FAMILY GROUP RECORD OF
EDWARD BUMFORD AND
MARGARET DAVIES

Edward Bumford was christened 26 August 1770 in Bettws Cedewain, Montgomery, Wales. He was the son of Edward Bumford and Elizabeth Davies. He married Margaret Davies, who was christened 14 May 1769 in Bettws, the daughter of James and Mary Davies.

Our Bumford ancestor, Elizabeth Ann Bumford, was born in the parish of Bettws Cedewain, Montgomeryshire, in 1797. During that time there were two families of Bumfords having children in the parish - Edward Bumford and Margaret Davies Bumford had children from 1795 to 1807; his brother Philip Bumford and Jane Smouth Bumford had children from 1806 through 1823. Edward Bumford and Margaret Davies were married in Bettws 13 April 1794. The younger children of Edward and Margaret Bumford were listed as being born in Dolvorwin township, Bettws parish. This is the site of the ruins of Dolforwyn Castle. 

1841 census for Bettws, Montgomeryshire, Wales

 

In the 1841 census the family is shown in Dolforwyn townland, Bettws.

Edward Bumford, age 70, Ag Lab (agricultural laborer)
Margaret   "   , age 70
David    "   , age 40,  Ag Lab
 
They lived next door to John Bumford, age 40, Ag Lab.
 


Edward died 30 March 1842 in Old Castle, Bettws.

Margaret died 10 January 1850 in New Well, Bettws.

 

Baptism record for Elizabeth Bumford in Bettws: "January 22nd, Elizabeth dr of Edward Bumford by Margaret his wife"

3. David, christened 15 September 1799 in Bettws; died 1871.

4. Mary, christened 5 September 1802 in Bettws.

5. Edward, christened 3 March 1805 in Bettws; died in Dolvorwin township, Bettws; buried 1 May 1805 in Bettws.
 

6. Lewis, christened 5 July 1807 in Bettws; died in Dolvorwin township, Bettws; buried 5 July 1807 in Bettws.
 

SOURCE: Bettws parish register, FHS# 104772; Tregynon parish register, FHS# 104825; Montgomeryshire Baptisms online at www.findmypast.com; 1841 Welsh census, Bettws; 1861 Welsh census, Bettws; FreeBMD Death Index.
 

FAMILY GROUP RECORD OF
EDWARD BUMFORD
AND ELIZABETH DAVIES

Edward Bumford was christened 13 January 1728 in Manafon, Montgomery, Wales, the son of Joseph Bumford and Elenor Owen.  Edward married Elizabeth Davies 19 May 1766 in Bettws. At the time of his marriage, Edward was listed as being “ of Llanllwcharain”. Elizabeth was christened 11 March 1731 in Bettws, the daughter of Evan Davies and Jane Jones. Elizabeth died in Dolvorwin township, Bettws, and was buried 17 August 1811 in Bettws.

Edward was buried 28 May 1813 in Bettws.

Edward and Elizabeth had the following children:
 

1. John, christened 6 February 1767 in Bettws.

2. Mary, christened 9 October 1768 in Bettws.

*3. Edward, christened 26 August 1770 in Bettws; married Margaret Davies 13 April 1794; died in Old Castle, Bettws; buried 30 March 1842 in Bettws.

Baptism record for Edward Bumford in Bettws: "August 26 - Edward son of Edwd. Bumford by Elisabeth his wife"

4. David, christened  12 October 1772 in Bettws.

5. Elizabeth, christened 30 May 1775 in Bettws.

6. Phillip, christened, 4 October 1777 in Bettws; married Jane Smout 18 January 1802 in Bettws; buried 24 January 1824 in Bettws.
 

7. Lewis, christened 27 February 1780 in Bettws; died in Dolvorwin township, Bettws; buried 10 March 1806 in Bettws.
 
 

SOURCE: Bettws parish register, FHS# 104772; Tregynon parish register, FHS# 104825; Manafon parish register, FHS# 104812; Marriage Index of Montgomeryshire, 1754-1837, 942.94, K22g, v. 1; Montgomeryshire Baptisms, Marriages and Burials at www.findmypast.com.
 
 

FAMILY GROUP RECORD OF
JOSEPH BUMFORD AND
ELENOR OWEN

Joseph Bumford was  christened  26 December 1699 in Aberhavesp, the son of Edward Bumford and Margaret Lewis. Joseph married Elenor Owen of Manafon on 4 March 1727 in Manafon. At the time of his marriage he was listed as being of Aberhavesp, Montgomeryshire, Wales. Elenor was christened 24 February 1706 in Llanfair Caireinion, the daughter of John Owen and Elizabeth Humphrey.

