? ^^ 
 
 •^. 
 
 ..*^ A 
 
 o 
 
 -X 
 
 <^ 
 
 y 
 
 ^^. 
 
 
 .0^ 
 
 G^ 
 
 .n' 
 
 
 .u 
 
 o o 1 " -, '^O. 
 
 
 .V 
 

 "^ 
 
 .0 
 
 ,V o " o 
 
 -r-'^N 
 
 ^^^^^ 
 
 O 
 
 ■•■■■■-vi)^-^^' 
 
 
 
 ^0^ c" 
 
 V' 
 
 J, * 
 
 i^.* .^^ 
 
 \ 
 ^ 
 
 .0 
 
 .^^ 
 
 .^^ 
 
 O N G 
 
 
 • ( ■> 
 
 
 
 .S 
 
 -^ 
 
 .^ 
 
 r 
 
 MM/: 
 
 -s- 
 
 ''> 
 
 
 ^. 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 '^%. 
 
 A 
 
 A. 
 
 -^^ 
 
 V.' 
 
 ■"">' ^V 
 
 V 
 
 A. 
 
 ^ 
 
 .^^ 
 
 B / 
 
 
^ 
 
 •? 
 
 :^ 
 
 o 
 
 '^^ 
 
 
 <? 
 
/.: 
 
 \0S 
 
 [Reprinted from the 
 New England Historical and Genealogical Register 
 
 for July, 190G.] 
 
 TAYER (THAYER) FAMILY ENTRIES IN THE PARISH 
 REGISTER OF THORNBURY, GLOUCESTERSHIRE, 
 
 ENGLAND. 
 
 Communicated by Walter Faxox, Esq., and Edward Henry Whorf, Esq. , ^ 
 
 With Introduction and Notes by Henry Ernest Woods, A.M. a / 
 
 The parish of Thornbury is in the western part of Gloucestershire, 
 the town being a short distance from the river Severn. It is eleven 
 miles north from Bristol, from which port it is probable that 
 Thomas and Richard Tayer sailed for New England. * The Thornbury 
 parish register is from 1538, with breaks from 1645 to 1650 and 
 from 1679 to 1684. The abstracts following are to 1645. 
 
 Thomas Tayer was in Boston, Mass., before 24 Feb. 1639-40, 
 when land was granted to him at Mount Wollaston (Braintree, 
 Mass.) for "9 heads" in his family,! these consisting of himself 
 and wife Margery, his sons Thomas, Ferdinando and Shadrach, 
 perhaps two daughters, Sarah J and Hannah, § born soon after his 
 arrival in New England, and possibly two servants. 
 
 Richard Tayer, a widower, presumably a younger brother of 
 Thomas, came to New England in 1641 with eight children, j] and 
 settled at Braintree, Mass., afterwards removing to Boston. His 
 children are identified as Richard, Sarah, Jael, Deborah, Zachariah, 
 Hester, Nathaniel and Cornelius. 1[ 
 
 It is likely that the Nathaniel Thayer who was in Taunton be- 
 fore 1668,** and the Benjamin Tayer who died in Newport, R. L, 
 in 1716,ff were related to Thomas and Richard. 
 
 The root of the family name, from "taw": to dress skins, U is 
 made clear in the earlier spelling of the name at Thornbury. The 
 letter " h " was added soon after the emigrants came to New Eng- 
 land ; but in the line of the fomily descended from Ferdinando* 
 (Thomas') of Mendon, Mass., that letter was silent — as in Thomas 
 and Thompson — until early in the last century. No coat-of-arms 
 appears on any tablet or monument of th« family at the parish church 
 
 * Register, vol. 37, page 84, and vol. 58, page 225 and note, 
 t Boston Record Commissioners' Report, Xo. 2, page 50. 
 
 X Sarah Thayer and Jonatlian Ha^'ward were married 6 May, 1663, in Braintree. 
 ,? Hannah Thayer and Samuel Hayden were married 28 Oct., 1664, in Braintree. 
 ^ (I 4 Massachusetts Historical Society's Collections, vol. 5, page 105, and Pattee's 
 History of Old Braintree and Quincy, Mass., page 48. 
 H Register, vol. 60, page 93. 
 
 **Emery's History of Taunton, Mass., page 110, and The Harvey Book, page 37. 
 ft Austin's Genealogical Dictionary of lihode Island, page 197. 
 JJ Register, vol. 37, page 84. 
 
r y 
 
 (St. Mary) in Thornbuiy, and the fact that Edward Tayer of 
 Oldbury-on-Severn, in the parish of Thornbury, was disclaimed by 
 the heralds at their Visitation of Gloucestershire in 1623,* for using 
 arms without proof of authority, would show that the family was 
 not armorial. The name is now extinct in Thornbury. 
 
 Of the twenty-six tenants who made presentment of the customs 
 of the Manor of Thornbury in 1550, eleven signed their names, 
 among whom w^as Tayer, and the rest made marks. f 
 
 A family spelling the name Theyer and Thayer, and having the 
 same root from " taw, "J has long been at Brockworth in Glouces- 
 tershire, § a parish 25 miles north-east of Thornbury ; and there 
 was an armorial family of Tcnoyer at Raunds in Northamptonshire, j] 
 about 80 miles north-east of Brockworth and 105 miles from Thorn- 
 bury ; and also an armorial family of Thayer at Great Baddow 
 and later at Thaydon Garnon in county EsseXjIT afterwards of Lon- 
 don ;** but no connection between these families has been estab- 
 lished, so far as known. 
 
