I realise that this thread is now at least 4/5 years old!
I've been researching my sister-in0law's family and have traced one branch back to a Hezekiah AXELL (sometimes spelt EXCELL or AXCELL) buried in Heathfield, Sussex in 1859 aged 81, which makes his birth year 1778.
His wife was Ann (surname not known) and they had a son John AXCELL, born 1805 in Heathfield who married Tryphena Haffenden in 1827.
I'd be very interested in any links or further information.
Philip