James Covernton

Counterclaimant on an estate identified by his son James Covernton jun. as 'Martin Byam's' in Antigua, which we believe to be Fitch's Creek. but was possibly Cedar Hill. Covernton had reportedly been a merchant in Antigua from 1784/5. His sons James jun. and Charles William settled in Canada after 1836.

1. Will of James Covernton gentleman of [Mansell Street] Goodmans Fields proved 15/02/1837. He left his six leasehold houses in Upper Stamford Street in trust [the trustees were his daughters Mary Covernton and Eliza or Elizabeth Harris, also his residuary legatees] to be sold for the benefit of all five of his children, with James jun. receiving £100 less to offset a loan already made by his father. He left his house in Penton Street to Mary along with £1000 and the £100 retained from the house-sale. The will is silent on property or debts in Antigua.

T71/1609 unnumbered bundle: letter, dated 28/08/1835, from Jas. Covernton, Chapel House, Wargrave nr. Maidenhead, stating: here is my father's counterclaim on Martin Byam's estate in Antigua. Letter, dated 26/08/1835, from Covernton, complaining that in attending in person on several days at the counterclaim office he had not obtained the details of the claim he needed to file a counterclaim; T71/1592 p. 217: letter, dated 27/08/1835, to Jas. Covernton junior, apologising, and (p. 221, dated 29/08/1835) acknowledging the counterclaim; http://www.covingtonhistory.co.uk/JAMES%20COVERNTON%20(3683),%20born%20at%20Kent%201680.htm" [accessed 08/07/2017].

1. PROB 11/1872/148.