 In an accountft of " Able and Sufficient Men in Body fit for His 
 Majesty's Service in the Wars, within the County of Gloucester, 
 . . in the Month of August, 1608," which is given in three classes, 
 (1) those about 20 years of age, (2) those about 40 years of age, 
 and (3) those between 50 and 60 years of age, there appear 
 in Thornbury : Edward, John, Nicholas, and Richard Tayer, 
 all of the second class, and William Martimer, of the first class; in 
 Stinchcomb, 8 miles north-east from Thornbury : John Thayer 
 (gent.), of the second class; and in Brockworth and its vicinity: 
 John Theyer, of the first class, Richard, Roger, Thomas, Walter, 
 and William Theyer, of the second class, Gabriel, Giles, John, 
 and Thomas Thayer, of the first class, and William Thayer of the 
 second class. 
 
 In Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" there is a stage 
 direction in the First Folio : \_Enter'] " Tawyer with a trumpet." 
 This refers to a William Tawier, or Tawyer, a subordinate in the 
 employ of John Hemminge who was one of the members of the 
 Globe Theatre Company and one of the editors of the First Folio. 
 William Tawier was buried in St. Saviour's Church, Southwark, 
 in June, 1625. ift 
 
 *Harlean Society, vol. 21, page 198. 
 
 fBigland's County of Gloucester, vol. 2, Thornbury chapter, 
 t Wood's City of Oxford (Oxford Historical Society, xv), vol. 1, page 476, note 5. 
 ? Notes and Queries, 6th Series, vol. 12, page 31, and Wood's Athena Oxoniensis, 
 1813, vol. 3, page 996. 
 
 II Metcalfe's Visitations of Northamptonshire, page 49. 
 
 II Howard's Bysshe's Visitation of Essex, page 92. " ^ 
 
 ** Visitation of London (Harleian Society, xvii), vol. 2, page 280. 
 
 Gift 
 
Baptisms. 
 
 4 Jan. 1557-8. Johes Tayer. Godfathers: Johanes Williams, Johanes 
 Tyther. Godmother : Elizabeth Cooke. 
 
 15 Oct. 1558. Johanes Tayer, son and heir to Thomas Tayer. God- 
 
 fathers: William Merick, Henricus Lydat. Godmother: Jone 
 Rede. 
 
 7 Nov. 1559. Thomas Tayer. Godfathers : Thomas Moore, Johanes 
 
 Barton. Godmother : Elizabeth Whitfield. 
 
 25 Apr. 15G0. Thomas Jamis. Godfather : Thomas Tayer. Godmother: 
 Margareta Tayer. 
 
 13 Oct. 1560. Margareta Tawier. Godfather : Willhelmus Mawle. God- 
 mothers : Margareta Busher, Agneta Tayer. 
 
 6 May 1561. Johanes Tawier. Godfathers: Johanes Rooes, Richardus 
 Baker. Godmother : Margaretta Wallis. 
 
 1 Sept. 1561. Cuthberta Tawier. Godfather: Thomas Pulleu, God- 
 
 mothers : Susan Birton, Johana Salmon. 
 
 2 Aug. 1562. Richardus Tawier. Godfathers: Richardus ChejTe, Walter 
 
 Howks. Godmother : Elizabeth Richer. 
 21 Sept. 1563. Johanes Jamis. Godmother: Maria Tawier. 
 
 8 Feb. l563[-4]. Thomas Tawier. Godfathers : Thomas Search, Thomas 
 
 Moore. Godmother: Margerate Floyde. 
 
 28 Feb. 1563[-4]. Johannes Tawier. Godfathers: Johannes Moore, 
 Humf ridus Whitfield. Godmother : Elenora Barton. 
 
 1 Nov. 1564. Wilihelmus Tawier. Godfathers : William Bruton, Johan- 
 nes Jonis. Godmother : Joyce GrilRngs. 
 
 6 May 1565. Richard Tawier. Godfathers : Richardus Wilcox, Merricus 
 . Godmother : Marie Tawier. 
 
 16 Dec. 1565. Alicia Tawier. Godfather: Richard Griffing. Godmoth- 
 
 ers: Alicia D[ ]rnt, Elizabeth Howell. 
 
 20 Dec. 1567. Secillia Tawier. Godfather: Richard Wilcox. God- 
 mothers : Secilia White, Catherine Ripe. 
 
 23 Sept. 1568. Luci Tawier. Godfather: Johanes Driver. Godmothers: 
 Luci Baker, Catherina Rippe. 
 
 12 Feb. 1569-70. Thomas Tawyer. Godfathers : ThomasiStevens, Rich- 
 
 ard AVilkokes. Godmother : Isabella Fowler. 
 
 13 Aug. 1570. Anna Tawier. Godfather : Thomas Marten. Godmoth- 
 
 ers : Agneta Ady, Alice Laurence. 
 
 23 Mar. 1572[-3]. William Tawyer. Godfathers : Robert Eslineton, 
 
 Johanes Jonis. Godmother : Johana Bartone. 
 
 25 Jan. 1573[-4]. Nicholas Tawier. Godfathers : Nicholas Adams,. 
 
 Thomas Holdbrooke. Godmother : Johana Tocker. 
 
 26 Oct. 1577. Edward Tawier. (Christened.) 
 25 Apr. 1579. Ursula Tawier. (Christened.) 
 
 6 Jan. 1581 [-2]. Anthony Tawier. (Christened.) 
 
 24 June 1586. Catherine Tawier. Godfather : Thomas Tawier. God- 
 
 mothers : Catherine [R]ippe, Susannah Jones. 
 
