John Higginson, of Berkeswell

Source: Clifford L. Stott, "The Higginson Family of Berkeswell, Warwickshire, and Its American Descendants (part 1)," The New England Historical and Genealogical Register 171 (Summer 2017): 181-88

John Higginson of Berkeswell, Warwickshire, yeoman, was born say 1480. He died between 10 December 1540, when he executed his will, and 4 February 1540/1, when is was proved. He married Joan _____, who was dead by 29 Nov 1573, when the will of their son Thomas referred to his mother Jone as deceased.

John was probably the son of John and Ellen Higginson of Berkeswell, who were admitted to the Guild of St. Ann of Knowle in 1498. Sixteen years later, in 1514, John Higginson of Berkeswell and his wife Joan were admitted to the guild. By 1533, John was master of the guild. In the same year, his sons John and Thomas were admitted. The Guild of St. Ann of Knowle, also known as the Guild of Knowle, was a religious, social, and charitable organization that attracted members from throughout Warwickshire and beyond, but especially in the vicinity of Knowle. The fifteenth-century guild house is still standing in Knowle, a few miles from Berkeswell.

Children of Children of John and Joan (_____) Higginson, order uncertain:

1. Thomas "yeoman" Higginson, b. say 1505; m. Agnes Higgenson
2. John Higginson, living in Cotton in the parish of Wem in 1540. He died in Cotton between 28 Oct. 1575, when he executed his will, and 27 Jan.,1575/6, when his estate was inventoried. He m. Margery _____. Johns will mentions his wife and children Jane and Margaret. More than one widow Margery Higginson was buried in Wem.
3. Nicholas Higginson, b. say 1510. It is unclear whether the son Nicholas is identical to the Nicholas Higginson of Wem, mentioned in his father's 1540 will.
4. Margery Higginson; m. before 1533 Roland Radforth or Radford. The will of Roland Radford of Berkeswell, dated 26 Aug. 1553, proved 14 Oct. 1555, mentions his wife Margery and children Robert (eldest son), William, Gregory, and Thomas Radford, and unnamed daughters.
5. Alice Higginson. One of John Higginson's daughters was apparently the wife of Rauffe Oliver, who is mentioned in John Higginson's 1540 will, but Rauffe's wife has not been identified.
6. Elizabeth Higginson.
7. Margaret Higginson.
8. Elyn Higginson.
9. Joyce Higginson.
10. Gregory Higginson, b. say 1531, probably the youngest son, based on probable age at marriage; bur. Great Packington, Warws., 29 March 1556. Widow Joyce Higginson m. (2) Great Packington 3 Aug. 1561, Oliver Mathew of Berkeswell.

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John Higginson, of Berkeswell, County Warwick, born c 1480, will dated 10 December 1540 and proved 4 February 1541 (see will abstracts). Married Jane.

His parents are unknown

Their children

• Nicholas Higginson, male issue, grandsons
• Gregory Higginson
• daughter, married Ralph Olyver
• Thomas Higginson, born 1506, died 1573
• John Higginson, yeoman, will dated 25 October 1575, married Margery
• Margerie Higginson, married Rowland Radforthe

notes

From http://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Higginson-209

Biography

Will 1541 'John Higinson of Berkswell'. Some online trees suggest he died in Ireland but this seems unlikely. Putnam concludes that the family originally came from Cotton in Wem, Shropshire as the 1541 will names several relatives at that place. His children named in his will were Thomas (of Berkswell), Nicholas (then living in Wem), John (living in Wem), Gregory (unmarried, later of Great Packington), sons-in-law Raufe Olyver and Rolande Radforth (married to Margerie), other unmarried daughters Alice; Margaret; Ellen alias Joys; Elizabeth.

Sources

Wills, Eben Putnam "The Higginsons in England and America" 1903

Will abstracts

Source: Putnam's Historical Magazine vol. 6, no. 4 (Martyn vol. 10, p. 66)

4 February 1541. John Higginson of Berkeswell, yeoman — Children and grandchildren Robert and Dorothy Higginson, each �8, and cousin Agnes Higginson who shall receive of Nicholas Higginson, dwelling in the parish of Wern, three kine [sic], as he had received from her father 36 shillings. His wife to deliver the kine to Nicholas. Small legacies of equal amount to Agnes Walton of Coventry and Margaret Banforth. Wife Jane. Sons-in-law Raufe Olyver and Rolande Radforth, overseers. Soul of Mistress Burway to be prayed for. Mr. George Mathew, overseer. Witnessed by Sr. John Fanchener clerk, Rowland Radforthe, and Thomas Higginson. Cons. Court Coventry and Lichfield. Children: Thomas, witness to his father's will; John, dwelling in Cotton in Wern; Nicholas; Gregory, unmarried in 1545; daughter; Margerie, wife of Rowland Radfrothe and mother of Robert and Thomas Radforthe; Alice; Margaret; Ellen alias Joys; Elizabeth (last four unmarried).

• http://www.glenncourt.com/genealogy/fam_higginson.php

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