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Notes for Henry Stokes and Elizabeth

1617 "Henrye the sonne of Robert Stookes and Grace his wife was baptized November the firste" at Wycombe and Chadwell, Leicestershire. [1]

1633 Henry Stokes started an apprenticeship with Christopher Taylor of the Brown Bakers Company of London. [2]

Christopher Taylor hath presented Henry Stokes the sonne of Robert Stokes of Wicum in the county of Lester husbandman to be his apprentice from the Thirtieth of December last for seven years and hath paid as aforesaid.

1640 Henry Stokes was admitted as a freeman in the Brown Bakers Company of London. [3]

Henry Stokes the sonne of Robert Stokes of Wicum in the County of Lester husbandman hath been apprentice of Christopher Taylor for seven years from the date of his indenture being dated the thirtieth of December Anno Domini 1633 and on the last day of January Anno Indomius dax, was assigned to serve with George Darby for the rest of his time then to come to this day admitted a freeman sworn and has paid as aforesaid.

1641 A Henry Stokes was listed as an inhabitant of St James parish, Clerkenwell, "who have taken the Protestation" in the month of February. [4]

1642/43 Thomas Stokes, son of Henry Stokes baker, was baptized on February 14, at St Olave, Bermondsey, Surrey, England. [5] [Photocopy, 1642 baptism of Thomas Stokes, son of Henry Stokes, baker.]

1665 Henry Stakes of Stepney Parish died, on June 24, of the plague and was buried in the burying ground of Friends near Bunhill Fields. [6]

Henry Stakes of Stepney Parish (so called) Deceased the 24th day of the 4th month 1665 of the Plague as the Sorchors [searchers] of the said Parish Reported and was buried in the Burying Ground aforesaid [Burying Ground of Friends neer Bunnhill Fields].

1674 Mary Stokes, spinster, of Stepney, Middlesex, daughter of Elizabeth, married Samuel Lovett, tallow chandler of Martins Legrand, on 6th day of the first Month [March] in the yeare 1673/4. They were married at Devonshire House without Bishoppsgate London. Witnessed by John Stoakes [perhaps Mary's brother], Mary Stoakes [perhaps sister-in-law Mary Bernard Stoakes], and others. [7] [8] [9]

1675 Elizabeth Stoakes witnessed the Quaker wedding of William Carter and Elizabeth Day at Devonshire House. [10]

1675 Hannah Stokes witnessed the Quaker wedding of Thomas Hilliard and Margaret Kind at Devonshire House.[11] [12]

1693 Elizabeth Stoakes of Wanford St near Spittlefields, widow, and John Miller of Stepney parish, weaver, were married at Devonshire House on November 2. Witnessed by John Miller, Elizabeth Stoakes, John Stoakes, and others. [13] [14]

1700 "Elizabeth Miller, wife of John Miller, of Gunn Street, in Spittlefeilds, aged abo: 77 years, Dyed the 26th 11 mo: called January 1699. Searchers report of age, and was Buryed in Chequer Alley." [15]

Research Notes:

1641 Henry Stokes applied, on April 22, for a license to marry Elizabeth Grene. "This daie appeared personallie Henry Stokes of the parish of St Olave in the burrough of Southwarke Gunnesmith and a batchelour age above 23 yeares and alledged that he intendeth to marry with Elizabeth Grene spinster aged above 24 years and at her own dispose and of the truth of the promises as such he knowes of no lawfull let or impediment to hinder his intended marriage he made faith and desires licencd to be married in the parish churche of St Mary Islington in Midsx (Middlesex)." Signed Henrie Stokes [16] [Photocopy] 1641 marriage Henry Stokes-Elizabeth Grene at St Olave.

1641 Henry Stokes and Elizabeth Greene were married on April 27 at St Mary, Islington, Middlesex. [17]

1642 Thomas Stokes and Martha Lowe were married, in April, at St Olave, Bermondsey, Surrey, England. [18]

A series of people named Stokes were arrested for refusing to attend church between 1627 and 1641 in Middlesex, England. Their relationship to this family, if any, is unknown. Later, Henry's son Thomas Stokes was arrested for the "crime" of attending Quaker services in 1664, after multiple prior arrests.

