Ancestors of Tim Farr and Descendants of Stephen Farr Sr. of Concord, Massachusetts and Lidlington, Bedfordshire, England


William HIGTON [Parents]. William married Mary.

• Baptism, 1 May 1625, St. Mary The Virgin, Wirksworth, Derbyshire, England. Son of Henry Higton at baptism.

William, who died age 36 in 1661, may have been the husband of Mary Higton, who married Richard Doxey #2946 on 4 Jun 1672 atWirksworth. No other Mary Higton is recorded in Wirksworth areaat this time.

Mary. Mary married William HIGTON.

They had the following children.

  M i John HIGTON.

Henry HIGTON. Henry married Mary GREENHOUGH.

Henry married Mary Greenhough on 16 Jul 1609 in St. Mary The Virgin, Wirksworth, Derbyshire, England. (Mary Greenhough died before 23 Feb 1638 in (Cromford), Derbyshire, England and was buried on 23 Feb 1637 in St. Mary The Virgin, Wirksworth, Derbyshire, England.)

Henry was the first Higton recorded in the Wirksworth parish registers at his marriage in 1609. The registers commence in1608.
NOTE Higgton

The following analysis of the British History of the HIGDON surname is provided by John S. Higton (JS_Higton@compuserve.com), a British researcher engaged in a one-name study: “Over the past seven hundred years there have been many variation in the spelling of the name. It is possible that there a is link between these groups and that the variations are due to phonetic problems encountered by those who tried to interpret our ancestors pronunciation of their names. An analysis of more than one hundred and twenty-five pre-1600 records suggest that the first versions of the name appear in the late 13th century with Higden and Hikdon. A major branch of the family appears to have its origins in Derbyshire, England. The first person discovered to date is a Stephen Hikton mentioned in the 1380 Manor Court Roll for Baslow, Derbyshire. Also appearing several times in the Baslow Court Rolls, during the years 1379 -1382, is Richard whose surname is spelt Hikdon, Hicdon, Hykedon and Hikden at different times. These references almost certainly refer to the same person, and as Baslow was a very small village, Stephen is probably of the same family. The next person I have found recorded in this area is William Higden of Cromford, Derbyshire who entered into an agreement to supply lead ore in 1491 at Chatsworth. This is the first mention of the family’s long involvement in the lead mining industry in Derbyshire. This is followed by several Higtons and Higdons in the nearby village of Beeley. In 1558 an Edward Hygton appraised the will of Ysobel the wife of Richard Wigley of Cromford. The Wigleys were a minor gentry family who held land at Cromford and Wirksworth. The Higton family then appears in the parish registers of Wirksworth,Derbyshire with the marriage of one Henry Higton in 1609 (My earliest known ancestor). From this date it is possible to follow most of his descendants both in Derbyshire and other parts of the country. The Higton and Hickton spellings also occur at this time in Hartington and Kirk Ireton. All these places are within Derbyshire and lie within an area, of about 15 miles radius, centred on Cromford. Early family members were involved in lead and lead mining in Derbyshire and it is possible that this mining experience may have encouraged some of them to migrate to the exposed coal field in Nottinghamshire, which lies between the Derbyshire border and Sherwood Forest. By the early 1600's Higtons appear in Greasley and Selston in Nottinghamshire, but this family seems to fade out. This was followed, about 1700, by the Hicktons in the same eastern fringe of Nottinghamshire. As Higton is a Derbyshire/Nottinghamshire spelling I think there is a stong possibility that your John came from this area.” In reviewing some early legal documents, it was apparent that the US original John Higdon was often spelled as Higton. This information was transmitted to the British John Higton who continued in this line of research and reported back the following: “My interest in the spelling of the name in 17th century Maryland is based on an analysis of all mentions of Higton/Higdon in the 'Family Tree Maker' CD's of early legal documents. Higton appears to have changed to Higdon over the first four generations. 1. John’s generation was Higton 18 times in 21 documents. (86%) 2. John’s 6 children were Higton 21 times in 35 documents. (60%) 3. The third generation were Higton 1 time in 9 documents. (11%) 4. Fourth and subsequent generations were all Higdon. (0%) The last occurence of Higton was in 1773. The spelling Higton suggests that he may be from the Derbyshire/ Nottinghamshire area as this is the area in which Higton originated and was most common.” Currently, the British John Higton’s estimated pre-US origin of Derby or Notts is the best speculation available. John’s statement “By the early 1600’s Higtons appear in Greasley . . . but this family seems to fade out . . .” is of particular interest. There is a family myth that the Higdons actually came from Greece. Not too much imagination is needed to hear Greece from Greasley—and the time period is right. Just wishful thinking at this stage—but maybe one day it can be proven true! Until then . .

