My wife's ancestors - Sharp - Contents

Woodward

Elizabeth Woodward.
She mar 12 Jan 1784 to John Sharp [or Sharpe, bapt 6 Dec 1759].
They lived in Stamford, Lincolnshire.
They had issue together baptised in 1785 and 1786.
But it seems they quickly separated.

Elizabeth had an affair with an unknown man, and had natural issue:

1. Charles Sharpe,
   bapt 2 Nov 1788 at Easton on the Hill, Northamptonshire (near Stamford).
   Listed at bapt as "born base", son of "Elizabeth Sharpe".
   He became a baker, of Castor, near Ailsworth, then in Northamptonshire (just across county border from Stamford).
   He mar 1809, Castor, to Sarah Savage.
   Listed as baker, of Castor, in mother's will 1823.
   He died 1860.
   Sarah died 1870.
   They had issue and descendants.
   Not descended from the Sharp/Sharpe family, but this line inherited the surname.

Since Elizabeth's natural child is bapt 1788 at Easton on the Hill, not Stamford, it seems likely her husband was alive and she separated from him.
Her husband John died pre-1823.
Elizabeth's will is dated 20 June 1823. She is described as widow, of Easton on the Hill.
Her will was pr 29 July 1833.
Charles was the sole beneficiary of her will. Her other issue by John had died.

Baptism of Charles Sharpe, 2 Nov 1788, Easton on the Hill.
Says he is "born base".
From here.

Extract from Elizabeth Woodward's will.
Her husband and her children and descendants by him are all dead.
She leaves everything to: "my illegitimate son Charles Sharpe of Castor".

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References

• Will of Elizabeth Sharpe. Dated 20 June 1823. Proved 29 July 1833. Prerogative Court of Canterbury.
  • (todo) See transcript by Bob Janes.

• Charles Sharpe family tree, by Richard Selwyn Sharpe.