William Laughtenhouse was a yeoman farmer living in Cauldon, Staffordshire at the time of his death. He was most likely the son of John Laughtenhouse and Hellen Hoord christened on the 8 August 1577 at Rocester, Staffordshire. His wife had died previously and couple do not appear to have had any surviving children.
William died in 1649 and probate was granted on the 17 May 1649. In his will written on the 4 June 1648 he left his estate located at Cauldon in Staffordshire to Bonaventure (Bonnye) Wolverscroft, who was his servant, during his natural life. Then to his eldest son William, if William did not have lawful heirs then the land was to pass to Bonnye’s second son John and again if John did not have lawful heirs the estate was to pass to Bonnye’s third son Humphrey. If Humphrey did not have heirs then the estate was to pass to lawful heirs of Bonnye. John and Humphrey received further bequests of land. He also left William Wolverscroft son of Bonnye one brass pan and a brass pot. William, the son of deceased Leonard Wolverscroft was left a legacy of £4.
He also left William Wolverscroft of Farley five pounds and Ann Wolverscroft five pounds. He left the children of Roger Wolverscroft, John Wolverscroft, and Humfrey Wolverscroft ten pounds to be equally divided amongst them all. Other than William who was Bonnye’s brother and Bonnye’s children the relationship between the different member of the family is not given.
Bonaventure and his brother William were named executors of the will. Sampson Finney was the overseer. The will was witnessed by Sampson Finney, Richard Milner and John Tetlow.