I'm looking for any information on the Clark/Clarkes of Barby.
I have an Elizabeth Clark who marries John Howkins, 1702 Dunchurch, Warwickshire. She is listed as from Barby, Northamptonshire but I cant work out who her parents are. In the will of John Howkins, Yeoman, of Clifton upon Dunsmore, Warwickshire (which was wrote in 1743, enacted in 1751) John mentions his brother in law 'William Clarke, of Barby, Yeoman'. I think this is the William Clarke, of Barby, Yeoman, who has a will enacted in 1762. According to bt's, this William was born 1680 when he died in 1762 which fits being in the same generation as Elizabeth. There is also perhaps a sister Mary Clarke who marries a Robert Wiggans 1704 Dunchurch. Both are listed as 'of Barby'. There is also an Edward Clark in the poll books and who is buried 1749 with a birthdate given of 1693.
I cant seem to find anything though. Despite similar ages, I don't think they are children of the Clarks of Bilton and Hillmorton, although these families do appear to have some land dealing in Barby and are styled Yeoman and Gentleman.
Two ancestry trees (Which I take with a bucket of salt) have William as the son of a Nathaniel Clarke who has an inventory taken in 1709 Barby. I'm not sure how they have deduced that this Nathaniel is the father as I cant seem to find the will nor any baptism records. I would also add that there is also a 'John Clarke, Yeoman' who is mentioned in a property record in Barby with an Ann Trotman in 1709. Whether this is in relation to Nathaniel and John is a son or perhaps brother, I'm not sure. In the poll book for 1702/1705 Barby cum Only, there is listed two John Clarks, one John Clark, Esquire, and Nathaniel Clark. Taking into account of the use of Esquire, The daughter of John Howkins and Elizabeth goes on to marry a 'Gentleman' so this could be in keeping with the same social standing of the minor landed gentry.
Any help appreciated.