 23 Oct. 1587. Alice Tawyer. Godfather: Thomas Jones. Godmother: 
 Alice Joanes. 
 
 23 Dec. 1589. Margaret Tawier. Godfather: Thomas Gibbs. God- 
 mothers : Margaret Griffin, Mary Werryat. 
 
 7 Mar. 1589-90. Francis Tawier. Godfathers: John Tawier, William 
 
 AVilliams. Godmother : Ussly Tawier. 
 
4 
 
 22 Oct. 1590. Jane Tayer. Godfather: Richard Pullen. Godmothers r 
 Jane Tyler, Jone Gibbs. 
 
 10 Nov. loUO. Ann Tamer. Godfather : Richard Pullen. Godmoth- 
 ers : Sicely Jones, Margaret Griffins. 
 
 4 Dec. 1591. Elinor Tawier. Godfather: John Comely. Godmothers: 
 
 Elnor Carle, Jone Tawier. 
 26 Dec. 1591. John Tawier. Godiathei'S : John Lyilyn, James Lawrence, 
 Godmother : Ann Watson. 
 
 6 Jan. 1592[-'3}. Joane Tawier. Godfather: Thomas Holdbrooke. God- 
 
 mothers : Joane Barton, Margery Dimery. 
 
 17 Apr. 1593. John Tayer. Godfathers: John Tayer, Richard Dimery. 
 
 Godmother : Als Tayer. 
 21 Jan. l594[-5j. Thomas Tayer. Godf athei's : Thomas Tayer, Thomas 
 Shurman. Godmother : Edy Midlton. 
 
 7 Feb. 1594[-53. Edward Tayer. Godfathers : Edward Knight, John 
 
 Jones. Godmother : Mary Tratman. 
 
 1 Mar. 1595[-6]. Mary Tayer. Godfather : Thomas Holdbrook. God- 
 mothers : Als Hilpe, Agnes Jones. 
 
 16 Aug. 1596. Thomas Tayer.* Godfathers: Thomas Gibbs, William 
 Dimery. 
 
 18 Aug. 1597. .Judith Tayer. Godfather: Edmond Pytcher. Godmoth- 
 
 ers : Judith Stones, An Tayer. 
 1 Mar. 1597-8. Ferdinand Tawyer. Godfathers : Thomas Poi-kwood 
 
 (gent.), John Carle. Godmother: Ann Thurston. 
 13 Aug. 1598. John Tayer. Godfathers: John Tayer, Nicholas Baker. 
 
 Godmother : Jone Wither. 
 
 13 Jan. 1598-9. Catherine Pitcher. Godfather: John Tayer. 
 
 1 Jan. 1599[1600]. Wilfry Tayer. Godfathers : Wilfry Waker, Robert 
 Smith. Godmother : Joice Griffing. 
 
 1 May 1600. Sicely Tayer. Godfather: Thomas Pytcher. Godmoth- 
 ers : Als Hilpe, Mary Tratman. 
 
 5 Apr. 1601. Richard Taye r.f Godfathers: Richard Dimery, Nicholas 
 
 Tayer. Godmother : Elizabeth Grilfing. 
 7 Oct. 1602. Alice Tilladam. Godmother : Alice Tayer. 
 21 Aug. 1603. Thomas Tayre. Godfathers: Thomas Tayer, Richard' 
 
 Wytheed. 
 24 Feb. 1603[-4]. Catherine Tayer. Godfather: Thomas Dimery. 
 
 Godmothers: Catherine Russell, Gvliau[?] Smith. 
 5 May 1605. William Tayer. Godfathers: William Coke, John Walker. 
 
 Godmother : Jone Taire. 
 10 June 1606. Margaret Tayre. Godfather: John West. Godmothers: 
 
 Jane Walker, Joice Griffing. 
 
 14 July 1606. Elizabeth Tayre. Godfather: Nicholas Purnell. God- 
 
 mother : Sisly Wicksteed. 
 
 15 Mar. 1607 [-8].. Agnes Taire the daughter of Richard Taire. God- 
 
 father : Nicholas Barly. Godmothers : Agnis Grainge, Jone 
 Walker. 
 15 Jan. 1609[-10]. Thomas Tawyer son of Edward Tawyer. Godfath- 
 ers : Thomas Tawyer, James Eddis. Godmother : Elizabeth 
 Wilcox. 
 
 * It was probably he wlio married, 13 Apr. 1618, Margerie "WTieeller, and later emi- 
 grated to New England with his familj'. 
 
 t It was probably he who married, 5 Apr. 1624, Dorothy Mortimore, and, after her 
 death, emigrated to New England with his children. 
 
"29 Apr, 1610. John Taire. Godfather: John Clarke. Godmother: 
 [^eixfsed^ Taire. 
 
 23 June 1611, Anna Tayer. Godfather : William Gwatkins. Godmoth- 
 ers : Anne Breadston, Joyse Haris. 
 
 26 Dec. 1611. .John Tayer. Godfathers: John Whitfield, John Steevens. 
 Godmother : Joliane Patche. 
 
 13 Nov. 1614. JohnTawyer. Godfathers: James Eddys, Richard Wick- 
 steed, Godmother : Agnes Ganuer, 
 
 13 Oct, 1616. Frederick Badmanton. Godfathers : Thomas Tayer, Fran- 
 cis Tajer. 
 
 15 Feb. 1617. Cordelia Badmenton. Godfather: Ferdinando Tayer. 
 Godmothers : Agnes Tayer, Sisley Tayer. 
 
 4 July 1619. Frances Davys. Godfather : Edward Tayer. Godmother: 
 Auue Tayer. 
 
 18 Nov. 1619. Ursula Tayer. Godfather: Gyles Wheeler. Godmoth- 
 
 ers : Ursula Tayer, Secilly Davys. 
 
