William Fitch

  Noted events in his life were:

• Background Information. ⁵⁶¹
The published Parish Registers of St. Albans Abbey show that Zachary Fitch of Reading once lived here. The registers begin in 1558. They show a William Fitch who had a son, Hugh, baptized 14 Mar 1563/64. Hugh Fitch married, 13 Sep 1585, Anne Smith who was baptized 25 Sep 1567, the daughter of John and Joane (Roise) Smith. Hugh was buried 14 Apr 1620. The children of Hugh and Anne Fitch were: Mary, baptized 12 Feb 1586/87; John, baptized 13 Oct 1588; Jeremie, baptized 25 Jan 1589/90; Zacherie, baptized 16 Jan 1591/92; Anne, baptized 6 Jan 1593/94, died 26 Apr 1698.

~The New England Historical and Genealogical Register, Oct. 1903 pp. 415-416

• Will. ^562,647
The Will of William Fitch of the Parish of St. Albons within the Towne of St. Albons in the County of Hart, shoemaker, 20 Jan 1575. To be buried in the churchyard of St. Peters within the town aforesaid. To wife, Margaret, 6 pounds, 13 shillings, and the use and occupation of my house during such term of years as I have said house if she so long live. All such implements of household as she brought me at marriage. To son William Fitch, 20 pounds in the hands of Nicholas Johnson, to be paid to said son at the day payable by virtue of an obligation made between the said Nicholas Johnson and me. To son Tomas Fitch, 20 pounds, to be paid to him immediately after he hath accomplished the years of his apprenticehood. To son Hugh Fitch, 10 pounds and the residue of all goods unbequeathed; Highe Gilbert, my servant, to have the occupying of the whole stock of my said son Hughe Fitch for seven years next after my decease if said Hughe Fitch do live so long, the said Hughe Gilbert to take the said Hughe Fitch to apprentice during the said seven years. To Joan Smyth, my daughter, 40 shillings, and I forgive John Smyth, her husband all such debts as he doth owe me. To my two apprentices, 10 shillings apiece. If any of my said children, that is to say William, Thomas, Hugh, or Joan die before the days appointed for the receipt of their legacies, reversion to those then living in equal portions. And if all my children die before the days before expressed, reversion to my brother's and sisters' children in equal portions. To Leonard Aburton, my black coat. To my three sisters, 20 shillings apiece. Nicholas Johnson to be sole executor, and William Lawrence to be supervisor. In witness whereof I the said William Fitch have pt my seal. Witnesses: Nicholas Lower, Thomas Tirat & Thomas Cannfild with others. Codicil dated 26 Nov 1576. Whereas I have bequeathed to my son William Fitch 20 pounds, which William has deceased, the same is to be distributed as follows: To wife, Margaret, to son Thomas, to son Hughe and to daughter Joan 5 pounds apiece. Witnesses: William Lawrence, Nicholas Johnson, Hugh Gilbert, Agnes Grigg, and others. Proved 17 Dec 1576 by Nicholas Johnson, the executor named in will. [Archdeaconry of St. Albans, Clapton, 218]

~The New England Historical and Genealogical Register, April 1909 , pages 162-163