The 1715 will of John SLADE alias SLATE, a mason, in Poole, Dorset, prob 1727: wife Anne Slade; children, William, Anne, Robert, John, Thomas, all referred to as SLADE. also mentioned Ralph TRAVERS of Poole from whom a property was purchased. witnesses: Charles ANSTEY, Henry TUCK, Jere: COLBORNE. Ralph Travers is noted in Barrow Harbour, Bonavista Bay, Newfoundland in 1681 and may be connected with Travers of Powerstock. Charles Anstey's descendants are found in Newfoundland today. Jeremiah Colborne's signature is found on many Poole wills in the first half of the century, particularly those of the Newfoundland merchants. He is undoubtedly related to Colbourne - Poole Newfoundland merchants formerly of Sturminster Newton. In a 1717 document, Ann Slade is referred to as widow - her son William was a joiner, the only one apparently old enough to have an occupation. At this time Jeffery WAY, a blacksmith in Poole is mentioned. Is anyone familiar with the last will and testament of Anne SLADE of Poole, widow with grant of probate 24 Oct 1749? Dorset Record Office, Encombe Estate Archives, Purchases from Lord Rivers, Westport tithes and properties in Wareham. In a 1750 document the family is referred to: Ann Slade of Poole, deceased; Robert, a blacksmith in Portsea, daughter Ann was a widow named THOMPSON (she later remarried a HOOPER); John Slade was a mariner; William is now a mason. The archival records of John Slade the mariner speak for this man's business acumen. He died in 1792 and according to the Western Flying Post: or Sherborne and Yeovil Mercury left a fortune of 70,000 pounds from "many years extensive and lucrative trade in Newfoundland and Labrador." . It is assumed that the newspaper underestimated. John Slade Jr.'s only issue, John Hayter Slade died in Newfoundland of smallpox in 1773 and the Slade fortune went to Poole nephews and relatives. xxxxxx Here's my query: Was there a Thomas SLATE in this family, the same age as the John Slade alias Slate as above? He was born about 1670 and married to a Mary (likely SHEPPARD?).