Province Wide

Prerogative Court of Canterbury - Letters of Administration, extractions

1649 - 1788

Part I  |  Part II

Richard Whitborne. April 7, 1649. On the Seventh day, commissioned Agnes Emyln, alias Whitborne, wife of Nicholas Emyln, and closest relative of Richard Whitborne, late of Bishopsteignton, in the County of Devon, Batchelor, who died in parts beyond the seas. To Administer all and singular, the goods chattels and Debts of ye said Deceased. She being first Sworn by Commission, truly to Administer. ( *Was this the Richard Whitborne who adventured regularly to Newfoundland? A late Admon? Richard Whitborne had earlier been an undertaker of William Vaughan's Renews Colony, in Newfoundland.)

William Streetes. Apr 10, 1657. On the tenth Day, commissioned Elizabeth Miller, wife of John Miller; daughter of William Streetes, late of Newfoundland, in parts beyond the seas, deceased: Administrator...

John Amon. Dec 16, 1657. On the Sixteenth Day, issued fourth Letters of Admon to Lucy Amon, alias Davie, ye natural, lawful, and only sister of John Amon, late of Newfoundland, beyond the seas, Batchelor. To Administer all and singular, the goods chattels and Debts of ye said Deceased, she being first Sworn by Commission, truly to Administer. *William Davey wed Lucy Amon on March 3, 1657, at All Saints' Church, Winchester, Hampshire. *William Davey, miller, married Lucy Amon, both of Fawley, on March 1, 1657, at Southampton Holy Rood, Hampshire, by James Capelin. ( Marriage Allegation, Bond, or Licence, and the actual marriage ceremony.)

Thomas Gee. Dec 10, 1668. Commissioned Anna Gee, Relict of Thomas Gee, late of St. John's in Newfoundland, in parts beyond the seas, deceased: Administrator...

John Culling[Collins]. Jan 12, 1675. Commissioned William Tapley and Michael Cook, the Principal Creditors of John Culling, late of Newfoundland, in parts beyond the seas, deceased: Administrators...

William Streetes. Aug 15, 1680. On ye Fifteenth Day, issued forth Letters of Admon to Elizabeth Streetes, widow; ye relict of William Streetes, late of ye Green Bank in ye parish of Stepney, But at Newfoundland, beyond the seas, deceased. To Administer all and singular, ye goods, chattels, and Debts of ye said deceased, she being first Sworn, truly to Administer. *Parish of Saint John of Wapping, Green Bank, Stepney.

Richard Wakeham. Jun 21, 1692. Commissioned Peter Head, nephew of Richard Wakeham, late of Stokenham, Devon; deceased at Newfoundland, in parts beyond the seas: Administrator... *A Richard Wakeham baptised at Stokenham, in 1650, the son of Richard Wakeham; if the same.

Thomas Andrews. Oct 14, 1695. Commissioned Maria Andrews, widow and relict of Thomas Andrews, late of Dartmouth, Devon; deceased at Newfoundland, in parts beyond the seas: Administrator...

James Shinton. Sep 7, 1698. Commissioned John Earle of Topsham, Devon; Administrator of James Shinton, late of Quidi Vidi, in Newfoundland, deceased. For Marie Shinton, widow and relict, at Newfoundland.

John Clerke. Mar 7, 1699. Commissioned Elizabeth Clerke, widow and relict of John Clerke, late of Muccleshell, in the parish of Holdenhurst, Southampton; deceased at Newfoundland: Administrator...

William Clarke. Feb 24, 1700. Commissioned Maria Ludlow, wife of William Ludlow, sister of William Clarke, late of Gussage St. Michael, Dorset; deceased at Newfoundland: Administrator...

John Andrews. Mar 11, 1700. On the 11th day, commissioned Nicholas Hill, principal Creditor of John Andrews, late of Sidmouth, Devon; deceased at Newfoundland, in parts beyond the seas: Administrator, for Anna Andrews, relict, widow. (Ultimate September, Ultimate March.)

