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From: Robin Downie <>
Subject: [CARIBBEAN-L] Henry Cerf/Thomas Elliott of Jamaica
Date: Mon, 03 May 1999 15:29:40 -0600

I wish to bounce off the collective mind of this list one of my research
dilemmas and get your opinion.

Mr. Henry Cerf was a planter in Jamaica and I believe a major merchant
in the late 1700's/early 1800's. (I found in a Jamaican newspaper a
ship called the Henry Cerf) Mr. Cerf was apparently from Germany. (A
book on place-names in Jamaica said Potsdam in St. Elizabeth was named
by Henry Cerf for a city in Germany, as well as his plantation named
Berlin.)

My ancestor, Thomas Elliott, had his children baptized at Mr. Henry
Cerf's place. Also, Thomas Elliott named Henry Cerf in his will leaving
the care of his children to him. Thomas Elliott owned a plantation near
Henry Cerf. It has been suggested that Thomas Elliott was the overseer
for Mr. Cerf before purchasing his own.

So here is the question: Would Thomas Elliott leave the care of his
children to Mr. Cerf if he was only his employer? Were things like that
done?

Also, I have found Mr. Cerf's will, 1840, in the Prerogative Court of
Canterbury. (Thomas Elliott died in 1812) The two witnesses of the
will are William Elliott Oliver and William Elliott Le Blunc. Just a
coincidence? (Mr. Cerf died in Belgium)

Thanks for letting me ramble. If anyone is researching Henry Cerf I
would be glad to send you a copy of his will. Looking forward to any
opinions you may have.

Robin
Salt Lake City

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• [CARIBBEAN-L] Henry Cerf/Thomas Elliott of Jamaica by Robin Downie <>