Volume 2 – Kent: The Alchins of Meopham, Leybourne and the Mallings

Part 3 – Alchins of Leybourne and the Mallings, Kent 1680 – 1901 ...continued...

1.2.7  ~~  Ann Alchin

Ann was baptised at St Mary's church, West Malling on 26th April 1716. She was still an infant when her father Thomas Alchin died in 1717. He bequeathed the sum of fifty pounds in trust until she was 21 years old. Ann was unmarried in 1747 when her mother left her a bequest:

"Item I give to my daughter Ann Alchin all that belongs to me out of the house that grand father Richards now in the occupation Mr …………. If it should be sold before I die all the money that is made of it shall be for her and her heirs for ever."

Ann married Thomas Graham in late 1747 or early in 1748 as probate was granted to her in her married name. Thomas and Ann had at least four children – Francis, Nicholas, Ann and Dorothy. Ann was bequeathed an annuity of forty pounds on the death of her brother Nicholas Alchin in 1773:

"Item I give devise and bequeath unto my sister Ann Grayham and her assigns from and after the decease of my said wife for and during the natural life of her the said Ann Grayham one annuity or yearly rent charge of forty pounds of like money to be issuing and payable and had received and taken out of all and every my messuages lands tenements and hereditaments and real and personal estate the same annuity to be paid by four quarterly payments at the four most usual feast days or days of payment in the year aforesaid by even and equal portions."

1.2.7.1  ~~  Francis Graham

Francis was probably born in the early 1750's and his uncle's will dated 1769 makes it clear that he was elder than his brother Nicholas. Francis was bequeathed the sum of 400 pounds and it seems likely that he was given the lesser amount as it was expected that he would inherit the bulk of his own father's estate. Francis died in his early 30's and he was buried at West Malling on 29th December 1785.

1.2.7.2  ~~  Nicholas Graham

Nicholas was born in about 1756 (his uncle's will dated 1769 records that he was 13 years old or thereabouts). He was left the bulk of  the estate of his uncle and namesake in 1773 and he was to be raised to learn the business of farming and malting. Nicholas married Ann and they had at least six children of whom three probably died in infancy – twins Nicholas and Francis (1780), Francis (1781), Nicholas (1784), Charles (1786) and Charles (1802). Mrs Ann Leane Graham died aged 55 years and she was buried at West Malling on 11th April 1812.

The 1841 census records that New Barns was owned by James Graham aged about 45 years and who was born outside of Kent. James may have been the son or nephew of Nicholas Graham.

1.2.7.2.1  ~~  Francis Graham

Francis and his twin brother Nicholas were baptised at St Mary's church, West Malling on 15th March 1780. Neither twin survived for long and Francis was buried at West Malling on 12th April 1780.

1.2.7.2.2  ~~  Nicholas Graham

Nicholas and his twin brother Francis were baptised at St Mary's church, West Malling on 15th March 1780. Neither of the twin boys survived for long, Nicholas being the first to die. He was buried at West Malling on 7th April 1780.

1.2.7.2.3  ~~  Francis Graham

Francis was baptised at St Mary's church, West Malling on 24th October 1781.

1.2.7.2.4  ~~  Nicholas Graham

Nicholas was born on the 17th July 1784. He was baptised at St Mary's church, West Malling on 17th August 1784.

1.2.7.2.5  ~~  Charles Henbury Graham

Charles was born on 22nd June 1786. He was baptised at St Mary's church, West Malling on 28th July 1786. He probably died as a young boy as his name was re-used in 1802.

1.2.7.2.6  ~~  Charles William Henry Graham

Charles was born on 16th April 1802. He was baptised at St Mary's church, West Malling on 11th June 1802. He was buried at West Malling on 30th May 1804.

1.2.7.3  ~~  Dorothy Graham

Dorothy was born between 1748 and 1769. She was left three hundred pounds by her uncle Nicholas Alchin in his will dated 1769

1.2.7.4  ~~  Ann Graham

Ann was born between 1748 and 1769. She was left three hundred pounds by her uncle Nicholas Alchin in his will dated 1769.

The medieval bridge over the  Medway near Wateringbury

1.3  ~~  Henry Alchin

Henry was probably born in the late 1650's perhaps in the village of Leybourne. He married (his cousin ? ) Mary Alchin at the church of St John the Baptist, Meopham on 16th November 1682. Mary may have been a younger daughter of John Alchin and Elizabeth Death who were married at Meopham on 23rd May 1641. Alternatively she may have been the daughter of Steven Alchin and Dorothy Bright who were married at Meopham on 2nd November 1665 (NB: There is a record of Steven Alchorne baptising a daughter Grace at Rotherfield on 16th December 1665).

Henry and Mary had at least eleven children – Dorothy (1683), John (1687), Henry (1688), Thomas (1690), Hannah (1691), Richard (1693), Sarah (1694), Anthony (1697), Robert (1698), Richard (1700) and Anne (1702). Henry and Mary may also have had two other children – Thomas (born and died 1684) and Mary (1685).

