The Crispins of Kingston-On-Hull

PUBLICATIONS OP THE GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY OP PENNSYLVANIA. VoL X. MARCH, 1928. No. 2. THE CRISPINS OF KINGSTON-ON-HULL. BY M. JACKSON CRISPIN or NEW YORK. Captain William Crispin, one of the three commissioners appointed by William Penn for settling the Colony of Pennsylvania as well as to be its Chief Justice and Surveyor General, was born at Kingston-on-Hull, England It would seem fitting therefore, to record in this publication some account of his immediate ancestors who there resided. His great-grandfather, John Crispin, was the first member of this branch of the family to settle in Kingston-on-Hull, That he brought with him considerable means is borne out by the fact that he immediately became one of the foremost citizens of the town, purchased property and became a ship owner. He was also a sea captain, an occupation followed by his descendants for at least two centuries, with but few exceptions ; a circumstance which, to some extent, may account for the distinction which Captain William Crispin gained in the service of the Navy of the English Commonwealth. Kingston-on-Hull, or Hull as it is more generally called, where Captain Crispin was bom, is a very good example of the ancient maritime town, as despite modem improvements, many of the old narrow streets still exist, and in High Street especially, some very ancient houses may be seen today The town was founded by Edward I, hence its name King ’s Town or Kingston-on-Hull, and it rose so rapidly, that by the reign (105) . . 1928 Copyright The Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania PGM Vol X No.2 The Crispins of Kingston-on- Eull . 106 - of Edward II, it supplied 16 ships and 466 men for the in vasion of France, about two thirds of the number supplied by London Holy Trinity Church, Hull, is one of the largest parish churches in the Kingdom, being 272 feet in length. A Grammar Sehool was founded in 1486, but unfortunately the old records no longer exist, though there can be little doubt that it was here Captain Crispin and his immediate ancestors received their education. Charles I on his way to Scotland in March 1639 visited Hull. It was then a depot for arms and military stores, which , to gether with the fact that the town was very strongly fortified , and also of great natural strength, made it a place of con siderable importance during the civil war ; Hull, however, remained throughout in the hands of the Parliamentary forces. As will be seen, the outbreak of the Civil "War was the cause of Captain Crispin and his father leaving their native town. John Crispin , great-grandfather of Captain William Cris pin, married at the church of Holy Trinity, Hull, on the 1st August, 1572, Elleu Shawe Her parentage is not definitely known, but that she was a member of a substantial family of that name in Hull is obvious from the amount of property held by the Shawes in the heart of this important city, a portion of which afterwards passed to the Crispin family by purchase. Anthony Shawe of Hull left three daughters and co-heir esses ; Elizabeth , who married John Bellwood ; Sarah, who married William Bower, and Anne, who married Alexander Metcalfe, all men of substance Thus, they each became en titled to a third part of property called Shawes Garth, situated at the corner of High Street and Church Lane in Hull. In 1588 John and Ellen Crispin purchased one third of Shawes Garth. In 1591 they purchased another third part and on January 27, 1601/ 2, William Crispin, their eldest son , purchased the remaining part, so that the whole of the prop erty passed to the Crispins. John and Ellen Crispin pur chased considerable other property in Hull, On 15 September, 1585, John Crispin became a Freeman of Hull 1 Very few people avoided being at some time cited before the Ecclesiastical Court, and in this John Crispin was no exception, for on Tuesday, 18 August 1590, he had to appear to answer for harbouring one of his servants, Elizabeth Gray , she being with child. He was, however, dismissed from the - . - P - - S . G - . - - - . . 108. i Guildhall , IIull , Burgess Roll , p 1928 Copyright The Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania PGM Vol X No.2 The Crispins of Kingston-on- HvXL. 107 case because she * ‘ was put forth of his house so sone as it was known ’ V From ‘‘ Sketches of old Hull *\2 which purport to have been extracts from a family diary commenced in 1640, it is learned the bettermosrt folk ” had their mansions in High that Street, which is also called Hull Street, where they took up their residence and kept their coaches. Among those who lived in High Street were Sir John Eiland, who was knighted by Henry VIII on his visit to Hull ; Sir _ John Lister ; John Dalton, three times mayor, and Amos Barffe, who started the coaches to London John Crispin made his will on 1 December, 1591; he must then have been on his death bed, for he was buried on the 7th of the same month ; it was proved on the 13 February following. He made donations for the poor of Hull and for repairs of Holy Trinity Church. He only mentioned one of his children, Amos, to whom he made a minor bequest, and the residue of his estate he gave to his wife, whom he appointed guardian of his children ,8 Exactly nine months after the burial of John Crispin, on 7 August, 1592, his widow married Thomas Mall or Maull at Holy Trinity Church, by license ; by whom she does not appear to have had any children. Thomas Maull was a master mariner, and one of the younger brethren of Trinity House ; * he was admitted to the Freedom of Hull on 7 September, 1592.