Charles Pyne. Mar 10, 1701. On the 10th day, commissioned Robert Pyne, father of "Charles Pyne, late of Plymstock, Devon; at Newfoundland, deceased". Admon was granted to Robert Pyne. ( Ultimate August; Ultimate February.) *Robert Pyne wed Maria Witheridge, on Feb 3, 1652, at Plymstock, Devon.

Thomas Necks. Feb 27, 1702. On the Twenty Seventh Day, commissioned John Necks, the natural son of Thomas Necks, late of St. John's, in Newfoundland, in parts beyond the seas, deceased: Administrator...

Phillip Roberts. Nov 3, 1705. Commissioned Elizabeth Roberts, wife. And Attorney Thomas Roberts, at Newfoundland, in parts beyond the seas, son of Phillip Roberts, late of Sidmouth, Devon deceased at Newfoundland. Administrators...

Waldron Knight. Mar 5, 1706. Commissioned Sarah Shepherd; alias Knight, wife of Richard Shepherd, and relict of Waldron Knight, late of Bristol, deceased at Newfoundland, in parts beyond the seas: Administrator...

John Furlong. Feb 11, 1707. Commissioned Arthur Holdsworth, the principal Creditor of John Furlong, late of Kingsbridge, Devon; deceased, in parts beyond the seas, in St. John's, in Newfoundland: Administrator... for George Furlong, the brother of John. *TNA. Probate Inventory of Estate for Furlong, John, of St John's, Newfoundland [Administration act: PROB 6/83] Reference: PROB 5/1137.

Henry Studley. Jan 7, 1709. On the 7th day, commissioned John Pim, attorney for Joanna Studley, widow at Newfoundland, relict of Henry Studley, late of Newfoundland, deceased. Admon was granted to John Pim, Attorney. (Ultimate July; Ultimate January.) *Mrs. Studley at St. John's, 1708. (A Joanna Studley witnessed the Feb 26, 1723, PCC Will of Henry Peardon, of Littleham, Exmouth, Devon; if the same.) (William Davis of Musquetta, George Peardon of Littleham, families Stafford/Withall of Lympstone, and Henry Edwards of Carbonear, associations, have otherwise have been indicated. Including Samuel Munckley(s), uncle & nephew.)

Abraham King. April 7, 1709. On the 7th day, commissioned Arthur King, brother of Abraham King, late of Newfoundland, in parts beyond the seas, deceased. Admon was granted to Arthur King. Ultimate August; Ultimate February.) *Abraham King at Bay de Verde, 1708. Originally of ?Chew Magna/Chew Stoke?, Somerset. The PCC Admon index, shows Abraham King of Bristol, deceased in parts beyond the Seas. (Anthony Varder Ledger, 1697/8. In ye hands of Arthur King of Chew Stoke on Bond, 3 Pounds.)

Phillip Dyer. Feb 20, 1710. Commissioned Susanne, the wife of John Marshall, and daughter of Phillip Dyer, late of Newfoundland, in America: Administrator...

Samuel Wheeler. Mar 29, 1710. Commissioned Thomas Hackman, the Principal Creditor of Samuel Wheeler, late of Ringwood, Southampton; deceased at Newfoundland. Administrator for Samuel's sisters, Sarah, Hanna, and Ruth Wheeler; they having renounced. *John Wheeler was having children at Ellingham, during the 1630's/1640's. *Thomas Hackman of Ringwood, ?woollen draper?, did business at Bonavista in this era. *Encyclopedia of Newfoundland and Labrador. Vol. 2. 1967. Page 138. "After the Treaty of Utrecht of 1713, John Spencer and Henry Wiseman of Poole sent an experimental consignment of bread, peas and bacon, for sale to settlers, and Thomas Hackman sent annual consignments of clothing."

