Tracking William Ross ~ New Jersey to Ohio

Having ancestors with fairly common names makes tracking them through the records and through time even more difficult.  Such is the case of my maternal Ross line in my quest to gather verifiable information  - particularly on William Ross who, according to the 1850 census of Porter Township in Delaware County, Ohio, was born about 1769 in New Jersey.

There is so much erroneous and speculative, unsourced information about William Ross floating around the web that I hope this post will help to set the record straight.

 The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated ~ a quote attributed to Mark Twain easily echoes what William Ross might have said if he could see what most of his descendants are saying about him.  Yes, there were many men named William Ross who lived in Ohio and that makes the task of sorting them out, through the records, very difficult. But, not impossible if the Golden Rule of genealogy is followed:

~~~~~Start with What You Know~~~~~

So, this is what I know at this point. The 1850 census for William states he was born in New Jersey. But where exactly he was born and where exactly he was living prior to moving to Luzerne County, Pennsylvania is only speculation. One always hopes new records will appear and new information learned. But for now, I am quite confident this is an accurate chronology of my William Ross' movements after he and his family left New Jersey:   

Wyoming Valley, Pennsylvania by Jasper Francis Cropsey

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

1. 1798 - he is living in Providence, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. Also there is a "James Orsborn" occupying land owned by James Abbot. I believe this is the James Osborn who is said to be the father of William Ross' wife, Lydia Betsy.

There was another William Ross in Luzerne County at the same time as mine. Captain (later General) William Ross was a war hero and only a few years older than my William. By looking at the age of his children he can be differentiated from my ancestor. Also, he shows up in Wilkes Barre whereas my William, a farmer, was in the more rural areas of Luzerne. 

2.  1800 - in the Federal Census William Ross continues to live in the township of Providence, Luzerne County with his wife and their children. 

3.  1810 - the family, still in Luzerne County,  is now living in Pittston Township. The borough is on the east side of the Susquehanna river, a short distance below the junction of the Lackawanna with the Susquehanna river. ["Pittston"]

4. 1820 - I cannot, with confidence, place William and Lydia in the census records.  Covington Township appears to be where his adult sons are living at that time. .

5.  1830 - William and Lydia are on their own now and living in Falls Township.

6.  1834 - William and Lydia are now living in Delaware County, Ohio.

In the book Life on the Ohio Frontier: A Collection of Letters from Mary Lott to Deacon John Phillips, 1826-1846 by Mary Lott, Gateway Press, 1994  I discovered that my William Ross arrived in Delaware County, Ohio by 2 February 1834:  "James Ross' folks are well a few days ago and doing well. They have bought 45 acres of good land with a small improvement, gave [them] their wagon and horses and took a deed. It is thought they made a great bargain." 

 These three sentences reveal so much about my ancestors. I now know two important facts:  William Ross and his wife Lydia (the parents or "folks" of James Ross) were in Delaware County, Ohio by 2 February 1834. And, William Ross was not a widow when he moved from Pennsylvania to Ohio as has been assumed by so many of his descendants.  The added bonus is learning about their new land and that they gave up their horses and wagon so they might own this land.  No doubt the land was seen to be an investment that would yield a return and allow them to purchase new horses and a wagon. 

Mary Lott writes on July 20, 1834 that "Ross' folks are pretty well. She will lay abed in...this month." Unfortunately, the transcriber was not able to discern all the words but I wonder if this is when Lydia became ill and that led to her death?  In April of 1836 their son, James and his family returned to Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. Perhaps life on the Ohio frontier was too hard and perhaps, also, they missed their friends and family back home. In a letter dated 10 July 1836,  I learned that William Ross was living with his son, Samuel Ross, who moved to Delaware County circa July of 1834.  It appears from the letter, that Samuel had led an adventurous life in the Rocky Mountains and then in England. 

7. In August of 1836, William Ross married again - to a widow with children. Her name was Beulah Odle. Their marriage was recorded in the  Delaware County Marriage Records Book 1 1835-45 - Page 52. Joseph Scott J. P. Ret'd & recorded Sept. 21st 1836.

