William FANCHER

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William Fancher, believed to have been a brother of John Fancher, first settler of Poundridge, NY, is found in Branford, Conn., as early as 1723 where his marriage took place on 20 Nov. 1723 with THANKFUL THOMSON, daughter of John and Hannah (Wheadon) Thomson, who was born in Branford 7 Jul 1705. The marriage was performed by Samuel Russell. It is significant that Thankful Thomson and Samuel Elwell, who married Catherine Fancher, were both grandchildren of Thomas Wheadon, one of the first settlers of Branford, which is one of the facts which have led to the assumption that William and Catherine were brother and sister. William and his wife died a day apart, Thankful Fancher passing away on 19 August 1759 and William 20 August 1759.

William Fancher's name appears in various early reports. Branford Town Records of 1694-1788 state: '"Entered the earmark of William Fancher which is two nicks or slits crossways of ye right ear on the under side, May ye 18; 1724" referring to his cattle marks. Branford Land Records state that on 1 Feb. 1728/9 (vol. 5, p. 99) "John Whedon of Banford sells to Ebenezer Elwell and William Fancher of Branford yeoman 9 acres in the Gusset. (First land transaction)." The same records, vol. 6, pp. 63, 64, show that William Fancher bought 214 acres of land in Waterbury, Conn., 19 Jan. 1745/6, and his name appears on the list of taxpayers in that town in 1746. His will, recorded in Woodbury Probate Records, vol. 4, p. 112, as drawn 16 Aug. 1759 and probated 4 Dec. 1759, show that William was a farmer and owned a large farm.

William Fancher removed from Branford to Waterbury about 1745 or 1746, being on the list of taxpayers in Waterbury from 1746. When his will was drawn in 1759 he was called of "Northbury" (now Thomaston or Plymouth). that he lived in Branford as late as 1739 is evidenced by the fact he was received as a member of the Branford Congregational church in July of that year.

As several of the children were under age at the death of their parents, guardians had to be appointed. John, who was of age, became the guardian of his brothers Jehiel, Thomas and Ithiel; William became the guardian of his brother Ichabod and one Zachariah Sanford became the guardian of Lemuel. The guardianship appointments are found in Woodbury Probate Records, vol. 4, pp. 112 to 125, and vol. 5, p. 118.

William married Thankful THOMSON on 20 Nov 1723 in Branford, Connecticut. Thankful was born on 7 Jul 1705 in Branford, Connecticut; died on 19 Aug 1759. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

? married ? UNKNOWN. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]