pluckleypast.com

Group Photographs

Click above link for Group Photographs

Index of People

Notes

It should be noted where no parish records are available dates given are a best guess.

John Buss 1830-1915

John Buss was Baptised on 11th April 1830 in Pluckley (parish record) the son of John Ashbee Buss and Sarah Attaway. He married Louisa Cox on 28th June 1851 in Little Chart (parish record). John and Louisa had 6 children, Sarah, Ellen, Alfred John, George, Mary and Frederick. John was buried in Egerton on 31 March 1915 (parish record).

George Buss 1859-1952

George Buss was born on 24th June 1859 and baptised on 7th January 1860 in Pluckley (Parish record) the son of John Buss and Louisa Cox. He married Alice Baldwin in 1901. George and Alice had one daughter, Annie born in Little Chart in 1900. George was a farm labourer and lived aound Pluckley, Egerton and Charing before moving to the Littlebourne area before 1911. He died in that area in 1952.

Mary Buss 1864-?

Mary Buss as born in 1846 and was baptised at Pluckley on 10th July 1864 (parish record) the daughter of John Buss and Louisa Cox. She had one known Child Louisa Smith Buss in 1887 and married Charles Oliver Hawkett on 27th October 1906 at Egerton (Parish Record).

John Butcher c1435-1488

John Butcher was born c1435 and died in Pluckley in 1488. According to his Will he was of Stonford in the parish of Pluckley. He had a son Nicholas.

Nicholas Butcher c1475-1526.

Nicholas Butcher was born c1475 probably the son of John Butcher. He died between 10th July 1526 and 11th September 1526 and was buried in Pluckley. From his will it can be seen that he had sons Geffry and John and daughters Edine, Thomasine and Alice. It would also appear that he had another son Nicholas who died in 1577. This Nicholas refers in his Will to his brother John of Mondfyld. This John is probably the one mentioned above. Nicholas names his wife Johanna (see below).

Joane Butcher c1480-1558 widow of Nicholas.

Joane was born c1480 and was buried in Pluckley in 1558. Her will states that she was of Pluckley the widow of Nicholas Butcher. It also tells us that she had a son Jeffery and a daughter Alice both of whom are mentioned in her husbands Will.

John Butcher c1511-1570

John Butcher was born c1511 probably the son of Nicholas and Joan Butcher of Pluckley and was buried in Pluckley on 5th October 1570 (parish record). On 8th October 1570 John made his Will. From this Will it can be ascertained that he was a weaver of Manfields. Pluckley and his wife was called Bennet, his eldest son was Abraham, he had three sons under 22 years of age, Daniel, John and Walter plus two daughters, Joyce and Sara. Following John’s Death Bennet married Thomas Waterman. Thomas died in 1597 (see probate record)

Abraham Butcher c1536-1603

Abraham Butcher was born in Pluckley (probably) c1536, the son of John Butcher and his wife Bennet and was buried in Pluckley on 24th May 1603 (parish record). On 14th May 1603 Abraham made his Will. From this Will it can be ascertained that his wife was Martha and he mentions six children. From the parish records it would appear that John and Martha had four more children. The children were:

  1. Marie (Mary), baptised 20th March 1584 (parish record).
  2. Martha, baptised 15th April 1587 (parish record).
  3. Elizabeth, baptised 20th August 1592, buried 16th September 1592 (parish record).
  4. Nicholas, baptised 7th October 1593 (parish record).
  5. John, baptised 10th August 1595 (parish record).
  6. Abraham, baptised 11th December 1597 (parish record).
  7. Elizabeth, baptised 26th May 1602 (parish record).
  8. Robert, mentioned in Father’s Will.
  9. George, mentioned in Father’s Will.
  10. Barnaby, mentioned in Father’s Will.
Marie Butcher 1584-1637

Marie Butcher was Baptised in Pluckley on 20th March 1584 (parish record) the Daughter of Abraham Butcher and his wife Martha. She married Richard Chittenden on 25th October 1613 in Westwell (marriage license). Marie was buried at Pluckley on 20th August 1637 (parish record). In 1603 her Father made her a bequest of £20.