John Garland. Jan 9, 1711. The ninth day, Commissioned George Garland, the natural son of John Garland, late of Salem, in Terra Noviter inventa [America], in Parts beyond the Seas, deceased; administrator of the said deceased's credits and debts. He having been first sworn by Commission, duly to Administer. *The PCC Admon index, shows John Garland of parts beyond the Seas(Pts). *John Garland's Salem, Mass. Admon, of Sep 13, 1708, was granted to his daughter Jane Luscombe, and her husband, William. The April 4, 1709, £50 inventory; included clothing, furniture of a room, powder, an iron pot, & cash, £33. Including money in England and Newfoundland, unknown to Jane and her husband, William Luscombe. The Massachusetts Admon, legally, would cover only John Garland's Massachusetts’ Estate. *George Garland, of Newfoundland, saw a further need, for a PCC Admon, for his father’s “otherwise” estate. *PCC Admons grants were generally made to the closest relative, often prioritizing the surviving spouse or, if none; the eldest son.

John Davyes. Dec 18, 1722. Commissioned Thomas Davyes, brother of John Davyes, late of Newfoundland, in parts beyond the seas, deceased, Administrator... ?Christchurch, Hampshire; & Trinity Bay?

George Cawley. Oct 29, 1728. Commissioned Grace Cawley, widow and relict of George Cawley, late of Sidmouth, Devon; deceased at Newfoundland in America: Administrator... [ AKA: Calley/Colley ]

Phyllis Tucker. April 11, 1761. On the eleventh day, Administration of the Goods, Chattels, and Credits of Phyllis Tucker, late of Newfoundland, in parts beyond the seas, Widow, deceased; was granted to Mary Keats, Widow, the natural and lawful Daughter of the said deceased. She having been first sworn by Commission, duly to Administer. (September, 1761; & March, 1762.) *Phyllis Tucker of Ferryland?

William Land. June 3, 1762. On the third day, Admon of the Gods, Chattels, and Credits, of William Land, late of Dartmouth, in the County of Devon, a Widower, deceased, was granted to Nicholas Dixon. The Grandfather and Curator or Guardian, lawfully assigned to Mary Land, Alice Land, spinsters, and Nicholas Dixon Land, Minors, three of the natural and lawful Children of the said deceased, he having been first sworn by Commission duly to Administer. For the use and benefit of William Land, a Minor, the other natural and lawful Child of the said deceased, now residing at Newfoundland, in parts beyond the seas, and Until one of them shall attain the age of twenty one years. (November, 1762; & May, 1763.) [ This Admon was ceased and expired, and was granted anew in the month of May, 1773. ]

Matthew Glover. Dec 1, 1764. On the first day, Administration of all and singular, the Goods, Chattels, and Credits, of Matthew Glover, late of the Town and County of Poole, but in the Harbour of St. Julians, in the Island of Newfoundland, in North America, deceased, was granted to Elizabeth Glover, Widow, a Creditrix by Bond, of the said deceased. She having been first sworn by Commission duly to administer. (Ann Glover, Widow, the Relict; and Betsey Glover, Spinster, and Eleanor Glover, Spinster, two of the natural and lawful Children of the said deceased, having first Respectively renounced the Letters of Administration of the Goods of the said deceased. And the said Betsey Glover, Spinster, the natural & lawful sister, & next of kin, & Curatrix or Guardian lawfully assigned, to Richard Glover, & Robert Glover, Minors, two other of the natural and lawful Children of the said deceased; & the said Ann Glover, Widow, the natural & lawful Mother, & Curatrix or Guardian lawfully assigned to George Thomas Glover, a Minor, and Jane Glover, an Infant, the other natural & lawful Children of the said deceased: having also respectively renounced ye Letters of Admon of the Goods of the said deceased.)

