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Heyshams of the Midlands

This page records the Heysham family in the midland-counties of Cheshire, Shrophsire, Staffordshire, Derby, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Lincoln, Herefordshire, Worchester, Warwick, Northampton, Rutland, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshie, Norfolk, and Suffolk.



Cheshire

Settlement in Cheshire by members of the Heysham family probably occurred as early as the 13th century, afterall I have references to them living in Bath circa 1290 and in York no later than 1349. However, the earliest references I have found so far for the famly in Cheshire are from 1472. A large number of Heesom's continue to live in Cheshire to this day.

The County of Cheshire

At right is a map of Cheshire before the modern period.


(12) Thomas Hessam (c1440)

Thomas is an outlyer. Per the reference below he lived in Pulford, in Cheshire, on the river Dee, at the boundary with Wales. None of the other Heyshams of Cheshire below lived so far west.

"1472. Elizabeth Dutton, wife of Peter Dutton, . . . writ of livery setting forth the finding of an inquisition, viz., . . . ; of 4 messuages, 2 tofts, 80 acres of land, 8 acres of meadow, and 10 acres of pasture, in the several tenures of John Feysand, Madd'ap Gruff, Laurence Huett, clerk, Nicholas Jacson, John Hulle, David ap Grono, and Thomas Hessam, in Pulford, also of a 6th part of 2 fields called 'le Holdfild' and 'le Halfild,' held of the earl of Chester in capite, by knight's service, yearly value 40s.;" - from the "Memorials of the Duttons of Dutton in Cheshire"
At about this time William Hesam, or Hesham, of Lancaster was serving as a juror at the inquisition of the death of William de Bolleran.

(14) John Heysam of Norton Abbey (c1500)

Or Heseham. In 1536 a member of the Dutton family above, Sir Piers Dutton, received a letter from Henry VIII in regard to the King's dispute with the Augustinian priory of Norton, near Runcorn, Cheshire. It was at this time that the King, having split from the church at Rome over his divorce from Queen Catherine, saw a chance to seize church property in order to enrich his court and replenish his treasury. The King directed that Sir Dutton arrest the abbot and hang him for his offenses. Is is not clear what crimes the letter referred to, but in 1535 Sir Dutton had accused the Abbot of coining [illegally minting coins].

"On 26 August 1535, evidence was taken from one Henry Broke, gentleman, about coining at Norton. He alleged that Robert Jannyns and James Pate, a canon of Norton, had tried to change forged coins in his presence in 1534. It was stated that John Heysam, the abbot of Norton's smith, had fled." - from "Norton Priory: The Archaelogy of a Medieval Religious House" by J. Patrick Greene
The accusation of coining was undoubtedly spurious, but John Heysam would nevertheless been in great danger. Common men were routinely tortured to coerce false testimony against their lords.

Henry VIII dissolved all of the abbey's in the following year, 1536. The Brooke family later bought Norton priory, probably at a bargain price, and made it their seat. Note that Norton means north. Also within Runcorn are Weston (west), Aston (east), and Sutton (south).

The John Heseham mentioned next may have been the abbey blacksmith. The time period was only one year after the abbey's smith had fled and Sir Piers Dutton plays a central role again. In a letter written to Thomas Cromwell, Henry VIII's Lord Chancellor, on 23 September 1536, Sir Dutton addresses the arrest of a John Heseham for treason.

"Please it your honourable lordship, that where heretofore the king's pleasure was by your commandment given unto me that I should take certain persons for suspect of treason, amongst whom one John Heseham was named and specified which John at that time fled out of this country that I could not meet with him and now is coming in again. And I therefore not only for that but also for divers traitorous and seditious words that he hath spoken, which was that if the spiritual men had holden together the king could not have been head of the church, and also that the bishop of Rochester and sir Thomas Moore died martyrs in the quarrel aforesaid. I have taken him and committed him to the castle of Chester, there to abide unto the king's pleasure and your's thereabout shall be ever glad to accomplish during my life, by the grace of our lord God who preserve your good lordship in honour long to continue. From Dutton the 23rd day of September (1536?) by yours assured." - from the "Memorials of the Duttons of Dutton in Cheshire"
Note that like the smith, John Heseham also fled, though he later returned. Were John Heysam and John Heseham the same man? Did the smith utter traitorous words after, or at the time of, fleeing the abbey? Were his unwise words the result of seeing his good master arrested on spurious charges? Or, was this just another set-up?

As of yet I have found no indication of what happened to John Heysam/Heseham after his imprisonment. Note that Heseham was used in Lancashire as another spelling of Heysham, but was most frequently seen as a surname in the city of York.

Heysham's in Religious Orders

(14) Laurence Hessam (c1510)

A clergyman, Laurence was ordained at Chester cathedral. Under the titles Subdiaconi and later Diaconi, as

Circa 1542. "Dns [Dominus] Laurencius Hessam cestrien. dioc. subdiaconus ad tim [ad titulum] Mri Petri Warberton de Arleye [Arlleye] dict. dioc. mitis [ministerium?]" - from the "Ordination Register of the Dioceses of Chester"
A translation might be, "Clergyman Lawrence Hessam of the Diocese of Chester, subdeacon ordained in the field of service, [under the patronage of?] ____ Peter Warberton of Arley, in the service of the named diocese."

In another part of this book, under the title Presbri [presbyter], circa 1558, his name was rendered as Laurencius Hesshim. I believe Presbri here was used as an honorific for priest.

The Diocese of Chester, of the Anglican church, was created in 1541 out of the ancient Diocese of Lichfield. It originally included all of Chester and Lancashire, the western portion of Yorkshire, and the southern parts of Westmorland and Cumberland.

Peter Warberton de Arley, esquire, was one of the grandees of Cheshire and was probably a patron of the church. In 1535 Sir Peter Warberton, esquire, took a case in the Henry VIII's Star Chamber. I have a Sr. Peter Warberton, Knight and Justice of the Peace, and a Peter Warberton de Arley Esqr. with houses in Northwich, Cheshire circa 1600. A Peter Warberton, Esq., was Baron of the Exchequer - from "Catalogue of Noblemen and Gentlemen in the Commission of the Peace for Berkshire, 1601."

(14) Robertus Heisham (c1520)

Robert was the minister (parochie) of Weuerham, a village in Cheshire.

"Thos. Underwood v. Ellen Key. To cancel Affiliation
(the Child said to be John Amery's)
Despositiones ex parte Thome Vnderwod contra Elenam Key, in causa reclamacionis, capte xxvij Julii, 1564.
Robertus Heisham, parochie de Weuerham, etatis lx annorum, novit partem actricem de puericia, et Elenam Key similiter . . .
" - from "Child-Marriages, Divorces, and Ratifications, amp c. in the Diocese of Chester."

Sacred Orders of the Catholic Church

The number of orders it is usually given as eight: bishops, priests, deacons, subdeacons, acolytes, exorcists, readers, and doorkeepers.


"The seconde artycle of the masse
Howe the preest doth go out of the vestry towardes the aulter with the deacon and subdeacon:
where he doth tary a lytel space between the with scylence."

Subdeacon, Subdiaconi - The lowest of the sacred or major orders in the Latin Church. He may carry the chalice with wine to the altar, prepare the necessaries for the Eucharist, and read the Epistles before the people. After ordination, he is bound to celibacy.

Deacon, Diaconi - He may minister at the altar, baptize, perform burial, and preach. He is also an assistant to the Bishop.

Priest - He has the responsibility of teaching, governing, and providing the Sacraments in a given congregation.

Presbyter & Bishop, Presbyteroi and Episkopoi - The presbyter and the bishop were initially closely related, even synonomous. Later the presbyter became identified as a senior or elder priest. The Bishop was an ecclesiastical dignitary who possessed the fullness of the priesthood to rule a diocese as its chief pastor. They appoint, ordain, and discipline priests and deacons.


Halton & vicinity

The majority of the family that settled in Cheshire did so in Halton, the seat of the old Barony of Halton, and the villages northeast, up the Mersey river; Runcorn, Widnes, Norton, Daresbury, Keckwick, Hatton, Stretton, Wilderspool, and Latchford. See The Baron's of Halton for the story of the barony. They also settled in villages to the south and east; Frodsham, Budworth, Davenham and Middlewich. Old Gernet/Heysham sites, such as Speke and Garston, are just north and west of the Mersey.

Townships of Cheshire

The village of Halton is just inland, on the south side of the Mersey river. A larger town, Runcorn, grew up between it and the river. Close by is Norton Abbey. On the opposite side of the Mersey river from Runcorn is Widnes. Daresbury is several miles east of Runcorn and just beyond are the villages of Hatton and Stretton. A mile north of Stretton is Appleton. A mile or so south of Stretton is Higher and Lower Whitley. Look further southeast of there for Budworth. Latchford is 10 miles northeast of Runcorn, almost in Warrington and almost off the map, to the left. Wilderspool is near the Warrington town center. Grappenhall is just southeast of there. Bowdon is off the map, just beyond its northeast edge. Frodsham is just south of Runcorn, on the Weaver river. South of there is Newton.


Frodsham

The first recognizable surnames are found in Frodsham, Cheshire. Frodsham is just south of Runcorn. I accept the Easom/Esum spellings are variants of the Heesom/Heysham name based on experience with the Hesom/Heesom family in Crofton, Yorkshire.