Thomas Cacket 1647-1723

In the graveyard of the Parish Churchyard, there is a grave with the following inscription “Thomas CACKETT of this parish, 28th March 1723 aged 77, (73?). Left issue (2or 8?) (two) sons and two daughters. These stones erected by his son Thomas (his executor).”  (source: KENT ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY). Thomas was baptised in Brenchley on 4th July 1647 (Parish Records) and was buried at Pluckley on 1st April 1723 (Parish Records). Thomas married Catherine Cheesman of Horsmonden on 8th February 1668 at Tonbridge (West Kent Marriage Index). Catherine was also buried at Pluckley 5th June 1714 (Parish Record) and her M.I. reads “Catherine wife of Thomas CACKETT, 2nd June 1714 aged 69 and her two daughters Catherine and (Elizabeth Interred here).” In Thomas’s Will (PRC 16/381) (see probate records), he is described as a Victualler. He left bequests to his Daughters Mary and Margarete and Grandson Thomas. To his son Thomas messuage lands and tenements with their appurtenances in Pixon Street in the parish of Pluckley now in the tenure and occupation of Stephen Record.  Also a parcel of land of about 4 acres by the name of Moones field in the parish of Pluckley. Thomas was made executor and his son John received the residue of his Estate. The Will was proved 6th April 1723 but the matter did not end there. Thomas’s Son John took legal action against his Brother who he accused of producing an inventory that “is very defective and fraudulent”. The case was heard on 28 September 1727 and recorded in Papers in Ecclesiastical causes Archdeaconry Court of Canterbury (PRC 18/49/93).

John Chittenden c1527-1604

John was born c1527 and died in 1604. He was buried at Bethersden on 12th March 1604 (parish record). Although of Bethersden in his will (see probate record) John stated he dwelt in his mansion house “at Stanforde bridge in the parishes of Bethersden and Plucklie”. This is probably what is now Stanford Bridge Farmhouse. John married Mary Kingsnorth at Bethersden on 14th June 1557(parish record). John and Mary had at least 5 children including Richard (1574-1640) see below.

Richard Chittenden 1574-1640

Richard Chittenden was baptised in Bethersden on the 3rd October 1574 (parish record) the son of John Chittenden and Mary Kingsnorth. He married Marie Butcher at Westwell on 25th October 1613 (marriage License) and Probably died in Pluckley in 1640/1 (There are no parish burial records for Pluckley for this period). In his Will he is “of Pluckley” (see probate records).

Thomas Dale 1822-1899

Thomas Dale COWELL was born in Pluckley and baptised there on 11 October 1822 (Parish Record) the son of John DALE and Elizabeth COWELL. In 1851 Thomas emigrated to America on the “American Eagle” arriving in New York on 23 March 1851. He can be found in the 1860, 1870 and 1880 USA census records. He died in Fairfield, Bureau, Illinois, USA.

Following are some transcriptions I found on Ancestry.com. There is no source for these records therefore their accuracy and authenticity cannot be confirmed.

Letter from John and Elizabeth Dale, June 23, 1854, of Pluckley England to their son Thomas Edward Dale in America.

23 Jun 1854 , Written at Pluckley, East Kent, England

I embrace the opportunity to send you a few lines. Trusting in mercies of Almighty God they will find you well. Thank God it leaves most of us at present. First I write of our affairs, we live where we did and like it very well. I have a good lot of grafts this year. Most every thing is looking well about us at present. We are looking forward for a good harvest. Now Jane is living at Portlade, near Shourham, Sussex, this is her address. Mr. H. Mills, Houltam Square Portlade nearShourham, Sussex. They are doing very well. We expect them to come to Pluckley this month. Brenchley is moved. They are living at Saracens Cottage. Emily is living with them. They are all well. Mahala is living at Staplehurst and well. She thinks  of coming to America. A young man that keeps her company has friends there they think of marrying and coming out there at Christmas (looks like Michalmas) next. Thirza is at home and well. Will is at home and works at Sheerland. He wants to come to America. He is well. Elizabeth is at home. She is no better but very soon. I have no more news to send you about them at present. They all send their best respects to you and hope by the blessing of God to see you at some future time. And now as regards to ourselves we have a had scuffle to get through life. We thank god that we do as well as we do. Everything is very dear and likely to be whilst the was lasteth. Dear Son we are very glad you write so well of your master that you are in good hands. We trust you will continue with him. It is so much best to be under good masters. We are glad you have got some land and hope you will prosper with it. I have got my grafts about. It is very wet weather. Your Uncle Thomas Gray is living in Elgin, Canes County, Illinois. I don’t know if that is nigh you or not. It would be well to find him if you can. I have sent some receipts which may be of use to you. I hope they will. I have used them myself. I had them from Mitchell. You can no better “Perlicilon for a cow the balls” you know how to use. We have seen James Monk’s mother. She is very glad you mentioned about him. She wishes you to tell him they live where they did. They wish him to write. They are well and send their best wishes to him. From Your Affectionate Father and Mother