® From a Town Rental dated 20 October, 1626, it would appear that he was Gilt Mace Bearer to the Corporation * On 7 February, 1616/7, Thomas Maull, with his step-son William Crispin and John White as sureties, entered into a bond to the Corporation of Hull 1 This was for part of a bequest left to some children and placed in the hands of the mayor and corporation during their minority. The bond was renewed in August of the same year, William Crispin, with his son William and John Mounsey being sureties * Thomas Maull died about this time, for on 24 May, 1632, it G S P . . . Diocesan Registry, Y-ifeit&tlon Book, 1590* * By Thomas Johnson . * York Probate Registry , VoL 23, f , 800, * Trinity House, Hulil, Admligfldon Book . i GulAdhaM , Hull , White Book, p , 133. * Ibid * , Town Rental , 1620, 1 Ibid . , Bench Book , p. 25, 8 Guildhall , IIull, Bench Book 1 York * 1928 Copyright The Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania PGM Vol X No.2 - The Crispins of Kingston on -HulL 108 Rober Byleth was appointed “ Guilt Maeebearer ” in the place of Mr. Thomas Maull, late deceased 1 Ellen , described as Helien Maull, widow of John Crispin, made her will ‘‘ with the consent of her husband a necessary precaution in those days, on 8 July, 1615, and which for some reason was not proved until 1 November, 1641 * It deals almost entirely with the third part of the messuage already referred to, as being purchased of John and Elizabeth Bell wood, which was the only portion of the property she had the right to dispose of to her children in such proportions as she thought fit. This bequest led to a Chancery Suit which gives consider able family history. John and Ellen ( Shawe ) Crispin had issue : . . - i. WILLIAM, baptized at Holy Trinity, Hull, on 18 July, 1573 ; buried there on 23 April, 1636. 3. it. SAMUEL, baptized at Holy Trinity, Hull, on 17 March, 1575/ 6; P 2. S died circa 1620. 4. iii. AMO.S, died circa 1620. 5. iv. NATHANIEL, baptized at Holy Trinity, Hull, on 30 May, 1585 ; buried there on 7 July, 1613. v. JUDITH , baptized at Holy Trinity, Hull, on 22 January, 1575/6, She may have been a daughter of John and Ellen , not baptized until some considerable time after birth. There ia no further reference to her. G 2. WILLIAM CRISPIN, eldest son of John and Ellen ( Shawe ) Crispin, was baptised at Holy Trinity, Hull, on 18 July, 1573. He married there, 16 March, 1595/6, Alice Colson, a member of an old and prominent Hull family, by whom he had several children On 22 February, 1598/9 he was admitted a Burgess of Hull. Later, on 14 August, 1604, he was admitted to the Brotherhood of Trinity House, Hull * It was this William Crispin who purchased the last third part of Shawes Garth in 1601/ 2, already referred to In an undated Rental, probably of the reign of Charles I, is the following entry : ‘ * Itm of the heires of Gregorie Shaw for Tenemte ” lying together att the Southeast corner in Church lane in the tenure of William Crispin and others late Gregories Lands paid by Richard Wilson . oo.xvij8 vjd. Thus we get the actual position of Shawes Garth. ‘‘Gregorie ’ is evidently a mistake for * * Anthonie ’’ 4 i IUd. . . . ... - } . * York Probate Reglsifcry , Original Will , * Book of Brethren of Trinity House , 4 Pmbfllc Record Office, Rentals and Su/rveys, 748 and 749, 1928 Copyright The Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania PGM Vol X No.2 The Crispins of Kingston-on- Hull . 109 P He is next found, together with Ms wife Alice, selling a messuage in Hull to Elizabeth Marshall, widow, and John Marshall, in 1616.1 There is, unfortunately, no indication as to where this property was situated. The original agreement bears a very good signature of William Crispin.2 In the writ, which was issued in the name of the King is the somewhat curious, though usual clause, “ and therefore as we hear the same William and Alice are powerless and not able to labour to Westminster without danger to their bodies . . . . We compassionating the state of the same William and Alice in this part have given power to you five, four, three or two of you to receive the acknowledgements which the aforesaid William and Alice . . . wish to make of the messuage aforesaid.” On 5 July of the following year William Crispin, with his brother Amos, witnessed the will of Gregory Hutton of Hull, merchant.3 On 1 July, 1603, he appeared as a Juror. In the Port Books numerous references have been found to G S ships commanded, and goods imported by him. He was master of the Thomas and arrived at Hull from Newcastle in April , 1599, with a cargo which was his own property,4 and made numerous similar voyages. On 10 April, 1609, he was exporting goods to Lisbon in the Desire of Hull,6 and, on 21 April, importing a cargo from Bordeaux in the Brave of Hull.6 On 8 July following, as master of the Greyhound of Hull, he arrived at Bridlington , from Holland.6 The next known of him was, on 6 January, 1618/9, when he imported Spanish wine in the Flower of Comfort of Hull.7 In the same month he made a voyage to Spain in command of the Dolphin of Hull, and brought back a cargo of leaf tobacco for his own account.0 In June, 1622, he commanded the Grace of Hull, when he reached home after a voyage to Amsterdam, bringing a cargo of wine and rye.7 As owner of the Greyhound on 8 May, 1627, he filed a Bill of Complaint in the Court of Chancery against Israeli Dodsworth and Thomas Beckwithe, merchants Fines, cities and towns, Hilary, 14 James I * * Concord Fines, HMtey, 14 Jaimes L * York Probate Ibegftstrir , Yol . 