Mary GREENHOUGH. Mary married Henry HIGTON.

They had the following children.

  M i William HIGTON.

Henry FEYRY [Parents] was born about 1479. He died in BET 3 JAN 1522/3 AND 24 JAN 1522/3 in Shefford, Bedfordshire, England, United Kingdom. Henry married Beterys FEYREY.

Henry had a will 1 on 3 Jan 1522/1523 in Shefford, Bedfordshire, England, United Kingdom. His will was probated 2 on 24 Jan 1522/1523 in Shefford, Bedfordshire, England, United Kingdom.

Probably son of Henry.

Will and probate of Henry Feyry of Shefforth. 3 Jan., pr. 24 Jan 1522/3. (2: 6)

Burial in churuchyard of All Hallows in Camelton (Campton); for his principal as is customary; to high altar of Camelton for tithes and oblations forgotten 12d.; to mother church of Lincoln 2d.; to the maintenance of the bells in CameRon 12d.; for two new torches there 10s.; for two new torches for chapel of St. Michael in Shefforth 10s.; to Dane (Dom) John Rackett subprior of Chyxsand (Chicksands) to sing a trental for testator los.; to the friars of Bedford 10s.; to cousin [?]Gromon a friar of Dunstaple for a trental 10s.; for a vestment to maintain the service of Almighty God in the chapel of Shefforth 33s, 4d.; for a convenient priest to sing for testator in Camelton church for half a year 4 marks.

Wife Beterys to have tenement in Shefford where testator lives for her life, reversion to his daughter Johan and the heirs of her body, in default to the use and maintenance of the chapel of St. Michael in Shefforth, and his (coffees are instructed to hold his properties to these uses.

To daughter Johan 2 chaffing dishes, a latten bason, a pewter pot, a salet, a little posnet, a pair of cobbards, 4 pewter dishes, 3 brass pots and a posnet, a great brass pan and another brass pan with a band of iron, a “Tynkkers” kettle, 4 candlesticks, a featherbed, a mattress, a salting trough, a table and a form, a plain coffer, a bedstead, 2 coverlets one yellow the other with flowers, a chair, a painted cloth, a pair of sheets “flexen and harden”, 2 table cloths, 2 towels and an aumbry. The residue of his household stuff to his wife Beterys.

Exors, wife Beterys and William Stockes, to whom his residue, Witn. sir Alyn Ewe, parson of Camelton, sir John Woodward priest, George Flynders, Edward Johnson, Thomas Warner.

Beterys FEYREY. Beterys married Henry FEYRY.

They had the following children.

  F i
Johan FEYRY.

William ILLYING died before 5 Nov 1524 in Thornborough, Buckinghamshire, England, United Kingdom. William married 1, 2 Mrs. Alice ILLYNG about Dec 1502 in of Thornborough, Buckinghamshire, England, United Kingdom.

William's will was probated 3 on 5 Nov 1524 in Thornborough, Buckinghamshire, England, United Kingdom.

Other marriages:
, Agnes

Archdeaconry of Buckinghamshire
William Illing, 1524 Thornborough
FHL British Film #88492

RE: Emailing: Illing
From: PMBott COMCAST (pmbott@comcast.net)
Sent: Tue 2/19/08 4:04 PM
To:  'Tim Farr' (dustyhills@hotmail.com)

This page just has bits and pieces all over the place. It begins with a probate of William Illyng that is in Latin. It has the name Joh(an) Illyng which is abbreviated but says executrix so it has to be a female, and with the “Joh” I figured it must be Johan. Then farther down are the names Thomas Beard, William Woburn, Robert Norise? (it’s blurry) and somebody Jakman, administrator.

Then a ways down it starts with, “...daughter (doesn’t have her name, it just starts in the middle of the sentence), a Bulloke & A shepe....” I’m not sure if this is the above William’s will or not because that is how the sentence starts with no heading or name on the will. Other names listed are a daughter Agnes, a daughter Elisabeth, and a wife Alice whom he makes along with John Illyng his executors. John Flynder Is overseer and the witnesses are Sir Thomas Herys, Thomas Halling (not Illing), and John Herys.

Then there is a testament of a Roberti Bernard in Latin. Then there are some more parts cut off and it comes down to the will of Willimi Illyng of Thornborough, Bucks (spelled Thornborowe in the will).
The date is 5 Nov 1524.

His eldest son is John. Then he gives to a son Henry and a son William
Then he gives to John his second son and to John his third son.
He also gives to a, looks like Jone or Jane, my... (there is an abb. mark on the name and it is real blurry) and the rest goes black, but this is not the end of the will.

