Ancestors of Mandy Willard

Henry MITCHELL (c1771-1853)

and Ann AKEHURST (c1775-1841)

Henry Michell and Ann Akehurst married by banns on 11 December 1797 at the parish church of St. Peter's in Cowfold, Sussex.  He was then a bachelor from Beeding and she a spinster.  The witnesses to their marriage were William Constable and William Hills.  (They were not my direct ancestors.)

Henry Mitchell's date and place of birth/baptism are unknown, to me.  He died aged 84 years and was buried on 19 January 1853 in Lower Beeding, therefore, he may have been born about 1768/9.  When the 1851 census was recorded he was 80 years (i.e. born about 1771) and gave his place of birth as Nuthurst.  I have checked a transcript of the Nuthurst parish registers between 1765-75 and did not find his baptism, although a thorough check of the original register needs to be made.  In 1851 he was living with the family of his son Edmund at Job's Castle, Lower Beeding.

Ann Akehurst's date and place of birth/baptism are unknown, to me.  She died aged 66 years at Job's Castle and was buried on 17 October 1841 in Lower Beeding.  At about the time Ann was born there was a couple named Caleb and Ann Akehurst (nee Gravely) who had children baptised in Cowfold, and although they had a daughter named Ann, she was buried in 1779.  There was also a couple named Thomas and Elizabeth Akehurst who had a daughter Sarah baptised in Cowfold in 1777.  Is it possible that Ann was the illegitimate daughter of Hannah Akehurst, who married John Jupp by banns on 29 April 1779 in Cowfold?  There is a distinct lack of Akehurst baptisms and marriages in and around the parish of Cowfold.  Hannah's 1779 marriage and that in 1773 of Caleb and Ann, were the only 2 marriages in the area at that time - no possible marriage found for Thomas and Elizabeth.  Most Akehurst families were then living in the eastern parishes of Sussex.  There was a Thomas Akehurst who married Mary in Brighton in 1770, but he was from Westham, East Sussex.  Going back through the Sussex marriage index there wasn't another male Akehurst marriage near Cowfold until 1742 in Kingston-by-Sea.

At the time of the 1841 census, Henry and Ann were living at Job's Castle in Lower Beeding.  They were both said to have been 65 years old and both were born in Sussex.  Henry was then a carpenter.  Also with them on census night were 4 of their children, 2 granddaughters and 20 year old Thomas Dale.

Henry Mitchell and Ann Akehurst had 9 known children:

1. William Mitchell was baptised on 6 January 1799 in Nuthurst.  He may have died aged 20 years in Brighton and have been buried on 9 June 1819 in Cowfold.

2. Mary Mitchell was baptised on 11 May 1801 in Nuthurst.  (Her baptism appears in the IGI, but not in the transcript of the Nuthurst registers, therefore, the original parish register needs to be checked.)

   Mary may have married John Bignall by banns on 19 September 1819 in Cowfold.  He was then a bachelor from Clayton and she a spinster.  The witnesses to their marriage were Hannah Mitchell and William Hills.  Or she may have married Stephen Woolgar by banns on 10 October 1825 in Cowfold.  He was then a bachelor from West Grinstead and she a spinster.  The witnesses to their marriage were Jane Mitchell and William Hills.  Another Mary Mitchell was baptised in Cowfold on 6 February 1796, the daughter of William Mitchell and Mary.  Given that Hannah was a witness to the 1819 marriage, I think Mary married John rather than Stephen.

3. Hannah Mitchel was born in Beeding and baptised on 19 September 1802 in Cowfold.

   Hannah marry Isaac Edwards on 19 November 1826 in Upper Beeding.

   When the 1851 census was recorded the couple were living at Worth Park in Worth, Sussex, where Isaac was a 51 year old gamekeeper.  Hannah was then 48 years old and gave her place of birth as Beeding.  Also with them on census night were 6 of their children.

   Isaac was born about 1800 in Leigh, Surrey.

   Isaac and Hannah had the following children:

   1. Jane Edwards was baptised on 20 January 1828 in Worth.  She was an unmarried 23 year old in 1851 and living with her parents.

   2. William Edward was born about 1831 in Worth.  He was a 20 year old under keeper in 1851 and living at home.

   3. Henry Edwards was baptised on 10 August 1834 in Worth.

   4. Eliza Edwards was baptised on 17 April 1836 in Worth.  She was a 15 year old scholar in 1851.

   5. Anne Edwards was baptised on 17 October 1841 in Worth.  She was a 9 year old scholar in 1851.

   6. Louisa Edwards was baptised on 16 March 1845 in Worth.  In 1851 she was a 6 year old scholar.

   7. Maria Edwards was baptised on 14 March 1847 in Worth.  The 1851 census records that she was 4 years old.

4. Henry Mitchell was baptised on 10 February and 19 April 1805 in Nuthurst.

5. John Mitchell was baptised on 14 June 1807 in Nuthurst, at which time his parents were form Beeding.  He died aged 10 weeks and was buried on 5 July 1807 in Nuthurst.  The burial register also recorded that he was from Beeding.

