Elizabeth Woodward

• Birth Record: November 17, 1653 in Acton Parish, Cheshire, England, (Present UK)
• Christening Record: 29 Nov 1653 in ACTON BY NANTWICH, CHESHIRE, ENGLAND

Married

Married: Thomas Eavenson on July 6, 1688 in Chester County, Pennsylvania, USA

• At a court held at Chester, June 6th 1688, mention is made of a marriage between Thomas Eavenson and Elizabeth Woodward, which was to be accomplished on or before the 6th day of the next month, and Richard Woodward became bound with Thomas Eavenson for the performance of the contract in the sum of L40. Thomas Eavenson had purchased a tract of one hundred and twenty acres in Thornbury township, jan 6, 1687, next to Richard Woodward's land, and from the same person, John Simcock. Nov 16, 1702, he also purchased three hundred and seventeen acres in Thornbury from Thomas Bradford, of Philadelphia, carpenter, it being part of a tract of five hundred acres originally purchased by Robert Sumner, of Wiltshire, England. Elizabeth Eavenson was living in 1717, but Thomas, in his will, mentions a wife Margaret. He died in Thornbury about the month of November, 1726, leaving five children, who were all by the first wife.

Children

• Joseph Eavenson; born 11/1/1689 Chester County, Pennsylvania; married Catherine George
• Hannah Eavenson; born 1691 Chester County, Pennsylvania; married Thomas Arnold
• Thomas Eavenson; born 1694 Chester County, Pennsylvania, died before 1726
• Sarah Eavenson; born1696 Chester County, Pennsylvania; married (1) John Buffington (2) Anthony Arnold Note: Thomas and Anthony Arnold were brothers of Grace Arnold who married Ralph Eavenson as proven in Richard Arnold's will in 1720

More on Thomas Eavenson/Elizabeth Woodward Marriage

• The circumstances of Elizabeth Woodward's marriage indicate that she was a close relative of Richard Woodward as he was the person responsible for her. We had not previously seen the following court record and perhaps it has been supressed in genealogies. We believe it is appropriate to publish such records as it underscores the fact that our ancestors were only human, and brings original records to light. "3rd day in ye 1st Weeke of ye 4th month 1688: The Grand Inquest Psented (sic) Thomas Eveson and Elizabeth Woodward for ye Sin of fornication. The said Thomas Eveson acknowledging ye fact and not willing to plead thereunto putts himselfe upon ye mercy of ye King and Governr upon which ye said Thomas Eveson with Richard Woodward become bound unto ye King and Governour in ye penalty of 40 pounds that ye said Thomas Eveson shall contract marriage with ye above named Elizabeth Woodward att or before ye 6th day of ye 5th moneth next." (page 127-128 Records of the Courts of Chester Cnty, Pa 1681-1696/7, courtesy Judy Ardine). The History of Chester County indicates they were married about July 1688 (5th month would be July). This comment is probably based on the court record.

Land Records in Chester County

• In a deed dated September 29, 1711 Thomas Eavenson of Thornbury, yeoman, & Elizabeth, his wife, granted 133 acres to Richard Eavenson of Thornbury, carpenter, son of Thomas. The land is described as bounded by lands of Richard Woodward, Thomas Eavenson, Thomas Mercer, Reece Thomas & John Yearlsey. The tract was 317 acres so Thomas only granted a portion to his son who had reached the age of 18. There are several family connections in this deed. The land had originally been patented to Robert Sumner of Roud of County Wilts in England. He may have been the ancestor of Robert Sumner who married Phebe Beals Canaday. Thomas Mercer, neighbor, was the father of Elizabeth Mercer, who married Richard Woodward's son, Joseph Woodward. Two of Richard Woodward's great grandchildren married Yearsleys. But the most significant connection is that Richard Woodward & Thomas Eavenson did purchase adjoining tracts of land in Chester County.
• Another significant deed is dated 12 Oct 1717 where Thomas Evanson of Thornbury, yeoman, & Elizabeth his wife, deeded to their son Joseph Evanson of Thornbury, 296 acres bounded by land of Isaac Taylor, William Pyle, Richard Woodward, Richard Evanson, branch of Chester Creek, land of Thomas Mercer & Mather Andrews. This tells us that Elizabeth was still alive in 1717. This land was part of a parcel of 317 acres obtained by Thomas in November 1702.

Will of Thomas Eavenson

From "Wills of Chester Cnty, Pa 1713-1748", F. Edward Wright, 1998, Willow Bend Books, courtesy Judy Ardine: EVENSON, Thomas. Thornbury. Yeoman.

10 Jun 1726 or 20 Aug 1726. 30 Nov 1726 A:201

• Provides for wife Margaret. Remainder of estate in 3 equal parts one to wife and the others not further mentioned. To sons Richard and Joseph 5 shillings each. To dtrs Hannah Arnold and Sarah Buffington 10 pounds each. Remainder to son Ralph, also executor. Wit: Henry Pierce, Edward Milson.