Joseph  came from Aberhavesp at the time of his marriage. The parish of Aberhavesp takes its name from a brook that flows into the River Severn below the church. The name means “the mouth of the summer-dry brook." "There is no main village. In the 19th century the population of the parish was 535. Farming is the main occupation in the parish. Aberhafesp Hall is a large brick mansion, reputed to have a ghost—a lady in white who walks from the church to the east door of the hall. St. Gwynog’s church lies in the southeast of the parish. There has been a church there since the 12th century."
 

Elenor was buried 16 October 1743 in Tregynon.



Joseph and Elenor had the following children:

*1. Edward, christened 13 January 1728 in Manafon; married Elizabeth Davies 19 May 1766 in Bettws; buried 28 May 1813 in Bettws.

 

2. Richard, christened 21 November 1734 in Llanfair Caereinion, Montgomeryshire.
 
 

SOURCE: Bettws parish register, FHS# 104772; Tregynon parish register, FHS# 104825; Manafon parish register, FHS# 104812; parish record of Llanfair Caerinion on Montgomeryshire Families 1675-1825 CD, Bill Barker; Montgomeryshire Baptisms and Burials at www.findmypast.com.
 
 

FAMILY GROUP RECORD OF
EDWARD BUMFORD AND
MARGARET LEWIS

Edward Bumford was born 6 January 1675 in Trefeglwys, the son of Philip Bumford and Catherine Lloyd.

Edward was mentioned in his father's will in 1687, and was under 18 years old. He married Margaret Lewis on 6 January 1693 in Llanwgnog.

Edward and Margaret had the following children:
 
 
1. Margaret, christened 10 February 1698 in Llanfair Caereinion.


2. Anne, christened 11 November 1698 in Aberhavesp.

 
*3. Joseph, christened 26 December 1699 in Aberhavesp; married Elenor Owen 4 March 1727 in Manafon.

 
4. Edward, christened 9 August 1702 in Llangwnog.

SOURCE: Montgomeryshire Families 1675-1825 CD, Bill Barker; will of Edward Stoke of Llanllwchaiarn, mentions Edward Bumford, Joseph, son of Edward Bumford; Montgomeryshire Baptisms online at www.findmypast.com. 
 
 

FAMILY GROUP RECORD OF
PHILIP BUMFORD AND
CATHERINE LLOYD

Philip Bumford was probably born between 1625 and 1645, the son of Oliver and Catherine Bumford.  Philip married Catherine Lloyd 6 February 1672/3 in Llanidloes, Montgomeryshire, Wales. Catherine is believed to be the daughter of Edward Lloyd, armiger, of Llanidloes.
 

Llanidloes is centrally situated between North and South Wales. King Edward I granted Llanidloes a market charter in 1280. It has wide, pleasant, tree-lined streets in the shape of a cross, and in the middle is the old half-timbered Market Hall, built about 1600. Beneath it is the old open market, and at its north corner is the stone from which John Wesley preached on many occasions.

Philip was buried in Trefeglwys on 12 February 1687/8. His will was dated 3 February 1687 and probated 16 March 1688/9. Trefelglwys is part of the ancient area of Arwystli, once the seat of the Lords of Powys. Phillip's will mentions wife Katherine, who is named as executor, oldest son, Oliver, second son, Edward, third son, Jossef, fourth son, Phillip, and daughter Anne. Oliver is left his father's lands when he comes to the age of one and twenty. Money is left to Edward, Joseph, and Phillip when they come to the age of eighteen. Thirty pounds is left to Anne when she comes to the age of eighteen, unless she marries without the consent of her mother and friends, then she is left one shilling only. Phillip also leaves money to Edward and Lawrence Bounford, likely his uncles, and to Susanna Swindell. Edward Savage and Edward Bromhall are named as overseers. The will is signed by Edward Bromhall, Evan Lewis, Larence Bounford, and Edward Savage.


Philip and Catherine had the following children:
 
 
1. Oliver, christened 30 December 1673 in Llanidloes; married Elizabeth Davies 6 July 1696 in Trefeglwys.
 

*2. Edward, christened 6 January 1675 in Trefeglwys; married Margaret Lewis 6 January 1693 in Llanwgnog.
 

3. Joseph, christened 8 August 1678 in Trefeglwys; died and was buried 10 September 1678 in Trefeglwys.


4 . Joseph, christened 27 July 1679 in Tregeglwys.