This is short so I’m going to just type here what is on it.
Testamentu(m) Willi(a)mi Illyng de Thornborowe

“In the name of god amen the yere of o(ur) lord one (thousand) V (5) C (hundred) and XXIV the Vth day of Nov(em)bre I William Illing of Thornborowe to the mother churche of lincoln 2 pence Itm to the highe aulter of Thornborowe 4 pence Itm to the belles ther A bushell of barly Itm to John my eldest son(n)e A coulte of A yere olde & A shepe Itm to henry my son(n)e A colte of 2 yeres olde Itm to William my sone a colte

Itm to John my second sone A calf of a yere old Itm to John my thirde sone A shepe Itm to Jone?(abb.) my....and then it quits.

Mrs. Alice ILLYNG. Alice married 1, 2 William ILLYING about Dec 1502 in of Thornborough, Buckinghamshire, England, United Kingdom.


Jacob FARR Jr. [Parents] [scrapbook] was born 1 about 1758 in of Rehoboth, Bristol, Massachusetts Bay Colony, British Colonial America. He died 2, 3 on 22 Nov 1827 in Woodbury, Washington, Vermont, United States from suddenly. He was buried 4, 5 in Woodbury, Washington, Vermont, United States. Jacob married 6, 7 Hannah MUZZEY on 20 Jun 1796 in Corinth, Orange, Vermont, United States.

He resided 9 in 1800 in Corinth, Orange, Vermont, United States. He resided 10 in 1810 in Corinth, Orange, Vermont, United States. He resided 11 in 1820 in Woodbury, Washington, Vermont, United States.

Other marriages:
DAVIS, Phebe

Buys land in chesterfield 1782 from David Farr the grandson of Samuel Farr Sr. FHL film #15637 Vol. 30, p. 295

DEATH: His body was found on the side of a path leading from his home to Hardwick near or beside a pond, probably East Long Pond or Nichols Pond.

Hannah MUZZEY [scrapbook] was born 1, 2 on 18 Sep 1780 in Newbury, Orange, Vermont, United States. She died 3, 4 on 21 Oct 1841 in Woodbury, Washington, Vermont, United States. She was buried in Woodbury, Washington, Vermont, United States. Hannah married 5, 6 Jacob FARR Jr. on 20 Jun 1796 in Corinth, Orange, Vermont, United States.

Hannah was also known as Hanna Maggy Muzzey.

Appears in the will of Benjamin Muzzey as "Hannah Farr".

Marriage Notes:

MARRIAGE: Father was listed as Jacob.

They had the following children.

  F i Sally FARR was born on 8 Nov 1796.
  F ii
Hannah FARR was born 1 on 27 Dec 1797 in Corinth, Orange, Vermont, United States. She died 2 on 4 Jan 1798 in Corinth, Orange, Vermont, United States.
  M iii Benjamin FARR was born on 15 Feb 1799.
  F iv Laura "Laury" FARR was born on 7 Jun 1801. She died on 14 Jul 1860.
  M v Roswell FARR was born in 1805. He died on 14 Jan 1864 from of consumption.
  M vi Hyrcanus FARR was born on 18 Aug 1808. He died on 17 Aug 1878.
  F vii Hannah FARR was born on 25 Oct 1814. She died in Dec 1868.
  F viii
Betsey FARR was born in 1817 in Woodbury, Washington, Vermont, United States.
  F ix
Roxanna Sylvia FARR was born 1 in 1819 in Woodbury, Washington, Vermont, United States. She died 2 on 16 Dec 1855 in New York, United States. She was buried 3 in Schroon Lake, Essex, New York, United States.

Roxanna resided 4 in 1850 in Cabot, Caledonia, Vermont, United States. She resided 5 in 1855 in Schroon Lake, Essex, New York, United States.

BIRTH: 37 years old at death.

RESIDENCE: In the household of her brother in law, Serril Thornton, who married her sister Hannah.

Jacob FARR Sr. [scrapbook] 1 was born about 1733 in Massachusetts Bay Colony, British Colonial America. He died in 1788 in Chesterfield, Cheshire, New Hampshire, United States.

We know that this Jacob Farr is related somehow to the Bedfordshire group of Farrs in the Y-DNA Farr Project with FTDNA.

A descendant of Jacob Farr Sr. named Alpheus Farr, married Sybil Farr the daughter of our Asahel Farr and thus a sister to our Winslow Farr Sr.

We originally thought that the Alpheus Farr lines were not related to us because it dead ended with Jacob Farr Sr. and many said that he came from England. The Y-DNA evidence now tells us that all of the Farrs that descend from Jacob Farr Sr., are related to us.

