Relationship to me
John Exshaw is my 4th Great Grandfather.
*Ref Ancestry.com.au
Why John Exshaw?
John Exshaw was born in the 1770's in Dublin, Ireland. He is my 4th Great-Grandfather on my maternal Grandmother's side of the family.
I think I was drawn to John initially because of the office he held, I mean, that must mean he was an important and well respected man? Although, I challenged this thoughtline when I started reflecting on modern politicians and realised that may not be the case at all.
I was also a little surprised to stumble on Irish heritage without having to go too deep into our ancestry. Irish decendants I have known seem to staunchly hold onto their heritage as if they are still living in the villages of the home country, drinking guineas and singing, "Danny Boy" at every opportunity possible. I don't recall any Irish songs heralding family gatherings, or any mention of being remotely Irish. However, as soon as I discovered this I felt the need to get in touch with my Irish side.
When I think about it though, maybe I was "being Irish" all along. I don't mind a visit to the local for a beer, those closest to me know I am stubborn and I have the palest of pale, pale skin, green eyes and wavy brunette hair. Well it was once naturally brunette, it's been a while since it has been natural. Oh and I love a good sing-a-long in the form of Karaoke.
Who was John Exshaw?
Born into a family of successful and wealthy merchants, John enjoyed a solid career as a bookseller and printer. Printing was a much respected occupation of the time. Maybe it was a bit like IT in the early 90's? The technology was mysterious and exciting and they could charge what they wanted because no one else knew better? It also helped that there were no copyright laws at the time so he got away with reprinting books originally printed in London without having to pay royalties. His bookshop was on the famous Dame Street in Dublin which attracted high-end retailers to cater for those with disposable incomes.
Rough location of 86 Dame Street today, where John had his bookstore.
He was an ambitious politician who unfortunately didn't realise his ultimate goals but did hold the following positions:
- Alderman
- Sheriff
- High Sheriff
- Coroner
- Police Magistrate
- Lord Mayor
He ran for parliament in1790 but was unsuccessful.
He married Angel Wilkinson in 1776, a young woman of considerable wealth, they had five children together before she tragically passed away in 1787 at the age of 32. It's quite possible it was related to child birth as one of her children was born the same year as her death. Angel Wilkinson was not my 4th Great-Granmother.
John married again, this time to twenty year old, Thomasine Haffield, the year is unclear as I have seen a few versions of the date of marraige. Thomasine and John had at least four children together. Thomasine Haffield is my 4th Great-Grandmother and she birthed my 3rd Great-Grandfather, John Exshaw (Reverand).
I'm not sure what happened to Thomasine, there is no record of her death that I can find but I do know that it is documented that John entered into his third marraige in 1805, possibly to a woman called Hannah Lagrovere. They had another child but it sadly seems she died the same year of her son's birth, just a year after their marraige. Based on this pattern I would say there is a good chance Thomasine suffered the same fate.
John was certainly an avid procreator producing at least ten offspring. There is no record of a marraige or partnership to see him into his twighlight years before he passed away in 1827.
John's family book/printing business was famous for producing lifestyle journals such as:
- Exshaw's London Magazine
- Exshaw's Gentlemen's
- English Registry
He was also the official printer to the following munipal bodies:
- Lottery Commissioners
- Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge
- University Press
- Post Office and the Police
- Dublin City
The Dublin Chronicle referred to him as serving the public ‘with judgement, temper, perspicuity and candor."
Overall John was pretty lucky to be born into opportunity, he married well which also provided him with the wealth to continue a solid family business and pursue his political desires. The times he lived in were not smooth sailing as he served with the Royal Dublin Volunteers where he led 1000 yeomen in 1997 and 98 in defence of the Spanish/French Invasions. He was not in favour of the Act of the Union as he believed it would harm trade. However he continued to prosper long after it was introduced.
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