34, t* 615. 1 Port Books, bdle 310, book & * * Ibid ,, bdla 312* book 6, * Hid ., WJe . »12, book 14, * Ibid ., bdle. 315, book 3. i Feet of 1928 Copyright The Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania PGM Vol X No.2 no The Crispins of Kingston-on- Hull . of York, by which it appears that in April, 1626, they had chartered the Greyhound for a voyage to Gottenburgh, in Sweden, and back to Hull for which they had failed to reimburse him. The last record of this ship is on the 16 November, 1627, when she took a cargo to London 1 No further references are found to William Crispin commanding a ship, but there is an inquiry made in 1634 concerning exports from the haven of Hull, and, although some hundreds of witnesses were called before the Commissioners, he did not give evidence, but his son William Crispin was examined at some length.2 The suit in the Court of Chancery already referred to, chiefly concerns him, but laek of space prevents the recitation. i 'he Subsidy Rolls for Hull are in very poor condition, there being no good returns for the reigns of Elizabeth and James I During that of Charles I, William Crispin appears in the returns of 1623/4, 1627/8 and 1628/ 9 as being assessed for taxes on land. In a roll dated 15 September, 1635, he is assessed for the fitting out of two ships of war to be supplied to the King by Hull.8 Alice, wife of William Crispin, died before her husband , and was buried at Holy Trinity, Hull, on 26 May, 1632 Shortly afterwards he married Anne, but her surname has not been discovered. He had no known children by her. After the death of William Crispin , Anne, his widow, married Leonard Kellam or Kelham, a mariner of Hull, the license being dated 1638, and in it, Anne is described as aged 40 of St. Sampson, York, where the marriage was to take place. William Crispin made his will on 29 June, 1633. He died in 1636, and was buried at Holy Trinity, Hull , on 23 April, his will being proved on 7 May following 4 In it he desired to be buried “ where it shall please God ”. He then gave to his son , William, one King Edward shilling in fnll satisfaction of his filial portion ; the reason for this bequest will be shown later. To Ann his wife he gave the messuage in the tenure of Thomas Cotesfurth, which adjoined his own home, being formerly Shawes Land , for life, and after her death to his . S P . G . . Books, bdle. &16, book 5 's Fort Exchequer Special ComrcuissiotK , 6015u * 3 * GulMifraJI, HiuI!Ir Assessment Roll. * York Probate Registry , Original Will- 1928 Copyright The Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania PGM Vol X No.2 The Crispins of Kingston^on- HulL Ill son John and his heirs, and for want of issue to his son Alexander. Another property in Shawes Yard, he bequeathed to his son, John , with remainder to Alexander. To his wife Ann he gave the remainder of his estate with minor bequests to servants, etc This will was witnessed by George Carlill, William Fletcher and Robert Thorpe. On the day after he signed his will he added the following interesting note: “ Let no man think wrong of me. In the making of this my last will and Testament because I give to my son William but one King Edward shilling the reason is that his wife has always been false to me and never true. If I could do less for her sake I would do so but the law prevents so I cease this xxxth daie of June, 1633.” William and Alice ( Colson ) Crispin had the following children, all baptised at Holy Trinity, Hull, . P — S i . WILLIAM, baptized 16 May, 1598 ; buried 9 May, 1599. 6. ii . WILLIAM, baptized 23 October, 1602 ; buried at Caxrickfergus, Ireland, 9 April, 1645. iii. ADAM , baptized 5 February , 1603/4. 7. iv. ALEXANDER, baptized 18 August , 1605. 8. v. JOHN , baptized 19 December, 1610 ; buried 4 November, 1639. vi. SUSANNA, baptized 2 December, 1596; buried 13 September, 1599. vii . ELLEN, baptized 1 April, 1609 ; buried 21 August, 1610. i" . i G 3. SAMUEL CRISPIN, second son of John and Ellen ( Shawe ) Crispin , was baptised at Holy Trinity, Hull, 17 March , 1575/ 6, He married Rachel Backhouse, at Holy Trinity, 13 July, 1601. He was admitted to the Freedom of Hull 26 May, 1601,1 and on 17 September, 1604, he became a younger brother of Trinity House.2 He was a sea captain and commanded the Effam and John on a voyage to Danzke [Dansig] , returning to Hull 27 April, 1613. On the 15th of the next month he sailed again to Danzke.8 It is not known when he died, probably about 1620 Ad ministration of his estate was granted to Rachel, his widow, 23 November, 1621.4 She was buried at Holy Trinity, Hull, 1 April, 1633, but left no will . - . i GnUdfhiall , Hull, Bench Book, t . 