Family
 Nathaniel Overbury 1)Son of John Overbury and Ann Hewett. Born ± 1700 Cirencester, Gloucestershire, England 2) 3) Died 16 Aug 1766 Tetbury, Gloucestershire, England, approximately 66 years 4) 3) Occupation: Woolstapler, Grocer and Mercer @N32@ 4) 5) 5) Residences: 1746 Tetbury, Gloucestershire, England 6), 31 Dec 1735 Tetbury, Gloucestershire, England 2) Aprentice: Master, in the trade of woolstapler, for George Waters 29 Nov 1743 Tetbury, Gloucestershire, England 5) Property: 1 Sep 1761 Cirencester, Gloucestershire, England 7) Aprentice: Master, in the trade of mercer, for Richard Williams 3 Oct 1764 Cirencester, Gloucestershire, England 5) Will signed: 13 Jun 1767 London, England In the Name of God Amen I Nathaniel Overbury the elder of Tetbury in the County of Gloucester North being sick and weak in body but of a sound DISPAIRING mind, memory and understanding (praised be God for the same) do hereby revoke, make void and of none effect all and every will and wills codicil and codicils by me at any time or times heretofore made and do make, publish and declare this to be my only last will and testament in manner and form following, that is to say, first I give and bequeath unto my loving wife Jane Overbury the sum of fifty pounds of good and lawful money of Great Britain to be paid to her out of any personal estate within two months next after my decease by my executors, hereafter named without any interest for the same. I also give and bequeath unto my sons wife Jane Overbury all such household goods and furniture, exclusive of goods of stock and goods in trade, as she was possessed of before my intermarriage with her. Also I give and bequeath unto my said wife Jane Overbury the gold watch, rings silver, plate and jewels which she was possessed of before my intermarriage with her. Also I give and bequeath unto my son Nathaniel Overbury the sum of one hundred pounds of good and lawful money of Great Britain to be paid him out of my personal estate within one year next after my decease without any interest for the same legacy. Also I give and bequeath unto my said son Nathaniel Overbury the further sum of one hundred pounds of like lawful money to be paid out of my personal estate within one year next after the decease of my said wife Jane Overbury with interest for the same after the rate of four pounds by the hundred by the year from the decease of my said wife Jane Overbury. Also I bequeath unto by son John Overbury the sum of four hundred pounds of like lawful money and unto my son Thomas Overbury the sum of three hundred and eighty pounds of the lawful money to be paid to them respectively out of my personal estate within one year next after my decease by my executors, hereinafter named, without any interest for the same sums respectively. Also I give and bequeath unto my said son John Overbury the further sum of one hundred pounds of like lawful money and unto my said son Thomas Overbury the further sum of one hundred and fifty pounds of like lawful money to be paid to them respectively after the rate of four pounds by the hundred by the year from the decease of my said wife Jane Overbury by my executors, hereinafter named, with interests by the same legacies respectively, after the rate of four pounds by the hundred by the year from the decease of my said wife Jane Overbury. Also I give and bequeath unto my son William Overbury the sum of seven hundred pounds of like lawful money to be paid to him out of my personal estate within one year next after my deceases without any interest for the same Legacy. Also I give and bequeath unto my said son William Overbury the further sum of one hundred pounds of like lawful money to be paid to him out of my personal estate within one year next after the decease of my said wife Jane Overbury with interest for the same after the rate of four pounds by the hundred by the year from the decease of mysaid wife Jane Overbury. Also I give and bequeath unto my daughter Ann Bentley, wife of Thomas Bentley the sum of two hundred pounds of like lawful money to be paid to her out o my personal estate within one year next after my decease by my executors, hereinafter named, without any interest for the same legacy. Also I give and bequeath unto my said daughter Ann Bentley the further sum of one hundred pounds of like lawful money to be paid to her out of my personal estate within one year next after the decease of my said wife Jane Overbury by my executors, hereinafter named, with interest for the same after the rate of four pounds by the hundred by the year from the decease of my said wife Jane Overbury. Also I give and bequeath unto my daughter Hannah Overbury the further son of one hundred and fifty pounds of like lawful money to be paid to her out of my estate within one year next after the decease of my said wife Jane by my executors, hereinafter named, together with lawful interestfor the same from the time of my decease. Also I give and bequeath unto my said daughter Hannah Overbury the further sum of one hundred and fifty pounds of like lawful money to be paid to her out of my personal estate within one year next after the decease of my said wife Jane Overbury by my executors, hereinafter named, with interest for the same after the rate of four pounds by the hundred by the year from the decease of my said wife Jane Overbury by my executors, hereinafter named . Also I give and bequeath unto my grandson William Ledyard, son of my said daughter Ann Bentley, by her former husband, one hundred pounds of like lawful money to be paid out of my personal estate within one year next after the decease by my executors , hereinafter named, without any interest for the same legacy. I also give and bequeath unto my said grandson William Ledyard the further sum of one hundred pounds of like lawful money to be paid out of my personal estate within one year after the decease of my said wife Jane Overbury by my executors, hereinafter named, with interest