St John Genealogical Records

St John Birth & Baptism Records

England & Wales Birth Index (1837-2006)

An index to births registered throughout England & Wales. Provides a reference to order copies of birth certificates from the national registrar of births, marriages and deaths – the General Register Office.

St John Baptism Records (1699-1860)

A searchable transcript of St John baptism registers. The transcriptions essentially record births in and around St John between 1699 and 1860.

St John Baptism Registers (1649-1900)

Baptisms records for children living in and around St John, detail the names of their parents - their occupations and residence from 1649 to 1900.

Devon Baptisms (1444-1915)

A searchable database of 2,225,292 records, linked to original images of baptism registers. The records provide proof of parentage, occupations, residence and other details.

Devon Baptism Index (1813-1839)

Transcriptions of over 360,000 baptisms from most parishes in the county. Records include parents name and abode.

St John Marriage & Divorce Records

England & Wales Marriage Index (1837-2008)

An index to marriages registered throughout England & Wales. This is the only national marriage index that allows you to search by both spouse's names. Provides a reference to order copies of marriage certificates from the national registrar of births, marriages and deaths – the General Register Office.

St John Marriage Registers (1623-1834)

Marriage registers record Anglican marriages in St John. They are the primary marriage document before 1837 and contain the same details as marriage certificates from then on.

St John Marriage Index (1623-1752)

An index to marriages recorded by the church, listing the date of marriage and the names of the bride and groom.

St John, Cookbury Marriages (1608-1811)

Transcriptions of records from baptism registers. They are the primary source for pre-1837 marriages. They may record the bride and groom's residence, the groom's occupation, parents' names, marital status and witnesses.

Devon Marriages (1446-2002)

A searchable database of 1,871,561 records, linked to original images of marriage registers. The records may include fathers' names, age, residence, occupations and more.

St John Death & Burial Records

England & Wales Death Index (1837-2006)

An index to deaths registered throughout England & Wales. Provides a reference to order copies of death certificates from the national registrar of births, marriages and deaths – the General Register Office.

St John Burial Registers (1813-1837)

Records of burial for people buried at St John between 1813 and 1837. Details include the deceased's name, residence and age.

Devon Burials (1320-1988)

A searchable database of 1,666,144 records, linked to original images of burial registers. The records may include date of burial and/or death, residence, age and other details.

Devon Burials Index (1813-1837)

Transcriptions of over 225,000 burials from most parishes in the county. Induces the deceased's age.

Devon Social & Institutional Records (1780-1914)

Over 60,000 transcripts of personal entries in various types of records, including vaccination registers, apprenticeship records, occupational records, poor law records, marriage notice books, returns of deaths, infirmary registers, debtor lists, workhouse birth registers, bastardy records and more.

St John Census & Population Lists

1939 Register (1939)

An index to and digital images of records that detail 40 million civilians in England and Wales. Records list name, date of birth, address, marital status, occupation and details of trade or profession.

England, Wales, IoM & Channel Islands 1911 Census (1911)

The 1911 census provides details on an individual's age, residence, place of birth, relations and occupation. FindMyPast's index allows searches on for multiple metrics including occupation and residence.

Register of Voters for South Devon (1865-1869)

A list of those eligible to vote, including their address and qualification to vote.

Devon Militia Assessments (1715)

A list of Devon property-owners who were required to contribute towards sustaining the militia.

Devon Hearth Tax Return (1674)

A transcription of the Lady Day hearth tax for 1674 for the county of Devon.

Newspapers Covering St John

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette (1827-1950)

Original images of a regional newspaper, searchable via a full text index. Includes news from the Devon area, business notices, obituaries, family announcements and more.

North Devon Journal (1824-1950)

A database allowing full text searches of a newspaper covering regional news, family announcements, obituaries, court proceedings, business notices and more in the Devon area.

Western Morning News (1894-1950)

A politically independent newspaper, covering the affairs of Dorset, Devon, Cornwall and Somerset. It includes family notices.

Cornishman (1878-1950)

A newspaper including local news, family notices etc. from across the county of Cornwall.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette Daily Telegrams (1869-1870)

A short regional paper covering local occurrences, business news, family notices and more.

St John Wills & Probate Records

England & Wales National Probate Calendar (1858-1966)

Searchable index and original images of over 12.5 million probates and administrations granted by civil registries. Entries usually include the testator's name, date of death, date of probate and registry. Names of relations may be given.

