Shep's Place Family Tree

The register for Potsgrove, 15 May 1760, describes the ancient ceremony of "beating the bounds" which meant walking along the parish boundaries. In 1760 the walk included John Butfield, dairyman, and his sons William and James.

On 19 July 1777 John Butfield signed and sealed his will. He was described as a yeoman and had obviously prospered. Besides retaining the Thorn property then occupied by his son James, he had purchased a farm at Milton Bryant, and held on lease from the Duke of Bedford, another farm then occupied by his son John.

The will was to executed by the widow Sarah and son James, who proved the will at Bedford on 2 June 1778. An interesting inclusion in the "Will of John Butfield the Elder of Potsgrove," is ...in case my said son James and my said Wife shall not agree to live together that then my said wife shall have the Choice of such of my household goods wherein I now live to and for her sole and only use and benefit As she shall choose....Also I give And Bequeath unto my said Wife my one horse chaise to and for her sol and only use and benefit Also as to all the rest and residue of my monies Goods Chattles and personal Estate whatsoever...I give...unto my Wife and to my son James Butfield to be equally divided between them share and share alike....

John left to Sarah one hundred and fifty pounds and the promise that she will inherit upon her mother's death "all those arable land Meadow and Pasture Ground and all other my Estates whatsoever situate and being in the Parish of Milton Bryant...by me lately purchased of Mr. Dickinson.

John inherited all "that my stock of Cattle goods and Chattles whatsoever belonging to me in the farm and Estate where in my son John now lives in Potsgrove and rented of His Grace of Bedford.

William, who apparently died about the same time as his father, inherited two hundred pounds.