Charles Meachen aka Machin

Charles was born on 3 October 1738 to parents Charles & Elizabeth Meachen in Yaxham, Norfolk.

Charles married Tabitha Bush on 6 March 1764; they had 3 children, but only one (Charles) survived to adulthood.

It's not clear what became of Tabitha - she died age 86. But in 1786 Charles (age 48) had a daughter (Elizabeth) with Frances Nevill (age 20). And later (1793-1797) he had 4 more children with Martha Starke: Mary Ann, Robert (died as a baby), Robert, & Sarah.

Charles was a wealthy Yaxham farmer, and inherited part of his father's estate in 1794 (after the death of his mother).

On 9 April 1803 Charles made his will, giving his best bed, furniture & silver spoons to his 'housekeeper' Martha Starke & dividing his remaining estate between his surviving children: Charles Machin; Elizabeth Nevill (17, illegitimate child of Frances Nevill); Robert (8), Mary (10) & Sarah (1) Starke (illegitimate children of Marha). He made his nephew Henry Machin executor, but Henry died (30 June 1803) before Charles (22 July 1803), so the will was administered by the state & approved 9 August 1803.

His tombstone (in Yaxham) reads 'Here lies the body of Charles Meachen who departed this life 22nd July 1803 aged 65 years'.