Devon Wills Index (1163-1999)

An index to 295,609 wills of people who lived in or were connected to Devon. The wills they reference can contain a great deal of genealogical information.

Exeter Diocese & Archdeaconry Probate & Admons (1540-1799)

An index to thousands of probates and administrations granted by the Diocese and Archdeaconry of Exeter, covering parts of Devon & Cornwall.

Devon Probate Index (1190-1980)

An index to over 300,000 Devon wills, admons and inventories from 550 sources. Index contains name, abode, occupation, type of document, year of probate, court, notes and document reference.

Devon PCC Administrations (1559-1660)

An index to administrations granted by the Prerogative Court of Canterbury. Contains names of administrators, with relations stipulated.

St John Immigration & Travel Records

Devonian Migration Choices (1760-1950)

A detailed investigation into motivations for Devonians choosing to stay or migrate from the county, with particular attention to labour, religion and family ties.

Settlement & Removal in Rural Devon (1662-1871)

A lengthy article detailing the practice of moving the needy poor between parishes. Contains examples of settlements, removals and examinations.

Sinking of the John (1855)

The story of a ship heading to Quebec from Plymouth that sank off the coast of Cornwall, killing 194 passengers. Includes information on the crew, passengers and others connected with the event.

North Devon Exodus (1818-1868)

An overview of emigration from north Devon to the Americas, with particulars of some who made the journey.

Prisoners in Devon Quarter Sessions (1655-1837)

A calendar of prisoners brought before the quarter sessions, with details of their crime and punishment. Contains entries for individuals who were transported.

St John Military Records

Devon Militia and Volunteer Lists (1799-1825)

Various military lists published in the Exeter Flying Post, particularly lists of deserters, which may list age and physical description.

Devon Militia Assessments (1715)

A list of Devon property-owners who were required to contribute towards sustaining the militia.

Devon WWI Memorials (1914-1918)

A list of names found on World War One monuments in Devon, with some service details.

Devon WWII Memorials (1914-1918)

A list of names found on World War Two monuments in Devon, with some service details.

Swansea-Devonian War Memorial (1914-1945)

Names from a presumably predominately Devonian war memorial in the former Bible Christian church at Swansea.

Register of Voters for South Devon (1865-1869)

A list of those eligible to vote, including their address and qualification to vote.

Plymouth & West Devon Rate Books (1598-1933)

An index of around 300,000 names in local tax records. The index is connected to digital images of the rate books, which record, land owner and occupier, description of property, address and details of the tax.

Devon & Exeter Oath Rolls (1723)

Transcriptions of documents listing those who swore loyalty to King George I after the Jacobite Atterbury Plot.

Indictable Offenses in Devon Quarter Sessions (1745-1782)

A calendar of cases to be heard before the quarter session that are indictable by nature,.

Cursers & Badgers in Devon Quarter Sessions (1729-1745)

Two calendars, one of those licensed to carry out trade and the other those brought before the session for cursing.

St John Taxation Records

Plymouth & West Devon Rate Books (1598-1933)

An index of around 300,000 names in local tax records. The index is connected to digital images of the rate books, which record, land owner and occupier, description of property, address and details of the tax.

Devon Tithe Apportionments (1839-1851)

Transcriptions of documents listing land, their owner or occupier acreage and name or description.

Devon Militia Assessments (1715)

A list of Devon property-owners who were required to contribute towards sustaining the militia.

Devon Hearth Tax Return (1674)

A transcription of the Lady Day hearth tax for 1674 for the county of Devon.

Cornwall Hearth and Poll Taxes (1660-1664)

Transcripts of surviving returns of heath and poll taxes for the county of Cornwall.

St John Land & Property Records

Register of Voters for South Devon (1865-1869)

A list of those eligible to vote, including their address and qualification to vote.

Devon Tithe Maps & Apportionments (1839-1850)

Maps delineating fields in Devon, which are referenced to documents recording field names, land owners, occupiers, land use and land size.

Plymouth & West Devon Rate Books (1598-1933)

An index of around 300,000 names in local tax records. The index is connected to digital images of the rate books, which record, land owner and occupier, description of property, address and details of the tax.

Devon Tithe Apportionments (1839-1851)

Transcriptions of documents listing land, their owner or occupier acreage and name or description.

Devon Militia Assessments (1715)

A list of Devon property-owners who were required to contribute towards sustaining the militia.