6. The Federal Census of 1840 places William Ross, his new wife and family in the township of East Liberty, Delaware County.  The census shows that there was 1 male age under 5;  1 male age 15 thru 19;  1 male age 20 thru 29; 1 male age 60 thru 69 (William Ross); 1 female age 40 thru 49 (Beulah). It also states there was 1 Person in the category of Insane and Idiots at Private Charge. In 1837 (according to one of Mary Lott's letters) William and Beulah had a son they named Nathan.  I assume he is the male listed as under the age of 5.  The male age 15-19 I think was one of Beulah's sons by her previous marriage - probably the youngest. Because, in the 1850 census, William and Beulah have no son at home named Nathan or of the correct age to be their son perhaps Nathan might have been the "insane or idiot" living with them in 1840 and he passed away before 1850. This is only an assumption based upon the information I have found.

7.  The 1850 census, referred to above, lists the following people in the household of William Ross: Wm Ross age 81 born New Jersey; Beauley Ross 59 born in Connecticut; Wm Odle 38 born in Connecticut; James Odle 28 born in Ohio and John Odle 23 born in Ohio. What is of note here is that William and John Odle are the only members of this household who list real estate value. William Ross does not. Perhaps, because of his advanced age, he signed over his land to Beulah's eldest sons.

This is the last record I have for my ancestor William Ross.  I know he was alive on the 5th day of October 1850.  Now, will I be able to find his parents in New Jersey?  

Francis Wafer - Before America. Part One

The only clues we have to the immigrant Francis Wafer's homeland is the story he told his grandson. That tells us he was from somewhere in Ireland. He also states he is Catholic so that probably narrows it down to the area that is now the Republic of Ireland. My conclusion is this:  though we can never know for certain who the parents of Francis Wafer were, my research gives us an excellent view into who our common Wafer ancestors were, where they lived before coming to Ireland and their movements within Ireland. 

Many years ago I began researching the origins of the name Wafer - tracing it from Normandy to England to the "Welsh Marches" and then to Ireland. Some of this research was done during my time of living in Ireland. This post will focus on my findings in England and Wales.

Detail  from: 

Drawing of Aurelius Ambrosius bearing the arms of England and Elol bearing the arms of Gloucester in pursuit of Hengist at the gates of Conisbrough.

 The British Library

Drawing of Aurelius Ambrosius bearing the arms of England and Elol bearing the arms of Gloucester in pursuit of Hengist at the gates of Conisbrough. 

Wafer Chronology – England & Wales

1066 - Wafre listed with "The Names of such Nobles and Gentlemen of Marque who came in at this time with the Conqueror."  [1577].  In  The life of William the Conqueror by Thomas Roscoe. London,  pg. 411.

THE BATTLE ABBEY ROLL. WITH SOME ACCOUNT OF THE NORMAN LINEAGES.

IN THREE VOLUMES.—VOL. III LONDON :  JOHN MURRAY,  1889.   
Wafre :

According to Eyton, "this name occurs frequently in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries;" and it is still borne by Hopton-Wafre in Shropshire, and Tedston-Wafre in Herefordshire. Robert le Wafre, in 1253, held Hopton in capite of the Earl of Hereford of the Honour of Brecknock; and Tedstone under John de Wildebouf of the same Honour; both of which were brought in marriage by his only child, Lucia, to a younger son of Lord Mortimer of Wigmore. "The obit of Alice, mother of the above-mentioned Robert, was annually celebrated in Hereford Cathedral. John le Wafre 20 Ed. I. held two virgates of land at Marston by the service of conducting the treasure of our Lord the King from Hereford to London, as often as he should be summoned by the Sheriff, with one horse and an iron helmet, at the costs of the King, to wit, twelve pence a day towards London, and returning at his own proper costs."—Duncumb's Herefordshire. Simon de Wafre held by the same serjeanty, as did Petronilla de Wafre in the time of Henry III. William de Waure represented Canterbury in the parliament held at Westminster 9 Ed. III.—Hasted's Kent. He was one of the three Crown Commissioners appointed to enquire into the case of William de Septvans 41 Ed. III.—Archaeologia Cantiana. "Robertus de Waura" held three parts of a knight's fee of Robert Fitz Odo at Wavre (now Church-Over) in Warwickshire.—Liber Niger. William de Waure occurs in the Staffordshire Pipe Roll of 1199-1200.

