Biography
James Scard - Elizabeth Painter - Elizabeth Brookes
[c.1727-1796] - [c.1731-1752] - [1739-1800]
(Died Testate) (Died Testate)
Wealthy Miller of Shroton/Iwerne Courtney, North Dorset
Researched, compiled & written by Judith-Ann S. Adams
with special thanks to Colin Scard (UK) for kindly submitting the digitised image of the Will of James Scard (1796) below
1727: Parents and siblings: James Scard is estimated to have been born around 1727 the son of Thomas Scard of Iwerne Minster and Mary his wife. Unfortunately the Parish
Records at Iwerne Minster have not survived prior to 1741 and the baptism for James and his only surviving sibling Elizabeth has since been lost. However prior to 1722
the Scard Family had primarily used the Church at neighbouring Sutton Waldron when their long standing vicar serving this parish since 1686 died at an advanced age.
A proven family of Millers, it is documented that his father had possession of Pegg's Mill a local icon in the District. James had several siblings. His elder brother
John who was baptised at Sutton Waldron in 1721. John is believed to have died unmarried and without issue buried at Iwerne Minster 3rd May 1748 estimated aged
twenty-seven one of the last entries made for the family by the aging Vicar.
1752: Marriage1: James Scard firstly married Elizabeth Painter at St. Laurence Church Farnham [5.6 miles E of Iwerne Minster] on the 1st October 1752. They are both
 considered to have been around the age of twenty five. Little is known of Elizabeth Painter excepting she had a sister, Mary. After their marriage the couple settled
at Iwerne Minster, possibly sharing the home of James' father.
1753: First child - Ann: Elizabeth and James settled at Iwerne Minster where within a year their first child, Ann Scard was baptised at St. Mary's Church of that village on the
21st Sept 1753. Ann was aged seventeen when she was later named as a legatee in the Will of her paternal grandfather Thomas Scard in 1770. Although she was
not a legatee in her father's Will in 1796, her sons were given small legacies in her step-mother's Will in 1800.
1753: Sister Elizabeth marries: Six months prior James's only surviving sibling, his sister Elizabeth Scard married Joel Beal at Langton Long [4 m ESE of Iwerne Minster]
5th March 1753. Elizabeth and Joel moved 4 miles east to Tarrant Gunville where it is known that Joel had family. It was there that they recorded a son baptised
William Beal 19th Feb 1756. Young William was aged fourteen when he was later named as beneficiary in the Will of her paternal grandfather Thomas Scard in 1770.
Elizabeth and Joel had another son Joel Beale who was buried at Tarrant Gunville on the 9th Jan 1763 recorded "son of Joel & Elizabeth. Her spouse Joel Beale was
buried at the same venue three years later on the 17th Dec 1766. Both William and his mother have been difficult to trace subsequent to Thomas Scard's Will, Probate
Granted to her brother James in 1770.
1757:  An apprentice - William French: Five years after James's marriage the couple appear to still be living at Iwerne Minster when evidence suggests that on the
24th July 1757 James employed an Apprentice for whom and Indenture was Registered and Duty Paid on the 2nd November 1761 for William French to his
master James Scard of Iwerne Minster, Miller. William French later married the sister of James's first wife. (see below)
Click on image to enlarge.
1757: Death of James's mother: Ten weeks later his mother died, buried at Iwerne Minster on the 8th October 1857 recorded "Mary wife of Thomas Scard."
1759: First Wife dies: Two years later James's wife Elizabeth Scard [nee Painter] was buried at Iwerne Minster on the 4th April 1759 recorded "wife of James". She was
survived by her spouse of five years marriage and their young daughter Ann aged three years. In the face of the death of his mother just two years prior it is assumed
James continued a bond with the Painter family, especially his sister-in-law Mary ultimately married James's apprentice William French, who was later a minor
legatee in James's Will in 1796.
 James re-marries: His daughter now nine years old and James estimated aged thirty-five he married twenty-three year old
Elizabeth Brooks "of Stourpaine" by Licence at Iwerne Minster 8th Sept 1762 recorded “both of Stourpaine”.
Witnesses: Thomas Spinney & Elizabeth Waghorn. (all parties signed)
Bride: Elizabeth Brookes was baptised at St. Mary's Charlton Marshall a short distance from Stourpaine 24th January 1739,
the daughter of Elias Brookes, a yeoman and his wife Elizabeth (nee Bryan). She had several siblings. Her father
Elias died testate in 1786 naming Elizabeth "wife of James Scard" his executrix. See link for more information
relating to the Brookes Family.