Joseph Bartlett. Sep 4, 1764. On the fourth day, Administration of the Goods, Chattels, and Credits, of Joseph Bartlett, late of Newfoundland, a Batchelor, deceased, was granted to Lewis Bartlett, the natural and lawful Brother, and next of kin of the said deceased. He having been first sworn by Commission, duly to administer. ( Maybe not connected with the Marldon, Teignmouth, St. Marychurch, Devon; and St. John’s, Bartlett mariner family.) (?Bridport District, and or Weymouth, or Poole?)

Phillip Marshall. March 19, 1776. On the nineteenth day, Admon of the Goods, Chattels, and Credits, of Phillip Marshall, late of St, John's, in the Island of Newfoundland, deceased, was granted to John Marshall, the natural and lawful Son of the said deceased. He having been first sworn by Commission, duly to administer. Elizabeth Marshall, Widow, the Relict of the said deceased, dying without taking upon her, Letters of Admon.

John North. Aug 28, 1776. On the twenty eighth day, Admon of the Goods, Chattels, and Credits, of John North, late of Christchurch in the County of Southampton, but of Western Arm in White Bay, in Newfoundland, a Batchelor, deceased, was granted to Benjamin North, the natural and lawful Father of the said deceased. He having been first sworn by Commission, duly to administer.

James Powell. Oct 8, 1788. On the eighth day, Admon of the Goods, Chattels, and Credits, of James Powell, formerly of Abergavenny in Monmouthshire, but late of the Island of Newfoundland, deceased, was granted to James Powell, the natural and lawful Son of the said deceased, having been first sworn by Commission, duly to administer. Ann Powell, Widow, the Relict, having been first duly cited, but in no wise appeared.

Richard Newman. May 13, 1839. On the thirteenth day, Admon of the Goods, Chattels, and Credits, of Richard Newman, late of Twillingate in the Northern District of Newfoundland, deceased, was granted to John Newman, the lawful Attorney of Mary Newman, widow, the Relict, having been first sworn by Commission, duly to Administer. For her use and benefit, now residing at Twillingate, aforesaid. And until she shall apply for, and obtain, Letters of Admon, of the Goods of the said Deceased, to be granted to her. Estate value of 600 Lbs.

Robert Stanley Slade. July 1, 1846. On the first day, Admon of the Goods, Chattels, and Credits, of Robert Stanley Slade, late of the Town and County of Poole and of Fogo, in the Island of Newfoundland, Gentleman, Batchelor, deceased, was granted to Robert Slade, the natural and lawful Father, of the said Deceased, having been first sworn by Commission, duly to administer. Estate value of 12000 Lbs.

Joseph Stuckey. Aug 10, 1849. On the tenth day, Admon of the Goods, Chattels, and Credits, of Joseph Stuckey, late of Herring Neck, in the Island of Newfoundland, was granted to Martha Stuckey, widow, and Relict, of the said deceased, having been first sworn by Commission, duly to administer. Estate value of 1500 Lbs.

John Balson. Nov 27, 1852. Silly Cove, Trinity Bay. Admon granted to Priscilla Balson, widow and Relict, ...

John Roberts. Jan 14, 1853. On the fourteenth day, Admon of the Goods, Chattels, and Credits, of John Roberts, late of Twillingate, in the Island of Newfoundland, deceased, was granted to Mary Linfield, Wife of Cornelius Linfield, heretofore Roberts, Widow, the Relict of the said Deceased, having been first sworn by Commission, duly to Administer. Estate value of 200 Lbs.

John Richard Hillman. Nov 10, 1857. On the tenth day, Admon of the Goods, Chattels, and Credits, of John Richard Hillman, formerly of Dartmouth in the County of Devon, but late of the Island of Carbonear, in Newfoundland, deceased, was granted to John Brooking Esq. The lawful Attorney of Charlotte Woodman, Wife of Edward Woodman, formerly Hillman, Widow, the Relict. He having been first sworn by Commission, duly to Administer. For the use and benefit of the said Charlotte Woodman, now residing at New Harbour, in the Bay of Trinity, in Newfoundland, aforesaid. And until she shall duly apply for, and obtain, Letters of Admon, of the Goods of the said Deceased, to be granted to her. Estate value of 40 Lbs. ( *Feb 4, 1850, John R. Hillman wed Charlotte Cooper. Carbonear Methodist.) (*A Thomas Woodman witnessed Abraham King's Sep 1, 1708, Bay de Verde Will. Any connection?)