St John Directories & Gazetteers

Eyre's Post Office Plymouth & District Directory (1890)

Historical sketches of the locality with street, private, commercial and trade directories.

Kelly's Directory of Devon (1923)

A comprehensive place-by-place gazetteer, listing key contemporary and historical facts. Each place has a list of residents and businesses. Contains details on local schools, churches, government and other institutions.

Kelly's Directory of Devon (1919)

A comprehensive place-by-place gazetteer, listing key contemporary and historical facts. Each place has a list of residents and businesses. Contains details on local schools, churches, government and other institutions.

Kelly's Directory of Devon (1914)

A comprehensive place-by-place gazetteer, listing key historical and contemporary facts. Contains details on local schools, churches, government and other institutions. Also contains a list of residents and businesses for each place.

Kelly's Directory of Devon (1910)

A comprehensive place-by-place gazetteer, listing key historical and contemporary facts. Contains details on local schools, churches, government and other institutions. Also contains a list of residents and businesses for each place.

St John Cemeteries

Devon Church Monuments (1300-1900)

Photographs and descriptions of Devon's most illustrious church monuments, often featuring effigies, medieval inscriptions and heraldic devices.

Devon Headstones (1780-2000)

Memorials of a select number of headstones in Devon.

Cornwall Monumental Inscriptions (1131-2007)

An index to vital details engraved on over 300,000 gravestones and other monuments across the county of Cornwall.

Cornish Cemetery Index (1770-2000)

An index to almost 20,000 gravestones, with extracted details.

Cornwall Memorial Inscriptions (1512-Present)

An index to monuments recording deaths, such as gravestones, with some transcriptions and abstracts of memorials.

St John Obituaries

iAnnounce Obituaries (2006-Present)

The UKs largest repository of obituaries, containing millions of searchable notices.

United Kingdom and Ireland Obituary Collection (1882-Present)

A growing collection currently containing over 425,000 abstracts of obituaries with reference to the location of the full obituary.

Quakers Annual Monitor (1847-1848)

A collection of 364 obituaries of Quakers from the British Isles. The volume was published in 1849 and includes obituaries of those who died in late 1847 through 1848.

Musgrave's Obituaries (1421-1800)

This transcribed and searchable work by Sir William Musgrave contains 10,000s of brief obituaries. The work is a reference point for other works containing information on an individual.

British Medical Journal (1849-Present)

A text index and digital images of all editions of a journal containing medical articles and obituaries of medical practitioners.

St John Histories & Books

Yorkshire Windmills (1998-Present)

An index of windmills in the county, with brief notes and some photographs.

Devonian Migration Choices (1760-1950)

A detailed investigation into motivations for Devonians choosing to stay or migrate from the county, with particular attention to labour, religion and family ties.

Magna Britannia: Devonshire (1066-1822)

A general and parochial history of the county, with sections for each parish.

The History of Devon (44-Present)

Numerous articles covering the history of the country, its principle settlements, notable persons, castles and more.

Devon in 1850 (1850)

A detailed overview of Devon in 1850, extracted from a directory of that year.

St John School & Education Records

Cornwall School Admissions (1874-1927)

A database of children admitted to Cornwall schools. The index contains the name(s) of parents and guardians. Original records will contain further details.

National School Admission & Log Books (1870-1914)

A name index connected to digital images of registers recording millions of children educated in schools operated by the National Society for Promoting Religious Education. Records contain a variety of information including genealogical details, education history, illnesses, exam result, fathers occupation and more.

Teacher's Registration Council Registers (1870-1948)

A name index linked to original images of registers recording the education and careers of teachers in England & Wales.

Oxford University Alumni (1500-1886)

A name index linked to original images of short biographies for over 120,000 Oxford University students. This is a particularly useful source for tracing the ancestry of the landed gentry.

Cambridge University Alumni (1261-1900)

A transcript of a vast scholarly work briefly chronicling the heritage, education and careers of over 150,000 Cambridge University students. This is a particularly useful source for tracing the ancestry of the landed gentry.

St John Occupation & Business Records

Devon Gamekeeper Lists (1847-1859)

Lists of gamekeepers from the North Devon Journal.

Devon Gamekeeper Lists (1834-1860)

Lists of gamekeepers from the The Western Times.

Devon Gamekeeper Lists (1800-1859)

A series of newspaper articles listing gamekeepers in Devon.

Devon Runaway Apprentices (1800-1889)

Transcripts of newspaper articles listing the particulars of apprentices who absconded from their master.