Witness1: Thomas Spinney was a blacksmith who was born Stourpaine He married the widow, Ann New nine years later
in 1771. Thomas Spinney died testate, his Will proved 20th March 1778. There was no mention of the Scard Family
in the Document. He was also mentioned in a Document (TNA).
Witness2: Elizabeth Waghorn: was the wife of Robert Waghorn also of Stourpaine and sister of Thomas Spinney.
James and Elizabeth had the following Issue;
1763: John Scard (namesake of this paternal Uncle deceased 1743) baptised 14th August 1763 at Iwerne Minster - married Jane Abraham & had issue
. In this namining pattern, James's deceased brother taking precedence over father displays the deep bond between the two brothers.
1765: Thomas Scard (namesake of his paternal grandfather) baptised 15th April 1765 at Iwerne Minster - buried 21st April 1765 at Iwerne Minster, aged about 1 week.
1768: Elizabeth Scard (namesake of her maternal grandmother Elizabeth [nee Bryan]) baptised 26th October 1768 at Iwerne Minster - married William Kerley
1770: James Scard (namesake of his father) "born 4th October", baptised 29th October 1770 at Shroton - married Fanny Fry [nee Candy], the widow of Thomas Fry.
1774: Hyett (possibly Harriet - namesake of unknown) Scard (no baptism found to date) - buried 30th Jan 1774 at Iwerne Minster (estimated a child)
1777: Maria Scard baptised 23rd February 1777 St. Mary’s at Shroton - married Enoch Cox
1764: Enduring Friendships: William French & Philip Goodwin: William French married James’ previous sister-in-law Mary Painter 1st May 1764 by Licence at nearby
Shroton/Iwerne Courtney. A friendship developed and thirty years later William was a minor beneficiary in James' Will [1796], the recipient of a bequeathal of
ten pounds. James was also known to have formed another close relationship over these years with Philip Godwin a Maltster of Pimperne (4m SE). Philip was
co-executor in James's Will (1796) stated "my dearest friend".
1769: In 1769 James' father , Thomas Scard arranged his Will and died several months later, buried at Iwerne Minster 27th July 1769, leaving his modest Estate to James
and his daughter Elizabeth with small bequeathals to their surviving children. Administration was granted to James on 14th July 1770. It is possible that the Estate
at Iwerne Minster bequeathed in James's own Will (1796) may have been the same passed down to him by his father. See digitised Will of Thomas Scard
1769: The Shroton Mill: It was around this time that James and Elizabeth moved two miles south to Shroton/Iwerne Courtney where James took possession of the
Shroton Mill around 1769. Acquired by Lease, the property of the Hon. George Pitt Baron Rivers, the Shroton Mill was mentioned in a early document when a Lease
was signed in 1754 this year between the same Lessor and King. [TNA]. The document describes the Estate at that time as; “Millhouse and Mills called Shroton Mills.
It was here in the cottage adjoining the Mill that their four children spent their childhood and where James remained until his death (Feature Photo Above Panel).
James' wife Elizabeth later bequeathed the Shroton Mill to their son James [the younger] and a full description of the Property was found in an Insurance Document
in his name dated 1805. The Entry reads: "16 April 1805: James Scard of Child Oakford [Okeford], County of Dorset, Yeoman. On a Corn Millhouse having no steam
engine or kiln, situate at Shroton in the county of Dorset - £170. On a house adjoining - £100. On a bake house detached near - £30. All brick and stone built and tiled.’
Source: Royal Exchange Fire Insurance Policy 215435. Transcribed by H E S Simmons, Watermills of Dorset, Science Museum Library, 174.’] Information borrowed from
‘The Mill Archives’ Online.
1772: Accumulating Land - Shillingstone Estate: Two years later James increased his holdings with the Leasehold at nearby Shillingstone in 1772 in a Deed Agreement
[A2A] between George Pitt [otherwise The Right Hon. George Baron Rivers (Pitt/Rivers)] , between Beckford and Seard [Scard]. These Deeds read that the property
comprised a Messuage*, Garden and Orchard. The Document also states that it was part of ‘Rabbitt’s’ tenement, another family found living in the area at this time
[OPC]. [The third signatory is presumed to be connected to the Family of Horace Beckford Esquire resident at Child Okeford (Piggot’s Directory 1831 [OPC], probably
acting as the agent. Another Deed Document also relating to the same Estate at Shillingstone was signed by the same parties nine years later in 1781. This property
was possibly purchased freehold as it was not listed as part of the Pitt/Rivers Holdings held by this family at a later period.
