Genealogy

Back in November I really got into genealogy and have really been enjoying finding things about my family. My mom’s family has been difficult, and I grew very frustrated so I stopped with hers. I find if I walk away from it for a while, I will usually find something I missed later or someone else will find something and I can find more THAT way. I should really start again with hers and see what else I can find. Hmmm...
My dad’s family I have researched back 16 generations on his dad's side. The earliest event I have found was a birth in 1502. I have found when the Burts’ came to America from England . The most exciting thing I have found was a copy of a will from 1617. It reads:

The will of Henry Burtt of Harberton (co. Devon), clothier, dated 10 Jul 1617. To the poor of the parish of Harberton 30 sh. To my son Henry and his heirs and assigns, my close of land situate in Harberton Ford, called by the name of Racheparke, together with the house that John Tummells now dwelleth in and the house that George Causie and John Pearse now dwell in and the house that Andrew Pearse and Edward Adams now dwell in, as also the orchard, nursery, herb gardens, backsides and other appurtenances belonging. To the said Henry, my son, the mansion house of that land commonly called Crobers Land which Thomas Wood now dwelleth in, together with the sheep pen, orchard, herb garden and bakehouse, during the term of his life. To my said son Henry L100 to be paid within a year after my death. Isett, my wife, for life, one chamber over the shop, called the forechamber, with the bedstead and bed that I use to lie in. My wife shall have yearly during her life, L6 13s. 4d. issuing out of the land or tenement called Crobers Land; and the executor shall find one to attend her, during her life, sufficient meat, drink and firewood for her own use; and if my said wife do dislike her diet and do leave it, then my will is that she shall have L3.s 8d in lieu of her diet, out of the lands aforesaid, for her life. To my said wife and son Henry the half of my household stuff equally divided between them; and the other half to remain to my executor. To Raddegan, my daughter, L60, to be paid within three months after she shall be of the age of twenty-one. To Allies, my daughter L40, to be paid at the age of twenty. To Agnes, my daughter, L40 at the age of twenty. To Elizabeth, my daughter, L40 at the age of twenty. Whereas I promised my son-in-law, Chrispine Saunder, L40 at his marriage, and because he is not yet paid, my executor shall pay it. Also I promised him other L20 when my daughter Johan, his wife, for the term of her life or for fifty years determinable upon her life, should be assured of that tenement that Thomasine Saunders now dwelleth in or of some other as good, then my executor shall pay him L20 towards the same. To Joseph Saunders and Samuel Saunders, my grandchildren, L5 each. To my brothers' and sisters' children 2s each. To every one of my godchildren 12d. To Nycholas Hyans, my apprentice, 30s., to be paid at the end of his apprenticeship. Residue to my son John Burte. Witnesses: Will Huxham and Thos. Colton. Proved 19 Sept 1617."

"Inventory, taken 10 Sept 1617 by Thomas Colton and Paule Symons and exhibited 19 September 1617, includes apparel, L8; cloth and yarn, L102; money L70; 93 sheep,L31, 32 lambs, L6; other farm stock; an estate in certain grounds, L61; an estate in house, meadow and garden, L20; two pairs of lumbes, warping pins, raggles, quilt torns, and one spinning turn with sleyes, l2.10s; brass pans, cauldrons and pots, L10.13s4d; for household cloth already made, L3; 13 silver spoons, L3; desperate debts, L140; total L602.7s.9d (Archdeaconry of Totnes)."

I love the way it reads.

Genealogy can be very addicting. When I am on a roll, it’s like crack. I can’t seem to stay away from it because I am always afraid I won’t be able to find what I have found ever again. My family suffers, dishes pile up, and the kids start crying because I hog the computer. Neither understands it, but hopefully someday when they find all the information, they will appreciate all the times mom stared cross eyed at the computer or squealed in delight when I got a lead! =-)