The Leybourne parish register records the infant's parents as Henry and Dorothy Alchin of whom nothing else is known. Thomas and Mary are family names and their births fill a puzzling gap in the early marriage of an obviously fertile couple. At this stage I am assuming that Dorothy was another name used by Mary or else an error by the parish clerk.

From the contents of his widow's will in 1728 it appears that Henry was a farmer at Leybourne and his main crops were hops and wheat. Henry was bequeathed forty pounds in his father's will dated 1701. Henry died at Leybourne in about 1720. Mary died at Leybourne and she was buried there on 9th November 1727.

The inventory of her estate, which was administered by her younger son Anthony, is reproduced below. It gives us a fascinating mirror into the everyday lives of our ancestors in the early 18th century. Perhaps the elder sons were provided for in their father's will when he died in 1720. Anthony may have inherited his mother's dower lands at Meopham.

Administration: (First part in Latin)
Know all men by these presents that we, Anthony Alchin of Whitehall in the County Middlesex Servum?, Richard Baines __ St Clement Danes Middx Servum? And Daniel Harvey __ St Margarets Westminster Ammanuensis (clerk) Hold ourselves firmly bound in the sum of ____  10 Jan 1728.

The Condition of this obligation is such that if the above bounden Anthony Alchin the natural and lawfull son and administrator of all and singular the goods chattells and creditts of Mary Alchin late of the parish of Leybourne in the County of Kent widow deceased
Doe make or cause to be made a true and perfect Inventory of all and singular the goods chattells and credits of the said deceased which have or shall come to the hands possession or knowledge of him the said Anthony Alchin... at or before the last Day of April next ...

Signed by Anthony Allchin, Richard Bains, Daniell Harvy
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A True and Perfect Inventory of all and singular the goods chattells and creditts of Mary Alchin late of the parish of Leybourne in the County of Kent widow dec'd which since her death have come to the hands possession or knowledge of Anthony Alchin the natural and lawfull son and Administrator of all and singular the goods chattells and creditts of the s'd dec'd.

In the Kitchen -One pair of Cobirons, one firepan and tongs, one pair of bellows, one pair of potthangers, one iron Peale One gridiron, one pair of Pott hooks one gun three iron scewers one brass cullender one brass slice six pewter dishes six pewter plates one small iron shovell five chairs three joint stools two tables one kneading trough one looking glass, one pair of brass candlesticks, one warming pan, one spinning wheel, one keale and other odd things £2-08-7

In the Strong Beer Buttery -One drink vessell, one stalder, one crock with butter in it, a doz'n and half of glass bottells and other odd things £0-07-2

In the Parlour- One long table, one round table, three old leather chairs, one bunting? hutch, one pair of Stilliards, one old cupboard and cupboard? Cloth, some earthen cups, some glasses on it, one joint stool £1-01-2

In the Milk House - Four milk bowls, one butter platter, three powdering tubbs, one churn, five wooden dishes, one pair of wooden scales and Iron Beame, two pott brass skillets, three earthen crocks?, one rush basket, one frying pan and odd things £1-08-11

In the Brew House - One brass furnace, one brass kettle, one iron pitcher, one iron crow, one Mattock?, one Howe One fork, one bucking tubb, one long keeler, one wash tubb, two drink tubbs, two small keelers, two iron potts, three payles, one funnell, one wooden bowl, one doz'n of threnchers, one stadler, one old forme, two hogg tubbs, one spitt and other odd things £3-05-9

In the Oast House - One Sentes? Tubb, one oast hair?, one iron sledge, two? Spades And one wheel barrow wheel £0-10-0

In the Chamber over the Parlour - One feather bed, one feather bolster, two pillows, one bolster stedle cord and matt curtains and vallance and curtain rodds, one flock bed and bolster, two blanketts, one coverlett, one bedsteddle cord and matt curtains and valance and curtain rodds, one chest and one joynt stool £5-02-0

In the Chamber over the Kitchen -One feather bed with the appurtenances thereunto belonging, three chairs, one pair of irons with brass heads, one chest of drawers, one looking glass, one earthen bowle, one chest, ten pairs of sheets, six coarse pillowcoats, eight coarse table cloaths, three coarse napkins, one side board cloth, one pair of window curtains and vallance, two diaper table cloths, seven diaper napkins, two other napkins, one pair of fine pillowcoats
£10-18-2

In the Man's Chamber - One flock bed bolster and rugg, one blankett the curtains and rodds, bedsteddle cord and matt, one Deal box, one Court Cupboard and one chair? £1-05-0

In the Hopp Chamber - One bag of hopps £5-00-0

In the Hopp Ground - Hopp poles on two acres £22-00-0; Three acres and a half of wheat on the ground £7-00-0

In the Yard - One waggon and two Courts with Whells £8-00-0; One plough and Tackell, two harrows and one Pale? £2-00-0; The Hopp Pole Carriage £0-10-0; Three cows £9-00-0; Three Fatt hoggs one hutch and three troughs and one stamping trough £9-00-0; One sow and four shotts £2-13-0

In the Stable - Five horses and harness for them, one cutting box and cutter and four forks £21-00-0

