1. THE MARRIAGE: of Thomas PITMAN the Elder (d.1717) to his 1st wife Rebecca DAMEN (d.1703) in about 1692 brought together two very prominent nonconformist families but little has come to light so far about Thomas prior to his marriage, apart from the fact that he was already trading in Dorchester as a grocer⁽¹⁾. From his will we know he had two brothers John and Samuel PITMAN and a sister whose son James SALMON is also referred to separately as his Nephew. I also think that he was probably the eldest son of Thomas PITMAN who died in Dorchester in 1695/6 but his body was returned for burial at Godmanstone; recorded in their parish register as:- ('1695: Thomas PITMAN of Dorchester was buried Jan: 22^th '). I have not however traced any will or letter of administration relating to him.

Holy Trinity Church, Godmanstone, Dorset


(Picture ©Copyright Chris Downer and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.)

REBECCA however was the daughter of Rev. Edward DAMER (1632-1703) the son of John and Joanne DAMMER of Godmanstone in Dorset. Edward had his early education at Bridport and entered Christ’s College at Cambridge as sizar aged 18 in 1650, and was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1653⁽²⁾. He joined the church and became Chaplain to the Garrison on Guernsey in January 1656/7 and was appointed as Rector of All Saints Church at Wyke Regis in Dorset in 1658, but like many of the clergy in Dorchester was ejected as a nonconformist in 1660.

He came to live in Dorchester in Dec 1664⁽³⁾ where he met Rev William BENN (1600-1680), who was also ejected from his living at Holy Trinity church in Dorchester, and was credited with forming the first independent church or chapel there in 1662. The church adopted Presbyterian doctrines and met at The Priory, the home of Denzil Lord HOLLIS (1598-1680) (picture right) . Edward DAMER is recorded as preaching in Dorchester and on occasion he even acted as steward to Denzil Hollis so was actively supporting the creation of the Dissenting church. Edward's mother (and Rebecca's grandmother) Joanne DAMMER was buried at Godmanstone on 20th Sep 1670 and his father John DAMMER wrote his will on 23rd March 1674. In it he leaves a bequest of £10 to each of Edward's children (inc Rebecca) and £3 each to Rev William BENN and Rev Joshua Churchill so I think it likely that his whole family came to Dorchester, especially as children of his brother George DAMER were being buried at Dorchester as early as 1672.

After the death of William Benn and Denzil Hollis in 1680 the Dissenters continued to meet at the Priory (also called the Friary) under the Ministry of Rev. Joshua CHURCHILL (1627-1693/4) who prior to his ejection in 1662 had been Rector of St Georges Church in Fordington. Joshua was replaced as Dissenting Minister in 1689 by Rev Baruch NOWELL (1689-1739) who became a close friend of Edward DAMER. It was during his very long 50 year Ministry that a meeting house was finally built in Pease Lane in 1719.

Marriage & Children: Sometime probably in the early 1660's Edward Damer married to a 'Rebecca' as she died in Dorchester in 1695 and the parish registers at Godmanstone record her burial as "1695: Rebecca DAMMER of Dorchester buried Sep 30th". Apart from their daughter 'Rebecca' that married Thomas PITMAN we know of another daughter 'Ann' whose body was also returned to Godmanstone for burial vitz:- "1692: Ann ye daughter of Mr. Edward DAMMER of Dorchester was buried here March 15th [i.e. in 1692/3] " In Thomas PITMAN's will, transcribed in the next section below, there is also reference to 'my sister' (i.e. sister-in-law) Elizabeth Damer who was therefore still living in 1717 and in Edward's own will he refers to my son John.

Rev. Edward DAMER died leaving a will dated 1st May 1701 which was witnessed by Rev Baruch Nowell and proved on 8th May 1703. In it her father refers to his Son-in-Law Thomas PITMAN and leaves Rebecca £50 and a piece if Jacobus gold. Thomas PITMAN is made a trustee along with Edward's cousin John Trevillian and his brother George DAMER of his house in trust for the benefit of his grandson Edward DAMER when he reaches the age of 21, or in default of that to his grandson Edward PITMAN. Edward Pitman, along with his brother Thomas Pitman the Younger, as children of Thomas and Rebecca share with others part of the residue of Edward Damer's estate.

Given Rebecca's background, and her families close involvement with the Nonconformist church, there is little doubt that she would have married Thomas PITFIELD in Dorchester before the congregation at the Priory, probably in 1692 by Rev. Baruch Nowell, but records of the church including baptisms of their children, have not survived prior to 1750. Even after they erected the chapel in Pease Lane in 1719 the original register is missing. There was only ever a very small burial ground at the chapel so the vast majority of dissenters were returned to their Anglican parish of burial, but Thomas and Rebecca chose to have burials returned to All Saints Churchyard in Godmanstone to join their ancesters.

CHILDREN: we know they had at least the following 8 children born in Dorchester. As will be seen below many of these died in infancy and 5 of her children were returned to Godmanstone for burial in what must have been her family burial plot as she did not join them until 1703 and her husband until 1717.