1103-07 - Hugh le Wafre gave tithes in "Hantune" (later Hampton Wafre) to Brecon Priory. Source:  Herefordshire Place-Names. Bruce Coplestone-Crow. BAR British Series 214, 1989. pg. 96. 

c.1107 - Hugh Guafra (Wafre) "rectam decimam totius terre sue de Hantune" re.  second charter by Bernard Newmarche to Brecon Priory (Breckonshire). Source: Cartularium Prioratus S. Johannis Evangelistae de Brecon. London, 1884.pg. 70-71.

c.1120 -  Robert le Wafre witness re. Brecon Priory and William de Burghill.  Source: Cartularium Prioratus S. Johannis Evangelistae de Brecon. London, 1884. pgs 117-118.

1160-70 - Robert Wafre  - Hampton Wafre. "...in possession of the manor." Also held Tedstone Wafre (same years).  "Source:  Herefordshire Place-Names. Bruce Coplestone-Crow. BAR British Series 214, 1989. pg. 96, 189.

12^th and 13^th C – Le Wafre family - Cleobury North - Hopton Wafre. Held lands immediately under Lords of Brecknock [Brecon]. 

1130 - Rogerus Wafre (Waffers) was the 1^st Wafre at Hopton Wafres. Walter de Cropus (ancestor of Le Wafre?) held Cleobury North until le Wafre took over. 

1180 - Ricardus filius Waifer - Wiltshire. Source: A Dictionary of English Surnames. Percy Hide Reaney. Psychology Press, 1991.  pg. 3268

c.1190 -  Robert le Wafre witness re. Brecon Priory and William de Willdeboef.  Source: Cartularium Prioratus S. Johannis Evangelistae de Brecon. London, 1884. pg 100.

1199 - Robert le Wafer, a Brecon tenant,  re. Bredwardine Castle. Source: Lords of the Central Marches : English Aristocracy and Frontier Society, 1087-1265. Brock Holden. Oxford University Press, Aug 7, 2008

c.1200 - Robert le Wafre in regards to Brecon Priory (Brecknock).   "The original grant of Robert, or Roger Baskerville [c.1190] was again confirmed by Robert le Wafre, who married Alice, one of his daughters, who describes it by the name of the mill of Llandevaillaue meaning Llandevailog tre'r graig, in which parish it was situated...At a later period, though not long subsequent to these grants, Alice de Baskerville gave to the prior and convent a mesuage or tenement, together with a croft...in the village of Bredwardine." Source: Monasticon Anglicanum: A History of the Abbies and Other Monasteries...in England and Wales... by William Dugdale. London, 1821.  pg. 261.

1205-1206 -  Robert le Wafre witness re. Brecon Priory [Breckonshire] and Stephen de Surdeval.  Source: Cartularium Prioratus S. Johannis Evangelistae de Brecon. London, 1884. pgs 120-121.

1210-12 - Simon le Wafre (le Wafrer) re. fees in Herefordshire. [1 hide]  Source: A Dictionary of English Surnames. Percy Hide Reaney. Psychology Press, 1991.  pg. 3268. See also: The Red book of the Exchequer / edited by Hubert Hall ... v. 2. pg. 452, 497.

1212 - Robert le Wafer, a minor, "his three fees being held by Reginald Croc and Ranulf Hurley. Source: Lords of the Central Marches : English Aristocracy and Frontier Society, 1087-1265. Brock Holden. Oxford University Press, Aug 7, 2008.  [Note on pg. 122.] See also: The Red book of the Exchequer / edited by Hubert Hall ... v. 2. pg. 601. ["Robertus le Wafre, iij milites quos Reginaldus Crok et Ranulfus de Hurle tenent."]

1215 - 1222 - Robert le Wafre witness re. Brecon Priory and Reginald de Braose.  Source: Cartularium Prioratus S. Johannis Evangelistae de Brecon. London, 1884.pg 86-87.

