Jack Morter - Morter Ancestry

JACK MORTER

After so much good fortune, regarding Robert and Laurence, I felt the North Walsham Records needed to be looked at. The accounts of both Thomas’s were clear, Thomas Morter baptised 7th September 1600 from the Dossier; but the details of both Philips, Fillipus baptised there in 1630 and Philip who married Catherine in 1698, bothered me. I managed to visit St Nicolas in North Walsham, a few times that summer and was able to see all the Morter records, easily. Ivan Appleby, the chief Archivist had access to “MORTER” Records St Nicolas, North Walsham,

these were rewritten legible accounts of them. However, I found nothing new; so later that month, I checked out the Happisburgh records. I found the references to ‘Rose & John of Philip Morter and Dorothy`, but little else. Trying to decipher those records is so difficult, Mr Morgan did such a good job!

Ivan was extremely helpful, and told me about another `Morter` who had been looking at the records, earlier that year; this was Jack Morter. Jack was so pleased to hear from me, as he said: ‘At last another Morter, I thought I was alone in my research!’ And I soon learnt, that his great, great, great, grandfather William Morter is buried at St Nicolas. Jack lives in Ohio, USA and his line goes back to a Blyth Jagward Morter born 1817 in Nth Walsham, died 1869 Licking Infirmary, Ohio.

St Nicolas, the Church, is of special interest and; as well as ‘Walsam’, is mentioned in the ‘Domesday Book` in 1080, as belonging to Saint Benet`s Abbey, so it is Saxon.

The tower of the ancient church still exists today, and was included into the present church building and stands close to the present Tower Ruin.

This, more recent Ruined Tower collapsed during a windy day in 1724; apparently while the bell ringers were in action! St Nicolas, whose entrance is through a magnificent Porch, dominates the town. I make special mention of this Church, as it would appear most likely that all our Morter Lines goes right back to it; unless there is a ‘French Connection`!

Also, it is of interest, Reverend Crusha spent his last days, living in Halvergate House, North Walsham; and working in the church, as an assistant Rector. He died in 1993; apparently, his sister was married to Kenneth Morter, a builder from Cuffley. This was the reason for his research and the start of mine!

Jack is trying to find out, if his GGGGfather William is connected to my line, starting with Old Thomas bur.1636. If he succeeds, we could be related, perhaps 12th cousins or less; that’s if there is an English Connection!

Still no French Connection....yet! But proof of English Connection with Jack Morters` Line.....

Hello 10th Cousin