Shep's Place Family Tree

In 1838 John Wilson signed a petition to Queen Victoria for her mercy in favour of Smith Lucas, a 22-year-old labourer who was tried and convicted for stealing some corn, a copper pot and a brush from a house in Waterbeach.

Lucas was tried and convicted of stealing and sentenced to seven years transportation. John Wilson stated that he had known Lucas for 16 years. After the petition, Lucas was granted a Royal Pardon and lived in Histon until he died in 1904.

In 1841 John was 25 years, a carpenter, and his wife Mary was 28 years. They had three children: Ann three, Richard two and Charles S. three months. All were born in Cambridgeshire.

In 1851 the Wilsons lived at 93 Green End. John was a carpenter employing four men. Mary 37 years was his wife. Both they and their children were born in Histon. The children were Ann 13, a scholar, and Charles ten, a scholar. Also in the family home was George Tolliday, a nephew, four years old, also born in Histon.

John died suddenly in November 1880, aged 65. His will was proved on 6 January 1881. John was a builder late of Histon. The executors of his will were his wife Mary, son Charles, daughter Ann and nephew George Tolliday, carpenter.