 28 Jan. 1620-1. John Davys. Godfather: John Tayer. 
 
 20 May 1621. Welfrey Tayer. Godfathers: Welfrey Tayer, John Bayue 
 [or Boyce]. Godmother : Katherin Hurd. 
 
 19 Aug. 1621. Bartholomew Tayer. Godfathers: John Curtys, gent., 
 
 Thomas Parker. Godmother: Alys Eddys. 
 15 Sept. 1622. Thomas Tayer.* Godfathers: Thomas Budden, Richard 
 
 Tayer. Godmother: Joyce Harris. 
 10 Feb. 1624[-5]. Richard Tayer. f Godfathers : Richard Tayer, Wm. 
 
 Mortimore. Godmother : Bridgett Seagar. 
 18 Apr. 1625. Ferdinando Tayer. J Godfathers: Ferdinando Tayer, 
 
 William Tayer. Godmother : Margarett King. 
 8 Sept. 1626. Jonathan Tayer, Godfathers: John Callaway, Thomas 
 
 Tayer. Godmother : Dorothy Tayer. 
 
 8 Oct. 1626. Ui-sula Tayer. Godfather: Nicholas Tayer. Godmothers: 
 
 Ursula Tayer, Elizabeth Jones. 
 
 29 June 1627. Marie Tawyer. Godfather: Richard Callaway. God- 
 
 mothers : Agnes Tayer, Katheryne Bruidwor. 
 
 10 May 1628, Elizabeth Tayer. Godfather : William Jones. Godmoth- 
 ers : Joyce Harrys, Margaret Byrde. 
 
 15 Jan. 1628['-9]. Jonathan Tayer. Godfathers: Richard Tayer, John 
 Dynty. Godmother: Alice L[ ]ker. 
 
 9 May 1629. Shadrach Tayer.§ Godfathers: John Alpas, John Pen- 
 
 dock. Godmother : Katherin Tayer. 
 
 4 Feb. 1629-30, Deborah Tayer. Godfather : John Purlyn. Godmoth- 
 ers : Katheren Dymery, Sarah Thurston. 
 
 17 Apr. 1630. Elizabeth Tayer. Godfather : George Speck. Godmoth- 
 ers : Isabel Mershe, Agnes Tayer. 
 
 * Son of Thomas and Mai-gerie (Wheeller) , -wlio came to ISTew England with his 
 
 parents, settled in Braintree, Mass., married, about 1646, Anne -, and died iia 
 
 Braintree, 9 Aug, 1692, "aged neer seventy." 
 
 t Son of Richard and Dorothy (Mortimore), who came to New England with his 
 father, settled in Braintree, Mass., where he married, 24 Dec. 1651, Dorothy Pray, 
 and died there 27 Aug. 1695, "aged 71." 
 
 X Son of Thomas and Margerie (Wheeller), who came to New England with his 
 parents, married in Braintree, Mass., 14 Jan. 1652-3, Huldah Hayward, and later set- 
 tled in Mendon, Mass., where he died 28 Mar. 1713. 
 
 § Son of Thomas and Margerie (Wheeller), who came to New England with his 
 parents, settled in Braintree, Mass., where he married (1), 1 Jan. 1654-5, Mary Bar- 
 rett, and (2), about 1661, Deliverance Priest, and died in Braintree, 19 Oct. 1678. 
 
6 
 
 24 June 1630. Mary Tayer. Godfather : William Tayer. Godmothers: 
 Katheryn Taj^er, Ellizabeth Moore. 
 
 14 Aug. 1631. John Tayer. Godfathers : John Dawniee, John Dymerie. 
 Godmother : Katheryne Teakle. 
 
 2 Feb. l631[-2]. Thomas Tayer. Godfathers: Mershe, Francis 
 
 Tayer. Godmother : Agnes Tayer. 
 
 9 Feb. 1631 [-2]. Sara Tayer.* Godfather : Thomas Tayer. Godmoth- 
 ers : Agnes Jones, Katheryne Dawney. 
 
 16 Sept. 1632. Marie Tayer. Godfather: Francis Mountayne. God- 
 mothers : Ann Stadurd, Katheryne Dymerie. 
 
 2 June 1633. Jaell Tayer.f Godfather: Rychard Dymmerie. God- 
 mothers : Katheryne Dawney, Agnes Tayer. 
 
 12 Nov. 1633. Ann Tayer. Godfather: Richard Peaseley. Godmoth- 
 ers : An Tayer, Elizabeth Mershe. 
 
 27 Mar. 1633-4. Deborah Tayer.J Godfathers: William Jones, John 
 Busher. Godmother : Elizabeth Wenkl. 
 
 6 Mar. 1634[-5]. Zacaria Tayer.§ 'Godfathers: John Ford, William 
 Banton. Godmother : Agnes White. 
 
 12 Apr. 1635. Elizabeth Tayer. Godfather : William Callaway. God- 
 mothei"s : Elizabeth Dymerie, Jaine Callaway. 
 
 26 Nov. 1635. Charles Tayer. Godfathers : Thomas Smithe, Thomas 
 
 Pach. Godmother : Eliz. Peaseley. 
 
