William Grayson (my great, great, great grandfather) married Ann Lewis of Kirkstead in 1790. In the Parish register it is recorded that William was “of this parish”. That means he must have established residence in Kirkstead prior to his marriage so he may have been there for a year or so.

William was a farmer’s son and the Lewises were farmers. After William’s marriage he and his brother-in-law Robert Lewis worked adjacent farms in Nocton, 12 miles from Kirkstead.

Ann Lewis, was born 1770, in Kirkstead, daughter of Robert and Mary (Skelton) Lewis.   William and Ann had twelve children between 1791 and 1817:

William Grayson died 27th Nov 1839 and Ann (Lewis) Grayson on 3rd Feb 1840 aged 63, both are buried in All Saints Churchyard, Nocton, Lincolnshire County. Cause of William’s death “ debility with gravel” (Kidney stones). His brother-in-law Robert Lewis was in attendance at his death. On William’s gravestone he is said to have lived to the age of 75. The churchyard is well maintained. Broken headstones have been removed from their original position and leaned against the E. wall. The churchyard is still in use.

Main Clauses in William Grayson’s will – 1839

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