for the same after the rate of four pounds by the hundred by the year from the decease of my said wife Jane Overbury and will and do hereby do direct that the said two several legacies of one hundred pounds so given to my said grandson William Ledyard shall as soon as conveniently may be after the same shall respectively become out and payable be severally placed out at interest in the names of my executors, hereinafter named, and the survivor of them and the executors and advisors of such survivor and shall be paidby them with all the interest that shall be made thereof unto my said grandson William Ledyard when he shall attain and come unto the age of twenty one years and to the issue of his body lawfully to be begotten in case he shall die before his age of twenty one years leaving of issue our and in case my said grandson William Ledyard shall die before the age of twenty one years and shall leave no issue of his body lawfully begotten. Then I give and bequeath the said two several legacies of one hundred pounds so given to my said grandson William Ledyard with all the interest that shall be made thereof unto my said daughter Ann Bentley and my grandson Nathaniel Overbury (son of my said son Nathaniel Overbury) to be equally divided between them . Also I give and bequeath unto my said grandsons William Ledyard and Nathaniel Overbury (son of my said son Nathaniel Overbury) the further sum of twenty pounds of like lawful money to be severally paid out of my personal estate within one year next after my decease by my executors, hereinafter named, without any interest, for the same legacies respectively. Also I give and bequeath unto all my other grandchildren as shall be living at the time of my decease the sum of twenty pounds of like lawful money to be severally paid out of my personal estate within one year next after my decease by my executors, hereinafter named, without any interest for the same legacies respectively. Also I give and bequeath unto my servant Jane Bennet the sum of ten pounds of like lawful money to be paid to her within one year next after my decease by my executors, hereinafter named, without any interest for the same legacy. And whereas, by certain articles of agreement sometime since entered into between me and my said son Nathaniel Overbury relating to the partnership between him and lain in the join trades of a woolstapler and woolcomber I have given unto my said son Nathaniel Overbury one thousand pounds in manner as therein is intentioned. Now I do hereby ratify and confirm the said gift unto my said son Nathaniel Overbury. Also I give and bequeath unto my said son Nathaniel Overbury his executors advisors and as signs the benefit of the lease of the … or tenement … in Tetbury aforesaid which I hold at a VIARK BEUF of Mr Savage if he shall be willing to accept of the same and become tenant therefore at the time of my decease. Also I give and bequeath unto my said son Nathaniel Overbury my silver tankard and unto my son John Overbury my silver cup and unto my said son Thomas Overbury my silver watch to be delivered to them respectively immediately after my decease. I also give and bequeath unto my son William Overbury and my said daughters Ann Bentley and Hannah Overbury and to each of them one silver spoon a piece, which now belong to me, to be delivered to them respectively immediately after my decease. Also I hereby forgive unto my said son Thomas Overbury all such debts and sums of money which he now owes or at the time of my decease shall owe to me upon bond, note or otherwise together with all interest due or to be owe in respect thereof. Also I give and bequeath unto my said wife Jane Overbury and all my said sonsand daughters my study of books to be equally divided between them. Also I give and bequeath unto my said daughters Ann Bentley and Hannah Overbury all my household goods and furniture not hereinbefore disposed of, exclusive of my share and part of the stock and goods in the said joint trades of a woolstapler and woolcomber now carried on in partnership between me and my said son Nathaniel Overbury, and my several stocks and goods in the said grocery and MERCERY trades and any other trade and all other my goods, chattels, credits and personal estate of what nature or kind not hereinbefore disposed of (after the payments of my debts, the legacies aforesaid and my funeral expenses) to be equally divided between my said sons Nathaniel Overbury, John Overbury, Thomas Overbury and William Overbury, and my said daughters Ann Bentley and Hannah Overbury share and share alike and of this my last will and testament I constitute and appoints my said son Nathaniel Overbury and William Overbury joint executors In witness whereof, I have to this my last will and testament set my hand and seal this sixteenth day of June in the year of our lord one thousand seven hundred and sixty four. Nathaniel Overbury the Elder Signed, sealed, published and delivered by the said testator Nathaniel Overbury the elder to be his last will and testament in the presence of us who have subscribed our names as witnesses in the presence of and at the request of the said testator in the presence of each other. John Savage Catherine Miller James Beale This my codicil to my last will and testament made June the sixteenth on thousand seven hundred and sixty four. I give towards the meeting house to what I have already done thirty pounds of good and lawful money of Great Britain to be paid by my executors. I give to the poor of the Baptist meeting of rings, standly to be paid by my executor to Mr William … to be given to them at his discretion. Igive also to the poor of the Baptist meeting at … five pounds to be paid by my executors to Brother Benjamin Frances to be given to them at his discretion. I give also to the poor at … five pounds tobe paid by my executors to Brother Richard Tipping to be paid to them at his discretion. I give to Brother William … , minister of