* In law, the term ‘Messuage’ equates to a dwelling house and includes outbuildings, orchard, curtilage or courtyard and garden.At one time 'Messuage’ supposedly had a more
extensive meaning than the term house or site. The term no longer survives.
Fiddleford Estate: James also acquired another Estate in the tiny Hamlet of Fiddleford. This Fiddleford property appears to have been owned Freehold. This is not to be
confused with The Fiddleford Mill which is situate at nearby Okeford Fitzpaine and is standing today, operational as recently as 1998. Whether James had any interests
in the 'Fiddleford Mill' is not known. The Estate was later occupied by his eldest son John and his family.
1774: The burial at Iwerne Minster of Hayett (possibly Harriett) daughter of James & Elizabeth Scard of the Parish of Shroton 30th Jan 1774 comes a surprise. Record of her
baptism has not been found to date but assumed a child at her death. Three years later Elizabeth now aged thirty-seven the last of his seven children was born, baptised
Maria at Shroton on the 23rd February 1777. At this point her surviving siblings were Ann aged 21yrs; John aged 11yrs; Elizabeth aged 6yrs and James aged 4yrs.
Education & Literacy: Although literacy skills were not found in the Will of James' father Thomas, James was confidently literate, and likely in the possession of a
writing desk possibly situate in the parlor of the Shroton Mill House, where he would have calculated, invoiced and documented many of the transactions pertinent to the
Mill and the sale of his Produce ensuing from his various Holdings and Estates. Evidence suggests that in their early years the children were versed in these literacy skills,
very likely taught by their mother. Although signatures alone are not considered an ideal indication of personality, those of James, Elizabeth and their son John were
professionally assessed. James’s signature showed confident construction equally that of his wife Elizabeth. However their eldest son John’s signature did not show the
flowing form of that of his parents and was fragmented and gapped showed a pattern of impatience and impetuousness consistent with John’s behavior throughout his life.
1780: Local News: There was also a local icon about 6mE of the Shroton Mill at Chettle Common known as "Bloody Shard Gate". It was focus of attention when on the
16th December 1780 a gang of poachers led by Trumpet Major Blandford who was attached to a regiment of Dragoon Guards billeted nearby came into armed conflict with
Keepers. In the battle Blandford lost his hand, severed at the wrist. The location then became known as 'Bloody Shard Gate.' Although Blandford did survive he was later
buried several miles distant, Legend has it that his severed hand haunts the area, looking to be reunited with it's body. The gruesome incident doubtlessly the subject of
interest in the Scard Household, James' sister Elizabeth may still have been living a Tarrant, only a short distant from where the event took place.
1780: Family Events: Over the next five years their sons, John and James learnt the trade of Milling in the footsteps of their father. Daughter Ann Scard married Robert Lock
in 1780 and settled 17miles SSE at Poole where she gave birth to two sons baptised James Locke on the 27th May 1781 and John Scard Locke 14th February 1787. These
two boys would be mentioned in Ann's stepmother's Will [Elizabeth Scard] in 1800. See Epilogue
The Family's Wealth: Although there were Markets held periodically in the various surrounding villages in close proximity, [British History Online ‘Dorset’ Gazetteer of
Markets and Fairs in England and Wales - dates of inception to AD1516] the volume of produce estimated grown from James' many Estates indicates more than merely a
stall at market. The mainstay of the Family’s wealth lay in their Corn Mill, the Orchards which were part of their many Estates and the fertile acreage known to be
adjacent to the Iwerne Minster Property [each around 30 acres]. The produce from these Estates would have been mainly Corn used to make Flour and the production of
Bread [a Bake house was part of the Shroton Estate]. Part of this corn crop was also likely sold to Brewers employed in Public Houses and Inns, which dotted the countryside
in the close vicinity, used as an additive for making Beer, in itself unsuitable having a dull flavour, however used in conjunction with the traditional barley malt as an
additive source of fermentable sugars, it gave beer a unique and smoother flavour used in the production of ‘dark beer’ or Stout. The Apples from their various Orchards
would probably have been sold for the manufacture of Cider.