1627 Stookes [unnamed], yoman and his wife Mary Stookes of St Giles in the Fields, were among 121 people proceeded against, On 1 April, 2 Charles I, for recusancy in not coming to church during a month. [19]

1629 On 1 June, 4 Charles I, at Westminster, Middlesex, England, Katherine Stoakes of St. James Clarkenwell was among many people proceeded against for recusancy in not coming to church during a month. [20]

1630 On 1 March, 5 Charles I, at Westminster, Middlesex, England, Dorothy Stoakes widow of St. Sepulchres and Thomas Stoaks gentleman of St Giles in the Fields, were among 129 people proceeded against for recusancy in not coming to church during a month. [21]

1636 On 1 October, 11 Charles I, at Westminster, Middlesex, England, Stoakes widow was among many people proceeded against for recusancy in not coming to church during a month. [22]

1638 On 20 April, 13 Charles I, at Westminster, Middlesex, England, John Stoakes, gentleman of St Giles in the Fields, was among 259 people proceeded against for recusancy in not coming to church during a month. [23]

1641 On 14 April, 16 Charles I, at Westminster, Middlesex, England, Thomas Stoakes and Francis Conn, gentlemen of St Giles in the Fields, were among 244 people proceeded against for recusancy in not coming to church during a month. [24] They were listed again as Thomas Stoakes and Francis Conn, gentlemen late of High Holborne. [25]

1641 On 4 December, 16 Charles I, at Hicks Hall on St. John Street, Middlesex, England, John Stokes gentleman and wife Anne, of St Giles in the Fields, were among 1430 proceeded against for recusancy in not coming to church during a month. [26]

We are researching the ancestors of Thomas Stokes, immigrant to New Jersey. Henry and Elizabeth Stokes have been suggested as his parents.

A biosketch of Thomas Stokes reports [27]:

Thomas Stokes

Thomas Hooten of the Parish of St. Ann, Black Friars, and John Stokes of Wentworth street, in the Parish of Stepney, both of which places are in London, in the county of Middlesex, England, became the owners, as tenants in common, of a certain amount of proprietory rights in West New Jersey. Thomas was a tallow chandler, and John a baker ; by these avocations they respectively maintained their families, and gained some extra means to make a venture in the enterprise so much talked of among Friends at that time. The deed conveying this interest was made from William Penn and the other trustees of Edward Bylynge to Thomas Hooten in the year 1676, who immediately conveyed the undivided half-part thereof to John Stokes.[Liber BBB, 191] It is possible that they were creditors of Edward Bylynge, whose failure in business a short time before involved so many of his creditors in loss, and led to much trouble concerning his estate.

Thomas Hooten and John Stokes were relatives ; perhaps their wives were sisters ; both were members of the religious denomination of Friends, and were seeking some new place of abode, where their notions of right might be more freely indulged in, with some hope of promulgating their doctrines in peace. Thomas Hooten came immediately to New Jersey to look after their interests, leaving his family in London until he should be heard from, and some conclusion be reached in regard to a permanent removal to the new place. On the 29th day of the 8th month, 1677, he wrote to his wife as follows:

I am this present at the town of Burlington where our land is ; it is ordered to be a town for the ten Yorkshire and ten London Proprietors. I like the place well ; our lot is the second next the water side. It's like to be a healthful place and very pleasant to live in. I came hither yesterday, being the 28th of October, with some friends that were going to New York. I am to be at Thomas Olive's house until I can provide better for myself. I intend to build a house and get some corn into the ground. And I know not how to write concerning thy coming or not hither ; the place I like very well, and believe that we may live here very well. But if it be not made free, I mean as to the customs and government, then it will not be so well, and may hinder many that have desires to come. But if these two things be cleared, thou may take thy opportunity of coming this summer.