1215 - 1222 - Robert le Wafre confirms grant of Reginald de Braose. re. Brecon Priory [(Breckonshire] and the Trosdref Mill.  Source: Cartularium Prioratus S. Johannis Evangelistae de Brecon. London, 1884. pgs 93-94.

c. 1215 - Robert le Wafre witness re. Brecon Priory and convent [Breckonshire]. Source: Cartularium Prioratus S. Johannis Evangelistae de Brecon. London, 1884.pgs 42-43.

c.1220 - Robert le Wafre married Alice, the eldest daughter of Roger de Baskerville. [Note: this is the same Robert listed as a minor in 1212]  Source: Antiquities of Shropshire. R. W. Eyton. Vol XI.  London: John Bussell Smith,1860. 

1216-1222 - Robert Wafre (le Wafre) signature on the Charters of Brecknock. Source:  Shropshire Parish Registers, Diocese of Hereford, Vol. IX. 1909.

1219 - Symond le Waffre versus Roger le Bygod in Wynedole (Norfolk). Source: A Short Calendar of the Feet of Fines for Norfolk: Comprising the fines of the reigns of Edward II., Edward III., Richard II., Henry IV., Henry V., Henry VI., Edward IV., and Richard III. A. H. Goose, 1886. pg. 114.

1241 - Robert Wafre as claimant on the Honour of Montgomeryshire (claiming to be heir of Robert de Bollers; claim never proved). Source:  Antiquities of Shropshire. R. W. Eyton. Vol XI.  London: John Bussell Smith, 1860. 

1242/43 - Nicholas of Hopton  - Hopton Waffers - 1 knight's fee. Source: Table 2: Tenants of Walter de Lacy in England From list of fees, 1242–36  in  Lordship in Four Realms: The Lacy family, 1166–1241.  Colin Veach.  Manchester University Press, c.2014, p.299.

1242 - Richard Waifer re. fees in Wiltshire. Source: A Dictionary of English Surnames. Percy Hide Reaney. Psychology Press, 1991.  pg. 3268 

1249 - Symon le Wafre versus John le Wafre in Wynedole (Norfolk).  Source: A Short Calendar of the Feet of Fines for Norfolk: Comprising the fines of the reigns of Edward II., Edward III., Richard II., Henry IV., Henry V., Henry VI., Edward IV., and Richard III. A. H. Goose, 1886. pg 78

1234 - 1247 - Robert le Wafre [Domino] witness to grant by Herbert fitz Peter to Brecon Priory (Breckonshire). Source: Cartularium Prioratus S. Johannis Evangelistae de Brecon. London, 1884. pgs. 26-27.

1250 – Symon le Wafre v John le Wafre in Wynedole [Norfolk].  Source: A Short Calendar of the Feet of Fines for Norfolk: In the reigns of Richard I, John, Henry III, & Edward I.  Great Britain. Court of Common Pleas. A.H. Goose, 1885. pg. 78.

c.1250 - William Waffre in Sudbury (north of London).

1255 - Robert le Wafre - Lord of Hopton (Wafre)

1257, July 30th, Lichfield - Robert le Wafer - in a list of eight men "These have gone with Humphrey de Bohun and have protection with clause so long as they shall be in Wales in the king's service." Also mentioned in this list:  Philip le Brette, Henry de Monemuth, Richard de Hortel, Payn Wake, Walter de Avenbiry, John de Waldebof, Walter de Muucegros. Before the list is the name William de Munrivell.   Source: Patent Rolls of the Reign of Henry III Preserved in the Public Record Office. Volume 4. Great Britain. Public Record Office, 1908.

1258-1301 - Thomas Le Wauffre - Witness to charter by Bishop of Worcester granting land in Mawene (now Marden), Herefordshire.  Source:  Collectanea Topographica et Genealogica. Vol. IV. London, 1837. pg. 248.

