Search for content in message boards

William Iiams (1640 -1703)/Robert I'Ans connection

Replies: 16

Re: William Iiams (1640 -1703)/Robert I'Ans connection

Posted: 24 Oct 2012 9:33AM GMT
Classification: Query
If your William was born in 1652 in Cornwall, he could not have been of this particular line. Thomas’ father, Christopher, did not marry until 1670 in Lancashire. And he had arrived there from his birthplace in Tradath, Ireland by way of his employment as a customs inspector.

Thomas was the first J’ans to move to Devon, to be customs inspector at Bideford in 1715. And all the later J’ans that appear in Devonshire after this point are his descendants. I have searched all the available data and not found any others. All this can be discovered from careful combing through the family wills and other documents in the National Archives. Because a William was born in Ilfracombe in 1757 does not mean the family was there in the 1600s. As I mention, Thomas came to Bidiford in 1715. All of this is on record.

Also, if you are looking for a Sir Robert J’ans, then, again, this is not the line. I do not have a copy of Notable British Families, but if they are speaking of this particular Robert J’ans, then they are clearly mistaken. There are dozens of references to Robert in the Irish archives and not one of them mentions that he was a knight. Nor were any of his descendants there. They were, however, mayors, aldermen, and sheriffs of Dublin, and well-connected Catholic merchants. Because they were Catholics they had property confiscated and lost their rights to the freedom of the city, etc. that they had enjoyed before.

The “research” you quote is very suspect. First of all Robert J’ans died before Elizabeth came to the throne. Second, as Whitstone was purchased from the Badcocks by Thomas J’ans, it could not have been much earlier than 1690. So there is no connection whatsoever to Robert who died before 1553, as his widow was mentioned in the reign of Edward VI. So what can it mean to say his “family lineage dated to 1640” when he died before 1553? It makes no sense.

Your best bet is to look at the name Janes in Cornwall. It has been a name in the area for many generations and they seem share the same coat of arms. You might find something there.
SubjectAuthorDate Posted
dantemortem 19 Oct 2012 6:28PM GMT 
dantemortem 19 Oct 2012 10:26PM GMT 
catoliveruk 20 Oct 2012 6:37AM GMT 
dantemortem 20 Oct 2012 2:24PM GMT 
dantemortem 20 Oct 2012 6:08PM GMT 
dimari1 24 Oct 2012 1:35AM GMT 
dantemortem 24 Oct 2012 3:33PM GMT 
per page

Find a board about a specific topic