Scenario: Eldest son John's late adolescent years: The delivery of these products would have been regular and the likely furthermost of these Public Houses lay four
miles south east at the historic ‘Anvil Inn’ at Pimperne. Considering the closeness in which James held Philip Goodwin’s friendship and the trust shown by him, it
would be reasonable to assume that James and Philip had been very likely associated in business transactions for many years. The most likely candidate for this
‘delivery run’ would have been James’ eldest son John. Senior to his brother James by seven years, John in his late adolescent years would very likely have been
entrusted with this task with horse and wagon and this last port of call at Pimperne would have been a welcome relief from the dusty roads traveled en route. Later
evidence suggests that at some point a great mistrust developed between John and his parents in relation to money and his sense of responsibility the later foundation
for the Family Legend told by a descendant of Charles Scard and his wife Fanny [nee Curtis]; "that Charles' ancestor was a Miller, that they were very wealthy and
that part of the Estate was once lost in a card game".
1783: Eldest son John marries: A further series of events ensued over the next few years. Eldest son John married Jane Abraham at Winterbourne Kingston [Muston] by
Licence on the 19th November 1783 (full details in next generation) and ultimately settled on the Fiddleford Estate where several of their children were born.
1785: A burial of Elizabeth Scard at Shroton on the 18th September 1785 at St. Mary's Shroton has not been placed. It may be that James's sister Elizabeth had been
widowed so long (over three decades at another venue) that the Vicar may have inadvertantly entered the burial under what he had assumed to be her name.
1785: The following year James's father-in-law, Elias Brookes died Testate late 1786 and Elizabeth was named as his Executrix. Beneficiaries were herself and her four
children, John (married) now aged twenty-three, Elizabeth, single, aged eighteen, James aged sixteen and Maria now nine. Also Elizabeth's sisters, nieces & nephews.
1792: Daughter Elizabeth marries: Four years later their eldest daughter Elizabeth, married William Kerley a blacksmith who had a leasehold at Child Okeford, this
Estate was owned by William Lock [Dorset Poll Book 1807 - Kerley]. The couple were married at St. Mary’s at Shroton on the 8th April 1792. Evidence suggests that
their youngest son James was also considering several spouses, of whom his father disapproved - stated in his Will (1796).
1795: Four years later James Scard [the Elder] died Testate, buried at Iwerne Minster on the 7th Dec 1795.
He was survived by his widow Elizabeth aged sixty of thirty-three years marriage, his children: Ann Lock (by his first marriage to Elizabeth Painer); John, married,
aged 32yrs; Elizabeth, married, aged 27yrs; James, unmarried, aged 25yrs and Maria still in her minority aged eighteen, two granddaughters by his son John:
Harriet aged nine and Elizabeth aged seven and two grandsons by his eldest child Ann: James Locke aged 14yrs and John Scard Locke aged eight. His daughter
Ann was not mentioned in his Will, however her two sons were minor legatees in the will of Ann's stepmother Elizabeth in 1800.
His executrix was his widow Elizabeth and co-executor was his good friend Philip Goodwin to whom both were granted Administration 14th Jan 1796 (PCC London).
1800: His widow: Elizabeth survived James by four years, and assumed to be living with her daughter Elizabeth Kerley during this time.
Elizabeth died Testate, buried at Iwerne Minster 27th Oct 1800 noted "widow of Childe Okeford". She was likely living with her daughter Elizabeth Kerley of that
village.
Will of James Scard, Miller of Shroton
The Digitised image kindly submitted by Colin Scard (Descendant)
Transcribed by J.S.Adams (Descendant)
This is the Last Will and Testament of me James Scard of the Parish of Iwerne Courtney in the County of Dorset, Miller who am weak in body but of
sound and disposing mind in memory and understanding thanks be given to Almighty God for the same (as follows ) after all my just debts and funeral
expenses are paid by my Executors herein after named
I give to my son John the sum of one shilling
also I give unto Harriott Scard and Elizabeth Scard daughters of my said son John Scard the sum of forty pounds each to be paid to them and each of
them as they shall attain their age of twenty five years
also I give devise and bequeath unto the said Harriott Scard and Elizabeth Scard all that my house Garden and Orchard at Fiddleford in the said County
now in the occupation of my said son John Scard to lease from the said Harriet and Elizabeth Scard [their] executors and administrators share and share
alike as Tenants in Common for all their [left blank] town Estate and Interest which I leave therein.