Thomas Hooten. [Smith's History of New Jersey, 105]

The reference here made about the customs relates to those exacted at New Castle by direction of Governor Andros, they being a percentage upon all the goods brought by emigrants, — an impost which was so much complained of that it was in a sh ort time abandoned. Thomas Hooten's wife soon closed up the affairs of her husband in London, and followed him to America. Thomas Hooten, the son, married Elizabeth Stanley of Philadelphia, in 1686, at which place he then resided, and continued to reside for many years after. [Friends' Records, Philadelphia]

John Stokes, however, remained in London, supplying the people with bread, and husbanding his means to develop his interests here through his brother Thomas. Of this there is undoubted evidence, for, as late as in 1719, in a conveyance of land in this State, he is called John Stokes of Wentworth street, London, biscuit baker, etc. [Lib. BBB, 191]

Thomas married Mary Bernard of Stepney, in 1668, where he remained until the project of removing to America induced him to abandon his home and calling. He and his family came among the first, as they arrived at New Castle about the middle of the 6th month, 1677, in the ship Kent, — the same that brought the commissioners appointed by William Penn and others — and went immediately to Burlington. He perhaps remained here until the next year, with the others, for mutual defence, and to view the country before he made selection of a place for settlement. This was, however, done in due time, and was chosen from among many on Northampton river, or, as it is now generally known, Rancocas creek. It is probable that three of his children were born in London, and three in New Jersey. They were as follows : Sarah, who married Benjamin Moore ; Mary, who married John Hudson ; John, who married Elizabeth Green ; Thomas, who married Deliverance Horner and Rachel Wright ; Joseph, who married Judith Lippincott and Ann Haines (widow) ; and one other son, who removed to North Carolina, but whose name and family have been lost sight of. Mary, the mother of these children, died in 1699, and Thomas, the father, in 1718, aged 78 years. [Lib. No. 2, 138] The obligations of the family are due to Charles Stokes of Rancocas, a descendant, for collecting and arranging much of the history of the same ; who also has taken pains to save from loss many incidents that relate to the early history of West New Jersey. How much might yet be preserved, if more of our citizens would emulate his example. In this region, nothing is known of John Stokes, save what may be gathered from the records in the office of the secretary of state at Trenton. In 1716, an inventory of his estate was made, upon which is the following endorsement : "Came to his end by an unnatural death, in ye lower end of Gloucester county." Too many years have intervened to bring the story of his death to the present generation, however interesting it might now be to his descendants.

In the year 1709, the second Thomas herein referred to, purchased of John Kay of Springwell, three hundred acres of land in Waterford township, (now Delaware,) Camden county, the larger part of which tract is now owned Mark Ballinger, and by the heirs of Jacob Anderson, Nathan M. Lippincott, and Daniel Hillman, deceased. This land is bounded on the south side by the north branch of Cooper's creek; it extends along both sides of a tributary of the same, and includes what is now some of the best soil in the neighborhood.[Lib. BBB, 75] He settled on this tract, his house standing near the present residence of Mark Ballinger. By his first wife, Delieverance Horner, were the following children : Thomas, who married Abigail Matlack ; Deliverance, who married Darling Conrow ; Lydia, who married Samuel Haines; and Rachel, who married John Cowperthwaite. By the second wife, Rachel Wright, who was of Oyster Bay, Long Island, N. Y., to whom he was married 7th month, ist, 1715, [Friends' Records, Long Island] were Joshua, who married Amy Hinchman ; Hannah, who married Thomas Cole ; Jacob, who married Priscilla Ellis; John, who married Ann Champion, (widow) in 1751 ; Rosanna, who married Samuel Collins and Joseph Browning; and Kesiah. Thomas deceased in 1736, and Rachel in 1747. [Lib. No. 4, 98]

This settlement, as made by Thomas Stokes in 1709, was in the midst of an Indian neighborhood, which extended from the north branch southerly to a tributary of the south branch of Cooper's creek, that formed what is generally known as Peterson's mill-pond. On a map left by Thomas Sharp, showing a large survey made to John Willis in 1686, he wrote beside the water course last named, " the stream the Indian King liveth on." [Sharp's Book, II, O.S.G.] This was a survey of some thirteen hundred acres, and lay on both sides of the branch, the original boundaries of which have long since been obliterated.