 24 Nov. 1636. Hester Tayer. || Godfather: John Dymery. Godmoth- 
 ers : Alice Parker, Marie Tayer. 
 
 16 Nov. 1637. Edee Tayer. Godfather : George Baker. Godmothers: 
 Anne Tayer, Ann Homes. 
 
 27 Dec. 1637. Jonathan Tayer. Godfathers: Rich. Tayer, John Dy- 
 
 mery. Godmother : Marie Kelloway. 
 11 Aijr. 1639. Nathaniel Tayer.H Godfathers: Thomas Dymrie, Edward 
 
 Dymrie. Godmother : Abigail Purlene. 
 10 May 1640. Nathaniel Tayer. Godfathers : Thomas Dymerie, William 
 
 Hancock. Godmother : Elizabeth Purleu. 
 31 May 1640. Judith Tayer. Godfather: John Tayer. Godmothers: 
 
 Elizabeth Peslie, Jane Whitfield. 
 10 Dec. 1640. Cornelius Tayer.** Godfathers: Robert Thurston, Giles 
 
 Wheler. Godmother : Alice Hopkins ah Seaborn. 
 22 Apr. 1644. Gabriel Tayer. Godfathers: William Callaway, John 
 
 Briggs. Godmother : Marie Callaway. 
 
 * Daughter of Richard and Dorothy (Mortimore), who came to New England with 
 her father, and married in Boston, Mass., 20 July 1651, Samuel Davis. 
 
 t Daughter of Richard and Dorothy (Mortimore), who came to Xew England with 
 her father, married in Braintree, Mass., 17 Mar. 1654, John Harbour, Jr., and died 
 there 10 Mar. 1701. 
 
 + Daughter of Richard and Dorothy (Mortimore), who came to New England with 
 her father, married in Braintree, Mass., 11 Apr. 1653, Thomas Faxon, Jr., and died 
 there 31 May 1662. 
 
 J Son of Richard and Dorothy (Mortimore), who came to New England with his 
 father, and settled in Braintree, Mass., where he died, unmarried, 29 July 1693. 
 
 II Daughter of Richard and Dorothy (Mortimore), who came to New England with 
 her father, and in 1695 was the wife of Joseph Graj', probably of Taunton, Mass. 
 
 H Son of Richard and Dorothy (Mortimore), who came to New England with his 
 father, settled in Boston, Mass., married, about 1670, Deborah Townsend, and died in 
 1693. 
 
 ** Son of Richard and Dorothy (Mortimore), who came to New England with his 
 father, and settled in Weymouth, Mass., where he died in 1663. 
 
The following names appear^ eilher as godfather or godmother^ 
 
 in other baptismal entries. 
 
 Agnes (Annis) .Tayer, 1600, 10, 14, 17, 22, 27, 30, 41 ; Alice Tawier, 
 1566 ; Alice Tawyer. 1601 ; Alice ( Als, AUice) Tayer, 1567, 95, 99, 1602, 
 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 35; Ann Tayre, 1606; An Taire, 1608; An (Anne, 
 Ann) Tawyer, 1608, 13, 15 ; An (Anne) Tayer, 1620, 23, 33, 36; Cicely 
 (Sissilv) Tayer, 1592, 1617; Edward Tayer, 1597, 1600, 20, 22; Edward 
 Taire," 1608; Edward Tawyer, 1612, 15; Elinor Tawyer, 1612; EUyn 
 (Eleu) Taire, 1607, 10; Ellyne Tayer, 1611; Ellyne Tawyer, 1612; 
 Frances Tawyer, 1613; Frances Tayer, 1618; E'rancis Tayer, 1619, 20, 
 26, 31 ; Ferdinand (Ferdinando) Tayer, 1618, 33, 34; Ferdinando Taw- 
 yer, 1638; Jone (Joane) Tayer, 1595, 1603, 5, 11; Joane Tawyer, 1601, 
 28; Jone Tay'', 1604; Joane (Jone) Tayre, 1604, 6; Jone Taire, 1605; 
 Johanes Tawier, 1565, 67, 68, 69 ; Johan Tayer, 1623, 25, 29 ; John Taw- 
 yer, 1585, 1603, 15 ; John Tayer, 1591, 96, 99, 1605, 16, 21, 24, 34, 36, 37, 
 39, 42 ; John Tawier, 1590, 93 ; John Tayar, 1592 ; John Taire, 1597 ; 
 John Tayre, 1605; Judith (Judeth) Tayer, 1617, 18, 19; Katheryne 
 (Catherine, Katheren, Katherine, Katheryn) Tayer, 1613, 15, 17, 21, 25, 
 27,28,30, 37; Lucie Tayer, 1636; Lewcey Tawyer, 1638; Margareta 
 (Margaret) Tawier, 1563, 74; Margareta (Margarett, Margaret) Tayer, 
 1564, 83, 1625, 30, 32 ; Margaret Tawyer, 1586 ; Maria Tayer, 1557, 59 ; 
 Maria Tawier, 1560, 61, 63; Mary Taire, 1608; Nicholas Tayer, 1596, 
 1613, 21, 22, 32; Nicholas Taire, 1608; Richard Tayer, 1613, 18, 19, 21, 
 24, 38 ; Susanna Tayer, 1626 ; Svmon Taire, 1641 ; Thomas Tayer, 1557, 
 58, 59, 62, 99, 1621 ; Thomas Tawier, 1560, 62, 67, 83 ; Thomas Tawyer, 
 1596, 1608, 14; Usly Tayer, 1599. 
 
 Mari'iages. 
 