Also I give and bequeath unto my wife Elizabeth Scard and Philip Godwin of Pimperne in the County of Dorset my Executrix and Executors herein
after named the sum of one hundred pounds in trust for them to place the same out on government or sure security and to pay the sum of four pounds a
year unto my daughter Elizabeth Kerley wife of William Kerley by four equal quarterly payments yearly and every year during her natural life
independent of her said husband and her own. [?] shall be a good and sufficient legacy to my said executors for the same [….?] provided and my will is
that if the said William Kerley shall die leaving his said wife the said Elizabeth Kerley left surviving him then and in such case my said Executors shall
and may pay the whole of the said sum of one hundred pounds so given to them in trust as afore said unto the said daughter Elizabeth Kerley and the
said annuity [left blank] to [?] but if my said daughter shall happen to die then [……?] or […… ?] said husband I give the said sum of one hundred pounds
so given to my said Executors in trust as aforesaid unto my wife Elizabeth Scard.
Also I give and bequeath unto them my said wife and Phillip Godwin the sum of two hundred pounds in trust for when my said wife or Phillip Godwin or
the survivor of them and the executors or administrators of such survivor to out and place the said sum of two hundred pounds at interest on Government
or other good securities and to pay and apply the interest and proceeds thereof unto my son James Scard for and during the term of his natural life by
equal half yearly payments and my will and devise further is that my said son James to not marry either single daughter of William Brewer late of
Shroton deceased or [left blank] Mullineux being now a servant to Mrs. Baker at Bramston House, Dorset it being much against my consent and in case
he do not marry either of the above mentioned women but do marry any other prudent woman with the consent of my said trustees the said Phillip Godwin
and his said mother then in such case I give and bequeath the said sum of two hundred Pounds unto my said son James to be paid soon after his marriage
with the consent of the Trustees as aforesaid in manner following to wit fifty pounds part there of within one year after this said Marriage fifty pounds
more at the end of two years after the said Marriage, fifty pounds more at the end of three years after his said marriage and the remaining fifty pounds
at the end of four years after his said marriage but in the case of my said son shall and do marry either of afore said Hannah Brewer or [left blank]
Mullineux and in such case it is my will that my said Trustees and Executors shall not pay any part of the said sum of two hundred pounds to my said son
James but only the interest thereof for his life as afore said and when and in such case after the decease of my said son James I give the said sum of two
hundred pounds unto my wife.
Also I give unto my daughter Maria Scard the sum of one hundred pounds to be paid to her when she shall attain the age of twenty five years. Also I give
devise and bequeath all that my Messuage, Tenement, Garden, Orchard and premises situate and being at Shillingstone within said County of Dorset
unto her my said daughter Maria Scard to give to her the Executors and administrators for all my Term Estate and Interest wherein.
Also I give unto my brother in law William French the sum of ten pounds to be paid one year after my decease.
Also I give unto my good friend the said Philip Godwin of Pimperne the aforesaid the sum of five pounds to be paid to him as soon after my decease [..?].
I request my Executrix and Executors above mentioned will give to the poor of the Parish Shroton the sum of fifty shillings to be by them distributed [..?]
at their discretion.
All the rest, residue and remainder of my goods chattels, Estate and effects both [legal] and personal not herein already disposed of I give devise and
bequeath the same unto my loving wife Elizabeth Scard her Executors administrators and assigned for ever.
and I request that I may be carried to Church by six poor men to each of whom I give half a crown
and I hereby nominate constitute and appoint to my said Wife Elizabeth Scard and Phillip Godwin joint Executrix and Executor of this my said Will
hereby [?] all former and other Will and Wills by me at any time made before and do hereby publish and declare this to be and contain my last Will and
Testament containing in two sheets of paper. In witness whereof I have to the first [?] out my name and to this last sheet my hand and seal this the
third day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety five. James Scard. [small Seal]
Signed Sealed Published and Declared by the said the Testator as said for this last Will and Testament in the presence of us who in his presence and
at his request and in the presence of [?] have subscribed our names as Witnesses [?], John [Treg] [T] King, Betty [Tite], John Willis.
