The two main centres of the Yea family in the late 1500's were undoubtedly in Wiveliscombe and Cannington and other parishes around Somerset . There are relatively few confirmations of Devon sources before this time. Alfred Monday, I think, thought that the family originated in Devon and moved over to Somerset . Evidence of earlier Somerset Yea's is increasing and I am of the opinion however that Somerset is the original home, with the few migrating over into Devon.Doubts are creeping in that Yea's and Yeos have ever been the same! There cannot be much doubt that the Aisholt, Bridgwater, Spaxton and North Petherton are all inter related with the Wiveliscombe branch but we are having great difficulty proving it.
Aug 1341 Ratification by the Dean and Chapter of Wells of the appointment made by Master Robert Hereward, the Archdeacon, of John atte Yaa, clerk to collect the fruits of rents etc.,of the church of Fityngton (Fiddington nr Cannington?) in the Archdeaconry of Tanton lately vacant
There is also a very large family of Yaw's/Yeaw;s in America commencing with David and Jane Yeaw c1728 in Marblehead , Mass. They had children Joseph, David, Phillip, Amos, John, William and Mary and you have to wonder whether David emigrated from Wiveliscombe as all of these names are so familiar to that area.