 15 Nov. 1553. Thomas Jamys to Jone Taw[i]er. 
 
 19 Feb. 1560[-1]. Thomas Holdbrooke to Constaus Tawier. 
 
 3 Aug. 1589. John Tawyer to Joan Lawrence. 
 
 30 Apr. 1597. Thomas Tillad to Alice Tawyer. 
 
 3 May 1597. Thomas Tilladame to Alice Tawyer. 
 15 Oct. 1599. Nicholas Tayer to Jone Stones. 
 
 4 Nov. 1599. William Pytch[r] to Ussly Tayer. 
 
 24 Nov. 1614. Thomas Badmanton to Elinor Tayer, at Gloucester. 
 13 Apr. 1618. Thomas Tayer* to Margerie Wheeller.f ^ 
 11 June 1618. James Davisse to Sysley Tayer, at Gloucester. 
 22 Nov. 1619. Christopher Grymer to'Mabell Tayer. 
 29 Apr. 1622. John Tayer to Alee Vyzard, at Bristol. 
 
 5 Apr. 1624. Richard Tayer j : to Dorothy Mortimore.§ 
 19 Jan. 1625 [-6]. William Tayer to Mary Kellaway. 
 27 Jan. 1630[-1]. William Barton to Agnes Tayer. 
 
 4 July 1631. John Dawnee to Katheryne Tayer. 
 29 June 1640. Richard Tayer to Jane Solles. 
 
 *Came to New England with his family, and settled at Mount Wollaston (afterwards 
 Braintree), Mass., where he died 2 June, 1665. 
 
 t Died in Braintree, Mass., 11 Feb., 1672-3. 
 
 J Came to New England with eight children, and settled first in Braintree, Mass., 
 afterwards removing to Boston, Mass., where he married, soon after 15 Jul}^ 1646, 
 Jane, widow of John Parker of Boston (formerly of Marlborough, Eng.), and pre- 
 sumably returned to England with his second wife and her children, soon after 17 Oct., 
 1(R6, where he died before 1668. 
 
 § Died in Thornbury, 17 Jan. 1640[-1] . 
 
8 
 
 21 Aug. 1558. Johes Tawier. 
 11 Feb. 15 61 [-2]. Johes Tawier. 
 
 11 Feb. 1561 [-2]. Willihelmus Tawier. 
 
 19 Mar. 1561 [-2]. Constans Tawier. 
 13 Jan. 1565 [-6]. Willihelm Tawier. 
 6 Mar. 1565[-6], Thomas Tawier. 
 
 5 May 1571. Agneta Tawier. 
 
 20 Nov. 1572. Wilihelmus Tawier. 
 
 17 Mar. 1573[-4]. Thomas Tayer. 
 4 May 1576. Johana Tawier. 
 
 4 July 1579. Secilia Tawier. 
 
 12 Oct. 1584. John Tawier. 
 
 11 Sept. 1586. Catherine Tayer. 
 
 13 Dec. 1586. Alice Tawier. 
 
 16 Aug. 1587. Anthony Tayer. ^ 
 
 8 Nov. 1590. Jane Tayer. 
 
 10 Nov. 1590. An Tawier. 
 
 10 Nov. 1590. Ann Tawier daughter of above born, and buried at the 
 
 same time as her mother. 
 
 5 Feb. 1592[-3]. Jone Tayer. 
 26 Apr. 1593. Margaret Tayer. 
 
 14 Feb. 1594[-5]. Thomas Tayer. 
 
 1 Jan. 1600-1. John Tayer died, buried 4th day. 
 
 18 June 1603. Margaret Tayer. 
 
 15 Mar. 1606-7. John Taire, son of Richard Tayre. 
 
 11 Feb. 1609 [-10]. Thomas Taire, son of Edward Taire. 
 
 12 Oct. 1610. John Taire, son of Richard Taire. 
 
 20 Apr. 1611. Mrs. Mary Cooke (whose Sister [s^c] in law was Thomas 
 Tawyer who died in Anno 1593). 
 
 15 Nov. 1612. Alice Tawyer. 
 
 13 Dec. 1619. Ursula Tayer. 
 10 July 1621. Wilfrey Tayer. 
 12 June 1622. Welfrey Tayer. 
 
 25 Feb. 1622[-3]. Bartholomew Tayer. 
 - 3 Mar. 1 622[-3] . Thomas Tayer. 
 3 Oct. 1626. Jonathan Tayer. 
 
 2 May 1627. Ursula Tayer. 
 
 24 Sept. 1627. Marie Tayer. 
 5 Nov. 1627. Edward Tayer. 
 
 3 Dec. 1627. Thomas Tayer had a child buried not baptised. 
 20 Feb. 1627 [-8]. John Tayer. 
 
 25 Jan. 1628[-9]. Jonathan Tayer. 
 
 16 Mar. 1630[-1J. Deborah Tayer. 
 18 Aug. 1631. John Tayer. 
 
 23 May 1 632. Francis tayer. 
 
 — Dec. 1632. Thomas Tayer had a child buried not baptised, 
 
 18 May 1634. Ursula Tayer. 
 
 17 Jan. 1640[-1J. Dorothie Tayer.* 
 
 19 Jan. 1642 [-3]. Ferdinando Tayer. 
 9 Feb. 1642[-3]. Lucie Tayer. 
 
 16 Feb. 1642[-3]. Jonathan Tayer. 
 16 Mar. 1642 [-3]. Anne Tayer. 
 
 *"Wife of Kichard who emigrated to New England in 1641, 
 
9 
 
 ABSTRACTS OF WILLS RELATING TO THE TAYER 
 (THAYER) FAMILY OF THORNBURY, GLOU- 
 CESTERSHIRE, ENGLAND. 
 
 Communicated by Henry Ernest "Woods, A.M. 
 
