There is a note attached to the will when it was proved stating the estate was valued at between £2 and £200

Florence Nott died in 1816, nine years before William. Their gravestone is in the small cemetery attached to the Gorran Parish Church, to the front left of the church, and is inscribed

IN THE MEMORY OF WILLIAM NOTT OF THIS PARISH
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE ON THE 22ND AUGUST 1825 AGED 78

ALSO IN MEMORY OF FLORENCE WIFE OF WILLIAM NOTT

WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE ON 12^th JULY 1816 AGED 70.

St. Gorran Church graveyard- Grave of William and Florence Nott in front left

Gravestone of William and Florence Nott

Issue of WILLIAM NOTT and FLORENCE WENNAN:

1. JOHN NOTT, born 7 June 1772 at Gorran; died 9 March 1852 at Gorran; married MARY PEARCE 22 November 1798 at Gorran.

2. THOMASINE NOTT, born 31 October 1773 at Gorran; died 18 May 1797 at Gorran; de-facto relationship with he uncle BENJAMIN NOTT and had a daughter named THOMASINE

3. WILLIAM NOTT, born 19 November 1775 at Gorran; died 1860; married MARY WHETTER 10 December 1801 at Gorran (b.1777 at Ceryan, died unknown)

4. MARY NOTT, born 9 November 1777 at Gorran; died unknown; married WILLIAM SLYMAN 5 December 1809 at Gorran.

5. SUSANNA NOTT, born 29 December 1779 at Gorran; died 16 October 1866 at Truro, Cornwall; married JEREMIAH WRIGHT 23 July 1812 at St Michael Penkevil, Cormwall (son of Jeremiah Wright and Mary Luck; b. 1 July 1789 in Honingham, Norfolk; died 13 March 1865 at St Clement Terrace, Truro.)

6. THOMAS NOTT, born 22 July 1781 at Gorran; died 3 February 1844 at Gorran; married MARY WERRIN 7 August 1815 at St Ewe, Cornwall (b.1791 at St Ewe, d. 4 Feb 1877 at Coyle, Cornwall)

7. BENJAMIN NOTT, born 3 August 1783 at Gorran; died unknown.

8. FLORENCE NOTT, born 16 October 1785 at Gorran; died 1785

9. NICHOLAS NOTT, born 26 December 1786 at Gorran; died in 1871 at Gorran; married JENNIFER COLLINS 1815 at Gorran (b. 7 Sept. 1794 at Gorran, d. 21 Sept 1870). Nicholas inherited Trevarrick Farm in his father’s will.

Generation 5

JOHN NOTT

JOHN NOTT was born 7 June 1772 in Gorran and died 9 March 1852 in Gorran. He married MARY PEARCE 22 November 1798 in Gorran. According to the 1851 Census, she was born in 1778 in Mevagissey, Cornwall and died 29 September 1854 in Gorran.

A tombstone in Gorran Parish Church (rear left of church) has the following inscription:

SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF JOHN NOTT

LATE OF THIS PARISH

WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE MARCH 9^TH 1852 AGED 82 YEARS

ALSO TO THE MEMORY OF MARY WIFE OF ABOVE

WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE SEPTEMBER 29^TH 1854 AGED 82

LIKEWISE TO THE MEMORY OF JAMES SON OF JOHN AND MARY NOTT

WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE DECEMBER 9^TH 1838 AGED 20 YEARS

ALSO TO THE MEMORY OF NICHOLAS SON OF THE ABOVE

WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE DECEMBER 4^TH 1850 AGED 37

As previously mentioned, John followed his father’s occupation as a carpenter, and for an unknown reason, he did not inherit his father’s property of Trevarrick Farm as the eldest son. In his father’s will, John was left one shilling, as did all of his siblings except his youngest brother Nicholas who inherited everything. Maybe Nicholas was the only one in the family who showed interest in farming. However, the family still retained a strong connection with Trevarrick, and John Nott continued to live out his days at Trevarrick. Notably five of John’s children emigrated, to Canada, USA and Australia.