In the Barn - Barley in the Straw £2-12-6; Wheat in the Straw £3-12-0; Peas in the Straw £1-16-0; Four load of Hay £7-00-0; One Scry? One Bushell one Farrin one Scuppitt; one Seeve one Baskett one Tub six links?; One Shovell and one Dung Spade £1-01-0; Things unseen and forgot £0-05-0

£129-16-9

Debts due and owing to the s'd dece'd at the time of her death which this exhibitant will be accountable for when he shall receive the same:Due from Amhurst £8-00-0; Due from Dennis £5-00-0; Due from John Weekley £4-00-0; Due from Thomas Watte £6-10-0; Due from Buckett £1-00-0; Due from Edward Martin £3-00-0; Due from John Alchin £2-15-0; Due from Edward Burton £1-14-0; Due from Edward Martin £5-08-0 (Total =) £37-07-0

Total (value of the estate) £167-03-9

(Title: Probate at Rochester, Kent (Page: 189190) ; Text: Administration and Inventory of Mary Alchin of Leybourne 15 Jan 1727/8
Rochester Consistory Court # 189190 – Transcribed by Maureen Rawson)

1.3.1  ~~  Dorothy Alchin

Dorothy was baptised at the church of St Peter and St Paul, Leybourne on 21st September 1683. Dorothy died within the week and she was buried at Leybourne on 29th September 1683.

1.3.2  ~~  Thomas Alchin

Thomas was baptised at the church of St Peter and St Paul, Leybourne on 7th September 1684 although the parish register records his parents as Henry and Dorothy Alchin. Thomas was buried at Leybourne three days later on 10th September 1684.

1.3.3  ~~  Mary Alchin

Mary was baptised at the church of St Peter and St Paul, Leybourne on 2nd July 1685 although again the parish register records her parents as Henry and Dorothy.

The porch of the church of St Peter and St Paul, Leybourne

1.3.4  ~~  John Alchin

John was baptised at the church of St Peter and St Paul, Leybourne on 26th July 1687. His existence is confirmed by his grandfather's will dated 1701:

"Item I give and bequeath unto my GrandSonn Thomas Alchin Sonn of my Said Sonn Henry Alchin the Sume of five pounds to be paid unto him att his Age of one and Twenty Yeares by my Executor if he shall live to attaine that Age but if he shall happen to dye before he shall attaine his Said Age of one and twenty Yeares then I give and bequeath the Same Sume of five pounds unto my Grandchild John Alchin Sonn of my Said Sonn Henry Alchin To be paid unto him att his Age of one and Twenty Yeares by my Executor "

John married Sarah and they had five children all of whom were baptised at East Malling – Mary (1712), William (1714), Dorothy (1717), John (1720) and Sarah (1723). Although John baptised his children at East Malling (his wife's birthplace?), he was living at the time at Leybourne. A settlement certificate dated 28th May 1721 still survives (see below). This certificate allowed John to legally move his family from Leybourne to East Malling. The settlement certificate confirms that Thomas and Sarah's four eldest children were still alive at the time.

Sarah probably died at East Malling on 8th November 1732. John probably soon followed his wife. He was buried at East Malling on 6th June 1737.

1.3.4.1  ~~  Mary Alchin

Mary was baptised at St James' church, East Malling on 6th July 1712. She was still alive in 1721 when her family moved from Leybourne to East Malling. It is possible that it was this Mary Alchin who married Thomas Couchman at Aylesford in 1736.

1.3.4.2  ~~  William Alchin

William was baptised at St James' church, East Malling on 10th September 1714. William died aged 20 years and he was buried at East Malling on 19th March 1735.

1.3.4.3  ~~  Dorothy Alchin

Dorothy was baptised at St James' church, East Malling on 25th July 1717. Dorothy died aged only 13 years. She was buried at East Malling on 16th August 1730.

1.3.4.4  ~~  John Alchin

John was probably born at Leybourne but he was baptised at St James' church, East Malling on 23rd September 1720. John was named on the settlement certificate when in 1721 his father moved his family from Leybourne to East Malling. John probably made his fortune when he married Mary (Margaret) Phillips whose father John Phillips owned land worth 99 pounds per year at Hook Green in the parish of Meopham. They were married at Cuxton on 26th November 1747 and they settled almost straight away at Meopham.

John and Mary had two children who were baptised at Meopham – John (1749) and Mary (1754). John Phillips died in the mid 1740's and the parish assessments for 1747 list the property owner as "Mrs Phillips". In 1748 however the parish assessments show that John Alchin had taken control / ownership of property at Hook Green (the property was probably called Hook House) worth 90 pounds per annum and further property at Priestwood worth 57 pound per annum. In the same year John became an overseer of the parish – overseeing the parish council and checking the church wardens accounts.

On 23rd April 1753 John was appointed the church warden for the West Borough of Meopham. He continued as church warden until 1756. This position was responsible for ensuring that people from outside the parish did not become a charge on the parish and for issuing settlement certificates to parishioners hoping to obtain work elsewhere. Church wardens were also responsible for paying the parish accounts and ensuring the upkeep and maintenance of the parish church.

