The First William WARD (born abt 1763, resident of Merton, Devon, England)

Our first proven WARD ancestor was one William WARD (born about 1763)  It appears that this William was residing in Merton, Devonshire, England when at least some of his children were born.  His wife was probably Elizabeth (more than one source), but another source stated her name was Ann. 

 My mother’s cousin had in her possession an original “The Book of Common Prayer” published in 1834 (copies in my possession).  In old script is written:

 “Wm Ward 1835” at the top.  The inside cover states:  "Willm the son of Wm and Elizth Ward was born February 6 and was baptized the same day in the year of our Lord 1783”. 

Transcriptions of the “Merton, Devon, England Baptisms 1687-1812” do not show a son of William and Elizabeth Ward baptized in 1783.  It does however show four other sons, and one daughter to a William and Elizabeth Ward, and none to a William and Ann Ward. 

According to "The History of Genesee County New York" William Ward Jr. had 3 brtothers;  John, Thomas and Hugh.  No information in known about them at this time. 

New Beginning

As my interest in genealogy has ebbed and flowed over the years, one thing has remained constant...I'm very disorganized!  The computer has helped in a HUGE way...and now I'm hoping that this blog will do the same.  It is my plan to create a time line for my ancestors, arranging what I already know, and putting it in a narrative form.  I'm hoping that the individuals will come more alive to me, and that their personalities might begin to show.  And if in the process, someone stumbles across my words, and can provide more information, I will be thrilled!!  Oh!  And if my order is random...please forgive me!


I am an only child...which might just explain why finding family is so important to me.  My heritage is rich in Illinois.  My ancestors were here when it was only prairie land.  They "broke prairie" and planted crops.  They were farmers.  I know that I never feel more "alive" than when I'm in the part of the state from which they came.  The sight of the endless farmland warms my heart.  Though I've never lived in that part of the state, it is the place where I truly feel "at home".  I get both energized and find peace there.  It is home.