Brittleton, five pounds to be paid to him by my executors and in case of his decease to be paid to his widow. I give to cousin Elizabeth … of the same place to be paid five pounds by my executors . I give to the poor of the Baptist meeting in Malmsbury five pounds to be paid to brother James Spanks by my executors to pay to them at his discretion. I give to Thomas West of Tetbury two pounds to be paid to him by my executors. I give two pounds to Mary Miles to be paid to her by my executors and I five to their sister Elizabeth two pounds to be paid to her by my executors and to Hannah West to be paid to her by my executors. I give to Mary West daughter of the late John West and to her sister … two pounds cash to be paid by my executors. All which to be paid within one after my decease of the above legacies. I also forgive sister Lydia Parker all the interest due on the money I lent to her to begin shopkeeping and the principal I give to her sister Elizabeth and her brothers James and Benjamin equally to be divided between them. I give to brother Thomas Jones of Painsworth one shilling per week to be paid to him for his natural life by my executors out of the surplus money above what was by me given expressly by will. My will is also that my executors shall within three years after my decease cause to be rebuilt Chalford meeting house next to Thomas Chapman’s garden for which I give ten pounds to be paid by my executors out of the surplus money not exprest in my will and if there is any overplus to have it laid out in repairing the meeting house. My will is to be buried in a very plain way and to be buried in our own ground designed for a meeting yard and that brother John Tommas preach my funeral. This I declare to be my codicil to my last will dated the sixteenth of June one thousand seven hundred and sixty four. Signed by me this seventeenth day of July in the same year and to be of equal force as that inserted in the body of my will to which I subscribe my name. Nathaniel Overbury the Elder I add this to the codicil to my last will or testament. I give my bed with all its furniture to my son Nathaniel Overbury and all my spouse’s furniture belonging to my spouse at Tetbury to all my children, share and share alike, contrary to what I gave in my will, my mind being changed. And I do hereby confirm what I have given to my beloved wife Jane Overbury, what I have given her in my will relating to household goods, money or plate and jewels at my house in Circencester. Witness my hand this twenty first day of November 1765 Nathaniel Overbury The seventh day of April 1767 Appeared personally John Miles of Tetbury, in the county of Gloucester, shopman, and Thomas Wear of Tetbury aforesaid, woolcomber, and being sworn on the holy evangelists to depose the truth severally made oath as follows. And first he said John Miles, for himself oath that he hath been well acquainted with Nathaniel Overbury late of Tetbury in the said county of Gloucester deceased, for one year and six months last past and to the time of his death which happened as this deponent hath heard and believes on the tenth day of August last past and the said Thomas Wear for himself saith that he hath been also well acquainted with the said deceased for eighteen years last past and to the said time of his death and both these deponents say and depose that they are well acquainted with the saiddeceased’s manner and character of handwriting and subscribing his name having often seen the said deceased and also write and subscribe his name having now with care and attention viewed and perusedtwo paper writings hereunto annexed purporting to be and contain two codicils to the last will and testament of the said deceased, the first of the said codicil beginning thus: “This my codicil to mylast will and testament made June the sixteenth one thousand seven hundred and sixty four . I give toward Greeting the meeting house to what I have already done thirty pounds of good and lawful money of Great Britain” and ending thus “This I declare to be my codicil to my last will dated the sixteenth of June one thousand seven hundred and sixty four, signed by me this eighteenth day of July in the same year and to be of equal force as that inserted in the body of my will to which I subscribe my name” and thus subscribed “Nathaniel the Elder” and the last of the said codicils began thus “I add this to the codicil to my last will or testament. I give my bed with all its furniture to my son Nathaniel Overbury” and ending thus “at my house in Circencester. Witness my hand this twenty first day of November 1765” and thus subscribed “Nathaniel Overbury”. They, these deponents, do verify and in their constitutes believe the whole of the said two codicils and the writed subscriptions thereto to be totally wrote by and to be of the proper handwriting and subscribing of the said Nathaniel Overbury, deceased. John Miles Thomas Wear The seventh day of April 1767. The said John Miles and Thomas Wear wert sworn to the truth of the above written affidavit before me John Wight. This will was proved at London (with two codicils) the thirteenth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and sixty seven before the right worshipful George Spay, doctor of laws, master keeper or commissary of the prerogative court of Canterbury, lawfully constituted by the oather of Nathaniel Overbury and William Overbury, the sons of the deceased and executors named in the said will to whom … was granted of all and singular the goods, chattels and credits of the said deceased having been first sworn by commission duly to administer 4) Notes: Nathaniel Overbury, Senior was born around 1700 in the parish of Tetbury. (note: i) Little is known about his early years but it seems probable he received a scholarly education as he could certainly read and write Latin later in life. (note: ii) Moreover he will also have received vocational training from his father. He would continue the