John died aged about 40 years on 25th March 1760. He was buried at Meopham on 30th March 1760. His death is confirmed by the fact that in the following year the parish assessments were made on "Mrs Alchin, widow". Mary Alchin subsequently married Thomas Edmeades of Stone by licence at Meopham on 7th December 1762. The witnesses to the ceremony were John Alchin (probably the bride's 11 year old son) and David Terry.

The Edmeades at the time were tenants of Nurstead Manor (see the introduction). Henry Edmeades came to Nurstead as a tenant, sometime before his death in 1610, and by careful conduct of their affairs, his successor was able to buy the estate in 1767. The parish assessments for the period 1762 to 1772 show that Thomas Edmeades was controlling the Alchin family lands, probably on behalf of his step-son John Alchin junior. By 1772 John  had turned 21 years of age and the parish assessments reflect this as from this date he is shown as the owner of lands worth 161 pounds at Hook Green in the West Borough of the Parish.

Mary Edmeades died on 21st May 1800 aged 72 years. She was buried at Meopham next to her first husband and their tombstones (grave D31 & D32) read:

"Here lies interr'd the body of John Allchin of this parish yeoman who departed this life 23rd March 1760 aged 43 years left issue two children John & Mary He was a loving husband and tender father. Died well respected and much lamented"

"Sacred to the memory of Mary daughter of John and Margaret Phillips relict of John Allchin of this parish and wife of Thomas Edmeades of Stone who died May 21 1800 age 72 years left issue one son and two daughters viz John Mary Ann"

1.3.4.4.1  ~~  John Alchin

John was baptised at the church of St John the Baptist, Meopham on 21st December 1749. John married Mary Child at Meopham on 29th September 1778 although there are at least two other John Alchins who are possible although unlikely candidates to have married Mary. The witnesses to their wedding were John and Thomas Philips (the groom's uncles), Mary Alchin (the groom's sister) and John Child (the bride's brother born in 1750).

Mary was the child of John Child and Jane Gunning and she was baptised at the church of St John the Baptist, Meopham on 30th September 1759. Both the Child and Gunning families were considerable landowners in the parish – John Child owned land worth 40 pounds per year at Hook Green for instance. Jane Gunning who was baptised at Cobham on 29th April 1723, was a descendant of the Rev'd Peter Gunning of Ash (died 1567) who married Elizabeth Alchorne (of Crowborough?) in 1550.

John and Mary had at least five children – John (1779), Thomas (1780), Mary (1782), Ann (1784) and Sarah (1786). As mentioned above John Alchin took control of his parents properties, including Hook House, from Thomas Edmeades in 1772. In 1772 these properties were assessed for the purposes of parish rates at 161 pounds per annum.

In the late 1770's it appears that John was forced to sell some of his smaller properties at Hook Green and from this date his property was assessed at 90 to 100 pounds for the rest of the century. By 1820 the land had increased in value, probably due to inflation, to 130 pounds per year.

John was church warden of the West Borough of Meopham from 1780 until 1782 and his brother in law John Child held the same position from 1785 until 1788. Mary died aged 36 years on 7th January 1796 and she was buried at Meopham on 13th January 1796. John died aged 75 years at Green Street, Darent on 30th August 1825 and he was buried at Meopham on 7th September 1825.

Their tombstone (also shared by their two sons in grave G32) reads:

"In memory of John Phillips Alchin (of this parish) son of John and Mary late of Meopham who died May 23 1808 aged 28. Thomas Alchin died March 6th 1854 age 73. In memory of John Alchin (late of Meopham) son of John and Mary of this parish who died August 30th 1825 aged 75 years Also Mary the wife of John Alchin and daughter of John and Jane Child of this parish who died January 7th 1796 aged 36 left issue two sons and three daughters viz John Thomas Mary Ann and Sarah"

1.3.4.4.1.1  ~~  John Philips Alchin

John was baptised at the church of St John the Baptist, Meopham on 6th July 1779 and he was named after his great grandfather. He never married. John died aged only 28 years on 23rd May 1808 and he was buried at Meopham on 28th May 1808.

1.3.4.4.1.2  ~~  Thomas Alchin

Thomas was baptised at the church of St John the Baptist, Meopham on 5th June 1780. He inherited most of his father's property and his name appears in the parish rate assessments after the death of his father. Thomas also did not marry.

The 1841 census records that Thomas was of independent means and he was living at Hastings. Staying with him at the time were his nephew's wife Letetia Charlton and her two young sons. The 1851 census records that Thomas was a Gentleman and he was living with he family of his younger sister Sarah Elgar at Frog Lane, Sutton at Hone.

