William Terry & Charlotte Clark, of Kent, England

William Terry, our gt. gt. grandfather, was born in England around 1812-15. Charlotte Clark, according to family letters, was born in England in 1806. Family letters tell us that William's parents were William and Ann Terry. The parents of Charlotte are said to be John and Nancy Clark. Both families are from the County of Kent. Watch for more to come on these families as we search further.

The name of Terry is found throughout the county records. We find this marriage record of William Terry and Charlotte Ann Clark at St. Luke's Anglican Church, Old Charlton, Kent, England. (Current photo of St. Lukes' above.)

William Terry
Spouse: Charlotte Ann Clark
Marriage: 12 September 1836
St. Luke, Old Charlton
Kent, England

Family lore says that Charlotte was disinherited by her father, John, when she married. William Terry was a tradesman, a carriage maker or wheelwright. John Clark, her father, was superintendent of Government Military Hospitals, stationed at Woolwich. The engraving below is the Woolwich area, drawn in 1775. The St. Luke's Church is mid-left in the skyline.

The County of Kent is east of London, on the southeast coast of England. The cliffs of Dover are in this area, as well as several castles. The ancient town of Bath and legendary area of Canterbury are found in Kent.

Several children were born to William and Charlotte Terry in England, before the family left for America in 1848. We have found birth registrations for: Charles Terry, Amelia Terry, and Edwin A. Terry in Kent County England Records. Family letters state that the family sold their carriage making business in Deal, Kent County, and took a sailing shop to America. Below is a view of the city of Deal, seen from the harbor. Not far from Deal is Dover, famous for the white cliffs. The White Cliffs of Dover would be the first view of England seen by those crossing the English Channel from France (unless they are taking the "chunnel.")