(1.1) Rebecca Pitman (d.1693) Buried at Godmanstone recorded in the parish register there as 'Rebecca ye daughter of Mr. Thomas PITMAN of Dorchester was buried here May 19th (1693)' .

(1.2) Thomas Pitman (d.1694) Buried at Godmanstone recorded as 'Thomas ye son of Mr. Thomas PITMAN of Dorchester buried' No actual day or month recorded but included in the year 1694 after April and before Oct.

(1.3) Ann Pitman (d.1696) Buried at Godmanstone recorded as 'Ann ye daughter of Mr. Thomas PITMAN of Dorchester was buried here Aug: 1st (1696)'

(1.4) Thomas Pitman the Younger (1696-1725) Capital Burgess, Bailiff and Mayor of Dorchester. Perhaps because they were twins and possibly frail at birth and unable to travel Thomas & his brother Edward were baptised together at All Saints Church in Dorchester on 26th Feb 1697/8, the only children to do so. They were both later beneficiaries under his fathers will dated 27th May 1717 and made joint executors, but his brother Edward died a month after his father which complicated matters for Thomas who was only just 21 years old himself. His father having been a respected member of the Corporation he managed to start getting things in order. First to be able to take over his fathers grocery business and continue trading he had to formally become a member of the Company of Freemen so on 12th May 1718 he paid the admission fee of 2 shillings and six pence to be accepted as a member of the Company of Merchants which embraced 10 trades, one of which was Grocers. The same day he was formally elected as a Capital Burgess of Dorchester taking the place of Robert Loder who had died in 1711. The Corporation immediately made good use of him as he also served as Bailiff of Dorchester in 1718 and must have been held in high regard as the Corporation members elected him Mayor of Dorchester for the year 1719. He served as Bailiff again in 1720/21 and on 12th Apr 1722 he signed an indenture taking his younger brother John Pitman as an apprentice.


There are a series of documents held at the National Archives which appear to relate to him to which I do not have access. I suspect that These relates to his role as executor of his fathers will and litigation his father was involved during 1707/1708 :

(Ref C 11/1725/4) Damer v Pitman 2 Bills of complaint dated 1722 and 2 answers: Plaintiff Edward DAMER gentleman of South Petherton Somerset a grand child of Edward DAMER Clerk deceased late of Dorchester Dorset) Defendants Thomas PITMAN, gent and John PITMAN aged 16 years (by said Thomas Pitman his brother) John Damer and Joan Damer his wife, Thomas Meech, John Trevillian and Luke Meech

(Ref C11/883/15) which relates to a Plaintiff Edward DAMER's Bill of complaint to the Court of Chancery against one Thomas PITMAN where depositions were taken at Dorchester in 1723.

Marriage:: Thomas appears to have married to a Martha about this date as there is a baptism in All Saints Parish for a 'Thomas son of Thomas and Martha PITMAN on 21st Dec 1724'. Thomas PITMAN the Younger (1696-1725) was buried at All Saints Church in Dorchester on 24th Nov 1725 and his place as a Capital Burgess was taken the following year by Nicholas Weare. Martha was buried at All Saints Church on 13th March 1746/7. I have not however so far located any other information about a possible marriage or what happened to the Thomas PITMAN junior baptised in 1724. Nor have I been able to trace a Will or Letter of Administration which I would have expected to exist for such a prominent person.

(1.5) Edward Pitman (1696-1717) See comments for his brother Thomas above. Unfortunately Edward died soon after his father, and was buried at Godmanstone on 18th Nov 1717. A letter of Administration of his estate was granted to his brother Thomas Pitman the Younger (1696-1725) on 15th June 1719.

(1.6) Ann Pitman (d.1699) Buried at Godmanstone recorded as 'Ann ye daughter of Mr. Tho: PITMAN of Dorchester was buried March 31^th (i.e. 31 Mar 1699) '

(1.7) Rebecca PITMAN (bap.1698-?) Baptised at All Saints Church Dorchester recorded as '30th Dec 1698 Rebecka daughter of Thomas Pitman was baptised' Nothing else known.

(1.8) John PITMAN (1706-1782) Capital Burgess, Bailiff and Mayor of Dorchester. He was said to be 16 years old in 1722⁽⁴⁾. Prior to locating the legal case I thought he was more likely to be the last child of Rebecca and that she had perhaps died following complications in childbirth. As expected for a nonconformist no baptism has been traced but he is a beneficiary of £50 under his fathers Will in 1717 and was apprenticed to his elder brother Thomas Pitman [the younger] Grocer on 16th Feb 1722 to learn the family business. He was formally elected as a Capital Burgess of Dorchester on 3rd Nov 1743 and served as Bailiff of Dorchester the following year (the first of 7 times he was elected Bailiff). John married on 21st April 1755 to Mary WAKELY at Winterborne Steepleton in Dorset and brought her to St Peters Parish in Dorchester to live. [Note:- See Section 2 below for more information about him and his family]

DEATH: Rebecca PITMAN nee DAMEN died in Dorchester but was buried at Godmanstone with her mother recorded as "1703: Rebecca ye Wife of Mr Thomas PITMAN of Dorchester was buried here April 13th".

