Henry Sherman

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Henry Sherman, whose ancestry is unknown (or not traced here), was born in 1512.1 He died before 25 July 1590, when his will was proved.2

Henry married (1) Agnes Perpoynt, say 1539;2,3 he married (2), as her 3rd husband, Marion (…), at Dedham, Essex, England, 5 June 1581;4,2 he married (3) Margery (…) after 1584. The ancestry of all three wives is unknown (or not traced here).5

The ancestry of Henry Sherman is unknown, despite the popularity of calling him a son of Thomas Sherman of Yaxley. Henry is simply too old to be that son. In 1574, he deposed he was 62, and hence born about or before 1512. In his will, dated 20 Jan 1550/1, Thomas of Yaxley stated his son Henry was still an apprentice, so was under 21 and born after 1530. By 1561, Henry of Dedham had two married daughters with children but Henry, son of Thomas of Yaxley, was not older than 30 at that time. The chronology just does not allow Henry of Dedham to be the son of Thomas of Yaxley.6,7

Henry's first wife is probably a daughter of Robert PerPoynt of Dedham, and likely the Agnes, wife of Henry Sherman the elder, buried in 1580.3

There are many records of Henry at Dedham:

In 1548, he was ordered to remove rubbish "from the foot way against his door".

In the Lay subsidy of 5 Edward VI, 1557, he was taxed at Dedham, Lexden Hundred, Essex on £22 in goods.

At the first court of Queen Elizabeth, 9 Nov, 1 Elizabeth, 1559, he and others took the chief pledges with homage or acknowledgment to the Lord of hte Manor of tenure under him. For 1561-1564 and in later years, he was sworn of the homage, and 30 Sep 1567 he "took surrender" of a cottage and one rod of copyhold land and also "the fourth part of one cottage and 14 acres of copyhold land called the Hykell." At this point the records begin to refer to him as Henry Sherman Senior.

At the Easter Term, 8 Elizabeth, 1566, Henry paid for license to agree with Thomas Rochester, clerk, and Dorothy, his wife and Henry Broke, clerk, and Barbara, his wife of a plea of covenants concerning one messuage, one orchard, one garden, and one rood or land with appurtenances in Dedham.

At the Michaelmas Term 13-14 Elzabeth, 1571, Henry, "otherwise called Henry Sherman, of Dedham, Essex, clothier, sued Thomas Webbe of Woodbridge, Suffolk, clothier, for debt.

At the Michaelmas Term 14-15 Elizabeth, 1572, by Miles Lakyn [attorney], he again sued Thomas Webbe of Woodbridge for debt.

On 22 Jun 1573, he acquired by surrender one-third part of the Hykell property, and his son Henry was apparently living nearby, for Henry Sr. was ordered to "scour his ditch from the door of Henry Sherman, Jr., as far as the house of John Stone."

At the Easter Term 17 Elizabeth, 1575, he with William Cutter, of Dedham, clothier, Michael Upcher, of Dedham, clother, and Lewis Sparhawke, of the same, mercer, were arbitrators in matters of dispute concerning the will of Thomas Lewes, late of Dedham, deceased, and the will of Elizabeth Lewes, late of Dedham, widow, deceased.

On 26 Sep 1575, Henry Sr., acquired by surrender "the third part of the fourth part" of the Hykell property. 22 Oct 1578, Nicholas Fynce (son-in-law_ surrendered certain land to the use of Henry Sr. 12 Apr 1581, Thomas Cradocke surrendered all his part and purpart of and in one house and barn and 14 acres of land to the use of Henry Sherman.

The manor court found, 20 Mar 1590/1, that Henry Sherman, the elder, a tenant of this manor had died since the last court. He held certain lands called the Heckell and Wayland containing 14 acres and a pightell called Byrdes containing 1 1/2 cares. Robert, youngest son, is his heir according to the custom of the manor.8