(16) Rhot Heesom (1552)

Or perhaps Robert. Rhot Heesom, a male child, was born in about 1552 in Cheshire, England; no parents' names were shown - from the IGI, but with no other source information. The name Rhot is apparently germanic in origin, meaning fame or renown, i.e. Rhotbert, "light of fame." This name became Robert. Of the few references I've found, most are Welsh.

(16) Margaret Heisum (c1560)

Margaret Heisum married Tho Johnson on 17 September 1582 in the Church of St.Lawrence, Frodsham, Cheshire, England - from the Frodsham parish church register. A quick Google search shows that Heisum is a Norwegian surname, though I don't propose that means anything.

(16) John Easom (c1550)

Jo. Easom married Margery Johnson on 9 October 1575 in the Church of St.Lawrence, Frodsham, Cheshire, England - from the Frodsham parish church register. At this same time (15) Raphe Hesome (c1550) was having a family in Barnsely, Yorkshire.

This may be the same John Easam who had three children baptized at the church in Farnworth Near Prescot. That is just across the river from Halton/Runcorn. The fourth child was baptized at Frodsham.

His children may have been,
(17) Elyne Esame (1582)
(17) John Esame (1584)
(17) Thomas Easam (1586)
(17) Johis. Easom (c1590)

(17) Elyne Esame (1582)
(16) John Easam (c1550)

Elyne, the daughter of John Esame, was baptized on 2 November 1582 in Farnworth Near Prescot, Lancashire.

(17) John Esame (1584)
(16) John Easam (c1550)

John, the son of John Esame, was baptized on 3 June 1584 in Farnworth Near Prescot, Lancashire.

(17) Thomas Easam (1586)
(16) John Easam (c1550)

Thomas, the son of John Easam, was baptized on 16 September 1586 in Farnworth Near Prescot, Lancashire.

Thomas' children were,
(18) John Easom (1614), died young
(18) Randle Easom (1616), died young
(18) Thomas Easom (1618)
(18) Jane Easom (1624)
(18) Elizabeth Easom (1626)
(18) William Easom (1628), died young
(18) William Esum (1631)
(18) Jane Esum (1634)

(18) John Easom (1614)
(16) John Easam (c1550) (17) Thomas Easam (1586)

John Easom, the son of Thomae, was baptized on 28 October 1614 in the Church of St.Lawrence, Frodsham, Cheshire, England - from the Frodsham parish church register. John died on 11 December 1614.

(18) Randle Easom (1616)
(16) John Easam (c1550) (17) Thomas Easam (1586)

Randle Easom, the son of Tho., was baptized on 21 April 1616 in the Church of St.Lawrence, Frodsham, Cheshire, England - from the Frodsham parish church register. Randle died on 22 April 1616.

(18) Thomas Easom (1618)
(16) John Easam (c1550) (17) Thomas Easam (1586)

Thoms. Easome, the son of Tho., was baptized on 27 April 1618 in the Church of St.Lawrence, Frodsham, Cheshire, England - from the Frodsham parish church register.

(18) Jane Easom (1624)
(16) John Easam (c1550) (17) Thomas Easam (1586)

Jane Easom, the daughter of Thomae, was baptized on 9 April 1624 in the Church of St.Lawrence, Frodsham, Cheshire, England - from the Frodsham parish church register. She died on 11 April 1624.

(18) Elizabeth Easom (1626)
(16) John Easam (c1550) (17) Thomas Easam (1586)

Eliz. Easom, the daughter of Thomae, was baptized on 13 October 1626 in the Church of St.Lawrence, Frodsham, Cheshire, England - from the Frodsham parish church register.

(18) William Easom (1628)
(16) John Easam (c1550) (17) Thomas Easam (1586)

Willm Easom, the son of Thomae, was baptized on 28 December 1628 in the Church of St.Lawrence, Frodsham, Cheshire, England - from the Frodsham parish church register. He apparently died young.

(18) William Esum (1631)
(16) John Easam (c1550) (17) Thomas Easam (1586)

William Esum, the son of Tho., was baptized on 11 September 1631 in the Church of St.Lawrence, Frodsham, Cheshire, England - from the Frodsham parish church register. His children were,
(19) Edward Esum (1663)

(19) Edward Esum (1663)
(16) John Easam (c1550) (17) Thomas Easam (1586) (18) William Esum (1631)

Edward Esum, the son of Gulielmi, was baptized on 20 September 1663 in the Church of St.Lawrence, Frodsham, Cheshire, England - from the Frodsham parish church register.

(18) Jane Esum (1634)
(16) John Easam (c1550) (17) Thomas Easam (1586)

Jane Esum, the daughter of Tho., was baptized on 3 August 1634 in the Church of St.Lawrence, Frodsham, Cheshire, England - from the Frodsham parish church register.

(17) Johis. Easom (c1590)
(16) John Easam (c1550)

The father of,
(18) Ellen Easom (1620)
(18) John Easom (1622)

(18) Ellen Easom (1620)
(16) John Easam (c1550) (17) Johis. Easom (c1590)

Ellen Easom, the daughter of Johis., was baptized on 17 December 1620 in the Church of St.Lawrence, Frodsham, Cheshire, England - from the Frodsham parish church register. Ellen died on 6 March 1621.

(18) John Easom (1622)
(16) John Easam (c1550) (17) Johis. Easom (c1590)

John Easom, the daughter of Jo., was baptized on 19 May 1622 in the Church of St.Lawrence, Frodsham, Cheshire, England - from the Frodsham parish church register.


A Farnworth Stray.

William Easam (c1600)

John Easam (1633)
William Easam

John, the son of William Easam, was baptized on 22 January 1633 at Cockerham, Lancashire.


Northwich/Witton

(18) Richard Heysam of Northwich (c1630)

"Richard Heesome lab & Emm his w . . . 1 0" - from "Northwich Hundred Poll Tax 1660 and Hearth Tax 1664" by G. O. Lawton.

(20) Edward Heesom (c1680)

"Known pupils, 1660-1726

1. A Catlogue of the Schollars of Witton School*
. . .
Edwd Heesom
* . . . Undated but c. 1696. " - from "A History of Sir John Deane's Grammar School, Northwich" by Marjorie Cox and L.A. Hopkins
The Free Grammar School at Witton is in Northwich, Cheshire. Northwich is about 15 miles southeast of the Runcorn/Widnes/Halton region.

(23) Edward Heesham (c1780)

He married Ann (Nanny). In a marriage that would fit here, an Edward Heesom married Nancy Haddock on 7 December 1809 in Witton, Cheshire, England. The only Edward I've identified prior to this was the son of William Heesham, above, but he would have been only 17 at the time of his marriage. Their children were,
- (24) Hannah Heesham was christened on 15 April 1810 in Daresbury, Cheshire, England.
- (24) Thomas Heesham was christened on 14 June 1812 in Daresbury, Cheshire, England.
- (24) Elizabeth Heesham was christened on 29 February 1824 in Daresbury, Cheshire, England.
- (24) Catherine Heesom (1828), perhaps

The information below might fit here.

In the 1851 census of Stretton, Cheshire as Ann Heesom, a 70 year old laundress, the widow of a laborer, of Dutton. Living with her were her daughter, Catherine, 23, of Lower Whitley, and her husband, James Harrison, daughter Hannah, 39, of Lower Whitley, and her husband, Richard Riley, and grand-daughter, Mary Ann Heesom, 17, of Stretton.

In the 1861 census of Stretton, Cheshire as Nancy Heesom, a 77 year old widow, formerly a laborer's wife, of Dutton. She was living with her daugther, Catherine, 31, of Lower Whitley, and her husband, James Harrison.

(25) Mary Ann Heesom (1835)

Note that Mary Anne Heesom was the daughter of Anne Heesom. She was born on 26 April 1835 in Stretton, Cheshire, England. She was christened on 7 June 1835 in Stretton Near Warrington, Cheshire.

In the 1861 census of Northwich, Cheshire as Mary Ann Heesom, a 20 year old house servant.

(24) John Heesom (1823)
(23) Edward Heesham (c1780) ??

John probably fits here as a son of Edward and Ann. Note that he came from Lower Whitley, as did Catherine and Hannah, above. In the 1851 census of Stretton, Cheshire as John Heesom, a 28 year old tile maker, of Lower Whitley. Living with him were his wife, Margaret, 23, of Warrington, Lancashire, and son, John, 2, of Stretton.

In the 1861 census of Walton Inferior, Cheshire as John Heesom, a 38 year old stone quarry man, of Stretton. Living with him were his wife, Margaret, 34, of Warrington, and children, Edward, 9, and James, 7, of Stretton, and Leonora, 2, of Walton Inferior.


Runcorn

(19) Mary Easom (1662)

Mary, the daughter of William Easom, was baptized on 22 March 1662 at All Saints church, Runcorn, Chester, England. Mary's father looks very like (18) William Esum (1631), above, but he and his son, Edward, were born in Frodsham, the latter in 1663.

(19) Richard Heysam of Runcorn (c1670)

Of Runcorn. Rici. Heysam married Sarae. The Heysam spelling of the surname is also seen in Dorset & Lancashire at this time.

