My earliest known ancestor John Audley was buried 2nd October 1811 at Shotwick, Cheshire, He was described as of Ledsham (3 miles from Shotwick). The only information I have to his age comes from his Marriage licences to his second wife. Which says he was aged 50 on 20th September 1794. This suggests that my earliest ancestor was born between 21st September1743 and 20th September 1744. I know that this John Audley was in Shotwick in March 1794 as that was when he buried his first wife Elizabeth.
There is a baptism for a John Audley 17th January 1744/45 at Nantwich, Cheshire (28 miles from Shotwick) This John Audley is recorded as entering Manchester Grammar School in June 1756.
I am trying to ascertain whether the above two John Audleys could be the same person; but there is a big BUT.
The John Audley who was baptised in 1744/45 at Nantwich had a sister Jane Audley who never married and who wrote her will on 25th October 1816. (5 years after the burial of John Audley at Shotwick) She was buried 8th November 1816. In her will she states (amongst other items) ‘I give to William Tomlinson, the younger of Nantwich, gent £200, in trust to invest same and apply proceeds for the benefit of my brother John Audley for his life, and after his decease the said interest between the two children of my late brother Ralph’. Wlliam Tomlinson the younger benefits from the will to the value of £20.
This will suggests that there must be two John Audleys in Cheshire around that time: Can anybody find the baptism or the 1st marriage record for the John Audley (married Elizabeth) who was buried in Shotwick in 1811?. Also can anybody find the burial of the John Audley who was baptised in 1744/45 in Nantwich?
The will also suggests that the John Audley, who was baptised at Nantwich had no children as after John Audley’s death the intrest on the £200 was to go to the children of her deceased brother (Ralph). The John who was buried at Shotwick definitely had one son, and possibly three more.
Can anybody explain why Jane Audley would give approximately half her wealth to a William Tomlinson for him to invest for the benefit of her brother John Audley? Why not give the money direct to John Audley?
All help appreciated
Many Thanks
Brian Audley