1263 - Robert le Wafre  - of Talelond [Talyllyn near Brecon?].  "The Welsh tenants of Humphrey de Bohun, lord of Brecon...[other Brecknock mesne lords named including Robert le Wafre] had revolted and gone over to Llywelyn." Sources: Calendar of Ancient Correspondence Concerning Wales. Sir John Goronwy Edwards, University Press Board, 1935. pg. 17.  The Baronial Plan of Reform, 1258-1263, Volume 1. Reginald Francis Treharne.  Manchester University Press, Jan 1, 1971. pg. 292. 

c1265 - Lucia le Wafre married Roger de Mortimer of Chirk. Her father was “Lord of Hopton”,  Robert le Wafre. [Note: her mother was Alice de Baskerville].

1267 - Robert le Wafre.  "Commission to Adam de Grainvill and Richard de Crumpton, Westminster, justices appointed to hear like pleas in the county of Hereford, to enquire whether Ralph de Baskerville, whose lands the king gave by reason of like trespasses to Robert le Wafre, and who has frequently offered to stand his trial touching such trespasses and still is ready to stand to the award of Kenilworth, was guilty of the said trespasses or not. They are to proceed without delay at their next coming to these parts, without waiting for R. bishop of St. Davids, their fellow, if he should be absent, as the king desires that the execution of the award of Kenilworth should not be further postponed to the prejudice of the said Ralph."  Source: Patent Rolls. Patent Rolls of the Reign of Henry III Preserved in the Public Record Office. Volume 6. Great Britain. Public Record Office, 1908.

c.1270 - Robert le Wafre - witness to confirmation of grant to Brecon Abbey [Breckonshire] by Humphrey de Bohun, son of Humphrrey de Bohun and Eleanor de Braoise. Source: Cartularium Prioratus S. Johannis Evangelistae de Brecon. London, 1884. pgs 26-27.

[By 1286 le Wafre lands passed to Mortimer.]

1272 - Thomas de Waffre - Maurdin Manor, Hereford.  "20 a. meadow and 9a. pasture held of Thomas de Waffre and John de Maurdin by socage and service..." Also named: "Roger son of Sir Roger de Moruo Mari," "Ralph de Hee,"Richard de Nunniton."  Source:  Writ, 17 June, 1 Edw. I. Calendar of inquisitions post mortem and other analogous documents preserved in the Public Record Office /prepared under the superintendence of the Deputy Keeper of the Records.  London :Printed for H.M. Stationery Off. by Mackie and to be purchased from Eyre and Spottiswoode, 1904. Vol 2.  p. 28.

1272 - John Waffre listed on Inquisition made at Albedeston, co. Wiltshire. Source: Wiltshire, England, Extracted Parish Records
 on Ancestry.com

1278 – Robert Le Wafre and Nicholas Comyn are nominated by the wife of John Comyn (Amabila) to be her attorneys in Ireland. Source: Calendar of documents, relating to Ireland preserved in Her Majesty's Public Record Office, London, 1171-1307. London: Longman, 1875.

1280 - Robert de Waufre re. fees Sydeston, Northampton. Source: Calendar of inquisitions post mortem and other analogous documents preserved in the Public Record Office
by Great Britain. Public Record Office; Kirby, J. L. (John Lavan); White, Andrew Dickson., 1904. Vol II.

1282 -  Robert le Wafre re. land in Ravenyngham (Norfolk). Source: The Forty-Sixth Annual Report of the Deputy Keeper of the Public Records. London, 1886 

1292 - Robert & Simon Wafre.  Norfolk.  Dispute. Robert Wafre, Bailiff of Lodden Hundred. Simon Wafre over seventy years of age. Public Record Office, E.13/18 m. 43.

1295 - Thomas le Wafre, debtor along with Andrew de Chandos [family held half a fee at Fowhope, Greytree Hundred, Herefords] and Thomas le Wafre.