(20) Maria Heysam of Runcorn (1700)
(19) Richard Heysam (c1670)

The daugther of Rici. Heysham and Sarae. Maria Heysam was born on 10 February 1700 and christened on 16 March in All Saints church, Runcorn, Cheshire, England.


Daresbury, Cheshire

This is a small village in Halton parish, just east of Runcorn and Norton, up the Mersey river. The local All Saints' church serves Daresbury, Hatton, Keckwick, Moore, Newton by Daresbury, and Preston on the Hill. The village's claim to fame is as the birthplace of Lewis Carroll, the author. Downriver from Halton, at the Birkenhead Priory, founded by Hamo de Mascy circa 1150, there is a gargoyle in the form of a grinning cat that some feel was the origin of Carrol's Cheshire Cat.

Interestingly, the Heesham/Heesam spelling of the name appears to have disappeared quickly in Cheshire, to be replaced by Heesom.

(21) Edward Heesham (1722)

Edward is known through the baptismal records of his daughters, Margaret and Elizabeth. Conceivably the son or grandson of (19) Richard Heysam (c1670) of Runcorn, Cheshire. Edward married Margaret. The following was copied by Stephen Pickles from a tombstone in the churchyard of Daresbury All Saints' Church.

"In memory of Edward Hessom of Newton who departed this life ...
Feb 1810 Aged 88. ...
Margarett ... who departed ... Sept..."
There are two Newtons in the vicinity, but this was probably Newton by Daresbury vice Newton by Frodsham. Stephen writes, "This headstone is damaged. Ellipses indicates missing text. We are tempted to identify this Edward with your (21) Edward Heesham (c1730), who married Margaret. We suggest that the marriage recorded in the Runcorn registers between Edward Hesham and Margaret Jones (16 Nov 1747, by license) may be theirs." At Stephen's website he also notes that "It [the headstone] might have been more complete during the 1970's, because a transcription made then reads as follows:
"In memory of Edward Hesson [[sic]] of Newton
who departed this life 16th Feb 1810 aged 88.
Margaret [[sic]] his wife who departed this life 18 Sep 1806 aged 83.

An adjacent headstone was for Thomas Hessom (1795) of Norton which may help confirm his relationship as Edward's grandson.

The children of Edward Heesham and Margaret Jones were,
(22) William Heesham (c1750), perhaps
(22) John Heesham (c1750), perhaps
(22) Margaret Heesam, who was christened on 25 March 1759 in Daresbury, Cheshire, England.
(22) Elizabeth Heesham, who was christened on 12 July 1761 in Daresbury, Cheshire, England.
(22) Elizabeth Heesham, who was christened on 17 July 1763 in Daresbury, Cheshire, England. A Betty Heesham was the mother of (23) Nancy Heesham, who was christened on 20 January 1793 in Daresbury, Cheshire, England. No father was named so I assume this was an illegitimate birth.

(22) William Heesham (c1750)
(21) Edward Heesham (1722)

Or Heasham. He could be the son of Edward - he's in the right place at the right time. William Heesham married Hannah. Stephen Pickles continues, "Like you, we think it not unlikely that William, husband of Hannah and father of Thomas, was a son of Edward and Margaret. It's also possible, although a little far afield, that the marriage of William and Hannah may be the one recorded on 6 Apr 1790 at St Mary's, Great Budworth [Cheshire] between William Hissom and Hannah Plant; if so, then Hannah would have been showing on her wedding day.

The children of William and Hannah were,
(23) John Heesham was christened on 25 July 1790 in Daresbury, Cheshire, England.
(23) Edward Heesham was christened on 28 October 1792 in Daresbury, Cheshire, England.
(23) Thomas Heesom (1795)
(23) William Heesham, "son of William and Hannah Hesham of Halton, Farmer," was christened on 25 February 1798 in Daresbury, Cheshire, England - Daresbury All Saints' register.
(23) Hannah Heesham was christened on 23 September 1800 in Daresbury, Cheshire, England. Mother not named. Stephen Pickles comes up with "The baptism "Hannah Daughter of William and Hannah Heesham of Hatton Farmer Bapd. 29th Day [of August 1800]". Hannah's mother _is_ named." I'm not sure of his source here.

William Heesham married Betty, probably early in 1801. This could easily be a second marriage if we assume Hannah died in 1800. Stephen Pickles helpfully confirms this with: "Hannah wife of William Heesham of Hatton died 25th [September 1800], inter'd 28th [September 1800] aged 43 years." Also confirmed by "The monumental inscription for William Hessom of Moore. This confirms your theory that marriage of William and Betty, probably early in 1801, was the second marriage of William (c1760). By cross checking with death indexes, we should also be able to get more precise birth years for William and Betty."

Williams tombstone, from Stephen Pickles' website:

"Here lies the body of William Hesson of Moore
died 23 August (1840?) aged 83
Hannah wife of William He[sson [[sic]] of] Hatton
who departed this life (25?) Sept 1800 aged (4-?)
Hannah their daughter who departed this life 30th March 1801 aged (6m?)
George son of William and Betty Hessom second wife of William
(R.-d 21 June 1801 aged 15 months).

The children of William and Betty were,
(23) John Heesham was christened on 11 October 1801 in Daresbury, Cheshire, England. This would presume that the John Heesham born in 1790 died young.
(23) James Heesham was christened on 10 November 1805 in Daresbury, Cheshire, England.
(23) George Heesham was christened on 10 April 1808 in Daresbury, Cheshire, England.
(23) Margarett Heesham was christened on 15 July 1810 in Daresbury, Cheshire, England.
(23) Joseph Heesham was christened on 19 April 1812 in Daresbury, Cheshire, England.

(23) Thomas Heesom (1795)
(21) Edward Heesham (1722) (22) William Heesham (c1750)

Thomas Heesham was christened on 1 March 1795 in Daresbury, Cheshire, England, the son of William and Hannah Heesham.

Thomas Heesham married Mary Jones on 28 December 1814 in Runcorn, Cheshire, England. Interestingly, Stephen Pickles notes that the marriage certificate was filled out as Heesham, but was signed as Hessam. Stephen also has the following.

"My wife and I have been researching the ancestry of her mother, a Hessom from Liverpool, England. We've traced it back to Thomas Hessom/Heesham of Norton (1795-1848) with a high degree of confidence. Here it begins to intersect with the information on your page "Heyshams in the Midlands" . . . [Note: You can check Stephen's work by searching on Thomas Hessom (1795) in Ancestry.com's Public Member family trees, at Hessom-Daresbury, or at Genes Reunited.]

We believe that that the following are one and the same person:
1. Thomas, son of William Heesham and Hannah christened on 1 March 1795 in Daresbury.
2. Thomas Heesham, Labourer, who married Mary Jones in Runcorn parish on 28 Feb 1814.
3. Thomas Hessom who married Ann Lamb in Runcorn parish on 12 Mar 1837.
4. The Thomas Heesom, husband of Mary, who fathered John (1815), Catharine (1817), Mary (1820), Thomas (1823), and James (1826), which children were baptised at St Mary's, Halton, then a chapel of ease in Runcorn parish. His abode is variously given as Halton and Norton. Norton is half way between Halton and Daresbury.
5. The Thomas Hessom, labourer, husband of Ann, who fathered William (1837), Edward (1839) and George (1841), which children were baptised at St Mary's Halton. His abode is given respectively as Norton, Halton, Norton.
6. The Thomas Hessom of the 6 Jun 1841 census for Norton, an agricultural labourer apparently aged 40 (although ages were rounded down in the 1841 census to the nearest multiple of 5 years, he would actually have been 46 on census night, by our reckoning). In his household were Ann (40), Mary (15), James (14), William (3), and Edward (2).

. . .

We have a photograph of an embroidery sampler by Thomas' daughter Catharine Hessom "made in the 12th year of her age 1830", now in the possession of a descendant of John Hessom (1814).

Yesterday, we were fortunate to stumble across the Thomas' headstone in the churchyard of Daresbury All Saints' [Stephen's photograph is at left]. It reads:
"In memory of Thomas Hessom of Norton
who died August 4th 1848 aged 53 years.
Ann his wife.
Forgive blest shade the tributary tear
That mourns thy exit from a world like this
Forgive the wish that would have kept thee here
And stay'd thy progress from the realms of bliss"
. . .

All these various spellings lead me to suspect that, at least in Cheshire around 1800, the surname may have been pronounced HEES-HAM (with a sibiliant S and an H that was easily dropped) rather than HEE-SHAM, as the residents of Heysham today pronounce the name of their town (and have done so, they say, for at least 150 years). People in the North West without close ties to the town pronounce it, in their ignorance, HAY-SHAM.

We now have the death certificate of Thomas Hessom (of the first headstone). It's a typewritten (or printed) transcript from the original registers at Halton. It has:
-When and where died: Eighth August 1848 [this is four days different from the headstone]
-Name: Thomas Heesom
-Sex: Male
-Age: 53 years
-Occupation: Labourer
-CoD: Accidentally killed falling from a loaded cart
-Informant: Henry Churton Coroner Chester
-Registered: Twenty fifth September 1848 "

1836-1851. There is a Tithe Map for a plot of land in Runcorn, Norton parish, 2 rods 13 perches, owned by Sir Richard Brooke, but occupied by Thomas Heesom. It included a cottage and a garden. It is a trapezoidal property, just south of the Norbury Wood. Marshgate Farm is caty-corner to the southwest. The Stonedelph Dock was just northwest, so the Mersey was close by.