MORTARY RECORD Mr. Dale, although not well for some years past (having been a great sufferer from rheumatism) spent the Sabbath seemingly as well as usual.  In the morning he took a ride along the prospective route for the canal, as it crosses his fields, with his son Jimmie, and   at night he retired as usual, but soon after complained of pain around his heart.  At 1 o’clock his wife rose to administer to his wants, and wished to send for the family physician, but he would not consent for her to do so until 3 o’clock.  The physician called and prescribed for him, but saw nothing to cause immediate alarm, however he had only been gone a short time, when a cough, and a few severe gasps for breath, and the spirit had flown to HIM who gave it. Mr. Dale was born at Pluckley, East Kent, England, Oct. 11, 1822, being 76 years, 7 months and 25 days old.  He came to America March 26, 1850, thence to Onieda county, N.Y., where he lived a year and a half.  In 1851 he came to Joliet, Ill., and also visited the Southern states.  In 1852 he came to Princeton, Ill., and on Oct. 25, 1855, he was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Spargo.  In 1861 they moved near Tampico, Ill., where they resided for 7 years.  In 1868 they moved to his late residence in Fairfield, where they still lived at the time of his death.  Mr. and Mrs. Dale were the parents of elven children, five sons and six daughters, all of whom, with their mother, nineteen grandchildren, one sister in Oregon and three sisters in England survive to mourn their loss. The funeral occured from the house June 7, at 10 o’clock.  All his children with grandchildren, and a host of friends and neighbors, gathered to pay their last respects to the dead.  The services were conducted by Rev. J.J. Hales, of LaMoille, Ill., who after reading the 90th Psalm, chose for his text II Sameul 14:14, from which he delivered an able discourse.  A very large procession followed the remains to the Union cemetery, northwest of New Bedford, where they were laid to rest. Mr. Dale as a husband and father was kind and considerate, ever ready to assist a friend or neighbor, in time of need.  Since his disability from rheumatism, it was his delight to have his children come home for a family reunion, and many were the happy days spent thus.  At Christmas time he desired all to be present at the festive board, and if one were absent he or she were sure to be missed by father, and to those that were present, hearty was the shake of the hand and words of good cheer he gave them.

Families of New Bedford

Normal Hall, Joseph Kise, William Britt, A.H. Janes, Mr. Estick, Richard Meek, Jacob Sells, J.M. Draper, James Martin, J.W. Rose, William Adams, George Hunt, Thomas Dale and William Martin were new settlers.

Jacob Sells wife was the second daughter of Henry Thomas and the first white child born in Bureau county. This was the most trying period for the settlers of Green River.  Every thing they had to buy was very high.  Flour, $16 per barrel; corn, $1.  There were no schools or churches there at that time, although Rev. Daniel —————the settlement, J.M. Draper was the first singing teacher.  His daughter-in-law had the first piano in Greenville Township.

THE HISTORY OF BUREAU COUNTY Thomas Dale, Fairfield, was born October 11, 1821, in East Kent, England.  He is the son of John and Elizabeth, natives of the above place, where they died.  They were the parents of eighteen children, of whom half reached maturity; of these only one sister and our subject ever lived in Bureau County.  Thomas Dale came to the United States in March 1850.  He landed in New York and for some time roamed in Arkansas and other southern states.  In January, 1852 he came to Bureau County, Ill., where he bought eighty acres of land, which he sold and after renting three years bought 180 acres, where he now resides, and at present owns 420 acres.  Mr. Dale was married here October 25, 1855, to Eliza Spargo, a native of Cornwall, England and the daughter of Stephen and Elizabeth (Richards) Spargo.  She is the mother of eleven children, viz: Elizabeth, Thomas H., John R., William C., king J., Emeline, James H., Eliza J., Carrie L., Mary C., and Priscilla S. Dale.  Of these Elizabeth married James Nicholas and Thomas H. married Lora Chapman.  Politically Mr. Dale is identified with the Democratic party.

Daniel Mannis 1560-1624

Daniel Mannis was born c1560 (best guess). The name Mannis is thought to be a shortened form of the Irish name McManus. It is not a common name. In 1575 there was a burial in Pluckley of a Katherin Mannis wife of Robert. Robert and Katherin could have Daniel’s parents or another relation.

Daniel died in 1624 and was buried in Pluckley on 22nd October 1624 (parish record). Daniel left a Will. From this Will it can be seen that his wife was Joan and that he had three daughters, Mildred, Martha and Marie.

Marie was baptised in Pluckley on 18th January 1607 (parish record) and buried on 27th August 1628 (parish record).

Mildred birth is unknown, possibly about 1590. She married first Thomas Adgore on 23rd October 1615 in Pluckley (parish record). Thomas and Mildred had 5 children. Following Thomas’s death she married second Alexander Loriman on 11th December 1638 in Little Chart (marriage license, parish records of Pluckley and Little Chart).

Martha’s birth is unknown, possibly about 1597. She married first John Milsted on 15th July 1622 in Pluckley. John and Martha had 2 children. Following John’s death she married second Nathaniel Rachell on 23rd November 1630 in Canterbury (marriage license). Nathaniel and Martha had 8 children.