164. * Trinity House, Hull, Admission Boll. * Port Books, bdle. 313, book 5. * York Probate Registry , Harthlli Deanery. 1928 Copyright The Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania PGM Vol X No.2 The Crispins of Kingstoon BuU . - 112 Samuel and Raehel ( Backhouse ) Crispin had issue : i. JOHN, the only surviving son, was baptized at Holy Trinity, Hull , on X August, 1602 , He was also a mariner, and was on board the Amitie with his uncle, William Crispin, in 1633, on a voyage to Cadiz.1 He was admitted to the Freedom of Hull on 8 March, Sarah, widow of his uncle Amos Crispin, by her will, 1 6 3 1/2 dated 5 December, 1638, made bequests to him, his wife and children.^ John Crispin and Elizabeth his wife bad three daugh ters : 1. Dorothy, baptized at Hull 30 April, 1632. 2. Elizabeth, 3. Rachel , baptized 4 September, 1638, and buried 14 October, 1639. ii. JAMES, baptized at Holy Trinity, Hull , 13 January, 1604/ 5 ; buried there 14 April, 1605 . iii. THOMAS, baptized at Holy Trinity, Hull , 11 December, 1608 ; buried there 1 October, 1609. P 4. AMOS CRISPIN, no record of his baptism has been found, but he was probably the third son of John and Ellen ( Shawe ) Crispin. On 20 December, 1601, Amos, son of John Crispin, was admitted to the Freedom of Hull ; 4 and in 1611, he appears to have been admitted to the Freedom of the Company of Merchants of Kingston-upon-Hull.6 Unfortunately the Court Book (1577-1660) is missing, so no further details can be obtained No reference has been found of him having gone to sea In the Port Books there is reference to him, on 8 February, 1602/3, as having imported in the Primrose of London , three hogsheads of wine from Bordeaux ,6 He married at Holy Trinity, 17 October, 1602, Sarah, daughter of William Ward, presumably an only child . The Wards appear to have held property outside Hull, for in 1606 Amos and Sarah Crispin , with Anne Ward and Richard Hill and Anne his wife, sold a house and lands in Bradford, co. York, to William Walker and Thomas Craven. This was evidently property belonging to the Wards, in which Amos was interested in right of his wife.7 In 1609 Amos and Sarah purchased a messuage in Hull from George and Thomas Thompson.6 It is probably the same property that they sold to Henry Thompson and Mary his . G S . i Special Commission , 6015. * Guildhall Bench Book , f . 290. * York Probate Registry . * Guildhall , Bench Book, f . 164. $ Guildhall , Index to Court Book of the Company of Merchants. Books , bdle. 311 , book 11 . T Feet of Fines, Yorks. , Raster, 4 James I . & Ibid . , Cities and Towns, Trinity , 7 James I . $ Fort 1928 Copyright The Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania PGM Vol X No.2 The Crispins of King $ton-on- IIull , 113 - wife in 1617.1 On the original agreement appears a very excellent signature of Amos Crispin , which shows him to have been a man of good education 2 Amos, with his brother William , witnessed the will of Gregory Hutton, merchant of Hull, on 5 July, 1617.3 Arthur Lancaster of Hull, who had married Isabell Ward, aunt of Sarah Crispin, made his will on 17 March , 1617/8,4 by which he made a bequest to his godson William, son of Amos Crispin. This is the only reference to a son William , but he evidently did not survive. Isabell, the widow of the above Arthur Lancaster, made her will on 18 February, 1636/7, proved 5 June, 1637 5 and made a bequest to Ann Richardson, daughter of her nieee, Sarah Crispin, who was daughter of her late brother William Ward. She also gave to Sarah Crispin the house in which she lived in the Market Place in Hull , with all stables and other appurtenances for her life, with remainder to her daughter Ann Richardson and her heirs. She also gave to Sarah other minor legacies. The rest of her goods were to he divided equally between Sarah and Ann , and she appointed them joint executrices. No entry appears in the parish register of the burial of Amos, but he must have died in, or about, 1620, as in the Chancery Suit already quoted, his daughter Anne, who was bom in 1615, states that she was about 4 years old when he died Administration of his estate was granted to his widow 7 August, 1621.6 Sarah Crispin was living in High Street in 1635, as, on 15 September of that year, she paid a tax towards fitting out two ships of war, ordered to be supplied by Hull, which were to be at Portsmouth, 1 March , following.7 She was buried at Holy Trinity, 1 March , 1638/9. She made a large number of bequests to the poor, the clergy, her relatives and friends. It is uncertain how many children were bom to Amos and Sarah Crispin. Although married in 1602, the only records S P . G . fa Fines, Cities and Towns , Hilary , 14 James L * Concords of Fine®, Hilary , 14 James 1. s York Probate Registry , voK 34, p. 04o. i Feet of * Ibid ., voL 3SH, p 200. * Original WiH , •York Probate Registry , Administrations , HartMil Deanery. - 1 Guildimil , Hull , Assessim erit Roll . 