Hi all,
I'd be extremely grateful for any help with identifying the parents of Elizabeth Archard Hayes.
Her sons, John White(J2) and George White(G2) were baptised at Hankerton (1728 and 1729). In both cases, her surname was written as "Archard otherwise/alias hayes" and she is described as of Crudwell. There are several Archard als Hays of Crudwell according to Wiltshire Archives catalogue. She married George White of Hankerton and Tetbury at Sherston Magna in 1726. George White (G1) was from a reasonably wealthy family - both his children would have significant inheritances.
I have, however, been unable to find a baptism record (or any evidence as to who her parents might be) in the parish registers for Crudwell or any of the neighbouring parishes. There is a family tree on Ancestry which has her parents as Giles Archard alias Hayes and Edith Ludlow but, given it has no source, I think that's purely based on the fact that Giles and Edith married in Crudwell at approximately the 'correct' time.
I do, however, have a strong suspicion she is related to a character called "John Weakes". Potentially, Weakes is her mother's maiden name?
John Weakes's will (a solicitor's copy, dated 1749) mentions the following relatives:
- Kinsman George White [G2] son of George [G1] and Elizabeth White (both deceased)
- Kinsman John White son (and heir-at-law) of George and Elizabeth White (both deceased)
- Kinsman John Archard otherwise known as Hayes
- Kinswoman Mary Chambers widow of Giles Chambers of Nailsworth, Horsley
- Giles Chambers son of Mary Chambers (less than 18 years old)
- Giles Archard otherwise known as Hayes of Tetbury
- Kinsman John, Henry and Mary, children of Henry Archard otherwise known as Hayes (deceased)
Various deeds describe John Weakes as "Great-Uncle" to George White [G2].
Any assistance would be hugely appreciated
Thanks,
Ben