History Children of Thomas and Elizabeth Woodward Eavenson

• Joseph and Catherine George Eavenson - Catherine George was born in Wales and her father, Richard, died on shipboard in 1708 on the way to America per a George Web Site. She and Joseph Eavenson were married 2/10/1717 at Radnor Monthly Meeting. They had children Elizabeth (1722); Thomas (1724); George (1726, married Mary Williamson); John (1728) and Seth (1731, married Hannah Davis.) Joseph Eavenson died 12/14/1771 but we did not find a will in Chester County for him. There is a will for Daniel Davis in 1771 naming daughter Hannah Davis Eavenson.
• Hannah Eavenson Arnold - Hannah Eavenson married Thomas Arnold, son of Robert and Sarah Chamberlain Arnold, on 10/30/1714 as recorded at Concord Monthly Meeting. Thomas Arnold married Ann Rattew 11/14/1729 as recorded at Concord after the death of Hannah. Hannah was left £10 in her father's will in 1726 so was alive at that time. Thomas Arnold had a child Mary mentioned in the will of Grace Arnold Eavenson in 1746. Here is the will of Thomas mentioning "only" daughter Sarah who seems to be daughter of Hannah as she is left property "formerly of her mother." We have heard from Edward Stokel who found an estate file for Mary Arnold dated May 20, 1754 at the Chester County Archives showing Sarah Arnold appointed administrator so apparently there were two daughters, Mary and Sarah. (Will of Thomas Arnold) Thomas Arnold of West Bradford. November 7, 1763. February 1, 1764. To wife Ann plantation I now live on in West Bradford containing about 30 acres and all personal estate. To only daughter Sarah 6 pewter plates and dishes that was formerly her mothers. Executor: Joseph Martin. Witnesses: George Martin, John Smith. *Thomas Arnold married Hannah Eavenson 10/30/1714 and Ann Rattew 11/14/1729. (we do not know who is responsible for the added note to the will abstract.)
• Sarah Eavenson married (1)John Buffington They had children: John; Thomas; Mary; and Sarah, all underage at the time of John's death per his will. (Will of John Buffington) Buffington, John W. Bradford, yeoman. 7/24/1736. October 11, 1736. B.12. To eldest son John the plantation I now live on purchased of brother Richard containing 188 acres when 21. To wife Sarah use of said plantation during minority of son and other provision. To son Thomas 50 acres of land adjacent above also £30 at 21. To daughters Mary and Sarah £15 each at 21. Executors: wife Sarah, brother Richard Eavenson and brother Jeremiah Dean.
• Sarah Eavenson Buffington married Anthony Arnold, son of Richard and Sarah Chamberlain Arnold, on 9/30/1737 at Bradford Monthly Meeting. No parents were present at the wedding but there were plenty of other relatives. Several Buffington's attended as well. Sarah and Anthony had a daughter Hannah who married Isaac Taylor. Note that Anthony provided for some of Sarah's Buffington children in his will. (Will of Anthony Arnold) Anthony Arnold of E. Bradford, yeoman. September 18, 1746. October 1, 1746. B. 211. To John Arnold son of brother Richard £30 when 21. To daughter in law Sarah Buffington £30 at 18. To daughter Hannah the plantation where I dwell containing about 140 acres in E. Bradford and Westtown at 18. To Thos. Buffington a colt. To Mary Morgan and Sarah Buffington my wifes daughters by a former husband my wifes wearing apparel. Executors: friends Jos. Evenson and Jos. Chamberlin. Witnesses: Saml. Osborne, Thos. Worth, Richard Thatcher.

Will of Radulphus Eavenson

Chandler Eavenson posted the will of Radulphus Eavenson on the Rootsweb Old Chester mailing list in October 2005: https://lists.rootsweb.com/hyperkitty/th/read/pa-old-chester/2005-1...

Updates: 12/17/2005 Added link to the will of Radulphus Eavenson and made minor other corrections. 10/13/2011 Corrected information on the children of Hannah Eavenson and husband Thomas Arnold. Sarah and Mary were two separate daughters.

Sources

Book, The Woodward Fam. of Chester Co., PA & Some of their Desc by J. Gary Woodward, 1212 Kingman St., Leavenworth, KS 66048 pg 1 2.14.

Thomas Eavenson Family - http://freepages.rootsweb.com/~mygermanfamilies/family/Eavenson.html

Edward Woodward in the Cheshire, England, Select Bishop's Transcripts, 1576-1933 - Name: Edward Woodward, Gender: Male Child: Elizabetha Woodward - https://www.geni.com/photo/view/6000000019371916896?photo_id=6000000081881281828