I have been given a detailed and, apparently, well researched account of the descent from Thomas Hayman, b c 1605, through five generations, to Harriett Hayman, b c 1820, Buckfastleigh. There is, however, one weak link (at least!).
It is stated that Samuel, baptised Ashburton 12 May 1700, married Margaret Crossman in Buckfastleigh on 9 July 1728. His sister, Mary (baptied Ashburton 5 August 1696), married John Toms in 1718, and brother John(baptised 16 March 1702 Ashburton) married Ann Wakum in 1734. The father of the three is given as Samuel, baptised Ashburton 17 February 1669. There is no clue as to when, or to whom, he married. This is the only occasion in the direct line where the wife is un-named,
Family Search records the baptism of a Samuel, son of Samuel in Ashburton, on 15 August 1700. Is this another Samuel father/Samuel son combination? If so, how is it possible to determine which is which? There are just too many Samuels in this family!
I have been in contact with Linda Phillips OPC Ashburton and whilst she was able to give some related additional information, the central question remains unresolved,
I would appreciate any help to get this family sorted and any suggestions as to errors or omissions will be welcome.
As it happens I have just been looking at the parish register images at Find My Past for the entry after Samuel Hayman baptised 15 August 1700. There is no entry for 12 May, but the layout may be confusing and it is possible that your source has misread the date. So far as I can see there was only one Samuel Hayman having children baptised at this period. Unfortunately the register only gives father's names until later in the century.
Thanks, Patrick. I have already discovered a couple of inconsistencies and I am now beginning to have doubts about the reliability of what I have been given.