Issue of JOHN NOTT and MARY PEARCE:

1. WILLIAM NOTT, born 24 February 1799 at Trevarrick; died 10 March 1866 in Prince Albert, Ontario, Canada

2. JOHN NOTT, born 9 March 1801 at Gorran; died 11 March 1869 at Gorran.

3. MARY WENNAN NOTT, born 2 January 1803 at Gorran; died before 1806.

4. MARY NOTT, born 11 May 1806 at Gorran; she died unknown in Michigan USA; married RICHARD STURTRIDGE 29 October 1835 in Lanlivery Rural.

5. JOSEPH NOTT, born/baptised 10 February 1809 at Gorran; died 20 October 1887 at Gorran; married ELIZABETH SEARLE 27 July 1836 at Gorran.

6. ELIZABETH NOTT, born 17 December 1811 at Gorran; died unknown in Columbus, Ontario, Canada; married JOHN WHERY 20 April 1830 at Gorran.

7. NICHOLAS NOTT, born 16 May 1813 at Gorran; died 4 December 1850 at Trevarrick; married ANNA WILLS 26 May 1838 in St. Ewe, Cornwall (she was born 23 March 1814 at St Ewe, died 3 March 1878 in Welcome, Ontario, Canada

8. JANE PEARCE NOTT, born 21 April 1816 at Gorran; died unknown in Australia; married JOHN GEORGE after 1851.

9. JAMES NOTT, born 26 November 1820 at Gorran; died 9 December 1838 at Gorran.

10. THOMAS NOTT, born 9 June 1822 at Gorran; died 1 July 1916 in Veryan Cornwall; married JANE NOTT in 1853 in Portloe, Cornwall, daughter of Nicholas Nott and Jennifer Collins (NB Nicholas Nott brother of John Nott, and therefore Jane was first cousin of Thomas). She was born in 1821 in Gorran and died before 1861. He married 2^nd ANN FOSS in 1863 in St Hilary Cornwall.

1841 CENSUS- there were several Nott families living at Trevarrick:

1.Nicholas Nott, 54, farmer, wife Jenifer, her mother, chn: Jane 20, Joseph 14, John 10, Nicholas 8.

2.Joseph Nott, 25, carpenter, Elizabeth 25, James 4, Philip 2, Arabela Daniell 6 (?)

3.John Nott, 70, carpenter, Mary 65, John 40 ag lab., Jane 25, Thomas 18, Esther 8 (granddaughter)

4.Nicholas Nott 25, agric. Labourer, wife Hannah 25, sons Henry 2, Benjamin 5 mths

5.William Nott 45, carpenter, wife Rachel 40, son William 13, James 11, Betty 3

Trevarrick Cottage

Trevarrick House on left and Trevarrick Cottage on right

A descendant of William Nott's son Nicholas continues to live at Trevarrick

Trevarrick Farm

Trevarrick Cottage on left and Trevarrick House on right

Philip Nott's grandsons Neil and Ian Young outside Trevarrick House in the 1970's

Aerial view of Trevarrick Farm-

NB. cottage named as Trevennen Cottage not Trevarrick Cottage in Google Satelite view. Trevarrick House is to the left of the cottage on the other side of the road.

1851 CENSUS- still several Nott families living at Trevarrick

1.John Nott, head/mar. 80 carpenter, born Gorran

Mary Nott, wife, 73, born Mevagissey

John Nott, son, unmarried, 50, ag. Labourer, born Gorran

Jane Nott, daughter, unmarried, 35, born Gorran

Thomas Nott, son, unmarried, 28, carpenter, born Gorran

2.Nicholas Nott, 66, farmer 18 acres

Jenifer wife, 54

Chn: Joseph 24 carpenter, Jane 28, John 21, Nicholas, 13

3.Anna Nott widow 37 pauper, chn: Henry 11, Benjamin 10, William 8, Nicholas 6, Gershon, 4, Mary 1

The Pearce Family:

Mary Pearce's birth is difficult to pinpoint accurately. In the 1851 Census she was aged 73, ie. b.c.1778, and born in Mevagissey, a small fishing village a couple of kms north of Gorran. There are no suitable birth records for a Mary Pearce at Mevagissey, although there are numerous baptismal records for 'Pearce' in Mevagissey during the 1700's. As Gorran was a more substantial town, the church of St Gorran was possibly where she was baptised. There are three birth records for a Mary Pearce at St Gorran in 1777 to 1778:

Mary, bap. 27 April 1777 to Thomas Pearce and Ann Jenkins (married 28 June 1772 Gorran)

Mary, bap. 11 January 1778 to William Pearce and Ann Mills (married 13 January 1775 Gorran- Ann Mills from Mevagissey)

Mary, bap. 27 April 1778 to James Pearce and Jane Pomery (married 30 Oct 1771 Gorran, James's residence Newlyn [Penzance?], Jane's residence Goran)

Also a John Pearce married Elizabeth Keam 29 Aug 1779 at Gorran, and lived at Trevarrick.