There are several documents held at the National Archives to which I do not have access which relate in part to him. These refer to his role as executor of Edward DAMER's will and some to have dragged on for generations (see comments against his son Thomas Pitman the younger (1696-1725)

(Ref C 6/402/76) Damer v Pitman Bill of Complaint 1707 : The Plaintiff is an Edward DAMER infant represented by Robert ADAMS of Lopen in Somerset described as 'his next friend'. This is the infant referred to in Rev Edward DAMER's will in 1701. It is a case in Chancery against:- Thomas Pitman the elder, George Damer, John Trevillian, Thomas Meech, Luke Meech, Thomas Pitman the younger, Edward Pitman, Edmund Anstice, guardian, Anne Damer infant, John Damer and Joan Damer (alias Joan Anstice) his wife and relates to 'The plaintiff's legacy from his late grandfather, the will of Edward Damer clerk, of Dorchester, Dorset, deceased and the terms of his parents' marriage agreement: property in Wyke Regis, Dorset'.

(Ref C 6/357/12) Damer v Damer 1708 - Plaintiff Edward DAMER. Defendants John DAMER, George DAMER, Thomas PITMAN, Luke Meech, Thomas MEECH and John Trevillian

(Ref C 6/384/89) Browne v Pitman 1710/1711 : Plaintiffs: Nicholas Browne Esq. Mappercombe Dorset and Anne Browne his wife: Defendants Thomas PITMAN grocer of Dorchester Dorset: Subject bill and bill of revivor relating to the inheritance of the personal estate of Humphrey Larder gent, of Dorchester, Dorset, deceased, who had left his estate in trust for John Holland, of Loders, Dorset, intestate, with Edward Damer clerk, of Dorchester, Dorset, deceased, as trustee and executor. Document type: two bills, answer.

RE-MARRIAGE: After the death of his 1st wife it is clear from Thomas PITMAN the Elder's will that he had remarried to an Elizabeth by 1717 who survives him. If Thomas Pitman's 8th child John Pitman was born in 1706 this would suggest that re remarried about 1705. I have not so far however been able to locate their marriage or her death, or any other reference to Elizabeth. She was alive in 1717 as he leaves her £50, a mouring ring and one thrid of his household goods.

DEATH: Thomas PITMAN described as a grocer of Dorchester wrote his Last Will and Testament on 27th May 1717 and I have transcribed this in the next section shown below. In it he asks to be buried at Godmanstone by the corpse of his late wife and this is recorded in the parish register there in 1717 as "Thomas PITMAN of Dorchester was buried 24th July". It is also apparent from the Will that they lived in All Saints Parish in a property known as the BELL. Link to more information about the Bell INN later known as the Star Inn.

This is the Last WILL and Testament of me Thomas PITMAN of Dorchester in the County of Dorset Grocer made published and declared the seven and twentieth day of May in the year of our Lord One Thousand seven hundred and seventeen

Impremis: I bequeath my soul into the hands of Almighty God hoping for pardon of my sins and desire my body may be buried at Godmanstone by the corps [corpse] of my late wife AND that a Tombstone may be set over my grave of the value of ten pounds or there abouts

Item: I give to my loving wife fifty pounds of lawful money of Great Britain to buy her mourning:

Item: I give to my son John fifty pounds of lawful money to be paid within six months after my decease.

Item: I give to my Nephew James SALMON one hundred pounds to be paid him within one year after my decease

Item: I give to Baruch NOWELL of Dorchester aforesaid ten pounds of lawful money to be paid him within six months after my decease

Item: I give to my wife a mourning Ring of a guinea value

Item: I give to the several persons hereafter named (that is to say) the said Baruch NOWELL, my Brothers John PITMAN and Samuel PITMAN, my sister SALMON, her son James SALMON, my Cousin Samuel WALTER, my sister Elizabeth DAMER, my Cousins John TREVILLIAN, Melliscent CEELY, Joseph DAMER of Dorchester and Elizabeth DAMER his sister to each of them a Mourning Ring of fourteen shillings value

Whereas: the House I now live in is and stands settled upon myself for life, Remainder to my son Thomas in tays [entailed], Remainder to my son Edward entailed with remainder over, my will is that any house adjoining thereto commonly called the 'BELL', one part whereof is now a Warehouse, and the other part a Malthouse, shall be held and enjoyed by such person or persons as shall during the term which I have therein be seized of the inheritance of the said house which I now live in, To which end I give and bequeath the said house called the ''BELL'' together with the leaden cistern therein AND all and singular other the appurtenances to the said last mentioned house belonging to the said Buruch NOWELL, Joseph DAMER and Samuel PITMAN their executors and administrators during the remainder of my term therein In Trust that they from time to time during the reminder of the said term shall permit such person and persons as shall from time to time be seized of the inheritance of the said house to hold and enjoy the said house called the BELL together with the said Cistern and other the appurtenances to his and their own use.

Item: I give all my plate and household goods (except such goods as belong to my Trade to Elizabeth my wife and my sons Thomas PITMAN, and Edward PITMAN to be equally divided between them.

Item: I give to to Mr Thomas COOPER the elder a Mourning Ring of fourteen shillings value;

Item: I give all the rest and residue of my goods chattels rights and credits to my said two sons Thomas PITMAN and Edward PITMAN and do constitute and appoint the said Thomas PITMAN and Edward PITMAN to be joint executors.