 Will of John Tayer of Thornbury, co. Gloucester, yeoman. Dated 
 31 December 1600; proved March 1600 [-1]. To be buried at Thorn- 
 bury. To 3 daughters Alice, Agnes and Evelyn (?) Tayer a messuage 
 and tenement in Thornbury. To son John a gold ring. To wife 
 Joue Tayer all goods and she Executrix. To mother Mary Cooke. To 
 brother Thomas 3s 4d. To Mr. Manning, minister of Thornbury, lOs. 
 Overseer : John Hilse, Senior, and appoints to be joined with him as over- 
 seers John Hilse, Junior, and brother Thomas Tayer, and to them 20d for 
 their pains. Witnesses : John Manning, Thomas Tayer, John Hylse and 
 Jo : Hylse. Memorandum (after sealing will) : To daughters Alice and 
 Agnes Tayer £8, being £4 to each of them. ( Consistory of Gloucester.) 
 
 Will of Tho^ias Tawyer of Thornbury, gent. Dated 13 February 
 1622 ; proved 20 May 1623. To the Parish Church of Thornbury 68 8d. 
 To Poor people of Thornbury and Kington 40s. Desires that Mr. Spriute, 
 Minister at Thornbury, should preach 4 Sermons on such texts of Holy 
 Scripture as he should appoint before his decease and at such times as he 
 should mention, one at funeral and the other at intervals of a month, and 
 to be paid 6s 8d for his trouble. To son Ferdinando and his heirs house, 
 land and appurtenances at Thornbury, and failing issue, to son Francis and 
 his heirs, and failing issue, to daughter Elinor Smith and her heirs. To 
 son Francis £40 and a signet ring. To son Ferdinando £70 and a gold 
 ring. To daughter Elinor Smith 12d. To Frederick Badminton, son of 
 daughter Elinor, £20. To Hanna Smith and Elinor* Smith, daughters 
 of said Elinor Smith, £10 apiece. If wife should marry again, then to 
 son Francis £50, to Frederick Badminton £20, and to Hanna and Hester* 
 Smith £10. Due on Bond from Thomas Smith £100, this amount to be 
 for the use of Frederick Badminton. To each of children various silver 
 articles. All residue of goods to present wife^Ajjin, who is to have use of 
 all silver plate till her death or second marriage, and she to be Executrix, - 
 if she refuse, then sons Ferdinando and Francis to be Executors. Over- 
 seers : William Rider, Richard Atwells, John Parker and John Champ- 
 neys, gent., and sons Francis and Ferdinando Tawyer. Witnesses : John 
 Baker, John Champneys, Francis Tawyer and Ferdinando Tawyer. 
 
 ( Consistory of Gloucester.) 
 
 Will of Katherine Tayer of Kington in the parish of Thornbury, 
 CO. Gloucester. Dated 21 January 1656; proved 26 June 1658, by the 
 executor named. To my daughter Anne [Annis] Barton, my best stuff 
 gown, and one holland sheet which I bought of my father James Ellys 
 [Eddys], and £20 ; she and her now husband giving a receipt in law to my 
 executor. To my grandchildren John Tayer the younger, Thomas Tayer 
 and Sara Tayer, £10 apiece. To my 4 grandchildren, viz. the 4 daughters 
 of my son John Tayer, £5 apiece. To my 2 grandchildren Sarah Tayer 
 
 *The testator mentions Hanna and Elinor Smith the two daughters of Elinor 
 Smith, but afterwards, in several places, he refers to Hanna and Hester Smith the two 
 daughters of Elinor Smith. Probably the word Elinor, first used, was an error. 
 
 \ 
 
10 
 
 and Mary Tayer, all my gloves, purses and silk girdles. 20s to be laid out 
 by my executor in smocks and aprons for my cousin Elizabeth Jaiue. To 
 my cousin Edward Parker 10s. To my cousin William Parker, if he shall 
 be living at my death, and come in person to receive it, 10s. To everyone 
 of the sons and daughters of John Baker of Thornbury, gentleman, my kins- 
 man, 12d. To Alice Eedes, wife of Henry Eedes, my market petticoat. To 
 my godson Samuel Eedes 10s. To my late servant Marie White, now 
 called Marie Syer, 40s. To my servant Martha Gawney 10s. Residuary 
 legatee and Executor : my son John Tayer. Overseers: John Baker afore- 
 said and Thomas Baker his eldest son. Witnesses: Jo: Baker, the marks- 
 of Judith Povnton and Mary Webb, Robert Thurston. 
 
 {P. a a, Wootton 476.) 
 
 Will of Sara Tater of Keynton, Thornbury, widow. Dated 20 Janu- 
 ary 1670; proved 12 April 1673. To son John Tayer a clock. To son 
 Thomas Tayer a silver bowl that was his grandmother's. To 2 eldest 
 daughters Sara and Mary £250 each to make up their portions left them 
 by their grandmothei*. To daughter Elizabeth a lease of certain grounds 
 called Bann-Marsli and 2 acres in Deep More in Ham, parish of Berkeley, 
 under lease granted by George, Lord Berkeley. To 2 youngest daughters 
 Ann and Judith lease of messuage and land at Rockhampton, held from 
 Nathaniel Mallett, my brother. To said 3 daughters Elizabeth, Anne and 
 Judith £.50 apiece. To daughter in law 20s. To grandchild Elizabeth 
 Tayer £5. To Elizabeth Jayne 40s., To son John Tayer all residue and 
 he sole ICxecutor. Overseers : brothers Nathaniel and Samuel Mallett 
 and son Thomas Tayer, and to them 10s for their trouble. To Walter 
 Webb 10s. Witnesses : Nathaniel Mallett, Samuel Mallett and Robert 
 Thurstan. ( Consistory of Gloucester.) 
 
 Administration of goods of Judith Tater, deceased intestate, granted 
 5 March 1683 to John Tayer, etc. Value of estate 39s 2d. 
 