Judging from the first settlement by the emigrants, the residence of the king referred to by Friend Sharp may be believed to have been on the farm owned by Joseph H. Ellis. …

Joshua Stokes occupied the homestead after the death of his father, and there remained during his life … A part of this family owned a tract of land in Newton township, lying on the north side of the middle branch of Newton creek, and resided there many years. These were the descendants of Jacob Stokes, who married Priscilla Ellis, a daughter of Joseph, and granddaughter of Simeon and Sarah Ellis of Springwell, the first of the name hereabout. The original estate was conveyed by Isaac Hollingsham to Sarah Ellis, aforesaid, then a widow, in 171 7, which afterward became the property of her son Joseph, who deceased in 1757, leaving four daughters, one the wife of Jacob Stokes. [Lib. A, 56] He died intestate; and, there being no male issue, the land descended to his children in equal parts, of which Jacob Stokes became the owner about the year 1760, by purchase, and there he deceased. The other daughters of Joseph Ellis were Abigail, who married Caleb Hughes ; Sarah, who married John Bubzy and Isaac Mickle; and Kesiah, who married Benjamin Vanlear, M. D. [Lib. C, 241, Woodbury]

Portions of the estate remained in the name until 1828, when George Lee, now deceased, became the owner of the homestead; and by his name it is more familiarly known among the people. Of the direct and collateral line of this family much the larger part remained in Burlington county, where they still represent a fair portion of the wealthy and influential inhabitants. The name, however, may be found in many of the states of the Union, and may be traced to John Stokes, biscuit baker, of Wentworth street, in the parish of Stepney, Middlesex, which, at this day, is within the limits of the city of London.

Another source gave the following summary:

Robert Stokes of Wycomb, Leicester had a son Henry who was admitted a member of the Baker's Company of London on Dec. 31, 1633. He was born about 1618 at Wycomb but I haven't found any Baptism records. The records of the Baker's Company show his father to be Robert Stokes of Wycomb, Leicester, husbandman. Robert shows up in Nichol's 1795 "History of Leicester" as a freeman of Wycomb in 1630. In church records (Bishop Transcripts, Parish of Rotherby) there are no baptisms of Robert's kids or a record of his marriage but it does show the death of Grace Stokes, wife of Robert, she was buried Oct. 2, 1639. There is no record of Robert's death but there is a 35 year gap in the church records. I was also unable to find a will for Robert.

His son Henry, after serving his apprenticeship became a brown biscuit baker. At some point the family became Quaker, Henry's death is recorded in the records of London/Middlesex Quarterly Meeting of Friends, he died 1665, of the bubonic plague. Henry married an Elizabeth, maiden name unknown. Quaker records show them living on Wentworth St., near Spittlefields,Stephney, Middlesex. This area is now part of the city of London but was then just outside, in the eastern suburbs. Henry and Elizabeth Stokes had three known children, Thomas, born 1643. Thomas was arrested for violation of the Claradon Code (not abiding by English religious law) and was scheduled to be transported to Barbados. His ship was captured by the Dutch (who were at war with England) and he was taken there. After the war the Thomas and his fellow Quakers were released and Thomas returned to England. On 10/30/1668 Thomas married Mary Bernard, daughter of John Bernard at Devonshire Friends Meeting. In 1677 Thomas and family, his sister Mary and her husband, Samuel Lovett, sailed for America on the ship Kent, settling in Burlington, New Jersey. Thomas' brother John stayed in England and continued his father's business on Wentworth St, it was identified as "The Sign of the Peel". John Stokes married Ann Barber but based on the records of the London/Middlesex Quarterly Meeting of Friends I don't think he had any children that survived to adulthood. Thomas Stokes and Mary Stokes Lovett have thousands of descendants in America.

An alternative, but now known to be incorrect, ancestry has Henry Stokes of Essex and Sarah Casse as parents, which leads to 19 generations back to DeStokes in 1056. This ancestry was proposed by Dr. Joe Stokes of Moorestown, New Jersey and Samuel Stokes of India. Dr. Joe Stokes published this in "Notes on My Stokes Ancestry". The Genealogy of Thomas Stokes was resolved by a record showing that Henry Stokes was admitted to the Bakers Company of London and was the son of Robert Stokes of Wycomb, Leicester. It is accepted that Henry was a Baker, as found by Milton Rubincam, but the Henry Stokes who married Sarah Casse wasn't known to be a baker and was from Essex, England, near London. The identity of Henry's wife, Elizabeth, is uncertain. Elizabeth (or Sarah) Casse was born Abt 1622 and died 26 NOV 1699 and was buried Checker Ally. Sources: "Stokes--1,000 Years" by W.E.D. Stokes, Jr. Elizabeth Stoakes (cq), of Winford (i.e. Wentworth) Street, Spittlefields, widow of Henry Stokes, late of Winford Street. "This Elizabeth Stoakes was possibly the mother of John Stokes of London and Thomas Stokes of Burlington County, West New Jersey." Elizabeth Casse, married, secondly, John Miller on 9 Feb. 1693. "Elizabeth Miller, of Gunn Street, Spittlefields,wife of John Miller, died 26 Nov. 1699, aged 77. Buried in Checker Ally. [28] [29] [30]