Cursers & Badgers in Devon Quarter Sessions (1729-1745)

Two calendars, one of those licensed to carry out trade and the other those brought before the session for cursing.

Pedigrees & Family Trees Covering St John

British & Irish Royal & Noble Genealogies (491-1603)

Extensive and impeccably sourced genealogies for British, Irish & Manx royalty and nobility. Scroll down to 'British Isles' for relevant sections.

FamilySearch Community Trees (6000 BC-Present)

A searchable database of linked genealogies compiled from thousands of reputable and not-so-reputable sources. Contains many details on European gentry & nobility, but covers many countries outside Europe and people from all walks of life.

Debrett's Peerage (1923)

A searchable book, listing pedigrees of titled families and biographies of their members.

Dod's Peerage, Baronetage & Knightage of Britian (1902)

A book containing genealogies and biographies of Britain's titled families.

Dod's Peerage, Baronetage & Knightage of Britian (1885)

A book containing genealogies and biographies of Britain's titled families.

St John Royalty, Nobility & Heraldry Records

The Visitations of Devon: 1531, 1564 & 1620 (1000-1620)

Three works compiled from 16th and 17th century sources that record Devon families who had the right to bear a coat of arms.

Devonshire Ignobles (1620)

A list of men found by William Camden to have unsubstantiated claims to coats of arms.

Devon Church Monuments (1300-1900)

Photographs and descriptions of Devon's most illustrious church monuments, often featuring effigies, medieval inscriptions and heraldic devices.

The Visitations of Cornwall: 1530, 1573 & 1619 (1000-1619)

Three books recording the lineage, marriage and collateral lines of Cornish families. Compiled form 16th and 17th century genealogical manuscripts, these works contain biographical and heraldic information.

Cornwall Church Monuments (1300-1900)

Photographs and descriptions of Cornwall's most illustrious church monuments, often featuring effigies, medieval inscriptions and heraldic devices.

St John Church Records

St John Parish Registers (1623-1900)

Documentation for those baptised, married and buried at St John. Parish registers can assist tracing a family back numerous generations.

Devon Parish Registers (1754-1839)

Prior to civil registration in 1837, the parish registers of Devon are the most common place to turn for details on births, marriages and deaths.

Episcopal Visitation Returns (1744-1779)

A series of questionnaires detailing the ecclesiastical predicament of around 250 parishes in Devon.

St Paul's Rebuilding Returns from Devon (1678)

A transcript of documents recording those who contributed to the rebuilding of St. Paul's Cathedral in London.

Devon Lost PR Transcripts (1596-1644)

Transcriptions of Bishop's transcripts for various parishes where the original is lost.

Biographical Directories Covering St John

Devonshire Characters and Strange Events (1550-1904)

A series of folk tales and detailed biographies of Devonshire men and women.

The Worthies of Devon (1066-1700)

Biographies of notable Devonians from the Norman period up to the end of the 17th century.

Latin-Cornish Biographies (1771-1830)

Biographies of Cornish men who emigrated to Latin America.

Debrett's Peerage (1923)

A searchable book, listing pedigrees of titled families and biographies of their members.

Dod's Peerage, Baronetage & Knightage of Britian (1902)

A book containing genealogies and biographies of Britain's titled families.

St John Maps

Devon Tithe Maps & Apportionments (1839-1850)

Maps delineating fields in Devon, which are referenced to documents recording field names, land owners, occupiers, land use and land size.

East Devon Tithe Maps (1840)

Maps delineating fields, forests and other land plots in east Devon. Apportionments not included.

Devon Tithe Apportionments (1839-1851)

Transcriptions of documents listing land, their owner or occupier acreage and name or description.

Maps of Devon (1563-1922)

A collection of digitalised maps covering the county.

Maps of Cornwall (1576-1900)

A collection of digitalised maps covering the county.

St John Reference Works

Devon Surnames (1086-1967)

A series of articles on Devon surnames, including a dictionary of Devon surname definitions.

Locating Devon Wills (1400-Present)

A guide to locating Devon wills in light of losses incurred during World War II.

Cornish Surnames (1998)

Short descriptions of Cornish surnames, with details of their prevalence.

England Research Guide (1538-Present)

A beginner’s guide to researching ancestry in England.

Parish Register Abstract (1538-1812)

Compiled in 1831, this book details the coverage and condition of parish registers in England & Wales.

