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Note: [Br�derbund WFT Vol. 7, Ed. 1, Tree #4186, Date of Import: Oct 14, 1997] ! m. William Wren of Tunbridge Wells, Kent. by Licence 12 Dec 1825. in 1832 Census he "architect and surveyor" in 1841 Census a Carpenter, 40. Hester, wife, 40; Olivia, dau. 7; Louisa, dau. 1; Hester, dau. 10; Edward Wren, a visitor, 48. Hester buried Holy Trinity churchyard with 2 other ch. Christopher d. 31.8.1836 at 4 yrs. & Edward d. 4.3.1837 at 4 mos. Hester baptised at Above Bar Congregational Chapel, 2.7.1799. at Holy Rood 25.May.1799 & 14 May 1805 along with Mary & Harriet Have note:- Hester 17.10.1830 Wesleyan, Tunbridge Wells Kent (dau.'s birth?) !Hester's letter to her sister Harriet- Mrs. A. Jenkins, Ryde, Isle of Wight Tunbridge Wells, Jan 23, 1833. My Very Dear Harriet: I think I started often to give you a letter on the return of my dear husband home - but alas you will easily observe how much I partake of the frailty of the Major part of our dear family when I tell you that three weeks has already elapsed since his return but begging your excuse I will proceed to inform you that though weary he returned home quite safe and well but not without my having a little suspense respecting him. I was fully expecting him home on the Saturday and he did not arrive till Sunday noon. My mind was wracked the whole night between hope and fear, I than made up my mind to wait the arrival of Bathmans' Coach Sunday morn but lo this arrived and no tidings - I was beginning to get very deep in thought when to my joy his arrival was announced, he was indeed black enough for any traveller and you will not be much surprised when I tell you the route he took. He left Weston Saturday morn six o'clock, proceeded to Mark, Wedmore, and to view the estate at X and thence to Wells with a horse and gig accompanied by Wansbrough. He then took coach to Bath and proceeded to London by night, unfortunately arrived there half an hour after Bathmans' coach had left. [pg2] He however took the Hastings Coach which brought him to Tunbridge and fortunately a person with a light cart was passing at the time, coming to the Wells and brought him to the door. On this journey going he went to Cheltenham - Gloucester, thence to Bristol and to Weston, he very much surprised them, got there about nine in the evening, rapped on the door which Wansbrough opened. W said he supposed he did not know him, he replied not. He then proceeded to the Parlor where Jane was sitting, he asked her if she knew him, she said "No". He then asked for Mary she had gone to bed with one of her bad headaches, he then said he was from T. Wells. W said "Indeed, I have a brother-in-law living there, you know him?" He could no longer keep his countenance and informed him he was that person. He was there from Tuesday evening till Saturday morn. He liked Weston much better than he expected form the woeful description Father gave of it, he found them well in health but in spirits extremely low Businip dull?? School decreasing and the expenses of a Lawsuit shortly to pay which will cost him more than a hundred pounds and I suppose he is not one of the best to bear adversity. Mary is expecting to be confined in May - Wren seems quite warm about this estate in Somerset and would not at all object joining with the rest of his brothers in looking into the affair, from what he could learn he fancies it is contestable. They went into Wedmore Church to see the Monuments and the old man [ pg3] knowing all the family, was very communicative, they told him they should go and take possession, the old man stared and I suppose there was a fine tale over the village. They also went to see Abraham and Mary Dyer's grave but he quite forgot the circumstance of the Drapery and Grocery Shop so did not look after the house - from what we hear we fancy that the entail could not be cut off without fathers' signature. I quite forget wether father went to any expense for advice at the time, if he did not I think it a pity it should be lost for want of looking after - tell me your opinion about it in your next, it appears the estate has been offered for sale but not sold, some other branch of the family is having it fitted up to live in - Jane is wishing to go home in the midsummer holidays and wishes very much for me to defer going till that time as she is very anxious we should meet, not having seen each other so many years. I do not know how to make up my mind about it. I want to come to see you all and should like much to see Jane but I am afraid it will be just at a time that we shall be very unsettled perhaps just about moving and if I can wait till that time the weather would be more settled and pleasant for the children - I hope father continues better should you observe any alarming change in him pray let me know for if anything should happen to him before I see him I should perhaps reflect in deferring my visit too long. Mary seems to feel hearing from home so seldom. Wansbrough's sister is lately married to a William Wren, and Independent Minister, rather singular is it not. [Hesters' husband is William Wren] [pg4] W is completely disgusted with Bristol and declared if possible he will never go there again. He was only there a few hours and was so extremely ill he thought almost he should have died but got better when he left. He would have felt very much pleasure in being joined by Mr Jenkins it would have much increased the pleasure of his journey. How much I wish you and Mr J would pay us a visit this Spring and then for us to return home with you do try if you cannot accomplish it - Miss Olney is married to a Stonemason at Liverpool Miss Hughes (by Fileicks lap) have left our chapel and joined the Independent Chapel, there has been much good accomplished since the opening of that chapel so many of the principal trades- people have become famous that there have not been a Ball this Winter, they have always been accustomed to dance the old year out and new one in but this year obliged to omit it as the gentlemen could not get partners. [pg5] The Stapely family youngest the Taylors transfer the Milliners are amongst many other families who have become serious and makes a great change in things it is indeed a happy change. Mr Hastings is very ill I fear being dangerously so. Betsey is expected from Devonshire today have left her situation. I do not recollect any more I have to say at present only do write me very soon _______ to Mr J and yourself with your dear little girls and believe My Dear Harriet Your sincere and Affectionate Sister Hester P S I feel very anxious to hear of Maria as soon as she is confined hope you left them all well. How long do you tarry at Southampton. This letter is one page 15 x 9 folded in half, written on 3 sides then back to the first side and written across the previous writing on 2 pages, it is folded again in half, the address written on blank side, then folded to form an envelope and sealed with wax. -to- Mrs A Jenkins - Ryde Isle of Wight - Over the envelope address is written in another hand - "My dear Olivia I have sent you Hesters letter thought you would like to see it Please return it by Mrs Madge as I have not answered it - will send me particulars what you know of the Wedmore estate and what you think of it. I think Collings [Olivia's husband] would be best to talk to father about it and as I am going to send and I will write you to her. I am very anxious to hear of Maria.[sister Mrs John Graves] Yourself and dear Tom [son] all the rest in great haste from your affect* Sister Harriett. Olivia is Mrs Edmund Collings living Southampton, their daughter Olivia came to ITHACA, USA in 1861 married John Miller. Found them in the 1900 Census with 7 living children. Norah Anne Dyer Shartman also lived Ithaca
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