In the 1841 census of Norton, Cheshire as Thomas Hessom [Hessome in Ancestry.com], a 40 year old agricultural laborer. Living with him were his wife, Ann, 40, and children, Mary, 15, James, 14 (1827), William, 3 (1838), and Edward, 2 (1839). Stephen Pickles identifies Mary as Ann Lamb's sister, not her daughter. See Mary Lamb in the 1851 census below.

In the 1851 cenus of Norton, Cheshire as Ann Heesom, a 51 year old widow and laundress, of Halton. Living with her were her children, Mary Lamb, 27, of Halton, and William, 13, Edward, 11, and George, 9, of Norton.

The children of Thomas Heesham and Mary Jones were,
(24) John Heesom (1815)
(24) Catharine Heesom (1817), christened on 19 October 1817 in Halton, Cheshire, England.
(24) Mary Heesom (1820), christened on 6 February 1820 in Halton, Cheshire, England
(24) Thomas Heesom (1823)
(24) James Heesom (1826), all baptised at St Mary's, Halton, then a chapel of ease in Runcorn parish.

A Mary Heesham of Norton parish, Runcorn, was buried on 6 January 1834. This may have been Mary Jones. Thomas then married Ann Lamb. Thomas Heesom married Ann and/or Thomas Hessom married Ann Lamb on 12 March 1837 in Runcorn, Cheshire, England. The children of Thomas Hessom and Ann Lamb were,
(24) William Hessom (1837), christened on 13 August 1837 in Halton, Cheshire, England, of Thomas Hessom and Ann (24) William Heesom (1837)
(24) Edward Hessom (1839), christened on 2 June 1839 in Halton, Cheshire, England, of Thomas Hessom and Ann
(24) George Hessom (1841), christened on 14 November 1841 in Halton, Cheshire, England

(24) John Heesom (1815)
(21) Edward Heesham (1722) (22) William Heesham (c1750) (23) Thomas Heesom (1795)

John Heesom was christened on 17 September 1815 in Halton, Cheshire, England at St Mary's church, the son of Thomas Heesom and Mary of Halton. From Stephen Pickles: "We also believe that that Thomas [John's father] became a gamekeeper in his latter years. This is from the latter two certificates of the three marriages of his eldest son John Hessom (1814) [sic], who apprenticed as a baker in Liverpool then set up shop on his own in Birkenhead. We have traced about 75 descendants of John Hessom so far."

John married Jane Gadd in Liverpool on 23 September 1838. He was 23 years old. They resided on Liverpool. John then married Ellen O'Neill on 15 May 1853 at St. Peter's, Liverpool. Thirdly, John Hessom married Elizabeth Upton on 27 August 1864 at St. Nicholas, Liverpool. By 1871 John had moved to Birkenhead, Cheshire, but continued as a baker. By 1881 John was a widower again.

In the 1841 census . . .

John died of chronic bronchitis on 15 March 1883 at 3 Willaston Place, Birkenhead, Cheshire.

(24) Thomas Heesom (1823)
(21) Edward Heesham (1722) (22) William Heesham (c1750) (23) Thomas Heesom (1795)

Thomas Heesom, the son of Thomas and Mary, was christened on 29 June 1823 in Halton, Cheshire, England. Thomas Heesom married Emma. Their children were,
(25) Alice Heesom (1862), christened on 6 July 1862 in Astbury, Cheshire, England

(24) James Heesom (1826)
(21) Edward Heesham (1722) (22) William Heesham (c1750) (23) Thomas Heesom (1795)

James, the son of Thomas and Mary Heesom, was christened on 22 October 1826 in Halton, Cheshire, England. In the 1841 census of Dutton township, Cheshire as James Heesom, a 20 year old agricultural worker.

In the 1851 census of Norton, Cheshire as James Heesom, a 25 year old farmer's servant, of Moore, Cheshire. Thomas Heesom also lived there.

****************************

(23) William Heesom (c1795)

Perhaps of Liverpool, like his son below. A number of Heyshams who I've identified at being from the John Heysham Line moved to Liverpool. Could one of them be the father of William?

(24) James Heesom (c1825)
(23) William Heesom (c1795)

This is a second James Heesom of the same era, but one year older, the son of a William Heesom. He lived on Leeds street, in Liverpool. It was he that married Maria, the daughter of James Rowe. Stephen Pickles has obtained their 1856 marriage certificate (http://www.lancashirebmd.org, 2053LP/33/43, Liverpool, Our Lady & St. Nicholas & St. Anne), from the Liverpool Register Office. His transcription follows.

Registration District: Liverpool
1856 Marriage solemnized at St Nicholas Church in the Parish of Liverpool in the County of Lancaster.
No.: 436
When Married: 14th (?) November 1856
Name and Surname: James Heesom / Maria Rowe
Age: Full / Full
Condition: Bachelor / Spinster
Rank or profession: Flatman / -
Residence at the time of Marriage: Leeds St / Leeds St
Father's Name and Surname: William Heesom / James Rowe
Rank or Profession of Father: Flatman / Farmer
Married in the Church of St Nicholas according to the Rites and Ceremonies of the Established Church after Banns...
This Marriage was solemnized between us, Jame Heesom, Maria Rowe, in the Presence of us
Matthew Heesom his X mark,
Margaret Heesom her X mark.
Stephen says that Maria's mother was Mary and that the Rowe's came from Newton, Devonshire. What was a flatman? I suspect this was a boatman who used a flat-bottomed boat. Note the occupations in the census records, below. A warehouse porter, porter and canal carrier, and canal bank laborer are all related. A flatman probably used his craft to transport goods up and down the canal.

In the 1861 census of Halton, Cheshire as James Heesom, a 36 year old warehouse porter, of Cheshire Moore. Living with him were his wife, Maria, 24, of Newton, Devonshire, and children, James, 2, and Thomas, 9 months, of Halton.

In the 1871 census of Halton, Cheshire as James Heesom [Heeson in Ancestry.com], a 46 year old porter and canal carrier, of Moor, Cheshire. Living with him were his wife, Maria, 35, of Newton, Devonshire, and children, James, a 12 year old laborer at a Bone [garbled], John, 8, Mary, 6, Edward, 4, and Mathew H., 1, all of Halton.

In the 1881 census of Halton, Cheshire as James Heesom, a 56 year old canal bank laborer, of Moore, Cheshire. He was living in the house of his mother-in-law, Mary Rowe, 80. Also living there were his wife, Maria, 44, of Newton, and children, John, an 18 year old chemical laborere, Matthew Henry, 11, Elizabeth, 8, Sarah, 6, and Maria, 3, all of Halton.

James and Maria's children were,
(25) James Heesom was born in about 1859
(25) Thomas Heesom was born in about 1860
(25) John Heesom was christened on 12 October 1862 in Halton, Cheshire, England
(25) Mary Heesom was christened on 21 May 1865 in Halton, Cheshire, England
(25) Elizabeth Heesom was christened on 11 August 1872 in Halton, Cheshire, England
(25) Sarah Heesom was christened on 7 February 1875 in Halton, Cheshire, England
(25) Ann Heesom was christened on 19 October 1880 in Halton, Cheshire, England.

*************************

(24) William Heesom (1837)
(21) Edward Heesham (1722) (22) William Heesham (c1750) (23) Thomas Heesom (1795)

William was baptised in 1837 at St Mary's, Halton, Cheshire. In the 1861 census of Parr, Lancashire as William Heesom, a 27 year old railway laborer, of Moore parish, Cheshire. Living with him were his wife, Catherine, 26, of St. Helens, Lancashire and son, William, 6, of Prescot, Lancashire.

(23) William Heesham (1798)
(21) Edward Heesham (1722) (22) William Heesham (c1750)

William Heesham, the son of William and Hannah, was christened on February 1798 in Daresbury, Cheshire, England. Stephen Pickles: "We noticed one other headstone:

"Here lieth the Body of William Heesom of Keckwick
who departed this life January 1st 1846 aged 47 years.
Also William his Son who died April 7th 1894, aged 61 years.
Also Sarah Heesom who died Feb 13th 1899 aged 62 years.
She has found the rest we toil to find.
Also Thomas Heesom of Runcorn who died August 3rd 1903 aged 66 years.
Thy will be done."
There may be others that we missed. We will be checking a transcription of monumental inscriptions for All Saints', Daresbury, in the next week or so. We are also planning a visit to the Chester Record Office, where we hope to inspect a will (proven 1849) by Thomas Hessom, carter, of Norton."

William children were,
(24) William Heesom (1833)
(24) Thomas Heesom (1837)

(24) William Heesom (1833)
(21) Edward Heesham (1722) (22) William Heesham (c1750) (23) William Heesham (1798)

William died on 7 April 1894 at the age of 61.

(24) Thomas Heesom (1837)
(21) Edward Heesham (1722) (22) William Heesham (c1750) (23) William Heesham (1798)

In the 1851 census of Norton, Cheshire as Thomas Heesom, a 14 year old farmer's servant, of Heckwith [Keckwick?], Cheshire. His uncle, James, lived with him.