Creditor: Lawrence de Ludlow (merchant, deceased, of Shrewsbury, Salop). Case heard in Herefords. Source: The National Archives, Kew. Reference: C 241/27/21
Records created, acquired, and inherited by Chancery, and also of the Wardrobe, Royal Household, Exchequer and various commissions. Division within C - Records of the Petty Bag Office. C 241 - Chancery: Certificates of Statute Merchant and Statute Staple

1296 -   Grant by Richard de Burmers to John, son of Hugh Baudewin, of ½a. land in the field of Odich in the manor of Mauwardin, near the land of Ambresley; [Herefordshire] rent to the chief lord of the fee, one grain of corn. For this grant John has given him 10s. beforehand. Witnesses:—John and Walter de Mauwardin, Thomas le Waffre, and others (named). Sunday after Easter, 24 Edward I. Seal, in white wax. C. 6658. Source: 'Deeds: C.6601 - C.6700', in A Descriptive Catalogue of Ancient Deeds: Volume 6, ed. H C Maxwell Lyte (London, 1915), pp. 366-377. British History Online http://www.british-history.ac.uk/ancient-deeds/vol6/pp366-377 [accessed 5 March 2019]. Also: A descriptive catalogue of ancient deeds in the Public Record Office by Great Britain. Public Record Office. Vol 6., 1890-1915. London : Printed for Her Majesty's Stationery Office by Eyre and Spottiswoode. p. 373.

1298 - Alan and Geoffrey Wafre, and their wives Gilly and Beatrice. Quitclaim to St. Giles Hospital, Norwich. A windmill and site, rents, etc.  Source: Ancient Deeds Belonging to the Duke of Norfolk. Report on manuscripts in various collections by Great Britain. Royal Commission on Historical Manuscripts; Macray, William Dunn, 1901.

c.1300 – Mabel Wafre. Abbess of Godstow, endowed land for Trinity College, Oxford University.

1301 - Hugh le Waffre versus Roger Norman in Bunewell (Norfolk). Source: A Short Calendar of the Feet of Fines for Norfolk: Comprising the fines of the reigns of Edward II., Edward III., Richard II., Henry IV., Henry V., Henry VI., Edward IV., and Richard III. A. H. Goose, 1886. pg. 155

1303 – Robert and Geoffrey Le Wafre in Sturmer, Essex

1334 - Nicholas Wafre, king's clerk and rector of Old Radnor. Source:  “Medieval Radnorshire clergy.”  by  E.J.L. Cole.
Radnorshire Society Transactions. Vol. 19 (1949) p. 17-28. 

1341 - John le Wafre -  Herefordshire. Release by Roger de Chaundos, knight, to John le Wafre, for life, of 5 marks yearly rent for land and tenements which Margery, mother of the said John, held of the said Roger in dower in Wystaneston, and for lands which Andrew le Wafre formerly held there of the same.   C.2935.  Source: A descriptive catalogue of ancient deeds in the Public Record Office, Vol. 3, Great Britain. Public Record Office, 1890. pg. 311

1341 -  Robert le Wafre, of Raveningham [Clavering Hundred, Norfolk], debtor. Creditor: John de Hevingham, taverner, and citizen of Norwich [Norfolk]. Amount: £30. 

Before whom: William, the son of William Butt, of Norwich; John de Bumpstead, Clerk. Writ to: Sheriff of Norfolk Source: The National Archives, Kew. C 241/115/211

c.1350 – Thomas le Waffre – Hereford (Welsh Borders) at Tedstone Wafre [11 miles east of Leominster] and Hampton Wafre.

c1350 -  Walter le Wafre (his daughter Catherine married William Ruse) seated at Dinnington in Hoxon Hundred, Suffolk.  Source:  Proceedings of the Suffolk institute of Archaeology and Natural History. Volume 8. 1894.   pg. 207

1359 - George, son of Edmund Wafre.  Staying England and nominates James de la Hide and Richard Wafre as his attorneys in Ireland for two years. Source: Calendar of the Patent Rolls Preserved in the Public Record ..., Volume 11. p. 131.

1386 – William Wafre of Toft Monachorum (Norfolk).   Source: A Short Calendar of the Feet of Fines for Norfolk: Comprising the fines of the reigns of Edward II., Edward III., Richard II., Henry IV., Henry V., Henry VI., Edward IV., and Richard III. A. H. Goose, 1886

n.d. Robert de Wafre in Thorp (Norfolk)