6. George Mitchel was born in Beeding and baptised on 27 July 1808 in Cowfold. He was a labourer in 1841 and living at home with his parents.

7. Richard Mitchel was baptised on 15 September 1811 in Cowfold.  He was a labourer in 1841 and living at home with his parents.

8. Ann Mitchell was baptised on 26 June 1814 in Cowfold, at which time her father was a labourer.  She died aged 86 years at Job's Castle and was buried on 14 December 1898 in Lower Beeding.

   Before her marriage she had 2 illegitimate daughters:

   1. Caroline Mitchell was born about 1836 in Lower Beeding.  At the time of the 1841 census she was 5 years old and living with her mother in the home of her maternal grandparents.  The 1851 census records that she was 15 year old Caroline Dale.

      As Caroline Dale she married David Dewdney on 25 April 1857 in Lower Beeding.  David was then a bachelor and labourer from Shermanbury and Caroline was a spinster.  Their fathers were named as James Dewdney and Thomas Dale who were both labourers.  The witnesses to their marriage were Henry Peacock and Eliza Mitchell.

   2. Mary Mitchell was born about 1839 in Lower Beeding.  She was 2 years old in 1841.  In 1851 she was 12 year old Mary Dale and she was then a scholar.  She may have died aged 33 years and have been buried as Mary Dale on 1 December 1870 in Lower Beeding.

   Ann married Thomas Dale on 12 December 1841 at the parish church of St. Johns in Lower Beeding (the same day as her brother Edmund).

   Thomas was born about 1813 in Beeding.  He died aged 78 years and was buried on 2 March 1891 in Lower Beeding.  In 1841 he was said to be a 20 year old labourer and he was living in the home of his soon to be parents-in-law.

   At the time of the 1851 census the couple were both aged 38 years and they were living at Job's Castle, next door to Ann's brother Edmund.  Thomas was then an agricultural labourer.  The family was still living at Job's Castle in 1861 and Ann's brother was still living next door.  The 2 families were still at Job's Castle in 1871.  In 1881, Thomas and Ann both aged 67 years were at Job's Castle along with 2 visitors, unmarried 53 year old Jane Edwards and 7 year old Mary Edwards.  The next household at Job's Castle was occupied by the family of their son Thomas.

   Thomas and Ann had the following known children:

   1. Henry Dale was baptised on 27 November 1842 in Lower Beeding, at which time his father was a labourer.  In 1851 he was a 9 year old scholar.  In 1861 he was a 19 year old agricultural labourer living at home.

   2. Jane Dale was baptised on 9 March 1845 in Lower Beeding, at which time her father was a labourer.  She was a 6 year old scholar in 1851.  In 1861 she was 16 years old.

      Jane married Vince Lade by banns on 30 July 1865 in Lower Beeding.  He was then a 22 year old bachelor and under gamekeeper, whilst she was a 21 year old spinster.  Their fathers were named as Vince Lade a gamekeeper and Thomas Dale a labourer.  The witnesses to their marriage were Henry Dale and Mary Cripps.

   3. George Dale was baptised on 23 May 1847 in Lower Beeding, at which time his father was a labourer.  He died aged 2 years and was buried on 3 June 1849 in Lower Beeding.

   4. Thomas Dale was baptised on 25 December 1849 in Lower Beeding, at which time his father was a labourer.  He was a year old when the 1851 census was recorded.  In 1861 he was an 11 year old scholar.

      Thomas married Harriet Westwood by banns on 28 February 1870 in Lower Beeding.  He was then a 20 year old bachelor and labourer, whilst she was a 19 year old spinster from Slaugham.  Their fathers were named as Thomas Dale and James Westwood who were both labourers.  The witnesses to their marriage were James Jenkins and Frances Jenkins.

      Harriet was born about 1852 in Essex.

      At the time of the 1871 census the couple were living with his parents at Job's Castle and Thomas was a 21 year old labourer.  In 1881 the couple and 4 children were living at Job's Castle next to or with his parents.  Thomas was then a 32 year old bricklayer.

      Thomas and Harriet had the following children:

      1. Emily Jane Dale was baptised on 6 August 1871 in Lower Beeding, at which time her father was a labourer.  She was a 9 year old scholar in 1881.

      2. Eliza Ann Dale was baptised on 29 June 1873 in Lower Beeding, at which time her father was a labourer.  The 1881 census records that Eliza Annie Dale was a 7 year old scholar.

      3. George Frederick Dale was baptised on 30 April 1876 in Lower Beeding, at which time his father was a labourer.  He was a 5 year old scholar in 1881.

      4. Alice Dale was baptised on 25 November 1877 in Lower Beeding, at which time her father was a labourer.  She was a 3 year old scholar in 1881.