Stephen Pickles: "For what it's worth, we now think that the Thomas and Sarah on the third headstone were respectively the son and daughter in-law of William Heesom of Keswick [Keckwick]. Thomas Heesom married Sarah Bankes in 1861. You can find them together in the 1871 (and 1891) census in Runcorn (look under Husom if you're using ancestry - it's easy to mistake two ee's for a u)." Sarah Heesom died on 13 February 1899 at the age of 62. Thomas Heesom of Runcorn died on 3 August 1903 at the age of 66.

(22) John Heesham (c1750)
(21) Edward Heesham (1722)

He could also be the son of Edward. John Heesham married Mary. Their child was,
(23) Mary Heesham who was christened on 12 January 1791 in Daresbury, Cheshire, England.

John Heesham then married Hannah. Their child was,
(23) Humprhey Heesom (1798)

John Heesham then married Rosamund. A third marriage? Their child was,
(23) Betty Heesham was christened on 11 August 1799 in Daresbury, Cheshire, England.

(23) Humprhey Heesom (1798)
(21) Edward Heesham (1722) (22) John Heesham (c1750)

Humphrey, the son of John Heesham and Hannah, was christened on 15 April 1798 in Daresbury, Cheshire, England. Humphrey's age as depicted in the census varied over the years, with his year of birth ranging from 1794 to 1801. Interestingly, Humphrey started by claiming to be young in 1841, then aged rapidly through 1861, but returned to reality in 1871.

In the 1841 census of Grappenhall, Runcorn parish, Cheshire as Humphrey Heesom [Huson in Ancestry.com], a 40 year old [1801] agricultural laborer. Living with him were his wife, Ellen, 40, and children, Thomas, 12, Mary, 10, Betty, 8, and James, 8 months. Their eldest son, John, was 13 and, under the surname Hissam, was working and living with farmer Joseph Hewitt, also in Grappenhall.

In the 1851 census of Hatton, Cheshire as Humphrey Heysam, a 54 year old [1797] agricultural laborer, of Newton, Cheshire. Living with him were his wife, Ellen, 54, of Whitley, and children, John, 22, of Whitley, Thomas 20, of Lymm, and James, 10, of Hatton.

In the 1861 census of Daresbury, Hatton parish, Cheshire, England as Humphrey Heesom, a 67 year old [1794] agricultural worker, of Dutton, residing in "cottages on Hatton Common." Living with him were his wife, Ellen, 68, of Whitley, and son, John, a 33 year old unmarried agricultural worker, of Lower Whitley.

In the 1871 census of of Daresbury, Hatton parish, Cheshire, England as Humphrey Heesom, 73 [1798], of Dutton. He was living with his son, John, an unmarried man, 45, an agricultural laborer, of Whitley. Also living with them was John's mother, Ellen, 73, of Whitley, and a nephew, James Heesom, 9, of Hatton.

Humphrey died in October-December 1878 at the age of 80. His children were,
(24) John Heesom (1828)
(24) Thomas Heesom (1830)
(24) Mary Heesom (1831)
(24) Betty Heesom (1833)
(24) James Heesom (1841)

(24) John Heesom (1828)
(21) Edward Heesham (1722) (22) John Heesham (c1750) (23) Humprhey Heesom (1798)

John married Rebecca Mousdale. In the 1881 census of Hatton in Runcorn, Cheshire as John Heesom, a 56 year old laborer, of Whitley. Living with him was his wife, Rebecca, of Lymm, and a step-son, George Moulsdale, 21, of Appleton.

(24) Thomas Heesom (1830)
(21) Edward Heesham (1722) (22) John Heesham (c1750) (23) Humprhey Heesom (1798)

In the 1861 census of Hatton, Cheshire as Thomas Heesom, a 31 year old agricultural laborer, of Whitley. Living with him were his wife, Mary, 26, of Sutton, and children, Thomas, 5, James, 3, and John, 9 months, of Hatton.


Halton, Cheshire

Halton is a small village just above Runcorn.

(24) John Heesom (1806)

In the 1841 census of Wilderspool, Appleton township [though as Great Budworth per Ancestry.com], Cheshire as John Heesom [Hussom in Ancestry.com], a 35 year old carter. Living with him were his wife, Catherine, 35, and children, Thomas, a 15 year old gardener, John, 13, Mary, 10, Joseph, 7, Matthew, 4, and James, 1.

In the 1851 census of Appleton, Cheshire as John Heesom [Heenan in Ancestry.com], a 46 year old waggoner at the brewery, of Aston [possibly crossed out for Hatton], Cheshire. Living with him were his wife, Catherine, 46, of Higher Walton, Cheshire, and children, Thomas, a 25 year old laborer at the brewery, of Aston, and John, a 23 year old tanner, Mary, a 20 year old dressmaker, Joseph, a 17 year old laboer, Matthew, a 14 year old [garbled] maker, James, 11, and Elizabeth, 1, all of Wilderspool [?].

His children were,
Thomas (1826) of Aston John (1828) of Wilderspool Mary (1831) of Wilderspool (25) Joseph Heesom (c1834)
(25) Matthew Heesom (c1837)
(25) James Heesom (c1841/3)

(25) Joseph Heesom (c1834)
(24) John Heesom (1806)

In the 1861 census of Appleton, Cheshire as Joseph Heesom [Husom in Ancestry.com], a 27 year old brewer's laborer, of Widerspool. Living with him were his wife, Ellen, 26, of Latchford, and children, William, 6, and John, 5, of Wilderspool.

Their children were,
- (26) William Heesom (1855) of Wilderspool
- (26) John Heesom (1856) of Wilderspool

(25) Matthew Heesom (c1837)
(24) John Heesom (1806)

In the 1861 census of Grappenhall, Cheshire as Matthew Heesom [Hersom in Ancestry.com], a 24 year old basket maker, of Wilderspoll. Living with him was his wife, Sarah, 26, of Newton.

In the 1871 census of Latchford, Cheshire as Matthew Heesom [Husom in Ancestry.com], a 34 year old hamper maker, of Appleton, Cheshire. Living with him were his wife, Sarah, 36, of Newton, and children, John , 9, Arthur James, 8, Frederick Smith, 4, and Annie Mary 2, of Latchford.

In the 1881 census of . . .

In the 1891 census of Latchford, Cheshire as Matthew Heesom [Husom in Ancestry.com], a 52 year old basket maker, of Wilderspool. Living with him were his second wife, Charlotte, 47, of Warrington, Lancashire, and children, Frank, an 18 year old railway servant, of Latchford. Also living with him were his father-in-law, James Livesey, 81, and brother-in-law, Edward Livesey, 33.

In the 1901 census of . . .

Their children were,
- (26) John Heesom (1862) of Latchford
- (26) Arthur James Heesom (1863) of Latchford
- (26) Frederick Smith Heesom (1867) of Latchford
- (26) Annie Mary Heesom (1869) of Latchford
- (26) Frank Heesom (1883) of Latchford

(25) James Heesom (c1841/3)
(24) John Heesom (1806)

He married Sarah.

In the 1861 census of Daresbury, Hatton, Cheshire as James Heesom, a 20 yar old agricultural laborer, of Hatton. Living with him was his wife, Sarah, 20, of Aston.

In the 1871 census of Daresbury, Hatton, Cheshire as James Heesham, a 28 year old agricultural laborer, of Hatton. Living with him were his wife, Sarah, 29, of Aston by Sutton, and children, Ellen, 7, John C., 4, and Ann, 1, of Hatton.

In the 1881 census of Latchford, Cheshire as James Heesom, a 38 year old size [?] and hair dyer, of Hatton. Living with him were his wife, Sarah, 41, of Hatton, and children, James, a 19 year old Size and hair dyer, Ellen, a 17 year olf [garbled, fushian?] cutter, Charles [John C?], a 14 year old laborer, Ann, 10, and Arthur, 7 [4?], all of Hatton.

In the 1891 census of Warrington, Lancashire (this is just the other side of the river from Cheshire) as James Heesom, a 50 year old laborer, of Hatton. Living with him were his wife, Sarah, 51, of Aston, and children, John C., 23, and Arthur, 14, laborers, of Hatton, Alma L., 8, of Latchford, Ann J., 4, of Warrington, and a married daughter Helen, a 25 year old [garbled, fushian?] cutter, of [garbled] Cheshire. Below Helen were two sons that I assume were hers, Harry, 20 months, and Charles J., 6 months, of Warrington. Were these latter two illegitimate?

In the 1901 census of Warrington, Lancashire as James Heesom [Hersom in Ancestry.com], a 59 year old tanner, of Hatton. Living with him were his wife, Sarah, 60, of Aston, and children, Alma, 18, and Ann J., 13, of Warrington.

Their children were,
- (26) Ellen Heesom (1864)
- (26) John Charles Heesom (1867)
- (26) Ann Heesom (1870)
- (26) Arthur Heesom (1874/7)
- (26) Mary Elizabeth Heesom (1878). She was christened on 22 April 1878 in Halton, Cheshire, England. Did she die before the 1881 census?
- (26) Alma L. Heesom (1883)
- (26) Ann J. Heesom (1887)



1 - William Heesham married Mary Clarke on 5 November 1822 in Runcorn, Cheshire, England.

1 - John Heesham married Catherine Bate on 10 November 1823 in Runcorn, Cheshire, England.