family's successful woolstapling business. (note: iii) Nathaniel would marry Hannah Parker on the 20 September 1721. (note: iv) Hannah was the daughter of William Parker and Lydia Browning, a thoroughly typical Tetbury family. They would together have a large family with at least four daughters and one son. (note: v) Their primary residence would remain at Tetbury until at least 1735. (note: vi) It is highly likely that the Parkers were Baptists as some of their relatives were. This would be supported by the other key event affecting Nathaniel in 1721. After Hannah's death in 1758, Nathaniel would not remarry until 1760. The 8 January 1760 Nathaniel remarried to Jane Freeman at Tetbury. (note: vii) "Nathaniel, the woolstapler, was made Baptist pastor in Tetbury in 1721". (note: viii) His appointment was not as surprising as might initially seem; "it was not because the office was carelessly regarded, or because the church wanted ministers on the cheap", rather it was because he was "the most fitted spiritually for office within the church". (note: ix) His financial independence must, however, have helped him better fulfil his ministry. His involvement in the church would continue unabated throughout the entirety of his life. From 1736 an extant treatise on his religious views on the structure and organisation of the church and on religious doctrine survived until at least 1837: This has now been located as at the "Congregational Library" - manuscript with reference I.e.11 - "“A Treates of the Church of Christ in Her Militent State Consider’d as it Consist’s of Congregated Bodys As suiting with the Gospel Dispensation and Founded on ye New Testament Revelation. In which is shewn ye Divine Warrent for them, the matter of which they ought to Consist, the manner of their Constitution their Independancy, and authority, with their several officers, and ordinances, and ye benefit’s & advantages of ye same, as that which is for ye Glory of Christ.” "A Treates of the Church of Christ in her militent state, considered as it consists of congregated Bodys, as suting with the Gospel dispensation, and founded on the New Testament revelation; in which is shewn the divine warrent for them, the matter of which they ought to consist, the manner of their constitution, their independancy, and authority, with their several officers, and ordinances, and the bennifits and advantages of the same, and that which is the Glory of Christ." (note: x) It is very possible from the preface that the treatise was presented to his Congregation, still meeting in Tetbury at that time. Evidence suggests Nathaniel was directly involved with the spreading of the Baptist faith throughout England. The next year (24 August 1737), he would attend a key meeting in Birmingham, with sixteen others, to discuss amongst other things the future of the Baptist church. (note: xi) In 1746 we see him financially supporting his beliefs when he "Subscribed to An Exposition of the New Testament, in three volumes" in 1746. (note: xii) Nathaniel was still referred to as Baptist minister as late as 1754. In 1760 he was referred to as a Baptist teacher, whether that actually was the result of a change in lifestyle or simply semantics is impossible to tell. "Seward was not the only wealthy man who linked old Baptists with new Methodists... Next month he preached in Tetbury to some 4,000 people; many of divers denominations came to meet him, and he visited Mr. O., the Baptist teacher before riding on to preach in the evening at Malmesbury: this gives a pleasant glimpse of Nathaniel Overbury, a relation of Mrs. Seward's minister at Alcester. c1760." (note: xiii) That likely occurred nearer 1750 as Benjamin Seward died in 1753. Mr Seward's wife, Elizabeth, died in 1754 and in her will made bequests of South Sea Stock to many Baptist ministers including Nathaniel Overbury the Baptist Minister at Tetbury and John Overbury the Baptist Minister at Alcester. (note: xiiib) Alongside his religious work, Nathaniel must have cared much about his career as a woolstapler. His success can only have been the result of hard work. By 1735, he was already be employing a servant, as recorded on the religious affiliation census and was already a member of the Court Leet; Tetbury's governing body. (note: xiv, xv) He would reappear on Court Leet lists in 1746, 1754 and 1762. (note: xvi, xvii, xviii) His tax assessment in 1742 helps to quantify the scale of his success. He was taxed on the 20 July 1742 the sum of £1-00-00 in stock: a relatively hefty sum. (note: ixxi) He would continue to pay rates throughout his life. (note: xx) His tax assessment would, however, rise rapidly. By 1754 his bill had more than doubled to £2-7-0 (15 July 1754). (note: xxi) A change in taxation during that year, however, would alleviate some of the burden as tax would now be calculated by land as opposed to stock. Nathaniel, in 1754, was charged £1-0-0 for 80 Long Street. (note: xxii) Long Street remains the main road in Tetbury and houses on the street were both prestigious and comfortable. It seems likely the house was considerably nicer than average. He also received several bequests from other families in Tetbury, possibly as a result of his Baptist career. (note: xxiii) His success probably encouraged his taking of an apprentice the 29 November 1743. He would act as master for George Water, son of Joseph Water, in the trade of woolstapler. (note: xxiv) Nonetheless, Nathaniel would not remain a woolstapler his entire career. In 1761, Nathaniel retired from the woollen trade in 1760. Notice was given that at Cirencester, "The Stock in Trade of linen and Woolen-drapery and Haberdashery. Goods of Nathaniel Overbury" would be sold. (note: xxv) Subsequently, he would continue as a mercer or grocer. (note: xxvi) It seems likely that he began his career as a mercer alongside being a woolstapler as his taking an apprentice, Richard Williams, the 3 October 1764, at Cirencester, would only have