      5. Mary Dale was baptised on 5 October 1879 in Lower Beeding, at which time her father was a labourer.  She died aged 18 months and was buried on 7 March 1881 in Lower Beeding.

      6. Fanny Dale was born on 10 September 1881 and baptised on 6 November 1881 in Lower Beeding, at which time her father was a labourer.

      7. Rose Dale was born on 9 February 1884 and baptised on 27 April 1884 in Lower Beeding, at which time her father was a labourer.

      8. Thomas Dale was born on 14 December 1885 and baptised on 21 March 1886 in Lower Beeding, at which time his father was a bricklayer.

      9. Lily Dale was born on 21 May 1887 and baptised on 21 August 1887 in Lower Beeding, at which time her father was a labourer.

      10. Charles Dale was born on 21 April 1888 and baptised on 17 June 1888 in Lower Beeding, at which time his father was a labourer.

      11. John Dale was born on 10 August 1889 and baptised on 29 September 1889 in Lower Beeding, at which time his father was a labourer.

      12. Harry Dale was born on 21 February 1891 and baptised on 10 May 1891 in Lower Beeding, at which time his father was a labourer.

      13. William Dale was born on 6 September 1892 and baptised on 20 November 1892 in Lower Beeding, at which time his father was a bricklayer.

      14. Arthur Dale was born on 5 July 1897 and baptised on 3 October 1897 in Lower Beeding, at which time his father was a labourer.

   5. Emily Dale was baptised on 4 April 1852 in Lower Beeding, at which time her father was a labourer.  In 1861 she was a 9 year old scholar.  She died aged 17 years and was buried on 4 August 1869 in Lower Beeding.

   6. Eliza Dale was born at Job's Castle and baptised on 11 February 1855 in Lower Beeding.  She was a 6 years old scholar in 1861 and 16 in 1871.

9. Edmund Mitchell was baptised on 23 June 1816 Cowfold, at which time his father was a labourer.  He married Eliza Sharpe in 1841.  (They have their own page.)

Could the following be related to Ann Akehurst in anyway:

Thomas Akehurst and Sarah Loveland married by banns on 23 September 1798 in Nuthurst.  He may have been baptised as Thomas Eakhurn on 26 December 1773 in Cowfold, the son of Caleb Akehurst and Mary Gravely.  Thomas and Sarah may have had a son named Thomas who married Mary, who in turn had a son named Caleb Akehurst baptised 10 July 1826 in Cowfold.

Mary Akehurst and Robert Stoner married on 17 March 1806 in Upper Beeding.  She was baptised on 15 October 1780 in Cowfold, the daughter of Caleb and Mary.

Given that I think Hannah Akehurst may have been the mother of Ann Akehurst, and that Henry and Ann named their third child Hannah, is it possible the couple named their first two children after his parents?  In which case, might Henry have been the son of William Michell and Mary Welch who married by banns on 8 November 1768 in Horsham?  William was then a husbandman and they were both of Horsham.  The witnesses to their marriage were Thomas Mitchell and Richard Mitchell.  Mary wife of William Mitchell was buried on 26 December 1802 in Horsham.  A William Mitchell, a drover, was buried on 7 July 1811 in Horsham and another William Mitchell aged 80 years was buried on 10 October 1819 in Horsham.

William Mitchell and Mary Welch had the following children:

1. William Mitchell was baptised on 8 February 1767 in Horsham and probably died as an infant.

2. William Michell was baptised on 23 May 1769 in Horsham and buried there on 26 May 1769 as an infant.

3. James Mitchell was baptised on 19 August 1770 in Horsham.

4. Mary Michell was baptised on 24 August 1776 in Horsham.

5. Sarah Michell was baptised on 22 July 1781 in Horsham.  She may have died as a child and have been buried on 28 September 1788 in Horsham.

6. Bob Michell was baptised on 29 May 1784 in Horsham.

A Henry Michell was baptised on 29 May 1768 in Horsham, the son of Robert Michell and Sarah Sharp.  He may have marry Prudence Grimes on 7 May 1792 in Horsham.  Robert and Sarah married on 29 January 1765 in Horsham, at which time Robert was a husbandman of Beeding alias Seale.  However, a Henry Mitchell aged 70 years was buried on 12 May 1833 in Horsham, and there was a Henry baptised in Horsham on 1 May 1763, the son of Henry Michell and Susanna.  Therefore, might 1763 Henry have married Prudencne and 1768 be the Henry who married Ann Akehurst?

John Jupp and Hannah Akehurst may have had the following children:

1. Henry was baptised on 2 July 1780 in Cowfold.  A transcript of the Cowfold register records that his parents were John and Hannah Akehurst, rather than Jupp.

2. John Jupp was baptised on 7 March 1784 in Cowfold.

A John Jupp from Beeding was buried on 19 May 1805 in Cowfold.  Another John Jupp aged 63 was buried on 31 August 1828 in Cowfold (i.e. born about 1760).

AKEHURST          MITCHELL