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ENDNOTES:

*A few lines here which are pertinent to PART 1, titled; “Prerogative Court of Canterbury Administration, extractions, 1675 – 1838.”

*General Evening Post, London. July 16, 1737. By Letters received from Newfoundland, we are informed, that a Light House has been lately erected on Simm's Island, at the Entrance Inwards of the Harbour of Fogo.

*Nicholas Belbin, an apparent son of Moses Belbin, of Purewell, Christchurch. A Mariner family, Poole to Trinity Bay, 1730’s and later.

*National Probate Calendar. April 10, 1861. Letters of Admon of the Personal estate and effects of Obadiah Sharpe, late of Bonavista, in the Northern District of the Island of Newfoundland, Cooper, deceased, who died June 3, 1858, at Bonavista aforesaid, were granted at the Principal Registry under the usual Limitations, to Robert Slade of the Town & County of Poole, Merchant. One of the lawful Attorneys of Jane Sharpe, Widow, the Relict of the said Deceased, now residing at Bonavista aforesaid, he having been first sworn. *Effects under 200 Pounds Sterling. (*On Dec 9, 1820, Thomas Coles of Bird Island Cove, Bonavista, sold his house and land to Obadiah Sharp, for 30 Lbs. Sterling. The Deed was Witnessed by: William Gale, George Crew, and Gerrard Ford, JP.) ( PCC Admon of John Sharp of Bonavista, Batchelor. Grantee: Philip Sharp, the father. Aug, 1803.)

*The Early Atlantic Salmon Fishery in Newfoundland and Labrador. V.R. Taylor. Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Ottawa, 1985. Page 11. “Thomas Peyton, appointed warden at Twillingate in 1871, said in his report for that year that Gander River had been purchased by William Hodder and Robert Gillingham from Garland and Company, having been in the latter’s possession for 50 years.” Page 12. “In a written report to an 1883 Fishery Enquiry, Mr. R. P. Rice said that the Gander River was the finest for salmon in Notre Dame Bay, its principal fishing stations having been purchased some 60 ears previously by Hodder and Gillingham from Reid, Garland and Co. of Poole, England.” Page 13. “By 1871, it[Dog Bay River_ Horwood River] was reported occupied by George Hodder for 55 years.” Page 17. Commander E. Drummond of the Naval Fisheries Protection Patrol described the situation in Halls Bay in 1875 as follows: “There are three salmon rivers at the head of this[Halls] bay of which Indian Brook is reported the best, and they have all been poached for upwards of half a century by a family by the name of Russell [sic]. Uriah Russell, who fishes Indian Brook,…” “An 1872 report said that salmon caught at Sops Arm River were very small. It also reported the river was formerly fished by the French, who had given it to William Pittman, the Pittmans having occupied it for some 80 years.” [ Surname spelling variants Russell/Rowsell occurs diversly. ]

*John Pittman's PCC will. Late of White Bay, Newfoundland, now of Pamphill, parish of Wimborne Minster Dorset, yeoman; son Wm, daur Jane, wife of Jn Gale of White Bay, daur Rebecca Lawe, wife of Sam L. of Twillingate, Newfoundland. Reference: PROB 11/1627/90. Description: Will of John Pittman, Yeoman of Wimborne Minister, Dorset. Date: 11 March 1820.

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*Counterpart to Administration Acts – for intestates; are Probate Acts – for testates.

