The Origins of Captain Edward Wills, mariner of Ratcliff ??

[ShaunJ]

Possible parents?

20 June 1665 Thomas Wills of Shadwell, mariner, married Elizabeth Shaswell of Ratcliff at St Dunstans

[JustinL]

Hi Shaun,

Another good suggestion, thanks.

I think I need to take a more methodical approach. I shall record all the incidences of Thomas and Edward Wills in the vicinity of Ratcliff and see what further clues it throws up.

Justin

[JanWilliams]

Hello  Justin

I'm also researching Edward Wills - shown on his children's birth records as Captain however seems to have been born 1695?  This is the best option Ive been able to find for birth and I
Edward Wills
Gender   Male
Baptism Date   12 Apr. 1695
Baptism Place   Romford, St Edward the Confessor, Essex, England
Father   
Edward Wills
Phillimore Ecclesiastical Parish Map   
View this parish
Source Description   Register of Baptisms, Marriages and Burials; Service of Church: Registers of Baptisms, Marriages and Burials; Incumbent; Romford, St Edward the Confessor; Parish Records;1610-1732
I have viewed a photo of Sarah Wills  (who seems to have been the surviving child) who married John Williams.

Connections to the ship Elizabeth seem to be incorrect as it was not commissioned well after he was born
Thomas maybe a relative but not I think his son Thomas who died.
Thomas Wills
Gender   Male
Death Date   abt 1727
Burial Date   12 Mar. 1727
Burial Place   Stepney, Middlesex, England
Father   
Edwd. Wills
FHL Film Number   597252
Reference ID   it3 vP93

Best record I can find of a possible marriage is
Name   Edward Wills
Event Type   Marriage
Marriage Date   25 May 1714
Marriage Place   Portland, Dorset, England
Phillimore Ecclesiastical Parish Map   
View this parish
Spouse   
Sarah Attwool 

Wondering if youve found any more information  Jan

[JustinL]

Hello Jan,

Welcome to RC.

I'm sorry about the much-delayed response. I just don't seem to find the time for family history.

I haven't looked at this line for a very, very long time. Thank you for jogging my memory.

The problem is that there is no way of definitively proving Edward's origins - either in east London or elsewhere.

I would suggest that a man born in 1695, was unlikely to have attained the status of 'ship's captain' by 1719 at the tender age of 24.

The EW who was chief mate and later commander on the East India Company's Elizabeth died in 1756 without any children.

I have attached my notes.

Justin