Jeremiah Beardmore’s letters of 1905

3rd October, 1905.

Dear Sir,

A short time ago I had a visit from a Mr. JOHN BEARDMORE, of Hanley, an ironfounder (up to that time a complete stranger) who said he was making researches into his family history, and he thought I might be related to him, and give him some assistance.

I told him that neither my Father nor Grandfather had any brothers, and I did not think I had any relation of the same surname except Sisters and Brothers.

He shewed me a list of his ancestors, as far back as he had gone, commencing with a William Beardmore of Cotton, born in 1749 (1759 O.A.D.) his great Grandfather. He had a family of 10 sons and 3 daughters. Sons’ names were Francis, William, George, Thomas, John, Solomon, Samuel, Daniel, James, and Francis (2nd). Daughters – Mary, Kitty and Elizabeth.

Now my Grandfather was born at the Side in 1748, and I have reason to think he was first cousin to the William born 1749 (1759 O.A.D.) who was probably your Great Grandfather also (no O.A.D.) If so, you and I are third cousins, once removed.

From my deeds I can trace my ancestry to the latter part of 1600 – to my Great-great-grandfather, one Robert Beardmore of the Side Farm (who is your relative also, but one stage further off), and I have no doubt, by searching the registers at Kingsley Church I could go further back still.

The subject is certainly an interesting one, and I am quite willing to assist Mr. John B: (who is a very intelligent man) as far as possible.

Do you think I can get a view of the registers, without fee? If so, to whom shall I apply?

I have been told that the first name in the register is our own. Is this so?

Perhaps you will kindly drop me a line at your convenience and oblige. Yours faithfully, J. Beardmore.

P.S. I have our family Arms and Crest, and could let you have a copy of some and the “family tree” if you can assist me and would like one.

The Poplars, Bucknall, Stoke-on-Trent. 30th Oct., 1905.

Dear Mr. Beardmore,

Acting upon the suggestion contained in yours of the 20th inst., I wrote the Rector respecting the proposed search in the Registers, and herewith enclose his reply (apparently not extant. O.A.D.)

I conclude his “½ day” contains 4 hours @ 5/3 per hour; therefore if we can get the search over in 2 hours (and I hope it will not occupy longer) his fee will be 10/6. I am writing him to this effect. John, of Hanley, agrees to his terms; what say you?

Since you wrote me I have seen Mr. Jno. E. Smith and happened to mention our proposed search. He said when we were about it, we might ascertain particulars about his ancestors also, and he would share the cost. He does not wish the Rector to know this.

I have asked him to let me know what dates he is short of. His first title deeds are dated 1664.

I am enclosing a list of inscriptions in the Church yard. Can you pick out any of your ancestors? I do not find the THOMAS BEARDMORE whose will is dated 1742. Possibly he was my ancestor ROBERT’s son or nephew. (No, O.A.D.) Perhaps we can ascertain.

I also enclose a rough “Family Tree” for your consideration. My line is quite distinct up to ROBERT who lived about the end of 1600 and beginning of 1700.

He probably had brothers, JER’h., MICHAEL and RALPH. This remains to be proved. (I have proved that he did not. O.A.D.)

I return the will you lent me with thanks. It is very interesting.

Please say what days you have at liberty and I will then arrange with the Rector and John.

With kind regards, I am, Yours sincerely, J. BEARDMORE.