Signed by Thomas PITMAN in presence if George DAMER, Eliza DAMER, Thomas SWAFFIELD

PROBATE of this written testament was granted at London before Venerable Rev Charles PINFOLD Doctor at Law surrogate of John Bettesworth Dr of Law of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury etc. ----etc. administration granted to Thomas PITMAN son of the deceased dated 18th day in the month of November 1717

John PITMAN (c1706-1782) was the 8th known child of Thomas PITMAN the Elder (d.1717). John was said to be 16 years old in 1722 ⁽⁴⁾. If this is correct he is likely to be the son of Elizabeth Thomas Pitman's second wife. As his father Thomas was a nonconformist, baptism would have been before the dissenters congregation at the Priory for which no registers have survived prior to 1750. John was however a beneficiary of £50 under his fathers Will in 1717 and was apprenticed to his elder brother Thomas Pitman [the younger] on 16th Feb 1722 to learn the family business of a grocer. He was formally elected as a Capital Burgess of Dorchester on 3rd Nov 1743 and served as Bailiff of Dorchester the following year (the first of 7 times he was elected Bailiff). He was elected Mayor of Dorchester for the first time in 1746 (and twice more in 1758 and 1768).

St Michael's Church, Winterbourne Steepleton, Dorset


(Picture ©Copyright Michael Garlick and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.)

MARRIAGE: John PITMAN married by licence in the parish of Winterborne Steepleton at the church of St Michael and All Angels to Mary WAKELY a spinster on 21st day of April 1755. He brought her to Dorchester to live in St Peters Parish and they had the following children baptised there:-

(2.1) Mary Pitman (1756-1834) Bap St Peters Church Dorchester on 15th Mar 1756, beneficiary under her fathers Will in 1782, and executrix with her sister Ann of her mothers Will dated 1789 and proved in 1793. She remained a spinster and died at Bourton in Dorset and her burial is recorded in the burial register of St George's chapel ⁽⁶⁾ on 10th March 1834 when her age was given as being 78.

(2.2) Elizabeth Pitman (1757-1758) Bap St Peters Church on 2nd May 1757 and buried there on 17th Aug 1758

(2.3) Ann Pitman (1759-1808) Bap St Peters 13th July 1759, beneficiary under her fathers will in 1782. She married  Robert CRITCHELL Junior (1765-1803) at St Peters Church in Dorchester on 2nd Oct 1792. Beneficiary and executrix with her elder sister Mary of her mothers Will dated in 1789 which they proved in 1793.

(2.4) John Pitman (1761-1835) Bap St Peters 22nd May 1761, beneficiary under his fathers will in 1782 when left 'all copyhold lands tenements and hereditaments situate within and parcel of the Manor of Forthington'. He married Sarah BURNARD (1765-1827) at Colyton in Devon on 12th July 1792. They had 7 children. Sarah was buried at St Peters Church on 27th Sep 1827 aged 62 years. Follow link to Section 3 below for more information about their family

(2.5) Catherine Pitman (1763-aft 1792) Bap St Peters 17th Mar 1763, beneficiary under her fathers will in 1782 and her mothers Will written in 1789 and proved in 1793. She married by licence to Edward BURNARD of Colliton in Devon at Winterborne Monkton in Dorset on 2nd Jan 1792 witnessed by her elder sister Mary Pitman.

(2.6) William Pitman (1768-aft 1789) Bap St Peters 4th Oct 1768, beneficiary under her fathers will in 1782 and his mothers Will when proved in 1793. As far as I can see he is the William PITMAN that married Elizabeth NORMAN in the adjoining parish of Holy Trinity in Dorchester on 26th Dec 1785. I have not so far however located any other information about them.

John PITMAN (1706-1782) (according to Hutchins) died June 12 1782 and was buried at St Peters Church in Dorchester on the 17th when his age was given as being 78. He left a Will which I have transcribed in the next section below. He made his wife Mary PITMAN nee WAKELY sole executrix.

In the Name of God Amen This is the Last Will Testament of me John PITMAN of Dorchester in the County of Dorset Gentleman made and published this twenty fifth day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty one

After commending my soul into the hands of Almighty God and my body to a decent Internment at the discretion of my Executrix herein after named I give and dispose of my estate and effects in manner and form following

First: I direct that all my debts be fully paid

Item: I give and bequeath to my dear wife for her life the use, but not the disposing of, property of, all my household goods plate china Linen and furniture of every kind, and after her decease I give the same to and amongst all my five children Mary, John, Ann, Catherine, and William PITMAN share and share alike the same to be divided by and at the discretion of my good friends William CUMMINS of Dorchester Doctor of Physic and the Rev Nathaniel Templeman of the same place Clerk and the survivor of them his executors and administrators and to be occupied by my said children accordingly.