Note: A Catherine Heesham and a Mary Heesham married in 1840 & 1841 respectively, in Runcorn, Cheshire. They may be the daughters of either William or John.

1 - John Heesom married Sarah Sparrow on 11 May 1829 at St. Martin church, Chester, Cheshire, England.

1 - ?? + Catherine (c1838) =
- 2 - Eliza Hessom was christened on 6 October 1839 in Halton, Cheshire, England.

James Heesom (1843)

of Hatton, Cheshire. He married Sarah, born 1840 in Hatton. Child was,
James Heesom (1862), born in Middlewich. Marrie Annie, born 1870 in Mount Heasant, Chesire. He died 1897 in Wolstanton. Their child was Gladys Heesom, born 1890 in Kidsgrove. She married William H. Simm. She died in 1954 in Kidsgrove.

1 - John Heesom (1810) 2 - Matthew Heesom (1838)

He was born in 1838 in Wilderspool, Lancashire. He married Sarah Smith. She was born in 1835 in Newton.

3 - John Heesom was born on 26 April 1860 in Latchford, Cheshire, England. He married Martha Nash. She was born on 10 December 1866 in Runcorn. He died on 17 February 1917, lost at sea. 4 - Maud Heesom was born in 1889 in Cheshire. She married Claude Brunt. She died in 1942 in Liverpool. 4 - Edith Heesom was born in 1887 in Runcorn. 4 - John Heesom was born in 1892 in Widnes. 4 - Frank Heesom was born in 1894 in Widnes. 4 - Frank Heesom was born in 1896 in Widnes. 4 - Frederick A. Heesom was born in 1897 in Widnes. 4 - William H. Heesom was born in 1899 in Widnes. 3 - Arthur Heesom was born in 1864 in Latchford, Cheshire, England. 3 - Anne Mary Heesom was christened on 25 July 1869 in Latchford, Cheshire, England. 3 - Frank Heesom was born in 1872 in Latchford, Cheshire, England. 1 - Henry Heesam married Elizabeth (c1875) = 2 - Selina Heesam was christened on November 1876 in Great Budworth, Cheshire, England. 2 - Priscilla Heesom was christened on 2 March 1879 in Cheshire, England. 1 - John Heesom married Martha. = 2 - Edith Heesom was christened on 5 December 1886 in Runcorn, Cheshire, England. 1 - Arthur Heesom married Ann = 2 - Sarah Heesom was christened on 30 January 1887 in Grappenhall, Cheshire, England. 2 - Eliza Ann Heesom was christened on 22 February 1891 in Grappenhall, Cheshire, England. 1 - Thomas Heesom (1856)

He married Mary Jane. In the 1901 census of Whitley Inferior, Cheshire, living nearby Edward, below, as Thomas Heesom, 45. Living with him were his wife, Mary Jane, 46, and children, John Walter, 20, Annie, 18, George Henry, 16, William Edwrd, 14, Joseph, 9, Samuel, 8 and Tom, 5.

2 - Anne Heesom was christened on 31 December 1882 in Lower Whiteley, Cheshire, England. 1 - Edward Heesom (c1849)

He may be in the 1871 census of Halton, Cheshire as Edward Heesham, a 23 year old unmarried servant [farm-indoor] of Benjamin Bennett. He was born in Stretton. He married Martha. In the 1901 census of Whitley Inferior, Cheshire as Thomas Heesom, a 52 year old. Living with him were his wife, Martha, 50, and children, Denis, 18, Philip, 15, Ethel, 14, Morgan, 12, and Jessie Maud, 24, and her husband, John Percival Charles, 25.

2 - Jessie Maud Heesom was christened on 6 May 1877 in Lower Whitley, Cheshire, England. 2 - Elizabeth Ann Heesom was christened on 29 August 1880 in Lower Whitley, Cheshire, England. 2 - Ethel Nellie Heesom was born on 15 April 1887 and christened on 12 June in Lower Whitley, Cheshire, England. 1 - Joseph Heesom married Catharine (Kate) = 2 - Elizabeth Heesom was christened on 28 January 1883 in Witton Cum Twambrooks, Cheshire, England. 2 - Ada Heesom was christened on 24 May 1885 in Witton Cum Twambrooks, Cheshire, England. 2 - Catharine Heesom was born on 14 January 1891 and christened on 9 April in Witton Cum Twambrooks, Cheshire, England. 1900-2000 1 - Edward?? w/Thomas his uncle?? 2 - Thomas Charles Heesom (1878)

He was born on 9 September 1878 in Lower Whiteley, Cheshire, England. In the 1881 census of Whitley Inferior, Cheshire as Thomas Charles Heesom, 4. He was living in the house of his uncle, Thomas Heesom, a 68 year old agricultural worker, and Aunt, Ann, 60. Also living there were Thomas' daaghter, Sarah Ann. 22, and her husband, Moses [?] Lawson, 23, and nephews, James Shaw, 9, and Walter Lawson, 1.

In the 1891 census . . .

In the 1901 census

He married Alice Holden on 19 September 1901 in Runicorn, Cheshire, England. She was born on 22 September 1882 in Lower Crowley, Worcester, England. He died on 20 February 1925 [or 1945?] in Latchford, Lancashire, England. = 3 - James Heesom was born on 25 December 1901 in Whiteley, Cheshire, England. He married Emily Wilkinson on 20 August 1921. She was born on 24 April 1899 in Daresbury, Cheshire, England. She died on 27 July 1978 in Daresbury. He died on 14 April 1983 in Cheshire, England. = 4 - James Arthur Heesom was born on 3 October 1923 in Darebury, Cheshire, England. He died on 24 May 1995 in Lincoln, England. 2 - Thomas Heesom married Annie Robinson in 1900 in Middlewich, Cheshire, England.

MR THOMAS HEESOM From the Guardian Series, first published Thursday 6th May 2004. Mr Thomas Heesom, husband of Mrs May Heesom, died of bronchopneumonia on March 7, aged 73. Mr Heesom, of Heathercroft Nursing Home, formerly of Woolston, was born in Lower Whitley. He was last employed as a caretaker at the Co-operative Society, and prior to that he worked as a fire and security man for 30 years at Thames Board Mills. He started his working life at a local farm, and had worked at Stretton Airfield, then as a dispatch rider. Mr Heesom loved country and western music and enjoyed travelling around the country to watch motorbike racing. He loved family holidays in North Wales, and despite his later lack of mobility enjoyed coach tours round England and Scotland, until ill health prevented him. He leaves his wife, two sons, three daughters and 11 grandchildren. A service was held at Woolston Church of the Ascension on March 15, followed by cremation at Walton Lea. The Rev Barry Dryden officiated.


George Heesom, John Heesom, Morgan Heesom at St Luke's Church, Whitley, Cheshire

Marriage: 18 Feb 1956 Christ Church, Croft, Lancashire, England Thomas Heesom - 26 Farm Worker Bachelor of New Houses, Lower Whitley, Cheshire May Clarke - 21 Spinster of 43 Heath Lane, Croft Groom's Father: Thomas Heesom, Farm Worker Bride's Father: Sidney Clarke, retired, Male Nurse Witness: James Endersley Isherwood; Mavis Hart Married by Banns by: H. A. C. Hughes Rector Register: Marriages 1950 - 1960, Page 15, Entry 30 Source: LDS Film 2068610



Bowdon, Cheshire

Ellin Heesom (c1680)

Ellin Heesom married John Ackerley on 9 March 1702 at St. Mary's church, Bowdon, Cheshire, England.

Townships of Cheshire

Davenham is southeast of Northwich, at the center of the Cheshire plain, and near the confluence of the Weaver and Dane rivers. Middlewich is further southeast of that, perhaps 20 miles from Runcorn. Middlewich is famous as one of Britain's chief salt-producing towns. Astbury is off the map, on the right, to the southeast.


Davenham, Cheshire

Randle Heesam (c1755)

Randle married Amey circa 1783. Their children were,
- William Heesam was born on 9 August 1784 and christened on 22 August in Davenham, Cheshire, England.
- Ellen Heesom was born on 8 November 1794 and christened on 21 December in Davenham, Cheshire, England.

James Heesom (c1780)
Randle Heesam (c1755) ??

He could be the son of Randle. James Heesom married Mary Fairhurst on 27 January 1808 in Davenham, Cheshire, England. Their children were,
- Emma Heesom was born on 4 June 1808 and christened on 10 July 1808 in Davenham, Cheshire, England.


Middlewich, Cheshire

Edward Heesom (c1740)

Edward Heesom married Elizabeth Painter on 20 May 1770 in Middlewich, Cheshire, England. Their children were,
- Esther Heesom was christened on 3 February 1771 in Middlewich, Cheshire, England.
- John Heesom was christened on 23 September 1772 in Middlewich, Cheshire, England. He died on 18 January 1783.
- Peter Heesom was christenened on 20 July 1774 in Middlewich, Cheshire, England.
- Edward Heesom was christened on 17 May 1776 in Middlewich, Cheshire, England.
- Thomas Heesom was christenend on 21 June 1778 in Middlewich, Cheshire, England.
- Richard Heesom was christened on 4 June 1780 in Middlewich, Cheshire, England.
- William Heesom was christened on 23 March 1783 in Middlewich, Cheshire, England.