1928 Copyright The Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania PGM Vol X No.2 114 The Crispins of Kingston-on- Hull . of their children in the Hull registers are to a daughter Anne, baptised in 1615, and a son Benjamin, baptised on 19 January, 1616/ 7 and buried there on 29th of the same month Possibly they lived elsewhere during the early part of their married life, since another son , William , was mentioned in the will of Arthur Lancaster. Amos and Sarah ( Ward ) Crispin had issue, order uncertain : , . P i. ANNE, the daughter of Amos and Sarah, was baptized at Hull on 10 June , 1615. She married, first, John Richardson , mariner of Hull, at Holy Trinity, 15 June, 1636, In the license she is de scribed as of St. John, Beverly. He did not long survive, for administration of his goods was granted to his widow, 2 August, 1638.1 She married, secondly, 31 January, 1638/9, Robert Pease of Hull, by whom she left issue. As Ann Pease, she was the defendant in the Chancery Suit already quoted. ii. BENJAMIN, buried 29 January, 1616/ 7 . iii. WILLIAM , living 17 March, 1617/ 8. S 5. NATHANIEL CRISPIN, fourth and youngest son of John and Ellen ( Shawe ) Crispin, was baptised at Holy Trinity, Hull, 30 May, 1585. Little is known of him as he had but a short career. His parents purchased a third of Shawes Garth for his use after their death, when he was only three years of age, and, Ellen , his mother, with her second husband, released her right therein to him in 1596. ' 'his part of the property passed , on his death without issue, to his brother, William Crispin. On the 28th September, 1609, he was admitted to the Free dom of Hull by Patrimony ,8 He married, first, at Holy Trinity, on 16 January, 1611/ 2, Maudlin, daughter of William Johnson, who was baptised at Hull, 30 November, 1583, and was buried on 24 October, 1612. Her father, William Johnson, was a master mariner of Hull, who died during his daughter’s short married life, having made his will on 2 June, 1612 ; proved 31 October, following,6 by which he constituted her and her brothers, John and Josias, executors and residuary legatees. Nathaniel Crispin married, secondly, Alice Cowke, on 19 May, 1613. He died shortly after, being buried on 7 July following, and administration of his estate was granted to his widow on the 28th of the same month 4 G - . Probate Registry , Administrations* Harthlll . a Guild hall , Bench Book. * York Probate Registry* yok 32, f , 209. 4 York Probate Registry , Administrations, IlarthiU Deanery 1 York 1928 Copyright The Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania * PGM Vol X No.2 The Crispins of Kingstot^ on- Hull , 115 G S . P 6. WILLIAM CRISPIN, eldest surviving son of William and Alice ( Colson ) Crispin , and father of Captain William Crispin, was baptised at Hull on 23 October, 1602. He married at Hull, 14 December, 1626, Elizabeth Harrison, daughter of Robert Harrison who married Elizabeth Johnson at St. Mary, Hull, 11 March, 1599/1600. Robert Harrison died soon after his daughter ’s marriage, and administration of his estate was granted to his widow 18 June, 1628.1 Elizabeth Johnson was daughter of John Johnson of Hull, and Ann his wife. John Johnson was admitted to the Freedom of Hull on 28 September, 1592, 2 and died in 1612 ; when Letters of Administration were granted to his widow and daughter.3 His widow, Ann Johnson, made her will on 7 May, 1628, proved 21 July, 1630,4 by which she left substantial sums to her daughter, Elizabeth Harrison , who was appointed executor and residuary legatee She also made a minor bequest to “ William Crispin, son of my grandchild Elizabeth now wife of William Crispin, younger, mariner ’ She made other small bequests to the vicar of Holy Trinity, and to the poor. Her son-in-law William Crispin was a witness to this will. William Crispin was admitted to the Freedom of Hull on 15 May, 1628.® As already stated , he was surety for a bond entered into by his father to the Corporation. In the inquiry concerning the exports from Hull, before referred to, William Crispin was called as a witness before the Commissioners, and gave evidence on 20 September, 1634, which is too voluminous to quote here.6 There are some very interesting references to William Crispin in the evidence of several of the witnesses : Thomas Richardson states that he sailed with William Crispin in the Freedom from Hull to Mallingoe, in Spain, “ somewhat before Xmas in the yeare 1630 it being about the time of the conclusion of the peace betwixt his majtie and the Kinge of Spaine ’ \ There are also numerous references to him commanding the Adventure , a ship of 120 tons, but more definite information is to be gleaned from the Port Books,7 showing some of the i York Prolate Registry , Administrations! EfarthitlL * Bench Book, f . 119 * York Probate Registry, Ad'm-kiis trail on Act Book. * . 4 JWA, Yol , 41 , p , 109 fr GuiMhail!, JFTiull , Bench Book, f , 265. * Exchequer Spec Lai Commission , No. 6015. T Port Books, b&le 316, book 12. 