Also I give: to my dear wife all my stock of coals and liqueurs of every kind for her absolute use and benefit and Whereas I have contracted with the Corporation of Dorchester aforesaid for the purchase of three lives in the Dwelling House wherein I now dwell Now in case I shall not complete such purchase in my life time I direct that the purchase money for the same be raised out of the Residue of my estate and effects herein after bequeathed and the said premises be conveyed to my dear wife her executors administrators and assigns for the term and interest so contracted for to whom I give the benefit of the said contract and in case the premises are conveyed to me in my life time I give the same to my said dear wife her executors administrators and assigns for all my estate and interest therein at my decease And I do hereby declare that the bequest of the benefit of the said contract to my said dear wife and of the said lease and premises in case the same shall be conveyed to me in my life time on this trust and confidence following (that is to say)

In TRUST: at her discretion if she shall think fit and at any time to sell and dispose of the said leasehold premises for the purposes of this my will declaring nevertheless that the receipt of my said wife shall be a good and effectual discharge without subjecting the purchaser to look to the application of the purchase money And I also direct that the money arising by such sale be by my said wife put out at interest on Government or other securities and such interest or produce be applied to and retained by my said dear wife during her life and after her decease I give the said principal money arising by such sale to and amongst my said 5 children Mary, John, Ann, Catherine and William share and share alike and in the meantime and until such sale or in default thereof I bequeath the said leasehold premises to my said dear wife for her life, and after her death I bequeath the same to all my said 5 children equally share and share alike providing always that in case any of my said children shall die in the lifetime of my said wife then I give and bequeath the share of such child or children so dying to and amongst my surviving children, and the issue of any such of my child or children that shall be then dead but the issue of such deceased child or children are to be only entitled to their respective parents share of the several estates moneys and effects herein before mentioned

Item: I direct that my executrix do apply such sum arising out of and from my personal estate and effects herein after bequeathed as she shall think fit for the apprenticing my said son William and yearly maintenance during his apprenticeship, which sums so paid and disbursed shall be deemed part of and deducted from the other provision made by this my will for my said son William

Item: I give and bequeath all my copyhold lands tenements and hereditaments situate within and parcel of the Manor of Forthington in the County of Dorset (subject to the estate and interest of my dear wife therein at my decease to my son John PITMAN and his assigns during his life and from and after his decease I devise the same to my son William PITMAN and his assigns for and during all my then estate and interest in the premises

All the Rest: and residue of my money, securities for money, arrears of rent, cattle, corn, grain, hay, implements of husbandry, trees, plantations and stock in gardening of every kind and all other my personal estate and effects whatsoever and wheresoever and of what nature or kind soever subject to my said debts and other charges in this my will I give and bequeath to my said dear wife for her absolute benefit and appoint her sole executrix of this my Will and I do hereby recommend her to the kind assistance and advice of my two good friends Dr CUMMING and the Reverend Mr Nathaniel TEMPLEMAN between whom and me there hath subsisted a long friendship and which advice and assistance I request of them whenever she hath occasion for her carrying into execution the purpose of this my will and whatever my said friends may advise is my will and directions that the same be observed and acquainted in by all my children.

In Witness: whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year above written John PITMAN

Signed Sealed Published and Declared by the said Testator : John PITMAN as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who at his request and in his presence and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as Witnesses
John TEMPLEMAN; Thomas GOULD READ; Mary BIDDLESCOMBE Servant to Mr PITMAN

PROBATE: THIS WILL was proved at London the seventh day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty four before the Right Worshipful Peter CALVERT Doctor of Laws Master Keeper of Commissary of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury lawfully constituted by the oath of Mary PITMAN Widow the Relict of the deceased and sole executrix named in the said Will to whom administration was granted of all and singular the goods chattels and credits of the said deceased she having been first sworn by Commission duly to administer

Will of Mary PITMAN Widow of Dorchester
Dated 19th March 1789 : Buried 14th May 1790 : Proved 25th April 1793 DHC Bc/W/P Event record 87

In the Name of God Amen: This is the last Will and Testament of me Mary PITMAN of Dorchester in the County of Dorset Widow made and published this nineteenth day of March in the year of our Lord Christ one thousand seven hundred and eighty three

Whereas: Joan the wife of Thomas GILBERT Gentleman deceased by her last will and Testament in pursuance of a power in her vested did bequeath (after the decease of her said husband) to and amongst my three younger children three hundred pounds equally or to the survivor of them or the legal representative of such survivor and the sum of one hundred and fifty pounds to my daughter Mary, And

Whereas: My late dear husband in and by his last Will and Testament bequeathed to me all the residue of his personal estate and affects ⁽⁵⁾, And

Whereas: Elizabeth PITMAN one of my three younger children died soon after the said Joan and in the life time of the said Thomas GILBERT. NOW I do hereby give and bequeath unto my two daughters Mary and Ann PITMAN All such residue of my said late Husbands personal estate and all other my own personal estate and effects whatsoever and of what kind soever whereof I shall die possessed In Trust in the first place to pay to my daughter Catherine and son William and each of them so much thereof as shall equal the legacies my other younger children Ann and John PITMAN are entitled to under the will of the said Joan GILBERT In order that particular to render a fair equivalent and proportion between my said daughter Catherine and son William and my other younger children Ann and John PITMAN, And

To Pay: the remainder of may said personal estate and affects (if any) to my four children Mary, Ann, Catherine and William share and share alike.