been possible after financial success. (note: xxvii) These notices suggest Nathaniel may have had properties at Cirencester and possibly elsewhere. This seems particularly plausible considering the wool trade was centred on Cirencester. He certainly considered Tetbury his home, however, and was willing to provide financial support to the town to improve its prospects. In 1745 he even "promised 10/6 Subscription for a new Engine for ye use in Tetbury". (note: xxviii) Nathaniel would die the 16 August 1766 and be buried with his family at Tetbury. (note: ixxx) His will was proved at Canterbury the 13 June 1767. (note: xxx) --- Notes: i Aged 38, c1737: 'Tetbury Religious Affiliation Census: Tabular register of religious denominations (giving names of householders, number in family, and denomination)', Gloucestershire Archives (D566/Z/11, c1737). ii J. Cochran, 'A second catalogue of manuscripts, in different languages: from the twelfth to the eighteenth century' (London, 1837), p. 56. iii Board of Stamps: Apprenticeship Books', The National Archives (IR 1/17, June 1743 - Oct.1746). iv Date obtained from Tetbury's Parish Registers. v 'Tetbury Religious Affiliation Census: Tabular register of religious denominations (giving names of householders, number in family, and denomination)', Gloucestershire Archives (D566/Z/11, c1737). vi Ibid. vii Dates obtained from Tetbury's Parish Registers. viii H. Robinson & E. Payne, 'British Baptists', (Ayer Publishing, 1980), p. 44. ix Ibid. x J. Cochran, 'A second catalogue of manuscripts, in different languages: from the twelfth to the eighteenth century' (London, 1837), p. 56. xi J. Burditt & W. Button, 'The Baptist Magazine', (Volume 9, 1817), p. 137. xii J. Gill, 'An Exposition of the New Testament, in three volumes: in which The Sense of the Sacred Text is given; Doctrinal and Practical Truths are set in a plain and easy Light, Difficult Places Explained, Seeming Contradictions Reconciled; and Whatever is Material in the Various Readings, and the several Oriental Versions, is observed. The Whole illustrated with Notes taken from the most ancient Jewish Writings. Vol. I', 1746. xiii 'The Influence of Whitefield on Baptists', (http://www.biblicalstudies.org.uk/pdf/bq/05-1_030.pdf, 27 September 2011). xiiib 'Will of Elizabeth Seward, Widow of Bengeworth , Worcestershire' The National Archives (PROB 11/807/32, 6 February 1754). xiv 'Tetbury Religious Affiliation Census: Tabular register of religious denominations (giving names of householders, number in family, and denomination)', Gloucestershire Archives (D566/Z/11, c1737). xv 'Presentments of the town and foreign juries, nominations of officers, jury lists, steward's precepts, etc., for most years', Gloucestershire Archives, (D566/M/3, 1735-1912), p. 6. xvi Ibid, (D566/M/4, 1735-1912), p. 5. xvii Ibid, p. 5.1. xviii Ibid, (D566/M/5, 1735-1912), p. 5.1. ixx 'Overseers' accounts (audited)', Gloucestershire Archives, (P328a OV 2/1, 1741-1749) p. 51. xx Classed as a ratepayer in 1747: Ibid, p. 420. xxi Ibid, (P328a OV 2/2, 1749-1759). xxii Ibid. xxiii Will of Katherine Hooper: "To my friends Nathaniel Overbury and Edward Brown, the residue of my property": 'Gloucestershire Wills', (Reference 1749/ 37, 1749). xxiv Board of Stamps: Apprenticeship Books', The National Archives (IR 1/17, June 1743 - Oct.1746). xxv Public Ledger, (1761). xxvi 'Will of Nathaniel Overbury, Grocer of Tetbury', The National Archives, (PROB 11/929, 1767). xxvii Board of Stamps: Apprenticeship Books', The National Archives (IR 1/55, September 1763 - July 1766). xxviii Subscriptions for a new Engine for ye use in Tetbury', Gloucestershire Archives, (D566/R/13, c1745). ixxx Date obtained from Tetbury's Parish Register. xxx 'Will of Nathaniel Overbury, Grocer of Tetbury', The National Archives, (PROB 11/929, 1767).  Hannah Parker 10)Daughter of William Parker and Unknown. Born ± 1697 Tetbury, Gloucestershire, England 11) 2) 12) Baptised 19 Apr 1697 Tetbury, Gloucestershire, England 12) Died 4 Dec 1758 Tetbury, Gloucestershire, England, approximately 61 years 11) 10) Buried 18 Dec 1758 Tetbury, Gloucestershire, England 10) Residence: 31 Dec 1735 Tetbury, Gloucestershire, England 2) Children: 1. John Overbury2. Thomas Overbury3. William Overbury4. Ann Overbury5. Hannah Overbury6. Nathaniel Overbury 13)Born 1730 Tetbury, Gloucestershire, England 14) Died 11 Mar 1805 Tetbury, Gloucestershire, England, 74 or 75 years 14) Occupation: Woolstapler 13) Residences: 1784 Tetbury, Gloucestershire, England 15) 16), between 1797 and 1805 Tetbury, Gloucestershire, England 17) 18) 19) 20), 1776 Tetbury, Gloucestershire, England 21) Will signed: 25 Aug 1803 Tetbury, Gloucestershire, England 13) Notes: Nathaniel Overbury was born around 1730 in Tetbury. (note: i) He appeared, with his father, as a member of the Tetbury Court Leet in 1746. (note: ii) This proves he was at least 12 years of age at that time. The Court Leet was a body charged with some areas of Tetbury's government and also with administering justice for minor crimes. It would meet yearly for business and dinner. "Nathaniel Overbury the Younger" would also attend in 1754 and 1762. (note: iii, iv) Nathaniel would take an interest in Tetbury throughout his life. He was appointed Overseer for the town between 1759 and 1760. (note: v) The position of overseer involved distributing and caring for the poor of the parish. Nonetheless, he seems to have also spent much time outside the parish. He did not appear on the lists of members attending Leet dinners for many years of the period and his marriage occurred in Bengeworth, near Evesham. He married Mary Roper, daughter of Anthony Roper of Evesham on the 21 January 1763 at Bengeworth. (note: vi) It seems probable that this marriage was arranged by Nathaniel's father. The Ropers were a prominent Baptist family of Evesham and Bengeworth. His uncle, John, was a Baptist minister at Alcester, not far from Bengeworth, and Bengeworth had its own Baptist