PCC Probate Act, for the Will of Thomas Davies, of Bristol. On the sixteenth day of October, in the year of our Lord, one thousand six hundred and thirty seven. Issued forth a Commission to Marie Davies, relict & Executrix, nominated in the last Will and Testament of Thomas Davies, late of the City of Bristol, deceased. To Administrate the Goods, Chattels, and Credits, of the said deceased, she being first Sworn by Commission, duly to Administer. (Merchant of St. Leonard’s, Bristol, bequeathed by his Will, his 1/12th part adventure in Bristol’s Hope, in Newfoundland, to his son Richard Davyes/Davies.)

PCC Probate Act, for the Will of James Hill, of Cubits Cove, Newfoundland. On the fourth day of November, in the year of our Lord, one thousand six hundred and seventy-five. Issued forth a Commission to Thomas Butler, the Executor, nominated; in the last Will and Testament of Jacobus Hill, late of Cupitts Cove, in County Somerset, deceased. To Administrate the Goods, Chattels, and Credits, of the said deceased, he being first Sworn by Commission, duly to Administer.

PCC Probate Act, for the Will of Roger Butt, of Crocker's Cove, Newfoundland. On the twenty third day of January in the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and one. Issued forth a Commission to John Hancock, the Curator, lawfully Assigned to Joseph Butt, a Minor, the son, and residual Legatee, nominated; in the last Will and Testament of Roger Butt, late of Newfoundland, in parts beyond the seas, deceased. To Administrate the Goods, Chattels, and Credits, of the said deceased. For the Use and Benefit of the said Joseph Butt, until he shall attain the age of Twenty-one Years, being first Sworn by Commission, duly to Administer.

(Diocese of Bristol Court, Dorset Division.) Will of William Tulledge, of Abbotsbury, Dorset, late of Newfoundland. Oath of renunciation of his wife Elizabeth Tulledge of Abbotsbury, on July 15, 1726. William Tulledge’s Creditor, Joseph White of Poole, Dorset, merchant; was granted Admon. *William Tulledge at Bay de Verde, 1708.

(Hampshire probate, 1730.) George Harding of Ringwood, Hampshire, apothecary, doctor, surgeon, buried on June 25, 1730. Husband of Sarah Budden, wed at Ringwood, 1681. Willed his Newfoundland estate to his sons George(bap 1703/4) & Robert(bap 1698) Harding.

PCC Will of William Bole, Planter of Brickeys. [ Brigus South ] Reference: PROB 11/723/487. Description: Will of William Bole, Planter of Brickeys. Date: 25 February 1743.

Nicholas Pain of Poole, Dorset, noted as a Newfoundland Planter, in June, 1750. (Nicholas Pain was associated with Fogo Island.)

(Peculiar Court of Sturminster Marshall, Corfe Mullin, & Lychett Minster.) Will of Thomas Pardy, of Lychett Minster, late of Burin, Newfoundland. On Mar 19, 1773, his son William Pardy, residuary legatee; was sworn at Sturminster Marshall, to administer his father, Thomas Pardy’s Will. Two further sons, residuary legatees, are named: Samuel & Thomas Pardy.

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(Old Perlican, Trinity Bay, Newfoundland.) (*Will of Thomas Taylor, Seaman or Planter of Lytchett Minster, Dorset. Reference: PROB 11/444/110. Date: 21 February, 1698.) (*Will of John Perkins, Planter of Christ Church Twyneham, Hampshire. Reference: PROB 11/545/324. Date: 14 April, 1715. - names a son in Law, Richard Burt. - James Bullock witnessed.) *Will of William Green, Planter, Batchelor of Trinity in Newfound Land, America. Reference: PROB 11/811/414. Date: 15 November, 1754. PROB 31/364/26. Probate inventory, or declaration, of the estate of the deceased.) (*PROB 18/66/81. Probate lawsuit Kittier (attorney of Green) v Moore, concerning the deceased William Green...)

(Carbonear, Newfoundland.) ( Exhibit: 1784/160. Joseph Knight of Parkstone, Great Canford, Dorset, late of Carbonear... PROB 31/725/160. Probate inventory, or declaration, of the estate of the same, deceased, Feb, 1784.)

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