Biography
John Exley of Rawdon. Clothier. Third generation from Robert Exley of Halifax (d.1647). Second child and third son of Samuel and Mary Exley of Rawdon, born 6th March 1651.
He married Sibyl Harper, daughter of Francis Harper and his wife Sibyl of Calverley and Guiseley, on 1st February 1673. The Chronicle notes the surname Harper was derived from an early member who was a minstrel or harper. Sibyl’s mother came from a family with members at Baildon and Calverley “from very remote times.”
John died 21st October 1721; his grave is in Rawdon churchyard. His wife Sibyl [the Chronicle mistakenly says “Mary”] died 1716.
Note: Meryll’s tree gives the death date as 1723. The Chronicle gives 21st October 1721, which is preferred as it includes the specific date.
His son Robert (b.1686) continued the direct line through to the NZ emigrants.
Children (from the Chronicle)
| Name | Born | Married | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maria | 27 Dec 1675 | Anthony Dowell of Rawdon, 1700 | |
| John | 25 Aug 1679 | Mary Fawcett, 1710 | Children: Thomas, Daniel, Samuel, Patience, Hannah, Elizabeth, Mary |
| Daniel | 1680 | Ann [?], 1741 | Children: John (b.1717), Samuel (b.1719) |
| William | 1682 | ||
| Robert | 19 Aug 1686 | Dorothy Jewell, 1731 | Direct ancestor — see Robert Exley of High Royds (b.1686) |
Note: Meryll’s tree lists different children (Marie 1679, John 1685, Ann 1686, Samuel 1688, William, Robert 1691) with different dates. The Chronicle’s dates appear more reliable as they cite parish registers.
Evidence
- Listed on Meryll’s hand-drawn tree (Meryll’s Hand-Drawn Family Tree)
- Victor’s pedigree: “1651 John m. Sibyl Harper” with records in Bradford, Rawdon & Guiseley Registers (Victor Exley Pedigree Sketch)
- Exley Chronicle (Typed), page 3: full biography with children’s dates