James Heesom (c1781)

In the 1841 census of Middlewich, Cheshire as James Heesom [Hersom in Ancestry.com], a 60 year old agricultural worker. Living with him were his wife, Mary, 50, and children, James, 15, Lucy, 15, Nancy, 14, Jane, 12, Marcia, 4, and William, 1.

Their children were,
- James (1826)
- Lucy
- Nancy
- Jane
- Marcia
- William (1840)

James Heesom (c1805)

James Heesom married Mary circa 1835.


- 2 - Maria Heesom was christened on 30 November 1836 in Middlewich, Cheshire, England.

Astbury, Cheshire

Peter Hesom (c1760)

He married Martha (c1787). Their children were,
- Peter Hesom was christened on 25 May 1788 in Astbury, Cheshire, England.

Peter Heesom (c1834)

In the 1851 census of Newbold Astbury, Cheshire as Peter Heesom, a 17 year old farm laborer, of Astbury.


Chester, Cheshire

The only member of the family I've found so far that lived in the city of Chester.

(23) John Heesom (1786)

In the 1841 census of Chester, St John the Baptist parish, Cheshire as John Heesom, a 55 year old Army p [?]. Living with him was his wife, Sarah, 55.



Shropshire:

1 - Nicholai Heighsam (c1543) =
- 2 - Johanna Heighsam was christened on 7 January 1573 in Pontesbury, Shropshire, England.
- 2 - Nicholaus Heisame. "21 Apr 1601 Nicholaus Heisame sep." - Marriages, Pontesbury Parish Registers, Hereford Diocese, Shropshire.
- 2 - Anna Heisame. "18 Dec 1603 Anna Heisame, vid. sep." - Marriages, Pontesbury Parish Registers, Hereford Diocese, Shropshire. 1 - Richi Heighsam (c1532) =
- 2 - "02 Dec 1562 Anna Heighsam, f. Richi sep." - Marriages, Pontesbury - Parish Registers, Hereford Diocese, Shropshire.

Staffordshire

This family is interesting because they used the Heysham spelling of the name which may mean they were part of the Merchants of Lancaster Line. Note, of course, that Thomas and Johannes Hesham were merchants who enjoyed the freedom of York temp. Henry VI (1422-1461).

(14) Thomas Hessam/Heysham (c1500)
(1) Ralph de Gernet (c1050) (2) Vivian Gernet of Halton (c1080) (3) Brian Gernet de Hesham (c1110) (4) Adam Gernet de Hesham (c1140) (5) Thomas Gernet de Hesham (c1180) (6) Robert de Hesham (c1200) (7) Adam de Hesham (c1230) (8) John de Hesham (c1270) (9) Adam de Hesham (c1300) (10) David de Hesham (c1320) (11) Thomas de Hesham (c1350) (12) William Hesam (c1400) (13) Nicholas Hesham (c1450)

The descent shown is a wild guess based on Thomas' use of the Heysham surname. I make him a brother of (14) John Hesham whose son, William of Highfield, also used the Heysham surname. There was a brother, John Hessam, mentioned in Thomas' will.

Thomas lived through the tumultuous reigns of Henry VIII, 1509-1547, Edward VI, 1547-1553, Mary, 1553-1558, and the first years of the reign of Elizabeth. At about this same time (14) John Heysham (c1500) was living at Highfield. His mother may have been a Taylour. Thomas' will:

"1565 - Thomas Hessam/Heysham, gent., Butterton, Stafford; city of London 26 Morrison - from "Index of Wills Proved in the Prerogative Court of Caterbury, 1558-1583" Volume III, The British Record Society
City of London refers, I think, to where the will was filed, though he could mean that Thomas kept two addresses. Note in the will below that Thomas "Laid downe [30s] in London ton." 26 Morrison refers to the Morrison register, a subsection of the volume, named for the first will in it, that of Thomas Morrison, clerk. From the "Documents Online" page of the British National Archives, with a probate date of 16 August 1565:
Testam. Thome. Heysham
"In the name of god Amen, the Sixth Daye of Julie the yere of our Lord god one Thousande ffive Hundred three score and five I Thomas Heysham beinge meke of boddie But of ffull and perfecte Remembrance doo make my last will and testament in manner and fforme followinge.
First I bequeathe my Soull to my Savio'r and onelie Redemour Jesus Christ trustinge by that onelie passion and redemption to be purged and delivered from all my Sinnes and to Be reconciled to the favour of god the ffather and to be made in [Jesus methe hym] of his ever Lasting Kingdome.
Item, I give and bequethe to my Brother John Hessam twentie poundes.
Item, I bequeth to my Cosin John Taylour twentie poundes who hath taken grete paynes withe [mem] my sicknes.
Item, I bequeth to my mother my best [risniye] Cloake Together w'th thirtie three shillinges of reddie money w'ch I Laid downe in London ton [town]
For my ffather in Lawe to his Brother and Sisters for their Childrens portions, Item, I give to them CCCd Mr.[?] George Honnesbie owinge me.
Item, I begueth to my Brother Henrie tenne poundes to be bestowed of him as Shall Seme best to my Executors Provided nevertlesse that iff my saide Brother Henrie will not obey the honest [precentes] of my Executors Then I will that tenne poundes besides further money as they have bestowed uppon him shalbe delivered and distributed by [xls] [einsis] [yere] amongst the poore of the parrisshe of Button [Butterton].
Item, I bequeth to my Sister Elene tenne poundes to be paid to her at xxi [21] yeares.
I bequeth to my Sister Anne xl xjs xijal [I think this is short hand for ten pounds, eleven shillings, twelve pence].
Item, I bequeth to my Brother Roger [Essferd] xls.
Item, I bequeth to three of my Brother John's Daughters ffive poundes to be devided equally amongst them.
Item, I bequeth unto my sister in Lawe Margaret my Seconde Cloake withe an old angell [?].
Item, I bequeth to my Sister in Lawe Elizabeth an olde angell.
Item, I bequeth to my Father in Lawe xxd in a Tocken of good will.
Item, I bequeth to Elizabethe Hollande and Jane Dorman either of the [] an [yuglisshe] Gowne.
Item, I give to my ffellowe [kinsersham] my [feirde] gowne w'th an old angell.
Item, I bequethe to my m[other] my ringe withe the signett of my name and also my best gowne.
Item, Also I give to my systers my ringe of golde withe a white stone in it.
Item, I give to Jane [Distare] my littell ringe with the red stone.
Item, to William [Desstare] the three ringes that are [yoyend] to get [hers].
And ffurther I doo of this my last will and testament make and ordaine myne Executors my saide Brother John Hessam and my saide Cosen John Taylour to see this my last will and testament doon [done?] and performed accordinglie.
In wittness whereof [perme] Thomass Heysham This was acknowledged by the testator Thomas Heysham to be his last will and testatment the same beinge redd by me unto him he then beinge in perfect memorie, [witnesses signed]
The will was probated in London, but this was in latin and far too hard to decipher, except to say that John Hessam and John Taylour were made Executors. This is one of the earliest documents that used the Heysham name, though oddly Thomas Heysham's brother was clearly, and consistently, shown as John Hessam.

Butterton is a small village on a steep declivity about 10 miles northeast of Stoke-On-Trent, on the Staffordshire Moors. There are a wonderful series of photographs of the region at Butterton in North Staffs.

Thomas may have migrated from Lancashire, Cheshire or York. I don't see any members of the Heysham family in Staffordshire before him, and very few after. I'm assuming that before the industrial revolution people rarely migrated north.

(14) John Hessam (c1500)

He had three daughters.

(14) Roger Heysham (c1500)

(14) Henry Heysham (c1500)

Apparently a reprobate, at least according to his older brother.

(14) Elena Heysham (c1500)

(14) Anne Heysham (c1500)




Derbyshire:

I found only one early reference to Derby, that is before 1600.

John Essam (c1535)

John Essam married Issabell Cooke on 29 August 1563 in Pinxton, Debry, England - from the Parish register.



Nottinghamshire:

I found a few early references to Nottingham, but none for the Esom/Easam family.

(13) John or William Heseham (c1400)

The reference is confused, the given name being in one place John and in another William. On 17 June 1449 the administration of the estate of William Nepe, who died intestate, was "granted to William [John] Heseham, mercer of Newark, and William Crecy, of the same place." Newark-on-Trent is a market town in Nottinghamshire. The rivers Trent and Devon run through the city, as do the Great North Road and Fosse Way. At the end of the 14th century the town's population was about 1,200.

Thomas Hysham

"aus Preußen nach England; Empfehlung zugleich für Thomas Hysham aus Nottingham. Westminster 28. Febr. anno r. nri. 17. Or. Pgt. S. ab." - from "Regesta historico-diplomatica Ordinis s. Mariae Theutonicorum, 1198-1525" by Erich Joachim and Walher Hubatsch
I guess this means, "from Prussia to England; Recommend at the same time for Thomas Hysham of Nottingham, [at] Westminster, 28 Feburary . . .




Lincoln: Nicholas Ezum (c1540)

Nicholas Ezum married Alices Welles on 16 October 1568 in Coleby Kesteven, Lincoln. North Kesteven is the parish. Coleby is near Lincoln.

James Esam married Catherine Timberland on 25 March 1647 in Coleby Kesteven, Lincoln.