Thomas died at Tonbridge aged 73 years on 6th March 1854 (Tonbridge 1854 March qtr Volume 2a Page 336) and he was buried at Meopham on 11th March 1854. Thomas left his considerable estate to his nephews John Sils Charlton and Thomas Charlton and to his nieces Mary Ann Andrus and Sarah Rebecca Elgar. Parts of his often tediously worded will are reproduced below:

"This is the last will and testament of me Thomas Alchin of Sutton near Dartford in the county of Kent Esquire First I will and direct that all my just debts funeral and testamentary expenses and the costs and charges of proving and otherwise relating to this my will shall be fully paid and satisfied as soon as conveniently may be after my decease I give unto each of my sisters Mrs Mary Best of Meopham in the said county of Kent widow and Sarah the wife of William Thomas Elgar of Sutton aforesaid Esquire and also unto each of my aunts Mary Walter widow and Ann Muggeridge of Borden in the said county widow and to Letitia the wife of my nephew John Sils Charlton of Tonbridge Miller and to Frances wife of my nephew Thomas Charlton of Ightham in the said county of Kent farmer a dress ring of the value of five guineas as a token of my friendship and esteem I give unto each of them the said William Thomas Elgar and William Andrus of Meopham in the said county farmer Philip Day of Borden in the said county farmer and John Reville (Neville?) of Sutton at Stone in the said county farmer a ring of the value of three guineas as a token of my esteem and regard I give unto the said John Sils Charlton and Thomas Charlton my trustees and executors hereinafter named the sum of two thousand five hundred pounds sterling of lawful money of Great Britain upon trust that they the said John Sils Charlton and Thomas Charlton or the survivor of them or other the trustees or trustee of this my will ao and shall lay out and invest the said sum of two thousand five hundred pounds in their or his names or name in the parliamentary stocks or funds of Great Britain or on real securities in England and from time to time alter vary and transpose the said trust monies so as to be laid out and invested as aforesaid for into or upon other stocks funds and securities of the like nature at their or his discretion and I declare that they or the trustees or trustee for the time being as aforesaid shall stand possessed of the said trust monies and the interest dividends and the annual product thereof and all accumulations thereof upon trust as to one thousand pounds part thereof to pay the interest dividends and annual product thereof unto my niece Mary Ann Andrus the wife of the said William Andrus for her natural life and from and after her decease upon trust to transfer to or otherwise pay the said principal sum of one thousand pounds equally among all and every the child and children of the said Mary Ann Andrus lawfully begotten if they shall have attained or when and as they shall respectively attain the age of twenty one years and as to the sum of one thousand five hundred pounds the remaining part of the said sum of two thousand five hundred pounds to pay the interest dividends and annual product thereof unto or for my niece Sarah Rebecca Elgar for and during her natural life and from and after her decease upon trust to transfer or otherwise pay the said principal sum of one thousand five hundred pounds equally between and among all and every the child or children of the said Sarah Rebecca Elgar lawfully to be begotten …… And as to all my real estate and all the rest residue and remainder of all my …………. Whatsoever and wheresoever I do give devise direct instruct appoint and bequeath the same unto the said John Sils Charlton and Thomas Charlton their heirs executors administrators and assigns according to the natures and quantities thereof respectively to the uses and upon the trusts following ………. from time to time pay and apply the same rents interest dividends and proceeds unto or to the use of my nephew the said John Sils Charlton Thomas Charlton my niece the said Mary Ann Andrus and my niece the said Sarah Rebecca Elgar in equal shares and proportions for and during the terms of their respective natural lives and I do declare my will and meaning to be that the part or share respectively of the said Mary Ann Andrus and Sarah Rebecca Elgar of and in the said rents issues and profits dividends interest and annual product shall be sole use and benefit of them the said Mary Ann Andrus and Sarah Rebecca Elgar and apart from and independent of any husband or husbands and so and in such manner that they the said Mary Ann Andrus and Sarah Rebecca Elgar may not effectually anticipate change or encumber the growing payments of their said parts of and in the said rents issues and profits dividends interest and annual product and that the same shall not be subject to the claims of any person or persons to whom their husband or husbands respectively may become indebted ……………………….and I do hereby nominate constitute and appoint the said John Sils Charlton and Thomas Charlton executors of this my will And I do hereby revoke and make void all former and other wills and testaments and codicils by me made and declare this only to be my last will and testament In witness whereof I have to this my last will and testament written on eight sheets of paper set my hand this twenty fourth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty five Thomas Alchin  Signed and acknowledged by the said Thomas Alchin the testator as his last will and testament in the presence of us being present at the same time who at his request in his presence and in the presence of each other subscribe our names as witnesses C French London John Matthews

This is a codicil to my will I give unto John Sils Charlton and Thomas Charlton in my mentioned five hundred pounds of lawful money of Great Britain upon trust that they the said John Sils Charlton and Thomas Charlton or the survivor of them or the heirs executors administrators and assigns of such survivor do and shall lay out and invest the said sum of five hundred pounds in their or his names or name in the parliamentary stocks or public funds of Great Britain or real securities of England and from time to time to alter vary and transpose the said trust monies so to be invested as aforesaid or into or upon other stocks funds and securities of the like nature at their or his discretion I declare that the said trustees or trustees for the time being shall stand possessed of the said trust monies and the interest dividends and annual product thereof and all accumulations thereof upon trust to pay the interest dividends and product thereof unto my grandniece Fanny Andrus the daughter of William Andrus ….  my will mentioned until she attains the age of twenty one years and when and as that event shall happen to assign transfer and pay over the said principal sum of five hundred pounds to and for her own absolute use and benefit but in case the said Fanny Andrus shall not live to attain the age of twenty one years then I direct that the said legacy of five hundred pounds and all accumulations thereof 9if any) shall sink into and form part of my residuary personal estate and in all other respects I confirm my will In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this twenty fourth day of September one thousand eight hundred and forty five Signed and acknowledged by the said Thomas Alchin the testator as a codicil to his last will in the presence of us being present at the same time who at his request and in the presence of each other subscribe our names as witnesses ………….. Solicitor Gravesend  William Middlebrook ………..