Henry left a will dated 20 January 1589, with a codicil dated 16 Feb, proved 25 Jul 1590:9
In the name of God, Amen, the twentithe day of January a thousand fyve hundred eightie nine and in the two and thirtithe yeare of the reigne of oure soveraigne Ladie Quene Elizabethe, I Henry Shearman, the elder, of Colchester in the county of Essex being whole of memorye and in perfect mynde thankes be to God do make constitute and ordeyne this my laste will and testamente revokinge all other willes and testamentes made by me. Firste I bequeathe my soule into the handes of Almighty God my maker acknowledging Jesus the sonne of the Lyvinge God my only Savyoure and Redeemer by whose pretious bloodshedding all my synnes ar washed awaye which hath satisfied the wrathe of God the father and I by his meritts and noe other means shall enherite the Kingdome prepared for the faithefull. I acknowledge the holy ghoste the god of comforte which hathe sealed me up to the everlasting covenaunte of eternall ioyes, my bodie I committ to the earth from whence yt came to be buried in the parishe churche of Dedham. Item. I will and bequeathe to Doctor Chapman the preacher of Dedham sixe poundes to be paid within sixe monthes after my decease. Item. I will to Mr. Parker fortie shillings to be paide at the same time. Item. I will to the poore of Dedham twenty poundes to be a contynewall stocke for the poore to the worldes ende and the use and benifit of it to goe to the poore. Further my will and mynde is that it shalbe ordered at the discretion of the governours of the free schoole of Dedham or the greatest parte of them and th_ to take securitie for the princypall.

Item. I will and bequeathe unto Henry Shearman, my son my Shearman's crafte to hym and his heires for ever.

Item. I give to Henry Shearman, my sonne, all the householde (sic) which is in his house which he hathe already.

Item. I give to my sonne, Henry Shearmans children that is to saye to Henry Shearman, Samuel Shearman, Daniel, John, Ezechiell, Phebe, Nathaniell and Anne Shearman to each of them five pounds a peece to be paied to the sonnes at the age of two anf twentie. And yf any of them dye before they shall accomplishe the foresaid age then I will yt to be equallie divided betwixt the reste alive and to the daughter at one and twentie. And yf they die before this age then I will there porcon to be equallie divided betwixt my sonne Henryes children then alive.

Item. I will and bequeathe to Edmonde Shearman, my sonne ten poundes.

Item. I give to Edmonde Shearman, the sonne of my son Edmonde Shearman, thirteene pounde thirteene shillings and fouer pence to be paied unto hym at the full age of twoe and twentie yerers. And yf he die before he come to the age of twoe and twentie, then I will it be divided between Richard Shearman, Bezaliell Shearman, Anne Shearman, the children of my sonne Edmonde Shearman.

Item. I will and bequeathe to Richarde Shearman, Bezaliell Shearman, Anne and Sarah Shearman, the children of my sonne Edmonde Shearman, to eache of them fourtie shillings a peece to be paied to the sonnes at the full age of twoe and twentie and to the daughters at one and twentie. And yf any of them dye before they shall accomplish theire full ages then I will their parte to be divided amongeste the reste that lyve of Edmonde Shearman's children.

Item. I give to Edmonde Shearman, my sonne my beste cloake.

Item. I will and bequeathe to William Petfeilde, my sonne in lawe, twentiee pounds to be paied within one whole yere after my decease.

Item. I give to the three children of my sonne in lawe Petfeilde, that is to say Richard Petfielde, to Susan Petfeilde and Elizabeth Petfielde, to each of them six pounde thirteen shillings fouer pence to be paied to the sonne at twoe and twentie yeres of age and to the daughters at one and twentie. And yf any of them dye before the age beforesaid then I will their portion to be equallie devyded betwene the children of William Petfeilde then alive. And my will and mynde is that my saide sonne, Petfeilde, shall have the occupyinge of that money untill the children shall come to their full age puttinge in sufficient and suertie to my executors to paye the money as ys abovesaid.

Item I give to Margerye, my wife, two and twentie pounds to be paied within three monethes after my decease.

Item I will that she shall have all her householde stuffe which she brought me and that householde (sic) which we renewed and boughte since we marryed.

Item I will that Margerye, my wife, shall have all my broome, wood, and logges, which I have at my departure.

Item I will and give to Margerye, my wife, twentie shillings of money.

Item I give to Margerye, my wife, that twelve pounds which is due unto me from Fendring Yf my exuctors can recover yt of hym.

Item I will that Margerye, my wife, shall have her dwellings for twoe yeres in that parte of the house wherein we do nowe dwell that is in the lower parloure and the twoe chambers next Mr. Ruddes and parte of the backehouse yf my sonne Robert do enjoy the house. But yf it be redeemed and he do not enjoy it then I will that my sonne Robert shall paye unto Margerye, my wife, fouer pounde for twoe yeres dwellings.