Edward John Marchant 1865-1935
Edward John Marchant, Xmas 1929

Edward John Marchant was baptised in Pluckley on 28th May 1865 (parish record) the son of John Marchant and Sarah Buss. Edward was buried in Pluckley on 8th September 1934 (parish record). Edward never married and lived with his sister Rosa at Parsonage Cottage.

John Gilbert Marchant 1867-1951

John Gilbert Marchant was born in Pluckley on 27th August 1867 (birth Certificate) the son of John Marchant and Sarah Buss. John died in Pluckley on 12th October 1951 and was buried in Pluckley Churchyard (gravestone in churchyard). He married Sarah Ann Roberts (1870-1909) on 18 November 1903 at Egerton (marriage certificate) and second Annie Elizabeth Adams in 1918 at Peterborough, Northamptonshire (Civil registration Index). John joined the Royal Artillery and served in India and South Africa. He had no children.

Stephen Marchant 1874-1901

Stephen Marchant was baptised 18 October 1874 in Pluckley the son of John Marchant and Sarah Buss (parish record). He joined the Buffs in 1892 (British Army Service Records). Stephen rose to the rank of Sergeant. He went to South Africa during the Boer Wars and was besieged at Mafeking and died from dysentery in Johannesburg on 17th February 1901.

Gilbert Norton 1594-1671

Gilbert was baptised in Egerton on 12 January 1594 (parish record) the son of William Norton and Susannah Sixweeke. It is thought that he is a descendant of Stephen Norton the Bellfounder of Chart Sutton who died in c 1400. Gilbert was a Taylor and was buried in Pluckley Churchyard. (recorded as Goodman Norton in Parish Record). Gilbert had no Children and by his Will dated 3 June 1671 (see probate section) he left a property (Norton Cottage in Norton lane, Bethersden – See Bethersden Buildings) to his Nephew Gilbert Norton of Pluckley and his Niece Susannah Norton.

Watercress Lady of Pinnock Bridge

There is a legend regarding a “Watercress Lady” at Pinnock Bridge. The legend is that she haunts the site. This legend is based on a fact. The Lady was a Watercress seller from Charing, a Sarah Sharp from Charing, wife of William Sharp. The following newspaper article records her tragic death.

“From: Faversham News – 19th August 1911

WOMAN BURNT TO DEATH

Shocking Occurrence near Pluckley

A shocking fatality occurred between Smarden and Pluckley on Thursday, the unfortunate victim being an aged watercress seller, named Sarah Sharp, whose charred body was found by the roadside and whose clothing – some of which it was subsequently found had been of flannelette – had been accidentally ignited, probably from a smouldering tobacco pipe.

Dr. Joyce, the Deputy Coroner for the Cranbrook District, held an Inquest on the body at the Parish Room, Smarden, on Saturday.

William Sharp, of Charing, identified several articles found near the body as belonging to his wife, Sarah Sharp, which she had with her when she left home about nine o’clock on Thursday morning.  She was going to Pluckley and Smarden, selling watercress.  She was 76 years of age and was in the habit of smoking.  He could not recognise the body, but he identified the shoes belonging to his wife, and also the perambulator found near the body.

John Maxted, a young man, stated about 1.45 on Thursday he was riding horseback along the road between Smarden and Pluckley in the direction of Smarden, when he saw a woman sitting by the roadside.  It appeared to him that her pocket was on fire.  She was holding her clothes in her hand and trying to put it out.  The woman did not say anything and he did not speak to her.  It did not occur to him that she was in danger.  He rode on about 200 yards to the farm of Mr. Millen.  He reported to Mr. Millen that there was a woman along the roadside whose clothes were on fire.  He then went on his way, but hearing shouting came back.  Mr. Millen was going down to the gate, and he (witness) went back the way he had seen the woman.  He also saw Mrs. Weeks and they all three went down to where the woman was.  He then saw the body lying in the road.  The clothes were all burnt off and he believed the woman was dead.  Mr. Millen had taken a bucket of water with him.  About a quarter of an hour had elapsed from the time witness first saw the woman by the roadside.  He had heard no cry expect the one he had alluded to.  After first seeing he woman he paid no attention to the matter until he told Mr. Millen.  Evidence having been given by Henry Millen, Louisa Weeks, and P. C. Clarke.

The jury returned a verdict of “Accidental Death by burning” and expressed the view that the witness, John Maxted, showed great thoughtlessness in not going to the aid of the deceased woman when he first saw her.”

Sarah was baptised Sarah Cacket in Charing on 18th November 1838 (Parish Records) the daughter of George Cacket and Sarah Oliver. She married William Sharp at Charing on 22nd February 1905 (Parish Record) having previously had two children. Sarah was buried at Charing on 14th August 1811 (Parish Record).