5. Anne, christened 1 March 1681 in Trefeglwys.
 

6. Philip, christened 25 May 1684 in Trefeglwys.
 

7. John, christened 16 March 1686/7 in Trefeglwys.
 
 

SOURCE:  Montgomeryshire Families 1675-1825 CD, version 2.0, Bill Barker; Trefeglwys parish register on www.findmypast.co.uk; Bishop's Transcripts of Trefeglwys; will of Philip Bumford, reference # 1689/97, Bangor Probate Records: IGI; Montgomeryshire Baptisms online at www.findmypast.com; will of Phillip Bumford, proven 1689, online at www.trefeglwys.org.uk.
 

 

   FAMILY GROUP RECORD OF
OLIVER AND KATHERINE BUMFORD

Oliver Bumford was born between 1590 and 1605. He was the brother of Edward Bumford. Oliver married Katherine. Oliver was mentioned in the will of a friend and neighbor, Edward Parton: "I doe desire my honest neighbours Edward Savage and Oliver Bomford to be overseers.” Edward also "directed his executor to pay one Oliver Bomford of Trefeglwys £10, to free a moiety of a messuage called Kaymaure, situate in the township of Bodaioch or Kefnbarreche."


Oliver died 12 December 1674 in Trefeglwys, leaving a will:




In the name of God amen, the seaventh day of December in the year of our Lord God 1674, I, Oliver Bomford of the pish of Trevegloes and Diocese of Bangor being sicke in bodye but of perfect memorie eternall laud and prayse be to allmightie God doe make this my last will and testament in manner and forme following: First, I bequeath my soule to Almightie God my maker and redeemer and my bodie to be buried in decent manner and concerning the disposision of my goods, First I give and bequeath to my sonne John Bomford fortie shillings. Also, I give and bequeath to my sonne Lawrence Bomford fortie shillings. Alsoe I give and bequeath to my daughter Margaret the wife of Ralph Charles ten and fortie shillings. Alsoe I give and bequeath to Elnor the wife of Lawrence Bomford ten shillings Alsoe I give and bequeath to my sonne Phellip Bomford ten shillings. Alsoe I give and bequeath to my daughter in lawe the wife of Phellip Bomford ten shillings. Also I give and bequeath to Susanna my daughter two shillings. All the rest of my goods I give and bequeath to Katherine my my wife whom I make the executrix of this my last will and testament. In wittnesse hereof I have hereunto putt my hand and seale the day and year first above written.



The marke of Oliver Bomford

Wittnesses to the same:

The marke of Edward Bomford
The marke of Owen Bomford
David Morris

 

Katherine died as a widow within a year of Oliver's death, on 14 March 1674/5, leaving a will dated 3 March 1674:




In the name of God, amen, the third day of March in the year of our Lord 1674 I, Katherine Bomford, widdowe of the pish of Trevegoes and diocese of Bangor, being sicke in body, but of pfect memorie, thanks be to almighty God, doe make this my last will and testament in manner and forme following, first, I bequeath my soul into the hands of Almightie God, my maker hoping that through the meritorious death and passion of Jesus Christ my only Saviour and redeemer to receive free pardon and forgivenesse for all my sins and as for my body to be buried in decent manner and as concerning the disposiccon of my goods first, I give and bequeath to Phellippe Bomford seaventeene shillings, alsoe I give and bequeath to Ralph Charles seaventeene shillings, also I give and bequeath to John Bomford seaventeene shillings, also I give and bequeath to Lawrence Bomford seaventeene shillings, Also I give and bequeath to John Jarman Junior ten shillings, Also I give and bequeath to Oliver Bomford Junior seaventeene shillings, Also I give and bequeath to David Morris, Lewis Parton, and Owen Bomford ten shillings betwixt them to be payed withing 6 months after my decease.. Also I nominate and appoint Edward Broomall my sonne in lawe to be the executor of this last will and testament, in wittnesse hereof I have hereunto sett my hand and seal the day and year first above written. Also I appoint David Morris and Lewis Parton to be overseers of this my will.




The marke of Katherine Bomford

Sealed and delivered in the presence and sight of David Morris.

The marke of Lewis Burton

The marke of Owen Bomford

The marke of John Jarman

The marke of Lawrence Bomford

Katherine does not identify the relationships for most of the individuals mentioned in her will. Most can be identified as her sons or sons-in-law. Phellippe Bomford is Katherine's son, Phillip. John and Lawrence are other sons. Ralph Charles is her daughter Margaret's husband. Edward Broomall, the named executor, is her daughter Susanna's husband. Oliver Bomford Junior could be another son, but he is not mentioned in Oliver Bumford, senior's will of December 1674. Phillip's son, Oliver, would have been about one year old at the time of the will. Could he have been named as junior in his grandmother's will? Owen Bomford is also mentioned, and acts as a witness for the will. He is probably Oliver senior's brother, and Katherine's brother-in-law.