As John Nott and Mary Pearce named a daughter Jane and a son James (also Thomas, but no children named Ann or William), it would suggest that John Nott's wife Mary was the daughter of James Pearce and Jane Pomery (Jane buried 12 March 1819 Gorran, residence Gorran Haven, aged 75, b.1744- probably the daughter of John Pomery of Gorran, whose Will is dated 1760 (CRO AP/P 3382).
They had issue: Samuel b.1776; Mary b.1778, John b.1781; James b.1783; Richard b.1784; Jenny b.1788; William b.1790.

However, as Mary claims she was born in Mevagissey, she may be the daughter of William Pearce, and his wife Ann Mills who lived at Mevagissey when she married.

There are no Baptism records for Pearces in Gorran in the period 1730 to 1750, which would suggest James, Thomas, William and John Pearce, were baptised elsewhere (possibly St Austall where there are numerous records of Pearce), and were probably brothers or cousins.

There is a 'Will of John Pearse, yeoman of Gorran 1772' (CRO AP/P/3598)- possibly the father of James and his brothers.

William Pearce and wife Ann Mills (m.1775 Gorran) had issue: Josepha b.1776 (female), Mary, b.1778, Alice b.1779, and William b.1784, all at Gorran.

Thomas Pearce was buried 10 Oct 1827, Gorran, aged 84 ie. b.1743 residence Trewollick (Gorran), and wife Ann Jenkins buried Gorran 20 April 1813 aged 63 b.1750 (of fever). They had issue: John b.1774, Mary b.1777, Nancy b.1780, Thomas b.1785 and William b.1790

John Pearce and wife Elizabeth Keam, (m. 29 Aug 1779 Gorran, bride residence Luxulion, north of St Austall) had issue: Elizabeth b.1780, John b.1781, Josepha b.1782, William b.1784, Philip b.1785, Mary b.1787, Alice b. 1788, Joan b.1790, Jane b.1793, George b.1794, Anna Maria b.1796, Caroline b.1799. Cornwall Records has a Will of John Pearce, yeoman, Gorran 1819 (CRO AP/P/ 4451). Notably John died at Trevarrick 1 Aug 1819 aged 85, b.1734 (Cornwall-opc-database.org).

Also a 'Will of Urias Pearse of Gorran 1705' (CRO AP/P/2176) and another 'Will and probate of Urias Pearse, yeoman of Gorran 1704' (CRO X960/95).
The only other records that match are for a baptism of Elizabeth Pearse 25 March 1675, Gorran, to Urias Pearse and wife Sollum, and a baptism for a Rose Pearse 7 Nov 1679, Gorran, to Uren Pearse and wife Sollome.
There are several baptismal records for the name of Urias in Devon in the 1700 and 1800's, and most appear to be Protestant/Non-Conformist.

And a marriage of a John Pearse to Jone Kelly on 25 June 1672 at Gorran. (cornwall-opc-database.org)

Generation 6.

JOSEPH NOTT

JOSEPH NOTT was baptised 10 February 1809 at Gorran (he is thought to have been born about March 1808); he died 20 October 1889 and was buried in St. Goran Church graveyard. His gravestone inscription says:

IN LOVING MEMORY OF JOSEPH NOTT OF THIS PARISH

WHO DIED OCTOBER 20th 1889 AGED 80 YEARS

ALSO ELIZABETH HIS WIFE WHO DIED FEBRUARY 23rd 1893 AGED 81 YEARS

JOSEPH married ELIZABETH SEARLE 27 July 1836 in the Parish Church, although all of their children were baptized in High Lanes Wesleyan Church in Trevarrick, as most of the Nott families were who lived in the Trevarrick area. Joseph was a Wesleyan class-leader at Highlanes, Gorran for over forty years.