Item:I devise and bequeath unto my said two daughters Mary and Ann their heirs executors and administrators All Those Land sand Tenements and Hereditaments called 'Blackmores' or by what other name or names the same are called or known with their rights members and appurtenances situate in the parish of Whitchurch Canonicorum or elsewhere in the said County of Dorset for all my Right Title Interest Equity of Redemption estate and claim therein In Trust to sell and dispose of the same and the money arising by such sale in the first place to apply in the discharge of the principal and interest due to the representatives of the said Thomas GILFORD on a Mortgage of the said premises and then to supply and pay to my said children Catherine and William any deficiency in my personal estate and affects above mentioned to complete and make good the said Legacies and Bequests to my said children Catherine and William and then the residue and remainder of the money arising from such sale or sales to pay to and amongst themselves the said Mary & Ann and my said other children Catherine and William share and share alike AND I do direct that the receipt or receipts of my said daughters Mary and Ann their respective heirs executors or administrators for the consideration or purchase money in any sale or sales under this my will shall be a good and effectual discharge to any purchaser or purchasers without such purchasers being chargeable or liable to answer for the application or misapplication or non-application of such purchase money and that to the said Mary and Ann PITMAN their respective heirs executors and administrators shall and may from time to time out of the estate and effects hereby vested in them or any part thereof reimburse herself and themselves all costs and expenses unclaimed and incurred in the execution of the several trusts hereby vested in them and that one of them shall not be answerable for the act deed or receipt of the other of them, And

Lastly I appoint my said two daughters Mary and Ann PITMAN executrix’s of this my Last Will Witness my hand and seal the day and year above written

Mary PITMAN

Signed sealed published and declared by the testator to be her last will and testament in the presence of us who at the same time subscribed our names as witnesses at her request in her presence and in the presence of each other W CUMMING; John TEMPLEMAN; Mary SMITH
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Codicil to the Will of Mary PITMAN 1789
Dated 28th September 1789




I Mary PITMAN of Dorchester in the County of Dorset Widow do this twenty eighth day of September one thousand seven hundred and eighty nine make and publish this Codicil to my late Will and Testament before written

Whereas: since the execution of my last will and testament I have settled ALL Accounts with the representative of Thomas GILBERT in respect to the principal and interest due and owing to them of certain Lands and Tenements called 'Blackmores' situate in the parish of Whitchurch Canonicorum in the said County of Dorset and the mortgage term has been duly assigned to my trustee, and I am now in possession of the rents and profits thereof NOW I DO by this my Codicil give devise and bequeath the same estate called 'Blackmores' and every part and parcel thereof and all my estate right title term and interest therein unto my two daughters Mary and Ann their heirs executors administrators and assigns IN TRUST to sell dispose of the same and the money arising by sale thereof after deducting all costs charges and expenses incurred by them in the first place (In case it should be necessary) out of the same to supply and make good any deficiency that may happen in the personal estate and effects bequeathed to them in and by my said will to make the legacies of my daughter Catherine and son William equal to the legacies given to my younger children Ann and John by the will of Joan GILBERT and subject thereto to pay apply and divide the monies arising by such sale or the remainder thereof after such deficiency (if any as aforesaid) shall be made good, to and amongst them my said three daughters Mary Ann and Catherine equally (And I do direct the receipt and receipts of my said daughters Mary and Ann their respective heirs executors or administrators for the consideration or purchase money arising from such sale shall be good and valid to a purchaser without subjecting purchaser to look to the application or non application thereof, And

I hereby confirm All the Rest of my will and the appointment of my two daughters Mary and Ann Executrix’s

In Witness whereof I have (to this my said codicil) set my hand and affixed my seal the day and year above written

Signed Mary PITMAN

Signed sealed and declared published by the said testator Mary PITMAN as and for a Codicil to her Last Will and Testament in the presence of us who have at her request and in her presence and the presence of each other have subscribed our names as Witnesses : Ann BARTLETT; Thomas BARTLETT Junior: William HURDLE

PROBATE: On the 25th day of April 1793 the within written Will and Codicil of Mary PITMAN deceased was proved on the oaths of Mary PITMAN and Ann the wife of Robert CRITCHELL the Younger Mercer the natural and lawful daughters of the deceased and executrix’s therein named to whom administration of all and singular the goods chattels and credits of the said deceased was granted they being first sworn on the Holy Evangelicals well and faithfully to administer the same to exhibit a true and perfect inventory thereof into the registry of the Court of the Bishop of Bristol and to render a just account of their administration when thereunto lawfully required ---Effects under £610 Sworn before me Nathaniel TEMPLEMAN Surrogate

(3.1) Sarah Pitman (1793-aft 1833) bap St Peters Church Dorchester 28th June 1793; She was beneficiary under his will written in 1833 & proved by her brother Wm in 1835 to 'one third of his residual estate'. She was a witness at her sister Maria's wedding in Wool Dorset on 23rd May 1833 together with her father suggesting that she was living with her father in Wool. Nothing else is known ⁽⁷⁾.