This is a codicil to my will Whereas my niece Mary Ann Andrus of Meopham widow is indebted to me in a sum of one hundred and twenty two pounds twelve shillings and nine pence being a fourth part of a sum of four hundred and ninety pounds seven shillings secured to me as Executor of my late father by a warrant of attorney under the hand of the said Mary Ann Andrus dated the eighteenth of November one thousand eight hundred and forty six and whereas my said niece is also indebted to me for a further sum of nine hundred and thirty five pounds three shillings and four pence on a certain other warrant of attorney of the same date now I do hereby give and bequeath unto her my said niece Mary Ann Andrus the said respective sums of one hundred and twenty two pounds twelve shillings and nine pence and nine hundred and thirty five pounds three shillings and four pence or so much thereof as shall be due and owing from her in respect thereof at the time of my decease and all interest due in respect thereof and do direct my executors to acquit and discharge her of and from the payment of the same accordingly As witness my hand this thirty first day of March one thousand eight hundred and forty seven Thomas Alchin Signed published and declared by the testator Thomas Alchin as a codicil to his will in the presence of us who in his presence and in the presence of each other subscribe our names as witnesses

This is a further codicil to my within written will whereas William Andrus therein named is now dead leaving the within named Mary Ann Andrus his widow surviving now I do thereby will and declare that in case and when the said Mary Ann Andrus shall marry again without having the previous consent of both my said executors and trustees or my executors or trustees for the time being the interest dividends and other monies and all other benefit given to her in and by my said will shall cease and determine (?) and that in lieu and stead thereof she shall have and I do in that event give and bequeath unto her for her natural life and for her own separate use and benefit the clear yearly sum of fifty pounds sterling to be paid to her by equal quarterly payments and I do will that the surplus dividends interest and proceeds over and above the said sum of fifty pounds per annum which she would have been otherwise entitled to had she remained a widow shall as and be applied to and among her children ……….. at the same time and in the same manner as the other dividends interest and monies are directed to be paid or transferred to them in and by my said will and that in the mean time such surplus interest dividends and proceeds shall be and remain and accumulate at interest to and for the benefit of her children by the said William Andrus as in my said will is directed concerning their original shares and in all other respects I do hereby ratify and confirm my said will and my first codicil annexed thereto In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this eighteenth day of December one thousand eight hundred and fifty two Thos Alchin Signed and acknowledged by the said Thomas Alchin the testator as a codicil to within will in the presence of us who in his presence at his request and in the presence of each other subscribe our names as witnesses John Matthews Solicitor …. West London Louisa Ann Packman servant to Mrs Elgar Sutton

Proved at London with three codicils the 10th May 1854 before the Worshipful William Robinson Doctor of Laws and Surrogate by the oaths of John Sils Charlton Esquire and Thomas Charlton Esquire the nephews the executors to whom admon was granted having been first sworn duly to administer"

1.3.4.4.1.3  ~~  Mary Alchin

Mary was baptised at the church of St John the Baptist, Meopham on 23rd January 1782. Mary married William Best and the parish rates from the 1830's shows that her father's lands were held in partnership by her husband and her brother Thomas. William and Mary had at least one child – Mary (1809).

William Best died on 18th November 1838 aged 48 years. There is no surviving record of Mary Best in the 1841 census. Mary died on 30th March 1855 aged 73 years. She and her husband are buried together at Meopham (grave G26):

"Sacred to the memory of William Best who departed this life November 18th 1838 age 48 years. Left issue one daughter viz Mary Ann Also Mary wife of the above who departed this life March 30th 1855 age 73"

1.3.4.4.1.3.1  ~~  Mary Ann Best

Mary was baptised at the church of St John the Baptist, Meopham on 22nd January 1809. She married William Andrus in the early 1830s at an unknown location; he was born in Kent in about 1801. William and Mary had at least six children – Thomas (1832), Fanny (1834), Frederick (1835), Ann (1837), William (1839) and Kate (1841).

