WILLIAM HARVEY (I)

Birth records of William and Mary's children were obtained from the Torbryan parish records. I first estimated William and Mary's birth dates by assuming (1) that Mary was about 40 when her last child was born, (2) husbands tended to be a few years older than their wives, and (3) people tended to marry in their early 20's. This is confirmed by the 1851 census of Torbryan, which indicates that on June 6, 1885, William's age was given as 67, and his wifes age as 65. It is possible, assuming they had yet to celebrate their birthdays for that year, that William and/or Mary's birth year(s) are one year earlier than my estimates. Also, of course, they may have made a mistake when speaking with the census staff!

The 1851 census mentions that Mary was originally from Broadhempston, while William was from the neighbouring community of Woodland. According to research by Hilary Sutcliffe, there are still numerous Harveys in Broadhempston (January 2004), and the local marriage records indicate a William Harvey married Mary Peters on Sept. 10, 1811. The Banns of marriage were published on August 4th, 11 and 18th, with Richard Butchers and Edward Petters as witnesses. Their relationship with the couple is uncertain, but as Mary signed her name as "Petters" with two "t's" as well, it's very possible Edward was a member of Mary's family, possibly her father, though this is speculation. The other signatory on the Banns, presumably the vicar, wrote the names as "Peters".

In any case, based on William & Mary's approximate ages and the ages of their children, marriage date of about 1810 seems appropriate

The account of Richard Harvey & siblings from Pearl Benson mentions FIVE children: Richard, Mary Jane, William, Edward and James, all of whom emmigrated to Newfoundland at various times. The Torbryan parish registers held at the Maritime History Archives, and the 1851 census mention another two - Elizabeth & Henry. The two accounts can be reconciled assuming Pearl may have only known of the children who emmigrated.

See the family history for more.