This is week six of the 2015 #52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks Challenge where a group of u
s blog about a different ancestor for each week of the year. To learn more about the 52 Ancestor Challenge visit Amy Johnson’s site at Amy’s website.
This week’s inspirational theme is So Far Away. The object is writing about an ancestor so far removed to you in generations, or, maybe an ancestor that you traveled a great distance to research. Though I have traveled across the ocean to England to half heartily research the Howes family line. I chose to write about one the earliest ancestors in my tree.
The ancestor furthest from me in generations is Jeffrey Josselyn, my 17th great grandfather. He lived circa 1375 to 1425 near Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire, England. The patriarch of the family line and name is attributed to Gilbert Jocelyn. A Norman invader from Normandy, who arrived with William the Conqueror in 1066. If the descendancy is true, then one branch of my family tree can be traced back to that time period.
The Josselyn’s are affluent both in land ownership and at the royal court throughout the years. However, England is fraught with wars with from European armies and internal claims to the English throne. The England is in the middle of the Hundred Years Wars (1337–1453) with France and the War of the Roses with royal cousins claiming the throne for themselves.
Jeffrey Josselyn served in the service of King Richard II during the Hundred Years War. His son, Ralph, was created Knight of the Bath, by King Edward IV in 1465. During the War of the Roses (1455-1487), Sir Ralph raises forces to fight insurgents trying to free Henry VI from the Tower. The Josselyn’s are able to keep their heads during the changing reigns in the late 1400’s in the fight for the throne of England.
Hyde Hall in Sawbridgeworth, England was the family residence during the 16th and 17th centuries. Members of the family are buried at Great Mary’s Church. The church is known for its engraved brass plaques of its members. The grave marker of Jeffrey Josselyn (1420-1470/71) has a brass etching, of him and his two wives.
Jeffery Jocelyn Brass Engraving circa 1470
I am related to the Josselyn line through Rebecca Nichols (b. 1641), my 8th great grandmother, who married Samuel House (1638-1702). Rebecca is the daughter of Thomas Nichols and Rebecca Josselyn who emigrated from Essex County, England in 1635. Rebecca Josselyn is the daughter of Thomas Joslin.
Outline Descendant Report from Jeffrey Josselyn to Rebecca Nichol
I have cited the work of H.F. Waters below. I have not personally verified Mr. Waters sources and citations. Please reference the data accordingly.
- Jeffrey Josselyn b: Abt. 1375 in England, d: Abt. 1425 in Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire, England
- Jeffrey Josselyn b: Bef. 1420 in England, d: 02 Jan 1470/71 in Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire, England
- John Josselyn b: Bef. 1455 in Essex, England, d: Bef. 1524 in Sheering, Essex, England
- Ralph Josselyn b: 1475 in Great Canfield, Essex, England, d: Bef. 1540 in Great Canfield, Essex, England
- Ralph Josselyn b: Abt. 1503 in Essex, England, d: Bef. 1546 in Fyfield, Essex, England
- John Josselyn b: Abt. 1525 in Fyfield, Essex, England, d: 18 Feb 1578/79 in Roxwell, Essex, England
- Ralph Josselyn b: 1556 in Chelmsford, Essex, England, d: 19 Mar 1632 in Roxwell, Chelmsford, Essex, England
- Thomas Joslin b: 1591 in Roxwell, Essex, England, d: 03 Nov 1660 in Lancaster, Worchester, Massachusetts
- Rebecca Josselyn b: 1617 in Lancaster, Lancashire, England, d: 22 Sep 1675 in Hingham, Plymouth, Massachusetts
- Rebecca Nichols b: 1641 in Hingham, Plymouth, Massachusetts
Sources:
The New England Historical and Genealogical Register, Vols. 37-52 (1883-98) include section: Genealogical gleanings in England, by H. F. Waters.
Sawbridgeworth and Great Mary’s Church: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sawbridgeworth
Recent Comments