PROBATUM: This Will was proved at London the fourteenth day of January in the year of Our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety six
before the Right Honorable Sir William [Wyund] [Knight] [?] of Laws [?] Com missionary of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury lawfully constituted
by the [?] of Elizabeth Scard Widow the [?] of the deceased and Phillip [otherwise] Philip Godwin the Executors named in the said Will to whom
administration of all and singular the Goods Chattels and Credits of the said deceased was granted them leaving [?] first sworn by Commissioner Duly
to Administer |
NOTES:
Witnesses: No information or family connection was found for the witnesses to the Will.
Hannah Brewster: the daughter of William Brewer deceased, late of Shroton. A baptism was recorded in the name of Hannah Brewer b.b. [base born]
daughter of Martha no surname, a widow at St. Michael Church on the 10th March 1776 at Gussage five miles north of Shroton,
it is unknown it this is the same child. The burial of William Brewer was recorded 31st July 1794 at at Shroton.
Further investigations showed that a William Brewer (he or his father) was shown on Title Deeds at Dorset Record Office for
Sotherby and Co. London [Cat.Ref.D1721] dated 29th September 1767. The parties mentioned were Edward Hooper of Beverage,
George Read of Wiltshire and William Brewer of Gussage All Saints, which places him with interests in the village. This document
was dated around the same time that James acquired the Shillingstone Estate. No further information.
Miss Mullineux: Little information was found for; “[left blank] Mullineux being now a servant to Mrs. Baker at Bramston House”nor Mrs. Baker.
A tenuous inference to a Henry Baker who married Ann Mullineux was recorded at Alverstoke Hampshire on the 7th July 1760. |
Will of Elizabeth Scard (nee Brookes)
widow of James Scard, Miller of Shroton, Dorset
Transcribed by J.S.Adams (Descendant)
The Last Will and Testament of me Elizabeth Scard of the Parish of Child Okeford in the County of Dorset Widow made and published the first day
of January in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety nine first I will that all sure debts as I shall owe at the time of my decease
together with my funeral expenses be paid and discharged by my executors hereafter mentioned.
Also I give and bequeath unto James Lock and John Lock sons of Robert and Ann Lock of the Parish of Longham in the County of Dorset the sum of
twenty five pounds of good and lawful money of Great Britain as soon as they come to their respective ages of twenty one years but if either of them
should die before they attain to that age then I give the whole fifty pounds to the survivor.
Also I give and bequeath unto my grandson John Scard son of John and Jane Scard the sum of twenty five pounds, of true and lawful money as soon
as he arrives to the age of twenty one years but if he should die before he come of age then I give the said twenty five pounds equally between his two
sisters Harriott Scard and Elizabeth Scard share and share alike if they are living, if not then I give the whole to the survivor.
All the above Legacy together with the Legacy left to my two granddaughters by their grandfather James Scard dead to be paid them as soon as they
and any of them to reach the ages of twenty one years together with interest for the same from the time of my decease
and I do hereby nominate and appoint Philip Godwin of the Parish of Pimperne and Benjamin Godwin of the Parish of Sturweston Cola of the said
County as trust for the said grandchildren until they cordially arrive to the age of twenty one years.
Also I give and bequeath unto my son John Scard my Leasehold Estate situate and lying in the parish of Iwerne Minster in the said County (viz) my
Tenement, Orchard, Garden and all belonging thereso (Leased under [Hinksman] Esq.) of Salisbury in the County of Wilts (Wiltshire) to him and
his heirs till the expiration of the lease together with fifty pounds of good and lawful money of Great Britain.
Also I give and bequeath unto my daughter Elizabeth Kerley out of my Leasehold tenement (late Mills?) situate and lying in the said Parish of Iwerne
Minster in said County (Lease under Thomas Boyer or Bower Esq.) annuity the tenement and garden next to said Parish only for her life, if she dies
without fruit, then and in that case I give the said tenement and garden to my granddaughter Harriott Scard daughter to my son John Scard to her
and of the lease.
Also I give unto my said daughter Elizabeth Kerley the sum of one hundred and fifty pounds of good lawful money.
Also I give and bequeath unto my daughter Maria A Scard the other tenement and that Orchard (late Mills?) situate as last mentioned also under
the said Lord and adjoining to that last mentioned on condition that she pay to her sister Elizabeth Kerley the yearly sum of two pounds and ten
shillings by two equal payments (viz) one pound and five shillings at every half year next after my decease during my daughter Elizabeth’s life
out and from the said orchard and I do hereby charge the said Orchard with the payment thereof.