Item I give to Margerye, my wife, my tipped pott tearme of her life, and after her decease I give it to Judith, my daughter.

Item My will is that yf Margerye, my wife, doe make any clayme or title to the thirdes or any parte of that house wherein I nowe do dwell, that then she shall be frustrate of the twoe and twentie pounde given her and I will the fore said two twentie pounde to be divided betweene my three sonnes Henrye, Edmonde and Robert Shearman. Allso my will and mynde ys that she shall put in bonde to mynee Executors before shall receyve any parte of her legacy that she do not trouble or moleste myne Executors or my sonne Robert in anythings that is given them.

Item I will and bequeathe to Robert Shearman, my sonne three skore pounds which three skore pounds I give for the state of the house wherein I nowe dwell which was latelie Richarde Kinges, Berebruer of Colchester. And yf it shall happen that the saied three skore pounde be not paied according to bargayne and sale at the tyme appointed then I give the aforesaid house wherein I now dwell latelie Richarde Kinges with yards and appurtenances to Robert Shearman, my sonne, and his heires for ever.

Item I give to Robert Shearman, my sonne, all the coppiehoulde called the Heckells, or knowne by any other name conteyinge by estimacon fifteene acres more or lesse with the barne and cottage to it and two acres called Byrdes, now in the occupation of William Petfeilde, to hym and his heires, forever.

Item I give to my saied sonne, Robert Shearman, fouerty pounde of good lawfull money to be paied unto hym within sixe monthes after my decease. I will it be divided between the children of Robert Shearman then alive.

Item My mynde is that Robert, my sonne, shall have the occupyinge of the money untill the children come of age, puttinge in sufficient securitye to my executors for the principall.

Item I give unto Robert, my sonne, all my householde stuffs which I had before I marryed Margerye, my wife, that is to saye, Beddes, featherbeddes, cubbardes, bedsteades, pillowes, brasse, pewter, hangings, togeather with the great cupboarde in the parlour and the sealinge with the three tapestrie cushions.

Also I give unto him three payer of sheetes and all other ymplements of householde, Allso I give unto Robert, my sonne, my silver and gilte goblett. Allso I give unto Robert Shearman, my sonne, my best gowne.

Item I gove unto Robert my sonne one sword and a Byll_.

Item I give unto Judith Petfeilde, my daughter, the cheste and lynnen upon the Soller (three payer of sheetes excepted before given to Robert my sonne).

Item I give unto Henrye Shearman, my sonne, twelve silver spoones.

Item I give unto my son in law, Nicholas Fynce, forty shillings.

Item I give unto the poore of Allhallows parishe six shillings, eight pence.

Item I give to Robert, my sonne, the typped pot which he hathe.

Item I give to Henrye Shrearman, my sonne, all my Arms except that which I gave to my sonne Robert.

Item I will that yf the fortie poundes which is due unto me by the heires of administrators of Richard Kinge beerebruer be recovered then I will the saied fortie pounde be equallie divided betweene Henrye Shearman, Edmonde Shearman, Robert Shearman, Judith Petdeilde, my children.

Item I give unto Judith Petfeilde, my daughter, my sydesaddell and cloath to yt.

Item I give to Robert Shearman, my sonne, my saddle.

Item I give to William Petfeilde my best gowne save _.

Item I give Henry, my sonne, my best cassocke hatte and nightcappe.

Item I give to Christopher Stone a Cloathe doublet.

Item I give to Caser and olde payer of hosen. To Richard Fycher my olde gowne.

Item I give to Edmonde Shearman, Henrye Shearman, Robert Shearman, my sonnes, to eache of them twentie shillings in goulde, and to each of theire wyves twentie shillings in goulde.

Item I give to Judithe Petfeild, my daughter twentye shillings in goulde.

Item I will that the halfe yeares rente due at my decease of all my landes and tenemeents shall goe to the performance of my will.

Item I give all my goodes unbequeathed to be equallie divided betwixt my three sonnes Henry, Edmonde and Robert Shearman.

Item I make and ordeyne Henry Shearman and Edmonde Shearman, my sonnes, Executors of this my laste will and testament, -- Witnesses unto this my will theise whose names be underwritten
p me Ricam Symnell,
By me Oliver Pyggethelder,
By me Nathaniell Bassack,
p me Henrye Osborne.