Margret Eashame (c1547)

Margret Eashame married Thomas Pearsone on 26 June 1568 in Gainsborough, Lincoln. Gainsborough is a town within the West Lindsey district of Lincolnshire, England. It is on the river Trent.

George Esam (c1575)

George Esom married Cicelie Paulmer on 21 September 1605 in Gainsborough, Lincoln.

Joyce Esam (1606)
George Esam (c1575)

Joyce, the daughter of George Esam, was baptized on 24 June 1606 at Gainsborough, Lincoln. She died on 24 July 1606.

Sisley Esam (c1611)
George Esam (c1575)

Sisley Esam married Edward Hutcheson on 4 July 1632 at Gainsborough, Lincoln.

Francis Esam (c1590)

Anne Esam (1620)
Francis Esam (c1590)

Anne, the daughter of Francis Esam, was baptized on 2 April 1620 at West Rasen, Lincoln. - 2 - William Hishon was christened on 5 December 1685 in Gainsborough, Lincoln, England.

1 - Sarah Hessam married James Cook on 21 August 1695 in Boston, Lincoln, England. 1 - John Haysham (1816)

In the 1841 census of Burgh in the Marsh, Lincolnshire as John Haysham, a 25 year old agricultural laborer, born in Lincolnshire. Living with him were his wife, Mary, 25, and children Edward, 1, and Henry, 2.

- 2 - Henry Haysham (1839)
- 2 - Edward Haysham (1840)

Warwickshire:

Hesom's of Warwickshire.

(21) Thomas Hesom (c1750)

Probably the father of Joseph and James, below. Thomas Hesom married Elizabeth Mayo on 21 December 1772 in Willoughby, Warwick, England.

"The last trust deed bears date 26th November 1827, whereby the trust estate became vested in Mathew Jephcott, John Malin, Charles Cowley, Thomas Cock, William Ellard, William Dester, Thomas Hesom, Thomas Hancock, William Crupper and John Cock, all of Willoughby, on the same trusts. All were alive in 1834; but Mr. Dester declined to accept the trust." - from "Parliamentary Papers, Volume 21, Part 2"
Thomas Hesom's share of the estate was part of a 6 acre property in Sawbridge, in the parish of Wolfhamcote [Wolfhampcote], Warwickshire. Most of the other men involved in the trust deed, above, were also freeholders of the parish.

In 1832 Wilkinson, the schoolmaster, was seised in his demesne as of fee and expelled therefrom. The property was the freehold of ". . . J. Malin, and M. Jephcott, and of C. Cowley, Thomas Cock, W. Ellard, W. Dester, T. Hesom, T. Hancock, W. Crupper, and J. Cock . . ." - from "Reports of Cases Argued and Determined in the Courts of Exchequer, Volume 2." The case is more complicatd than I want to get into.

Thomas Hesom was the executor of Thomas Ellard's will.

"Thomas ELLARD (1738-1822) [5793]. Thomas was born in 1738 in Wolfhampcote. He was baptised on 1 October 1738 in Wolfhampcote. He married Anne ALLWOOD [8024] on 27 July 1765 at St Nicholas in Willoughby. He married Diana CLEVERS [5179] on 3 October 1813 at St Nicholas in Willoughby. He made a will on 26 March 1822 in Rugby, Warwickshire. He died in November 1822 in Willoughby. He was buried on 17 November 1822 in Willoughby. His estate was probated on 23 April 1824 in Litchfield, Staffordshire. It was proved in the Diocesan Court of the Bishop of Lichfield and Coventry on 23 April 1824 by Thomas HESOM one of the Executors and Sworn to be under Two hundred Pounds. It was Examined with Probate 24 Dec 1830 by Rich WEBB and John SAVAGE."

On 5 October 1832 "T. Hesom, Willoughby, Warwickshire, farmer." was listed as a bankrupt - from "The Metropolitan, Volume 1."

(22) Joseph Hesom (1780)

Joseph was born in 1780 in Willoughby, Warwick, England. In 1820 Joseph and James Hesom, below, were freeholders in Willoughby.

"Hesom Joseph - Willoughby Hesom James - ditto" - from "The Poll of the Freeholders of Warwichshire" 1820
"The Bell in Warwick Lane [a pub], Coventry was kept by Mattew Jephcot in 1841 and his wife Elizabeth nee Hesom in 1851 . . . Mathew's sister Elizabeth Jephcot married Joseph Hesom, Elizabeth's brother." - from "Still More Inns" website.

Joseph was a bricklayer and had a daugther, Jane.

"Vol 16 - Page 527 - Lio/Bn B - Date 17.10.1843 - Groom's name Rathbone, Samuel - Age, status, profession fa., bac., brewer - Address Hertford Street - Father's name, profession Richard Rathbone, victualer - Bride's name Hesom, Jane - Age, status fa., spin. - Adress Hertford Street - Father's name, profession Joseph Hesom, bricklayer - Witnesses Richard Bayliss, Elizabeth Rathbone (x)" - from "St. Michael's Conventry - Marriage 1838-1846"

(23) Joseph Hesom (1820)

A possible son of Joseph (or James) Hesom. His children included Lucy, william and Elizabeth (probably).

"Civil Parish of Princethorpe, Eccl. Parish of Stretton On Dunsmore, 1891
Schedule,Address,Ind,Name,Rel,Married/Single,Male Age,Female Age,Occupation,Status,Birthplace,Special

"39,Cottage,1,Thomas Hesom,Head,W,71,,Wheelwright,Employer,Willoughby Warwickshire
Lucy Hesom,Dau,S,,32,Housekeeper,,Princethorpe Warwickshire
William Hesom,Son,S,30,,Wheelwright,Employed,Princethorpe Warwickshire
Lucy Cleaver,Niece,S,,11,Scholar,,Princethorpe Warwickshire,,"

"46,Three Horse Shoes Public Hse,1,William Shepherd,Head,M,76,,Licensed Victualer,Employer,Hunningham Warwickshire
Jane Shepherd,Wife,M,,66,,,Leamington Hastings Warwickshire
Elizabeth Hesom,Niece,S,,34,Barmaid,Employed,Princethorpe Warwickshire"

(22) James Hesom (c1781)

The brother of Joseph. He married Mary. The descendents of James Hesom include the Hesom's of South Africa.

(23) George Hesom (1811)
(22) James Hesom (c1781)

George, the son of James and Mary Hesom, was baptized on 22 December 1811 in Willoughby. In the 1841 census as a builder. He married Elizabeth Wade on 28 September 1841 at St. Andrew, Rugby, Warwick. Elizabeth was born in 1817. George died in June 1849 in Barnet, Middlesex. Elizabeth then married Owen Owens, and died in 1852.

Their two sons emigrated together to "Natal with the Byrne Settlers (in the NILE under Lidgett's scheme) with their Stepfather," Owen Owens, and their aunt, Alice Wade.

"It appears that Owen Owens's stepsons Robert Hesom and George Hesom* were both associated with . . . " - from "British Settlers in Natal, 1824-1857"
See the Heyshams of South Africa page for his descendents.



Northamptonshire:

(12) Nicholas Heesham (c1400)

Of Northamptonshire. Another descendent who wandered out of Lancashire. From the UK Archives, "Fitzwilliam (Milton) Charters, Northamptonshire Deeds,"

- 13 July 1445. "M aft F of St Thomas, M 23 Hen VI, "Grant by John Wittilbury, of Milton, esquire, to Edmund, Lord de Grey, Knt., Richard Welby, Thomas Sutton, esquires, and Nicholas Heesham, of his manors of Milton and Marham, and all other his lands, etc. in Milton, Marham, Castre, Thorpe, Paston, Wiryngton [Werrington] and elsewhere in Northamptonshire, with the advowson of Marham church."
- 26 Jan 1463. "2 Edw IV, "Feoffment by Edmund de Grey, Knt., Richard Welby, esq. and Thomas Sutton, esq. to Margaret Grene, wife of Henry Grene, esq. sometime wife of John Wittilbury, esq., deceased, of the manors of Milton and Marham, with lands, etc. the advowson of the church and the cemetery of Marham, which they had by feoffment of the above John Wittilbury, jointly with Nicholas Heesham, deceased."
By 1463 Nicholas had died.



Norfolk:

A Nicholas Hessham, of Norwich diocese [Norfolk], had a dispensation for plurality. - from "Calendar of Entries in the Papal Registers Relating to Great Britain and Ireland." This sounds like a cleric who was allowed to hold two benefices at one time. Unfortunately I cannot get into this document to see the date of this citation.

1 - Joan Hissom married John Amis on 10 September 1586 at Saint Clement, Norwich, Norfolk, England.

1 - William Haysham married Margaret Smith on 19 September 1646 at St Lawrence, Norwich, Norfolk, England.

Suffolk:

1 - Jone Haysom married Robert Hakon on 23 September 1560 in Hacheston, Suffolk, England.

1 - Roger Hasham married Alice Parker on 19 June 1670 at Saint Mary, Woodbridge, Suffolk, England.

Worcester:

1 - James Hasham, husbandman, Wchford, W.I., buried in 1584.

1 - Peter Hisom =
- 2 - Peter Hisom was christened on 6 March 1624 at All Saints, Worcester, Worcester, England.
Steve Hissem
San Diego, California