church. The Bengeworth Baptist church was purchased in 1789 from John Roper who then provided 100 guineas towards the construction of the church. (note: vib) To what extent Nathaniel himself was involved with the church is difficult to determine but it seems likely he was involved with his father's work. The 28 April 1767, "Nathaniel Overbury signed at a Vestry compaining about too many cattle in the Warren". (note: vii) Nathaniel's business however, like his father was the wool trade. His will described him as a woolstapler, like his father: available evidence suggests he continued his father's business. (note: viii) He is listed in several trade directories, as late as 1791, as a woolstapler. (note: ix, x) His sons would continue his business following his death. Nathaniel died at Tetbury the 11 March 1805 and he was buried in the Baptist Church's burial ground. His wife, Mary, would later be buried alongside him. His will, written the 25 August 1803, left numerous bequests to relatives including money and business materials. (note: xi) --- Notes: i His four sisters were born in 1722, 1725, 1729 and 1734: 'Tetbury Religious Affiliation Census: Tabular register of religious denominations (giving names of householders, number in family, and denomination)', Gloucestershire Archives, (D566/Z/11, c1737). ii 'Presentments of the town and foreign juries, nominations of officers, jury lists, steward's precepts, etc., for most years', Gloucestershire Archives, (D566/M/4, 1735-1912), p. 5. iii Ibid iv Ibid, (D566/M/5, 1735-1912), ibid. v 'Overseers' accounts (audited)', Gloucestershire Archives, (P328a OV 2/2, 1749-1759). vi Date obtained from Bengeworth's parish registers. vib 'The History of Evesham, Its Benedictine Monastery, Conventual Church, Existing Edifices, Municipal Institutions, Parliamentary Occurrences, Etc', George May, (London, 1834) vii 'Langston and Maltby Charity money; lists of recipients (with vestry resolution, 1767, on preventing the pasturing of cattle in the Warren by strangers)', Gloucestershire Archives, (D 566/R /1/7, 1762-1774). viii 'Will of Nathaniel Overbury, Woolstapler of Tetbury', The National Archives (PROB 11/1397, 1803). ix 'Bailey's British Directory', (London, 1784). x 'Universal British Directory', (London, 1791). xi 'Will of Nathaniel Overbury, Woolstapler of Tetbury', The National Archives (PROB 11/1397, 1803). | |||
| 2nd marriage Nathaniel Overbury 1)Son of John Overbury and Ann Hewett. Jane FreemanBorn Y Died Y | |||
Sources
1) Source: Family Diaries Nathaniel Overbury, born at Tetbury living at Tetbury 1724. Wool stapler trading with the Bristol Markets. Became pastor of the Baptist Church there 1730. Cirencester 1739. Died at Cirencester 10 August 1766 (Memoir Miss Mary Overbury). Buried in the baptist burying ground at tetbury. MI there "Mr Nathaniel Overbury ded 16 August 1766 aged ... years" (Questionable reliability of evidence)2) Source: Tetbury Borough. Manorial records, borough administration records, deeds, plans, documents relating to legal matters, charities, schools, Tetbury Church and Vicarage and miscellaneous papers "Nathaniel 38, his wife Hannah 38, his four children Daughters 13, 10, 6 and 2, and his Servant"Date: c1737. Reference: D566/Z/11: Tabular register of religious denominations (giving names of householders, number in family, and denomination). (Data from secondary evidence)
3) Source: Monuments "Nathl Overbury died Aug 16th 1766 aged 66". Reference: Tetbury Baptist church burial ground (Data from secondary evidence)
4) Source: England & Wales, Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858 Will of Nathaniel Overbury Grocer Tetbury , Gloucestershire .. Reference: PROB 11/929 (Data from secondary evidence)
5) Source: Register of Duties Paid for Apprentices' Indentures, 1710-1811 Record for Nathaniel Overbury (Data from direct source)
6) Source: U.K. and U.S. Directories, 1680-1830 Name: Nathanael OverburyDates: 1726-1750Location: TetburyGender: MaleAddress(es): TetburySource Date: 1746Source Info: Subscribed to An Exposition of the New Testament, in three volumes: in which The Sense of the Sacred Text is given; Doctrinal and Practical Truths are set in a plain and easy Light, Difficult Places Explained, Seeming Contradictions Reconciled; and Whatever is Material in the Various Readings, and the several Oriental Versions, is observed. The Whole illustrated with Notes taken from the most ancient Jewish Writings. Vol. I., 1746, GILL, John. London; Printed for the Author; And Sold by Aaron Ward, at the King's-Arms in Little-Britain.; Subject: religion. Reference: Database online. (Questionable reliability of evidence)
7) Source: The Public Ledger (Data from direct source)
8) Source: Gloucestershire, England, Wills and Inventories, 1541-1858 Will of Edward Parker -Edward wrote his own name to sign his Will 21 Sep 1721, and it was Proved 5 May 1722To my oldest son William one shilling and half my wearing apparelTo my son Robert, one shillingTo my son Arthur, one shilling and half my wearing apparelI give all the rest of my possessions to my grand daughter Hannah Overbury, now wife of Nathaniel Overbury, and appoint them joint executors. External Link
1,4294::10819. Reference: Will: 1722/114
9) Source: Gloucestershire, England, Church of England Baptisms, Marriages and Burials, 1538-1813 "1721 - Nathaniell Overbury and Hannah Parker Sep: 20". External Link
http://search.ancestry.co.uk/cgi-bin/sse.dll?db=GloucBMDearly&h=1532272&indiv=try. Reference: Gloucestershire Archives; Gloucester, England; Reference Numbers: P328/1 IN 1/2 Tetbury, St Mary - 1703-1793
10) Source: Gloucestershire, England, Church of England Baptisms, Marriages and Burials, 1538-1813 "Hannah wife of Nathaniel Overbury Dec 18". External Link
http://search.ancestry.co.uk/cgi-bin/sse.dll?db=GloucBMDearly&h=1535036&indiv=try. Reference: Gloucestershire Archives; Gloucester, England; Reference Numbers: P328/1 IN 1/2 (Questionable reliability of evidence)