1928 Copyright The Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania PGM Vol X No.2 - The Crispins of Kingston-on Eull. 116 - voyages he made. He first appears as master of the Ad venture on 2 August, 1631, when he sailed from Hull for Hamburgh with a cargo of lead. In the following November he arrived at Hull from Amsterdam, with a cargo. He after wards made numerous voyages in the Adventure to Gotten burgh , Bordeaux, Amsterdam, Danzig, to Norway, Holland and Newcastle, until the end of 1634.1 he last entry in the Port Books to him as master of the Adventure was on 29 December, 1634, when he paid customs duty on woolen cloth he intended to carry to Holland.2 About that time a Royal Proclamation was issued forbidding the export of woolen and other goods to Amsterdam ; but the fact that he had such a lading came to the ears of the Privy Council, who immediately sent an order to the authorities at Hull concerning the matter The consequence was that the Customar, Comptroller and Searcher wrote to the Company of Merchant Adventurers of Hull, announcing their intention of preventing the ship from sailing,8 On 29 January, 1635/6, he was in command of the Endeavour of Hull, when he sai ed to London. In 1636 he made several voyages to London.4 It has already been shown that William Crispin was cut off by his father with the proverbial one shilling, which must have affected him financially and led to unpleasantness in the family. This may have been the reason for his disposal of - S P . G his Hull property. In 1638 he and his wife sold a messuage to the Revd. Richard Parrott, vicar of Hull.6 On the original agreement there are very good signatures of both William and Elizabeth Crispin ; and also that of his brother, John Crispin, “ gentleman ”, who was one of the Commissioners appointed to take their acknowledgment.6 In 1641 William and Elizabeth Crispin , the Rev. Richard Parrott and Dorothy his wife, sold a messuage to Anne Bileth , widow.7 That is, probably, the same property sold in 1638, and he and his wife joined in the conveyance for the purpose of giving a better title, or, possibly, in the first instance it was conveyed to Parrott in trust only. i Ibid . , bd/fe. 317 , books 5 * 6 , 7* * Ibid., btfle 317 , book 10. * State Papers, l >ofiiestI'C, Charles I , vol 2S4, no. 14 * Port Books , bd'lo. SKLT* book 14, * * * s Feet of Fines, Milch. , 14 Charles I. c Concord <y£ Fines* M'ieb . 14 diaries I . * 7 Feet of 1928 Ftenes, Mich. , 17 Charles L Copyright The Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania PGM Vol X No.2 The Crispins of Kingston-on- Hull . 117 It was about this time that William Crispin and his family removed permanently from Hull . In 1642 came the outbreak of the Civil War, and William Crispin threw his lot with the Parliamentary Party, when such men as he, were needed to manage the fleet then being raised against the King. He was appointed Master of the Fellowship of 28 guns, commanded by Captain ( afterwards Admiral ) Sir William Penn , then in the Irish Channel. This squadron was under the command of Captain Richard Swaley. But Captain Crispin did not long survive, he having either been killed, or died on the ship, as is shown by the following entries in Penn ’s Journal : P “1645, April 8, about 3 o 'clock in the morning, our Master, William Crispin, departed out of this World." 4 ‘1645, April 9, about 2 o 'clock in the afternoon, we carried our Mas- ter ashore and gave him ten pieces of ordinance, and we buried him in the chancel of the church of Carrickfergus " [Ireland ].1 S Administration on his estate was granted to his widow Elizabeth, 16 July, 1645 , a who was then living at Stepney co., Middlesex. William and Elizabeth ( Harrison ) Crispin had so far as known but one child : . .. G 9 i WILLIAM, baptized at Holy Trinity, Hull, 3 October, 1627 As elsewhere shown, he was destined to hold high commands in the Navy of the Commonwealth ; important appointments on land under Charles IT, and, to become the founder of the Crispin family of America He married, first, 22 September, 1652,3 Rebecca, daughter of Ralph Bradshaw by his wife, Rachel Penn, sister of Admiral Sir William Penn and daughter of Captain Giles Penn. By this marriage he had five children : William* Silas , Rebecca , Ralph and Rachel Captain William Crispin married secondly, in 1665, at Kinsale, co. Cork, Ireland, Jane, daughter of Thomas Cudleigh of that town, and by this union had seven children, for whom William Penn by free gift set apart three thousand acres in Pennsylvania : James Joseph Benjamin, Jane, Eleanor Elisabeth and Amy Captain Crispin 's descent in detail from this point back to his Norman ancestors will be published at a later date . , . , . , , . 7. ALEXANDER CRISPIN, fourth , but second surviving, son of William and Alice ( Colson ) Crispin,4 was baptised at Holy Trinity, Hull, on 18 August, 1605. i Tluis d'iiaoovery wais made by Albert Cook Myera 1 Ocwnmlasary Court of London , Administration Act Book f , 174 , > 1 Published feoords, Church of St Stephany 00. Middlesex ; Dugda-le's Vial * tation of Lajiioashire, 16G4 4 Baptized 24 June, 1&5® , at St. OJ ave, London ; probably died young. ' ^ 1928 Copyright The Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania PGM Vol X No.2 The Crispins of Eingston-an-Hull . 