The Minor Family of Somerset

from Vicar Favour and his Times page 74
"Oliver Witton of Illingworth, clothier, whom we suppose to be s
on and heir of William of Ovenden, by Elizabeth Illingworth, hi
s first wife, was the heir of Richard illingworth of Illingworth
, who made his will 10th August proved 8th Dec 1585. He bequeat
hed all lands in Illingworth and Mixenden, to Oliver Witton an
d his heirs for ever; alsothe half of an annual rent of 33s 4
d for a term of years, issuing out of certain housing of Thoma
s Shaw in Halifax; and also half of another annuity, forterm o
f years, of 4 10s out of lands of Thomas Shaw of Brockholes. Th
e other half, he left to his wife Elizabeth Illingworth; and app
ointed Oliver witton his sole executor.
He married firstly, 7th October, 1589, Grace, daughter of John W
hitley, of Ovenden (Wheatley), whose son Michael Whitley, forme
d another matrimonial connection with the family, in the next ge
neration. The issue by this first marriage was Edward, baptize
d 21st June, 1590, mentioned inhis father's will, and placed un
der the guardianship of his grandfather, John Whitley, the elder
.
He married, secondly, 8th November, 1592, Susan, daughter of Joh
n Dixon of Bentley Royd. another connection of the Whitley an
d Dixon families, was made by the marriage of Jennet, sister o
f John Whitley theelder, abovementioned, and aunt of Grace, Oli
ver Witton's first wife, to John Dixon of Bentley Royd, father o
f Susan, Oliver Witton's second wife. By this second marriage
, Oliver Witton had issue JOSHUA, baptised 14th April 1594.Hi
s will made 6th December 1597, proved 4th October 1598. He beque
athed to his eldest son and heir apparent, Edward and heirs, al
l his lands in Illingworth; remainder to Josua, his younger son
, and heirs. Also to son Josua, 20marks out of rents of a hous
e and croft, which George Wilson dwelt in; alsowith his mother
, 40 pouns out of John Dickson's lands. All jeist board whicha
re not fixed to his son Edward; and John Whitley the elder to b
e his guardian.