11) Source: Monuments "Hannah, wife of Nathaniel Overbury died 4 Dec 1758 aged 61". Reference: Tetbury Baptist church burial ground (Questionable reliability of evidence)
12) Source: Gloucestershire, England, Church of England Baptisms, Marriages and Burials, 1538-1813 "Hannah daughter of Wm Parker April 19 1697". External Link
http://search.ancestry.co.uk/cgi-bin/sse.dll?db=GloucBMDearly&h=2154419&indiv=try. Reference: Gloucestershire Archives; Gloucester, England; Reference Numbers: P328/1 IN 1/1 (Data from secondary evidence)
13) Source: England & Wales, Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858 In the name of God AmenI Nathaniel Overbury of Tetbury in the county of Gloucester woolstapler so make public and declare this to be my last will and testament. I in mouth[?] or and form[?]following, that is to say whereas there is in the hands of Anthony Ruper the sum of six hundred pounds left my wife by her father Anthony Roper the interest of which is and has been paid to her and the principal ?????? to be equally divided among our children which I thereby will accordingly and whereas and is and by virtue of certain articles made on the marriage of my present wife she is entitled to for her life to the interest of the sum of one thousand pounds to be rose and paid out of my effects now. I do hereby give her the said interest accordingly and in addition to which I also give unto her for her life the interest of the further sum of five hundred pounds to be rose at the same point and in like manner out of my effects with interest on both the said several sums that shall be computed at and after the rate of five pounds per centium per annum and subject to such interest I give and bequeath unto the said several principal sums of one thousand pounds and five hundred pounds making together one thousand and five hundred pounds unto and equally amongst my three daughters Margaret, Mary and Hannah to be equally divided between them share and share alike. Here I give and bequeath unto my son Thomas the sum of three hundred pounds and also the two hundred pounds which I have his note for. I also give to his present children now born to be said at their respective ages of twenty one years the sum of twenty pounds apart and in case any or other of them should die before attaining such age the share of such child so dying to go to and be paid to the survivors or survivor of their attaining such age. Here I give unto my son Anthony the sum of one thousand pounds over and above the sum of two thousand pounds as is entitled to one of our copartnership and I also give and bequeath unto him my said son authority over and above the said two several sums all the profits he is or may be entitled to from our joint trade unto or our a??????y copartnership. Here I give and bequeath unto my daughter Margaret the sum of two thousand and five hundred pound. I give and bequeath unto my daughter Mary the further sum of one thousand pounds and to her present daughter twenty pounds to be paid to such daughter on her attainment of twenty one years of age. Here I give unto my daughter Hannah the further sum of two thousand and five hundred pounds. Here I give and bequeath unto my son Joseph the sum of three thousand pounds. Here I give and bequeath unto my son Benjamin the sum of five hundred pounds for which I have a bond which I direct to be cancelled and delivered up to him without any interest being removed for the same which I hereby give unto him accordingly. Here I also give unto my said son Benjamin the further sum of five hundred pounds. Here I give and bequeath also unto his present children now born to be paid at their respective ages of twenty one years the sum of twenty pounds apart and in case any or either of them should die before attaining such age the share of such child or children so dying shall go to and belong to the survivors and survivor of them attaining with age. Here I also give and bequeath unto my said son Thomas Overbury the further sum of seven hundred Guineas the purchase money I paid for the Messuage or Tenement, Garden and premises lately belonging to William Byarn situated in the Long Street of Tetbury aforesaid and now occupied by my son Anthony tobe accepted and taken by him my said son Thomas in lieu and full satisfaction of and for any future claims of demands which he may have or make as heir of Law or otherwise in or to the same premises and upon condition also that he releases all such future claim or demand, if any such he can have or make, in and to the same premises unto my Executrix and Executors hereinafter named but in case he my said son Thomas shall choose to accept and take the said sum of Seven Hundred Guineas in manner aforesaid. Then I will and devise that the said sum of seven hundred guineas shall sink into and form part of the residual of my estate hereinafter given and in that case I hereby give, devise and bequeath the said Messuage or Tenement, except all fixtures and sorting boards and other utensils in trade in and about the same, garden and premises unto my said son Thomas Overbury his sons and assigns forever but in case my said son Thomas Overbury shall accept, take or receive the said sum of seven hundred guineas so given unto him as aforesaid then I give, devise and bequeath the said Messuage or Tenement, garden and premises with the appurtenants unto my wife Mary for and during the term of her natural life and from and immediately after her decease I give and devise the same Messuage or Tenement garden and premises with the appurtenances unto my two sons Anthony and Joseph their sons and assigns forever as joint tenants and not as coranking ??????. I also give and devise unto them my said two sons Anthony and Joseph their sons and assigns as joint but not as tenants in ?????? all that my other Messuage warehouses, wool, Softs, and other my premises with the appurtenants situated in the long street of Tetbury aforesaid to and for their