The 1841 census records that William was of independent means and he and his wife and two of their children were living at Hoo Green, Meopham. William died on 1st August 1846 aged 44 years and he was buried at Meopham. When William died he left his entire estate to his wife who was also one of the Executors of his will:

"This is the last will and testament of me William Andrus of Meopham in the County of Kent farmer I give devise and bequeath unto my dear wife Mary Ann Andrus all my real and personal estate whatsoever and wheresoever and whether in possession reversion remainder or expectancy and to her heirs and assigns forever And I do hereby nominate constitute and appoint my said wife Mary Ann Andrus and my friend Thomas Broughton of Gravesend in the said County of Kent ironmonger Exectutrix and Executor of this my will and I do hereby declare that the said Thomas Broughton shall be charged and chargeable only with such monies as he shall actually receive by virtue of the trusts hereby reposed in him and shall not be answerable or accountable for …… or other person with whom or in whose hands the said trust monies or any part thereof shall be placed in safe custody or otherwise nor for the insufficiency of any security upon which the same shall be invested nor for any loss misfortune or damage which may happen in the execution of the aforesaid trusts unless the same shall happen by or through his own wilful default And also that it shall be lawful for the said Thomas Broughton by and out of the monies which shall come to his hands to retain and reimburse himself all costs charges damages and expenses which he shall sustain or expend in or about the execution of the said trusts in relation thereto In witness whereof the said William Andrus have to this my last will and testament set my hand this twenty third day of January one thousand eight hundred and forty five Wm Andrus Signed by the said testator William Andrus as his last will and testament in the presence of us present at the same time who in his presence at his request and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses John Wrench wheelwright Meopham Henry Yordish Meopham

Proved at London the 27th August 1846 before the Worshipful John Canberry Doctor of Laws and Surrogate by the oaths of Mary Ann Andrus widow the Relict and Thomas Broughton the executors to whom admon was granted having been first sworn duly to administer"

The 1851 census records that Mary was a widowed farmer of 240 acres employing 11 labourers. She and her four children, two servants and her bailiff were living at Hook House, Meopham. The 1861 census records that Mary was a widowed "fund holder" (annuitant) and she was lodging at Soy House, Meopham.

Mary died on 6th March 1862 aged 52 years. Mary and her husband are buried together at Meopham (Grave G34):

"In memory of Mr William Andrus who departed this life August 1st 1846 aged 44 years Also Mary Ann widow of the above who departed this life March 6th 1862 aged 52 years"

William and Mary had a grandson Thomas Alchin Andrus (1872 – 1959) who was a Brigadier-General in the British Army and who wrote an account of the Mesopotamian campaign in World War I between 1916 and 1918.

1.3.4.4.1.3.1.1  ~~  Thomas Alchin Andrus

Thomas was born at Longfield near Meopham in 1832 and he was baptised at Longfield on 21st April 1832. He is not recorded with his family in the 1841 census and it is possible that he was away at school or with relatives. The 1851 census records that Thomas was a farmer and he lived with his mother on their 240 acre estate at Hook House, Meopham.

Thomas was the major beneficiary of his parents' estates when they died when he was still a relatively young man. Thomas married Julia Janet Bain in London in 1868 (Poplar 1868 December qtr Volume 1c Page 1189); she was born at Poplar in 1848 but she was of Scots ancestry.

Thomas and Julia had at least six children – Francis (1869), Donald (1870), twins Thomas and Julia (1872), Edward (1874) and Annie (1878). The 1871 census records that Thomas was a farmer and he owned 240 acres of land. He and his wife and their two eldest children were living at Scadbury Farm House, Southfleet.

The 1881 census records that Thomas was a landowner (220 acres) and he and his wife and their six children were still living at Scadbury Farm House. The 1891 census records that Thomas was a landowner and he and his wife, four of their children, his spinster sister Kate and their niece (Florence Andrus) were still living at Southfleet.

The 1901 census records that Thomas was a landowner and farmer and he and his wife, their two unmarried children and his spinster sister were all still living at Scadbury Farm House.

1.3.4.4.1.3.1.1.1  ~~  Francis B. Andrus

Francis was born at Southfleet in mid 1869. The 1871 census records that the toddler was living with his parents at Scadbury Farm, Southfleet. The 1881 census records that Francis was a school boy and he was living with his family at Scadbury Farm. The 1891 census records that Francis was a Lieutenant in the Militia. He was unmarried and still living with his parents at Southfleet.

The 1901 census records that Francis was a member of the London Stock Exchange. He was still unmarried and living with his parents at Scadbury Farm House, Southfleet.

1.3.4.4.1.3.1.1.2  ~~  Donald Allen Andrus

Donald was born at Southfleet in late 1870 (Dartford 1870 December qtr Volume 2a Page 374). The 1871 census records that the 5 month old infant was living with his family at Scadbury House, Southfleet. The 1881 census records that Donald was a school boy and he still living with his family at Scadbury House.

1.3.4.4.1.3.1.1.3  ~~  Thomas Alchin Andrus

Thomas and his twin sister Julia were born at Southfleet in 1872 (Dartford 1872 December qtr Volume 2a Page 397). The 1881 census records that the school boy was living with his family at Scadbury Farm House, Southfleet. The 1891 census records that Thomas was a Lieutenant in the Militia and he was living with his parents at Southfleet.

Thomas went on to enlist in the Regular Army and he rose to the rank of Brigadier-General. He served during World War One and he later wrote an account of the Mesopotamian campaign of 1916-1918. Thomas died in 1959 aged 86 years.

1.3.4.4.1.3.1.1.4  ~~  Julia Maria Andrus

Julia and her twin brother Thomas were born at Southfleet in 1872 (Dartford 1872 December qtr Volume 2a Page 397). The 1881 census records that the school girl was living with her family at Scadbury Farm House, Southfleet. The 1891 census records that Julia was still living with her parents at Southfleet.