Henry Shearmans Mark.


The codicil (paragraphing added for clarity):
A Codicell annexed to my will for some respit of payinge legaceys by my Executors, the XVI day of Febuary.

I will that the twentie poundes for the poore shalbe paied at oure Ladie day next twelve monthes.

I will that Dr. Chapmans sixe pounde be paied at the same tyme.

I will that Mr. Parker's fourtie shillings be paied at the same tyme.

I will that Nicholas Fynces fourtie shillings be then paied.

I will that my sonne Robert have fyve pounde paiede hym this next Ladie day and tenne pounde at the next mydsommer and thirtie fyve pounde at Ladie Daye next come twelve monthe

I will that the legaceys for my sonne Edmondes children be payed at oure Ladie day come twelve monthe.

I will that Petfeilde have fortie pounde paiede hym this nexte mydsommer.

Items whereas the twentie pounde which I gave to the poore was appoynted to be ordered by the governours of the free schoole at Dedham. Nowe my mynde ys that my sonne Henry Shearman shall have the occupying of it tearme of his life puttinge in sewertie for to pay the principall and fortie shillings a yere to theire use to be bestowed in woollen and lynnen cloathe.

Item my will is that my Executors shall pay my sonne Robert use for fyve and thirtie pounde for the latter halfe yeare.

By me Oliver Pyggethelder, By me Nathaniell Bassack. Dated, Jan 20, 1589/90 Codicil dated Feb. 16, 1589/90.

Proved July 25, 1590.

Family 1

Agnes Perpoynt d. bef. 14 Oct 1580
Children
  • Alice Sherman10 b. say 1540, d. bef. 20 Oct 1580
  • Judith Sherman10 b. say 1545, d. bef. 1 Apr 1601
  • Edmund Sherman+11 b. say 1548, d. bef. 22 Dec 1600
  • Henry Sherman+1 b. bef. Sep 1549, d. bef. 28 Aug 1610
  • John Sherman11 b. bef. May 1551, d. bef. 16 Oct 1576
  • Thomas Sherman11 b. say 1555, d. bef. 16 Mar 1563/64
  • Robert Sherman12 b. 6 Feb 1561, d. bef. 14 Jan 1602

Family 2

Marion (…)

Family 3

Margery (…) d. aft. 1590
This person was last edited on16 Dec 2017

Citations

  1. [S1785] Thomas Townsend Sherman, Sherman Genealogy Including Families of Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk, England, Some descendants of the Immigrants Captain John Sherman, Reverend John Sherman, Edmund Sherman and Samuel Sherman, and the Descendants of Honorable Roger Sherman and Honorable Charles R. Sherman (New York: Tobias A. Wright, 1920), 52-61, further cited as Sherman, Sherman Genealogy.
  2. [S1785] Sherman, Sherman Genealogy, 53.
  3. [S1942] Michael Johnson Wood, "The Earliest Shermans of Dedham, Essex, and Their Wives: Part I: Henry Sherman the Elder and His Wives," The New England Historical and Genealogical Register 166 (Oct 2012): 245-258, at 256-57, further cited as Wood, "Earliest Shermans of Dedham, Essex: Part I."
  4. [S1943] Michael Johnson Wood, "The Earliest Shermans of Dedham, Essex, and Their Wives: Part II: Henry Sherman the Younger and His Wife," The New England Historical and Genealogical Register 167 (Jan 2013): 35-54, at 257, further cited as Wood, "Earliest Shermans of Dedham, Essex: Part II."
  5. [S1942] Wood, "Earliest Shermans of Dedham, Essex: Part I," 257.
  6. [S1786] Letter from Michael J. Wood to RootsWeb Open Forum, 13 Oct 2006; Copy at: http://www.soysite.com/SOYdescendants/MichaelWood.html, accessed Nov 2011.
  7. [S1942] Wood, "Earliest Shermans of Dedham, Essex: Part I," 245.
  8. [S1785] Sherman, Sherman Genealogy, 57-59.
  9. [S1785] Sherman, Sherman Genealogy, 53-57.
  10. [S1785] Sherman, Sherman Genealogy, 59.
  11. [S1785] Sherman, Sherman Genealogy, 60.
  12. [S1785] Sherman, Sherman Genealogy, 87.