Where did Joseph Roberts get his money from?

[glen11]

Following on from the success i had on here last week about Richard roberts father.Joseph Roberts made a will,then died a few days later ,in 1811.He left a house,garden,furniture,to his wife,THEN a guinea each to his grandchildren and a family friend.About 10 people.So,he doesnt sound to me like he was a poor labourer!I cant find any records of his birth,i have an idea,he came from Wales,as reading a book,it said the early settlers in the Forest of Dean with the surname Roberts did come from Wales.So,can anyone tell me anything about him,or where he would have got his money from.Thank You Glenys

[philipsearching]

Before the Married Women's Property Act, if Joseph's wife came from a comfortably-off family her property would have come under the control of her husband.  Do you know the economic situation of Joseph's wife's family?

Philip

[glen11]

No,nothing.I suppose its too early to research really isnt it,but thats a line for me to pursue,Thank you.

[philipsearching]

No,nothing.I suppose its too early to research really isnt it,but thats a line for me to pursue,Thank you.

Oh, I dunno.  You might find a will from his wife's family, or (if you are very lucky) a baptism register might give the father's occupation.

Alternatively (and I would think utterly impossible to prove) Joseph and his wife may have had sidelines - gambling, beermaking, childcare, weaving or a variety of jobs - and been very good at saving money

Good hunting
Philip