 ( Consistory of Gloucester.) 
 
 Will of Abell Wheler* of Thornbury, tiller. Dated 26 February 
 1613 ; proved 24 January 1614. To son William Wheller 6d. To daugh- 
 ter Elizabeth Wheller a brass pot, etc. To daughter Margery Wheller 
 sheets, etc. To son Giles Wheller goods. To daughters sheep and lambs 
 to be divided by John Champneys and Thomas Barton. To wife Jane 
 Wheller residue of goods and she sole Executrix. Overseers : Thomas 
 Barton and John Champneys. Witnesses : Thomas Harborn and John 
 Champneys. ( Consistory of Gloucester.) 
 
 Will of Jane Wheller! of Thornbury. Dated 30 March 1629 ; 
 proved 1629, no date. To son Giles Wheller various goods that are in his 
 possession. To sou AVilliam Wheller 10s. To William Ogborne son of 
 John Ogborne 10s. To Thomas Tayer and Ferdiuando Tayer sons of 
 Thomas Tayer her son in law 10s. To daughter Elizabeth Ogborn 12d. 
 To daughters Elizabeth Ogborn and Margery Tayer all wearing apparel. 
 To Thomas Tayer son of Thomas Tayer, her cosen, all residue of goods 
 and he sole Executor. Overseers : son Giles Wheller and son in law 
 Thomas Tayer. Witnesses : Thomas Tayer, John Champneys and Giles 
 Wheller. {^Consistory of Gloucester.) 
 
 *T'atlier of Mai'gery who married, 13 Apr. 1618, Thomas Tayer the emigrant to JNew 
 England. 
 
 t Mother of Margery who married Thomas Tayer. 
 
11 
 
 Will of Giles Wheeler, of Morton, Thornbiiry, husbandman. Dated 
 24 May 1650; proved October 1650. To wife Susanna £10 and various 
 goods. To Ann wife of Guy Lawrence 20s. To Alice Wither daughter of 
 Peter Wither 20s. To Agnes Gough 10s. To kinsman William Ogborn of 
 Thornbury, baker, all residue of goods and he sole Executor. Overseers : 
 Guy Lawrence and William Demey. Debts owing to testator : Robert 
 Barton 408, Edward Long 40s, John Windon 40s, Robert Godfrey 20s, 
 Richard Butcher 3s 2d. Witnesses : Timothy Hacker and John Morris. 
 
 ( Consistory of Gloucester.) 
 
 Will of John Mortimer of Morton, Thornbury, yeoman. Dated 19 
 July 1615; proved November 1615. To be bm-ied in the Churchyard of 
 Thornbury. To 2 sous William and Francis £10 a piece. To daughter 
 Johane £10. To wife Johane all residue of goods and she sole Executrix. 
 Overseer : Brother in law John Searche. Witnesses : Richard Warner, 
 John Longe and John Searche, with others. Debts owing by testator : 
 John Mallett of Bevingtou £4, William Webb of Shepperdine £5, John 
 Pegler of Tortworth £8, Richard Warner of Faulfield 20s. 
 
 ( Consistory of Gloucester.) 
 
 Will of William Mortimer* of Thornbury. Dated 31 August 1626 ; 
 proved 9 September 1626. To be buried in Thornbury Churchyard near 
 body of late wife Margaret. To Richard Tayer £5 and various articles. 
 To grandchild Richard Tayer l^ed, etc. To daughter Dorothy 12d. To 
 youngest daughter Agnes Mortimer all residue of goods and she sole Ex- 
 ecutrix. Overseers : Thomas Croome [or Broome] and Agnes Croome [or 
 Broome] and for their pains 12d. Witnesses : Ric : Brafeild, William 
 Jones and Francis Ogborne. ( Consistory of Gloucester.) 
 
 Will of Francis Mortimer of Thornbury, shoemaker. Nuncupative 
 will, no date,,; proved 29 January 1647. To Andrew Butler his brother 
 in law (the husband of Joan Butler alias Mortimer, his sister) and his 
 children, he gave his free land in Thornbury, paying out of it imto his 
 brother William 208 per annum during his life. All the rest of his goods he 
 gave unto Maria his wife and she to be sole Executrix. Witnesses : Henry 
 Marsh, Andrew Butler and Maria Mortimer. ( Coyisistory of Gloucester.) 
 
 * Father of Dorothy who married, 5 Apr. 1624, Kichard Tayer the emigrant to 
 New England. 
 
lUn 15 !D06 
 

 ''o 
 
 ^o 
 
 ■■i^ 
 
 0' 
 
 *" * V 
 
 vO' 
 
 *>^.' 
 
 .^ •'^: 
 
V 
 
 ^■^ . _ ^v^ - • " 
 
 V s • • . 
 
 V > 
 
 ^' 
 
 •v^-. 
 
 ?:r<^- 
 
 
 a , 
 
 ^^. 
 
 W^'' 
 
 >-^ 
 
 "'% 
 
 .r 
 
 ^^ 
 
 .<^" 
 
 
 3 
 
 
 >> 
 
 
 -^^ 
 
 "■ 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 
 
 .^>~ 
 
 v- 
 
 •f- 
 
 .^^^ 
 
 'J 
 
 "*t 
 
 o V^ 
 
 -i' 
 
 
 0' 
 
 ;%W ^« *> 
 
 ^ 
 
 '^ 
 
 f' 
 
 .f 
 
 u 
 
 
 V • o. 
 
 '^^. 
 
 ;^ 
 
 srv 
 
 o 
 
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 
 
 021 548 325 3