Also I give and bequeath unto my said daughter Maria A Scard that the sum of one hundred and fifty pounds of good and lawful money together
with my best [?] and all belongings, my cloak and best looking [Chaffs].
My wearing apparel of every sort and kind I give equally between my two daughters Elizabeth Kerley and Maria Scard and two daughters of my
son John Scard share and share alike.
Also I give and bequeath unto my son James Scard my Leasehold Estate situate and lying in the Parish of Shroton otherwise Iwerne Courtney in
that said County held under Lord Rivers on condition that he pay to his brother John Scard out and from said Estate the yearly sum of four pounds
by two equal payments namely two pounds every half year during my son John Scard’s life to [?] from the time of my decease of good and lawful
money of Great Britain and I do hereby charge the Tenement and Mill with the payment thereof.
I will that as soon as a lease drops that my said son James Scard shall put in another to fill up otherwise his brother or either of his sisters may
do it but if my said son James Scard should die without lawful heirs then I give the said Tenement and Mill to my daughter Maria Scard and her
heirs.
And I will that all the above Legacies (except the Legacies which are given to James Lock and John Lock and to my grandson John Scard together
with the Legacies left my granddaughters by their grandfather James Scard) shall be paid within six calendar months next after decease likewise
the Legacy that was left by their grandfather James Scard if not paid before said time.
All my household goods and furniture of every sort and kind (that is not above given) I give equally between my two sons and two daughters share
and share alike at the discretion of my Executors.
Also I give and bequeath unto my two Executors Philip Godwin and Benjamin Godwin the sum of five pounds to be divided equally between them
(viz) two pounds and two shillings for their trust and I will that it shall and may be lawful for my trustees and the survivor of them to [?] and
retain to themselves and himself out of and from the efforts all efforts costs and expenses and they or other than them shall sustain or be put unto
(more that the legacy left them) for or by reason of the execution of the trust hereby in them imposed.
All the efforts that I did [?] of after my funeral expenses just debts and all the above mentioned legacies are paid together with my dues and
demands of whosoever or whatsoever [?] I give equally between my two sons and two daughters share and share alike.
And I do hereby make nominate constitute and appoint the said Philip Godwin and Benjamin Godwin joint executors to this my last Will and
Testament the witnesses whereof I the said Elizabeth Scard to this my last will and testament by my hand and Seal this day and year first above
written Elizabeth Scard [small Seal]
Signed Sealed Published and declared by the Testatrix Elizabeth Scard as and for her last will and testament by two prosecute of us was subscribed
our names as witnesses George [Mark] [ Sow, Low or Gow]* and Robert Ames. |
PROBATUM
This Will was proved at London the twenty sixth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand and eight hundred before the most honorable
Sir William [?] Knight Doctor of Laws Master Keeper or Commissionary of/at Prorogation Court of Canterbury lawfully constituted by the oaths
of Philip Godwin and Benjamin Godwin the executors named in the said will to whom administration was granted of all and singular the goods
Chattels and credits of the deceased [leaving them] first sworn duly to Admin. |
NOTES:
Witnesses: No connection was found for the two witnesses George Sow (Low or Gow*) and Robert Ames.
Coincidentally four decades later John 'Gow/Low/Sow' was mentioned on the Immigration Papers of her great grandson James Scard
through her son John who was raised in Henstridge, Somerset (8 miles North of Shroton) stating that a John Gow (Low or Sow) was his
uncle and had preceded him to Australia. |
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Epilogue |
Ann Locke (nee Scard) - Daughter by Elizabeth (nee Painter);
Ann Scard was baptised at St. Mary's Church at Iwerne Minster on the 21st September 1753 the only child of James Scard and his 1st wife Elizabeth nee Painter.
Ann was aged seventeen when she was a legatee in the Will of her paternal grandfather Thomas Scard in 1770.
Although she was not a legatee in her father's Will in 1796, her sons were given small legacies in her step-mother's Will in 1800.
Ann Scard married Robert Lock in 1780 and settled 17miles SSE at Poole where she gave birth to two sons baptised James Locke on the 27th May 1781 and
John Scard Locke 14th February 1787. These two boys would be mentioned in Ann's stepmother's Will [Elizabeth Scard nee Brookes] in 1800.
Robert is possibly the same who was buried at All Saints, Dorchester 21st June 1798. She possibly hosted her half brother John when he
moved from the Family's Fiddleford Estate to Fordington around 1806 with his four children after the death of his wife.