His Y-DNA matches that of Stephen Farr Sr. of Concord, Massachusetts and Lidlington, Bedforshire, England. He could be an unrecorded son of Thomas Farr Sr., or Samuel Farr Sr., who are all sons of Stephen Farr Sr.

Another possibility is that he might have come directly from England. In looking at all the Vital records of Farr's on my Farr DVD 2 that has all Farr's in Great Britain on it from the 1500s down to the late 1800s, I only see one possibility. That possibility is Jacob Farr of Berkshire but we haven't found any matching DNA in Berkshire nor any connections to the Bedfordshire/Buckinghamshire Farrs.

This Jacob Farr is mentioned in a marriage record of his son Jacob Farr and Hannah Muzzey.

According to Oran E. Randall in his book, History of Chesterfield, Cheshire county, N.H., Jacob Farr was in Chesterfield in 1777, and served in Capt. Waitstills Scott's company.

Said to have come from England in the mid 1750s but because of Y-DNA evidence, that is highly unlikely.

I will continue to research all of the above and report when I find something.

He had the following children.

  M i Jacob FARR Jr. was born about 1758. He died on 22 Nov 1827 from suddenly.

John Lavern WHETZAL was born 1 on 1 Mar 1902 in Roberts Township, Marshall, Illinois, United States. He died 2 on 26 Jul 1997 in DuPage, Illinois, United States. He was buried 3 in Sun City, Maricopa, Arizona, United States. John married Flora Cecelia FARR in 1925.

John resided 4 in 1910 in Roberts, Marshall, Illinois, United States. He resided 5 in 1930 in Maywood, Cook, Illinois, United States. He resided 6 in 1940 in Winfield Township, DuPage, Illinois, United States.

Flora Cecelia FARR [Parents] [scrapbook] was born 1 on 16 Dec 1904 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, United States. She was christened 2 on 12 Feb 1905 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, United States. She died on 31 Mar 1961 in Warrenville, DuPage, Illinois, United States. Flora married John Lavern WHETZAL in 1925.

Flora resided 3 in 1910 in Chicago Ward 26, Cook, Illinois, United States. She resided 4 in 1930 in Maywood, Cook, Illinois, United States. She resided 5 in 1940 in Winfield Township, DuPage, Illinois, United States.


Ossian NYSTROM was born on 3 Jun 1907 in Illinois, United States. He died on 1 Jun 1985 in Zephyrhills, Pasco, Florida, United States. Ossian married Avis Margaret FARR about 1931 in Illinois, United States.

Avis Margaret FARR [Parents] was born on 30 Sep 1909 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, United States. She died on 5 Apr 1992 in Pinellas, Pinellas, Florida, United States. Avis married Ossian NYSTROM about 1931 in Illinois, United States.


Marvin Andrus FARR [Parents] [scrapbook] was born on 9 Aug 1852 in Schroon Lake, Essex, New York, United States. He died 1, 2 on 7 Oct 1915 in Cook, Illinois, United States. Marvin married Charlotte CAMP on 28 Jan 1886 in Schroon Lake, Essex, New York, United States.

Marvin resided 3 in 1860 in East Cleveland, Cuyahoga, Ohio, United States.

Other marriages:
FARR, Catherine Elizabeth

Charlotte CAMP was born about 1855 in Burlington, Chittenden, Vermont, United States. Charlotte married Marvin Andrus FARR on 28 Jan 1886 in Schroon Lake, Essex, New York, United States.

They had the following children.

  M i
Newton FARR was born on 25 Dec 1887 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, United States. He died 1 in Nov 1967 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, United States.

Newton resided 2 in 1910 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, United States.
  F ii
Barbara Charlotte FARR was born on 16 Feb 1906 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, United States.

Barbara resided 1 in 1910 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, United States.

Marvin Andrus FARR [Parents] [scrapbook] was born on 9 Aug 1852 in Schroon Lake, Essex, New York, United States. He died 1, 2 on 7 Oct 1915 in Cook, Illinois, United States. Marvin married 3 Catherine Elizabeth FARR "Kittie" in 1876.

Marvin resided 4 in 1860 in East Cleveland, Cuyahoga, Ohio, United States.

Other marriages:
CAMP, Charlotte

Catherine Elizabeth "Kittie" FARR [Parents] was born 1 on 14 Jun 1854 in of Beloit, Rock, Wisconsin, United States. She died 2 on 2 Jun 1877 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, United States. She was buried 3 in Beloit, Rock, Wisconsin, United States. Kittie married 4 Marvin Andrus FARR in 1876.

Kittie resided 5, 6 in 1860 in Beloit, Rock, Wisconsin, United States. She resided 7, 8 in 1870 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, United States.

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