144 Devon Notes and Queries. of the tradition, and observing that persons of the name of Kember were then resident at Brixton, I examined the only two wills of that name which, from the dates of proof, I thought might possibly be those of Mrs. CoflSn's parents, and in the will of Robert Keymber of Lower Hareston.in Brixton, are the words — ^Joane my dawghter, "the wyfe of Peter Cawfing," followed by bequests to Tristram and Joane, Peter's children ; and in the will of Mrs. x na Kember there is a bequest to Peter Coffing's children of a like sum to that which she gave to the children of her son John. The will of Mrs. Duence Steven, Tristram's mother-in- law, was made after he had left England, and it throws no light on his history. I feel sure that at a time when England's present colonies are so much in her thoughts, I need make no apology for these few notes respecting one of those wonderful sons of Devon, who carried the names and tongue of our fair coimty to those former colonies which have developed into the great nation that England is proud to-day to claum as daughter. In conclusion, I may add that I shall be much obliged if any of your readers can tell me from what arose the traditions that Tristram was born in 1605 and that his brother John was killed at Plymouth Fort during the Civil War ; and I shall also be very glad of any information as to the Nicholas and Elinor Meader and their children, mentioned in the wills of Tristram's great-uncle and grandfather ; as to an Exiward Colcord or Colcott, who is known to have been in Devon in 1656 ; and as to who was the first husband of the Elizabeth Coffin, widow, whom Sir Ferdinand Gorges married as his second wife. W. E. Mugford. 107. CoPLESTON AND BRADFORD FAMILIES. — Can any reader of D.N, 6* Q, tell me whether John Bradford, jun., who succeeded John Bradford, sen., as Prebendary of Exeter in October, 1617, was the father of John Bradford, Vicar of Newton St. Cyres in the early years of the i8th century? Edward Copleston, Rector of Tedburn St. Mary, married Anne, daughter (born in 1710) of the last-named John Bradford. Her son, John Bradford Copleston, was also a Prebendary of Exeter. Are there any of the Bradford family still in existence ? Francis W. Copleston.
