Lester family of Scalford

[JGSnoopy]

I am researching Mary Lester of Scalford, b 1743 and married Charles Morris of Loddington in 1767.

I have not found a birth record for Mary, but in the will of John Lester in 1769 he makes Charles Morris an executor, so I am working on the premise that John is Mary's father, but would like to prove it. His wife is named in the will as "Elizabeth", but I can't find any marriage record.

If anyone knows anything about this family, I would be most grateful.

[QueenoftheWest]

A clue?

The witnesses to Mary's marriage are John Mason and John Exton.

In John Lester's will, he mentions his son-in-law John Exton. I can see the marriage of John Exton and Hannah Lester in 1765 in Eastwell. Not only does John's signature look the same (to me) as on Mary's marriage, the witnesses are John Mason and Francis Huckerby.

Queenie 

[JGSnoopy]

Thank you, that is top detective work!

Mary and Hannah are similar ages, so it adds weight to the argument that they are sisters.  I'll look into John Mason as well in case his name pops up anywhere else.

[QueenoftheWest]

I've looked through the parish register for baptisms in this period, but no Lesters popped out...

The register can be viewed on Findmypast; it was rather difficult to find!

Queenie 

[QueenoftheWest]

I had time so I had another look for you 

It appears that John Lester (who I agree is likely Mary's father) was the son of Job and Hannah Lester.

Job's will of 1719 and Hannah's will of 1720 mention the following children:
- Job
- William
- John
- Sarah, wife of John Fox
- Anne, wife of John Doubleday

Several Foxs and Doubledays appear in John Lester's 1769 will.

An Elizabeth Doubleday marries John Mason of Eaton in 1757; could this be the Mason connection?

Queenie 

[JGSnoopy]

Queenie, that is very kind of you, thank you.  Lots more for me to look at there over the weekend to tie in all the families.

I've also found more information which I think adds weight to Mary Lester being John's daughter, which I will note here incase of interest to you or anyone else in the future doing a search!

John Exton and Hannah Lester had a son, Thomas Exton (b 1771). who would have been Mary's nephew.

In Thomas Exton's will he mentions Charles Campbell Morris (Mary's Grandson via Campbell Morris, b 1770), and Mary Ann Saffery (Mary's daughter, b 1774).

[QueenoftheWest]

That's great; really sounds like the evidence is overwhelming now!

Queenie