Thomas Pershall

     Thomas was born circa 1540 in Swynnerton, Staffordshire, England. Thomas married Joanna Phetiplace circa 1561 in England. She was first married to Antone Wyndsor. Thomas was admitted to Grey's Inn in 1555 and was recorded in 1568 as an "ancient" a term referring to his senority status. This indicates that Thomas was well established in the legal profession. Thomas departed this life on Sunday, 23 November 1608 in Horsley, Staffordshire, England. At an inquisition after his death dated 10 August 1609, a large list of properties owned by Thomas, was substaniated and shows that Thomas had inherited the manors from his father as his heir. Thomas granted to Feoffees all the vast estates he owned in trust for his son and heir apparent John and Ann wife of John in tail male. If John and Ann had no male issue, then the entire estate was to go to the first of the following to produce a male heir. The succession is as follows: Thomas’ son Thomas, brother of the above mentioned John; then to Jonas Pieshail, son of James Peishall, brother of Thomas; then to Robert Peishall brother of Thomas; then to Edmund Pieshall the eldest brother of Thomas, then to William Pieshall eldest son of a certain Ralph Pieshall; then to Charles Peshall brother of said William. On 24 November 1608, Thomas was buried at Eccleshall Church, Eccleshall, Staffordshire, England.