Julia married (possibly to Frederick Charles Barry) in 1895 (Dartford 1895 March qtr Volume 2a Page 579).

1.3.4.4.1.3.1.1.5  ~~  Edward Ernest Andrus

Edward was born at Southfleet in 1874 (Dartford 1874 March qtr Volume 2a Page 420). The 1881 census records that the school boy was living with his family at Scadbury Farm House, Southfleet. The 1891 census records that Edward was working as a clerk in a merchant's office. He was unmarried and he was living with his maternal grandmother, Julia J. Bain, at 15 Brunswick Street, Poplar.

1.3.4.4.1.3.1.1.6  ~~  Annie Maida Andrus

Annie was born at Southfleet in 1878 (Dartford 1878 September qtr Volume 2a Page 445). The 1881 census records that the young girl was living with her family at Scadbury Farm House, Southfleet. The 1891 census records that Annie was a school girl and she was still living with her family at Southfleet.

The 1901 census records that Annie was unmarried and she was still living with her parents at Scadbury Farm House. Annie married (possibly to Charles Gordon Ward) in 1903 (Dartford 1903 September qtr Volume 2a Page 1227).

1.3.4.4.1.3.1.2  ~~  Fanny Andrus

Fanny was baptised at Longfield on 17th February 1834. She was not recorded with the rest of her family in the 1841 or 1851 census and she obviously died in infancy.

1.3.4.4.1.3.1.3  ~~  Frederick Andrus

Frederick was born at Meopham on 22nd March 1835 and he was baptised at the church of St John the Baptist, Meopham on 22nd April 1835. He died at the age of 6 months on 23rd September 1835. Frederick was buried at Meopham and his grave (#G27) was marked with a headstone.

1.3.4.4.1.3.1.4  ~~  Ann Andrus

Ann was baptised at the church of St John the Baptist, Meopham on 2nd September 1837. The 1841 census records that the young girl was living with her family at Hoo Green, Meopham. Ann is recorded twice in the 1851 census. She was listed with her mother at Hook House, Meopham and then she was listed also with her uncle and aunt (William and Sarah Elgar) at Frog Lane, Sutton at Hone.

1.3.4.4.1.3.1.5  ~~  William Andrus

William was born at Longfield in 1839 and he was baptised at Longfield on 19th April 1839. The 1841 census records that the young boy was living with his family at Hoo Green, Meopham. William is also recorded twice in the 1851 census. First with his mother at Hook House, Meopham and then again at his school at Gravesend.

The 1871 census records that William was an unmarried farmer (360 acres) and he and his unmarried sister Kate were living at The Downs Farm House, Northfleet. William married (possibly to Elizabeth Padwick) in 1872 (North Aylesford 1872 June qtr Volume 2a Page 631).

William and his wife had at least two children – Florence (1873) and William (1875). The 1881 censsu records that William was a retired farmer and he and his two children (his wife must have been away at the time) and his spinster sister Kate were living at Pulwell House, 25 Milton Street, Swanscombe.

William's wife must have died between 1881 and 1891and he also seems to have become much less affluent. The 1891 census records that William was a widowed farm bailiff and he and his son were living at Idley Farm House, Ash. The 1901 census records that William was a farm manager and he was living alone (apart from a 24 year old housekeeper) at Lomer Farm, Meopham.

William died in 1904 aged 64 years (Dartford 1904 March qtr Volume 2a Page 391).

1.3.4.4.1.3.1.5.1  ~~  Florence Kate Andrus

Florence was born at Southfleet in 1873 (North Aylesford 1873 March qtr Volume 2a Page 439). The 1881 census records that the school girl was living with her family at Pulwell House, 25 Milton Street, Swanscombe. The 1891 census records that Florence was living with her aunt and uncle (Thomas and Julia Andrus) at Scadbury Farm House, Southfleet.

Florence died in 1910 aged 36 years (Maidstone 1910 June qtr Volume 2a Page 439).

1.3.4.4.1.3.1.5.2  ~~  William Andrus

William was born at Northfleet in 1875 (Dartford 1875 June qtr Volume 2a Page 425). The 1881 census records that the school boy was living with his family at Pulwell House, 25 Milton Street, Swanscombe. The 1891 census records that William was still a school boy and he was living with his widowed father at Idley Farm House, Ash.

1.3.4.4.1.3.1.6  ~~  Kate Andrus

Kate was born after the 1841 census and she was baptised at the church of St John the Baptist, Meopham on 2nd October 1841. The 1851 census records that the school girl was living with her widowed mother at Hook House, Meopham. The 1861 census records that Kate was unmarried and she was visiting Ann Jordan at her home at High Street, Milton next Sittingbourne.

The 1871 census records that Kate was living with her unmarried brother at The Downs Farm House, Northfleet. Kate probably never married. The 1881, 1891 and  1901 census all record that the spinster was living with her eldest brother Thomas Alchin Andrus at Scadbury Farm House, Southfleet.

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