In Ann Treneer’s book “Schoolhouse in the Wind”, she wrote “My Gran’fer Nott, one of the Notts of Trevarrick, was something of a saint from all I have heard, but handsome with it. Granny Nott was a Searle; she was clever, with a biting tongue.” She also wrote: “Granfer and Granny Nott lived in Brookvale”, a cottage in the centre of Gorran Churchtown.

Brookvale Cottage, Gorran Churchtown

The cottage is still there but much extended and modernized.

At least two of their children, including Philip, were born at the ancestral farm of Trevarrick, not in Gorran town, as Joseph and Elizabeth were living at Trevarrick as well as his father John Nott, in the 1841 Census.

Joseph was a carpenter just as his father and grandfather before him.

1841 CENSUS
Trevarrick
Joseph Nott, 25, carpenter, Elizabeth 25, James 4, Philip 2, Arabela Daniell 6

1851 CENSUS

GORRAN CHURCHTOWN

Joseph Nott, 42 carpenter, wife Elizabeth 39, chn: James 12, Philip 11, Mary 9, Eliza 7, Sarah 5, Amelia 3, Elizabeth 1

1861 CENSUS

No. 7 Gorran Village

Joseph Nott 51 carpenter, Elizabeth 50, Elizabeth Jane 11, Ann, 8, Susan Daniel 5, William Rooke 15 carpenter’s apprentice

NB 1861 CENSUS- Cornwood Village, Devon

Philip Nott, 21, carpenter, lodger with Mary Luscombe widow 53, Elizabeth Luscombe 26 dressmaker, James Luscombe 23 carpenter, John Jenkin Osborne 23 lodger carpenter.

1871 CENSUS

GORRAN CHURCHTOWN

Joseph Nott 62 carpenter, Elizabeth 59, Mary Best daughter 29, Susan Nott dau 15, Alfred Best grandson 1, Charlotte Allen 35 school mistress, boarder.

1881 CENSUS

GORRAN CHURCHTOWN

Joseph Nott, 73, carpenter, Elizabeth 69

According to one researcher, Elizabeth Searle was born 2 August 1811 in Landreath Cornwall (see below), and died 23 February 1893 aged 81, at Gorran (Free BMD- March 1893 Quarter; District: St Austall, vol.5c, page 99), leaving a Will.

In Elizabeth’s Will she stated:

“I give and bequeath the dwelling house and garden belonging thereto situate in the Church town of St. Gorran and now held by me as lease from John Tremayne Esq. of Heligan and which property at my decease shall be let until the expiration of the lease, the rent received therefrom to be equally divided among my children after deducting expenses for necessary repairs and all money in hand or whatever is owing to me at the time of my death or from any other source shall be collected and divided equally among my surviving children and my granddaughter Bessie Nott if living with me at the time of my decease and to whom also I give a bed and all its belongings and as to the remainder of the furniture it shall be entirely at the disposal of my two daughters Eliza Nott and Sarah Dolman whom I appoint Executrixes of this my last will and testament and who shall collect all monies, pay funeral expenses and divide the remainder as before mentioned. In witness whereof to this my last will and testament I the said Elizabeth have hereto set my hand this 25^th day of December 1890.

Signed Elizabeth Nott

Signed and declared by the testatrix as and for her last will and testament in the presence of us who in her presence and at her request and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses

Geo Martyn and Will’m Smith

(Added below)

In reference to monies to be divided I… that the children left by my two daughters Mary Best and Annie Fleck shall have their part equal with the rest of my children divided equally amongst them.

Signed Elizabeth Nott.

June 1893, by the oaths of Eliza Nott, spinster, and Sarah Dolman, widow, the daughters, the executrixes to whom administration was granted.

The testatrix, Elizabeth Nott, was late of the parish of Saint Gorran in the County of Cornwall, widow, and died on the 23^rd day of February 1893 at Saint Gorran aforesaid.

Gross personal estate £197. 3s.9d.

