GENERATION 13

GENERATION 12

Biography

EDWARD COGGSWELL was born about 1554 in Westbury Leigh, Wiltshire, England. He was buried on Jan. 12, 1616 in Westbury Leigh. His occupation was clothier, persuing the business of his father and ancestors for generations.

In 1591 he built the ancient home at what is now known as 145 Westbury Leigh. Restoration work uncovered three irregular lumps above the hearth, and further inspection revealed three shields carved in relief. One is inscribed "ECA (Edward Cogswell and Alicia), another reads "1591" and the third bears the Cogswell cloth logo, the use of which became compulsory for clothiers. The house was privately restored during the 1980s by Peter and Mary Jones. "His estates were designated Ludborne, Horningsham, and Ripond Mylls, and were located in the parish of Frome Selwood, a few miles from Westbury. He appears to have been one of the most successful and prosperous clothiers of the region."

He died Jan. 12, 1615/16, and is buried in the Churchyard at Westbury Leigh. His will was dated Jun. 23, 1615, and was proved Jan. 12, 1616.

About the year 1578, he married Alice, who was born about 1559 in Westbury Leigh. She was buried on May 11, 1616, in the Churchyard at Westbury Leigh.