118 He was a master mariner and settled in Scarborough, co. York, where he married Dorcas Somercotes on 4 December, 1626. In the marriage license, however, he is described as of Holy Trinity, Hull. Dorcas was the only daughter of Andrew Somercotes of Alford, co. Lincoln , where she was baptised on 13 December, 1604. She had a brother Luke, baptised there on 8 October, 1607. The family evidently moved to Scarborough, as Luke Somercotes also resided there. Their father, Andrew was son of Christopher Somercotes of Bilsby, co. Lin coln, who married Anne, daughter of Augustine Massingberd of Bratoft in the same country, descended from one of the eldest families in Lincolnshire. Christopher ’s father, William Somercotes, married Jane, daughter of Sir Peter Hildyard, knight, of Winestead, co. York, a member of another veryancient family.1 Bichard Dance of Scarborough, gentleman, in his will dated 4 December, 1627, proved 28 October, 1630,2 bequeathed to Dorcas Crispin my goulde rings It must have been Alexander Crispin who witnessed the will of Francis Ducke of Scarborough in February, 1644/5, but unfortunately the Christian name has been torn off .3 The Chancery Suit in which Alexander was plaintiff , shows that he inherited at least two-thirds of Shawes Garth. It seems from the records that there were other properties in Hull to which he laid claim but of which lack of space prevents recital. In 1636 he was in command of the Desire of Scarborough, where he arrived in May from Sunderland, with a cargo.4 Though he lived in Scarborough, his children appear to have returned to Hull. Becords show that Alexander Crispin w-as alive in 1659, but the date of his death, and that of his wife are not known neither do either of them appear to have left wills. Unfortunately the early parish registers of Scarborough are missing, but a few references have been obtained from the Bishop ’s Transcripts, which, with the wills of his children, gives what is probably a complete record of his immediate P - G S ££ * . family Alexander and Dorcas ( Somercotes) Crispin had issue : 1 i Mjaddison’s DUbcoiHshire Pedigree, p * 906, Har], £k>c. * York Probate Registry, voi 41, p 22S. , * s York Probate Registry, Original Will * Pont Books, bdle 317 , book 14 1928 * Copyright The Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania PGM Vol X No.2 The Crispins of Kingston- an- Htdl . 119 i. WILLIAM, baptized on October 8, 1627, within a week of hig cousin William, and buried on 21st of the same month. 10. ii. SAMUEL, will proved 10 February, 1668/9. 11. iii. JOHN , baptized on 4 March, 1636/7 . 12. iv. NATHANIEL, baptized 22 September, 1638 , v. DORCAS, baptized on 7 August , 1634. vi. MARY, buried on 17 September, 1635. 8. JOHN CRISPIN, youngest son of William and Alice ( Colson ) Crispin, was baptised at Holy Trinity , Hull, on 19 De cember, 1610. He was an attorney at law. In 1631/ 2 Mr. Poxley was Town Clerk of Hull, and, owing to his ‘‘ infirmity of Body, it was agreed that John Crispin ,’* a tounsman, shalbe enterteyned to he Assistant to the said Towne Clarke in all businesses touchinge that office, and for attending Mr. Maior daily out of Tearme time for the better ease of the Towne Clarke. On the 19 April, 1623, he was instructed to travel to London with certain deeds touching the election of an Escheator and , P - . G S his office 1 John Crispin had “ solicited ” some business on behalf of the town against Farmery and Wolfe concerning lands called Pinders in Hull.1 On Thursday 10 January, 1632/3, he was ordered to take a copy of the charter of the ferry from Barton , and also to search for the grant of the ferry to the town .1 On 20 June, 1633, he was ordered to move the Lord Chief Baron to take the town in his circuit at the next assizes ; and if he did not take that circuit to send the “ Auntienter ” Judge who should do so. He was also to procure the King’s writ for the removal of Michael Hatherwicke, who had killed Ralph Leeke, from York Castle to Hull.1 John Crispin was ordered to take another journey to London on 21 April, 1634, with maps of the town and other documents. By the 29th May he had returned and handed back the documents 1 Robert Pawlett and Oliver Lloyd, Commissioners for enquiring into exports of Hull, sent a warrant for causing owners of ships and masters and mariners to appear before them on 3 October, 1634. John Crispin was sent by the Mayor to desire them to bring or send their commission , as was usual. This was evidently the inquiry already referred to, in which his brother William Crispin gave evidence:1 On 16 April, 1635, he was ordered to take various documents . * GulIdhail 1 Bench Book. 1928 Copyright The Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania PGM Vol X No.2 120 The Crispins of Kingston-on- Hull . to London in connection with the action against Farmerie, and on 20 August following he had to travel to London to deliver concerning a ship of war and men left at Hull by Capt. Povey and other officers.1 John Crispin does not appear to have been married. He was buried at Hull on 4 November, 1639, and administration of his estate was granted to John Dennys of Hull , 12 June, 1640. It is curious that one of his brothers did not act in the capacity of Administrator . G S ( P 10. SAMUEL. CRISPIN, eldest surviving son of Alexander and Dorcas ( Somercotes) Crispin lived in Hull. He was a Master mariner, and on 18 August, 1660, appeared before the Warden, Elder Brethren and Assistants of Trinity House, and on being examined was found < sufficient ” to command any ship from Humber to Yarmouth Road, and so to the Naze, ( Norway ) and was thereupon sworn and admitted a brother.3 He married , first, at Hull on 2 December, 1656, Mary Finley ; and, secondly, at Hull, on 30 January, 1658/9, Mary, daughter of John Harrison. From his will, made on 8 December, 1668, proved 10 February, following,4 it would appear that he was in possession of Shawes Garth , as well as other property in Hull, and at Wighton Carr, all which he gave to his wife Mary until his son Joseph was twenty-one years of age. To his wife he gave all interest in his own ship the Friends Adventure , and his interest in four other ships to his daughters Dorcas, Alice and Mary. His brothers John and Nathaniel were appointed trustees. Besides the children mentioned in his will, he also had a son Samuel who died young. . 