Historical Description

ST. JOHN’S is a parish, on a creek of the Hamoaze, 3 miles west from Torpoint and 7 south-east from St. Germans, in the South Eastern division of the county, south division of the hundred of East, petty sessional division of East South, union of St. Germans, Stonehouse county court district, rural deanery of East, archdeaconry of Bodmin, and diocese of Truro. The church of St. John the Evangelist is an ancient building of stone, consisting of chancel, nave, south porch and a western tower with two stages, erected in the 15th century, with a pyramidal slated roof, and containing 3 bells: the monuments are of modern date: the east window is a memorial to the Rev. James Campbell Crowley, late rector, who died in 1863, and was presented by his widow; there is another in the nave, given by Margaret, widow of John Hext Boger esq. and two stained windows were placed in the chancel in 1895 by the late Archdeacon Hardie: the church was restored in 1868, under the direction of Mr. White, architect, of London, and has 100 sittings. The register dates from the year 1540. The living is a rectory, net yearly value £174, with residence, in the gift of Col. Reginald-Pole Carew C.B. and held since 1874 by the Rev. John Henry Kirwan M.A. late fellow of King’s College, Cambridge. Here is a Wesleyan Methodist chapel. In the cliff overlooking Whitesand bay is an excavation called “Sharrow Grotto,” formed in 1874 by Mr. Joseph Lugger R.N.; it is about 15 by 8 feet in area, with stone benches on either side, and the roof and sides are inscribed with verses. Charities amounting to £5 4s. yearly are distributed in bread. The Earl of Mount Edgcumbe P.C., D.C.L., L.L. who is lord of the manor, and Walter Deeble Boger esq. of Wolsdon, Antony, are the principal landowners. The soil is clay and slate; subsoil, clay and slate. The chief crops are cereals, potatoes and turnips. The area is 663 acres of land and 101 of foreshore; rateable value, £917; the population in 1891 was 194.

National School (mixed), average attendance, 18.

Kelly's Directory of Cornwall (1902)

Most Common Surnames in St John

RankSurnameIncidenceFrequencyPercent of ParentRank in East Hundred
1Stevens91:210.76%30
2Hancock81:230.94%49
2Coomb81:2317.39%1,154
4Leek61:3175.00%3,182
4Warn61:317.59%752
4Horrell61:3112.50%1,124
7White51:370.49%36
7Collins51:370.53%42
7Bacon51:3755.56%2,977
7Sparks51:3710.20%1,106
7Stark51:3717.86%1,592
7Crocker51:371.30%162
7Curnow51:370.63%56
7Bastard51:379.80%1,069
7Niles51:3717.24%1,560
7Aire51:3726.32%1,967
17Smith41:470.31%24
17Paul41:471.01%155
17Prout41:471.03%160
17Jane41:470.86%114
17Pearn41:471.67%284
17Souden41:4766.67%3,835
23Roberts31:620.12%6
23Webber31:620.56%90
23Parson31:6210.00%1,522
23Roseveare31:622.88%601
27Thomas21:930.04%2
27Harding21:931.04%352
27Warren21:930.27%63
27Davey21:930.15%25
27Stanton21:932.22%665
27Broad21:930.37%88
27Beale21:935.88%1,412
27Farley21:933.70%1,024
27Dawe21:930.33%75
27Rickard21:930.26%61
27Galpin21:9366.67%5,435
27Wilcocks21:933.92%1,069
27Sambell21:935.13%1,303
27Wenmouth21:935.56%1,366
41Jones11:1860.14%65
41Jackson11:1860.52%349
41Parker11:1860.63%418
41Price11:1862.44%1,260
41West11:1860.41%281
41Elliott11:1860.47%319
41Hawkins11:1860.78%501
41Parsons11:1860.17%80
41May11:1860.08%27
41Blake11:1860.24%140
41Norman11:1865.00%1,924
41Clements11:1860.83%537
41Johns11:1860.04%11
41Lang11:1860.71%460
41Higgs11:1861.15%690
41Symons11:1860.07%23
41Cock11:1860.08%28
41Sweet11:1860.41%271
41Fountain11:186100.00%7,242
41Billing11:1860.41%274
41Mallet11:1863.70%1,619
41Sleep11:1860.38%254
41Locket11:1867.14%2,312
41Dallin11:186100.00%7,242
41Trays11:1868.33%2,510
41Chasten11:186100.00%7,242