Elston 1785:
Thank you for debunking the Henry HOWARD nobility myth.
I have taken the liberty of copying your post (with credit) to my profile for Henry on my Ancestry family tree. Sadly, the truth spreads much more slowly than a lie, but I hope at least that it helps those who care to know.
I am a also distant cousin of yours. Henry HOWARD (b1664) of Exeter is my 8XGG, and his granddaughter Mary SOUTHCOTT (b1720) married Thomas ELSTON (b1727) at Morchard in 1749 and I am descended from their son , and my 5XGG, Joseph ELSTON (b1756).