The Origin Of The Thomas Abbey Family In Staverton, Northampton, England

Posted 10 Feb 2017 by TheTreeDr

https://www.ancestry.com/family-tree/person/tree/89316435/person/430025106130/facts

The ancestral line for Thomas Abbey (1571-1614) of Staverton, Northampton, England is reputed to be as follows:

Son of John Abbey born about 1530 and Joan born about 1540

John Abbey (1530) son of John Abbey born about 1505

John Abbey (1505) son of Robert Abbey born about 1475 and Isabel born about 1480

All are purported to be born in Staverton. Since the Staverton Parish records don't go back to 1530 it will take the examination of wills and other records to prove this line.

There is an interesting family legend about the origin of the family name. Robert Abbey (1475) or one of his ancestors is said to have been an orphan or foundling "of the Abbey." Near Staverton was The Abbey of St. James Northampton. Founded in 1104, The Abbey of St. James was notable for it's relief work for the poor and the care of what they called their "alms children." While it can't be proven, it's certainly possible Robert or one of his ancestors was "of the Abbey" - one of these alms children.

The Staverton parish records are accessible on Ancestry but I discovered whole large sections of them that have not been transcribed as of this writing. They are difficult to read but going line by line through the records I found the following Abbey baptismal records of interest because some or most of these could be Thomas' sisters and brothers. No father is given on any of these records, however, so I did not add them to my tree.

Image 2, 14th line of Christenings, Helen Abbey baptized ____1564.
Image 3, 2nd line of Christenings, (unreadable) Abbey baptized ____ 1566.
Image 4, 2nd to last line of Christenings, Francis Abbey baptized ______ 1568.
Image 6, 9th line Joane Abbey baptized ___May 1571.
Image 8, 9th line of Christenings, Mary Abbey baptized ___January 1574. (1575 new style)
Image 9, 1st line of Christenings, Joane Abbey baptized ____July 1575.

Hopefully I'll be able to find a will or some other document to prove which of these (if any) are Thomas' sister and brothers.

TTD

From Jeromey Ward's Web Site:

Known as Thomas Abbe of Roade (husbandman)
The first record of an Abbe(y) on a direct line to today is from Staverton, England On 27 May 1566, John Abbey was christened. In 1568 a Francis was christened and 1571 a Thomas. There is no record of either John or Thomas being married in Staverton. On 29 July 1593, another John was christened, and the first John would have been 27 and could be the father.

Thomas was married to Elyzabeth Harberd in May, 1608, with no children recorded from any first marriage. On 2 Sep 1610, a Thomas was christened; 1612, a sister Mary. Then, 3 Aug 1613, our John was born. The father’s will, leaving 5 pounds sterling to each son was written 1613. John (1) died Aug 1614. There is no record of whether his mother remarried, but at age 21, the sons were to receive the money. Shortly after receiving his, John (2) left for the colonies.