Family History by Robert Monroe Fleming (Sr.)
Nance Memorial Book Data - Exhibit D
Transcribed by Robert M. Fleming Jr.
EXHIBIT "D": From the history of Saint Ives, etc. by Matthews.
Nance - This is one of the original Saint Ives families. The name, which is a misspelling of the Cornish word Nans, a valley, indicates that the ancestor who first assumed this cognoman was a dweller in some inland dale of the neighborhood. In the year 1327, there was a general subsidy levied upon all England. And the lists of the persons taxed for it are the earliest rolls in existence. "Luca de Nance" thus appears. In 1523 Thomas Nanse had goods, etc. also in 1524. In 1573 John Nantes was aburgess of Saint Ives. In 1578 he contributed to the equipment of the trained band fitted out against the Spaniards. In 1590 Captain John Nance. In 1595 John Nanse Captaine, etc. 1543 Symon Nanc. 1592 Mr Trenance.
John Nance, Jo Nance, Wm Nance, Rio Nance, Geffrie Nance, Wm Nance, Wm Nance church warden, and others appear all along up to about 1700. Marriages, 1667, John Nance and Elizabeth Stevens. 1701 Alien Nance and Welmot Thomas. 1711 Thomas Kempthorn and Elizabeth Nance. 1729, Richard Eustis and Margery Nance.
From John Wesley's diary the following items are taken: "Visited Saint Ives a second time April 3, 1744. I was a little surprised at entering John Nance's house, being received by many. Who were waiting for me. With a loud though not bitter cry." Again: "Went with John Nance to Rosemargay, in Zennor, etc." Again: "But between seven and eight the mob came and beset John Nance's house. John Nance and John Paynter went out and stood before the door. Though they were quickly covered with dirt. The cry was, bring out the preacher. Pull down the house." Again: "on Sunday 30, about six in the evening I began to preach in the street near John Nance's door." Concerning his twenty fifth visit, on Aug. 26, 1786, Wesley writes: "in the evening I preached in the market place at Saint Ives, to almost the whole town. This was the first place in Cornwall where we preached and where Satan fought fiercely for his kingdom; but now all was peace. I found that old John Nance had rested from his labors. Some months since, sitting behind the preacher, in the pulpit, he sunk down. Was carried out and fell asleep." Many other quotations might be made from the work. But these are given not because of real value, but to give some idea as to the age, number, and prominence of the family.
Return to Family History home page
©2009 Robert M. Fleming Jr.
This page was last revised on 30 August 2009.