1675 Elisabeth Stokes, married to Benjamin Ashe, was the daughter of Edward and Elizbeth Stokes: "Elisabeth Ashe, of Corsham, Wilts, widow of Mr Benjamin Ashe. Will dated Nov. 9, 1675, proved Feb. 10, 1675-6, by her mother, Elisabeth Stokes. Mentions her husband's will, Feb. 10,1672-3. His brother Joseph Ashe. My brother, Mr Ap John Stokes, &c." [31] [32]

1643 The birth of Thomas Stokes has been reported by others in Lower Shadwel, Stepney Parish, London, Middlesex, England.

1640 Henry Stock lived at Spitalfields, Stepney, Middlesex outside London, England. This record may not refer to this Henry Stokes because of the different spelling of the name, and because Henry would still be in his final year of apprenticeship. [33]


Footnotes:

[1] Church of England, Record Office for Leicestershire, Leicester & Rutland, Bishop's transcripts for Wycomb and Chadwell, [FindMyPastImage].

[2] Brown Bakers Company, Records of the Brown Bakers Company, London, Court Minutes 1615-1646 (London), [FHLFilmCatalog], [FHLCatalog].

[3] Brown Bakers Company, Records of the Brown Bakers Company, London, Court Minutes 1615-1646 (London), not seen, [FHLFilmCatalog], [FHLCatalog].

[4] UK Parliament Digital Archive, [URL].

[5] London, England, Baptisms, Marriages and Burials, 1538-1812, Saint Olave, Bermondsey, Composite register: baptisms, marriages, burials, Nov 1639 - Jun 1665, P71/OLA, Item 010, [AncestryImage], [AncestryRecord].

[6] England & Wales, Quaker Birth, Marriage, and Death Registers, 1578-1837, Piece 0498, RG 6, Quarterly Meeting of London and Middlesex, England, Births (1646-1708), [AncestryRecord], [AncestryImage].

[7] England & Wales, Quaker Birth, Marriage, and Death Registers, 1578-1837, Piece 1437: Quarterly Meeting of London and Middlesex: Marriages (1658-1690), [AncestryRecord], [AncestryImage].

[8] England & Wales, Quaker Birth, Marriage, and Death Registers, 1578-1837, Piece 0974: Monthly Meeting of Devonshire House, Houndsditch, London: Marriages (1666-1764), [AncestryRecord], [AncestryImage].

[9] Gilbert Cope, English Friends records, Quarterly Meeting of London and Middlesex: marriages, 1657-1719, births, 1644-1719, burials, 1661-1719, [FHL_Film_Detail].

[10] England & Wales, Quaker Birth, Marriage, and Death Registers, 1578-1837, Piece 0974: Monthly Meeting of Devonshire House, Houndsditch, London: Marriages (1666-1764), [AncestryRecord], [AncestryImage].

[11] England & Wales, Quaker Birth, Marriage, and Death Registers, 1578-1837, Piece 0974: Monthly Meeting of Devonshire House, Houndsditch, London: Marriages (1666-1764), [AncestryRecord], [AncestryImage].

[12] England & Wales, Quaker Birth, Marriage, and Death Registers, 1578-1837, Piece 1437: Quarterly Meeting of London and Middlesex: Marriages (1658-1690), [AncestryRecord], [AncestryImage].

[13] England & Wales, Quaker Birth, Marriage, and Death Registers, 1578-1837, Piece 0974: Monthly Meeting of Devonshire House, Houndsditch, London: Marriages (1666-1764), [AncestryRecord], [AncestryImage].

