Edward Endacott
In early records, Edward's name is spelled "Endacote". He was born 1775, in Devon, England. There are two short gaps in the records of Devon and one coincides with the time of Edward's birth.
Edward married Jane Bickham Guscott (also identified as "Jenny" or "Jenney") at Moretonhampstead in Devon on 29 May 1797. They were the parents of six children (further information on the page about Edward's wife).
The first four children were christened in the church in Moretonhampstead where Edward was a successful blacksmith. The family then relocated to Exeter city, where the two youngest children were christened. These were the years leading up to the Napeolonic wars and Exeter was a centre of major military preparations. There would have been strong demand for the skills of a good blacksmith.
Nancy Endacott reports that relatives, now deceased, from the United States of America, had proof that Edward was a blacksmith and had forges in Moretonhampstead and Exeter, plus a hotel and farm at different stages. He bought and farmed some land near Mortonhampstead and owned an inn called "The Ring of Bell" which was operated by his daughter Susan and her husband James Endacott (of another Endacott family).
Edward and Jane and some children later moved back to live in Moretonhampstead where Edward farmed several properties. Jane died in 1842, leaving Edward a widower in the last years of his life. It is believed that he suffered a stroke and was severely incapacitated in the last months of his life, which would explain why a literate man signed his last will and testament with an "X".
Edward Endacott died 12 March 1851 at Moretonhampstead. The identities of his children are confirmed in his will of 1851.
This is the last Will and Testament of me, Edward Endacott of Moretonhampstead in the County of Devon, Yeoman. I give devise and bequeath All my copyhold or customary and leasehold Messuages Tenements lands and Premises and all my Home Goods Chattels and Effects of or to which I shall be in any manner seized possessd or entitled at my decease Subject to the payment of my Debts Funeral and Testamentary Expenses and for the absolute use and benefit of my Six Children namely William Endacott Edward Endacott John Endacott, Maria Hooper, Susan Endacott and Mary Bartlett equally to be divided between them share and share alike as Tenants in Common and thier respective Heirs Executors Administrators and Assigns. And I appoint my said Sons William Endacott Edward Endacott and John Endacott joint Executors of this my Will hereby revoking all former Wills by me made In Witness whereof I have to this my last Will and Testament set my hand this twenty sixth day of February one thousand eight hundred and fifty one
The X mark of Edward Endacott
Signed by the said Testator Edward Endacott in the presence of us both present at the same time who before leaving his presence have at his request hereto subscribed our Names as Witnesses and the above Will was previously read over to him.
Wm White Solicitor Moretonhampstead
John L Nosworthy SurgeonProved 7th May 1851 in the principal Registry of the Lord Bishop of Exeter by the oaths of William Endacott and Edward Endacott two of the Executors to whom Probate was granted - Power reserved to John Endacott the other Executor - Testator died12 March 1851 - Effects sworn under £300
Ralph Barnes
Dep Registrar
It has been reproted that Edward's will would have been one of few Exeter wills that survived the Second World War when nearly all records in Exeter were destroyed in heavy bombing in 1942. For some reason, Edward's will ahd been sent to London and therefore survived the war.