An inventory was created for Katherine:


Oliver and Katherine had the following children:


1. Anna, christened 18 January 1625, probably died young.
 
2. John, born in about 1631.

3.  (Female), christened 22 September 1633 in Trefeglwys.

4. Lawrence, born in about 1634, married Elinor.
 
5. Margaret, born in about 1635, married Ralph Charles.
 
6. Edward, christened 3 September 1636 in Trefeglwys; married Andrea Goodwyne 4 March 1673 in Trefeglwys.
 
*7. Philip, born in about 1637, married Catherine Lloyd 6 February 1672/3 in Llanidloes, died February 1678/8; buried in Trefeglwys.
 
8. Susanna, born in about 1643, married Edward Bromhall 27 February 1670 in Trefegwlys. 

9. Elizabeth, born in about 1644 of Trefeglwys.

 
SOURCE: Montgomeryshire Families 1675-1825 CD, version 2.0, Bill Barker; IGI; will of Oliver Bumford, reference # 1674/65, Bangor Probate Records; will of Phillip Bumford mentions uncle Edward Bumford; Montgomeryshire Baptisms online at www.findmypast.com; Trefeglwys parish register at www.findmypast.co.uk; will of Katherine Bumford, 1674, online at www.trefeglwys.org.uk.

 
 

EARLY BUMFORDS

Bumfords or Bomfords found in the early parish registers include Oliver Bumford and his brother Edward. Edward married Bridget, and had a daughter, Margaret, christened in 1634 in Trefeglwys. Another early Bomford is Richard, buried 22 May 1662 in Trefeglwys. He may be another brother for Oliver, or possibly a father. Owen Bomford was buried 30 January 1686 in Trefeglwys. Owen signs both Oliver and Katherine's wills, and is probably a brother to Oliver.

The name Bumford is not of Welsh origin. It is an English name. In Wales it is “a name which is largely confined to Montgomeryshire and only found incidentally elsewhere” (The Surnames of Wales) Bumford is the most common spelling, but other variants are Bamford, Bampford, Bamforth, Bumfort, Boundford and Bumpford. The first Bumford/Bamford ancestor in Wales was most likely John Bamford from Bamford, Derbyshire, as told in Welsh Family History: “Evidence has recently come to light of what appears to be an English plantation or settlement in the lordships of Arwystli and Cyfeiliog in Montgomeryshire and Chirk, Chirkland and Denbigh in Denbighshire, all of which belonged to Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, by lease from the Crown. Dudley was permitted by virtue of a licence from the Crown, dated 9 July 1576, to alienate away the lands in the above lordships in whatever way he wished, for a period of four years. It was during this period that a significant in-migration of English people occurred. The documentary evidence for this is provided in a case of sheep-stealing trumped-up by two local Welsh men who clearly resented the English newcomers. Their victim was John Thornhill who had moved to the parish of Llangurig in the lordship of Arwystli in 1576, together with John Bamford, Robert Hatfield, Henry Gregory and his wife Margaret, and Nicholas Bennett. They came from the communities of Thornhill, Bamford and Hatfield, which all lie in close proximity to each other in the Peak district of Derbyshire.” (National Library of Wales: Montgomeryshire Court of Great Sessions Gaol Files, WALES 4/129-1, mm. 24-66)
 

During the trial of John Thornhill in 1578, John Bamford was called as a witness: "John Bamford of Trefeglwys, aged 60 years. Bamford said that he had lived in the same town where the plaintiff, Thornhill, was born, which was called Bamford, co. Derby." ("English Settlement in Western Montgomeryshire"; Murray Ll. Chapman; Second Stages in Researching Welsh Ancestry; John and Sheila Rowlands, editor; Genealogical Publishing Company; 1999.) This reference shows that John Bamford was born in 1518 in Bamford, Derbyshire, England. He is most likely the grandfather or great-grandfather of our Oliver Bumford of Trefeglwys.
 

In The Surnames of Wales it is stated: “Bamford is the name of places in Derbyshire and Lancashire. The former is probably responsible for the appearance of this name, for John Bamford of Derbyshire settled in Llangurig, Montgomeryshire, in 1576." The Bamford/Bumfords settled in Wales and married Welsh women with typical Welsh names like Davies and Owens. The name Bumford or its variants is found in the Montgomeryshire parishes of Bettws Cedewain, Manafon, Aberhavesp, Llanwyddelan, Tregynon, Llangynog, Llanmerewig, Trefeglwys, Llanllwchaiarn, Llandiloes, Llanlugan, and Carno, in the time period from 1600-1800.