Her brother John married again at Fordington in 1812, it is possible that Ann was living there at this time.
Ann was buried at Fordington (adjacent Dorcheser) 14th September 1828 recorded aged seventy-one.
Grandsons to James Scard by his daughter Ann:
John Scard Lock & James Lock
No further information |
John Scard - Son;
John moved around late 1799 to Henstridge, Somerset only eight miles North of Fiddleford but returned to Dorset at the time of his mother's
death. He had further issue by his wife Jane who died in 1806.
He remarried at Fordington in 1809 with no issue born to this union and spent some time at Salisbury, Wiltshire 23 miles ENE where both he and his son
James were documented. John died at Stourpaine in 1825.
Full story see next segment: Biography of John Scard [1763-1825]
Grandchildren of James Scard by his son John;
Harriet, Elizabeth and grandsons John & James born after his death
See the Biography of their father. Biography of John Scard [1763-1825] |
Elizabeth Kerley (nee Scard) - Daughter;
Nothing confident has been found for Elizabeth or her spouse William. |
James Scard [the younger] - son
James was last recorded in an Advertisement for the Sale of the Shroton Mill in the Salisbury & Winchester Journal: Monday, September 7th 1812;
SHROTON MILL, DORSET: To be Sold by Private Contract - Those capital Water Grist Mills with convenient Dwelling House,
newly erected Bake-house, stable, cart-house, piggery, and garden adjoining, situate at Shroton,
in the county of Dorset, now in the occupation of Mr. James Scard, the owner. The Mills are most advantageously
situate for business, are supplied with a constant stream of water, and capable of grinding ten loads of corn per week.
The whole of the Premises are in complete repair, and held on a Freehold Lease for three healthy lives, aged
respectively fifteen, ten, and eight years. Immediate possession will be given. Further particulars may be obtained,
on application [if by letter, free of postage] to Mr. Moore, solicitor, Blandford.'
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~dutillieul/ZOtherPapers/NewS&WJ7Sep1812
The 'three healthy lives' of which James made mention in the advertisement are almost certainly his two daughters Eliza and Caroline now aged ten
and eleven years respectively and very likely another child. The two children of his wife Fanny by Thomas Fry [who were living at this time] may not
have been have been mentioned.
James would have been aged forty-two at this time. He did not appear in the 1841 Census. Subsequently [1841, 1851 Census] the Shroton Mill was
found to be in the hands of James & Fanny's son in law, Charles Burt, also a Miller, the spouse of their daughter Caroline Matilda. No burial has
been found for him to date. His spouse Fanny Scard (nee Candy) [formerly Fry] is assumed the same buried at Shillingstone under the name Frances
Scard 'of Shroton' on the 29th Jan. 1841 at the recorded age of 79 years.
Details of his marriage and outcomes for his children are expanded in the Biography of his brother John Scard [1763-1825] |
Maria Cox (nee Scard) - Daughter
Maria Scard "of the parish of Child Okeford" married Enoch Cox "of Tunworth" 27th Oct 1799 at Childe Okeford (both signed)
They were recorded living together alone in the 1841 Census at Shillingstone
Maria Cox (nee Scard) died 13th Feb buried at Shillingstone 16th Feb 1844 recorded aged 66 – Cause: Asthma
Her spouse Enoch Cox died Testate 19th August, buried 23rd Aug 1847 also at Shillingstone, recorded aged 78 - Cause Paralysis
http://www.opcdorset.org/ShillingstoneFiles/ShillingstoneBursRH1801-1850.htm
In his Will his legatees are his brothers and nephews, no mention of the Scard Family or Maria's Estates.
There appears to be no children of the marriage. |
William French - former Apprentice and later brother-in-law (1st marriage);
William died two years after James, buried at St. Mary’s Shroton on the 17th October 1798. |
Philip Godwin - Friend;
Philip’s Family was connected with Victuallers in London & Surrey for generations. He established himself at Pimperne, where he married
Jane Fry 29/10/1777 and where he resided until his death. Philip Goodwin died testate, buried 4th Dec1815. His Estate was liquidated upon
his instructions, he is believed to have had interests in one of the Public Houses at Pimperne. No early family connection was found between
Philip and James and/or their spouses. James's youngest son James later married the widow of Thomas Fry who was Philip Goodwin's niece
by marriage. |
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