Thomas Chanter lived and managed the affairs of the shipbuilding busi- ness. Smaller houses were built near the shipyard for the ship carpenters.

This house is believed to be the oldest house existing in Bideford. It was built by Edward Williams, a son-in—law of William Ellis. John Edward MCArthur lived in it, followed by Archie McDonald, both of whom worked for Captain Richards in the shipyard. Robert England bought it when the Richards property was sold and lived in it until he built a new house. He sold this one to Keith MacDougall, who had it moved to its present location on the Bideford Road. It is presently owned by Michael and Paula Trowsdale. Their two children are sixth generation descendants of Edward Williams. A verandah has been built on the front and a dormer built on the back. This picture was taken in 1972. —FROM PAULINE MILLAR COLLECTION.

William Ellis’s wife was Hannah Penrose Tawton (sometimes spelled TOTTON), who died January 18, 1831. Their family consisted of six sons and three daughters. One son, Robert went back to England and married Grace Williams. They lived in the Peacock Inn which had been in the fam— ily for many generations. The remaining five sons—James, John, William, Harry and George—were all master mechanics in the shipbuilding trade and worked in the shipyards with their father. The three daughters of William Ellis were: Mary Ann who married John Reynolds; Agnes, who married Edward Williams; and Sarah (Sally) who married John England. Edward Williams and John England were William Ellis’s apprentices and both were skilled carpenters.

Richard Moys was a Shipmaster employed by Thomas Burnard. He arrived on the Island about the same time as William Ellis. On October 20, 1818 an Agreement of Lease was made between James Curtis (agent for the Montgomerys who were proprietors of that part of Lot 12) and Richard Moys, shipbuilder of Richmond Bay. Richard Moys was granted for 999 years, 313 acres bounded by the Goodwood/Bideford River to the east. Richard Moys contracted to pay rent due to the Crown on the original grant, and also one shilling per acre per year to the

Montgomerys.

8 Roors & BRANCHES