own in use and benefit and it is my gr???? and will and, so hereby share the same to be that in case either of my children, except my daughters to whom I have given the said sum of two thousand pounds under my marriage articles, whom becoming entitled to either of their said respective Logaries hereinbefore by me give shall refuse to release and exonerate my Estate and effects of and from all or any share interest of claim under or by virtue of such marriage articles in or to the said one thousand pounds then I will and ?????? of that out of the Logaries or ????s hereinbefore by me given to such of my said children who shall so refuse there shall be submitted and taken thereout so much of the said principal sum of one thousand pounds as the share therein of such c?i?s so refusing will amount unto in order to supply and make good anyS?????nry in that respect to either of my said daughters and so hereby s??? the Logaries by me hereinbefore given, to ???uth no time is fixed for the payment, to be paid at the end of twelve months next after my decease. Here I give and bequeath unto my said wife all my plate of what sort sou??? for her own use and benefit. Here I give and bequeath unto my said wife and three daughters all my household goods and furniture, linen, books, bedding and china belonging to the house wherein I reside to and for their own use and benefit. Here I give to by son Anthony my cropped horse with saddles and bridles and as to all the rest, residue and remainder, of my Estate and effects both real and personal stock in trade with the implements and utensils thereof and all my Maundy Money, servitudes for Money book debts Cattle D???, wines, liquors and all other my personal estate and effects whatsoever and wheresoever and what mature or finish, over I give and bequeath unto the same and every partthereof unto and equally amongst my said wife Mary and my said two sons Anthony and Joseph their D??? executors and administrators and I so hereby appoint them my said wife Mary and my said two sons Anthony and Joseph joint executrix and executors of this my will for witness which I have my hand to the first sheet and my hand and seal to this second and last sheet this twenty fourth day of February one thousand eight hundred and threeNathaniel Overbury, signedValid, published and sweared by this said Nathaniel Overbury the testator as and for this last will and testament in the presence of us ????? at his ????? in this presence and in the presence of oathother have subscribed out names as whisper the words “from give unto my said son Benjamin the further sum of five hundred pounds being first underlined in the first sheet. Francis Vanstorn, William Poole, servants to Testator, John Letall city Tetbury.This Will was proved at London the twenty fifth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and three before the Right Honorable Sir William Wynne knight of Daws Master keeper ofcommissary of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury as lawfully constituted by the oaths of Anthony Overbury and Joseph Overbury the sons of the deceased and too of the Executors named in the said willto whom administration was granted of all and singular goods, chattels and cr??? Of the said deceased having been first sworn by the Commission duly to administer power reserved of making the like grant to Mary Overbury widow the ???? of the said deceased and the other Executor named in the said will ???? she shall apply for the same.. Reference: PROB 11/1397 (Data from direct source)
14) Source: Monuments "Nathaniel his son obit 11 Mar 1805 aged 75 years.Mary wife of Nathaniel Overbury died 14 August 1815 aged 75". Reference: Tetbury Baptist church burial ground. (Data from secondary evidence)
15) Source: U.K. and U.S. Directories, 1680-1830 Record for Nathaniel Overbury
@N432@. Reference: Database online. (Data from secondary evidence)
16) Source: UK, Poll Books and Electoral Registers, 1538-1893 Record for Nathl Overbury. Reference: Database online. (Data from direct source)
17) Source: UK, Land Tax Redemption, 1798 N Overbury Senr, tenant and proprietor. Reference: The National Archives; Kew, Richmond; Surrey, Land Tax Redemption Office: Quotas and Assessments, IR23; Piece: 30. (Data from direct source)
18) Source: Gloucestershire, England, Land Tax Records, 1713-1833 Record for Nathaniel Overbury. External Link
http://search.ancestry.co.uk/cgi-bin/sse.dll?db=GloucLandTax&h=930141&indiv=try. Reference: Q/REL/1/Longtree/1797 (Data from direct source)
19) Source: Gloucestershire, England, Land Tax Records, 1713-1833 Record for Nathaniel Overbury. External Link
http://search.ancestry.co.uk/cgi-bin/sse.dll?db=GloucLandTax&h=1017255&indiv=try. Reference: Q/REL/1/Longtree/1805 (Data from direct source)
20) Source: Gloucestershire, England, Land Tax Records, 1713-1833 Record for Nathaniel Overbury. External Link
http://search.ancestry.co.uk/cgi-bin/sse.dll?db=GloucLandTax&h=601464&indiv=try. Reference: Q/REL/1/Longtree/1798 (Data from direct source)
21) Source: UK, Poll Books and Electoral Registers, 1538-1893 Record for Nath Overbury. Reference: Database online. (Data from direct source)
22) Source: Gloucestershire, England, Church of England Marriages and Banns, 1754-1938 "1760 January 8th Nathaniel Overbury of the Parish of Tetbury Glocester and Jane Freeman of this Parish" In the presence of Thos Hughes and Josh Stephens. External Link
http://search.ancestry.co.uk/cgi-bin/sse.dll?db=GloucMarriages&h=2519701&indiv=try. Reference: Gloucestershire Archives; Gloucester, England; Reference Numbers: P86a IN 1/1 Cirencester - 1754-1762
23) Source: Gloucestershire, England, Church of England Baptisms, Marriages and Burials, 1538-1813 In the presence of Thos Hughes and Josh Stephens. External Link
http://search.ancestry.co.uk/cgi-bin/sse.dll?db=GloucBMDearly&h=2907723&indiv=try. Reference: Gloucestershire Archives; Gloucester, England; Reference Numbers: P86/1 IN 1/2 Cirencester - 1754-1799