Introduction

Traced from its earliest-known roots in the first part of the seventeenth century, the Craxford family appears to have led a fairly settled existence for the most part in the rural surroundings of Northamptonshire for the next two hundred years. The predominent occupation was agricultural or its associated trades such as matmaking. Families were prodigious but, when the trials of infancy, accident and disease were avoided, some individuals survived to a reasonable old age.

I recently discovered a reference to the Last Will and Testament of a William Craxford which had been written in 1803. Although short, the contents quickly identified the individual concerned. Born in 1728 to Robert Craxford and Mary Burbidge, he was baptisted at the Parish Church of St James the Great in Gretton in August of that year. He married Martha Cooper in the village in October 1760 and subsequently had ten children that we know of (seven sons and three daughters). His was the generation that started the drift away from the home village for, although he lived and died in Northamptonshire, several of his heirs carried the family name to London and the South East of England.

We do note that the will was written very shortly before he died - perhaps even when on his death bed. His wife, Martha, survived him by 16 years. We do not know what tragedy befell the family at this time but the parish records show that his daughter Mary also died in the same month and was buried two days before he was. His other daughter Elizabeth had married in 1793 but our records show her husband's name to be spelled Thomas Streather.

I am indebted to the County Archivist and her staff at the Northamptonshire Records Office for obtaining the copy of the will from the microfilm and for preparing the transcript of its contents. The will reference number is M132

The Will

Continued in column 2...

The Transcript

Will of William Craxford 13 Jan 1803

This is the last Will and Testament of one William Craxford of Gretton in the County of Northampton, yeoman. First I give and bequeath unto my three sons John William and Nathaniel four pounds each and to my two daughters Elizabeth the wife of Thomas Stredder and Mary Craxford each five pounds And all my real and personal estate exclusive of the above legacies I give devise and bequeath unto my wife Martha and my son James Craxford to receive the profits and proceeds thereof equally so long as my wife continues my widow and afterwards the whole unto my said son James Craxford with all the Appurtenances of my said real estate and which I have surrendered to the use of this my will to him his Heirs and Assigns for ever.

Moreover it is my will that my daughter Mary should be permitted to live with my said wife so long as she chooses And I hereby nominate and appoint my said wife Martha and my son James Craxford joint Executrix and Executor of this my will.

In witness thereof I have hereunto set my Hand and Seal this thirteenth day of January one thousand eight Hundred and three

[Mark of:] William Craxford

Signed sealed published and declared by the testator William Craxford as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who at his Request and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as witnesses thereto

[Signatures of:] Robert Graham
W Boon
William Laxton

Added: January 20th 2007
Latest update: March 11th 2012

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