(3.2) John Pitman (1794-1860) Gentleman. Privately bap 18th Dec 1794 received into St Peters Church Dorchester on 14th Nov 1799. He moved to live in St James Parish Clerkenwell in London and married Ann BROUGHTON a spinster and a minor by licence (but with the consent of her father Robert BROUGHTON) on 19th June 1817 at St Pancras Parish Chapel in Camden. In 1851 they were living at 9 Grove Place Tower Hamlets Hackney his occupation recorded as being a stockbrockers clerk. They had 13 children 1817 to 1842. He died on 5th May 1860 leaving a Will which states 'formerly of Cumming Street Pentonville but late of Grove Place Hackney' which was proved by his widow Ann on 6th June 1860 - effects just under £4,000.

(3.3) William Pitman (1796-1854) Gentleman. bap St Peters 25th Oct 1796. He followed his elder brother John to live in St James Parish Clerkenwell in London and married Harriet BROUGHTON a spinster by licence at St Pancras Chapel in Camden. on 14th May 1825. They lived initially at Canonbury Square Islington and had 6 children between 1826-1835. A beneficiary and executor under his fathers will in 1835 'Described as my son of Newington Green Middlesex Esq - to all and singular the residue of my property of what nature or kind soever of which I shall die seized or possessed IN TRUST to pay all my just debts and funeral exenses and the cost and the charge of proving this my will, to divide his estate into 3 parts - a third to each of his daughters Sarah and Maria and one third shared between his grandson George William White INGRAM and grandaughter Charlotte Burnard INGRAM son and daughter of George INGRAM Clerk and my late deceased daughter Charlotte Burnard his wife when they reach the age of 21'.

In the June 1841 Census William, described as a Merchant, is living at Newington Green in the Parish of St Mary's Islington with his wife Harriet and 6 children [Harriet age 15 ; William age 13; Caroline age 11; George age 10; Charlotte age 7 and Mary age 6.] In 1851 still at 29 Newington Green he is described as a Merchant Underwriter and Insurance Broker whilst his son William aged 23 is an Attorny at Law and son George Clerk to his father. They moived to live at 13 Shaftsbury Villas upper Holloway Islangton where William died aged 58. He was buried at St James Church St Pancras Camden 5th Dec 1854. Harriet is still there in 1861 described as a fundholder and her son George has become an underwriter.

(3.4) Charlotte Burnard Pitman (1799-1831) privately baptised 24th Aug 1799 and received into St Peters Church Dorchester on 14th Nov 1799. She followed her brother William to live in Islington London and married the George INGRAM at St James Church in Clerkenwell by licence on 20th Dec 1827.

George INGRAM according to his alumni record at Cambridge was born at Chaldon Herring on 18th Sep 1798. The Land Tax return for 1798 shows that a Robert Ingram occupied Fossil Farm in the parish of Chaldon Herring and also occupied all the land at Galton in the adjoining parish of Owermoigne the remainder being owned by the Honourable Lionel Damer. Robert was admitted pens at Queens College Cambridge on 4 Mar 1829 and later ordained a priest (at Bristol) 2 Mar 1833.

They had 2 children. George William White INGRAM baptised at Chaldon Herring on 27th Sep 1828 recorded as the son of George & Charlotte Bernard INGRAM a Gentleman of Fossell Farm, and Charlotte Burnard Ingram born on 12th March 1831 and baptised at Owermoigne on the 25th of the same month. Charlotte Burnard INGRAM died at the young age of 31 and was buried at St Michael's church at Owermoigne on 8th April 1831 recorded as being from Fossil.Both their children were beneficiaries under her fathers will in 1835.

(3.5) Edward Burnard Pitman (1802-1840) bap St Peters 28th Feb 1802. He married Rebecca KEATS at St Peters Church in Dorchester on 11th Nov 1828. Beneficiary under his fathers will in 1835 to ' all trees plants or shrubs which were growing or standing in the several pieces of ground in my possession at the time I quitted business and all money or monies which may or shall be due from him to me at the time of my death'. Edward Burnard Pitman was buried at Lytchett Minster on 26th May 1840 aged 38 years. [Follow link provided for Rebecca to Section 4 below for more information about his family]

(3.6) Maria Pitman (1804-1889) bap St Peters 19th Aug 1804; She married Rev William MOLSON (1807-1869) Clerk of Lambeth in Surrey at Wool in Dorset on 23rd May 1833. Beneficiary under her fathers will in 1835 to 'one third of his residual estate'. Moved to Lincolshire with husband. Maria was buried at Wainfleet Lincolnshire at All saints Church aged 84

(3.7) Frederick Pitman (1807-1843) bap St Peters 22nd Feb 1807 buried at St Marys Islington London aged 37 years of Manchester Terrace. Electoral Register for 1835 and 1836 shows John and Frederick PITMAN of No.6 Colebrook Row Islington as Trustees of a freehhold chapel called Claremont. In the 1841 Census at Manchester Terrace occupation recorded as being a Banker aged 30 to 34.Not born in Middlesex. May have been married to a Hannah aged 25 to 29. ]

This is the Last Will and Testamemnt of me John PITMAN of Wool in the County of Dorset Gent: made published and declared this third day of Jany in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty three hereby revoking all former Wills by me at any time made.

