Hi Frances,

Thanks for the note back and for doing some research – you’ve built tremendous resources and I appreciate your looking! I'll check out who owns the parcels on the map. So, the croft name from the Manx is basically a field with craggy, rocky, red soil. Sounds great for farming (said sarcastically). I wonder if by shore, since this was often less valuable farming land.

Ok, so different approach then.

I know that the properties came into John Teare’s (4th GGrandfather) possession via an inheritance of his wife, Jony Teare (nee Moore). Jony died in 1818 and the lot sailed off for Ohio in 1826, selling to John Callow. Jony inherited the property from her older brother, Thomas Moore, who died in 1801. Apparently Jony had two sisters who conspired against her to take possession, but didn’t succeed. (The more things change …). Below is a transcript of Thomas’ will as transcribed by Jim Smith.

The last will and Testament of Thomas Moore of the parish of KK Andreas being sick in bodybut perfect sound in mind and memory at making or Declaring the same. First he committed his soul to god and his body to a Christian buriel. Seconly he left and bequeath’d to his Three sisters namly Judith Cathrine and Isabel the Sum of one half
guinea, Each, as Legacy he left and bequeath’d to John Quirk a Big Coat with a fine shurt as Legacy he left to James Quirk a gray Coat, he left to William Kneale a black coat with a course shurt.

Lastly he Nommenated and appointed his Two sisters namely Ann and Jane to be whole Executrix of all the rest of his goods and Effectsmovable and immovable whatsoever
he left also as in Duty bound on the before mentioned Executrix to put his nephew William Curphey to Trade.

Witnesses present …. John Teare and William Cleator, NOV 1801 at KK Micheal

At KK Michael 3d July 1802

John Tear Husband of Joney Tear als Moore, Wm Garrett Husband of Catharine Garrett als Moore & Isabel Curphey als Moore severally acknowledge to have rec’d from Ann Moore & Jane Moore the Exec’xs named & appointed in the within Will of Tho’s Moore dec’d, the whole of the Legacy left & bequeathed to them respectively in & by the s’d Will & they hereby severally exonerate acquit & discharge the s’d Executrixes their Exor’s Adm’rs & Assigns of the same as Witness their Names & marks the day & date above written.

Transcribers Notes: The two sisters Ann and Jane Moore had petitioned the Court for a hearing to Probate the will of their Brother Thomas. They indicate that he died on Oct. 14 and that many of his goods were perishable and they requested a speedy hearing. The hearing was ordered to proceed by John Crellin on Nov. 2, 1801 in Kirk Michael.

Sorry for the long post, but there is nothing about the property transferring to Jony and John Teare in Thomas Moore’s will. Any idea where I should look? Court records alluded to by Jim Smith? Any help appreciated – maybe I’ll get another clue where these (elusive) properties were.

Finally, a CD copy for purchase of the 1:2500 Ordnance Map 1868 sounds great and I’ll check it out. Frances, did you mean for sale from IOM Dept Infrastructure (didn’t see it) or Manx Museum. Much thanks for your POV.

Best,
Lyle