[14] England & Wales, Quaker Birth, Marriage, and Death Registers, 1578-1837, Piece 0974: Monthly Meeting of Devonshire House, Houndsditch, London: Marriages (1666-1764), [AncestryRecord], [AncestryImage].

[15] England & Wales, Quaker Birth, Marriage, and Death Registers, 1578-1837, Piece 0331: Quarterly Meeting of London and Middlesex: Burials (1699-1723), [AncestryRecord], [AncestryImage].

[16] London and Surrey, England, Marriage Bonds and Allegations, 1597-1921, Apr-Jun, [AncestryImage].

[17] London, England, Baptisms, Marriages and Burials, 1538-1812, Saint Mary, Islington, Composite register: baptisms Aug 1557 - Apr 1647, marriages Aug 1557 - Apr 1649, burials Sep 1558 - Jan 1647, P83/MRY1, Item 1166, [AncestryImage], [AncestryRecord].

[18] London, England, Baptisms, Marriages and Burials, 1538-1812, Saint Olave, Bermondsey, Composite register: baptisms, marriages, burials, Nov 1639 - Jun 1665, P71/OLA, Item 010, [AncestryImage], [AncestryRecord].

[19] John Cordy Jeaffreson, Middlesex County Records, Rolls, Books, and Certificates, 1 Charles I to 18 Charles II, 1625-1667, Vol. 3 (1888), 8, [HathiTrust].

[20] John Cordy Jeaffreson, Middlesex County Records, Rolls, Books, and Certificates, 1 Charles I to 18 Charles II, 1625-1667, Vol. 3 (1888), 23, [HathiTrust].

[21] John Cordy Jeaffreson, Middlesex County Records, Rolls, Books, and Certificates, 1 Charles I to 18 Charles II, 1625-1667, Vol. 3 (1888), 31, [HathiTrust].

[22] John Cordy Jeaffreson, Middlesex County Records, Rolls, Books, and Certificates, 1 Charles I to 18 Charles II, 1625-1667, Vol. 3 (1888), 137, [HathiTrust].

[23] John Cordy Jeaffreson, Middlesex County Records, Rolls, Books, and Certificates, 1 Charles I to 18 Charles II, 1625-1667, Vol. 3 (1888), 140, [HathiTrust].

[24] John Cordy Jeaffreson, Middlesex County Records, Rolls, Books, and Certificates, 1 Charles I to 18 Charles II, 1625-1667, Vol. 3 (1888), 144, [HathiTrust].

[25] John Cordy Jeaffreson, Middlesex County Records, Rolls, Books, and Certificates, 1 Charles I to 18 Charles II, 1625-1667, Vol. 3 (1888), 144,147, [HathiTrust].

[26] John Cordy Jeaffreson, Middlesex County Records, Rolls, Books, and Certificates, 1 Charles I to 18 Charles II, 1625-1667, Vol. 3 (1888), 149, [HathiTrust].

[27] John Clement, Sketches of the first emigrant settlers in Newton Township, Old Gloucester County, West New Jersey (Camden, NJ: Sinnickson Chew, 1877), 301-304, [HathiTrust], [InternetArchive].

[28] Milton Rubincam, "A Little-Known Adventure of Thomas Stokes-1665," The Genealogical Magazine of New Jersey 12 (1937), 73-82, at 81, [GoogleBooks].

[29] Joseph R. Klett, ed., Genealogies of New Jersey Families: From the Genealogical Magazine of New Jersey, Vol. 1 (Baltimore, MD : Genealogical Publishing Co., c 1996), 842, [GoogleBooks].

[30] Milton Rubincam, "A Critical Analysis of the Stokes Pedigree," Proceedings of the New Jersey Historical Society 59 (1941), 96-114, at 91.

[31] Frederick Brown, Abstracts of Somersetshire Wills First Series (Frederick Arthur Crisp, 1887), 88, [HathiTrust].

[32] "The Society's MSS Chiseldon, &tc" Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine 31 (1901), 135-195, at 183, [HathiTrust].

[33] Milton Rubincam, "The Banks Manuscripts in the Library of Congress," National Genealogical Society Quarterly 33 (1945), 7-10, citing "A List of the Inhabitants of Sepney, 1640" from the Banks MSS.