First: I give and bequeath unto my son Edward Burnard PITMAN all trees plants or shrubs which were growing or standing in the several pieces of ground in my possession at the time I quitted Business and all money or monies which may or shall be due from him to me at the time of my death.

First: I give and bequeath unto my som William PITMAN of Newington Green in the County of Middlesex Esq all and singular the Residue of my property of what nature or kind soever of which I shall die possessed In Trust First to pay all my just debts and funeral expenses and pay The Residue of my property as follows - one third part and portion unto my daughter Sarah PITMAN one third part and thereof unto my daughter Maria PITMAN and the remaining third part and portion thereof to my grandson George William White INGRAM and my grandaughter Charlotte Burnard INGRAM son and daughter of George INGRAM Clerk and my late deceased daughter Charlotte Burnard his wife in two equal parts share and share alike when they shall respectively have attained the age of twenty one years.

Lastly: I hereby nominate and appoint my son William PITMAN of Newington Green Esquire Executor of this my Will

In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year forst above written -- John PITMAN

Signed sealed published and declared by the above named John PITMAN as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who at his request and in his presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto set our names as Witnesses George INGRAM Cler: Susannah WHITE

PROVED: at London the 26th May 1835

before the Worshipful Jesse ADAMS Doctor of Laws and Surrogate by the oath of William PITMAN the son the sole executor to whom admon was granted he having been first sworn to administer

Edward Burnard PITMAN (1802-1840) was the 5th child from the marriage of John PITMAN (1761-1835) and Sarah nee BURNARD (1765-1827) and was baptised at St Peters Church in Dorchester on 28th Feb 1802. His father was a nursuryman by trade and living in Dorchester, but utilising a number of arable strips of land in Fordington Fields. His father retired sometime prior to 1833 passing control of the nursery business to him. He was therefore a beneficiary under his fathers will proved in 1835 when he was formally left ' all trees plants or shrubs which were growing or standing in the several pieces of ground in my possession at the time I quitted business and all money or monies which may or shall be due from him to me at the time of my death'.

MARRIAGE: He married Rebecca KEATS at St Peters Church in Dorchester on 11th Nov 1828. They had 5 children in All Saints parish but by June 1840 they had sold the business and moved to live at Lytchet Minster Dorset. Edward died at Lytchett Minster aged only 38 and was buried at the undedicated parish church there on 26th May 1840. Rebecca was still in Lytchett Minster in June 1841 aged 35 to 39 . She was also a schoolmistress and moved pre 1851 with her children to live at Lytchett Matravers but was buried at Lytchett Minster aged 60 on 29th Oct 1866. Children from this marriage :-

(1) Edward Burnard Pitman (1829-aft 1861) bap All Saints Church Dorchester 22nd Jan 1829,unmarried in 1861 aged 32 with his mother in Lytchet Matravers occupation book keeper.

(2) Sarah Maria Pitman (1830-1832) privately baptised All Saints Dorchester 15th July 1830, occupation of father nurseryman. Buried St Peters aged 2 years 28th May 1832.

(3) William Burnard Pitman (1832-aft 1832) bap All Saints Dorchester 24th Nov 1832, abode All Saints fathers occupation Nurseryman

(4) Henry John Pitman (1834-1881) not traced a baptism census returns suggest born at Fordington c1834 Joined the Royal Artillery and was based at Woolwich pre 1861 to post Mar 1871- Married 16th Oct 1862 rank Corporal to Sophia Fanny PARSONS daughter of an Engineer John Hillson Parsons. At Tynemouth Northumberland 1871. Retired as a Chelsea Pensioner 24th June 1873 rank Serjeant Royal Artillery Coast brigade Reg No. 1919. In 1881 with wife living at St Pancras London aged 47. As far as I know they had no children. He died shortly after the Census at St Pancras and was buried on 23rd Dec 1881 at Camden.

(5) Rebecca Maria Pitman (1838-1918) baptised at All Saints Dorchester 14th Feb 1838 as Rebecca PITMAN, unmarried in 1861 Census with her mother in Lytchett Matravers aged 23 occupation Schooll assistant. Married at Lytchett Matravers on 26th May 1863 to John Abbot FRY the son of John Fry a Yeoman with her brother Frederick George Pitman acting as a witness.By 1871 they had moved to live at Boldre Hants where John was a Farm Bailiff. By 1881 in Weeke Hants Bailiff at Teg Down Fam . By 1891 Rebecca is a widow and living at 43 Tower St St Thomas Hants. Rebecca Maria FRY died 25th Dec 1918 at 8 London road Reading aged 80 years leaving a modest estate of £140.

(6) Frederick George Pitman (1840-1949) Bap 6 Sep 1840 Lytchett Minster Dorset, unmarried aged 20 in 1861 Census with mother at Lytchett Matravers occupation School Assistant. Acted as a witness at the wedding of his sister Rebecca in 1863. By 1871 he was a boarder at St George Hanover Sq inMayfair , unmarried aged 30 and working as an auctioneers assistant. By 1881 he had moved to lodgings in Battersea still unmarried and working as an estate agent.