Family name also spelled AKHURST.
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Writing his Will in 1792 Joseph Akehurst of Beddingham bequeathed to his daughter Frances the wife of William Stephens of Westfirle in co. Sussex, yeoman, his two copyhold tenements in Alfriston late the estate of his brother William Akehurst. He also gave to her his copyhold cottage in Alfriston late the estate of his brother William's children Sarah Machen and William Akehurst.
In 1810 Frances the wife of William Stevens of West Firle, yeoman, was the residuary legatee of the Will of her brother Joseph Akehurst of West Firle, yeoman.
At the time of the 1841 England Census Fanny Stephens, aged about 70, and husband William Stephens, aged about 80, ind[ependent], were living in Alciston Sussex. With them were children: Henry (40) and Alexander (25).
At the time of the 1851 England Census Frances Stevens, age 84, born in Firle, and husband William Stevens, age 88, born in Firle, land proprietor and house, were living in Alciston Village, Alciston Sussex. With them were sons (unmarried, born in Firle): Henry (48) and Alexander (40).
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STEPHENS.—December 10, at Alciston, Elizabeth [sic], relict of the late Mr. William Stephens, aged 88 years.
Sussex Advertiser, 18 December 1855, p. 7
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Frances Stephens of Alciston died aged 89 years (burial record). The GROE death index gives her age as 88 years.
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