Extracted by Corde Shilson and Co. Sols. St. Austall, Cornwall

Issue of JOSEPH NOTT AND ELIZABETH SEARLE:

1. JAMES NOTT, born 8 November 1837, at Gorran, died London; married CAROLINE MUGFORD 8 May 1862 (born c. 1839 in Kenwyn Cornwall.

2. PHILIP NOTT, born 8 October 1839, Trevarrick, Gorran, died 3 June 1921 at Brisbane, QLD, Australia; married MARTHA JANE WRIGHT February 1870 at Kensington, Middlesex, daughter of John Bee Wright and Martha Rowling. (born 15 July 1849 in Norwich Norfolk, died 16 February 1911 Brisbane)

3. MARY SEARLE NOTT, born 24 August 1841 at Gorran; died Plymouth Devon prior to 1890; married JACOB BEST c. 1869 (born c. 1842 Plymouth Devon)

4. ELIZA NOTT, born 12 November 1843, at Trevarrick, Gorran; died London. Unmarried. She moved to London and in 1881 Census was living at 32 Chapel Street, just off Belgrave Square, listed as a lodging housekeeper. It appears she took over from the Fleck family- her sister and brother-in-law, Ann and Henry Karl John Fleck whose father and mother ran the lodging house at that address in the 1851 and 1871 census.

5. SARAH NOTT, born 16 January 1846 at Gorran; died 29 November 1921 in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England; married WILLIAM DOLMAN 29 September 1874 at Cheltenham (born 29 March 1850 in Congleton, Cheshire, and died 24 March 1888 at Cheltenham)- ancestors of Richard Dolman. William was a successful chemist and druggist with his own business in Bath street Cheltenham, which was continued after William’s premature death aged 37, with a manager, then son Thomas took over after qualifying as a chemist in 1901, but died of consumption in 1919. Sarah’s eldest son William became a clergyman in the Church of England, firstly in East London, then after 1918 he became Rector of Cromwell, a small village in Nottinghamshire. Ethel, the daughter became a teacher. The family owned their business premises, their own houses and six other properties which they rented out.

6. AMELIA NOTT, born 24 January 1848 at Gorran; died unknown at Ugborough, Devon; married ROBERT BRIDGMAN 8 October 1872 at Ugborough.

7. ELIZABETH JANE NOTT, born 27 December 1849 at Gorran; died unknown in London; married WILLIAM HENRY COAKES 8 September 1874 at Gorran (born 1846 in Illogan, Cornwall)

8. ANN NOTT, born 17 August 1852 at Gorran; died c.1887 in London; married HENRY FLECK 20 May 1876 in Holy Trinity, Brompton, London (born c. 1850). Ann was witness to brother Philip’s marriage in London.

9. SUSAN DANIELLE NOTT, born 17 July 1855 at Gorran; died 1932; married JOSEPH TRENEER in March 1880 at Gorran (born c. 1852 in Cornwall, died 1943)- parents of Ann Treneer the author of Schoolhouse in the Wind, etc.

Searles of Lanreath
As mentioned, a researcher has Elizabeth Searle's birth date as 2 August 1811, daughter of John Searle. However, there are no records found to substantiate this date. There are numerous baptismal records for Searles at Lanreath beginning 1678.
Elizabeth was born in the 1811-1812 period, and there are only two records which match:
Elizabeth Searle, baptised 14 April 1811, dau. of William and Mary Searle
Elizabeth Searle, bap. 24 Nov 1811, dau. of James and Mary Searle.
There is also: Elizabeth Searle bap. 12 Nov 1809 dau. of John and Jane Searle
There is also a gap in the Lanreath baptismal records for Searles born between 1811 and 1816 which may be significant.

Another useful website for Nott family researchers is Alan Jeffrey’s excellent genealogy website. Alan is also a descendant of the Notts of Gorran:

http://www.alanjeffrey.com/

An interesting history of Gorran can be found in:

"The Parochial History of Cornwall", Volume II, by Davies Gilbert, William Hals, Thomas Tonkin, Henry Samuel Boase, originally published in 1838 (page 105).

Also downloadable as a PDF at
http://archive.org/details/parochialhistory02gilb

Email contact: butler1802 @hotmail.com (no spaces)

25 April 2013

Ch:10- Nott Ancestry- Cornwall