John Fovell was born in about 1590 of Leigh, Lancashire. He
married Ellen Peiers (or Pearson) 22 September 1614 in Leigh,
Lancashire. From Marriage Licenses Granted Within the
Archdeaconry of Cheshire: "John Fovell, Parish of ____,
and Ellen Peerses alias Alexanderson, Spinster. At Leigh, Lanc."
The name Fovell is shown as Fawfield, Fofelle, Fofilde, Fouell,
and Fofeild in christening records. Ellen was the daughter of
Alexander Pearson and Elizabeth Norris. Elizabeth Norris was the
daughter of Alexander Norris, a prosperous woolen merchant of
Bolton.
John was mentioned in the wills of several members of the Norris
family, Ellen's relatives, in Bolton.
John received a bequest in the will of William Norris. William
was the son of Elizabeth Norris' brother Robert. so a cousin to
Ellen:
Abstract of the Will of William Norris of Bolton, 1628
12th July, 1628. I William Norres of Bolton le Moors
gentleman,
Mentions, messuages glebe lands etc. etc. in Bolton “late
in occupation of Robert Norres my late father and now
of me”, which he leaves to George Norres his second son.
His father’s will dated 10th June 1620. Other lands to
William Norres his youngest son, with remainder to Robert Norres
his eldest son. Final remainder to John Fovell of Bolton..
Exor: Margaret his wife.
Witnesses: John Fovell Tho: Lever [signed]
Inv: 27 July 1628 by Gyles Aynsworth, John Norres, Xfer
Norres, Ewan Grundy, Raffe Aynsworth, and John Fovell.
Debt owing to “Mr. Brownlow Senr.” 2li. 13s. 4d.
Long list of debts in addition.
Proved 29 July 1628.
(Notes on the History of Hall i’ th’ Wood and Its Owners;
by William Fergusson Irvine, 1903)
John was also a witness for the will of George Norris,
clothier of Bolton in 1628, the son of Ellen's brother Robert, and
Ellen's cousin.
Abstract of the Will of George Norris of Bolton proved 1628
20th October ___. I [George} Norres of Boulton, clothier,
Mentions, “Robert Norres my late father” – “Katherine my
wife” – “Isabell Norres my mother, widow” – “messuages and glebe
lands” – “William Norres my brother” – residue of goods to wife
– “if she be with child with a boy” leaves remainder to him.
O’seers: Brother William Norres and John Brighouse
Exor: Wife
Witnesses: Joh: Fovell, John Ransom
(Notes on the History of Hall i’ th’ Wood and Its Owners; by
William Fergusson Irvine, 1903)
John also participated in taking the inventory for Isabell Norris
of Bolton in 1637. Isabell was the widow of Robert Norris, so
Ellen's sister-in-law.
Abstract of the Will of Isabel Norris of Bolton, 1637
10th Sept: 1637. Isabell Norres of Bolton in the Mores,
widow
Inv: by Jas Williamson, Richard Baxter, John Fofell
and Rich. Moss, 20 Sept 1637
(Notes on the History of Hall i’ th’ Wood and Its Owners; by
William Fergusson Irvine, 1903)
John died 20 February 1649 as "John Fovell of Boulton senior",
and was buried in St. Peters, Bolton churchyard.
John and Ellen had the following children:
*1. Elizabeth, christened 12 April 1615 in Bolton; married
Robert Haslam 12 August 1631 in Prestwich.
2. John, christened 29 July 1616 in Bolton.
3. Ann, christened 24 September 1617 in Bolton.
4. Ellin, christened 30 January 1618 in Bolton; buried 13
July 1621 in Bolton.
5. Margrett, christened 21 May 1620 in Bolton.
6. Ellin, christened 24 June 1622 in Bolton.
7. Allis, christened 27 December 1624 in Bolton.
8. Mary, christened 14 May 1626 in Bolton.