11 JOHN CRISPIN, second surviving son of Alexander and Dorcas ( Somercotes ) Crispin, was admitted a Freeman of Hull on 21 July, 1664,6 and a younger brother of Trinity House, on 9 February, 1662/3, when he was found fit to com mand a ship to Rotterdam and elsewhere * . - i Guildihall Bench Book. * York rnofoate Registry > Administrations, Ilaxthill * Trinity House. Admission Book. * Prero'g’atlve Court o f Canterbury , Coke 14. * GulLdihoM , Bench Book , 1 70 , , * Trinity House , Admission Book . 1928 Copyright The Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania PGM Vol X No.2 The Crispins of Kingston- on- HuU , 121 S P On 1 September, 1673, he was chosen a Steward of TrinityHouse for a year,1 an assistant on 21 March, 1673/4 by ballot,2 and an elder brother on 3 October, 1679.3 In the following year, 1 September, 1680, he was elected a Warden, but died during his term of office.4 In 1673 he complained to the House of certain seamen, who had mutined by refusing to do their work and threatening him. They were found guilty of the “ high nature of what the maister layes to their charge *’ and were fined.® He married at Holy Trinity, Hull, in February, 1658/9, Elizabeth Robinson of Stain ton Daile in the parish of Scalby, co. York. lie made his will on 29 September, 1680, proved 21 February, following,® by which he left his house in Lowgate or Mannour Side, Hull, and his lands in Cloughton to his wife for life, with reversion to his son William. On January 3rd, 1681, a large silver Spanish cup with cover was presented by his widow to the Trinity Brethren of Hull and is still in their possession. 1 Cis wife Elizabeth made her will on 14 April, 1684, proved 16 June, 1684/ by which, after various bequests to her own family, she gave the remainder of her estate to her son William , who was then a mariner. John and Elizabeth ( Robinson ) Crispin had the following children, baptised at Holy Trinity, Hull : G i . RICHARD, baptized 21 November, 1659 ; buried 21 February, 1659/60. ii. JOHN, baptized 16 February, 1660/1 ; buried 31 December, 1664. iii. WILLIAM , baptized 26 April, 1662, who survived. iv. ANN, baptized 1 July, 1663 ; buried 12 January, 1663/4. v. ELIZABETH, buried 3 January, 1669/70. 12. NATHANIEL CRISPIN, youngest son of Alexander and Dorcas ( Somercotes ) Crispin, was also a master mariner of Hull, and was admitted a brother of Trinity House on 24 August , 1676.® The records of Trinity House disclose an interesting reference to Nathaniel Crispin. On 23 January, 1670/1, he * Trinity House, Order Book , p. 61. * / bid ., p. 71. » ibid . , p. ioa * Ibid ., p. 1U. s Ibid ., p. 84 * York Probate Registry , vol . 58, p. 24L * Ibid ., voi. 60, p. 237. 8 Trinity House, Admission Book. L 1928 Copyright The Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania PGM Vol X No.2 122 - . The Crispins of Kingston on-Hull was disfranchised , because he, and others of Hull, c deserted this howse and made themselves subjects to the Crowne of Sweden ” as they themselves affirmed. Thus, by paying less custom in that country, they took away the trade of Hull.1 On the same day Peter Roe entered a complaint against Nathaniel Crispin for damages done to his ship in Hull Haven, which he was awarded.2 Nathaniel Crispin did not settle in Sweden, for in his will made 27 January, 1687/8,3 he describes himself as of Hull The whole document which is in his handwriting is extremely interesting. He gave to his sons Samuel and John his house and garden ; to his sons Nathaniel and Amos his land and house at Demblenton and Esointon, and to his son William property in Paul, Hull and Scarborough. He was evidently a man of some note, for, amongst other plate, he gave to his sons a silver tankard given him by the owners of the vessels he then commanded and a tankard and plate given him by Mr. Gelbard Hethcote, i. e . Sir Gilbert Heathcote,4 bart., first Governor of the Bank of England, and Lord Mayor of London. Nathaniel Crispin and Susanna his wife had issue: ( S P . G i . SAMUEL, baptized at Hull, 19 May, 1669 ; named in father ’s will. ii. NATHANIEL, baptized at Hull, 30 September, 1670 ; buried there 2 October, 1670. iii. JOHN, baptized at Hull, 15 November, 1671 ; named in father 's will. iv . NATHANIEL, baptized at Hull, 26 January, 1675/ 6 ; named in father ’s will . v. AMOS, named in father ’s will. vi. WILLIAM , named in father ’s will. vii. ELIZABETH, buried at Hull, 8 October, 1678. i Trinity House, Order Book, p. 44, * Ibid . * York Probate Registry , original wlM. * Brother of Colonel Caleb Heathcote who held high office In the Colony ol New York almost consecutively from Ii6UI2 until hie decease in 1721. He was mayor of New York from 1711 until 1714, during which time hie brother was Lord Mayor of London. 1928 Copyright The Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania PGM Vol X No.2